Author: Erica Cukierman

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Halloween then and now: From pillowcases to golf carts

There was a time when getting ready for Halloween didn’t mean ordering a costume online or heading to the local seasonal Spirit store. It meant looking through closets, drawers, and old boxes to see what could be turned into a costume.

A white sheet became a ghost. An old jacket, hat, and a little makeup could turn someone into a detective, a scarecrow, or just about anything else a child could dream of. Some parents sewed costumes from scratch, while others worked with whatever they could find around the house.

And then there were the store-bought costumes. Anyone who grew up in the 1970s or ’80s probably remembers the ones that came in a box with a plastic mask and a thin vinyl costume. The mask stayed on with a little elastic string and was usually hot, uncomfortable, and nearly impossible to see out of. But kids loved them anyway. Batman, Strawberry Shortcake, Mickey Mouse, or whoever else you wanted to be was right there in the box.

Today, Halloween looks a little different.

Costumes show up at the front door weeks before Oct. 31. Kids can choose from hundreds of superheroes, movie characters, and whatever happens to be popular that year with just a few clicks. The costumes are more detailed, the accessories match, and there is a pretty good chance that someone else at school ordered the same one.

But costumes are not the only thing that has changed.

Halloween night used to mean grabbing a pillowcase, plastic pumpkin, or even a grocery bag and heading down your street. Kids met up with friends and went from door to door until their bags got too heavy to carry. Everyone knew which house gave out the full-size candy bars, which one gave out something nobody wanted, and which house was scary enough to make you hold your friend’s hand tightly while approaching the door.

Kids still go door to door today, but even neighborhood trick-or-treating has changed.

Parents are much more likely to come along now, not only to keep an eye on the kids, but also to catch up with neighbors along the way. And in many South Florida neighborhoods, golf carts have become part of Halloween night. Families decorate them with spiderwebs, skeletons, lights, and anything else that will stay on. Kids hop on and off as they trick-or-treat, while parents avoid walking several miles in the Florida heat. It’s convenient, it’s fun, and it has become part of Halloween here.

Another change is the popularity of “trunk-or-treat” events.

Instead of walking from house to house, families gather in one place, where decorated cars and SUVs become the stops for collecting candy. Open trunks are filled with pumpkins, jack-o’-lanterns, and all kinds of Halloween decorations.

Parkland has embraced the newer Halloween tradition with its annual Halloween Festival. This year’s event will be held on Friday, Oct. 23, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Equestrian Center.

The festival includes a Trunk or Treat Lane, where kids can collect candy from decorated vehicles, along with characters, stilt walkers, and a Halloween performance on the main stage. It gives families another way to celebrate Halloween together without having to go door to door.

Halloween may look a little different today, but the goal is still the same … put on a costume, collect as much candy as possible, and have a lot of fun along the way!

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A healthier take on pumpkin season

Once fall arrives, pumpkin seems to find its way into just about everything. And while we usually think of it as the star of pies and other indulgent treats, canned pumpkin can also be a surprisingly wholesome ingredient. It adds fiber, vitamin A, and plenty of seasonal flavor, while cottage cheese and Greek yogurt bring extra protein and creaminess. Together, they make it easy to give your favorite fall sweets a lighter, more satisfying twist.

These protein-packed recipes are simple, family-friendly, and easy enough to make anytime. Just be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Muffins

Cottage cheese may not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when making pumpkin muffins, but once blended, it creates a smooth batter and adds both moisture and extra protein. The finished muffins are soft, lightly spiced, and perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup high-protein cottage cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups white whole-wheat flour or all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips, optional

(Makes 12 muffins)

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, and line a 12-cup muffin pan.
  2. Blend the pumpkin, cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla until completely smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and stir gently until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips, if using.
  5. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Let cool slightly before serving.

Easy finishing touch: Add a few mini chocolate chips to the tops before baking for a bakery-style look.

Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Greek Yogurt Cookies

Pumpkin naturally gives cookies a soft, tender texture, and Greek yogurt adds a little protein while keeping them moist. These are more soft and cake-like than crisp, which makes them especially good with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 large egg
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups all-purpose or white whole-wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips

(Makes about 16 cookies)

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together the pumpkin, Greek yogurt, egg, brown sugar, and vanilla.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, and stir until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  5. Spoon the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten each cookie slightly, as pumpkin cookies tend not to spread much.
  6. Bake for 10 to 13 minutes, until the tops are set.
  7. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a rack.

Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie

For mornings when you want something quick, this smoothie gives you all the familiar pumpkin-pie flavors in a much lighter form. Greek yogurt makes it creamy and adds protein, while frozen banana provides natural sweetness.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
  • ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ frozen banana
  • ½ cup milk of choice
  • 1 tablespoon almond butter or peanut butter
  • ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup, optional
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Handful of ice

(Makes 1 large smoothie)

Directions

  1. Add all ingredients to a blender, and blend until smooth and creamy.
  2. Taste before adding the maple syrup, as the banana may provide enough sweetness.
  3. Add a splash of milk for a thinner smoothie or extra ice for a thicker one.
  4. A little cinnamon sprinkled on top makes a simple finishing touch.

Optional add-in: Blend in one or two tablespoons of rolled oats for a little extra staying power.

Recipe Inspiration & Sources

These recipes are original adaptations inspired by established pumpkin recipes using cottage cheese or Greek yogurt.

Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Muffins: The Cooking Foodie, “Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Muffins (High-Protein)”—a pumpkin muffin recipe using blended cottage cheese for added protein and moisture

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: Kirbie’s Cravings, “Healthier Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies”—using pumpkin puree and Greek yogurt in a soft, pumpkin–chocolate chip cookie

Pumpkin Smoothie: American Heart Association, “Pumpkin Spice Smoothie”—combines canned pumpkin, yogurt, milk, and fall spices, with Greek yogurt suggested as a higher-protein option

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DELICIOUS DINING

Our local guide to some of the best specialty foods in our area

Dining out in style with your dog

Dining out is always more fun when the whole family can come along, including the four-legged members! Fortunately, we have several local restaurants where you can enjoy a great meal without leaving your pup at home. Because Florida health regulations generally restrict pets from indoor restaurant dining areas (unless they are service animals), these pet-friendly options are all about the patio. So plan on requesting outdoor seating and enjoy some fresh air together. From casual neighborhood favorites to waterfront dining, here are some spots worth checking out.

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar – Boca Raton

With a name like Lazy Dog, it’s no surprise that this Boca favorite rolls out the welcome mat for pups. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio, making it an easy choice for lunch, dinner, or a relaxed weekend meal. It’s especially fun for dog owners because your pup doesn’t have to sit and watch everyone else eat, as Lazy Dog even offers a special dog menu. With a comfortable, casual atmosphere and plenty of choices for the humans, this is one of the area’s most dog-friendly dining experiences.

Nauti Dawg Marina Cafe – Lighthouse Point

It’s a little farther from this side of town, but Nauti Dawg is worth the drive if you’re looking for something different. Located right on the water at the marina in Lighthouse Point, this laid-back restaurant combines waterfront views with a very dog-friendly atmosphere. Bring your leashed pup, grab a table outside, and enjoy the scenery while you eat. Nauti Dawg even has a K-9 menu for its canine guests. Between the boats, water views, and casual South Florida vibe, this one can feel more like a mini-outing than simply going out for lunch or dinner.

Pizza Time Caffè – Parkland

You don’t have to leave Parkland to enjoy dinner with your dog. Pizza Time Caffè offers outdoor seating where pups can join their owners. A longtime neighborhood favorite, it’s an easy option when you’re craving pizza, pasta, or classic Italian food and don’t want to leave your dog behind. Its outdoor dining area makes it particularly convenient for a casual family meal close to home.

Bluefin – Parkland

Another nearby option is Bluefin in Parkland. Its outdoor seating area also allows dogs, making it a great choice when you want to stay local while enjoying a meal with your pup by your side. Sushi lovers can enjoy fresh rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese favorites while relaxing outside with their four-legged dining companion.

Big Bear Brewing Company – Coral Springs

Big Bear Brewing Company is a Coral Springs favorite that also has dog-friendly outdoor seating. The casual setting makes it an easy place to meet friends, enjoy lunch or dinner, and bring your dog along rather than leaving them at home.

A Tip Before You Go:  Call ahead! Outdoor seating availability and individual pet policies can change. Weather, special events, or seasonal changes may also affect patio seating, so a quick phone call before heading out with your pup is always a good idea!

