December 2013
The Grown-Up Christmas List Pg. 10 - 11
Cupcakes and Cocktails Holiday Enjoyment for all Ages Pg. 26 - 28 Lens Around Lake County Pg. 16-17
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE DECEMBER 2013 7 How to boost energy efficiency in your home and live green
16-17 Lens Around Lake County
8 -9 Tips for new pet parents
10 -12 The Grown-Up Christmas List
13 December Calendar
14 - 15 Experts warn of cyber threats during peak online shopping season
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18-19 New Year’s Eve Knockout- Three Wardrobe Ideas
22 -23 Fall back in love with your wardrobe this holiday season
26 -28 Cupcakes and Cocktails Holiday Enjoyment for all Ages
5-10 pm
from the publisher’s desk Al Asghar
A
h, my favorite time of the year, the holiday season. People are putting up decorations and getting ready for friends and family. Our cover this month was shot at Peddler’s Wagon in Eustis. I want to thank Penny and Kevin for letting us come in and take these photos. I also want to thank our Santa, Eugene Kessinger for taking the time to do the shot. We have a lot of holiday stories in this issue. Enjoy! I cannot start thanking all our listeners on our radio show. You are the reason that the show is such a huge success. We are going to keep bringing in great guest and have a lot of great giveaways. So keep listening.
staff Publisher & Managing Editor
Al Asghar al@everythinglake.com
Design & Layout
Joe Ramirez
Photography
Jennifer Moseley Elizabeth Betsy Reed Dakota Davis
Contributing Writers
Ajay P Michelle Turner Al Asghar
Advertising Sales
Al Asghar Matt Roderick
Cover features: Eugene Kessinger as Santa. The cover photo was taken at Peddler’s Wagon, 25 E Magnolia Ave in Eustis. Cover photo taken by Jennifer Moseley.
I want to wish everyone a great and safe holiday season. Thank you for a great year. Enjoy the current issue and I will see you all next month. Al Asghar Everything Lake Magazine www.everythinglake.com www.facebook.com/everythinglake 407-697-7933
The goals of the writers at EverythingLake Magazine is to provide great stories that are true and accurate from beginning to end. Please be forgiving if we make a mistake. We will make it right. EverythingLake is a monthly publication and can be located in various Schools, Chamber of Commerce, Businesses, Restaurants, etc. Any comments can be sent to EverythingLake Magazine at al@everythinglake.com or call 407-697-7933. 2273 Jennah Circle, Eustis, Florida 32726 EverythingLake Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by their advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to EverythingLake Magazine become property of EverythingLake Magazine and maybe reproduced at any time. All views expressed in our magazine are those of the writers and may not be of EverythingLake Magazine. Use of the material in our magazine is prohibited unless written approval is given by EverythingLake Magazine
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How to boost energy efficiency in your home and live green (BPT) - It’s now easier than ever for homeowners to transform their homes into models of green living thanks to the growing availability of affordable, energy-smart building products and materials. From replacing incandescent light bulbs to reviewing the energy rating on new appliances, more homeowners are making informed decisions on how to cut energy consumption and boost efficiency. Homeowners who are serious about boosting their home’s energy efficiency should consider working with a certified Home Energy Rater. These professionals conduct a series of tests to assess a home’s energy efficiency to provide an overall efficiency rating in much the same way that appliances are rated. Armed with this information, homeowners can make home improvement decisions that further boost their home’s energy efficiency. According to the U.S Department of Energy, heating and cooling accounts for about 56 percent of the energy use in a typical U.S. home. While using smart thermostats can help correct daily energy use, homeowners should consider how thoroughly sealed their home truly is. For instance, the amount of air escaping from the home via cracks and gaps within the building envelope can have a significant impact on the overall efficiency of the heating and cooling system.
Understanding the factors that contributes to air leakage is essential for improving efficiency and lowering monthly bills. One of the key areas to consider is the home’s insulation. While some homeowners may think simply layering more insulation on top of existing insulation may do the trick, typically these traditional insulation types are unable to provide a thorough air seal or promote better heating and cooling efficiency. In fact, all the small gaps left behind by regular insulation materials like fibreglass can add up quickly. One effective consideration is replacing traditional insulation with a high-performance spray foam insulation. Spray foam insulation, such as Icynene, both air-seals and insulates to stop air leakage from occurring, allowing homeowners to reduce energy consumption, effectively control their indoor environments and live greener. When installed, spray foam insulation expands to completely seal a home’s walls, floors and ceilings to prevent air leakage. Insulation experts from Icynene note that quality spray foam insulation can noticeably reduce heating and cooling costs, in some cases by up to 50 percent.
