Category: Lifestyle

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Building new pathways for students with dyslexia

For many students with dyslexia, the hardest part of school isn’t reading—it’s believing they can succeed.

“They struggle with confidence,” says Dr. Irene Arshad, founder of Wise Owl Tutoring. “They’re terrified of being called on to read out loud because they know they’re going to struggle, and that embarrassment can stay with them.”

Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects how the brain processes written language, making reading, spelling, and writing more difficult. It’s not related to intelligence. “It’s a language processing and sequencing issue,” explains Arshad. “It’s not that they can’t read. It’s that they’re not processing it. They’re not remembering it.”

According to Arshad, dyslexia is more common than many parents realize. She often identifies signs of the learning disability within minutes of meeting a new student—including adults who were never diagnosed as children.

Some early warning signs include difficulty remembering the alphabet, confusing similar letters, avoiding reading or writing, and struggling to recall events in the order they happened. Younger children may also have trouble with fine motor skills, such as tying their shoes.

In the classroom, those challenges often extend far beyond reading.

“I have students that, when they come to me, have never passed any required state exams or college entrance exams,” Arshad says. “They’re required to pass these tests to graduate, and that becomes incredibly discouraging.”

As an educator with a Ph.D. in educational technology, Arshad has spent years studying not only how students learn, but how technology can help them learn differently.

The first step is evidence-based reading intervention. Certified in both the Orton-Gillingham and Wilson reading intervention methods, Arshad focuses first on building foundational reading skills before introducing engaging learning activities. She compares the process to traveling to the grocery store.

“For most people, there’s one straight road to get where they’re going,” Arshad says. “For students with dyslexia, that road is closed. Reading intervention builds a new road—a new neural pathway—so they can still reach the same destination.”

That concept is rooted in neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections through learning and practice.

To strengthen those new pathways, Arshad combines reading intervention with technology she designs herself. One of her most popular creations is an Alice in Wonderland–themed digital escape room that transforms reading practice into an interactive adventure.

“We have so many learning platforms out there, but nothing really caters to students with dyslexia,” she says.

Students advance through colorful animated scenes by answering reading questions correctly and unlocking new levels. Along the way, built-in accessibility features—including dyslexia-friendly fonts, animated line readers, syllable breakdown tools, and digital annotation features—allow students to interact with text in ways that support how their brains process language.

The games continue to evolve with student feedback. In fact, the Alice in Wonderland theme came from one teenager who said it was her favorite story.

That same student had never passed a standardized test and was at risk of not graduating high school. After receiving reading intervention and working through the interactive lessons, she not only passed her required exam, but went on to excel on additional college entrance tests.

“She looked at me and said, ‘This is actually so easy. I just didn’t know how. Now my brain has a structure,’” Arshad recalls.

For Arshad, technology isn’t replacing great teaching—it’s amplifying it. By combining research-backed reading intervention with thoughtfully designed digital learning experiences, she’s helping students discover that dyslexia isn’t a limitation. Sometimes, all they need is a different path to learning.

For more information, visit wiseowltutoring.org.

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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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Should the mockingbird keep its perch?

For a century, the Northern Mockingbird has been the official state bird of Florida. The avian symbol of Florida was designated in 1927. The decision was based on the songster’s prolific voice and its tenacious nature in defense of its home, traits that state leaders at the time felt represented the spirit of Floridians.

Florida is not the only state that championed the mockingbird as its symbolic bird. Four other states share the same connection to the iconic bird—Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.

Adopting the mockingbird as the state bird in 1927, the Florida legislature praised its ability to mimic songs of nature: The typical male mockingbird has 200 songs in his repertoire, including songs of other species, and even human-made sounds like car alarms. The mockingbird’s prowess as a songbird almost led to its extinction, as the birds were heavily captured and sold as pets from the 1700s to the early 1900s, until laws were passed to protect songbirds.

Bravery is another trait associated with the mockingbird. It is well documented that mockingbirds are fearless in defending their territory against much larger perceived foes. When feeling that its territory is being encroached, the mockingbird will attack hawks, dogs, and even humans to protect its home—Florida’s original “Stand Your Ground” homeowner.

