Portfolio Magazine- March/April 2023

BECAUSE LIFE IS JUST BETTER BY THE SEA

Artwork by Maisie Kane

A SUNSHINE STATE OF MIND

If I had to choose a favorite season, spring would definitely be at the top! The beauty of the Earth blossoming with freshness is breathtaking. The trees are bright lime greens before returning to their permanent colors, the flowers are so bright and colorful, and even our ocean and rivers seem to become crystal clear. It truly is a spectacular time of year! Of course, my second favorite season would be summer because I am a mermaid, just swimming to the depths of this wonderful life.

In this issue, we are showcasing an artist that screams spring! Her artwork is so unique, colorful, and artistically creative; she was a perfect choice. We hope you love her work as much as we do! Be sure and give her a follow on social media and reach out to her if you see any of her work that you’d like to purchase and hang in your space!

We hope March brings us the luck of the Irish as we made a decision to downsize our office and join the post-pandemic club of working remotely.

I am honestly so excited to create a beautiful home office space that allows my creativity to flow even more. It will still be business as usual for all of us, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to schedule a meeting! Meetings are more enjoyable out in our community supporting our favorite establishments and that will not change!

Although I am not great at sticking to resolutions, I do love getting super organized and streamlining my life. I made a commitment this year to be more productive at work and at play. Life is a balancing act and it’s so important to do what you love in all things. I guess you could say I am just high on life and I hope that never changes!

Wishing you a sunshine state of mind, always,

March-April 2023

Vol. 13 Issue 2

Contact Us Editor@Portfolio-VeroBeach.com

(321) 438-8733 P.O. Box 648155 Vero Beach, FL 32964-8155

Owner/Editor/Sales

Creative/Delivery

Penny Tranchilla

Art Director

Christina Alta Luboski altagraphicdesign.com

Copy Editor

Alyssa Carter

Featured Artist

Maisie Kane

Contributing Photographers

Reilly Koontz, @reillydzurick

Alyssa Carter, @alyssatranchilla

Penny Tranchilla, @n2sup_penny

Social Marketing & Brand Communications

Reilly Dzurick

Contributing Writers

Olivia Assaf

Vicky Dominguez

Susan Harris

Reilly Koontz

Alyssa Carter

Penny Tranchilla

@verobeach_portfoliomag @PortfolioVeroBeach

Every year around this time, we get spring fever! Living in Florida, especially with our mild winters, reminds us that summer is more of a state of mind versus the actual season. We live for warm sunny days and the vibrant colors that always arrive in spring.

The artistic expression by Maise Kane, our featured artist, screams spring! We hope you love her work and creativity with nature as much as we do.

Be sure and join us at our next launch party on the green (weather permitting, of course) at American Icon on March 16th, from 5:30-7:30pm. If it’s rainy, just plan to join us upstairs, as usual!

Get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather!

Penny, Reilly, & Alyssa

Written by Penny Tranchilla | Artwork by Adam King & Maisie Kane

G ROOVY ART TH IS WORLD

THAT IS OUT OF

G ROOVY ART TH IS WORLD

My name is Maisie Kane. I am 23 and a digital collage artist. My work is best described as vintage-styled, surrealist, digital collage art that is otherworldly, vibrant, imaginative and a bit psychedelic, with strong themes of nature and space. I started making my artwork back in 2019 while I was still in college. I was studying digital media and photography, and getting acquainted with the Adobe Suite. During a break, I went to NYC and had an idea to make an Instagram account for fun, where I would Photoshop giraffes doing things, like climbing skyscrapers, riding the subway, etc. The more I played around with Photoshop, something inside me clicked, and I realized I could do so much more than just editing giraffes doing things. I began experimenting with scale and various concepts and my work evolved into what it is today, where you may see giant mushrooms hovering over swimming pools on the moon, or coral reefs above land. Although I drifted away from giraffes, I continued to post my work on @giraffesdoingthings

Written and images by featured artist Maisie Kane

Once I graduated college in 2021 with my degree in digital media and photography, I decided I would stick with my art, which at that point was just a hobby, and attempt to turn it into a business. That summer, I was gaining more of a following on social media and began making an income from my work that I was able to live off of. I continued to post my work on Instagram and also began posting my work to TikTok. I noticed people were very interested in the creative process. I found TikTok to be a useful platform to help teach people about making digital collage art. TikTok has served as a great tool for getting my work out to a larger audience, which ultimately has led to more sales, commissions and brand deals. I currently live in NYC and to this day still make art as my full-time job. My income comes in various ways. I sell my work on Redbubble, on products such as t-shirts, tote bags, stickers, prints, home décor, and more. I take commissions in the form of album and cover art, as well as personal commissions. I do freelance for people and companies who are seeking designs with my style. Along with an occasional brand deal, I am aiming to sell more digital prints on Etsy and NFTs.

SAY CHEESE > < KOI

Something I love to do in my work is merge together underwater environments with our above ground environment. The shift of perspective is eye catching and intriguing.

The biggest inspirations for my work come from the natural world. Growing up, the forest was my playground. I am from Vermont, the Green Mountain State, and when I was three years old, my parents moved us to Monteverde (which in English translates to green mountain), Costa Rica, where we lived on and off for 15 years. My childhood was completely immersed in the forest and jungle. I was a very curious kid and spent most of my free time walking through the forest, collecting flowers and dried leaves, picking up insects, even some snakes, rescuing injured animals, and admiring birds through binoculars for hours. Nature has always played an important role in my life, so it is of no surprise that my artwork is completely focused on the natural world.

PURPLE MUSHROOMS

When I first started my work, I used lots of space imagery, but overtime my work has shifted and space themes aren't as common as they once were in my work. Today, my work is well balanced between looking mature, but also playful and imaginative. Space work can come across as cheesy very easily. I love this piece because it does not cross the line of cheesiness, but remains imaginative and otherworldly.

MUSHROOM HOUSE >

The story in my head around this image is that a man wanted to grow moss on his roof but magically grew these giant mushrooms out of nowhere and is trying to keep them under control. Representing how the best things in life happen unexpectedly.

My advice for fellow creatives or people who would like to begin their creative journey: The one thing that has really helped my success as an artist has been consistency. A few years back, I told myself I had to make one collage a day. It did not matter if it was good or bad, but regardless I would make it. Doing this forced me to improve not only my Photoshop skills, but also my creativity. Creativity is a muscle just like any other. The more you use it on a consistent basis, the stronger it becomes. Practice every day without worry of what the outcome looks like.

UNLEASHING THE OCTOPUSS

This is one of my first pieces where I began to experiment more with vintage imagery collected from old retro ads. People loved this image a lot and it really was a milestone of growth and change in my work.

TUCKED IN >

A concept I love working with is placing women as giants in landscapes, while keeping a regular sized person in the image for scale. I love this because I see myself in these women. They're often sleeping or in their own world, unaware that someone is even watching them. I am a serial daydreamer and am always off in my own little world, sometimes unaware of what's going on around me.

My work is available for purchase on Redbubble, Etsy and Opensea, by searching my name, “MaisieKane.” For general inquiries or commissions, you can email me at maisiekane@gmail.com. To see more of my collection, visit my website at MaisieKane.com Let's be friends: @giraffesdoingthings @maisiekane

REACHING OUT

This is another image in which simplicity proves to be effective. I love how the image is as 3D as you can get for a 2D image.

TRAVEL THE WHIRL >

This image is scary yet enticing. It looks like a scene from one of those Tsunami movies where the wave is forming yet nobody is running yet. This image provokes curiosity about what may be inside the whirl, making you want to go towards it not away.

< LETS TAKE A RIDE

This is one of my favorite pieces yet. I love that the women are gracefully sunbathing on this ray while it sweeps the ocean floor unscathed.

SMOKE >

This piece is meant to show how smoking can appear glamorous, but the cloud coming from her mouth is that of an explosion or pollution, representing how harmful smoking is.

< ISLAND SLEEP

When I originally thought of this piece, I had the intention of having it provoke a feeling of isolation, with the woman on the island. However, the end result went in a different direction. I love how the woman is isolated but it comes off as serene and peaceful. Having time to be alone in this vast and beautiful world is sometimes exactly what you need.