Why does this matter? Escaping air means the furnace or air-conditioner must work overtime to compensate and maintain a comfortable living temperature. As a result, energy consumption remains high, monthly bills continue to climb and any efficiency achieved through other methods is done in vain.
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Tips for new pet parents (BPT) - Whether you’re acquiring a new puppy or kitten for your household or adopting an adult pet from a shelter or rescue organization, the following tips will help you get off on the right foot with your newest family member. * What’s up, doc? Just as you require regular visits to your doctor and dentist to make sure you stay healthy, so does your new pet. A veterinary visit should be a oncea-year event, minimum, and more frequent check-ups may be needed, depending on your pet’s age and health status. Regular visits are likely to include a thorough exam, weigh-in, immunizations and parasite checks (a heartworm test and fecal exam). Blood tests and dental cleanings are also routine procedures. * Healthy eating. Your new pet may be eyeing your plate with interest, but don’t give in. Pets shouldn’t eat like people. Cats are carnivores; they need plenty of protein in their diets - roughly twice the percentage that you do and they need it in the form of meat, poultry or fish. And while your dog, like you, is an omnivore, that doesn’t mean he should share your meals. A food formulated especially for dogs is much better and treats should make up no more than 10 percent of a dog’s caloric intake. * Parasite prevention. You’ve probably heard of pests like heartworms, intestinal parasites, fleas and ticks but understanding how and when to prevent them is a different matter. Dogs and cats can become infected with 8 everythinglake.com
heartworms, although the resulting disease differs somewhat between the two species. Heartworm disease can be deadly, or it can reduce the quality of life of both dogs and cats. Mosquitoes spread heartworms and dogs and cats need to be protected year-round, thanks to a mosquito’s ability to survive in a variety of environments. A bonus is that many heartworm preventives also protect pets against other internal parasites. For more information on how to protect your new pet against heartworms and other parasites, talk to your veterinarian and visit the American Heartworm society website at heartwormsociety.org.
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Tips for new pet parents * Bathing. Most of us wouldn’t dream of letting a day go by without a shower or bath. But daily bathing is unnecessary for pets and can dry out their skin and hair. Most dogs are fine with a bath every three months, unless they get extra dirty or have silky hair. Cats usually keep themselves clean without any help although brushing long-haired cats on a regular basis is advised to keep their fur tangle-free and help prevent hairballs. * Making a connection. Dogs and cats relate to their owners in different ways. As a pack animal, dogs expect you to lead their pack and give them rules to follow. Dogs make faces - in fact, it’s estimated that they have 100 different facial expressions, thanks to their mobile ears. Cats attach to their people as social partners and use affectionate behaviors, such as purring, kneading and rubbing against you to show their affection. They’re also quite vocally expressive and can produce more than 100 different sounds.
* Sleep habits. While cats have a reputation for dozing, both cats and dogs spend more than half their time in slumber. Like babies, puppies and kittens sleep more than adults, although their sleep patterns can be erratic. Keep in mind that excessive sleeping can be a sign of boredom. Most pets will be glad to forego a nap for playtime or a walk. Bringing a pet into your home is one of the greatest joys in life, but it means new responsibilities. Understanding your pet’s behavior, as well as the do’s and don’ts of pet health care, will help make your bond with your pet a lasting one.
Keep up with more stories Like us on Facebook. www.facebook.com/ everythinglake
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The Grown-Up Christmas List Story by Michelle Turner
“As an adult, if you could ask Santa for anything this Christmas, what would it be?” “I would ask to never lose the feeling of excitement at Christmas time we had as children!” “At this point, all I want is for The Buccaneers to win one game.” “I think I would ask for EVERYONE to have the opportunity to experience the love of God! There’s just nothing like it!” “I would ask for student loan forgiveness!” “I wish that Santa would bring my daughter, son-in-law, and grandbaby home for Christmas>” “When I was younger I used to ask for things like cars and houses. If I could ask now it would be health of my family and friends and a husband and healthy children. If your asking material things, I would say curtains.”
