Some of the most meaningful stories begin with the people who shape our lives. For author and illustrator Judith, Light and Shadow’s Dreamy Adventures began with her father’s love—and a desire to carry the lessons he taught her into the lives of a new generation.

After losing her father in February 2025, Judith turned to writing and illustration as a way to remember him. What emerged was a children’s book inspired by kindness, compassion, hope, and the bond between a father and daughter. Through her characters, Light and Shadow, she created a place where those memories could live on, offering her grandchildren a way to know the special man who helped shape her world.

At NS Lifestyles, we love discovering the personal stories behind creative work. In our conversation with Judith, she shares how faith supports her through grief, why she chose to write for children, and what she hopes families will find within the pages of her books.

A Conversation with Judith

What inspired you to become an author, and why did you feel drawn to writing for children?

My dad passed away in February of 2025. Through my grief, I felt inspired to write and illustrate the lessons he taught me in the form of a children’s book so that I would always remember him and those beautiful life lessons he taught me. I felt drawn to do this in the form of a children’s book so I could pass down these lessons to my grandchildren, whom I hope will know that my father was such a special, intelligent, and wonderful man.

What sparked the idea for Light and Shadow’s Dreamy Adventures, and what does the title mean to you personally?

My father always referred to me as the light of his life, and truly made me feel as though I was the light of any room I was in. When creating this book, I could not think of any better name for the two main characters than Light and Shadow – who represent my father and I. I know I will meet my father again one day in heaven, but until then we get to meet in my dreams. This led to the perfect title for my book, Light and Shadow’s Dreamy Adventures.

Your father helped inspire your writing. What memories or lessons from him did you most want to carry into your stories?

My father taught me so many different lessons and showed me love in so many ways. I feel so incredibly blessed that I was able to be raised by a man like him. I think the memories I wanted to carry the most into my stories were kindness, love, hope, compassion, care. We live in a world where we move so fast and get caught up in the hustle of our day-to-day life, I wanted to make sure I shared the life lessons my father taught me that at the end of the day matter the most.

How would you describe the role faith plays in your life, and how does it shape the stories you tell?

Faith is such a huge part of my life and has allowed me to meet some incredible people. I spend a vast majority of my day in prayer or listening to prayer while I accomplish my daily tasks. Where many people would listen to music or an audiobook, I find comfort and joy in the quiet moments of prayer throughout my day. Both of my books have characters that have played a role in my spiritual journey through my faith, and I feel incredibly blessed to have the faith filled life that I do.

Does prayer or quiet reflection play a part in your writing process? Can you share a moment when it helped you find inspiration or clarity?

I don’t know that there is a specific moment that has led to inspiration for my books in regards to my faith, however I think I choose to live a life full of prayer and quiet reflection which allowed me to create these beautiful books during a time of grief for my father. It is through prayer I felt called to write my books, and also is a way I feel closer to my father.

How do you weave values such as kindness, hope, forgiveness, and compassion into a story in a way children can connect with?

The characters in my story and the messages are presented in a simple way, but they have deep meaning. I felt that kids of all ages would enjoy my characters and as they get older they will understand the deeper meaning of kindness, hope, forgiveness, and compassion embedded in the characters’ experiences.

What do you hope your stories offer a child or family going through loss, uncertainty, or a challenging time?

I hope that my book can offer a place of comfort for anyone going through a time of loss, uncertainty, or a challenging time in their life. I hope they can realize they are not alone and are truly loved. The characters in my book represent various people in my life who have helped me guide the way through my grief and hard times, and I hope others can realize that there are people out there to help them through it too.

What can you share about your next book and the inspiration behind it?

My next book will share some of the same characters of Light and Shadow’s Dreamy Adventures but also will introduce some new characters, as well! The inspiration behind this second book came as a continuation of the lessons from my father, the love I have for my family and grandchildren, and the response I received from my first book. I felt the need to continue to share with you all how great the lessons that my father taught me were, in a way that relates to people of all ages. Be on the lookout for Light and Shadow’s Unconditional Love coming soon!

Sharing Love Across Generations

What stayed with us most from Judith’s story is her desire to give her grandchildren something lasting: a connection to her father through the love and lessons he shared with her. Her books also offer a starting point for families to talk about kindness, faith, memories, and the people who help us through difficult days.

We look forward to seeing how Light and Shadow’s adventures continue in Light and Shadow’s Unconditional Love.

To learn more about Judith’s books and follow along for updates, visit @lightandshadowbook on Instagram.

And puchase this book HERE!