SHE WAS THE MOON >

When I look at this image, it makes me want to be that woman. She seems so comfortable, like the moon is her secret hideaway spot.

ABOUT OUR COVER IMAGE: UNDER THE TULIPS

There is something very magical about this collage and the perspective of the tulips. You feel immersed in this fairyland of flowers, where life is slow and easy, and people lounge by the pool all day. This remains one of my most successful pieces of work and has resonated with many. This collage is only made up of 3 images, the pool, the tulips, and the sky. This collage proves that not all work needs to be complex or take hours to make in order to provoke a strong reaction.

ABOUT OUR TABLE OF CONTENTS IMAGE: SUNRISE ADDICT

I would almost always choose summer as my favorite month. Sunlight is healing and joyful, and brings an abundance of life. I love this piece because it shows the desperation and need humans have for sun, but has playful take on doing a line of “sunshine cocaine.”

Artwork by Maisie Kane

COME AND MEET THOSE DANCING FEET.

One of Broadwayʼs longest-running musicals, 42nd Street tells the story of a humble, young actress who comes to the big city to be in a Broadway musical. With luck and hard work, she becomes a star! Showcasing spectacular dance routines, lavish costumes, and wonderful songs, this Tony Award-winning musical will lift your spirits and have you dancing all the way home.

Music by Harry Warren

Lyrics by Al Dubin

Book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble

Little by Little

“EDUCATION, LIKE FAITH, IS THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN.” ~ CHARLOTTE MASON

Am I doing enough? Every home educator wonders about this. Between life’s messy moments and the many to-dos, the days spill over into the next and you wonder if your child is gaining mastery of any skill besides eating, playing, and bickering. “What was your favorite thing you learned today?” I asked my five-year-old. “Nothing, can I go play?” He doesn’t wait for an answer, he is already out the door. “Sure, go play we will try again tomorrow.” I pass my boys completed Degas sketches. At least we covered art and one of the

great artists; math will have to be practiced in the car… again. The nagging question bubbles up…

“Am I doing enough?”

I run my day by my mother, a retired teacher, and she encourages me, “It all counts and it’s all going in little, by little.” The other day my five-year-old played with his Legos and sang, “Solid, liquid, gas, and plasma, these are the states of matter, ding ding dong, ding ding dong!” I thought back to when I made up the silly jingle to the tune of Frère Jacques. I sang it over and over in hopes they would join in; neither of my boys would sing.

Who was learning the states of matter me or them? I smiled with satisfaction as I listened to my little guy sing. Later the same day, I drove with my boys to an appointment. “Let’s talk about some of the countries of The Levant,” I said to them. I asked my oldest son, “What do we know about Turkey?” He joked around about the bird eaten on Thanksgiving. I sighed. He went on, “Turkey is where the Hagia Sophia is. The city of Istanbul was renamed after Constantine moved the capital to Byzantium and renamed it Constantinople. Constantine also legalized Christianity after he had a dream and saw the words In hoc signo vinces.” My jaw dropped. He just recapped some of last year's history lessons! It is indeed all going in, little by little.

The sage educator, Charlotte Mason, is right; education takes faith. During the messy moments of the day, we don’t see all that is taking shape in our children’s minds and hearts. Slowly, and steadily we are educating a whole person. Understanding happens throughout the day. It happens while reading together, cooking together, or walking along the water's edge asking and answering questions, on vacation exploring great cathedrals, enchanting gardens, or simply driving in the car. Education doesn’t happen all in one moment or place, but rather like seeds planted or sometimes scattered; they eventually blossom into something magnificent. Have faith, it all counts, it’s all going in. It is enough.

Written and photography by Olivia Assaf

Art Shipping at Its Finest

PRECIOUS PIECES DESERVE THE MOST ATTENTION AND SAFEST DELIVERY

From local artists, to galleries across the country, to auction houses and more, Pakmail Beachside works closely with these customers to carefully pack and ship their works of art. Like every item that comes through our store, these precious pieces deserve the most attention and safest delivery.

We see many customers, locals and visitors alike, who stop in after strolling through the “Art in the Park” event here on the beachside. Some of them find the perfect gift for a friend or family member living in another state, and others lay their

eyes on the piece they’ve been looking for to complete their home.

For most pieces, especially if they contain glass, we double box them in what we call our “picture pack.” We are sure to include glass mask, protecting the picture or print behind the glass. Some framing requires a layer of furniture wrap to protect from any sticking of our next layer, which is bubble wrap. Then, we create a custom inner box that fits tightly around the picture. Finally, this inner box floats in the protective cushioning of peanuts inside an outer box.

We are also highly experienced with crating for larger pictures and canvases. These require a bit extra labor with cutting a custom wood crate to fit your unique piece of art. Crated art shipping is a great option for higher value pieces.

Speaking of value, while our packing practices are exceptional

for protecting against damage, we are able to add value coverage to your shipment in the case of damage during transit. It is vital, however, to have a receipt of purchase or recent appraisal in hand as proof of value. This is required in order to insure your artwork.

Packing and shipping art is one of our many specialties. We understand the significance that many pieces hold, whether it’s been passed down in the family for generations, or if it’s on its way to be showcased in a museum. Our high packing standards are in place to ensure the safe arrival of these pieces so they can be proudly hung and enjoyed for years to come.

Think of us as you prepare to leave Florida and head back to cooler weather!

Written and photography provided by Taylor Amos

Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover

LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY, BY BONNIE GARMUS

We are told from an early age, “don’t judge a book by its cover,” but if we are being honest, most of us do this almost every day—with people, animals, food, almost everything. Well, recently, I literally judged an actual book by its cover and almost missed out on a great one!

Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus, with its peach and blue cover and cartoon drawing of a woman with bright red lips, wearing a penciled bun and glasses, initially struck me as a light, silly rom-com. Not that I don’t love a fun romantic comedy every now

and then, especially while lounging on a beach in the Caribbean with a frozen daiquiri in hand. But I wasn’t on vacation and I was looking for something more substantial that would keep my mind occupied while I walked and did yard work. So, I passed on it. Soon after, I started seeing reviews in my online book clubs that raved about the book and warned “don’t judge this book by its cover!” So, I downloaded it to Audible and hit play, and I’m so glad I did.

This book is fantastic. It is about Elizabeth Zott, a woman in the 1960’s who is smart, quirky, independent, untraditional, and far ahead of her time. After suffering a personal tragedy and facing severe adversity in her workplace (A female scientist? How dare she!), she accepts a spot as a host of a cooking show—a perfect job for a woman, right? Not so fast! Ms. Zott will not be pigeon-holed. What happens next is a story that is simultaneously funny, ironic, heartbreaking, and inspiring.

Bonnie Garmus pens a heartfelt story in a way that makes you laugh out loud, nod with empathy, raise an eyebrow in surprise, grow red with anger, and cry with compassion. It has all the feels and leaves you wanting more. Pay attention though, because the book is full of subtleties you might miss.

Bottom line is that we are never too old to re-learn an old lesson— do NOT judge this book by its cover. It is a substantial book full of life lessons, good humor, and an overall fabulous read. It’s great on Audible, too!

Kirsten Kowalski is a lawyer, photographer, and author living and working in Vero Beach. She

attended Samford University and Cumberland School of Law where she wrote for the Cumberland Law Review. Kirsten has been an avid reader her whole life and dreamed of becoming a photojournalist for National Geographic. When she married and decided to have children, those dreams changed, but Kirsten has never given up her love for books or her dream to write a novel. In December 2019, Kirsten realized her dream and published her first novel, Becoming Home, an Historical Fiction novel based on her family home on the New England coast. She is currently working on her second novel which is based in Vero Beach. Kirsten has been married to her husband, Jack Kowalski for 30 years and they have two children, Alexandra and Johanna. Kirsten and Jack spend their time working together at their firm, Kowalski Law Group, or boating, traveling, and throwing frisbees on the beach with their two dogs, Kai and Kona.

Follow Kirsten Kowalski's writing career and book recommendations on @kirstenkowalski_author and at Kirsten Hunt Kowalski, Author.

