Carrollwood - Vol. 2, Issue 12, December 2014 by Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles Magazine

Vol. 2, Issue 12, December 2014

Your neighborhood. Your magazine. The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To 15,000 Homes In Carrollwood, Lake Magdalene & Avila

Ocean Blue is Your Local Hotspot for Fresh Sushi! By Alexis Selby A favorite hangout among Carrollwood residents, Ocean Blue offers guests a fabulous selection of handcrafted sushi rolls and delicious Japanese cuisine that is sure to please any palate. “The variety of choices you get here is bar none,” says Head Sushi Chef and General Manager Tuyen Tran. “We offer a very well-rounded

sushi menu; from cooked to raw; fresh salmon, tuna, and yellowtail to conch, octopus and squid.” Taking over ownership last December, new owner Dave Wilson has enjoyed getting to know people in the Carrollwood community and really strives to provide his guests with the freshest, most delicious sushi at the best value. “The freshness of our See “Ocean Blue” on page 28.

Arbor Terrace of Citrus Park – Assisted Living and Memory Care for Seniors! By Alexis Selby Offering the very best in senior housing, assisted living and memory care, for the past 30 years the Arbor Company has been setting the precedent for senior living. From their beautiful facilities and compassionate care to their knowledgeable staff and

exciting classes and activities, Arbor Terrace offers residents a truly carefree living experience. The friendly nurses and staff have a combination of experience, talents, and in-depth industry knowledge that makes them exceptionally well qualified to serve their clients' needs and together they do all they can to ensure residents feel com-

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 1185

Dining Contest Winners.......................................3 Community Calendar/ News Briefs..................4-5 J A Barnett Realty Group..................................8-9 The Olive Tree..............................................12-13 TranZitions Hair Salon.................................14-15 New York Massage.............................................18 Mount This! Fish Company...........................22-23 Area Rugs Direct................................................30 ALS Fashion Show & Luncheon....................32-33 Grout Tech...................................................36-37

fortable and happy. The Arbor Company’s newest location, Arbor Terrance of Citrus Park, which is set to open early 2015, features a beautiful 96-suite facility, complete with many luxurious amenities, including a hair salon, an on-site rehab

center, a theatre room and a café, where residents can enjoy lattes, pastries, and cocktails. Conveniently located in the heart of the Citrus Park and Westchase neighborhoods and in See “Arbor Terrace” on page 26.

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Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

From The Editor Alexis Selby

Congratulations to Winners of Neighborhood News & Lifestyles’ 2014 Dining Contest! We are excited to announce the winners of Neighborhood News & Lifestyles’ 2014 Dining Contest. Each year, we look forward to this contest because it is exciting to see how many responses we will get, and it gives us a chance to give back to our readers as a thank you for your support. This year, as in the past, our readers responded with gusto, with hundreds sending us their votes for favorite restaurants in the area. We have some excellent eateries and in some of the categories, we wish we could announce two winners because it was a close contest right up to the last entries! Not surprising to us, some of your favorite restaurants also happen to be some of our favorite advertisers and while we congratulate all of the top contending restaurants, we want

to give special congratulations to the excellent restaurants that advertise in Neighborhood News & Lifestyles. When it came to best pizza joint, Mellow Mushroom won the hearts of our readers and proudly came in first. Looking to enjoy a yummy breakfast or some delicious coffee? Hattie’s Cafe & Beanery, voted by readers as the best breakfast/brunch spot in Carrollwood, is sure to have something to hit the spot! Best sushi restaurant was won by Ocean Blue, and for good reason their sushi is amazing! Check out their article on the cover of this month’s publication! Congratulations to all the winning restaurants! You see a full list of the top-voted restaurants on page 34. Thank you to everyone who par-

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

ticipated in our annual dining contest and congratulations to the randomly chosen winners who will receive dining gift certificates to popular local restaurants. The Grand Prize Winner of Neighborhood News & Lifestyles’ 2014 Dining Contest is Cathy Chaffin of Carrollwood. Cathy will receive $100 in dining gift certificates to local restaurants! Congratulations to the runnerup winners, who will each receive $25 in dining gift certificates: Suzan Schonder of Original Carrollwood, Ellen Giallonardo of Original Carrollwood, Jim Foody of Carrollwood Village, Ed Offner of Goldstein, and Kendra Booth of Carrollwood Crossing.

Thank you all for your entries!

Neighborhood News & Lifestyles Directly mailed once a month to 15,000 households in zip codes 33618, 33624 & 33613 220 S. Safford Ave. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Phone: (813) 928-6124; Fax: (727) 942-2432 Advertising E-mail: info@nnlflorida.com Editorial E-mail: alexis@nnlflorida.com © 2014 Carrollwood Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is published by M Selby Publications, INC. Publisher Matt Selby Advertising Sales Jared Nager (Manager) Linda Viega Mike Bird Accounting Manager Alexis Selby Marketing & Development Ashley Knoblach Art Director Tony Sica

Editor Alexis Selby Correspondents Erin Aldrich Julie Kanehl Marcy Sanford Pamela Sica Katie Thomas Kim Thomas Dara Tucker Deborah Bostock-Kelley

Nothing that appears in Carrollwood Neighborhood News & Lifestyles may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Carrollwood Neighborhood News & Lifestyles writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The management of Carrollwood Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is always happy to accept outside editorial submissions to the paper. Please call for outside editorial submission and advertisement deadlines. Carrollwood Neighborhood News & Lifestyles will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Carrollwood Neighborhood News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Carrollwood Neighborhood News & Lifestyles will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Carrollwood Neighborhood News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Carrollwood Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, not for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. Carrollwood Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is published by M Selby Publications, INC.

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DECEMBER 2014

Community Calendar & News Briefs It's that "Nutty" Time of Year Again! Come Celebrate the Holidays with Collective Soles Arts Group’s Annual Production of The Nutcracker, Featuring the Collective Soles Dance Company! Collective Soles Arts Group presents "The Nutcracker", a classical holiday tradition. This full-length classical ballet set to the music by composer Peter IIyich Tchaikovsky, features classic choreography and performances by the Collective Soles Dance Company, students from Jansen Dance Project and members of the Tampa community. Come Celebrate the Arts with Us!! Performances are Saturday, December 13th at 2:00pm and 7:30pm at USF’s Theatre I, located at TAR 230, 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620. Tickets are on sale at www.collectivesoles.org or by calling (813) 979-2222. General admission is $25, and $20 for students and seniors. Can't attend a performance but still want to help support the arts? Collective Soles Arts Group is looking for sponsors for their 2014/15 Season! CSAG, as a non for profit 501(c)(3) organization, relies on community businesses and individuals for charitable donations and support. CSAG is dedicated to enriching the lives of young people through involvement in the performing arts and their mission is to promote the art of dance to the Tampa community and beyond through their professional dance training facility, Jansen Dance Project and their professional dance company, Collective Soles Dance. They have numerous sponsorship levels ranging from suggested donations of $10$500 or more with benefits for each

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level. You can find the sponsorship form on their website or feel free to contact them at anytime by phone or email! Please help them to establish more supporters; they truly appreciate anything you can do to help them “Celebrate the Arts”.

