A morning at the beach followed by dinner at a good restaurant sounds like a perfect day. What it doesn't have to mean is hauling a second bag stuffed with a completely different outfit. The real challenge is choosing pieces that carry you through both settings without looking like you made a detour through a changing room. The goal is straightforward: start with a strong base, then use layers, shoes, accessories, and a few small styling moves to shift the mood of the same clothing. Done well, no one at dinner will know you spent the afternoon in the sun. Image by DepositPhotos Start With a Versatile Base The foundation of any all-day look is a piece that reads as relaxed during the day but polished enough for an evening setting. This is where most people go wrong. They either choose something too casual to elevate later, or something too formal to feel comfortable at noon. Good starting points include: A simple midi dress in a solid or subtle print A linen or tailored matching set A fitted top paired with relaxed, well-cut trousers A lightweight skirt with a clean blouse Well-fitting shorts worn with a more elevated top Fit matters more than the specific item. A dress that fits well and holds its shape will always look more intentional than a loose, shapeless one, no matter how expensive it is. Choose Fabrics That Can Handle a Full Day Fabric is the detail that separates an outfit that still looks good at 8 p.m. from one that looks exhausted by 3 p.m. Linen blends, cotton poplin, lightweight knits, and silk blends all breathe well during the day and stay composed in the evening. They move with the body rather than against it, which matters after several hours of wear. Avoid anything that creases heavily after an hour of sitting, or loses its shape when the temperature climbs. Heavy cotton and certain rayons fall into this category. If the fabric looks tired, the whole look does too. Choosing materials that stay structured and smooth throughout the day removes one of the biggest obstacles to a clean transition. Think About Shoes Before You Leave the House Shoes do a lot of communicating in an outfit. They signal the setting before anything else does. Flip-flops and slides work beautifully at the beach, but they can make even a polished dress feel underdressed at dinner. Options That Work in Both Settings Leather sandals with a slight heel, sleek flats, loafers, and simple block heels all move comfortably between daytime and evening. Not overly formal, but structured enough to hold up in a restaurant or bar setting. What to Avoid Rubber sandals or worn sneakers limit how far the outfit can travel. If the shoes feel out of place at dinner, the rest of the look will struggle to compensate. Packing a small pair of flats or low heels in a bag is a practical solution if the plan involves a real stretch from beach to table. Use Diamond Jewelry to Instantly Elevate the Look Jewelry is one of the fastest ways to shift an outfit's register without changing a single piece of clothing. A simple dress looks noticeably different with the right earrings. A linen set that reads casual at noon can feel considered and refined by evening with a delicate pendant or a clean bracelet. The U.S. Census Bureau reported a steady rise in consumer spending on luxury goods in 2024, including a 9.2% year-over-year increase in jewelry retail sales, which reflects how central accessories have become to everyday dressing, not just special occasions. Image by DepositPhotos Choosing the Right Pieces The key is restraint paired with intention. Versatile pieces such as diamond stud earrings, a delicate pendant necklace, a slim tennis bracelet, or a simple diamond ring add a refined quality to almost any base without competing with it. Balancing the Look If the outfit itself is bold in color or print, subtle jewelry tends to work better. A quieter outfit, like a white linen set or a neutral midi dress, can handle something with a bit more presence. Either way, the principle holds: jewelry should feel like a natural part of the look, not something grabbed on the way out the door. Add One Layer That Changes the Entire Outfit A single layer can do more work than almost any other styling decision. A lightweight blazer, a structured overshirt, a cropped jacket, or an elegant wrap takes an outfit that reads as daytime and gives it evening weight. It doesn't need to be worn all day. It can sit in a bag and come out before heading to dinner. Neutral or versatile colors work best here, since they pair with different accessories and base pieces without much thought. A cream blazer, a soft black wrap, a camel-toned jacket. These go with almost anything, and the layer itself does the most to signal a shift in setting. Let Your Bag Do Some of the Work A structured crossbody, a medium-sized shoulder bag, or a simple leather tote reads well in both casual and evening settings. These styles are practical enough to carry sunscreen, a book, and sunglasses during the day, and composed enough to sit on a restaurant chair at night. Oversized beach totes are harder to pull off as the hours pass. They tend to read as functional rather than intentional, and they can make even a polished outfit feel unfinished. A smaller, more structured bag also creates room for a few items that help refresh the look later: a lipstick, a small perfume, or a pair of earrings to swap in. Make Small Changes Instead of Changing Your Entire Outfit The transition from beach to dinner doesn't require a full wardrobe overhaul. A few deliberate adjustments create a noticeably different appearance: Swap sunglasses for a pair of earrings Add lipstick or refresh makeup Put hair up or change the style slightly Add a belt to define the waist Remove a casual layer and replace it with something more structured Each of these takes under two minutes. Together, they make the shift feel intentional rather than improvised. The goal is to look like the dinner plans were always part of the day, not something squeezed in at the end. Plan for Comfort as Well as Appearance An outfit that looks good but feels uncomfortable is hard to wear confidently for a full day. The U.S. clothing market is projected to reach $631 billion in 2027, with brands under increasing pressure to offer versatile, comfortable, and size-inclusive clothing, a sign that consumers are no longer willing to choose between looking good and feeling at ease. Practical concerns matter: how the fabric handles heat, whether the shoes cause discomfort after a few hours of walking, whether the bag is too heavy to carry around all day. Temperature swings between outdoor settings and air-conditioned restaurants are worth thinking about too. But a light layer solves that problem as well as the styling one. Image by DepositPhotos The Bottom Line An all-day outfit doesn't need to be complicated. The formula is straightforward: a well-chosen base in a fabric that holds up, shoes that work in both settings, one adaptable layer, and a few accessories that add polish without effort. Small changes made before dinner handle the rest. The best beach-to-dinner look is one that lets the day unfold without interruption. No wardrobe panic, no rushed changes in a restaurant bathroom. Just the same outfit, worn with a little more intention as the evening arrives. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of DepositPhotos

