Orange Appeal July/August 2021 by Orange Appeal

july | august 2021

Reconnect & Reengage: Orlando Women’s Conference Preview

BLB Hacienda: A Breath of Fresh Air

Coming together to be encouraged, inspired and empowered at this year’s Orlando Women’s Conference — both live and virtual — attendees will hear from dozens of well-respected community leaders with a focus on getting back on track. Three of the keynote presenters include survivor, thriver and advocate Rania Arwani, accomplished author and life coach Dr. Keita Joy, and motivated visionary Barbara Poma.

JIM HOBART, MACBETH STUDIO

As one of Orlando’s most talented and sought-after floral designers, Lee James seemed to drop out of sight a few years ago after selling his business. In actuality he was very busy working on his next venture, along with his partners Bill Wells and Bob LaRose, that would combine his experience and expertise with flowers and events in a slower paced setting at BLB Hacienda in rural Seminole County near Sorrento.

Love Stories: Weddings

on the cover: Rania Arwani, Dr. Keita Joy

Although the pandemic affected many wedding plans, there were still beautiful ceremonies and intimate receptions to celebrate couples. Sharing their special stories are Carina Gerscovich and Craig Borkon; Susie Shields and (Mayor) Buddy Dyer; Nicole (Nikki) Kamer and Brian Rogers; Christina Pinto and Ben Rogers; and Marian Jean Clarkson Butler and Dr. Lewis Edward Proffitt.

NORMA MOLINA

and Barbara Poma photographed by Jim Hobart of Macbeth Studio at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Story on page 74.

94 82 JEN ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

features

july | august 2021

HARRISON COONEY

columns

10 THE LIST

People, places and things: Style setters, entrepreneurs and friends Victoria Angela and Whitney Carillon pooled their talents and resources to open ShopModa; Eye On Arts: a preview of upcoming performances by the Orlando Philharmonic, Orlando Ballet and Opera Orlando; Broadway is back at the Dr. Phillips Center; and Orlando Museum of Art’s Florida Prize in Contemporary Art exhibit returns.

24 BEAUTY, BODY & SPIRIT Keep it cool this summer with eco-friendly water bottles fit for every lifestyle; Take a mental break this season with expert advice from licensed therapists Cara Hewett, Tracy Zboril and Jill Hamilton Buss; Women Are Incredible: Kim Strong’s love of community through a career in philanthropy and service.

34 TASTES & EXPERIENCES Serendipity Brews in quaint downtown Mount Dora offers a variety of artisan coffees and craft beers on tap with light food options including a brunch board; Bits & Bites: new spots to whet your whistle and appetite; Coastal Appeal: Ft. Lauderdale’s Pelican Grand Beach Resort and Dunedin’s historic Fenway Hotel make for easy getaways; Lots of local options for summer staycations.

48 HOME & DESIGN Refresh your abode with charming finds from Lafayette & Rushford; Area designers share plenty of ways to get ready for entertaining again from flowers and organization ideas to chic tabletops and outdoor updates.

54 AGENDA Events are back… highlights include Hats & Roses Derby Luncheon and Fashion show supporting Kids Beating Cancer; Support Our Scholars annual Dorm Shower send-off for the new class; The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce annual Women of Influence Luncheon; Downtown Orlando Partnership 2020 Golden Brick Awards; opening night at the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art at the Orlando Museum of Art; and Celebrate The Children, the signature gala for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida.

66 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE This issue’s Professional Profiles advertorial series features leading women who are accomplished and prominent in their fields of expertise. Orange Appeal makes a great gift any time! Subscribe at orangeappeal.com. Get all the event info by signing up for the e-newsletter or visiting our interactive website. For changes of address, or to cancel or renew your subscription, visit orangeappeall.com/subscribe-to-orange-appeal/. 2

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welcome

aaahhh… sweet, simple summer

ummer used to be my least favorite season — as I have

This summer it’s safe to say we are extremely grateful for

probably shared before. Fall has all the excitement of

whatever escape we make. I have already embarked on a very

the start of school, fresh fashions, college football and

quick getaway to the town of Dunedin and will enjoy a girls’

fun occasions (Halloween and Thanksgiving). Winter

weekend at Hard Rock Daytona Beach before the sweetest week

rushes in with a full holiday

— a large friends and family gathering in

season before welcoming a new

New Smyrna Beach to celebrate the 4th of

year. Spring means outdoor activities, cre-

July. At the end of July, I look forward to a

ative festivals and the return of longer

change of scenery for a few days in Booth-

days and later sunsets. Summer typically

bay Harbor, Maine.

equals hot and humid. But those are the

I am not sure what adventures await in

only two negatives to the months of lazing

August, but you can be sure I will be relish-

and laid-back living.

ing every minute before the frenzied fall

Sure, business continues, but at little

season begins. I will take deep, restorative

slower pace with a little less stress. The

breaths while savoring the simple life —

social calendar opens up, offering space to

leaving the phone behind — and reflecting

add in impromptu pool parties, backyard

on how blessed I am to be surrounded by

barbecues, unplanned beach trips, and

so many special people. I wish you all a

long-awaited and anticipated vacation

sweet summer filled with fun and frivolity

journeys.

— and a dose of peace and restfulness.