There is nothing quite like the beginning of a new Broadway season. The inboxes are filling with opening-night announcements, reading invitations and exciting show updates. Theater offices are buzzing again after the quieter summer months, and you can feel the renewed energy on the streets of New York City.

Broadway is officially back—and NS Lifestyles is thrilled to experience another exciting season alongside our Broadway partner, producer and theater expert Megan Ann Rasmussen of MAR Productions.

Are You Coming to New York?

If you are planning to visit New York City during the next few months, a Broadway show should absolutely be part of your itinerary.

Whether you are attending with children, grandchildren, a spouse or a group of friends, Megan Ann will help keep NS Lifestyles readers informed about the season’s most exciting and family-friendly productions.

Are there specific shows you are considering? Send us your list and tell us who will be joining you. We will do our best to review those productions and share what you need to know before purchasing tickets—from age recommendations and subject matter to overall entertainment value.

In Development: Spells of the Sea

This summer, Megan Ann and the MAR Productions team spent two weeks in London continuing the development of Spells of the Sea.

Following the show’s Kennedy Center premiere two years ago, its writing team has continued to refine and expand the production. Now, with the involvement of its United Kingdom creative team, the magical musical adventure is receiving exciting new energy.

We cannot wait to follow the show’s continued journey and share updates as the next chapter unfolds.

A Broadway Deep Dive: The Affordability of Cats and Corn

Producing a successful Broadway musical involves far more than creating a memorable story and an unforgettable score. Operating costs, theater expenses, cast size, ticket pricing and weekly attendance all play critical roles in determining whether a production can succeed financially.

At MAR Productions, Megan Ann and her team closely study Broadway’s evolving trends, accomplishments and challenges to make their own productions as strong and sustainable as possible.

Over the summer, MAR Productions associate Scott Burke examined two recent musical endeavors—Cats and Corn—to explore how operating costs, cast size and ticketing strategies can affect a show’s financial viability.

Read the full case study here.

It is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the business of Broadway and the many factors that determine whether a production can thrive.

Looking Ahead: Paddington the Musical

NS Lifestyles and Megan Ann will soon be sharing our family-friendly Broadway highlights for the fall season. In the meantime, there is already one delightful production to add to your spring calendar: Paddington the Musical.

Previews are scheduled to begin on March 30, 2027, followed by an official opening on April 28, 2027, at Broadway’s Al Hirschfeld Theatre.

Megan Ann had the opportunity to see Paddington the Musical in London’s West End, and she believes New York audiences are going to love it. Based on the beloved children’s character, the production promises to be a charming theatrical experience for families and Paddington fans of every generation.

Let Us Help Plan Your Broadway Season

If you are planning a trip to New York—or simply want to enjoy more Broadway this season—send NS Lifestyles the shows on your wish list. Be sure to tell us whether you will be attending with children, grandchildren, friends or your spouse so we can help you decide which productions will be the best fit.

Together with our Broadway partner, Megan Ann Rasmussen, we look forward to bringing you reviews, insider observations, family-friendly recommendations and the latest news from New York’s theater community.

We cannot wait to see you at a Broadway theater this season!

There’s something about Palm Beach that makes you want to spend more time on the water. The sunshine, the waterfront scenery, the warm breeze—it’s the perfect setting to slow down, gather your favorite people, and enjoy an afternoon that feels like a vacation.

Now, Fairfield County Boat Charters is bringing its luxury boat charter experience to the Palm Beach area, giving our Florida readers a new name to know when planning their next day on the water. With Palm Beach now listed alongside its Stamford and Norwalk locations, the company is connecting two destinations so many NS Lifestyles readers call home.

For those who spend summers in Connecticut and winters in South Florida, it’s an especially welcome introduction. And for anyone looking to make their Palm Beach plans a little more memorable, a private boat outing is a wonderful place to start.

A Fresh Way to Experience Palm Beach

We love a beautiful lunch reservation or an afternoon of shopping, but sometimes the best plans take you beyond your usual routine. Picture trading a busy calendar for time on the water, with good company and an entirely different view of the coast.

A boat day can become the centerpiece of a weekend visit, a thoughtful way to celebrate an anniversary, or simply an excuse to get friends together. It’s also a lovely idea when you have guests in town and want to give them a taste of the Florida lifestyle.

Rather than squeezing another activity into the day, make the outing the occasion itself.

Put These Occasions on Your Radar

If you’re wondering when to plan a charter, think about the moments you’d like to make feel special: a birthday with close friends, a couples’ afternoon, a family gathering, or a reunion with friends who are back in town for the season.

For hosts, it’s worth considering a boat outing as part of a Palm Beach itinerary. Start by contacting the team with your preferred date, group size, and vision for the day, then ask which charter options would best suit your plans.

