AUGUST 2023
Kids & Pets Issue
Recognition for our trusted partners.
Corey Smith
Port St. Lucie City Lifestyle Publisher American Veteran Power Washing Services veteranpowerwashingservices.com
BlueZone Health & Wellness Centre bluezonehwc.com
Busy G Bookkeeping Solutions busygbooks.com
Caring Estate Solutions caringestatesolutionsllc.com
CertaPro Painters of Port St. Lucie certapro.com/port-st-lucie
Diamonds by Terry diamondsbyterry.com
Elysian by Mod V @elysianbymod
Extra Mile Carpet and Tile extramiletreasurecoast.com
First International Title, Inc. firstintitle.com
Fit Fixins fitfixins.net
FoxHaven Roofing Group foxhavenroof.com
Garage Exotica garageexotica.com
Genesis Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Center genesisbjjcenter.com
Haus of Skin Boutique Spa thehausofskinfl.com
Journaventure Travel & Tours journaventuretravel.com
Kelita’s Cork kelitascork.com
LNA Beauty Bar V @lnabeautybar
Mavit Stone Services mavitstone.com
Meating Street Steak & Seafood meatingstreet.com
NextGen Photography V @_nextgenphotography_
Palm City Insured palmcityinsured.com
Red Services and Solutions Company redservices4you-fl.com
Scott’s Automotive and Golf Cart Repair scottsautogolf.com
SouthState Bank - Mortgage Office southstatebank.com/vanessaconiglio
Super Custom Glass & Mirrors supercustomglass.com
The Cottages Tradition thecottagestradition.com
The Kelly Team @ Keller Williams kellyteam.kw.com
Tradition Plumbing traditionplumbingpsl.com
Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery plasticsurgeryvips.com
Yolanda’s Boutique shopyolandasboutique.com
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Hey Port St. Lucie,
We hope you're all having a wonderful Summer so far, especially those of you who have your kids home from school! In our last issue, we talked about some "Summer Fun" ideas. I hope you were able to get out on the water and check out some of those activities.
This issue is focused on "Kids & Pets", so you'll notice that most of the articles and activities will be geared toward this. And if we're talking about kids.... here's our Riley update that you might not have asked for, but hopefully enjoy. She's crawling all over now, certainly keeping us busy! Everyone warned us about this phase and how fun it is, so we're taking in every moment.
Anyway, let's dive into what you likely would rather hear about! Be sure to check out some of our articles to learn about how you can help the children in need in our community or local shelter animals. In addition, we talk about some fun ideas such as family photoshoots, party planning for kids events, DIY kid crafts, and ways to protect your pets from a few potential Florida dangers.
Don't forget though, this magazine is what it is because of the incredible partners we have. We like to take this page to thank each of them for their support. In return, please be sure to check them out! Maybe you've been putting off that job you need to get done around the house, but now realize it might be time to get it done. The partners in this magazine are here for you!!
With that being said, we have been receiving some great feedback on what people enjoy about the magazine or would like to see more of, so each month we'll be trying to add different types of content. Please feel free to reach out if you'd like to connect with us! We truly do love hearing from you.
