Nona Magazine - June 2021

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iQ Cleaning Bringing Intelligent Clean to Lake Nona

New Business Spotlight in Lake Nona

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We have specially trained emergency experts and are taking extra safety measures.

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WELCOME

N ONA

LETTER FROM THE

EDITOR

L AK E N O N A S OC I AL M AGAZ INE

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 3

Hello, Summer!

I am so excited to bring you the summer edition of the magazine.

A publication of LAKE NONA SOCIAL

Publisher Omar Hickman Editor in Chief Samantha Montgomery

We will have you looking and feeling your best when you check out our exclusive interview with a nutritionist and meditation teacher; find the perfect beauty tips and tricks, and get a sneak peek on trends in summer fashion for men.

Graphic Design Renée Blair Blair Creative Group, Inc.

After we have inspired you to look and feel your best, give your house a deep clean with iQ Cleaning and then invite your friends and family over to try your hand at making sangria—not to worry, we’ve included a recipe for you from a sommelier.

Contributing Writers Amado J. Bobadilla Denee Hickman Samantha Montgomery David Plowden

Whether it is indulging in a book that makes you laugh, keeping you in the know on new businesses in our neighborhood, or celebrating International Sushi Day, we are here to help you celebrate summer in style because…

The best is yet to come!

Copy Editors Sharon Engle Samantha Montgomery

Samantha Montgomery, Editor in Chief Editor@lakenonasocial.com

Photography Denee Hickman

ADVERTISING

DENEFF GALLERY (TOP); DENEE HICKMAN (BOTTOM)

Shy Guthala 321.514.3069 Shy@lakenonasocial.com

Nona Magazine is published by Lake Nona Social.

The publisher disclaims all liability for any and all advertisements, promotions, articles, and other affiliated content contained within this publication.

The opinions of the authors are those alone. We do not accept any liability for information or advice provided by any advertiser, sponsor, or associated business provided in this magazine. ©2021 Lake Nona Social. All Rights Reserved.

LakeNonaSocial.com

NONA

Omar Hickman Publisher

L AKE N ONA S O C I AL VO LU M

Read the Digital Edition of Lake Nona Social Magazine at www.lakenonasocial.com/magazine

iQ Cleani

Bringing In

DOWNLOAD OUR APP

M AG A

Z I NE E 2 | I SSUE 3 | 2 0 21

+ ng

telligent C le to Lake Nonan a Celebrate Internatio na l Sushi Day in Style

LAKENONASOCIAL.COM | NONA MAGAZINE

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CONTENTS

7 1 Welcome

HEALTH & WELLNESS 4

iQ Cleaning

Bringing Intelligent Clean to Lake Nona

By Amado J. Bobadilla

12 Live Your Best Life

Exclusive interview with

Holistic Nutritionist and Meditation Teacher Rachel Hilsinki

By Samantha Montgomery

HOT TOPICS 7

SpringHill Suites

8

KPMG

9

Dime Med Spa

LIFESTYLE 14 Bookworms' Corner

Book Reviews: Pig the Star by

Aaron Blabey and Is This Anything? by Jerry Seinfeld

By Samantha Montgomery

FASHION AND BEAUTY 16 Invisible Beauty Products

Another deep dive into

beauty products that will give you a glow all summer long

By Samantha Montgomery

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17 17 Summer Trends for Men

Our resident fashion expert

19 ON THE COVER

gives the scoop on summer trends

By David Plowden

CULINARY CORNER 18 Sushi Day in Orlando

Celebrate international sushi

day in style with the stylish David Plowden

By David Plowden

19 Summertime Sangria

Tips and tricks on making a

lovely poolside libation

By Samantha Montgomery

IN THE SCENE 20 Sip and Flamingle

Lake Nona Social hosts

another event filled with food, festivities and entertainment

By Denee Hickman

20

4 Jaqueline and Marcio Benedetti, owners of iQ Cleaning.

Photo: Denee Hickman

OPENING SOON

EMERGENCY CARE CLOSER THAN EVER. Expert emergency care from a team you can trust is coming soon to your community.

Orlando Health Emergency Room - Randal Park will offer adult and pediatric services, so if your family faces the unexpected, you can expect to be taken care of by our experts – from our board-certified physicians to our expertly trained clinical team. With 13 conveniently located ERs across Central Florida, access to nationally recognized ER care in the safest environment possible is closer to home than ever.

OrlandoHealth.com/RandalPark

A service of Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital

COVER STORY tant rates for less-than-stellar service.

Others were unreliable and often failed to show up when promised, and others misrepresented their services.

It was this final indignity that would thrust Jaqueline and her husband, Marcio, into an adventure that would change the course of their lives and revolutionize the cleaning industry in the nation’s capital.