Before booking, confirm departure locations, available durations, guest capacity, and what is included so you can plan the rest of your day around the experience.

At NS Lifestyles, we’re always looking for experiences that help you enjoy our favorite destinations in a new way. Fairfield County Boat Charters’ expansion into Palm Beach is a natural fit for readers who love both the Connecticut coast and South Florida.

Whether you’re arriving for the season, entertaining visiting friends, or looking for a reason to step away from your everyday schedule, consider adding a day on the water to your Palm Beach plans.

Ready to plan your next boat day? Visit Fairfield County Boat Charters to inquire about Palm Beach availability.

Email: info@fairfieldcountyboatcharters.com
Phone: 203-293-8546

A fabulous charity event brings people together—and a great auction gives them another reason to get excited about supporting the cause. From memorable experiences to special collectibles, the right offerings can spark conversation, inspire bidding, and help turn a wonderful gathering into a successful fundraiser.

I’m delighted to welcome GSM Charity Auctions as our newest NS Lifestyles sponsor, and this is a team I’m especially happy to introduce because I have worked with them firsthand.

A Personal Recommendation from NS Lifestyles

Through NS Lifestyles, I have worked with GSM on philanthropic events in the past, and I have been so impressed by the quality of their auction items, the professionalism of their team, and how successful the auctions have been for our charity partners.

Anyone who has helped organize a benefit knows how much work happens behind the scenes. Having a capable team handling the auction makes a real difference, and my experience with GSM is exactly why I’m pleased to share them with our readers.

Nationwide Fundraising Support—at No Cost

GSM coordinates more than 1,000 philanthropic auctions annually and travels across the country to coordinate fundraising auctions at NO COST to the organization.

Whether you’re planning a school benefit, charity gala, golf outing, or community fundraiser, their team can help you explore an auction that fits your audience and event.

In addition to the countless charities and schools they fundraise for, GSM is also the exclusive auction provider for many professional sports teams across the country, according to the company.

Offerings That Inspire Guests to Bid

GSM’s catalog includes travel packages, exclusive experiences, and collectibles—giving organizers a range of appealing offerings to consider for their supporters. The company advertises a risk-free auction-item model, which its team can explain as you plan your event.

For your guests, an auction can be an opportunity to discover something special while giving back. For your committee, it’s a chance to bring fresh energy to the fundraiser.

Help From Planning Through the Final Bid

GSM offers live and silent auction services, along with consultation and online auction support. Its services include item procurement, presentation, setup, bid management, and follow-up with winners.

The team also supports checkout and redemption, helping organizers manage the work that continues after the bidding ends.

That support allows your committee to spend more time welcoming supporters, sharing your mission, and enjoying the event you worked so hard to create.

Start Planning Your Next Charity Event

If you serve on a nonprofit board, volunteer with a school fundraising committee, or are helping plan an upcoming benefit, I encourage you to connect with Howard Schwartz and his team.

Share your event date, cause, expected attendance, and fundraising goals. They can explain their no-cost services, auction-item arrangements, and how proceeds are allocated, then help you explore the possibilities for your event.

I’m proud to welcome GSM Charity Auctions to the NS Lifestyles community and happy to introduce our readers to a team I’ve enjoyed working with.

Howard Schwartz
Founder, CEO & Professional Auctioneer
GSM Charity Auctions
Phone: (917) 747-6151
Website: www.gsmcharityauctions.com

Mention NS Lifestyles when you reach out—or contact me, and I’ll be happy to make the introduction.

GSM Charity Auctions is a sponsor of NS Lifestyles. The personal experiences shared here reflect my work with their team.

Some of the most meaningful businesses begin with a personal experience—and a desire to create the solution you wish had existed when you needed it most. That is the story behind KONVOY, founded by Elizabeth with a mission centered on safety, independence, connection, and, perhaps most importantly, peace of mind for families.

KONVOY was created to address a situation so many of us can relate to: wanting to know that the people we love are safe and supported, even when we can’t physically be there ourselves. By providing a trusted extra layer of support when family members need it, KONVOY offers a thoughtful approach to helping people maintain their independence while giving their loved ones greater reassurance.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Elizabeth about the personal inspiration behind KONVOY, why she felt there was such an important need for this type of service, and her vision for changing the way families think about staying connected and looking out for the people they love.

Here’s our conversation with Elizabeth and the story behind KONVOY…

What was the moment that made you realize KONVOY needed to exist? What personal experience inspired you to create it?