All the best,
COREY SMITH, PUBLISHER | ALEXA SMITH, MANAGING EDITOR @PORTSTLUCIECITYLIFESTYLE
August 2023
PUBLISHER
Corey Smith | corey.smith@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR Alexa Smith | alexa.smith@citylifestyle.com
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
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LIFESTYLE LETTER Proverbs 3:5-6 Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com/franchise Port St. Lucie City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Media Partners LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Port St. Lucie area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Media Partners’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Media Partners’ does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Port St. Lucie City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed. 4
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inside the issue The Kids & Pets Issue AUGUST 2023 ON THE COVER DEPARTMENTS 4 Lifestyle Letter 8 City Scene 12 Pet Care LIFE + CULTURE 16 Kids Corner EVENT PLANNING + SERVICES 20 Maker’s Studio ARTS + CULTURE 24 Family Care LIFE + CULTURE 26 Pet Friendly HEALTH + WELLNESS 28 Artist’s Palette ENTERTAINMENT 30 Realty Report REAL ESTATE 32 Events 34 Happy Hour FOOD + BEVERAGE 20 12 26 24 FEATURED 12 Humane Society of St. Lucie County Let’s learn how we can better the lives of the cats and dogs in need. 20 High Fashion Meets Fine Art Photography Photos that tell a story through the generations 24 Open Your Doors.... and Your Hearts How you can help the kids in need of our community 26 Summer Safety Tips Ways to prevent potential harm for our pets Photography: NextGen Photography Featuring the owner of NextGen Photography’s son, Kai. 6
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city scene
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
1:
showing off their perfect mascot and puppy,
of sweet Frankee, getting ready for her first time at Disney! 2: @lnabeautybar of her son, Sincere, saying CHEESE and clearly enjoying those delicious fries! 3: @momsrunoncoffee brightening our day with Emma, giving us the biggest smile! 4: @mrseconomys 5 year old Oliver, who loves watching the lizards go by outside.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
Tag your Instagram photos with @portstluciecitylifestyle
1 3 6 7 4 5 2
@believeinme_g
5: @onlocaltimewaterexcursions
Sailor-girl. 6: @leahcorbett having a relaxing day cuddling with rescue dogs Penny and Owl. 7: Jessica Vasquez warming our hearts with Saint, her 11 month old Dalmatian!
AUGUST 2023 CITY SCENE
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NextGen Photography offers luxury all inclusive studio sessions in your very own home! Be one of the firsts on the treasure coast to participate in a one of a kind experience. Motherhood and Family Portraiture is a specialty close to our hearts. We provide our clients with an unforgettable experience from start to finish. From lighting and backdrops to wardrobe and props, all you need to do is open the door! What are you waiting for!?
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DISCIPLINE RESPECT LEADERSHIP CONFIDENCE 772.766.2313 | genesisbjj20@gmail.com www.genesisbjjcenter.com 1728 SE Port St Lucie Blvd Port Saint Lucie, Florida 34952 Genesis Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Center FREE TRIAL Junk Removal Estate Clean Outs Storage/Garage Clean Outs Eviction/Foreclosure Clean Outs Specializing in Hoarder Clean Outs MILITARY AND SENIOR DISCOUNTS OFFERED License and Insured 772.203.0305 | www.caringestatesolutionsllc.com caringestatesolutionsllc@gmail.com Like us on Facebook Caring Estate Solutions, LLC BEFORE AFTER Ready for another set of eyes... ...on your books? www.busygbooks.com V @ busygbooks B Busy G Bookkeeping Solutions 10
Inspiration for your best local life. Exclusive giveaways. Hidden gem alert! Local content by local creators. Good news happening right in your neighborhood. STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
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Port
Let’s learn how we can better the lives of the cats and dogs in need.
PET CARE | LIFE + CULTURE
12
HUMANE SOCIETY OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY
ARTICLE BY ALEXA SMITH
The Humane Society of St. Lucie County operates as an open admission, no-kill shelter, which means that they have a policy of never turning away a stranded pet in need, regardless of their breed, age, or medical history if the pet is found in the city of Port St. Lucie and brought to the shelter. However, it's important to note that the Humane Society always strives to provide resources and support to pet owners in order to help them keep their pets whenever possible! They actively encourage individuals to explore alternative options before considering surrendering their pets to the shelter.
‘kitty condos’ to give them an ample amount of roaming space. Although this sounds great for the pets, they are just waiting here in the interim while we work to find their forever homes. In a shelter that is built to hold under 40 dogs, they are currently running at nearly 60. In other words - they need our help! So, how can we do this? What can our community do to help these pets in need?
I had the honor of touring the facility and seeing the different dogs and cats
living here for the time being.