‘Sermon on the Wall’ Production at Northwest Community Church Sermon on the Wall explores a hand painted mural on the entire back wall of the church depicting the life of Jesus Christ. Experience a taste of first century foods and then proceed to the sanctuary in total darkness where we will reveal the wall frame by frame by spotlight as we tell the story of Jesus with music and drama. This year’s annual production will be held December 19th, 20th, or 21st. Arrive at 6:30 p.m.; the show starts promptly at 7 p.m. The Sermon on the wall will be held at Northwest Community Church, located at 14913 Hutchison Road in Tampa. FREE tickets are available at www.nwcc777.com or by calling (813) 962-4990.

Kosher Catering offers participants delicious, Sephardic dishes. The charge for the lecture series, including lunches is $25 for JCC members, $30 for non-members. On Monday, December 8, 2:00 – 3:30PM, an Intergenerational Henna and Hamsa program will be enjoyed by adults of all ages, and their children or grandchildren. This is an early release day for Hillsborough County. Children from the community, JCC Preschool, Club J, and PJ Library are all included in this celebration. Professional Henna artist, Jennifer McKnight will apply henna body art. Also, participants will create beautiful Hamsas. Everyone in attendance will be treated to Sephardic sweets. The charge for the Henna and Hamsa is $5 for members, $6 for non-members. There is no charge for children under 12 years old. On Monday, December 15, 1:30 – 3:00 Cantors Joy Katzen-Guthrie and Andres Kornworcel present a Ladino Concert. We’ll also enjoy a latke tasting – Sephardic latkes vs. Potato latkes! $5 per member, $6 nonmembers. No charge for children

under 12. All of the Sephardic festival events are held on the Tampa JCC & Federation Cohn Campus, 13009 Community campus Dr, Tampa, 33625

6th Annual Public Safety Fair The 6th Annual Public Safety Fair will be held on Friday, January 9th, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Northdale Recreation Center, located at 15550 Spring Pine Drive (South off of Northdale Boulevard, just West of Dale Mabry Highway). This event is open to the public and attendance is free! There will be a variety of presentations, displays, and other information related to crime prevention and personal safety for the general public. There will also be free food and drinks provided, raffle prizes for attendees and more! Local businesses, restaurants, vendors, and other informational sponsors are invited to participate. We are requesting of $75.00 donation* per participating business sponsor to help cover costs. There is no charge for non-profit or government informational sponsors. If you are one of the many businesses, restaurants, vendors, informational sponsors, or governmental

Sephardic Festival During the month of December, the community has the opportunity to learn about and celebrate the traditions and history of Jews from Spain and the Middle East – also known as Sephardic. A three-part lecture series presents on Wednesdays, December 3, 10, and 17, professor George Zucker will lecture on the Jews of Spain from before the Spanish Inquisition through the mid-20th century. The lectures will be from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., with a lunch intermission. The lunch, provided by Weinberg

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Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

agencies that have already confirmed to participate, one 6 foot table and two chairs will be provided for you, unless otherwise discussed prior with an event coordinator. It is recommended that you bring your own tablecloth for your display table. Arrival/set-up time will be between 8:30 and 9:30 A.M. for ALL participants. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. and the speaking presentations will start at approximately 10:00 a.m. Break down may begin anytime after the final speaking presentation has concluded. The event will be concluded at 1:30 p.m! “Over the past five years, we have enjoyed an average attendance of approximately 125-150+ persons at the event,” says Master Deputy C. DePolis. “For the 6th Annual event, because we will be moving over into the newly constructed Bill Castens Gymnasium, we should be able to accommodate even more sponsors and attendees at the Public Safety Fair! Be sure to tell all your friends and family.” If you are interested in participating as a vendor, business, or informational sponsor and have not yet confirmed your involvement with this event, please contact Bill Castens at (813) 340-9436 or bcastens@veri-

zon.net; or Master Deputy Chris DePolis at (813)240-2067 or cdepolis@hcso.tampa.fl.us.

Unique Sculpting Class Presented by a Blind Artist at the Tampa JCC & Federation The Tampa Jewish Community Center & Federation offers a unique sculpting class for Tampa area senior adults, presented by an artist who is nearly blind. The instructor, Stephen Handschu, is an accomplished artist and a senior himself. Remarkably, Stephen is nearly 100% blind. You are invited to visit and participate in this unique sculpting class, which is held every Tuesday and Friday morning, 10:00am – 12:00pm. A five-week session is just $58 for JCC members and $63 for non-members, including all materials. For more information regarding this unique sculpting class, please contact Rachel Tilow, Adult Program Director at the Tampa JCC at 813-769-2809 or Rachel.tilow@jewishtampa.com.

Carrollwood Area Women’s Club Welcomes New Members Members of the Carrollwood

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

Pictured (l to r) first row Membership Chairman Sandy Pollpeter and current Club President Judy Bien. Standing Angie Leto, Ruby Pupello, Cynthia Goldstein, Carolyn Trechter, Debra Cellucci and Kim Redd. (not pictured Sandy Britton) Area Women’s Club gathered at the home of Sandi Pollpeter for a brunch to welcome new members this month. The club’s roster is comprised of over 150 women. The group is involved with Alpha House of Tampa, as this year’s charity of choice. CAWC meets at Hollywood Venue on the fourth Wednesday of every month. For more information please contact Board Member Kim Redd at (813) 962-0247.

Colegios Ramón y Cajal Visit Strengthens Corbett Prep’s International Ties A dozen students from Madrid spent three weeks at Corbett Preparatory School of IDS in October, providing a valuable opportunity for U.S. and Spanish students to develop lifelong friendships and cultivate a better understanding of other cultures. See “Calendar/Briefs” on page 24

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J A Barnett Realty Group, Inc. is Your Key to Real Estate Success! By Alexis Selby Whether you are an individual trying to buy or sell a personal business or a large corporation looking to invest in multi-million dollar real estate transactions, Broker James Barnett, CCIM, CPM, has the knowledge and expertise to masterfully advise you and guide you in the right direction. Specializing in the sale and lease of multi-family properties, with unique experience in office, retail and investment properties, for the past 45 years James has helped his clients achieve success, one transaction at a time. J A Barnett Realty Group, Inc. provides a multitude of unique services designed to meet all aspects of investing and management, including commercial brokerage, leasing, court receivership, investment analysis, property management, real estate consulting and asset management services. For more information on the services offered please visit their website at www.JaBarnettRealty.com. “Whether you're a first time commercial investor, in the market for a Tampa area multi-family property, or have already assembled a portfolio of commercial real estate properties, we can help you make the most out of your commercial real estate invest-

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ments,” says James. “Don’t think investing in real estate is for somebody else, because a majority of businesses and small buildings are owned by people just like you and me who stuck their neck out and took a chance. Break out of the mold. If you work hard enough it will pay off.” When it comes to knowledge, James surely sets the bar high. Earning a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation, the most well respected commercial real estate designation available, James is privy to the most advanced training and education, giving him an undisputed and competitive advantage in the real estate market. “In addition to my education, I also have the extensive database that comes along with being a part of the CCIM Organization,” says James. “I can pull up demographics, local sales and all the data and information necessary to ensure my clients are making a smart investment. In addition I also subscribe to Co-Star and Loop-Net.” Further adding to his education, James is also a certified property manager (CPM) and has managed every type of property you can imagine, from low-income housing, to large apartment buildings, as well as office, retail and business complexes.