Mockingbirds are also keen observers and have a good memory. They will recognize individual human neighbors, and they’ll respond differently to different people. Those who were seen as threatening to their nests in the past will often face a diving attack.

In recent years, there has been a persistent effort, especially from the South Florida tourism industry, to dethrone the state bird and crown another symbol of Florida—the flamingo.

The American flamingo was hunted to near extinction by the early 1900s. There were no reported sightings for a decade by the mid-1900s. The Flamingo Hotel, a popular destination in the 1920s, was famous for its captive flamingos used in marketing, along with many flamingo souvenirs. This made the flamingo a popular symbol for South Florida.

In recent decades, escapees from Hialeah Park, and ones blown in from Caribbean islands, started to increase the local flamingo population. Until 2018, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission listed the population as a nonnative species. In 1980, a study declared these flamingos native and asked for their protection as a threatened species. Caribbean flamingos are seeing a resurgence, and more are likely to migrate to Florida in the future to beef up the local numbers.

The naturalization of this new generation of flamingos, coupled with the marketing that puts the flamingo on our lottery tickets as well as on hotel signs, has led to a strong effort to replace the current state bird of Florida with the flamingo.

Flamingos’ striking appearance, and social nature, seems to be a fit for tourist-friendly Florida. They are known to form lasting friendships within their large flocks. The proponents of the change compare that to the aggressive mockingbird, and its tendency to dive-bomb you when you are walking your pet. Perhaps it is a change of the character of Florida, from the hardy, adaptable, boisterous, and stand-my-ground style of the mockingbird, to the beautiful recent arrival, with Hollywood-level marketability, of the flamingo. There hasn’t been a big-budget movie with a mockingbird since “To Kill a Mockingbird” in 1962, long before “Miami Vice” or the new “Toy Story 5,” with its Garden Gnome and Inflatable Flamingo.

The Florida legislature has been looking at replacing the mockingbird for the last few years, but so far the bird has kept its precarious perch at the top of the pecking order in Florida. Each attempt has gathered media attention in support of the more glamorous flamingo. The momentum may continue, as more retirees flock to Florida, often first discovering the great state through a tourist visit.

For almost 100 years, the mockingbird has symbolized the spirit of Florida. People from across the states and the world have come to Florida and called it home, and created a melting pot of cultures and languages, just like the mockingbird forms its songs from bits and pieces of other sounds. Now state politicians will be continually pressed to move from that history and embrace the always bankable flamingo, which is more likely to draw bigger crowds and will likely garner more souvenir sales.

Many of us are watching this mostly as a sideshow for more pertinent issues facing the state government, but these symbolic battles do have an impact on the future identity of the state. For bird lovers, both are symbols of resilience, and they have a long history in the state and each will have its fans.

Some decisions of the past can be lost in the fog of history, and the symbolism of the mockingbird is often forgotten when you hear their 24-hour chirp outside your window or you’re getting dive-bombed by an overprotective parent. It’s a metaphor for a typical Floridian—fighting for a spot on the highway, yet happy to sing a song in your preferred language. It is that innocent courage that is embodied by the songbird. As Harper Lee wrote, “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy…. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”

The flamingo is a grand bird, as eye-catching and majestic as the new skyscraper along the coast, and a resilient return resident of Florida, but the mockingbird represents an aspect of Florida that has always been here, tenacious and loud. It has been a deserving holder of the symbolic avian crown of Florida; it will be left to the next legislature to decide its fate.

Mockingbird Facts

Scientific Name:  Mimus polyglottos

Diet:  Insects, berries

Behavior:  Fearless, territorial, mimics sounds, sings at night

Status:  Official state bird of Florida, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee

Lifespan:  Typically 8 years in the wild, and up to 20 years in captivity

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Meet the all-female band rocking South Florida

When Astrid Voxx was a kid, she wanted to play the drums. But she was told, “Girls don’t play the drums.” Today, not only does she play the drums, she also leads an all-female rock tribute band that proves women can do much more than just keep time—they can own the stage.

