Chanel has expanded its beauty portfolio for September 2026 with the launch of a new COCO MADEMOISELLE CRUSH ABSOLU fragrance, updates to its SUBLIMAGE L’EXTRAIT range and LE LIFT line, and a new shade of LE VERNIS nail lacquer. COCO MADEMOISELLE CRUSH ABSOLU is presented as an ambery fragrance built around a lychee and grapefruit accord, with a floral heart of rose and jasmine intended to emphasise the scent’s intensity and character. In skincare, SUBLIMAGE L’EXTRAIT BAUME REGARD eye balm combines Vanilla Planifolia and Swertia extracts with a remodelling complex designed to support the skin’s night-time rejuvenating cycle, while LE LIFT CRÈME offers a smooth, refillable high‑performance cream formulated with a Pro‑Lift Complex to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and support skin resilience. Further additions include LE VERNIS nail lacquer in shade 469 Coco, a delicate pink enriched with pigments and camellia eco‑ceramides for an even, glossy finish, LE LIFT FLUIDE lightweight moisturizer formulated with alpha hydroxy acids to refine texture and reduce the look of pores, and SUBLIMAGE L’EXTRAIT DE NUIT serum, which is positioned to deliver overnight radiance and a more rested complexion over time. By ML. Photo(s)/Chanel

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami is marking the end of summer with the final days of its special exhibition Extreme Sports: Beyond Human Limits, while launching fall education programs and events that focus on engineering, astronomy, marine conservation and accessible learning. Visitors have a last opportunity to experience Extreme Sports: Beyond Human Limits, which explores the physics, biology and psychology behind high-intensity sports through interactive challenges. The exhibition, sponsored by iFLY Miami, closes Monday, September 7, with the museum extending its hours until 6:00 p.m. on Labor Day to accommodate demand. Registration is open for the 2026–2027 Frost Science STEM Challenge, an engineering design program that engages middle and high school students in solving real-world scientific problems over the course of the school year. Participants develop projects for presentation at the STEM Challenge Expo, where top teams can earn college scholarships to Florida universities; registration closes Thursday, October 1. The museum’s fall calendar features a Laser Evening in the Frost Planetarium on Saturday, September 12, a MUVE International Coastal Cleanup Day 2026 effort on Saturday, September 19, and a series of accessibility and early-childhood programs including Just for Me: Planetary Wonders and Mini-Me Science: Into the Wild. An adults-only evening, nightLAB: Weird Science, on Thursday, October 15, will feature themed activities, expert talks, special planetarium shows and immersive visuals. Looking ahead to November, Frost Science will host the 2026 ReeFLorida Symposium from Wednesday, November 11 through Friday, November 13, bringing together researchers, conservationists, educators and managers focused on protecting and restoring Florida’s Coral Reef. The event will feature plenary talks, short presentations, poster sessions and workshops, with registration open through Friday, October 23 via the symposium portal. Those interested in attending the symposium can register here for full details on participation. By ML. Photo(s)/Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

Basis Industrial, a privately held and vertically integrated real estate owner and operator based in Delray Beach, Fla., announced the acquisition of land and closing of a $20.5 million construction loan for a new self-storage development at 17140 W. Waddell Road in Surprise, Ariz. The transaction closed on Sept. 2, 2026. The project marks Basis Industrial's first self-storage development in Arizona, representing the company's expansion of its self-storage platform into a new state. The project will encompass approximately 102,673 square feet with 707 climate-controlled storage units upon completion. The construction financing was provided by NexBank and NexPoint. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with completion and opening anticipated in fall 2027. Situated within the Truman Ranch master-planned community, the development will deliver a modern self-storage facility designed to serve one of the Phoenix metropolitan area's fastest-growing communities. Located in Surprise, the project advances after more than four years of planning and entitlement efforts. Basis Industrial has been advancing its portion of the Truman Ranch development since 2021. The company selected the location in part because of the significant residential and commercial development occurring throughout Surprise and within Truman Ranch. The master-planned community includes more than 600 new apartment units, creating an additional demand driver for self-storage as the surrounding area continues to grow. "Securing construction financing and completing the land acquisition mark important milestones after years of planning and collaboration," said Anthony Scavo, chief executive officer and managing partner of Basis Industrial. "This project also represents an exciting step as we expand our self-storage platform into Arizona for the first time. We continue to see significant development throughout Surprise, and with more than 600 new apartment units within Truman Ranch alone, we believe there is a strong need for convenient, high-quality self-storage in this community. This financing allows us to move into construction while continuing to expand our self-storage platform in markets with strong long-term fundamentals." Demand for self-storage continues to increase throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area, driven by rapid residential growth, strong household formation and the continued expansion of master-planned communities such as Truman Ranch. The Surprise development represents another milestone in Basis Industrial's growing self-storage platform while marking the company's entry into the Arizona self-storage market. The project reflects Basis Industrial's continued focus on pursuing opportunities in high-growth markets with strong long-term fundamentals. Located within one of the region's fastest-growing communities, the development is expected to help meet increasing demand for modern storage solutions while further expanding the company's national development pipeline. Bu ML Staff. Photo/Basis Industrial.

The Miami Open presented by Itaú will introduce two new premium seating areas on Stadium Court for the 2027 tournament at Hard Rock Stadium. Called The Pavilions, the new structures will occupy the southwest and southeast corners of the court and provide closer views of match play. The addition marks the first major upgrade to Stadium Court since the Miami Open moved to Hard Rock Stadium in 2019. Each Pavilion measures 4,000 square feet and accommodates 150 guests, with Club-style, Club Premier and Living Room seating available through Single Session and Full Series Package options. The Pavilions will combine stadium views with a club-style hospitality experience. Each space will include bar and lounge seating, curated art displays and televisions showing matches taking place elsewhere on the tournament grounds. Food and beverage service will be included with Pavilion tickets. Guests will have access to beer, wine, champagne, soda and water from private bars, along with a selection of hors d’oeuvres designed to reflect Miami’s diverse dining scene. Guests purchasing Living Room seats will receive additional access to the 72 Club and Casa Tua during their session. Both are among the Miami Open’s premium hospitality spaces. Tournament Director James Blake said the Pavilions are part of a broader series of planned improvements intended to enhance the experience for fans and players. The tournament will return to Miami Gardens in March 2027. View from The Pavilions Single Session tickets for the 2027 Miami Open will go on sale Thursday, Sept. 10. Fans can register now for the 2027 Miami Open presented by Itaú presale at www.miamiopen.com/tickets/luxury/pavilions. Presale access, including tickets for The Pavilions, begins Wednesday, Sept. 9, with fans able to register through the tournament’s official ticketing page. By ML Staff. Photos/Miami Open.