“There are just under 20,000 real estate professionals who hold either the CCIM designation or the CPM designation,” says James. Even more amazing, with both a CPM and CCIM designation, James in one of only 900 people in the world to have both certifications! A testament to his vast knowledge in the industry, James’ expertise was even called upon by the District Attorney of Miami Dade to be an apartment expert in a highly visible eminent domain case a few years back. James prides himself on building meaningful relationships with his clients and before taking on a listing or a buyer James takes the time to get to know his clients and finds out their future goals to ensure he can help them with the highest level of knowledge and advice. James says, “I enjoy forming relationships with my clients. My office is local and I often go to client’s homes to introduce myself – which people really like; they appreciate the fact that I would go out of my way to see them. I would much rather be out meeting people and looking at buildings than at my computer.” Consulting is another area or expertise with which James really excels. Based upon his level of experience and knowledge of the industry James is

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Broker James Barnett, CCIM, CPM able to consult businesses of all sizes in the numerous areas of business ownership and can help you successfully and effectively fine-tune your business to help it reach its full potential. Whether you need a fresh pair of eyes to help you adjust a few issues, or a complete restructuring of your entire business, James has the tools and knowledge to help your business succeed. Throughout his career, James’ profession has taken him across the country; he has consulted in Alabama, Michigan, Nebraska, Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey and sold real estate in Ohio, Alabama and Florida. James currently holds an active brokers license in both Florida and Ohio and will occasionally fly up north to handle deals, although Florida real estate is his main focus. “I enjoy getting to know the differ-

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

amazed that people will say they called a particular broker and never got a return call. I follow-up with leads and return phone calls within the day.” When asked his favorite part about what he does, James responded “Seeing my clients happy with the transaction and being knowledgeable enough to give good advice; and typically I am putting money in their pockets.” In this constant ever-changing market, you need a knowledgeable, trustworthy agent who will always keep your best interest in mind and work hard on your behalf to make

sure all of your real estate investments achieve success. With experience in all facets of commercial real estate, James is your knowledgeable, experienced guide who will help you each step of the way, from your first purchase to the latest addition to your commercial portfolio. J A Barnett Realty Group, Inc. is located at 13902 N. Dale Mabry Highway Suite 106 in Tampa. For more information please call the office at (813) 264-9800 or James directly on his cell at (813) 477-8494 or visit their website at www.JaBarnettRealty.com.

(L to R) Tina Marie Eloian , CCIM (Florida Commercial Group), Lauren Campbell, J A Barnett Realty Group, James Barnett, CCIM, CPM, Amy Barrett, CCIM (Colliers International) ent markets around the country and have sold over 115 commercial properties and owned and sold 18 commercial properties of my own,” says James. “The beauty of owning real estate is that somebody else pays your mortgage.” In addition to brokering real estate transactions in Ohio, James works throughout the entire Tampa Bay

Area, from Brooksville to Lakeland to Fort Myers. And, although commercial real estate is his predominant focus, he also markets luxury listings, more specifically those associated with local, community banks. James says, “My clients appreciate the constant feedback and reporting I give them and like the fact that they can reach me 24/7. I’m always

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The Olive Tree is Your Local Source for Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Balsamics! By Alexis Selby As an Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil boutique The Olive Tree is your local source for the freshest and finest extra virgin olive oils and balsamics available in the world today. Vastly different from what you are accustomed to in the grocery store, Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil utilizes the highest quality standards and each single olive can be traced back to the tree it came from. Before visiting the Olive Tree and speaking with proprietor and olive oil connoisseur Donna Michael Woelfel, I had no idea that olive oil could go bad. Donna sat me down and took the time to educate me, talking about the significance in using fresh oil and the differences between extra virgin olive oil and other basic olive oils. “Most people don’t realize that olive oil has a shelf life, and like fruit juice, can go bad,” says Donna. “Part of what we do here is educating; because

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(Above) The Olive Tree offers a wonderful array of Ultra Premium extra virgin olive oils, flavored balsamics, imported Italian pastas & much more. (R) After my visit to The Olive Tree, I made a fabulous dinner using their fresh oils and balsamics and the difference in taste was remarkable! I will never go back to using regular oils again! that’s really important.” “What makes us really unique is that we not only get oils from countries in the Northern hemisphere, such

as Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece and other Mediterranean countries, but we also get oils form the Southern Hemisphere, from countries such as Aus-

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tralian, Chile, Peru, Argentina and South Africa,” adds Donna. “In the northern hemispheres they harvest and crush the olives October through December, so we will get fresh oils from that part of the world early in the

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

year. In the southern hemisphere they begin to harvest and crush April through June, so we will get oils from that region towards the middle end of the year.” By alternating between the two hemispheres, The Olive Tree has the ability to provide the freshest, most delicious olive oils all year round. As a Veronica Foods distributor, you know quality is a guarantee. Dealing directly with the farmers, they eliminate the middleman, and focus more on quality, versus quantity. “We pick early and harvest early and crush within 2-3 hours of being picked,” says Donna. Whether you love to cook, or love to eat (or both), I think we can all agree that everyone can appreciate a meal that is masterfully prepared. And, when you prepare that meal using a really good high quality extra virgin

olive oil, the difference in taste truly is remarkable. Donna says, “I have converted a lot of people; once you start using fresh oils you never go back.” A stylish boutique, located in West Park Village, The Olive Tree offers a wonderful array of Ultra Premium extra virgin olive oils, including a variety of infused and fused flavored oils, as well as an excellent selection of flavored balsamics, imported Italian pastas, sea salts and seasonings, pepper jellies, crockery, dipping dishes, bread boards and so much more. “We try to offer items that perfectly accompany our olive oils and are always looking for new items that tie in perfectly with what we already offer,” says Donna. Just in, they now offer a fabulous beauty care line as well, including soaps, bath gels, sea salts, night and day creams, shampoo and conditioner, and so much more. Donna says, “All

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

of our beauty products are 100% natural, made from the purest form of olive oils.”

