From aging to blending, every step in the creation of Tears of Llorona is guided by intention. Produced in limited batches of 9,000 bottles, the extra añejo tequila is aged for five years to create a layered sipping experience rich with depth, complexity, and character. At the center of that process is Master Distiller & Blender Enrique Fonseca, whose rare and innovative approach to blending has helped shape Tears of Llorona’s distinctive identity. A fourth-generation agave farmer-turned-distiller, Fonseca brings generations of agricultural knowledge and craftsmanship to every bottle, building on the brand’s enduring legacy of distilling, aging, and blending. Tears of Llorona begins with estate-grown 100% Agave Tequilana Weber Azul from Los Altos, Jalisco. The agave is allowed to mature for nearly a decade before being hand-selected, slow-roasted in steam ovens, fermented with proprietary yeast in open-air tanks, and double-distilled in copper pot stills. The tequila then embarks on perhaps its most defining chapter: five years of aging in a carefully curated selection of barrels, including sherry, Scotch, and brandy casks. The aging period extends two years beyond the minimum requirement for extra añejo tequila, allowing additional layers of flavor and complexity to develop. From there, Fonseca selects and blends the barrels to create each limited bottling, giving Tears of Llorona its remarkable depth and unmistakable character. That attention to detail has not gone unnoticed. Tears of Llorona has earned several recent industry honors, including the Beverage Testing Institute’s 2025 Best Extra Añejo Tequila and 2024 Tequila of the Year awards, Gold at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Triple Platinum at the 2025 Major Liquor Spirit Awards. Its name draws inspiration from the Mexican legend of La Llorona, or “the weeping woman,” a tale woven through generations with themes of loss, love, and resilience. The story serves as a fitting backdrop for a tequila crafted with patience and intention. One that slowly reveals itself over time, sip by sip. No two batches are exactly alike. Each release is marked by a distinctive custom strip stamp that reflects its individual personality, while the labels feature custom icons inspired by Mexican landscapes, traditions, and cultural heritage. Among the brand’s 2026 releases is Ode to Agave, a batch that celebrates Enrique Fonseca’s lifelong connection to agave cultivation and the plant that remains at the heart of tequila making. It is both a tribute to the craft and a reflection of the agricultural roots that continue to define the brand today. Tears of Llorona is available nationwide for $279. For more information, please visit tearsofllorona.com. By ML Staff. Photos/Tears of Llorona