The staff and volunteers at the facility work so hard to take care of these homeless pets. They have pools, jungle gyms, and open fenced-in areas for them to run and get spoiled with love. The team created an enrichment program that gets the dogs outside to play for an extended length of time, instead of just that standard potty break. The cats have an entire room for them to play in, along with
First and foremost, if you are able to open your home to foster while the team continues to work to find homes, please do! There is nothing better than getting these dogs and cats in a home where it’s quieter, cooler, and comfier, while we continue the search for their forever homes. If you are looking for a new addition to your family, consider adopting from them. They offer a multitude of services to help you get started like providing “starter kits”, grooming, vaccines, spay/neuter, a week of online training and microchips upon taking the dog home. They also have a “Home to Home” program. This program was created for people who come to them saying they need to surrender their pet, but may be able to hold onto the
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pet while they create a profile and promote this pet all over the media to try finding a home for it in the meantime. This way, that pet never has to step foot into the shelter! It goes from your home, to the next person who's ready to take it in.
Now you might be thinking “I want to help, but it’s not the right time”, but that’s false! There are still other ways that you can help. Do you have towels, sheets, beds or blankets that you don’t need anymore? Don’t throw them away! Donate them to the shelter to be used for many different reasons. They do 15-20 loads of laundry A DAY, and it’s still not enough, so please consider donating items if they aren’t needed any longer. If you’re interested in donating food, please grab the specific & healthy brand they use - Hill’s Science Diet. Treats and toys will also never be turned away!
Something that I took away from this meeting that really got to me, was how they are helping countless amounts of cats and dogs, continuously needing more, yet still find a way to help the community. If off-brand food is donated to them and can’t be used for one reason or another, they create a “Pet Food Pantry”. This is a program where they will donate the food to other members of the community who may be in need. For example, if they can’t find the right brand or can’t afford it at the moment, they donate the food or treats to those who need it to keep that pet fed! Additionally, they gave out over 800 free vaccines last year alone to those in need throughout the community of owners that couldn’t afford them.
They have adopted out over 1000 cats and dogs in 2022 alone and are continuously coming up with new ways to help the community AND pets. Looking to get involved? Please check out their website! hsslc.org
PET CARE | LIFE + CULTURE
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PARTY PLANNING
Some fun services to make for the perfect party!
Planning a party for your kids can be exhausting! How can we ensure we have fun activities for the kids that are also safe, and good for a variety of ages? Allow us to help! Here are a few of our favorites...
Bubble Truck Treasure Coast
The first party entertainment service with a Bubble Truck - Treasure Coast! The truck comes right to your driveway and creates mountains of bubbles to fill your party with faces full of smiles and laughs. With bubbles piled high and full of color, your kids can get lost in the fun while listening to cranked up tunes.
bubbletruck.com/treasurecoast
ARTICLE BY ALEXA SMITH
Gellyball
If you’re having a party for kids 5+, here’s the next must-have service you need. Gellyball brings the ‘battle to your backyard’ with gel blasters for pain free fun. The non-toxic, pet friendly blasters are mess free, being that they’re biodegradable! A parent’s dream, right? Play during the day or at night with their glow in the dark option! Turn your backyard into the perfect battle space with inflatable bunkers and gellyball.
gellyballpalmbeach.com
KIDS CORNER | EVENT PLANNING + SERVICES
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My Fiesta Fairy
There aren’t many things in the world cuter than kids and pets, so why not bring them together? This mobile petting zoo will be a hit at your next kid’s event, to see your little ones faces light up with joy. The family has a mini farm of their own consisting of bunnies, goats, chickens and ducks which they bring to you for cuddles and pets. In addition, you can also book pony rides from one of their very own, Tamale or Jolene!
myfiestafairy.com
My Bounce House Guy
A local family-owned business that has served the Tri-County area for over 10 years now! They specialize in the kind of inflatables that are in demand for backyard birthday parties: Water slides, obstacle courses, bounce “n” slides, and even bubble pits. They even offer event rentals, like tables & chairs! For child parties, or even adult parties, they have the inflatable fun taken care of.
mybouncehouseguy.com
17 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/PORTSTLUCIE AUGUST 2023
VINYARD INSTITUTE OF PLASTIC SURGERY
is the leading cosmetic plastic surgery practice and full service medspa on the Treasure Coast.
The practice is led by Dr. William J. Vinyard, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with fellowship training in cosmetic plastic surgery. He specializes in Face, Breast and Body makeovers and uses a proprietary, individualized approach to aesthetic transformations for his patients.
