Kids & Pets
In the Blink of an Eye
“Oh my goodness, you've grown up so much,” I said to my nephew during our recent visit to Scotland.
The words had barely left my mouth when I caught myself and laughed. "That's such an old person thing to say!" But it's true. Nothing reveals the passage of time quite like watching children grow.
As parents, we spend years wishing they would sleep through the night, tie their own shoes, or become a little more independent. Then suddenly, they're grown. Looking at my nephew reminded me just how quickly those years pass.
My editor, Arsine, and I have a running joke that every one of my lifestyle letters somehow references Scotland. But it's hard not to—it was where David and I raised our family. It was there that we experienced so many of those everyday moments that seem ordinary at the time but later become the memories we treasure most.
My father-in-law often said, "Time waits for no one." The older I get, the more I understand what he meant. One minute you're saying, "Look how tiny they are," and before you know it, you're saying, "The last time I saw you, you were only this big."
Our children aren't the only ones who remind us how quickly time passes. Even our beloved standard poodle, Dino—"the old man," as his dog sitter affectionately calls him—reminds us of that. At twelve years old, he takes a little longer to get up these days, but he still brings the same loyalty, joy, and companionship he always has.
Being a mother to my three children has been life's greatest blessing. Watching them grow into adults has been one of my greatest joys, even if it does make the years seem to pass far too quickly.
Our August Kids & Pets issue celebrates the innocence, wonder, and unconditional love that children and animals bring into our lives. In our cover story, you’ll meet Boone, a remarkable service dog whose bond with Cole demonstrates just how extraordinary that connection can be. You’ll also find Holly Holden’s timeless wisdom on raising gracious children, practical summer smile tips from Dr. Fotek of Dental Healing Arts, and a collection of stories, ideas, and local discoveries celebrating family life throughout our community.
As we savor these final weeks of summer, I hope you’ll join us in cherishing the children and pets who enrich our lives in countless ways. Time may wait for no one, but the memories we create with those we love stay with us forever.
Cheers to that!
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Denise Wood
denise.wood@citylifestyle.com
AREA DIRECTOR
David Wood
david.wood@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Arsine Kaloustian
arsine.kaloustian@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Nancy Kumpulainen nancy.kumpulainen@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Holly Holden, Dr. Ilona Fotek
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Jason Nuttle
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Cole Gottlieb and his service dog, Boone, share
Cole's constant companion, best friend, and trusted teammate
business monthly
ROUNDUP
The Dog Days of Summer Just Got Cooler
As South Florida temperatures soar, local dogs are finding a cool escape at Very Important Paws (VIP) in West Palm Beach. The longtime pet care destination offers supervised pool time, engaging activities, and plenty of play opportunities designed to keep pups active, social, and comfortable throughout the summer months. Open 365 days a year, VIP has been caring for furry family members since 2004, providing everything from daycare and boarding to professional training in a safe, welcoming environment.
Scan to read more
Painted Ox Offers Complimentary In-Stock Fabrics Through August
Homeowners looking to breathe new life into existing furniture may want to take note of a limited-time promotion at Painted Ox. Through August 31, the design and upholstery studio is offering complimentary in-stock fabrics with upholstery projects, while supplies last. The promotion provides an opportunity to reimagine cherished pieces with new textures, patterns, and colors, reflecting the growing interest in updating existing furnishings rather than replacing them.
Scan to read more
A Rare Grade 1 Coffee Lands in West Palm Beach
Coffee lovers have something new to wake up for at Common Grounds. The local roastery is introducing a limited-release Burundi coffee from Muyinga Providence, a Grade 1 selection—the highest coffee grade and the first of its kind offered by the shop. Featuring notes of blueberry and sweet chocolate, the specialty roast will be available on batch brew daily beginning at 9 a.m., while supplies last. Retail bags are also now available for those looking to enjoy it at home.
Scan to read more
RAISING GRACIOUS CHILDREN
Simple lessons in gratitude, confidence, and kindness
ARTICLE BY HOLLY HOLDEN
Children are not born with manners, gratitude, or social confidence. These are gifts we teach them—little by little, day by day—through the examples we set and the traditions we create.