C
hristmas time is here. Children will be getting out their crayons and papers to write their letters to Santa. Parents will be heading off to the malls with children in tow so that the kids can wait in line for the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap and whisper their Christmas wishes in his ear. Whether it’s the latest toy or even something sweet and sentimental that may surprise Santa himself, there is nothing quite as special as the magic of Christmas seen through a child’s eye. Of course, as we grow older and are responsible for bearing the responsibility of purchasing presents, decorating the house, cooking the meals, and all the other logistics that come during the holiday season, that magic seems to quickly disappear. So, in an effort to recapture some of that magic, even if just for a moment, we thought it would be fun to interview several adults by asking them: 10 everythinglake.com
“I would ask for all of us who have homes, and who know God, to open our hearts and homes through the love of Christ to help end homelessness and restore the broken.” “I would ask for a ride inside of his sleigh or an airplane.” “I would ask to be Santa for a day! Or ask for Santa to do our jobs so we can relax!” “A car of my dreams.” “To have all of my family with me at one time....miss those days.” “Enough money to be comfortable.” “A trip around the world for me and family.” “To be able to eat any food and still weigh 140lbs, enough money to be comfortable and not have to work full time so I can do charity, volunteer stuff and cliche I know but world peace, hate all the fighting in the world>”
“New carpeting for my home and to remodel the master bath” “Intelligent government with Logic.” So, just as varied as the responses Santa might get from the children, we got a widerange of answers that spanned the practical to the fantastical. Although the holiday time can be stressful for adults with trying to find just the right gift, making sure the food all comes out right, and making sure there are no bulbs burned out on your Christmas tree as everyone gathers around it, take a few minutes, watch “A Christmas Story” and try to remember just how exciting and magical the holidays were to you once upon a time. For old time’s sake, why not take your turn on Santa’s lap as well? On Christmas morning, you may find he’s had that special gift you been hoping for tucked away in his sled this whole time!
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December Calendar Christmas Tree Farm and Attractions WHEN: Friday, November 29, 2013 - Sunday, December 01, 2013 Tuesday, December 03, 2013 - Sunday, December 08, 2013 Tuesday, December 10, 2013 - Sunday, December 15, 2013 Tuesday, December 17, 2013 - Sunday, December 22, 2013 TIME: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest; 35317 Huff Rd., Eustis COST: $2 tickets DESCRIPTION: Choose and cut and fresh pre-cut Christmas trees available. Attractions include hayrides, tram rides, a bounce pillow, a maze, a zip line, and pony rides. There is no admission charge. Tickets may be purchased at any cashier window for $2 - number of tickets for each activity vary. Cash and credit accepted. Please like us on Facebook for up to the minute updates. Facebook.com/ SantasChristmasTreeForest CONTACT: Call Jodi Utsman at 352-357-9863 or email joditheelf@gmail.com WEBSITE: http://www. santaschristmastreeforest.com Chanukah Family Fun WHEN: Wednesday, December 04, 2013 TIME: 3 to 4 p.m. WHERE: Community Room 108, Cooper Memorial Library- 2525 Oakley Seaver Dr., Clermont COST: Free DESCRIPTION: All ages are welcome to join Rabbi Steven for stories, songs, crafts, games & refreshments! CONTACT: Call Amy Stutlz at 352-536-2275 or email astultz@lakeline.lib.fl.us. WEBSITE: http://www.mylakelibrary.org/ libraries/cooper_memorial_library.aspx
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2nd Annual Christmas at the Market Show WHEN: Saturday, December 07, 2013 TIME: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. WHERE: Renninger’s Antique Center; 20651 U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora DESCRIPTION: Renninger’s will be decorated for the season and so will the antique dealers with the most festive booths, vintage Christmas items and specially made crafts. It makes Christmas shopping a breeze. CONTACT: Call 352-383-8393. WEBSITE: http://www.renningers.com Mount Dora Christmas Tour of Homes WHEN: Saturday, December 07, 2013 - Sunday, December 08, 2013 TIME: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. WHERE: Various homes in Mount Dora, Mount Dora COST: $15 DESCRIPTION: Women’s Committee of Fine Arts Annual Christmas Tour of Homes. Visit six beautifully decorated homes in Mount Dora. All proceeds benefit local students pursuing careers in the Arts. CONTACT: Call Carol Newton at 352-357-3761 or email chnewton@msn.com. Tavares Holiday Celebration WHEN: Saturday, December 07, 2013 TIME: 4:00 pm - 9:30 pm WHERE: Wooton Park - Downtown Tavares-100 E. Ruby Street, Tavares COST: Free Admission DESCRIPTION: Wooton Park festivities begin at 4pm. The Parade starts at 5:30 pm at Main & Ruby Streets. Live entertainment, kid’s activities, “ice” skating, “snow” storms, food vendors and a special appearance by Santa Claus. CONTACT: Call 352-742-6370 or email vmadden@tavares.org. WEBSITE: http://www.tavares.org
December Calendar Annual Christmas Street Parade WHEN: Saturday, December 07, 2013 TIME: 10 a.m. WHERE: Astor Community Center- 24148 Ann St., Astor COST: Free DESCRIPTION: Annual Christmas Street Parade at 10 a.m. with music, floats, and more. Craft show in the Community Center, and Lighted Boat Parade at dusk on the St. Johns River. CONTACT: Call Holly Grant at 407-484-7710 or email hgrantrealtor@aol.com. WEBSITE: http://www.astorchamber.com A Christmas Gift with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra WHEN: Saturday, December 07, 2013 - Sunday, December 08, 2013 TIME: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Lake-Sumter State College, Paul P. Williams Fine Arts Auditorium 9501 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg COST: $22 DESCRIPTION: Celebrate the holidays with The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. Cherish the classic group’s hit records including “Green Eyes,” “Tangerine” and “So Rare,” paired with swingin’ renditions of traditional Christmas favorites.