Walk into a gym or wellness store and you might encounter compression boots, smart rings, creatine supplements and ice baths. Their use by elite athletes can function as an implicit endorsement, making them seem more proven or more broadly useful than the evidence supports. It’s easy to assume that if elite athletes do something, it must be effective for everyone. mihailomilovanovic/E_ via Getty Images As an athletic trainer with experience in collegiate and professional sports, I now evaluate the evidence behind health and performance practices for an NCAA Division I athletics program. That work has shown me how teams decide whether a new product or training strategy offers a meaningful benefit. Elite sports are natural testing grounds for new approaches to health and performance. Teams pursue small advantages and often have the staff, data and resources to evaluate new ideas earlier than most other organizations. But these are not controlled laboratories. Decisions are made under pressure, with incomplete information and a demand for immediate results. Some ideas prove useful. Others produce effects that are too small to matter, work only in narrow circumstances or fail to hold up as evidence develops. Ice baths can reduce soreness and support short-term recovery after an intense workout. Ivan Rodriguez Alba/iStock via Getty Images Plus How teams evaluate new ideas Championships, careers and major financial investments may depend on keeping athletes healthy and prepared. Given those stakes, teams often explore anything that could give them even a small edge, especially when athletes must recover quickly or remain healthy during a demanding schedule. Medical, coaching, nutrition and performance staff can look at the same approach from different angles. They ask whether it works, whether the benefit is large enough to matter, whether it is safe and practical and whether it solves the problem facing the athlete. A strategy may help one athlete during one part of the season and still be a poor choice for routine use. Teams may abandon it when the results are inconsistent, costs outweigh the benefits or it does not improve a meaningful outcome. I saw this clearly when I first entered an NBA professional team’s dedicated recovery lounge. Rather than waiting for athletes to feel tired or sore, the staff planned recovery around what each athlete had done and needed to do next. That shift mattered more than the equipment in the room. Recovery became part of the training plan rather than an optional treatment after practice. Recovery tools may help – but usually only a little Recovery devices have moved well beyond elite athletic training and performance facilities. Compression boots, massage guns and electrical stimulation devices are now marketed directly to recreational athletes, often with the promises of faster recovery or better performance. Some of these tools may help, but the effects are often modest. Compression boots may reduce perceived muscle soreness, while massage guns may help muscles feel less stiff and improve short-term range of motion. Evidence for broader improvements in recovery or performance, including from electrical stimulation, is less consistent. Even when the evidence is limited or the expected benefit is small, an elite athlete may still choose to use a recovery tool because feeling even slightly better could matter when another game, practice or competition is already scheduled. Someone who exercises recreationally may also value feeling less sore but can often adjust the next workout based on how they feel. Tools that help athletes achieve specific training goals may not be applicable to recreational athletes. Sebastian Ramirez Morales/Moment via Getty Images Many supplements lack evidence The same principle applies to nutrition. If elite athletes use a supplement, does that mean everyone who exercises should use it? Research supports some commonly used approaches. People who perform resistance training may benefit from adding more protein to their diet because protein provides the materials the body needs to build and repair muscle. Creatine, a naturally occurring compound the body synthesizes using three amino acids, works differently. It helps muscle produce quick energy during short bursts of intense activity, and supplementation can improve strength when combined with resistance training. But the evidence is much weaker for many other supplements sold to athletes and exercisers. A sports dietitian may recommend a product only after considering an athlete’s diet, health history, training schedule and competition demands. A consumer may encounter the same product through an advertisement that leaves out those details. Before buying a supplement simply because certain high-profile athletes use it, ask what problem it is supposed to solve and whether the evidence applies to your goals. What a readiness score can and cannot tell you Smart rings and fitness watches increasingly combine measures such as sleep, resting heart rate, heart-rate variability and recent activity into a readiness score meant to estimate how prepared someone may be to exercise. For the recreational exerciser, a low score might appear after a poor night’s sleep, a hard workout the day before or several unusually stressful days. Elite sports teams may use readiness scores to prompt questions about sleep, illness, stress or recent training. But a score cannot explain what caused a change or determine what should happen next. Wearable measurements also vary in accuracy, so a score that combines several of them can appear more definitive than it is. A low readiness score before a planned workout does not necessarily mean you should skip the workout. It is more useful when considered alongside how you feel, how you slept and what you have done recently. The score should inform your decision – not make it. The right choice depends on your goal An innovation does not have to work for everyone to be valuable. As evidence develops, its appropriate use may become narrower and better defined. Ice baths illustrate this idea. An athlete who just competed and must compete again tomorrow may use an ice bath because it can reduce soreness and support short-term recovery, particularly during a tournament or demanding stretch of games. Someone lifting weights to build strength and muscle has a different goal. Regularly using ice baths immediately after resistance training may reduce some of the muscle-building response to exercise. Before buying a recovery device, changing a supplement routine or letting a readiness score alter a workout, ask three basic questions: What am I trying to accomplish? Is there good evidence that this approach helps with that goal? Does it make sense for my health, schedule and training? For people trying to stay active, improve fitness or feel healthier, the lesson is neither to copy every routine or product used by elite athletes nor to reject every idea that comes from sports. The better lesson is to adopt the process elite teams use: Define the goal, examine the evidence, consider the individual, and stop when the results do not justify the approach. Words by Adam Annaccone, Clinical Associate Professor of Kinesiology, University of Texas at Arlington. Special thanks for The Conversation. Support and donate today.