In today’s world, where screens often compete with faceto-face conversation and schedules seem busier than ever,
“True social grace becomes an invisible armor— one that protects and strengthens children as they move through life.”
teaching etiquette can feel old-fashioned. Yet I believe good manners are more relevant than ever! They are not about creating miniature aristocrats or enforcing rigid rules. At their heart, manners are simply about helping children navigate the world with kindness, confidence, and respect for others.
We often spend so much time correcting behavior that we forget to explain why manners matter in the first place. When a child learns to look someone in the eye, offer a warm greeting, or write a thank-you note, they aren’t just being polite—they are learning how to make another person feel seen, appreciated, and valued.
And that is a lesson that never goes out of style.
THE THREE ESSENTIALS
If I could choose only three etiquette lessons for every child, they would be gratitude, table manners, and confident greetings.
FIRST, GRATITUDE.
This can begin surprisingly early. As soon as a child is old enough to hold a crayon, encourage them to create a simple thank-you note for someone who has given them a gift or shown them kindness. Today’s scribble becomes tomorrow’s sentence and eventually a heartfelt note.
As a grandmother, I treasure every one of these little creations. I display them proudly in my kitchen so my grandchildren can see how much their effort means to me. Children quickly learn that people enjoy being appreciated—and that gratitude is a gift that works both ways!
SECOND, DAILY TABLE MANNERS.
The family dinner table remains one of life’s greatest classrooms.
It is where children learn patience, conversation, consideration, and the simple beauty of shared
rituals. Whether you’re serving a holiday feast or takeout pizza, there are opportunities to teach valuable lessons: placing a napkin in their lap, waiting for others before beginning, helping clear the table afterward, and thanking whoever prepared the meal.
If a child can comfortably navigate the family table, they can confidently navigate almost any room they enter.
THIRD, A CONFIDENT GREETING.
Teaching children to look someone in the eye, smile, and offer a greeting is one of the greatest gifts we can give them.
Some children are naturally outgoing. Others are shy. But confidence is a skill that can be practiced! A child who learns to greet others warmly develops an ease with people that will serve them throughout school, careers, friendships, and life itself.
MANNERS IN THE SCREEN AGE
In an increasingly casual and digital world, traditional manners have become something of a quiet superpower.
The child who can put down a device, engage in genuine conversation, maintain eye contact, and speak with poise immediately stands out. These skills communicate confidence, maturity, and respect in ways that technology never can.
True social grace becomes an invisible armor— one that protects and strengthens children as they move through life.
MAKING MANNERS MAGICAL
One of my favorite ways to teach etiquette has nothing to do with lectures or correction.
Instead, I turn it into a game.
When my grandchildren visit, especially when their parents are enjoying an evening out, I love to host what I call a Guest of Honor Dinner.
We clear away the everyday clutter, light candles, set the table with care, and imagine that we are hosting someone extraordinary. Perhaps it’s a king or queen. Maybe it’s a famous astronaut. Sometimes it’s Taylor Swift!
Suddenly, manners become magical.
Children sit up straighter. They practice passing dishes properly. They wait their turn to speak. They engage in conversation and eagerly demonstrate their best behavior—not because they’re being told to, but because they are fully immersed in the fun of the evening.
We bring out the “good things” too: linen napkins, silver cups, crystal glasses. Why save them for
“As soon as a child is old enough to hold a crayon, encourage them to create a simple thank-you note for someone who has given them a gift or shown them kindness.”
special occasions? Using beautiful things tells children they are important enough to celebrate right now.
One of our favorite traditions comes at the end of the meal. Each child gets to choose a candle to blow out and make a wish. If there aren’t enough candles, I simply relight them. More candles mean more wishes, after all!
Even better, at the next family meal, they proudly demonstrate their newly acquired skills for their parents. The lesson sticks because the experience is joyful!
THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE
If there is one secret to raising gracious children, it is this:
Children rarely do what we say, but they almost always do what we do.
They watch how we treat restaurant servers, greet neighbors, express gratitude, and speak about others.
The most effective etiquette lesson is the one we model ourselves.