William J. Vinyard, MD, FACS - Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon
www.plasticsurgeryvips.com 772.212.0304 291 Northwest Peacock Boulevard Suite 104 Port Saint Lucie, Florida 34986 VIPS Surgery Center VIPS Cosmetic Center The Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery prides itself on its commitment to excellence in patient care and our coveted “VIPS Experience,” that has earned our practice a reputation synonymous with quality. Face • Cheek & Neck Lift • Upper & Lower Eyelid Lift • Brow Lift • FACEtite Breast • Breast Augmentation • Breast Lift • Breast Reduction • Breast Revision • Breast Implant Removal Body • Tummy Tuck • Arm Lift • BODYtite - RF Liposuction • Thigh Lift • Body Lift Skin • Morpheus8 Radiofrequency Microneedling • Morpheus8 BODY • Co2 Laser Skin Resurfacing • CoolPeel Laser Skin Resurfacing • Elluminate with IPL (Photofacial) • Laser Vein Removal • Laser Hair Removal • Diamondglow Facial Treatments • Chemical Peels Body Contouring • CoolSculpting Elite Vaginal Rejuvenation • Labiaplasty • FEMtite • Morpheus8V with VOTIVA • VTone Injectables • Botox • Juvederm Dermal Fillers
High Fashion Meets Fine Art Photography
ARTICLE
PHOTOS THAT TELL A STORY THROUGH THE GENERATIONS
Genevieve Castro is the owner of NextGen Photography, specializing in maternity, newborn, and family portraits. Gen has always had interest in and a love of photography, but it wasn’t until she embarked on the journey of having her first son in 2018 that she pursued her passion. She realized how incredible and special the experience of pregnancy and motherhood is and wanted to share her love of photography to help capture this journey for others. She was working in management and started saving money to purchase her first camera to allow her passion to take off. Over the course of the last five years, Gen has developed a vast amount of clientele and friendships as NextGen Photography has come to life.
Something unique to NextGen Photography is that the studio comes to YOU. It can be such a struggle to leave your house as a recovering new mother, or to get the kids ready, pack their bags, and drive to a studio. The luxury of NextGen is that you simply don’t have to do any of that! Let’s take a ‘walk’ through the process of a session with Gen. She comes to your home with the appropriate lighting, backdrop, props, wardrobes, and accessories. That’s right, wardrobes! From my personal experience, there’s not much worse than buying that dress you know you’ll never wear again after a photoshoot or that expensive newborn outfit because
MAKER’S STUDIO | ARTS + CULTURE
BY ALEXA SMITH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GENEVIEVE CASTRO - NEXTGEN PHOTOGRAPHY
20
it was the perfect one for pictures. Problem solved - Gen provides them for you! With multiple options to choose from, she has designer name gowns, flowy fabrics, newborn wraps, and accessories to make you feel beautiful. She’ll take a look around your home, move a few things around, and create the best area to start her setup. (I’m trying to resist inserting my “lights, camera, ACTION !” quote here). Once this is ready, it’s time for you, your newborn, and/or your family to get into position and allow Gen to get to work! When the session is over, you wait with anticipation for that email that says “Your photos are ready!” to see the amazing art she created for you.
One of the main reasons I found Gen and her business so special is the genuine passion I felt. She cares deeply for each client and wants to authentically capture their story during these special moments. When speaking with Gen, she said, “I love to capture motherhood, family, and everything it involves. That time is so precious, and it goes by so fast. This is a passion, not just a business.” Specific to her maternity sessions, she understands how many women struggle with the change in their bodies during pregnancy. You look at your body and realize it’s no longer what it was a few months prior, and some women can take that extremely hard. Gen’s goal is to make these expectant mothers feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. She wants them to love this time in their motherhood journey and help
them do so through the art of photography.
