“I’d only been to one Nigerian wedding before ours,” says Jeanne. She’s American, and her husband, Folarin, is British Nigerian. Portugal felt like a good meeting point for guests coming from multiple continents, and together the couple hosted a big colorful wedding with lots of speeches and lots of dancing.… Read more
No one does a heartbreak power-ballad quite like Conan Gray, who brought his Wishbone World Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey this past weekend. A sea of dixie cup hats, red hair bows and pinstriped pajamas overcame the arena ready to bask in Conan’s nautical, dreamlike summerscape. With support from indie-folk artist Esha Tewari, the tour is a continuation of the Wishbone era, which was born from the album released in July of 2025. The world of Wishbone first debuted at New York City’s Governor’s Ball, followed by the North American Wishbone Pajama Tour, a memorable Thanksgiving Day Parade performance and a string of Jingle Ball dates in December.
As the show begins, the audience is transported to the countryside. Conan bikes onto the stage, a grassy field on sprawling farmland. He is wearing his signature naval rig, designed by Michelle Hebert in collaboration with stylist Katie Qian. Accompanying Conan throughout the evening is his seven-piece band, decked out in matching sailor-inspired styles and in consistent synchronicity. The band features a stand out strings section, made up of a violinist, cellist and acoustic guitar player who added a special sprinkling of magic to the sonic element of the show.
Those lucky enough to score floor seats for the Friday night affair were immersed in Conan’s world by way of wishbone-shaped double runways, which also gave those of us in the lower bowl a closer look at our favorite sailor. The set was broken into five different acts, walking us through the stages of breakup-related grief from ACT I: a wishbone never breaks even to ACT IV: i wished for love, and i found it and a booming encore. Each act featured rotating looks and set dressings, including a big bed under the stars with a glittering pin-striped pajama set, a sexy Prince Eric-like silhouette inside of a small sailboat and “Conan’s Campfire” with crackling flames.
On each stop on the tour, one lucky fan is picked to participate in a ceremonial breaking of Conan’s wishbone with the star himself. If the fan is left holding the long end of the wishbone, they get to pick between two surprise songs flashed on the projector screen. The fan chosen at this performance was dressed as Conan’s self-proclaimed ex, The Grinch. Having the choice between fan favorite songs “Astronomy” and “Lookalike”, The Grinch went with the latter, giving New Jersey the unique treat of hearing the euphoric balled off of the album sunset season. Other highlights from the set included the debut of unreleased song “The Best” as well as the fun fact that the last time Conan performed at the Prudential Center, he was on a Doritos themed stage.
The volume of fans singing along to viral hits like “Heather” and “Vodka Cranberry” almost overtook the singer’s own voice. The energy at the end of the show with closer “Caramel” sent fans buzzing into the crisp New Jersey air. As it approached 11:11 after the show, I got into bed wishing I was back inside of my hometown arena singing along with my favorite sad boy. Whether it be his bedroom-pop bops, electric 80s style synths or current moment of booming anthems, Conan Gray has stapled himself as a defining singer-songwriter of his generation. The remaining dates on the Wishbone World Tour are sure to have fans in tears and without voices.
What makes a great nighttime destination in downtown Fort Lauderdale?
An old church. A serious steak. Live music that refuses to be background noise.
Jay’s Steakhouse, a high-end supper club housed inside a Romanesque stone church in Flagler Village, is built on a simple premise: dinner is only the first act.
The preserved gray-stone exterior gives way to a warm, cinematic interior layered in wood and leather, where lighting deepens as the evening unfolds. The soaring ceiling of the former nave remains intact, lending the room grandeur without sacrificing intimacy. Former stained-glass windows have been reimagined as multicolored glass installations engineered to withstand hurricane season, maintaining drama while modernizing the space.
The menu reads like a modern steakhouse greatest-hits list, anchored by serious cuts of beef, including A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Picanha ($275). A prime rib trolley glides tableside. Lobster spaghetti arrives glossy and decadent. Robuchon-style potatoes land impossibly smooth, whipped with butter and cream until they verge on silken. Seafood towers and composed starters add structure, while a wine list that stretches comfortably into four figures signals the room’s ambition.