Give the Gift of Health This Holiday Season The perfect holiday gift or hostess present – show up to the party in style with a custom hand-made basket from The Olive Tree. Just select a basket from their wonderful selection of wicker baskets and pick whatever you want to include, from their unique olive oils and balsamics, to pastas, sauces, and seasonings. Donna, or one of her knowledgeable staff members can also help you create the perfect basket and recommend great combinations that will fit together to make a great gift! After completing your selections, they will happily embellish it, adding tissue, ribbons, thrill and wrap; leav-

ing you with a beautifully finished gift basket. Or, if you are in a rush or aren’t really the creative type, you can also pick from their fantastic pre-made baskets, featuring some of their most popular selling items. The Olive Tree also has a full website (TheOliveTreeStore.com) and ships their baskets worldwide. On the website you can either custom make a basket or select from one of their premade baskets. The Olive Tree is located in the West Park Village Shops at 10115 Montague St in Tampa. They recently expanded their hours during holiday season and are now open Mon. – Fri. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun. 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. For more information please call (813) 920-4781 or visit www.TheOliveTreeStore.com.

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TranZitions Hair Salon – A Full-Service Hair, Nail & Skin Care Venue Right in the Heart of Carrollwood By Pam Sica Located in the Abby’s Shopping Center just between Starbucks and the newly-opened Tace Lounge at 14388 North Dale Mabry Highway, you’ll find the inviting entry to the TranZitions Hair Salon, with its stylized tree logo emblazoned on the front window panes. Once inside, you will be greeted right away with a smile and then ably assisted by the receptionists on staff, who typically book appointments and keep things flowing altogether smoothly for all the hair stylists, nail care specialists and the aesthetician on site. Salon Owner and seasoned Hair Stylist, Holly Hodges came out to greet me and then gave me a quick lay of the land. It did not take long to realize how uniquely different this salon was from others, in that they displayed a multitude of products from varying lines on their shelves. Need something from Sapphire, Nioxin, L’Oreal, Redken or Paul Mitchell? For curly hair needs, the Ouidad line is

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prominently displayed, along with DevaCurl, Tea Tree Oil and Morrocan Oil products. It’s so convenient to find whatever you need right there, from curl relaxers to Nanotools by Baby Bliss. Looking for a quick gift or tchotchke for an upcoming event? Just check out the front counter and waiting area. You’re bound to find the perfect necklace or earrings, Sweaty Bands and more. I was curious about the Ouidad products and asked Holly to expound a bit. She deftly explained that several of their stylists were Oudidad-certified, meaning that they had attended

Ouidad classes and had become specialists in the cutting and styling of curly hair, from loose to classic, to tight and kinky. As the sole Ouidadcertified salon in the area, TranZitions just recently hosted a Curl Coaching Event where the guests were taught how to embrace their curls by choosing the right cut, as well as the right products to maintain their curly locks. Afterwards, there was a new understanding and love for their one-of a kind curls, to be sure! Are you a hair stylist or nail techni-

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cian looking for a new home? Then heartily consider joining Holly’s tremendous team at TranZitions! All stylists have full-time reception, back bar products, laundry and refreshments for their clients, including coffee, soda, wine, beer and snacks. All paper supplies are provided, along with a weekly cleaning crew. Nail stylists have three spa pedicure chairs, waxing supplies and all the latest OPI lacquers, cotton, and acetone supplied to them as well. Your focus can be centered on your prospective clients,

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

as it well should be. I had the pleasure of having Jena take care of my full head of greying locks, and soon learned that with the right products, expert blow drying and brushing, that even my most stubborn fly-away hair could be tamed, styled and controlled… and ready for the fun evening ahead. It was amazing to see the “TranZition” from dull and lifeless to sleek and stylish. Whoohoo! Be sure to sched-

ule your next hair, nail or facial appointment soon, because the holidays are fast approaching and you deserve to treat yourself to the best that TranZitions has to offer. Hope to see you there soon! TranZitions hair salon is located at 14388 N Dale Mabry Hwy in Tampa. For more information please call (813) 265-4280 or visit www.TranzitionsHairSalon.com.

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The Bamboo-Fusion Massage Difference at New York Massage, Inc. By Matt Selby Every once in a while you come across a business that operates in a highly competitive market that surprises you with a product or service that nobody else seems to have. New York Massage, located at 5121 Ehrlich Road Suite 112-A, is a perfect example of this. Spa and massage therapy centers seem to be located in just about every plaza these days and with so many to choose from, how do you know who to trust your body with? Word of mouth is always a great way to weed through the undesirables in the area and find that perfect mixture of relaxation and therapeutic experience. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a few really reputable places to get a massage in the Carrollwood area. However, New York Massage offers something I’ve never seen or experienced before. The Bamboo-Fusion Massage offered by New York massage is perfect for relaxation and highly touted for it’s therapeutic properties. This new, full body massage treatment is sure to melt your cares away! This type of massage is likely not found in many other establishments in Carrollwood, as only a specially aproved therapist can offer a Bamboo-Fusion Massage. The highly trained massage therapist calls upon Shiatsu acu-pressure techniques using warmed bamboo and rattan sets to penetrate the muscle fibers in a way that is almost indescribable. The heat loosens everything up, while the techniques employed by master therapist Laszlo Sas is nothing short of a miracle. Las-

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zlo has 13 years of experience and it shows! He is an absolute technician with an attention to detail only seen by someone with his immense training and dedication to his craft. New York massage has other highly qualified massage therapists. In fact, all of the talented staff here bring their own expertise and style to the table. The owners of New York massage are extremely picky with who works for them, because they know it’s their name on the line. “No matter who you book your mas-

sage session with, we’re certain you will be back again and again,” says Mike. People literally travel all the way from Hernando county to visit New York Massage, so take advantage of them right here in Carrollwood! They offer a wide array of treatments and massages, but I highly recommend you try the Bamboo-Fusion Massage and experience this unique treat first hand! *New York Massage, INC is a full service Spa and massage therapy center that offers a plethora of serv-

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ices, including infrared sauna, skin care treatments for men and women, relaxation, deep tissue, hot stone and of course the Bamboo-Fusion massage. They also have a number of exciting package deals available, so pamper yourself this holiday season at New York Massage!* New York Massage, Inc. is located at 5121Ehrlich Rd. suite 112-A in Tampa. For more information please call (813) 374-2419 or visitt NewYorkMassageInc.com.