Now under the leadership of trombonist Bill Tole, The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra continues to bring joy to both the young and the “young at heart” as they embrace the sounds of all-American music this Christmas. CONTACT: Call Erin O’Steen-Lewin at 352-3653506 or email LewinE@LSSC.edu. WEBSITE: http://www.lscc.edu/foundation/ perfarts/Pages/default.aspx Main Street Christmas Parade Festival WHEN: Saturday, December 07, 2013 TIME: 3 to 10 p.m. WHERE: Downtown Leesburg-510 Main St., Leesburg COST: Free DESCRIPTION: A holiday celebration for the whole family with performances by local groups, dazzling Christmas light displays, festival foods, carnival rides and games and more culminating with The Annual Lighted Holiday Parade starting at 7 p.m. with marching bands, twirlers, dance groups and illuminated floats. Even Santa doesn’t want to miss this event. CONTACT: Call Sandi Moore at 352-365-0053 or email sandi@leesburgpartnership.com. WEBSITE: http://www.leesburgevents.com
CATCH HOUR
Venetian Gardens Light-Up and Leesburg Boat Parade WHEN: Sunday, December 08, 2013 TIME: 7 p.m. WHERE: Venetian Gardens, Leesburg COST: Free DESCRIPTION: The Leesburg Partnership, city of Leesburg and Leesburg Boat Club are proud to present a dazzling Christmas holiday display with the light up ceremony officially starting at 6 p.m. The lights will remain open nightly through Jan. 1. Drive or walk through the beautiful Venetian Gardens and enjoy the festive holiday displays. Enjoy an array of gourmet food trucks and sit back and watch as the Christmas on the Water Parade begins around 7 p.m. as The Leesburg Boat Club members show off their brightly lit and holiday-decorated boats. CONTACT: Call Joe Shipes at 352-365-0053 or email joe@leesburgpartnership.com. WEBSITE: http://www.leesburgpartnership.com 3rd Annual Winter Fair WHEN: Friday, December 20, 2013 - Saturday, December 21, 2013 TIME: Fri: 7 p.m.; Sat: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. WHERE: Florida Scrub-Jay Trail-11490 Monte Vista Road, Clermont
COST: Fri Concert: $35 adv/$40 door; Sat: $5 adv/$8 gate DESCRIPTION: John Sebastian, founder of The Lovin’ Spooful, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame winner, will treat the audience to a memorable program of hits such as “Do You Believe in Magic?”, “Daydream”, “Nashville Cats”, and the theme from the award winning TV show “Welcome Back Kotter”. The concert will take place under the stars in the beautiful setting of the Florida Scrub-Jay Trail. Tickets are on sale now by going to www. scrubjaytrail.org. Cost is $35 in advance, or $40 at the gate. Early registration is recommended. WinterFair will continue on Saturday, December 21 from 10am-4pm with a day of music, fun, food, gift shopping, horse drawn wagon rides, kayaking and kid’s crafts, games and Domenic, the Italian Christmas Donkey. Saturday’s festivities are $5 in advance or $8 at the gate. This event benefits the Florida Scrub-Jay Trail Building Fund for the development of the Florida Scrub-Jay Treatment Center for injured songbirds and wildlife. CONTACT: Call Florida Scrub-Jay Trail at 352-4295566 or email info@scrubjaytrail.org. WEBSITE: http://www.scrubjaytrail.org
Guitar Series
A unique Boutique and Art Gallery located in downtown Mount Dora
Amy Sellers Art Gallery 411 N. Donnelly Street Mount Dora, FL
352.383.1102
Lots Of New Earrings 2 for $10 14 everythinglake.com
Experts warn of cyber threats during peak online shopping season (BPT) - Consumers often associate holiday shopping with long lines, crowded stores and overpriced goods. In recent years, many have turned to e-commerce as an easier alternative - holiday shopping without the headache. This year e-commerce sales are projected to reach $262 billion, a 13-percent increase over 2012. This growth is due, in part, to the rising popularity of online “shopping holidays” like Cyber Monday, which is celebrated annually the Monday after Thanksgiving and accounts for more online sales than any other day of the year. Last year, Cyber Monday sales reached $1.46 billion - a record for online spending in one day. Hampering celebration of this stress-free