You’re expecting a Thanksgiving post, aren’t you? Sigh. Am I that predictable? Yes, it’s November. A month for gratitude. To say the past few months have been difficult is an understatement. My family and I have been seriously tried by life. Are we strong? Absolutely, but do I need to prove it over and over again? Dear God, I know you are in control. I know everything happens for a reason but dang it, can you cut me some slack!?!? All kidding aside, things have been hard and you know what, I’m grateful. I know you’re thinking “Girl, have you lost your mind?” And if you know me, you know the answer to that. Let me explain the reason for my gratitude while being knee deep in life’s quagmire of crap.
The first and most obvious reason is that life’s difficulties DO make us stronger. I think I’m pretty strong but maybe I need to be stronger.
I also know that you can’t make eggs without cracking an egg. Do I know the reason for this difficult time? No. But in life I’ve been shown time and time again that everything happens for a reason. So there must be a bigger plan… something wonderful that’s coming in the future.
Fifty is the year people start listening to themselves and double-downing on self care. We stop neglecting our needs. What does that mean? It’s different for everyone. Give yourself permission to make the necessary changes in your everyday life that nurture you. Tired? Nap. Cranky? Do something that brings you joy. And here’s the really cool part… it doesn’t have to make sense to anyone but you. Buy yourself flowers. Whatever. I’m grateful for this time because I have learned how to make those things a priority. My self care is no longer secondary to everything else – a wonderful lesson. So this November, I challenge you. It’s easy to be grateful when everything is going well but can you sift through the ashes of unfortunate events to find the diamonds? Good things can be gleaned from all situations and I’m grateful for them. You can be too.
In general health and wellness there has been a great debate at large in the 20th century. Each side has its staunch advocates who are unwavering, with cardio enthusiasts swearing by the heart-pumping benefits of running, cycling, and swimming, and strength training fanatics praising the virtues of lifting weights and building muscle. The reality, however, is that both cardiovascular exercise and strength training offer unique advantages, and the key to optimal health and fitness lies in integrating these seemingly opposite approaches. So, let’s uncover the silver lining of both cardio and strength training, bust the myths, and ultimately demonstrate the undeniable benefits of finding harmony between the two.
Let’s break down this great debate. The cardio vs. strength training debate can be traced back to the late 20th century when these two exercise modalities became increasingly popular. Cardiovascular exercise, often referred to as “aerobic” exercise, includes activities that elevate your heart rate, such as running, biking, or swimming. Strength training, on the other hand, focuses on resistance exercises like weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, and resistance bands.
These two approaches seem to be at odds with each other, and it’s common to find people who exclusively commit to one or the other, based on their fitness goals or personal preferences. However, the argument isn’t about one being superior to the other; it’s about recognizing that they complement each other beautifully and in harmony.
Let’s dive in and debunk a few myths. Cardio burns more calories so it’s better for weight loss. While it’s true that cardio burns a substantial number of calories during activity, it’s not the only factor to consider in weight management. Strength training, although it may not burn as many calories during a workout, promotes muscle growth. Muscles require more energy at rest than fat. Therefore, strength training helps you burn calories even while your body is at rest. Strength training makes you bulky. The reality is that building a bulky physique through strength training is a result of specific, targeted training and diet. Most individuals, lack the hormonal profile required to develop massive muscles. Strength training primarily helps with lean muscle development, which can lead to a more toned and sculpted appearance. Cardio is boring, and strength training is tedious. Some people shy away from exercise altogether because they find either cardio or strength training boring or tedious. In truth, there’s a wide range of activities within both categories. Whether it’s dancing, hiking, or playing a sport for cardio, or bodyweight exercises, TRX training, or resistance bands for strength, the options are diverse and exciting.