Stopping by a retail center following a typical Miami summer thunderstorm may feel like a routine errand. However, as sudden downpours flood store entrances, damp shoes meeting smooth tile floors can instantly turn a simple trip into a medical emergency. Intense tropical squalls routinely convert standard shopping trips into hazardous conditions. Recent warnings across South Florida have spotlighted the rise in rainy-season wet-floor risks at grocery stores, retail outlets, and commercial properties around Miami. The problem isn't just the rain itself. It's the combination of constant water, heavy foot traffic, smooth flooring, and sometimes inconsistent maintenance that sets up the conditions for a serious fall. Why Does Rainy Season Increase Slip-and-Fall Danger in Miami Stores? During a South Florida storm, rainwater gets tracked in continuously by a steady stream of customers. What looks like a minor puddle at the front door can become a real hazard once crowds, cart wheels, and soaked umbrellas spread water across polished tile. Automatic-door entryways, common in Miami's big-box retailers and pharmacies, can turn slick within minutes. Polished concrete and smooth tile floors, prized for their clean look, lose much of their traction when wet. And the danger quickly extends beyond the entrance. Water drips from umbrellas and soaks into footwear, spreading moisture into main aisles, checkout lanes, and the transitions from parking garages to store corridors. Plus, cool air-conditioned interiors can make clear puddles on shiny flooring nearly invisible to unsuspecting shoppers. Where Are Shoppers Most Likely to Fall During a South Florida Storm? A wet floor can show up almost anywhere, but certain areas in Miami's busy retail spaces become consistent danger zones during a downpour. From the moment you step out of your car to the time you check out, these high-traffic spots demand extra caution when the weather turns. Store entrances and vestibules where water is first tracked inside Tile produce and refrigerated sections where condensation and spills can mix with rainwater Checkout lanes and crowded aisles where people focus on carts, kids, or bags instead of the floor Restrooms and food-court areas where wet shoes carry water across smooth surfaces Parking-garage ramps, sidewalks, and curbs where slick surfaces continue outside the store Escalator and elevator approaches where water gathers, and foot traffic never stops These zones, from major shopping hubs like Dadeland Mall to neighborhood grocery stores, get more dangerous when warning cones are missing, floor mats are saturated, or staff inspections lag during a busy storm. Poor lighting and reflections can further disguise just how slippery a surface has become. What Turns a Wet Floor Into a Serious Injury Event? While often dismissed as trivial incidents, slip-and-fall mishaps can result in profound physical and financial harm. Striking a hard ground without warning frequently causes broken wrists as individuals instinctively extend their arms to absorb the blow, alongside severe joint trauma in the knees or hips and traumatic brain injuries. These risks are particularly elevated for senior citizens and individuals attempting to navigate walkways while carrying heavy burdens or managing young children. The financial impact of a fall is substantial. According to Florida Department of Health surveillance data, the median admission charge for a non-fatal fall-related hospitalization reached $52,191, with total annual charges exceeding $4.4 billion statewide. That figure reflects initial inpatient facility costs alone and does not account for ongoing rehabilitation, outpatient follow-up care, or lost income. Navigating tight or crowded commercial aisles further elevates this risk, as individuals often twist or pivot awkwardly to dodge obstacles like shopping carts or store displays. Hazard Condition Why It's Dangerous Common Resulting Injuries Why It Gets Missed Wet entrance tile Sudden loss of traction on smooth flooring Wrist fractures, hip injuries, back strain Water blends into shiny floors Saturated floor mat Mat slides, bunches, or stops absorbing water Ankle twists, knee injuries Looks protected at a glance Crowded aisle with tracked-in water Less room to avoid slick spots or recover balance Shoulder injuries, falls into shelving, cart impact Shoppers focus on traffic, not footing Produce or refrigeration area with mixed moisture and spills Moisture lingers longer and spreads Knee trauma, head impact, soft-tissue injuries Hazard may seem like a routine spill Poorly marked or unmarked wet area No visual warning to slow down or reroute Full-body falls, concussions Sign absent, late, or placed badly What Should You Do Right After a Fall in a Store? The immediate aftermath of a fall plays a crucial role in safeguarding both your physical well-being and any subsequent legal claim. If your condition permits, relocate to a secure, dry area and check yourself for injuries. Be sure to notify a manager or staff member about the occurrence prior to exiting the premises, as this establishes a formal documented record. Request a duplicate of the completed incident file or, at minimum, record the complete name and professional title of the individual who took your statement. Before the hazard gets cleaned up, use your phone to document everything. Take scene photos of the floor condition, any puddles or wet tracks, and the surrounding area, including whether warning signs were present or absent. Photograph your shoes and clothing, plus any visible injuries. If anyone saw the fall, ask for their names and contact information. Don't assume the store's cameras caught a clear view, and remember that hazardous conditions are often corrected within minutes. When a rainy-season fall leads to emergency care, follow-up treatment, lost income, or a dispute over who was at fault, shoppers often need to preserve the same details insurers and attorneys examine later. This Florida resource on the average settlement for a slip and fall in FL explains why scene photos, incident reports, witness names, medical records, proof of notice, and shared-fault arguments can all affect how a claim is evaluated. Why Can Pain Show Up Hours or Days Later? Immediately after a fall, a rush of adrenaline can mask serious pain. It's common to feel shaken but otherwise fine, only to wake up the next day with significant swelling, stiffness, or bruising. Symptoms of soft-tissue injuries, concussions, and back strain are often delayed. Headaches, dizziness, or a limited range of motion may not appear for hours or even days. That's why you need to see a doctor promptly, even if you don't think you're seriously hurt. A medical evaluation protects your health by catching injuries that aren't immediately obvious, like a concussion or an internal sprain. It also builds a professional record that connects your symptoms directly to the fall, which is critical if an insurance claim becomes necessary. Putting off a doctor's visit can make both recovery and any later dispute harder. Staying Steady Through Miami's Storm Season A rainy-day shopping trip should end with groceries checked off, not a lingering injury. So in Miami's storm season, the smartest move blends caution with quick action: watch entryways, slow down on slick tile, report hazards to staff, and document conditions if a fall happens. A few minutes of attention can protect both your health and your options later, letting you navigate South Florida safely, rain or shine. Frequently Asked Questions Q: Should I still see a doctor if I felt okay right after the fall? A: Yes. Pain from sprains, back injuries, and concussions can appear later, and early care creates an important medical record. Q: What photos matter most after a wet-floor fall? A: The hazard itself, the surrounding floor area, warning signs or missing signs, mats, lighting, footwear, clothing, and any visible injuries. Q: Does reporting the fall to the store really matter? A: Yes. It creates an official record of when and where the incident happened and puts the property owner on notice. By ML Staff. Image generated by Gemini.

