Treasure Coast FL - 7

WHAT ARE

ANNUITIES?

An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the

same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.

There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.

FIXED ANNUITY

A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.

VARIABLE ANNUITY

A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.

INDEXED ANNUITY

An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.

WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?

It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much

income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.

FENG SHUI IN COLOR & DESIGN

Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.

It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.

In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.

Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:

Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of

control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.

The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.

Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.

NEW TRENDS FOR Weddings

After the thrill of an engagement, all attention moves to the upcoming wedding. It is a happy and exciting time for any couple and one filled with many choices and decisions. It can also be a stressful time if not properly organized. To make it a joyous event, a plan is essential and it starts with making lists of things to accomplish. Technology has made it much easier. There are on-line wedding planning tools for couples to use. Not only do they simplify wedding preparation, they save time and keep everything organized and in one place as opposed to old fashioned methods.

Post-Covid backyard weddings are out and luxury is in. Couples want their venue to be special, whether it is the country club, a spectacular garden, a historic estate, or a clear top tent for dancing under the stars. They want it to reflect who they are and their own personal love story and even their cultural heritage.

Oftentimes, couples are going for smaller, more intimate affairs. This allows more time to spend with people they care about most. It also helps with the budget and allows for spending on special effects or treats. Decor has shifted from traditional white to brighter, bolder colors. Couples can now more easily express their personalities. Food and flowers are often designed to be environmentally friendly using locally sourced products. Champagne towers add a touch of elegance and they have made a big comeback.

Hanging florals are a new and dramatic trend along with decorative ceremony aisles. Special effects lighting is another new trend. For a really unique look, go for a custom dance floor as the dance floor is often the center of the action at the wedding party. A new special effect is called cold sparks. The best explanation is indoor fireworks which add drama and sparkle to any event. They can be used in a variety of ways. Use them to light up the bride and groom’s entrance to the party, for first dances, or for the couple’s departure.

It is all about creating a memorable experience unlike any other. If you don’t have a lot of time to plan and implement all that is required for your wedding, consider hiring a wedding planner or pick a venue that coordinates the details for you. Country Clubs and Hotels are good at that as they often have excellent party planners on staff. Although a private wedding planner will add to the expense, they make sure the entire process runs smoothly from design issues, overseeing the budget, sending invitations, tracking RSVPs, managing vendors, and coordinating the schedule of the wedding. At a minimum, be sure to have someone in charge on the day of the wedding for any last minute issues that arise.

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

MAR 11 - 17

APRIL 8 - 14

APRIL

APRIL 15 - 21

* Schedule subject to change

Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, Florida

Rico Open

Reserve Golf Club, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

PLAYERS Championship

Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course), Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

Championship

Resort (Copperhead Course), Palm Harbor, Florida

Children’s Houston Open

Park Golf Course, Houston, Texas

Texas Open

San Antonio (Oaks Course), San Antonio, Texas

Tournament #

National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia

Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Corales Puntacana Championship Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales Golf Course), Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

APRIL 22 - 28 Zurich Classic of New Orleans

APRIL 29 - MAY 5

MAY 6 - 12

MAY 6 - 12

Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana

AT&T Byron Nelsons TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, Texas

Wells Fargo Championship

Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina

Myrtle Beach Classic

Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

MAY 13 - 19 PGA Championship #

Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky

+ Signature Event

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Charles Schwab Challenge

MAY 20 - 26

MAY 27 - JUNE 2

JUNE 3 - 9

JUNE 10 - 16

* Schedule subject to change

Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas CBS, GOLF, ESPN+,

RBC Canadian Open

Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday +

Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio

U.S. Open #

Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina

JUNE 17 - 23 Travelers Championship +

JUNE 24 - 30

JULY 1 - 7

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 15 - 21

JULY 22 - 28

JUNE 29 - AUG 4

AUG 5 - 11

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, USA NETWORK, PEACOCK

Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut CBS, GOLF, ESPN+,

Rocket Mortgage Classic Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, Michigan CBS, GOLF, ESPN+,

John Deere Classic

TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois

Genesis Scottish Open ^

The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland

TBA Event

TBA, TBA

Barracuda Championship

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+,

Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, California GOLF

3M Open TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minnesota

Olympic Men’s Golf Competition #

Le Golf National, Paris, France

Wyndham Championship

Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

+ Signature Event

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

2024 LPGA

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

** Purse subject to change

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change ** Purse subject to change

