An exciting shift toward environmental sustainability is taking place
throughout Florida – and one of its most visible forms is through FPL SolarNow. Whether you’re visiting the Palm Beach Zoo, the Conservation Society or the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, you’ll find a new
kind of tree generating renewable energy at popular destinations throughout the Palm Beaches.
FPL or Florida Power and Light’s SolarNow is a voluntary program that allows floridians an easy way to bring innovative solar structures to their communities. More than 10,000 participants in Palm Beach
County have helped the program transform local parks, zoos, museums and community centers into living classrooms for people of all ages to learn about solar energy and inspire discussions about sustainability.
- Barracuda Bay Aquatic Complex
1621 W. Blue Heron Blvd., Riviera Beach, FL 33404
- Barrier Free Park
3111 S. Congress Avenue, Boynton Beach, FL 33426
- Brightline West Palm Beach
501 Evernia Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
- Howard Park
1302 Parker Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
- Joseph R. Russo Athletic Complex
5070 117 th Ct., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
- Oceanfront Park
6415 N. Ocean Blvd., Boynton Beach, FL 33435
- Palm Beach Gardens Aquatic Complex
4404 Burns Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
- Palm Beach International Airport
1000 James L. Turnage Blvd., WestPalm Beach, FL 33145
- Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33405
- South Florida Science Center and Aquarium
4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
For a VIRTUAL VISIT to the FPL SolarNow locations around Florida, make sure to visit their new website: https://solarnow.
You’ll find:
- Educational videos created in partnerships with zoos: Palm Beach Zoo, Zoo Miami, Brevard Zoo and Naples Zoo.
- Downloadable coloring activities that have zoo animals and solar trees.
- Digital meeting backgrounds, so the next time you Zoom video conference, you can be broadcasting in front of a solar tree or a solar canopy!
A “30 seconds of calm” video
The site also includes an informative book that tells how Florida Power & Light Company is making Florida a leader in solar energy with the “30 by 30” plan to install 30 million solar panels around the state by the year 2030.
Cheers to the FPL for helping to make clean energy more visible and compelling!
Ever since its opening in February 2020, I have been looking forward to business lunches and cocktail hour at The Ben. The posh new luxury hotel with gorgeous views overlooking the Intracoastal Waterways, the Palm Harbor Marina and Palm Beach Island, is the newest and only West Palm Beach waterfront, boutique property– a part of the Marriott international Autograph Collection.
The stunning new hotel is inspired by the Ben Trovato Estate– one of West Palm Beach’s original homes–where best selling author Byrd Spilman Dewey entertained the likes of the Vanderbilts and Woodrow Wilson; and the 208-room boutique hotel references the author’s convivial nature in portraits and art throughout the property.
Having had the pleasure of dining on site during their opening celebration and attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony, I was looking forward to the perfect opportunity to experience an overnight stay. The occasion finally presented itself this past June, as a weekend staycation for my birthday. In this unprecedented climate, keeping it private and intimate was paramount and the experience didn’t disappoint.
With a living-room style lobby lounge that draws you in with its cozy fireplace and Old Florida charm, plus two lovely dining experiences, Proper Grit, a Florida inspired Chophouse
with a grand cocktail bar that wraps around to the building’s exterior, and Spruzzo, with Mediterranean style cuisine and a sleek alfresco bar overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, I was blissfully entertained all weekend long.
TIP: Make sure to book a room along the hotel’s east side for the most amazing waterfront views from their floor-to-ceiling windows.
Speaking of rooms, our gorgeous suite included a living room area, Turkish linen bedding, La Bottega toiletries and a luxurious bathroom with an unforgettable corner glass shower.
With delicious fare and cocktails from both restaurants, and a rooftop pool with private cabanas, we never left the property; however, the hotel is centrally located downtown, walking distance from the palm-lined shopping hub Rosemary Square and WPB’s main restaurant and bar district on Clematis Street.
Our stay was a beautiful experience, the staff was courteous and knowledgeable and we had everything we needed to have a perfect long weekend celebration.
A special thanks to the Ben Hotel in West Palm Beach for hosting us! We will certainly be back. In the meantime, go play voyeur by clicking on their rooftop webcam and experience their stunning views and rooftop vibes for yourself.
Set the mood by softening the lights and playing soft meditative music.
Surround yourself with things of beauty that may help you relax such as fresh flowers, energizing crystals and soft candles.
While your bath fills with warm water, exfoliate using a dry brush, to detoxify and sooth while stimulating your blood flow.
Slowly slip into the bath allowing your body to adjust to the temperature. Try to soak for at least 15-20 minutes.
Keep a glass of water and an aromatic spray close by. A few mists onto the face and shoulders makes for a lovely mid-bath refresher.
Relax and let go of your thoughts and cares. Be present and enjoy the moment.