Written and photography by Kirsten Kowalski

Meet The Garden Girls

EXPERIENCE THE ART OF FLORICULTURE AT WHITE TRAIL SOCIAL & GARDEN CLUB

Find more information about White Trail Flower Farm including their hours, upcoming workshops, farmers markets, VIP 'Hay Day' farm passes and holiday events at WhiteTrailJupiter.com. Follow along on @whitetrailclub and @soilandstemsfloral.

You’ll find them tucked peacefully among the most fragrant, farm-raised roses at White Trail Flower Farm. A place that is equally scenic and captivating, as it is genuinely unexpected—located right in Jupiter Farms, Florida.

The flower farm is predominately run by a multifaceted group of women but they are conscientious to give credit to the men who also make big bloom magic happen

each day. Together, they are one big flower-loving family and they have all devoted themselves to the art of floriculture.

Why?… for the love of roses. Helping experienced collectors add new varieties to their rose gardens and encouraging new growers to try their hand at growing is something they all take pretty seriously.

“A day that starts with the gift of garden blooms is the kind of day we want everyone to have,” says Farm Owner & Rosarian, Katie Rhineholz. “There’s nothing quite like it… and any rose grower knows what I mean.”

Life on the farm is spent tending to the needs of the roses,

NABA certified butterfly gardens and a whole lot more!  “All of our roses are potted and raised right on site. There’s a huge sense of pride and ownership that comes from a process like that—cultivating is heart work and every single flower stops us in our tracks. The days are very physical and the detailed work we do really sets us apart—but it can be tedious at times. There are many hands that make it all come together. This place would be nothing without those hands, and of course I feel the same about our loyal, local growers and clientele,” says Katie.

White Trail offers famed David Austin English roses, a vast array of Hybrid Tea Roses, and other rare plant material—all raised locally on their farm and suitable for the South Florida climate. Their seasonal farm stock sells out quickly on pre-order and their website even allows shoppers the ability to fill their garden beds without leaving the couch… but that would only be half the fun!

Online, you can plan a field trip and visitors to the farm are welcomed—this is a five-star rated experience you simply won’t regret!

Written by Penny Tranchilla

Photography by Eve Greendale

the spread

Artwork by Maisie Kane

GREEN WITH ENVY

Head over to Heaton’s Vero Beach to try this earthy, yet refreshing cocktail, or try your luck and make it at home! Please remember to always drink responsibly.

2 oz Wheatley Vodka

1 oz Cardamon simple

½ oz Green Chartreuse

1 oz Lime

1 oz Aquafaba

Muddled sage

Garnish with a sage leaf in a coupe glass and enjoy!

Written

and photography by Alyssa Carter

The Florida Heat Is On!

A Berliner-Weisse brewed with blood orange and Fresno peppers, Florida Heat is a little sweet, a little sour, and a little spicy. The tart background is complimented with juicy citrus and a unique chili pepper flavor with a slight heat to keep you coming back for more. This award-winning sour is available from March to September in both cans and on-tap at the brewery, as well as your favorite location to purchase American Icon brews!

Written and photography provided by American Icon Brewery

Bread and Butter... Lettuce and More

MIXED GREENS AND MUCH MORE FROM LOCAL GROWER OSCEOLA ORGANIC FAMILY FARM

Osceola Organic Family Farm

6980 33rd St, Vero Beach

(772) 559-3967

OsceolaOrganicFarm.org

@osceolaorganicfarm

We really like bread and butter. We really like supporting local; consuming it is our jam! If you  don’t or didn’t know about your local farmstand at Osceola Organic Family Farm, let’s look into what is available and upcoming for your availability. 24/7... Yes, 24/7 the stand is open to the public, ran by the honor system. Whenever you need it come and get it! The bread and butter of our farm will always be the mixed greens supplied to many local restaurants. Spring mix

is the staple of our farm! Arugula and kale are being stocked up as well! We offer a range of sprouts: micro-greens, sunflower sprouts, and pea shoots. What’s better than being able to consume edible/ medicinal flowers in the spring? Flowers are now readily available! Fresh moringa will give your nutritional needs a boost (four times more nutrient dense than kale).

Currently, we are harvesting zucchini (gold and green; baby and normal size), carrots, spring onions, and radishes. The fun stuff we have growing and coming soon for this spring are beets, cucumbers, tomatoes, spaghetti squash, more zucchini, turnips, fennel, and broccoli. Baby butter crunch lettuce heads of red and green will give your eyes a pleasant appetizing addition to the plate! We are excited to offer a variety of different breads! All our breads are made with

organic flour, water, yeast, and salt. Four basic ingredients with no preservatives or additives! Flatbreads, citrus rolls (local citrus), farm rolls (baked with our rosemary), kalamata olive loaf, raisin walnut, farm loaves, and shortbread cookies are all available. To top it off, we also offer our arugula made into a pesto; a delicious topping for the flatbreads and anything else you can put it on! We have an option to place a baked-to-order bread of your choice. If you aren’t excited about this spring harvest, just come on out and check us out! We look forward to supplying you and your family with quality, nutrient dense, and grown-with-love produce from your local farm! Please remember, if you ate today, thank a farmer and support local farms.

Written and photography provided by Osceola Organics

The Finest Wine List in Vero Beach with 30+ Wines by the Glass

Dry Aged Steaks Oceanfront Dining Lead Mixologist Jacob Turner

Life is Too Short to Drink Ordinary Tea

LOCAL, FRESH FROM THE HARVEST TEAS CRAFTED BY WANG AND DICKERSON

impossible to find. The best tea typically sells out in Asia and never makes it to America.

I was certified as a tea master in Taiwan. Taiwan produces the finest oolong tea in the world. I had one goal in mind when I started Wang & Dickerson Tea in 2014: to import the best quality tea in order to elevate the tea drinking experience in America  because “Life is too short to drink ordinary tea.” I sincerely hope  that my tea mission will pay homage to my Taiwanese heritage.

In Asia, the culture of fine tea is very similar to the fine wine culture in the western world. As with fine wine, the appreciation of fine tea is about the pleasure of the experience, the delightful aromas, and the subtle nuances of flavor. Tea lovers in Vero Beach have enjoyed our private tea workshops where I show them how professional tea tasters evaluate tea. I love to see the difference it makes when people understand and fully experience all that premium tea has to offer.

I insist that herbal tea should be fresh, pure, and clean. I am determined to work exclusively  with U.S. growers who emphasize  sustainable agriculture. I blend my herbal tea by hand in Vero Beach in small batches.

I encourage you to slow down for those precious minutes when you enjoy a cup of our tea. Relax and experience that lingering feeling of well-being that lasts long after the teapot is empty!

You can find our small-batch fine tea locally at Ryder’s Gourmet Market, Garden of Esther Gourmet Market, Level Yoga, Endo50 Fitness, Salt Spa, and more of our amazing local partners.

Written by Wendy Wang

Photography (featured above) by Christina Klingler

Photography (featured below) by Analise Grace

Wang & Dickerson Rare & Artisan Tea is at the Vero Beach Farmer’s Market every Saturday. For private tea classes or workshops, email wendy@ wanganddickersontea.com. Order our tea online at WangandDickersonTea.com, and follow us on @wanganddickerson for more information.

Have you ever tried premium tea from an award-winning grower when it is fresh from the harvest? It is a sensory treat full of elegant  flavors and rich aromas. It is an experience you can get from Wang and Dickerson Tea in Vero Beach that you will have a hard time finding anywhere else in America.

In America, we can enjoy the best of the best from around the world. From fine wines to luxury automobiles, premium versions of everything are available almost anywhere in the U.S. Yet for some reason, truly fine tea is almost

I travel around the world to meet tea growers and herb growers in person every year. I visit their tea gardens and herb farms in order to verify their agricultural and production processes. I have sampled thousands of cups of tea with dozens of tea growers. I find out so much more when I look them in the eye as I taste their tea.  I currently import tea from a small, elite group of artisans who I trust, respect, and admire.