Who doesn't like good chocolate? Here, we bring you some of Miami's finest sweet ateliers serving chocolate. But did you know that the transformation of bitter cacao seeds into a refined delicacy dates back more than three millennia to Mesoamerican civilizations, where it was first brewed as a sacred ritual beverage? Although some of that ritual has been lost, it has gained in other ways, as chocolatiers now do all kinds of things, from small-batch bean-to-bar production to fascinating flavor infusions. Here are some of our favorites! Ben B Coco Photo: Ben B Coco Situated in the heart of Wynwood, this artisanal chocolate factory operates with a clear focus on fair-trade sourcing and imaginative flavor profiles. Founder Benjamin Fogel treats each small batch as edible art, crafting everything by hand using globally sourced cacao. The sleek studio offers a vibrant window into the modern craft chocolate movement. It stands out as an essential stop for contemporary, ethically minded confections in a trendy district. Address: 170 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127 Phone: (786) 309-5566 Website: Official website. Instagram: @benbcoco Cacao & Cardamom Photo: Cacao & Cardamom Bringing luxury chocolate design to Miami, this boutique specializes in hand-painted artisan bonbons and customizable gourmet gift boxes. Each piece resembles a miniature canvas, utilizing striking visual colors to hint at complex spice and fruit infusions inside. The studio combines traditional European techniques with modern culinary artistry. It caters to connoisseurs seeking personalized gifts and visually breathtaking treats that taste as extraordinary as they look. Address: Miami, FL 33137 Phone: (713) 501-5743 Website: Official website. Instagram: @cacaoandcardamom CAO Chocolates Photo: CAO Chocolates Hidden in the Pinecrest area, this intimate shop operates as a dedicated bean-to-bar factory producing exceptional small-batch sweets. The venue takes a highly educational approach, frequently offering guided tastings and coffee pairings. The charming, family-owned atmosphere contrasts beautifully with the highly technical craftsmanship applied to every single-origin bar. It remains a mandatory visit for purists who want to explore the ethical sourcing and complex tasting notes of globally harvested cacao. Address: 9800 SW 77th Ave, Miami, FL 33156 Phone: (305) 879-0281 Website: Official website. Instagram: @caochocolates Exquisito Chocolates Photo: Exquisito Chocolates Operating as Little Havana's pioneering bean-to-bar factory, this local favorite handles the entire chocolate-making process on-site from raw beans to finished bars. Founded by Carolina Quijano, the workshop draws heavily on Latin American roots, incorporating regional flavors like Cuban coffee and local rum. The rustic-chic space invites visitors to experience true craft manufacturing. It remains a celebrated destination for purists seeking single-origin purity and distinct cultural heritage. Address: 2608 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135 Phone: (305) 774-6831 Website: Official website. Instagram: @exquisitochocolates Garcia Nevett Chocolatier de Miami Photo: Garcia Nevett Chocolatier de Miami Run by sisters Susana and Isabel Garcia Nevett, this South Miami boutique reflects over a decade of dedication to fine Venezuelan cacao. Their award-winning truffles and bars combine classic European methods with distinct tropical Florida infusions like key lime and local honey. The intimate shop provides a welcoming environment centered around deep familial passion and craftsmanship. It is an award-winning local staple for anyone wanting authentic South American cocoa expression. Address: 7312 Red Rd, Miami, FL 33143 Phone: (305) 749-6877 Website: Official website. Instagram: @garcianevett Helena Chocolatier Photo: Helena Chocolatier Tucked inside the DoubleTree by Hilton near the airport, this specialty boutique brings authentic Peruvian craftsmanship to South Florida. The brand is famous for its chocotejas, which are traditional confections filled with rich dulce de leche and ingredients like pecans or lucuma. Handcrafted in Ica, Peru, and fulfilled locally, these treats offer a unique flavor profile. It provides an elegant discovery for connoisseurs seeking rare regional sweets rather than standard European truffles. Address: 755 NW 72nd Ave Plaza # 1, Miami, FL 33126 Phone: (305) 970-2968 Website: Official website. Instagram: @helenachocolatier_us Läderach Photo: Läderach Located inside Aventura Mall, this celebrated Swiss chocolatier provides an interactive, highly visual retail experience. The brand is globally recognized for its massive slabs of fresh artisanal chocolate known as FrischSchoggi. Visitors can select their favorite pieces to be broken off by the pound, ensuring an engaging and personalized purchase. The pristine boutique focuses heavily on uncompromising quality, making it an essential destination for those craving authentic luxury confections. Address: 19501 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura, FL 33180 Phone: (786) 744-2570 Website: Official website. Instagram: @laderach_na Le Chocolatier Photo: Le Chocolatier This long-standing local gem delivers a classic approach to fine confectionery with an emphasis on handcrafted gift boxes and molded treats. The shop focuses heavily on personalized service, supplying exquisite custom platters and seasonal novelties for private celebrations. The tidy boutique offers a comforting, traditional retail experience. It remains a dependable neighborhood choice for reliable quality, beautiful presentation, and thoughtful chocolate gifting. Address: 1840 NE 164th St, Miami, FL 33162 Phone: (305) 935-5060 Website: Official website. Instagram: @lechocolatier Miami Beach Chocolates Photo: Miami Beach Chocolates Operating in Surfside, this family-owned boutique has become a community staple for premium, kosher-certified sweets. The shop offers a massive variety of handmade treats, including classic truffles, chocolate-covered pretzels, and highly customized gift boxes. The atmosphere is warm, traditional, and incredibly welcoming, focusing on nostalgic comfort combined with high-quality ingredients. It serves as a highly reliable destination for elevated holiday gifting and beautiful, everyday indulgences. Address: 9433 Harding Ave, Surfside, FL 33154 Phone: (305) 532-4949 Website: Official website. Instagram: @miamibeachchocolates OH MY GOSH! Brigadeiros Photo: OH MY GOSH! Brigadeiros Recognized as Florida's first dedicated brigadeiro boutique, this brand elevated the classic Brazilian truffle into a luxury experience. While they maintain several retail spaces, their Calle Ocho location functions as their primary creative factory. The menu highlights intensely creamy, bite-sized chocolate spheres rolled in various premium toppings. It perfectly captures the joyful essence of South American sweets, offering a beautifully packaged alternative to the traditional European chocolate box. Address: 302 SW 17th Ave, Miami, FL 33135 Phone: (305) 200-5581 Website: Official website. Instagram: @omgbrigadeiros Romanicos Chocolate Photo: Romanicos Chocolate Located along Coral Way, this boutique is helmed by master chocolatier Alejandra Browne, who treats chocolate as an intimate medium for storytelling. Using premium Venezuelan cacao, the shop creates intricate hand-painted bonbons, solid chocolate art pieces, and delicate truffles. The studio also hosts interactive workshops and tasting events for enthusiasts. It provides a warm, creative space emphasizing ethical sourcing, purity, and profound attention to detail. Address: 2232 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135 Phone: (305) 642-5331 Website: Official website. Instagram: @romanicoschocolate By ML Staff. Selection by Camila R. S. Azeredo. Photos: Featured Venues / Provided by each featured venue in this story.

