Clock out and chill out: Fantastic ways to spend summer Fridays in Florida
In Florida, everything slows down in the summer. Many workplaces honor 'Summer Fridays,' allowing employees to cut out early on Fridays and jump start their weekend with extra daylight. With deals on everything from spa treatments to dining, and experiences from indoor golf to fancy tea times and even mingling with flamingos, there are plenty of ways to make the most of those bonus hours. Set your summer vibe with these Summer Friday plans.
Skip Out Early for Indoor Golf
Leaving work early to play golf on a Friday is a summer flex. Playing golf outside in the dead heat of summer, however, is not. Perfect your game at indoor, air-conditioned golf bays like the ones at The Tips Golf, a new golf studio in Miami's Brickell neighborhood with elevated food and drinks. Take a lesson with a pro, or rent a bay fitted with simulators that offer insight about your swing and game. Bay pricing is $65/hour during off-peak hours and $90/hour during peak hours (after 4 p.m.)
Head to TopGolf, with locations across Florida, where both golf pros and newbies can enjoy private, climate-controlled bays, fun games, and cold drinks. Want to brave the outdoors? Try PopStroke, an elevated mini-golf experience with 18-hole courses designed for all ages. With spots across Florida, including West Palm Beach, PopStroke amps up the fun with jumbo TVs, restaurants and bars, outdoor games, and even monthly memberships for regular players. It's the perfect way to turn Summer Friday into a group adventure.
Fridays Are Made For Mingling with Flamingos
Summer is also the time to visit Florida's many animal attractions. From zebras to giraffes, roaming animals are the stars of the 300-acre Lion Country Safari, a drive-through safari experience in Loxahatchee in Palm Beach County. New this summer, mingle with the park's flock of Caribbean flamingos. During the immersive 'Flamingo Mingle Encounters,' guests can feed the pretty pink birds and snap social media-worthy photos. The experience is offered twice daily. Tickets can be purchased online or on site in the park's walk-through adventure area.
Gather The Gals For Gabbing and Tea
Sipping on tea while gabbing with your best pals after a long work week is sweet medicine for the summer soul. Our pick for a swanky afternoon tea is the signature St. Regis Afternoon Tea at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. Set inside La Gourmandise, where light flows through the floor-to-ceiling windows, diners are treated to an array of fine teas and sweet and savory delicacies nestled inside pretty bird cage towers. This summer, the afternoon tea adds a tropical twist with an all-mango seasonal menu.
Another unique option is High Tea at Amal restaurant in Miami's Coconut Grove neighborhood, which takes a Lebanese spin on traditional tea. For $38 a person, you'll sip on Turkish coffee or premium teas while nibbling from a tower lined with Lebanese bites such as grape leaf rolls and truffle rakakat (cheeses wrapped in phyllo pastry), along with baklava, lady fingers and other sweets.
Treat Yourself To A Spa Deal
If your Friday vibe revolves around relaxing, leave early for a spa treatment. Spas around Florida offer special deals during the summer, so it's worth checking your favorite spa's website or calling to find out about discounted spa specials. During Miami Spa Months, which run from July to the end of August, treatments at participating spas are reduced to $109, $159 and $199. Top spa picks include Lapis Spa, located within the Fontainebleau Miami Beach (it's worth going just for their water features) and Tierra Santa Healing House at Faena Miami Beach.
Escape For A Pool Day At A Fancy Resort
Thanks to Resort Pass, you can enjoy resort-level perks at participating Florida hotels for the day without an overnight stay. For those craving extra comfort (and sweet, sweet A/C), the Day Room option is a game changer, giving you a private space to relax, recharge, or even sneak in a little work. One standout pick: the Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Wrap up your Summer Friday with their rooftop sunset happy hour — think DJ beats, drink specials, and golden-hour views over the west-facing horizon.
Prefer a pool party? Known for its rowdy weekend pool parties at Strawberry Moon, The Goodtime Hotel, Miami Beach, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, can be your Friday kick start to the weekend. The new Top of the Rox in West Palm Beach, which is a rooftop bar and pool fitted with cabanas and daybeds, is all about daytime pool parties and DJs after dark. Happy Hour starts at 4 p.m. on Fridays and runs until 7 p.m.
Reserve A Long, Leisurely Lunch
During the summer, you don't have to power through lunch, gobbling down your meal in a race back to work. Instead, book a long, leisurely lunch at one of your favorite restaurants or one that you haven't yet sampled. Italian food lovers can graze their way through Eataly's new two-story marketplace inside Aventura Mall, blending shopping with a flavorful food crawl.