While premium oolong tea remains our specialty, Wang and Dickerson has expanded to offer a variety of fine traditional teas and premium herbal teas. With herbs,

Artwork by Maisie Kane

How to Select the Best TV for Your Room

KEY FACTORS TO CONSIDER FOR A FANTASTIC VIEWING EXPERIENCE IN ANY ROOM

This is a comprehensive guide on selecting the best TV for your room. Here are the key points to consider:

SIZE: The right size TV for your home is a matter of personal preference, but most people end up with a larger TV than they had originally planned on. To ensure comfortable viewing, the minimum viewing distance from screen to couch should be 1.5x the screen width. For an 85-inch TV, your seating area needs to be at least 8.75 feet back from the screen.

offer improved black levels, the best dynamic image, and a wider viewing angle. We sell a lot of Samsung and LG TVs, but we love Sony TVs due to their advanced technology and involvement in every step of the video production and reproduction process.

MOUNTING: For comfortable viewing, the TV should be mounted at a height where your eye will land in the middle to the bottom third of the screen when you are seated. A 65-inch TV mounted at the correct height will have the bottom of the screen roughly 2 feet off the floor. The Audiohouse offers TV lifts and unique mounting solutions to help address the issue of mounting a TV above the fireplace, popping out of a cabinet, or dropping down from the ceiling.

SOUND: The tiny speakers built into the TV don't provide the best sound. A dedicated surround

sound system or a soundbar can improve the sound quality. The Audiohouse offers a range of sound solutions, from simple Sonos soundbars to dedicated theaters. Consider these key factors and call us or drop by our beautiful showroom today. Our technology experts will help you select the best TV for your room, so you can enjoy a fantastic viewing experience.

About The Audiohouse

The Audiohouse is a design and engineering firm specializing in the creation of high-performance home systems. Owners enjoy sensational performance and unique experiences, a product of careful design, sophisticated engineering, and attention to detail.

Written by Brett Ringeisen Photography provided

The Audiohouse

500 Treasure Coast Plaza

Vero Beach, FL 32960

TheAudioHouse.com

(772) 562-3767

TECHNOLOGY: There is a plethora of choices, sizes, and an alphabet soup of acronyms like OLED, QLED, LED, etc. OLED TVs are premium quality sets that

by The Audiohouse

Digital Visualization for Architecture and Design

THREE-DIMENSIONAL EXPLORATION

Digital renderings in architectural and interior design aid decision making during the design process. Computer software allows designers to construct spaces in three dimension and add materials and lighting for realistic views and walk-throughs.

The greatest value of this tool is to enhance communication between the designer and the client. The design process should be fun and engaging. Visualizing a new home or renovation brings excitement to the design process! Perspective views facilitated by modeling software are typically easier and quicker to understand and evaluate than two-dimensional drawings. This added clarity in the communication of the design concept streamlines the design phase.

Decision making is a fundamental part of the design process. Renderings are a valuable tool for evaluating different options. Building massing and layouts can be compared from birds-eye and perspective views. Exterior and interior finishes can be easily switched to carefully study varying material palettes. Furniture plans give way to a three-dimensional study of selections to better describe the scale of objects in the space. Evaluating different options in the intended context and application provides a clear view of the impact each decision makes on the completed whole.

Studying the light within a space and around a building is one of the earliest and most used tools that rendering software offers to architects and designers. Natural lighting can be simulated for specific locations and exact moments within the year. This tool presents a unique opportunity to understand actual levels and qualities of natural lighting prior to construction. Interior lighting can also be simulated to help determine lighting layouts. Lighting is key to controlling the character of interior environments. Thus, simulating the combined effect of all of the light sources within a space provides understanding of realistic interior ambiance.

The value of thorough planning, especially supported by effective visualization, yields dividends in client peace of mind during design and construction, and encourages full satisfaction with the completed project!

Written by Stacey Westerberg, Architect

Photography by Andrea Geldres Photography Kitchen Design and Digital Visualization by SWARC Studio Construction by Darling Construction

DURING THE DESIGN PHASE CAN BE AN INVALUABLE TOOL

Digital Visualization

Constructed Space

• DSRE Top Producer 2019-2022

• DSRE President’s Board, 2021, 2022

• Specializes in million dollar+ properties on the Barrier Island

• Extensive network in the Northeast including New York, New Jersey and Connecticut

• BSBA in Marketing and Sales

• DSRE Social Media Superstar Award 2018

• Winner “Best of Vero” in the Vero Beach Easter Parade 2018

• DSRE Most Innovative Marketing Award, 2017

• Lives on the Barrier Island

• Actively involved at Holy Cross Church

• 2 sons who attend Saint Edward’s School

Living in Paradise

VERO BEACH REAL ESTATE MARKET STILL IDEAL FOR SELLERS

0ver the past two months, activity in the high-end Vero Beach luxury real estate market confirmed what we experienced last year. The market has clearly shifted from a strong seller’s market to a buyer’s market. Nevertheless at this moment in time it is still ideal for sellers to list their properties, as we are in the midst of the high selling season, with buyers from Miami, the Northeast, California, Canada, Europe and South America,

flocking to Florida in general, and more specifically to our barrier island. They seek luxury property acquisition that will realize a great future return on investment.

As a third-generation barrier island resident and estate agent, I have experienced the long-term ebb and flow of this market. One factor, among many others, causes me to maintain a wildly bullish outlook on investing in Vero Beach. The more uncertain the outside world, the more

valuable our incredible quality of life.

High net worth individuals with an appreciation for safety and security, understated elegance, low population density, sound local government, as well as a stunning natural environment will always feel confident investing in Vero Beach. It is easy to live well on this island. That does not change.

Written and photography by Lange Sykes

Clearing the Energy Left Behind

FIVE WAYS TO CLEANSE YOUR HOME AFTER GUESTS LEAVE

Melanie Spring is an international keynote speaker, retreat host, and leader of The Brilliant Rebellion She resides in Vero Beach full time with her husband and their dog. You can find out more about her and her high-touch experiences at MelanieSpring.com.

Having guests visit from out of town is such a wonderful experience. Sharing your home with friends or family can be soul-filling, heart-warming, and laughter-filled. Creating memories, sharing stories, and taking trips to show them your favorite spots (especially around Vero Beach) can remind you of why you live here. Yet, I know from my own personal experience, having guests can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Once they leave, even if it’s been an incredible time, there can be a heaviness left. Your sacred space—your home—can feel as if it has been invaded and you can feel it’s time to clear out the energy left behind. Any leftover energy can start weighing on you and cleansing your space will allow you to breathe again.

Your home is an extension of you. It’s an expression of who you are and how you want to feel. You chose the artwork, the furniture, the rugs, the plants, and the little decorations to feel comfortable, peaceful, and relaxed. It’s your space to be inspired, get creative, and have downtime. It’s your place to rest, find joy, and be fulfilled. Even when you go on vacation, there’s nothing like the feeling of coming home.

Cleansing your home after visitors, the overnight dogsitter, Airbnb guests, or even a tough day in your home office can support your overall well-being and get you back to that home-sweet-home feeling again.

Here are 5 of my favorite ways to cleanse my space so I can get back to me:

Take a bath. Soaking in a hot bubble bath with Epsom salt allows you to cleanse your body of unwanted energy. You’ll feel refreshed and relaxed.

Light candles and incense. The scents you love can fill your home with joy and rid the energy you no longer need—including the smell.

Meditate. Put on some soft music and sit in the middle of your home with your eyes closed. Maybe surround yourself with your favorite crystals and candles. Visualize every room in the house as if you were walking through them, cleaning them of any leftover energy.

Burn sage. Get a bundle of sage from a local shop and use a cigar lighter to light it for at least 10 seconds so it can get smoky. Then, wander through the house saying “you are released” to the energy left behind.

Dance. Put on some upbeat dance music and dance through every room in your house. Bring your movement and energy into each space as you show your home the kind of energy you want there.

Pick one or do them all. You don’t have to be an energy healer or a wise medicine woman to move the energy out. You just have to decide it’s time for it to go.

Written by Melanie Spring Photography by Mary Gardella

Let There Be Light

ELITE LANDSCAPE LIGHTING OFFERS PROFESSIONALLY DESIGNED LIGHTING TO MAKE YOUR HOME SHINE

My passion for lighting began as a hobby when I started doing holiday lighting displays for family and friends’ homes. My unique style and vision were quickly noticed by others in the area and I started getting many inquiries. It was at this point I realized my hobby had the potential to become a business and thus Elite Christmas Lighting was born in 2011.