In addition to maternity photos, Gen specializes in newborn and family photos. Her upbeat, vibrant personality immediately makes you and your family comfortable. It’s easy to get stressed out if your kid isn’t cooperating, or one smiles and the other blinks, or right when you feel like you’re about to get the perfect photo, someone sneezes. Her goal is for you to have fun and not worry
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“The photos I take are meant to be pieces of artwork - something they want to put on their walls and look at forever”
about these stresses. She’s great with kids and is a natural at entertaining them! Capturing the laughs and the chaos can sometimes make for the most amazing family photos. She spends nearly 45 to 60 minutes per photo editing them to be perfect for you and your family. The editing process after the session is where her artistic side really comes to life. She works magic with images that you likely would think of deleting.
Gen expressed the importance of getting to know your client. Each relationship is so unique - the posing and staging aren’t a “one size fits all” kind of deal. She feeds off the energy from her clients and families to pose
the most appropriate and fitting version of who they are. “The photos I take are meant to be pieces of artworksomething they want to put on their walls and look at forever,” says Gen. No detail will be overlooked, from a piece of hair to the way your jewelry is laying, as this is what creates art versus a photo. As a fairly new mother who didn’t find Gen in time to capture these incredibly special, raw moments, I hope you or someone you know has the opportunity to do so. Interested? Use code CLM823 for $200 any package.
Instagram: _nextgenphotography_
Email: nextgen.photography20@gmail.com
MAKER’S STUDIO | ARTS + CULTURE
22
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At Elysian by Mod we strive to create confidence in each guest that we see. Founded on a life long passion for the hair industry and for people, we hope to provide a space where the guest and the stylist can be authentic and feel true to themselves. Hairstylists have a passion for seeing the beauty in everything and everyone. We take that passion and combine it with our technical skills to provide a service that will make you feel like your best self. Come in and have fun with us while we make your hair dreams come true!
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OPEN YOUR DOORS.... AND YOUR HEARTS
HOW YOU CAN HELP THE KIDS IN NEED OF OUR COMMUNITY
When I started gathering my thoughts for this “Kids and Pets” themed issue, one of the first things that came to mind was expressing the importance of what’s happening right in our own town. I was able to speak with the Community Resource Manager, Christina Kaiser, at Communities Connected for Kids to learn about their company and how we, as a community, can help. Communities Connected for Kids is a State Foster Care, Adoptions and Protective Services Agency throughout Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast. They are responsible for the care of every child who comes into their system of care. Below are a few questions and answers on some facts that we should know and be aware of for the kids in our community.
Q&A WITH CHRISTINA KAISER
Q: HOW DOES A CHILD COME INTO YOUR CARE?
A: The answer is rather complex. This is a two part system, where a call comes into the abuse hotline and the situation is assessed thoroughly. Investigations handle making the decision of if this child is in serious danger and needs to be removed from the home immediately. If so, it becomes crunch time. No matter the time of day, there’s now a placement team that’s responsible for finding a family that can take these kid(s) in. Sometimes it’s one, sometimes it’s multiple! Having families who are willing and able to open their home to siblings is so important for us to keep families together. The more families we have in the area who are able to foster, the quicker we can get these kids in need to safety.
ARTICLE BY ALEXA SMITH
FAMILY CARE | LIFE + CULTURE
24
Rose & Brian Bailey: Adoptive Parents
Q: HOW CAN THE COMMUNITY HELP?
A: Put it this way, we have 77 foster homes throughout 4 counties, and just shy of 900 children in the system of care right now. Of these 900, 250 are in licensed, out of home placement, meaning they have been removed from home and are not living with relatives. With that being said, the one thing our organization needs more than anything else is foster parents. It’s critical to everything that we do. We do a good job with the limited number we have, but we can do a GREAT JOB with more. If a child needs to leave their community altogether, we’re now talking about separating them from their family, their home, their pets, their friends, their neighborhood; everything they know and love. Finding families within the same community will help these kids not lose everything, and lessen this already traumatic experience. We do our best to find foster homes for these kids, instead of placing them in group homes, but this is the last resort. Group homes are a critical component of the system, but it’s just not an ideal place for these young children. We need to find them HOMES. We need to find people willing to open their doors and take in kids in need. Spread the word - we do a lot of social media campaigns to keep the message out there, so please share it if you see it!
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR THE COMMUNITY TO KNOW?