While exiting the bath, take a moment to ground yourself. Feel both feet rooted firmly on the ground. Take a few deep breaths and splash cool water on your face. Rehydrate with a glass of water.
Nourish your skin with a body oil. Slather it on and take time to connect with your body as you nurture your skin. Pay extra attention to the places that need it most.
Lifestyle photography by Coco Prop Shop
Experts recommend that we get a facial every 4-6 weeks, but that can be hard to work into our budget. Here is a simple DIY facial routine you can effectively do at home.
Cleanse. Remove all makeup and wash your face, neck and ears using your preferred facial cleanser from pages (xxx) Cleansing removes dirt, oil and makeup to give your skin a “clean slate.” This allows all other products to penetrate optimally into the deeper layers of the skin.
Start by rinsing your face with lukewarm water. Then, using your middle and ring fingers, apply cleanser in circular motions. Rinse with lukewarm water and gently pat your skin dry with a washcloth.
Exfoliate. Using your fingers, gently rub your choice of facial scrubs in small circular motions all over your face. Make sure you focus on areas around your nose and forehead. If certain areas of your face are oilier than others, give that section an extra scrub. This would be a great time to do a lip scrub.
Steam. Steam is the most relaxing and cleansing part of a facial. There are a few ways to steam your face. For a simple version, fill your sink with hot water, add some essential oils and soak a washcloth in it. Ring out the towel and press it to your face. Breathe deeply. Repeat this step 3 times.
Get creative with your steam—add rose petals, rosemary, thyme, or any other favorite herbs.
Mask. After all of that deep cleaning, it’s time for some pampering. The mask is the heart of any facial. It is when your skin is most ready to receive healing nutrients. Apply a face mask of your choosing and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
This would be a good time to try eye gel and don’t forget the cucumber slices over your eyes! Breathe deeply and relax.
To remove, use a warm, damp washcloth. Finish with a splash of cold water.
Moisturize. Now choose your favorite facial oil and massage your face deeply for 3 minutes. A facial massage is a great way to tone and lift the skin, and allow the healing oils to penetrate more deeply. Follow my steps for a DIY Facial massage here
Finish with a spritz of your toner or face mist or your favorite flower hydrosol.
AHHHH! For more beautifying techniques make sure to pick up my new book Nourish and Glow out now!
Let’s be honest… At some point in your life, you’ve dreamed of slathering yourself in chocolate. Am I right?? I know I have! Now you can safely indulge in the fantasy without too much clean up! This indulgent, antioxidant rich body butter is everything. I think you’ll agree!
Makes 1 cup
- ½ cup cocoa butter
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a double boiler or in a heat safe bowl perched over a saucepan of simmering water, allow the cocoa butter and coconut oil to melt. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Stir in the cacao powder and vanilla extract. Let chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, then blend the butter using a whisk until fluffy.
To use, smooth the creamy butter onto skin for a moisturizing treat.
Store in a sealed glass container in a cool dry spot. For maximum freshness use within 6 months.
For the edible kind of indulgence, check out this delicious truffle recipe:
The Beauty Broth You Need to Be Sipping Right Now
SOUP DAYS | On cold, rainy days, soups and broths are all I crave. And who says you need bone broth to get a medicinal broth?
Thanks to an abundance of anti-inflammatory nutrients and antioxidants in the vegetables and goji berries, this warm beauty drink, fights free radicals and supplies electrolytes for cellular hydration. While functional ingredients such as garlic, chili, ginger and turmeric help boost circulation that aids in nutrient absorption. Feel free to customize your broth by using your preferred vegetables.
I use a standard mire-poix of onions, carrots, parsnip and celery. But beyond that, I encourage you to get creative by using your preferred vegetables. Once prepared, it can be sipped on its own or added as the base to most soup recipes.
VEGETABLE BEAUTY BROTH
- 8 cups filtered water
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup parsnip, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 small chili pepper
- 1 inch ginger, chopped
- 1 inch turmeric, chopped
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon peppercorns
- 3 bay leaves
- 3 stems of fresh thyme
- 3 stems of parsley
- sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
- ¼ cup goji berries (optional)
Warm the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, parsnip, celery, garlic, chili pepper, ginger, and turmeric and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Mix in the apple cider vinegar and add the water. Bring to a boil and add the peppercorns, bay leaves, thyme, parsley and goji berries, if using. Reduce the heat and simmer partly covered for one hour. Strain the broth and add salt to taste.
Cool and store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Use the broth in the soup recipes or enjoy on its own.
Recipe from my book:
Nourish & Glow: Naturally Beautifying Foods & Elixirs, part of the Pretty Zen collection that also includes Fresh & Pure: Organically Crafted Beauty Balms & Cleansers For more beauty recipes, inside and out, order your copies today.