For Voxx, one of the biggest thrills still happens before a show.

“When I come in hauling the drums, and the men see me, they’re like, who’s that for?” says Voxx. But once the entire band has assembled, realization dawns. “Then they realize we’re not the girlfriends, we’re the band. For me, that’s a thrill. I love it.”

The Bango Bango’s was formed in 2016 with a mission that remains at the heart of the group today: celebrating women in rock music. Named after two of the most iconic all-female bands of all time, the Bangles and the Go-Go’s, the group was inspired by a Go-Go’s concert attended by Voxx’s daughter, Alexi.

After the show, Alexi was so excited that Voxx asked if she would ever want to be part of something similar. She said yes. Voxx began building the band, fulfilling a lifelong dream in the process. After turning 21, Alexi Go-Go officially joined the group.

Today, the Bango Bango’s features drummer Voxx, lead singer Go-Go, guitarist Lana Wise, and bassist Lenore Goldman. Together, they bring decades of musical experience and a diverse range of talents to the stage.

Voxx also plays guitar, has been singing since she was 5 years old, and toured with Jimmy Buffett. Wise is a sound technician who also plays piano and violin. Goldman began playing piano and drums in fourth grade before eventually picking up the bass.

Offstage, the women have developed a bond that feels more like family than coworkers. “They’re the sisters I never wanted,” jokes Wise. That camaraderie translates into an energetic stage presence that has become one of the band’s trademarks.

The Bango Bango’s perform an 80-song repertoire spanning female rock hits from the 1960s to today. While Go-Go serves as the primary lead vocalist, each member takes center stage throughout the performance, allowing audiences to experience the full range of talent within the group.

Voxx’s expressive vocals shine through songs by Tina Turner, Four Non Blondes, the Cranberries, Sheryl Crow, and Fleetwood Mac. Go-Go takes the lead on favorites by No Doubt, the Go-Go’s, the B-52s, and Cyndi Lauper. Wise’s powerful, rock-forward voice is featured on songs by Pink, Joan Jett, Carrie Underwood, Avril Lavigne, and the Bangles. Goldman leads a crowd-pleasing rendition of Nancy Sinatra’s classic “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.”

The result is a high-energy show that pays tribute to generations of female artists while keeping audiences singing and dancing from start to finish.

“We always have fun,” says Voxx, a statement that becomes obvious within minutes of watching the band perform.

“No matter how tired or sick we may be, when we get up on that stage, it all goes away and we manage to have fun,” adds Go-Go.

Part of that fun comes from the band’s willingness to bring the show directly to the audience. Thanks to wireless equipment, members often leave the stage mid-song and weave through the crowd, instruments in hand, turning spectators into participants.

Their engaging performances have landed them at a wide variety of venues, including country clubs, bars, theaters, festivals, and community events throughout Florida. The band currently performs between four and six shows each month and has appeared at the Wellington Amphitheater, the Miami-Dade Youth Fair, Galuppi’s, the Ritz Theater in Sanford, and Marina 84 in Fort Lauderdale.

“Marina 84 is one of the first venues that saw our potential,” says Voxx. “They gave us a shot, and we proved that we can do it.”

As one of the few all-female bands in the region, the Bango Bango’s have also been invited to perform at events that carry a deeper sense of purpose, including a fundraiser for Leap for Ladies, a Miami-based nonprofit dedicated to helping incarcerated women rebuild their lives.

“It was very emotional listening to their speeches,” says Go-Go. “We got to listen to all the women talk about how their lives were changed for the better.” Those experiences—ranging from packed bars and festivals to meaningful community events—reflect the band’s wide-ranging spirit both on and off stage.

Their unofficial motto, coined by Goldman, perfectly captures the energy of the band: “Any excuse for a party.”

Whether they’re performing during the NBA Finals, the World Cup, Father’s Day, a birthday celebration, or a holiday weekend, the Bango Bango’s find a way to turn every event into a celebration.

