[[{“value”:” As the crisp air of fall settles in and the aroma of pumpkin spice latte fills the air, there’s a certain magic in the season that speaks to our senses. Autumn brings with it cozy sweaters, apple cider, and the warm glow of family gatherings. At the heart of it all is Thanksgiving—a day rooted in gratitude, reflection, and connection. And perhaps one of the most powerful ways we express these feelings is through music. Thanksgiving may not have a specific set of holiday songs, but music remains a powerful backdrop to this season. Whether it’s soft folk tunes echoing from the kitchen as a turkey roasts, soulful hymns sung at church services, or a family’s traditional playlist playing during dinner, music weaves itself into the fabric of fall traditions. Historically, since 1620, when the Pilgrims established and settled at Plymouth, Massachusetts, Thanksgiving has been a moment to pause and give thanks for the harvest and the year’s blessings through the good times and the difficult times. It’s a celebration of sharing your harvest with friends, family, and those who helped you through those times. This sense of appreciation and community is often reflected in music choices. Songs like “Simple Gifts,” a Shaker hymn celebrating the joy of simplicity, or “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come,” a classic harvest hymn, bring a sense of reverence and nostalgia. These songs, though centuries old, still resonate because they speak to the timeless values of gratitude, humility, and unity. Beyond hymns and folk songs,... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Old Florida Fish House Weekdays For over a decade, Old Florida Fish House has proudly featured local live music. Catch artists playing inside the coveted bar and lounge area, as well as in the large outdoor dining space situated among the palm and oak trees under the twinkling lights next to Eastern Lake throughout the week. Dueling pianos are every Thursday. Visit www.oldfloridafishhouse.com for more info. Moon Crush Oldies Nov. 13-15 Held at Seascape Resort, featured artists include Old Dominion, Brothers Osborne, Michael Franti, and more! Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of incredible live music, community activities, beautiful daytime beach hangs and breathtaking sunsets. Purchase tickets and learn more: https://booking.topeka.live/pages/odiesbeachvacation25. Still Standing: A Tribute to Elton John Dec. 7 Experience the magic of Elton John’s music live on stage with Still Standing: A Tribute to Elton John at Old Florida Fish House. Tickets at: https://oldfloridafishhouse.ticketspice.com/a-tribute-to-elton-john. FOOW Live Music Fridays and Sunday Brunch    Enjoy live music on Friday nights, as well as Sundays for Brunch, featuring bottomless mimosas at FOOW – Fish Out of Water. The Gulf front restaurant invites you to delicious dining paired with live music. Visit foow30a.com. 11/15 – Christon Birge 11/17 – Kristi Allen 11/22 – Kyle Lamonica 11/24 – Christon Birge 11/29 – Otha Allen 12/1 – Brett Stafford Smith 12/6 – Jamah Terry 12/8 – Christon Birge 12/13 – Kyle Lamonica AJ’s Grayton Brunch and Live Music AJ’s is the place to be to celebrate all things Sunday Funday in Grayton Beach!... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast welcomes back Dr. Thomas Johnson, increasing access to cancer care. We are grateful to have Thomas Johnson, MD, medical oncologist and hematologist, back at Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Center in Santa Rosa Beach. Dr. Johnson started back full-time on Wednesday, October 1. Dr. Johnson has been with Ascension for more than 14 years. He joins the team with Mark DeLeon, MD and Heather Hilty, DO, increasing access to cancer care for patients in Walton County and surrounding areas. “It’s important for us to provide cancer care close to home so our residents don’t have to travel for high-quality, personalized treatment,” said Trey Abshier, President of Sacred Heart Emerald Coast. “Having Dr. Johnson here full time will improve appointment availability and provide additional expertise for our team.” After starting the Sacred Heart Emerald Coast practice in 2008, Dr. Johnson spent 10 years developing his  Santa Rosa Beach hematology/oncology practice. After three years in private practice in Northwest Alabama, Dr. Johnson returned to Ascension Sacred Heart Bay in 2021 to help open the new clinic there. He is glad to be back in Walton County permanently. “God has called me and given me the strength to help establish two cancer clinics in our community and to care for people going through some of the most difficult times in their lives,” said Dr. Johnson. “I am thankful for the opportunity to practice full time in Santa Rosa Beach and look forward to providing high quality, compassionate care... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Sean Dietrich The little boy was with his mom, sitting in a truck stop diner. The boy was bald, wearing a loose T-shirt. A large bandage showed from beneath his collar. Before the boy sat a massive meal. Bacon. Eggs. Huge glass of chocolate milk. Stack of pancakes bigger than a midsize SUV. “It feels so weird, my stitches itch,” the boy said. “Eat your pancakes,” said Mom. Mom looked tired. Her hair looked like she had slept on it. Her clothes, crumpled. “How many days was I in the hospital?” the boy asked. The mother sighed. “Twenty-six. Now eat your pancakes.” Everyone in the little restaurant was staring at mother and son. Especially the trucker in the booth behind them, who couldn’t help but eavesdrop. Mother and son ate in silence for a while. The boy was inhaling his food while Mom nursed a mug in both hands, staring wistfully out the window. “Did they cut all the cancer out?” the boy asked. Mother was crying now. “Eat your pancakes.” She tried to hide her face but was unsuccessful. Sometimes there is nowhere to hide one’s face. The boy just watched his mother weep. “I’m worried about you, Mom.” Mom laughed through snot and tears. “You’re worried about ME?” He nodded. Things went silent for a while. That’s when something happened. The trucker from the nearby booth rose to his feet. He approached their table. He was every American truck driver you’ve ever seen. Powerfully built, slightly... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Cameron Hughes Since I was a little boy, I’ve always been a fan of Dolly Parton. I can remember watching Hee Haw with my grandfather as a little boy, mesmerized any time Dolly Parton came on the screen. When you hear her full story, starting with her humble childhood in Tennessee, you can see that big dreams, and chasing those dreams, have guided her. I particularly like her perspective that… “dreams build convictions because you pay the price to make sure that they come true.” In 2009 she delivered a speech where she said, “Do not confuse dreams with wishes. There is a difference. Dreams are where you visualize yourself being successful at what’s important to you to accomplish. Now, dreams build convictions because you work hard to pay the price to make sure that they come true. Wishes are hoping good things will happen to you, but there’s no fire in your gut that causes you to put everything forth to overcome all the obstacles. So you have to dream more and never, ever, ever blame somebody else if it doesn’t happen. That is in your department.” She expounded upon that in a 2014 interview when she said, “I’ve always been a dreamer, and yes, I have always tried. And dreams are special things. But dreams are of no value if they’re not equipped with wings and feet and hands and all that. If you’re going to make a dream come true, you’ve got to work with... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Dr. Clark, Bluewater Plastic Surgery The holiday season is filled with special moments — family gatherings, festive parties and countless photo opportunities. While this time of year brings joy and celebration, it can also come with added stress, late nights and the desire to look refreshed despite a busy schedule. At Bluewater Plastic Surgery, we understand that confidence matters — especially during the holidays — and there are several easy ways to help you look and feel your best, without downtime or drastic changes. Whether you want to glow for the camera, feel more comfortable in social settings or just give your skin a little extra love, here’s how we help patients shine through the season. Skincare That Works for the Holidays Cooler temperatures, indoor heating and holiday stress can all take a toll on your skin. That’s why it’s important to adapt your routine and invest in products that nourish and protect. A patient enjoys a skin treatment as a skilled professional applies a soothing mask, surrounded by calming decor, in a tranquil wellness center atmosphere. At Bluewater Plastic Surgery, we offer medical-grade skincare tailored to your skin’s needs — including products that hydrate, brighten and strengthen your skin barrier. We may recommend: A hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid for plump, dewy skin A gentle exfoliator to smooth texture before events Vitamin C to boost radiance and fight dullness A tinted SPF moisturizer to protect and perfect in one step Even small changes in your skincare routine can... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Kyle Sparks, Ovation Painting The holidays are all about gathering — family dinners, festive celebrations and cozy evenings with friends. As we prepare our homes for company, one of the most impactful updates you can make is a fresh coat of paint. Full-room or whole-home interior projects do more than refresh walls — they set the tone for the entire season. Imagine a dining room in a warm, rich shade that makes Thanksgiving meals feel even more inviting, or a living room with crisp, clean walls that highlight your holiday décor. Fresh paint creates a backdrop that feels intentional and welcoming, giving your guests the sense that every detail was thought of. Beyond appearances, a newly painted interior simply feels cleaner and brighter. Scuffed walls, dingy trim or faded colors can make a space feel tired, while new paint instantly lifts the mood. Pair that with the glow of candles, string lights and seasonal decorations, and you have the perfect recipe for holiday warmth. November is also an ideal time to tackle larger interior projects. Cooler weather means better conditions for painting, and schedules are often easier to coordinate before the busier holiday rush. Whether you’ve just finished a remodel, want to modernize outdated colors or are ready for a complete home refresh, this is the season to bring it all together. As family and friends gather in your home this holiday season, give them a setting that feels just as memorable as the celebration itself. Ready to... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Danica LaFaire, Owner, Fish Window Cleaning of Northwest Florida Hey there, Northwest Florida! As Thanksgiving approaches and the year winds down, conversations about gratitude fill the air—and with them, the question that’s been making everyone scratch their head lately: to tip or not to tip? If you’ve felt a little confused or even fatigued by tipping lately, you’re not alone. Between iPads that flip around with preset options and ever-changing “expected” percentages, it’s easy to feel like you’re doing it wrong no matter what you choose. But I’d like to offer a refreshing perspective: gratitude first, generosity second. Tipping, at its best, is simply a gesture of thanks — a way to acknowledge the people who make our daily lives smoother, cleaner and a little brighter. Sometimes that gratitude shows up as a few extra dollars, sometimes as a handwritten card and sometimes as a sincere “thank you, I appreciate you.” Each can be equally meaningful. So, Who Should We Remember This Season? The holidays bring a flurry of deliveries and behind-the-scenes work. Here are a few folks who carry a heavier load this time of year: Mail carriers (USPS): Federal employees can’t accept cash or gift cards, but they can accept a small non-cash gift (under $20 value) such as snacks, coffee or a simple token of appreciation. Package drivers (UPS, FedEx, Amazon): Cash or gift cards are allowed, though most companies discourage anything over $25. Trash and recycling crews: A cash tip of $10–$30 per worker... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Laurie Hood, Alaqua Founder & CEO Tucked among the pines and pastures of Freeport, Alaqua Animal Refuge has always been a place of second chances. Every rescued animal carries a story of survival, and every visitor feels the quiet peace that comes from being near them. It is that same sense of connection that inspired Alaqua’s newest initiative, Alaqua Well-Being, a program that invites people to slow down, breathe deeply, and heal alongside the animals who live there. The idea for Alaqua Well-Being grew out of simple conversations with volunteers. When asked what brought them to the refuge, the first answer was always their love of animals. But as those talks went deeper, something more profound emerged. Many were walking through their own seasons of grief or change — the loss of a spouse, recovery from illness, divorce, or other personal challenges. Again and again, they shared that it was the animals who gave them the courage to keep going. Watching a once-broken animal learn to trust and love again gave them hope that they could heal, too. It became clear that the refuge was helping people as much as it helped animals. Alaqua Well-Being was born from that truth. It is built on the idea that when we care for animals and connect with nature, we also heal ourselves. The program brings together experiences that nurture the mind, body and spirit, including meditation, art, nature walks, counseling and animal-assisted activities. It is a place where compassion becomes... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Dr. Richard Chern As the season of Thanksgiving reminds us to pause and reflect on what we’re grateful for, there’s no better time to appreciate the gift of health and balance. Hormones play a vital role in how we feel every day—our energy, sleep, focus and even our joy. When those hormones fall out of balance, it can be difficult to feel truly thankful for the moments that matter most. Restoring Harmony Naturally Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) uses hormones that are identical to those your body naturally produces. Derived from plant sources and carefully customized to your individual needs, BHRT helps restore balance in a way that feels natural and seamless. Benefits to Be Thankful For Renewed energy helps you wake up ready to take on the day with vitality and purpose. Emotional balance brings steadier moods and a brighter outlook. Restful sleep restores the body and mind. Sharper focus enhances mental clarity and motivation. And with revitalized confidence, you can feel more like yourself—inside and out. Relaxed smiling woman meditates with hands on chest, practicing breathing exercises at home. Mindfulness practice, focus on breath, self care routine, stress relief, reflection and holistic wellness A Season for Renewal Just as autumn reminds us of cycles and renewal, BHRT offers a way to restore your own natural rhythm. Through personalized treatment, you can rediscover balance, vitality, and gratitude for how good life can feel when your hormones are working with you, not against you. This Thanksgiving, Give Thanks for... Read More