Summer is made for memories — although 2020 was proba-

And now I digress for a moment to share news that the 11th

bly not one to write fondly about — and it started when many of

annual Orlando Women’s Conference will be held on Tuesday,

us were youngsters having to share our “how I spent my summer

September 14, at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

vacation” stories in front of the classroom. Most were tales of vis-

There are more details in these pages, but I want to thank all the

iting grandparents and other relatives in faraway states — noth-

sponsors, speakers and supporters who make this annual hap-

ing too exotic or exciting.

pening successful and impactful.

Celebrating Audrey Ann’s first birthday with family.

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EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Christi Ashby christi@orangeappeal.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Kate Slentz kate@orangeappeal.com MARKETING ASSOCIATE

Wendy Tramell wendy@orangeappeal.com CIRCULATION CONSULTANT

Mollie O’Shea BUSINESS MANAGER

Robert Ashby CONTRIBUTORS

Jill Hamilton Buss Cara Hewett Traci Zboril PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jen Adams Photography Aponte Studios Jim Hobart, MacbethStudio Norma Molina Damon Tucci Photography Victoria Angela Photography PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Rita Tyrrell FOR ADVERTISING:

advertising@orangeappeal.com FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS:

subscriptions@orangeappeal.com

orangeappeal.com Copyright 2021. No materials may be reproduced without permission. Please do not send unsolicited articles or photographs. Publisher not responsible for individual opinions contained herein. Orange Appeal (Permit #201) is published bi-monthly by Appeal Media & Events Group, 1903 Michael Tiago Circle, Maitland, FL 32751. Printed in USA. Standard postage paid at Harrisburg, PA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Orange Appeal, 1903 Michael Tiago Circle, Maitland, FL 32751 6

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connect! MAIL

Make sure you receive your issues of Orange Appeal right in your mailbox. If you haven’t signed up in the past six months, please visit orangeappeal.com/subscribe and click on the special offer. Please send change of address info to subscriptions@orangeappeal.com. Interior Appeal will be sent to you three times a year with your subscription!

Sign up at orangeappeal.com for the Orange Appeal e-newsletter, delivered to your inbox at least twice monthly. Keep up with community and charity events! For advertising info, email: advertising@orangeappeal.com To submit events, email: events@orangeappeal.com

EVENTS The 11th annual ORLANDO WOMEN’S CONFERENCE will be held Tuesday, September 14, at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. For updates and details, visit orlandowomensconference.com. For sponsorship information email kate@orangeappeal.com. MONTHLY LADIES LUNCHEONS are on summer hiatus but will return in the fall. For more information about all the Orange Appeal events, visit the Orange Appeal Facebook page.

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PHOTOS BY PHOTOLOCITY

feminine forces Style setters, entrepreneurs and friends Victoria Angela and Whitney Carillon pooled their talents and resources to open ShopModa (online now at shopmodausa.com with a Baldwin Park store scheduled to open in July) to reflect their fashion forward sensibilities. With everything from unique-to-Central-Florida clothing and accessories to home décor and pampered pet necessities, they debuted their looks at the recent Kids Beating Cancer Hats & Roses event at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando. shopmodausa.com

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EYE on ARTS

PERFORMING ARTS PREVIEW OPERA ORLANDO

ORLANDO BALLET

Opera Orlando’s 2021-22 MainStage performances celebrate one of opera’s greats: Giuseppe Verdi. The Company kicks off its season with his beloved classic La Traviata on the main-

Cecelia Violetta López

Orlando Ballet is excited for its Orlando debut of The Great Gatsby by Choreographer-in-Residence Jorden Morris, who

stage at Dr. Phillips Center. Conductor Stephanie Rhodes

presented the past season’s wildly success-

Russell makes her Opera Orlando debut with artistic direc-

ful Moulin Rouge®— The Ballet and Peter

tor Grant Preisser directing this original, updated produc-

Pan.

tion. Set in the glitz and grit of an underworld New York,

“We’ve chosen a season of ‘romance

internationally renowned soprano Cecilia Violetta López

and adventure’ that invites all of us to

returns to Opera Orlando as Violetta. The production will be

explore relationships,” says Artistic Direc-

sung in Italian with English supertitles. The stellar cast will

tor Robert Hill. “Relationship is at the

also feature members of the Opera Orlando Chorus and

heart of what we do at Orlando Ballet, and

dancers from the Orlando Ballet.

you will see that throughout the season in

La Traviata at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Walt Disney Theater Friday, October 29 at 7:30pm | Sunday, October 31 at 2pm Then, Opera Orlando premieres its first commissioned new work, The Secret River, an

not only the stories, but in our partnerships with exceptional choreographers like Toni Pimble, Val Caniparoli, Jessica Lang and Jorden Morris.”

opera for all audiences. Based on the young adult book by Pulitzer Prize winning author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, The Secret River follows the journey of Calpurnia, a young, intelligent girl with a robust imagination as she searches for a secret river to help her family and small town. The production features a special chamber orchestration and the Opera Orlando Youth Company under the baton of Everett McCorvey, founder and music director of the American Spiritual Ensemble, with stage direction by Dennis Whitehead Darling, and puppetry created and performed by MicheLee Puppets.

ZAVALETA PHOTOGRAPHY

The Secret River at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater Friday, December 17 at 7:30pm | Saturday, December 18 at 2pm & 7:30pm | Sunday, December 19 at 2pm Opera Orlando closes its 2021-22 MainStage season with Verdi’s first major success, Rigoletto. This original and thrilling production is led by Metropolitan Opera conductor Gregory Buchalter Gregory Buchalter

Kathleen Belcher

and directed by international stage director Katheleen Belcher, both making their Opera Orlando debuts. Audiences are in for an intense evening of complex characters, an action-

The Jungle Book opens the season in

packed plot, and unforgettable music, including opera’s most

October with stunning sets and costumes.

famous quartet and one of opera’s greatest arias, “La donna è

The story of a boy discovering his relation-

mobile.” The production will be sung in Italian with English

ship to his known family, his world, and

supertitles, featuring the Opera Orlando Chorus and dancers

himself will be an adventure for every age.

from the Orlando Ballet.