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DELICIOUS DINING

Our local guide to some of the best specialty foods in our area

Where to go for a great happy hour

Happy hour is the perfect excuse to meet up with friends, unwind after work, or simply enjoy a favorite local restaurant for a little less. From discounted craft cocktails and wine to bar bites and weekday specials, several local restaurants offer deals worth arriving early for. Whether you are looking for an upscale cocktail, a cold beer, or something to share, these local happy hours make an afternoon or early evening out even more appealing.

Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar – Coral Springs

Tap 42 combines a lively, modern atmosphere with a happy hour made for catching up with friends after work. Offered Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the bar, happy hour includes discounts on craft beers, spirits, wine, and handcrafted cocktails. Current specials include $2 off craft beers, $4 off spirits, and $3 off wine, along with reduced prices on craft cocktails. Pair a drink with one of Tap 42’s bar bites or shareable dishes for an easy start to the evening.

Runyon’s – Coral Springs

Runyon’s offers happy hour Tuesday through Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m., available at the bar, cocktail tables, and patio tables. Current happy-hour listings feature 50% off qualifying liquor, beer, and wines priced $18 and under, along with a dedicated menu of appetizers and small plates. With its classic steakhouse atmosphere and lively Piano Room, Runyon’s is an appealing spot for an early drink that can easily turn into dinner.

Sharkey’s Bar & Grill – Coral SpringsImageSharkey’s gives happy-hour fans one of the longest windows in the area, running Monday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. Happy-hour cocktails are $9, hard seltzers and premium beers are $6, and domestic beers are $4. With wings, seafood, burgers, and plenty of other casual favorites on the menu, it is an easy place to settle in for an afternoon. Sharkey’s also regularly features trivia, live entertainment, and additional food specials throughout the week, adding to its neighborhood sports-bar atmosphere.

Sicilian Oven – Coral Springs

Sicilian Oven starts happy hour earlier than most. Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., drink specials are available throughout the restaurant, including $1 off beers, $3 off glasses of wine, $6 well cocktails, and $8 select spirits. From 4 to 7 p.m., guests can also order special bar bites at the bar and high-top tables. Midweek brings even more reasons to stop in: Tuesday features BOGO beers, Wednesday offers 50% off bottles of wine, and Thursday brings $10 specialty cocktails all day. Add a wood-fired pizza or the restaurant’s popular Sicilian salad, and happy hour can easily turn into dinner.

TacoCraft Taqueria & Tequila Bar – Coral Springs

TacoCraft brings a lively atmosphere and plenty of options to happy hour, offered seven days a week from 3 to 6 p.m. and again from 10 p.m. to close, excluding holidays and special events. Drink specials include $8 classic margaritas, $10 specialty margaritas and craft cocktails, $6 wines, $5 bottled beers, and $6 drafts. Tequila and mezcal fans get an especially good deal with 50% off most selections. The happy-hour menu also features $5 tacos as well as various-priced bar bites such as chicken taquitos, street corn, yuca fries, and queso, making it an easy spot to turn drinks with friends into dinner.

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Two local grandparents, giving back

Giving back doesn’t always start with a fundraiser, a committee, or a formal volunteer position. Sometimes it starts with noticing a need and deciding to help.

That is the case for two local grandmothers who have each found a practical way to make a difference. One regularly donates much needed items to a homeless shelter. The other collects unwanted pet supplies and household items from neighbors and delivers them to local animal shelters and rescue organizations.

Neither asked to be recognized for what they do. For them, helping isn’t about attention or getting credit. It is simply something they have chosen to make part of their lives.

For one Parkland grandmother, the focus is on the basic items that homeless shelters often need most. She keeps an eye out for toiletries, socks, towels, blankets, clothing, and other everyday necessities, and she either purchases them or gathers what she already has at home.

“Once you realize how many basic things people need, it’s hard not to help,” she said. “These are things most of us have without even thinking about it.” Rather than waiting for a holiday drive or organized collection, she donates throughout the year whenever she sees a need she can help fill.

In Coral Springs, another grandmother has taken a similar approach but for animals, donating to various local pet shelters and rescues.

Her neighborhood has a community clubhouse, which makes it easy to get neighbors involved. She posts flyers letting residents know what she is collecting and sets specific times for donations to be dropped off there. She then gathers everything and delivers it where it can be used.