When kindness and consideration become part of daily family life, manners stop feeling like rules and start becoming habits.
In the end, etiquette is not about perfection. It is about helping children become thoughtful, confident, and compassionate people. When we teach them how to make others feel valued, we give them a gift that will serve them for the rest of their lives.
Holly Holden
WHAT ELECTROLYTE DRINKS MAY BE DOING TO YOUR SMILE
THE HIDDEN SIDE OF HYDRATION
South Florida summers are hot, humid, and often spent outdoors. Whether it’s sports camps, afternoons at the pool, beach days, or simply keeping up with active children, staying hydrated is essential for both kids and adults. In recent years, electrolyte drinks, hydration powders, and mix-in packets have exploded in popularity. Marketed as convenient ways to replenish minerals lost through sweat, these products have become a staple in many households. While they can play a role in hydration, there is one ingredient many consumers may not realize can impact their oral health: citric acid.
ARTICLE
BY DR. ILONA FOTEK OF DENTAL HEALING ARTS
Most people associate cavities with sugar, but tooth decay is only one part of the oral health equation. Acids can affect teeth in a different way. Citric acid, commonly found in many electrolyte drinks and powders, can soften and gradually erode tooth enamel over time. Enamel is the protective outer layer of the tooth, and unlike other tissues in the body, it does not regenerate once it is lost.
This distinction is important. A drink may be low in sugar or even sugar-free, yet still be highly acidic. While sugar contributes to cavity formation, acids contribute to enamel erosion. Both deserve attention when choosing beverages for yourself and your family.
The way these drinks are consumed can also make a difference. One of the most common habits dentists see is all-day sipping. Each sip of an acidic beverage exposes teeth to acid, and frequent exposure throughout the day can prevent the mouth from returning to a healthy pH balance. Instead of slowly sipping electrolyte drinks over several hours, it’s often better to enjoy them in a shorter time frame and then return to plain water.
That doesn’t mean families need to avoid electrolyte beverages altogether. Hydration remains incredibly important, especially during Florida’s hottest months. The key is understanding what you’re drinking and taking simple steps to protect your smile.
A few easy habits can help:
• Drink plain water after consuming acidic beverages.
• Avoid sipping electrolyte drinks throughout the day.
• Use a straw when appropriate to reduce contact with teeth.
• Choose lower-acid hydration options when possible.
• Maintain regular dental checkups to monitor enamel health. For families looking for a refreshing alternative, this simple summer drink offers natural hydration and a lighter approach to summer sipping.
SUMMER SMILE SPRITZ
Ingredients
• 1 cup coconut water
• ½ cup sparkling mineral water
• Cucumber slices
• Fresh mint leaves
• Ice
• Optional sliced strawberries for garnish
Directions
Fill a tall glass with ice. Add the cucumber slices and mint leaves, gently pressing them with the back of a spoon to release their flavor. Pour in the coconut water and top with sparkling mineral water. Stir gently and garnish with sliced strawberries if desired.
The natural electrolytes in coconut water help balance the slight acidity of sparkling mineral water, creating a refreshing, smile-conscious beverage that’s perfect for a South Florida summer.
Healthy hydration and healthy smiles go hand in hand. By making informed choices and understanding the difference between sugars and acids, families can enjoy summer activities while helping protect their teeth for years to come.
Internationally recognized cosmetic and biologic dentist Dr. Ilona Fotek is the founder of Dental Healing Arts in Jupiter. Her integrative approach combines artistry, precision, and biocompatible materials to create naturally beautiful smiles while supporting whole-body wellness. From family dentistry to full-mouth rehabilitation and smile makeovers, Dr. Fotek and her team deliver personalized care designed with both long-term health and aesthetics in mind.
Seeing Color through Sound
Growing Up Together
SIDE BY SIDE THROUGH CHILDHOOD, CHALLENGES, AND MILESTONES.
ARTICLE BY ARSINE KALOUSTIAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON NUTTLE
Like many 17-year-olds, Cole Gottlieb has plenty of interests competing for his attention.