On the flip side, the benefits of cardio are vast. Cardiovascular exercise offers a multitude of health and fitness benefits: heart health. Cardio exercise elevates your heart rate, strengthening the heart muscle and enhancing its efficiency. Over time, this can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer. Another benefit is improved endurance. Regular cardio workouts improve endurance, making everyday activities easier and more enjoyable. You can climb stairs without feeling winded or enjoy longer hikes. Mood and mental health is another benefit. Cardio workouts trigger the release of endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, which can help alleviate stress and anxiety. The mental clarity and stress relief associated with cardio exercise are well-documented. Weight management. Cardio workouts burn calories and can assist in weight management when combined with a healthy diet. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) cardio has shown promise in fat loss.
Strength training also boasts a range of incredible benefits: Increased lean muscle tissue, being the primary in my opinion. Strength training promotes muscle growth and definition, enhancing your overall physique and physical performance. Strength training boosts your metabolism. As mentioned earlier, muscle is metabolically active and requires more energy at rest than fat. Strength training boosts your resting metabolic rate, helping with weight management. Strength training is great for your bone health and is invaluable. It increases bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, especially important as we age. Strength training boosts your everyday functional capabilities. Building strength translates into improved functionality in daily life. You’ll find it easier to lift heavy objects, perform household tasks, and engage in recreational activities.
So, how can we find harmony between cardio and strength training? Here’s the key, combine both modalities. A balanced fitness routine often includes both cardio and strength training. Depending on your goals, you can allocate specific days for each, or even incorporate them into the same workout session. For example, you can do strength training followed by a cardio session, or vice versa. Vary Your Workouts: Variety is the spice of life, and it applies to fitness as well. Switch up your routines to keep things interesting and challenge your body in different ways. This approach prevents plateaus and ensures you continuously reap the benefits of both modalities.
Pay attention to your body’s signals. If you’re fatigued or feeling sore, it’s okay to take a rest day or opt for a gentler workout. Rest and recovery are crucial components of a well-rounded fitness routine.
Understand your fitness objectives. If you want to build more muscle, allocate more time to strength training. If you’re aiming for improved endurance, focus on cardio. Your goals will determine the balance between the two.
The cardio vs. strength training debate doesn’t need to be a battleground but rather a celebration of the diverse ways we can enhance our health and well-being. It’s crucial to recognize that both approaches offer distinct advantages and integrating them into your fitness routine can lead to a holistic and balanced path to a healthier, more fit, and happier you. By combining the heart-pumping benefits of cardio with the muscle-building prowess of strength training, you’re not only optimizing your physical health but also nurturing your mental well-being, unlocking your full potential, and living your best life, and becoming the best version of yourself. That’s how you go from existing to excelling.
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The common theme of Akai Jackson’s career has always been helping people grow into the best version of themselves through fitness and mindset shifts. The longtime entrepreneur’s dynamic approach to health and wealth wellness is the byproduct of formal education, life experience as a decorated college athlete, and his own personal journey with mindfulness and growth. He founded I.X.L TODAY, a personal & professional development agency that curates transformational health and wealth programs that take their clients from existing to excelling in their physical, mental, emotional health.
Wellington Garden Club (WGC) will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, November 6, 2023 at the Wellington Community Center, at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. The meeting will feature a presentation on Florida wildlife at 10:00 AM by Kirsten Hines, acclaimed nature photographer, devoted conservationist and a true force for environmental preservation.
Armed with a master’s degree in biology and a background in environmental education, Hines skillfully intertwines her passion for nature and history in six captivating books on Florida. Her work, featured in a wide variety of publications, illuminates her expertise on birds, wildlife, gardening, travel and photography, which she passionately shares through lectures and workshops.
Committed to restoring South Florida’s natural, areas, she particularly focuses on re-greening the urban corridor. Kirsten’s dedication extends to her roles as a Conservation Associate of the Institute for Regional Conservation and a valued member of the boards of Audubon Florida and her local chapter, the Tropical Audubon Society. Her profound contributions leave a lasting impact on both nature enthusiasts and the environment.
The community is invited to join the club for coffee and a plant raffle beginning at 9:30 a.m. Visitors are asked to check in at the guest table. To reserve a spot, contact Carol Ralph at: [email protected].
Wellington Garden Club, founded in 1981, is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating its members and the public in the fields of gardening, horticulture, floral design, and landscape design; and to promoting conservation of natural resources, civic beautification and youth education. For more information: www.wellingtongardenclub.org.