The holiday tradition of The Nutcracker

Rigoletto at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Steinmetz Hall Friday, April 22, 2022 at 7:30pm | Sunday, April 24, 2022 at 2pm

will be performed over two weekends at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, allowing patrons to take advantage of multiple showings, including several

Individual tickets and season packages are available. Learn more at operaorlando.org.

Family Shows. Artistic Director Robert Hill presented Giselle in his first season

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EYE on ARTS

ater and again in 2015 at the Dr. Phillips Center’s Walt Disney Theater. This season Hill brings the classic story of unrequited love to Orlando Ballet’s new home, Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre. The company will also debut The Premiere Collection in the Great Hall of Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre. The 2021-2022 season will close with one of literature’s greatest love stories in choreographer-in-residence Jorden Morris’ The Great Gatsby.

ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2021-22 season

Eric Jacobsen

includes six concerts in the Classics Series and five concerts in the Pops Series. The season will also include the Focus Series, with an expanded six-concert series at The Plaza Live Theater in the Milk District just east of downtown Orlando, as well as the four-concert Symphony Storytime Series. In an exciting program expansion, the Resonate Festival returns for three evenings in February 2022, featuring Artist-in-Residence Stewart Goodyear. The Philharmonic will bring in a diverse and exciting lineup of guest artists throughout the 2021-22 season. On the podium for his seventh season with the Philharmonic,

Mainstage

Music Director Eric Jacobsen will conduct all of the Classics Series and select concerts on

The Jungle Book October 7-10 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts The Nutcracker — Season add-on December 3-5 & December 16-19 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Giselle February 3-6, 10-13, 2022 Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre The Premiere Collection: A Journey Through the Sublime March 17-20, 24-27, 2022 Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre The Great Gatsby April 28 – May 1, 2022 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

the Focus and Pops Series. Soloists headlining the Classics Series include superstar Violinist Gil Shaham, Concertmaster Rimma Bergeron-Langlois, Grammy-award Winning Violist Masumi Per Rostad, the return of Pianist Benjamin Hochman, Pianist Aaron Diehl, and the University of Central Florida Choir.

Classics Series at Calvary Orlando, Winter Park Brahms & Gottschalk: An Opening Night Mix Tape, September 25 at 7:30pm Dvor̆ák’s Postcard “From The New World,” October 23 at 7:30pm Hochman, Brahms & Sibelius, November 6 at 7:30pm Gershwin’s Concerto in F, January 8, 2022 at 7:30pm Gil Shaham Plays Beethoven, March 5, 2022 at 7:30pm Carmina Burana, May 7, 2022 at 7:30 pm

Focus Series at The Plaza Live An Evening Of Mozart, October 11 at 7pm Opo Brass Present Operatic and Symphonic Favorites, November 15 at 7pm

For more information on performances,

Holiday Baroque with Rimma, December 13 at 7pm

tickets and subscriptions, visit

An Evening 0f Mozart and Beethoven, January 24, 2022 at 7pm

orlandoballet.org.

Star 0f Tomorrow, February 28, 2022 at 7pm Jeremy Kittel Returns, April 25, 2022 at 7pm, (Calvary Orlando) The 2021-22 Pops Series opens with the audience favorite, Home for the Holidays, a celebration of the Kings of Soul in January; a festive Irish celebration featuring The Celtic Tenors in March; Cirque de la Symphonie returns in April with the music of Broadway; and Music Director Eric Jacobsen takes the podium in May with music of the Great American Songbook featuring world-renowned guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli. The Symphony Storytime Series for young children features fun, family-friendly programs including Little Red Riding Hood, Holly Jolly Sounds of the Season, Ferdinand the Bull, and A Treeful of Monkeys, all performed at The Plaza Live For a full listing of performances, performers, and more information on tickets, visit HARRISON COONEY

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orlandophil.org.

SHERVIN LAINEZ

with Orlando Ballet at the Bob Carr The-

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EYE on ARTS

After being dark for more than a year, FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando will return this fall to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Walt Disney Theater. Below is the lineup with tickets and additional information available at drphillipscenter.org. Tootsie November 2–7 This laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime. The Prom December 7–12 The Prom is a new musical comedy about big Broadway stars on a mission to change the world and the love they discover that unites them all.

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Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations January 25–30, 2022 This is the electrifying, new smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.

CATS March 29–April 3, 2022 CATS, the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in more than 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America. Beautiful May 13-15, 2022 Carole King wrote for the biggest acts in music, then her own life-changing, chart-busting success with Tapestry. Beautiful takes you back to where it all began—and takes you on the ride of a lifetime.

Frozen February 24–March 6, 2022 An unforgettable theatrical experience filled with sensational special effects, stunning sets and costumes, and powerhouse performances, Frozen is everything you want in a musical. Cast of The Prom

DEEN VAN MEER

BROADWAY IS BACK!

Jesus Christ Superstar June 7–12, 2022 Jesus Christ Superstar is an iconic musical phenomenon with a world wide fan base. In celebration of its 50th anniversary, a new, mesmerizing production comes to North America.