He follows WWE wrestling, enjoys spending time with family and friends, plays Miracle League and Challenger baseball, and stays active in the community through organizations including Clinics Can Help and Bella’s Angels. He has modeled in national campaigns, and rarely turns down an opportunity to meet someone new.
And wherever Cole goes, Boone is usually close behind.
The 10-year-old black Labrador-Golden Retriever mix has been part of Cole’s life for nearly a decade. As a service dog, Boone helps Cole with daily tasks, retrieves items when needed, and provides support throughout the day. But to Cole and his family, Boone is much more than a service dog.
He’s a best friend.
Cole was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy as a young child, which affects his mobility and requires him to use a wheelchair and other assistive devices. When Cole was seven years old, the family applied for a service dog through Canine Companions, hoping to provide him with additional support and independence.
“What we received was so much more,” his mother, Jen Gottlieb says.
From the beginning, Boone and Cole formed an immediate connection. Over the years, that relationship has grown alongside them.
While Boone is trained to assist with daily activities, his greatest contribution may be the confidence and comfort he provides simply by being there. Whether they’re attending a community event, spending time with friends, or enjoying a family outing, Boone is a familiar presence at Cole’s side.
“The bond between Cole and Boone is something truly special,” Adam and Jen say. “They have grown up together,
Jennifer, Cole and Adam Gottlieb with Boone
sharing countless adventures, milestones, and everyday moments.”
Boone has also helped create opportunities for connection. People are naturally drawn to dogs, and conversations that begin with Boone often become opportunities to get to know Cole.
“Boone helps put people at ease and encourages them to engage with Cole,” his parents explain. “He helps foster inclusion and meaningful social interactions.”
That spirit of inclusion is something Cole champions through his advocacy work. Whether volunteering with local organizations or sharing his experiences with others, he hopes people look beyond a diagnosis.
“We want others to understand that individuals with special needs have the same hopes, interests, talents, and dreams as everyone else,” Jen says.
It is a message Cole lives every day.
For the Gottlieb family, Boone’s impact reaches far beyond the tasks he performs.
“Service dogs do far more than perform tasks,” Adam and Jen say. “For children with disabilities, they can open doors to experiences and connections that might otherwise be difficult, while bringing joy and comfort not only to the child but to the entire family.”
New adventures await as Cole enters his senior year and begins exploring vocational programs for life after graduation. Whatever the future holds, Boone will be there for the journey. Nearly ten years after they first met, the two continue to share adventures, make memories, and prove that some of the most meaningful friendships are the ones that grow up alongside us.
“We want others to understand that individuals with special needs have the same hopes, interests, talents, and dreams as everyone else.”
GET ON THE LIST
FINE JEWELRY STORE IN THE HEART OF WEST PALM BEACH
BESPOKE JEWELRY | REPAIRS | UNIQUE ESTATE PIECES | SEASONAL EVENTS
More Than a Puddle
The small warning signs that could point to larger drainage problems
Every backyard has a story.
Maybe it’s where your children learned to ride a bike. Maybe it’s where the dog spends every afternoon chasing squirrels. Maybe it’s where friends gather around the pool or family dinners spill onto the patio.
The last thing most homeowners think about when enjoying those moments is drainage.
But the way water moves through a property has a surprising impact on how usable, comfortable, and safe those outdoor spaces remain—especially during South Florida’s rainy season.
At Family Gutters, helping homeowners solve drainage challenges is what we do every day. Over the years, we’ve learned that many of the issues families experience—from muddy play areas and mosquito-prone puddles to slippery walkways and struggling lawns—often share a common cause.
WHEN RAIN CREATES MORE THAN JUST PUDDLES
South Florida’s summer storms can dump tremendous amounts of rain in minutes. While some properties shed that water efficiently, others hold onto it long after the skies clear.
One of the most common issues we encounter is standing water. Those lingering puddles aren’t just inconvenient—they can become ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
We also frequently see walkways, patios, and pool decks that remain wet long after
ARTICLE BY FAMILY GUTTERS
a storm has passed. Over time, excess moisture can contribute to slippery conditions, algae growth, and surfaces that are less safe for children, guests, and older pets.