As the couple arrived home one evening, the woman who had just cleaned their home approached them before leaving. “She said, ‘I just cleaned your house, and if you need my services again, here’s my phone number,’ and she handed me her card,” says Marcio. “We were stunned.

The company my wife had carefully researched had simply called Craigslist and sent an unknown woman to clean our house.” Thinking they were getting a trusted, vetted, background-checked and bonded employee, they got a random individual.

“We felt vulnerable, exposed and betrayed,” he says.

Jaqueline and Marcio Benedetti and their two daughters Adley and Miah

The woman was pleasant and her work was good, but the story could have ended quite a bit differently.

The company had misrepresented itself and given an entirely wrong

iQ Cleaning

BY AMADO J. BOBADILLA

W

hen Jaqueline Benedetti first moved to Washington, D.C. from her native Brazil 12 years ago, she looked long and hard to find a cleaning service that met her discriminating expectations.

One made her wait two weeks for a location assessment before they would even schedule her cleaning, only to charge exorbi-

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impression of their services. For Jaqueline Benedetti, that was the last straw. Fed up with the state of cleaning services in the D.C. area, she set out to do something about it, and iQ Cleaning, the Intelligent Choice, was born. Raised in Brazil, a country steeped in a culture where clean everything is an obsession, Jaqueline set about bringing her per-

DENEE HICKMAN

BRINGING INTELLIGENT CLEAN TO LAKE NONA

ception of professional clean to the D.C. area. With a background in marketing and publicity, she promoted her idea of clean with a vengeance.

She met customers online and door to door. Then she did her own work, hands-on, leaving a trail of meticulously cleaned houses and scores of overjoyed clients—and their friends—clamoring for more.

DENEE HICKMAN

“That’s how we grew,” says Marcio of those early days. “Jaqueline was very friendly and professional, and she brought a level of marketing finesse unheard of in the D.C. area at the time. To streamline the booking process, she created a website where prospective and current clients could go to not only select the date and time for their appointments, but also specify what rooms, carpets, drapes, kitchen floors and appliances they wanted cleaned. Most importantly, however, they could see ahead of time how much those services would cost before a representative ever entered their home. That way, prospective clients would be reassured a marketing manager wouldn’t do a site survey, see the neighborhood and the house, and jack up the cost of services based on their impression of what the client could afford,” says Marcio. “There were no hidden fees. People loved it!”

“Within a year, she was pleading with me to quit my job and start working with her,” he says, a tall order for a production manager for Ocean Films, an award-winning Brazilian company providing production services for commercials and feature films, for whom he had worked for six years and whose work had brought the couple to D.C. to gather crews and to craft publicity for stateside and Brazilian productions. “When she started the business, she wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty and to work with the employees as she trained them. I quit my job when I saw her passion.”

Today, the company has over 40 employees in D.C., Virginia and Maryland and over 150 five-star Yelp and Google reviews. “…and people in the D.C. area are really picky,” he says.

The iQ Cleaning concept is quite simple but remarkably efficient. Once customers go to their website, they’ll have two options: to call or book online. If they select “call,” they are sent to an App, which allows them to connect to a customer-service representative directly from their devices. If they opt to book online, they have an array of choices: regular, itemized cleaning; Airbnb/hotel-style cleaning; moveout/move-in cleaning and barbecue cleaning. They even offer home-improvement and home-exterior services. Once customers are satisfied with their selection and make their appointment, they will receive three email reminders prior to that appointment. Then, on the scheduled day, they will receive a personal text message informing them that the team is on the way, along with an ETA. Once

iQ Cleaning does that, first and foremost, by looking after their employees and making sure they have the proper skills, tools and support needed to exceed their clients’ expectations. This “hands-on” support is as foundational today as it was 11 years ago when Jaqueline Benedetti started the company. “In those early days,” Marcio says, his wife would go out with her crews to impart her ‘philosophy of clean’ and the techniques she used that had proved so successful. But more important than that was the bonding that took place as she and her team worked together; a bonding that continues to this day. “Brazilians are very happy,” Marcio says. “We like to treat people the way we like to be treated.” This includes inspirational and training meetings that start the day Dr. Reynald Lamarre

the team finishes, they’ll send another text to let the client know that the job is complete, and more importantly, they’ll send a request for feedback.

“That’s REALLY IMPORTANT to us,” he says. “After 10 years in this ridiculously competitive industry, we understand the importance of doing things right the first time and exceeding our customers’ expectations. We want them to be so happy with our work that they’ll call us back and introduce us to their friends.”

for all the teams to ensure both that they feel supported and that their on-the-job needs are met. Then, throughout the year, the Benedettis treat their staff to a series of special get-togethers, culminating in a very special holiday gathering at the end of the year. “We take advantage of every opportunity to engage with our employees so that they enjoy being around us. We want them to feel like they’re members of our family and not just faceless names completing a task.”