For Voxx, however, the band’s mission extends beyond entertainment. “Having an all-female band is very dear to my heart,” she says. “There’s not too many of us.”

“I’ve seen a few other all-female bands, but we’re the only ones who pay tribute to women in music,” says Wise. “Our primary focus is women in rock.”

“It’s a platform for women to hear their voices, and to know that little girls can play instruments,” says Voxx. “And be rock stars,” adds Go-Go.

The group takes particular pride in the example it sets for younger audiences.

“We’re role models,” says Voxx. “When we play up in Wellington, it’s a thrill for all of us to see the little girls wide-eyed actually seeing we’re playing instruments.”

“For me, the most touching part is when I see little boys enjoying our performance,” says Go-Go. “It teaches boys to be respectful and recognize that women can do everything they can do.”

Behind the scenes, the band members credit much of their success to the support systems that make their busy schedules possible.

“We’re very lucky that we have very supportive spouses,” says Voxx of herself, Wise, and Goldman. “That’s very important and makes or breaks a band.”

Wise’s husband, who is also a musician, serves as the band’s sound technician and is a familiar face at performances, cheering them on while capturing photos and videos.

Looking ahead, Voxx is writing original material she hopes to eventually incorporate into the band’s performances. The group would also like to expand into larger venues and new markets, including Orlando and Florida’s west coast. Still, Voxx believes the tribute aspect of the band remains essential.

“As a fan, as an audience member, I always wanted to see this,” says Voxx. “Female musicians doing a tribute to our voices and our inspirations.”

The Bango Bango’s upcoming shows include July 11 at Luv’n Oven in Sunrise, July 1 at Packy’s Sports Pub in Lighthouse Point, and July 31 at Marina 84 in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, visit thebangobangos.com.

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Food tips for summer travel with kids

Long-anticipated summer travel is not without its nutritional challenges, and adding young children to the mix multiplies those challenges. There’s more to consider than packing a few extra snacks and baby wipes. Follow these tips for a healthy, happy, and nourishing vacation with kids.

Road Trips

Logging a lot of miles in the car may have your kids asking for snacks to ease the boredom. Anticipate this, and be prepared. Work with your kids on a list of boredom-busting activities, such as games, music, videos, and coloring books. Before starting the car, review the day’s schedule. Explain when and where you’ll eat, and make a strong effort to stick to your normal eating schedule.

Pack some of these travel-friendly foods for children over the age of 4, as some may pose a choking risk for younger children. If your child is at risk for choking, enjoy your food at a rest stop so you can supervise while eating. Keep perishable items in a cooler with ice to reduce your chances of foodborne illness when on vacation.

  • Sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, or other easy-to-eat veggies
  • Applesauce
  • Dried and fresh fruit
  • Popcorn
  • Trail mix
  • Peanut butter sandwiches
  • Whole-grain crackers
  • Low-fat milk boxes
  • 100% fruit or vegetable juice
  • Low-fat yogurt
  • Cheese sticks
  • Cottage cheese

If your kids don’t eat dairy products, learn more about nourishing plant-based foods that you can pack. Don’t forget portable eating utensils, and plenty of napkins and wipes. 

Have your kids come up with fun meal ideas where they can combine their favorite snack with another item you purchase at a restaurant. Kids can combine different lean proteins with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to build a balanced meal or snack that’s part retail, part from home. In the end you will save money and eat healthier. Water, milk, or a fortified milk alternative are good beverage choices, and even restaurant meals should include fruits and vegetables. If the restaurant doesn’t offer good options, fill in with the supply in your cooler.

A Stay at the Beach

Whether you’re hitting the beach for a day or staying for a week, the same guidelines apply. Try to stick as closely to your normal eating schedule as possible. Bring a cooler with some of the foods listed above and plenty of ice. Pack ample water and encourage frequent sipping. The hot sun can be dehydrating, and the cool ocean water and tons of fun can distract kids from drinking fluids.