Planning a trip to experience Orlando’s theme parks usually means bracing yourself for a non-stop whirlwind. Between the sensory overload of the park crowds and the long treks down Main Street, U.S.A., it is an undeniable adrenaline rush. But for those who want to seamlessly dive into the action by day and completely unplug in absolute luxury the moment they leave, Grande Lakes Orlando orchestrates that balance flawlessly. Perfectly positioned just minutes away from Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, this massive 500-acre estate serves as a sophisticated, ultra-private sanctuary. It keeps you close enough to easily make rope-drop for the morning rush, but its location at the pristine headwaters of the Florida Everglades gives it the quiet, exclusive feel of a secluded natural sanctuary. ACCOMMODATIONS The estate brings two distinct world-class hotel experiences together on one expansive property. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando welcomes guests into a recently refreshed space designed in calming marine colors, opulent textures, and elegant furniture. The hotel offers 582 guest rooms, including 60 expansive 960-square-foot Executive Suites that feature two private balconies with sweeping views of the lake and golf course. The 15th floor hosts two 2,400-square-foot Presidential Suites, boasting private offices, formal dining tables, and five private balconies looking out over the water. Every single room at The Ritz-Carlton features a fully furnished walkout balcony and a lavish marble bath equipped with double vanities. Upgrading to The Ritz-Carlton Club Level opens up 24-hour access to the exclusive Club Lounge, featuring five daily culinary and beverage presentations and daily Ritz Kids program entry for up to two children. The adjacent JW Marriott Orlando has elegantly-appointed 1,010 guest rooms, including 60 suites and family suites with multiple bedrooms, bunk beds and personalized itinerary planning. No matter which side you stay on, your family gets open access to the entire estate. This includes three pools and the Grande Lakes Waterpark, which features a lazy river, three waterslides, and lagoons—making it an effortless way to wind down before and after the parks. DINING Grande Lakes impressively showcases a dozen world-class dining venues, heavily anchored by fresh ingredients sourced directly from Whisper Creek Farm, the resort’s own 18,000-square-foot on-site working farm and apiary. Knife & Spoon (The Ritz-Carlton) is a Michelin-starred, Forbes Four-Star steak and seafood spot conceived by award-winning Chef John Tesar that serves incredible 45- to 240-day dry-aged cuts. Primo (JW Marriott) is led by multiple James Beard Award winner Chef Melissa Kelly, with classic Mediterranean and Italian farm-to-fork dining. For quick bites, you can grab premium burgers at Knife Burger, fresh morning fuel at First Drop (the Ritz’s signature lobby café), or southern-inspired comfort food at Whisper Creek Farm: The Kitchen. WELLNESS The resort features a massive 40,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Spa, a multi-level wellness sanctuary with its own Vitale Spa Café serving healthy plates and smoothies. Guests also have access to The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Tennis Club with a championship 18-hole golf course designed by two-time British Open Champion Greg Norman, routing players through live oaks and wetlands. It even hosts the PGA’s annual PNC Championship. The club features a 55,000-square-foot practice tee, a Caddie Concierge program to help you navigate the course, and clubhouse dining at Fairways Pub overlooking the 18th hole. ACTIVITIES You could spend the entire day on property at the incredible Grande Lakes Waterpark, but if you want to introduce your family to a bit of real Florida nature between park visits, the resort’s outdoor lineup is fantastic. Because the property sits right on the headwaters of the Everglades, you can take guided kayak eco-tours on Shingle Creek to explore the local ecosystem. The resort also offers an interactive falconry school where you can see live raptors up close, a private fishing school with seasoned pros teaching fly and reel techniques on stocked lakes, and mountain bike rentals to explore the property’s scenic canopy-lined trails. For more information, visit: www.grandelakes.com. Seamless Connection: The Brightline For South Florida families, skipping the drive up I-95 or the Turnpike makes the trip seamless. You can board a Brightline train and walk off at the Orlando International Airport station in about three and a half hours. Upgrading to “Premium” class gives you access to the station lounges along with complimentary drinks and snacks during the ride. Grande Lakes concierge can help you arrange a quick 15-minute ride from the train straight to the resort, making the transition entirely stress-free. www.gobrightline.com By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Grande Lakes.

