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JUL/AUG 2014

FO C

heat
wave

us
of S W F L

Swimsuit

$4.99

THINKING OF
RE-MODELING

CHROMALIGHT display with long-lasting luminescence - White lacquered, snailed pink gold small seconds counter

OYSTER PERPETUAL YACHT-MASTER II - EVEROSE ROLESOR - 44 mm

FOR AN OFFICIAL ROLEX JEWELER CALL 1-800-367-6539.

ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL AND DATEJUST ARE TRADEMARKS

CONTENT
C o llie r - S arasot a - Charlot t e - Lee

80

22
29
30
51
53
54
58
61
62
70
84
86
88
90
92
94
96
98

My Body
Skincare Secrets
Tips
Women in Business
Business
Financing the Future
Your Small Business
21st Century Leader
Scent of Success
Relocate, Renovate or Redecorate
Save on Your Remodeling Project
Mood for Summer
Helpful kitchen Tips
Maintaining the Luster
Best House on the Block
Pool Maintenance
Home Maintenance
Waine

32

68

10 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

64

74

36

CONTENT
C o l l i e r - Saraso ta - C h a r lo t t e - L e e

107

100
ARTIST
GALLERY

170

128

105
108
110
112
124
134
158
164
169
175
176
178
180
182
185
186
190

Dream Oaks Camp


Getting Sassy
No One's Perfect
Get Mad
Designer Katie Fong
Summer Beauty Tips
Beach Getaway
Designer J. Taylor
Rotorealism
Milk
Guilt Free Recipe
Summer Flavors
Al Fresco Dining
Getting Naked
Healthy Habits
Add Balance
Personal Power

News & Info

87 WCI Supports Harry Chapin Food Bank


113 Alliance for the Arts Presents:
189 New Red Palm & Coconut Super Foods
12 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

136

us

FO CM a g a z i n e

of S W F L

166

www.focusofswfl.com
Publisher: Focus Magazine of SWFL

Cover Photography: Kirill Grekov


Model: Nicole Spencer
Designer: DKNY (Macy's)
Contributors:
Ginny Grimsley. Lindsey Walker, Lynda Chervil, Ryan Spencer, Chris Pouy, Kayla
DaCosta, Suzanne Bryant, Rosie Tamer, Tracey Smith, Agi Smith, Michelle Tomao,
Trey Bell, Bre Jones Mulock, Samantha Ramos, Gina Battle, Ann Gordon, Nathalie
Williams, Lina LaSalle, Chip Krespach, Scott Black, Tony William, Corrine Sandler,
Berny Dohrmann, Terri Profetto
Focus Magazine of SWFL is published Bimonthly. Articles do not
necessarily reflect Focus Magazine of SWFL policy. 2010 Focus
Magazine of SWFL, All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or
whole without permission is prohibited. Postmaster: Send all
remittances and correspondences about subscriptions, undelivered copies and address changes to: Focus Magazine of SWFL at
105 Triple Diamond Blvd, Suite 101, Venice, FL 34275. Editorial,
publishing and advertising offices.
questions@focusofswfl.com

MC

Maserati of Central Florida - 525 South Lake Destiny Drive - Orlando - Florida 32810 - 407.667.4300

Photography by Steven Popovich

All my classmates taunted us regularly and relentlessly because of our boyish figure. It wasnt until later in
life I wished I could have that boyish figure back and
the freedom to eat chocolate and Doritos guilt free.
My shame of her waif like body left her sweaty and
miserable almost every summer, yet, she never complained and always had the fortitude to carry me on
any new adventure I desired.
As the years passed she began to change her appearance by growing two little lumps on her scrawny
frame, unmanageable hair and a set of crooked teeth
making her look like a really ugly boy, again, I was
unsympathetic. Even with all my loathing she stayed
true to me by being strong, healthy and agile allowing
me to play, swim, learn and explore the world around
us.

My Body
and I Have A Story To Tell

By Agi Smith

My body and I have a long history together and it wasnt


until recently that I recognized the true friendship and
loyalty she has unrelentingly given me. I have no recollection of when she was tiny, pudgy and cute, although I wish I did, because it may have been the only
time I would have looked at her with non-judgmental
eyes. In grade school she embarrassed me regularly
because she was so darn skinny. Everyday I would
look for creative ways to hide her by dressing her in
baggy pants and oversized tops just to conceal those
bird legs. No matter how much chocolate I shoved in
her mouth or Doritos I forced her to munch on she just
wouldnt gain a pound.
22 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

The entry into puberty brought continuous change and


I stayed committed to hating her for not mutating in a
way I believed would have brought both of us joy. We
were clearly not on the same page. I pushed her daily
to exercise and eat only what I thought would serve
me not her. We spent our entire twenties fighting like
two old ladies. Just like a couple heading for divorce we
grew to hate each other, only in this case, there wasnt
a judge in the land who would be able to separate us.
I was stuck with her and she was stuck with me. She
was always asking for food or sleep and the more she
asked the less I gave her. Instead, I would punish her
with hours of aerobics to Olivia Newton Johns Lets
Get Physical. She had no idea the pressure I was under
to make her look good.
By the time we arrived to our thirties we were at an
all out war with each other until one day in our late
thirties, my body and I decided to change the world
we got pregnant. During this time it was my turn to
show compassion towards my body as she stretched,
bloated, got sick and winced in pain. I even allowed
her to eat all the foods she craved; chips and lots of
French fries - I still allow her a generous amount of
flexibility when it comes to French fries. During the
pregnancy she betrayed me again, allowing our boobs
to grow into the size of two peaches on Barry Bonds
type steroids.
continued on page 25...

Towards the end of our pregnancy she was stretched


as far as she could be without popping and I was
exhausted listening to her kvetch for the past nine
months, but we were a united front. Together we gave
birth to the most beautiful little spirit, she was pink
and perfect, until the doctor told us she was very ill
and would probably not make it! Not make it Like
a fly stuck in a jar I was bouncing around in my brain
feeling helpless and scared. My body, well, she was
calm and knew exactly what to do. She marched into
the ICU and told the nurse to hand that baby over to
her then she created another miracle she began to
feed our precious baby with the two most valuable
assets we had our breasts. Eleven years later, our
baby girl continues to be our little miracle.
Today, I stand before myself in the mirror and see the
hips that were once boyish padded with love, love that
carried our little girl for years every time she looked
up at us and said, uppy. Our face is lined with wrinkles, wrinkles that were once an enemy, now they represent pages in our book of life and they tell the story
of a beautiful friendship between my body and my
mind. Together we have traveled, chased dreams and
have now begun to grow older. We are kindred spirits brought together in this life span and she has generously loaned me her vessel to help me sail through
my journey of this existence. A day hopefully a long

time from now - will come when we must part ways


and I will need to lay her down to rest permanently.
Now days, I try to tell her how much I love her, how
beautiful she is and how sorry I am for the years I
abused, disrespected or let her down. She rewards me
daily with a renewed sense of energy and continuous
health. Every morning she places our two feet on the
ground and takes us anywhere I wish to go. At times
I still look at her and feel disappointed in her shape
and how she is beginning to show the signs of an old
weathered ship, but then I remind myself how far we
have come and how we still have so much to do. I love
my body, and she has shown me time and again how
much she loves me. She is beautiful, superlative and
uniquely one of a kind. We are perfect together and I
am eternally grateful for her choosing to take me on
this glorious ride. My body and I have a long ways to
go with many more stories to tell, but for now, I am
happy to say that we are a true love story

www.dearagi.com

Whimsical and Grandiloquent Art


Characterized by a unique style and precise designs where the combination of a matte-shine
effect on gold, and meticulous craftsmanship make for exceptional jewelry pieces where gold
and precious stones come to life.
This collection is inspired by the embroidery, fabrics, and colors of Spains Golden Age. This
touch of color and these brocades can be seen in pieces crafted in yellow or white gold with
amethyst presented as grandiloquent and whimsical art.
Jewelry with generous volumes and rich decoration where the characteristic and signature
Carrera y Carrera matte-gloss effect can be appreciated. Refined and ornate pieces reflect the
image-preoccupied culture that existed during this period.
For Carrera y Carrera, its link to Spain is essential as a source of inspiration for the development of its collections. The entire creative and development process of each jewelry piece
takes place wholly in the Madrid workshop. Each step in the creation of a piece is influenced
by the Spanish character that has become one of the fundamental pillars in the evolution of
the companys excellent trajectory throughout its history.
Carrera y Carrera endures thanks to a standard of incalculable value the savoir faire of the
nearly 60 jewelers who work in its Madrid workshop, where tradition and the expertise of
master goldsmiths are joined together. It is here that each jewelry piece is crafted entirely by
hand, giving each one a flawless grandeur.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

Skin is the largest organ in the body and its important to protect
and care for it in order to keep it looking healthy and vibrant.
Daily exposure to elements such as low humidity, harsh winds, ultraviolet rays, even your laundry detergent and makeup can take
their toll, resulting in dry or irritated skin.
Properly caring for your skin means more than simply washing
your face twice a day. Moisture, exfoliation and diet also play key
roles in your skins overall wellbeing. Following these simple tips
will help you achieve an all-over healthy glow:
Healthy Living
Adopt healthy lifestyle changes that reap rewards for your entire
body, skin included. Drink plenty of water, get adequate sleep,
practice stress management, take a daily multivitamin and eat a
well-balanced diet.
Be sure to use sunscreen when outdoors to protect skin from
the suns damaging rays and slow down the development of
premature aging. Remember to apply sunscreen every day, even
when its overcast, and reapply regularly if youll be in the water
or active and sweaty.
For a natural sun-kissed glow without the harmful impact of the
suns rays, rely on a moisturizing self-tanner lotion or spray.
In the Shower
Avoid long showers, especially with hot water, which dries out
skin. Lukewarm water is best for preserving natural oils. For your
face, a slightly cooler rinse can help close pores after cleansing,
but avoid outright cold water, as it also can have a drying effect.
Use a moisture-rich body wash such as Softsoap Coconut Island
Quench enriched with coconut oil. This moisturizing formula will
leave skin feeling soft and smooth.
Use a loofah sponge in the shower to gently exfoliate dead skin.
To prevent unnecessary exposure to bacteria that could irritate
your skin, be sure to replace your loofah every month.

Skincare
Secrets
FAMILY FEATURES

Spa-like Indulgence
Take a note from the pros and remove makeup, bacteria and
dirt the natural way, with coconut oil or olive oil. Follow with a
cleanser and moisturizer appropriate for your skin type for a fresh,
well-hydrated face.
A gentle exfoliating body scrub lets you lightly exfoliate and renew your skins surface, while helping retain natural moisture. You
can find recipes online featuring household items such as sugar or
salt, or keep it simple with a store-bought option such as Softsoap Body Butter Coconut Scrub with jojoba butter and crushed
coconut extracts. The formula gently exfoliate skins surface while
helping retain natural moisture for soft, supple skin.
A body massage not only helps to ease tired muscles and relieve
stress, but it will awaken your skin. Use a hand-held massager
on your arms and legs to give your skin and your spirits a
welcome boost.

www.SoftSoap.com

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 29

Tips

Every Woman
Should Take
to the Doctor

FAMILY FEATURES

Tip #2: Your Sexual History will Impact Your Fertility Future:
Knowing your sexual history and having an open line of communication with your doctor can help improve your ability to conceive.
Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, clinical professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yale University School of Medicine says, Whether or not
youre trying to get pregnant, it is important to know your body
and to have a good relationship with your OB/GYN you should
never feel intimidated or embarrassed to talk about your sexual
activity, menstrual cycle and health. If you are trying to get pregnant, knowing your history will help your doctor discuss a specific
fertility plan, and help you make any lifestyle changes that will
best condition your body and overall health for your pregnancy
journey.
Tip #3: Know the Risks Before You Begin Trying:
Be aware of potential risk factors and take action before you and
your partner begin trying to get pregnant. Unless you and your
partner are paying for lengthy medical tests and procedures, there
is no way to know whether you will struggle to conceive. But
before running to your doctor, be aware of a few important factors that may affect your ability to conceive. As Barbara Collura,
President/CEO of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
explains, The guidelines state that you should seek the advice of
a fertility specialist if you are under 35 and have been trying to
get pregnant for 12 months or over 35 and have been trying for
6 months, but factors such as being overweight or underweight,
tobacco and alcohol use, and prior health issues such as surgeries
can all impact your fertility and chances of conception.
30 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

Tip #4: A Healthy Combination of Good Medical, Mental


and Financial Health is the Cornerstone to a Positive Family Planning Experience:
When it comes to trying to get pregnant, being in good health
is not just physical its mental and financial too. Planning to
start your family is an important conversation for both partners
to have so they can get on the same page about the major issues
and responsibilities of raising a child. Seeking the counsel of your
physician for preconception care and taking folic acid before you
are pregnant are important early steps to take, says Dr. Diane
Ashton, VP for Health Equity and Deputy Medical Director of Medical Affairs at the March of Dimes. In addition to going to the doctor and making important lifestyle changes, budgeting for baby,
and making sure you are both emotionally ready to balance your
careers and free time with having a family is also very important.
Tip #5: Talk to your Healthcare Provider, at least Once a
Year:
Your healthcare provider plays an important role in your journey, from pre-conception and through pregnancy and birth. Surprisingly, the Yale study revealed that 50% of women had never
discussed their reproductive health with their medical provider,
showcasing the need for more conversations between doctors
and patients. Dr. Elizabeth Yepez, a board certified OB/GYN and
Clinical Instructor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University
of Illinois at Chicago School of Medicine says that, Our role as
medical professionals is to provide an open forum for women to
communicate and be engaged and informed about their health
and lifestyle choices, and to ultimately empower them to make
decisions about their health and well-being.
Tip #6: Know Sooner:
When it comes to fertility and conception, its more important
than ever to know the facts and the risks sooner for a less stressful conception journey. Confirming pregnancy as soon as possible
is important for women to make lifestyle changes and initiate prenatal care as close to conception as possible. To best help women
get the answers they need sooner there is , First Response Gold
Digital Pregnancy Test and Early Result Pregnancy Tests, which
were both cleared by the FDA to determine if a woman is pregnant up to six days sooner than her missed period and with over
99% accuracy.

www.knowsooner.com

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Tip #1: Understand Your Ovulation Cycle:


Understanding your ovulation cycle is a simple and basic step
in maintaining good overall reproductive health, especially for
women who are trying to get pregnant. A recent study conducted
by the maker of First Response and researchers from Yale School
of Medicine revealed that 40% of women were not aware of the
timing of ovulation in relation to their period, and 60% incorrectly
believed that intercourse should be timed after ovulation to maximize chance of conception. To alleviate the guesswork and stress
around a womans cycle, First Response has introduced their new
global smartphone app, the First Response Tracker, available for
iPhone and Android users. The app not only keeps track of a
womans period and ovulation cycles, but also calculates her most
fertile days and, if pregnant, will estimate how far along she is
and predict her due date.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

For women today, a yearly check-up with your healthcare provider is an essential part of maintaining your fertility health at
every age. The maker of First Response the leading brand of
pregnancy tests, has asked their panel of experts to share tips
every woman should take to her doctor to maintain optimal fertility health at every age.

Beauty
Queen
Look Like a

on a Budget
By Lindsey Walker

Competing in beauty pageants is an amazing experience and can also be a costly


one...but it always doesn't have to be. In this article owners of Eye For Design Hair
company, also the official hair sponsors of quite a few of the Miss USA Pageants
are giving you give the tricks of the trade, allowing you to look just like a beauty
queen but on a budget.
There are so many components that go into successfully competing in a pageant:
the hair, the makeup, the gown, the pageant coach, the fitness trainer, the interview
suit, the list can go on and on and so does the cost!

32 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

RPM Productions, Inc. Official Preliminaries to the MISS USA and MISS TEEN USA Pageants

Kristen Girault Miss Louisiana USA 2013, Ashley Love-Mills, Miss North Carolina USA 2013, Megan Pinckney Miss South Carolina USA 2013 and Mary Margaret McCord Miss Alabama USA 2013.

Hair: in pageants the majority of the girls are wearing hair

extensions. The hair extensions can cost between $140 to $1,500.


The majority of this cost is the installation method. If you are
using tape, fusion, micro beads, or sew -in the cost, not including
the hair, can be between $150 - $1250.00. To save money but still
look fabulous use quality clip-in Remy human hair extensions. Eye
for Design's clip-in Remy human hair extensions cost from $140
- $250. Their hair extensions are 100% human hair and can be
easily colored, curled and styled. There isn't any installation cost
because you can install them yourself! Eye for Design will sends
all their new and returning customers hair care instructions and
application video.
- savings - up to $1250 dollars

Make up: Some pageant systems do not allow makeup artist


back stage. This means that the contestants have to do their own
make up, Yikes! So hiring a makeup artist to teach you how to
apply pageant make up is a necessary expense. The cost is $50 $150 per session. But to keep cost down go to your favorite make
up counter (Mac or Bobby Brown are mine)and ask one of the
popular artist to teach you how to apply make up. The only cost is
the makeup (which you need) and have to buy.
- savings up to $180.00

Gown: The evening gown is one of the most important parts


of a pageant, so it must be fabulous! Cost is from $300 - $4000.
The interview suit, shoes, jewelry can also be expensive. Cost is
fron $200 - $1000. Luckily you can look fabulous without breaking
your bank! The best way to save money on your gown is to go to
an evening gown resale store. Naples Florida has a large number
of resale stores. One of the most popular ones is The Dress Shop.

Another great way is online and Facebook Pageant Resale Shops.


They re-sale everything related to pageants so you can easily find
your suit, shoes, and accessories there. But be sure to know their
refund policy before you purchase.
- savings $ 1000 - $3000

Coach: A pageant coach is one thing that every first time con-

testant should invest in. Cost is $50 - $300. With Pageant coaches
you do not want to bufget the quality of the coaching because like
many things in life, you get what you paid for. Therefore the only
way to save on this cost is to find a sponsor that will pay for it.

Fitness trainer: A lot of hard work and dedication goes

into preparing for a pageant and eating healthy and doing fitness
training is one of them. Hiring a nutritionist/ fitness trainer is
important but often expensive, $50 to $90 an hour. You cannot
leave fitness out, but you can reduce the costs and even eliminate
it. There are great online fitness sources. YouTube is a great
resource with trainers like Jillian Micheals. There are also websites
like Daily Burn that gives classes and tips on nutrition.
- Savings $200 - $360

So in the end looking like a beauty pageant winner can be done


on a budget when you take the time to research the different
outlets available.

www.eyefordesignhair.com
FOCUS of SWFL 2014 33

Fashion & Style


Tiffany Enchant Keys (clockwise from top): primrose key pendant of
diamonds in platinum and 18 karat rose gold; quatra heart pendant
with pink and white diamonds in platinum and 18 karat rose gold;
primrose key pendant of diamonds in platinum; scallop key pendant
with yellow and white diamonds in platinum and 18 karat gold. Chain
sold separately.

Tiffany & Co.

Collection

essence of chic
sophistication, the
premier jeweler of
elegant simplicity.

(from top) Tiffany turquoise and


diamond pendants in platinum,
from the 2013 Blue Book Collection
turquoise bordered with diamonds,
turquoise with an overlay of
diamonds.

Tiffany heart-shaped solitaire


diamond ring in platinum.

Diamond engagement rings in platinum and 18 karat gold by


Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Ziegfeld locket in sterling silver.
From The Great Gatsby collection by Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany accessories in grain leather (clockwise from
top): card case in Tiffany Blue, loop tassel key chain
in light camel, loop tassel key chain in Tiffany Blue,
flip tab french continental wallet in navy, continental
wallet in cotton, flip tab continental wallet in light
camel.

(from left) Tiffany Mercer zip tote in bright moss grain leather,
Emerson flag shoulder bag in cognac, Astrid zip top handle
clutch in bright moss vachetta leather.

www.tiffany.com
36 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

Tiffany Kensington bucket hobos in grain leather


(from left): poppy/gold, camel/gold.

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 37

Beauty & Care

Tresor Midnight Rose Perfume by Lancome - This


women's perfume features top notes of raspberry
and rose with hints of cedar, musk, and vanilla.

Lanvin Jeanne Lanvin Couture Perfume Sparkling raspberry and powdery violet leaves
descend into a heart of sensual peony and
magnolia, while a dry down of musk and cedar
wood leave a distinctively couture trail.

Dolce & Gabbana Pour Femme Perfume


- Fruity raspberry and tangerine combine
together with notes of marshmallow, vanilla,
and sandalwood for a delicious aroma that
will last all day long.

Very

Berry

As autumn approaches, we begin to transition our wardrobes by


parting ways with our favorite Daisy Dukes and welcoming back our
trusty leggings. However, one important wardrobe transition that
many of us overlook is our perfume of choice. Similar to clothes,
during the colder seasons we can (and should) wear 'heavier'
fragrances that have richer, fuller top notes. And, according to
fragrance experts, one of most influential trends for this fall will be
fragrances that feature dark, rich, plump and juicy berries - think
blackberries, raspberries and currants.

www.FragranceNet.com

38 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

Parisienne Perfume by Yves Saint Laurent Sweet blackberry and deep violet notes are tempered by sandalwood, spicy patchouli, and musk
in an appealing balance.