Cruising Along

Food is present constantly on cruise ships—and in big, showy ways. Remind children that just because food is available doesn’t mean the family needs to eat it. Be a role model to your kids and encourage them to eat mindfully when they are hungry.

Travel Abroad

If you are traveling far or to places with new types of cultures, work with your family on planning where to eat in advance of your trip. Most restaurants around the world provide nutrition information online, so you can plan on choosing the nutritious items that you have researched. Being in a new culture also is a great time to get your family to try new foods.

Visiting Family or Friends

Whether you’re traveling with others or staying in their homes, you may run into well-meaning food pushers. Give relatives and friends a kind heads-up to your expectations when it comes to offering food to your children. Help them find other ways to express love and warmth, such as reading a story or taking your child on a special outing.

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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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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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Alice’s Teapot Cafe

A feast for the eyes as well as the stomach

My friend Susan and I recently stepped into a rabbit hole. I mean, an “Alice in Wonderland”–inspired café of whimsy and enchantment!

Part “Alice” fairy tale, part “Enchanted Forest,” and part High Tea destination, Alice’s Teapot Cafe in Delray Beach is a delight. “Welcome to the immersive world of Alice’s Teapot Cafe, where reality disappears and every tea tells a story.” Their quote is a good introduction to this cute café/bakery/tea-and-coffee shop, located in a large shopping center near the bustling, noisy intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Military Trail. But once you get inside this cozy venue, it’s an entirely different environment. Beautifully decorated from floor to ceiling—and be sure to look up at the gorgeous ceiling art!—it’s a sight for sore eyes.

The whimsically themed backdrops at Alice’s Teapot Cafe make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a lushly illustrated storybook. And it is more than just a charming restaurant—it’s billed as an immersive dining and entertainment experience. Alongside its signature high tea and brunch that’s served all day, this unusual eatery offers visitors a magical ambiance filled with madcap décor, regal seating, interactive moments, and musical waitstaff.

“Our restaurant is meant to be a respite from the outside world. To take the bricks off your shoulders and help you escape from reality,” says Christine Prestininzi, founder of Alice’s Teapot Cafe, a family-run business. “If I can help one person, I’m happy to do it.”

“The heart behind Alice’s Teapot Cafe has always been simple—to offer a gentle escape from a world that can often feel harsh, judgmental, and unkind,” according to Prestininzi’s daughter, Alice (and, yes, that’s her name). “We set out to create a retreat from reality.”

Soothing “Bridgerton”-style music played in the background at lunchtime while Susan and I sipped on our chai tea and nibbled on finger sandwiches, melt-in-your mouth scones with berry preserves, and a delicious assortment of desserts. The hot tea was served in individual colorful teapots, and the savories and sweets were artfully arranged on an elegant, three-tiered service tray. Our servers were warm and accommodating.

After we’d been there a little while, the live entertainment began. The hostess came out and spoke to us all about Alice’s Teapot, then broke into song—“Heaven, I’m in heaven, and my heart beats so that I can hardly speak…”—sounding very good.

On a table near the front was a lovely display of handmade frosted cookies for sale, created in a tea-party theme by an art teacher at Riverglades Elementary School in Parkland. Her business is called Icing Meets Cookie. Also, along a wall by the entrance was a colorful assortment of fancy lady’s hats and fascinators. If you’d like to dress up but didn’t bring anything, you are welcome to borrow a hat or other prop for your special time there. It also makes for some fantastic photos.

In the evening, you can expect Broadway-style serenades, themed dinners, sing-alongs, and guests joining in the fun—“because here, dinner is part theater, part tea party, and completely unforgettable,” as they advertise. This venue is available for event space rentals, making it a great spot for special gatherings. While we were there, two separate parties of women were celebrating someone’s birthday, and in quite a festive mood.

Other activities at Alice’s Teapot Cafe include creative events and workshops such as art classes, “Alice in Wonderland” glow-in-the-dark painting, watercolor classes, “Dinner and Decoupage,” parents’ night out, sip and paint, adult crafts, and a flower social club.

