LIFESTYLES

Send us your Best of the Beaches nominations

The Recorder has launched its Best of the Beaches contest, featuring businesses in Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach. This includes businesses in ZIP codes …

Art and science exhibit relays plight of amphibians, fishes

Brandon Ballengée at work

Flagler College welcomes interdisciplinary artist, biologist, environmental researcher and educator Dr. Brandon Ballengée as the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum’s (CEAM) Artist-in-Residence now through …

Kathy’s Gardening Guide: Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums

A chrysanthemum is one of the most recognized plants of the fall season! Also known as “mums,” these flowers are available in a variety of colors, but the name comes from the original gold — …

Kathy’s Gardening Guide: Crotons

Crotons

In fall, the colorful leaves of croton plants begin to stand out around Northeast Florida. Crotons (“crow-tun”) are tropical plants known for their bright and varied foliage featuring hues of …

Kathy's Gardening Guide: Annuals vs. Perennials

Salvia

Homeowners often wonder whether it is better to plant annuals or perennials to develop color in their landscape. The answer is both! Planting a combination of annuals and perennials adds color and …

Kathy’s Gardening Guide: Transplanting Trees

Crepe Myrtle

In Northeast Florida, we are part of Planting Zone 9. We have warm winters and hot summers that allow us to plant year-round. This climate also enables us to transplant trees during the fall, winter …

Hibiscus bloom
Kathy’s Gardening Guide: Heavenly Hues — Hibiscus and Hydrangea
Are you looking for bold, bright blooms to bring color into your landscape? Hibiscus and hydrangea plants are great options. Both produce large, colorful flowers that stand out in garden beds and …
Lantana
Kathy’s Gardening Guide: Landscaping with Deer
Observing nature in action is part of the wonder of gardening. Although deer can be as beautiful as butterflies, hummingbirds and other visitors, they can also cause significant damage to the plants …
The 12 finalists of WFA’s Kids Can Cook
Kids Can Cook brings families together
Family relationships often blossom in the kitchen with children helping busy parents, taking care of other family members or just enjoying their own creativity with food. With many cherished family …
Orange bird of paradise bloom
Kathy’s Gardening Guide: Our Tropical Birds!
A bird of paradise adds a tropical flare to any landscape! Also known as the crane flower, these plants are easily recognizable by their unique blooms resembling a tropical bird. The bird of paradise …
A performance from a past Sing Out Loud Festival
Sing Out Loud Festival celebrates 10th anniversary with 160 free performances
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Sing Out Loud Festival has released the full schedule for this year’s Local Artist Showcases, presented by PNC Bank. The schedule is now available at …
Crossandra
Kathy's Gardening Guide: Outdoor Living — Creating Your Zen Space!
Cooler weather is coming, and now is a perfect time to create a new outdoor living space at your home! Outdoor living spaces provide the opportunity to spend time in nature — a proven way to …
Garden Club of St. Augustine celebrates 100 years
The Garden Club of St. Augustine is celebrating its 100-Year Jubilee (1926-2026) with two special holiday events that invite residents and visitors alike to enjoy the spirit of the season while …
Kathy’s Creative Gardens & Nursery
Kathy’s Gardening Guide: Hurricane preparation for your landscape
The Ponte Vedra area luckily seems to have fared well during hurricanes in recent years. But it is important to be prepared during this time of year! Hurricane season in Florida begins June 1 and …
Bishop Pedro Suarez
ELCA bishop to install Lord of Life pastor
Lord of Life Lutheran Church has been without a permanent pastor for well over a decade but that’s about to change. Pedro Suarez, the bishop of the Florida-Bahamas Synod of the Evangelical …
Butterfly Gardens
Kathy’s Gardening Guide: Butterfly Gardens
It can be captivating to watch a butterfly! We find ourselves taking a moment away from the hectic demands of everyday life to enjoy the wonder of these delicate creatures. Planting a butterfly …
Succulent
Kathy’s Gardening Guide: Succulents
Summer is heating up! Succulents are a great choice for the warmest areas of your landscape. Now is a perfect time to create a succulent garden or planter that needs minimal attention! …
Dr. Eric Kim speaks at a recent Lunch & Learn.
Lunch & Learn topic: Orthopedic wellness
Ascension St. Vincent’s recently welcomed members of the 55-plus community for an engaging Lunch & Learn focused on orthopedic health and wellness.  The educational event featured …
Bromeliad
Kathy’s Gardening Guide: Bromeliads
Tropical landscapes gain interest and color with the addition of bromeliads! These unique plants feature decorative leaves in red, green, purple, orange and yellow. Leaves may have stripes, spots or …
Ponte Vedra parade a big success
The Ponte Vedra Community Association’s inaugural 4th of July Community Parade was a tremendous success. The festivities began with a blessing by Christ Church Rev. Deacon Lelia Quinlan, …
Canna lilies
Kathy's Gardening Guide: Shade Landscaping
As Florida is the “Sunshine State,” we are always talking about plants that need full sun or love the heat! But it is also important to choose the right plants for shady areas of your landscape. …
Health
The states facing the biggest Medicare shake-up this enrollment season
MediaAlpha reports that Medicare's enrollment season sees significant plan exits, especially in states like Vermont and New Hampshire, forcing many beneficiaries to seek new coverage options.
From tap to table: Practical ways to limit microplastic exposure at home
Culligan reports practical ways to limit microplastic exposure at home, suggesting the use of glass containers, regular cleaning, and certified water filters.
12 supplements to take in fall
Life Extension reports that as autumn approaches, shorter days and less sunlight can disrupt sleep, mood, and immune function.
Beyond the peptide hype: Which treatments have FDA approval?
GoodRx reports that FDA-approved peptides have undergone safety and effectiveness testing, while unapproved wellness peptides lack such evidence, posing risks.
Is the ADHD tax real? Experts say yes, and share 5 ways to rein it in
Thriveworks reports the "ADHD tax" is real, costing individuals money due to impulsivity and forgetfulness. Experts suggest five strategies to mitigate it.