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Mount This! Fish Company By Alexis Selby Living in Florida you are bound to either enjoy fishing or know someone who does. And, as a fish enthusiast, you know just how awesome it feels when you hook an amazing catch. That being said, what better way to relive that exciting experience, than with a replica fiberglass fish mount! Proudly displayed on your wall, a beautiful replica fish mount will happily commemorate a fish of a lifetime, while allowing you to either filet and eat the real fish or release it back into the wild to allow other anglers to enjoy the same exhilarating experience! Using the most advanced technology, top-of-the-line materials, skilled fiberglass workers, and talented painters to produce a fish replica in a timely manner, Mount This! Fish Company, a locally-owned Florida business, does an exceptional job of bringing to life your most prized catch and provides anglers and fishing enthusiasts of all levels with the absolute highest standard of quality and value in a fishing trophy. In the past, fish replicas would take anywhere from 3090 days to produce, but at Mount This Fish Company they strive to have popular items in stock along with offering a quick turnaround time for custom replicas. Established in 2001, Mount This! Fish Company (MTFC) has been elevating the standards of fish mount replica production. Huge fishing enthusiasts themselves, owners Troy and Jen Denson share a love of fishing and respect for marine wildlife that really shines through in what they do. From the detailed scales, to the unique speckles, this husband and wife team takes pride in reproducing the rich vibrant colors and true beauty of each species in every mount they create.

Custom Fish Mounts Over the past thirteen years Troy and Jen have focused on three major markets to sell their products. The first market is the angler who wants to commemorate a catch. Whether it is someone’s first catch, the catch of a lifetime, or one to add to the array of fish they have caught during their time, each one is special and unique in its own way. Their fish replicas allow the fisherman to capture a memory while choosing to release the catch or filet it for dinner. With thousands of molds to choose from, all the angler needs to provide is the length, measurement or

DECEMBER 2014

weight of the catch and using their expertise and knowledge of the various fish species Troy and Jen will recreate your fish to resemble the way it looked during the memorable day you caught it. (If you have a picture, that’s even better, as it allows them to produce a replica that is as close to the real thing as possible.)

Nautical Décor MTFC’s second focus is on the retail customer who would simply like to decorate their home or outside area with nautical décor. Not all of MTFC’s customers are fisherman. Whether it’s the little boy that wants a shark themed room, or the homeowner who wants to decorate a room or tiki bar with fish replicas, MTFC offers a wide variety of sculpted species. MTFC’s half sided fish replicas are another great option and an affordable way to decorate with a unique style.

Co-owner Jen Denson, holiding a beautiful replica mount of a record-size Large Mouth Bass. suspended replicas, and are currently working on items for a chain of ship stores (similar to our West Marine) opening in South Korea.

Fish Mounts Make Great Gifts! Looking for the perfect gift to get your favorite angler.... As a fisher "woman" myself I know that nothing

says I love you more than a commemorative mount of one of your exciting catches. For my birthday last year, I got a stunning mount from MTFC of a 32” Blackfin Tuna I caught in the Florida Keys that past year – it was one of my favorite gifts of all time and every time I look at that magnificent fish replica on my wall, I get flash backs of that awesome vacation!

Corporate Fish Mounts MTFC’s third focus is providing a large quantity of replicas to corporate accounts; usually to decorate a new establishment or to use as a point of sale. These businesses vary from seafood or sushi restaurants to seafood markets, and marine related companies. Working with both interior designers and the owners themselves, MTFC will assist in producing a look that will be sure to wow customers. MTFC's extraordinary reputation has spread throughout the country and the world and has earned them the ability to be a vendor for Bass Pro Shops®; each year Bass Pro Shops® opens new stores all over the country and they decorate with a variety of fish replicas, many of which come directly from Mount This Fish Company. They also recently finished a project for the Houston Museum of Natural Science, which included 42

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Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

Thank-you so much Troy and Jen! My husband and I are avid fishermen, and as such our walls are lined with fish mounts – all of which have been masterfully created by Troy and Jen and the amazing artists at Mount This! Fish Company. We are very particular with our fish and when it comes to fish mounts we only go with the best of the best – which is why time and time again, when we want to celebrate a wonderful fishing memory, we know that Troy and Jen will do an amazing job of capturing the beauty of our prized catch and create a mount that in itself is a masterpiece work of art! Whether you are an avid fisherman, homeowner, decorator or business owner looking for fish replicas or other unique nautical

décor, Mount This! Fish Company serves to commemorate and/or decorate, offering the highest quality products, exceptional prices and extraordinary customer service. Give Troy and Jen a call today and commemorate the wonderful memories of that exhilarating catch with a stunning replica fish mount from Mount This Fish Company! Mount This! Fish Company is located at 4280 Hwy US1 in Rockledge Florida. Although they are a few hours outside of Tampa Bay all you have to do is send them a picture or measurements of the fish and they can conveniently mail your prized replica right to your doorstep. For more information please call Troy at (321) 403-6677 or email him at

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

troy@mountthis.net, or visit their website at www.MountThis.net. Like them on Facebook (Mount This Fish Company) for specials, contests and the chance to win prizes and giveaways.

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DECEMBER 2014

“Calendar/Briefs” Continued from page 5 Students in grades 4-8 from Colegios Ramón y Cajal (CRC) were matched with Corbett Prep host buddies of the same age for their stay, becoming fast friends as they attended classes together and explored the Tampa Bay area. The students practiced their English and Spanish as they chatted about differences large and small in their countries. Before leaving, the Spanish students and the two teachers who accompanied them even had a chance to experience an American Halloween, dressing in costume and participating in school holiday traditions. Encouraging personal, international connections is important at Corbett Prep and helps prepare its students for the future by teaching them to think globally. Through student visits and teacher trainings, Corbett Prep has developed strong ties to Spain, China and Belize and is in the process of coordinating a visit to Tampa for educators from Afghanistan. Corbett Prep also will welcome a dozen or more Chinese students for a two-week stay in early 2015 for the second year

DECEMBER 2014

in a row. A new Chinese translation of the Corbett Prep book It’s All About Kids: Every Child Deserves a Teacher of the Year is underway as well. Colegios Ramón y Cajal and Corbett Prep’s longstanding relationship started when Paloma Sanz, whose grandfather founded the prestigious family-owned school in Madrid, visited Tampa to learn about teaching strategies and the M.O.R.E. Model (Multiple Options for Results in Education) for increasing student achieve-

ment. Since then, several groups of Spanish teachers have visited Corbett Prep, and Headmaster Dr. Joyce Burick Swarzman has trained faculty and staff at the Madrid school as well as 20 other schools. Luis, a sixth grader, came to Corbett Prep from Madrid with the most recent trip. He stayed with the Saligame family and had so much fun and felt so welcomed that he felt right at home. “You have a family that takes care of you,” he said.