“The clubhouse makes it really easy,” she said. “I can put up a flyer, give everyone a drop-off time, and people bring things they were probably going to get rid of anyway. They’re happy knowing it’s going somewhere that needs it.”

The donations vary depending on what shelters need and what neighbors have to give. What matters is that useful items are being redirected rather than thrown away or left sitting unused.

Both efforts are simple, but that is part of the point. Community service doesn’t always have to mean a large commitment, a formal organization, or hours of volunteer work. Sometimes it is as straightforward as paying attention to what is needed and finding a way to help.

For grandparents, there can also be more opportunity to do that later in life. Once their children are grown and the schedules that once filled their days begin to slow down, there may be time to look beyond the daily responsibilities.

As they both noted, their grandchildren are watching too.

“I love that my grandchildren see the bags being set aside and the donations being collected,” one grandmother said. “My hope is that they understand the importance of helping others and will want to do the same someday.”

And perhaps that is one of the best things these grandparents are passing along. Not every good deed needs an audience. Sometimes making a difference is simply seeing what needs to be done … and doing it.

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DELICIOUS DINING

Our local guide to some of the best specialty foods in our area

Good deals for kids at some local restaurants

Back-to-school season can be exciting, but it can also be stressful for younger kids adjusting to new teachers, routines, and homework. A family dinner out is an easy way to unwind, talk about the day, and enjoy time together. These local restaurants make it even better by offering free kids’ meals on select days, helping families save a little money along the way.

Lefty’s Tavern & Grille – Coral Springs

Lefty’s Tavern & Grille has the comfortable feel of a neighborhood restaurant, along with a game room that kids will love. On Wednesdays, children eat free all day with the purchase of an adult meal priced at $9.99 or more. The menu includes burgers, wings, sandwiches, pasta, and other American favorites, making it a fun and affordable choice for a midweek family dinner.

Miller’s Ale House – Coral Springs

Tuesday can become family dinner night at Miller’s Ale House. With the purchase of a food item costing at least $10, families receive one free kids’ meal, with a limit of two complimentary kids’ meals per table. The offer is available for dine-in guests. With a broad menu featuring burgers, chicken, seafood, salads, and its well-known Zingers, Miller’s makes it easy for adults and children to find something they enjoy. Its energetic, sports-themed atmosphere also creates a casual setting where families can unwind after school and work.

Outback Steakhouse – Coral Springs

Outback Steakhouse is making Mondays more appealing for families. With the purchase of a full-price adult entrée, guests receive one free kids’ meal from the Joey Menu. From grilled cheese and chicken fingers to burgers and steak, the Joey Menu offers several familiar choices for young diners. Beginning the school week with dinner already handled may be exactly the break that busy parents and children need.

Moe’s Southwest Grill – Coral Springs

For families looking for a casual way to close out the weekend, Moe’s Southwest Grill offer a free kids’ meal with the purchase of an adult entrée on Sundays. Children can create their own tacos, burritos, or quesadillas by choosing the ingredients they enjoy, making Moe’s a convenient option for families with selective eaters. Parents can customize their meals as well, while the complimentary chips and salsa add something for the entire table to share.

Chili’s – Coral Springs and West Boca

Chili’s takes a slightly different approach by offering free kids’ meals periodically through its My Chili’s Rewards program, which is free to join. When the promotion appears in a member’s account, children ages 12 and younger can select a meal from the Pepper Pals menu with the purchase of a qualifying full-price adult entrée. Because the offer is delivered through the Chili’s app, email, or text rather than being tied to one particular night, parents should watch their rewards account and redeem it when it becomes available. Pepper Pals choices include favorites such as cheeseburger bites, chicken tenders, pizza, pasta, macaroni and cheese, and quesadillas.

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‘Back to school’ isn’t just for the kids

The start of a new school year feels like a reset for the whole family. For students, it means new teachers, fresh school supplies, and seeing friends again. For parents, it means earlier alarms, school traffic, packing lunches, and of course … “the car lines.” After a summer of later mornings and flexible schedules, getting back into a routine can feel both welcome and overwhelming.

Once the children are dropped off, parents move on to the next part of their day. Some head to work, while others return home to work remotely, run errands, or catch up on things that were harder to manage over the summer. Back-to-school season also gives many parents a chance to return to their own routines. Local gyms get busier, morning fitness classes fill up, and exercise after drop-off becomes part of the day again.