Before Miami had skyscrapers, traffic jams and beachside hotels, September 5 marked two very different moments in the city's history. Actually, September 5 gives us two snapshots of the city separated by just 49 years. The first takes us back to 1876, when Miami was still a remote pioneer settlement and a young woman named Rose Wagner was married in a tiny wooden chapel beside her family's home. The second takes us to 1925, at the height of South Florida's spectacular real estate boom, when Miami officially became Greater Miami through a major annexation that dramatically increased the city's boundaries. September 5, 1876 A Wedding on the Miami River In 1876, there was no downtown skyline, no Brickell Avenue and no Ocean Drive. Miami was a small, isolated settlement along the river, surrounded by tropical wilderness. The Wagner family was one of the area's pioneering families. William and Eveline Wagner had established their home near what was then known as Wagner Creek, in the vicinity of today's Jackson Health complex. Their daughter, Rose Wagner, had grown up in this early Miami community after arriving in the area as a six-year-old child in 1858. The Wagners were also deeply connected to the religious life of the settlement. In 1872, Catholic Mass was celebrated at the Wagner home. A few years later, at the request of Bishop Augustine Verot, William Wagner built a small chapel beside the family residence. The simple wooden structure measured approximately 40 by 10 feet and had a wooden cross above it. It became the first house of worship in this pioneer settlement. And then, on September 5, 1876, the little chapel hosted a wedding. Rose Wagner married Adam C. Richards, a pioneer who had been associated with the Wagner family and their coontie starch operation. Father Hugan, who had traveled to Miami from Key West, officiated at the ceremony. For such a small community, it was a big occasion. Historical accounts describe the wedding as quite a social event. White pioneers attended, as did Native Americans who were living in the region and reportedly watched the proceedings with curiosity. On September 5, 1876, Rose Wagner married Adam Richards at her family’s homestead in Miami. The ceremony was officiated by Father Hugan of Key West, who traveled to the sparsely populated settlement, later incorporated as the City of Miami, to perform the wedding. Rose Wagner's story continued long after the wedding Rose and Adam Richards eventually established their own homestead in what is now the South Miami area. They raised 10 children and became part of the early Larkins community. Their property later contributed land for a public school and a cemetery. The Richards family's connection to the area can still be traced today. Land associated with their homestead became part of the landscape around present-day Sunset Elementary School and Pinewood Cemetery. Rose also left something even more valuable for historians: her memories. In the early 1900s, she wrote a series of reminiscences about her childhood and early life in Miami. Those recollections have become an important source for understanding what the Miami River community was like during the city's earliest years. William Wagner Homestead, Miami: Built in the mid-1850s by pioneer William Wagner beside Wagner Creek, a tributary of the Miami River later named in his honor. In 1979, Dade Heritage Trust saved the historic homestead and moved it to Lummus Park, where it remains today. Photo courtesy of Ebyabe/CC-BY-SA-3.0 September 5, 1925 Greater Miami Is Created Now jump ahead 49 years. Miami had become almost unrecognizable. The railroad had arrived in 1896. New neighborhoods were spreading outward. Roads, automobiles, hotels and real estate development were transforming South Florida. By the 1920s, Miami was caught up in the Great Florida Land Boom, with developers aggressively promoting new communities and investors speculating on property. Then came September 1925. On September 2, voters considered a proposal to expand the City of Miami by annexing surrounding communities and areas, including Coconut Grove, Silver Bluff, Allapattah, Lemon City, Buena Vista and Little River. Three days later, on September 5, 1925, Greater Miami was officially created. The expansion was enormous. Miami's boundaries grew dramatically, transforming a relatively compact city into a much larger municipality. But there was controversy, particularly in Coconut Grove. While the overall vote strongly favored annexation, Coconut Grove voters overwhelmingly opposed it. Historical records show that 180 Coconut Grove voters voted against annexation while only 26 voted in favor. Because Miami's much larger electorate participated in the vote, the overall result nevertheless favored the creation of Greater Miami. The controversy continued to unfold. Contemporary reporting shows that on September 4, 1925, Coconut Grove residents were already preparing to challenge the proposed annexation. At the same time, Miami was in the midst of its spectacular real estate boom, with rapid development and intense speculation reshaping the city. Miami was undergoing extraordinary growth during the 1920s land boom. A 1925 map shows the ambitious vision for the expanding city, while period photographs displayed below capture the rapid development taking place around it. Aerial view of the Miami River and part of the city in 1925. Photo/PD Mark 1.0 Universal The construction of the Olympia Theater in 1925. Photo/PD Mark 1.0 Universal By ML Staff. Photo credits/Listed below each photo

Family life has long been shaped by the people, places, and traditions around us. But today, children are growing up in a global world where different cultures are a normal part of everyday life. For many children, their friends will come from different countries; they’ll hear several languages spoken in school, and they’ll get to sample all sorts of different foods and traditions without ever having to leave home. Meeting different people and having different experiences in their daily lives gives parents new opportunities. Children don't need to travel far from home to gain a global perspective. They can gain it through daily experiences with the people they meet. Image by DepositPhotos Looking Beyond the Familiar Children are naturally inquisitive about things they don’t know about. An unfamiliar accent, a strange dish, or a story from a foreign country can generate many questions. Parents don't need to create these opportunities. They can happen by themselves, and parents need to recognize them when they do. A conversation about where a friend’s family is from can lead to a geography lesson. Trying a new recipe for dinner can lead to learning more about the culture of a country and the traditions that go along with that country. Children are naturally exposed to many different opportunities to learn. These early encounters can help children understand that lots of people live, communicate, celebrate, and view the world differently. When the World Becomes Part of the Household Another way some families bring international experiences into everyday life is by welcoming people from other countries into their homes. For families considering this kind of experience, Cultural Care is one au pair program that connects young people from different parts of the world with host families in the United States. In the right household, having an au pair around can make cultural exchange feel less like an