With a background in Journalism, Megan Redzia decided to pursue a career path in public relations, eventually joining 3E Public Relations in Pine Brook as a partner and executive vice president. A true Jersey Girl, she and her husband grew up in Fair Lawn and moved to Oakland 13 years ago to raise their sons, James, 9, a fourth grader, and Robert, 5, a kindergartener. We asked her about her favorite PR moment (hint: she loves her boy bands); how 3E Public Relations sets itself apart; how the rise of artificial intelligence is affecting the industry; and her kids favorite places in New Jersey.

New Jersey Family: What inspired you to get into PR?

Megan Redzia: I went to Quinnipiac University in Connecticut as a Journalism major because I had a passion for writing and storytelling and had been on the staff of my high school newspaper. I knew enough about public relations to be interested in how it would intersect with journalism, so I took a PR101 class, and it was the professor of that class who sparked my interest in the industry. She had a diverse background in both non-profit and consumer PR and listening to her talk about the exciting campaigns she implemented and the differences they made for the organizations she represented led me to change my major.

When I was a junior, I completed an internship with the public relations department at People magazine and that solidified my choice. The excitement I got from watching the PR team pitch stories and coordinate press interviews assured me I was pursuing the right career path.

NJF: You’ve worked with everything from fashion to food to finance—what’s your proudest PR moment to date?

MR: One of my proudest PR moments was our involvement in the Pop 2000 tour at Westfield Garden State Plaza shopping center in Paramus. The event included a throwback pre-party and outdoor concert featuring live performances by artists synonymous with the 2000s, including Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC, O-Town, Ryan Cabrera, 98 Degrees, BBMAK and LFO. It was the first time our agency promoted a concert, and we were successful in securing a tremendous turnout of media and influencers at the VIP meet-and-greet and the concert exceeded attendance goals with almost 5,000 people in the audience. Standing on the stage at the mall where I grew up shopping, with the bands I grew up listening to and staring into the sea of people we helped get there that day was an incredible milestone in my career.

NJF: PR is changing so rapidly. What’s changed the most for you in how you approach your work and what clients are looking for as the media landscape changes faster than it ever has. 

MR: Securing great media coverage and posting engaging social media content used to be enough to drive results for clients, but as the digital landscape made it more challenging to reach and impact target audiences, we needed to shift our approach. 3E PR was originally a department within a marketing communications agency, so having the knowledge of how public relations integrates with a broader marketing strategy allowed us to pivot to be strategic communications managers. For most of our clients, we go beyond traditional public relations and social media to ensure there is alignment between a brand’s owned and earned media strategies. Clients are looking for that more holistic approach as they struggle to navigate the rapidly changing world of communications.

NJF: And how are you navigating the rise of AI?

MR: Our agency has embraced the use of AI to streamline processes such as transcribing interviews, conducting research, and gathering insights. We use a variety of AI-powered data analysis tools to track media coverage, brand mentions and perception, and monitor social media. What you will not see us doing at 3E PR is using AI as a replacement for creativity and human judgment. Our unique approach to PR writing, understanding what reporters are looking for sources to provide, and building media relationships is what makes us successful. AI can’t replace those skills.

NJF: Your PR mantra focuses on 3Es (Entertain, Educate and Engage) – how do you apply those to your work and your life as a mom of two?

MR: The 3E PR mantra was created to address how we create meaningful interactions with our clients’ target audiences. It isn’t enough to just get in front of a potential customer, prospect, or purchaser today, you need to retain their attention by keeping them entertained, educated and engaged. The same is very true with children. My husband and I put a big emphasis on helping our children learn through entertaining and engaging activities that open their eyes to new things and opportunities.

NJF: What’s one lesson you’ve learned as a female founder that you wish more women knew?

MR: I think the greatest lesson I have learned as a woman in business is to build a strong network. It can be very easy in a fast-paced industry like PR to keep your head down and just focus on achieving day-to-day goals, but there is only so much you can do on your own. Connecting with other like-minded individuals and mentors can give you valuable perspectives, opportunities for growth, and support in the areas where you have weaknesses. It took me a while to realize the value in building a network and it has made a big difference in how I operate as a business owner.

NJF: What PR skills (hello multitasking and crisis communication) have you used in your parenting?

MR: A career in PR means you are constantly on the clock to meet a deadline or on the go to get to a meeting or an event – pretty much just like being a mom. Being in this industry made the transition to a parenting schedule easier because I had strong time management and multitasking skills. I also use a lot of my active listening and communications skills that I have honed as a PR professional when I am parenting.

NJF: PR is such a 24-7 job. How do you unplug with your family? Any favorite spots?

MR: Two years ago, we purchased a cabin in a community on Lake Wallenpaupack in the Poconos and we are so grateful for all the screen-free memories we are making there as a family. I make a conscious decision to take off the PR hat when we pull into the driveway and just focus on my family. We all look forward to the weekends we get to spend at the lake, embracing the outdoors, exploring the local area, playing games, and making meals together. This past spring, we lost power late on a Saturday afternoon, so we sat around in the dark telling ghost stories with a flashlight. I know I’ll cherish the simplicity of that unplugged memory forever and I hope moments like that encourage our boys to do the same when they have children.

NJF: If your life had a PR tagline, what would it be?

MR: I think my tagline would be “I’ve got you covered.” I am terrible at saying “no” or “I can’t” and I tend to take control and offer help even when I’m at my maximum bandwidth. I learned it from my mother, who still seems like she can conquer any challenge all by herself.

NJF: What’s next for you and 3E? How do you see the field evolving over the next few years?

MR: 3E PR is focused on growing our team and diverse client roster, while remaining committed to what makes our agency so special – our people. We have been fortunate to build a staff of talented individuals who are as dedicated to one another as they are our clients. I think this differentiator will be more valuable than ever over the next couple of years as clients lean on their agencies to continue guiding them through uncertainties and evolving business landscapes.

NJF: What do you love most about living in Oakland?

MR: I love the sense of community in our town, incredible school system, friendly atmosphere, and shared commitment to our children. I have been coaching rec soccer in Oakland for four years and that has really exposed me to more people in town. I get such a good feeling every time I leave the field seeing how kind the children are to one another and how supportive the parents are of not just their kids, but everyone on the team.

NJF: What are some of your kids’ favorite places in NJ?

MR: My kids love going to the Jersey Shore to visit Jenkinson’s Aquarium, walk the boardwalk and eat lunch at Frankie’s Bar & Grill in Point Pleasant. They are also both animal lovers, so they really enjoy visiting Essex County Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange and Bergen County Zoo in Paramus. We also love going to the many wonderful farms in our state, especially during the fall, such as Abma’s Farm in Wyckoff, or Farms View Roadstand in Wayne.