For some parents, a workout, a walk with friends, or even a quiet cup of coffee is a welcome break. It gives them a little time to focus on themselves before the afternoon rush begins. That time can feel especially valuable after a summer spent working around camps, vacations, and children at home. But of course, the quiet usually does not last very long.

By mid-afternoon, the busy part of the day begins again. School dismissal is followed by carpools, snacks, homework, tutoring, and sports practices, dance, or other activities. Some families leave school and go straight to a practice or their activity, squeezing in dinner whenever they can. Parents spend the afternoon driving, helping with homework, and cheering from the sidelines.

Keeping up with everything can be difficult. Shared calendars help, but last-minute schedule changes or school reminders can still be missed. Parents are also juggling work, meals, appointments, household responsibilities, and trying to find some time for themselves. Some days go smoothly, while others involve a forgotten uniform or an assignment that is suddenly due the next morning.

A successful back-to-school routine does not have to be perfect. Preparing lunches the night before, keeping extra snacks in the car, or setting aside time for exercise can make the week easier. Before long, the early alarms, afternoon carpools, and busy evenings begin to feel normal again. Somewhere between drop-offs, work, practices, and rushed dinners, families find their rhythm and settle into the new school year.

Wishing all of our local families and teachers a happy, healthy, and successful 2026–27 school year!

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Cool off with frozen treats around town

In South Florida, frozen treats are always in season. From frozen yogurt and frozen custard to handcrafted ice cream and creative dessert creations, there is no shortage of places nearby to satisfy a sweet craving. While our area is filled with great options, these spots stand out for either bringing something new to the local dessert scene or for earning their place as beloved neighborhood favorites that have stood the test of time.

Aleia Greek Frozen Yogurt – Coconut Creek

One of the newest dessert destinations in the area, Aleia Greek Frozen Yogurt offers a fresh take on a classic treat. Made with authentic Greek yogurt, its frozen yogurt is creamy, flavorful, and packed with protein. Guests can customize their creations with a variety of toppings ranging from fresh fruit to sweet indulgences. The bright atmosphere and lighter approach to dessert make Aleia a welcome addition to Coconut Creek.

Abbott’s Frozen Custard – Coconut Creek

Another newcomer to Coconut Creek, Abbott’s Frozen Custard is quickly becoming a favorite among dessert lovers. Known for its rich and silky frozen custard made fresh daily, Abbott’s serves everything from classic cones and sundaes to specialty creations loaded with toppings. The smooth texture and old-fashioned charm offer a delicious alternative to traditional ice cream.

Cherry Smash – Coral Springs

Cherry Smash blends nostalgia, creativity, and plenty of sweetness. Famous for its eye-catching milkshakes, ice cream treats, and colorful presentation, this Coral Springs favorite delivers an experience that is just as fun as it is delicious. The retro vibe and imaginative menu make it a popular destination for families, friends, and anyone looking to treat themselves.

Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream – Coral Springs

At Chill-N, dessert is part show and part science. Using liquid nitrogen, each order is prepared fresh right in front of customers, creating an exceptionally smooth and creamy ice cream. With countless flavor combinations and toppings to choose from, every visit can be a little different. Watching the process unfold only adds excitement to the experience.

Larry’s Ice Cream – Coral Springs

Some places become local institutions for a reason, and Larry’s Ice Cream is one of them. Serving the community for decades, Larry’s is known for its generous portions, wide selection of flavors, and welcoming atmosphere. Families continue to return year after year, making it one of the area’s most enduring dessert destinations.

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DELICIOUS DINING

Our local guide to some of the best specialty foods in our area

Juicy steakhouses around town

Steakhouses have always been about more than just steak. They are where birthdays are celebrated, deals are made, families gather, and date nights feel a little more special. There are plenty of local places to enjoy a great cut of meat without turning to the typical chain restaurant. Some feel classic and old school, while others are lively, modern, or tucked right into the neighborhood. Whether you like a filet, ribeye, porterhouse, or prime rib, these local steakhouse favorites are worth a reservation.

NYY Steak – Coconut Creek

Located inside Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, NYY Steak brings a bold, upscale energy to north Broward. With its New York Yankees–inspired atmosphere, premium steaks, seafood, and lively casino setting, it’s ideal for a night out that feels a little more exciting than the usual dinner reservation. Whether you’re starting with cocktails, ordering a signature cut, or making it part of a bigger evening, NYY Steak offers a polished steakhouse experience while staying local.