We bring you a list of our favorite Pilates studios in Miami to help you improve your strength, flexibility, posture, and mobility. Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, the method was originally called “Contrology” and focused on controlled movements, breathing, and core strength. And, in case you didn’t know, Pilates emphasizes quality over repetition, with many exercises designed to work several muscle groups simultaneously. Miami Pilates One of the city's best-known boutique Pilates studios, Miami Pilates focuses on small-group and private instruction using reformers, Cadillacs, chairs, and other classical Pilates equipment. Classes accommodate beginners through advanced practitioners, emphasizing personalized attention and proper technique. The studio operates locations in Wynwood and Aventura. Address (Wynwood): 2823 NW 3rd Avenue, Miami, FL 33127 Address (Aventura): 17990 W Dixie Highway, Miami, FL 33160 Phone: (786) 972-9360 Website Pilates Style: Classical Pilates, Reformer, Cadillac, Private Sessions, Small Group Classes. Pilatay Pilatay specializes in authentic classical Pilates instruction, offering highly personalized sessions for clients of all ages and fitness levels. The studio follows Joseph Pilates' original methodology, making it a popular choice for those seeking traditional Pilates training. Address: 2357 SW 22nd Street, Miami, FL 33145 Phone: (305) 417-8223 Website Pilates Style: Classical Pilates, Private Sessions, Semi-Private Instruction. Pilates One Located in Coconut Grove, Pilates One offers both private and group reformer classes. Its instructors bring extensive teaching experience, and the studio welcomes everyone from beginners to advanced students. New clients can start with an introductory evaluation session before joining regular classes. Address: 2900 SW 28th Terrace, Suite 101, Coconut Grove, Miami, FL 33133 Phone: (786) 545-6889 Website Pilates Style: Reformer Pilates, Private Training, Group Classes. Renegade Pilates Situated along Biscayne Boulevard, Renegade Pilates offers reformer-based classes in a boutique environment designed for personalized instruction. The studio also features equipment including Cadillac, chair, and jump boards, with small class sizes that allow instructors to focus on individual technique. Address: 8250 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 200, Miami, FL 33138 Phone: (786) 423-6027 Website Pilates Style: Reformer Pilates, Cadillac, Chair, Small Group Classes, Private Sessions. 727 Pilates Studio Located in Little River, 727 Pilates combines reformer training with recovery-focused amenities, including infrared sauna and cold plunge access for members. The studio offers reformer, mat, sculpt, and chair classes in a modern wellness environment. Address: 307 NE 61st Street, Miami, FL 33137 Phone: (305) 726-6083 Website Pilates Style: Reformer Pilates, Chair Pilates, Mat Pilates, Sculpt Classes. Form50 Form50 delivers a high-intensity, low-impact workout using its proprietary FormFormer machine. While inspired by Pilates principles, the studio blends strength training and athletic conditioning into fast-paced 50-minute classes. Address: 57 NW 26th Street, Miami, FL 33127 Phone: (800) 227-8855 Website Pilates Style: Contemporary Reformer-Based Fitness, Strength Training. Glow Pilates Reformer Glow Pilates Reformer in Coral Gables focuses on reformer workouts in a welcoming boutique setting. Group and private sessions emphasize controlled movement, flexibility, posture, and long-term wellness. Address: 349 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134 Phone: (305) 934-1154 Website Pilates Style: Reformer Pilates, Group Classes, Private Instruction. Palmi + Sano Located in Wynwood, Palmi + Sano blends Pilates with mindful movement and wellness-focused programming. The studio offers heated mat Pilates, sculpt classes, and strength-based workouts designed to improve functional fitness. Address: 174 NW 26th Street, Miami, FL 33127 Phone: (786) 535-4174 Website Pilates Style: Heated Mat Pilates, Sculpt, Strength Training. Enzo Maverick Pilates Serving the Doral area, Enzo Maverick Pilates offers boutique reformer classes in an intimate studio focused on alignment, strength, and mindful movement. Address: 3399 NW 72nd Avenue, Suite 222, Miami, FL 33122 Phone: (305) 848-6510 Website Pilates Style: Reformer Pilates, Boutique Group Classes, Private Training. What Type of Pilates Is Right for You? Choosing the right studio often depends on your fitness goals. Classical Pilates follows Joseph Pilates' original method and is ideal for improving posture, mobility, flexibility, and core strength. Reformer Pilates uses spring-loaded equipment to add resistance and is one of Miami's most popular formats. Mat Pilates relies primarily on bodyweight exercises and is often more accessible for beginners. Contemporary Pilates blends traditional Pilates principles with modern strength training and athletic conditioning. If you're new to Pilates, many Miami studios offer introductory packages or beginner classes, making it easy to explore different teaching styles before committing to a membership. Community recommendations also consistently point beginners toward classical reformer studios before trying higher-intensity Pilates-inspired workouts. By Luiz Porto/ML Staff. Photos: courtesy of each place featured in this story. Top image/Wix Media

Long before streaming made movies an at-home experience, going to the cinema was a social occasion. Miami is bringing that back with state-of-the-art projection, comfortable seating, and better food and drink options, making the moviegoing experience worth leaving your sofa for. Here are 10 places worth knowing for a great movie experience in Miami. Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas Coconut Grove Photo: Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas Located inside CocoWalk, this plush destination offers leather recliners, push-button seat service, and an extensive food and cocktail menu. Large-format auditoriums feature high-grade laser projection and audio systems. The contemporary lounge provides a welcoming space for a pre-show drink. It stands out in Coconut Grove for combining blockbuster cinema with full-service hospitality. Address: 3015 Grand Ave Suite 322, Coconut Grove, FL 33133 Phone: (786) 619-3540 Website: Official website Instagram: @cinepolisusa CMX Brickell City Centre Photo: CMX Cinemas Anchoring the top level of Brickell City Centre, this upscale venue features plush leather recliners with personal swivel tables. Guests can order artisanal cocktails, stone-baked pizzas, and gourmet snacks directly to their seats via discreet staff service. Advanced projection technology and crisp audio ensure every film delivers maximum visual impact. It remains a favorite choice for downtown professionals seeking comfort and fine dining. Address: 701 S Miami Ave 4th Floor, Miami, FL 33130 Phone: (305) 639-8486 Website: Official website Instagram: @cmxcinemasbrickell CMX CinéBistro Dolphin Mall Photo: CMX CinéBistro Combining chef-driven dining with premium cinema, this West Miami venue caters to guests looking for a complete evening out. Auditoriums feature spacious leather seating, integrated footrests, and full-service dining delivered before showtime. The kitchen prepares fresh bistro fare alongside a full cocktail bar. Its commitment to quiet screening environments and high audio-visual standards makes it a top suburban escape. Address: 11401 NW 12th St, Miami, FL 33172 Phone: (305) 455-8440 Website: Official website Instagram: @cmxcinemasdolphin Coral Gables Art Cinema Photo: Coral Gables Art Cinema Situated opposite historic City Hall, this non-profit art-house serves as a cultural hub for independent, foreign, and classic films. The single-screen auditorium features state-of-the-art 4K digital projection as well as 35mm and 70mm film capabilities. Guests can enjoy craft beers, wine, and local baked goods at the concession stand. It belongs on this list for its steadfast commitment to film preservation and thoughtful community programming. Address: 260 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134 Phone: (786) 472-2269 Website: Official website Instagram: @gablescinema IPIC Theaters North Miami Beach Photo: IPIC Theaters Set near the Intracoastal Waterway, this boutique venue offers plush pod seating with blanket service, seat-side