Arts Garage Partners with Impact 100 to Generate Many Extra Drumbeats from Original $100,000 Grant
Boynton Beach High School Band is Percussive Beneficiary
(Delray Beach, FL – October 25, 2023) Marjorie Waldo, President & CEO of Arts Garage, today announced that it is partnering with the philanthropic Impact 100 Palm Beach County to generate many additional drumbeats from the $100,000 grant it received nearly a decade ago.
In 2014, Impact 100 PBC awarded the original grant to Arts Garage to provide theater workshops and create a dynamic youth drumline. For six years, this audience-rousing drumline had multiple iterations at Arts Garage before going into storage during the COVID shutdown.
“After locating the drums this past summer, I contacted JoAnne Greiser, Grants Management Advisor at Impact 100 PBC, to which ownership of the drums had reverted, to discuss what to do with the valuable instruments,” explained Waldo. “After they were inspected by Matthew Nichols, FAU’s Director of Percussion Studies, we collectively decided to donate the 18 drums and uniforms to the Boynton Beach High School Band.”
‘Receiving the original $100,000 grant from Impact 100 PBC was a real blessing to Arts Garage, and we are very pleased that together we can keep the generous drumbeat going strong in the years to come,” she added.
About Impact 100 Palm Beach County:
Impact 100 PBC was formed by a group of female philanthropists to connect, engage, and inspire women to improve our community by awarding multiple $100,000 grants to local 501c3 nonprofit organizations, allowing them to launch or expand high-impact initiatives or programs in Southern Palm Beach County. In its first 12 years, Impact 100 PBC awarded $100,000 grants to 56 different nonprofits. For more information, please visit https://www.impact100pbc.org.
About Arts Garage:
Arts Garage delivers innovative, diverse, meaningful and accessible visual and performing arts experiences to Delray Beach and South Florida. “Connecting our community to the world through the Arts”—this vision drives all decision-making at Arts Garage, which brings local, emerging artists and established global performers into the local multi-cultural community (students and adults, locals and tourists, people of all ages, income levels, backgrounds) who share a love of the arts.
Diversity is a hallmark of Arts Garage, which provides multicultural programming that promotes inclusion in the arts. #DiscoverDiversity isn’t just a tagline—it is the cornerstone of our outreach programs, staffing, and marketing. Located at 94 NE 2nd Avenue in Delray Beach’s popular Pineapple Grove (33444), Arts Garage is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization sponsored in part by the Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs, the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, and the City of Delray Beach. For more information, please call 561.450.6357 or visit www.artsgarage.org.
The Boynton Beach High School Drumline (Pictured Above)
(L to R. Front row: Band Director Elayne Scroggins, Aland Carostyl, Alex Derisier, Nathan Eugene, Trenton Smith, Kai Bengston, Danisha Jean, Briceman Jeanrisme, Edouard Guilbaud; Back row: Daneil Carter, Keith Williams, Rachel Cheriscart, Melvin Harrison, Eudd Ace)
Children’s Foundation of Palm Beach County’s Third Annual Walk the Walk
At Gardens of Life Palm Beaches Marathon Will Raise Funds for Local Kids Charities
West Palm Beach, FL (October 25, 2023)—Adults and kids alike are invited to “Walk the Walk” to support local children’s charities with the Children’s Foundation of Palm Beach County. The organization’s third Annual Walk the Walk at the Palm Beach Marathon Weekend
is taking place on Saturday, December 9th at 10 a.m. at Post Park, 104 Datura Street in West Palm Beach. This year’s event chair is Sharyn Frankel.
The walk will take place on Flagler Drive, along the waterfront. Funds raised through the event will support specific programs at more than 30 local children’s non-profit organizations.
