This July issue delivers up many healthy summer articles to support physical, emotional and spiritual health and wellbeing, including that of your canine pals!

We all know that good nutrition has a huge effect and healing power on the body. More and more in our beloved Hudson County, we are seeing greater emphasis on healthy options for organic, sustainable and locally sourced food. Following the pandemic, there has been a much greater interest in from where our food comes and how it is grown, the effect of which is a greater focus on our local community of nearby farmers and farmers markets. Find in our calendar section this month a list of local farmers markets with locations. We have also observed several local businesses and restaurants now providing organic, local food for delivery and/or pick-up (prepared or unprepared). An illuminating feature article this month shines the spotlight onCloster Farm, a newcomer nearby that would be worth a visit to enjoy all they have to offer.

In our area, we don’t have a lot of backyard growing but can get involved in our local community gardens or do some balcony growing, especially with light edibles. They can provide some great taste and flourishes in our food in so many ways. Glean some great ideas from our article Flower Power: Edible Blooms Add Flavor and Color to Summer Fare.

With summer fitness in full swing, encouraging the organized fitness route, see HobokenNJ.gov for a full schedule as well as concerts and movies to be presented under the stars. For some choices in Jersey City, check out JCFamilies.com. There is always the option of a nearby long walk or hike; for a list of some awesome local options, see page 17 of the printed edition.

Don’t forget to just spend some time “hanging”—doing nothing. Marlaina Donato reminds us in The Art of Doing Nothing of the deep, intrinsic value in taking timeouts to simply “be”, like when we were kids and weren’t always trying to maximize efficiency and finish our “to-do lists”. Not only is it good for our health, but our happiness too.

Enjoy all July has to offer; whether with outdoor fitness classes, hiking in nature or just “being”, we hope you find this month’s magazine encourages you to sustainably feel good, live simply and laugh more.

In health and happiness,