service, and complimentary popcorn. The menu features elevated comfort foods and craft drinks crafted by culinary professionals. Private screening rooms create an intimate atmosphere suited for quiet viewing. It remains a standout destination for moviegoers prioritizing privacy, comfort, and attentive hospitality. Address: 3701 NE 163rd St, North Miami Beach, FL 33160 Phone: (305) 502-6000 Website: Official website Instagram: @ipic Landmark Theatres Merrick Park Photo: Landmark Theatres Positioned inside the Shops at Merrick Park, this stylish cinema balances mainstream blockbusters with independent film releases. The auditoriums feature reclining leather seats, laser projection, and digital surround sound. A sleek full-service bar serves specialty cocktails and gourmet snacks before screenings. Its refined setting and prime location make it an ideal stop during an afternoon in Coral Gables. Address: 358 San Lorenzo Ave #3005, Coral Gables, FL 33146 Phone: (786) 574-4116 Website: Official website Instagram: @landmarktheatres O Cinema South Beach Photo: O Cinema Housed within the historic City of Miami Beach building on Washington Avenue, this independent cinema focuses on indie releases, documentaries, and international cinema. The single-screen venue fosters an intimate community feel with filmmaker Q&A sessions and special retrospective screenings. Simple concessions offer locally sourced treats alongside beer and wine. It stands as an essential cultural destination for cinephiles exploring South Beach. Address: 1130 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Phone: (786) 207-1919 Website: Official website Instagram: @ocinema Regal South Beach Photo: Regal Located just off Lincoln Road, this multi-screen complex delivers high-tech cinematic experiences, including ScreenX panoramic projection and IMAX auditoriums. VIP auditoriums offer plush recliners and access to a dedicated lounge area. The expansive snack bar features classic concessions alongside expanded hot food options. It remains South Beach's primary hub for catching major Hollywood releases with top-tier projection technology. Address: 1120 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Phone: (844) 462-7342 Website: Official website Instagram: @regalmovies Rooftop Cinema Club South Beach Photo: Rooftop Cinema Club Perched atop a Lincoln Road rooftop, this open-air venue offers outdoor movie screenings framed by views of the South Beach skyline. Guests wear personal wireless headphones to enjoy crystal-clear audio while reclining in comfortable lounge chairs. The bar serves craft cocktails, beer, wine, and traditional cinema snacks under the stars. It provides a distinct, visually engaging way to experience classic and modern films. Address: 1212 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Phone: (786) 471-8729 Website: Official website Instagram: @rooftopcinemaclub Silverspot Cinema Downtown Miami Photo: Silverspot Cinema Located in the Met 3 development, this multi-level downtown cinema features custom leather recliners and Barco laser projection across every screen. The venue includes a full-service restaurant and bar preparing elevated American cuisine and artisanal drinks. Guests can enjoy food service inside the theater or relax in the spacious lounge. It earns its spot on this list for delivering polished entertainment in Downtown Miami. Address: 300 SE 3rd St #100, Miami, FL 33131 Phone: (305) 536-5000 Website: Official website Instagram: @silverspotcinema By Camila R. S. Azeredo and ML Staff. Photos: Provided by each featured venue in this story. Top gif courtesy of Warner/Archive

Sotheby’s is promoting a series of features and events that span Latin American art, collector automobiles in Monterey, luxury accessories, historic photography and lifestyle recommendations from its Paris salon. Fernando Botero Exhibition at the Breuer A new selling exhibition at the Breuer explores Fernando Botero’s early years in New York, a period marked by limited resources and his determination to establish himself as an artist after leaving Colombia. The feature includes reflections from Botero’s children on this formative stage of his life and its impact on his creative development. Readers can read more about the exhibition and the works on view. Monterey Car Week Lineup for RM Sotheby’s RM Sotheby’s will present a group of notable collector cars in Monterey from 13 to 15 August, including a Porsche 911 Speedster originally commissioned by Jerry Seinfeld, a McLaren F1 and a 1958 BMW among other highlights. An editorial shortlist points to 12 standout automobiles expected to attract significant attention during the sales. Interested collectors can view details on the full Monterey offering. Wicker-Inspired Handbag Selection Responding to renewed interest in wicker design, Sotheby’s Marketplace has assembled a selection of handbags that reference woven forms while maintaining a focus on high-end materials and finishes. Shoppers can browse pieces available through the marketplace’s online platform. Rediscovered 170-Year-Old Daguerreotype A recently catalogued daguerreotype offered at Sotheby’s was previously sold at auction for a small fraction of its value, with both photographer and sitter described as unknown. Research by a Sotheby’s specialist identified the work as a significant document of nineteenth-century American history. You can watch the video below that traces the portrait’s rediscovery and attribution. Erin Walsh’s Paris Guide from Sotheby’s Salon Through its collaboration with digital concierge service Velocity Black, Sotheby’s Salon in Paris features a city guide by Hollywood stylist Erin Walsh outlining her preferred stops in the French capital. The guide includes fashion and cultural destinations as well as a visit to Sotheby’s Salon itself. Readers can explore the guide online. Palm Beach Property of the Week Sotheby’s International Realty is also promoting a Palm Beach residence that is presented as a private resort-style home in Palm Beach, Florida. You can see more information and imagery of the listing through Sotheby's property platform. By ML. Photo(s)/Sotheby’s

Artists are invited to submit their credentials for public art opportunities connected to the Miami International Airport (MIA) Capital Improvement Program through Miami-Dade County’s Art in Public Places program. The opportunity is open to local, national, and international artists at all stages of their careers. Artists should submit qualifications, including images of completed work, a resume, and an artist statement. Proposals or renderings for unfinished projects should not be submitted at this stage. There is no fee to apply. Important Deadline Deadline: Monday, September 21, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST Eligibility: Local, national, and international artists, subject to additional eligibility requirements outlined in the full opportunity. How the Selection Process Works Art in Public Places projects may involve commissioning new artwork specifically for a site or purchasing existing work. An independent Professional Advisory Committee (PAC), made up of professionals in art, art history, architecture, and architectural history, reviews artist submissions and recommends artists to the Art in Public Places Trust. The initial selection is based on an artist’s existing body of work and aesthetic, as represented through submitted images and other visual materials. Selected artists may then be shortlisted and invited to develop a specific proposal for a project site. At the proposal stage, artists receive additional information about the site, budget, and scope of work. They may also tour the location and meet with architects and planners. Artists can present their concepts using a range of materials, including drawings, blueprints, maquettes, computer-generated imagery, and material samples. Artists selected to move forward are expected to present a working budget. If a proposal is accepted, the Trust negotiates a contract with the artist covering the design and execution of the work, including related costs such as travel, materials, fabrication, transportation, insurance, and installation. Progress payments are made according to an agreed schedule. Submission Information Artists should carefully review the complete opportunity and eligibility requirements before submitting credentials. Deadline: September 21, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST Application: Apply Here / View Full Opportunity Details By ML Staff/Photo/Toa Heftiba