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The post Mom Crush: Get to Know Megan Redzia of 3E Public Relations appeared first on NJ Family.

Adriana Carrig knows firsthand how game-changing a kind word or gesture can be for someone going through a rough time. Throughout most of her childhood and teen years, the Chatham mom of two boys, Ford, 4, and Jett, 2, remembers how it felt to be bullied. For Carrig, it wasn’t always the obvious mean girl bullying. “It was really just competitive cruelty,” she says. “I felt like people were never about supporting one another. They were just about themselves and tearing other people down.”

It wasn’t until college that Carrig experienced a feeling of unwavering support in the form of sisterhood, and she found it in the very world that often gets a bad rap for exclusion. “When I joined Delta Zeta at The College of New Jersey, I discovered that girls can be nice to one another,” she says. “They can lift each other up and support each other’s dreams. That was really the first time I felt that.”

That feeling of being seen and supported inspired Little Words Project, the multi-million dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand that promotes kindness and positivity through its super cute beaded bracelets. Beyond its massive online presence, LWP has 13 shops in several states, the first of which opened in Manhattan’s West Village in 2021, plus a kiosk at Disney Springs in Lake Buena Vista, Fl. The newest Little Words shop opened this spring at The Mall at Short Hills, where Carrig shopped as a teen growing up in Livingston.

As Delta Zeta’s VP of membership at The College of New Jersey back in the day, Carrig’s job was “to keep the love circulating” among her sorority sisters, literally. “What better way to do that than through these bracelets that I’d been making for myself over the years to get through difficulty and navigate the bullying,” she says.

You are all you need.

BUILDING A BRAND FROM THE GROUND UP

The idea was to give her handmade bracelets with kind and inspiring words to others with the hope that each one would eventually be passed on to someone else who needed it. “The concept of paying it forward happened intrinsically in that group,” she says. Today, Little Words remains true to that mission. Each bracelet comes with a unique code, letting wearers share their personal stories online and track each bracelet’s journey. “Every bracelet becomes a one-of-a-kind story,” she says. “It’s profoundly personal.”

Carrig’s first monetary investment into Little Words came after college, when instead of getting a full-time job or going to law school, she decided to put $5,000 into the business. She set up shop in her parents’ basement, with her mom hand-filling each beaded letter with black marker and her dad handling shipping. Carrig credits her parents not only for working alongside of her as she launched the company but also for teaching her that she could do anything. “My mother’s proof of that,” Carrig says, sharing her mom’s journey as a Mexican immigrant who built a new life for her family in New Jersey.

Her husband Bill, Carrig’s college sweetheart from TCNJ, was also hugely supportive. It was Bill who named the company Little Words Project. Today, he serves as the company’s co-CEO alongside Carrig.

CELEB FANS, COLLABS & A MISSION THAT MATTERS

In the early days of trying to get her bracelets into stores, Carrig met with resistance from jewelry manufacturers. “They would say things like, ‘My kid could make this.’” Her gut told her to keep pushing.

Fast forward to 2013, when she officially launched Little Words. More than a decade later, the company has a huge online and social presence, and has been worn by A-list celebs like Lance Bass, Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Alicia Keys, Sophie Turner, Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo, Cynthia Erivo, Millie Bobby Brown, Jessica Alba and many more; and has collaborated with powerhouse brands like Nordstrom, Target, Disney, Wicked, and the WNBA.

Business grew steadily, picking up huge wins when Nordstrom and Target began stocking her bracelets. Nordstrom placed its first order of Little Words bracelets in 2018. “It was surreal,” Carrig says. “Suddenly, we had to figure out how to fulfill these major orders…things we never imagined when we were making bracelets in my basement.”

Asked when she experienced her first pinch-me moment as a founder and entrepreneur, Carrig points to being profiled in Forbes. “Seeing Little Words in Forbes was an ‘I made it’ moment,” she says. “I’d always dreamed of making the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and even though I missed the age cutoff, that article was proof I was on the right path.”

Over the years, Little Words bracelets became more and more popular, with customers buying them not only as gifts of support and encouragement but to celebrate life’s milestones and friendships. The words “strength” and “believe” are perennial best-sellers, and online stories tie both words to overcoming everything from infertility to breast cancer. One of her most meaningful partnerships is with S&P Pharmacy, which gives fertility patients a bracelet engraved with the word “hope” alongside their medication. Carrig herself struggled with infertility before welcoming her sons, making the “hope” bracelet especially poignant for her.

fill your own cup.

Carrig’s perspective as an entrepreneur and founder changed dramatically when she became a mother. Now she feels even more intentional about the words she uses with her sons and herself. “Kindness begins with self-talk,” she says. “Motherhood taught me the importance of giving myself grace.”

It’s particularly fitting that Little Words’ first-ever Word of the Year for 2025 is Grace, an initiative that came on the heels of Carrig’s first book, The Power of Little Words: How One Kind Word Can Change Everything. The book shares her stories of adversity and how important the words we tell ourselves are as we try to achieve our goals—in her case while she grew her company and family.

It’s the kind of book you’ll want to keep on your nightstand and pick up when you need a bit of motivation, advice or inspiration. From creating your own destiny to treating other with kindness, the book follows Carrig’s journey while sharing advice to thrive in whatever it is you set out to do while staying kind. Inspiring quotes—like “Share your authentic self, put your mission out there, and you will find your people”—are spread throughout the book along with words like courage, self-love, resilience and gratitude.

Today, Little Words Project has 46 corporate employees at its New Jersey headquarters in Mountainside, along with additional staff at its retail locations. As she looks to what’s next for the business, Carrig is also carving out time to mentor young entrepreneurs and women navigating challenges. Her nonprofit, Herself Co., aims to promote self love and mental wellness in young women. She’s also the co-host of The Glow Through It podcast (with her bestie Mariah Grippo), which features conversations about motherhood, business, friendship and more.

HOMEGROWN IN THE GARDEN STATE

Carrig is grateful to be able to raise her boys in New Jersey, a state she credits for much of her resilience. “Everything about this state shaped who I am,” she says. Her Jersey ties run deep as evidenced by this fun fact: Her grandmother once ran a jewelry business in East Orange.