LAKENONASOCIAL.COM | NONA MAGAZINE

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COVER STORY Not surprisingly, this philosophy breeds loyal workers, like Rei, who has been with the company in the D.C. area for eight years, who texts and calls the Benedettis regularly, and is a trusted friend.

This trust, however, isn’t generated overnight. All iQ Cleaning prospective employees are thoroughly vetted via extensive background checks. Once hired, employees go through a week of rigorous training with Jaqueline and trusted senior staff to ensure that they understand what’s expected of them, once they’re on their own.

“Jaqueline works directly with the teams so they know the excellence that will be demanded, but also, to let them know, early on, that she and the senior staff are there for them if they’re ever needed.” During that first week, trainees go on the job with a team of two, consisting of Jaqueline and a senior staff member at first, and then two senior staff members for the remainder of the week to catch the iQ Cleaning rhythm and quality of work.

After the first week, the trainee will pair with a senior staff member to ensure proper completion. “The person is always learning,” says Marcio. “We vet our employees by our customers.”

When the iQ Cleaning team arrives at a client’s home, they present as a cleaning franchise: workers with a clean, professional appearance in matching uniforms, and a car wrapped with the iQ Cleaning trademark. But that’s where the franchise similarities cease.

“If you have an issue with a franchise, you call the customer-service manager, not the franchisee,” Marcio says. “Two or three days can go by before anything is done about your issue. If you have an issue with OUR service, you call us directly. Someone immediately takes your call and within three minutes you will get a response. We have four customer-service people wholly devoted to our clients, so we are always available by phone, text or email. If the customers call us, we will send a team to redo the job to make sure they’re happy. If they’re still not happy, we’ll offer a refund. We have a 100 percent guarantee. Custom-

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er relations is important to us, and we take it seriously. We take pride in the quality of our work and we want to make sure we’re always delivering,” he says.

see the Florida expansion as a new venture, one they look forward to nurturing, especially in light of the Lake Nona family atmosphere and lifestyle.

Aside from the guaranteed consistent quality from one iQ Cleaning team to another, iQ Cleaning tries to ensure that customers’ teams remain the same on their particular day and time.

If a worker gets sick, there is always someone available to take their place so that the schedule remains undisturbed. This combines the familiarity of a “mom & pop” cleaning service, with the bonding, insurance and professionality of a franchise. In addition, the customers get to know the people cleaning their homes and can become more than just faceless clients. But there’s more that goes into the consistent quality of the iQ Cleaning service.

“We’d looked in Windermere, Dr. Phillips and lots of other places before settling on Lake Nona,” Marcio says. “We fell in love with what Lake Nona offers. We felt a passion for everyone here: the community engagement, the family atmosphere, the friendliness. Everyone is so happy and people are available for you if you’re struggling with something.

Our daughter has made more friends in her five months here than she ever did the whole time she was in D.C. It’s a clean, affirming place where our girls can grow up safe and nurtured.”

“We don’t pay our employees minimum wage,” Marcio says. “They’re paid by commission so they can better provide for their families,” which is something that has been difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially with the challenge of scheduling cleaning when the whole family is home from school or working. “Sure, it was less,” Marcio says, “but we made sure all our people were covered equally as best we could. It was a sacrifice for us, but they appreciated it, and that’s what’s important.” He adds that his teams rigorously follow CDC guidelines both on the job and before, by sanitizing their equipment prior to arrival. “My grandmother died of COVID-19,” he says, “so we take those guidelines very seriously.”

“Some of our clients want the whole house cleaned with Clorox, while others prefer kid- and pet-friendly green products. Regular clean, deep-clean, moveout clean—any way they choose, we’ll bring it out and our teams will follow the clients’ online checklist to the letter.”

After 11 years in the D.C. area, the Benedettis moved the iQ Cleaning headquarters to Lake Nona at the end of December. The work will continue in the D.C. area under the care of loyal, capable managers, but they

The couple have two girls: Adley, aged three and Miah aged eight months, and two dogs, all of whom keep them extraordinarily busy. They can relate to the need growing families have for assistance in keeping things in order at home. “We understand how important it is to have your whole house clean,” Marcio says. “It’s where you live. You come home tired. You want that feeling of fresh air a clean home gives you.

Everything is in place. The house is tidy. The beds are made. You can relax.

THAT’S the feeling we want our clients to have. Kids make a mess. At the end of the day, when you’re tired, the last thing you want is to spend your time picking up toys. Family time is valuable. That’s what we provide. We’d like iQ Cleaning to be the cleaning company our neighbors and friends trust to keep their homes fresh, sparkling and inviting. We want to be part of the community.” iQ Cleaning may be reached by calling (855) 550-4647 or emailing at support@iqcleaning.com to schedule an appointment. Prospective clients may also book their appointment online 24/7 at https://iQCleaning.us/book-now. iQ Cleaning 855.550.4647 6900 Tavistock Lakes Blvd., Ste. 400 Orlando, FL 32827-7593 www.iQCleaning.com/FL Monday-Saturday 8am to 5:30pm

HOT TOPICS

NEW SPRINGHILL SUITES OPENS in LAKE NONA on BOGGY CREEK ROAD

COURTESY SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT

S

pringHill Suites Lake Nona is now open. Located on the northwest corner of Lake Nona Blvd. and Boggy Creek Rd. just south of Orlando International Airport, the 153-room, all-suite hotel blends design and functionality with modern amenities to keep guests refreshed and connected.