On a recent Friday, diners pivoted in their seats as Tori & Will took the stage. Backed by a full band, Tori Rossi — five feet tall, all presence — moved seamlessly through pop, R&B, and rock covers with theatrical ease. She sang, danced, and calibrated her energy to the room, building momentum without overwhelming it.
Will, originally from Cuba, provides a steady counterbalance, layering harmony and guitar over Rossi’s dynamism. Together they move fluidly between nostalgia and contemporary hits, creating the kind of show that encourages guests to linger past dessert.
Other evenings bring performers such as Goldie Heart, DJ Kastle with live instrumentation, and even a fire performer. The programming feels deliberate rather than decorative. This is not music meant to be politely ignored. It is part of the architecture of the night.
Acoustics in the nave — where the band performs from the former apse — are remarkably balanced. Sound carries clearly without drowning out conversation, a rare feat in hybrid restaurant venues. Guests can lean into the show or retreat into an adjacent dining area depending on mood. The experience shifts organically as the room fills and the tempo rises.
The building itself carries a layered past. Originally constructed in the early 1920s as St. Anthony’s, the first Catholic church in Broward County, it was later relocated and acquired by a Lutheran congregation. Today, the exterior is designated historic by the city of Fort Lauderdale, meaning its stone façade remains protected even as the interior evolves.
As the evening progresses, the rhythm changes. Early dinner guests sip cocktails beneath cathedral ceilings. By nine o’clock, napkins are folded aside and chairs subtly angle toward the stage. By ten, the show becomes the gravitational center of the room.
The format feels closer to a New York supper club or a London live lounge than a traditional South Florida restaurant. The music does not interrupt dinner. It elevates it. Energy builds in waves, carried as much by the band as by the clink of glassware and the glide of servers navigating the floor.
For guests, the appeal is simple. There is no need to plan a second stop. No scramble for the next bar. The night unfolds where you are, layered course by course, song by song.
And when the lights dim just a little further and the chorus hits, you realize the destination was never just dinner.
Speakeasies were once defined by necessity. Concealment was the point, discretion the currency. Today, that same architecture of secrecy has been repurposed by choice. The most compelling nights now begin with a door you were not meant to notice, a staircase you pause before climbing, a bar hidden just far enough away to feel earned rather than staged.
The modern speakeasy has grown up. Less costume, more craft. Less wink, more intention. Nowhere is that evolution clearer than inside three apothecary-inspired hideaways redefining how Fort Lauderdale and Miami drink after dark.
The Apothecary 330
Alchemy on Himmarshee
Tucked inside Pizza Craft on downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Himmarshee Street, The Apothecary 330 feels like a secret passed hand to hand. Step inside and the noise of downtown softens, replaced by warmlighting, intimate proportions, and a bar program that treats cocktails less as commodities and more as ritual.
True to its name, the menu leans into elixirs, tonics, and layered flavors that feel restorative as much as indulgent. The Buzzing Moon balances Barr Hill Gin with passion fruit, coconut, and lemon for something tropical yet restrained. The Fizz, made with Grey Whale Gin, pumpkin chai, aquafaba, and citrus, feels velvety and seasonal, a cocktail that rewards patience.
For guests craving a touch of drama, the Tiki Drink arrives with a flame garnish that adds spectacle without novelty. Classics are executed with equal respect, from a polished espresso martini to a bramble that tastes exactly as it should. The tableside Old Fashioned cart is the final flourish, allowing guests to customize their pour with fine spirits, garnishes, and smoking options.
Perhaps the most charming detail is the seamless pairing with Pizza Craft’s Italian kitchen. Decadent bites turn a nightcap into a lingering evening, the kind downtown Fort Lauderdale has quietly been craving.
Hidden inside a ballroom at the InterContinental Miami, Freddy’s Speakeasy does not rely on mystery alone. Instead, it invites guests to cross the threshold and take part. This Prohibition-style hideaway doubles as an immersive mixology experience, blurring the line between nightlife and performance.
The evening begins with a welcome cocktail before guests are handed a full mixology kit and guided through a hands-on class led by Freddy’s expert bartenders. Techniques are taught, ratios explained, and by the end, guests are shaking and stirring with confidence. It is informative without being precious, playful without losing polish.