If watching the parade of boats on the Miami River sounds like the perfect midday escape, head to Seaspice for the Summer Lunch special, a $39 prix fixe menu that runs Tuesday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. During August and September, look for Miami Spice deals, with discounted three-course prix fixe lunches for $35 at participating restaurants.
If you want to experience Michelin magic, try lunch at Michelin one-starred Cote Korean Steakhouse in the Miami Design District, which will host an epic lunch deal during Spice. In Fort Lauderdale, Visit Lauderdale's annual Dine Out Lauderdale Restaurant Months kick off Aug. 1 and run through Sept. 30.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
21 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
42 Products So Good You'll Hoard Them Like A Dragon
Tree Hut Vanilla Hand Wash infused with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help hydrate and restore skin health so your hands can be super clean *and* super nourished. Now all you have to do is prepare to have the link to this handy whenever guests come over and are like, "WHERE DID YOU GET THIS DELECTABLE SOAP??" A handy as heck Burt's Bees sunburn soother you'll want to stock up on if you're a "just in case" kinda human — it's made with aloe and coconut oil to hydrate skin and gently relieve pain from the sun's unforgiving rays within just a few hours. A limited edition (!!) Eos Marshmallow "Super Balm" lip treatment from the brand's "secret menu" so good that reviewers say it's better than Carmex for healing and better than Summer Fridays for quality. Lip care that also tastes like you're perpetually eating a s'more for less than $5?? My friends, life is good. A teensy two-in-one nausea relief inhaler designed to work FAST on spontaneous nausea, motion sickness, morning sickness, and general queasiness (having a human body is hard). You can either use it as a scent inhaler or rub it directly on the tip of your nose for relief. Summer road trips and cruises just got a HECK of a lot more bearable. Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream your skin will be SO happy to soak up — this is formulated with aloe, salicylic acid, and jojoba oil to help hydrate, tighten, and gently exfoliate your skin so effectively that you should be able to see early results in two weeks. Reviewers especially love how affordable this is compared to creams that often cost three times this $12 price tag (or more)! A cult-favorite Persian Garden fragrance rollerball with warm florals, ocean air, and light amber that reviewers compare to Glossier's $78 "You." This is from TikTok-famous small business brand Kuumba Made, known for its luxury scents at ridiculously affordable prices, so you know they're on their game — reviewers especially love how clean and long-lasting this sweet but elevated fragrance feels, and how nicely it plays with other scents! Hawaiian Tropic's SPF 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush, aka your scalp's BFF this summer — reviewers don't just swear by this for face coverage and a protective setting powder, but for protecting their hairline without their hair getting goopy from sunscreen scalp sprays or regular sunscreen lotion. Bonus — this is a heck of a lot cheaper than its competitors, like the $35 Supergoop and $36 Brush On Block! And Mixsoon Bean SPF 50 Sunscreen with an ~airy~ texture, making this K-beauty essential perfect for anyone who loves a good SPF but hates the icky sticky feeling of it. This feather-light, hydrating sunscreen plays so well with makeup that it's about to become the primer of your ✨dreams✨. A delightfully affordable instant foot peeling spray for anyone ready to go full YEEHAW!! on a pedicure, without the big salon price tag. This not only helps gently remove dead skin, but moisturizes dry and cracked heels, so you'll really get some refreshing bang for your buck. A set of limited edition Band-Aids with retro flower patterns so the next time you get a little ouch, you can be like, "wound care, but make it fashion." A tinted lip balm that's eerily close to the same magic as "Black Honey," TikTok's beloved $25 ~universal shade~ from Clinique, that it will genuinely startle you — especially when you see the price. This is a perfect, non-sticky "go-to" lippie that's just a step above the "no makeup makeup" look, giving the perfect subtly polished effect. A set of DEET-free handy mosquito-repelling bracelets for the ultimate in genius summer investments — these use essential oils, including citronella, to help stop those teensy vampires in their tracks. And if it's too late for that, a set of kid-friendly hydrocolloid mosquito itch relief patches you can wear at the beach, pool, bath, or shower without worrying about them sliding off. Reviewers swear by these not just for helping prevent itching, but to reduce the redness and swelling faster. Lottabody's Coconut Oil Foaming Curl Mousse designed for all hair types to give you satisfyingly hydrated, volumized, frizz-free curls at a FRACTION of the price of its competitors. A "spray