Anniversary Season The Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a season of exhibitions and public art installations focused on South Florida artists, community engagement, and the museum’s evolving permanent collection. Running through October 4, the Spring 2026 program includes Anchors of Light, South Florida Cultural Consortium 2026, and Antithesis, alongside the return of MOCA’s Art on the Plaza commissions. “At we reflect on three decades, MOCA stands at a meaningful threshold, one that asks us to look back with rigor and forward with intention,” said Chana Sheldon, Executive Director of MOCA North Miami. “These presentations are not only celebrations. They are an affirmation that contemporary art, rooted in place and community, has the power to transform how we understand ourselves and one another.” Collection Focus At the center of the season is Anchors of Light, a large-scale exhibition curated by Miami-based curator Catherine Camargo. Drawing from more than 56 works in MOCA’s permanent collection, the exhibition revisits the museum’s history through film, sculpture, painting, and print, while placing local and international artists in conversation with one another. Artists featured include Dawoud Bey, Ian Hamilton Finlay, Dennis Oppenheim, Alfredo Jaar, Barbara Jones Hogu of AfriCOBRA, Pat Steir, Purvis Young, and Pablo Cano. The exhibition is organized into three sections titled The Body, The Garden, and The Miami Room. According to MOCA, the presentation examines how the museum has served as a cultural anchor for artists and audiences in South Florida over the past three decades. “Anchors of Light is a testament to what MOCA has always offered, a space of possibility and a launchpad not only for artists, but for the broader cultural ecosystem of South Florida,” said Camargo. The anniversary exhibition also reflects nearly a decade of collection research and conservation efforts supported by the Knight Foundation and Mellon Foundation. MOCA said its digitized collection will soon be integrated into a redesigned website. Regional Artists Running alongside Anchors of Light is South Florida Cultural Consortium 2026, a group exhibition featuring 15 artists working across sculpture, photography, film, textiles, ceramics, and installation. The exhibition was co-curated by MOCA Curatorial Assistant Kimari Jackson and guest curator Laura de Socarraz-Novoa. Participating artists include Jen Clay, Luke Jenkins, Diana Larrea, Amanda Linares, Lauren Shapiro, Nina Surel, and Manuela Gonzalez, among others. The exhibition explores themes tied to spirituality, identity, heritage, and environmental change in South Florida. “Though initially varied in form and approach, each of these artists’ works share resonant thematic through lines that reflect the cultural and environmental realities of South Florida,” said de Socarraz-Novoa. MOCA’s Teen Art Force program also presents Antithesis, a group exhibition examining contrast through painting, sculpture, abstraction, and realism. The exhibition is part of the museum’s youth leadership and creative development initiative. “Having the SFCC exhibition simultaneously presented alongside the 30th anniversary collection exhibition is so deeply resonant with MOCA’s mission,” said Jackson. “All three shows as a whole act as teaching moments of the institution's history.” Public Installations Outside the museum, MOCA’s Art on the Plaza program returns with three new public installations by South Florida artists Joan Edmundo Jiménez Suero, Carrington Ware, and Josh Aronson. Jiménez Suero’s Bailando Nuestros Problemas features iron sculptures inspired by community life and Afro-descendant traditions. Ware’s Homespun presents suspended fabric flags installed above the museum’s fountain, while Aronson’s installation includes sail-like banners incorporating imagery from Florida’s natural environment. More information about the museum’s Spring 2026 exhibitions and programs is available at mocanomi.org. By ML Staff. Photo/ Zachary Balber

As summer arrives and outdoor living takes center stage, luxury homeowners are increasingly investing in pools that do more than cool off the heat. Across high-end residences, hotels, and rooftop retreats, pools are becoming statement pieces that elevate both property value and architectural design. Leading this movement is Diamond Spas & Pools, a custom pool and spa manufacturer known for its striking use of stainless steel, copper and acrylic to create sleek, visually stunning aquatic vessels. Elevated / rooftop acrylic and stainless-steel spa designed with bench seating, LED lighting and two front infinity edgewater feature walls with catch basin. Photo courtesy of Diamond Spa Copyright Weldon Brewster Photography “Clients now view pools and spas as personal wellness retreats rather than occasional luxury features,” says Mitchell Martinek, Design Manager at Diamond Spas & Pools. “They want calm, restorative spaces designed for daily use.” Based in Colorado and serving clients worldwide, including in design-forward destinations like Miami, Diamond Spas specializes in fully customized pools, spas, cold plunge therapy, swim spas and water features tailored to each client’s lifestyle and aesthetic. Features such as infinity edges, integrated bench seating, underwater LED lighting, and transparent acrylic panels transform their projects into sculptural focal points as much as functional retreats. Elevated/rooftop acrylic and stainless-steel swimming pool. Photo courtesy of Diamond Spas Berglund Architects, LLC Builder/Shaeffer Hyde Copyright Stovall Studio “Pools today are designed to extend daily living space and create a private wellness retreat that supports healthier, more intentional living,” Martinek says. The company’s portfolio includes rooftop spas, elevated pools, and contemporary installations that seamlessly integrate into luxury homes and hospitality projects. For rooftop applications, Diamond Spas relies on lightweight materials such as stainless steel and copper, offering a practical alternative to traditional concrete construction. The materials reduce structural load requirements while also delivering exceptional durability and corrosion resistance. “Stainless steel is our most popular choice due to its modern, timeless appeal,” says Martinek. “For clients who want to preserve a view or showcase the spa’s interior, we use materials like acrylic.” Stainless steel pool with swim up bar, swim spa system, bench seating on side walls, sun shelf, interior stairway, LED lighting and five laminar jet water features. Copyright Jimi Smith Photography In projects where crane access is limited, pools are engineered in modular sections that can be transported through elevators and assembled onsite — a solution particularly useful for urban high-rise developments. As demand grows for personalized outdoor spaces this summer, luxury pools are increasingly viewed not just as amenities, but as long-term design investments. With its blend of engineering precision and modern aesthetics, Diamond Spas & Pools continues to push the boundaries of contemporary pool design. Connect with Diamond Spas diamondspas.com Instagram: @diamond_spas_co Toll Free: (800) 951-7727 Local: (720) 864-9115 Fax: (866) 605-2358 By ML Staff. Photos courtesy of Diamond Spas & Pools.