activity and more like a natural part of family life. You don’t know when the experience will show up – it could be when a child hears another language being spoken at breakfast, when they find out about a favorite dish from someone’s hometown, or when they hear stories about someone’s childhood growing up somewhere else. Those experiences can be even more memorable than a single lesson on culture because they are tied to a person the child knows. Learning Through Real Connections Personal experiences tend to stay with us for a reason. This adds a more human touch and creates more opportunities to ask questions, instead of children reading about a country. They get to know a person who grew up in that country, in that country’s hometown, and they hear his favorite memories and his family traditions. As children learn about someone’s experiences growing up in a foreign country, they can learn a lot about the country the person is from and even get to know their hometown. Places on the map become the person’s hometown, filled with memories, family traditions, and stories. The child even has plenty of room to ask his/her own questions about the country. For example: What did school look like? Did the person have eggs or toast for breakfast? Do children from that country play the same games? How do they celebrate their holidays? The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization describes intercultural dialogue as an important way of encouraging understanding between people with different cultural backgrounds. That principle can be surprisingly relevant inside a family home, where everyday conversations can become opportunities to see things from another perspective. Image by DepositPhotos A Different Kind of Childhood Experience A childhood surrounded by different perspectives does not mean children have to give up their own traditions. Quite the opposite. A family can keep its favorite celebrations, meals, weekend routines, and traditions while still making space for someone else's. The result is not necessarily a completely different household. It is simply a household with a few more stories. For children, that can make cultural differences feel ordinary rather than intimidating. It can also encourage them to think beyond the idea that their own experience is universal. They begin to understand that another child may have a different family routine, speak another language at home, or celebrate something in a completely different way — and that all of those experiences can be perfectly normal. Making Room Without Overplanning Modern parents already have plenty to organize. School, work, sports, appointments, and social activities can leave very little empty space in the week. That is why global experiences work best when they do not feel like another obligation. You don't need to schedule a weekly “culture night” if your family naturally encounters different cultures in other ways. A meal, a conversation, a new friendship, or an unexpected story can be enough. The American Academy of Pediatrics' guidance on helping children understand differences emphasizes the role parents can play in helping children develop respect for people from different backgrounds. That process does not have to involve complicated activities. It can start with listening and letting children ask questions. In many cases, the most valuable lesson is simply learning that unfamiliar does not have to mean uncomfortable. What Parents Can Learn, Too Cultural exchange is not only valuable for children. Parents may also discover new foods, traditions, perspectives, and ways of approaching everyday family life. Someone who grew up in another country may have a completely different idea about family meals, celebrations, childhood independence, or how weekends are spent. Not every difference will become part of the household, and it doesn't have to. The value can simply come from having another perspective to consider. That can be refreshing in a family routine that sometimes becomes predictable. From Small Moments to Family Memories Most families remember the best parts of their experiences, not necessarily the most expensive or well-planned ones. Long after the event has passed, children will remember details of small moments of quality – like an unusual meal, an amusing anecdote, a random word or two, or even a reference to some obscure place that they had never before heard of. At its core, a global family lifestyle is not about traveling the world; it is about opening up your world to others. The world does not have to be elsewhere. It can also be part of our daily life at home. Conclusion Creating a more globally minded family life does not have to involve traveling to countries around the world or planning international experiences for your family. This can be as simple as showing interest in people from other countries and giving them space to share their views. These encounters can help children of all ages feel more familiar with the wider world. For parents, they can also remind us that some of the best family experiences aren’t planned. Sometimes, they simply walk through the front door. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of DepositPhotos

Image by Antonio Cuellar / Pexels When most people think of Florida, they picture Miami: crowded beaches, palms bending over busy roads, and evenings that stay warm long after sunset. All of that is certainly part of the state, but it is only one version of it. Get away from the major tourist centers, and Florida starts to feel different. Small coastal communities replace high-rise neighborhoods. Roads open up. Lunch can stretch into the afternoon because you don't particularly need to be anywhere. That is part of what makes an RV such a good way to see the state. You are not tied to a hotel reservation in one city for a week. You might spend the first few days around Miami, then head west and settle into the Gulf Coast for a while. If somewhere along the way deserves another night, you have the option to stay. More importantly, you actually experience the distance between destinations rather than skipping over it on a flight. Start With Miami, But Don't Stop There Miami makes sense as a starting point. There are beaches, restaurants, galleries, nightlife and neighborhoods that can easily keep you busy for several days. Eventually, though, the crowds and traffic can get overwhelming. That is a good time to get back on the road. Heading toward Florida's Gulf Coast changes the trip's mood. There are still plenty of things to do, but days don't necessarily need to revolve around a list of attractions. You can spend a morning near the water, stop somewhere for lunch and decide what comes next when you get there. It is a simple change, but an important one. Miami gives you Florida's busy, social side. The road west introduces you to something slower. Don't Plan Every Hour of the Trip Some planning is essential for an RV trip. Too much of it can become a burden. Pick the places you really care about and work out a rough route between them. Then leave some space in the schedule. Florida traffic does not always cooperate, weather can change quickly and sometimes you simply find somewhere you would rather spend a few more hours. A rigid itinerary makes those decisions harder than they need to be. Campgrounds are one area where doing your homework beforehand pays off. Check maximum vehicle lengths, hookups and parking arrangements rather than