The festive atmosphere at Walk the Walk will feature activities for the entire family. The event will feature food stations and children’s entertainment including balloon animals, face painting, stilt walkers, photo booths, and more. Participants and children will receive a walk t-shirt, walk finisher medal, entertainment, food and drinks. VIP tickets are $150 and include valet parking, access to the VIP lounge, a walk t-shirt, walk finisher medal, entertainment, food and drinks. Parking opens at 8:00 a.m. Registration, check-in, and food and activities begin at 9:00 a.m., announcements begin at 9:45 a.m., and the walk begins at 10:00 a.m. Interested parties can register at https://childrensfoundationpbc.org/2023-walk-the-walk/.
Sponsors include Sharyn & Stuart Frankel, Barbara & Myles Wittenstein, Hilary & Richard Cooper, Shirley & Jack Silver, Ina & Murray Pitt, Barbara & Richard Lane, Barbara & Andrew Murstein, Randi & Lonny Henry, Hotwire Communications, Stephanie Bacharach, Natalie Olstein, Susie Zeff, Tanya Pergament
“We are delighted to hold the walk again this year to raise money for Palm Beach County’s children,” Sharyn Frankel said. “There are so many underserved kids in the area that need our help.”
General participant tickets are $50 for adults and free for children under 12. Participants and children will receive a walk t-shirt, walk-finisher medal, and food and drinks. VIP tickets are available for $150. VIP’s will receive valet parking, access to the VIP lounge, a walk t-shirt, walk-finisher medal, and food and drinks.
About The Children’s Foundation of Palm Beach County
The Children’s Foundation of Palm Beach County was initiated in 2010 as a not for profit 501(c)3 charitable organization, whose mission is to identify and fund projects in the Boca Raton and Palm Beach County areas to aid at-risk children and their families in need.
Since its inception, the Foundation has raised more than $18 million dollars to fund specific programs of more than 30 local charitable organizations. All of these monies have gone to projects and not into general funds. The Foundation has fed, clothed, provided medical and dental services, kept abuse shelters open, sent at-risk children to summer camp and much more.
Each year, Children’s Foundation of Palm Beach County serves more than 9,000 children and its volunteers give 45,000 hours of their time annually to the more than 30 charities with which the organization works.
Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society to Host Annual NATIVE GARDEN TOUR
Sunday, November 5, from 9 am to 3 pm
Visit Five Private Gardens and One Public Garden Landscaped with Florida Native Plants in Jupiter,
North Palm Beach, and Palm Beach Gardens
(West Palm Beach, FL – October 26, 2023)The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, today reiterated that it would be hosting its Annual Native Plant Garden Tour, November 5.
From 9 am to 3 pm on Sunday, November 5, participants can visit five unique private gardens and one public garden, all landscaped with Florida native plants: two in North Palm Beach, three in Jupiter, and one in Palm Beach Gardens. There will be docents at each property to answer questions, informational plant lists and labels on most of the plants will be available, with native plant literature at the welcome tables.
The six gardens on this year’s Native Plant Garden Tour include:
The Kesharvarz Garden
66 Saint James Drive
Palm Beach Gardens 33418
According to Lucy Keshavarz, the key to making her garden work in her golf course community was having the right plant in the right place. She credits the Florida Native Plant Society, and our PBC Chapter’s annual native garden tour, for providing the vision and knowledge needed to make it happen. “After many fun meetings, hikes and talks with native experts I now have a garden that is an oasis of sustainability and beauty.”
The Walter Garden
436 Gulf Road
North Palm Beach 33408
Karla & Steve Walter purchased their home in North Palm Beach in 1999 with the goal of transforming the landscape to create a native backyard. She met that goal and has shared her expertise and enthusiasm with her neighborhood as well. “We’ve enjoyed sharing our little space with nature and having a life full of butterflies and bees,” she says.
The Shoemake Garden
517 Kingfish Rd
North Palm Beach 33408
This garden started out as a typical Florida garden lacking native diversity, but things changed after Margaret & Wayne Shoemake planted a few natives about four years ago. They were amazed at how a few native plants in their landscape brought life to their property. Daily visitors included butterflies, painted buntings, cardinals, blue jays, doves, an occasional hawk, and a few black racers. They have added many more natives since then and continue to welcome new visitors. “Wayne and I are avid photographers, and we will be enjoying and photographing our front yard for years to come,” says Margaret Shoemake.