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EYE on ARTS

MAKE IT A VISUAL SUMMER

he Florida Prize in Contemporary Art, organized by the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA), is an exciting annual exhibit (through August 22) to celebrate the most progressive, cutting-edge artists in the Sunshine State. This year, for the seventh time, OMA surveyed artists around Florida inviting 10 to participate, with one receiving a $20,000 monetary award.

The artists for this year are: Tra Bouscaren, Tallahassee; Matthew Cornell, Orlando;

Richard Heipp, Gainesville; Sean Miller, Gainesville; Lauren Mitchell, Orlando; Marielle Plaisir, Miami; Robert Rivers, Maitland; Anastasia Samoylova, Miami; Clara Varas, Miami; and Kedgar Volta, Jacksonville. The work of these artists is as widely varied as the range of practices and media they use. Tra Bouscaren and Kedgar Volta have created interactive multimedia installations that engulf the visitor in immersive experiences.

Marielle Plaisir, R. Bridges, From the series In the Malediction of Cham; 2021. Printing on Duratrans archive paper framed in fabric stuffed, Edition of 5 (plus 2AP); 63 x 42 9/10 x 4 9/10 in. Courtesy of the artist and Tafeta Gallery; Image courtesy of Tafeta Gallery

Richard Heipp and Matthew Cornell paint in virtuosic styles that invite the viewer to consider the nature of photographic and painterly realism. Sean Miller’s portable museums of Gulf Coast natural history investigate what is threatened by climate change and mismanagement in the region, while Anastasia Samoylova’s large-scale photographs explore the imminent danger of rising sea levels in Miami. Lauren Mitchell’s documentary photographs look at life in Central Florida, frequently transforming the familiar and mundane into surprise and revelation. Transformations of the ordinary also occur in Clara Varas’s complex, evocative installations assembled from found and discarded materials that are animated by dynamic abstract painting. Memory and loss haunt Robert River’s epic cycle of drawings about an American soldier killed in the War in Afghanistan. Marielle Plaisir’s multimedia works confront the viewer with the history and ongoing trauma of colonialism in the Caribbean and her homeland Guadeloupe. Visitors can join a museum curator for an informal tour focused each week on a different artist featured in the exhibition. For more information visit omart. org /exhibitions/florida_prize_2021/. Anastasia Samoylova, Gator, From FloodZone series. Dye-Sublimation print on aluminum; 30 x 45 in. Image courtesy of the artist

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EYE on ARTS

he Mennello Museum of Amer-

Mumma abandoned any notion of tradi-

ican Art’s The Grand Portraits of

tional art schooling after a teacher’s insult

Mr. Eddy Mumma, which is only

during his first lesson at the age of 60 in

the third solo museum exhibi-

Gainesville, Florida. A homebound Mum-

tion of the artist’s work to date,

ma would take this slight in stride. Instead

is on view through August 1. “The muse-

of giving up, he poured over art books,

um is excited to bring together 25 compel-

texts, and popular magazines given to him

ling paintings by one of Florida’s self-

by friends and family. These beloved imag-

taught and truly outsider artists,” shares

es intermingled with his imagination to

Mennello Museum Executive Director

develop the round-faced, wide-awake, geo-

Shannon Fitzgerald. “The portraits reflect

metric figures he is renowned for today. A

the people and personalities with whom

proliferation of portraits originally hung

he desired to surround himself. He was

from every inch of the artist’s modest

prolific in production and with a compul-

deeply personal, cathartic, and absolutely

Mr. Eddy Mumma (American, 1908—1986), Untitled (Statue of Liberty after Van Gogh's Sunflowers), n.d. Acrylic on canvas board. Collection of the Mennello Museum of American Art, Gift of Josh Feldstein, 2015-001-002. © Josh Feldstein

necessary.”

American Art’s collection and other

sion to immerse himself in his self-isolation suggests that his creative quest was

home, immersing the artist in a gallery of his self-inspired works. These mysterious, smiling, and sometimes frenzied characters were his constant companions, always within sight, rarely shown, and never sold.

The Grand Portraits of Mr. Eddy Mumma

prominent Florida collections — including

explores the self-taught artist’s lavish por-

Josh Feldstein, The Gadsden Arts Center

For more information visit

traits from the Mennello Museum of

& Museum, and Dr. Lou Hill.

mennellomuseum.org.

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beautybody&spirit keep your cool This summer, be good to you and the environment by ditching the plastic for reusable water bottles designed to keep you hydrated with cold H20. Clockwise from top left: Corkcicle Electric Pink 20-ounce stainless steel sport canteen with straw tip and handle; RTIC 26-ounce water bottle available in 25 colors; S’well 25-ounce stainless steel water bottle with matching cap; Corkcicle + Vineyard Vines 25-ounce stainless steel canteen; Letsfit 32-ounce insulated water bottle with straw and handle lid; and Owala Flip 32-ounce stainless steel water bottle with straw.

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beautybody&spirit

mind over matter:

SUMMER MENTAL BREAKS Life may be a little slower in the summer, but mental health should still be a priority. These local experts share thoughts and advice.

