You know the secret. If you subscribe to NJ My Way, you are already on top of the latest trends, the hottest people, and the coolest stuff in the Garden State.

Check out what’s happened to some of the people and stuff we’ve been the first to tell you about.

Walk into any big bookstore today, and you’ll see Maryann McFadden’s The Richest Season front and center. We first told you about this Hackettstown realtor and young grandmother more than a year ago.

Maryann was so determined to become an author, she self-published her book and sold it to book clubs all over the country.  It took several years, but now Ms. McFadden is an accomplished author of a best-seller… and a second book is in the works.

Here’s another of our folks on her way to stardom; Mary Repke, the self-proclaimed Bag Lady is creator of the Coakley Tote, a practical yet stylish carryall. Check out the website for the growing list of retailers who are selling Mary’s bags. We picked this winner out after meeting Mary at business networking events.

The amazing artwork by the disabled students at the Matheny Center in Peapack continues to make the rounds. You can see the traveling exhibit this summer at the Summit Medical Center  in Berkeley Heights. We first gave you a look at the these talented individuals in October. You can see Water Bowl by artist Juanita Warren to the right.

Some are moving on; World Pottery in Montclair is closing its retail operation to the sadness of shoppers who loved the store’s colorful, affordable gardenware.

NJ My Way writer Sandra Kenoff, who wrote these great rhyming tributes for special occasions is re-joining the workforce as Director of Marketing and Special Events for the JCC of Central Jersey.  Congratulations to her — she’ll have less time for rhyme, but plenty of  people will benefit from her unique talents.