These days she loves spending weekends with Bill and the kids walking through downtown Summit or Montclair or heading to the beach in Long Branch (where she has a shop at Pier Village) or Manasquan. She also loves that shopping trips to Short Hills now include a stop at her own store, where you can not only buy bracelets and charms but also make your own creations at the Bead Bar, an experience that speaks to the community behind the brand.

“At the end of the day, this business is about more than bracelets,” Carrig says. “It’s about empowering people to believe in themselves, share kindness, and know they’re not alone. I built Little Words Project from that feeling, and it’s still the heart of everything we do.”

Adriana gives us a shout-out on her Instagram page. See what she has to say about her article on njfamily.com.

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The post Adriana Carrig’s Little Words Project: How an NJ Mom Turned Kindness Into a Multi-Million Dollar Brand appeared first on NJ Family.

The moment you walk through the doors of Dieci Lifestyle Spa in Livingston, you’re immediately struck by its size, warmth, and modern feel that’s both luxurious and welcoming.

The spa is 13,000 square feet over two thoughtfully designed floors. There’s a cute shop as you walk in with beauty, style, and wellness goodies for sale, a full-service salon with hair and nail services (and an area for men to get pedis, too), and a spa.

This fall, Dieci celebrates a major milestone: 30 years in business. For husband-and-wife founders and owners Marie and Paul Gaglioti, the anniversary represents much more than longevity—it’s a celebration of community, adaptability, family and, of course, self-care.

It’s also a reminder of how far they’ve come since they first had a vision to turn a former car dealership into an expansive day spa three decades ago.

To celebrate Mother’s Day, Dieci is giving away a $200 gift card. To enter to win, head to our Instagram. 

A Trailblazing Beginning

In 1995, the idea of a European-inspired day spa with multiple offerings in skin care and body treatments under one roof was cutting edge. “There was nothing like it,” recalls Marie, who began her career as a makeup artist and channeled her background in art to design the spa. “We wanted people to walk in and feel like they had escaped to Europe.”

Her husband Paul, a hairdresser who had built a loyal following at his own salon in West Orange, was also thinking big, not only in terms of expanding but also growing the beauty services they could offer in one place. “He said, ‘I want to go to the next level,’” Marie says.

“That next level was a spa. We were ahead of our time, for sure. There were no computers. People didn’t even know what a facial really was.”

After doing some research, they learned that the spa concept originated in ancient Roman bathhouses and Italian hot springs. That history inspired the name “Dieci,” which means “ten” in Italian—a nod to their Italian roots. The number ten also worked well for marketing (ie. “ten reasons to come to Dieci”).

The Gagliotis’ vision was to offer top-tier beauty and wellness services in a warm space. They also made it their mission to focus on training and education for their staff while building connections within the Livingston community.

Marie’s makeup artistry background gave her an understanding of facial structure, skin tone, and technique. “Every face I worked on felt like painting a canvas,” she says. “It was all about dimension and detail.” Paul focused on training Dieci’s stylists, recruiting recent cosmetology graduates and training them in-house for two years. Then they sent them to top training academies in New York City, Florida and California. The result is a team of stylists and estheticians who have been with Dieci for 20 years or more.

The past three decades haven’t been without challenges, including the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. Marie credits the spa’s loyal team and clients as two of the biggest reasons they were able to withstand those challenges. “We’re a family-owned business, and we treat our staff like family. That’s what’s kept us going.”

Classic and Forward-Facing Beauty and Wellness

Today, Dieci offers a curated mix of classic services with their own take on what’s trending. During a recent visit, I got to try facial fitness: a sculpting, gua sha-based treatment that lifts and tones facial muscles. Gua sha is a traditional East Asian technique that calls for gently scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to improve circulation, release tension, and promote lymphatic drainage. “It’s like a workout for your face,” Marie says. “But in our version, you’re lying down, relaxing, and listening to music.”

Luciana, who has been with Dieci for 25 years, did my facial fitness session. It featured a mix of microchanneling (a gentler alternative to microneedling), Celluma LED light therapy, and lymphatic drainage massage. The experience is super relaxing and leaves your face with a noticeable glow from the skin “workout.”

After facial fitness, I had a chance to experience Dieci’s Himalayan Salt Lounge. The lounge circulates microscopic salt particles through the air, which are great for your skin and also have respiratory benefits. “If you’ve ever gone to the beach and just breathed in that air—you know the feeling,” Marie says. “It’s like that. But here, all year round.” The spa also offers infrared sauna treatments, CBD massages, and targeted cupping for chronic pain or recovery.

When you work in the beauty industry, you know skincare, so we asked Marie about her regimen. “I use Eminence and a growth serum called Biopelle, made from snail stem cells. It’s full of peptides and hyaluronic acid—completely natural,” she says. “And I believe in treating yourself. A facial, a massage, even just a blowout—it makes you feel good, and that energy goes with you.”

To celebrate Mother’s Day, Dieci is giving away a $200 gift card. To enter to win, head to our Instagram. 

A Major Milestone

To mark its 30th anniversary, Dieci is running monthly specials throughout the year, from facial bundles and body treatment discounts to seasonal hair and nail promotions. The celebration will culminate in a 30th Anniversary Party this October, bringing together clients, team members, and the Livingston community.

Last month, Dieci hosted its first-ever Wedding Expo showcasing vendors, beauty tips and pampering for brides-to-be and their wedding parties. “Our clients are savvy,” Marie says of the Livingston community. “They’ve pushed us to stay current and raise the bar. We wouldn’t be here without them.”

The family feel of their spa and business is another reason behind their success. Marie and Paul have been married for 39 years. The couple has 3 kids (Peter, Paula and Daniel) and 6 grandkids (Emilia, Paul, Daniela, Gianna, Luca and Angelina).

Their son Peter oversees a big part of the spa’s operations, handling everything from HR to inventory control. “We’ve worked together every day of our lives,” Marie says. “And we still love it. That’s rare—and I’m grateful.”

To celebrate Mother’s Day, Dieci is giving away a $200 gift card. To enter to win, head to our Instagram. 

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The post Thirty Years of Beauty in Livingston: Inside Dieci Lifestyle Spa’s Journey appeared first on NJ Family.

New Jersey has landed in the top 10 of states that are best for working moms doing the juggle. NJ was ranked the ninth best state to be a working mom, slightly down from sixth last year, according to WalletHub’s report of 2025’s Best & Worst States for Working Moms.

WalletHub compared the 50 states plus the District of Columbia in three key areas: child care, professional opportunities, and work-life balance. Analysts looked at 17 metrics, such as daycare quality, childcare costs, school system quality, female to male executives ratio, female unemployment rate, parental leave policies and average commute time. Each category got a grade up to 100, and then the scores were averaged.