and go" enzyme-based laundry stain remover that works its magic in one wash to help you instantly get rid of all that discolored dried sweat, oil stains, or deodorant residue on your favorite clothes, so you don't have to do any heavy scrubbing yourself. Laneige's Neo Blurring Powder to absorb oil and blur pores so effectively that you'll be like, " Might be the only explanation for how this can matte-ify your complexion while still keeping it radiant and glowy ✨. A set of luxurious Fomin antibacterial paper soap sheets that come in tea tree oil, sweet orange, and refreshing lavender scents, so even when you're washing up on the side of the road, you can feel like the belle of the ball. Reviewers are especially obsessed with how well these lather with just a little water, giving them an effective, delectable-smelling clean! Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, which will be your holy grail for concealing and brightening dark circles under your eyes when your summer schedule is throwing you for a loop. This lightweight, color-adapting formula is designed for truly ~invisible~ coverage that makes a drastic difference — one that a lot of reviewers compare to the $33 Becca version. And Lumify Eye Drops, a product so beloved by TikTok that despite being more $$ than other brands, it's the number one selling brand on Amazon right now. Reviewers swear by this for instant reduction in redness in their eyes, with visible differences within a minute of use. McCormick's Potato Topping Seasoning for anyone who's not afraid to get a little feral about their air-fried, mashed, and baked potatoes — this blend of salt, garlic, and asiago cheese is so mouthwateringly delicious that you'll be dumping it on everything from popcorn to grilled cheese to guacamole. Dove's Coconut Milk & Sugar Lychee Body Wash so moisturizing, gentle, and decadently-scented that you're going to feel fully transported to your ~happy place~ every time you lather it on. This is especially lovely for sensitive skin, since the plant milk base is nutrient-rich and sulfate-free to keep your skin feeling eeextra soft and loved. A set of biodegradable ultra-soft face towels inspired by the much pricier Clean Skin Club version — a lot of folks with sensitive skin and acne *swear* by these, particularly because it helps prevent exposing their skin to bacteria that may collect in ordinary reusable towels. E.l.f's Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara, a GODSEND for anyone with thin or fragile lashes. This uses lightweight ~tubing~ technology to wrap around lashes and give them a natural-looking, smudge-proof extension so good it almost looks fake. The real boon, though, is how easily the "tubes" slide off in clean, easy swipes at the end of the day when you're washing your face — absolutely no smudging, over-scrubbing, or special eye makeup removal products required. A no-scrub weekly shower cleaner you can quite literally "set and forget" to maintain its cleanliness over time — once you apply it after a shower, you just have to wait eight to 12 hours and it'll quietly tackle the soap scum, grime, oils, mold, and mildew stains without any elbow grease from you. Eos Cashmere Vanilla Cashmere Whipped Oil Body Butter — yes, that's right, the astronomically TikTok-famous Eos "cashmere" body lotion now comes in a luxurious body butter form, and it's every bit as decadent as it sounds. Now you can spend all your self-care nights fully moisturized in a cloud of whipped vanilla, musk, and soft caramel. Dr. Melaxin "Peel Shot," a K-beauty staple for serious exfoliation that buffs out dead skin and leaves your complexion looking glowy and refreshed. If you're looking for an effective way to kick dead skin cells, blackheads, and sebum to the curb, this deeply penetrating rice water extract formula is just the ticket. A set of retractable high-end ballpoint gel pens with such a satisfying, seamless glide that you'll finally find the motivation to write in that journal you keep promising yourself you'll keep up with. If you're a fellow stationery nerd, rest assured that this pen just pens, as a verb. A set of Victoria's Secret–inspired seamless "invisible" underwear so soft and stretchy your butt will want to *sing* when you slide them on. This is a true holy grail underwear that doesn't show, doesn't ride up, and somehow manages to look cute all at the same time. Monday Haircare Dry Shampoo with all the oil-absorbing, refreshing power of its competitors, *plus* added keratin for protection against frizz and breakage. The subtle gardenia scent is just extra extra credit after all that. L'Oreal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist so darn phenomenal at its job that one reviewer calls it "hairspray for your face," and several compare it to the $34 One/Size setting spray at triple the price. This ultra-fine formula sprays on lightly and leaves a natural finish, but just one spray is designed to LOCK IN your look for 36 hours. Billion Dollar Brows Eyebrow Powder to fill in your brows as naturally and realistically as the $23 Anastasia Brow