Beauty & Care

cool

Designed

to keep you feeling

and

polished
It's finally time to start thinking about stocking up your beach bag (and even
your office drawer!) with must-have summer beauty products - From cooling
facial sprays to SPF to illuminating lotions and everything in between. As
you plan for summer pieces, I wanted to offer these new standout products.
Amarte's next-generation sunscreen is here and it excels as a skin care/
sunscreen hybrid; lightweight, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-aging.
jane iredale's ECOCERT Hydration Sprays cool and rejuvenate, and the Golden
Shimmer Face and Body Lotion lends a subtle glow to reveal your inner sun
goddess, even on days you're stuck in the office.
AGUACLARA Swimwear

New jane iredale Golden Shimmer Face and Body Lotion:


A lightweight moisturizer that creates a subtle veil of shimmer
designed to warm and smooth the complexion. It can be worn
alone or paired with her favorite makeup. The natural formula
rejuvenates and hydrates with botanical extracts, so it is gentle
enough to be used on the face or body. It leaves skin soft and
hydrated and imparts an irresistible golden glow.
www.shop.janeiredale.com
New jane iredale ECOCERT Hydration Sprays: Each of these three
refreshing, uplifting sprays are 100 percent natural and have earned
ECOCERT's Natural and Organic Cosmetics certification. They conceal
pores and fine lines and quickly set mineral makeup for a smooth finish
and long lasting hold. They may also be used as moisturizers under and
over makeup, or to wet makeup brushes and create precise lines. Each
formula offers its own unique ingredients, features and benefits to ensure
a spritz for every skin type.
www.shop.janeiredale.com
o POMMISST Hydration Spray: Features the added benefit of pomegranate
extract, a powerful antioxidant and UV protector.
o Balance Hydration Spray: Balances skin's oil production and pH; Orange
essential oil, orange peel extract, grapefruit peel extract and algae extract
calm and feed the skin.
o D2O Hydration Spray: Hydrates and plumps skin cells, ideal for anti-aging;
features fragrant Ylang Ylang.

New Amarte Ultra Veil: This incredibly light facial sunscreen fluid delivers Broad
Spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 50+ protection, creating a physical photo-protective veil to
shield skin exposed to sunlight. Ginkgo biloba nut extract and five other botanical plant
extracts protect and condition skin while offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
properties that promote collagen and elastin balance. Caviar extract delivers a surge
of unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and amino acids and finely processed
pure mica imparts an elegant, glowing finish to treated skin.
www.AmarteSkinCare.com

New Amarte Natural Finish BB Cream: This finely pigmented moisturizing


face tint brightens, softly conceals and protects with Broad Spectrum SPF
36 UVA/UVB protection, providing uniform coverage without caking or
flaking for a long lasting, natural glow. Formulated with refined particles
of titanium dioxide, rare argan oil, elemental sulfur and caviar extracts,
the BB cream brightens, hydrates, heals and exfoliates the skin.
www.AmarteSkinCare.com
40 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

Beauty & Care

OROGOLD's 24K Bio-Brightening Complex Peel is a weekly treatment


to erase any sins of summer's past. Designed to purify and cleanse the
skin while smoothing its texture, the formula gently polishes to reveal the
next layer of younger looking skin.
www.OrogoldCosmetics.com

Particularly common for people who tan


or forgo sunscreen, these spots can often
make your skin appear older. For those of us
that would prefer to have youthful skin (no
matter what our past transgressions), there
are several products that can reduce the
appearance or prevent sunspots. Specifically, readers should look for products that
contain natural antioxidant ingredients that
slow melanin production such as soy and
vitamins A and C.

G.M. Collin's Phyto White Cream is ideal as a daily


moisturizer to hydrate, nourish, prevent, reduce the
appearance of dark spots and illuminate the skin for
a complete anti-aging effect. Formulated with natural
antioxidants, peptides, botanical extracts and amino
acids, this cream works as an anti-inflammatory while
protecting the skin against UV damage.
(For spa locations nationwide go to www.Skin1.com)

www.GMCollin.com

Follow the listed 4-Step Skin Care Regimen to rid those pesky spots the right and
healthy way.
G.M. Collin's Phytowhite Dark Spot Serum is targeted to uniformize
skin tone irregularities and correct pigment distribution in the epidermis
to keep the skin looking young and spotless. The local treatment is 100%
tolerated by all skin types and helps correct and prevent pigmentation
irregularities leaving the skin's complexion even and smooth. Natural
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents protect the skin against UV
damage, boosts skin luminosity, and lightens skin pigmentation. Use
morning and/or evening on dark spots.
www.GMCollin.com

Amarte's Aqua Mist Toner is an instant complexion boost,


this hydrating spray features a brightening formula that uses
botanical ActivExtracts including arbutin to clarify and soften,
all while toning and hydrating even the most sensitive skin. To
use, spray on after cleansing and anytime throughout the day to
refresh and brighten.
www.AmarteSkinCare.com

42 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

Style & Beauty

SWIMS, the utmost in versatile footwear and a great option


for beach and boating enthusiasts. Made with adaptable and
breathable nylon and since they are entirely water-resistant,
you can even throw them in your washing machine! The loafers
also feature an anti-slip, natural rubber and non-marking sole
and EVA insole with ventilation system.
WWW.SWIMS.COM

Aspen Yoga Mats are custom embroidered yoga


mats that come in 5 colors with 5 embroidered
designs. Choose the color mat by reading about your
personality traits on our label. Match the color with
the embroidered design that speaks to you.
WWW.ASPENYOGAMATS.COM

The mitoquinol molecule is the newest patented antioxidant


to hit the U.S. market through the breakthrough anti-aging
face cream, MitoQ. MitoQ is considered to be the most
potent antioxidant on the market to date and proven to be
1,000x stronger than CoQ10. Developed over 10 years
of rigorous research and development, it is the only topical
cream proven to deliver antioxidants to mitochondria at
levels shown to have an immense effect in rejuvenating the
cells, encouraging the natural production of collagen and
elastin and leaving skin looking radiant with a lit-fromwithin glow.
WWW.MITOQ.COM

CozyChic Throw - Khloe Kardashian and Kendall


Jenner enjoyed some relaxation time snuggling
up in Barefoot Dreams!
WWW.BAREFOOTDREAMS.COM

jane iredale - THE SKIN CARE MAKEUP celebrates


seven years of partnership with Living Beyond Breast
Cancer with the launch of Smell the Roses Hydration
Spray. One hundred percent of profits from the sale
of Smell the Roses Hydration Spray will be donated
to Living Beyond Breast Cancer in support of women
affected by breast cancer. This moisturizing facial spritz
features organic Rose Damascena Flower Water which
is an excellent skin tonic and cleanses the skin, calms inflammation and reduces redness without disturbing its
natural protective shield. The refreshing and uplifting rose
fragrance de-stresses and promotes an overall feeling of
wellbeing. Smell the Roses is recommended for any skin
types, especially dry or sensitive skin, but may also be used
as a moisturizer for oily skin or to wet makeup brushes to create
precise lines.
WWW.JANEIREDALE.COM

The new City Nights Collection from jane iredale - THE SKIN CARE MAKEUP delivers radiant fall makeup inspired by the glamour and energy of
a night out on the town. For eyes, a trio of matte pearl, shimmery port wine
and toasted caramel shadows and gel eyeliners in flirtatious jewel tones;
for lips, a nourishing lipstick and gloss in pigmented shades of plum.
WWW.JANEIREDALE.COM

Repchage Spa Body Wash Travel


Size: Aromatic, soap-free foaming
gel cleanses the body naturally while
conditioning all skin types. Infused with
seven natural essential oils including
Orange, Lime, Coriander and Mint
and natural sea plants. Sea Spa Body
Wash makes the perfect addition to
your bath or shower. Leaves skin clean,
smooth and hydrated.
WWW.REPCHAGE.COM
FOCUS of SWFL 2014 45

Fashion & Style

YSL Must-Have Set, $75 - a $127 value

NORDSTROM

Anniversary

A unique seasonal
opportunity to shop
brand merchandise
at amazing prices
Paige Skyline Ankle
Jean, $119.90, After
Sale $189 - Celsea 28
Ballet Sweater, $44.90,
After Sale $68

Hugo Boss Suit - $599.90 Sale, $895


After Sale; Dress Shirt - $82.90 Sale,
$125 After Sale; Tie - $62.90 Sale, $95
After Sale

Starting from July 18th to August 3rd. Stock up on must-haves


and shop brands like rag & bone, Rebecca Minkoff, Vince, Frye,
Diane von Furstenberg, Hugo Boss, The Honest Company,
Alexis Bittar, J Brand, Tumi, Michael Kors and more. Prices only
last for two weeks, and all Anniversary Sale merchandise will return to full price on August 4th.

Zella Hoodie, $49.90, After Sale $78


Doubletime Bra, $31.90, After Sale $48
Live-In Capris, $31.90, After Sale $48
Michael Kors Bradshaw Chronograph
Bracelet Watch - $149.90 Sale,
$250 After Sale

Topshop Textured Crop Tee, $41.90


Sale, $64 After Sale - Textured Midi
Skirt, $59.90 Sale, $90 After Sale

Clarisonic Mia 2 Set , $149, a $221 value

www.Nordstrom.com
FOCUS of SWFL 2014 47

Women in
business

By Ginny Grimsley

Its a question I hear frequently as more and more women strike


out on their own, whether its to start their own company, write a
book, turn their great idea into a product, or otherwise monetize
their talents. The number of women-owned businesses in this
country is growing 1.5 times faster than the national average.
From 1997 to 2011, they increased by 50 percent.
I love seeing this surge of confidence! Putting yourself out there
is risky, but its better to try and fail then to spend a lifetime wondering, What if?
Yes, I do have a favorite piece of advice for women in business
but first, a word about a project that gleans wisdom from dozens
of us female entrepreneurs.
One Red Lipstick is a documentary, book and website being
created to advise, encourage, inspire and empower the more than
200,000 women launching U.S. businesses each year.
Filmmaker Spenser Chapple (Tiny Elephant Films) has received
great support for the project on KickStarter, where she has
already met her minimum goal -- the amount necessary to finish
the film and book -- and has until June 28 to raise an additional
$5,000. That will cover expenses associated with editing and
distribution.
Im excited to be featured in One Red Lipstick (the title comes
from the emboldening power of red lipstick). I believe, like
Spenser, that women working together have tremendous strength,
and that theres a lot we can do to help each other succeed as
entrepreneurs.
And we do need to help each other.
Despite the fact that our businesses added 500,000 jobs over 10
years while other privately held firms lost jobs, were also less
likely than men to borrow money to expand, so our businesses
are smaller. Theyre more likely to fail and, despite the huge number of sales receipts we ring up, the total is still disproportionately
less than our male counterparts.
That information, by the way, comes from the U.S. Department
of Commerces Women-Owned Businesses in the 21st Century
report.
It details the hurdles we still must overcome: the legacy of a long
history of discrimination; our tendency to be risk-adverse; and
even some of the ventures that we choose. The report says we
can help ourselves by creating more supportive networks, having
access to more information, and finding mentors.
That last point gave me pause. When I launched my first business, there were comparatively few female CEOs, and certainly
no internet to foster communication among them. I learned how
to run a business mostly through good old trial and error. Thats
also how I figured out how to balance that work with my roles as
mother, wife and daughter, and how to fit in time volunteering for
the community organizations I valued.
About Marsha Friedman
Marsha Friedman is a 24-year veteran of the public relations industry. She is the CEO of EMSI Public Relations, a national firm
that provides PR strategy and publicity services to businesses, professional firms, entertainers and authors. Marsha is the author
of Celebritize Yourself and can be heard weekly on her Blog Talk Radio Show, EMSIs PR Insider.

But women dont have to go it alone anymore, and nor should


we. Which is why I welcome questions like, Whats your best
advice for women in business?
Here it is: Know your audience.
Because guess what? Its you!
Women account for 73 percent to 85 percent of all consumer
decisions (according to Boston Consulting Group, Competitive
Edge Magazine, and TrendSight Group founder Marti Barletta),.
From the grocery store to the automobile dealership to the tech
industry, women drive purchasing.
You need to communicate with that audience in mind. No, you
dont want to exclude men, but you also need to be sure your
message appeals to women.
As a woman, Im a sucker for honesty and sincerity. Im turned off
by condescension. Unless the writer is somebody I already know
and respect, I have little tolerance for preaching, judgment, or
demands.
Any message that takes those things into account will work for
men, too.
Whether youre writing marketing copy, posting on social media,
or working on an article or newsletter, if your goal is to turn your
readers into buyers, you need to write with your audience in
mind.
Thats not so hard if youre a woman.

www.emsincorporated.com
FOCUS of SWFL 2014 51

Grow Your

Business

By Berny Dohrmann

As the chairman of one of the worlds largest business support


organizations, Ive encountered countless prospective entrepreneurs trying to put their ideas into action by launching a business. My experiences have given me a unique insight into what
makes and breaks a business in todays market.
Here are eight essential tips for shaping a good idea into a great
business:
1. You cant build a business like a hobby project.
Entrepreneurship should never be a casual endeavor. Building a
thriving business in todays market means devoting yourself fully
to the mission you intend to accomplish via the company.
Setting your business aside for any length of time can lead it
down a slippery slope you may not be able to crawl back up
from. Keep yourself organized; set clear goals you can accomplish, and dedicate yourself to making sure your ideas come to
fruition.
2. Wrong sequence ends in business failure.
One of the biggest hurdles to business growth is the lack of
a detailed planning system. No matter how big your idea is,
expecting overnight success can cloud you to the practical considerations that can quickly grow larger than your ability to deal
with them. Move your business forward one step at a time, and
more importantly, know where youre going before you try to get
there.
3. Advertising is naked without PR.
Flashy ads are no substitute for a well-thought out communications strategy. In the age of information, every business needs
a sensible way to spread its ideas and brand to clients and consumers ready to buy. An idea is useless without a suitable voice
to present it to the world. Build your advertisement strategy
around the people best suited to get you to the next step of your
objective.
4. Never say NO to growth.
In todays market, you cant afford to miss the opportunities that
can get you from one step to the next. While defining a plan for
growth and future investment is necessary to guide your business decisions, nothing should ever be set in stone.
5. The difference between wealth and income is how many
people you benefit.
All the growth in the world means little if you do nothing to
benefit those who helped you get there. Your team and periphery support network need to be included in the rewards in direct
correlation with the effort they put into the businesss success.

While numbers need to be your first concern when it comes to


sustaining yourself and your ideas in the market, make sure you
measure your success by more than just a bottom line.
6. As you grow IT, IT will grow you.
Dont get tunnel vision when it comes to everyday business. In
todays business world, every connection you make can be a
game-changing opportunity. Never walk away from the chance
to shake hands with a potential partner no matter their value to
you and your business at the moment. Grow your network every
chance you get.
7. Nothing will grow you more than growing your dreams.
While its important to consider all of your decisions through a
filter of practicality, you should never be convinced you cant
achieve what youve set out to do. Businesses never fail because
a dream is wrong; they fail because they choose the wrong path
to achieve it. Remember that the more work you put into getting
somewhere only makes the achievement more meaningful in the
end.
8. Competition slows everything down.
If your definition of progress includes hurting other companies
along the way, youre not on the fastest lane to success. Although the market environment may appear inherently competitive at first glance, a collaborative perspective on business can
make everyones ideas a reality faster than they could through
isolation and bitter fights for market share. Look at your competitors as potential partners and find a way forward for everyone
involved.

www.ceospaceinternational.com

About Berny Dohrmann


Berny Dohrmann is chairman and founder of CEO Space International, one of the worlds largest support organizations for business owners. The inventor of Super Teaching, a Title I technology that accelerates retention for public schools, he is frequently a
guest speaker on that topic to various nations, VIP conferences and television programs. As a member of the Dohrmann family,
which operated the largest global resort-outfitting firm as Dohrmann Hotel Supply for several generations, he grew up with several
business mentors, including Napoleon Hill, Earl Nightingale, Walt Disney, Warner Earnhardt, Bucky Fuller, Dr. Edward Deming and
Jack Kennedy.

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 53

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

FAMILY FEATURES

Though much is made about millennials and their sense of


responsibility (or lack thereof), new research suggests that
when it comes to managing their money, this generation takes
few risks.
According to the TD Bank Financial Education Survey, 47
percent of millennials (adults ages 18 to 34) described their
financial personality as being cautious when it comes to overall
personal finance habits. A desire for more information to guide
their money decisions was a common theme of the survey.
Millennials want more support with their personal finances,
said Nandita Bakhshi, executive vice president, Retail Distribution and Product, TD Bank. They recognize that financial
education is a key component of financial success, and they
need to feel empowered so they become more confident about
their financial futures.
According to the TD Bank survey, the majority (69 percent)
of this generation has no formal financial education training.
When it comes to looking for advice, millennials are relying
primarily on banks and their families for answers.
By arming themselves with information, this generation can
take steps now to begin developing a sound financial future,
Bakhshi said.
Beyond the Basics
Savings account options vary from simple accounts (generally with lower minimum balance requirements, but also lower
rates of return) to more sophisticated accounts that reward
you with higher interest rates as your balance grows.
Consider opening a savings account at the same bank as
your main checking account. Many banks offer special benefits
for having multiple accounts such as lower balance requirements or higher interest rates.
Look for accounts that offer low or no maintenance fees or
ones that waive the fee as long as you maintain a low minimum balance.
54 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

Inquire about special goal-oriented accounts that generally allow lower balances and can help ensure you reach your
target.
Credit cards allow you to borrow money to pay for products
or services. The upside is that responsible credit card management can boost your credit score, qualifying you for lower
interest rates in the future. However, it is important to avoid
getting overextended with debt.
Compare costs (the interest rate, as well as charges, such as
annual and balance transfer fees) versus rewards. While free
is always appealing, remember that modest fees may be worth
the expense in exchange for robust mileage or cash-back
programs.
Confirm payment details, including minimum payment requirements, payment deadlines and the grace period.
Commit to always paying on time to avoid late fees and penalties to your credit score, and avoid paying only the minimum
to keep your debt low.
Budgeting a monthly financial plan can help reduce stress
while learning how to better manage your money.
Avoid the mistake of only budgeting for major bills. Make
sure to include monthly expenses such as a rent, groceries or
gym memberships.
Remember to pay yourself and allocate money for savings.
Subtract your total monthly expenses from your monthly income. If you have a surplus, determine how youll use it (such
as devoting more to savings). If the balance is negative, make
adjustments to ensure youre living within your means.

www.tdbank.com/financialeducation

Read Us Everywhere
Print - Web - Mobile

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

When it comes to offering specialized, one-on-one support and niche product offerings, nothing beats shopping with a locally-owned small business.
In a recent survey fielded by The UPS Store to get the pulse of business in
America, 94 percent of consumers believe that supporting small companies
within their community is important. The survey also found that consumers
are increasingly willing to spend more money and travel further out of their
way to shop with a small business.
We know that small businesses are a vital part of our neighborhoods and
our entire economy, said Tim Davis, president of The UPS Store. Small
business owners, from startups to well-established neighborhood businesses,
have the ability to make a big impact within their community and beyond.
As an entrepreneur, you may wonder how you can cash in on this rising
popularity and expand your own enterprise to reach these quality-seeking
customers. Here are a few ways to make a big impact with your small business:

FAMILY FEATURES

1. Go above and beyond for customers


While it seems companies keep getting bigger, instances of excellent customer service seem to be dwindling. Due to this widespread lack of quality,
many individuals are choosing to support small business when it comes to
obtaining what they need. Small companies have the unique opportunity to
provide one-on-one attention to their customers. Those who excel at enticing and serving customers set themselves apart from the competition.
2. Get involved in your community
Some of the best marketing you can provide your small company is with involvement in philanthropic efforts in your local community. Though restricted
budgets cause some small businesses to keep charity to a minimum, there
are a variety of other meaningful ways to show your organizations generosity. Give your time to charitable causes related to your field. For example, if
you sell pet products, offer to volunteer at a local animal shelter. Or, if your
field is architecture, get your company involved in organizations that build
homes for families in need. If you have employees, encourage them to also
help out. Sponsor a company-wide volunteer event at a local food pantry or
offer paid time off for such charitable endeavors.
3. Make products and services stand out
As a small business owner, you have the advantage over big box stores who
lack specialized knowledge. Offer your customer base a niche product or
service that cant be found elsewhere. Give them quality, both in the product
and customer support, and your business will reap the rewards of happy,
repeat customers and word-of-mouth promotion. If you offer several products, but find that most customers want only one or two offerings, focus on
increasing the quality on that area of business.
4. Share your knowledge through education and mentorship
As a small business owner, you offer those within your community a unique
background and expertise. One of the easiest ways to give back is by educating eager minds interested in your field. Whether lecturing at the local
college or getting involved in a mentorship program, presenting yourself as a

58 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

respected colleague not only sheds a positive light on your company, it also helps
you build relationships. These relationships can be informal or you can team up
with an organization like SCORE to volunteer as a mentor. For more information,
visit www.score.org.
5. Expand your reach through technology
Social media allows small businesses to reach a global population like never
before. Start small with just one social media outlet and then build on your
presence from there. If you have a marketing team, ask that they maintain the
account, or hire an outside consultant. Your website is also a powerful tool, so
make sure it reflects your business in the way you want to be portrayed. Regularly update your site to keep it current with the changing times. Also, make sure
your website is optimized so more people looking for your unique products and
services can easily find you.
For other tips for growing your business, visit http://smallbiz.theupsstore.com.
Small Business, Big Impact
For The UPS Store small business customer and author Fred Koehler, making an impact on peoples lives
is what gives him genuine satisfaction.
My small business is not as small as you might think. Through the stories I tell, I get to impact the lives
of parents and kids all around the world.
This celebrated childrens book author of How to Cheer Up Dad believes that being an active community member has shaped his success, expanding his business to new heights. Like Koehlers story? Read
more at: http://smallbiz.theupsstore.com/blog.

The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce


Visitor Information Center

Our Guest Book says it all...


Thank you! Helpful - got lots to read! Very helpful and friendly smiles! So pretty!
See you next year! Very visitor friendly and lovely scenery! Help is fantastic! Danke!
Just moved into an older home so thanks for the info on services to my home! OMG!
Merci Beaucoup! Wonderfully warm and helpful individuals! Great service! I love Naples!
Grazie! Our second visit here! Thanks for your valued advice! Excellent help from a local!
Volunteer was a wonderful help! Awesome staff! We love it here! Youre great people!
Very good advice and ideas! We want to live here! Well be back! Beautiful Center!
Excited to be here! One of the nicest and prettiest Visitor Centers weve seen on our trip!
I love Paradise! Fabulous place...wonderful people! Gracias! Wonderful information!
Thanks for helping me find things to do for my grandchildrens visit! Gorgeous!

...to live, work and play in Greater Naples

900 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 102


Open Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Stop in to see us and sign our Guest Book too!