Then there are the muddy areas. When water repeatedly collects in the same spot, grass struggles to survive and those areas can quickly become difficult to use.
THE CLUES YOUR YARD IS TRYING TO GIVE YOU
Many homeowners assume puddles and soggy spots are simply part of life in South Florida. Sometimes that’s true. But often they’re signs of an underlying drainage issue.
Sometimes the warning signs are easy to miss: the patch of lawn that never seems to dry out, the corner of the patio where that greenish algae keeps returning, mulch that washes away after every storm, or the spot by the fence where the dog always comes back muddy after a rain.
The good news is that your yard will often tell you exactly where the problem is. The key is paying attention.
YOUR NEXT STORM IS AN OPPORTUNITY
One of the best things homeowners can do is step outside after a heavy rain and observe what happens.
Where is the water collecting? Are downspouts directing water away from the home? Do wet areas linger for days? Are favorite play spaces consistently muddy or waterlogged?
Think of it as a quick health check for your property. Just a few minutes of observation after a storm can reveal drainage issues that may eventually lead to erosion, damaged turf, mosquito problems, or even foundation concerns.
SMALL PROBLEMS RARELY STAY SMALL
One thing we’ve learned over the years is that drainage issues rarely improve on their own. Water tends to follow the same path every time it rains, which means today’s muddy corner of the yard can become tomorrow’s erosion problem.
Fortunately, many solutions are straightforward once the source of the problem is identified. Improving gutter performance, adjusting downspouts, or making targeted drainage improvements can help protect your lawn, landscaping, foundation, and outdoor living spaces.
As a locally owned, family-operated company, we’ve spent years helping Palm Beach County homeowners identify these issues before they become more costly repairs.
This rainy season, pay attention to what your yard is telling you. If the same puddles appear after every storm, if favorite play areas stay muddy, or if water consistently collects near the home, it may be time to take a closer look.
Some of life’s best moments happen in the backyard. Keeping those spaces safe, dry, and ready to enjoy starts with addressing small problems before they become bigger ones.
Dr. Nichols
Dr. Gerkowicz
Dr. Wood
FLORIDA'S FINAL FRONTIER
FROM CAPE CANAVERAL TO THE COSMOS, ADVENTURE AWAITS
If it feels like everyone is suddenly talking about space again, you’re not imagining it.
Between SpaceX’s blockbuster June public offering, NASA’s preparations for future Artemis missions, and the continuing release of government reports and congressional testimony examining unexplained aerial phenomena (UAPs)—better known to most of us as UFOs—America’s fascination with what lies beyond our atmosphere is having a major moment.
Here in Florida, that excitement feels especially tangible. We don’t just read about rockets. We watch them.
ARTICLE BY ARSINE KALOUSTIAN
On clear evenings, SpaceX launches can often be seen from South Florida neighborhoods, streaking across the sky as families gather in driveways, parks, and backyards to witness a little piece of the future in real time. For many
Palm Beach County residents, rocket launches have become almost routine. We watched Artemis light up the sky, and now instinctively look up whenever another glowing trail appears overhead. But watching from afar is only the beginning. Across Florida, you can experience the wonder of space firsthand.
WATCH A ROCKET LAUNCH ON THE SPACE COAST
There is simply nothing like seeing a rocket launch in person. From the flash of ignition to the thunderous sound that follows moments later, it’s an experience that feels both thrilling and surreal.
Popular viewing locations include Jetty Park, Playalinda Beach, Space View Park, and Max Brewer Bridge. Even if you’ve watched launches from South Florida, seeing one from the Space Coast is an entirely different experience.
SPEND A DAY AT KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
No Florida space adventure is complete without a visit to Kennedy Space Center.
Visitors can stand beneath a Saturn V rocket, come face-to-face with Space Shuttle Atlantis, meet astronauts, and explore exhibits focused on the future of lunar and Mars exploration. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Shuttle Launch Experience recreates the sensation of blasting into orbit, while the Astronaut Training Experience allows guests to test their skills through spacecraft docking exercises, simulated spacewalks, and Mars exploration challenges. It’s equal parts museum, science center, and glimpse into the future.