“We’re so excited to be open and provide an additional hotel option for the area and airport travelers,” said SpringHill Suites Lake Nona General Manager Gregg Joyal. “Whether you’re staying with us for a week or just a night, we hope your stay in Lake Nona is welcoming, convenient, and restorative.”

Guests enter through the spacious main lobby and are instantly greeted by a collection of custom works of art inspired by the natural Florida landscape surrounding the hotel. The pieces featured throughout the property and in each guestroom were created specifically for the hotel by local artist Carissa Bloemeke. The hotel also features a variety of new health features, including a UV light air filtration system and a limited amount of soft surfaces and fabrics to reduce the spread of germs.

In addition to flexible spaces for working, meeting, and relaxing, the main floor also features a grab-and-go market, fitness center appointed with the latest Technogym equipment, two private meeting rooms with joint capacity for up to 100 guests, and an outdoor pool. Guests also have access to a complimentary hot breakfast buffet every morning and an onsite laundry facility.

Thoughtfully designed, each of the hotel’s 153 suites provide distinct areas for working, sleeping and relaxing with

enhanced, modern amenities and a hand-picked selection of West Elm furniture. Guestrooms include a mini fridge, microwave, 42” smart television, desk and couch with a moveable trundle bed. The hotel is also the first SpringHill Suites to feature vinyl flooring in each guestroom making the floors easier to clean.

Located within the Lake Nona Creekside shopping center, hotel guests have walkable access to a variety of food, beverage and grocery options including Publix, 7-Eleven, and Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria, among others.

SpringHill Suites guests are also minutes from dining and entertainment options located down the street in the Lake Nona Town Center, featuring Boxi Park, Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen, Park Pizza & Brewing Co., and Bosphorous.

SpringHill Suites is the third Lake Nona hotel project to open in addition to the dual-branded Residence Inn and Courtyard by Marriott bringing Lake Nona’s total hotel room count to 356. This fall, the 234-room Lake Nona Wave Hotel will open in the Lake Nona Town Center.

SpringHill Suites Lake Nona is open now at 13700 Boggy Creek Rd, Orlando, Florida 32827. For reservations and more information, call 407-313-3012 or visit www.marriott.com/MCOSN. l

LAKENONASOCIAL.COM | NONA MAGAZINE

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HOT TOPICS

KPMG

TO BRING 350 JOBS to ORLANDO with OPENING of CAPABILITY CENTER

KPMG Lakehouse, the firm’s learning, development and innovation facility also based in Lake Nona, boasts an advanced real estate design and breakthrough solutions. The Capability Center, located at 6820 Marwick Lane, will include the same innovations and will open in stages based on local data and guidance from authorities.

The firm’s ongoing commitment to both its extraordinary people and excellence in client service are demonstrated by its investments in KPMG Lakehouse and this new facility. As KPMG evolves to new ways of working, KPMG Lakehouse will serve as a cultural hub for ongoing con-

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nection, collaboration and training for all its people. The Capability Center is a cornerstone of the firm’s enhanced service delivery model that effectively addresses market demands and client needs. A key driver for the firm’s continued expansion and investment in the region is access to top talent in the Orlando area. l

ABOUT KPMG LLP KPMG LLP is the U.S. firm of the KPMG global organization of independent professional services firms providing audit, tax and advisory services. The KPMG global organization operates in 146 countries and territories and has close to 227,000 people working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients.

KPMG is widely recognized for being a great place to work and build a career. Our people share a sense of purpose in the work we do, and a strong commitment to community service, inclusion and diversity, and eradicating childhood illiteracy. Learn more at www.kpmg.com/us

COURTESY KPMG

K

PMG LLP, the U.S. audit, tax and advisory firm, today announced the opening of its new Capability Center, located in the innovative Lake Nona community in Orlando. The KPMG Capability Center brings 350 new jobs to Orlando, with plans for additional jobs in the future. Equipped with the latest technology, the facility will enable the firm to deliver select, high-quality advisory and tax services to clients across the country.