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE TREASURE COAST

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

MARCH

MARCH 12 | ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Downtown Jensen Beach turns green when the community celebrates St. Patrick’s Day. The parade features dozens of entries and is led by the popular bagpipe players, the Palm Beach Pipes & Drums. Hundreds of visitors come early and stick around after the parade to grab a bite to eat or a drink from downtown Jensen Beach bars and restaurants. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/yejsuepj

MARCH 23 -24 | MURAL FESTIVAL

A culmination of some of the most talented artists all brought to the Space Coast for a week-long event. This mural festival cares about its artists while giving the town a beautiful reason for people to keep coming back. Giving back to the communities involved, one mural at a time. For more info visit: spacecoastmuralfestival.com

APRIL

APRIL 13 - 14 | RIBS, WINGS, & MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Treasure Coast Ribs and Wings Festival invites BBQ lovers to a family friendly adventure at the beautiful riverfront. Although delicious BBQ Ribs & Wings will be the highlight of this festival, craft beer, wine, and drinks will also be available at a full-service bar to quench the thirst of patrons enjoying food, live music, rides and fun. For more info visit: treasurecoastribswingsfestival.com

April 20 - 21 | Oyster & Sea Fest

This two-day festival celebrates the Fort Pierce Waterfront and all of its bounty with delicious oysters, tasty seafood dishes, landlubber foods, live entertainment and a bevy of arts & craft and merchandise vendors.For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2IZURII

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE TREASURE COAST

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

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MAY

MAY 4 | AIR SHOW

The Blue Angels are returning to Vero Beach! The elite US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron will perform at the Vero Beach Air Show for a spectacular event that all will enjoy. For more info visit: veroairshow.com

MAY 4 - 5 |

SEAFOOD, MUSIC, & ART FESTIVAL

The festival is a seafood enthusiast’s dream come true featuring a wide variety of seafood. Rounding out this family-oriented event, nautical vendors will offer unique merchandise and services, artists and craftsmen will display and sell their original works, live music will entertain on stage all three days, kids will enjoy rides and a kid’s zone just for them, and local businesses and nonprofit organizations will provide information on services available. For more info visit: treasurecoastseafoodfest.com

MAY 11 - 12 | SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

We invite you to join us for some of the freshest Seafood in South Florida and to enjoy a diverse variety of delectable dishes and tasty libations. Fear not ye landlubbers, there will also be plenty of non-seafood menu selections to choose from. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2s4h3nsw

JUNE

JUNE 8 | COUNTRY FEST

If you like country music then this is the country music festival that you should attend. This is the third year for this new festival and we will be expanding it year after year.Come out and join us for a great night of Country music. For more info visit: vieracountryfest.com

JULY

JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY

Enjoy a day of fun at Commons Park with the Village of Royal Palm Beach with our Star Spangled Spectacular! The festivities

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE TREASURE COAST

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

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begin at 4pm and run to 10pm and will feature some exciting activities which include a Free Kids’ Fun Zone, Arts & Craft and merchandise vendors, and a nice selection of food vendors that will surely satisfy your appetite. Let’s celebrate America’s birthday the right way! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/35UQmI4

JULY 20 - 21 | CHRISTMAS IN JULY

At Christmas in July Port St. Lucie, you’ll find vendors from all over the state with a large variety of products to choose from including fine art, jewelry, handcrafted items, clothing, baked goods, chocolates, unique gifts, soap, candles, Christmas décor, and so much more. There will also be Food and Beverage vendors onsite along with Plenty of Tasty Treats. For more info visit:

christmasinjulypsl.com

AUGUST

AUG 17 | WINGS FEST

Who serves up the BEST WINGS

in Central Florida!? Attendees will stop by each booth to sample what each Competitor is servin’ up... And then continue to enjoy UNLIMITED wing samplings, alcohol, Game Area, and live music all night long! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/smj3w67b

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 14 - 15 | HOME SHOW

At the Port St. Lucie Home Show find everything for your home improvement projects. View and interact with the industry’s hottest home and garden products. Here you will find professional exhibitors with fabulous ideas for your home. Most importantly you will also have the opportunity to speak directly with experts and receive advice and inspiration. For more info visit: portstluciehomeshow.com

OCTOBER

OCT TBA | WINE ALE & SPIRITS TRAIL FESTIVAL

Welcome to the coolest Wine,

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE TREASURE COAST

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

Ale & Spirits Trail in the Sunshine State! The Treasure Coast area gives visitors and locals a unique craft beverage experience with nine breweries, one winery, one cidery, one meadery, and now three distilleries! For more info visit: tcwineandaletrail.com