Malbec Grill – Parkland

Right on the border of Parkland and Boca Raton, Malbec Grill brings a warm, flavorful twist to the local steakhouse scene. With Argentine-inspired touches, juicy steaks, empanadas, chimichurris, seafood, and a welcoming neighborhood feel, it’s a strong choice for those who want something elevated but not overly formal. It feels both special and comfortable. It’s the kind of place that locals can return to for date night, family dinners, or a relaxed evening with great food close to home.

New York Prime – Boca Raton

For those who like their steakhouse with energy, New York Prime is a Boca classic. The atmosphere is lively, the service is polished, and the menu focuses on USDA Prime steaks, seafood, cocktails, and steakhouse staples done with confidence. It’s the kind of restaurant that feels made for celebrations and special occasions, and very much a “night out” destination. If you’re looking for a steakhouse with personality, New York Prime delivers.

Tropical Acres – Fort Lauderdale

A true South Florida institution, Tropical Acres has been serving steakhouse classics in Fort Lauderdale for generations. Known for its old-school charm, hearty portions, prime rib, steaks, seafood, and welcoming service, it offers a nostalgic dining experience that feels increasingly rare. This is the place for those who appreciate tradition—a classic steak dinner, a comfortable dining room, and the feeling that you’re stepping into a piece of Broward dining history.

Steak 954 – Fort Lauderdale

For a steakhouse with a view, Steak 954 at the W Fort Lauderdale brings oceanfront style to the table. With its sleek design, beachfront setting, seafood selections, premium cuts, and signature jellyfish aquarium, it feels more like a full evening experience than just dinner. It’s a strong choice for date night, visitors from out of town, or anyone looking to pair a great steak with one of Fort Lauderdale Beach’s most memorable settings.Image

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Staying hydrated in the South Florida heat

You always know when summer has arrived in South Florida. One day it is warm, and the next day your steering wheel is too hot to touch and a five-minute errand feels like cardio. In this type of heat, hydration is not something to think about later. It has to be part of the daily plan.

Water bottles have become their own little summer accessory, and there are plenty of options that can keep it stylish and fun. It can be as simple as finding a bottle you enjoy using and keeping it with you as you sip throughout the day. Owala bottles are popular for their built-in straw and sip-or-chug design. Stanley cups are still a favorite for the car and errands, while Hydro Flask and YETI bottles keep drinks cold for hours.

When it comes to hydrating, plain water is still the best place to start, but it doesn’t have to be boring. Add lemon, lime, cucumber, mint, berries, or orange slices for a hint of flavor. Keep a cold pitcher in the fridge so it is easy to pour a glass on the way in or out. Somehow, water with a few slices of fruit or herbs feels more refreshing, almost like something you would sip at a spa, even if it took almost no effort.

Electrolytes can help on the super-hot days, especially after a workout, a beach day, a long walk, or even a busy afternoon of errands in 95-degree weather. There are plenty of no-sugar powders, tablets, and drinks available now. You can also make a simple version at home by adding a squeeze of lemon or lime and a tiny pinch of salt to your water bottle. Add a little honey if you want it a bit sweeter.

Pure coconut water is another easy summer staple. It tastes tropical, feels beachy, and gives you something different when you are tired of plain old water. And for those getting their palm trees trimmed during hurricane season, think twice before letting all those coconuts get hauled away. If they are safe to use, a few backyard coconuts can become a refreshing, hydrating thirst quencher grown right in your own backyard. It does not get much more South Florida than that!

Certain foods help with hydration too. Watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, oranges, cantaloupe, celery, tomatoes, lettuce, zucchini, and bell peppers all add extra fluids without much effort. The Mayo Clinic notes that about 20% of the fluids we take in each day usually come from food, which makes summer fruits and vegetables an easy win. Keep sliced watermelon in the fridge, throw cucumber into a salad, or grab a handful of cold grapes when even turning on the oven feels unreasonable.

This summer, staying hydrated is all about being prepared. Fill the bottle, chill the watermelon, keep something cold within reach, and try to stay one step ahead of the kind of heat that makes you question every outdoor plan you ever made!

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The quiet evolution of Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some moms, the day starts early with little feet running into the room, handmade cards in hand, and the kind of excitement that can’t be planned. There might be breakfast in bed, even if it is slightly messy, and a full day built around celebrating Mom.