Ever wanted to experiment with your own oil blends?
Follow these guidelines to find the best oil for your skin. Make sure you scroll down for hot and cold infusion techniques as well!
These vegetable oils made from the seed, nuts, or kernels of plants, filled with essential fatty acids, easily penetrate into the skin, facilitating the absorption of essential oils and herbal extracts through the skin when mixed into it.
FOR OILY SKIN:
Choose oils with a high percentage of linoleic acid, which helps reduce blemishes by protecting your skin’s surface. Try: safflower, evening primrose, sunflower and grapeseed oil that can help regulate your natural oil production.
FOR DRY SKIN:
Choose oils rich in fatty acids and polyphenols that are nourishing and help fight aging. Try: Macadamia, wheat germ, avocado or neem oil.
FOR NORMAL/COMBINATION SKIN:
Choose oils that have a percent ratio closer to 50% of oleic acids and are more balanced for combination skin types without being too far on either side of the spectrum. Try: almond, sesame, argan, apricot kernel oil, or rosehip oil.
Here are some common oils and their properties to help you choose the best one for your needs.
Almond oil:
Rich in protein, almond oil retains moisture, calms skin, and removes impurities. Its nourishing properties make it an ideal choice for an all over body moisturizer or massage oil.
Apricot kernel oil:
A light oil that contains fatty acids and vitamin A, apricot oil is moisturizing, nourishing, and anti-inflammatory.
Argan oil:
Rich and hydrating, argan oil protects skin and dissolves excess sebum, making it an ideal choice for both hair and skin care.
Avocado oil:
A nutrient rich oil, avocado improves skin elasticity, and increases collagen, making it a great option for facial care.
Castor oil:
Highly viscous, castor oil contains Vitamin E, proteins and Omega 6 & 9 that heals damaged, inflamed skin. Castor oil is also known for its anti-bacterial properties and various medicinal benefits that can help restore skin’s natural moisture and improve hair growth.
Coconut oil:
Rich in antioxidants, and in antimicrobial and antifungal properties, coconut oil is an easily sourced choice for body and hair care.
Jojoba oil:
Jojoba is a light and quick penetrating oil that mimics the action of sebum, the skin’s own natural lubricant, making it an ideal facial oil that nourishes and protects the skin.
Grapeseed oil:
Extracted from the seeds of grapes, grapeseed oil is loaded with powerful antioxidants and natural plant compounds known as oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes, or OPCs, known for their potent antioxidant activity. Penetrating, slightly astringent, grapeseed oil can help restore collagen at the cellular level and offers antiseptic properties that can help to reduce swelling and speed up wound healing.
Macadamia oil:
Another excellent facial oil, macadamia oil is is rich in palmitoleic acid, which is regenerative, astringent and soothing, and promotes young looking, soft and supple skin.
Neem oil:
A traditional ayurvedic oil, neem oil extract is rich in medicinal properties, with anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits. Neem oil can help condition the skin and reduce redness, swelling, itching and pain, as well as prevent skin infections.
Olive oil:
olive oil is packed with anti-aging antioxidants and hydrating squalene, making it superb choice for hair, skin, and nails. Although, it has a strong odor of its own, olive oil is a simple, easy to find moisturizing ingredient.
Rosehip oil:
A powerful skin cell regenerator, rosehip oil can help prevent premature skin aging.
Rosehip oil also contains Vitamin C and E giving it anti-inflammatory properties for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Vegetable glycerin:
Naturally derived from plants, vegetable glycerin is a soothing skin emollient, lubricant and humectant. Glycerin helps the skin retain its moisture and restore natural pH balance.
Vitamin E oil:
An antioxidant rich oil, vitamin E is an excellent natural preservative that can be added to oil blends and salves to prolong their shelf life. Also beneficial on its own for soothing scars and stretch marks.
Wheat germ oil:
This rich, nourishing oil is a great choice oil for dry, mature skin. It’s anti-inflammatory properties are also appropriate for the pain and swelling of eczema and psoriasis.
INFUSED OILS
SUN INFUSION:
- Use the sun to naturally infuse oil with the goodness of herbs.
- Place herbs in a clean, dry quart jar.
- Fill remaining space in jar with oil, making sure to cover herbs by at least 1” If your herbs soak up all of the oil, then pour more on top to ensure that the herbs are well covered.
- Stir well and cap the jar tightly.
- Place the jar in a sunny and warm windowsill. Shake at least once a day.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the herbs out of the oil using a cheesecloth.
- Pour into glass bottles and store in a cool dark place. The oil should keep for at least a year.
HEATED INFUSION:
Place herbs in double boiler, and cover by at least 1” with oil. Gently heat the herbs over very low heat for 1-5 hours taking care not to burn the herbs.