239.262.6141
www.napleschamber.org

21st

Photography by Andrey Kiselev

Are You a

Century
Leader

By Corrine Sandler

The wise general understands that to fight and win all of your
battles is not supreme excellence. Supreme excellence, rather, is
breaking the enemys resistance without fighting.
Business leadership in the past was dominated by managers who ruled from the top
down; organizational hierarchies were structured along military lines and people climbed
the ranks. But todays wise general needs to
be like Sun Tzu, the ancient philosopher who
went on to become one of historys greatest
military commanders.
Twenty-first century leaders are reshaping the
best-led global companies. Authentic leaders
need to be focused on customers and not on
serving short-term shareholders.

Managing and directing employees involves a great understanding and application of emotional intelligence, which leaders, wise
generals and CEOs too often simply ignore or dont understand.
As a leader deploying your troops, youve got to engage them in
your vision, connect with them, and assure cohesiveness among
them.
The good news is that this distinguishing feature of your personal
nature can be strengthened over time. Through experience I have
learned the importance of acquiring and using
emotional intelligence because of its impact
on business success.

A leader is best when


" people
barely know he
exists, when his work is
done, his aim fulfilled,
they will say: we did it
ourselves.

If you are a wise general you will come to work to empower your
colleagues and your customers. I have a famous saying: I come
to work each day to delight my customers; the result is I make
money.
In the 21st century the most successful leaders focus on creating
superior performance by aligning people around a corporate culture and living and breathing that culture while concentrating on
wowing customers. In my book, Wake Up or Die, a comprehensive guide to the use of intelligence in the contemporary business
environment, I talk about one of the most important traits for a
wise general or leader today: emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence (EI) -- or in casual


shorthand, EQ (emotional quotient) -- helps
define both incoming and outgoing behaviors,
either of which can be detrimental to simple
relations like customer service and co-worker
partnerships. The biggest surprise for me has
been the impact of EI in the world of business, particularly in the areas of leadership
and employee development.

"

Lao Tzu

The Harvard Business Review has hailed emotional intelligence as


a ground-breaking, paradigm-shattering idea, one of the most
influential business ideas of the decade. I believe EI to be so vital
to the success of any organization that I have devoted an entire
chapter in my book to it.

www.wakeupordie.us
About Corrine Sandler
Corrine Sandler is the founder and CEO of Fresh Intelligence Research Corp, a global market research agency; international
professional speaker and author of Wake Up or Die, a new book that applies lessons from Sun Tzus ancient classic, The
Art of War, to contemporary businesses. Corrine has been on Profits top 100 Female Entrepreneurs list two years in a row.
With more than 20 years experience, she has established a reputation for unparalleled consumer understanding and insight
development working with Fortune 500 companies.

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 61

Scent of

Success
Ermenegildo Zegna introduces Haitian Vetiver to the exclusive
Essenze Collection. Like the original fine fragrances that launched
the Collection, Italian Bergamot, Sicilian Mandarin, Javanese
Patchouli, Indonesian Oud and Florentine Iris, Haitian Vetiver is its
own expression of one signature raw material with its own unique
provenance. Discerningly sourced. Brilliantly composed. Like the
finest tailored designs.
The sophisticated star ingredient, Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides),
a tropical fragrant grass with noble roots, derives from a single,
private crop, produced exclusively for the House of Ermenegildo
Zegna. Grown in Les Cayes in south west Haiti, it is planted and
harvested for the sole purpose of creating Essenze.
Essenzes Haitian Vetiver celebrates the guiding sensitive hands
that touch, feel, select and embody the world of true craftsmanship. Due to the Caribbean islands hot, bright climate and rich,
nutrient soil, Vetiver grows steady and abundantly all year. These
conditions, paired with the time-honored expertise of the regions
farmers, are the driving force behind the countrys reputation for
producing the most coveted Vetiver in the world.

Farmers meticulously unearth the plant, after growing for 12 to 18


months and forming a dense root network deep in the soil. Utilizing practices passed down through the generations, the cultivators then clean and dry the roots, before extracting the essential
oils through steam distillation. The result: intensely fragrant oil
with an earthy-woody aroma.
As the sixth fragrance of the Essenze Collection, the Haitian
Vetiver construction is distinctively paired with exclusively grown
Zegna Italian Bergamot from Calabria, Italy the common thread
that unites the six scents of the Essenze Collection. The complete
olfactive structure of Haitian Vetiver includes threads of Neroli for
a masterful blend that infuses bright, uplifting character into the
luxurious depth of Carrot Seed SFE and Orris.
Just as Ermenegildo Zegna uses only the finest fibers and fabrics
to create its iconic fashion collection, the Essenze Collection is
crafted from the most exquisite raw materials, recast as an exotic
essence. Extending a work of hands from earth to atelier. From
cultivation to fabrication.
Each fragrance in the Essenze Collection is housed in a modern
glass bottle and features a custom label with a corresponding
colored border that reflects the key notes in each scent.
It found exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman Mens Store in New York
City, Neiman Marcus stores in San Francisco, Dallas, and Houston,
and Ermenegildo Zegna boutiques, and be available online at
BergdorfGoodman.com, NeimanMarcus.com.

www.Zegna.com
62 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

Performance

Cruising
By Tony William

The new Riva 63' Virtus is the product of a close


working relationship between Officina Italiana Design, the studio that exclusively designs all yachts
in the Riva range, the AYT - Advanced Yacht Technology, the Ferretti Group's naval research and design
centre, and the team of architects and designers at
Centro Stile Ferrettigroup. The new model has been
designed as a sporty yacht, created for owners
wishing to experience the sea first hand.
Riva reinterprets the concept of an open yacht with
a model featuring a typical Mediterranean style
which maintains the unmistakable elegance of all
the shipyard's models: class, refinement and clean
lines. These are also found in and on the new Riva
63' Virtus, flagship of the Riva opens, a model designed to last. Created following the lines of the 63'
Vertigo, a classical, highly successful Riva model,
Virtus recaptures the strong character of the Rivale,
another Riva open boat which has marked the shipyard's history, but uses larger spaces which guarantee excellent liveability and total on-board comfort.
The exteriors feature spacious areas which enable
owners to enjoy the yacht in the company of their
guests, also thanks to two large sundecks, one at
bow and one astern, under which the garage for the
tender is located. This sociable aspect of the yacht
is also extended to the helm area, where the driving
seat consists of a three seater sofa, enabling owners to share the pleasure of driving the yacht with
their guests. Moreover, it is protected by a large
windshield with a double curve which ensures comfort while cruising.

64 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

The cockpit is spacious, comfortable and equipped


with a fridge, sink and - upon request - a grill. In
the cockpit there are three sofas, one of which Lshaped, located on the port hand side, one astern
and a third equipped with a system which slides and
enables to move closer to the varnished teak table
which has a flip up section. Moreover, the cockpit is
covered with a large, electro-hydraulically operated
bimini which can also be kept open whilst running.
Typical of Riva, the class and attention to fine detail
is evident in the cleats and in the electric winches skilfully concealed to ensure aesthetic fluidity.
Painstaking attention has also been paid to creating the functional, well-designed instrument mast in
line with the style of all Riva open models.
The interior fittings have been studied in such a way
as to attain the very best availability in terms of
space and comfort, with a large salon which makes
it possible to place a wooden table, able to accomodate up to six in this area, without having to reduce the size of the galley. Riva 63' Virtus is a yacht
featuring contrasts of colour and materials: the alternation between the light shades of the oak and
darker ones of the leather, and between the opaque
and polished lacquering create a style which gives
the new Riva 63' Virtus a further touch of modern
style without forgetting the traditional elegance of
all Riva yachts.
continued on page 66...

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 65

The master cabin is located portside astern and set


slightly lower than the other two, and has been enriched
with a bed run around in leather stitching. The slightly
lower position of the cabin makes it possible to use all
the space available. The guest cabin, also located portside midships, features bunk beds, set out in an L-shape
which offer a pleasant panoramic view of the surface of
the water. The master and VIP cabins, set at bow, both
feature en-suite heads, whilst the day head is located
opposite the guest cabin.
The harmonious profile and racy lines of the yacht are
further emphasised by the large arrowshaped side windows, which have made so many other Riva models successful and guarantee excellent natural lighting below
deck. The unusual features of the hull and teak of the
deck and part of the cockpit, together with the many
details in stainless steel, contribute to making the 63'
Virtus both modern and sporty.

"Riva is an extraordinary brand, and always manages to


innovate, creating unique, cuttingedge models, whilst
still maintaining the charm and magic which have characterised it for over 160 years," said Norberto Ferretti,
Chairman of the Group bearing the same name. "The
63' Virtus, with her strong, decisive character combined
with the elegance and refined features which are typical
to this brand, is the perfect addition to the Riva range."
The new Riva 63' Virtus is also on the cutting-edge for
her on-board technological equipment. Featuring twin
1360mhp MAN 12V engines, 1000 kW at 2300 rpm/min,
delivering excellent performance, with a top speed of 40
knots and a cruise speed of 35 thanks to the tried and
tested hull equipped with tunnel propulsion. Her ease of
handling and smoothness over the waves are excellent
for this category.
"Sporty, sociable and a pleasure to drive. These are the
concepts which guided the design of the new Riva open",
asserted Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta, founders of
Officina Italiana Design. "With Riva 63' Virtus, we wanted to create a long-lasting yacht, destined to become
part of Riva's history and its great classics."
"We are pleased to present the Riva 63' Virtus, a sporty,
racy yacht characterised by a style which has always
distinguished the Riva brand", stated Alberto Perrone
da Zara, Riva Brand Manager Sales Manager. "Virtus is
a model able to fully satisfy the needs of Owners who
want to drive their yachts easily, with spaces suitable for
sharing comfortably with whoever they choose."

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
LOA : 64 ft 2 in.
Length Hull : 62 ft 5 in.
Beam : 15 ft 9 in.
Draft : 5 ft 3 in.
Displacement: 71,209 lbs.
Fuel capacity : 845 US gals.
Water capacity : 174 US gals.
Cabins : 3
Engine : 2 * MAN V12 1360mhp - std
Crew cabins : 1
Bathrooms : 3

66 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

BY

Land,
Sea
& Air

Talk about a company stepping up with something cool,


safe and easy to fly. That will still meet your design wish
list, look to the ICON A5. An amphibious light sport aircraft
that fuses outstanding aeronautical engineering with the
ease of driving a car. The ICON A5 is a lightweight carbon
fiber airframe powered by a single 100 hp Rotax 912 ULS
engine driving a three-bladed pusher propeller.
It's meant to evoke a change in sport aviation. In both
design and safety, an aircraft like no other. With the ability to be stored in your garage and then transported and
launched like you would any sport fishing boat. What
makes this possible is the folding wings, a simple push
of a button and the wing span goes from 34 ft to a trailer
sized 8.5 ft. Thinking about bridges and under passes it
comes to only 8.3 ft with a weight of 1430 lbs.
68 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

By Scott Black

alk about fun, 65% of the vehicles on the road


can tow the A5 on the freeway and roll the A5
down the ramp. Park your vehicle and head
off to a private affair. What I really like about
the A5 is the innovation put into the aircraft, land anywhere, stall/spin-resistance, automotive or aviation fuel,
and storage. Not only can you store an A5 in your large
garage or access the A5 from your dock on the water;
as the A5 comes with seawing platforms for easy access
and docking. There are more features like Low stall speed,
Angle of Attack indicator, optional parachute and more,
but I will get into that when I do a more detailed review.

Images Courtesy ICON Aircraft

Its like taking your jet ski out for the weekend, the big difference
is you and your passenger can really get away for the week. The
A5 has a top speed of 120 mph and a range of 300 nm and I did
say, jet ski. Something we are very familiar with, similar to your
SUV or car; controls are very easy to read and the transition is easy.
Best of all it is priced around $140k, so any barnstormer can afford
an A5.
Kirk Hawkins and his team at ICON developed the A5 to be easy to
use. Kirk Hawkins brings his knowledge as an accomplished engineer and former U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter pilot. Kirks goal was to
make flying small planes a luxury sport for the 21st century. ICON
has won some of the world's most prestigious design awards since
it development started.
With new federal regulations from the Federal Aviation Administration, there is now a new form of pilot license which requires less
training to obtain and fall into the Sport Pilot category. The Sport
Pilot License focuses on the fundamentals of flying and requires a
minimum of 20 hours of in-flight training, undercutting the time
and cost of a traditional Private Pilot License by about 50%. The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has described the new rules
as "the biggest change in aviation in 50 years."
The A5 will allow you to go airport to airport, fly out of grass fields
or farms, or to remote lakes; as it only needs 750 ft for both landing and takeoff. An affordable and stylist aircraft giving you the
freedom to explore new and existing locations, by land, sea or air.

www.iconaircraft.com

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 69

Relocate,
Renovate or
Redecorate

By Chip Krespach

Southwest Florida continues to grow and as they dont make land


anymore the respective values of various areas and communities
grow along with it. And just like other parts of the country, waterfront properties or those close to the water seem to be the most
desirous. With this basic tenet as the backdrop, the growth of Collier and Lee counties began along or near the water and moved east
and north in general terms with various architecture and design
trends evolving over the years. Hence, one now finds older, more
mature homes and condos along the water with more contemporary communities and architecture to the east. Of course, new
hurricane and building codes have helped drive the evolution but
design trends clearly follow consumer demands.
Homes with separate living rooms and formal dining space seem
to be less popular while open concept great room floor plans featuring design elements that maximize the warm SWFL sun, endless skies and outdoor spaces, especially in the winter months are
on the rise. The latest design changes seem to have the old world
Tuscan influence giving way to more casual Mediterranean style
spaces. The home choices are endless and ever changing.
Now, for those homeowners in the more mature areas in SWFL
the question becomes, do we move to another home to take advantage of the newer designs or do we change our space? In the
same way, if you are currently searching for a property to buy, the
question is the same. Do we select a more recently built home or
choose one in a mature area that can be renovated to make our
own?
It seems a growing number of people are opting to update and enhance their homes to provide the more modern surroundings they
seek. Lets call it a home facelift that creates function. I would
encourage you to talk with a luxury home Realtor about which
way to go. They can provide valuable insight about newer homes
70 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

currently on the market versus the various areas where one could
purchase an older home with the intention of doing anything from
a minor renovation to a complete teardown and rebuild.
It can be easier than you might think.
In exploring the types of things that can be done, I talked to local
interior designer and principal of LDL Interiors, Lynn Lombardi.
Originally from New York, Lynn has held several positions in highend design and building firms that provided her invaluable insights
into the profession and the Southwest Florida market. But true to
her calling to freely create, she inaugurated LDL Interiors in 1995.
Lynns design philosophy begins with the premise that effective design starts with a conversation and she has worked with clients to
create excellent casual luxury environments tailored exactly to their
wants and desires. One example is this estate home in The Colony
Golf & Country Club in Bonita Springs, MLS #201312857. Skillful selection of interior colors combined with select furniture and
dcor transformed this home into a relaxing luxury environment
suited specifically to the owners taste.

Photography by Michael McVay & Randall Perry

Next lets take a look at truly unique design challenge. What could possibly be done with a Gulfshore highrise ostensibly
limited to the defined space of a condominium?

To maximize 140 degree views of the Gulf of Mexico, this highrise unit was stripped to its bones and reconfigured with exacting
architectural details. Inspired by the expansive view and colors of
the Gulf, this unit was completely re-envisioned from the ground
up. Walls that blocked a direct view of the Gulf were removed, and
reclamation of outdoor space to living space created the expansive
view from the main living areas. The addition of heightened ceilings, ceiling coffers and improved lighting provided both form and
function to the space.
Color choices from muted teals and bright blue to warm, vivid palette of sunset colors, the interior elements masterfully accent the
changing tones of the gulf. The stone and tile choices in the kitchen
and baths along with the artwork and fabrics pay perfect homage
to the natural beauty of coastal living in Florida.

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 71

Finally, in our third design challenge we find a compound of 3


Lighthouse Cottages nestled near the heart of Naples that were
completely updated with modern conveniences and technology
without compromising their integrity and charm.
Soft opulence would describe the understated, high-end elements
used throughout the main living areas. This remodel afforded easy
living using ingenious techniques to build in the modern technology and upgrades among the existing structures. These cottage
renovations succeeded in modernizing classic charm for contemporary living.

While over-improving can always be a concern from a financial


perspective, your home is typically a reflection of you and your
lifestyle. Especially when it is a place that you and your family
spend time and entertain friends, shouldnt it really be where you
want and what you want? If notRelocation, Renovation or Redecorating could be viable choices for you.
Special thanks to Michael McVay Photography and Randall Perry
Photography for the excellent photo library.

www.LuxuryHomesSWFL.com

72 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

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Remodel

Recipe

Things to Consider When


Redoing Your Kitchen

By Lina LaSalle

Youve wanted to remodel your kitchen for a while, and you


cant stop thinking about quartz countertops, tiled backsplashes,
a built-in wall oven, custom-made cabinets, and more. And
guess what? Youre not alone. For the first time since 2008,
kitchens have overtaken bathrooms as the number one remodeling project for homeowners. According to Dan Fritschen, thats
good news, because it means that luxury is returning to what
has been a tighter-budget, more practical remodeling market
(think adding a new bathroom because of an expanding familys
needs).

Now, Im not trying to discourage you from remodeling your


kitchen, because the results can be more than worth the inconvenience, says Fritschen. And the inconvenience can definitely
be minimized through good planning. Im just suggesting that
you carefully consider the project before pulling the triggerthen
consider it again for good measure.
Fortunately, youre not alone when it comes to making the big
decision.

However, Fritschen says, before you start ripping up your old


linoleum and shopping for stainless steel appliances, its smart to
think about why a kitchen remodel is considered a luxury.

There are several newand freetools available online at my


website,shares Fritschen. And theyre all designed to help you
minimize stress and get the best results.

Redoing a kitchen is not something Id advise doing on a whim,


shares Fritschen, founder of www.remodelormove.com. Not
only do kitchens cost more than any other type of room to build
or remodel, they also typically take the most time to complete
and can totally disrupt a familys sense of comfort and routines.

If youre in the considerationor even early planningstage of


a kitchen remodel, read on for more of Fritschens experiencetested advice:
First, decide if remodeling is right for you. If remodeling were
as easy as daydreaming about your dream kitchen, every family
would have a stylish, cutting-edge cooking space. In the real
world, though, you have to consider a multitude of variables:
Can we comfortably pay for this remodel? Is my family emotionally ready to deal with the disruption and construction? What
changes do we want to make, exactly? And dont forget: Would
it be easier or less expensive to move to a new home instead?

Think about it: For weeks or even months, you might be without
a sink, a range, a dishwasher, and more. You may have to move
your refrigerator and microwave to another room, and use a
bathroom or utility room sink to wash up. As a result, youll be
eating out (a lot), or putting the backyard grill to heavy use. And
all the while, your house will be full of workmen, and your bank
account will definitely be taking a hit.
74 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

Any type of remodeling project can seem complicated, especially if


youve never updated your home before, points out Fritschen. At Remodel or Move, weve tried to simplify your decision-making by developing two free tools: The Should You Remodel? Calculator asks twenty
questions that cover personal preference as well as hard numbers,
then generates a recommendation. Along the same lines, the Remodel
or Move Calculator can help you figure out if remodeling or looking for
a new house is a wiser option. And overall, the website can help you
formulate a well-organized game plan before you get your hands dirty,
which can save you time and money in the long run.
Next, get a cost estimate. Once you have determined that remodeling your kitchen is something that you and your family want to do, its
time to get a more accurate cost estimate for the project. Make sure
not to neglect this step, because you dont want to be stuck with a
half-finished kitchen and no more money. Its much better to put the
project on hold for six months or a year while you pad your savings!
Its so important to start early, advises Fritschen. Not only do you
want to allow yourself plenty of time to plan financially, you can also
use the time to compare prices and look for sales on everything from
appliances to countertops to cabinetry to make sure your kitchen
remodel is as budget-friendly as possible.
continued on page 79...

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 75

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78 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

Photos courtesy of Frigidaire

Make organization a top priority. If youre the type to throw dirty laundry on the bedroom floor and let mail sit on the coffee table
for months at a time, dont let those tendencies carry over into planning and overseeing your kitchen remodel! Youll be dealing with
a thousand tiny details, ranging from paint colors to cabinet door hinge model numbers to floor plans and more, and letting any one
of them fall through the cracks could mean extra expense, delays, and/or dissatisfaction. Fortunately, says Fritschen, Remodel or
Moves Search Tool and Idea File are there to make sure that doesnt happen.

These systems allow you to search through millions of photos by, for instance, cabinet type, style, and even
color on your search for inspiration, he explains. When you find something you like, you can save it to your
personal Idea File, along with notes, comments, and ratings. You can even take pictures with your Smartphone
and upload them, so if you find the perfect sink while shopping alone, you can show it to your spouse without
having to drag him or her back out to the store. Again, its best to get started on selecting ideas and designing
your new kitchen as early as possible so that you can envision everything as a cohesive unit, and so that you
have time to change your mind.
Bring in the experts. Yes, the DIY movement is popular and thriving, and theres no reason why you shouldnt
provide your own labor for some aspects of your remodelif you feel comfortable doing so. But chances are,
youll also want some expert advice and help to make sure youre completely satisfied with the finished product.
(And unless you happen to be a plumber, electrician, or carpenter, youll probably need to bring in the professionals at some point.)
On the front end, you may find that talking about your options with a real estate agent, interior designer,
architect, mortgage banker, contractor, etc. can help you understand the true costs and benefits of remodeling,
and also help you plan efficiently, Fritschen says. When it comes to actually hiring some of these individuals, I
have some good news: Todays low interest rates and relatively low demand means that remodeling is on sale
compared to prices five years ago. Keep in mind that the more organized your plan is, the more tempting youll
be. The best of the best will want to work with you.
If you approach your kitchen remodel with an eye for cost-effectiveness and organization, not only will you
have a gorgeous new space to cook in, you might even increase the value of your home, Fritschen concludes.
Again, take advantage of all of the tips and tools to minimize stress and put you in control throughout the
whole remodeling process.
About Dan Fritschen:
Dan Fritschen is the author of Remodel or Move?TM Make the Right Decision (ABCD Publishing LLC, 2005, ISBN: 978-1-9330076-9-4, $15.95), and creator of a homeowner support organization that helps homeowners become better informed so that they can make the right decision on whether to remodel or move. He started his
company after twenty years of remodeling his own homes and helping others make remodel or move decisions for themselves. Because he is neither a realtor nor a
remodeler, he is qualified to offer pragmatic, unbiased advice.

www.remodelormove.com
FOCUS of SWFL 2014 79

Makin' it

BIG

By Nathalie Williams

80 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

Photos courtesy of IBI Designs

Depending on who you talk to, perhaps McKinneys ultimate achievement has been his work
with the Caring House Foundation. A few times
a year McKinney travels to Haiti, the poorest
country in the world, to oversee the creation
of new, entirely self-sufficient villages. These
villages contain 40 - 50 houses, a community
center, church, school, clinic, renewable food,
clean drinking water and some form of free
enterprise.