HOT TOPICS

DIME MED SPA

BY DENEE HICKMAN

D DENEE HICKMAN

ime Med Spa in the Lake Nona area is now open and booking appointments. Their grand opening was an intimate pop-up with delicious bites provided by Nona Bistro food truck. With an informational tour of the office, raffles and goodie bags, this pop-up was a great way to spend a Friday evening. l

LAKENONASOCIAL.COM | NONA MAGAZINE

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KIDIVERSE INDOOR PLAYGROUND AND GYM for CHILDREN, CRAWLERS to 12 YEARS OLD

W

e are a climate-controlled environment for children of all ages to come in and have fun and burn off excess energy! We want families with children of a wide age range to have a one stop entertainment zone for all the kids to come in and get moving.

Our facility is for children ages 0–12 and they can learn through hands-on discovery, role playing, physical activity and parent/child interaction. Parents can play with their children on play structures and in imagination-inspiring themed play areas or relax and

talk to other grownups while watching their children explore. ​ Our space was created just for you and your family so hurry in to play (anytime!), sign up for a class, have a play date, bring your computer (we offer free Wi-FI) or have your child's next birthday party here! l

Kidiverse 7149 N. Frontage Road Orlando, FL 32812 321.441.4898 www.OurKidiverse.com

BEHAVIORIAL FEEDING DISORDERS AND FEEDING THERAPY • END MEALTIME MELTDOWNS • STOP FOOD FIGHTING WITH YOUR TODDLER • DE-STRESS YOUR DINNERS

Certified Nurse Midwives offering Women’s Health Care in the comfort and safety of your home.

Services include Annual Exams, Menopause Management, Birth Control Consult, as well as problem visits at a time convenient for you.

Bringing our experience of over 15,000 deliveries to you, providing the safest home birth option in the Orlando area.

CALL US FOR AN EVALUATION TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP YOUR LITTLE ONE BECOME A HAPPY EATER 321.388.2924 • Kelly@pickyeatersonline www.PickyEatersOnline.com

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For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call:

407.974.7171 Tracy Cowart, APRN, CNM Michele Anderson, APRN, CNM

This unique indoor playground for kids offers a crazy fun time!

We have numerous mentally and physically challenging play, such as WIPE OUT, NINJA WORRIOR, CLIMBING WALLS, ESCAPE ROOM, INTERACTIVE GAMES ROOM, TODDLER PLAY AREA and more to guarantee fun for hours.

www.ourkidiverse.com

(321) 441-4898 7149 N Frontage Rd, Orlando, FL 32812

HEALTH & WELLNESS

LIVE YOUR

Best Life

amount to success, she notes that each person is unique and so is her program in that it focuses on each individual’s needs.

Rachel Hilinski

L

ake Nona Social Magazine interviewed Rachel Hilinski, who is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Meditation Teacher, to talk about how her program Be.Live.Change. helps individuals to live their best life possible by making healthy and cognizant choices on a daily basis.

When asked how she got where she is today, Rachel said, “I grew up in an unhealthy-nutrition environment, feeling exhausted and tired all the time. I took an interest in nutrition and ran with it. When I started to nourish my body, I saw the change in my energy levels.” Rachel didn’t just stop at nutrition; she has studied meditation under Deepak Chopra, who is the co-founder of the Chopra Center. She knew meditation was a key ingredient to living her best life.

“I was eating healthy and that’s great, but it’s not enough,” she said.

Rachel’s program focuses on four key elements: meals, meditation, mindfulness and movement. While the focus on these four elements is par-

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Those interested in making the choice to lead a healthier life can opt for a single-session consult, a 10-week mentorship, quarterly challenges, or her corporate-wellness program.

During the single-session consult, clients will discuss what is happening within their minds and bodies to see where they can create a positive change. This is the perfect place to start, because the consultation is designed to provide clients with in-

SUMMER SMOOTHIE 1 cup spinach 1 banana 1/2 cup wild blueberries 1/2 cup frozen cherries 1/8 tsp spirulina 1/4 cup freshsqueezed orange juice 3/4 cup clean water Directions: Add orange juice, water and spinach to the blender. Blend until smooth. Then add the remaining ingredients (ice is optional).

Blend and enjoy!

spiration and meaningful next steps to take that will help to get them started on a personal-health journey.

The 10-week mentorship program helps clients by creating healthy habits that will become part of a regular lifestyle in which they eventually won’t even have to think about what to eat or how to stay healthy, because it will become second nature—imagine never having to worry about scanning those food labels. The 10week mentorship program provides clients with education and accountability. The first session is one hour, and each week after that over the next 10 weeks, clients check in with Rachel for 45 minute sessions.

COURTESY RACHEL HILINSKI (TOP)

BY SAMANTHA MONTGOMERY

The corporate-wellness program is for companies looking to create a healthy work–life balance for their employees.

This is a 7-month program in which each session is four weeks and takes the employees on a journey through presentations, PDFs and weekly involvement. Companies who opt into the corporate-wellness program will see an increase in employee productivity and lower their healthcare costs.