New Jersey’s total score is 56.26, with No. 1 Massachusetts acquiring 72.37 total points.

Analyzing life as a working mom, NJ ranked (with No. 1 being the best and No. 25 being average):
9th overall
5th Parental leave policy
8th Work-life balance
13th Childcare
14th Daycare quality
18th Percentage of single-mom families in poverty
19th Average length of a woman’s work week, in hours
23rd Median women’s salary
26th Ratio of female to male executives
27th Pediatricians per capita
28th Childcare costs
34th Professional opportunities

The 10 Best States for Working Moms in the U.S., according to the survey, are:

1. Massachusetts
2. Connecticut
3. Rhode Island
4. Washington, D.C.
5. Maine
6. Minnesota
7. Vermont
8. Wisconsin
9. New Jersey
10. New York

Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram!

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Deb Belfatto is a force for women’s health and wellness. The tireless advocate has an unwavering belief in lifting up the women around her. It’s long been her calling, or as she puts it more meaningfully, her path to purpose. When it comes to health in all its forms, Belfatto wants to make sure every woman has access to the education and support needed not just to survive, but to thrive.

That mission began in 1988, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at 33 years old. Her daughter Lindsay was just 2. “There were no young women talking about breast cancer then,” she recalls. “I was sitting in waiting rooms filled with older women, and I felt so isolated. I didn’t know a single person my age who had been through this.”

She also knew immediately that she had something many other women didn’t. “I had resources. And I was quickly struck by how many women didn’t,” she says.

That realization eventually led her to co-found the North Jersey affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a force for breast cancer education, screenings, and research funding in New Jersey. For more than 15 years, she helped raise millions of dollars to support women—especially those in underserved communities—making sure they got the mammograms, treatment, and support they needed.

Then, in 2021—35 years after her first diagnosis—Belfatto got the call she never imagined would come a second time. “I had breast cancer again,” she says, referring to it as her WTF number two. But this time she was empowered with enough information to be an honorary oncologist and had a team of doctors led by one who was also a dear friend. She knew she was ready to face that second diagnosis and treatment plan with full optimism.

Embracing a Path to Purpose
Belfatto also knew she wanted to frame her journey in a way that gave others hope. “Everything leads you somewhere,” she says. “And this time, it led me to Let’s Talk.” Belfatto wanted to reach and support women who lack access to care. She wanted to remind women who put themselves on the back burner while taking care of their kids or elderly parents to prioritize themselves, too. She wanted all women to know there is community in sisterhood and that sisterhood does wonders for both your physical and mental health.

Belfatto was raised by a supportive and nurturing mother who taught her not just to count her blessings but to share them. “And do it with grace and with power,” she says. She grew up in Essex County, spent more than two decades in Summit, where her daughter Lindsay was raised, and now calls Jersey City home—a city she loves for its energy, walkability, and diversity.

Every day, Belfatto is filled with gratitude for what she calls her abundant blessings—her husband Joe Belfatto (not only her partner in life but also in all things philanthropic), her daughter Lindsay and son-in-law Marcus and grandkids Rocco and Louie. Having her family and sisterhood of friends work alongside her to pull off her biggest and boldest vision yet has been instrumental. Let’s Talk Women’s Health & Wellness is not just a one-day symposium dedicated to women’s wellness at NJPAC in Newark. It’s a movement.

The Evolution of Let’s Talk
Now in its third year, Let’s Talk Women’s Health & Wellness has become the must-attend New Jersey gathering for women’s self-care. “It’s part event, part movement, part giant hug,” Belfatto says. “You walk in, and I guarantee you’ll walk out with a new friend, some real talk, and a whole new perspective on how to take care of you.”

When she first imagined Let’s Talk, Belfatto envisioned a place where women could talk openly and honestly about things that matter—breast health, mental health, finances and more. “The whole truth and nothing but the truth—that’s what we’re about,” she says. “We’re not here to sugarcoat things. We’re here to have real conversations about what women need.”

Let’s Talk brings together doctors, wellness experts and women from all backgrounds to learn, connect, and support one another. The symposium covers five pillars: physical well-being, mental health, spiritual wellness, financial health and human connection.

There’s a wellness lounge where women can try movement sessions, meditation, and self-care workshops. There’s a marketplace showcasing women-owned businesses (think everything from stylish finds to wellness products to unique gifts). And there’s community. “I always say, you’re going to walk in and make a new friend that day,” Belfatto says. “There’s joy, there’s tears, there’s connection—it’s all there.”

And this year, there’s an even bigger focus on health equity, with mobile mammography screenings on-site to provide exams to female veterans who might not otherwise have access. “No woman should be denied the same quality of care that I received,” she says. “Health equity is everything.”

If you’ve ever seen Belfatto in action, you know she not only makes a statement with her words, but also with her style. Whether it’s a blazer with a statement ladybug pin that embodies her positivity or her signature Lingua Franca sweaters embroidered with powerful phrases like Love is the Cure, she finds a way to use fashion as a conversation starter. “I love to wear a message,” she says. “Clothing can be fun, but it can also be meaningful. I want what I wear to reflect what I believe in.”

One of her favorite pieces? A custom jacket by Cara Brown Designs of Lambertville, a woman-owned business that specializes in handcrafted jewelry and fashion. “My friends gifted me a blank jacket for my 70th birthday, and then I got to design it with patches and details that tell my story,” she says, pointing to meaningful phrases like Path to Purpose and the logo for Let’s Talk as examples.

Now that Let’s Talk has become its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Belfatto is looking to the future, and expanding the movement by hosting more community events throughout the year and launching a podcast. “I want to keep the conversation going year-round,” she says. “There’s so much more to talk about.”

A Day For You
This year’s event is set for March 29 from 9 am – 5 pm at NJPAC in Newark. Expect conversations on topics women don’t talk about enough—from cancer and fertility to motherhood and sexual health to menopause and mental health. There will be experts, doctors, and wellness professionals participating in panels and breakout sessions. A Wellness Lounge will offer mindfulness and movement, a lesson on how to get better sleep, a chance to create a personal vision board, sip a mocktail and more.

You’ll also be able to shop at a marketplace filled with women-owned businesses. Author, motivational speaker, media personality, and beauty expert Mikki Taylor will serve as emcee for the day.  Tickets include breakfast, lunch, snacks and a swag bag.

“I want every woman to walk out of Let’s Talk knowing that she matters,” she says. “That she’s worthy of care, of joy, of taking up space. This isn’t just a one-day event—it’s a mindset shift.”