Gingerly traversing the suspension bridge as I eagerly anticipate


my meeting with Frank McKinney in his world famous oceanfront
treehouse office, I quickly realize I'm in for a life changing conversation.
Frank McKinney is a modern-day renaissance man, and has been
for the past 25 years. He's an oceanfront "artist" who single
handedly changed the face of high-end oceanfront real estate, a
five-time bestselling author in four genres, an ultra-marathoner
who has run 135 non-stop miles across the Death Valley desert 6
times, oversees the Caring House Project a charity building in
Haiti and elsewhere, and he even played Jesus in a recent awardwinning short film.
Now he has set out to revolutionize the self-help and real estate
education industry by personally hosting day-long education
events across the country where each guest not only comes away
transformed, but each attendee also provides at least one permanent single family home to a desperately poor and homeless child
in Haiti.

He builds some of the world most beautiful


homes for the ultra-wealthy so he can provide
shelter to the poorest of the poor. It's simply
amazing. To date, McKinney (and his wife, Nilsa
McKinney) have built 21 villages over the last 11
years housing over 10,000 people.
In an innovative effort to raise awareness and
resources for the Caring House Project, and to
transform the lives of those who attend, McKinney has set out to host a series of what he
calls the Make it BIG Event - The Anti-Seminar
around the nation. The kickoff of the Make it BIG Event - The
Anti-Seminar will be right here in Delray Beach on May 31 at the
Delray Beach Marriott. McKinney began his successful 25-year real
estate career in Delray Beach, has lived here for the same number
of years and wanted to begin the tour right here at home.
"I truly despise the snake-oil salesman mentality of some in the
real estate guru industry. Many have only been in the business
for 25 day or so....NOT 25 years!" McKinney says. "I hope to
revolutionize the real estate seminar industry just as I did the
oceanfront real estate market."
McKinney truly has taken on real estate in a show-stopping
fashion....Oprah, Donald Trump, 20/20, Fortune Magazine and
Wall Street Journal are just a few that have been impressed with
his work. He has been showcased in over 2,000 TV and print
features. He built and sold on speculation the world's largest Leed
Certified Spec Home (selling for $26 million dollars) right down
the street (A1A) in Manalapan. He started 25 years ago with a
$50,000 fixer-upper in a bad part of town.
About his new Make It BIG Event The Anti-Seminar
series Frank puts it this way;
The Make it BIG event is more of an experience.
Motivation washes off in the shower, inspiration fades
like the effects of a sunburn, but aspiration can alter
your DNA and forever change your life and the lives of
those you love. The Make it BIG event will help you learn
what legacy you aspire to leave, and be able to do so by
building a nice net worth through investing in real estate
and overcoming those fears that might be getting in
your way. The immediately actionable curriculum I have
developed and will personally deliver at the Make it BIG
event is unlike any other.
About Frank McKinney

If you think you have lived a full life accomplishing all your
goals....McKinney will cause you to aspire to higher ones.

Meet Frank McKinney. He has built a multi-million dollar


real estate empire (starting out with $50 in his pocket)
and for the last 11 years has built self-sufficient villages
for the poorest families in Haiti. McKinney is a fivetime international bestselling author (in four genres),
philanthro-capitalist, and extreme risk-taker who's best
known for his unprecedented success as a real estate
'artist' and visionary. McKinney has been interviewed
on Oprah, 20/20, FOX, Travel Channel and on the cover
of USA Today, as well as NY Times, Wall Street Journal,
Fortune and Barron's just to name a few.

www.MakeItBigEvent.com
FOCUS of SWFL 2014 81

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Save On Your Remodeling Project

make the most of your budget


FAMILY FEATURES

Hardware: Did you know you can refresh the look of your
whole kitchen for as little as $50? If the hardware on your kitchen
drawers or cabinets has an outdated appearance, invest in some
of the new options available at your local hardware store. Change
out old, brushed stainless or gold knobs and pulls with the newer,
on-trend styles offered in pewter or bronze.
Porcelain tile flooring: If you want the look of stone flooring
without the hefty cost, check out the many offerings of porcelain
tile. This sturdy, chip-resistant surface is easy on the wallet and
can provide long-lasting beauty to your kitchen floors for many
years.
To get the most from your remodeling dollars, homeowners are
encouraged to do some digging and find out the best deals and
alternatives available

www.vtdimensions.com
For those who wish to make updates to their home, the kitchen
is a great place to begin. According to the 2013 Cost vs. Value report from Remodeling magazine, a minor kitchen remodel should
recoup up to 75 percent of total remodeling dollars, based on the
value of the home increasing. When focusing on this important
part of the house, many homeowners are looking for ways to add
luxurious and modern touches without breaking the bank.
Whether you want to splurge on cabinets, countertops, appliances or floors, homeowners are finding they really can have the
kitchen theyve always wanted by doing their research and learning about the many high-quality, yet cost-effective alternatives
that exist in home remodeling, said Trisha Schmitt, vice president
of VT Industries.
Getting more out of your remodeling dollars
From small fixes to bigger projects, the experts at VT Industries
provide these ideas to make kitchen updates without emptying
your pocketbook.
Countertops: Serving as an integral piece of your kitchen
space, the addition of new countertops can easily become the
priciest part of the remodel project. Homeowners like the look of
granite and real stone, but want a durable and affordable alternative that helps them achieve the look they desire with the budget
they have. A new alternative for countertops is the Capture
Collection from VT Dimensions. This affordable design element
mimics the beauty and strength of stone materials at a fraction of
the cost.
Backsplash: To add a sleek and modern touch to your kitchen
space, consider adding a new backsplash. Typically made from
ceramic, glass or stainless steel tile, a backsplash is an affordable
option for those who want to add an understated change or a
small pop of color as an accent. When compared to other remodeling projects this one is quick and easy.
84 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Mood for Summer


Creating a happy, energized home during the warmer months
starts with getting chore-ganized to spend the maximum time
enjoying family and friends. Tapping into your senses particularly the sense of smell can also boost the mood throughout
your home.
Get the most out of your home in the laundry room and beyond
with these fun, simple and creative tips from author, blogger and
lifestyle expert Jordan Reid of Ramshackle Glam.
Everything has its place. Cut down the clutter and create plenty of
open room for sorting and folding. Put all of your laundry-related
items on shelves within reaching distance of the washer and
dryer. A mounted ironing board is perfect for smaller spaces you
can keep it out of the way, yet easily accessible. With clutter-free
surfaces, youll have plenty of room for an odor neutralizer or light
deodorizer such as Air Wicks New Snuggle Fresh Linen to chase
away the unsavory smells of dirt and grime-laden clothes inevitable in the summer.
Give your laundry a boost. Infuse your clothes with long-lasting
scents that linger in folded laundry for weeks. New Snuggle Scent
Boosters, available in Lavender Joy and Blue Iris Bliss, are easy to
use. Just toss one of the single pacs in the washer before adding
laundry and add detergent like you normally would, with no mess,
measuring or spills.
86 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

FAMILY FEATURES

Get chore-ganized. Before heading off to bed, take a few


minutes to do basic prep work for the next day: slicing fruit for
breakfast, portioning out sandwich meat for lunch, laying out
clothes for the next day. Finish up by swiping counters with a
fresh fruit-scented cleaning spray for a clean slate in the morning.
Taking care of a few chores the night before provides a few extra
minutes to spend with the kids or relaxing over coffee before the
start of a new day.
Elevating the ambiance at home. Create a relaxing environment
with lamps, dimmer switches and candles. Choose light bulbs that
mimic natural light (you can buy them at any hardware store).
The flickering light of a scented candle can add a touch of ambiance and soothing light. Also consider hanging a pretty fixture in
the center of the room and additional smaller lights around the
periphery to create a wash of warm, beautiful light and eliminate
any dark, shadowy spots.

www.snuggle.com

WCI SUPPORTS HARRY CHAPIN FOOD BANK

For the fifth consecutive year, WCI Communities has partnered with Harry Chapin Food Bank to create
a unique funding opportunity: Supporters who donate $100 to the food bank through the www.WCIGolf.
com website will receive a complimentary foursome at one of four WCI golf courses in Southwest Florida.
For each $100, the food bank can purchase $600 worth of food and supplies.
Last years promotion raised nearly $19,000, which was leveraged into approximately $114,000 in food
products by enabling Harry Chapin Food Bank to access donated items from a variety of partners.
The complimentary foursome certificates are valid for play June 1 through Sept. 30 and are available for
purchase now through Sept. 15. Tee time reservations are available two days in advance at the following
WCI golf courses:
Pelican Preserve Golf Club in Fort Myers (www.PelicanPreserve.com)
Raptor Bay Golf Club in Bonita Springs (www.RaptorBayGolfClub.com)
The Colony Golf & Country Club in Bonita Springs (www.TheColonyGolfCC.com)
Venetian Golf & River Club in Venice (www.VenetianWCI.com)
The Harry Chapin Food Bank solicits, collects and stores quality food for distribution to families in need
through a network of more than 150 nonprofit agencies in Lee, Collier, Hendry, Charlotte and Glades
counties that provide food to more than 30,000 people monthly. In 2013, the Harry Chapin Food Bank
distributed 17.5 million pounds of food, provided 14.6 million meals and turned every $1 into $6 worth of
food for those in need.
For more information or to donate, visit www.WCIGolf.com or contact Shelley Johnson at 239-390-4724.
Headquartered in Bonita Springs, Florida, WCI Communities is a lifestyle community developer and luxury homebuilder of single- and multi-family homes
in most of coastal Floridas highest growth and largest markets. WCI Communities has established a reputation and strong brand recognition for developing amenity-rich, lifestyle oriented master-planned communities and, including its predecessor companies, has a legacy that spans more than 60 years.
WCI Communities also operates real estate brokerage and title services businesses that complement its homebuilding operations.
Learn more about WCI Communities and the companys premier lifestyle communities and experiences by visiting www.WCICommunities.com or calling
800-WCI-2290.

F LO R I DA TR AF F IC I N FO ALL THE TIME

CALL 511
TOLL FREE

VISIT
FL511.COM

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A toll-free resource of the Florida Department of Transportation (standard mobile phone minutes, text message and data charges may apply)

Helpful
Kitchen Tips
Photos courtesy of Getty Images

FAMILY FEATURES

So much of life happens in the kitchen from hurried morning


breakfasts to after school snacks with the kids its likely to be
the most travelled room of the home.
Unfortunately, all this activity in one room can cause many messes and much required upkeep. By following a few simple steps,
you can keep this important space tidy, clean and smelling great.
Here are some simple tips to keep your kitchen clean and inviting:
Add Some Citrus.
Does your garbage disposal have an uninviting stench? Heres one
simple solution use orange or lemon peels to freshen the drain
or disposal. Simply run cool water from your faucet, turn on the
disposal, throw in the peels and take in the fresh citrus scent. This
is a perfect way to use old fruit that is no longer good enough to
eat.
Make Dishes Sparkle.
Dirty plates, pots, pans, glasses and utensils pile up quickly in
busy kitchens. Get dishes sparkling clean with a dish liquid that
leaves your hands feeling touchably soft, such as Palmolive Soft
Touch dish liquid. In a recent survey conducted by Kelton, 33 percent of those who wash dishes by hand said their skin is usually
dry afterwards.

Keep Up With Countertops.


The kitchen countertop is the easiest place to collect a mess so
its important to keep it tidy. Because so many countertops are
made with fine woods, stones and other specialty materials, it
is important to know what cleaning products you can use on
them so they keep their beautiful appearance. In general, avoid
abrasive cleaners and never use steel wool or other harsh brushes
which can scratch the surface. Invest in protectors such as trivets
for hot cookware, or trays for oil bottles and other cooking items
that keep permanent residence on countertop space.
Love Your Oven.
Ovens are often the most neglected appliance in the kitchen.
Open them up to find baked-on spills, burnt-on food, as well as
splatters covering the exterior. Be sure youre giving your oven
the maintenance it needs by cleaning it at least once each season. Whether youre using a homemade cleaning concoction or
a heavy-duty store-bought brand, it is important to scour every
nook and cranny. Also, give attention to the range top and ensure
all extra food debris has been removed and cleaned.

www.palmolive.com
88 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

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FAMILY FEATURES

Many homeowners install granite or marble countertops and vanities for their durability and to add more value to the home. But in
the end, nothing beats the most visible benefit that rich shine
and luster right after the workmen install the new natural stone.
Its that gorgeous shine homeowners desire to maintain. For
some, their lustrous granite or marble surfaces are the envy of
dinner guests. For others, its a feeling of frustration and disappointment, most likely due to lack of knowledge and education
on maintaining the life and beauty of natural stone. While literally
solid as a rock, natural stone isnt impervious to wear and tear,
and it requires correct and regular care and maintenance. Its
important to understand the shine on granite is not from applying
a wax, but a natural shine that goes through a rigorous process.
Quarried from the earths surface using a combination of diamond
wire cables, drills and even dynamite, these stone blocks weigh in
at around 40,000 pounds. The blocks are then taken to a factory
for processing. A giant gang saw using diamond blades slices
the blocks into a calibrated thickness similar to a giant bread
slicer. The next step is over to a polishing line where they pass
under diamond polishing heads that apply thousands of pounds
90 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

of pressure per square inch. Here, finer and finer grits bring out
the natural polish of the stone. From there the slabs are bundled
and shipped to your local stone manufacturer and installer to be
further cut to a homeowners needs. Its this factory finish that
enhances their inherent characteristics veins, swirls, crystals
prior to installations in kitchens and baths.
There are two common routes to pursue to maintain natural
stones durability and to ensure that brilliant shine persists. One
option is contracting with a stone restoration specialist. These
professionals can clean, seal and polish your natural stone. This
does, however, come with a formidable price tag north of $250
to $500 a visit. A more palatable option is the do-it-yourself route.
Theres a lower price tag, less than $50, with more of an investment in a homeowners time and attention.
But do your homework first, cautions Lenny Sciarrino, a thirdgeneration stone care expert and co-founder of Granite Gold
brand stone care products. Common household cleaning products can damage granite, marble and other natural stone, and
that can lead to costly repair and replacement.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Maintaining
the Luster

of the brands two most popular products in one solution for those
who are on the go. The additional benefits of polishing these
stone surfaces are that it helps resist fingerprints and water spots
and it reinforces the protective seal.
Homeowners should often test the integrity of the protective seal,
even scheduling it like they do when changing batteries twice
yearly at daylight saving time. Heres an easy way to do that: Pour
water (about 3 inches in diameter) on the surface in several locations and let it sit for 30 minutes. If you see a dark mark or ring,
the water is penetrating the stone and its time to reseal.
Protect Your Stone Investment
Beyond the basics, stone care expert Lenny Sciarrino offers some
additional tips for caring for your natural stone kitchen and bathroom surfaces:
Dont use everyday household cleaners, as they can be too
harsh on stone and lead to costly repair or replacement.
Seal regularly for the best protection. Have a stone backsplash?
Its just as important to seal.
Keep stone floors safe with mats and regular damp mopping to
catch abrasive particles that can scratch the surface. Lift, dont
drag, furniture to avoid risk of scratching floors. Dont polish floors
they will become too slippery and will risk injury.
Polish regularly (except stone floors) to increase the shine, color
and beauty of your stone and reinforce its protective seal.
Use safe-on-stone scrubbing pads and brushes when cleaning
natural stone.
Polishing stone shower walls adds protection to help prevent
etching, water spotting and soap scum build up.
Keep grout lines clean by using a cutting board on food-prep
surfaces.
Water spots on stone surfaces can be gently scraped off with a
razor blade. Regular sealing and polishing will keep water spots
from sticking to the surface. Water should bead on the surface
when the stone is sealed.
Common disinfectants can damage natural stone surfaces, leading to costly repair and replacement. Look for a safe-on-stone
disinfectant.
Simple Stain Removal Steps
While many people believe that stains are impossible to remove
from granite and other natural stone surfaces, there are simple
steps you can take to remove or reduce these unsightly blemishes.

He also warns homeowners to be wary about misleading promises with some do-it-yourself granite cleaning products claiming
they can remove stains and water marks or reduce dullness and
scratching.
Having grown up manufacturing, installing and restoring stone
surfaces, I can assure you an off-the-shelf granite cleaner cant
deliver on those promises, said Sciarrino. In most circumstances,
there are home remedies, and were often teaching homeowners
those tricks over the phone or through email.
To maintain that rich shine from when the stone was first installed, Sciarrino advises homeowners make sure the granite or
marble is sealed upon installation. Its not uncommon for a new
counter to be installed without a protective seal, leaving it immediately susceptible to stains and etches. After installation, he said,
plan a regular routine of daily cleaning and frequent polishing.

Oil Stains (vegetable, olive and other types of cooking oils)


Mix baking soda with acetone into a paste to the consistency of
pancake batter and place onto the stained area. Allow the paste
to sit for 24 hours, then remove and rinse with water. Repeat if
necessary; some stains may require two or three attempts. Reseal
the stone surface once this is completed.
Organic Stains (food products, mold, mildew, plant runoff, dirt and
soil, pet urine)
Take a paper towel, cotton balls or white terry cloth towels soaked
in any brand of liquid bleach and place it on the stained area.
Allow it to sit for 24 hours and rinse with water. Repeat if necessary. You can also spray bleach on stained areas, scrub with a
soft nylon brush and then rinse with water. Bleach does not harm
natural stone as long as it is rinsed each time and sealed properly
after the process is completed.
Rust Stains
Most rust stains have to be removed by a professional. Pour or
spray 3 or 4 percent hydrogen peroxide on the stained area and
agitate with a safe-on-stone scrubbing pad or nylon brush (also
safe on stone). Allow to sit for 24 hours, then rinse with water.

Although granite, marble and other natural-stone surfaces are


highly durable, they do require proper care and maintenance,
said Sciarrino, whose company recently introduced Granite Gold
Clean & Shine, which fuses the cleaning and polishing strengths
FOCUS of SWFL 2014 91

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

FAMILY FEATURES

Attracting Attention Outside

t takes seconds to form a first impression. Ask yourself this what kind of
first impression is your home making? Is your yard helping or hurting you in
getting top dollar this home buying season?

The majority of homeowners (71 percent) agreed that curb appeal is important in
choosing their home, according to the new TruGreen Home Features Report conducted
by the National Association of REALTORS. Most of the homeowners surveyed reported
purchasing a home with a healthy, green lawn (71 percent) and well-maintained
landscaping (72 percent).
Healthy lawns can drive up home values. In TruGreens new Lawn Lifestyles National
Survey of America, using the field services of ORC International (Opinion Research
Corporation), 79 percent of homeowners reported, having a healthy, green lawn
contributes to the overall value of a home. In fact, 53 percent of those surveyed said,
the quality of the homeowners lawn can tell you a lot about the quality of the home
overall.
If your home is on the market, you should know that curb appeal, or that initial
feeling homeowners get when looking at the outside of a home, is important when
choosing the right home to buy, said Jason Cameron, a licensed contractor and televi
sion host.
Cameron and TruGreen have teamed up to provide helpful tips for achieving a
beautiful, lush lawn and enhanced curb appeal.

92 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

Take as much time as necessary (and as


little money as possible) to maximize your
homes exterior appeal:

* Dress up the front door with a new welcome


mat or potted plants.
* Clean up the front and back yards by
removing any toys, decorations, debris or
broken tree limbs.
* Sharpen the mower blade for a cleaner cut
and better looking lawn to help get top dollar
when selling your home.
* Closely inspect the hardware around your
house. Things like doorbells, house numbers,
guttering and mailboxes should be in good
repair and have a fresh coat of paint.
* Add or update landscape lighting
and consider easy-to-install solar options.
In addition to providing safety and security,
lighting can add attractive accents to walking
paths and plantings.
* Punch up your landscape with color. Remove
any dead or withered plants and fill in bare
spots with large, blooming annuals.
* Make sure the driveway and sidewalks are
free of cracks or crumbling concrete.
* Nothing makes an older house look new
again like a fresh coat of paint. Repair any
rotting wood, caulk windows, spruce up wood
trim and then update the color of your home.

Watering Basics

Knowing how to effectively water your


lawn is critical to the overall health of
your turf. Water your lawn only when
it needs it, usually about one inch a
week. The first three to four inches
of soil below the grass should be dry
before you water. Use a trowel or a
screwdriver to open the soil and feel it
with your finger. Another way to test
when your lawn needs water is to step
on the grass. If you can easily flatten
the grass with your foot, you should
water it. If the grass regains its form
quickly after you step on it, wait before
watering.
Watering in the cool of early morning is
best as watering later in the day may
leave sitting water and cause problems
with root rot or fungal diseases. Never
water on a windy day. Also, be aware
of local water restrictions, usually
posted online.

Fertilizer Facts

Grasses should be fertilized when


theyre actively growing. So, its
important to consult a lawn expert to
determine what type of grass you have
and when growth occurs. Together,
homeowners and lawn experts can create
a plan to keep grass growing at its best
all season long.
Beautiful, lush and natural-looking lawns
are an important part of our image
of what a home should be. Cameron
encourages homeowners to invest in
a lawn they love and make sure their
homes first impression is positive.