OCT 12 - 13 | ART FESTIVAL

The Avenue® Viera is a unique outdoor lifestyle center concept consisting of a dynamic mix of premier national retailers, select local merchants and specialty restaurants. SCAF will be held on the spacious paved parking lot of this popular and busy shopping center. The Avenue® Viera will be promoting SCAF in addition to SCAF’s advertising and publicity. And there is plenty of free parking for Artists and Patrons alike! For more info visit: spacecoastartfestival.com

NOVEMBER

NOV 2 | BREW FEST

The Treasure Coast Brew Fest, the Treasure Coast’s largest and longest-running beer festival, is held each year in early November. In years past, attendees have had the opportunity to sample over 200 brews from over 50 different breweries. In addition to craft beer tasting, guests can dine al fresco food truck style, enjoy live music and play games. Our brew fest is family-friendly, and all of our guests who aren’t sampling beer can attend for free. For more info visit: tcbrewfest.com

NOv 4 | Caribbean Fest

The Caribbean American Cultural Group present Caribbean Food and Music Festival! CACG mission is to serve as the channel through which the culture, art, history, and spirit of the Caribbean Nations are shared with our local community! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2s3emkm8

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE TREASURE COAST

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

DECEMBER

DEC TBA | HOLIDAY FAIR

Enjoy food and drink along with music and fun for the whole family. Browse a wide selection of arts and crafts vendors, commercial vendors and complete your holiday shopping with everything from hand crafted goods to jewelry, clothing and unique merchandise. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/yrh6sz64

JANUARY

JAN TBA | SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

A two-day outdoor pet-friendly festival with great seafood, arts & crafts vendors, exhibitors & tasty cocktails. Enjoy a delicious variety of seafood and tropical drinks while you browse an amazing collection of arts & craft and nautical vendors, exhibitors and artists. Come for a Seafood Adventure! For more info visit: portsaintlucieseafoodfestival.com

FEBRUARY

FEB TBA | PIRATE FEST

Treasure Coast Pirate Fest will feature pirate themed attractions such as a living history pirate encampment, pirate ships, costume contests, treasure hunts, live mermaids, pirate weapon demonstrations, historical reenactors, artists and live performances by some of the best pirate bands. Shop a large assortment of pirate and nautical themed arts & crafts vendors, enjoy some great food and drink and listen to live music as you spend your day in a family friendly setting amongst pirates, wenches and mermaids! For more info visit: treasurecoastpiratefest.com

* Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT

HEALTH & FOOD

Eating healthy and having a holistic approach to wellness focuses on mind, body and soul. Foods that enhance energy, heart health, improve sleep and increase muscle strength are growing in popularity. High protein, low calorie, and low carbohydrate meals are the way to go. The movement towards plant-based items for health and environmental reasons is here to stay.

Sugar intake is a concern for many.

A popular sugar alternative is dates which are very sweet and have been used for thousands of years. They are high in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Some say they are good for brain health as well as digestion. Eaten whole or used in baked treats, they provide all the sweetness needed.

To lose weight or simply to eat a little bit healthier, there are several different approaches you can take.

The Whole Food Diet is probably the most recommended diet. It is about avoiding or limiting processed foods, preservatives or artificial ingredients while sticking to lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, shellfish and eggs. Limiting meat is a part of this diet as well. Not only is this diet healthy for you, but it is healthy for the planet as processed foods require more resources such as water and energy, thus creating more pollution.

The PALEO Diet is based on foods eaten in the Paleolithic period of hunter gatherer societies thousands of years ago, before farming.

The KETO Diet is a low carbohydrate, high fat diet that helps burn fat for energy rather than carbs, thus triggering weight loss. According to Healthline, the foods to eat on this diet are: meat, fatty fish,eggs, butter and cream, cheese, nuts and seeds, olive or avocado oil, avocados, and low carb vegetables and condiments.

The Vegetarian Diet is made up of plant-based foods which include fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. No meat or dairy products including eggs and other milk products are consumed. There is a trend to eat more fruits and vegetables and new products are continually coming to the market. Non-dairy milk alternatives like oat, soy and almond are popular replacements for milk. New plantbased pasta alternatives like chickpea or zucchini pasta help us eat more vegetables and additional options are continually being introduced.

TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful

If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,

comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.

Here are a few amazing train trip options:

JACOBITE TRAIN BERNINA EXPRESS

If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.

In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.

SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM

In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.

In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.