Take a Summer Breather by Tracy Zboril and Cara Hewett

Ahhhhh… summer is finally here after

(c’mon people, no excuses, hide on the toi-

This snapshot is now a symbol repre-

what we can collectively agree has been a

let for 5 minutes if that’s the only way to

senting a quiet, relaxed, happy mind. Now

challenging recent past. We feel ready to

get some privacy). Now, close your eyes,

how to use this: Every time you find your-

indulge in some much needed and over-

and take five deep slow breaths. In your

self stressed out, such as in traffic or middle-

due worry-free days. The catch? Try tell-

mind’s eye, imagine a time that you were

of-the-night sleeplessness, pull up this

ing our minds that! Shutting off the chat-

relaxed and at peace. For me, I’m a child,

representation of calm and peace, allow

tering mind is a feat that even monks

I’m floating on an inner tube at Bass Lake

yourself to engage your senses, and

dedicated to endless days of mountaintop

in northern Michigan. For my husband,

breathe in the visual image. Practice this

meditations sometimes fail at. How are we

he’s mountain biking and seeing all the

enough and you’ll get to a mental break

modern-day moms, career women and

beautiful wildflowers, a sea of color. For

more and more easily. Athletes have been

wives supposed to possibly achieve that?

my sister, it’s having an afternoon cup of

using visualization for decades to get in

tea in her sunroom.

their zone. This works! Become a mental

Thankfully, this is where mind exercises come in — directives that any of us

Now, put yourself in that moment. In

can follow simply and easily, and before

my visual, what’s the temperature of the

we know it, we’re getting our own little

water; are there waves or is it calm; what

mental break. This mind exercise involves

does the sky look like? Clouds? Sun?

Tracy Zboril, M.S.W., and Cara Hewett, M.A.,

visualization and imagination. The first

Breeze? What are the sounds? Birds?

are both seasoned therapists who have been

time, dedicate 5-8 minutes to the process.

Water splashing? Any smells? Scent of

practicing in the field, in private practice,

After that, the visual can be used anytime,

pine trees? Fishy smells? Really engage

hospitals and clinics, for more than 40 years

anywhere in quick increments to allow a

all senses and allow yourself to be

collectively. Within the past 10 to 12 years,

mini mental break.

athlete this summer and enjoy getting in your zone.

immersed in that memory. Once you fully

major breakthroughs in neuroscience led them

Find a quiet spot in your home where

get to that relaxed happy state, set that

to develop, practice and enhance what is now

you can sit comfortably and not be dis-

memory as a picture or snapshot in your

the Soul Happy Technique. soulhappy.com

tracted or interrupted for 5-8 minutes

mind.

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beautybody&spirit

Take a Day of I’m OKAY — Just as I Am by Jill Hamilton Buss

Doesn’t it seem nearly every minute of

Feel the sun on your face and listen to

And see if you can be still long enough

every day is spent striving to ACHIEVE

birds. Don’t walk to count steps or to

to let the noise settle — to remember who

something? We’re working out to be thin-

achieve a daily exercise goal. Just walk

you are and what your dreams are. What

ner or fitter; listening to a podcast to be

(my favorite stress reliever) because it’s

you really love to do when you’re not doing

smarter or more conversant; eating to be

pleasurable. And unplugged, mindful

all those things you must. House cleaning

healthier or to reduce cholesterol; and on

walking is meditative and restorative to

can wait. The kids won’t starve, and you’ll

and on. We even sleep to beat exhaustion.

weary souls like ours — especially after a

survive if you don’t cook a healthy meal

No wonder, right?

long season of COVID.

tonight. Give yourself a break. It’s been a

What if you spent a day just being?

We know unplugging and un-doing is

hard year. Take a day or an hour to

Reading for pleasure, sleeping in, sitting

harder than it sounds. Families, bosses,

breathe, dream and just be. And say to

and looking out a window. Dreaming. And

and your over-achieving tendencies may

yourself: I am okay, just as I am.

not waiting for a beach vacation to do it.

try to snap you back to your to-do list. So

Whatever is next on your to-achieve list

maybe ease into it for an hour or an after-

Jill Hamilton Buss is a licensed psychotherapist

can probably wait. Because what if your

noon. Mark your calendar for nothing at

whose orientation for working with people is

inner wise self is trying to speak to you

all. Downtime. If you’re tired, nap. If you’re

warm, supportive and holistic. She believes we

and you can’t hear it because you’re run-

feeling blue, watch Nate Bargatze on Netf-

must tend to our whole selves (physical, mental,

ning too fast?

lix. Guaranteed laughs. If you’re lonely, call

spiritual) as we strive to gain health, happiness,

a friend. Maybe you can walk together.

balance, love and/or peace. jillhamiltonbuss.com

Try this — slow down and simply walk.

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women are incredible!

AN ADVENTHEALTH FOR WOMEN SERIES

KIM STRONG:

A LOVE FOR COMMUNITY Her philanthropic journey began in college, where she attended the University of Central Florida on a golf scholarship, when her sorority, Delta Delta Delta, asked her to be the philanthropy chair and run charity events. From there, Kim Strong built a career based on community connection and service.

“

’m originally from Erie, PA. My father

board of directors, and the UCF Alumni

clients what they want done or what they

was a former NHL hockey player turned

Association Board of Directors (also serv-

don’t want to do,” she adds.

golf professional so when I got a golf

ing as chair).