Although the holiday season gave me the opportunity to bring my artistic visions to life, I desired the ability to do so year-round. At this point, I began exploring more permanent outdoor lighting solutions. This new medium

allowed me to transfer my passion for lighting into elevating outdoor living spaces. I soon realized a new method to create visually stunning light displays through lumen output, beam angles, shadowing, and highlighting. This is when my

passion became a year-round business and our sister company Elite Landscape Lighting was born.

Since my introduction to lighting in 2011, there have been many advancements in LED technology which has also allowed me to expand my services. We now offer a multitude of outdoor lighting solutions including architectural lighting, uplighting, underwater lighting, dock lighting, moonlighting, patio lighting, pool enclosures, and more.

Unlike most companies who do landscape lighting as an "add on" service, this is my passion and focus. I take pride in constructing high end, bespoke lighting designs. I work closely with manufacturers and lighting distributors to bring my clients the most innovative and high-quality lighting. I pride myself in my attention to detail and solid knowledge of lighting design, while also maintaining exemplary customer service.

Over the years, my company has had the opportunity to work on many projects, from residential homes to commercial properties such as The Kennedy Space Center, the former Versace Mansion, Palm Beach Atlantic University, and many municipalities throughout Florida. I am very proud that my business has expanded and allowed me to provide jobs within my community. My greatest fulfillment comes from seeing the joy that my work brings to all my clients and people throughout the community.

Written by Tony Schnur

Photography by Brittany Charbonneau

EliteChristmasLighting.com

@elitechristmaslighting

EliteLandscapeLights.com

@elitelandscapelighting (772)933-9349

4601 Sunset Drive

Spectacular, unobstructed sunset views from this reimagined, mid-century home on a deep water lot with private dock. Adorned with luxurious finishes and impact glass. The gourmet kitchen features a 12 foot island, quartz counters, and Thermador appliances. Relax or entertain by the saltwater pool and spa. Golf cart to shops, restaurants, and the beach.

Offered at $3.775M

NATURE, TRAVEL & SPORTING

Artwork by Maisie Kane

Let's Go Fishing

IDEAL CONDITIONS MAKE THIS A GREAT TIME OF YEAR FOR MAHI-MAHI FISHING

in as little as one year. You'll typically find these warm water lovers near the surface where the temperatures average 70-85°F. They are very fast and agile due to their long slender bodies and tall dorsal fin.

squid, or live bait. Being one of the most aggressive fish, all it takes is the right presentation and fish on!

Book an inshore or nearshore charter by visiting CaptainGoopCharters.com, or contact Spencer Reilly at Spencerfishingvb@gmail.com, or call (772)-696-6025. You may also find him on @captngoop.

Mahi-mahi, also known as dorado, is a highly sought after gamefish found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. It is known for its vibrant colors and delicious flavor, making it a popular choice among anglers. The ideal conditions for mahi-mahi fishing make this a great time of year to target these fish. Mahi are some of the fastest growing pelagic species, reaching up to 30 pounds

While most consider the best months to catch Mahi between April-June, they can be caught year-round, hitting a hard run when sargassum starts to make its appearance in the spring/summer months. Anglers troll these weed-lines with their favorite color skirt in hopes of running into a school of dolphin. Considering mahi are not particularly picky eaters, they can be caught on naked ballyhoo, plain lures, imitating

March is a great month to get started on your dolphin fishing being the run sometimes starts early and if you spend enough of your days going, you'll be more likely to have "the day" you've always dreamed of on the water. Mahi fishing requires covering a lot of ground. This is why during the run it's worth spending time in the gulf-stream looking for floating debris or weed-lines caught in the strong Gulf Stream current.

Written by Riley Nichols Photography provided by Spencer Reilly

Species Spotlight: Right Whale

CRITICALLY ENDANGERED WHALE VISITS SOUTH FLORIDA

Every winter, North Atlantic right whales migrate from their northern feeding grounds along the coast of the U.S. to have their babies off the coast of Georgia and northern Florida, the only known calving grounds for these animals. Yes, Florida has whales—and sometimes they can be seen from shore.

In early January, a right whale and her new calf were spotted very close to the South Florida shore for a few days, including just off the coast of John D. MacArthur State Park, Jupiter Beach Park, and the Juno Beach Pier. They

are most often sighted between Jacksonville and Cape Canaveral, including the St. Augustine fishing pier and 800-foot-long pier in Flagler Beach.

This female whale, nicknamed Pilgrim by the scientists who study her, is 10-years-old and has her first calf, which is one of 11 new calves this season, so far. Pilgrim is a unique animal and was named after her initial sighting location. She was first seen as a very young calf with her mother, Wart, in Cape Cod Bay, near Plymouth, Mass. Researchers think she was born in the Northeast instead of

the typical right whale calving grounds in the Southeast U.S., according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Another mom sighted during the 2023 season is nicknamed Spindle, seen with her new calf off the coast of Georgia. She’s at least 41-years-old and this is her tenth documented calf. She has now had more documented calves than any other right whale, and is even a grandma.

Pilgrim and Spindle are two of about 70 breeding females in the population. Sadly, one of Spindle’s daughters, born in 2019, is currently

entangled with fishing gear. She is the 22nd serious injury case in 2023. Considered one of the most endangered animals on the planet, with fewer than 350 remaining, right whales have been listed on the Endangered Species Act since 1970. Today, their major threats come from ship strikes and entanglement with fishing gear.

To protect the whales, federal law requires vessels, paddle boarders, and aircraft, including drones, to stay at least 500-yards away from right whales.

Written by Bethany Augliere

North Atlantic right whale, Spindle, and newborn calf. Credit: Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (NOAA permit #20556-01)

grey, but they have brown, black and whitish feathers also. This impressive bird cannot be identified by feathering diversities, but both male and females look alike and are same size. As adults, these birds weigh on average 8 pounds with a wingspan nesting 82 inches; yes, just shy of 7 feet!

Great Blue Heron

THIS BEAUTIFUL AND STOIC MIGRATORY BIRD CAN BE FOUND YEAR ROUND IN FLORIDA'S WARMER CLIMATE ZONE

To learn a bit more about these birds, never hesitate to look them up on Cornell’s website at AllAboutBirds.org, which is a fabulous digital resource. There are many books that can also help guide you to your mystery bird and apps for your mobile devices, too. For more information, contact BrianNativeBirdBoxes.com. Follow along on @NativeBirdBoxes.

One of our largest herons of North America is the Great Blue Heron, Ardea herodias. It is of the Ardeidea family, which represents Herons, Bitterns and Egrets. So, there is a pattern of these long-legged, long-necked, sharp billed birds that seem to stalk lakesides, marsh areas, creeks and rivers seeking their next meal. These birds are quite stoic in appearance with their primary color being grey, but remember, its name is the Great Blue Heron. This bird is one that seems to be quite diverse being observed from Alaska through Mexico and can even be found in Central America and the Galapagos Islands. Many

similar birds are of the same family of the Great Blue Heron.

Being able to identify this bird is easy for us in North America, as it is our largest heron. The bill will always be yellowish in color on the lower portion, with the upper bill being a dark grayish to black in color. It’s long legs and tall stature is remarkable to think about. As a juvenile, by the time they leave the nest, they are about the same size as their parents. The only difference is that juveniles are pale in color throughout, and they lack the bulky muscles that can be seen on its parents. The most beautiful thing about this bird is its colors. Yes, their primary color is blueish

The Great Blue Heron can be found all throughout North America. However, in warmer zones, it has adapted and lives year-round and in other zones where heavy winters occur, this bird is migratory. During nesting season, this bird builds nests on rookies or in trees, often overhanging water. The reason for their above-water nesting sounds kind of crazy, but it is an intuitive skill knowing if they can defecate in water, they can help reduce the potential attack by a predator that can climb trees. Their young typically consists of anywhere from 2-7 eggs. Both parents will take turns incubating and caring for the young as they grow. Baby steps consist of walking all around their nest site, back and forth down branches, and slowly learning to fly branch to branch. Full fledgling occurs when the bird flies from the nest site to a completely unfamiliar tree or land area nearby, where it will learn how to walk and stalk their food resource. Many lake or river systems with greater amounts of aquatic plant life provides a perfect location for the Great Blue Heron to wade and stalk, looking for their next meal, typically consisting of fish, snakes, and smaller mammals.

