Here in Northeastern New Jersey, we live close to Manhattan but that doesn't mean we want to go all the way into the city and pay $200 a ticket for actual on-Broadway shows several times a year. But I have great news, there are some AMAZING venues with Broadway level (or near Broadway level) performances right here in our own backyard!! To make it easier for you (and myself), I've compiled a list of where to see plays and musicals in Northeastern / Northern New Jersey (Essex & Union Counties). Do yourself a favor and sign up for their electronic or snail mail newsletters so you don't miss out on some great musicals, dance performances, plays, and more!
PROFESSIONAL THEATERS:
These shows and theaters often feature performers right on the cusp of their careers exploding, you'll find these theaters listed in countless Playbill bios!) The sound and performances is top quality, but won't break the bank!
Some Universities with great Performing Arts departments and student shows:
There are TONS of performing arts centers and theaters throughout the area, I can't begin to list them all! Just head to google to find some closest to you or holding events you like best (concerts, musicals, comedy, etc). They make for a great date night with your partner, mommy and me cultural outing with a child, girls night out, you name it! And they're close enough you could add dinner and Uber and still not pay as much as you would for a Broadway show in Manhattan!!
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The Psychology of Tracing: Understanding the Motivations and Behavior of Those Who Disappear10/17/2023 
Contributed post.
Have you ever wondered why some people vanish from our lives, leaving us puzzled and worried? The psychology behind disappearing acts is a fascinating subject that delves into the complexities of human behavior. Specialist agents for tracing aim to understand this to try and find those who leave without a trace.
Why Do People Disappear?
The Escape Artists Sometimes, individuals choose to disappear as a means of escaping their current circumstances. This can include escaping from:
The Desire for Freedom Human beings inherently crave freedom and independence. Some people choose to disappear to regain a sense of control over their lives. They may feel trapped in their current routine or environment, prompting them to take drastic measures to break free. Identity Crisis An identity crisis can lead to disappearing acts. Individuals who are grappling with their sense of self may choose to leave behind their old life in search of a new identity or purpose. This can be a deeply personal journey where they aim to find themselves or redefine who they want to be. The Need for Solitude Introverts, in particular, may disappear from social circles to recharge their mental and emotional batteries. The overwhelming nature of social interactions can push some people to seek solitude. Disappearing temporarily can help them find the peace and quiet they need to introspect and heal.
Understanding the Behavior of Those Who Disappear
Now that we've explored the motivations behind disappearing acts, let's delve into the behaviors and actions that accompany these decisions. Cutting Ties When someone decides to disappear, one of the first things they often do is cut ties with friends, family, and acquaintances. This can involve:
Changing Identity Some individuals go to great lengths to change their identity when they disappear. This can include:
Relocating To disappear successfully, one often needs to change their physical location. This may involve:
Maintaining a Low Profile People who disappear become masters of staying under the radar. They avoid activities that could draw attention, such as:
Fading from Memory Over time, those who disappear may fade from the collective memory of their former social circles. This is achieved by:
The Emotional Toll of Disappearing
While disappearing may seem like an adventure or an escape, it often takes a considerable emotional toll on the individuals involved. Let's explore the emotional aspect of vanishing acts. Loneliness Living in isolation and cutting ties with loved ones can lead to profound loneliness. Even if the disappearance was voluntary, feelings of isolation can become overwhelming. Guilt and Regret Individuals who disappear may experience guilt and regret for leaving their old life behind. This is especially true if they had strong emotional connections with the people they left behind. Anxiety The constant fear of being discovered can cause anxiety and paranoia. Every interaction or encounter with a familiar face can trigger anxiety for those who have disappeared. Loss of Identity The process of assuming a new identity can lead to a loss of one's sense of self. People may struggle with their new personas, causing internal turmoil.
The Search for Answers
People who vanish often leave behind a trail of unanswered questions. Friends, family, and law enforcement agencies may initiate searches to find them. The search for answers can take various forms: Private Investigators Some hire private investigators to locate the missing person. These professionals use various tactics, including surveillance and information gathering, to track down the individual. Social Media Sleuthing In the digital age, social media can be a powerful tool for those searching for missing loved ones. Friends and family may create online campaigns or share information in the hope of finding clues. Law Enforcement Involvement When a disappearance is deemed suspicious or involves criminal activity, law enforcement agencies step in to investigate. This can lead to extensive searches and investigations. Missing Persons Databases Many countries maintain databases of missing persons, making it easier for concerned parties to report and search for missing individuals.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Reunion
In some cases, disappeared individuals eventually return to their old lives. This reunion can be emotionally complex for all parties involved. Joy and Relief The return of a disappeared loved one often brings overwhelming joy and relief to friends and family. It's a time of celebration and healing. Reconciliation Reuniting after a disappearance can lead to reconciliation and forgiveness. It's an opportunity for individuals to address the issues that led to the disappearance in the first place. Lingering Questions Even after a reunion, there may still be unanswered questions and lingering emotional scars. It takes time and effort to rebuild trust and understanding.
