LIFESTYLES

Abruzzo, Italy: A Family Goes Back

Abbateggio
The story starts with my great-great-grandfather, Andrea DelSignore, a landowner, a farmer and businessman in the town of Sulmona, Italy. Andrea and his wife Cecilia had three sons, Panfilo, Cosimo …

Champagne adds Spirit of Revelry to holiday gatherings

The clinking of crystal flutes toasting the holidays. The sound of Champagne corks popping and the thought of elegant extravagance. What could be more festive to commence the long holiday season of …

Kathy’s Gardening Guide: Landscape Trivia

Crown of Thorns

There is so much to learn about flowers and gardening! Test your knowledge with these fun trivia questions (answers below): 1. Which part of the horseradish plant can be used to make a sauce? A) …

Kathy's Gardening Guide: Fall Colors!

Celosia

As temperatures drop into the 70s, we start to feel hints of fall in our Northeast Florida home! It is cooling off enough to return to the garden, but what is best to plant now for seasonal color? …

SAFE Pet Rescue holds fundraisers

A fundraiser at The Gifted Cork & Gourmet

Fall is a busy time of year for SAFE, a pet rescue dedicated to saving animals from euthanasia. They have been rescuing animals since the nonprofit began in 2008 and are always looking for new ways …

Pet adoption event planned for Oct. 24-25

As shelters and rescues across the country continue to operate with strained resources, the Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS) is partnering with PetSmart Charities to help more pets find families …

Fall decorating
Kathy’s Gardening Guide: Decorating for Fall
As fall arrives, we see seasonal decorations popping up throughout our neighborhoods. Fall is the season where harvest celebrates the hard work put in during the summer months and the prosperity that …
Chrysanthemums
Kathy’s Gardening Guide: 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 — …
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 …
Crotons
Kathy’s Gardening Guide: 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 …
Salvia
Kathy's Gardening Guide: Annuals vs. Perennials
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 …
Crepe Myrtle
Kathy’s Gardening Guide: Transplanting Trees
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 …
Brandon Ballengée at work
Art and science exhibit relays plight of amphibians, fishes
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 …
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 …
Health

Gathering for Thanksgiving? Help Keep Flu Off the Guest List

You can help protect yourself and your family from the flu this Thanksgiving.
(NAPSI)—With 74% of Americans planning to gather with family and friends for Thanksgiving this year, according to Pew Research Center, there’s one important step to take before getting together: …
The new digital frontier for healthcare’s most resilient communication tool: The fax
eFax reports that despite advancements in digital health records, fax remains crucial in U.S. healthcare for transmitting and managing patient data effectively.
10 early symptoms that can point to diabetes
Doctronic reports that early diabetes symptoms include thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. A blood test is essential for diagnosis; screening starts at age 35.
How to cope when holidays bring up grief, family tension, and pressure
Northwell Health reports that the holidays can heighten grief and family tensions, emphasizing the importance of realistic boundaries and coping strategies to maintain mental well-being.

What causes a food coma, and how to beat it this Thanksgiving

Naturepedic reports that food comas, or postprandial somnolence, occur after large meals, causing drowsiness.

Bronchitis vs. pneumonia: How to tell the difference

Doctronic reports bronchitis inflames airways and usually resolves in three weeks, while pneumonia infects lung tissue, is more serious, and requires targeted treatment.

5 unique Thanksgiving main dishes to make on the grill

Wildfire Outdoor Living reports on unique Thanksgiving grilling recipes from Wildfire Outdoor Living, featuring dishes like Five-Spice Rotisserie Pork and Blackened Tri-Tip.
Mastering your Thanksgiving meal: Avoiding common food fails
Knorr reports tips to avoid Thanksgiving food fails, like thawing turkey, preventing dry meat, lumpy gravy, and soggy stuffing for a stress-free feast.
How do fresh oysters get to the mountains? Inside the journey from the Carolina coast to Asheville
The Scheffer Group reports on the journey of Carolina oysters to Asheville, highlighting the careful farming, handling, and logistics that ensure freshness and quality.
Why high-protein snacks are replacing traditional junk food
BUILT reports Circana reports that 48% of adults seek more protein in snacks, driving demand for high-protein options as consumers prioritize health and convenience.
The holiday meals Americans find most stressful aren’t the ones you might think
Tyson Foods' survey reveals that 56% of Americans feel more stressed about meals between holidays than the big feast itself, with many seeking convenience and tech help for easier meal prep.
Thanksgiving Turkey Report: Tuesday is bird day and frozen fans plan ahead, according to Instacart data
Instacart reports that whole turkey purchases soared 1,651% ahead of Thanksgiving 2025, peaking on Tuesday. Frozen varieties lead in some states, while thermometers saw a 3,589% spike on the holiday.
Pet coverage from around the web

The ultimate guide to Halloween dog safety: Treats, tricks, and peace of mind

Ollie reports key Halloween safety tips for dogs, including managing door traffic, securing candy, choosing safe costumes, and knowing when to call a vet.

What is the best meat for dogs? Healthiest dog food protein options

Ollie reports on the best meats for dogs, emphasizing high-quality options like chicken, beef, salmon, and turkey for balanced nutrition. 

How to dog-proof your car

Husky Liners reports on dog-proofing your car with tips like using custom floor liners, seat covers, and cleaning hacks to keep vehicles safe from muddy paws and fur.
Help Your Furry Friend

Is fresh dog food safe?

Ollie reports that fresh dog food is safe when made, stored, and served correctly. Proper handling is crucial to prevent contamination and spoilage.

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 …