For more information about Let’s Talk Women’s Health & Wellness and for tickets, click here and be sure to use code NJFAMILY30 for a 30 percent discount on tickets. Student and young professional rates are available as well as the opportunity to buy a “Sister Ticket” for a woman who may require additional resources to attend.

We’re giving away two tickets to Let’s Talk Women’s Health & Wellness for you and your bestie. To enter to win, head to New Jersey Family’s Instagram page for details! 

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The post Let’s Talk: NJ Activist Deb Belfatto is on a Mission to Boost Women’s Wellness appeared first on NJ Family.

As a mom of four girls, children’s book author Danielle Sherman-Lazar has faced her fair share of parenting challenges. She recently wrote her first book for adults, Mothers are Made: How One Mom Overcame Perfectionism, Self-Doubt, Loneliness and Anxiety And Became a Better and Happier Parent, set to be released on April 8. She used her experience raising Vivienne, 8, Diana, 7, Julia, 5, and Charli, 2, in their Tenafly home to write a memoir about the challenges she faced, hoping to help fellow moms know they aren’t alone. We asked the social media entrepreneur and mental health advocate about what she learned while writing the book and what she loves most about motherhood.

New Jersey Family: Your new book, Mothers Are Made, is deeply personal and focuses on how the challenges of motherhood shape us. What inspired you to write it?

Danielle Sherman-Lazar: I wrote Mothers Are Made because I’d get messages on social media asking if I have a book with all my posts in them. I realized that all my writing had a common theme of empowering moms and women because motherhood is hard. It’s full of plenty of moments where we think, “How am I going to do this?”

I’ve had this thought many times as I’ve raised my four young daughters under 9, from my struggles with breastfeeding to two of my daughters’ stays at the NICU. Mothers are Made shows how moms aren’t instantly born along with their babies—mothers are made through time and experience. It’s when mothers go through the fire that we are forged into resilient, brave, and courageous parents.

NJF: The book shares the struggles that so many moms face—perfectionism, self-doubt, anxiety, and loneliness. As a mom of 4, how did you begin to work through some of these struggles and what marked a turning point for you?

DSL: As new moms, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, uncertain, and constantly questioning if we’re doing it right. Feeling all these things can be lonely. In the beginning, when everything about motherhood feels new and fragile, our confidence can waver.

We just want to get it right—so we turn to an invisible list of “rules” that promise to make us better moms. We tell ourselves we must breastfeed. We should make everything from scratch, even if cooking was never really our thing. We believe we need to be fully attentive 24/7—no screens, no breaks, just endless presence. In chasing this impossible ideal of perfection, we often end up feeling like we’re never enough.

My relationship with breastfeeding was really a learning experience in letting go of this idea of the perfect mom. I wanted to breastfeed so badly. But it was a battle every single time I fed my firstborn, Vivienne. Two lactation consultants, hundreds of dollars, cuts on my nipples and shooting pains, my mental health plummeting, and so many tears later, Vivienne still wasn’t getting it. We weren’t bonding at all. We were clashing. I turned to pumping. I pumped for 6 months and then I switched to formula.

The first time I poured Vivienne a bottle of formula out in public after running out of stored breastmilk, I felt eyes staring at me, as if trying to look through me to see what’s wrong with me that I wasn’t breastfeeding. My heart stuttered as I could only imagine those people thinking I was a lazy mom. Their stares and the shakes of their heads seeped through my pores. I couldn’t escape the feeling of failure. I hid feeding her on every outing after that.

So, with Diana, my second born, I pumped for 14 months until I was pregnant with Julia even though I hated every moment of it. When Julia was born, I remember holding her and breaking into tears. I didn’t know how I was going to pump and take care of three kids under three. So, I fed Julia formula, and it felt like a weight had been lifted. She was happy and thriving.

I finally realized that breastfeeding was not what made me a good mom. Loving my children, showing up, and trying made me a good mom.

NJF: You share a lot of your own personal experiences in Mothers Are Made. What was the most difficult part of your motherhood journey to write about, and why was it important for you to include it?

DSL: The most difficult part of my motherhood journey to write about was my youngest daughter Charli’s 45-day NICU stay. I gave birth to her at just 32 weeks while battling COVID-19.

So many parents can relate to the fear and helplessness that come with having a baby in the NICU. It’s terrifying to see your impossibly small baby lying in an isolette, wires snaked across her fragile body, machines beeping around her. You love this tiny human more than anything, and yet, you can do so little in that moment to help.

The guilt was relentless. When I was at the hospital, I felt like I was neglecting my kids at home. When I was home, I felt like I was failing Charli. It was a constant tug-of-war that left me emotionally drained.

But if there’s one thing I want other NICU moms to know, it’s this: you’re not alone. Every feeling—the fear, the guilt, the exhaustion—is valid. And you will get through it. This chapter of your journey, as heartbreaking and challenging as it is, will shape you into an even stronger, more compassionate mother. It’s hard, but it’s also transformative. And on the other side of it, there is hope, healing, and a deeper kind of love you didn’t know was possible.

NJF: One of the core messages of your book is that moms aren’t “born”—they’re made over time through challenges and growth. Can you share a moment in your life when you truly felt yourself becoming the mother you are today?

DSL: Becoming the mother, I am today didn’t happen all at once. It was shaped through every struggle I have faced—every challenge I overcame, from the intensity of my hard labor with Charli to the emotional weight of advocating for Diana, my child with anxiety. With each experience, I grew. I learned. I began to care less about what others thought and focused more on what was right for me and my family. And with each struggle I continue to face with my children, I will continue to become.

NJF: Motherhood is overwhelming, and moms are always so hard on themselves. What advice can you share that has helped you during your hardest days?

DSL: Parenting is hard—there’s no perfect way to do it. We’re human, and sometimes we lose our patience or completely mess up. But losing it doesn’t make us bad parents. It makes us humans who care more than anything in this world about our children and the type of humans they’ll become, all while wanting to keep them safe, that we get frustrated with them and mess up ourselves. What matters is that we own it, we apologize, and we try to do better tomorrow—with a little more grace and a little more patience. Because that’s what good parents do.

NJF: How did you juggle parenting four daughters while writing a book (!!) and how do you balance it all day-to-day?

DSL: As a mother of four, finding time to write was often a challenge. I quickly learned to get creative—writing late at night when the house was finally quiet or sneaking in a few lines during rare pockets of downtime. If inspiration struck while I was in the middle of something, I’d text ideas to myself so I wouldn’t lose them. Eventually, my husband started handling the bedtime routine for our oldest three, giving me some extra time to write.