Conclusion
Understanding the motivations and behaviors of those who disappear can help us approach these situations with empathy and compassion, recognizing that there are often deeply personal reasons behind these vanishing acts. 
Contributed post.
When it comes to setting up your home entertainment system, one of the key decisions you'll face is how to mount your TV. Gone are the days of bulky entertainment centers taking up precious floor space. TV mounting not only saves space but also offers a sleek and modern look to your living room. But with various TV mounting options available, how do you choose the right one for your needs? In this guide, we'll explore the three primary TV mounting options from TV mounting companies: Fixed, Tilted, and Full-Motion. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and by the end of this post, you'll have a clear idea of which one suits your setup best.
Fixed TV Mounts: Simplicity at Its Best
Pros:
How It Works A fixed TV mount attaches your TV securely to the wall with minimal space between them. The TV stays parallel to the wall, and there's no option to tilt or swivel it. The simplicity of this setup can be a big plus, as it doesn't overwhelm your room with extra gadgets or visible cables. When to Choose a Fixed TV Mount
Tilted TV Mounts: Finding the Sweet Spot
Pros:
Tilted TV mounts offer a bit more flexibility compared to fixed mounts. They allow you to tilt your TV up or down, typically by a few degrees. This minor adjustment can make a significant difference in your viewing experience. How It Works A tilted TV mount is similar to a fixed mount but with a hinge that lets you tilt the TV vertically. This feature comes in handy when you want to mount your TV slightly higher on the wall, like above a fireplace mantel, while still maintaining a comfortable viewing angle. When to Choose a Tilted TV Mount
Full-Motion TV Mounts: Ultimate Flexibility
Pros:
Full-motion TV mounts, also known as articulating mounts, are the most versatile option. They allow you to swivel, tilt, and extend your TV in multiple directions. If you want the freedom to watch TV from various spots in the room, this mount offers the ultimate flexibility. How It Works A full-motion TV mount has a bracket that attaches to both the TV and the wall. It's equipped with multiple hinges that enable you to tilt the TV up and down, swivel it left and right, and even extend it away from the wall. This range of motion lets you find the perfect viewing angle, whether you're sitting on the couch or working out on your yoga mat. When to Choose a Full-Motion TV Mount
Installation Tips for TV Mounts
No matter which type of TV mount you choose, proper installation is crucial for safety and functionality. Here are some installation tips to consider: 1. Find the Right Wall Studs Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs where you'll mount the bracket. Mounting your TV directly into the studs ensures a secure attachment. If you can't find a stud in your desired location, consider using wall anchors designed for TV mounting. 2. Level and Measure Carefully Ensure the TV mount is level before attaching it to the wall. Use a level tool to double-check, and measure the distance from the floor to ensure the TV is at the right height for comfortable viewing. 3. Conceal Cables To maintain a clean and organized appearance, consider running cables through wall conduits or using cable covers to hide them. This not only looks neater but also prevents tripping hazards. 4. Have the Right Tools Gather all the necessary tools before starting the installation, including a drill, screws, anchors, a screwdriver, and a wrench. Follow the manufacturer's instructions closely for your specific TV mount model.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right TV Mount for Your Needs
In the world of TV mounting, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Your choice depends on your room layout, viewing preferences, and budget. To recap:
Consider your specific needs and the layout of your room before making a decision. Whichever TV mount you choose, a well-installed mount can elevate your viewing experience and give your living space a modern, clutter-free look. So, get ready to enjoy your favorite shows and movies in style! 
Guest post provided by Isabella Blackwell
We are literally buzzing from the excitement of the past three days! It could be from the beats of thousands of drums or dancing alongside ten thousand dancers – the melodies still echoing throughout our bodies, or perhaps it’s the lingering resonance of heightened vibrations from meditating with hundreds of thousands of others. Any of these solitary events would have been more than we’ve ever experienced before, but together, along with so many others, they were life-changing. Together. If together is one word that represents the belongingness we felt at the World Culture Festival, another would definitely be family. The overarching theme throughout the festival was that together, we are a one world family. We felt that every step of the way. The World Culture Festival was not an event of the year, or even the decade; this experience will last a lifetime.