alternative to in-store shopping is the rapid growth of cybercrime. Cyber thieves are to blame for $113 billion in consumer financial losses in the last 12 months. That’s enough money to host the London 2012 Olympics nearly 10 times over. An equally alarming statistic is the rising average loss per victim, which doubled from 2012 to 2013 to $298. Despite the aforementioned dangers, many online shoppers are unaware of the risks associated with online shopping and don’t believe they’ll become one of the 556 million annual victims. Forty-eight percent of smartphone and tablet users do not take even the basic precautions such as using passwords, installing security software or backing up files from their mobile devices. “As the popularity of online shopping continues to skyrocket, so do the opportunities for hackers to steal personal information,” says Bob Bunge, professor in the College of Engineering and Information Sciences at DeVry University and consultant at the William Factory Small Business Incubator in Tacoma, Wash.
“Online shoppers need to be aware of the risks associated with e-commerce and take proactive steps to protect themselves.” Bunge offers the following tips for consumers to protect themselves from cyber attacks: * Boost password strength: Weak and ineffective passwords enable identity theft. The first rule of password construction is to go long. Short passwords can be uncovered by high-speed programs built to steal password combinations. * Ditch the debit cards: Debit cards are the least secure option for e-commerce purchases. PayPal and credit cards offer much better consumer protections including dispute resolution and fraud prevention. * Use the most secure network possible: Wired networks are always preferable to wireless. If a wired network is not an option, make sure to use a secure wireless network that requires an encryption key. Be especially wary of accessing public Wi-Fi services at places like airports and coffee shops. * Don’t store personal finance information: Don’t store credit card details online. Storing any payment information online exponentially increases the probability of a cyber attack. * Shop on reputable sites: Scammers often begin fake URL’s with names of reputable companies to lure consumers in. To avoid accidently clicking on an infected site, look for the SSL certificate and ensure the site starts with https:// and has a padlock icon. “Cyber Monday is the Super Bowl of online theft,” says Bunge. “While consumers should follow these tips all year long, they should remain extra vigilant during the holidays to avoid the increased risk of falling victim to cybercrime.”
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Photos by Jennifer Moseley
10th Annual WestMUTTster Dog Show
Orange Blossom Special A Celebration of Music & Art
New Year’s Eve KnockoutThree Wardrobe Ideas New Year’s Eve is fast approaching and whether you are going to a small intimate party at a friend’s house, spending time in with family, or an ultra-glamorous ball, you can look amazing and ring in the New Year more stylish than ever. Some of the weather concerns faced by Northerners are non-fashion issues on New Year’s Eve luckily don’t apply to Floridians. If you plan to spend New Year’s Eve in New Year to see the famous ball drop, or in a similarly snow-prone state, these recommendations may require the addition of knee or thigh high boots, scarves, and overcoats. However, here in Florida, chances are these looks will be able to be worn as pictured. Outfit One: Casual If you pair of black pants or dark denim jeans with a simple top, and then accent these common favorites with sparkly shoes and jewelry, you can take an otherwise simple, understated look to New Year Glitz: The Casual Version.
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Outfit Two: Step-Up to Glam Star covered, sparkly tights, and a pop of color with a ruby red blouse step this outfit up from casual to party-worth glam. With attention-getting tights, and ruby red earrings, the remaining accessories such as the shoes and coat remain understated to keep the outfit from going over the top and making the worst-dressed list.