Duo version for less than half the price. Reviewers are stunned by how effective this is and how long it lasts, especially at such a low price point. A set of super affordable hydrocolloid nose pore patches (compare to the $16 Mighty Patch equivalent) that will make you go "boy HOWDY" when you see how much gunk collects on them overnight. Reviewers swear by these for gently lifting out sebum from pores and pimples and minimizing their appearance! A reviewer-beloved four-piece airtight food saver set designed to adapt to the shape of halved fruits so you can snack or cook at your leisure without worrying about food waste. Truly, what wouldn't we do to keep a perfectly ripe avocado half safe?? "Fitzels" Protein Pretzels for all the snack-happy humans out there who could use an extra protein hit during the day (lest you become your inner Hangry Self and scare your whole office). These come in flavors like "Everything Bagel," "Boujie Mustard," and "Cinnamon Buns," helping you get a satisfying croooooonchhhhh of a snack with 20 grams of plant-based protein to boot. The Ordinary's Multi-Depth Hydration Serum to achieve that "glassy," plumped effect *without* breaking the whole bank. This delightfully affordable, super effective serum helps hydrate and protect your skin barrier so you wake up with firm, refreshed skin. Color Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer, a foam your can apply to your roots when you're styling to take your blowout to the next level, even when the humidity is doing its best to keep your locks down. Reviewers with fine hair especially swear by this for an immediate, long-lasting lift! Biofreeze's new Dry Stick for "portable pain relief" — this mess-free, cooling solution for aches and pains all over your human body, whether it's your neck, shoulders, knees, hands, or many numerous joints. Its targeted menthol relief also works *fast* and is delightfully travel-friendly, unlike competing menthol creams. A set of spicy margarita instant cocktail tea bags — all the sophistication of tea and the 😜 of a cheeky cocktail, without the exorbitant bar price tags or the sugar crash. All you have to do is add three ounces of cold water, 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, and the tea sachet into a glass, and you'll have a delicious cocktail in one minute. And a cult-favorite line of old school flavoring syrups for your coffee, cocktails, and mocktails to add a personalized, nostalgia-inducing flavor without that slightly "off" chemical taste that comes with store-bought crafted drinks and competing syrups. Now you can save your dollars and your time and make a drink your taste buds actually appreciate. A set of disposable Plackers "Grind No More" Night Guards for anyone who sleeps like this 😬😬😬 and wakes up like this. 😫 Each one of these grind-absorbing bite plates can be used up to 30 times to help reduce the tension from grinding your teeth in the middle of the night. Psst — this is also a MUCH cheaper alternative to costly bite guards that go for hundreds of dollars! A bag of FIRECRACKER! POPSICLE! FLAVORED!!! Liquid I.V. electrolyte drink mix, so you have extra incentive to hit your hydration goals on blazing hot trips *and* you can relive the glory of chasing down the ice cream truck as a kid. Reviewers are genuinely stunned by how much this tastes like the ~real thing~. A pack of dual-sided SneakErasers designed so that one side of them cleans scuffs, dirt stains, and grimes, and the other side whitens them, restoring your sneakers and their soles to their former glory. Take THAT, passage of time.
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Buzz Feed
54 Cheap Swaps For More Expensive Products
A limited edition (!!) Eos Marshmallow "Super Balm" lip treatment from the brand's "secret menu" so good that reviewers say it's better than Carmex for healing and better than Summer Fridays for quality. Lip care that also tastes like you're perpetually eating a s'more for less than $5?? My friends, life is good. A slouchy open-back yoga top reviewers compare to a popular mall brand's $48 version 👀. If you're looking for a loose, soft, breezy option that won't overheat you in the summer, this "workout in the front, party in the back" shirt has got your name on it. Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream your skin will be SO happy to soak up — this is formulated with aloe, salicylic acid, and jojoba oil to help hydrate, tighten, and gently exfoliate your skin so effectively that you should be able to see early results in two weeks. Reviewers especially love how affordable this is compared to creams that often cost three times this $12 price tag (or more)! A tinted lip balm that's eerily close to the same magic as "Black Honey," TikTok's beloved $25 ~universal shade~ from Clinique, that it will genuinely startle you — especially when you see the price. This is a perfect, non-sticky "go-to" lippie that's just a step above the "no makeup makeup" look, giving the perfect subtly polished effect. A cult-favorite Persian Garden fragrance rollerball with warm florals, ocean