The Thayer Garden
16846 123rd Terrace North
Jupiter Farms 334478
The Thayer Family has lived in Jupiter Farms for 35 years during which time have created a natural wonder on their 1.25 acre lot. Starting with a base of Florida flatwood plant species, Dan Thayer, a South Florida native working in the field of natural resource management, “saw this as perfect opportunity to create a landscape that looked like natural Jupiter.” This unique garden was featured in a previous year’s tour and has been brought back by popular demand.
The McKee Garden (pictured above)
18699 127th Drive North
Jupiter 33478
The McKees have added to a “really fantastic foundation of mature trees and shrubs” to create an even more fantastic native landscape and wildlife habitat. Kelley McKee invites FNPS members and friends to “come visit our yard and see how worthwhile it is to plant native, no matter the size of your property. It pays dividends by inviting an abundance of wildlife, and it’s a simple way to do something positive for local ecosystems as well.”
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
17855 Rocky Pines Rd
Jupiter 33478
FNPS is especially proud of the Native Neighbors Wild Bird Garden which is directly outside the Welcome Center. This project was funded by Palm Beach County’s Neighborhood Engagement and Transformation grant and was a partnership between Audubon Everglades, the Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and Busch Wildlife Sanctuary. This garden was planted in August 2023 and showcases many of the native plants that are beneficial to Florida wildlife. The intention is to demonstrate to homeowners that native plants can be used in formal landscapes and have the same visual appeal as conventional, non-native landscaping species. The project’s goal is for people to appreciate the beauty and functionality of this garden and use it as inspiration for transforming their own yards.
Note:
The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society—in partnership with Audubon Everglades and Atala Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association—will be giving away two native plants at one of the gardens while supplies last.
About The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society:
The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the preservation, conservation and restoration of native plants and native plant communities of Florida.
Educational meetings are the third Tuesday of each month at 7 pm at Mounts Botanical Garden. Each meeting has an educational program related to Florida native plants, a native plant raffle and refreshments For more information, call 561.285.7213 or visit http://www.palmbeach.fnpschapters.org.
Palm Beach, Fla — As Americans prepare for Halloween this year, American Humane—the country’s first national animal welfare organization with offices in Palm Beach and Washington, D.C. —is reminding pet owners to think about their four-legged friends. As children gear up to go trick-or-treating and adults pick out costumes and decorations, American Humane is providing a handful of safety tips for keeping pets safe.
Below is a checklist of things you can do to prioritize pet safety this Halloween:
Choose comfortable and non-restrictive costumes for your pets.
Keep chocolates and candies out of their reach, opting for pet-friendly treats instead.
Move lit candles, jack-o-lanterns, and other potentially hazardous Halloween decorations away from walking paths.
Have a quiet and secure space for your pets if they get overwhelmed. It should be indoors and away from visitors and parties.
Close doors when possible and keep a watchful eye on pets so they don’t escape when trick-or-treaters come to the door.
Ensure your dog or cat has a microchip, collar, or ID tag in case they escape.
Dr. Robin Ganzert (pictured below), President and CEO of American Humane, added, “A little bit of planning will go a long way. Halloween doesn’t need to be tricky this year. By taking just a few precautions, the festivities can be a treat for all members of the family.”
About American Humane American Humane is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, overseeing the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane has been First to Serve™ the cause of animals and for 145 years has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in the humane movement. For more information or to support our lifesaving work, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our channel on YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.
Small businesses have the potential to make a huge impact on their local communities. From increasing job opportunities and stimulating creativity to helping in circulating money within the local economy and encouraging an active community, small businesses can help improve the health and wellness of their community in many ways. Around Wellington shares some of the main ways small businesses can help improve community health and wellness.
Introduce New Job Opportunities
SMB Intelligence points out that small businesses can introduce new job opportunities into their local communities. This helps reduce the unemployment rate, as well as gives people more options for employment. It also allows for more diversity in the workplace, which means different perspectives and ideas can be brought to the table.