New Year’s Eve KnockoutThree Wardrobe Ideas Outfit Three: Nude-Colored Knockout An asymmetric one shoulder sparkling nude dress paired with a combination of both glittery and understated nude accessories- including jewelry, clutch bag, shawl, and high heels- ensures that you are a shining example of how to ring the new year as a knockout!
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Your zzz’s count this holiday season, so start counting them (BPT) - Between squeezing extra activities into your schedule, finding time to bake holiday treats for your children’s classrooms and organizing a mini family reunion, the holiday season might be causing you a bit of stress. And if that stress is affecting your sleep, you could be caught up in the vicious cycle of exhaustion causing stress and stress causing more exhaustion. Creating a personal sleep sanctuary will help you meet your needs for rest and rejuvenation and give you plenty of opportunity to count your zzz’s and not lie awake wishing for sleep. By improving your quality and quantity of sleep, you are able to better handle all the stresses of the holiday season, and instead share in the fun activities at this time of year. “A lack of sleep negatively impacts our mood and outlook, as well as our physical health,” says Terry Cralle, a registered nurse and certified clinical sleep educator. “Sufficient sleep, a good diet and regular exercise are the three ingredients to staying healthy all season long.” You may be surprised at how many people experience issues sleeping. The Better Sleep Council reports that 66 percent of people 18 to 34 claim that they have trouble falling and staying asleep. That number drops to 53 percent of people ages 35 to 54, and 20 everythinglake.com
just less than half of people 55 and older. If you fall into the portion of the population experiencing sleep troubles, consider these tips from the Better Sleep Council: * Build a good sleep environment - A good sleep environment is imperative when it comes to counting zzz’s each night. Start off with a quality mattress. “A mattress is an investment, not only financially but for your health,” says Karin Mahoney, director of communications for the Better Sleep Council. “To help improve your sleep - and your quality of life - it’s a good idea to compare the mattress you are sleeping on to new models every five years and to consider replacing your mattress if it is more than seven years old.”
Your zzz’s count this holiday season, so start counting them * Sleep in your ideal bedroom - Light, noise and even temperature can disrupt sleep or make it difficult to fall asleep. Purchase lightblocking shades and install them in windows to keep the sun, streetlights and passing car headlights from shining in. Consider finding a source of white noise - such as a fan or sound machine producing soft ocean sounds - to cover up other noises happening in the house like the heater kicking in, or someone getting up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. Finally, you should consider turning the temperature in the bedroom down a degree or two - or getting it as close as possible to the ideal bedroom temperature of 65 F. A cooler temperature can help the body relax and fall into sleep much more easily.
* Count your sleep - not sheep - Track your sleep using a sleep app. Several apps reviewed by the Better Sleep Council provide users with a variety of benefits. For example, some are designed to monitor your breathing and movements, and they encourage you to wake up when you’re in the lightest stage of the sleep cycle. Others can record your snoring and breathing habits to help determine if you are experiencing any distractions mid-slumber. Catching the right number of -zzz’s can lead to better health and more energy this holiday season, helping to reduce your stress level. Make good sleeping habits and creating a sleep environment a priority, so you can wake up feeling refreshed every morning.
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Fall back in love with your wardrobe this holiday season (BPT) - Not only is the holiday season time for presenting loved ones with carefully handpicked gifts, it’s also the season for dressing up and sharing good cheer at office parties, family events and cocktail gatherings. With all the holiday events beginning to fill up social calendars, women nationwide begin to have the all-too familiar feeling that they have nothing in their closets to wear. In fact, most women only wear 20 percent of the clothing in their closet 80 percent of the time, often leading to “closet regret.” When clothes lose their softness, shape or freshness, they tend to shift to the back of the closet, becoming items once loved but no longer worn. As the invitations for holiday gatherings arrive, don’t let the anxiety of having nothing to wear and the fear of going over budget on a whole new wardrobe stress you out this season. Refresh your holiday attire by adding another layer of fragrance to your Downy soft wardrobe with Downy Unstopables Glow In-Wash Scent Booster. These in-wash scent boosters go beyond everyday freshness to keep your outfits smelling fresh from one party to the next. “One of the most important, but often overlooked, layers of a woman’s wardrobe is scent,” says P&G’s Scent Expert and Perfumer Mark Haward. “Even before you put on your perfume, Downy Unstopables gives you these lovely, long-lasting layers that will help you feel beautiful. Your closet will have new life.”