Weed Control

Water, fertilizer and weed control


are the three keys to an ideal lawn.
According to Ben Hamza, Ph.D.,
TruGreen expert and director of techni
cal operations, if you mow correctly,
feed your lawn and water the right way,
then weed management will be much
easier.
Grass competes with weeds for
space and nutrients, Hamza said.
Strengthening the health of turf will
help your lawn win the war against
weeds, such as dandelions.

More tips, survey methodology, and to watch Jason Cameron in seasonal webisodes on curb appeal, visit www.TruGreen.com.

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 93

101

For many homeowners, there is nothing better than inviting


friends over to cool off from the suns warm rays in the comfort of
their own backyard pool.
But as every pool owner knows, keeping their pool clean and
maintained for everyone to enjoy can take a bit of work. Here are
some ways to keep your investment in its best shape all season
long.
Keep up with shrubs
If your backyard pool sits near trees and bushes, be sure to keep
them trimmed throughout the season. This will help avoid additional debris from flying into your pool, which can create extra
cleaning work for you. If possible, consider replacing these plants
with those that create less of a mess.
Clean the surface often
Get rid of unattractive stains at the waterline with a quality surface cleaner. For best results, use the cleaner with a pool brush
and rub from the top of the waterline to a few inches below the
mark.
Check levels regularly
Be sure to monitor your pools chlorine and pH levels at least
twice a week. The best time to do this is in the evening and
several hours after the last swimmer has left the pool. If a rain or
wind storm has occurred, wait about eight hours before testing.

Reduce maintenance duties


Besides providing increased comfort to swimmers, more homeowners are choosing saltwater chlorinated pools for ease of use
and reduced maintenance. If youre looking to spend less time
keeping your pool maintained, consider installing a saltwater chlorination system, which eliminates the need for buying, storing and
handling chemical chlorine. Saltwater chlorinated pool owners also
enjoy the benefits of less irritated skin and eyes, as well as a significant cost savings verses their chemical chlorine counterparts.
Run filtration system daily
Water in constant movement is less likely to collect debris, such
as dust, body oils and bacteria. Be sure to run your filtration system as much as possible throughout the summer to keep water as
clean and clear as possible.
Keep equipment tidy
Pool skimmers are used to pick up yard debris, insects and other
undesirable items that can fall into the water. While skimming the
pool is typically needed before every swim, you should also clean
the skimmers on a weekly basis, or as needed.
A clean, maintained pool will help you get most from those carefree days of summer.

www.swimincomfort.com
94 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

FAMILY FEATURES

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Pool
Maintenance

Enhance your pool with rock water features.

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Follow the SAFETY Checklist from Trusted HGTV Contractor Mike Holmes
FAMILY FEATURES

eeping a healthy home for your family means more than daily chores and the
occasional deep cleaning. Its important to add routine inspections of often
overlooked areas and regular maintenance to your list of tasks.
Every home can have unhealthy, harmful, or even hazardous areas, said Mike
Holmes, renowned contractor on HGTV and healthy home expert. Its important to check
them out, especially during regular maintenance. Addressing these hidden hazards helps create a
healthy home and keeps your family safe.
Holmes recommends following his SAFETY checklist to ensure your home is safer and
healthier for your family.

S Seek out lead in the home.

If your home was built before 1978, it could contain lead. Your family could be exposed
to it through the air, drinking water, contaminated soil, deteriorating paint and dust in and
around the house. If you disturb any material that contains lead, tiny lead particles could
become airborne at home. Talk to a professional to test the entire house, and take the
necessary steps to ensure your familys safety.

A Address indoor air quality and change your air filter.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution levels
can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels sometimes even 100 times higher. Your
lungs shouldnt be cleaning the air inside your home. Use an electrostatically charged
Filtrete Brand air filter to help capture odors and airborne particles, such as mold spores,
dust mite debris, bacteria and viruses. Plus, changing your filter at the start of every season
helps protect and maintain your system.

F Fix leaks to prevent mold and mildew.

Mold spores need moisture to grow and thrive in warm, humid conditions. When mold is
disturbed, its spores can get into the air you breathe. Inspect your home for excess water
and moisture build-up from leaky roofs, faucets, basement drains, dishwashers and wash
ing machines, and fix them immediately. Also, reduce your indoor humidity to 30 to 60
percent, and use vents and exhaust fans whenever possible.

E Exercise caution around appliances.

Before using appliances such as space heaters and toaster ovens, make sure they are
working properly. Never drape an electrical cord over a sink, as electricity should never
come into contact with water or any other liquids. Also avoid overloading wiring or
plugging too many appliances into a single wall socket because it can cause electrical
sparks, leading to an electrical fire. Be sure to unplug appliances when theyre not being
used, and cover sockets with outlet protectors.

T Test for dangerous gases.

One out of every 15 homes in the U.S. has dangerous levels of radon, according to the
EPA. You can purchase a short-term home radon test for less than $20. Test the lowest
lived-in level of your home, and if you have elevated levels of radon, call a qualified
contractor immediately. Make sure they have plenty of experience dealing with radon.
Also, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every month by pushing the test button
on the unit. Remember to change the batteries every season, and replace the entire unit
every 7 to 10 years.

Y Yield healthier results with regular upkeep.

Keep up with regular home maintenance to help keep your home healthy and your family
safe. Fix small problems now to avoid big repairs later. Remember, big repairs come with
big price tags and can lead to unhealthy and unsafe living conditions.

www.Filtrete.com
96 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

Trusted contractor
Mike Holmes
advocates safe and
healthy homes.

Regular cleaning isnt enough to help


keep your home safe and healthy.

Quick Fix
Checklist
Short on time but
looking to make a few
quick and easy healthy
home fixes? Complete
each of these tasks in
20 minutes or less.

Hot water heaters


Set hot water heaters at
120 degrees Fahrenheit
or below to avoid
potential scalding.

Stove
Remove and wash stove
grates, burners and coils
with warm water and
soap. Over time, grease
can build up around the
stove, increasing the
chances of a fire.

Fire extinguishers
Check the expiration
dates on your fire extin
guishers. You should
keep one on each floor
of your home.

Cracks
Inspect the floor, walls
and foundation of the
home for cracks. Jot
them down on your
home to-do list, and
fix them before they
lead to deterioration
and wood rot.

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 97

Wai ne

Measures Twice, Cuts Once


By Gina Battle

The question is often asked but seldom easily answered. How


does one measure the success of a man? The answer is simple
in the eyes of Mr. Waine Hicks, General Contractor and owner
of Cabinets Extraordinaire complete with a premier kitchen and
bathroom designer showroom located in Sarasota, FL.
He doesnt do it alone this is a family business which including
his wife, Sharon, and approximately ten employees. Mr. Hicks
poignantly stated the bottom line, Business is what you make
it! Youve gotta put it together to make it fly. Youve gotta make
it work. He noted that with this attitude, business is picking up
every day. There are not a lot of people who do what we do at
the success rate that we have.
Everything they have in their exquisite showroom is handmade,
custom designed and made in American, with the exception of an
Amish Armoire made in Canada. By the looks of the showroom
one would think it was made exclusively for high-end designers, however, upon entering you are made to feel right at home.
Their clientele are individual families, to designers, to subcontractors, and Cabinets Extraordinaire is there to create ideas and
fulfill dreams for comfortable living while creating beautiful home
aesthetics.
There have been many occasions a customer suggests something she thinks she wants aesthetically but is unaware how it
will actually fit into her lifestyle or fit into the configuration of the
structure itself. This is where Mr. Hickss strategy is exercised. He
says, The secret to success in construction is incorporating the
clients desire with what will actually work. He cares so much
about the client that he will not allow them to be misguided or
be unrealistic in their design choices. It is essential in his line of
work as a general contractor to discreetly have the client feel as
though they are making the right decisions for what will be their
living environment for years to come. The importance of consultations and follow-up visits are immeasurable when you are making
someones house a home. If it aint broke dont fix it. Theres no
real trick to construction. Its never changed! he said masterfully.
Photography by Lindsay Howell

98 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

Doing things by the need, not by the book


The Hicks familys spiritual journey is purposeful. The mission is
to offer a service to the general public. Hicks, holds every degree,
advanced or otherwise, possible from the Home Builders Association. Its a lot of hard work. The company works diligently
incorporating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); Certified
Aging in Place, and the Veterans Administration. He makes it a
point to put himself in the circumstance of the other person to try
to evaluate their need, if at all possible. For example, he shared a
story about receiving a call from a relative of a disabled veteran.
After going to the home, he asked if he could sit in the wheelchair in order to visually and physically ascertain what the specific
needs would be to bring comfort to the vet. You cannot understand another man until you have walked a mile in his moccasins
quoting an old Native American adage. Mr. Hicks goes as far
as to use two knee socks and two tennis balls taken from his
briefcase, placing them on his hands and walks the home to see
if he is able to open doors, turn on water faucets, or turn knobs.
The answer turns out to be an emphatic NO! He adamantly
exclaims, Every person has different needs. Youll never find a
carbon copy of a human being. I dont care how long or how hard
you look there are no two people that do the same thing, and
there are so many things that are involved with it. He, further enquiries if the person is left or right handed, which inevitably make
a significant difference if you are forced to utilize a hand you were
not accustomed to using before a disability, which also includes
the inability to use your hands due to arthritis.
Additionally, Mr. Hicks shared that integrity, freedom, and independence are necessary key components he keeps in mind as it
relates to Cabinets Extraordinaire and his personal approach to

their lifes mission. Its all about the clients he serves. You have
to refresh their integrity, give them their freedom and help to
recreate their independence. If they (dependent aging or disabled
people) are able to take a shower due to his meticulous planning,
they will take one every day because its more accommodating.
The Veterans Administration calls Hicks with special needs clients
in mind, and Mr. Hicks figuratively answers the call. You can
never harvest a product if you didnt sow the seeds. Youre only
going to reap what you sow. Hicks just remodel a vets home that
was in dire need of repairs and modifications. It was a tear down
job which included a new kitchen and bathroom renovation a
$60,000 value, at no charge to the vet. Its not about the dollar.
Its about the service, he said proudly. When people are appreciated they do very well regardless of the challenges.
A successful man gives from his heart and with sincerity in servicing the community. This is not just once a year when he assumes
the role as the original Santi Claus for 150 disabled kids at Christmas, he really did say Santi Claus, he gives of himself freely
and willingly throughout the year.
As a child in Southern Virginia, inspired by his grandmother, his
everything, Mr. Hicks wanted to be a country doctor. Instead, he
stuck with where his heart guided him. Just as one might imagine he has the inclination of a country doctor giving at all times to
those in need. Mr. Hicks seems to have mastered the measure of
a successful man, indeed.

941-378-3258
www.wphicks.com

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 99

Ivanka
Trump
by Samantha Ramos

A model, business woman, fashion mogul


and mother; she knows the steps it takes
to succeed. We get a chance to speak
with Ivanka, about her love for fashion
and the passion she puts into every piece
she creates today.

100 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

What drew you to the world of fashion?

A: I saw an opportunity to create a brand that appealed to a modern, sophisticated, self-purchasing


woman. I began with jewelry and the brand has since evolved to include footwear, handbags, apparel, eyewear and more.

What excites you about your industry?

A: The fashion industry is a constant evolution. It is fast paced and highly competitive. As an entrepreneur this industry presents a great opportunity and that is incredibly exciting.

How is motherhood?

A: I love being a mother its my most important and rewarding role!

Has it changed you or inspirited your creative talents into your collection?

A: Of course. In generations past women were either professionals or parents, but today we can be
both and its important our clothes transition throughout the various phases of our days as easily
as we do. We can no longer compartmentalize the various aspects of our lives. From playing with
your children in the morning to a presentation at the office and dinner with your husband or a night
out with girlfriends we should feel confident and polished throughout. We are modern, multifaceted
women who work at all aspects of our lives and our clothes and accessories should be a reflection
of that.

What made you decide to expand your collection beyond jewelry?

A: There are very few brands that are speaking to the modern women in an authentic way. Our
brand mission and philosophy is representative of how I live my life. The products are inspired by
me and made for women like me who are passionate about professional and personal endeavors
and want to look and feel great while pursuing them. Brand expansion was a natural evolution as
we saw a great opportunity in the need for a genuine representation of todays modern woman.

Have you had any notable mentors that have guided you through the industry?

A: Im very fortunate to have many relationships with titans of industry in a variety of fields, most
important being my mother and father. They have both been incredibly influential over the course of
my career.

How does Ivanka Trump relax?

A: When I have time I love to take advantage of our spa at Trump SoHo in New York City. The
Turkish Hammam is an amazing experiential treatment and so restorative.

Whats your biggest pet peeve?

A: It is so important to be prepared. In everything I do preparedness allows me to increase efficiency and always work to the best of my ability. I definitely expect that from others and its
frustrating to see a lack of forethought.

When youre not thinking about your collections, whats your favorite outing?

A: This summer weve been spending a lot of time outside the city. We love to be active and plan
things like afternoon golf, picnics and swimming with Arabella, which always seems to be an endless
activity. She cant get enough!

What are you wearing?

A: I love Prabal Garung and Peter Pilotto. On the more accessible front I like Zara and of course
Ivanka Trump. I havent worn a pair of shoes from another designer in three years!

What would be your advice on selecting the right piece for an evening out?

A: Commit to one statement piece and supplement with subtle feminine touches. For example, if
I wear a really beautiful, bold pair of earrings Ill pair them with some delicate gold bangles and a
diamond band on my ring finger. Jewelry is meant to compliment an outfit, not overpower it.

Any words of wisdom for men, when selecting jewelry for their spouse?
A: Trust your instincts!

What are the key elements of your line?

A: My collection is inspired by classic jewelry from the art deco period. Many of the designs are
very geometric and structured with traditional accents.

What was the inspiration involved in the creation of your new jewelry collection?

A: Travel is always an inspiration, architecture, interior design, and certainly the other brand categories. There is so much synergy across all of my endeavors and the sources of inspiration are
organic.

What was the best vacation location youve ever had?

A: Ive been to Patagonia twice and it was the ultimate adventure.

With such a fantastic line, do you have a favorite?

A: Ive really gravitated towards the Metropolis Sol cuff. We recently


launched the new collection in Vegas at Couture and I wore it the
entire time I was there. It instantly became a staple in my wardrobe.

Is there one quote you would like to leave us with?


A: Seize the moments as they come!

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 101

104 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

Dream Oaks
Camp

By Bre Jones Mulock


Photography by Rob Knight

Tucked beneathe the shade of towering oak trees and


serenaded with streams of laughter, lies a peaceful utopia where kids who use wheelchairs ride horses, children
with visual impairments sweep paint brushes across
masterpieces and patients with cancer swap doctors appointments for a canoe trip down the Manatee River.
Dream Oaks Camp, offering an exceptional camping experience for children with special needs and chronic illnesses ages 7 17, stretches out across several pristine
acres in Manatee County and serves as the only camp in
the Tampa Bay Area offering a permanent site for residential, day and weekend camping programs throughout
the year for these children. Rumbling down the dirt road
to the check-in center, most children can barely wait to
leap out of their cars and bid farewell to their parents.
Usually Marty has to be coaxed out of the truck when
we go places, says Daniel, a Bradenton parent. When I
pull into the camp parking lot and park, Marty is opening
up the door before I shut the engine off. A smile covers
his face from the time he spots the first person. When I
pick him up, hes still wearing that same smile.
Dashing up to greet friends and loved counselors,
campers can let go of school, treatment and routine
at Dream Oaks, which has served more than 4,000
individuals during the 12 years it has welcomed campers. Seven barrier-free cabins dot the campus. Sunlight
filters through the trees setting butterflies aglow. Low
flames crackle from a firepit where the nostalgic, sweet
scent of roasting marshmellows warms the afternoon air.
The camp has blossomed as a living dream for Bradenton attorney Eddie Mulock, a triple-transplant survivor
with a wicked sense of humor and a self-professed
weakness for brightly-colored neckties.

Mulock could not erase the images of the children he


saw battling illnesses and adversity sheltered behind
hospital walls. After surviving a heart transplant in 1995,
Mulock who later underwent both kidney and liver
transplants as wellwondered when these children could
shut out the treatments and therapy to enjoy the carefree musings of being a kid.
His ponderings bloomed into a life mission. Barely out of
the hospital himself, Mulock formed in 1996 the Foundation for Dreams, a non- profit organization that funds his
creation Dream Oaks Camp.
In August 2000, the Foundation for Dreams formed a
collaborative partnership, which allowed the Foundation
to build Dream Oaks Camp on several acres of Camp
Flying Eagle, thereby utilizing existing facilities while
focusing on renovating and building new facilities.
With colorful pinwheels spinning at the entrance, Mulocks dream came true in 2001 as Dream Oaks welcomed its first summer campers, providing day camp
services to 56 children.
Through summer and year-round weekend programs,
Dream Oaks serves more than 600 individuals a year
who enjoy independence, grow a greater self-confidence, strengthen activites of daily living and life skills,
engage in activities with other children in an inclusive,
barrier-free environment and provide respite services
to the parents and cargivers. In addition, last year they
provided nearly $100,000 in partial or full scholarships
to families in need of financial assitance.
Dream Oaks Camp recently collaborated with The Childrens Cancer Center, The Center for Building Hope and
Suncoast Kids Place out of Tampa to create two new
weekend camps for families.
continued on page 106...
FOCUS of SWFL 2014 105

The F.L.I.G.H.T Childrens Cancer Center Family Camp


is a weekend camp for children who have recently been
diagnosed with cancer and Camp Healing Heart is a
bereavement camp for families who have lost a child
to cancer and are still needing support services. They
are also partnering with Jewish Family Childrens Services and have added three weekend camps that serve
children affected by substance abuse in the home. In
addition, Dream Oaks Camp programs have expanded to
include a Young Adult Camp for individuals ages 18-30
to fill the much needed gap in services.

Zachary has been special since he was born, says


Leslie, a parent from Orlando. At Dream Oaks Camp he
isnt. Hes just like every other kid. He actually becomes
a leader and initiates activities instead of being a follower.
As a camp session draws to a close, the contagious
smiles from the first day roll into belly laughs flowing
from the dining hall. Inside, a camper/counselor talent
show plays out and kids and adults alike beam with happiness. They have played hard riding horses, swimming in a specially designed splash pool, creating art,
music and plays to name a few activities.
One camper clutches his counselor, burying his face in
the counselors lap. He doesnt want to leave, let the fun
end.
To me, this camp means an experience my son would
not otherwise have, says Martys dad Daniel. It
means a feeling of security, knowing he is cared for and
watched over by good, loving people.

www.foundationfordreams.org
941-746-5659

During camp sessions, an intricate tapestry of life


emerges: children embracing their carefree youth,
young adult counselors growing into strong, nurturing
people and parents, who often dont get a break all year,
a chance to spend time with a spouse or friends.
106 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

MARINELAND WELCOMES DOLPHIN CALF


Marineland Dolphin Adventure has the longest standing dolphin
breeding program of any aquarium or zoo. In fact, the first dolphin birth in a human care environment took place at Marineland in 1947. Animals in accredited zoos and aquariums serve as
ambassadors to their counterparts in the wild. With every animal birth, researchers and experts can learn more from mothers, calves and other dolphins to build data that can ultimately
be used to conserve the species in their natural habitats.

One of Marineland Dolphin Adventures resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Dazzle, successfully gave birth to a female calf.
Shortly after birth, the calf took its first breath and then began
to swim with its mother. Both mom and calf are doing well,
and Marineland animal care and training teams will continue to
monitor the pair in the coming months.

Im extremely proud of the passionate, dedicated and unrivaled care that our experts have given and will continue to give
Dazzle, her calf and the other dolphins in our care as we work
through the coming critical months, said Kurt Allen, general
manager and vice president. As we continue to remember
and honor the legacy of Marinelands Nellie, who at 61 was the
longest-lived dolphin in human care, the birth of Dazzles calf
so soon after her passing is a beautiful reminder as to why the
Marineland Dolphin Adventure staff has dedicated their lives to
caring for these animals.