A: There is one commonality among our foster parents, and that is, that it’s worth it. There’s a lot of thinking that goes into fostering or adopting, and a lot of heartburn getting to that point, but our parents will tell you that it was the best decision they have ever made. I think the community needs to understand that most of the families that go through this separation are families like everyone else. There’s a stigma against the families/parents, but with the right services, some of them can be healed. Our goal is to reunite families, not separate them. We want to create a bridge that maintains the foster home with the biological family, and help fix the problem to get these families back together down the road.
All in all, our community needs YOU. We need help to get these kids and families the care that they need. If you find that your house is a little too quiet, or your heart needs a little extra fulfillment, take a moment to look into opening your doors and your arms for a child in need in our community. Take the first step in starting the process by calling 772.873.7800. We hope to see your family grow soon! Please visit cckids.net for more information.
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The Young Family
Summer Safety Tips
Ways to prevent potential harm for our pets
As we all know, Florida can get extremely hot in the Summer! This can make it dangerous for our pets if we aren’t paying close attention to signs of overheating. BUT, that’s not the only danger Florida Summers bring us! Local PSL resident and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Erin Morton, gave us a few tips to look out for and educate us on regarding the dangers of bufo toads, heartworm, signs of overheating and even hurricane preparation.
Dr. Morton has been practicing medicine here in Florida for over ten years now after graduating with her DVM at Ross University. She is extremely thorough, passionate, and detailed in her approach to each case and patient. Her own dog, Rossi, was found under a tree while in veterinary school on the island of St. Kitts. He was extremely malnourished when she found him yet now lives a happy and healthy lifestyle with her here in Florida! Dr. Morton is currently working at North Port St. Lucie Animal Hospital.
When speaking with Dr. Morton, an important and informative fact to note is that the Florida heat is the same temperature of the pavement. This means, if it’s too hot for you to touch, it’s too hot for your pets paw pads! Ensure you wait for cooler temperatures, use protective booties, or keep them on the grass where it’s much cooler on their paws. Now, let’s learn a few of the other important tips that all pet owners should be educated on and aware of.
Heat Stroke
Heatstroke can happen within minutes, even with windows open! Never leave your pet in a car or unventilated garage, and ensure they always have access to water or shade when outside. When your pet’s body temperature hits 104+ degrees, heatstroke begins. A few key signs include heavy panting, dry and sticky gums, bright red or blue gums, collapsing, seizures, a racing heart rate, or a distressed look. Please be sure to look out for these signs and seek attention immediately if you notice any!
PET FRIENDLY | HEALTH + WELLNESS
26
Bufo Toads
With the summer rain comes… TOADS. Bufo toads are toxic to dogs (and cats, yet much less common), and it seems that our dogs love trying to lick them! (If only they knew, right?) Make sure to keep a lookout in damp areas or after a rainstorm before letting your dog out. Telltale signs your dog licked one is bright red gums. Thankfully, using a hose or kitchen faucet to immediately wash away the toxins from your dogs mouth and gums can prevent the toxins from causing problems. But if left untreated, it can lead to seizures and other problems.
Heartworm Hurricanes
Summertime = Mosquitos! Both dogs and cats can be exposed to heartworm from one simple mosquito bite. If this disease is left untreated, it can be deadly. Luckily, there’s a preventative for both dogs and cats. Being on monthly preventatives is extremely important. We might not be able to fight the mosquitos, but we can certainly fight heartworm! At your next Vet appointment, be sure to ask about these life saving preventatives and which kind is best for your pet.
Hurricanes can be a real threat to a lot of Floridians and their pets, especially in emergency matters where you have to evacuate. Being prepared can make this matter much smoother and more comforting for you. One important tip is to make sure to have a copy of your pet’s vaccine records if you plan on going to a hurricane safe boarding facility. When shopping for your supplies, don’t forget to stock up on dog/ cat food, leashes, litter, travel bowls, or daily medications!