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Fall back in love with your wardrobe this holiday season With Downy as your seasonal helper, look forward to less stress, saving time and money by shopping your own closet and donning your holiday favorites. Don’t know where to start? Here are a few tips on how to refresh the holiday outfits already in your closet, making them look like new and ready to bring on the holiday cheer. * Mix and match. If you have a staple little black dress that’s been worn many times, give it a fresh burst of color with a red belt, a colorful scarf or even beautiful stone statement necklace. Many of your favorite holiday outfits can be accessorized with pops of color making them look new. * Play up the textures. Softness is important for any holiday couture. You’ll want to be comfortable in your holiday outfit whether you’re spending an evening under the mistletoe or on the dance floor. Be sure to add Downy Infusions Cashmere Glow Fabric Softener in your wash cycle to condition your clothing and add extra softness so you can enjoy the entire holiday event in comfort and with confidence.
* Create surprising high-low clothing combinations. One of the latest trends is mixing high and low-end fashions for a great new look. Try this trend with items already in your closet, like pairing a classic coat with a trendy peplum dress or a basic T-shirt with a statement skirt. Pulling this trend off helps create bold new looks from items you already have. * Renew your favorites. Keep your holiday favorites looking new event after event by protecting them with the fabric care regimen, including Downy Unstopables In-Wash Scent Booster and Downy Infusions Fabric Softener. Caring for your clothes is much more than just “clean” and using fabric softeners and scent boosters is extremely important to the life of your clothes. With Downy you’ll be able to shop your own closet for the perfect outfit to wear all season long, saving money and time.
ADVANCED THERAPIES ACUPUNCTURE
DR. VICTORIA MILLER, AP, DOM SHAHANAJI ZECHNA, LMT, NMT, SET
SHAMAYA CHAH, LMT, CKTP LIC#MA4338 LIC#MM27432 LIC#MA33910
352-383-0004 428 EAST 5th AVE., MOUNT DORA, FL. 32757
WEIGHT LOSS - IDEAL PROTEIN STANDARD PROCESS HOMEOPATHY CRANIO SACRAL BACH FLOWER REMEDIES
MEDICAL MASSAGE DEEP TISSUE S.E.T. THERAPY CRANIO SOMATIC REIKI, HOT STONES
SWEDISH MASSAGE
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Cupcake Delights 122 E 4th Ave, Mt Dora, FL 352-383-2200 Story by Al Asghar Photos by Jennifer Moseley
Cupcake Delights 122 E 4th Ave, Mt Dora, FL 352-383-2200 I had decided that I was going to mix it up and do something totally different this month. A desert Mecca, “Cupcake Delights”. As I walked in, I got this sweet, warm aroma that makes you stop and droll. “We pride ourselves by creating the freshest, highest quality and most tempting cupcakes available. We bake our moist delicious cupcakes daily right here on the premises with only quality ingredients. Our signature Butter Cream and Cream Cheese frostings are made from scratch using real butter, cream cheese and Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla. Just look into the display case and you’ll need a napkin” stated owner Judy Owens. “We rotate from over 80 different flavors of cupcakes on a daily basis. We try to have 14 or more mouth watering flavors a day to choose from and are always trying out something new, so keep checking back for new flavors. Cupcakes are our focus but you can wash them down with Barnie’s Coffee, bottled water, soda or ice cold milk”.
And she was right. I starred into the display case and while looking at the different cupcakes, I wanted to try them all. As I looked to the left of the display case I noticed donuts. “Our donuts are made to order. We make fresh vanilla cake donuts right in front of you, and then you get to choose what goes on it. We’re waiting for you to design your donut…it’s not going to be easy!” explained Judy. “You have choice of different glazes, frostings, coatings, toppings and drizzles”. Now came my favorite part, trying them. Judy had picked a few cupcakes and donuts and put them on a platter. The cupcake and donuts were moist, fresh and delicious. I tried one after another and they just were mouth watering. Every one of them stood out on their own. Cupcake Delights has quickly become one of my favorite places in Mount Dora. I will definitely be back.