Whether you’re planning a fun ladies’ night out, looking to dress in your finest for high tea, wanting to partake in the arts, putting together a little girl’s birthday bash, or just looking for something different and adorable for your Instagram, this is the place to be. Maybe you’ll meet the Mad Hatter!

For more information, go to www.aliceteapot.com. Photography by Susan Tutwiler.

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Feeding your body, feeding your brain

Being healthy means taking care of your brain as well as your body. This is especially important as we age because the risk of dementia increases over time. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia for adults, affecting more than 6 million Americans ages 65 and older, it isn’t the only type.

Other illnesses and conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, alcoholism, stroke, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and traumatic head injury, also can cause dementia. Additionally, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can increase the risk of dementia, so managing these conditions is important.

Making healthful lifestyle choices—including getting regular physical activity, socializing, limiting alcohol intake, and not smoking—can help to reduce your risk for dementia. Scientific evidence has shown that eating patterns such as the Mediterranean diet and the MIND diet may be beneficial to your body as well as your brain, helping to protect against cognitive decline. Certain nutrients are especially important for brain health and may help maintain and improve cognitive function. These include the following:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids. About 60% of the brain is composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The most abundant type is docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. Some research suggests that diets rich in omega-3s, combined with a low saturated-fat intake, may lower the risk of cognitive decline.

B Vitamins. B vitamins, including B6, B12, and folate, are known for their role in metabolizing homocysteine, one of the amino acids in protein. High levels of this amino acid are considered a risk factor for cognitive impairment, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. B vitamins are involved in many other aspects of brain function, and deficiencies may affect mental health and lead to cognitive decline. However, research on B vitamin supplementation and cognitive function remains unclear.

Antioxidants and Phytonutrients. The brain is particularly susceptible to damage caused by free radicals, which are substances that attack healthy cells. Vitamins C and E, as well as the mineral selenium and phytonutrients such as lycopene, are antioxidants and are known to help minimize the damage caused by chronic stress and free radicals. Other well-known phytonutrients—such as anthocyanins, which give certain fruits and vegetables their color—are thought to have a positive effect on brain function.

Vitamin D. Vitamin D is found in nearly every cell in the body, so it’s no surprise that this vitamin is present in brain cells. Vitamin D is believed to have protective effects against cognitive decline, and research has suggested that low blood levels of vitamin D may affect brain health.

Choline. Choline is an essential nutrient required for fat transport and metabolism. It is necessary for normal brain and nervous system function, muscle control, and other functions.

Focusing on an overall healthy eating pattern that includes these nutrients from foods is important for good health. You can get these nutrients from a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein foods, and healthy fats:

  • Berries, including strawberries and blueberries, citrus fruits, grapes, and watermelon
  • Dark, leafy greens such as spinach, kale, collard greens, and broccoli
  • Whole-wheat bread, oats, quinoa, and other whole grains
  • Seafood, including shellfish and fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, and herring
  • Nuts and seeds such as chia, flaxseeds, walnuts, and almonds
  • Beans and lentils, including chickpeas, black beans, and lima beans
  • Whole eggs, skinless chicken, and turkey
  • Sources of unsaturated fat such as avocados and olive oil

Remember: While making healthful food choices is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle, other important factors that contribute to overall health include getting enough sleep, managing stress, staying hydrated, and adding regular physical activity to your daily routine.

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Stroke risk may be stalking you …even if you are young and feel healthy

May is Stroke Awareness Month, and for many of us, the illness is seen as a consequence of vascular wear and tear, and usually of old age. That is a misconception that can be fatal for unsuspecting and often younger sufferers. It’s important to be aware of the warning signs and risks—even if you are young and healthy—of this devastating medical event.

Vanessa Perez, 35, of Plantation, first experienced something strange on Veterans Day last year. Her hands were tingling, and that tingling expanded to her entire left side of the body by the evening. The next morning, Perez continued to feel unwell, and she started to experience balance issues. After dropping off her 3-year-old daughter, she went to an urgent care clinic. They checked her vitals, which were OK, but couldn’t rule out a stroke because they don’t have the equipment.