Balancing everything? That’s a myth. I’ve learned to let go of the pressure for perfection and offer myself endless grace. Motherhood isn’t measured by spotless counters or perfectly balanced meals. I used to look around at the end of the day—dishes stacked high, toys scattered everywhere, laundry still waiting—and feel like I’d failed. But I’ve come to realize that a messy house doesn’t equal a messy heart or bad parenting.

We need to drop the guilt. There’s no shame in handing your kid a screen so you can finish an article or asking your older child to play pretend with the younger one so you can get dinner on the table. We’re not superheroes—we’re humans, doing the best we can for the little people we love most. And that’s more than enough.

NJF: You’ve been open about overcoming struggles with anxiety and an eating disorder. How has motherhood influenced your relationship with yourself?

DSL: Motherhood has helped me heal. It has helped me become my best self for them. I don’t want my kids to see me skipping dinner and think that’s normal. I want them to see me navigating my anxiety in healthy ways so they can learn to do the same. Because our children don’t just watch us—they become the air they breathe.

If we want that air to be kind, authentic, honest, and confident, we have to embody those qualities ourselves. They are always watching, always listening. They notice how we handle stress. They see how we nourish ourselves. They hear when we apologize after we’ve messed up. Kids absorb it all like little sponges, mirroring what they see and echoing what they hear. We lead by example—because they’re paying attention, even when we think they aren’t.

NJF: You’re also the author of children’s books “It’s Okay to Embrace Your Body” and “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay: Adults Get Big Feelings Too.” Tell us about these books and the inspiration behind them.

DSL: My first two children’s books were such passion projects. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay: Adults Have Big Feelings Too helps kids understand that adults struggle, too. Growing up I thought my parents were perfect, which made me believe I had to be. That pressure led to unhealthy coping mechanisms, including my eating disorder. We need our children to see our imperfections—to know big feelings are normal, not something to hide.

I wrote It’s Okay to Embrace Your Body to remind kids (and adults) that body insecurity is normal. What matters is that we keep living, talking through our feelings rather than turning to diet culture.

NJF: The new book is a bit of a memoir. What memorable stories do you share about living in New Jersey?

DSL: There are some tales from the Cotswolds, like the Halloween where my husband lost our thirdborn for a brief yet too scary amount of time. I tell stories from our home in Tenafly, a walk on our street. I talk about a time at Stop & Shop where I felt judged as a mom, and a time years later where I didn’t care what anyone thought. I have scenes from local New Jersey parks. There is a lot of New Jersey in Mothers Are Made.

NJF: What do you love most about living in Tenafly with your family?

DSL: I love being close to my family. I live around the corner from my childhood home. It was in the process of creating my own family that I’ve come to truly appreciate how important family who shows up is—not just for emotional support, but for those moments when you really need an extra hand. It’s not just a blessing for me, but for my kids, too, to grow up with grandparents who are present, involved, and such a special part of their everyday lives.

NJF: What are some of your family’s favorite places to go in New Jersey?  

DSL: We love exploring Jersey malls (especially American Dream) and exploring different parks and play spaces. We spend most of our days at Bergen Equestrian and Progressive Dance Studio with an eight-year-old company dancer and a seven-year-old obsessed with horses.

NJF: Who are some of your favorite authors?

DSL: I love a romance book. I adore Emily Henry, Ali Hazelwood, and Carly Fortune. I also love self-help books/memoirs and my favorites are by Glennon Doyle and Brene Brown.

NJF: What’s next for you? Do you have any book signings planned for Mothers Are Made or any new writing projects in the works?

DSL: Right now, I am writing posts/articles on my social media pages and promoting Mothers Are Made. I will be at the Women’s Center of Englewood Book Fair on March 27, and the Bergen Magazine health event on April 30.

Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram!

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The post Tenafly Mom of 4 Danielle Sherman-Lazar Shares Parenting Lessons In ‘Mothers Are Made’ appeared first on NJ Family.

To say the Truesdale family is immersed in the wedding business is an understatement.

First, as general manager, New Jersey mom Jackie Truesdale led Clarks Landing Yacht Club in Point Pleasant, Ocean County, to a No. 1 ranking for wedding venues in the U.S., according to HelloMillions, and The Bradford Estate in Hainesport, Burlington County, to a No. 9 ranking out of over 12,000 venues, on The Knot. Her father George also owns The Mill Lakeside Manor in Spring Lake, Monmouth County; he’s been in the business for 40 years.

Second, Jackie recently announced a new umbrella name for her family-owned and -operated wedding venues: Clarks Landing Yacht Club, The Mill Lakeside Manor and the Bradford Estate. Moving forward, they will be known collectively as Beau Truesdale Wedding Venues to honor her brother, the previous general manager of all three locations, who passed away suddenly in 2019.

Third, the Point Pleasant resident planned her own wedding just two months ago, marrying her husband Patrick – who she met while he was a server at Clarks Landing – on New Year’s Eve. That’s all while raising her one-year-old daughter, Summer.

“We could not be more excited to step into this next chapter in such a meaningful way. My brother’s legacy continues to leave a lasting impact on every one of our couples’ special days,” says Jackie.

In addition to the name change, as part of the family business’s transformation, renovations to Clarks Landing Yacht Club include expanding the lobby and second-floor lounge while adding a bigger bar to the upstairs ballroom, enclosing the ceremony space, creating a rooftop overlook, revamping the front porch, building a salon and get-ready suite, and upgrading carpets in the cocktail hour and ballroom spaces.

“Family is at the core of everything we do, making the wedding business not just rewarding but deeply meaningful,” says George. “After operating wedding venues for over 20 years, I can’t think of anything more important.”

Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram!

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The post This NJ Mom is Bringing Her Family’s Legacy to Wedding Venues Throughout the State appeared first on NJ Family.

Professional women’s tackle football has arrived in New Jersey! The Jersey Shore Wave will debut next month as the newest franchise in the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC).

There are 65 women on the roster, including 24 from New Jersey, and home games will be played at Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, which was the home of baseball’s Negro League in the 1930s and ’40s.

“Having lived in New Jersey for many years, it is an honor to be the owner of the newest addition to the Women’s National Football Conference,” WNFC Board Member Dawn Sherman says in a statement from the league. “It is a personal ambition of mine to drive equity for women broadly. Owning a professional women’s tackle football team gives me the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the important role of women in sports and to address the critical issue of the pay gap for women who compete and give their all just like men. General awareness, recognition, game attendance and pay all continue to lag behind sports played by men. It is time for all of this to change.”