air, and light amber that reviewers compare to Glossier's $78 "You." This is from TikTok-famous small business brand Kuumba Made, known for its luxury scents at ridiculously affordable prices, so you know they're on their game — reviewers especially love how clean and long-lasting this sweet but elevated fragrance feels, and how nicely it plays with other scents! A delightfully affordable instant foot peeling spray for anyone ready to go full YEEHAW!! on a pedicure, without the big salon price tag. This not only helps gently remove dead skin, but moisturizes dry and cracked heels, so you'll really get some refreshing bang for your buck. Hawaiian Tropic's SPF 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush, aka your scalp's BFF this summer — reviewers don't just swear by this for face coverage and a protective setting powder, but for protecting their hairline without their hair getting goopy from sunscreen scalp sprays or regular sunscreen lotion. Bonus — this is a heck of a lot cheaper than its competitors, like the $35 Supergoop and $36 Brush On Block! Lottabody's Coconut Oil Foaming Curl Mousse designed for all hair types to give you satisfyingly hydrated, volumized, frizz-free curls at a FRACTION of the price of its competitors. A Baccarat Rouge 540-inspired moisturizing body wash infused with white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber that reviewers swear by for a cheap alternative to keep that delectably luxe scent on them all day long. Nothing wrong with smelling a lil' ~~expensive~~! Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, which will be your holy grail for concealing and brightening dark circles under your eyes when your summer schedule is throwing you for a loop. This lightweight, color-adapting formula is designed for truly ~invisible~ coverage that makes a drastic difference — one that a lot of reviewers compare to the $33 Becca version. A set of lightweight, oh-so-dainty ruffled pajamas inspired by the $89 Piyama version. Revievers are in loooove with this set for summer, saying the fabric is so high quality that it feels like linen. If you're looking for breezy warm weather loungewear, this adorable set fits the bill! A set of biodegradable ultra-soft face towels inspired by the much pricier Clean Skin Club version — a lot of folks with sensitive skin and acne *swear* by these, particularly because it helps prevent exposing their skin to bacteria that may collect in ordinary reusable towels. A set of Victoria's Secret–inspired seamless "invisible" underwear so soft and stretchy your butt will want to *sing* when you slide them on. This is a true holy grail underwear that doesn't show, doesn't ride up, and somehow manages to look cute all at the same time. E.l.f. Sheer For It Blush Tint, the $5 answer to the beloved $26 Benetint that does just as brilliant of a job despite costing five times less. This flush of pigment for your lips and cheeks is perfect for those lightweight, "no makeup makeup" looks that are especially key on a day when the sun is showing no mercy. E.l.f's Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara, a GODSEND for anyone with thin or fragile lashes. This uses lightweight ~tubing~ technology to wrap around lashes and give them a natural-looking, smudge-proof extension so good it almost looks fake. The real boon, though, is how easily the "tubes" slide off in clean, easy swipes at the end of the day when you're washing your face — absolutely no smudging, over-scrubbing, or special eye makeup removal products required. L'Oreal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist so darn phenomenal at its job that one reviewer calls it "hairspray for your face," and several compare it to the $34 One/Size setting spray at triple the price. This ultra-fine formula sprays on lightly and leaves a natural finish, but just one spray is designed to LOCK IN your look for 36 hours. A set of super affordable hydrocolloid nose pore patches (compare to the $16 Mighty Patch equivalent) that will make you go "boy HOWDY" when you see how much gunk collects on them overnight. Reviewers swear by these for gently lifting out sebum from pores and pimples and minimizing their appearance! A three-pack of vintage-inspired polarized sunglasses for anyone who needs to stock up on a few "these look like Ray-Bans, but I won't cry into my Baja Blast if I accidentally leave them in the Taco Bell parking lot" pairs this year. These are especially handy because you can match the subtle prints to whatever 'fit you're wearing! Billion Dollar Brows Eyebrow Powder to fill in your brows as naturally and realistically as the $23 Anastasia Brow Duo version for less than half the price. Reviewers are stunned by how effective this is and how long it lasts, especially at such a low price point. A pair of cheerful, super lightweight boxer-style shorts so comfy and adorable that you are about to put your denim shorts on notice for the rest of the year — especially since these are a MUCH cheaper alternative to the $98 Reformation version. Monday Haircare Dry Shampoo with all the