"The Be.Live.Change. Challenges are an opportunity to reboot your mind and body to heal, cleanse and get back in your A game! They include a full week of focusing on nourishing your whole self with meals, mindfulness, meditations and movement, so you can learn how healthier habits can help you live your best life,” Rachel said.

Those looking for more information about how they can live their best lives are encouraged to visit Rachel’s website at rachelhilinski.com. To get you started on your new healthy journey, Rachel has included a healthy smoothie recipe that is as simple as it is delicious. l For more information on Be.Live.Change., visit www.RachelHilinski.com

HEY LAKE NONA

INTERIOR DESIGN & REMODELING

USE CODE LNS2021 FOR A 25% DISCOUNT

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LIFESTYLE

Bookworms’ CORNER

BY SAMANTHA MONTGOMERY

Jerry Seinfeld—

Is This Anything?

T

he master of observational humor has compiled a book on the material he has written from the ‘70s, when he first began his foray into comedy, to the present. The end result might be described as an autobiography by way of stand-up comedy. This book took me a long time to read because I didn’t want it to end. There were many parts that made me laugh so hard that I had to put the book down to pull myself together.

Aaron Blabey—

Pig the Star

I

f you are not familiar with Pig the Pug, he is a greedy but loveable pug who craves the spotlight.

Pig and his best friend, Trevor the wiener dog, have just entered a doggie photo shoot. At first, everything seems to be going very well; the camera loves Pig, and Pig loves the camera—that is until the cameraman notices that Trevor has pizzazz too. This does not go over well with our star Pig. He is about to lose his mind!

So, if you are looking for a fun-filled read with celebrity sightings such as Elvis, Madonna and Marilyn Monroe, then look no further than Pig the Star and his never-ending tale of woe.

Be sure to check out Aaron Blabey’s other well-loved children’s books including Thelma the Unicorn and The Bad Guys. Your little ones will fall in love with all his characters and beg you to read more to them! l

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Expanding his humor to include married life and raising kids (getting everyone out of the house at the same time is an uphill battle), life after his hit television show Seinfeld (advice to birthday clowns about breaking into show business) and getting old (he can say no to anything now without giving an explanation), he touches on things that most people can relate to and cracks us up in the process.

Some of my favorite musings are about the Post Office, where a penny increase means a lot to postal workers; being asked to pick up his movie theater garbage (why not just put him in an orange jumpsuit and hand him a stick with a nail in it); and getting the middle finger in traffic, where you are really just one step away from a thumbs up!

If you want to check out for a little while and just laugh until you cry, then this is the book for you. I can’t wait to see what the king of observational humor comes up with in his golden years. Perhaps we’ll be fortunate enough to receive another book in the next thirty years. l

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FASHION & BEAUTY

INVISIBLE

BEAUTY PRODUCTS

BY SAMANTHA MONTGOMERY

G

et into the habit of doing something special for yourself by creating a spa night at home with a few simple products and ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. For a deluxe spa night, pop open a single serving of champagne, silence your phone, and turn on some tranquil music. It’s now time to get down to some beauty basics that you will be eager to repeat on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

Give yourself a deep-pore-cleansing facial with Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay ($11). This product will not disappoint if you are in the market for a product that will unclog dirt and other impurities from your pores. The packaging states that you will “feel your face pulsate,” and you will.

This is the result of the clay mask’s removing all that dirt and gunk that has accumulated over time. The clay presents as a powder, and you will need to mix equal parts clay and water or equal parts clay and raw-unfiltered apple cider vinegar to create the face mask. If you have sensitive skin, I strongly caution you to use water instead of the apple cider vinegar. If you decide to use the vinegar mixture, I would recommend that you do a small test on your skin first. The packaging does warn that your skin will be red for about 30 minutes after removing with warm water, and

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that was the case for me, but those with really sensitive skin might not want to go this route because of the extreme cleaning process that takes place with the vinegar.

I tried it both ways, and I experienced equally great results by trying it once with the water and once with the vinegar.

Weak and brittle nails don’t stand a chance with Sally Hansen Maximum Growth Nail Polish ($7). On the surface, this polish will give your nails a fresh-polished look, but deep down there is so much more going on. Packed with a triple protein and silk formula, you will see a significant difference in your nails in just one week. Take this at-home manicure one step further by using Tweezerman’s Smooth Nail Buffer ($7) before applying the polish. Simply take the 4-sided buffer block and use in this order— f i l e , buff, smooth, shine. Swipe on the Maximum Growth Nail Polish and you will have a salon-worthy manicure that lasts all week long.

Whether your hair is healthy or needs some TLC, It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in Product ($38) will give you gorgeous-looking hair every time you use it. After shampooing and conditioning hair, spray a generous amount and comb through to make sure it is spread evenly through every strand. This multitalented product will: add shine, detangle, replace lost protein, seal and protect hair color (I’m talking to you, fellow redheads), help prevent split ends, impede hair breakage, create silkiness, strengthen, inhibit dry, damaged hair, and act as a thermal protector. Once your hair is nourished by all this goodness, you will notice a healthy shine, and it will be easier to manage when using your styling tools.

