by Jenn Heller

The Story Behind Designers Ware House

For home design enthusiasts, Designers Ware House offers a refreshing blend of curated style, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Founded by owner, Cindy Ware, out of a passion for home flipping and self-expression, the store is a reflection of the belief that every home should showcase unique, beautiful, and functional pieces that represent the owner's personal style.

Curating Quality and Craftsmanship

Designers Ware House focuses on providing high-quality furniture and décor that stand the test of time. Many of their offerings come from United States-based manufacturers, ensuring not only excellent craftsmanship but also supporting local production. This dedication to durability and…

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by Jenn Heller

Rediscovering My Inner Child (and a Love for Wildlife!)

Growing up on Long Island, my exposure to wildlife was...limited, to say the least. Aside from the occasional backyard squirrel or a rogue snake slithering onto the patio—let’s just say my daddy handled that situation in a way snake enthusiasts wouldn’t approve of—our “wildlife” was mostly our family dogs. No cats, no hamsters, no guinea pigs. Just loyal, four-legged friends.

Fast forward to raising my own kids, and history repeated itself. Except for a brief two-hour stint with a turtle (which quickly found its way back to the pond), we kept it simple: two dogs.

Now, at the youthful yet ornery age of 56, I seem to be channeling my inner Benjamin Button and revisiting the…

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By Gwinn Volen

I suspect each of us has had a recent medical story where either a) it took months to get an appointment b) you felt like a number, not a human or c) you felt like the CYA culture in our medical universe precludes you from getting real answers. 

I found a lump in my breast a couple of weeks ago. It was alarming, though I tried to keep my cool. I scheduled an appointment with my general practitioner, and he confirmed that he felt what I was feeling and gave me imaging orders for an ultrasound and diagnostic mammogram. 

I left the office thinking I'd take those over to my regular imaging center that afternoon to have the scans done hoping to alleviate my anxiety. I called the imaging center, and after waiting on hold, listening to…

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by Karen Tyrrell

Do you love the smell of a bookstore? Does the idea of curling up on the sofa or in bed with a good book on a rainy afternoon with hot tea and your dog and/or cat on your lap while everyone is away and you probably should be doing something else but you're not because the book is getting really good and you don't know when you'll have another chance to read again so you're doing it now sound good to you? Was that too specific a scenario? Either way, if you love to read then you might enjoy this article because I have read loads of terrific books recently and would love to share a few of them with you.

Before I get into the book suggestions, you may be asking yourself, "are there any small, locally owned bookstores or a used…

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by Jenn Heller

Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans will face a skin cancer diagnosis by the time they hit 70? This sobering statistic hit home when Melissa Papcock, founder of Cabana Life and Ponte Vedra Beach resident, was diagnosed with melanoma at age 26. Surprisingly, she learned that lightweight clothing didn't offer the sun protection we assumed. Your typical white tee? Barely a UPF 7 shield. Determined to blend sun safety with trendsetting style, Melissa embarked on a mission to create chic and sun-safe styles.

For over 15 years, Cabana Life has been revolutionizing the way we enjoy the sun with UPF 50+ fashion pieces that you'll actually love wearing. But their mission extends beyond just clothing to educating the public when out in…

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by Jenn Heller

Ready to embark on a coastal shopping adventure like no other? We've got you covered with our ultimate guide to 12 charming boutiques nestled right in the heart of Ponte Vedra Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach. Whether you're a local beachcomber or a visiting sunseeker, these handpicked boutiques will sweep you off your sandy feet with their laid-back beachy vibes and fabulous finds. From boho-chic fashion to unique coastal decor, get ready to discover a treasure trove of beachside delights that'll elevate your style and make your beach days even brighter! So, grab your sunscreen and flip-flops – it's time to shop, soak up the sun, and make waves of fashion statements!

Boutiques in Ponte Vedra Beach

Model…

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assorted flowers from liz stewart designs

Any day is a great day to receive or give fresh flowers. However, Mother’s Day is fast approaching and flowers for mom (be it birth mom, cat mom, friend mom, grandmom) are a welcome Hallmark tradition. 

Instead of searching online, go local. 

A few places offering beautiful bouquets and plants for the holiday or the everyday are:

St Johns Flower Market in Historic Riverside Avondale
​​https://www.stjohnsflowermarket.com/

Charming family owned spot with an impressive array of pick your own stems as well as gorgeous premade bouquets. Check or instagram for a possible outdoor market for the Mother’s Day holiday. 

Liz Stewart Designs  - Jacksonville Beach
https://www.lizflowers.com/
Custom elegant and fun designs with private classes coming…

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In need of a little spring refresh, a whole house redo or a present for a friend? These local shops, and the interior designers associated with them, are perfect for all three. 

boxwood and birch design store

J. Turner in  Sawgrass Village

J. Turner’s collection of organic materials is a natural fit for any coastal design. Driftwood coffee tables, framed sea fans, and fragrant candles in reusable wooden vessels all have unique textures. Either on their own or layered the pieces create a welcoming environment both in the store and at home.  The extremely personable staff are also available to help choose a beautiful home accessory or design entire spaces.   Visit J. Turner at 280 Village Main St #990, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082.

Mrs. Howard/Max & Co in Jacksonville Beach

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by Jenn Heller

Just north of Ponte Vedra Beach and Jacksonville Beach sits two quaint beach communities thriving in local hotspots featuring fantastic dining, entertainment, shopping and of course, some of the prettiest ocean frontage to grace the First Coast. The Beaches Town Center is not just a landmark to the locals looking for good food but vacationers as well who enjoy the oceanfront hotels including One Ocean and The Seahorse. What could be better than being located directly in the heart of Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach.

sunrise in atlantic beach florida

Residents and area beaches locals alike love to stroll the of the Town Center for the dining selections and locally owned shopping opportunities to include boutiques of all kinds. And there's so much to choose from!

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By Jessica Malosh, High School Senior
Class of 2022 and 2022 Ponte Vedra Focus Blog Scholarship Participant

Lovers of culture, history, and a trendy urban core are guaranteed to be captivated by the uniqueness of Riverside Jacksonville. If that sounds appealing to you, follow my footsteps on my fun-filled and intellectually stimulating day around the Riverside area that will satisfy your mind, step-count goal, and tastebuds. 

Jaxson Five Points & Brooklyn Walking Tour

My Saturday morning began with a brisk walk to the Cummer Art Museum, the starting location of the Jaxson Five Points & Brooklyn Walking Tour. During this two-hour experience, I learned about the forces that shaped Riverside's infrastructural and economic development. The tour took…

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