ARTICLE BY ALEXA SMITH
27 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/PORTSTLUCIE AUGUST 2023
ARTICLE BY CRYSTAL D’URSO @TREASURECOASTMOM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANAH BUSTIN @MEMORIESBYSAVANAH
ARTS & CRAFTS
BACK TO SCHOOL CRAFT BUNDLE
The summer has come and gone in a flash and the bitter-sweetness of back to school time is here. As parents, we adore the time we have with our kids but crave peace, quiet, and a clean house! The new school year, class and routines can lead to some less than eager students—and let’s face it, its nerve-racking for us too. Heavy on to-do lists and light on time, we need ways to encourage and motivate our kids for a fun year ahead.
Here’s some easy and budget-friendly ways to beat the back to school “scaries”, and get those little scholars excited for their first day. Tag @portstluciecitylifestyle with your awesome artwork!
D.I.Y PIGGY BANK
What’s better than a fun craft? A fun craft with purpose! Help your child learn the importance of saving money. Drop a dollar per day and by the end of the school year, they will have $180 for a fun summer adventure!
MATERIALS:
• Recycled tissue box
• Construction paper or styrofoam paper
• Pipe cleaner
• 2 black Pom poms or googly eyes
• Recycled cap or lid for nose
STEPS:
1. Cut and glue paper to the tissue box on all sides, or, if using foam paper, simply stick and apply. Leave an opening on the top.
2. Cut out the ear shapes. Paste the inner ear on the outer ear and then glue it on the top of the box. Next, add the googly eyes or pom poms.
3 . Cover the recycled cap or lid with pink paper and glue it below the eyes. Cut and add two oval shapes for the nostrils. Lastly, poke a small hole in the back of the box for the tail, and feed the twirled pipe cleaner through the hole. Now you’re all set to bring home the bacon!
ARTIST’S PALETTE | ENTERTAINMENT
28
BACK TO SCHOOL FLAGS
Soak up some more bonding time before you wave them off to learn. These flags are a cute and easy photo prop to make with your child for their first day. Find the free printables on treasurecoastmom.com and print the grade that you need!
MATERIALS:
• Printer
• 12 inch ruler
• Hot glue gun + glue stick
STEPS:
• scissors
• ribbon
• Embellishments of your choice
1. Go to Treasurecoastmom.com and find the grade you need. Print, cut and hot glue the back of the ruler onto the front of the flag.
2. Cut some ribbon about twice the length or the ruler and tie around it. Add embellishments of your choice. That’s it—you’re ready to celebrate a fresh start!
SCHOOL BUS PHOTO
Capture the sweetest of days with this adorable cut and paste craft. This one is very simple, even if D.I.Y isn’t in your wheelhouse. It can be turned into an ornament, magnet, or simply saved as a keepsake because well, before you know it, they’re off to college!
MATERIALS:
• Foam paper (more durable than construction paper)
• Scissors
• Glue
• Your child’s photograph (time to put those phone pictures to use!)
STEPS:
1. Go to Treasurecoastmom.com and print the bus template. You can free-hand this if you’d like!
2. Trace the template shapes over the corresponding colored paper labeled on the template.
3. Cut out the shapes on the colored paper and start gluing in the numbered order. Glue a photo of your kid on the bus. Now, you’re on your way to a successful school year!
29 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/PORTSTLUCIE AUGUST 2023
NEIGHBORHOOD ORIGINAL PRICE SOLD PRICE %SOLD/ORIG DOM BDRMS BATHS Treasure Coast Airpark 1,095,000 1,080,000 101 272 3 2 Tesoro 1,099,000 1,050,000 96 52 3 2.1 Port St. Lucie Section 18 990,000 990,000 100 83 3 2 PGA Village 950,000 880,000 93 155 4 2.1 PGA Village 824,900 824,900 100 152 3 2.1 Riverland 855,900 839,900 98 61 3 4 Pine Estates 899,900 830,000 92 170 5 3 River Park 829,000 785,000 95 30 3 3 PGA Verano 785,000 762,500 97 59 3 3 Emery at Tradition 779,856 685,000 88 324 4 2.1 realty report BRYAN KELLY BRYAN.KELLY@KW.COM AMANDA KELLY AMANDAKELLY@KW.COM Let Us Find your home. Dream KELLYTEAM.KW.COM | 772- 675-0748 BRYAN KELLY BRYAN.KELLY@KW.COM AMANDA KELLY AMANDAKELLY@KW.COM Let Us Find your home. Dream KELLYTEAM.KW.COM | 772- 675-0748 BRYAN KELLY BRYAN.KELLY@KW.COM AMANDA KELLY AMANDAKELLY@KW.COM Let Us Find your home. Dream KELLYTEAM.KW.COM | 772- 675-0748 A sample of recently sold properties in Port St. Lucie. AUGUST 2023 REALTY REPORT | REAL ESTATE 30
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Indulge in the ultimate
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
AUGUST 3RD
Trivia Thursdays at Duffy’s Sports Grill
DUFFY’S SPORTS GRILL; 3001 SW PORT ST. LUCIE BLVD |
6:00 PM
This two hour event is held every Thursday at 6pm at Duffy’s PSL South. Grab a cold drink, some good food, and test your knowledge with their live trivia event!