New Employees and Fringe Benefits That Help Everyone
As it has to do with bringing on new employees, consider investing in employee housing as one of your fringe benefits. You bring a number of perks by offering a rental to staff moving from a long distance. Other housing-related options are to offer a housing stipend or reimburse moving expenses. The good news is that the community is also positively affected, as revenue from the housing via taxes and sales proceeds feed back into the community.
Increase Tax Revenue
Instead of relying on big businesses to generate revenue, governments around the world should focus their efforts on strengthening small business communities. This can be achieved through tax initiatives such as reduced tax rates and longer tax credits for businesses with certain criteria, allowing them to reinvest their profits or expand their operations. This innovative approach will not only put more money into the community but will also increase the government’s overall tax revenue due to the vibrant growth of small businesses.
Stimulate Creativity
Small businesses often bring new ideas and products to their communities that wouldn’t otherwise exist. They stimulate creativity by providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their skills and share their unique products or services with others. This helps create a vibrant culture of innovation that benefits everyone involved.
Help Circulate Money Within The Local Economy
Shopping local isn’t just a feel-good philosophy—it’s an economic powerhouse. Metro Family Magazine notes that when you support small businesses in your area, the money circulates within your community instead of being sent elsewhere. That circulation helps ensure other merchants are thriving while creating job opportunities for citizens who might not find them anywhere else. Investing in local commerce breeds success and stability right at home.
Encourage an Active Community
Small businesses often host events such as art classes or outdoor activities that help encourage an active lifestyle among members of their local community. These activities give people the opportunity to come together, make connections, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Help Local Charities
Many small businesses choose to give back to their communities by donating time or resources to local charities or non-profit organizations that are working towards making a positive difference in people’s lives. This could be anything from creating a donation drive for those in need to volunteering at a local soup kitchen and providing meals for the homeless. By demonstrating social responsibility, small businesses can make a huge impact on the people around them.
Collect Signatures to Promote Change
Small businesses can play a vital role in encouraging change by collecting signatures for important causes. They can leverage their customer base and community influence to raise awareness and garner support. In this digital age, using a digital signing tool can streamline this process. These platforms allow businesses to create and circulate petitions electronically, making it easier for individuals to sign and share the petition from wherever they are. You may consider this option not only for its convenience but also for its potential to reach a wider audience. Plus, digital signatures are legally recognized, ensuring the legitimacy of your efforts. By mobilizing your customers and community around a cause, your small business can contribute significantly to effecting meaningful change.
Form an LLC
Forming an LLC (limited liability company) gives a business certain advantages when it comes to operating within its local community such as being able to deduct business expenses from taxes, having limited liability protection; access to capital, and increased credibility. All of these advantages can help a small business do more for its community by allowing them greater flexibility when it comes to running operations.
From corporate responsibility initiatives to strategic voluntary efforts, an LLC allows business owners to more deeply involve themselves in making positive change. All this while providing financial stability to focus on giving back rather than worrying about finances all the time.
Small businesses have immense potential when it comes to improving community health and wellness through job creation, circulating money within the local economy, and helping out with charities/non-profits organizations; plus forming an LLC (limited liability company) provides even more advantages which allows them greater flexibility when it comes to running operations. With all these benefits combined, there’s no doubt that small businesses play a vital role in creating healthy and vibrant communities.
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Jessica Brody created Our Best Friends so others could find a place to share stories and photos of their beloved animal companions.
The Benefits of Sugaring for Unwanted Hair Removal
By Jaime Joshi Elder
Some things are better in their classic form – classic timepieces like Patek Phillippe, classic designers like Dior and classic beauty treatments like applying moisturizer daily and sugaring to shape eyebrows and remove unwanted hair.
Also known as sugar waxing, the practice of sugaring originated in Ancient Egypt and historians claim it has been around since 1900 BC.
While technology might have evolved from the days of the Pharaohs, the practice of sugaring hasn’t changed much since Cleopatra batted her lashes at Mark Antony.
