New and Noteworthy: Fuzzy Nation Giveaway!

By Kathy Shaskan and Kimberly Baldwin

Jersey Girl Jennifer Liu, owner and founder of Fuzzy Nation, has provided two of her adorable "doggie bags" for two lucky New Jersey Life Blog readers. Fuzzy Nation is a hot new company whose handbags are really taking off nationally. The company recently opened its first retail store in NJ, at Olde Lafayette Village in Lafayette. Want a bag? Be the first to post the correct answer to one of these questions (you can only win one!) in the comment field below:

1. What famous lifestyle guru designed the Morris Plains home featured in the New Jersey Life March issue?

2. Which island, noted for giving the Garden State its name, was featured in our March issue?

Hint: Don't have the March issue? Check out the current issue online!

We'll let you know if you won, and will get the bag -- valued at $59 -- out to you faster than you can say "Lassie!"

New and Noteworthy: Destination Maternity

By Kathy Shaskan

Pregnant women, start your engines! In March a new Destination Maternity Shop will open in Cherry Hill, offering what they promise will be "The most extraordinary and largest selection of maternity fashion and accessories ever in South New Jersey!" There will be a $1000 wardrobe giveaway on opening day and the first 100 shoppers receive a special gift with a minimum $50 purchase! Destination Maternity also features a learning studio which will offer a wide variety of events and classes including prenatal yoga, belly dancing, breast feeding 101 and gatherings such as, “I’m Pregnant, What’s Next?," an opportunity for newly pregnant women to gather on the first Thursday of every month. The store will be located at Town Place at Garden Place, 901 Haddonfield Road (off Route 70) in Cherry Hill.

New & Noteworthy: Bodega Shoppe, Red Bank

By KathyShaskan

In the heart of Red Bank, there's a special shop waiting to be discovered. It's called Bodega Shoppe, taking its name from the New York City corner markets that sell a little bit of everything. Bodega Shoppe does just that, offering a wide variety of new and vintage merchandise. You'll find delicate glassware, European fragrances and skincare, vintage mirrors, English stationery and more. Other standouts include Lucy Jane Batchelor products, for which Bodega Shoppe is the exclusive US retailer; and Maribelle Chocolate and Teas. More info here.

New & Noteworthy: Philosophy Boutique

By Kathy Shaskan

Longtime friends Karen Vitale and Michele Walten have opened Philosophy, a new boutique in historic downtown Chester. They promise "high-end style and down-to-earth prices on eclectic finds from around the world." Lines include Pine Cone Hill bed linens and loungewear, Dash & Albert rugs, Comptoir de Famille tabletop collections, soap and candles from France, and custom handbags from Erda. More info here.

New & Noteworthy: Sweet Avenue Cupcakes

By Kathy Shaskan

Sweet Avenue began life as a mail order and catering bakery, specializing in weddings and showers. With the opening of their first retail location in Rutherford, Sweet Avenue has become one of the only cupcakeries in the country specializing in vegan (dairy and egg free) baked goods. Sweet Avenue offers over 25 varieties of cupcakes at any given time on a rotating basis, with more being added almost every week. Everything sold there is made from scratch in small batches. More info here.

New & Noteworthy: Chelsea in Princeton

By Kathy Shaskan

Rhonda Salem is excited about the opening of her new shop in Princeton's Palmer Square. The doors were thrown open just 2 weeks ago at Chelsea, an upscale gift and bridal registry boutique that focuses on designer brands. You'll find Vera Wang, Kate Spade Tabletop (shown above), Michael Aram, Marc Jacobs, Bernardaud, Rosenthal, Kosta Boda, Missoni, Richard Ginori, Jonathan Adler, Ralph Lauren, and Vietri, to name a few. If you're closer to Shrewsbury, you can visit the original store at The Grove. Or, find out more about shopping in Princeton (and score some great deals too).