assuming every site can accommodate your setup. Florida State Parks' RV camping information helps you compare parks and check individual camping requirements before you arrive. Popular campgrounds may need to be reserved well in advance, particularly during busy periods. That doesn't mean you need to lock in every night of the trip. Reserve the stops where availability matters most, and keep flexibility elsewhere. Image by kampus / Pexels Head West and See Another Side of Florida It doesn't take an enormous distance for Florida to start feeling like a different place. Along the Gulf Coast, the scale changes. There are smaller waterfront communities, local restaurants and plenty of opportunities to spend the day outside without feeling as though you need to race from one attraction to another. Punta Gorda, on the southwest Gulf Coast, works well as a stop along this kind of route. You are still in coastal Florida, but the experience feels far removed from a few days in Miami. That difference is precisely why the two destinations work together. Spend the beginning of the trip around Miami's restaurants, beaches and nightlife, then move on when you are ready for less traffic and a little more breathing room. You don't have to decide which version of Florida is better. See both. If you want to extend the route beyond these areas, Visit Florida's travel resources can help with finding other towns, parks and regions worth considering. A Comfortable RV Makes a Better Trip There is nothing glamorous about checking tire pressure or testing your lights before a vacation, but a problem on the highway is even less glamorous. Give the RV a proper check before leaving. Tires, fluids, batteries and lights are the obvious starting points. Also check the equipment you'll use at camp. Anyone towing a second vehicle should check that setup before putting serious miles on it. Also think about what happens after the trip. RVs spend much more time parked than traveling, especially for owners who use them seasonally. Keeping a large vehicle at home can be inconvenient or simply impossible depending on the property. For owners in southwest Florida, RV storage units in Punta Gorda, FL provide another option for keeping a vehicle between trips when home storage doesn't make sense. Once you're actually camping, small details start to matter. A beautiful campsite loses some of its charm when the RV barely fits or the hookup you expected isn't there. Check before you arrive. The interior doesn't need to be packed to the ceiling either. Put the things you use every day somewhere accessible and be selective with everything else. Having room to move around is usually worth more than bringing another bag of things you never touch. Pack for What You'll Actually Do It is easy to overpack an RV because there appears to be plenty of room. Then, three days into the trip, you are moving bags around just to find the coffee. Start with what Florida actually calls for. Lightweight clothes, comfortable shoes, sunglasses and sun protection will cover a lot of situations. Keep drinking water handy, especially if hiking, cycling or other outdoor activities are on the agenda. Bring the boring things too. A flashlight, basic tools, chargers, first-aid supplies and a few maintenance essentials don't take up much space and can be very useful when something minor goes wrong. You can usually buy anything else along the way. You are traveling through Florida, not crossing an uninhabited continent. Give Yourself Permission to Stay Longer This might be the easiest RV travel tip to forget. You arrive somewhere expecting to stay one night and realize you like it. Stay another. Maybe the campground is particularly peaceful. Maybe you find a waterfront restaurant you want to return to the next evening. Maybe everyone is tired and another three hours behind the wheel suddenly sounds unnecessary. Changing the plan isn't a failure to follow the itinerary. It is one of the reasons to travel this way. The contrast between Miami and the Gulf Coast makes that flexibility particularly worthwhile. Miami can be loud, busy and social. Later in the trip, a quiet afternoon near the Gulf might be exactly what you want. Neither experience needs to be rushed just because the next destination is waiting. Image by Valentin Ivantsov / Pexels Handle the Important Details and Forget the Rest Before moving on to the next stop, check the weather and driving conditions. Confirm reservations that matter and make sure the next campground can accommodate your RV. Then go. Florida weather may occasionally force a change of plans, and traffic may add time to a drive. An itinerary with some breathing room makes both situations much less frustrating. There is also no prize for covering the most miles. If you find yourself driving past places you would like to see just to reach the next campground on schedule, the itinerary is probably working against you. See More Than the Florida Everyone Knows There is nothing wrong with building a Florida vacation around Miami. It has beaches, food, entertainment and enough going on to fill an entire trip. But an RV gives you a reason to go beyond Miami. Drive toward the Gulf Coast and the experience changes. Punta Gorda and other communities in southwest Florida show a quieter side of the state, while the miles between destinations become part of the vacation rather than dead time spent getting from one hotel to another. You don't need an elaborate itinerary to make that work. Know roughly where you're going, take care of the practical details and leave enough room for a few decisions you haven't made yet. After all, if you already knew exactly how every day was going to unfold, there wouldn't be much point in taking the road trip. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Pexels

Image by Griffin Wooldridge / Pexels Weather wears on people in ways they rarely account for when choosing where to live. Heat that never lets up, humidity that makes evenings uncomfortable, glare that turns a west-facing room unusable by four o'clock. None of it registers as a crisis. It just accumulates, and a few years in, people find themselves running air conditioning constantly and avoiding half their own property during daylight hours. Places like Upcountry Maui show how much of that comes down to where a property sits rather than how it was built. Site selection fixes more of this than any mechanical system ever will, and elevation is the single largest lever available. Where Height Changes the Daily Equation Air temperature drops steadily as land rises, which means two properties a few miles apart can offer completely different living conditions. Buyers who have only experienced the coastal version of a place often do not realize how much comfort sits a couple thousand feet above it. Anyone who’s searching for homes for sale in Upcountry Maui is picturing warm days paired with cool nights and long views across both coastlines. Properties there run from plantation cottages to small farms and larger estates. Reading a Slope Before You Read the House A hillside parcel behaves differently from a flat one, and the differences show up in ways that are easy to miss on a first visit. Water moves. Soil settles. Driveways that seem fine in dry weather become genuinely difficult after a heavy week. Walk the land in the direction water would travel and look for where it collects, because that is the spot that will eventually need attention. Grade