For others, the day is quieter. It might be a phone call in between classes, a text sent during a work break, or plans that have to fit into already busy schedules. And sometimes it is not a full day at all, but a few moments carved out of a busy schedule. Neither version is better than the other. They simply reflect different stages of the same role.

When kids are little, motherhood fills up everything. It’s the school drop-offs, the packed lunches, the practices and games, the constant reminders, the routines you repeat every day without thinking about it. It’s hard to miss, and Mother’s Day in those years usually carries that same kind of energy.

As children grow, life naturally shifts. They begin to build their own schedules, their own responsibilities, and their own lives outside the home. Time together is no longer automatic. It becomes something that has to be planned, or at least intentionally chosen. Because of that, Mother’s Day begins to change too.

For many moms, it becomes less about big gestures and more about effort. It’s rarely about gifts or anything elaborate. Instead, it is about whether someone took the time to think ahead. Whether the call feels rushed or if it lasts a little longer than usual. Whether there is a moment where everyone is fully present.

A short message that feels thoughtful can mean more than something expensive. A visit, even if brief, can matter more than a perfectly planned day that feels forced. It’s not about how much is done, but how intentional it feels. Across all stages of motherhood, that need to feel seen and appreciated does not go away—only the way that it shows up changes.

For some, that might bring a sense of pride. Watching children grow into independent people is the goal, after all. At the same time, it can also come with a quiet awareness that the closeness of earlier years does not exist in quite the same way anymore.

Not worse. Just different.

And that’s really what Mother’s Day reflects. It isn’t about perfection or scale. It’s not about creating a picture-perfect moment that looks a certain way. It’s about acknowledgment. About taking a pause, no matter how brief, to recognize everything that this role has required over the years.

Whether that comes in the form of a crayon card, a last-minute phone call, or a simple “Thinking of you,” the meaning behind it stays the same. It doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be thoughtful. Because in every stage of motherhood, being remembered is what matters most.

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Reset and recharge

Local wellness and recovery therapy

Spring often brings a feeling of renewal, and across South Florida that sense of refreshment is showing up in the growing popularity of wellness and recovery therapies. From Coral Springs to Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale, studios and wellness centers are introducing new treatments designed to help people relax, recover, and recharge, whether from demanding schedules, workouts, or everyday stress.

One treatment gaining attention locally is intravenous (IV) drip therapy, now offered at several wellness clinics around town. The therapy delivers vitamins and hydration directly through an IV line, and many people turn to it when they feel run down, dehydrated, or simply in need of an energy boost.

Several other therapies focus on deep relaxation and sensory experiences. Float therapy, available at centers in nearby Fort Lauderdale and Delray Beach, allows you to float effortlessly in warm saltwater inside a quiet, low-stimulus environment. Many people describe the experience as calming and restorative.

Salt rooms offer a similar sense of relaxation. Found in wellness studios across Broward and Palm Beach counties, these rooms circulate microscopic salt particles through the air while visitors sit quietly in a peaceful setting designed to promote relaxation.

Technology is also playing a growing role in the wellness space. LED light therapy has become common at local spas and wellness studios, where it’s often used for skin care and recovery. Another option, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, uses gentle electromagnetic pulses that are believed to support circulation and the body’s natural healing processes.

Many recovery studios are also offering contrast therapy, a treatment that alternates between heat (often in a sauna) and cold plunges. The hot-and-cold cycle has become popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts, who say it helps with muscle recovery and leaves them feeling refreshed.

Closer to home, Hopson Health Wellness Center in Coral Springs offers a wide range of these therapies in one place, including red light therapy, hyperbaric oxygen chambers, infrared saunas, cryotherapy, salt therapy, and compression therapy—all designed to support recovery and overall well-being.

Even gyms are joining the trend. At Planet Fitness in Coral Springs, the Relax Space Wellness Pod gives members a place to unwind after a workout with guided relaxation, gentle massage, and immersive audio designed to reduce stress.

While some of these treatments may sound high-tech, their appeal is simple. More people are looking for ways to slow down, recover, and feel better. Whether it’s floating in a sensory tank, trying a robotic massage, or sitting quietly in a salt room, South Florida residents are embracing new ways to recharge as part of their wellness routines.

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