Written and photography by Brian Beckner

100 Blue Hours

OCEAN ADVENTURES FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

When my friend called and told me an endangered right whale was close to the beach, visible from shore, I was at the doctor with my newly 4-year-old and then 8-month-old for their regular wellness appointments. My ocean-loving son has seen wild seahorses, manatees, manta rays, sharks, and dolphins. But, all he has wanted for the last year-and-a-half was to see a whale. I had to make it happen.

Luckily, I always bring snacks in the car, a change of clothes and a baby carrier. As soon as the appointment was over, we drove to the beach, walked two miles in the sand and found the whale. Finn ran down the beach in excitement. She was resting in the surf with her playful calf, who was swimming around her. We watched her for a few hours before she finally turned toward deeper waters. It takes something special to keep my son’s attention that long. He was in awe watching the mama whale with her calf. By being prepared, my family and I can enjoy small adventures as they pop up, like the fleeting opportunity to see a rare whale from shore.

Recently, I’ve been motivated to encourage other families to get out and explore the water with their kids. My friend, Brittini Arlene, another marine biologist and mom based in Hawaii, had started logging her hours in the water with her son. She even made a sea turtle tracker to record their hours. Combining our strengths, Brittini and I decided to launch 100 Blue Hours.

The goal is to spend 100 hours in or around the water in a year, which amounts to about 2 hours per week, whether that’s jumping in puddles, watching the sunset over a lake, swimming in a pool, or surfing in the ocean. By fostering a connection to the water, we hope people might be inspired to help protect it and its creatures. And in doing so, we are also spending less time behind the blue light from screens.

So far this year, we’ve watched right whales from the shore, snorkeled with manatees, searched for shark teeth on the beach, and played by a lake. Not all adventures have to be big, some can just be a walk by the water. You never know what you’ll find, feel, or learn.

Follow our journey on @100bluehours

Written and photography by Bethany Augliere

“Seriously Nice”

AIRWAYS LANDS IN VERO BEACH

What airline serves 39 cities, 20 states, has 25 aircraft, 119 nonstop routes, and has the trademarked tagline “seriously nice?” It’s Breeze and they have just landed here in Vero Beach. Travel and Leisure Magazine rated them as #2 for the World’s Best Award for an airline in America. In fact, Breeze lost the #1 spot by just a “smidgeon.” Passengers, or guest, as Breeze calls them, were positive about the in-flight service, cabin comfort, value, and nice flight crew.

David Neeleman is the aviation industry genius who started five airlines, including JetBlue and Azul (Brazil), and is the man behind Breeze and its mission to serve affluent communities like Vero Beach. Though no longer connected to JetBlue, he is still

the chairman of Azul. Breeze will start off going to Westchester, NY and Hartford, CT in the northeast from Vero Beach, but they have

Gareth Edmondson-Jones the Director of Public Relations for Breeze likes to say that “they are the Star Trek of the airline industry—flying to places where other airlines don’t fly non-stop.” It’s been a winning formula for the airline as they have a firm order in for 80 Airbus A220’s. They do have

only 18 months of flying, they have boarded 1.6 million passengers! Breeze is similar to Uber and Amazon in that you have to get the Breeze app to get a ticket on a flight or go to FlyBreeze.com. Their customer service team can’t be called, but you can text and get a problem resolved in half an hour, usually. Breeze has found that texting allows them to solve problems more efficiently. Edmondson-Jones says that they don’t charge for cancellations or changes, which should be a relief to many.

already received hints that many residents would like flights to Asheville. You can be sure that the Maine and Jackson Hole contingent will be weighing in with their wishes.

first class seating and designate the other seats (economy) as nice (1 bag), nicer (bigger and more leg room), and nicest (bigger seat and more legroom). The Airbus A220 will seat 137 passengers. In

Breeze will also be setting up offices in Vero Beach at the former CJ Cannons banquet rooms. The Cannon family voluntarily said that they would give up their banquet rooms as their restaurant business, as locals will tell you, has been very robust. It seems that the City of Vero Beach and Breeze are off to a good start and as they say that’s “Very Vero.”

Written by Susan Harrris Photography by Breeze Airways

BREEZE

Vero Beach: Meet Vero Mountain

ESCAPE THE HEAT THIS SUMMER TO A BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS RETREAT

The Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina have long been a summer destination for Floridians looking to beat the heat. That includes third generation Vero Beach native, Christine “Chris” Walker, owner of Studio Gabriel Salon and Spa on Ocean Drive.

She continued that tradition into adulthood, vacationing in the Asheville area with her partner, Tom Hope. On several occasions, Chris and Tom visited a working farm in Fairview. That experience is what inspired them to embark on creating Vero Mountain.

Chris’ grandfather, Hamilton Floyd, owned a cattle ranch in Vero Beach. Perhaps it was already written in the stars that she would continue in his footsteps.

To learn more, visit VeroMountain.com or follow along on @veromountainnc.

As a child, Chris traveled to Brevard, North Carolina every summer to visit her grandmother.

“After searching for more than a year, we drove onto the property, in Mars Hill, and felt in our hearts it was the right place,” Tom says. “Although it is larger than we had envisioned, it is the perfect canvas for what we had in mind. The land originally was planned to be

developed into a residential community of 150 homes. Much of the infrastructure was already in place, including roads and

electricity, which was helpful for streamlining the process to get started. There are two large barns on site. The first one houses animals and equipment. The other is a tobacco barn, and registered with the Appalachian Barn Alliance,” Chris explains. The 1800’s tobacco barn has been a destination for school field trips, photography workshops, and engagement photo sessions. “It was always a dream of mine. I didn’t know how I'd get there, but I knew I wanted a farm with cattle and other animals,” Chris says. “The land needed a lot more work than Tom and I knew how to do, but the right people seemed to show up at the right time and became part of our story.”

With the assistance of neighbors, contractors, friends, and family, Vero Mountain started to take shape. “It’s been a labor of love. Each day begins at sunrise and we pour every ounce of energy we have into taking care of the animals, maintaining the expansive green spaces, and putting the finishing touches on the dome experience for future guests. “Vero means truth,” Chris explains. “We wanted people

from Vero Beach to recognize that significance. We wanted to create our own version of a ‘glamping’ retreat for people to escape the crowds of Florida and experience the beauty of the mountains in a luxurious and comfortable place.”

So far, the 158 acres of Vero Mountain features three geodesic domes open year-round with hot tubs and stunning views. Located just a mile from Wolf Laurel Community and Wolf Ridge Ski

Resort, the scenery is spectacular, with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets with views of many peaks, including Mount Mitchell and Mount Pisgah. The Appalachian Trail is accessible just a couple miles away. Guests will find all the comforts of home, including soaking tubs, luxury linens, and top of the line design details.

Of course, it’s not a farm without animals. There’s an interactive stable with goats, pigs, and miniature donkeys, plus Black Angus cattle that roam the property. Guests can snow ski, explore hiking trails, go fishing, and stargaze beside a campfire. Future plans include tree houses, unique cabins, horseback riding, skeet shooting, ziplining, and much more. The domes on the ridge are perfect for couples and those seeking a quiet getaway, or planning

an engagement, elopement, or anniversary, while also having an area which will serve larger groups and retreats. Amenity packages will include horseback trail rides with a picnic and session with our onsite professional photographer, and spa service packages.

“It was so much fun to host a retreat at Vero Mountain for the Studio Gabriel team. I enjoy watching others create memories and sharing it with others,” Chris explains. “I’ve had Studio Gabriel for 27 years. Vero Mountain is an extension of my business plan, and the second part of my story. I’m grateful and blessed to have my best friend/spouse on this adventure to another Vero paradise!”

Written by Kelly Bruce Photography by Langevin Clark Photography

Artwork by Maisie Kane

Reflect. Reconnect. Realign... Retreat

LEVEL YOGA OFFERS NATURE-IMMERSED RETREAT IN NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS

Searching for serenity? Time away to ground? Quietness to hear the whispers of your heart? The Forest Retreat in North Carolina might be just what you need!

