Friday Finds: New life for old guitars

By Kathy Shaskan

If you have any old acoustic guitars and would like to see them put to good use, listen up: A non-profit group in Homdel is collecting instruments for a music program at a school in Uganda. Sylvia's Children, founded by Sylvia Allen, reports that the students who have already received guitars are "enthralled" with their music lessons. Instructor Tony Costa is pictured above.

Book Beat: More fun than reading the Bard

By Kathy Shaskan

I clearly recall the dread with which I approached each entry in that cursed tome, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. If your tweens and teens are of similar mind, take them to see the new production of MacBeth at the Two River Theater Company in Red Bank. It's way more fun than reading the play. Teller, the silent genius of Penn & Teller fame, worked on the production, giving it the feel of a horror movie. There's blood galore, spurting from stab wounds and spreading across Lady MacBeth's sullied hands, so leave the littlest ones at home. Through February 17.

Fashion Forward: Sunshine Garb

By Leigh Boriskin

Resort season is in full swing, and what better way to dress yourself for those hot days on the sand, and cool nights on the boat than with a stop at one of Lilly Pulitzer’s shopping meccas. Her clothes are available at the following signature boutiques: Paradise in Summit and Morristown, Palm Place in Manasquan, and Leapin' Lizards in Ridgewood. Also available at department stores throughout the Garden State.

Lounge by the pool in one of Lilly's delicate tunics that are hard to pass up including the Calliope and the Shelby.

Hit up the golf course in a preppy, but whimsical sweater such as the Gloria Striped Crew, or the Nancy Argyle.

For the walk to the beach, shopping around town, or heading out to a tropical feast, step into the comfort and style of a flat sandal, whether it be the Mckim, or the Flutter.

New & Noteworthy: Monique Lhuillier for Royal Doulton - now at Bloomingdale's

By Kathy Shaskan

Now at Bloomingdale's: the Monique Lhuillier Tabletop Collection from Royal Doulton. Lhuillier, like Vera Wang, has expanded beyond her original business of creating elegant wedding gowns for the high end market. Above: a place setting of Femme Fatale, a sophisticated embossed lizard pattern with a pearlescent sheen.

Monday Muse: Viva Art!

By Kimberly Baldwin

Visual Arts Center of New Jersey kicks off Viva Art!, the Art Center's 75th Anniversary Gala on Wednesday, January 23 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Trustees, members, staff, and volunteers will come together for the kick off party. Viva Art! will take place on April 4 at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, and will honor and celebrate those who have played a significant role in the development of the Art Center, as well as raise funds to support their community outreach programs.

The Art Center is located at 68 Elm Street in Summit and on the Web at njcva.org.