Run the runway, change lives. The community is invited to help dreams take flight at Broward Children’s Center's 23rd Annual Miles for Smiles 5K on the Runway at an all-new location, the Pompano Beach Airpark, on Saturday, Nov. 7. Photo resource Depositphotos. Runners, walkers, families, community leaders, wheelchairs and strollers of all ages will soar together to raise funds and awareness to support Broward Children’s Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving infants, children and young adults who are developmentally disabled and medically fragile and their families. The event will feature a family-friendly 5K, children’s activities, live entertainment, a DJ, raffles, an awards ceremony, photo opportunities, and more. Children receiving care at Broward Children’s Center, including those in electric wheelchairs, will participate in the 5K route with assistance from more than 40 volunteers representing the International Institute for Health Care Professionals and Broward College’s Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) Program. Volunteers will help wheel participants and support race-day logistics. Miles for Smiles will benefit Broward Children’s Center, a nonprofit organization that has been serving infants, children, and young adults with special needs since 1971. Proceeds will support Broward Children’s Center’s crucial programs and medical, developmental, and therapeutic services designed to meet the specific needs of infants, children and young adults who are developmentally disabled and medically fragile and their families. Participants can join the event as an individual or a team and conduct online fundraising prior to race day. Miles for Smiles race day check-in opens at 8 a.m., and the 5K will begin at 9 a.m. After the race, an awards ceremony and a raffle will take place. All participants will receive a T-Shirt and medal. The 5K will be timed and scored. Awards will be given to the top three males, top three females and top three in the following age groups: six and under, seven and under, eight-ten, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64,65-69,70-74,75-79, 80-84,85-89, 90+. Broward Children’s Center thanks its generous sponsors, including Pompano Aviation, Knights of Columbus, Sheltair Aviation and Craftmans Guild. When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 Registration: 8 a.m. Start at 9 a.m. Awards Ceremony: 10 a.m. Where: Pompano Beach Airpark 1001 NE 10th Street Pompano Beach, Florida 33060 Cost: Students: $15 Early registration: $30 After Sept. 1: $30 Race Day: $40 To register and purchase tickets or create a team, please visit www.milesforsmiles5k.org. By ML Staff. Content courtesy of Broward Children’s Center.