TAKE A MISSION TO MARS
Mission: SPACE at EPCOT recreates the sensations of rocket launch and deep-space travel through an immersive motion simulator experience. Guests can choose between a more intense Mars mission or a gentler journey through orbit, making it accessible for a wide range of ages.
Part attraction and part astronaut-training fantasy, it offers a fun glimpse into the challenges and excitement of space exploration.
DISCOVER THE NIGHT SKY
You don’t have to leave South Florida to experience the cosmos.
Florida Atlantic University’s Observatory in Boca Raton hosts public viewing nights throughout the year, giving visitors the opportunity to observe planets, star clusters, galaxies, and other celestial objects through professional-grade telescopes.
For an even more immersive experience, the Frost Planetarium in Miami transports audiences through black holes, distant galaxies, and the far reaches of the observable universe using breathtaking visuals and surround sound.
EXPERIENCE FLORIDA’S DARK-SKY PARKS
Not every space adventure requires a rocket. At Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, one of Florida’s premier dark-sky destinations, visitors can view the Milky Way, meteor showers, satellites, and countless stars far from the glow of city lights. It’s a fitting reminder that Florida doesn’t just launch humanity toward the stars—it also happens to be one of the best places to admire them.
IN SOUTH FLORIDA, SUMMER BELONGS TO BOTH US AND THE BUGS
ARTICLE BY ARSINE KALOUSTIAN
There is a very specific kind of Florida heartbreak: the moment a perfect evening gets driven indoors.
The table is set outside. The pool still holds the day’s warmth. Someone lights a citronella candle that (let’s be honest) never really works. Kids are barefoot in the grass chasing each other at dusk when suddenly the swatting begins. Then the itching. Then the retreat back through the sliding glass doors.
In South Florida, mosquitoes and no-see-ums are not simply annoyances. They are practically a season.
And thanks to our tropical climate, they thrive here almost year-round.
Mosquitoes need surprisingly little water to reproduce. A bottle cap’s worth can be enough. After heavy summer rains, standing water collects everywhere: gutters, birdbaths, clogged drains, overturned toys, flowerpots, even the natural cups formed by bromeliads. In Florida heat, the full lifecycle of a mosquito can happen in roughly a week.
No-see-ums — the tiny biting midges infamous along the coast — are even more maddening. Small enough to pass through standard screens, they breed in damp soil, mangroves, marshes, and coastal vegetation. Their bites can leave intensely itchy welts that linger for days.
And despite popular belief, not all mosquitoes wait for sunset.
While many Florida species become most active during dawn and dusk, the aggressive Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus — commonly known as the yellow fever mosquito and the Asian tiger mosquito — bite during the daytime as well. These are also the species most associated with viruses like dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever.
In other words: the brunch patio is not necessarily safe either.
For Michigan mother Diana Shea, the battle against bugs became unexpectedly personal after her daughter Katie developed a severe skin reaction following a mosquito bite during an evening swim years ago. It was not life-threatening, but it changed the atmosphere around summer almost instantly. Outdoor play suddenly came with a heaping side of anxiety.
Shea remembers cycling through nearly every natural remedy she could find — sprays, bracelets, oils, stickers, yard treatments — searching for something that would let her children simply enjoy being outside again.
At the time, she had already spent years experimenting with homemade remedies for her son’s eczema, so she returned to the kitchen once again—this time in search of a natural bug repellent that actually worked for her family. The result was Buzz Blocker, now part of her company, Katie’s Clean Creations.
Made with certified organic ingredients and formulated without harsh chemicals, the repellent has developed a loyal following among families seeking alternatives to traditional sprays. Customers also report success against horseflies, ticks, and even fire ants. Buzz Blocker is available as a spray, a tallow-based version, and a travel-friendly roll-on.
Like sunscreen, it is only effective where applied, making thorough coverage and reapplication important during long periods outdoors. Buzz Blocker is also classified as an EPA-exempt minimum-risk pesticide, the lowest-risk designation available for products of its kind.
Locally, Buzz Blocker is available at Phipps Ocean Park Racquet Center in Palm Beach.
Shea’s journey may have started in a Michigan backyard, but the challenge she was trying to solve is one Floridians know all too well.
