Morris/Essex Health & Life

Healthy handful

Go ahead—reach for that holiday bowl. A daily serving of nuts—enough to fit in the palm of your hand—packs a much-needed dose of protein and fiber and offers a heart-health boost. They’re cholesterol-free and low in sodium (as long as you stick to unsalted). And each type of nut shines in its own way.

Holiday meals and the traditions behind them

The holiday season is a time for thanks, a time for tradition, and a time for family. Hosts want to serve their loved ones only the best food as they gather around the table with Christmas trees and Menorahs lighting up the room. Here are some traditional recipes and the holiday stories that accompany them.

Cyber Monday steals and deals

Cyber Monday is a godsend to those of us who did not want to be seriously trampled during the Black Friday stampede at the big chain stores. Enjoy today’s online deals and finish shopping for everybody on your holiday gift list. Cyber Monday sales boast free shipping, additional savings on already reduced items, freebies with your purchase, and more! Check out the list of gift categories and online resources

Sweet Soiree

Coffee meets chocolate—and suddenly you've got a surefire holiday affair

Heroes for Affordable Housing Breakfast

The Housing Alliance of Morris County's annual Heroes of Affordable Housing Breakfast honored those who help county residents secure housing despite the recession.

Farm Fresh

Farm 2 Bistro in Rockaway obtains most of its fruits and veggies from small farms within a 100-mile radius, and they’re purchased (and sometimes personally plucked) by staffers each morning.

Gifts galore and more

A refreshing alternative to cookie-cutter mall shopping at THE DEPOT, a charming, three-level gift and home décor shop in Morristown.

Chocolate, Jersey style

Chester-based Jersey Brands chocolate promises to leave your taste buds in a blissful state indeed.

Tomato Fever

Bergenfield-based Two Guys Food Group create canned tomato sauces made with only Garden State tomatoes.

Santa on board

A ticket on the Polar Express may be a bit out of reach, but you can give your little ones the next best thing this holiday season with the Whippany Railway Museum’s Santa Claus Special—a fun-filled train ride in holiday-decorated passenger coaches pulled by a historic diesel locomotive. The best part: Old Saint Nick will be on board to greet children and pose for pictures.

Fare of gold

Fresh, light, airy— it's how you feel when you walk into D’Oro on Chatham’s Main Street.

Stop Bullying Online

All of the academic and social life lessons can be diminished if your child is struggling with bullies.

No-Fuss French

Resto, a tiny BYO on Madison’s main drag offers an innovative menu of contemporary French fare every four to six weeks, depending on what’s in season.

Where the Hawks are

Rockaway Township boasts one of the best places in the state for birdwatching: the HAWK WATCH AT WILDCAT RIDGE

A Walk in the Stalks

To exercise mind and body alike, check out the multiple mazes at WIGHTMAN’S FARMS in Morristown. Each fall, Wightman’s commissions an elaborate design that is cut into a 2 1⁄2-acre cornfield.

Your Fat and How to Find It

Weight by itself is an imperfect measure of what shape you’re in. to truly gauge your health risks, you need to know your body fat.

Autumn by the Sea

The charming Victorian town of Cape May is a perfect spot for an impromptu autumn getaway.

Shop Pink!

Look good, feel good, do good— you can accomplish all three in one fell swoop this October by purchasing a variety of pink products sold in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.