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Ronan Saligame, a Corbett Prep sixth grader, said he and Luis enjoyed playing soccer together in his backyard. He hopes he’ll be able to join the Corbett Prep trip to Spain this spring and visit Luis at his home and get to know his family. The Goetz family, who hosted Alvaro two years in a row, said the experience has been wonderful for everyone. Alvaro’s family treated Jake like one of their own when he visited Madrid with Corbett Prep’s International Study Program last March. The two eighth graders were excited to be reunited when the CRC students returned to Tampa. “This year we were lucky enough to have our Alvaro back,” said P.J. Goetz, Jake’s mother. “Every time we thought about when he had to leave, we all made ourselves stop and only think about having him here. He is an honored guest in our home.” Corbett Prep has become recognized as an exemplary school with over 7,000 visitors observing and learning from Corbett Prep teachers. For more information, visit www.corbettprep.com or contact the Admissions Office at (813) 961-3087.

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

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DECEMBER 2014

“Arbor Terrace” Continued from page 1 close proximity to Carrollwood, Arbor Terrace of Citrus Park allows easy access to everything that the beautiful Tampa Bay area has to offer. Pre-leasing has already begun, and rooms are filling up fast, so if you are interested in renting one of their beautiful new suites, call Arbor Terrace today at (813) 345-4993 for more information.

Age in Place At Arbor Terrace of Citrus Park the staff will strive to carry on the mission of the Arbor Company by providing a welcoming, secure community where residents can age in place. Uniquely designed, Arbor Terrace of Citrus Park has three floors, from supervised memory care on the first, to The Bridges on the second (a program dedicated to helping patients with early onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s), to independent living and assisted living on the third. “As a resident, you have peace of mind knowing that we can promote your independence and still meet your needs as you age in place,” says Senior

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Care Counselor Diane McGauley. “It is our goal to provide all residents with a safe and positive living environment and to enhance their quality of life through our engaged living program.” By providing a diverse community, Arbor Terrace of Citrus Park is a place where, as you go through the stages of life you can receive as little or as much care as you require. Moving is already stressful enough as it is, but can you imagine having to go through this as a patient suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s? As a place that takes care of all your memory care needs, from early onset to the later stages, Arbor Terrace helps make your life and the life of your loved one as smooth a transition as possible. “We customize our care services to each individual resident,” says Diane. “We also look at customizing our activities to the needs and wants of residents.” As a community of caregivers, the staff at Arbor Terrace engages and enriches the health and spirits of their residents, honoring individuality and celebrating each person's unique life through deep connections with their residents and families. And, with a high staff to resident ratio, you can rest assured knowing that your loved

Traci and Diane are hard at work to bring the Tampa Bay Area the very best in senior living. This beautiful new community is set to open early 2015. one is in good hands and will always be taken care of and given the attention he or she needs. To further ensure the safety of their residents, Arbor Terrace at Citrus Park will have nurses on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, should an emergency occur. Earning the prestigious Extended Congregate Care (ECC) licensure, all staff employed by the Arbor Company are well versed and expertly trained on how to care for patients of all levels.

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Executive Director Traci Kiklica says, “Our staff has gone above and beyond in their training; each member is specially trained in dementia using a hands-on positive approach in the care of their patients.” A further testament to their level of care, the Resident Care Director for Arbor Terrace of Citrus Park is also an RN – in the world of assisted living that is definitely a significant plus! “Promoting continuity of care for

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

Arbor Terrace of Citrus Park will feature elegant, modern designs and have a warn, comfy atmosphere where residents can feel welcome and at home. our residents is very important to us,” says Diane. “We have partnered with medical director Dr. Atigere, who will not only be seeing our residents in our community but also caring for them should they have to go to the hospital or a skilled nursing facility – that’s a big deal.”

The Bridges Helping to bridge the gap for those suffering from early stages of memory impairment, The Bridges program allows residents to peace-

fully transition into their new lifestyle. With a whole floor dedicated to this program, The Bridges gives married couples the option to live together in the same apartment and although it is not a full memory care unit, staff members are always on call and near by to help, should you or your loved one need assistance. “Quite often is the case that one spouse is extremely independent, but their spouse has dementia or another disability, and they don’t feel capable of meeting their needs alone,” says

Diane. “We can provide together, as much or as little assistance as they like, allowing them to still live together in the same apartment at different care levels.”

RESPITE Housing Arbor Terrace of Citrus Park will also offer short-term stays and will have furnished apartments available to accommodate these guests. RESPITE housing is perfect for those who are looking to re-cooperate or recover from a surgery and need a little extra attention before going back to their home setting. It is also a great option for when a caregiver needs to take a well-deserved vacation, as you know your loved one will be in a loving community where they will be well cared for before returning home.

Dining with Dignity With their innovative Dining with Dignity dining program, favorite foods that were once forbidden are now on the menu for residents in the Arbor Company Engaged Living memory care program who cannot easily manage utensils or swallow solid foods. This awesome new technique of preparing foods allows diners to enjoy dining options such as spaghetti and meatballs, prepared in a way where no utensils are needed; all while retaining the full taste, as well as the texture, consistency, and “five star” attractiveness of the original dish. The converted dishes are finger-ready and allow residents to once again enjoy their favorite foods in a way that was thought to be long forgotten. “Dining with Dignity will not only help make eating easier for those suffering from macular degeneration and dementia, but also those Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

who suffer from vision impairment or anyone who might have trouble using utensils,” says Traci. Since being implemented in their other locations, 30 percent of memory care residents participating in the program have shown improved intake, and 90 percent of respondents in the survey approved of the menu choices; this is just another significant offering that will really distinguish Arbor Terrace of Citrus Park. This past year, Arbor Terrace’s Dining With Dignity dining program received National recognition, proudly becoming the newest winner of the coveted Best of the Best Awards at the annual Assisted Living Federation of America conference. Arbor Terrace of Citrus Park will have three different types of apartments available for rent – studio apartments, one-bedroom apartments and private companion suites (which are essentially two bedroom suites with a shared bathroom and kitchenette). To help ensure they safety of their residents, all apartments will be equipped with an emergency call system. It is also important to note that Arbor Terrace of Citrus Park is pet friendly; although residents do have to be able to care for the pets themselves. A beautiful, brand new community that will offer the best in assisted living and memory care, Arbor Terrace of Citrus Park is simply what assisted living should be! Arbor Terrace of Citrus Park is set to open in early 2015 and will be located just south of Sickles High School at 13810 Sheldon Road in Tampa. For more information or to reserve a suite please call (813) 333-9996 or visit www.at-citruspark.com.

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DECEMBER 2014

“Ocean Blue” Continued from page 1 sushi is one thing that we really pride ourselves on,” says Dave. “We also get a lot of comments that our rolls are much bigger than a lot of other sushi houses.” With a laid-back modern appeal, this fabulous sushi house features a wrap around bar, including a separate sushi bar where you can watch the sushi chef prepare your delicious meal and has a full liquor menu, which is complemented by a great selection of beer, wine, mixed cocktails and flavored Saki. Pet friendly; come bring your furry friend and sit outside on their front patio and enjoy the beautiful Florida breeze.