A room-temperature or slightly warm sugar-based paste is applied to any area that has unwanted hair and is then removed in the direction of the hair growth. Since the paste doesn’t attach to the skin, the process is much more gentle than waxing and less likely to irritate sensitive skin.
Virginia and New Jersey transplants Lynette and Patrick Meglio are the operators of the new Sugar Sugar™ franchise in Wellington, Florida. With 51 franchise locations in nine states, Sugar Sugar started in Scottsdale, Arizona and the Meglio’s Wellington location is the first in Florida and plans to open on November 20, 2023.
“The last thing I wanted to do was to find a job sitting in an office all day. I did want to be involved in something creative, collaborative, and fun, where I could utilize my experience to support women in similar situations,” Lynette said. “Most importantly, I wanted to enjoy what I was doing every day.”
The couple is excited to share the benefits of the practice with Palm Beach County residents seeking an alternative to waxing and laser hair removal and have ten reasons why sugaring is the sweeter substitute.
Sugaring can remove all body hair. From your brows all the way down to your toes, as long as hair is ⅛” long (about ten days growth), it can be removed.
It hurts less than waxing. Sugaring doesn’t stick to the top layer of skin so it doesn’t pull at live skin cells. There’s also no chance of burning your skin as the sugar solution is applied at only a slightly warm temperature.
The sugar solution is water-soluble which means it’s easier to clean up residue once the process is complete.
Even people with skin conditions like mild psoriasis, rosacea and eczema can get unwanted hair sugared off with minimal irritation. The sugar paste itself contains no chemicals or resins which could further irritate sensitive skin.
Sugaring is a more environmentally friendly alternative to waxing as there are no paper strips to dispose of and far more friendly than shaving as there are no disposable razors which end up in landfills. Sugar Sugar™’s paste is 100% cruelty-free, 100% organic, never tested on animals and biodegradable.
Since sugar is a natural exfoliant, the process of sugaring gives the client two treatments at once – hair removal and gentle skin-softening which optimizes the condition of the skin.
The sugaring process is a hygienic one. Sugar Sugar™ aestheticians never double-dip and the sugar paste itself is hypo-allergenic and noncomedogenic which means it won’t clog pores.
With consistency and time, sugaring makes hair grow back finer and more sparse as the hair follicle starts to deplete.
Sugaring can reduce or eliminate ingrown hairs. Since the technique is substantially more gentle than waxing and doesn’t pull at the skin, the skin is less likely to become irritated which leads to ingrown hair.
Consistent sugaring is a far more affordable and safer alternative to laser hair removal. The average cost of Brazilian laser hair removal treatment is $110-$375 per treatment and most people require four to six treatments to see results. This is also contingent on factors such as skin sensitivity and hair type. Whereas a Brazilian treatment at Sugar Sugar costs less than $70 and lasts up to six weeks.
In addition to sugaring, Sugar Sugar™ also provides spray tanning, facials and brow lamination services.
Sugaring seems to be longer-lasting, less expensive and less painful than other methods of unwanted hair removal and is a matter of personal preference but one thing is for sure – the Gees’ enthusiasm for sharing the process with their Palm Beach County neighbors.
“We are excited to bring Sugar Sugar™ to Wellington and be a part of this wonderful community!” said Lynette.
(WEST PALM BEACH, FLA) – Feel at home for the holidays when you spend it with Cox Science Center & Aquarium! Wrap yourself in the warmth and incandescence of the center’s weekly Winter Wonderland Laser Lights & Bites, its ‘Tis the Season for Science series, Noon Year’s Eve, and more!
“The Science Center doesn’t miss a beat during the holiday season,” said Cox Science Center and Aquarium President and CEO, Kate Arrizza. “It’s our way of giving the gift of fun and quality time for families who are gathering or loved ones looking to make special holiday memories.”
Starting off the holiday buzz, spend Black Friday looking at the dark sky versus the sales. On Friday, November 24, the Science Center will present its Dark Sky Party for fellow stargazers to step into the mysterious world of the universe. From 6 to 9 p.m., guests can view the night sky and captivating astronomical objects through the new eVscopes. Attendees will also have stellar activities, including making galaxy goo, a constellation star chart, and astronomy trivia! The Astronomical Society of the Palm Beaches will be on-site to answer all your questions and intrigue.