Kim feels strongly that some of her

scholarship offer from UCF my dad

She graduated with an advertising/PR

most memorable accomplishments and

moved us down here,” she says. She

degree but decided to find a job in philan-

achievements occurred while she was

met her future husband, Rob, there when

thropy. Her first position was with the Epi-

with AdventHealth. “I was so proud to be

she was 18 — they just celebrated their 27th

lepsy Association of Central Florida. She

on a team that created such amazing galas

wedding anniversary. They are huge UCF

then got back into her degree field working

[Golden Gala] to raise funds for children

football fans, and their eldest son will

for Clear Channel Outdoor doing marketing

and families. To work with a group of vol-

begin classes there this fall.

and public relations. “AdventHealth [then

unteers in the Circle of Friends over the

“The biggest thing we’ve done recently

Florida Hospital] stole me away and I worked

years and be able to secure top-name

as a family is endowing a scholarship at

there for 11 years in development. Then I

entertainers like Michael Bublé, Lionel

UCF for first-generation college students.

went to Nemours when they first opened

Richie, Jennifer Hudson and Jerry Sein-

Rob and I are the first in our families to

and started their foundation,” she says.

feld was incredible. An event is not neces-

attend college. We hope this will help kids

Staying in the nonprofit world she con-

sarily the first way you want to raise funds

who might not otherwise be able to go to

tinued and broadened her career at the

but when you have a formula that is so

college. Currently I am the president of

YMCA of Central Florida overseeing com-

successful people block their calendars a

the Nicholson School of Communication

munity and government relations. Armed

year in advance, it’s genius and a tribute to

Advisory Board,” she adds.

with experience and great community

the organization’s leaders. It was a truly

Kim is also the chairwoman of the

connections, Kim and another local leader,

remarkable partnership between Adven-

board of the Association of Fundraising

Genean McKinnon, decided to start their

tHealth, Walt Disney and the hospital’s

Professionals Central Florida Chapter,

own firm and McKinnon-Strong, a strate-

vendors who showed strong support. And

chairwoman of the board of Kids House of

gic consulting firm, opened in 2017.

then there are the doctors and donors

Seminole County, and was recently

“I asked her what we were going to do,

rounding out the formula. I also got to work

appointed to the board of the Fellowship of

and she said we have a lot of crossover

with amazing donors to build the Eden

Women Leaders — Florida Chapter. The

experience and each of us knows a lot of

Spa at the [AdventHealth] Cancer Insti-

list of past community leadership roles is

people, so we could really serve a lot of the

tute. It was a dream that was only realized

no less impressive: a member of the Amer-

community by combining our expertise.

through philanthropy,” she explains.

ican Heart Association (AHA) Executive

She said we are going to be community

Nine years ago, a fit and healthy Kim

Leadership Team, the Partnership for

builders. Four years in, our landscape

suffered a heart attack and nearly lost her

Philanthropic Planning (PPP) of Greater

includes not-for-profits, corporate — which

life. However, after undergoing emergency

Orlando board of directors, the Mennello

is something different — and government

surgery to place three stents in her heart,

Museum of American Art Executive

lobby efforts. We basically ask potential

she bounced back and is committed to

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beautybody&spirit remaining active and involved, especially with her family. When she is not on the clock Kim loves spending time with her husband and caring for their three children Xander (17), Camille and Chloe (15-year-old fraternal twins), shopping, playing tennis, reading, paddle boarding, golfing, and doing yoga.

WHAT IS A WOMEN’S HEALTH NAVIGATOR? A health navigator is a specially trained registered nurse whose job is to make life easier for each and every woman through expert clinical assistance and educational, emotional and spiritual support. All calls are confidenJanelle Grall, tial; anyone can self-refer; and insurance is Doreen Forsythe, BSN, RN BSN, RN, CPN not required to talk or meet. AdventHealth for Women’s health navigators provide complimentary services that help you coordinate your overall care and answer any questions you may have. These services include:

• Finding a care provider • Answering your health care questions • Assistance with scheduling annual office visits and screenings • Resources and support for you and your family • Coordination of care among multiple providers and facilities The Strong family

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To contact the Health Navigation Team, call 407-720-5191 or visit HerHealthNavigator.com

tastes&experiences brunch board Beautiful and bountiful charcuterie plates have been all the rage and now breakfast is getting the star treatment at Serendipity Brews in quaint downtown Mount Dora. The brews include a variety of artisan coffees and craft beers on tap in addition to packaged beers, seltzers and wine with light food options. It totally lives up to its definition — it’s a place to make unexpected, happy discoveries. serendipitybrews.com

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tastes&experiences

BITS & BITES

CELEBRATE THE RETURN OF DINING OUT WITH THESE NEWLY OPENED ESTABLISHMENTS THAT ARE ELEVATING THE EXPERIENCE.

CHIC ROOFTOP LOUNGE ILLUME OPENS The new rooftop bar and lounge atop the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa offers panoramic views of the nightly Disney fireworks and surrounding Bonnet Creek Preserve. Featuring chic, casual indoor seating along with outdoor seating on an expansive terrace, Illume boasts an atmosphere that feels like a special night out in a comfortable environment. A modern Asian-inspired food menu offers a high-quality combination of local and seasonal ingredients, including fresh sushi and sashimi from the sushi bar.