Once the lesson ends, the room settles into its true speakeasy mood. Low lighting, vintage details, and the feeling of being tucked away from the rest of the hotel transform the space into a proper escape. Guests enjoy a second cocktail, this time simply as imbibers, fully immersed in the atmosphere they helped create.
Reservations are available exclusively through BucketListers, with two-hour seatings at 8PM and 10:30PM. Access details are revealed only after booking, preserving the sense of secrecy that defines the experience. Freddy’s is not about being seen. It is about discovery and the pleasure of learning something new after dark.
Above Sunness Supper Club on East Sunrise Boulevard, Bar Betty feels like a slow burn finally ignited. Restaurateur Michael Stanley knew the second floor held promise the moment he toured the space. Nearly a year after Sunness debuted, its long-anticipated speakeasy counterpart has arrived, and it feels fully realized.
Accessed via a discreet staircase or elevator, Bar Betty begins with a foyer nodding to the building’s former life as Jade Palace. Red lanterns glow softly. Dragon wallpaper sets a cinematic tone. A monumental stone Buddha, rescued from the original space and restored, anchors the room with quiet authority.
Then comes the turn. Guests pass through a red door into a Gatsby-inspired lounge where black walls, tin ceilings, and Art Deco motifs create a moody, theatrical backdrop. Live entertainment leans old-world and seductive, from Roaring Twenties-style torch singers to a Thursday burlesque show that favors elegance over excess.
The cocktail menu matches the setting. James and the Spicy Peach blends Ghost tequila, Ancho Reyes, citrus, and peach syrup for a bold but balanced sip. Fluffy Dream layers gin, apricot liqueur, elderflower, and aquafaba into something airy and indulgent. Bar Betty also delivers thoughtfully composed non-alcoholic options, including the Black Betty with Black Market THC Liquor, guava purée, and lime.
Named for Stanley’s grandmother, Bar Betty carries a sense of lineage and intention. Personal without sentimentality, glamorous without trying too hard.
Together, The Apothecary 330, Freddy’s Speakeasy, and Bar Betty signal a quieter evolution in South Florida nightlife, rooms that reward curiosity and taste where the real thrill lies not in being seen, but in knowing where to go and what awaits once the door closes behind you.
Has anyone seen this show Heated Rivalry? I’M KIDDING. It’s peak season for indoor activities, like TV binging and movie nights (and ice hockey, and…other things).… Read more
Has anyone seen this show Heated Rivalry? I’M KIDDING. It’s peak season for indoor activities, like TV binging and movie nights (and ice hockey, and…other things).… Read more
With signs of blue skies, flowers blooming, and sunshine on the horizon, we’re starting to decorate our homes for Spring, all from Amazon! From faux florals and printed pillowcases to the prettiest artwork for Spring, take a look at our latest Spring finds for bringing the season into you home!
Look, I’ll just say it: I’m a rug snob. I love rugs and how they transform a room. I’m picky about designs, and I’m picky about how they feel underfoot. I’ve spent thousands on rugs, authentic wool rugs, and vintage rugs. I’ve also invested in mass-produced rugs from designers. So when Ruggable started showing up everywhere in my Instagram feed, I was skeptical. Machine-washable rugs? Sure, but at what cost?
I finally got one. And then another. So here’s my completely honest Ruggable review, rug snobbery and all.
What Are Ruggable Rugs?
If you found this post, I’m sure you’re familiar with Ruggable, known for its machine-washable rugs. The system works in two parts: a thin, printed rug cover and a grippy rug pad that stays on your floor. When the rug gets dirty (and it will, especially if you have kids or a kitchen), you just peel off the cover, toss it in your washing machine, and put it back. That’s it.
They come in many different sizes, from small accent rugs all the way up to 9×12 and even round rugs. The pattern selection is quite impressive. They have everything from neutral Moroccan-inspired designs to bold, colorful prints. They’re also available in different pile heights, including some flatter weaves and a few that mimic a thicker feel.
Ruggable rugs are made from a polyester blend, which is part of why they’re washable. They’re priced from around $100 on the lower end up to several hundred dollars for larger sizes.