Back to school, back to saving the day! Voices for Children of Broward County (Voices) hosted its annual Back-to-School Extravaganza at Old Navy in Oakwood Plaza in Hollywood on Sunday, Aug. 2. The Back-to-School Extravaganza is a part of Voices’ year-long 15th anniversary celebration and expands its mission to ensure that every child and young adult in Broward County who has experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment has access to essential resources and programs that promote long-term stability and well-being. Over 70 children in foster care had the opportunity to shop for their back-to-school essentials alongside real-life superheroes, including Voices volunteers, Hollywood Police Department, City of Hollywood Fire Rescue & Beach Safety, Broward County Sheriff’s Office and beloved character entertainers Spider-Man, Disney Encanto’s Mirabel and K-pop stars Rumi and Mira. Families enjoyed a fun-filled morning, including breakfast, face painting, activities, and a surprise appearance by Florida Panthers Stanley C. Panther. DJ Aaron provided the soundtrack for the morning. Each child received brand-new clothes, a backpack full of first-day essentials and the reminder that their community sees them as the heroes they truly are. “The start of a new school year should feel exciting, not overwhelming, but for many children, showing up without the right supplies, clothing, or resources can make that first day feel out of reach,” said Voices President and CEO Erica Herman. “A backpack stocked with school supplies represents so much more than pencils and notebooks. It sends a powerful message to a child that they matter, that they are seen, and that someone is in their corner rooting for their success. The morning wouldn’t be possible without the support of Old Navy and our board members, donors and community partners who are committed to our mission and helped over 100 children go back to school prepared.” As many children in foster care move placements without essential supplies, Voices collects backpacks, school supplies, and monetary donations all year round to ensure school supplies are always available for those to feel prepared, supported, and excited for what is ahead. The community can help bring big smiles and bright futures to children in foster care by becoming a sponsor, making a monetary donation, hosting a donation drive, or purchasing supplies from Voices’ ongoing Amazon Wishlist. The Back-to-School Extravaganza is a part of Voices’ longstanding signature program, Dream Big Days, and is designed for children in foster care. Voices’ Dream Big Days is a transformative program designed to provide enriching experiences and core memory-making opportunities for children in foster care. Through a series of specially curated events and activities, Dream Big Days aims to broaden horizons, ignite curiosity, and foster personal growth among participants. These immersive experiences offer children the chance to explore new interests, discover hidden talents, and create lasting memories that transcend the challenges of their circumstances. Voices thanks its generous Back-to-School Extravaganza sponsors, including Pam Tindall; The Inglis Giving Fund; Home, Inc.; Broward County Sheriff’s Office; Hollywood Police Department; Hollywood Fire Rescue; Cooper City Women’s Club; Precious Dreams Foundation; Kindness Couture; Balloons Galore & More; Elite Photobooths; Media McCoy; DJ Aaron; B&B Catering; Fanatics; Genesis FC Football Club; The Fried Family; The Sullivan Family; Emily Wong-Swartz; Sarah Hartman; Claudia Petersen; Regina Wilcox and The Brooksy Group. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Voices.

You probably already know that how you eat before bed affects your sleep. Maybe you’ve found yourself still lying awake at 2 a.m. after enjoying a cup of coffee with dessert. But did you know that your eating choices throughout the day may also affect your sleep at night? In fact, more and more evidence shows that overall dietary patterns can affect sleep quality and contribute to insomnia. I am a nutritional epidemiologist, and I’m trained to look at diets at the population level and how they affect health. In the U.S., a large percentage of the population suffers from poor sleep quality and sleep disorders like insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which the upper airway becomes blocked and breathing stops during sleep. At the same time, most Americans eat far too much fatty and processed food, too little fiber and too few fruits and vegetables. Although it is difficult to determine whether these two trends are causally linked to one another, more and more research points to linkages between sleep and diet and offers hints at the biological underpinnings of these relationships. How diet and sleep quality can be intertwined My colleagues and I wanted to get a deeper understanding of the possible link between sleep and diet in Americans who are 18 and older. So we analyzed whether people who follow the government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans get more hours of sleep. Using a nationally representative dataset of surveys collected from 2011 to 2016, we found that people who did not adhere to dietary recommendations such as consuming enough servings of fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains had shorter sleep duration. In a separate study, we followed more than 1,000 young adults ages 21 to 30 who were enrolled in a web-based dietary intervention study designed to help them increase their daily servings of fruits and vegetables. We found that those who increased their fruit and vegetable consumption over a three-month period reported better sleep quality and reductions in insomnia symptoms. Research conducted outside the U.S. by my group and others also shows that healthier overall dietary patterns are associated with better sleep quality and fewer insomnia symptoms. These include the Mediterranean diet – a diet rich in plant foods, olive oil and seafood, and low in red meat and added sugar – and anti-inflammatory diets. These are similar to the Mediterranean diet but include additional emphasis on certain components in the diet like flavonoids, a group of compounds found in plants, which are shown to lower inflammatory biomakers in the blood. Parsing the foods and nutrients Within overall healthy diet patterns, there are numerous individual foods and nutrients that may be linked to quality of sleep, with varying degrees of evidence. For example, studies have linked consumption of fatty fish, dairy, kiwi fruit, tart cherries and other berries such as strawberries and blueberries with better sleep. One of the common pathways through which these foods may affect sleep is by providing melatonin, an important modulator of sleep and wake cycles in the brain. Fiber-rich foods like beans and oatmeal and certain protein sources – especially those that are high in the amino acid tryptophan, such as poultry – are also associated with higher-quality sleep. Individual nutrients that may be beneficial include magnesium, vitamin D, iron, omega-3 fatty acids and manganese. Some foods like salmon are sources of multiple nutrients. Untangling the complexity One important caveat with a lot of the research on individual foods, as well as diet patterns, is that most studies cannot easily disentangle the direction of the relationships. In other words, it’s hard to know whether the association is a result of diet affecting sleep, or sleep affecting diet. The reality is that it is likely a cyclical relationship, where a healthy diet promotes good sleep quality, which in turn helps to reinforce good dietary habits. With observational studies, there are also possible confounding factors, such as age and economic status, that may have important correlations with both sleep and diet. Foods to avoid for sleep health Aiming for higher intake of sleep-promoting foods isn’t necessarily enough to get better sleep. It’s also important to avoid certain foods that could be bad for sleep. Here are some of the main culprits: Saturated fats, such as that in burgers and fries and processed foods, could lead to less slow-wave sleep, which is considered the most restorative sleep. Refined carbohydrates, such