For more tips and tricks, be sure to check out last month’s issue of Lake Nona Social Magazine, where we featured part one of Invisible Beauty Products. l

SUMMER

TRENDS for MEN W

BY DAVID PLOWDEN

DAVID PLOWDEN

ith summer peeking its head around the corner, new merchandise and seasonal looks are slowly popping up in many local shopping spots.

Many designers are incorporating a range of trends, colors and fabrics into their recent summer collections, and shoppers have endless supplies and options to choose from when picking out their next beach outfit.

Men can find reasonably priced pieces from stores like Express Men, H&M, Zara and Dillard's. Patterned shirts, light fabrics and pops of color are just a few trends that have taken precedence this season. Pink shorts, floral tops and pastel blazers were just a few items that caught my attention while I scavenged through one of my local shopping malls. Another summer trend that I stumbled upon during

my recent shopping escapade was a safarithemed ensemble that I discovered at Express Men. It consisted of flocked safari suits, bomber jackets, khaki shorts and safari-patterned shirts.

It is a perfect collection for men who routinely indulge in summer hikes or camping trips.

So, make sure to check out some of the new summer 2021 trends before the season is up. Luckily for Floridians, those free-flowing summer outfits are not confined to just three months. l

LAKENONASOCIAL.COM | NONA MAGAZINE

17

CULINARY CORNER

SUSHI DAY in Orlando

BY DAVID PLOWDEN

I

n honor of International Sushi Day on June 18th, I decided to take a quick trip around the City of Orlando to try out some of my favorite sushi restaurants.

Orlando is known for its diverse collection of eateries with origins from across the globe, and I wanted to pay tribute to the day by visiting some of them.

Kicking it off in Lake Nona, Maki Hibachi is a new establishment located right off Narcoossee Road that offers an array of exquisite Japanese cuisine. And if their luxurious décor isn’t enough to pull you in, their full-service sushi bar might do the trick.

In East Orlando, adjacent to a tranquil lake view, Floridians can dive into the award-winning sushi at Maki Hibachi Seito Sushi in Baldwin Park.

Established in 2000, Seito Sushi specializes in contemporary Asian dishes that push the culinary boundaries with every bite.

Kabooki Sushi

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So, make the most of International Sushi Day during your next visit to Orlando, because this city has more than enough restaurants to honor this appetizing holiday. l

DAVID PLOWDEN

Visitors looking for more of a “social–nightlife vibe” can indulge in Kabooki Sushi, located in Sand Lake and Downtown Orlando. Kabooki Sushi is known to host a plethora of local socialites and celebrities, and their Rising-Star Chef of the Year Award pays homage to their mouth-watering menu.

CULINARY CORNER

Summertime Sangria

BY SAMANTHA MONTGOMERY

S

ummer is in full swing and we have put together everything you need to know about making the perfect sangria. We’ve included tips from a sommelier: an exclusive recipe with a twist, serving and garnish suggestions, and how this humble drink became a wildly popular sensation in America.

Sangria was first introduced at the 1964 World’s Fair when Spain sponsored a pavilion that featured the cocktail, which received an overwhelmingly popular response from Americans. The word sangria means blood in Spanish and refers to the color of the ruby-red wine most often used when making this cocktail. Today the drink has evolved with variations using sparkling whites and rosés.

Since sangria is best when served cold, it is a good idea to make it the night before and let it chill in the fridge, so that the fruits have time to impart their sweet juices into the wine. It is also suggested that you use a pitcher with a tight-fitting lid, so that you can pour the wine first and then use a wooden spoon to ladle each glass with the alcohol-soaked fruit.

Lake Nona Social Magazine reached out to sommelier Lee Pancake, Director of Education at Slate Wine and Spirits Academy in Orlando, to get his expert advice on using red, sparking white and rosé.

When most people think of sangria, they think of red wine for the base of this pretty cocktail, and so this is

where we will start. Deciding on a red can seem intimidating with all the choices out there, but it doesn’t have to be. Lee Pancake suggests, “When looking for red wines for sangria, I always look for something soft and fruity, such as an inexpensive bottle of Spanish Garnacha. Juan Gil of Jumilla makes a wonderful example for around $12 a bottle.”

Don’t be shy when it comes to mixing things up with a little variety. Be bold and try your hand at serving sangrias made with a sparkling white wine.

Sangrias made this way are perfect for poolside sipping. When asked to weigh in on this choice, Lee offered, “For sparkling sangria, I would suggest an inexpensive Cava such as Juve Y Camps Cinta Purpura Reserva ($14) or a reasonably priced French sparkler like Francois Montand Brut Blanc de Blancs ($12). It is important to use a wine made via the traditional method, where the bubbles are created naturally in the bottles. This ensures that the bubbles don’t dissipate too quickly. If you use a tank-method wine like Prosecco, you’ll end up with a flat “sparkling” sangria pretty quickly!”