Ruggable Review: Pros and Cons of Ruggable Washable Rugs
Let me break this down honestly, because there are real pros and cons here, and I think these will help you determine if a Ruggable rug is for you.
The Pros
They’re machine washable. This really does change things. It’s obviously the whole point, and it delivers. If you have kids, dogs, or a messy kitchen (hi, all three), being able to throw your rug in the wash is a game-changer. When I was testing our new Ruggable runner to see how it would look in our kitchen, I laid it over our wool one, and of course, that’s when a red wine spill happened. The wine came out of the Ruggable with no problem, but unfortunately, there’s a lingering stain on the wool rug even after professional cleaning. Lesson learned: the Ruggable survived without a trace.
The pattern selection is extensive. I was honestly surprised. There are hundreds of options, and they’ve clearly put effort into keeping up with design trends. I found several patterns I genuinely loved and would have considered for any rug purchase.
They’re softer underfoot than I expected. Before I ordered, I assumed they’d feel flat and cheap. They don’t, at least not in the way I feared. They have a softness to them that’s pleasant to walk on, and the pile options give you a bit of variety depending on the look you’re going for.
They work well in high-traffic areas. This is probably where they shine brightest. Whether it’s the kitchen, hallway, kids’ room, a mudroom, or anywhere that a rug is going to take a beating, a Ruggable makes practical sense. I even got this fun Calloway Multicolored Rug for my office since it gets a lot of foot traffic, and it’s fabulous.
They actually stay in place. This surprised me the most. The rug pad system works better than I expected. My old wool runner in the kitchen would shift constantly, and I was forever straightening it. My Ruggable hasn’t moved. The two-piece system, which I thought might be annoying, is actually the reason it stays so flat and secure.
The Cons
They won’t hold up the way a quality wool rug will. A well-made wool rug can last decades. I don’t expect the same from a Ruggable. That’s not a knock; it’s part of the reality of the material, and since the material is different, the longevity will be different too.
They’re thinner than most traditional rugs. Even the thicker pile options don’t have the weight and substance of a traditional area rug. If you’re used to walking on a dense wool rug, this will feel noticeably different.
Affordable, but not exactly cheap. This is a relative thing, but I want to be honest: Ruggables aren’t the budget buy some people seem to expect. A large size will still run you several hundred dollars. For that price, you can find traditional rugs, though obviously without the washable feature.
The feel underfoot gives it away. I want to be transparent here: it doesn’t feel like a wool rug. While our Ruggable rug is very soft, there’s a different quality to it that you’d notice if you were comparing the two side by side. It’s not bad; it’s just different, and if you’re expecting it to mimic a high-end traditional rug, you might be slightly disappointed.
Where I Actually Use Ruggable Rugs (And Where I Don’t)
Here’s my honest take after living with them: Ruggable rugs have earned a real place in my home, just not every room.
I love them in high-traffic areas where practicality has to win. The kitchen is the obvious choice. Kids’ rooms are another. My home office is a spot where I didn’t want to invest a lot, and a Ruggable works perfectly there. It looks great, does the job, and I don’t stress about it.
But for the rooms that really matter to me visually, like my living room, I still prefer a traditional rug. There’s a quality and warmth to a well-made wool or natural fiber rug that just isn’t replicable in a washable format yet. For me, that trade-off isn’t worth it in the spaces where the rug is a real design statement.
The dining room is an interesting middle ground. Right now, I have a traditional rug there, and I love it. But we use that space mostly for hosting. If it were the main place my boys ate every single day, I might feel very differently. The washability would start to outweigh the aesthetic difference pretty quickly, I would think.
Ruggable FAQs
Can you put Ruggable rugs in any washing machine?
You’ll need a front-loading or top-loading machine without an agitator. Larger sizes require a commercial washer (most laundromats work great). Always check the sizing guide on Ruggable’s website before ordering.
How often can you wash a Ruggable?
As often as you need to, which is kind of the point. Ruggable says the rugs are designed to be washed regularly without breaking down.
Do Ruggable rugs fade after washing?
I haven’t noticed any fading after two washes, and most reviews I’ve seen say the colors hold up well over time.
Do Ruggable rugs work with underfloor heating?