Most consumers pick nicotine or caffeine pouches based on taste, strength, or whatever is currently trending on social media. The issue is that not all products on the market are created equal, quality, labeling accuracy, and ingredient transparency can vary widely between brands. This guide breaks down how to evaluate pouches properly in 2026, compare strength levels, understand ingredients, and choose reliable places to buy from. The Expanding Market for Modern Pouches The pouch category has grown far beyond traditional nicotine use. Today, consumers can choose between tobacco-free nicotine pouches and stimulant-based alternatives designed for focus and energy. As the market expands, so does confusion. New users often struggle to understand which products are safe, consistent, or actually worth the price. This is why curated online platforms are becoming more important—they help filter unreliable products and highlight established brands. For example, online stores like Olofly offer a wide range of modern pouch products, making it easier to compare strengths, flavors, and categories in one place. At the same time, the rise of disposable nicotine alternatives continues to influence consumer habits. Many users who prefer convenience often explore options like cheap disposable vapes as part of a broader shift toward portable, ready-to-use products. What Defines a High-Quality Pouch? Ingredient Transparency A reliable product clearly lists everything inside it. Whether it’s nicotine or caffeine-based, users should be able to identify active ingredients, flavoring agents, and sweeteners without hidden formulas. Brands that are transparent tend to be more consistent and trustworthy in the long term. Manufacturing Consistency High-quality pouches are produced under strict quality control. This ensures uniform moisture, even distribution of active ingredients, and consistent performance across every pouch in a pack. If one pouch feels significantly different from another, that usually signals weak production standards. Accurate Strength Labeling Strength labeling is one of the most important factors in this category. A properly manufactured product delivers what it promises on the package—nothing more, nothing less. Unclear or exaggerated strength descriptions are a red flag for beginners and experienced users alike. Choosing the Right Strength for Your Needs Nicotine Pouches For new users, lower-strength options are generally more comfortable and reduce the risk of side effects. More experienced users may gradually move toward stronger formats, but consistency matters more than intensity. Caffeine Pouches Caffeine-based alternatives are gaining popularity among people looking for focus without coffee or sugary energy drinks. Products like caffeine pouches for work focus are designed specifically for productivity and alertness during work, study, or long travel periods. Since caffeine sensitivity varies widely, starting with lower doses is the most practical approach. Key Ingredients to Pay Attention To When comparing pouch products, it’s important to look beyond branding and focus on actual formulation: Active ingredient per pouch (nicotine or caffeine) Type of sweeteners used Flavoring sources (natural vs artificial) Moisture balance and pouch texture Manufacturing transparency and certifications Products that clearly disclose this information tend to offer a more predictable and safer user experience. Where to Buy Pouches in 2026 Online shopping remains the most efficient way to compare products and understand differences between brands. Instead of relying on limited in-store selection, users can review full specifications, customer feedback, and pricing side by side. Some consumers also explore broader alternative marketplaces when looking for different formats or complementary products, including vape and nicotine-related categories. Pricing vs Quality: What Actually Matters Lower price does not always mean better value. Extremely cheap products may cut costs by reducing ingredient quality or skipping consistency testing. On the other hand, high price alone does not guarantee a superior experience. A smarter approach is to evaluate: Ingredient transparency Brand reputation Strength accuracy User reviews and consistency Product sourcing and manufacturing standards The goal is not to find the cheapest option, but the most reliable one for your needs. Final Thoughts In 2026, choosing the right nicotine or caffeine pouch is less about trends and more about informed decision-making. The best products are transparent, accurately labeled, and produced under consistent manufacturing standards. Before buying, compare options carefully, understand your tolerance level, and prioritize trusted retailers that clearly explain what’s inside each product. By ML staff. Image courtesy of

Argentine multidisciplinary artist Betiana Bradas recently unveiled Portals of Perception, a thought-provoking exhibition at The Lennox Hotel Miami Beach that invited audiences to experience art as a gateway to emotion, memory, and possibility. Featuring a new body of paintings, sculptures, and three-dimensional works, the exhibition reflected Bradas’ ongoing exploration of how color, form, and space shape the way we perceive the world. Rather than depicting recognizable places, the works created immersive atmospheres that encouraged contemplation and personal interpretation. Open structures, translucent layers, and vibrant compositions formed symbolic thresholds between the familiar and the unknown, prompting viewers to reflect on the connections between the past, the present, and the future. Throughout the series, the recurring use of pink served as more than a visual motif, representing sensitivity, expansion, and the possibility of transformation. Bradas, whose work spans painting, photography, and sculpture, has exhibited internationally across the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. Her artistic practice combines technical precision with emotional depth, resulting in works that remain open to interpretation while inviting viewers into moments of reflection. Portals of Perception continued this vision, reinforcing her distinctive approach to contemporary art through immersive visual experiences. By ML Staff . Photos courtesy of Betiana Bradas Studio