oil-absorbing, refreshing power of its competitors, *plus* added keratin for protection against frizz and breakage. The subtle gardenia scent is just extra extra credit after all that. A simple faux diamond tennis bracelet to add a touch of sophistication to any outfit without the price of name-brand versions like Swarovski (even though reviewers agree this looks like the Real Deal 👀). A shockingly affordable "Glow Up!" Vitamin C Face Serum that packs a punch as powerful as the $30+ versions — reviewers swear by this for reducing dark spots, brightening skin, restoring tone, and giving skin a more radiant, firm look. This particular serum's secret is the 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, which helps boost ~radiance~, in addition to the hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and vitamin E to help with hydration. A roll-up wide brim UPF 50 sun hat to protect your cheeks from the sun's rays *and* keep you looking effortlessly chic no matter how many days it's been since your last hair wash. This one is a real winner because of how absurdly packable it is, making it perfect for shoving into a tote bag on long days and a suitcase on vacation — and how affordable it is compared to $87+ versions from brands like Bloomingdale's, Wallaroo, and Cuyana. E.l.f.'s Squeeze Me More Lip Balm Duo with some real "Laneige, but make it cheap" energy. This mango and watermelon duo is actually the oh-so-tropical remix of the brand's wildly beloved Squeeze Me More Lip Balm that came out last year, so reviewers are already obsessed with how lightweight, hydrating, and deeelicious these go-to balms are. A Lululemon-inspired mini wristlet wallet set that looks just like their $50 version, and also easily holds cash, cards, and lip balms, so you don't have to deal with the whole muss and fuss of a purse if you're going on a walk around the neighborhood. Plus, you know what they say — keep your friends close and your beloved lippies closer. An Anthropologie-inspired reversible quilted throw blanket you can get in all kinds of fun, lively sprints that will startle your boring couch into having a personality, or give your bed a *much* needed reset. A square neck "going out" top that isn't NOT a near perfect lookalike for the $38 Skims and $40 Abercrombie versions. This is an excellent find for anyone who is ~choosy~ about colors, because this comes in a whole rainbow's worth of them. Olay's Firming Body Lotion full of collagen peptides and a Vitamin B3 complex for *ultra* hydration designed to visibly plump, firm, and moisturize your skin — all at a fraction of the price of other firming lotions, like the internet's beloved $48 Elasti-Cream. E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter that looked at the iconic (and expensive) $49 Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter and said, "Game on, pal." Not only does this give that dewy, soft, "barely there" finish, but it's designed to hydrate your skin with hyaluronic acid, helping improve your moisture barrier for long-term glowiness, too. A pair of pretty pastel wireless over-the-ear headphones crafted to look like AirPods Max, so you can still enjoy the comfort and chic style of their iconic headphones without shelling out hundreds of dollars. These feature premium cushion padding, a built-in mic with the ability to take calls, 10 hours of playtime per charge, and surprisingly decent noise blocking for the price. A buttery soft (and pregnancy-friendly!) Butterluxe athletic skort so lightweight, comfortable, and breezy that it will become the MVP of your warm weather wardrobe in no time flat. And a pair of high-waisted "Secretsculpt" biker shorts with some real booty-lifting action (AND NO FRONT SEAM!!) that will have you admiring your reflection in shop windows all summer long. Psst — reviewers compare these to the WAY more expensive Lululemon Align shorts and Halara's UltraSculpt, and these come in a whopping 11 colors!! Mise En Scene Perfect Serum, a beloved K-beauty staple reviewers compare to the $46 Gisou version for MEGA hair hydration and heat protection up to 450 degrees, so you can style your hair without sacrificing on ✨shine✨. This unique blend of seven-oil blend Moroccan argan, olive, coconut, apricot, Marula, jojoba, and camellia oil not only protects hair, but helps correct damage from dryness, *and* reduces drying time. A plated, jewel-embedded ring you can buy yourself as a little treat if the $1,250 Cartier Love Ring is decidedly out of your budget. Dare I say this version is ... prettier than the designer one? And a dainty gold-plated station necklace, another home run from jewelry brand Pavoi so close to the real diamond versions from Quince and Dorsey that run $400+ that it'll turn all your everyday looks into ~quietly expensive~ looks. Catrice's Magic Shaper Face Cream Palette as an $8 alternative to the $88 (!!) Makeup Forever Palette. This includes a range of highly-pigmented, super blendable shades to help you contour, highlight, and bronze on days when your Gcal just say "GO GO GO" all the way down. (Psst — this is the same