The Jersey Shore Wave will kick off their season on March 29 against the Chicago Wings. Other games this season include April 5 vs. Washington Prodigy, April 12 vs. Tennessee Trojans, and May 3 vs. Florida Avengers.

JERSEY SHORE WAVEFor more on the 2025 schedule and ways to promote and sponsor the team, head to jerseyshorefb.com. Tickets start at $20, with tailgate and VIP options available to add on. You can also sponsor an athlete since none of the women are paid to play and juggle jobs and college with their responsibilities for the team.

Hinchliffe Stadium is located at 186 Maple St. in Paterson. Let’s hope to see some big crowds when the season gets underway!

Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram!

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The post Professional Women’s Football Has Arrived In New Jersey appeared first on NJ Family.

Brittany Hadley Storm always dreamed of being a singer and songwriter. As a teen, she was part of the performing arts program at Howell High School. She even spent a semester studying music education at Syracuse University.

Yearning to be a songwriter and performer, she took a chance and moved to Nashville after attending CMA Fest in 2010. She auditioned for and was accepted into Belmont University in Nashville (transferring from Syracuse) as a vocal major with a focus on songwriting and the music business.

After studying classical and choral music, Brittany got into pop, country and jazz and went on to write, perform and record for 11 years. Since then, she’s done a little bit of everything: she was a solo acoustic artist, a singer, part of a wedding band, a ghost writer and demo singer, taught voice and songwriting lessons, and directed vocal ensembles.

Brittany met her husband Dan during a “writer’s round” singer-songwriter showcase. During the pandemic, they established Storm Studios, which enabled them to write songs, record vocals and produce tracks for clients.

Brittany and Dan moved to Holmdel about a year ago with their 2-year-old son Aiden (and there’s another baby on the way). Since moving back to New Jersey she is most excited about her newest project, First Verse Custom Children’s Songs. We asked Brittany about her musical inspirations, her lullaby writing business, and what she missed most about New Jersey when she was living in Nashville.

New Jersey Family: What inspired you to start writing customized lullabies?

Brittany Hadley Storm: One of my favorite jobs was writing for a company that specialized in crafting custom songs for special occasions. I completed over 3,000 of these personalized songs in three years.

I started writing custom lullabies for my nieces and nephews a few years back, and then for my own son when I was pregnant. When my son was born, I continued to make up little songs to sing to him to help him fall asleep; the standard lullabies got redundant to sing after a while, and it was fun to sing songs that were specifically about him.

Then, as my son began to talk (and sing a bit himself), I started writing up-tempo songs that he could dance and relate to. Then I started writing custom children’s songs and lullabies for friends, and they seemed to make the kids feel special. I decided to make it official, and have been enjoying growing First Verse and creating custom songs for other parents and loved ones of little ones.

NJF: Tell us how you go about writing a custom lullaby. Do you have certain themes you draw from? What instruments do you use?

BHS: All of my lullabies and children’s songs have a theme. For example, one of the lullabies is called “Dreaming by the Sea,” and the song is about the beach, complete with ocean sounds that play underneath the track to help little ones fall asleep. Another lullaby of mine is called “Sweetest Dream,” and this one is centered around a candy land of sorts, encouraging our little dreamers to dream of only the sweetest things. I also wrote a song called “Wildest Dream,” which is written especially for animal lovers like my son – he actually helped me craft this one and he loves singing it.

I also write children’s songs for specific occasions, such as a new baby on the way, milestones like birthdays, and with the purpose of building confidence in toddlers and little kids.

When I record the lullabies, I typically use a piano as the primary instrument, sometimes with strings or acoustic guitar added in, to create soothing and relaxing tracks that help little ones fall asleep. For anthems, I use electric guitars, drums and bass to create fun songs that kids will want to dance to.

NJF: How does one request a personalized lullaby? 

BHS: The process of ordering a personalized lullaby or custom children’s song is simple: there are three personalization options and a submission form to fill out on our website. You can add your child’s name to a pre-existing lullaby. You can choose a custom song template with tracks and chorus, and share meaningful details about your child that I will craft into custom verses to accompany the existing chorus. Or, you can commission a song to be written completely from scratch.

NJF: Why do you think lullabies are so soothing for babies? What are the benefits?

BHS: Lullabies are a great tool in helping children relax, and I have found that incorporating songs into a child’s bedtime routine really helps them wind down and get ready to fall asleep. A custom song written just for them is also a wonderful nightly reminder that they are loved and special. For toddlers and older children, these custom songs can be used to help build self-esteem, learn new things, and release energy.

NJF: Which are your favorite lullabies? And do any remind you of when you were a kid?

BHS: My favorite lullaby on the First Verse website is probably “Remember This,” likely because it speaks directly to what I am feeling and experiencing right now as the mother of a 2-year-old. This lullaby is about how quickly our babies grow and change, and how much we will want to remember this exact moment in time. We know that by tomorrow, they will be a little bigger and a little different than the day before, and before we know it, they will no longer mispronounce that word that used to make us giggle, and they won’t fly around the kitchen like an airplane anymore. This song encourages parents to soak in every second and really be present with their child.

My favorite lullaby that is not on our website is probably “You Are My Sunshine.” This is one that I sing to my son almost every night. My Great-Aunt Dee used to sing this one to me when I was a child, and the memories I have of her are only happy ones. She was the definition of sunshine when skies were gray, and I hope to bring a little sunshine into the lives of the ones I love, as well. I recently arranged and recorded an acapella version of “You Are My Sunshine” for my son, which you can hear on our homepage.

NJF: How is your music influenced by both your time in Nashville and your time in New Jersey?

BHS: I grew up listening to a lot of John Mayer and Sara Bareilles, which sparked my interest in pop music with poetic lyrics. My love for country music also started when I was a child, as my mom was always playing Shania Twain in the house.

In high school, I was a member of Rebel Yell, an acapella group that performed unique arrangements of different pop songs. This experience shaped me and deepened my appreciation for beautiful harmony and thinking outside the box when composing and arranging music.

Moving to Nashville allowed me to dive into these genres and collaborate with musicians from different backgrounds. The time I spent there helped me to refine and focus my lyric writing, better understand how to craft a catchy melody and learn how to record and produce my own songs, which is an invaluable skill that has made it possible for me to turn my passion for music into a fulfilling career.

NJF: What does your son think about your career? Does he ever help you write lyrics?