There isn’t a hard-and-fast rule about only using reds and whites to make your sangria. Those who are fans of rosé wines will be happy to know that using rosé is an option, but you should be selective when choosing this wine.

Rosé wines typically tend to be on the sweeter side, so Lee advises, “When using rosé to make sangria, I always suggest using the driest rosé you can find. All of the fruit and sweetness

you add to the mix will only make the wine you choose taste sweeter. I say go for a classic Provence-style rosé or something from the south of France like Mont Gravet Rosé ($12).”

It is now time for the finishing touches: the garnishes. Adding the fruit and garnishes to your sangria not only will give you some alcohol-soaked fruit to indulge in, but also it will add a fruity flavor to your drink and give it a beautiful pop of color. Lee says, “Everyone always chooses citrus for their sangria fruit additions. Pick something that is in season or something more exotic.

Just make sure you choose the right fruit for the base wine you choose.

Red fruits go best with red sangrias, stone fruits and melons go really well with rosé sangrias, and citrus goes best with white-wine sangrias.”

Now that you are officially a sangria expert it is time to lounge the summer months away by the water with this lovely libation. If you are a nervous novice at making your sangria, don’t fret! Lee was generous enough to give us his signature recipe for Blood Orange Sangria. l

Lee’s Blood Orange Sangria 1 bottle of Spanish Garnacha 2 oz. aged rum* 1 oz. vanilla-infused-honey simple syrup** 1 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice 1 can of San Pellegrino sparkling lemon 1 can of San Pellegrino blood orange Add all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir to combine. Serve over ice and garnish with blood orange slices. *I love Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum. **Combine one part honey and one part water in a small saucepan and warm until thoroughly combined.

Remove from heat and add a few drops of vanilla extract.

LAKENONASOCIAL.COM | NONA MAGAZINE

19

IN THE SCENE

Sip and Flamingle

BY DENEE HICKMAN

T

he long-awaited Sip & Flamingle women's event was held this May, and it was better than ever. Our first Sip & Flamingle debuted in early Spring of 2019; however, due to the shutdown, we had to postpone the event in 2020. This joint collaboration between Lake Nona Social and Juliana No, creator of Lake Nona Moms was an event for women to mingle, shop and have a good time with the girls.

The food for the night was from several vendors: Que Paella whipped up a savory chicken paella; Amai Sweet & Salty served pockets of deliciousness with her tequenos; and Nona Bistro came through with tons of amazing empanadas. On the sweeter side, Cakes

by Debs made an incredible two-tiereight-layer pineapple dulce cake; Frutta Bowl Hunter’s Creek made custom acai bowls for a lighter refreshing option; and Just Because Baking created the cutest pink and gold macarons for a little sweet treat.

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For entertainment, we had a wonderful mix of live music to start and an awesome DJ to keep the crowd going. Henna by Priya created lovely works of art on many of the attendees, and IVOS Hands sent our attendees home with custom Lake Nona Moms dri-fit tees.

Our Title Sponsor Lisa at Art Face Portraits and Silver Sponsor Lynette at Unik Title made this year's Sip & Flamingle women's event come to life.

Other vendors who participated are also greatly appreciated: Sagalu Fashion,

Love You Candle Co., Bellanoa, Eye C r eate Her, Olea Essence, No Border Clothing, and Treadwell Farms.

We had a blast and cannot wait until our next women's event! l

DENEE HICKMAN

This year's atmosphere was a little different but still amazing, thanks to Nona Adventure Park. The spacious pavilion allowed for shade and a beautiful view of the lake, where we were able to relax and have a fun girls' night out while feeling safe. With lounge-seating arrangements created by Gala Rental, the ladies were able to sit, talk and have a bite to eat or sip on a signature cocktail. Pooof Productions provided a super-cute balloon backdrop for those oh-so-important selfies with friends. Daisy's Party Rentals created picnic areas for a casual and cool hangout. A Bubbly Social gave the entrance some much-needed appeal with their beautiful balloon garlands.

And let’s not forget Orlando Lawn Party Signs for helping us make a big statement!

AN EVENT OF MEAT-EORIC PROPORTIONS! We’ll have some of the area’s top burger restaurants dishing out their signature creations, while engaging in a battle to become the reigning crowd favorite. Wanna know best part? YOU get to be the judge!

So come join us for an afternoon of live music, fun in the sun, and the most mouth-watering burgers this side of the Nona.

JUNE 19, 2021 NONA ADVENTURE PARK amazing food!

live music!

cool prizes!

For tickets and information visit

ORLANDOBURGERBATTLE.COM