Over the past week, our team has been giving around-theclock care to Dazzle and her calf, taking every measure possible
to ensure that the calf thrives to its best potential, said Dr.
Gregory Bossart, chief veterinary officer and senior vice president. The first several days of a calfs life are very important.
We look for critical milestones such as nursing independently,
weight gain and bonding with the mother. Dazzle and the calf
continue to surpass these important moments. The animal care
and training staff at Marineland are looking forward to the critical 30 day marker that significantly increases the calfs chances
for success and remain cautiously optimistic.
The animal care and training teams work has just begun as
the first year of a calfs life is the most critical. In the coming months, as Dazzles confidence in the calfs independence
grows, our relationship with the baby can begin to develop.
said Michael Hunt, director of animal training. As an experienced mother, Dazzle is a nursing mom on-the-go and our attention is focused on providing her the calories needed for her
and the calf as well as providing the best overall care for her
and the calf during this critical time.

www.marineland.net

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 107

Sassy

Getting
By Trey Bell

There are instances in our lives when it seems that destiny shines
on us; the day I set out to visit Sassy Cakes, a gourmet cupcake
shop in downtown Naples and interview its proprietor, Bayah Harrison, was one of those instances. Recently, The Wall Street Journal
ran a story by journalists Emily Maltby and Sarah E. Needleman
entitled, Forget Gold, The Gourmet-Cupcake Market Is Crashing
and of course I read through the article to familiarize myself with
the reality of the cupcake scene, and its eminent decline, or as far
as the largest chain of cupcake stores; Crumbs, stock prices auger
the future of the cupcake business on a national level. Having
already watched every episode of 2 Broke Girls, the CBS Networks sitcom focusing on two New Yorkers trying to make it out
of their current socio-economic situation by baking said gourmet
treats, which I enjoy as only a fairly educated adult man can; postironically, I felt that I was prepared for what I would find. It seems
that the cupcake has thoroughly entered the pop culture lexicon
over the past decade, the gourmet version of the cake in a paper
cup has been sprouting up like high fructose fungi in every major
market across the country, and according to recent trends cited in
the above mentioned Wall Street Journal article, into secondary,
more suburban locales which may just keep this frosted gravy train
a-rolling. What I found was neither a hard selling corporate head,
nor a surly streetwise girl from Brooklyn, no, I met Henry.
First, in the interest of
full disclosure:
I am
not a sweets person,
and I AM a great fan of
the cooking competition
show.
So as I made my way
into the heart of Naples
in search of the cupcakery and its baker, I ended
up circling around and
coming around the back.
Located on 4th Ave South
in Naples the shop is behind the restaurant Ciao,
which does not make it an
easy place to find. When
I mentioned this to Bayah
I said this would make it
a hipsters dream If only
Naples had more hipsters.
The shop itself is as sweet
as the confections that
are offered for sale. All
pastels and bright white, it is an icing topped treat in and of itself.
Resplendent with cupcake themed decorations to let you know,
just in case you missed it, that there were glorious cupcakes to be
had here. Its a cozy corner shop with light from the afternoon sun
lighting up the interior with its diffuse high cloud overcast-ness that
makes it that much more inviting. All of that notwithstanding it is
just a building, what truly make Sassy Cakes the place that it is, are
Henry and his Cupcake Warrior mother, Bayah.
A Chicago transplant that came to Florida with her husband almost
a decade ago, Bayah Harrison, is the force behind the little corner
shop on 4th Ave South. With almost 3 years in this location she
has made the store front her second home. In most mornings by
8 a.m. to bake at least 40 cupcakes, more depending on special
orders, so she can be open by 11. I ask about the traffic into

the shop, and just like everything else in Southwest Florida, its
seasonal, that season of course being snowbird season. Packing
an arsenal of 25 specialty flavors, she rotates the offerings weekly
with a few perennials thrown in for good measure and to keep the
regulars happy, her Carmel by the Sea, the local favorite.
I had done a little research prior to my journey and found that
Ms. Harrison had been a participant on the third season of the
Food Network show Cupcake Wars I asked what the theme was,
the episode that she appeared on happened to be the Tim Burton
Bake-off, I inquired about the experience, knowing full well that she
has probably answered these questions more than enough times,
but she was gracious enough to indulge my guilty pleasure, just
another reflection of the Zen of the cupcake permeating her whole
being. It seems that 2011 was a good year, not only did she land
the TV show, and a feature in the Best of issue of Gulf Shore Life,
but she and her husband were also blessed with a little boy, Henry.
Henry, the real boss of this joint, was very gracious as well, sharing his toys and showing me around the shop, as well as hopping
behind the counter to show me everything that his Mommy had to
offer the public. He was a wonderful host, even if he had skipped
his nap that day. He himself is a reflection of his mothers profession with bright blonde hair and eyes as blue as the M&Ms on the
top of his moms Build Me Up Buttercup cupcake. He really liked
my camera too.
Now finally you may ask how a non-sweets person is really suppose to take away the true essence of the gourmet cupcake shop
when they arent enticed by the idea of sweet, sweet icing on top
of moist airy cake and every iteration and combination that those
two can be arranged. Its a valid question after all; well you go for
what you know, and you take a few home for your wife to try. I had
the Cookies N Cream and it was good, it fit my idea of a specialty
cupcake and the flavor and textures where all there, if I was sitting
at the judges table I would have voted for this classic. As to what
my wife thought, they were each a different little piece of heaven.

Sassy Cakes - 837 4th Ave South - Naples - Florida - 34102 - 239.687.5100
108 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

www.sassycakesinc.com

Perfect
Visiting
the
vignettes Sins is Melanie
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"Whatever she had to do to get herself out of that poverty


and make a better life for her family, she was going to
do. She did not go by the rules of society. She pushed the
envelope and acquired quite a scandalous reputation for
doing so. She was determined to make a success out of her
life, and she did, but other people around her paid a very
high price for that."
In addition to the inspiration drawn from her grandmother's
life, a key driving force behind what would be Denman's
urge to write "Visiting the Sins," is her desire to fully explore the ostensibly clannish culture of East Texas in which
she grew up.
"There was a certain puzzlement or suspicion about the
ways of outsiders," Denman said. "And once I moved
away, I realized that there was just as much curiosity and
suspicion about our ways, so I wanted to explore this from
the inside out with my writing, to discover what makes
people act in ways that might be described as 'tribal' and
to understand what makes us suspicious of those who are
different from us."
It is Denman's belief that people struggle to see past exterior images and labels to their common human frailties and
desires. The result being, that everyone is experiencing a
fundamental loneliness to a greater or lesser degree: The
fundamental loneliness that drives Curtis Jean, the story's
chief protagonist, into becoming an alcoholic.

In her riotous debut novel, which earned the author a 2014


Bronze Independent Publisher Book Award (IPPY) for Southern
Regional Fiction, Melanie Denman probes the myriad sacrifices of
motherhood with unflinching honesty and warmhearted amusement. Set in the Bible Belt of East Texas, "Visiting the Sins" is a
darkly funny story about mothers and daughters, naked ambition,
elusive redemption, and all the torment it is possible to inflict in
the name of family.
The book tells a story of the misadventures of three feisty but
perennially dissatisfied women of the Wheeler clan from the town
of Thorny Bog: Pokey, the love-starved, pistol-packing matriarch;
Rebanelle, the daughter and frosty former beauty queen turned
church organist; And Curtis Jean, the granddaughter and backsliding gospel singer.
As the story unfolds, it becomes obvious to readers early on that
the lofty social aspirations of the three ladies are exceeded only
by their unfortunate taste in men and a seemingly boundless
capacity for holding grudges.
Through use of dialog brimming with small town Texanisms and
sparkling imagery, author Denman chronicles a legacy of feuding and scandal that lurches from one generation to the next
with tragic consequences that threaten to destroy everything the
Wheeler women have sacrificed their souls to build.
"The matriarchal character in the book, Pokey, was based on my
grandmother in real life, with whom I was very close," Denman
said. "She was the inspiration behind the book and the motivation for most of what happens in the story. My grandmother had
a very difficult life from the beginning and experienced a lot of
humiliation from being very poor. It was something that stuck
with her and it was a very strong driver.
110 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

"I believe these fears and suspicions create a sense of alienation


that is hard to bridge," Denman said. "That's the driving force
behind why I write about certain people or certain cultures, to
allow us to look gently at ourselves and also to provide a window
into our humanity. When we're able to view the humanity in those
unlike us, our own fears and loneliness can then dissolve."
Writing "Visiting the Sins" is what would allow Denman her to
explore a number of compelling topics, like role of faith, both
positive and negative, in family and in culture, the relationships
between men and women and the distribution of power between
them, and, in particular, the mother-daughter relationship which is
the core of her story.
"The book explores the constant fundamental struggle that most
women face when they realize they need to choose between
fulfilling their own ambitions, desires and needs, and making the
sacrifices required to be a good mother," Denman said. "Each
of the characters, all from different generations, deal with this
dilemma in their own way. I think all of them were trying to walk
the line, no matter how imperfectly, of how to be a mother and
also attend to the other things in life that called to them."
Denman's story contains no template that women can follow to
magically balance the struggle between selfhood and motherhood.
"You can sacrifice all of your own wants for the good of your children," Denman said. "Or you can sacrifice your children for your
own wants, and neither of those is a satisfying decision. In the
book I try to illustrate a simple truth, motherhood is individual,
and, it's hard, and none of us does it perfectly."

www.melaniedenman.com

Photos courtesy of Andrew Lipovsky

No one's

Get Mad

Get Even

don't

By Michelle Tomao

When it comes to getting screwed-over by women, singer/songwriter Zach Caruso doesn't get mad, but he does get even with
the release of his fourth album, "Might Be The Rain," a sizzling
set of eight high-impact blues-influenced rock tracks. Several of
which, Caruso admits are craftily worded get-backs aimed at the
women in his life who claimed they loved him, then done him
wrong. In celebration of the CD release, the artist is making the
album's first single, Nobody Knows My Name, available as a free
download on his homepage.
"Finding the right words in a conversation is often hard for me,
so I always use music to express what I really feel," Zach Caruso,
the New Jersey-born artist, said. "When my relationships began
falling apart, I didn't really know what to say to fix things, so I
just started writing songs, and those songs eventually became
the core for this new album."
Whatever word skills Caruso may lack as a conversationalist he
more than makes up for as a lyricist. A former journalism major
with a master's degree, he stokes his album with smart, surprising
metaphors that let listeners feel the aches and pains, and anger
and frustration he experienced while his romantic relationships
crashed and burned before his eyes. With song titles like, Love is
a Dog from Hell, Caruso manages to convey more emotion with
six words than less talented songwriters could convey with 6,000.
Blues rock fans that get their hands and ears on the new CD are
going to appreciate Caruso's rhythm guitar grooves, his inventive
riffs during the breaks, and his use of tasty hooks to kick-start and
sustain the album's tracks. A few might even say his innovative
work as a guitarist is overshadowed by his skillful use of his most
impressive and powerful performance tool: his soulful, expressive
voice, clearly a gift from the Blues Rock Gods.
Caruso's near-raspy, never strained, and from-the-heart vocal
style combined with his chops on the six-string have begun to
trigger comparisons by listeners to several indie blues rock legends.
"Fans of Jonny Lang, Gary Clark, Jr., the Black Keys, and Joe
Bonamassa seem to find our sound similar," Caruso said. "I think
Joe Bonamassa is a musical genius, and as an independent artist
he's showing the rest of us how it's supposed to be done. Obviously we're honored to be mentioned in the same breath along
with him or any of these artists."

112 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

In addition to being both a fan and ardent student of Bonamassa,


Caruso unashamedly admits his writing and playing style was,
and still is, majorly influenced by Billie Joe Armstrong and Green
Day. Although, it was the Black Crows "Shake Your Money Maker"
album that really got him turned on, and tuned in to the power of
the blues rock genre.
"There was something about the music, the sound, the swagger,
that really hooked me," Caruso said. "For some reason it opened
a door for me, and I started getting into blues music and went on
to devour every blues-influenced album I could find, from "B.B.
King" to "Led Zeppelin." The music I produce today is a blend of
all those influences."
New Caruso fans that come out to see him perform at his live
gigs may be surprised to see the performer up on stage playing
guitar and accompanied by only drummer Frank Abrami, bassist
Frankie Prendergast, and backup singer Alicen Ragonese. Using
just three instruments and the magic of his own voice, Caruso and
his band mates manage to fill the room with toe-tapping, buttshaking sound. His new CD exactly captures that toe-tapping,
butt-shaking sound.
It is not to bother telling Caruso's ex-girlfriends that he wrote
songs about them. They will not understand the lyrics, he said.

www.zachcaruso.com

ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS PRESENTS:


Majestic Places / Majestic Faces Exhibit
During the month of July the gallery at Alliance for the Arts will
be filled with images taken by photographer David White during
his 9 years living and teaching in Jakarta, Indonesia. Majestic
Places / Majestic Faces includes 300 photographs and maps
strung together in an installation representing a walkthrough
scrapbook. White, who grew up in Fort Myers but has lived
abroad since 1999, says he wants to give his family, friends and
hometown community a glimpse into the diverse destinations
and peoples that have enriched his life while living in Jakarta.
Majestic Places / Majestic Faces features the cultural and
natural beauty of Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal,
Thailand, and Vietnam.
I am blessed to live and learn overseas. I hope to foster understanding between my Eastern and Western worlds through
sharing moments of the truly, majestic places and faces of South
East Asia. My intent, as always, is to seek and share positive,
compassionate connections in all my worlds and with all peoples.
It is an honor to be shown at the Alliance for the Arts. I look
forward to seeing how the installation impacts my friends and
the Lee County community. If a picture truly speaks a thousand
words ... imagine what 300 can say?
The Majestic Places / Majestic Faces opening reception is from
5:00 to 7:30 on Friday, July 11. White will host a Gallery Walk on
Saturday, July 12 from 10-11AM. Its free and open to the public.
The exhibit goes on display on Thursday, July 3 and remains on
display until Friday, August 1.

Photography by David White

www.artinlee.org

The Alliance for the Arts proudly supports artists and arts organizations in our area as the state designated Local Arts Agency for Lee County. The Alliance campus and galleries are open to the public from 9AM to 5PM Monday through Friday and from 9AM to 1PM
on Saturdays, located at 10091 McGregor Boulevard just south of Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 113

PUNTA GORDA

DID YOU

KNOW...

Location: Punta Gorda is one mile from


Interstate 75 and situated on beautiful
Charlooe Harbor.
Access: e city airport means convenient
arrivals and departures for commercial,
charter and private air travelers. Come by
air, land, or sea.
Features: Over 70 miles of navigable
canals ow seaward to white-sand
barrier islands and the Gulf of Mexico.
Around town, shady sidewalks, trails
and marked routes invite shopping,
exploring, walking and biking.
Fishing: Its world class. Folks sh Punta
Gorda the way they like it: blue-water
sport, back bay driiing, marsh and
mangrove, or surf and sand.

City of Punta Gorda

326 W. Marion Ave. Punta Gorda, FL 33950


(941) 575-3302 | PGORDA.US
Design by Christopher Frame
www.christopherframe.com

THE BEST

SMALL CITY IN FLORIDA

unta Gorda is the rarest of places agem


at the edge of Floridas Gulf Coast, a
treasure that charms and delights.
Floridas best small city marries the allure
of a world-class resort with the pleasures
of a hometown welcome. National travel and lifestyle
editors tout its premier sports and recreation,
blue-ribbon arts and culture, and its variety of casual

and ne dining. If you havent yet enjoyed the


pleasures of Punta Gorda, think of big shing and
snug village shopping. Imagine a community for life
and a unique weekend holiday. Historic Punta
Gorda is safe, clean, and accessible. Folks never tire
of its sunsets (no two are alike!) and celebrations.
First-time or returning, visiting or staying, those
who discover Punta Gorda nd it for life.

Come for the weekend


Stay for life.

Copy and editing by:


Marilyn Tarnowski
Photography by:
Thanks to the Punta Gorda community for a collaborative effort in producing the candid photographs.

THE
BEST
EXPERIENCE

Photo: Jim Johnston

SAILING

ail Magazines recent review of Punta


Gordas front door describes Charlooe
Harbor as a in-Water Paradise. ats
how sailors identify friendly waters perfect
for small and medium-size cruisers, yachts
and charter boats. Punta Gorda has deep water access,
too. National and regional shing tournaments draw
world-class anglers. At the waterfront, Fishermens

YACHTING

MARINA

BOATING

Village harbors boardwalk shops, casual and ne dining,


and resort accommodations. Marina Dock Age Magazine
evaluated the bustling villages full-service docks and
shops, rating it Marina of the Year. Captains and crews
rave about its protected harbor and chandlery services
for just about every boating need. Whether arriving by
kayak or yacht, maritime visitors nd Punta Gordas snug
harbor is an island of enchantment.

MARINA
of
THE YEAR
Marina Dock Age Magazine

TOP10
PLACES TO SAIL

Sail Magazine

BEST
15
YACHTING TOWN

Yachting Magazine

City of Punta Gorda

(941) 575-3302 | PGORDA.US


Photo: Jim Johnston

THE
BEST
EXPERIENCE

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

BICYCLING

hether pedaling around town with the citys


free bike-loaner program, taking a stroll,
gollng, tennis, mini-marathons, regaaas or
races if its outdoors, Punta Gorda does it
with style. Floridas best small city is a
bike-friendly, safe-walking community. Its network of
pedestrian sidewalks links historic neighborhoods and
parks, connecting strollers and joggers to downtown

City of Punta Gorda

(941) 575-3302 | PGORDA.US

GOLFING

aaractions and a vibrant city center. Eighteen miles of


groomed paths and pet-friendly walking trails are
professionally marked and maintained, winning the
city Florida Bicycle Associations Community of the
Year award. Lifestyle columnists and sports writers
ranging from Golf Digest, Sail, and Money Magazine
to Forbes and Rand McNally keep Punta Gorda at
the top of their national Best of lists year aaer year.

BICYCLE
COMMUNITY
of
THE YEAR

Florida Bicycle Association

THIRD
BEST
PLACE TO LIVE & PLAY GOLF

GOLF DIGEST

LOCAL FARMERS MARKET


SAFEST SMALL CITY

Photo:Waterlife Magazine

THE
BEST

Photo:Waterlife Magazine

Photo:Waterlife Magazine

NUMBER ONE LOCATION FOR

TARPON
FISHING
IN THE WORLD
Tarpon Magazine

PLACE
TO
CATCH
MONSTER TARPON
FlyFishingFrenzy.com

loridas southwestern estuaries, mangrove wetlands,


historic rivers, and productive uplands comprise
one of the largest ecosystems of its kind in North
America. Punta Gorda takes immense pride in its
ecological riches. Inland, its green-tree canopy
shades city streets and residential districts. Surrounding the
city, maritime and coastal habitats support over 600 species
of birds, sh, and marine wildlife. Punta Gordas ecosystem is

managed in partnership with state and federal scientists to


accommodate a wide range of active and passive uses.
Accessible parks and preserves, boat launches, and picnic
areas invite family excursions. Fish for the 40-inch snook;
catch-and-release the silver king tarpon. Stalk ocks of
roseate spoonbills with binoculars; capture pods of
dolphin on video. e regions unique environment
sustains Floridas best small city.

EXPERIENCE

THE
BEST

FISHING
SPOT
IN THE WORLD
Sport Fishing Magazine

WILDLIFE

ESTUARY

FISHING

LARGEST
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
IN THE STATE

2 LARGESTINESTUARY
THE STATE

Photo: Cynthia Zemen

nd

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Katie Fong

Add some sizzle and spark when you head out this summer; from
colorful yet elegant day wear to glamorous pieces suitable for dinner
and drinks with friends or a dazzling red carpet event, maybe even
your wedding. Who is this minx designer? More than a newbie in the
fashion world, yet she worked and trained with the best.
Inspired by the artisan traditions of the great American and European
ateliers and a bucolic yet enlightened childhood in Greenwich, Connecticut, a dynamic young visionary, Katie Fong, designs meant for the
most discerning woman.
The real beginning of the Katie Fong story was an adored grandmother and a little girl who drew pictures of evening gowns cared for by
her familys dry cleaning establishment.
Many elements of The Katie Fong CollectionTM are based on techniques studied at The Fashion Institute of Technology and Oscar De La
Renta which have been further refined in Ms. Fongs thriving made-tomeasure business. The Collection will be manufactured in New York
City and focus on integrating unique designs with the finest fabrics,
laces and embroidery to give women around the world a sense of
confidence and playfulness as they celebrate the notion of timeless
elegance.
I was first introduced to Katie last summer by a mutual friend in
Greenwich. I was immediately impressed by her maturity, personality
and poise, as well as her passion to support and give back to the community she grew up in. Shortly thereafter, Katie invited me to a showing of her new collection. I immediately fell in love with her design
aesthetic from the delicacy of the lace and intricate beading, to the
beautiful tailoring and femininity. Geri Corrigan, Director of Marketing
for Saks Fifth Avenue Greenwich
We are delighted to have a partnership with Katie Fong to provide
custom design services for our clients. Katie provides an environment
where clients vision come to life. She has a sophisticated, elegant
sensibility executed with couture workmanship. Katie makes women
feel beautiful. Linda Mitchell, Vice President of Womens Merchandise
for Mitchells Family of Stores
I met Katie Fong through her sketches, an unusual introduction,
but one that speaks volumes to her talent. In getting to know Katie
personally I am equally impressed by her as a person- she is wonderful to be around and her commitment to her work (and excellence of)
is driven by pure passion. She clearly loves what she does and that
joy shows through in the details of her work- from sketching to the
final product. I marvel at her precision, elegance, and overall talent. I
would steal her away for my brand if I wasnt so excited to watch the
greatness shell certainly accomplish on her own! Nicole Hanley Mellon, Hanley Mellon
Katie Fongs collection has everything you need for the season, ravishing dresses that prove both timeless and timely.. Distinguished by
her impeccable quality, the collection speaks of romance and mystery
while being utterly modern and accessible. Immerse yourself in colors
that pop alongside lilacs, purples, teals and greens. Details abound
from hand embroidery, layering, beading, fringe and illusion surfaces.
More and more women are discovering their inner fashionista with
Katies beautiful dresses. Katie Fongs collection is a favorite among
modern women who gravitate toward its unbridled romanticism and
sophistication.

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www.katiefong.com

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PANDORAs collection of outstanding jewelry features


raw, elegant designs inspired by rock style with a hint
of vintage and a bit of attitude.
The collection features a brand new necklace concept:
a unique design that can combine as many as eight
necklaces into a layered look that is luxurious and
interchangeable.
PANDORA bracelets give women the freedom to
capture the unforgettable moments that make life extraordinary and the new charms of the fall season
offer a twist on what has become the hallmark of the
PANDORA brand. Two elegant sterling silver bracelets are also newone is designed to hold one traditional or new decorative clip, the other as many as
five. Mix, match and combine the clips and bracelets
in any combination, creating pieces that are unique
to your personal style. Its an idea inspired by PANDORAs popular charm bracelet.
Create and combine looks with other new additions to
the PANDORA universe, including a line of 14k solid
gold earrings, pendants and dangle charms with intricate lace details and diamonds; and large cocktail rings, featuring amethyst or grey moonstone, that
are perfect for stacking. Stunning earrings inspired
by delicate lace patterns in 14K gold with freshwater pearls and diamonds can be worn on their own,
layered or combined with other pieces from the Compose collection. Rings in 14K gold, sterling and black
oxidized silver have florally inspired designs with an
unpredictable twist that is raw yet feminine.
Large cocktail rings in amethyst or grey moonstone
are perfect for stacking with this seasons more delicate pieces. New LovePod rings in white, yellow and
rose 18K gold with brilliant-cut diamonds or colorful
gemstones work beautifully with other pieces of PANDORA jewelry and interlock when stacked together.
The spirit of nostalgic rock infuses the collection, especially our new sterling silver decorative clips in raw,
sculptural shapes. The other standouts include a starshaped pendant and charm in black oxidized silver,
an alluring finish that runs through the collection.