as those in white bread and pasta, are metabolized quickly. If you eat these foods for dinner, they can result in waking up from hunger. Alcohol disrupts sleep quality. Although the sedative effects of alcohol can initially make it easier to fall asleep, it disrupts sleep patterns by shortening the amount of REM, or rapid eye movement, sleep in the first part of the night and leads to more night awakenings. Caffeine consumed even six hours before bed can make it difficult to fall asleep because it blocks the hormone adenosine, which promotes sleepiness. The consistent overconsumption of calories can lead to weight gain, one of the strongest predictors of obstructive sleep apnea. Having excess weight is a factor because it can put additional pressure on the diaphragm and lungs, and can also lead to a narrower airway if fat accumulates around the neck and throat. Interestingly, our group has recently shown that toxicants in food or food packaging, like pesticides, mercury and phthalates – chemicals used to manufacture plastics – can affect sleep. Since toxicants can be found in both healthy and unhealthy foods, this research suggests that some foods can contain a mix of components that are both beneficial and harmful for sleep. Timing of meals and gender considerations The timing and consistency of eating, known as “chrononutrition” in the sleep research field, also very likely help to explain associations between healthy diets and good sleep. In the U.S., eating at conventional meal times as opposed to random snacking has been associated with better sleep. In addition, late-night eating is typically associated with unhealthier food intake – such as processed snacks – and could cause more fragmented sleep. A final and very interesting piece of this puzzle is that associations between diet and sleep often differ by gender. For example, it appears that the associations between healthy diet patterns and insomnia symptoms could be stronger among women. One reason for this could be gender differences in sleep. In particular, women are more likely than men to suffer from insomnia. Keys to a good night’s sleep Overall, there is not one magic food or drink that will improve your sleep. It’s better to focus on overall healthy dietary patterns throughout the day, with a higher proportion of calories consumed earlier in the day. And, in addition to avoiding caffeine, alcohol and heavy meals in the two to three hours before bed, the last few hours of the day should include other good sleep hygiene practices. These include disengaging from technology, reducing light exposure and creating a comfortable and relaxing environment for sleep. Moreover, allowing enough time to sleep and maintaining a consistent bedtime and wake time is essential. By Erica Jansen Assistant Professor of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan. Images courtesy of The Conversation. Special thanks for The Conversation for content republishing. Top photo/Jude Infantini/unsplash

Bal Harbour Shops celebrated the launch of its new styling partnership with renowned fashion stylist Elizabeth Saltzman with an intimate brunch at The Hedges Inn in East Hampton. Hosted by Saltzman, the August 11 gathering brought together fashion insiders, industry leaders, and longtime friends of the luxury shopping destination, including Aerin Lauder, Alina Cho, Celine Rattray, Julie Hillman, Lara Shriftman, Lisa Perry, Malcolm Carfrae, Sarah Wetenhall, Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Nina Runsdorf, Amy Griffin, Cameron Silver, Helen Lee, Andrea Rajačić, Serena Levy, Anne-Cecilie Speyer, Marjorie Harris, and Sara Handreke. Saltzman has been named Bal Harbour Shops’ inaugural Stylist Expert in Residence, with her six-month residency running November 2026 through May 2027. As part of the partnership, she will work closely with Bal Harbour Shops’ Access Client Services Program, bringing her styling expertise and industry perspective to its personalized approach to luxury shopping. The collaboration expands Bal Harbour Shops’ focus on one-on-one client service while connecting its fashion community with one of the industry’s leading stylists. The family-owned destination, which opened in 1965 as America’s first all-luxury fashion center, continues to build on its reputation for curated retail and highly personalized experiences. By ML Staff.Photos/BFA | David Benthal

I’ve taught “The Odyssey” to college students for over a decade, including in a course on witches in Western culture. I suspect my students would immediately notice that the Circe in Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of “The Odyssey” is a departure from the one who appears in Homer’s ancient poem. Nolan’s Circe, played by Samantha Morton, is more like a fairy-tale witch than an ancient goddess. Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal Pictures Homer’s Circe is an immortal goddess, desirable and beguiling. In classics scholar Emily Wilson’s 2017 translation of “The Odyssey,” she is described as “the lovely Circe with her braided hair.” She lives in a “beautiful tall house of polished stone” and “shining doors,” along with dozens of nymphs, fellow goddesses who serve her and her guests. When Odysseus arrives in Book 10, Circe and her household treat him with the highest standard of hospitality, giving him a bath, fresh clothes, and wine to drink from golden cups. Then there’s Nolan’s Circe, played by Samantha Morton: She is less ancient goddess than fairy-tale witch, with a dirt-smudged face and an unkempt ponytail. Her hut is dark and dilapidated. She is alone. Inside, where a cauldron bubbles and a caged raven croaks, she offers Odysseus and his men a goopy stew, which they greedily devour. Then something strange happens. They begin to gag. Circe puts her hands to their faces, working their flesh like clay. Noses lengthen into snouts. Bellies swell and tails sprout. The men become pigs. Some critics found the film’s Circe reductive for being portrayed as “a simple witch,” while others found her “almost poetic” for being “earthily human.” Morton, in an interview with The Times of London, spoke about Circe as “a survivor,” evoking women who speak out against abuse. So, which is it? How faithful is the film’s Circe to the original poem? And what inspired Nolan – and Morton – to portray her this way? Circe in Homer’s epic In Homer’s poem, Circe plays a major role. After taking Odysseus to her “dazzling bed,” she becomes Odysseus’ lover, hosting him and his men for an entire year. When Odysseus decides it is time to move on, she helps him prepare. She gives the crew instructions to reach the Underworld in Book 11 and to conjure the seer Tiresias, who prophesies how Odysseus will return home. After this feat, Odysseus and his men return to Circe’s island in Book 12. It is Circe who reveals the famous choices Odysseus must make on the remainder of his journey: whether or not to hear the Sirens’ song, and whether to sail nearer to the whirlpool Charybdis or the six-headed monster Scylla. Circe reiterates Tiresias’ warning to avoid the sun god’s sacred cattle – to “remember home” so that Odysseus can “at last arrive in Ithaca.” British painter John Collier’s 1885 painting ‘Circe’ depicts the witch as a graceful, attractive temptress. Buyenlarge/Getty Images In the film, Circe appears only briefly. She doesn’t play hostess for a day, let alone a year. And though she tells Odysseus how to reach the Underworld, it is Tiresias – played by an unrecognizable James Remar – who foretells Odysseus’ coming challenges, and Odysseus embarks without returning to Circe’s island. In Nolan’s adaptation, Circe is simply another obstacle for Odysseus to overcome on his journey. She is more villain than lover, healer or seer. So it’s understandable that some viewers might come away from the film seeing her as “just a witch.” Circe the feminist But this version of Circe – angry, vindictive and, yes, witchy – didn’t appear out of thin air. The film’s Circe defends her actions, telling Odysseus: “I didn’t turn your men into anything – this is who they are! They have raped and pillaged across the world, you think that’s against their nature?” It’s a fair point. Odysseus’ men have set fire to Troy, blinded the Cyclops and raided the island of the Laestrygonians, repeatedly choosing their own interests over the virtue of xenia, or hospitality, that the film