Amanzoe in the Peloponnese region of Greece has opened Life Cycles, a major summer exhibition created in collaboration with Athens-based Zoumboulakis Galleries. The exhibition presents works by leading Greek female artists installed across the hilltop resort, aiming to deepen the property’s connection to Greek cultural heritage and highlight contemporary perspectives on the country’s past and present. Designed as an immersive experience in dialogue with the surrounding landscape, Life Cycles incorporates indoor and outdoor spaces at Amanzoe and is set against views of the Peloponnese coastline. The exhibition runs through 31 October 2026 at Amanzoe. More details about the resort are available on Amanzoe’s website. By ML. Photo(s)/Aman

The Miami HEAT have released a new marketing email outlining ways for fans to secure tickets, register for youth programs and purchase team merchandise ahead of the upcoming season. The message directs supporters to the official Miami HEAT website for team information and to purchase tickets through Ticketmaster for home games in Miami. Fans are encouraged to learn more about Miami HEAT ticket options including season plans and preseason games, and to sign up children for Jr. HEAT Summer Camps that offer basketball activities during the offseason. The email also invites supporters to join the HEAT Store Insider list and to shop official merchandise through the team’s online store. By ML. Photo(s)/Miami HEAT

Dior has released new arrivals as part of its Fall 2026 collection, adding trans-seasonal ready-to-wear pieces and signature accessories to its offering. The latest designs feature pearlescent details, gold-tone accents, médaillon slides and metal-frame gradient sunglasses, expanding the house’s accessory range for the coming season. The new arrivals are available through Dior’s online boutique, where customers can browse the full selection and place orders. View collection By ML. Photo(s)/Dior

The CHANEL Makeup Creation Studio has launched the Summer’s Calling Collection, a limited edition lineup built around sparkling hues intended for customizable looks at varying intensities. At the center of the release is Duo De Baumes, a dual ended stick available in three shade duos. One end delivers blush for complexion and lips, while the other functions as a highlighter that adds light to the face, allowing users to create both bold and subtle effects. The collection also introduces two new limited edition shades of Rouge Coco Baume Shine, the brand’s lip balm with a brilliant finish: 772 Sparkling Pink, a shimmery pastel pink, and 774 Electric Vibe, a vibrant fuchsia. For eyes, the Summer Duo pairs Stylo Ombre et Contour with Noir Allure Mascara. The eye pen is designed to be used softly or dramatically, with precise or blurred application to add color to lids, while the mascara is offered in a new hazelnut brown shade intended to give lashes a seasonal shift in tone. For more information on the collection, visit Chanel’s website. By ML. Photo(s)/CHANEL

Titan 100 is bringing its executive recognition program to Miami, introducing an inaugural class that will highlight top CEOs and C-level leaders from across the region. The national Titan 100 program recognizes 100 executives in each market for their leadership and impact. Honorees join a community of more than 2,600 Titans nationwide, receive a full editorial profile in the Titan 100 digital book, and are recognized at an awards celebration scheduled for November. Florida Grand Opera is participating in the launch of the Miami edition as the official cultural partner. The company’s Chief Advancement and Strategy Officer, Joanna Black, is serving on the nomination committee and will act as a point of contact for questions about eligibility and submissions. General Director and CEO Maria Todaro will serve as one of the judges reviewing nominations. Nominations are open to leaders in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, including self-nominations, for individuals based in Greater Miami. The nomination deadline is June 30. More information about the program is available on the Titan 100 site, and those seeking direct guidance or an introduction to the Titan 100 team can email Joanna Black at jblack@fgo.org. By ML. Photo(s)/Florida Grand Opera