Tempted

Touch

to

By Rosie Tamer
Photography by Krisada Yudee

128 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

ere not sure why limited edition products hold so much appeal. But they somehow always manage to
pop up on our radar. Maybe, It is because therere so good? Are they too precious a resource to waste
on anyone but the aficionados? Whatever the reason theres no denying the irresistible pull of something that is exclusive.
The brand Paemisa, was launched in January 2012 by Paemisa Swatphakdi. She having worked previously as a buyer
for luxury brands, created a unique line for women to not only show off their strength, but inner beauty; I've always
had a passion for lingerie states Paemisa. I believe every woman should have the best of both worlds when it comes
to lingerie - quality and price. My objective is to create an affordable line that is accessible to all women who love designs, colors, and comfort to fit their personality. The design is my take on modern lingerie created for modern women.
Our esthetic shows through in the use of quality fabrics, hardware, youthful play on shapes and colors. Every piece in
the collection is made in-house and is exclusive and limited. It's all about incorporating new pieces into your wardrobe,
mixing and matching, and having fun.

www.paemisa.com
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Photography by Krisada Yudee


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Photography by Krisada Yudee


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THISISTHEFACEOF
APUPPYMILLDOG
WWW.CAPS-WEB.ORG

GettheFactsaboutthePetShop-Pup
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ppyMillConnection

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Summer
Beauty
Tips
FAMILY FEATURES

To make the most of your carefree summer days (and nights),


try this fuss-free beauty routine that is low on time and big on
impact.
Summer is an ideal time to embrace your natural beauty. A
healthy, natural glow sans heavy makeup and pretty wind-tousled
hair are the hallmark looks of summer. With these tips from the
hair removal experts at the maker of Nair, keep your beauty
rituals to a minimum and get ready to enjoy all that summer has
to offer.
Protect your Skin: Your skins biggest enemy this summer? You
guessed it - damaging UV rays. Its critical to incorporate sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 into your daily beauty routine.
And, remember to reapply liberally throughout the day.
Keep it Smooth: Its bathing suit season again. Frequent hair removal treatments at your salon can add up. For easy at-home hair
removal that provides expert results, blogger and lifestyle expert
Carmen Ordonez, founder of the blog Viva Fashion, recommends
using Nair Sprays Away Max Moroccan Argan Oil to stay smooth
all summer long. Infused with 100 percent natural Moroccan
Argan Oil, the convenient spray allows for a precise, no-touch application for minimal mess and smooth skin that last days longer
than shaving.

Waterproof: Choose waterproof and smudge-proof cosmetics for


your eyes to minimize damage and streaking from sweat, humidity or even a refreshing dip in the pool. For a fresh daytime look,
stick with pretty neutrals that enhance your natural coloring.
Condition Less: Heat and humidity can wreak havoc on your
hair. Want to avoid limp locks? Skip the daily conditioning and
switch to a weekly deep conditioner to maintain moisture while
still pumping up the volume on your tresses.

Manage the Shine: Skip liquid foundation altogether and opt


instead for a bronzing powder for a natural, sun-kissed look.
Dont forget to start with clean skin, using oil-free cleansers and
moisturizers.
Move over Matte, Hello Gloss: For your lips, forego heavy cream
and matte lipsticks in favor of light and fun glosses and balms.
A wide range of options let you go nude and natural by day, and
add drama with deeper shades and shimmer for night.
134 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

www.NairLikeNeverBefore.com

Top
10

Swimwear
Trends
by Suzanne Bryant

This seasons swimwear trends range from bold pops of color and florals to mixing without matching and swim layering.
For those looking for the latest looks in swimwear, Lands
End outlines the most fashion-forward looks in swim this
season:
1. Color Blocking The color blocking trend is just that;
wearing blocks of color. This season, the color blocking is
exaggerated with bursts of bright bold hues. Get this look
from Lands End by mixing up colors in swim separates
such as Beach Living, or try the Tugless Tank in Electric
Blue Stripe.
2. Retro Glam Swim styles reminiscent of Old Hollywood
Glamour, combine coverage and confidence with fabulous
style. The Lands End Beach Living Halter Tunic and the
Floral Beach Bandeau one-piece offers the classic retro
silhouette with the adjustable tunic that can fall mid-hip.
Ruched and ruffled swim tops and skirts also offer that
much-desired glamorous retro style.
3. Mix n Mix Swim shoppers will dare to mix it up this
season by combining unexpected prints and colors to create one-of-a-kind looks. Different colored and printed tops
and bottoms will be the it look on the beach in 2014.
Lands End is offering this trend-right look in the new
SwimMates collection. Women start with SwimMates bikini
separates in a variety of colors and style choices and then
layer with other swim pieces. Each piece can be a different
color or print to create a complete custom look.
4. Bring on Brights While black or navy swimsuits are
go-to classics, this seasons pops of bright color are making
a splash. From Raspberry Rose and Fiesta Orange to Electric Blue and Melon Breeze, Lands End is offering women
a bright variety of in-trend color options.
5. Swim Layers While some women may want to sport a
bikini with family in the backyard, a pool party with neighbors may call for layering on a swim cami or skirt. Lands
End has introduced SwimMates, an innovative swimsuit
concept that will change the way women wear swimsuits.
Labeled the 4-Piece Bikini, SwimMates are swim layers
that let women transform swim looks seamlessly. The concept starts with a two piece bikini foundation and then offers layering swim pieces including a cami, swim shorts or
swim skirt.
6. The Little Black Suit What if a swimsuit could be as
classically perfect as the little black dress? Lands End offers sleek one-pieces, smart two-pieces and even skirts, all
in the classic fashion color black. Style standouts include:
the AquaTerra Sweetheart Bikini Top and Swim Skirt and
the Beach Living Twist Front Swimdress.
7. Slender Suits Slimming swimsuits are here to stay,
and Lands End offers a variety of Slender Suits this season. Lands End Slender Suits instantly slim while complementing natural curves, and the One-Piece Tulip, Grecian
and Carmela Slender Suits are sure to be firming favorites.
136 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

8. Florals From vintage Hawaiian prints to poppy floral


prints, this season its all about flower power! Find beautiful floral prints in several Lands End collections, including
Ocean Beach, AquaTerra, Beach Living and SwimMates.
9. Swim Accessorization A swim look goes beyond a
great-looking swimsuit this season. This year, more than
ever before, women are accessorizing swim looks with cover-ups, beach totes, towels, jewelry, hats, sunglasses and
shoes. Lands End offers a variety of swim finishing touches
including: the Vintage Island Print Beach Towel, the Poppy
Floral Chiffon Pareo Cover-up or the Pattern Rope Handle
Tote Bag.
10. Pool Performers Active women need top pool-performing swimsuits. Lands End offers two collections for
those that dive into swim activities. The AquaFitness swimsuits are chlorine proof and retain their shape wear after
wear. AquaTerra swimsuits offer swim separates to match
activities and help block harmful sun rays.

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DKNY
One Shoulder Striped One Piece $96.00
Available at select Macy's and at macys.com

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Ruched Tankini
Top & Solid Brief Bottom $93.00
Available at select Macy's and at macys.com

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 141

VITAMIN A
Halter bikini top with gold-tone hardware, and string
bottoms with flattering back seam, nylon/Lycra spandex, Tangler 71 shimmer print maroon/gold, 4-10. Bikini
top, $86. String bottoms, $76. In Womens Active & Swim
at Nordstrom and online at nordstrom.com.

142 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

L*SPACE
L*Space Ariel shirred bandeau with molded cups
and removable straps, polyester/spandex, multi, $99.
Estella reversible, classic-cut bottoms with front
cut-outs, polyester/spandex, multi, $75. In Womens
Active & Swim at Nordstrom and nordstrom.com.

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 143

H&M
summer memories
showing the essential
pieces for the seasons
swim and beachwear
www.hm.com

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"I love renewing my summer wardrobe at


H&M. I'm always more interested in pieces that
tell a story, which I can put together to create
my own personal look. I'm usually a tomboy,
but in summer I'm reborn a woman, and always
go for dresses and flowery prints. My favorite
accessory of the season is the straw hat, very
French, very 50s, and perfect for right now"

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AGUACLARA

The newest collection, Aguas Calientes Macchu Picchu 2014 Collection


flaunts an impressive variety of designs from meticulous hand embroidery
which features oval shaped pallets like delicate golden and turquoise flakes
to the strikingly worked mother of pearl embroidery defining the shape of the
garments. Applications of needlework such as fuchsia shades create an eye
catching geometrical motif in the floral artistic designs in the Cusco carnival
with gleaming gold stitching. These beautiful cover ups are ideal for sexy
summer fun.

www.aguaclara-swimwear.com

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Beso De Sal
Beso De Sal's swimwear line displays a super-hot mix of colors
and flavors all inspired by the rich cultures found throughout
Peru. Every item we craft is hand made by our talented and
experienced in-house team and conceived, designed and
directed by Maria Jose herself.

Beso De Sals is both bold and spicy with an intense mix of


"flavors" taken straight from the very fabric of Peru. The people,
beaches, cities, and deserts all along our Pacific coast offer up
such a contrast of colors, textures and patterns they shine the
brightest in all of South America.

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Beso Del Sal Swimwear


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Beso Del Sal Swimwear


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Beso Del Sal Swimwear

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Adventurous

SOLIDS
Diviine ModesTees swim collection, Divinita Sole which hones
into the retro-inspired trend on swim pieces with a modern twist.
For those looking to embrace the upcoming warm weather in
style, Divinita Sole has the perfect statement bathing suit for
every fashionista.

www.diviinemodestee.com
156 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

What could be sexier

Warm colors, creative cuts, and refined beadwork is


appealing to the eye; stylish Bali print sundresses to
match your unique style.
Raya Hanon was created from the imagination of Miami based designer Heather Pierce, who traveled the world in order to soak up the
different cultures. She decided to share her journey with others through her swimwear, featuring colors, fabrics and sewing techniques
directly from each country.

www.rayahanon.com

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 157

BEACH
GETAWAY

158 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

Photographer: Huan Duong Photography


Location: Key Biscayne, Florida
Model: Tawny Jordan
Designer: Lacoste
FOCUS of SWFL 2014 159

Photographer: Huan Duong Photography


Model: Tawny Jordan
Designer: Red Carter

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Photographer: Huan Duong Photography


Model: Tawny Jordan
Designer: Victoria's Secret
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Photographer: Huan Duong Photography


Model: Tawny Jordan
Designer: Red Carter

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J. Taylor Couture
A high-end, high-quality and entirely unique collection of womens wear. Honing into detail, the
collection embraces chic silhouettes, color palettes, and embellishments that bring a work of
art in the form of clothing to the wardrobes of
fashionistas all over the map.
Offering high-end pieces that focus on craftsmanship and quality at an affordable price point,
Alicia Williams, CEO and Founder of J. Taylor
Couture, creates a collection that embodies luxury, confidence & opulence.
Each individual should be able to walk into
a room and feel confident, stylish and leave a
great first impression. This collection empowers
the modern woman to put their best foot forward
with unique detailing and pieces that play off the
natural beauty of the body, states Williams.
Innovative design is the cornerstone of the fashion industry today, especially with fast fashion
being so accessible all over the map; J. Taylor
Couture allows the fashion forward individual
to embrace their unique style and not blend
in. Ranging from sheer, nature-inspired pieces
to unique material and textile combinations, J.
Taylor Couture completely reinvents the fashion
industry with a stunning assortment.

164 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

www.jtaylorcouture.com

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 165

(941) 639-6364

One of a kind handmade fashion


Photography by Tone Imaging
Model Wendy Wil liams

Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center

www.GerroArt.com

Powerhouse
for the arts,
education &
celebration!

By Kayla Dacosta

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, located on


the banks of Fort Myers Caloosahatchee River,
supplies the community with world-class performances, educational opportunities, and above
all-amazing exhibits! Their contribution toward
enriching their community through the arts is
astoundingly spectacular.

The center, which was originally constructed for


business in 1933, has an opulent and impressive history. During the depression, the building
was developed to serve as a post office. Due
to the economical climate of the time, funding
for the building was in short supply. Apart from
help donated by President Hoover in 1929, it is
rumored that Edison took part in a majority of
the buildings funding.
After serving as a post office for thirty-two
years, the building was slated for demolition. At
this time, the center was remodeled to serve as
a courthouse, and equipped with federal offices.
By 1998, the building was once again vacated
and for six years remained unused, until it was
acquired by the city. Jim Griffith, director of the
center, approached the city of Fort Myers with
the intent of turning the building into a center
for the arts. After an extensive lease negotiation, the center was turned over to him.

Today, the Sidney and Berne Davis


Art Center serves as a hub for
breathtaking visual performances,
phenomenal exhibits, collaborative
educational programs, and special
occasions. During its first year, the
center had over 65,000 visitors.
Jim predicts that with the ensemble
of future events, this number will
rise exceptionally.
The centers future is packed full
with continued restoration and expansion and crowd pleasing events.
During the last week in November,
the center will host the annual
Festival of Trees event, which will
benefit the Goodwill organization as
well as the Sidney & Berne Davis
Center. The art house will include
several creative festivals as well,
also a meeting place for businesses.
Futuristically speaking, the SBDAC
offers a lot to the Southwest Florida
community. Makes it hard pressed
to miss the events that take place
during the year. It may be your turn
to tell us what you see next.

www.sbdac.com

Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center


2301 First Street
Fort Myers, Fl 33901
239.333.1933

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 167

Rotorealism

of an Artist

By Ann Gordon

Barbara as a Blonde

If you have not yet seen Michael Beauchemins artwork then you have not
seen all there is to art. Michaels work is best described as unique and nontraditional with a splash of autobiographical inspiration and a pinch of psychedelic flavor. Michael describes his own work as semi-autobiographical;
an examination of real life events rendered non-referential, as time and
space is skewed in order to illustrate simultaneous observations and emotional reactions to the subject matter. Others have described his artwork
as a marriage of photorealism with altered states of consciousness. The
truth is his work is an anomaly.
Why? Because of the nostalgic thread throughout many of his pieces, and
we all relate to nostalgia at some point in our lives we have had a longing
for the past or the good old days. But is this really true? Do we really
long for the past and was the past that perfect? This is the irony and these
are the conversations that Michael Beauchemins work explores that lead
him to the coinage of Rotorealism, where reality rotates around dream
miscalculations. Michaels work presents juxtaposition; both thematic and
on canvas as his colors are fierce in contrast but as the same time there is
a unique synthesis and control.
Born in Connecticut, Michael was inspired by his father who was also an
artist and a draftsman. Michael remembers at an early age sitting in front
of the TV drawing his favorite characters from Saturday morning cartoons.
As early as twelve he participated in his first art show in Mystic, Connecticut. He graduated from high school and was awarded with the Rufus Rose
Scholarship and attended Massachusetts College of Art. He later moved
to Fort Lauderdale and worked for an ad agency. His first body of work
consisted of six-foot high canvases depicting Frankensteins monster and
bride, and a montage of sci-fi horror movie images outlined in menacing
black shadows.
Michael has received national recognition which provided opportunities to
meet Bob Rauschenberg, James Rosenquist, Peter Max and Jim Dine. Michael also met Elton John who once purchased one of his pieces. Michael,
who is usually gregarious, for the first time said he was tongue-tied. Subsequent art shows in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Santa Monica afforded him
an opportunity to meet other celebrities.
Michaels work gives us an exploration of many things; truth, surrealism,
inspiration and humor. He now resides in Southwest Florida where there
is increasing interest in the arts and so much community involvement for
special events that enrich everyones life.
FOCUS of SWFL 2014 169

ARTIST GALLERY

A Distant Place - by Rafael Soriano

Theater in the Sky - by Celeste Borah

Fishing Umbrellas - by Jeanette Chupack


170 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

Founders of Punta Gorda - by Charles Peck


City Hall Annex

Departure; and Burden: by Daniel Venditti


What Are You Looking At - by Pascale Doxy
FOCUS of SWFL 2014 171

ARTIST GALLERY

ELIZABETH - by Michael Beauchemin

Burden - By Daniel Venditti


172 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

Portrait of a Friend - Jin Shangyi

Past is Past - By Gael Collar

Self-Portrait - by Chuck Close

New Hampshire Town - by Oscar Florianus Bluemner

After the Rain - by Celeste Borah


FOCUS of SWFL 2014 173

Milk

Mooove Over Sports Drinks


By Chris Pouy

With the hot days of summer come summer sports -- baseball,


tennis, football practice -- both in the neighborhood and at camp.
Before you send the kids out to practice or just for a long day of
play in the sun learn to protect your kid against dehydration and
sun sickness. Experts say that children age nine and up should
drink at least 2 liters of fluids a day. With this said it is important
to ensure that your kids are drinking fluids and this may mean
doing a little research. You may be doing more harm then good
when handing them a soda or sports drink. Getting them to
drink plain water may be near impossible, and with experts saying
that chocolate milk is the new go to for sports recovery drinks
both you and your kids can win the dehydration battle.

Sports drinks = Soda: More children and teenagers are drinking sports drinks like Gatorade and PowerAde, instead of soda.
While that may sound like a good thing, new research from the
University of Minnesota shows, in most cases, its not a better
option. Many people see that a 20-ounce sports drink may have
fewer calories than a soda, but it has more sugar and more sodium and no nutritional value.
Chocolate milk and Protein: Post-workout chocolate milk
is beneficial because of its protein content. Every cup contains
between eight and 11 grams of protein, ideally youll want to consume between 15 and 25 grams of protein after a workout, which
equates to 500 to 750 ml of chocolate milk.
Chocolate milk and Carbs: Turning to post-workout chocolate
milk immediately following your lifting sessions is a smart move
because of the types of carbohydrates it provides. CowWow
contains only 22 grams of Carbohydrates. This sugar will cause
a spike in insulin levels, driving the glucose molecules into the
muscle tissue and replenishing the energy stores for your next
workout. Without this insulin spike, youre going to be looking at
a slower recovery period, which could mean more time out of the
gym.
Calcium Content: Drinking post-workout chocolate milk is a
smart move because of its calcium content. Calcium is one of the
minerals that play a critical role in the power stroke when the
individual muscle fibers generate tension through a cross-bridge
cycling pattern, causing contraction to take place. CowWow contains 40% of the daily intake needed for Calcium.

Ideal to keep sugar low: On average, most sports drinks


include close to ten teaspoons of added sugar. High sugar intake
is one of the main contributing factors to obesity in the country.
Some people choose a sport drink thinking it's the better choice.,.
never knowing how sweet it really is. CowWow contains only six
grams of added sugar, in teaspoon talk that equates to little over
one teaspoon.

www.cowwownow.com

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 175

Bring on the taste - but forget the guilt.


These favorites deliver on all levels.
Visit www.canolainfo.org for healthy recipes

Yield: 6 servings. Serving size: 3 oz pork, 2 Tbsp sauce.


3/4 tsp dried thyme leaves
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dried pepper flakes
1/4 tsp salt
6 boneless pork chops (4 oz/125 g each), trimmed
of fat
1 Tbsp canola oil
Mustard Sauce:
1/3 cup fat-free sour cream
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
3 Tbsp fat-free milk
1 Tbsp canola oil
3/4 tsp dried tarragon leaves
1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

Herbed Pork Chops on Mustard Sauce


Instructions:
1. In small bowl, combine thyme, garlic powder, pepper flakes and salt. Brush both sides of pork chops with
canola oil. Sprinkle thyme mixture evenly over both sides and press down with fingertips to adhere.
2. Heat large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pork chops 4 minutes on each side or until barely
pink in center.
3. In small saucepan, whisk together sauce ingredients except black pepper. Place over low heat until
warmed, about 2-3 minutes. Do NOT bring to a boil. Spoon equal amounts of mustard sauce on each of six
dinner plates. Place pork chops on top of sauce and sprinkle with black pepper.
176 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

Beef Tenderloin with Balsamic-Coffee Sauce


Yield: 4 servings.

Serving size: 3.5 oz beef, 1/3 cup mush room
mixture and 1 Tbsp sauce.

Instructions:

3/4 tsp coarsely ground black pepper


1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
4 beef tenderloin steaks (5 oz each), about 1-inch thick
2 Tbsp canola oil, divided
4 large shallots, peeled and finely chopped
6 oz sliced portabella mushrooms
3/4 cup strong coffee
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1. Preheat oven to 200 F.


2. In small bowl, combine black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and 1/4 tsp salt. Sprinkle both sides of
steaks with spice mixture, pressing down with fingertips to adhere. Set aside. Let stand for 15 minutes.
3. In large, nonstick skillet, heat 1 Tbsp canola oil over medium-high heat. Cook steaks 4 minutes, turn and
cook 2-4 minutes longer or until desired doneness. Place steaks on separate plate and place in oven to keep
warm.
4. Add remaining 1 Tbsp canola oil to pan residue in skillet, cook shallots 15 seconds, stirring constantly. Add
mushrooms and cook 3 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently, using two utensils as you would with stirfry. Spoon equal amounts over beef and return to oven to keep warm.
5. To skillet, add coffee, vinegar and remaining 1/4 tsp salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, continue
to boil 4 or so minutes or until reduced to 1/4 cup. Spoon over all and top with additional coarsely ground
black pepper, if desired.
FOCUS of SWFL 2014 177

Summer
Flavors
Serve up those

FAMILY FEATURES

Simplify your summer entertaining routine


with quick, easy-to-make dishes that feature fresh, scrumptious ingredients.
Laid back and lovely, summer parties call
for wonderful friends, flavorful foods and
refreshing beverages. But having company over to enjoy the beautiful outdoor
surroundings doesnt mean you have to
stress over time-consuming meals that
can take all day to prepare. Luckily, there
are yummy options available for every al
fresco host.

Loaded Chopped Salad with Chipotle-Hummus Dressing

Keeping it simple & fresh


Make a warm weather gathering great by
incorporating creative dishes that require
the beloved summertime ritual of firing up
the grill. Simple grilled recipes, or those
that require no cooking, allow you to cut
down on the prep and clean up time. Your
guests will love these recipes, which all
feature Sabra Hummus, a better-for-you
dip. Available in more than 10 flavors,
Sabra allows you to customize to your
guests favorite, flavorful preferences.