also determines how much usable outdoor area actually exists. A large parcel that falls away steeply from the structure may offer far less flat ground than a smaller, gentler one. People buy acreage and discover they own a view rather than a yard. That may be exactly what they wanted, but it should be a decision rather than a surprise. Orientation Does the Work of a Machine Which way a structure faces determines how much energy goes into making it comfortable. A building turned to catch prevailing breezes and shed afternoon sun stays livable with windows open. One turned the wrong way needs mechanical help from morning until night, every day, permanently. This is worth checking directly rather than assuming. Stand in the main living area in the late afternoon and see where the light lands. Notice whether air moves through when openings are on both sides. Overhangs, deep eaves, and planted screening all help, and they cost far less than decades of cooling. Orientation is the one variable that cannot be corrected later without moving the walls. Elevation Brings Its Own Maintenance List Cooler and damper conditions are pleasant to live in and harder on materials. Moisture lingers longer in shaded areas, wood needs more attention, and metal fixtures corrode faster than they would in a drier setting. None of this is prohibitive, but it does mean the maintenance calendar looks different from what a lowland owner would expect. Ventilation under the structure matters. Gutters matter more than they do elsewhere. Exterior finishes need refreshing on a shorter cycle. Owners who understand this going in schedule the work and stay ahead of it. Owners who assume the same routine as everywhere else spend their fourth year discovering problems that started in the second. Distance Is a Real Cost Higher ground usually means longer trips. Groceries, schools, medical appointments, and airport runs all take more time, and that time compounds across a week in a way a single test drive does not reveal. Some communities at elevation have enough services to cover ordinary needs. Others require descending for nearly everything. Count the trips honestly. A household making two runs a day feels a twenty-minute drive very differently than one making two runs a week. This is not an argument against the elevation. It is an argument for knowing the number before committing to it, because the drive is the part people underestimate most consistently. Water, Power, and What the Utilities Actually Do Service reliability at elevation deserves direct questions rather than assumptions. Some parcels connect to municipal systems. Others depend on catchment, wells, or shared arrangements with neighboring owners. Each carries different obligations, different costs, and different failure modes. Power interruptions tend to be more common and last longer where lines run through terrain that is harder to reach. Households at elevation often keep backup arrangements that flatland households never think about. Ask what happened during the last significant storm and how long restoration took. Ask where the water comes from and who maintains the equipment. These answers shape daily life more than square footage does. Land That Can Do Something Cooler upland ground tends to be good agricultural land, and that opens options a small urban lot cannot. Fruit trees, cut flowers, vegetables, or simply pasture for a couple of animals all become realistic. Some buyers want that actively. Others want the possibility without the obligation. Both are fine, but the property should be evaluated for the version being chosen. Working land needs water access, equipment storage, and a road that holds up under a loaded vehicle. Land kept as open space needs almost none of that. Buying with agricultural intent and discovering the infrastructure was never there is a common and avoidable disappointment. Communities Age Around You The character of an upland area comes from the people who have been there a long time, and that shapes the experience of ownership more than any single feature of a parcel. Older communities tend to have established patterns, informal arrangements about shared roads, and a general expectation that neighbors participate. Newcomers who arrive and treat the place as a private retreat often find it colder than they expected. Those who show up at the local events and take their turn on the shared maintenance find the opposite. This is not something a listing can convey. It comes from spending unhurried time in the area at different hours and paying attention to how people interact. What Holds Value Over Decades Properties that keep their appeal share a few traits: workable land, sound orientation, honest access, and services that do not depend on a single fragile connection. Dramatic features fade in importance. Practical ones do not. The strongest test is imagining the property twenty years out with a different household in it. If the layout still works, if the road still holds, if the water still arrives without heroics, the place will be wanted. Comfort that comes from where a property sits rather than what has been bolted onto it is the kind that lasts. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Pexels

Miami Labor Day Weekend 2026 runs from Friday, September 4, through Monday, September 7, with a calendar led by Juanes at Kaseya Center, the Orange Blossom Classic, free film programming, hotel pool events and Miami Spice dining menus. Photo/Mcgill Productions NJN/Unsplash The strongest options span Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Gardens and nearby Hollywood, making advance tickets and a realistic transportation plan important. Friday, September 4 Juanes at Kaseya Center Tickets: Purchase Tickets Address: Kaseya Center, 601 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33132 Juanes opens Miami’s Labor Day weekend with a Friday-night performance at Kaseya Center. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. The Colombian singer and songwriter’s catalog blends rock and pop with Latin American musical influences. Hulvey at Miami Beach Bandshell Tickets: Purchase Tickets Address: Miami Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33141 Christian hip-hop artist Hulvey performs at the Miami Beach Bandshell with Indie Tribe and Kijan Boone. Doors open at 6 p.m., followed by the show at 7 p.m. Café La Trova Takes Over Bleau Bar Tickets: Reserve Tickets Address: Bleau Bar at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140 Café La Trova brings its cantinero cocktail program and live Cuban trova music to Bleau Bar at Fontainebleau Miami Beach from 9 p.m. to midnight. E11EVEN Miami Labor Day Weekend Event Details: View the Weekend Schedule Address: E11EVEN Miami, 29 NE 11th Street, Miami, FL 33132 E11EVEN Miami’s holiday schedule includes Rick Ross on Friday, 50 Cent on Saturday, Twinsick on Sunday and Damaged Goods on Monday. Ticket availability and entry policies vary by event. Events Running Throughout the Weekend Urban Film Festival Registration and Locations: View the Official Schedule The Urban Film Festival returns September 4 through 6 with screenings, workshops and discussions presented at multiple locations across Historic Overtown and Downtown Miami. Programming is free, but advance registration is required for individual sessions. Sweet Beach at The Shelborne Event Details: View Sweet Beach Information Address: The Shelborne By Proper, 