Instacart's Halloween report: Reese's is No.1, regional candy quirks and the iconic banana costume

Instacart reports that Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are the top Halloween candy in 40 states, with regional quirks like HI-CHEW in Montana. 
A baker’s surprising ingredient: Mayonnaise
Hellmann's reports that mayonnaise can enhance baking by replacing eggs, oil, or butter, adding moisture and rich flavor while ensuring tender textures in cakes, cookies, and breads.
Are GLP-1 users eating out less, or just ordering less?
Toast reports that 11% of U.S. adults now use GLP-1 medications for weight loss. Users eat out less, order smaller portions, and prefer healthier options.
What are the best fruits and vegetables to try on the grill this fall?
Wildfire Outdoor Living reports that fall is ideal for grilling seasonal produce like apples, squash, and Brussels sprouts, showcasing delicious autumn flavors.
Sweet, spicy, and a little spooky: Halloween shopping trends projected from DoorDash data
DoorDash reports Halloween candy trends for 2026, revealing Reese's remains top, Haribo ascends, and old-school candies are back. 
Top local coffee shops for National Coffee Day, according to DoorDash data
DoorDash reports on top local coffee shops for National Coffee Day Sept. 29, featuring small cafes with high ratings from 2025-2026.
Pet coverage from around the web

What ingredients to look for in fresh dog food

Ollie reports that fresh dog food prioritizes real, recognizable ingredients like human-grade meats, vegetables, and healthy fats, ensuring quality and transparency.

Your dog's microbiome is the secret to good dental health

(BPT) - Your dog's breath may not always smell fresh, but persistent bad breath can be a sign that their oral health could use some extra attention. Just like the gut, the mouth has its own …

How to manage the rising costs of being a pet parent

Current reports on managing rising costs as a pet parent, noting expenses for caring for pets range widely, with recommendations for emergency funds and insurance.
Help Your Furry Friend

How to keep pets fed and families together this September and beyond

(BPT) - Food insecurity can affect anyone, from seniors living on a fixed income to parents managing increasing grocery costs. And when humans face hunger, their pets often do, too.Nearly 48 million …

Uncover your kibble: 5 things to look for in your dog’s food

K9 Natural reports five key factors to consider when choosing dog food: protein quality, digestibility, ingredients, whole-body health, and avoiding unnecessary fillers.

How long does fresh dog food last in the fridge?

Ollie reports that fresh dog food lasts in the fridge for four days (unopened and opened), while leftovers should be consumed within 24 hours. 

Barkitecture: 12 dog-friendly landscaping ideas for your backyard

Lawn Love reports on "Barkitecture," a trend for dog-friendly backyards, featuring designs that cater to dogs' natural behaviors while preserving landscaping.