We all deserve a break from the daily routine. Treat yourself to a weekend to reflect, reconnect, and

realign in the mountains. We invite you to Old Fort, North Carolina in Pisgah National Forest to hear the sounds of mountain streams, gaze up at the stars, and ground yourself in the beauty of mother nature. The fall season brings with it a great opportunity for change. Life is a continuous circle, always

shifting and evolving. This change of season gives us an invitation to go within, quietly listen, and tap in to the connection of the divine. At Indigo Retreat Center, you will find the serenity to feed your soul, nature to ground in the moment and peace to bring you back to your center.

Join Amanda Steadman and Tara Blackburn with Level Yoga in this nature immersed retreat to reflect, reconnect, realign. Indigo Nature Retreat is set on 5 acres, with over 1,000 acres of undisturbed natural forest in its backyard. It is tucked away in Pisgah National Forest with The Newberry Creek flowing on the property.

Space is limited to 10 people, so be sure to sign up early to reserve your spot. We strongly recommend doing this retreat with a friend or partner. All level yogis are welcome.

The Fo(RE)st RetreatReflect, Reconnect, Realign Thursday, September 28thSunday, October 1st, 2023 Old Fort, North Carolina

For more information, visit LevelYogaStudio.com/retreats

Written and photography provided by Amanda Steadman

Clearing the Waste from Your Brain

ELECTROACUPUNCTURE OFFERS THERAPEUTIC BENEFIT FOR BRAIN HEALTH

Every night when you drift off to sleep, a powerful system turns up its activity in your brain. Similar in function to the lymphatic system, the glymphatic system helps rid the brain of harmful waste metabolites and misfolded or damaged proteins that are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. Amyloid beta, tau and alpha-synuclein proteins accumulate in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and contribute to the debilitating symptoms associated with these diseases. The clearance mechanism of the glymphatic system plays an important role in reducing this build up, thereby protecting the brain from potential harm.

Since its relatively recent discovery in 2012, the glymphatic system has been studied using tracers and specialized imaging techniques like MRI, two photon microscopy, and PET/SPECT scans which allow the flow to be visualized. The system begins with

the influx of cerebrospinal fluid via networks surrounding the cerebral arteries. The CSF then mixes with the interstitial fluid of the brain. This mixture essentially picks up waste products for removal and pumps the fluid out of the brain along pathways of the cerebral veins, where it drains into the cervical lymph nodes for further processing.

Neuroscientists are certain that sleep is critical for this waste removal to occur and dysregulated sleep is a known risk factor for cognitive impairment. Approximately 90% of the glymphatic system activity occurs during Stage 3 non-REM sleep. Animal research has shown that up to 40% of amyloid beta is cleared out of the brain during sleep. Sleeping on one’s right side has been shown to promote optimal glymphatic flow.

In addition to sleep, exercise appears to have benefit, as well. A study with aged mice found that those who voluntarily exercised by

running on a wheel had increased efficiency of glymphatic clearance as evidenced by reduced amyloid beta deposition in their brains. Additionally, the aged mice who exercised performed better on the standard water maze test, used to assess learning and memory illustrating the neuroprotective effects of exercise.

Nutrition may also support glymphatic function. A study showed that mice who were fed a diet high in poly-unsaturated fatty acids, specifically Omega 3s, demonstrated increased speed of glymphatic clearance of a tracer with which they had been injected. These mice had been engineered to have high levels of amyloid beta in their brains and yet they were

protected from neuron damage in comparison to controls who did not have high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids in their diet.

Electroacupuncture has been found to offer therapeutic benefit for the glymphatic system in mice. One study compared two groups of mice, both engineered to have the equivalent of Alzheimer’s disease. One group received electroacupuncture to three acupoints known to influence the brain. The treatments were given five days on, two days off each week, for eight weeks. The results showed that the mice given electroacupuncture were able to clear the tracer significantly better than the control group and also outperformed controls on the water maze test. Additionally, the electroacupuncture group had reduced deposition of amyloid beta. While there is still much to learn about the glymphatic system, we can leverage brain health by getting good sleep, exercising, and taking a high-quality Omega-3 supplement.

Written and image provided by Angela King, AP, DOM

To learn more about acupuncture for brain health, contact Indian River Acupuncture & Functional Medicine at (772) 564-8383.

Angela King, AP DOM >< Christine Nielson, MD Chelsey Dodd, AP DOM >< Cynthia Caputo, AP DOM

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A Mantra for Building

ONE DAY AT A TIME, ONE STEP AT A TIME, ONE MOMENT AT A TIME

In my last article, I wrote about starting where we are with what we have (if you didn’t read it, request your January copy with the Portfolio team). But what about monitoring progress?

So, we have a vision, something that we want to change, accomplish, do, create. We determine the next action steps. But what does

For more information and to inquire about 1:1 offerings and workshops, contact Vicky Dominguez by email at bymeditacionesdeunaloca @gmail.com. Follow Soulfully: Inner Work & Meditation on @bymeditacionesdeunaloca.

progress really look like? The answer is simpler than we’d imagine. It looks how you want it to look. At any moment, if you are stuck with this, ask yourself, how do I want my progress to look? And write away. I know a lot of things come into play here, like allowing ourselves to accept where we are, reflect about how we do things, how things can change, where we can begin, and looking at this with curiosity instead of judgement. If you are seeking to cultivate this, Mindfulness is a great tool for it. I encourage you to do your own research and explore its gifts, or also read some of my past articles, also in Portfolio

Throughout my life, I’ve had revelations of all sorts as to what

works for me, what doesn’t, what might, but all this has only come to true form by experimenting with different ideas, practices, and sometimes very basic things like just doing it. The key word here, and which I’m following up on from the previous article as well, is EMBODIMENT. The definition from the Oxford dictionary is: “the representation or expression of something in a tangible or visible form.”

Progress is a process where we don’t seek perfection but we do seek some form of action that brings it to form. It is a step-by-step process, that may bring discomfort, self-doubt, and a whole set of normal emotions that come with change, and

adjustment, and creating new ways of being for ourselves. It is also a process that requires self-compassion, for the moments when we are being judgmental towards ourselves and calls for a lot of self-love and understanding, that everything, all of it, is meant to be part of the evolution. It is circular, not linear, and we ebb and flow between making strides, feeling stuck, getting back up, and trying again. One day, you will wake up feeling like you are on a roll, only to not want to do it the next day, the next hour, the next moment, and then you’re back up… yes, such is life.

The most interesting part of all this is that there comes a brief moment where you feel that you’ve got all the balls in the air and in perfect motion, for a brief moment, but just when you’ve got all the answers, all the questions change. Ah yes, the human experience. Maybe in the end, the lesson is not in getting somewhere, but learning that this is always in motion, all is where it needs to be, and ultimately serves for the higher purpose. Yet, in every adventure, with every endeavor, with every project, whether new or continuing, we embody and most importantly, we honor the journey by taking it one day at a time, one step at a time, one moment at a time.

Written by Vicky Dominguez Photography by Jeremy Bishop

The Beginning of an Era

CHOOSING TO LIVE A TOX lyss LIFE

It’s 2023. The year of a health awakening, at least in my household. There seems to be a recent movement of people, across all social media platforms, who are adapting to a low tox lifestyle. A year ago, I didn’t think twice before dowsing myself in perfume before walking out the door, but then wondered why I had a headache later in the day. Convenience is a huge deal for us humans, and there seems to be a product for everything. Therefore, our bodies are exposed to an abundance of chemicals and toxins daily, which can have long-term effects on our health, especially if exposed often.

So, what does it mean to live low tox? In my opinion, to live low tox is to live in a constant state of awareness. I know what you’re thinking… seems

exhausting, right? Although the initial lifestyle transition can be overwhelming, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Knowing exactly what my family and I consume daily is such an autonomous feeling. This means reading ingredients on EVERYTHING before purchasing (yes, I had to train my husband on this). For example, we opt out of products that contain seed oils, like canola, vegetable, and soybean oil, and opt in for products that contain coconut, avocado, and olive oil. Seeds oils are highly inflammatory for your body and should be avoided if possible; this is just the tip of the iceberg! Education is key when it comes to transitioning to a low tox lifestyle. Remember, don’t panic; this process can take months.

chemicals that are known endocrine disrupters and can lead to some unhappy hormones.

