The Cupcake Corral is the latest local business to go social. As Patch reported earlier this year, a blog, tweets and Facebook “friends” have become standard operating procedure for small business owners eager to reach out to customers. However,  local business have experimented with “Groupon” and "Living Social" to expand the customer base. A few weeks ago, Tinga in Millburn, with locations in Montclair and Westfield,  had an offer on Groupon, letting customers pay $10 online for a  voucher worth $20 in the restaurant. According to Groupon, the 1,743 people grabbed that Deal of the Day. The …

The hearth may no longer be the heart of the home, but the mantel remains the focal point for any room lucky to enough to have one! If you haven’t taken a new look at this traditional display place, Spring’s a great excuse to spruce up the space with great inspiration and deals on decor in our two towns, all under $55! First stop, Millburn: Furbish: This fabulous décor spot - which has graced both our towns – has been happily settled on Millburn Avenue for the past three. The stunning and stylish Uma Stewart fills her boutique with a crisp collection of cutting edge selections that are …

It’s the first—and for many a favorite—meal of the day. Thanks to many local eateries it’s also one of the most affordable. From hot cakes to hot coffee, bagels to breakfast sandwiches, here are some affordable, delicious options that really do put the ‘special’ in breakfast specials. First stop, Maplewood: Kari’s Café - Kari’s Café sits cheerfully on a bustling corner of Springfield Avenue, and owner Kari Capone has been expanding her menu to fit the needs and tastes of her customers. Already a cozy go-to spot for gourmet coffee, and fresh baked sweet treats, Kari’s now also serving up a …

Longing for warmer weather? Why not try to work a little sunny sentiment into your winter waning décor? Here are five spots to hit in our three towns for finds that fit any budget from $5 to $50 on up. South Orange: Ultimate Upholstery & Drapery- Tucked behind a small storefront on Valley, you’ll find a great resource for breathing new life into old furnishings and witnessing the transformative powers of fabrics and prints firsthand on the pieces being worked on in shop. It’s also a perfect place to give your old throw pillows a spring facelift by creating custom covers that could be as …

Finding the space to host a super soiree for a bunch of active kids can be a tough task this time of year. Here are ideas for getting the most bang for your birthday bucks in our three towns. Maplewood and Millburn-Short Hills both give you great incentive to go the Recreational Center route: Maplewood rents out spaces at both DeHart Park and the charming Civic Center in Memorial Park to residents and non-residents (the later at a nominally higher rate). Program Supervisor Michelle Wesley says that most of the coveted weekend spots fill up 4-6 months in advance, but some spots are still open…

Most of us really do put our money where our mouths are when it comes to feeding the family. Finding delicious, nutritious food that stays within a realistic budget and meets the frantic pace of modern day life isn’t always easy—but it’s always appealing. Here then are some outstanding, affordable ways to appease your family’s finances and taste buds when comes to supper. (Oh, and easily answer that charming “What’s for dinner?!” whine…) Add these five fabulous local spots to your take-out repertoire- and you’re sure to come back for seconds. First stop, Maplewood: Churrasco enjoys a cult-…

Here are some cute, clever ways to express your sentiments come Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank—or the hearts of those you’re gifting! First stop, South Orange. Victors Florist: When it comes to Valentine’s Day, a rose by any other name will still cost you an arm and a leg. “It’s about supply and demand,” explains florist and owner Lenny Zieff. “I pay almost double for my roses this time of year.” A basic dozen roses will set you back $85, but there are plenty of other less costly—albeit less traditional—floral options ready for romance like lilies, irises, carnations and gardenias…

Looking to shake the snow off your boots and shake your booty in preparation for the warm weather that will (fingers crossed) soon be here? Why not ditch your dreary winter mood for some motivation - and moves - that’ll get you in the sort of shape you’ll want to flaunt come warmer temps? Our three towns are bursting with great places to shop goods and services sure to keep you in tip-top tone year-round. Here are some of the fiercest fitness deals and steals going on right now in Millburn, Maplewood and South Orange: First stop, Millburn for the Sneaker Factory: General Manager Geoff Clark …