A Kids’ Cultural Kaleidoscope
WCF allowed us all to embrace our inner child; yet, there were so many exciting opportunities just for children to celebrate! There were no limitations on FUN! In addition to the games and frolicking galore, children explored the Kids Wellness Exhibit to learn about the SKY Kids Programs, learned how to access their intuition, and participated in well-being activities. Our children loved taking part in the breathing exercises and learning how to use them at school, during their extracurricular activities, and at home. I Belong to You 
The Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monuments weren’t the only monumental elements at WCF. Teens showed up for the World Culture Festival in a colossal way! The ‘I Belong To You’ Youth Chorus extended the theme of the festival, reminding us all that no matter what our backgrounds, cultures, or religions may be, we are united and we are family. Teens not only had the chance to test their lungs in the chorus, but also by learning breathwork. They experimented with best practices and tips to prioritize their mental health with real-life successes shared by their peers at the Teen Well-Being Exhibit in Festival Village.
Helping Hands - Keeping it Real Juggling wasn’t part of the festival that I saw, but I certainly did my fair share of it. This event was incredible; moms, let’s keep it real though. Three kids, three days, and hundreds of thousands in attendance. Yes, my mom-radar was on overload! There were no shortages of temper tantrums, moods, and all the shade-throwing – and that’s just from my three year old. Throughout the World Culture Festival, our new one world family took care of my family. There seemed to be a sea of volunteers available. They checked us in, guided us to the locations we wanted to visit, helped us find seats, and offered us water bottles. Volunteers even helped with childcare for my self-care moment at the Ayurveda Health Spa and to attend the meditation. The Ripple Effects 
Volunteers at the World Culture Festival walked the talk! It was clear that service was at the heart of every activity, and through that connection and our observance of their dedication to serve, we were empowered to do the same. As a family, we learned ways that we could contribute to the betterment of our communities and our planet, both as individuals and as a family. The World Culture Festival instilled a sense of service in us and inspired us by their humanitarian and relief programs already in place that we could volunteer with too! Service was a key element that united us all. Whether we want to join in disaster relief initiatives, stand up for peace, demand equality for all, or explore environmental restoration efforts, we only had to say, “YES!”.
A Brush with Stardom! Everywhere families celebrated at the World Culture Festival. You couldn’t help but witness the families connecting with each other, exploring new things, and a sense of wonder that enveloped the festival grounds. Parents played guitar side-by-side with their children in the 1000-person guitar ensemble. In that moment, dreams came true, and new dreams were made. Novice and expert guitar players alike, experienced stardom when they performed the legendary ballad “All You Need is Love” and the World Culture Festival’s theme “We Are One,” written and performed by Micki Free on stage with him. The audience thundered with applause at the first notes of the sing-a-long and erupted again at its final melody. If becoming a rockstar wasn’t the rise to family stardom you sought, dance was also a claim to fame on hand at the World Culture Festival. 10,000 dancers of all ages joined together, encircling the National Mall for a record-setting Garba performance. Families danced together with simple yet mesmerizing fluidity. Garba was an appeal to our senses with its powerful rhythm that left us entranced. An Incomparable Peace: Meditation with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar 
Our host and founder of the Art of Living, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is a world-renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian dedicated to uplifting and empowering individuals and communities – and we definitely experienced that first-hand! Wow. To meditate with thousands of others is an unforgettable experience, but to be guided by Gurudev was beyond my wildest dreams. I touched an inner peace and clarity that opened my eyes to what is possible, and I’ve carried that remembrance with me ever since – it’s even helped me stay calmer managing my little ones! And to feel united in deep meditation with everyone around me and truly know at my core that we are all connected and totally one has given me a new lens on life. I’m just so grateful!
A Monumental Shift There are moments in life that shift the trajectory of the path ahead, and I can say that for my family and I, we’ve had our eyes opened wide! We’ve tasted new foods (even the kids!) from faraway lands, explored our creativity in new ways, learned how to use breathwork to manage stress, and experienced SO many different cultures. But ultimately, we felt united with those around us – an experience that will continue to enrich our everyday lives beyond the festival. |
 
About ME:I'm a NYC metro area mom blogger living in NJ with my Japanese husband & our 3 kids (twins + 1), focusing on fun and honest product and travel reviews, helping busy parents find the best for their families! Find what you need in the menu bar or search section above! 
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