stresses is central to Greek culture. In her condemnation of Odysseus’ men, I see the tradition of feminist retellings of “The Odyssey,” where Circe serves as a symbol of resistance to the patriarchal values represented – even if ambivalently – in Homer’s poem. Scottish poet Carol Ann Duffy’s 1999 collection “The World’s Wife” contains her poem “Circe.” Much like Margaret Atwood’s 2005 novel “The Penelopiad,” which reimagines “The Odyssey” from Penelope’s perspective, “Circe” views the events of Book 10 from Circe’s point of view. Circe, the poem’s speaker, instructs the nymphs in a recipe for cooking pork. Her references to ingredients – parts of the butchered pig – assume double meanings as readers recall that these pigs were once men: “Lay two pig’s cheeks, with the tongue, / in a dish, and strew it well over with salt / and cloves. Remember the skills of the tongue – to lick, to lap, to loosen, lubricate, to lie / in the soft pouch of the face …” In the comic, familiar vein of this poem, this Circe is jaded. She has loved and lost. She has encountered betrayal and, she suggests, abuse. Addressing a feminine audience that presumably shares her experience, she remembers a time when she was “younger” and “hoping for men.” Now, she turns the traditionally feminine work of cooking into a refuge – and a weapon. Circe shows her nymphs precisely what men are good for. “Season with mace,” she says, referring at once to a spice and to a self-defense weapon. The poem is funny, but it also makes the reader think differently about the witch. In Briton Rivière’s 1871 painting ‘Circe and the Friends of Ulysses,’ Circe appears like the lovely goddess described in Homer’s epic poem. Wikimedia Commons In Nolan’s “Odyssey,” when Circe returns Odysseus’ men to their human form, she whispers, “Back into your disguises.” The line could be dismissed as the babbling of a crazy old crone. But viewed alongside Duffy’s poem, it could also be taken seriously as a moral judgment: these men are guided by their grossest, most insatiable appetites. This Circe is unhinged because of what she knows. She is a witch, yes. But she also speaks the truth. Madeline Miller, in her bestselling 2018 novel “Circe,” also reclaims the witch as a figure of empowerment. Her Circe initially welcomes ships to her island. In a chilling scene, a sailor asks, “Mistress? When will your husband be home? We would toast such fine hospitality.” When Circe replies, “If you would thank your host, thank me. This house is mine alone,” the men assault her. Claiming her treasures for themselves, they fall asleep drunk on her wine. Circe regains consciousness, turns the men into pigs, and resolves to do the same with future visitors. When Miller’s Circe tells Odysseus, “You must understand that your men would have robbed me blind,” readers, like the hero, recognize her magic as her means to assert ownership of her body, to manifest her will in a hostile world. A witch for a reason The Circe of Nolan’s “Odyssey” indicts Odysseus and his men: their version of masculinity, their violence and their entitlement. Odysseus arrives at the same conclusion – that he, too, is a pig, and not a man; that he has stolen too much from others’ tables, violated the sanctity of their homes and desecrated their gods. This depiction of Circe is integral to Nolan’s apocalyptic narrative. As many, including Emily Wilson, have pointed out, Nolan goes to great lengths to portray the Trojan War as a moral failure of the Greeks. Characters in the film hint at the looming collapse of Bronze Age Greek civilization, the scattering of its people and the disappearance of writing, linking the Greeks’ campaign of conquest and plunder to the eventual destruction of the world they inhabit. What comes next ultimately vindicates Circe’s condemnation of the sailors. This Circe may not look much like the lovely goddess of the poem, and her role may be limited to the metamorphosis of men into pigs. But she makes a point that resonates with past feminist appropriations of this compelling character in a visceral way that moviegoers won’t forget. This article has been updated with a correction: It was James Remar, not Anthony Hopkins, who played Tiresias in “The Odyssey.” Words by Bailey Sincox, Lecturer in Comparative Literature, Binghamton University, State University of New York. Special thanks for The Conversation. Support and donate today.

Pop has always thrived on reinvention, with artists moving through distinct phases that reconfigure both their sound and sense of self. Charli XCX in a promotional photo for her new era, tied to the album Music, Fashion, Film. Live Nation David Bowie moved through personas such as Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke, each marking a distinct shift in sound and identity. Madonna similarly built her career through transformation, with each phase tied to a distinct visual and sonic shift. More recently, Beyoncé has moved through distinct eras, from Lemonade (2016) to Renaissance (2022) and Cowboy Carter (2024), creating clearly different stylistic worlds around each project. Taylor Swift’s recent Eras Tour has helped to repackage this reinvention as clearly defined “eras”. The tour reinforced the idea that each album represents a distinct world, and encouraged fans to structure their memory, identity and engagement through these phases. These artist eras are now experienced, circulated and intensified through social media. Albums have become centrepieces of wider cultural worlds built through visuals, personal stories and fan participation. Meanwhile deluxe editions, remixes and companion releases increasingly blur the boundaries of the album itself. Thinking in terms of eras provides a way of understanding these multiple releases as belonging to the same creative chapter that fans actively participate in, expand and help define. Charli XCX Fan studies research has long shown that digital technologies expand opportunities for fan creativity and participation, allowing audiences to play a more active role in shaping and circulating cultural meanings. On social media, fans don’t just follow an era – they help bring it to life. Through videos, memes, fashion, conversations and creative interpretations, they shape the meanings that come to define a project and extend an album beyond the music itself. Artists often encourage this by revealing visual aesthetics, sharing cryptic teasers and discussing new projects in interviews long before release, inviting fans to imagine the era before the music is even out. What emerges is something larger than an album alone: a shared cultural world built together by artists and fans. Camera by Charli XCX, the final single to be released before her album Music, Fashion, Film. This can clearly be seen in the work of Charli XCX. Released in 2024, her album Brat became instantly recognisable for its lime green artwork and deliberately chaotic aesthetics, becoming one of the defining pop moments of the year. The album’s rebellious energy was rapidly taken up by fans online, who helped to build a recognisable Brat universe that connected with the core themes of the album through fashion, memes and video edits. One example was the “apple dance” a viral TikTok dance that accompanied Charli’s song Apple. It was originally created by fan Kelley Heyer before being taken up by Charli herself and becoming a regular feature then in her live shows. Participating in an era in this way was also a way of expressing identity and belonging, allowing fans to signal shared values, tastes and community through creative participation. How the apple dance fuelled Charli XCX’s ‘Brat summer’. Charli’s new album Music, Fashion, Film (released on July 24 2026), signals a shift in tone and style, showing a distinct new era. Where the Brat era embraced bright green visuals, club culture and a chaotic energy, Music, Fashion, Film introduces a more cinematic, fashion-led aesthetic, with stronger influences from rock culture. The album’s artwork itself is a collage featuring figures from music, fashion and film. As with Brat, fans are similarly able to co-produce a particular world around this new era, being invited through a website generator to add their own images and remix the album cover. This built excitement around the release and encouraged fans to share visual references and interpretations before the music was fully out. It’s an example