It was my grandmother, Patty. We speak everyday and there was a day I could not get in touch with her. I was 3,00 miles away, running through the same short list everyone runs through: call again, call a neighbor, or call 911 and hope I’m wrong. None of those were right. I needed someone I trusted to go knock on her door and tell me what they actually saw – and that service didn’t exist. I needed a better way. Now other families have one.

Many adult children worry about aging parents who live alone. What gap did you see in the current options that KONVOY fills?

Families have two extremes and nothing in between. On one end there’s a wearable button or a camera – technology that only works if your parent remembers to wear it, charges it, or presses it. On the other end there’s 911, which is the right call in an emergency but far too heavy for “she hasn’t answered since yesterday morning.” In between sits what I call the worry window: the hours where something might be wrong, and you have no way to know. KONVOY exists to close that window with a trained person, in person, before a situation escalates.

Can you explain how a KONVOY Check works and what families can expect from the process?

You request a check at www.konvoycheck.com. One of our Specialists, an off-duty first responder from the local community, goes to the home in person and follows a standard procedure we call Observe, Support, Report. They observe the person and the environment, offer support if something’s needed, and then you receive a documented report of what they found – including bodycam documentation, so it isn’t a secondhand account. If they encounter a genuine emergency, there’s a clear escalation policy. We operate across Westchester County, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 365 days a year. 

*In an emergency, always call 911*

One of the most unique aspects of KONVOY is that your Specialists are off-duty first responders. Why was that so important to you when building the company?

Because you’re asking a stranger to walk up to your mother’s door – the person matters more than anything else about this service. First responders already have the training this work quietly requires: how to read a scene, how to stay calm when something’s wrong, how to talk to someone who’s frightened or confused, and how to document what they saw accurately. They’ve spent careers doing the hardest version of this job. Our head specialist, Mike Mueller, brings more than 25 years in law enforcement and leads a fully vetted team. I wasn’t willing to build this with anyone less qualified.

For someone who has never heard of KONVOY, what would you want them to know in just one minute?

KONVOY is the better way to check on someone you love. When you need to know they’re safe but you can’t go yourself, you send a KONVOY Check, and an off-duty first responder goes in person and tells you exactly what’s happening. You get clarity instead of a voicemail and a knot in your stomach. It’s not surveillance, it’s not a medical service, and it’s not 911; it’s a trained professional confirming that the person you love is okay.

Many people struggle with the balance between respecting a loved one’s independence and ensuring they’re safe. How does KONVOY help families achieve both?

Most safety solutions ask an older adult to give something up – wear this, install that, let us watch. KONVOY asks nothing of them. There’s no device to manage, no camera in the living room, nothing in the home at all. Someone comes to the door, has a real conversation, confirms everything is fine, and leaves. Independence stays intact, and the family gets their answer – usually the person being checked on enjoys the visit.

Who is the ideal person or family for KONVOY? Is it only for seniors, or are there other situations where the service is invaluable?

Our core customer is the worried adult child (age 40-60), often the sandwich generation, raising kids while keeping an eye on a parent. But the need is much broader than aging. We hear from busy moms, teachers, people traveling for work, families spread across state lines, and anyone whose loved one lives alone. It also covers the ordinary situations no one plans for: a storm and a power outage, someone recovering at home after a procedure, a neighbor nobody has seen in a few days. If you care about someone and can’t get there yourself, that’s the moment we’re built for.

As our population ages, how do you see services like KONVOY changing the future of caregiving and family support?

Caregiving has been treated as all-or-nothing for a long time – either you move someone into care or you leave them on their own and hope. Most families want neither. I think the future is layered, on-demand support that lets people stay in their homes far longer, with human check-ins as the backbone rather than more devices. Technology can tell you a sensor didn’t trip. Only a person can tell you why.

What advice would you give to someone who knows they should have a safety plan for an aging parent but hasn’t taken the first step yet?

Don’t try to build the whole plan – that’s exactly why it never gets started. Do two small things this week: write down who you’d call if your mother didn’t answer for a day, and what you’d actually do next. Most people discover in about thirty seconds that they have no answer, and that’s the useful part. A plan you can put on an index card beats a perfect plan you never make. Second, create a free KONVOY Account. You can count on us to be there when you can’t!

Looking ahead, what’s your vision for KONVOY over the next five years? Are there any exciting new services or initiatives on the horizon?

Right now we’re focused on Westchester and on getting it right here before we get it big anywhere. Longer term, I want KONVOY to be the standard way families check on the people they love, in every market where someone is worried about someone across town. 

We also run Responders 1st, a monthly recognition program for Westchester first responders, and giving back to that community will stay part of who we are no matter how large we get.