THE MONROE DEBUTS IN CREATIVE VILLAGE As one of the largest restaurants to open in quite a while, The Monroe is a welcome addition to the downtown area. From Good Salt Restaurant Group (The Opsrey, Seito Sushi and Reyes Mezcaleria), The Monroe boasts 4,000 square feet of dining and

Illume’s selection of handcrafted cocktails focuses on Japanese sake and aged whiskey.

entertainment space in Creative Village,

14900 Chelonia Parkway, Orlando | 9th floor | JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa

(formerly with Cask & Larder, The Smil-

407-919-6376 | Reservations available on OpenTable

downtown Orlando. Chef Josh Oakley ing Bison and Rusty Spoon) has been tapped to create some nostalgic tastes with fresh twists. The Monroe is inspired by Dr. William “Monroe” Wells and his hospitable spirit as a civil rights hero and founding figure of historical Orlando. And The Monroe is a true neighborhood spot with an early morning through afternoon coffee bar and late afternoon through evening cocktail and dinner service. 448 N. Terry Ave., Orlando | Creative Village 407-734 2102 | themonroeorlando.com

BITES & BUBBLES MOVES INTO A LARGER SPACE Bites & Bubbles in the heart of the Mills 50 District of downtown Orlando is known for being an American restaurant with a French kiss. Owners Eddie Nickell and Nicholas Olivieri have opened several restaurants over the years but this one reflects their culinary roots. They finally have the room to expand with a new location in Mills Park. The opening menu still features fan favorites like charcuterie boards, escargot, beef bourguignon, Coquille St. Jacques, duck fat burgers, and Affogato. Still in the soft opening phase as of this writing, expect top-quality food and drinks with excellent service. 1618 N. Mills Avenue, Orlando | Mills Park | 407-270-5085 | bitesbubbles.com 36

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tastes&experiences

Coastal Appeal: Southeast

Pelican Grand Beach Resort by Kate Slentz

fter enduring more than a year of the COVID-19 pandemic, my husband, Mike, and I realized we were in desperate need of

a little adults-only R&R. A revisit to the Pelican Grand Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale was just the ticket. The three-anda-half-hour drive — without a baby or talkative toddler in the car — helped get us in the right mindset for a weekend of sand, surf and culinary indulgences. We last visited Pelican Grand Beach Resort, part of the Noble House Hotels &

Serene ocean views in PURE Spa, Pelican Grand’s boutique rooftop spa

The Dragonberry Mojito offered at O2K Lounge

Ahi Tuna Tartare appetizer at OCEAN2000

Resorts collection, in 2017. This 156-room

Lauderdale beach — a quiet place to reju-

Following the long drive, we were

boutique property offers an Old Florida

venate safely (during our visit COVID

ready to indulge in a cool cocktail and bite

inn ambiance with 500 feet of pristine pri-

protocols were still in place that included

to eat and headed down to O2K Lounge,

vate beach on the northern end of Fort

mask requirements in all the public spaces

the resort’s lobby bar and lounge. We sat

of the resort).

outside on the verandah and enjoyed the

Blue Crab Cake benedict at OCEAN2000 38

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Our room was a refreshing mix of mod-

ocean views and live entertainment, while

ern amenities with tropical touches. The

we shared the tropical nachos with pulled

480-square-foot space featured a king bed

pork, jalapeños, pineapple salsa, three

with plush pillow-top bedding, relaxing sit-

cheese sauce and cojita cheese.

ting area with television and mini refriger-

The next morning, we experienced a

ator, luxurious bathroom with rainfall

delicious breakfast on the terrace of

shower and dual vanity, and a balcony

OCEAN2000, the resort’s all day dining res-

with views of the sparkling blue waters of

taurant. Mike loved his Instagram-worthy

the Atlantic Ocean. We especially appreci-

blue crab cake benedict, and I ate almost

ated the wood flooring.

every bite of my French toast. Bellies full,

tastes& experiences Rocking chairs grace the verandah of Pelican Grand Beach Resort

we were ready to hit the beach. Pelican Grand’s private beach offers guests lounge chairs and umbrellas, which the hardworking staff sets up and breaks down all day long. We took a quick dip in the ocean before settling into our chairs to enjoy books, the breeze, and maybe a little cat nap. To beat the afternoon heat we took a drive down A1A through the main area of Fort Lauderdale beach and the surrounding neighborhoods featuring high-end homes and yachts. Fun fact: Fort Lauderdale is considered the “Yachting Capital of the World.” That evening we enjoyed a romantic dinner at OCEAN2000, with a nautical ambiance offering ocean views over candlelight. We started with an ahi tuna tartare appetizer with avocado and citrusginger soy. I selected “surf” with a perfectly pan-seared sea bass, while Mike opted for “turf” with the 12 oz. Wagyu rib eye steak accompanied by truffle mac and cheese and a green peppercorn sauce. We were too full for dessert but enjoyed a nightcap in O2K Lounge where we engaged in fun and lively conversations with the bartenders and some hotel guests. The following morning, I experienced blissful pampering at PURE Spa, the resort’s rooftop boutique spa with soothing spaces and relaxing cabanas. I was taken aback by the sparkling ocean views for my massage that didn’t take place in a dark, windowless room but instead in a bright rotunda with large windows. The thing that stood out the most to us on our visit to Pelican Grand Beach Resort was top-notch service — from the front desk to the waitstaff to housekeeping, everyone was friendly, inviting and accommodating. The experience definitely warranted a third visit in the near future. Learn more at pelicanbeach.com.