of how eras increasingly begin even before albums are released, shaped through expectation as much as through reception. Wink Wink by Charli XCX. The third single from Charli’s album, Wink Wink, with its tongue in cheek declaration “I’m not a bad girl anymore, I promise”, signals a deliberate departure from the Brat era. This has shaped early fan interpretations of the project as a shift in direction. Charli herself has reinforced this, explaining in interviews that her albums often “repel against each other”, suggesting that reinvention is central to her creative process, with it being “fun to flip the form”. Ariana Grande One of Charli’s recent collaborators, Ariana Grande has highlighted a different dimension of era building with her new album, Petal (released on July 31). Whereas Charli’s recent era has centred on a bold visual aesthetic, Grande has framed her new era primarily through emotional openness and personal storytelling. Grande labelled her new current era “a little feral” and from “a place that I have maybe been too shy or polite to tap into before” in a post shared to her Instagram before any music was released. By describing the project this way directly with her followers, Grande encouraged fans to understand the album as an emotionally revealing chapter of her career. The visual presentation remains important. Through monochrome photography, Grande showcased a return to her signature high brunette ponytail after the blonde look associated with her role as Glinda in Wicked. The striking image of her smiling on the album artwork helped to signal a new chapter as it reinforced a sense of a return to self after a major acting role. These visuals establish the mood of the project, but it is the emotional framing of the project that gives this era its further distinctive identity. Fans extend those narratives through their own posts, edits and discussions online. Eras, as well as being visual or aesthetic terrains, can also be emotional ones. Not every fan welcomes a new era. Major shifts in sound or image can spark debate, with some celebrating reinvention while others mourn the loss of what came before. Those discussions are themselves part of how an era takes shape. Ultimately, what we are seeing is the expansion of the album. Albums remain core musical texts, but eras are the wider worlds built around them that can grow over time through visuals, performances, interviews, remixes and fan interpretations. In this sense, the album becomes less of a fixed object and more of an ongoing cultural space shaped through repeated engagement and reinterpretation. Eras have become such a powerful way of understanding contemporary pop music. Listening is only one part of the experience. At their core, eras are sustained by the connective and creative work of fandom, which fuses together music, meaning and identity across time. Words by Lucy Bennett, Lecturer in Popular Music, Digital Culture and Fandom, Cardiff University. Special thanks for The Conversation. Support and donate today.

Salads – along with other fresh produce – are some of the healthiest foods you can eat. Leafy greens are rich in vitamins A, C and K, folate, potassium and magnesium. They also contain lots of fiber, which supports a healthy gut microbiome, promotes fullness, helps regulate blood sugar, and may contribute to healthy aging and better cognitive function. Prewashed greens are extremely convenient, but whole heads of lettuce may be less risky during a cyclospora outbreak. CostaPPPR via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA But an ongoing 2026 outbreak of cyclosporiasis, caused by the cyclospora parasite, has sickened more than 11,500 people across the United States with explosive diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms and has put a damper on salad consumption. A poll released on July 26 reports that 40% of U.S. adults have cut down on buying and eating fresh produce. News of egg and blueberry recalls, plus an investigation into a new, separate cyclospora outbreak, has not helped. As an immunologist and infectious disease specialist studying how germs spread and cause illnesses and outbreaks, I know it’s impossible to entirely eliminate your risk of being infected with microbes that can contaminate foods, such as cyclopsora, E. coli and salmonella. But rather than avoiding fresh produce, adopting a few sensible food safety practices can help you significantly reduce your risk of getting sick while continuing to enjoy the many health benefits and flavor perks of salads and fresh veggies. During an active outbreak, washing your prewashed greens is a good idea. But better still would be choosing a whole head of lettuce that you wash at home. The perks of prewashed produce Bagged lettuce and other veggies, often labeled “triple washed” or “prewashed” and marketed as ready to eat, have become very popular. The packaging gives consumers confidence that the product has been commercially cleaned and helps save time when preparing fast, healthy meals. Convenience is important: Research shows that when vegetables are easier to prepare and eat, people tend to consume more of them. Commercial processors follow food safety practices, and millions of bags of produce are consumed safely each year. Normally, using prewashed lettuce right out of the bags is a low-risk move. Salad has some hefty health benefits – and there are ways to keep eating it, even during a foodborne illness outbreak. Commercial packaging risks However, prewashed doesn’t mean sterile. “Triple washed” or “ready to eat” means a product is cleaned to commercial standards, not that it is free of all harmful germs. And the same things that make prewashed vegetables convenient and appealing also introduce risk. That’s because each stage of production – harvest, cut, wash, conveyor belt and packaging – creates another opportunity for contamination. What’s more, bagged lettuce often travels a considerable distance to consumers. This gives germs ample time to multiply, making contaminated food harder to locate and recall. During commercial processing, pathogen from a single contaminated leaf can spread to additional leaves through equipment or wash water, increasing the potential for cross contamination. Research also suggests that cut leaves release plant juices that may help bacteria survive and multiply. Cyclospora is resistant to the chlorine and sanitizers commonly used to sanitize fresh produce, and routine washing may not completely remove the parasite. It’s also a particularly persistent pathogen in that its eggs adhere tightly to the surface of leafy greens and other bumpy produce. For these reasons, preventing contamination during growing, harvesting and processing is the most effective strategy for reducing risk. Benefits of whole, local lettuce In the face of multiple outbreaks involving fresh produce, choosing whole heads of lettuce and washing them at home is a reasonable way to reduce risk. Strip off and throw away the outer leaves, wash the leaves you plan to eat under running water and dry them in a salad spinner or with paper towels. Whole lettuce heads undergo less processing than commercially bagged lettuce, which means fewer chances for exposure to microbes that can make people sick. That’s also true of locally grown produce. Local produce usually comes from smaller farms and gets to your plate in fewer steps, so it tends to be safer than mass-produced fruits and vegetables. Buying lettuce at local farmers markets or farm stands – or even just choosing locally grown produce at your supermarket – can lower your risk of exposure during the current cyclosporiasis outbreak, which is suspected to come from commercial producers. The upshot is that the health benefits of salad far outweigh the relatively small risk of foodborne illness – particularly if you follow these three simple rules: Opt for whole heads of lettuce when possible, and rinse them well at home. Thoroughly scrub other produce with water and a produce brush, too. When possible, buy locally grown produce, since nationwide outbreaks generally come from large commercial producers. If you do go for bagged and prewashed greens and other produce, give them a good rinse even when they say “prewashed.” Words by Lisa Cuchara, Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Quinnipiac University. Special thanks for The Conversation. Support and donate today.