The past year has been a challenge, between educating ourselves and researching low tox swaps, and yet our lifestyle is still by no means perfect. With anything in life, you must take this one step at a time. It can get overwhelming, confusing, and you may find yourself awkwardly explaining your new lifestyle to friends and family… because for some reason being healthy is taboo. At the end of the day, I am doing this for my family, my future children, my environment, and most importantly myself; and you should, too.

Written by Alyssa Carter

Alyssa Carter, B.S., is a photographer, wife, and full-time horse girl. When she’s not copywriting or editing for Portfolio, you can find her behind the lens of Salt & Spurs Join the movement and take the next step to live TOXlyss

Follow along on @toxlyss for your beginner’s guide to living a low tox lifestyle.

I started this new era of living after my mother’s third, and most recent cancer diagnosis. I simply could not fathom the fact that she was going through this, yet again, and I knew I had to make some major lifestyle changes, immediately. The first thing I did was ditch the synthetic candles, wall plug-ins, perfume, etc. These all contain what I would say is the biggest offender: fragrance. Fragrance is a general and extremely unregulated term for hundreds of thousands of

Photography by Annie Spratt

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the locals

LIFESTYLE, ART & FASHION

LILY PAD

3121 Ocean Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 231-7405

LPL CREATIONS

1401 Highway A1A, Suite 210 Vero Beach, FL (772) 559-0395 LPLCreations.com

PAK MAIL 505 Beachland Boulevard, Suite #1 Vero Beach, FL (772) 231-0021 PakMail.com

RIVERSIDE THEATRE 3250 Riverside Park Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 231-6990 RiversideTheatre.com

SALT & SPURS P.O Box 648155 Vero Beach, FL Howdy@SaltnSpurs.com SaltnSpurs.com

SASSY BOUTIQUE

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SEA GLASS BOUTIQUE 3500 Ocean Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 774-4965

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VERNON SCOTT 818 Beachland Boulevard Vero Beach, FL (772) 231-3733

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VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART 3001 Riverside Park Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 231-0707

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Artwork by Maisie Kane

the spread

FOOD & DRINK

AMERICAN ICON BREWERY

1133 19th Place

Vero Beach, FL (772) 934-4266

AmericanIconBrewery.com

COBALT RESTAURANT

3500 Ocean Drive

Vero Beach, FL (772) 469-1060

CobaltRestaurant.com

HEATON’S

3500 Ocean Drive

Vero Beach, FL (772) 231-5666

CobaltRestaurant.com

LA TABLA | FOOD + JUICERY

29 Royal Palm Pointe, Unit #1 Vero Beach, FL (772) 205-2772

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OSCEOLA ORGANIC FARM

6980 33rd Street

Vero Beach, FL (772) 567-1530

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PETERSON GROVES & NURSERY

3375 66th Avenue

Vero Beach, FL (772) 562-6900

THE WAVE KITCHEN & BAR

3244 Ocean Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 410-0100

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HOME & GARDEN

ABBATE TILE AND MARBLE

1136 Old Dixie Highway

Vero Beach, FL (772) 569-9113

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BROWN TALLEY GROUP

PREMIER ESTATE PROPERTIES

675 Beachland Boulevard

Vero Beach, FL (772) 234-5148

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CATHY CURLEY

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3206 Cardinal Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 559-1359

DARLING CONSTRUCTION

622 Beachland Boulevard

Vero Beach, FL (772) 978-6502

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DAVID COX CONSULTING

2044 14th Avenue, Suite 24

Vero Beach, FL (772) 564-0540

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ELITE LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

1607 91st Court

Vero Beach, FL (772) 933-9349

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HAZEL HOUSE

1880 Old Dixie Highway Vero Beach, FL (772) 213-3024

HazelHouseVero.com

HURYN CONSTRUCTION

1902 Wilbur Avenue Vero Beach, FL (772) 234-4130

HurynConstruction.com

JETSON TV & APPLIANCE

1231 20th Street

Vero Beach, FL (772) 567-3200

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JOHN’S ISLAND

REAL ESTATE COMPANY

1 Johns Island Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 231-0900

JohnsIslandRealEstate.com

JULIA BUSCH

ONE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL 1401 S A1A, Suite 101 Vero Beach, FL (772) 216-1048

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LAFFERTY PREMIER PROPERTIES 3096 Cardinal Drive, Suite 1A Vero Beach, FL (772) 562-9700

LANGE SYKES

PREMIER ESTATE PROPERTIES

675 Beachland Boulevard Vero Beach, FL (772) 473-7983

LangeSykes.Info

LIFESTYLE SOLAR

POWERED HOMES

3453 W. New Haven Avenue

Melbourne, FL (321) 727-8188

BuildingALifestyle.com

O’DARE BOGA GROUP ONE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 1401 S A1A, Suite 101 Vero Beach, FL (772) 444-7070

ODareBogaGroup.OneSothebys Realty.com

SURFACES DESIGN STUDIO

3960 US-1 Vero Beach, FL (772) 778-2622

SurfacesDesignStudio.com

SWARC STUDIO

2855 Ocean Drive # B5 Vero Beach, FL (772) 226-0148

ArchitectureSocial.com

THE AUDIOHOUSE

500 Treasure Coast Plaza Vero Beach, FL (772) 562-3767

WHITE TRAIL SOCIAL & GARDEN CLUB

18877 131st Trail N Jupiter, FL (561) 354-8000 WhiteTrailJupiter.com

the explored

NATURE, TRAVEL & SPORTING

CAPTAIN GOOP CHARTERS

Captain Spencer Reilly (772) 696-6025

SpencerFishingVB@Gmail.com

CaptainGoopCharters.com

CORPORATE AIR

3450B Airport W Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 562-1199 Corporate-Air.com

COSTA D’ESTE BEACH RESORT & SPA 3244 Ocean Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 562-9919

MOUNTIAN AIR (828) 682-8200 Info@MountainAir.com

PURSUIT BOATS

3901 St. Lucie Boulevard Fort Pierce, FL (772) 465-6006 PursuitBoats.com

the

nourished HEALTH, WEALTH & HAPPINESS

CLIENT 1st ADVISORY GROUP 4445 Highway A1A, Suite 239 Vero Beach, FL (772) 231-3122

C|SPA AT COSTA D’ESTE 3244 Ocean Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 410-0101

FERRES DENTISTRY 2980 9th Street SW, Suite 102 Vero Beach, FL (772) 567-1011

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FLORIDA CANCER SPECIALISTS 3730 7th Terrace, Suite 101 Vero Beach, FL (772) 567-2332

INDIAN RIVER ACUPUNCTURE & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 1345 36th Street, Suite H Vero Beach, FL (772) 564-8383

IndianRiverAcupuncture.com

LEVEL YOGA: ON CARDINAL 3055 Cardinal Drive, Suite #106 Vero Beach, FL (772) 365-4407

LevelYogaStudio.com

LEVEL YOGA: ON THE POINTE 29 Royal Palm Pointe, Suite #2 Vero Beach, FL (772) 365-4407

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STUDIO GABRIEL SALON, SPA & BOUTIQUE 2855 Ocean Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 234-8105

StudioGabriel.com

VERO FITNESS 1060 6th Avenue Vero Beach, FL (772) 380-4188

VeroFitness.fit

WHITE ORCHID SPA 3500 Ocean Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 231-1133

WhiteOrchidSpa.info

1. Cathy Curley Realtor

2. Client 1st Advisory Group

3. Cobalt

4 Costa d’Este Beach Resort

5. Darling Construction

6. Heaton’s

7. Lafferty Premier Properties

15. Studio Gabriel

16. SWARC Studio

17. Vernon Scott

18. Vero Beach Museum of Art

19. White Orchid Spa at Vero Beach Hotel

8. Level Yoga

9. O’Dare Boga

10. PakMail

11. Premier Estate Properties

12. Riverside Theatre

13. Sassy Boutique

14. Sea Glass Boutique

5. Hazel House

6. Huryn Construction

7. Jetson

8. The Audiohouse

1. American Icon Brewery

2. Corporate Air

3. Cultural Arts Village

4. David Cox

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