BHS: My son is probably my biggest fan, and he loves to sing just like his mama (and his dad.) He comes to all of my live shows and dances his heart out as he watches me sing. He also steals my microphone and guitar any chance he gets so that he can practice with real instruments. His playroom is stocked with toy pianos, guitars, microphones and a drum set. I constantly catch him sitting there playing with his instruments and singing songs to himself, and it’s adorable.

He has helped me write some of my First Verse songs, too. “Wildest Dream” was a co-write with my son. We were at the playground together when I thought of the idea, and he helped me think of different animals we could write and sing about. He knows the chorus by heart, and I have to say, his rendition of the song is better than mine! Having a little one in the house is very helpful when crafting children’s songs because I get to test them all on him before showing them to anyone else.

NJF: Tell us about some places in NJ you missed most when you lived in Tennessee.

BHS: During my 12 years in Nashville, I missed a lot of things about New Jersey. My family and friends were the biggest one, and a close second was the beach. My favorite beach towns are Manasquan, Avon, Spring Lake and Belmar, and it has been so nice to share my favorite places with my son since moving back. Last summer, I performed in Manasquan and Belmar quite a bit, and I’m excited to play at some of my favorite places again this summer.

I also really missed some of the charming little downtown areas, especially Red Bank, which I now live very close to. When I first visited Nashville, I actually felt that the downtown was similar to Red Bank, and I’ve always loved the charm of that area.

New Jersey Family: What advice do you have for moms working in the music industry?

BHS: My advice to other moms in the music industry is to find a way to live both of your dreams, and not to let anyone tell you that you can’t. You can be a professional musician and a mom at the same time.

There’s often a misconception that you need to be “famous” to be “successful” in the music industry, and that is simply not true. I have reframed and redefined success in my mind; to me, success is finding a balance in life that allows me to spend my time doing the things that I love with the people that I love. Don’t give up on the things you want, and don’t try to fit a mold. It will all fall into place if you keep pursuing the things that feel right and matter to you. Most importantly, never stop making music! The world will always need more of it.

Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram!

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The post Meet Brittany Hadley Storm, Singer-Songwriter + Creator of Customized Lullabies appeared first on NJ Family.

Award-winning author and Milltown mom Jennifer Salvato Doktorski has always loved the Jersey Shore. Her memories there inspired a series of young adult novels set at the beach. In her new book (out January 21st) Finding Normal, Doktorski focuses on a more serious issue—eating disorders. We asked her about the biggest misconceptions surrounding eating disorders, the lessons teens can take away from the main character’s journey, how she got her start as a writer and more.

Order Finding Normal Here

New Jersey Family: What inspired you to write Finding Normal?

Jennifer Salvato Doktorski: There are five towns in the U.S. named Normal and I liked the idea of putting two teens, who’ve been told they’re anything but normal, in an old Chevy Impala and sending them on a road trip to find those towns. I also wanted to put a face on eating disorders, one of the deadliest and most misunderstood mental illnesses. It was my hope that by spending time on the road with Gemma and Lucas—and the baby raccoon they find along the way—readers would come to understand that they didn’t choose to suffer from anorexia nervosa and bulimia, and that their diseases do not define them. They want what so many of us want, to feel normal, accepted, and worthy of love.

NJF: What was one of the biggest lessons you learned about eating disorders while writing the book?

JD: That in addition to being a complex and deadly mental illness, the path to recovery for those suffering from eating disorders in all their forms (Anorexia, bulimia, orthorexia, ARFID) is a complicated treatment process that involves a team of medical, psychological, and nutritional experts and the unwavering support of family. It’s fraught with many ups and downs and detours and everyone’s journey is different.

NJF: What do you think is the biggest misconception about eating disorders?

JD: That eating disorders only affect a certain type of person—white women and girls who are middle or upper class. This stereotype is dangerous and can lead to BIPOC individuals, males, and members of the LBGTQ+ community not being properly screened or diagnosed. Eating disorders affect people of every age, race, gender, sex, body type and sexual orientation. The other big misconception is that people develop this deadly mental illness by choice, which is unfair to those battling a very serious disease.

NJF: Research shows the number of eating disorders jumped after the pandemic due to social isolation, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, disruption of routines and an increase in social media use. And more recent research shows excessive time spent on social media increases children’s and teens’ risk of developing an eating disorder. What do you think parents should be aware of in terms of warning signs and best supporting their kids?

JD: First and foremost, seek professional help if you suspect your child is struggling in any way with food. There are organizations that can help (see list below.) If you’re unsure, start with your child’s doctor. Also, be aware of all the factors that can negatively affect your child’s confidence and perception of their body including, the way food is talked about at home, the unrealistic BMI standards, the bathroom scale, physicians, school nurses, coaches, teachers, peers, teammates, family members, influencers, diet culture, gym culture, and the endless stream of strangers who pop up in their social media feeds daily. Kids are being bombarded with unrealistic, dangerous, and false images of the “ideal” body type.

NJF: You’ve also written Young Adult novels set at the Jersey Shore. Tell us about those and the inspiration behind them.

JD: These books are my love letters to the Jersey Shore. I’m realizing now that battling misconceptions must be a theme with me because I was inspired to write these books because outsiders don’t understand how truly spectacular the 130 miles of coastline comprising the Jersey Shore is. “The Summer After You & Me” is a story of love, acceptance, and rebuilding in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. “August and Everything After,” which borrows its name from one of my all-time favorite albums, is about the healing power of music and how two people, both reeling from loss, come together one August to form a band and reset their lives.

NJF: How did you first get into writing and when did you know you wanted to write fiction?

JD: I’ve always loved books and reading but growing up it never occurred to me that I could be an author, although after reading Little Women I did want to be Jo March! In college, I majored in English with a concentration in non-fiction writing—a major I called “pre-law” so people would stop asking what I was going to do with my degree. I started as a journalist and my first paid gig was writing obituaries for the Herald & News in Passaic, New Jersey. From there I went on to several other jobs in communications. It wasn’t until I became a full-time mom that I had the courage to write fiction.

NJF: What do you love most about living in New Jersey?

JD: The people. Jersey people are my kind of people.

NJF: What’s your favorite thing to do in NJ with your family?

JD: Spend time down the Shore, where everything’s always alright!

For help and information about eating disorders look to these experts:
—Project HEAL
—Equip Health 855-387-4378 
—National Eating Disorders Association
–Call 911 or go directly to the hospital emergency room if you’re experiencing a life-threatening
emergency.
–Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you are in crisis. Available 24/7.
–Chat at 988lifeline.org

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