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Cupcakes and Cocktails Holiday Enjoyment for all Ages Christmas and New Year’s Eve are right around the corner and so we have collected some cute cupcake decorating tips to enjoy with the kids at Christmas time and some creative cocktail recipes for the adults as they ring in the New Year! Christmas Tree Cupcakes When you combine a chocolate cupcake base, an upside-down strawberry, and piped green icing on top of the strawberry, you have tasty cupcakes that look just like Christmas trees. Kids can place the strawberries and can even be responsible for piping the icing into place. Reindeer Cupcakes These cupcakes can be any flavor base but make sure it pairs well with a chocolate or peanut butter frosting. The kids then can start adding the pretzel antlers, and a bit of white frosting for the “whites” of the reindeer’s eyes. The eyes are then completed with two M&M or Reese’s pieces candies. A vanilla wafer and one more candy complete the reindeer’s adorable face.
Cupcakes and Cocktails Holiday Enjoyment for all Ages Cupcake Wreath This creative cupcake wreath can not only serve as a delicious dessert, but also as a conversation piece at the center of any holiday table. Pick your flavor of cupcake, bake up at least a dozen, and then have the children arrange them on a platter in the shape of a wreath. Pipe the green frosting in the same angle, add some “ornaments” and a red fondant bow, and you have a centerpiece that you won’t have to worry about storing till next Christmas!
Looking Good. PROFESSIONAL • LOCAL • COMPETITIVE
352.343.2361 media@qualitydesignandprint.net
Like us on Facebook Quality Design and Print, LLC Cake Batter Martinis Using your finger, coat the rim of the glass with frosting- make sure not to miss any spots. Dump sprinkles on a plate and press glass rim into sprinkles, pressing to adhere (think: salting the rim of a margarita glass). Combine the following into a cocktail shaker with ice: 1 ounce amaretto, 1 ½ ounces of Pinnacle whipped cream vodka, 1 ½ ounces crème de cacao, ½ ounce Godiva white chocolate liqueur, and 1 ounce heavy cream. Shake for about 30 seconds, strain into a glass and Enjoy! Blow Pop Martini Jelly Shot This one takes a bit more work but will definitely leave your guests talking! If possible find a flexible silicone mold in a small oval savarin shape (24 holes) OR you can use a standard 1lb. loaf glass or non-reactive metal loaf pan (approximately 8” x 4”). everythinglake.com 27
Prepare the mold by spraying lightly with cooking spray, then wiping the mold cavities clean with a paper towel. (This will leave a very slight residue which will help unmold the jelly shots, without affecting their taste or appearance.) No preparation is needed if the jelly shots will be set in a loaf pan. Pour 1/3 cup frozen lemonade concentrate (thawed and strained to remove solids) and 2/3 cup water into a small saucepan. Sprinkle with 2 1/2 envelopes Knox (if not using a mold, decrease to 2 envelopes!) gelatin and allow to soak for a minute or two. Heat over very low heat, stirring constantly, until gelatin is fully dissolved (approximately 5 minutes). Stir in 3/4 cup bubble flavor vodka. Divide the mixture into two bowls. To one bowl, add 1 tbsp. Watermelon Pucker liqueur. To the other, add 1 tbsp. Sour Apple Pucker liqueur. Pour into molds and chill until fully set, several hours or overnight.
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To serve, unmold. Cut the lollipop sticks into approximately 1 1/2 inch segments. Immediately before serving, insert one into each jelly shot and place each jelly shot in a mini cupcake wrapper. Recipe will yield 24 jelly shots. Winter Wonderland Combine 2 ounces Van Gogh Vanilla Vodka, 2 ounces white chocolate liqueur, 1 ounce white crème de cacao, and 1 ounce heavy cream in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain martini into a martini glass and add half a teaspoon of coconut flakes. Stir martini gently with white chocolate wafer stick to create a delicious blizzard!
Our menu features a unique dockside twist to the classic Hurricane Grill & Wings速 menu. Hurricane速 Dockside Grill infuses several traditional Hurricane Grill & Wings速 menu items, including their award-winning jumbo sized chicken wings and 32 original sauces.
Monday Buy One Get One 1/2 Price
Tuesday
Kids EAT FREE with paid adult
11am-10pm Sunday -Thursday 11am-11pm Friday and Saturday 3351 West Burleigh Blvd. Tavares, FL 32778
352.508.5137 hurricanedocksidegrill.com
Wednesday Ladies Night
Ladies get complimentary house drink
Friday & Saturday 10% Off CARRY OUT
Live Entertainment Thursday-Sunday
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Premium Maintenance Package
Includes: • 21 point Inspection • Inline Coil Cleaning • Coil Sanitizing • Duct Freshening
$59.00