brand behind the TikTok-famous $6 Under Eye Brightener, so you know they mean business!) An effortlessly chic, surprisingly roomy woven straw summer purse designed to look like $100+ woven purses from Staud or Revolve that are taking this year by storm. An affordable, Lululemon-esque longline sports bra so comfy, supportive, and versatile that reviewers love it both for outdoor workouts, gym use, *and* errand running. This is designed to be supportive without being too compressive, with lightweight fabric that keeps you breezy in the heat. The Face Shop's Rice Water Bright Foaming Facial Cleanser, a gentle, cult-fave Korean beauty product reviewers swear by as an alternative to the pricey Tatcha Rice Wash. This hydrating cleanser removes waterproof makeup and sunscreen with ease, has an ohhhh-so-satisfying lather, and leaves skin moisturized after use. A Skims-inspired square-neck compressive body suit that's basically 10 outfits in one — you can rock it solo, wear it as a bodysuit tucked into jeans, or pair it with a hoodie or a jacket. Go, little base layer, gooooo! E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops, another home run from the brand's moisturizing "Holy Hydration" line that reviewers are comparing to the $35 Watermelon Dew Drops from Glow Recipe. This lightweight formula is designed to brighten and plump skin for a dewy effect, whether you're wearing it alone, applying it under your makeup, or mixing it with your foundation. An affordable sleeveless exercise romper you will be SO glad you bought on days when the sun is trying to bake you like cookie dough. These are medium-compressive, soft, breezy, and SUPER easy to throw on when your brain is too fried to match a top and a bottom in the heat. Bonus — these are comparable to Aerie, Abercrombie, and Hollister versions that can go for three times this price! A multipurpose blush stick reviewers compare to the $18 Pixi Beauty version — this version may be cheaper, but it's also easily buildable, blendable, and perfect for that light, dewy, "kissed by a happy pink cloud" look. A set of Bala Bangle-inspired wrist and ankle weights to get your ~fitness~ on this summer — these serve all the same cuteness and function without the $55 price tag. Not to mention this has a TON more colors available to match your 'fits. A set of golden bracelets giving ~quiet luxury~ vibes at "I want to pay rent this month" prices. Reviewers especially love these mix-and-match sets because they look like expensive versions from Cartier — the middle one is giving the $8,000 "Juste Un Clou" and the studded one is giving the $6,000 "Love Bracelet!" Moodmatcher color-changing lipstick, an affordable WinkyLux alternative that not only adapts to the pH of your skin to create a personalized, perfect shade for your skin tone, but lasts for HOURS. Reviewers marvel at its all-day staying power even after meals and breaking a sweat. Look at that lil' green lipstick go!! MagicMinerals AirBrush Foundation, your new favorite alternative to Dior's (discontinued!!) Airflash that lives up to the hype — one quick spray of the foundation on the included brush, and it glides so smoothly and subtly over your skin texture that you'll feel like a makeup artist did it for you. Reviewers in their thirties, forties, and up especially swear by this lightweight but effective formula, and love that it's ridiculously easy to use. An affordable cult-favorite luxury-scented candle with a scent reminiscent of Le Labo's Santal 33, and a throw so satisfying that reviewers can't stop gushing about it. If you're in the market for a signature scent for your space this fall, look no further than this jasmine, oud, and sandalwood blend. A pair of leakproof period "Cloudfeel" boyshorts that compare to the $39 Thinx version, designed to hold up to 12 (!!) tampons worth of period blood and give you tons of protection on heavier flow days or overnight. Reviewers love how ultra soft and comfortable the fabric feels — not to mention the money it saves on disposable period products! Essence's Drop of Sunshine Bronzing Drops, aka the more affordable version of the beloved $39 Drunk Elephant version. This buildable, hydrating formula is an easy way to add a ~sunkissed touch~ to your beauty routine without breaking the bank (or compromising your skin!). And a pair of elevated, effortlessly chic wide leg petal sweatpants that look like they fell out of an Anthropologie ad. Reviewers love how cozy and breathable these are, and that the style is perfect for indoor lounging *and* outdoor errands. A ridiculously soft oversized hoodie reviewers compare to $$ brands like Skims, Aritzia, and Abercrombie. You know how on TikTok sometimes people say "this hoodie hoodies" like it's a noun and a verb? Enter this cult-favorite, reviewer-beloved hoodie, which does, in fact, hoodie. A suuuuper easy to use Beachwaver B1 Rotating Curling Iron with automatic curling technology similar to the $599 (!!) Dyson Airwrap that not only creates (LITERALLY) effortless curls, but is designed with a ceramic heat barrel that makes them hold up the whole day.