After still not feeling well despite some resting, Perez decided to go to the emergency room (ER). Initially, she had difficulties convincing ER staff that something serious was happening. A CT scan didn’t yield anything concrete, and finally an MRI was ordered. While waiting for the MRI results, Perez tried to walk to the bathroom, but had difficulties. Luckily, that’s when the MRI results came back, and doctors realized she was suffering a dangerous stroke. She was immediately admitted into the ICU.

After transferring to another hospital with a stroke specialist unit, the doctors were able to stabilize her, and they confirmed she had cavernoma, a condition that can cause strokes. Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs), also known as cavernomas, are clusters of abnormal capillaries lacking intervening brain tissue. They can be asymptomatic, or they can cause seizures, headaches, and/or strokes. CCMs can be sporadic, or in 20% of cases, they have a familial inheritance pattern.

While strokes still mostly affect the elderly, who often have more cardiovascular risks, there is an alarming trend of rising incidents of stroke among younger adults, those under age 45. In a recent study by Dr. Aaron Shoskes, a neurologist from the University of Utah, his team found that strokes in younger adults have been rising in recent years. Researchers reported a rise of as high as 15.7% for adults in the 18–44 and 45–64 age brackets.

There are a myriad of factors being examined as possible contributors to this increase. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors—high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and smoking history—are increasingly found more common in the younger population, according to Dr. Shoskes. Caffeine, vaping, energy drinks, and ADHD meds have also contributed to increased risks. These stimulants spike your blood pressure and/or affect your heart rhythms, which may add to your overall risk of stroke.

For younger adults, women are found to be more likely to suffer from strokes than men, whereas the opposite is true for those over 45. One American Heart Association study hypothesized that estrogen helps protect women from cardiovascular events, but it increases risks for strokes.

For Perez, her stroke was in the brain stem area, affecting almost everything, including her balance, breathing, and vision. When she finally left the hospital, she still had a long road to recovery, like many stroke patients. Her daughter was disappointed she couldn’t play with her mom, but according to Perez, otherwise she handled the situation well. Perez started physical and occupational therapy, and she was initially feeling overwhelmed. Luckily for her, she had a good support system of friends and family to help her through those difficult early recovery stages.

After five months of recovery, Perez was finally able to go back to work. Her advice: If you are not feeling well, go to the hospital. For stroke victims, the speed of diagnosis and treatment has a profound link to the prognosis. Stroke symptoms are often dismissed as stress, migraine, or even a hangover. Delayed medical treatment significantly increases the damage that a stroke does to your brain.

Some of the symptoms to look for:

  • One side of face drooping, or one side of body numb/tingling
  • Sudden, severe headache, often described as “worst headache of my life”
  • Loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, trouble walking
  • Blurred or double vision, loss of sight in one or both eyes
  • Confusion, difficulty understanding speech, disorientation

Stroke symptoms almost always appear suddenly, and even if they seem to resolve quickly (a transient ischemic attack or TIA, often called “mini-stroke”), they require emergency medical attention. The damage to brain tissue is time-sensitive, and every minute matters to reduce the greater risk of permanent brain damage.

Prevention is also important, as many of the risk factors are silent. Because many young adults feel healthy, and may not have a primary care physician, their risk factors go unnoticed. A routine checkup can reveal some important risk factors:

  • Blood pressure
  • Blood sugar
  • Cholesterol
  • Weight
  • Family history of strokes

Early awareness of these risk factors can help a clinician provide a management plan.

The face of stroke is not just the elderly. Stress, high-powered energy drinks, and underlying health risks all contribute to a yet incomplete picture of why younger adults are having more strokes. Regardless of the causes, it is now equally important for those who otherwise feel healthy to be aware of stroke symptoms and risk factors, and to have a discussion with their family doctor. When you are experiencing stroke symptoms, don’t hesitate, and go to the emergency room—it may save your life.

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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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