Here in South Florida, outdoor living comes with an unwelcome sidekick: mosquitoes and no-see-ums. What began as a mother’s determination to help her daughter enjoy the outdoors eventually became a solution for families facing the same problem.
For the rest of us, it’s a reminder that innovation often starts with a simple question: there has to be a better way.
And in a place where biting insects are practically a season of their own, that’s an idea worth buzzing about.
Diana Shea's daughter Katie experienced severe swelling from mosquito bites, a challenge that ultimately inspired the creation of Buzz Blocker.
Meaningful conversations. Old friends. New traditions. Dinner parties that linger long after dessert…
Handcrafted fine bone china, designed, decorated, and kiln-fired in our West Palm Beach studio. Signature collections ready to ship, or bespoke pieces created just for you.
www.regalya.com 6300 S Dixie Hwy Ste 100, West Palm Beach, Florida 33405
THE GIFT OF LIVE PERFORMANCE
Why Every Child Should Experience the Arts in Person
ARTICLE BY ARSINE KALOUSTIAN
Parents spend a lot of time thinking about what their children should learn.
Sports teach teamwork. Music lessons build discipline. Art encourages creativity.
But few experiences expose children to as many different forms of learning as a live performance.
In a single evening, children encounter storytelling, music, visual arts, costume design, dance, history, and culture. They learn how to follow a narrative, appreciate live musicians, and become part of an audience.
Just as importantly, they experience something special.
Choosing an outfit. Finding their seats. Opening a Playbill. Watching the lights dim.
These rituals remind children that some experiences deserve our full attention.
This season, South Florida’s stages are filled with family-friendly performances that make exciting introductions to the arts.
A wonderful place to start is Palm Beach Symphony's Sleeping Beauty and the Orchestra
on October 20, 2026 . Created specifically for young audiences, the free performance combines storytelling, narration, illustrations, and live orchestral music into an experience that feels more like a fairy tale than a formal concert.
For many children, it could be their first time hearing a full orchestra perform live and discovering how music can bring a story to life.
As the holidays approach, families have several festive options. On December 19, Candlelight: Christmas Classics transforms First Presbyterian Church of West Palm Beach into an intimate concert venue illuminated by candlelight.
Performed by a live string quartet, the program blends classical favorites with beloved holiday songs and familiar selections from films like Frozen and Anastasia.
Just a few days later, Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical arrives at the Kravis Center from December 22–27. Because most children already know the story, it serves as an ideal first Broadway-style experience.
Around the same time, families can continue a holiday tradition with The Nutcracker at the Kravis Center, introducing children to ballet, classical music, and one of the most enduring works in the performing arts.
As the new year begins, families can make the short drive to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts for The Pirates of Penzance on January 31, 2027. Filled with comedy, adventure,
and memorable music, the classic operetta in English introduces children to a form of musical storytelling they are unlikely to encounter anywhere else.
Then comes one of the most beloved family musicals ever written. The Sound of Music takes the stage at the Kravis Center from February 16–21, 2027. If there is a perfect first Broadway show, this may be it. Most children already know at least one song from the production, even if they don't realize it. Long before they know who Maria is, many can sing, "Doe, a deer, a female deer." Watching them discover where those familiar lyrics come from is priceless.
The family-friendly season concludes with Disney's Beauty and the Beast at the Broward Center from April 6–10, 2027. For many children, seeing a beloved animated story transformed into a live theatrical production is the moment they truly understand what makes theater special. The costumes, sets, music, and performances create an experience that feels both familiar and entirely new.
Each of these performances offers a different doorway into the arts.
Some introduce children to orchestral music. Others to ballet, musical theater, operetta, or live storytelling.
Together, they offer a chance to sit together, experience a story, and connect with works that have endured for generations.
A child attending The Nutcracker today is participating in a tradition more than a century old. A child watching The Sound of Music is hearing songs shared by grandparents, parents, and children alike.
That's one of the gifts of live performance.
For a few hours, children become part of something larger than themselves—and part of a story that continues long after the curtain falls.
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
JANIE
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JONES HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