Yes. The rug pad is designed to be compatible with radiant floor heating systems.
Can you use a Ruggable rug pad with a different rug cover?
The rug pad and cover are designed to work together as a system, so they’re not interchangeable with other brands.
Are Ruggable Rugs Good Quality?
For what they are, yes. It’s important to frame this question correctly, though. Ruggable rugs are not trying to compete with high-end traditional rugs. They’re washable, pattern-forward, and family-friendly. Within that category, they deliver. It’s a solid rug pad system that holds up in the wash. Go in with realistic expectations, and you’ll likely be happy.
My honest take: they’re well-made for what they are, and “what they are” is genuinely useful.
Are Ruggable Rugs Toxic?
This is a question I looked into before buying, because I have kids on the floor constantly, and it matters to me. Here’s what I found:
Ruggable rugs are OEKO-TEX certified, meaning they’ve been tested for harmful substances and pass safety standards. No formaldehyde, no PVC in the pad. They are synthetic (polyester), so if you’re strictly a natural-materials household, that’s worth noting, but from a toxicity standpoint, the certification is meaningful.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it. My full Ruggable review, rug snobbery intact. Are they my dream rug? No. Are they genuinely useful and well-designed for the right spaces? Absolutely. I’m keeping mine, and I’d buy another for the right room.
If you’re on the fence, my advice is simple: don’t use one as a substitute for a rug you really care about, but absolutely use one anywhere practicality matters more than perfection.
Look, I’ll just say it: I’m a rug snob. I love rugs and how they transform a room. I’m picky about designs, and I’m picky about how they feel underfoot. I’ve spent thousands on rugs, authentic wool rugs, and vintage rugs. I’ve also invested in mass-produced rugs from designers. So when Ruggable started showing up everywhere in my Instagram feed, I was skeptical. Machine-washable rugs? Sure, but at what cost?
I finally got one. And then another. So here’s my completely honest Ruggable review, rug snobbery and all.
What Are Ruggable Rugs?
If you found this post, I’m sure you’re familiar with Ruggable, known for its machine-washable rugs. The system works in two parts: a thin, printed rug cover and a grippy rug pad that stays on your floor. When the rug gets dirty (and it will, especially if you have kids or a kitchen), you just peel off the cover, toss it in your washing machine, and put it back. That’s it.
They come in many different sizes, from small accent rugs all the way up to 9×12 and even round rugs. The pattern selection is quite impressive. They have everything from neutral Moroccan-inspired designs to bold, colorful prints. They’re also available in different pile heights, including some flatter weaves and a few that mimic a thicker feel.
Ruggable rugs are made from a polyester blend, which is part of why they’re washable. They’re priced from around $100 on the lower end up to several hundred dollars for larger sizes.
Ruggable Review: Pros and Cons of Ruggable Washable Rugs
Let me break this down honestly, because there are real pros and cons here, and I think these will help you determine if a Ruggable rug is for you.
The Pros
They’re machine washable. This really does change things. It’s obviously the whole point, and it delivers. If you have kids, dogs, or a messy kitchen (hi, all three), being able to throw your rug in the wash is a game-changer. When I was testing our new Ruggable runner to see how it would look in our kitchen, I laid it over our wool one, and of course, that’s when a red wine spill happened. The wine came out of the Ruggable with no problem, but unfortunately, there’s a lingering stain on the wool rug even after professional cleaning. Lesson learned: the Ruggable survived without a trace.
The pattern selection is extensive. I was honestly surprised. There are hundreds of options, and they’ve clearly put effort into keeping up with design trends. I found several patterns I genuinely loved and would have considered for any rug purchase.
They’re softer underfoot than I expected. Before I ordered, I assumed they’d feel flat and cheap. They don’t, at least not in the way I feared. They have a softness to them that’s pleasant to walk on, and the pile options give you a bit of variety depending on the look you’re going for.
They work well in high-traffic areas. This is probably where they shine brightest. Whether it’s the kitchen, hallway, kids’ room, a mudroom, or anywhere that a rug is going to take a beating, a Ruggable makes practical sense. I even got this fun Calloway Multicolored Rug for my office since it gets a lot of foot traffic, and it’s fabulous.