Also sounding the holidays is the start of ‘Tis the Season for Science. Between November 24 and January 7, the Science Center will have a full schedule of holiday happenings, including Let It Snow Planetarium Shows, Laser Light Holiday Shows, Frigid Science Demonstrations and Winter Wonder STEM activities. The series will occur daily between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. For more information, please visit coxsciencecenter.org/tis-season.
Then on Friday, December 1, between 6 and 9 p.m. guests are invited to step an enchanting and starry night of Winter Wonderland Laser Lights & Bites! In partnership with FPL SolarNow, visitors of all ages can sing and dance to their holiday favorites during the spectacular outdoor laser concert. Recurring every Friday in December, families and individuals can enjoy DIY s’mores stations, face paintings, mini-golf winter-themed crafts, and holiday photos with the one and only Santa! Food trucks from Bustle and Brew, Tacos Vera Cruz Food Trucks, Gimme Grillin and Tina’s Treats Food Trucks will also be onsite. For more information, please visit coxsciencecenter.org/Winter-Wonderland.
Looking for a New Year’s countdown for the kids? On Sunday, December 31, children of all ages are also invited to countdown to 2024 with Noon Year’s Eve at the Center! Between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., guests can enjoy live science demonstrations, music and dancing, DIY confetti poppers, dry apple cider and more.
Also, cure cabin fever for little ones with seasonal camps! During seasonal breaks, students between the ages of five to 10 can join science and tech camps. To register and check pricing, please visit coxsciencecenter.org/camps.
December 26th – 29th – Super Powered Science (Science Adventure Camp, ages 5-6, 7-9, and 10-11): Learn about the natural superpowers’ animals must have to survive in the wild and the special adaptations some animals have that help them survive the harsh wilderness.
January 2nd – 5th –Deep Blue Ocean (Science Adventure Camp, ages 5-6, 7-9, and 10-11): Have you ever wondered how deep the ocean really is? As a Jr. Oceanographer and Marine Biologist, you will explore the inner makings of the ocean and what potentially lives in each layer of the ocean.
January 8th – Walking on Sunshine (Science Adventure Camp, ages 5-6 and 7-11): Soar into our solar system and learn about the importance of the sun and other stars within our galaxy.
January 15th – Eco Heroes (Science Adventure Camp, ages 5-6 and 7-11): How does a wildlife biologist protect animals and the environment? Come to this 1-day camp and learn what tools and scientific methods a Wildlife Biologist uses to learn the best practices for protecting wildlife and our own planet.
February 19th – Jr. Master Gardener (Science Adventure Camp, ages 5-6 and 7-11): As a Jr. Master Gardener, students will learn about the secret lives of plants, but also the underground world that aids in the health of our primary producers.
The Cox Science Center and Aquarium’s current indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a 10,000-gallon fresh and saltwater aquarium, digital planetarium, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center,” 18-hole conservation-themed Mini-Golf Course and quarter-mile-long outdoor science trail. One of its celebrated displays includes “Journey Through the Human Brain,” a permanent exhibit that features the most advanced neuroscience research in the world. The Cox Amphitheater hosts daily live science shows, seasonal laser shows, and special event programming. The Center took on a new name at the end of 2021 when leadership announced a $20 million gift from Palm Beachers, Howard and Wendy Cox, to launch a transformative capital expansion campaign. Shovels will be going in the ground late summer 2023 with a target completion date of 2026. To learn more, visit coxsciencecenter.org/support-us.
As of 2022, Cox Science Center and Aquarium earned the highest Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency rating on GuideStar in tandem with its perfect Charity Navigator score. The Platinum Seal of Transparency indicates that the Center shares clear and important information with the public about its goals, strategies, capabilities, achievements and progress indicators that highlight how it’s advancing its mission.
Tis the season to come to the Science Center! Admission is $24 for adults, $20 for children and $22 for seniors. For more event information, please visit coxsciencecenter.org.