Turn off the heat and allow to cool. The ideal temperature using this method is 90 F to 110 F. You can also use a dehydrator or a yogurt maker.
Strain the herbs out of the oil using a cheesecloth.
Pour into glass bottles. Store in a cool dark place. The oil should keep for at least a year.
The basic concept of cleansing with oil might seem counterproductive, however, following the most basic principals of chemistry “like dissolves like,” the best way to dissolve a solvent like oil, is, you guessed it, by using another oil.
By using the right oils, you can cleanse your pores of dirt and bacteria naturally, gently and effectively, while replacing the dirty oil with beneficial ones extracted from natural botanicals, vegetables and fruit that heal, protect and nourish your skin.
Rose oil is versatile and extremely potent antibacterial
oil infusion. Its anti-inflammatory and tissue regenerating agents, make it the perfect luxurious skin repleneshing elixir.
Makes 4 ounces
- 6 tablespoons rose infused almond oil *
- 2 tablespoon vitamin E oil or 5 capsules
- 5-10 drops rose essential oil (optional)
- In a sealed glass container, mix the oils and allow them synergize in a dark location for 24 hours.
To use:
Apply the elixir to your face, after cleansing, while your skin is still damp. Massage into your skin, beginning with your decollete, throat, then face, using circular, upward and outward strokes.
Use the facial massage instructions here:
Store in a dark, cool place and use within 6 months for maximum freshness and potency.
The DIY Facial Massage Your Face Will Love You For
About thirty muscles are linked together beneath the skin of the face and head. Most of these muscles are used by us every day. Repetitive muscle expansions and contractions can deplete our skin and lead to an accumulation of toxins. Regular massage can increase blood circulation and improve both the firmness and resilience of our skin. Always approach your face with a gentle and mindful touch.
Follow this simple technique to give yourself regular facial massages:
Begin by applying facial oil to your hands. Rub the formula between your palms to heat the oil and to evenly distribute it over hands and fingertips. Set a healing intention before you begin.
Press your fingers between brows and slide out towards your temples, repeating several times to cover the entire area.
Massage the upper eyelids, by sliding the fingers outwards from the bridge of the nose. For the lower eyelids, slide the fingers outwards in an arc as if ironing out the fine lines at the corners of the eyes. Finish by sliding down towards the sides of the cheeks.
Continue, by sliding fingers downward along the bridge of the nose, then move the fingers carefully up and down along the nostrils.
Around the mouth, massage above and below the lips in turn, sliding the fingers from the center outwards.
For the cheeks, move in a spiral direction from the jawline up to the temples.
Stroke the nape of the neck downwards towards the chest.
To end, gently place your hands over your face and take a few deep, relaxing breaths. With each exhale, feel your body release whatever you’re holding onto that doesn’t serve you.
Then, slide your hands outward towards the bottoms of the ears. Gently pull your earlobes. Release and relax.
Try making this ultra nourishing rose oil for your next facial massage:
ICE QUEEN BEAUTY THERAPY
Who would have thought, the little icy jewel we use to cool our drinks can do such wonders for our skin?! From relieving sun burns and reducing puffy eyes to giving us an instant face lift, ice has played an important role in beauty rituals for centuries.
The queen of Russia, Ekaterina II, was well known for using ice on her face, neck and décolletage every morning to preserve her beauty and refresh her complexion.
You too, can incorporate the simple, icy beauty treatment into your morning routine to revitalize and restore natural dewiness to your skin.
The process is simple and the combinations are simply endless. Aloe vera and cucumbers will soothe sunburned skin.
The caffeine and antioxidants in green tea will work wonders on puffy, tired eyes. Lemon will brighten and revive complexions, while lavender and rose water will calm inflamed skin.
To prepare simply brew a cup of strong tea or herbs to create an infusion, puree fruits or veggies, add aloe, coconut water, oils and any additional nutritious ingredients, allow to cool and pour them into ice cube trays.
To use, gently and quickly wipe your face, neck and décolletage with the ice cube, using facial massage techniques on (p.xxx, ). Please note that when using ice cubes on the delicate skin on your face, you must be quite gentle, in order to protect the blood vessels and capillaries under the skin. Alternatively, wrap the ice cube in a light, soft cloth.
BEAUTY NOTE:
To get even more benefits from your ice cube treatment, add half a teaspoon of your preferred carrier oil to your infusion before freezing it. Then, wipe your face and neck with these ice cubes before your makeup goes on. The addition of oil will soften and nourish your skin, preparing it for a smooth and flawless make up application.
Find more unique DIY beauty practices and recipes in
Fresh & Pure: Organically Crafted Beauty Balms & Cleansers, part of the Pretty Zen collection that includes Nourish & Glow: Naturally Beautifying Foods & Elixirs. Order your copies today.