Featured Daily, Ocean Blue’s Happy Hour Will Not Disappoint! Well known in the area for their insanely good specials, Ocean Blue has specials daily, which include discounts on both food and drinks. Running daily from 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. their Happy Hour boasts 2 for 1 deals on all single well drinks, house wines, and

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draft beer, as well as discounted prices for select sushi and appetizers. On a budget but don’t want to sacrifice quality? Mondays and Tuesdays are great days to visit Ocean Blue, where nearly every roll on the sushi menu (excluding some specialty rolls) is available at 40-50% off the regular price. A huge hit amongst the ladies, Tuesday night is Ladies Night at Ocean Blue, where ladies enjoy free well drinks after midnight. Ocean Blue also offers awesome lunch specials throughout the week. For more information and a full list of specials visit www.OceanBlueTampa.com. Diner Brandy writes, “I love this place! They have happy hour before seven and after 10 p.m. on the drinks and the sushi! I'm adventurous and will try pretty much anything, but the rainbow roll is always favorite – I can eat two! They have a ceviche seafood app with crispy wonton wedges and it is "out of this world" good! Definitely go for lunch! You get two sushi rolls of your choice and soup for $11! This is my favorite lunch spot too! Plus, while you enjoy your meal you can watch the ducks play in the little pond behind the restaurant! This is defi-

Coated in their yummy homemade teriyaki sauce, the Shrimp Yakitori has a smoky, sweet flavor that is really delicious! nitely worth checking out; if you love sushi, this is your place!” Every Friday night from 7:30 p.m. – 9 :30 p.m., before transforming into the club scene, guests are privy to the beautiful rhythm and blues singing of local musician Corrine Oliviia. Playing music from artists such as Ela Fitzgerald and Amy Winehouse, Corrine brings a nice, relaxing atmosphere to Ocean Blue.

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From Restaurant to Night Club As the clock strikes 10 p.m., this fabulous restaurant transforms into a local hot spot for a diverse crowd of Carrollwood residents – from college kids, looking to enjoy the great drink specials and live DJ, to the older, sophisticated crowd who have come for the up-beat atmosphere and discounted sushi. Mingling together, no

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

atmosphere they try to cultivate, and it has good energy. I've liked everything that I've gotten here in terms of sushi or appetizers. I also really enjoy their shot specials that happen during the first 15 minutes of every hour during late night. The service is very good, and the food comes (L-R) General Manager and Head Sushi Chef Tuyen out fast to tame all of those late night Tran and Owner Dave Wilson. munchie monsters. If you're hanging out in matter which category you fall into, I Carrollwood and need some late night think we can all agree that Ocean Blue sushi, this place has got your goods!” has a little something for everyone. Perusing their menu, you will no“We are two different places in tice variety is definitely not lacking – one; a restaurant during the day and they offer an extensive selection of on Thursday, Friday and Saturday we sushi rolls, in addition to sashimi, nigri morph into an upbeat club atmosand hot and cold appetizers. They also phere with a DJ, a dance floor and offer tempting options from their grill, discounted sushi and drink specials,” including stir-fry meals and bowls, as says Dave. “We get pretty busy on well as traditional Japanese dinners. the weekends.” Hand-selecting the produce himself, “I've come here many times for throughout the week Tuyen will perlate night food, and it's a great spot to sonally pick out the items he needs, go for cheap sushi and drinks,” says ensuring that only the freshest ingredicustomer Jason. “I love stopping by ents are used at Ocean Blue. here. They have this mysterious club On my previous visit I had Dave

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

and Tuyen select a couple of their favorite menu items for me to try; I was definitely happy with their selections! Starting out with an appetizer of the steamed edamame, the lightly salted soybeans were deliciously prepared. Tasty, but not too filling, this dish is an excellent choice to start off the meal and is a sure hit among most, if not all, diners. After the edamame appetizer, Tuyen brought out another one of their favorite hot appetizers – the Shrimp Yakitori. Served on skewers the juicy shrimp were coated in their sweet homemade teriyaki sauce and had a smoky flavor that was really yummy. Next came the sushi rolls…. An explosion of deliciousness, I can easily see why the Sexy Roll is a top hit amongst Ocean Blue diners. The tempura shrimp provided a subtle smokiness, which was perfectly contrasted and complemented by the creamy essence of the cream cheese. Topped with fresh eel, tuna and avocado, the flavors meshed really well together. This is a definite must try…although so is the next roll I tried – the Volcano Roll. With an absolutely mouthwatering warm, crunchy topping comprised of crabstick, fresh bay scallops and white fish, mixed with their special dy-

namite sauce before being baked, this delicious topping provided an amazing flavor to the roll, which lay beneath; a roll comprised of fresh snow crab – yes real snow crab – avocado and cucumber. If you were wondering – it really was as amazing as it sounds! Looking to host your next party? Ocean Blue can easily accommodate large parties (they recently hosted a private party of 300+ people) and they have a full catering menu complete with all of your favorite rolls. So whether you host your party onsite or offsite, let Ocean Blue make your next event a huge success! Dave says, “Give our sushi a try, you won’t regret it. Think of your favorite roll at your favorite sushi restaurant and come to Ocean Blue and compare it to ours.” Ocean Blue is located at 13030 N Dale Mabry Hwy in Carrollwood. They are open Mon. – Wed. 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. – 2 a.m.; Thurs. and Fri. 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. – 3 a.m.; Sat. 4:30 p.m. – 3 a.m. and Sun. 4:30 p.m. – 2 a.m. For more information please call (813) 269-2583, visit their website at www.oceanbluetampa.com or like them on Facebook (Ocean Blue Carrollwood).

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DECEMBER 2014

Call Area Rugs Direct & Give Yourself the Gift of a Finished Home! By Katie Thomas Area Rugs Direct takes the hassle out of buying area rugs. No more worrying whether the rug will match! No more wrestling a large rug into your car, if it is even possible. Area Rugs Direct brings the selection to you! Area Rugs Direct services the entire Tampa Bay Area, Sarasota, Orlando and the surrounding areas with the best area rug inventory and delivery services for home or office. Founded in 2005, owner Tony Mogavero’s shop-from-home service is unique and sets Area Rugs Direct apart from other companies. “Our personalized, shop-at-home service makes us unique,” says Tony. Area Rugs Direct is one-of-a-kind, offering the best personalized shopping service that comes right to your door, helps you make an informed decision, then delivers and installs your new rug! Plus, customers love Tony! He has impeccable taste and loves helping his customers find the rugs that will complement the existing décor rather than competing with it. And if you call