They actually stay in place. This surprised me the most. The rug pad system works better than I expected. My old wool runner in the kitchen would shift constantly, and I was forever straightening it. My Ruggable hasn’t moved. The two-piece system, which I thought might be annoying, is actually the reason it stays so flat and secure.
The Cons
They won’t hold up the way a quality wool rug will. A well-made wool rug can last decades. I don’t expect the same from a Ruggable. That’s not a knock; it’s part of the reality of the material, and since the material is different, the longevity will be different too.
They’re thinner than most traditional rugs. Even the thicker pile options don’t have the weight and substance of a traditional area rug. If you’re used to walking on a dense wool rug, this will feel noticeably different.
Affordable, but not exactly cheap. This is a relative thing, but I want to be honest: Ruggables aren’t the budget buy some people seem to expect. A large size will still run you several hundred dollars. For that price, you can find traditional rugs, though obviously without the washable feature.
The feel underfoot gives it away. I want to be transparent here: it doesn’t feel like a wool rug. While our Ruggable rug is very soft, there’s a different quality to it that you’d notice if you were comparing the two side by side. It’s not bad; it’s just different, and if you’re expecting it to mimic a high-end traditional rug, you might be slightly disappointed.
Where I Actually Use Ruggable Rugs (And Where I Don’t)
Here’s my honest take after living with them: Ruggable rugs have earned a real place in my home, just not every room.
I love them in high-traffic areas where practicality has to win. The kitchen is the obvious choice. Kids’ rooms are another. My home office is a spot where I didn’t want to invest a lot, and a Ruggable works perfectly there. It looks great, does the job, and I don’t stress about it.
But for the rooms that really matter to me visually, like my living room, I still prefer a traditional rug. There’s a quality and warmth to a well-made wool or natural fiber rug that just isn’t replicable in a washable format yet. For me, that trade-off isn’t worth it in the spaces where the rug is a real design statement.
The dining room is an interesting middle ground. Right now, I have a traditional rug there, and I love it. But we use that space mostly for hosting. If it were the main place my boys ate every single day, I might feel very differently. The washability would start to outweigh the aesthetic difference pretty quickly, I would think.
Ruggable FAQs
Can you put Ruggable rugs in any washing machine?
You’ll need a front-loading or top-loading machine without an agitator. Larger sizes require a commercial washer (most laundromats work great). Always check the sizing guide on Ruggable’s website before ordering.
How often can you wash a Ruggable?
As often as you need to, which is kind of the point. Ruggable says the rugs are designed to be washed regularly without breaking down.
Do Ruggable rugs fade after washing?
I haven’t noticed any fading after two washes, and most reviews I’ve seen say the colors hold up well over time.
Do Ruggable rugs work with underfloor heating?
Yes. The rug pad is designed to be compatible with radiant floor heating systems.
Can you use a Ruggable rug pad with a different rug cover?
The rug pad and cover are designed to work together as a system, so they’re not interchangeable with other brands.
Are Ruggable Rugs Good Quality?
For what they are, yes. It’s important to frame this question correctly, though. Ruggable rugs are not trying to compete with high-end traditional rugs. They’re washable, pattern-forward, and family-friendly. Within that category, they deliver. It’s a solid rug pad system that holds up in the wash. Go in with realistic expectations, and you’ll likely be happy.
My honest take: they’re well-made for what they are, and “what they are” is genuinely useful.
Are Ruggable Rugs Toxic?
This is a question I looked into before buying, because I have kids on the floor constantly, and it matters to me. Here’s what I found:
Ruggable rugs are OEKO-TEX certified, meaning they’ve been tested for harmful substances and pass safety standards. No formaldehyde, no PVC in the pad. They are synthetic (polyester), so if you’re strictly a natural-materials household, that’s worth noting, but from a toxicity standpoint, the certification is meaningful.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it. My full Ruggable review, rug snobbery intact. Are they my dream rug? No. Are they genuinely useful and well-designed for the right spaces? Absolutely. I’m keeping mine, and I’d buy another for the right room.
If you’re on the fence, my advice is simple: don’t use one as a substitute for a rug you really care about, but absolutely use one anywhere practicality matters more than perfection.