Prep time: 15 minutes


Total time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings

Grilled Flatbread with Hummus & Mixed Veggies

For dressing:
1/2
cup Sabra Chipotle Hummus, including all of topping
1/4
cup reduced fat milk
1
tablespoon rice wine vinegar

1
1
1
1
8
1
4
1
4
1
2

2

Place all ingredients for the salad in large bowl and toss gently to
combine.

Prep time: 5 minutes


Total time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings











tablespoon olive oil


clove garlic, minced
sweet onion, thinly sliced
red bell pepper, thinly sliced
large mushrooms, thinly sliced
cup baby spinach
Indian flatbreads (naan) or pocketless pita
cup Sabra Hummus
teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese
cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
teaspoons dried oregano
Red pepper flakes, optional
tablespoons balsamic vinegar

For salad:
2
heads romaine lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized
pieces
1
red bell pepper, diced
2
celery ribs, diced
2
carrots, peeled and diced
10
grape tomatoes, halved
1/2
small red onion, diced
1/2
English cucumber, diced
2
tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

Whisk all ingredients for dressing in small bowl.


Pour half of dressing on top of salad and toss well to coat. Add more
dressing as desired or serve extra on side.

Heat oil in skillet over medium heat.


Add garlic, onion bell pepper and mushroom. Cook, stirring frequently,
for about 8 minutes or until veggies are soft.
Remove from heat and stir in spinach. Set aside.
Place flatbread on grill or stovetop gas flame; grill for a couple of minutes or until lightly browned, turning once.
Place all four flatbreads on baking sheet.
To assemble flatbreads, evenly spread surface with hummus. Sprinkle
parmesan cheese on top of hummus. Top with veggies then mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with oregano and red pepper flakes. Place in
oven and bake for about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Drizzle
with balsamic vinegar.

www.sabra.com
178 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

FAMILY FEATURES

Theres nothing better than enjoying a delicious meal while relaxing with
friends and family.

Steak Salad Paired with Pinot Noir

Most of us have that familiar go-to menu that takes little or no planning, but
this summer its time to try something new. First, move dinner outdoors to
enjoy the warmth of the sun or a star-filled summer sky. Then, fire up the
grill and showcase summers bounty to create this delicious trio of salads for
a gathering that truly shines. Regardless of whether your taste buds lean
toward sweet or savory, or your appetite is light or hearty each of these
salads is tasty and inventive and sure to please even the most discerning
of dinner guests.

Servings: 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Dressing:

1/2
cup rinsed and drained canned white beans (from 15-ounce can, save remaining beans for salad)

1/4
cup white balsamic vinegar

3
tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1/2
teaspoon salt

1
clove garlic

Freshly ground pepper to taste
Steak salad:

8
ounces mixed baby greens

1
8-ounce grilling steak, seasoned with salt and pepper or Pinot Noir Marinade

1/2
cup quartered and thinly sliced red onion

1/2
cup shaved fresh fennel

1
cup baked croutons

1/2
cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese

Place all dressing ingredients in blender or food processor; puree until smooth. Chill until ready to serve. Grill steak
for about 5 minutes on each side; let cool slightly. Place greens, steak, onion and fennel in large bowl and toss with
half the dressing. Arrange on 4 salad plates and top with croutons, cheese and remaining white beans; drizzle with
remaining dressing.
For Pinot Noir Marinade, combine 1/2 cup Pinot Noir, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon
coarse black pepper and 2 cloves minced garlic in re-sealable plastic bag.

180 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

Mango Caprese Salad Paired with Riesling


Yield: 4 servings

Servings: 8 to 10
Prep time: 15 minutes

3
large, ripe mangos, peeled, pitted and sliced

8
ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

3
tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

3
tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Snipped fresh basil leaves

Crusty toasted baguette slices
Place mango slices on platter, alternating with mozzarella slices.
Drizzle with lemon juice and oil, and season with salt and pepper.
Sprinkle with basil and serve with baguette slices.

Grilled Chipotle Caesar Salad Wedges Paired with Moscato

Bright Ideas for Al Fresco Entertaining

David Mirassou, wine expert and sixth generation of Americas


oldest winemaking family, offers up these tips:
Pressed for time? Chill wine and other drinks in 10 minutes
when you layer ice and salt in a bucket, and then fill with cold
water.
Want guests to keep track of their glasses? Dip the bottom
stem of wine glasses in chalkboard paint. Once dry, guests can
write their names in chalk or paint pens on their glasses.
Looking for conversation starters? Use a chalkboard paper table runner to suggest food and wine pairings, and invite guests
to comment on them.
Not sure which varietal goes with what food? Use this rule of
thumb: Pair lighter foods with lighter wines, and heartier foods
with heartier wines.

www.mirassou.com

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: about 30 minutes

3
cups 1/2-inch cubes of cornbread

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2
cup good quality Caesar salad dressing

1
tablespoon Moscato

1
tablespoon fresh lime juice

1
teaspoon minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

1
large head romaine lettuce, cut into 4 wedges

1/2
cup diced tomato

1/2
cup crumbled Cotija cheese

Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
Preheat oven to 375F. Place cornbread cubes on baking sheet and
drizzle with olive oil; toss lightly to coat. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes
or until golden brown, stirring once or twice. Stir together Caesar
dressing, Moscato, lime juice and chipotle peppers in small bowl;
cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Preheat grill to high,
adding wood chips if desired. Brush small amount of dressing mixture on cut sides of romaine. Place romaine, cut side down on grill.
Cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until lightly charred. Place on 4 salad
plates and drizzle with remaining dressing. Sprinkle with tomato,
cheese, cilantro and cornbread croutons.
Recipe tips:
Puree the whole can of chipotle peppers. Freeze in ice cube trays
for future recipes.
Try cooking romaine on a very smoky grill for a little extra flavor.
No grill? No worries. This salad is great without the grilling step.

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 181

Naked
Getting

By Ryan Spencer

Over the years, I have put together some wonderful social gathering and during these
summer months, as always, I plan to throw some more. Thinking on what to include
on the list; a few bottles of wine and maybe create something new or bizarre. Well, I
decided to go with something new, warm and clear; Naked Turtle White Rum. The bottle
captured my eye with the look of a relaxed turtle, taking it easy in a hammock. Reminding me of how I like to relax during the weekend; taking in some sun and fun with my
family and friends.
Naked Turtle White Rum is from the island of St. Croix; a wonderful island within the U.S.
Virgin Islands. Located in a beautiful location that is all about what Im into, stress-free
living and fun with some good friends. Kicking back wherever you may be to enjoy the
good things in life and leave your worries behind.
What I really liked about this rum was its crisp taste and how smooth it is, but the first
thing you will notice when you pick up the bottle, is how well it fits in your hand. This
is not the regular shape bottle that has an odd shape of some kind. It fits nicely and is
easy to pour. But importantly is taste. Using a shot glass, I appreciated this rums smooth
texture and a nice hint of vanilla, it has a natural flavor that is delicious and something
to be experienced.
Being so clear and crisp I wondered how well it would mix with others, because it's not
about how you drink your rum it's about how you mix it.
My wife was cooking up some shrimp and fresh mixed vegetables for this evenings dinner. She asked, Whats the deal with the turtle? I replied, Im getting Naked, she
giggled and pickd up the bottle. I later explained how The Naked Turtle is a big fan of
sea turtles and encourages awareness to help protect their homes. Naked Turtle mutually works with David Godfrey, the Executive Director at the Sea Turtle Conservancy,
promoting the understanding of the health of the sea and turtles. She noted my statement and returned to stirring the meal.
I began to look over what I can mix for tonights dinner. I was thinking of a nice cool
daiquiri to take in this evenings wonderful weather, but decided on something quick.
For me, a simple rum and coke with crushed ice. For her, fruit punch and rum with a
twist of lime and the glass rim dipped in white sugar, also with crushed ice. The relatively
clear flavor is why I found The Naked Turtle White Rum easy to like, easy to mix and
easy to drink.
We discovered, looking at the sunset with its blue and orange hues, that this was truly
a relaxing, kick back evening with the Naked Turtle, wonderfully smooth tasting rum.
I can see why their motto is. Dont Worry. Drink Naked. We both agreed to add The
Naked Turtle White Rum to our list of spirits for many of our events, including our New
Years party.
My wife closed off the evening with, Im getting Naked, too.

Please remember to drink responsibly


182 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

Naked Cola
Ingredients:
1 1/2 ounces Naked Turtle Rum
3 1/2 ounces Coca Cola
Lime Slice for Garnish

With the temperatures heating up, theres


nothing better than to mix up a refreshing
and easy-to-make cocktail. These classic
summertime drinks are uncomplicated and
sure to be an enjoyable break on a sticky
summer day.

Preparation:
1. Combine Naked Turtle Rum and Coca Cola into a highball glass over ice.
2. Garnish with lime slice.
Ideal Serving Glass:
Highball Glass
Yield:
1 drink, no drink contains more than 0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol

Naked Punch
Ingredients:
1 1/4 ounces Naked Turtle Rum
1 ounce Pineapple Juice
1 ounce Cranberry Juice
Splash Grenadine
Lime Slice for Garnish
Preparation:
1. Combine Naked Turtle Rum, pineapple juice, cranberry juice and splash of grenadine into a rocks glass over ice.
2. Garnish with lime slice.
Ideal Serving Glass:
Rocks Glass
Yield:
1 drink, no drink contains more than 0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol
Please remember to drink responsibly

N
FAMILY FEATURES

utrition, exercise and good health is more than just a trend. Its a new
way of life for more and more families. Here are some ideas to encourage
healthy eating habits for your whole family.
Healthy Eating =
Healthy Weight Loss

Convenient, nutritious, delicious!


Seattle Suttons Healthy Eating
can help you lose weight, or
simply provide a way to enjoy
healthy foods without planning
and cooking. Each week you get
21 freshly-prepared, portion- and
calorie-controlled meals delivered
to your door, such as spiced apple
pancakes, southwest chopped
salad and Florentine-stuffed pasta
shells. Unlike other prepared food
plans, meals include fresh fruits
and vegetables. Plus, foods are
provided on a five-week menu
rotation to spice up mealtime
with new, delicious choices.
To learn more, visit
www.seattlesutton.com
or call (800-442-3438).

Nourishing and
Wholesome Goodness

A versatile and nutritious addition


to any meal, Minute Multi-Grain
Medley is a delicious blend of
four gluten-free 100 percent whole
grains: brown rice, Thai red rice,
wild rice and quinoa. Packed in
four pre-portioned bags and ready
in just 10 minutes, this blend can
be served during any
meal of the day. For
an easy breakfast,
try cooking the
medley in apple
juice or other fruit
juices then add
your favorite fresh/
dried fruit and nuts.
Want a complete
dinnertime idea? Stir
fry Minute Multi-Grain Medley
cooked in vegetable broth, with
sesame oil, rotisserie chicken,
frozen vegetables, onion, garlic and
eggs for a simple Asian twist. Visit
www.minuterice.com for a variety
of recipe ideas.

Antioxidant-Rich
Blueberries

Blueberries are grown mostly in


inland Florida counties. The
blueberry is available from
March until May, with peakproduction in April. Blueberries,
like all dark purple and blue
fruits, are high in antioxidants,
which help with the aging
process. When buying, they
should be firm and brightly
colored. Store blueberries with
a damp paper towel in the
package to keep them moist.
They can also be stored frozen
for up to six months. Visit
http://bit.ly/flblueberries
for more information.

Wholesome
Mealtime Swaps

Need a better-for-you ingredient


to swap out calorie-laden mayon
naise, dressings and other spreads?
Go with the deliciously creamy
option of Wholly Guacamole
instead. Made from the freshest
avocados and other all-natural
ingredients, this tasty spread is
low-calorie, with the basic recipe
containing only 120 calories per
quarter cup. Wholly Guacamole
is nutrient-dense
too, boasting
about 20 vitamins,
minerals and
phytonutrients.
Plus, its naturally
sodium
and cholesterol
free. Visit
www.eatwholly.com for more
recipes and information.

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 185

Add Balance

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

to Lunches and Snacks

FAMILY FEATURES

When you supply your kids with nutritious and sensible choices,
youre ensuring a productive day in the classroom and beyond.
Its simple to make lunch and snack time fun by tossing in some
new, wholesome options that add variety and appeal for your little
learner.
Add new foods to the mix
The most important nutrients parents seek when selecting the
foods they feed their kids are protein, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin
D and iron.1 While stocking up on foods rich in these nourishing
elements is certainly helpful, theres no way to ensure your child
will eat them. But recent studies have found that kids are actually
more likely than their parents to be the first of their friends to try
new food or nutrition products.1
Take the opportunity to start nutritious eating habits at a young
age with flavorful food combinations that create balance at snack
and meal time. For example, pair a kid- and parent-pleasing
choice, such as Mini Babybel cheese, a 100 percent natural
cheese with a rich and creamy taste, with their favorite fruit or
vegetable. In fact, a recent study shows that replacing non-nutrient rich snack foods like chips with a combination of cheese and
vegetables can help reduce calories by 72 percent and keep kids
feeling fuller longer.2
Easy ways to pack
To help parents make better choices while grocery shopping,
Catherine McCord, author of Weelicious Lunches and Weelicious.
com, and Mini Babybel Brand Advocate, offers these tasty ideas to
make lunches and snacks more wholesome for the whole family:
Protein Picks: To keep them feeling satisfied and fuller longer,
include a few protein-packed choices in their lunch bag. Some
options include roasted chicken, steamed edamame, hard boiled
eggs, nuts or a Mini Babybel cheese. With seven delicious flavors
that offer 5-6 grams of protein and 15-20 percent of daily calcium
needs, this cheese snack is sure to satisfy.

Sweet Additions: Make their midday meal and snack time more
complete with the addition of one or two servings of fruit. Some
delicious options include apples, apricots, strawberries, blueberries, kiwis or pears.
Fresh Finds: Many vegetables offer fiber and other nutrients not
found in other snacks. Throw in a bag of chopped vegetables,
such as baby carrots, broccoli florets, celery, red bell peppers or
sugar snap peas.
With a balanced approach to eating, youll be able to send the
whole family off to school or work prepared for whatever their
busy day brings. You may also introduce them to some new favorite foods.

www.mini-babybel.com

1
Survey data from Porter Novellis nationally-representative HealthStyles (a survey of US adults 18 years or older) and YouthStyles (a survey of youth ages 12-17).
2
Wansink, B., Shimizu, M., Brumberg, A. Association of nutrient-dense snack combinations with calories and vegetable intake. J Pediatrics. 2013 Jan; 131(1):22-28.

186 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

MOBILE
Go to FOCUSOFSWFL.com
on your mobile device.
Regional information at your fingertips!

Le Macaron
The macaron, perfected in France, has a long history dating
back centuries in Europe. Macarons are small round cakes
that fit in the palm of your hand. They are lightly crisp on
the outside, smooth and creamy in the center, filled with
ganache (chocolate), rich cream, home-made fruit jams or
other quality ingredients.
Each season and month, new flavors will be introduced to
complement the collection. Dine in or take - out, gift boxes,
favor boxes, and custom orders are available.
Like more information please contact: 941.552.8872.

www.LEMACARON-US.com
382 St Armands Circle
Sarasota, FL

Audrey's
Jamaican Cuisine

4463-D Ashton Rd
Sarasota, FL 34233
941-928-3309
www.audreysrumcakes.com

iPad, iPhone, Android, BlackBerry and web enabled mobile device

where yo u live a nd w o rk ; i t is w h o yo u a re.


S ervice-provider fees may apply.
Availabili ty varies by phone/network.

A simple way to indulge yourself!

NEW RED PALM & COCONUT SUPERFOODS


Nutiva, the worlds leading brand of Coconut, Chia, Hemp & Red
Palm organic superfoods is pleased to announce the introduction of
two new products: Buttery Spread and Shortening. These products
offer the nutritional benefits of red palm and coconut combined with
exceptional flavor and performance for health conscious home chefs
and foodies. The Nutiva Organic Buttery Spread and Shortening join
the brands extensive superfoods portfolio including the recently introduced Organic Unrefined Red Palm Oil.
Nutiva Organic Buttery Spread
This luscious vegan spread is made from organic red palm and
coconut oils. The delicious buttery flavor is
excellent on bread, veggies, yams or rice. It
contains no dairy, trans fat, soy or canola and
is an excellent vegan 1:1 butter replacement
for baking or cooking. The bright yellow color
reveals the presence of antioxidant vitamins
A & E naturally found in red palm oil, while
coconut oil provides the added nutritional
benefit of lauric acid. Fair Trade certified &
Non-GMO Project verified.
Nutiva Organic Shortening
Made with coconut and red palm oils, this vegan shortening contains
no dairy, trans fat, soy or canola. Excellent for baking and frying and
ideal for producing flaky pie crusts and crisp cookies with the health
benefits of coconut oil. It may be used in any recipe that calls for
shortening. Fair Trade certified & Non-GMO Project verified.

Nutiva Organic Unrefined Red Palm Oil


Nutivas original red palm oil was introduced
in Summer 2013. It has a mild flavor, with
a rich, buttery texture and a vibrant orange
color. It is high in antioxidant vitamins A &
E and ideal for soups, sauces and sauting.
Add it to regular popcorn for a delicious and
healthy movie theater-style popcorn. Fair
Trade certified & Non-GMO Project verified.
We are excited to offer foods that make it
simple and delicious to incorporate superfoods into everyday cooking and baking, said
Nutiva CEO and founder John W. Roulac. The
Buttery Spread and Shortening are especially exciting for home chefs.
All Nutiva red palm is sourced from small, organic family farms in
Ecuador in partnership with Natural Habitats . It is sustainable and
fair trade certified and does not contribute to deforestation or habitat
destruction.
Nutiva Shortening, and Unrefined Red Palm Oil are available for
purchase online at nutiva.com and all three products are currently
available at Whole Foods Market locations nationally. They are certified organic and fair trade, and verified non-GMO.

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 189

Developing

Personal Power
by Lynda Chervil

Personal power is a core leadership competency that everyone


needs to develop before they can lead others. It has to do with
being able to lead yourself.
"Personal power is the ability to achieve what you want, according to Frederick Mann, a successful entrepreneur and author of
The Economic Rape of America. More than anything else, it is
personal power that brings you success and happiness. The biggest barrier to success in almost any endeavor is powerlessness,
negativity, helplessness, and inertia. They belong together. The
problem is not only our own powerlessness, but also the powerlessness of those around us."
We can help harness and learn to use our personal power by understanding and working on our Emotional Intelligence (EI) skills.
Not long ago, when I worked in a corporate environment, there
was a strong push to incorporate EI into the organization's leadership training curriculum as an array of skills and characteristics
that drive leadership performance.
EI is "the ability to monitor one's own and others' feelings and
emotions, to discriminate among them and to use this information to guide one's thinking and actions," according to psychologists John D. Mayer and Peter Salovey, who co-developed the
concept and were two of the three authors of the Emotional
Intelligence Test.
My EI training and its practical applications to my work team
environment still resonate in my personal life. They became skills
that I now methodically apply to current situations in both personal and entrepreneurial pursuits.
There are several EI models, but the one to which I ascribe is the
mixed model introduced by Daniel Goldman, a combination of
ability and traits. Here are Goldmans five main EI constructs, and
my views on how each of us can develop them:
1. Self-awareness: the ability to know one's emotions,
strengths, weaknesses, drives, values and goals and recognize
their impact on others while using gut feelings to guide decisions.
In order to become self-aware, you need to conduct an honest self-assessment to determine your strengths and weaknesses, such as powerlessness and inertia, and determine the
root causes. You then need to create a plan that will help you
overcome your fears, which are barriers to courage and stand
between you and your successes.
While I am a big proponent of using my intuition to guide my decisions, whenever it is appropriate, I need to caution that unless
your gut feelings are often more right than wrong, you cannot
make decisions solely based upon intuition. You need to use a
balanced combination of intuition and logic.

2. Self-regulation: involves controlling or redirecting one's


disruptive emotions and impulses and adapting to changing
circumstances.
Simply put, you need to exercise self-discipline and know how
to control your emotions and be flexible in order to adapt to
changing situations. You cannot continue on the same trajectory
or keep the same plans when the circumstances or facts have
changed. Your plans need to be modified accordingly.
3. Social skills: managing relationships to move people in the
desired direction.
Your social skills refer to your interpersonal skills or your ability
to relate and connect with people, which can motivate them to
deploy discretionary efforts to help you achieve goals that are
best accomplished via partnership and collaboration.
Here are some tips for improving your social skills:
a. Pay attention to the feedback of friends and co-workers, good
and bad. Train yourself to repeat the behaviors that get positive
feedback and work on eliminating those that make people react
negatively.
b. View constructive criticism as just that. When we become
defensive, we dont hear what can be very helpful feedback.
c. Learn to handle conflict and confrontation from a perspective
of compassion and caring.
Personal coaching can be very helpful in learning to be more
diplomatic in your interactions with others.
4. Empathy: considering other people's feelings, especially
when making decisions.
Some people believe empathy cannot be learned, but I believe
just the opposite. Put yourself in the other persons shoes and
try to see situations from their perspective. Might they be feeling fear? Shame? Guilt? How do those emotions make you feel?
Understanding and addressing the concerns of others is essential
to EI.
Always consider intent versus impact, and how your actions or
decisions may affect the individuals or groups involved.
5. Motivation: being driven to achieve for the sake of achievement.
Simply put, what motivates you? What are your benchmarks for
success? Once you achieve certain levels of success, you need to
consistently set new benchmarks to keep chasing personal excellence!
Practice your EI skills on yourself first, and youll develop greater
personal power. That can lead to achievements you may never
have dreamed possible.

www.lyndachervil.com

About Lynda Chervil


Lynda Chervil is the author of Fools Return, a new novel that incorporates valuable life lessons in a page-turning tale that touches on technology, the green movement, and other aspects of contemporary society. She graduated from New York University with
a masters degree in Integrated Marketing Communications and has extensive experience in consumer and commercial banking and has held positions in new business development, sales management and executive leadership. Chervil seeks to push the limits of
established understanding by exploring alternative forms of spiritual healing, and, through creative writing, to expand the narrative of cutting-edge energy technology to promote sustainability.

190 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

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