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right now, you can have new area rugs ready to be the foundation of your holiday décor. With Area Rugs Direct, you get to skip the hassle of searching online for something you aren’t sure about, skip cramming the rug into your sedan, bypass shipping fees and see exactly what you are getting with the help of Area Rugs Direct. Area Rugs Direct assists you in selection, layout, installation and design techniques. Angie’s List Reviews As a member of Angie’s List, Area Rugs Direct has great customer reviews and has been awarded the Super Service Award many times. One Angie’s List review says, “I don’t know if I can say enough about Tony Mogavero. I love this man! He has the ability to walk into a room and completely envision and transform it right before your eyes (even rearranges your existing furniture), and on your budget. He is everything and much more than what we were expecting for the price we paid for his services. He is a genius in his line of work. Do your-

self a favor and take advantage of Area Rugs offer on Angie’s List. You’ll be glad and thankful you did!” Another Angie’s list member, Jason, says, “Tony listened to what we were looking for and brought several area rugs into our home and laid them on the floor to see how it would look with our furniture, walls, flooring, etc. Although we did not buy an area rug from him at the time, we would certainly do business with him again. He has a great decorating eye and is just a really, really nice person to work with. It was an enjoyable experience and I

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would recommend him to anyone.” Area Rugs Direct is A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau and an A rated Super Service Award Provider on Angie’s List . Call Area Rugs Direct at (813) 505-3174 or (727) 210-0900 for a FREE in-home consultation. Find more information, testimonials and photos at www.arugdirect.com. Area Rugs Direct, LLC is appointment-based and is available 7 days a week for customer convenience. “Like”Area Rugs Direct - Shop at Home on facebook.com.

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

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ALS Fashion Show & Luncheon By Alexis Selby Raising nearly $2,300 for the Ride Operations Team and the 2014 Ride to Defeat ALS, the First Annual ALS Fashion Show and Luncheon was a huge success. Showcasing beautiful fall fashions from Dress Barn, the event drew a wonderful crowd of enthusiastic guests who came to show their support and view some of this year’s latest and greatest fashion trends. Hosted at the Cheval Golf and

Athletic Center in the beautiful golf course community of Cheval in Lutz, the event featured an exquisitely prepared lunch, which preceded the fashion show, allowing guests to relax and mingle before all the excitement of the show began. As a wonderful honor, my husband Matt and I were asked to be a part of the show and got to take part in the fun! Starting with Friday night eveningwear the ladies flaunted chic attire, featuring great wardrobe op-

A wonderful crowd of enthusiastic guests came to show their support for this fashionable event. My husband and I (upper left) were so happy to be a part of it, as were the other models who raved about the stylish outfits provided by Dress Barn. tions for that after work cocktail, dinner with friends, or a date night with your significant other. Teaming up with their partner store Justice, this set even included a

DECEMBER 2014

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few children’s fashions, which were wonderfully showcased by the younger models. Escorted by handsomely dressed men, in the next set the models

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

strutted Saturday eveningwear, a little more elegant than the latter, which featured fancy outfits, perfect for a night out on the town. If you have not been in to Dress Barn recently, you have to go check out their excellent selection of fabulous styles, including a whole new line, which they refer to as Sunday morning casual wear. Keeping with the “weekend wardrobe” theme, this was the final set that concluded the fashion show. This super comfy line is perfect for those “lounging around the house” days, or for when you want to be super comfy, yet still trendy… because you never know who might stop by for a visit!

About the ALS Association The Association is the only nonprofit organization fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease on every front. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, the Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure.

For more information or to donate, please visit www.alsafl.org.

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

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Save Time and Money with Grout Tech By Kim Thomas Before you spend thousands of dollars remodeling and re-tiling your bathroom or kitchen be sure to call Grout Tech for a FREE estimate on cleaning or repairing old dingy tile and grout. Grout Tech can breathe new life into your existing tile work, making everything shine like new at a fraction of the cost. Grout Tech is a family owned business serving Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties. With over ten years of experience in the industry, Grout Tech specializes in cleaning and sealing tile and grout, recoloring grout, re-caulking showers and tubs, and repairing grout and broken tiles. Grout Tech will renew existing grout and tile to its original beauty by cleaning and maintaining the tile and grout lines. John Cole and his wife were ready to re-tile their entire bathroom before calling BJ at Grout Tech. “Our bathroom tile was over 40 years old it was looking grungy and very dull. We called Grout Tech and we are extremely pleased with our results!

DECEMBER 2014

Before

After

Before

After

With the help of Grout Tech, even the dirtiest and oldest of floors can be restored and renewed to their original beauty and splendor. We saved so much money by having the grout in our shower resurfaced and the tile cleaned and it looks brand new,” John shares. BJ is happy to set your appointment, come out and give you a free estimate. She stresses, “It is important for me to be respectful of our customers’ time so I will always arrive at the time we set.” In addition to always arriving in a timely manner, BJ says that they can keep their prices low because they are a family owned business and not a franchise. She explains, “What many people don’t understand is that franchises are often forced to charge more for their services because they have to maintain their franchise fees, but not with Grout Tech.” Not

only does Grout Tech keep its rates competitive, but the company will also honor any other quote as long as it is in writing. Because grout is a porous material, trying to remove stains is seemingly impossible. BJ explains, “Color sealing grout lines is one of the many services we offer and it is definitely the most effective way to create a perfect, new look.” Using a step-by-step process, Grout Tech begins by using a cleansing product to remove all bacteria and surface dirt with special machinery. They will then apply a color seal (of your choice). Once the sealer is applied the grout lines will be permanently protected from any stains.

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The color seal also guarantees against cracking, chipping and peeling. Additionally, they will also cosmetically fix or replace chipped or cracked tiles, making your bathroom or kitchen tile like new again. Carla Bartow, a satisfied customer, shares her experience, “When BJ came out to give us a quote, she looked at the job and I could tell immediately that she knew what she was talking about. We had our family room, kitchen and dining room re-grouted. They also re-grouted the tub, shower and base of our toilet in our bathroom. They were fantastic! Not only were they professional and reliable but they also completed the job much faster than we had anticipated.”

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

Excellent Service Leads to Referrals Throughout the years, Grout Tech has grown through its many referrals from happy customers. People really appreciate that Grout Tech saves them time and money, but it is the excellent service provided that has really helped this business grow. Doris Strathearn, another Grout Tech success story, said that before calling Grout Tech her bathroom and guest bathroom shower and floor grout had deteriorated over time and the tiles were dull and stained. “The

tile was in good condition but it was stained so we had Grout Tech come out and clean them and they turned out very well.” They were so pleased that they have already referred Grout Tech to neighbors in their community. Grout Tech can also remove and re-caulk around sinks, baseboards, tubs and showers serving to clean up old moldy areas and keep your dry wall free from water damage. From old to new in just one day! To find out more about Grout Tech’s services or for a free estimate call BJ at 727-768-6828.

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

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DECEMBER 2014

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

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DECEMBER 2014