AUGUST 8TH
St. Lucie Mets Games
CLOVER PARK; 31 PIAZZA DR., PORT ST. LUCIE, FL 34986 |
6:00 PM
Home games are Tuesday-Sunday starting on August 8th through the 20th. Come on out and watch the game, enjoy some food & see what’s going on at the stadium! There are always different vendors to check out and support.
AUGUST 11TH
Kids Science Club - Ice Cream in a Bag
GAZEBO AT TRADITION; SW MEETING STREET, PORT ST. LUCIE | 5:00 PM
A scientific experiment, that you can eat! Satisfy the kid’s sweet tooth, while keeping them entertained and educated at this event. Join in for the fun at the Tradition Gazebo for just $5 a child participating.
EVENTS
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high-end spa
events
2023 32
AUGUST
AUGUST 16TH
Rhythm & Rhyme Toddler Storytime
MORNINGSIDE BRANCH
LIBRARY; 2410 SE
MORNINGSIDE BLVD | 10:30 AM
Bring your little one (aged 2.5 years+) and come on out for a fun and educational day with your toddler. Learn early literacy through rhymes, stories, movement and more!
AUGUST 18TH
Matt Stone as ELVIS
A.C.T. STUDIO THEATRE; 2399
SE OCEAN BLVD STUART, FL 34996 | 3:00 PM
A three day show, August 18, 19 and 20, Matt Stone is performing as Elvis! He will take you back to 1976 with his performance, recreating many fan favorites. Tickets are required, so be sure to get them ASAP!
AUGUST 21ST
Sip & Savor - Local Vodka Tasting Under the Gazebo
TRADITION GAZEBO | 6:00 PM
Join us for a unique Vodka Tasting Event featuring Quiet Storm Vodka! Owned by Tradition Resident, Cory Lamb, she will guide you through each tasting, providing insights into the unique characteristics of each flavor that they produce. What better way to explore a new brand AND support a local business? Small bites will also be provided!
Want to be featured?
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/PortStLucie
33 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/PORTSTLUCIE AUGUST 2023
Cocktails or Mocktails
Sipping on Gin & Juice... or Just Juice!
We have another great cocktail for you to make at home to offer you a delicious and refreshing taste of vacation. This cocktail comes to you from @roof_top_cocktails and is inspired by the welcome drink you get at Caribbean resorts upon checking in. As owner of Rooftop Cocktails, Angelique, says “After a day of traveling when someone brings this refreshing glass of deliciousness, life is good!”
ARTICLE BY ALEXA SMITH
RECIPE:
• 1.5 oz dry gin
• .5 oz cinnamon schnapps
• 3 oz guava nectar
• 2 oz club soda
DIRECTIONS:
01. Squeeze from half a lime
02. Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint
03. Over ice, combined all ingredients, top with the fresh of lime juice & your garnish to enjoy. Cheers!
Want to give your kiddos a fun, refreshing drink as well? Let’s create a mocktail version for them to enjoy!
MOCKTAIL VERSION:
Simply omit the gin and replace the cinnamon schnapps with cinnamon syrup, the kind you can find in the coffee section at your local grocery store!
HAPPY HOUR | FOOD + BEVERAGE 34
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