1801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Sweet Liberty takes over the Pool Garden at The Shelborne By Proper for a Labor Day weekend program featuring cocktails and food developed with chef Michelle Bernstein. Hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday through Monday. Saturday, September 5 Mac’s Club Deuce 100th Anniversary Free RSVP: Register for the Block Party Address: Mac’s Club Deuce, 222 14th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Mac’s Club Deuce marks its 100th anniversary with a free block party beginning at 4 p.m. near 14th Street and Washington Avenue. The celebration includes live music, drinks and outdoor programming centered on the longstanding Miami Beach bar. Viva Brazil Tickets: Purchase Tickets Address: Miami Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33141 Viva Brazil begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Miami Beach Bandshell with a screening of Very Special Agents, capoeira performances and other cultural programming. Brazilian musician Maurício Baia is scheduled to perform at 9 p.m. The event is open to all ages. Saturday Pool Parties Float On Tickets: Purchase Tickets Float On Address: Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, 3000 Florida Avenue, Coconut Grove, FL 33133 Float On runs from noon to 6 p.m. at Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, with music by KAOS and MILLZ. Listed ticket prices begin at $17.85. Novo Flow RSVP: Reserve Admission Novo Flow Address: Novotel Miami Brickell, 1500 SW 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33129 Novo Flow takes place from 1 to 7 p.m. on the rooftop at Novotel Miami Brickell. Free admission is available with RSVP before 4 p.m., subject to capacity and event entry policies. Dua Miami Tickets: Purchase Tickets Dua Miami Address: Dua Miami, 1300 S. Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33130 Dua Miami’s Labor Day weekend pool party starts at 3 p.m. at the hotel’s Brickell Tanning Club. The event is limited to guests ages 21 and older, with listed ticket prices beginning at $41.39. Sunday, September 6 Orange Blossom Classic Tickets: Purchase Tickets Address: Hard Rock Stadium, 347 Don Shula Drive, Miami Gardens, FL 33056 South Carolina State University faces Florida A&M University in the Orange Blossom Classic at Hard Rock Stadium. Gates open at 11:30 a.m., Fan Fest begins at noon and kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. The game-day program also includes performances by Trick Daddy and Trina, university marching bands and an in-stadium day party. Select tickets are advertised at $25 with promotional code OBC2026, subject to availability and ticketing conditions. Taste of AfriKin Tickets: Purchase Tickets Address: Maison AfriKin at Scott Galvin Community Center, 1600 NE 126th Street, North Miami, FL 33181 Taste of AfriKin brings food representing more than 15 African and Caribbean countries to Maison AfriKin in North Miami from 6 to 9 p.m. The program includes tastings, music, art and a Jollof rice competition. Tickets are listed at $65, and free parking is available. Dembow Con Mangú and Sara Landry Dembow Con Mangú Tickets: Purchase Tickets Dembow Con Mangú Address: Strawberry Moon at the goodtime hotel, 601 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Dembow Con Mangú takes over the Strawberry Moon pool at the goodtime hotel from 1 to 8 p.m. The 21-and-older event centers on dembow, Latin and Caribbean music. Sara Landry Tickets: Purchase Tickets Sara Landry Address: Factory Town, 4800 NW 37th Avenue, Miami, FL 33142 Electronic music artist Sara Landry headlines Factory Town beginning at 10 p.m., with a supporting lineup that includes FUMI. Entry requirements and set times are available through the official event page. Monday, September 7 Labor Day Community Celebration Free Registration: View Event Details Address: Griffing Park, 12220 Griffing Boulevard, North Miami, FL 33161 The City of North Miami hosts a free Labor Day Community Celebration from 3 to 8 p.m. at Griffing Park. The family-oriented program includes water slides, music and food vendors. Tayc at Miami Beach Bandshell Tickets: Purchase Tickets Address: Miami Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33141 French-Cameroonian singer Tayc makes his first Miami appearance at the Miami Beach Bandshell. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., followed by the all-ages concert at 7:30 p.m. His music incorporates R&B, Afropop and French-language pop. Reduced Admission at Deering Estate Admission: Purchase or Reserve Admission Address: Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33157 Deering Estate offers $8 admission from September 5 through 7, with grounds open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can access the museum, waterfront and nature areas, with guided tours scheduled at 11:30 a.m. Miami Spice Dining Deals Menus and Locations: Browse Participating Restaurants Miami Spice Restaurant Months continues through September 30, giving Labor Day weekend visitors another option beyond scheduled events. Participating restaurants offer three-course lunches and brunches for $40, dinners for $50 or $65, and select reserve menus for $95. Participation days, menus and reservation policies vary by restaurant. Diners should confirm that the Miami Spice menu is available on their selected date and request it when making a reservation. By Luiz Porto/ML Staff. Photos Courtesy of each artist/event/venue.

Churchill Downs has outlined a series of September racing events in Louisville, Kentucky, and opened select ticket packages for the 2027 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks. Twilight Thursday and Downs After Dark Set for September Twilight Thursday will return to Churchill Downs on September 10, combining live racing with discounted drinks, food offerings and live music on the Paddock Terrace Stage. Guests will find $2 select domestic beer at participating bars and $8 select cocktails at the first and second floor Paddock Bars, along with food options that include empanadas, a burrito bar, a gelato station, Trackside Smokehouse and rotating local vendors such as Big Nita’s Cheesecakes, CASK Southern Kitchen & Bar and Board And You. Downs After Dark is scheduled for September 19 with an Oktoberfest theme, featuring evening Thoroughbred racing, German-inspired drink specials, traditional entertainment and live performances throughout the night. VIP package options are available for attendees seeking reserved experiences. Road to the Kentucky Derby Begins September 12 The Road to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks will begin on September 12 with the running of the Iroquois Stakes and the Pocahontas at Churchill Downs, marking the first points races for horses aiming for the 2027 classics. These races serve as an early step for rising Thoroughbreds as they start earning points and positions toward a potential start in the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks. Select 2027 Kentucky Derby and Oaks Tickets Now on Sale Churchill Downs has released select 2027 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks ticket options, including dining experiences, reserved seating and Infield General Admission two-day packages. Box seating is expected to go on sale in early October. Fans can visit Churchill Downs online for further details on fall racing dates, group outing options and Derby week ticket packages. By ML. Photo(s)/Churchill Downs