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Miami Herald
Clock out and chill out: Fantastic ways to spend summer Fridays in Florida
In Florida, everything slows down in the summer. Many workplaces honor 'Summer Fridays,' allowing employees to cut out early on Fridays and jump start their weekend with extra daylight. With deals on everything from spa treatments to dining, and experiences from indoor golf to fancy tea times and even mingling with flamingos, there are plenty of ways to make the most of those bonus hours. Set your summer vibe with these Summer Friday plans. Skip Out Early for Indoor Golf Leaving work early to play golf on a Friday is a summer flex. Playing golf outside in the dead heat of summer, however, is not. Perfect your game at indoor, air-conditioned golf bays like the ones at The Tips Golf, a new golf studio in Miami's Brickell neighborhood with elevated food and drinks. Take a lesson with a pro, or rent a bay fitted with simulators that offer insight about your swing and game. Bay pricing is $65/hour during off-peak hours and $90/hour during peak hours (after 4 p.m.) Head to TopGolf, with locations across Florida, where both golf pros and newbies can enjoy private, climate-controlled bays, fun games, and cold drinks. Want to brave the outdoors? Try PopStroke, an elevated mini-golf experience with 18-hole courses designed for all ages. With spots across Florida, including West Palm Beach, PopStroke amps up the fun with jumbo TVs, restaurants and bars, outdoor games, and even monthly memberships for regular players. It's the perfect way to turn Summer Friday into a group adventure. Fridays Are Made For Mingling with Flamingos Summer is also the time to visit Florida's many animal attractions. From zebras to giraffes, roaming animals are the stars of the 300-acre Lion Country Safari, a drive-through safari experience in Loxahatchee in Palm Beach County. New this summer, mingle with the park's flock of Caribbean flamingos. During the immersive 'Flamingo Mingle Encounters,' guests can feed the pretty pink birds and snap social media-worthy photos. The experience is offered twice daily. Tickets can be purchased online or on site in the park's walk-through adventure area. Gather The Gals For Gabbing and Tea Sipping on tea while gabbing with your best pals after a long work week is sweet medicine for the summer soul. Our pick for a swanky afternoon tea is the signature St. Regis Afternoon Tea at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. Set inside La Gourmandise, where light flows through the floor-to-ceiling windows, diners are treated to an array of fine teas and sweet and savory delicacies nestled inside pretty bird cage towers. This summer, the afternoon tea adds a tropical twist with an all-mango seasonal menu. Another unique option is High Tea at Amal restaurant in Miami's Coconut Grove neighborhood, which takes a Lebanese spin on traditional tea. For $38 a person, you'll sip on Turkish coffee or premium teas while nibbling from a tower lined with Lebanese bites such as grape leaf rolls and truffle rakakat (cheeses wrapped in phyllo pastry), along with baklava, lady fingers and other sweets. Treat Yourself To A Spa Deal If your Friday vibe revolves around relaxing, leave early for a spa treatment. Spas around Florida offer special deals during the summer, so it's worth checking your favorite spa's website or calling to find out about discounted spa specials. During Miami Spa Months, which run from July to the end of August, treatments at participating spas are reduced to $109, $159 and $199. Top spa picks include Lapis Spa, located within the Fontainebleau Miami Beach (it's worth going just for their water features) and Tierra Santa Healing House at Faena Miami Beach. Escape For A Pool Day At A Fancy Resort Thanks to Resort Pass, you can enjoy resort-level perks at participating Florida hotels for the day without an overnight stay. For those craving extra comfort (and sweet, sweet A/C), the Day Room option is a game changer, giving you a private space to relax, recharge, or even sneak in a little work. One standout pick: the Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Wrap up your Summer Friday with their rooftop sunset happy hour — think DJ beats, drink specials, and golden-hour views over the west-facing horizon. Prefer a pool party? Known for its rowdy weekend pool parties at Strawberry Moon, The Goodtime Hotel, Miami Beach, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, can be your Friday kick start to the weekend. The new Top of the Rox in West Palm Beach, which is a rooftop bar and pool fitted with cabanas and daybeds, is all about daytime pool parties and DJs after dark. Happy Hour starts at 4 p.m. on Fridays and runs until 7 p.m. Reserve A Long, Leisurely Lunch During the summer, you don't have to power through lunch, gobbling down your meal in a race back to work. Instead, book a long, leisurely lunch at one of your favorite restaurants or one that you haven't yet sampled. Italian food lovers can graze their way through Eataly's new two-story marketplace inside Aventura Mall, blending shopping with a flavorful food crawl. If watching the parade of boats on the Miami River sounds like the perfect midday escape, head to Seaspice for the Summer Lunch special, a $39 prix fixe menu that runs Tuesday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. During August and September, look for Miami Spice deals, with discounted three-course prix fixe lunches for $35 at participating restaurants. If you want to experience Michelin magic, try lunch at Michelin one-starred Cote Korean Steakhouse in the Miami Design District, which will host an epic lunch deal during Spice. In Fort Lauderdale, Visit Lauderdale's annual Dine Out Lauderdale Restaurant Months kick off Aug. 1 and run through Sept. 30.