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tastes&experiences

Coastal Appeal: Gulf Coast

DESTINATION

DUNEDIN

aving traveled around the state of

The quaint town is known for its Scot-

Florida for many decades, I

tish celebrations, colorful downtown, art

sometimes think I have seen it

studios, breweries, and The Fred Marquis

all — until someplace piques my

Pinellas Trail, from St. Petersburg to

(Top) The historic Fenway Hotel at sunrise. (Right) The Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar with stunning sunset views. (Left) The hotel's welcoming lobby bar.

interest. That was the case of

Tarpon Springs, that runs through Dune-

when my adventurous friend Margie kept

din. Situated just across the street from

bringing up a historic boutique hotel located

the Dunedin Channel sits the Fenway

in Dunedin, just north of Clearwater. So, a

Hotel that originally opened in 1927 as the

few weeks ago we packed up and headed

jewel of the city where major movers and

west for a very quick overnight stay.

shakers of the day gathered. It was also

available early in the morning. The staff is

home to the first radio station in Pinellas

extremely hospitable and helpful.

County, so music plays a recurring theme throughout the property.

real views, the Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar over-

reopened in 2018 and is now part of Mar-

looking Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands

riott’s Autograph Collection. With 83 guest

is a must-see, especially at sunset. A court-

rooms and suites with a vintage vibe and

yard pool and HEW (Fenway Hotel’s origi-

updated amenities, including an Alexa

nal architect, Herman Everett Wendel)

who acts as your concierge and one of my

Parlor & Chophouse add to the hotel’s

favorite perks — complimentary coffee

charm. fenwayhotel.com

Even though it was less than 24 hours, we found a few things to share.

Bon Appétit Restaurant at the marina was the perfect, breezy setting for a late lunch with relaxing views of St. Joseph Sound, and Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands. Our server (Marina — how appropriate!) was excellent and we followed several of her recommendations including our cool cocktails. The White Linen includes gin, St. Germain, lemon and muddled cucumbers, and the Key Margarita features tequila and Triple Sec with fresh key lime juice. We loved our food selections too with the Achieva 1942 Salad (reminiscent of the Columbia’s 1912 Salad) with Swiss cheese, ham, Genoa salami over mixed greens with a garlic burgundy vinaigrette, and the Grilled Baguette with prosciutto, marscapone, onion jam, baby arugula and truffled honey. As we wandered around the downtown area filled with interesting shops, one place immediately caught our eyes. Lafayette & Rushford Home is a beautifully curated wonderland with everything from home décor items, including furniture, to baby and children’s gifts and more. After finding things we had to have on our first afternoon, we returned the next morning for more. Happily, we discovered that there is a second location here in Baldwin Park. For a delicious and laid-back breakfast, brunch or lunch, The Wild Iris Cafe is a true delight. From made-from-scratch menu items to the setting on the front porch or tree-covered patio, this place is warm, welcoming and comfortable. We suggest trying the avocado toast (grilled baguette, hand smashed avocado, grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, balsamic glaze, garden fresh basil, cracked pepper, and choice of side) and Bacado (an omelet with bacon, avocado and cheddar jack blend) — Bloody Marys and bellinis optional. orangeappeal.com

where live music is featured. But for the

After an extensive renovation, the hotel

HOT SPOTS

The intimate lobby has a small stage

Craft cocktails on the terrace of the Bon Appétit Restaurant.

The charming front porch of the Wild Iris Cafe.

tastes&experiences

SummerSTAYCATIONS

Area resorts share some special seasonal offers, activities and incentives — perfect for getting in that last family staycation before school starts back or escaping for some fun with spouses or friends. Stay Longer – Fourth Night Free Package at Four Seasons Resort Orlando

Four Seasons Resort Orlando

With Care health and safety measures in

Select dates, the resort also offers Flori-

place, the Resort remains a coveted family

da resident rates, bookable via phone only:

staycation destination.

407-313-4900.

It’s time to make up for lost moments and

The Resort’s Stay Longer – Fourth Night

reconnect with cherished family members

Free Offer is available through September

Spa-Tacular Stay! at Rosen Centre

for a summer staycation at Four Seasons

30. In addition, numerous value-added

Pamper yourself in all the luxuries that

Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Re-

inclusions are available for guests of Four

the Rosen Centre Hotel has to offer. Enjoy

sort, where activities and offerings abound

Seasons Resort Orlando, including chil-

the spa, pool and fitness center, and

for guests of all ages. With numerous con-

dren ages 5 and younger dine free with

indulge your palate at one of its alluring

necting guest room and suite options, and

their paid adult in Resort restaurants;

restaurants. Stay for one night at $279,

ample space to spread out on the Resort’s

complimentary access to the fitness centre

plus tax, and enjoy one 50-minute relax-

26-acre grounds, everyone will have a

and Spa relaxation areas; complimentary

ation massage at the Spa at Rosen Centre.

blast making memories and having fun in

transportation to the four main Disney

Package includes:

the sun. Four Seasons Resort Orlando

Parks; and complimentary kids camp

• One-night deluxe accommodation

recently unveiled updated guest rooms

offered daily at Kids For All Seasons for

• Complimentary fitness center

and suites, and with a fresh look and Lead

ages 4 and older.

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access

• Complimentary self-parking • One 50-minute massage • 25% discount on additional spa services Reserve at rosencentre.com/specials/ leisure-packages/ or call 407-996-9840.

• Complimentary Wi-Fi in guestroom and public areas • Discounted rates at Brad Brewer Golf Academy for hotel guests (add one-hour lesson for $120 plus tax, Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes Orlando

per person) • No resort fee

Stay and Play at Rosen Shingle Creek

specials/leisure-packages/ or call

Family Fun Packages at Grande Lakes Orlando

Play golf, relax—repeat... a golfer’s dream!

407-996-9939.

The Ritz-Carlton’s multi-million-dollar ren-

Reserve at rosenshinglecreek.com/

Stay for one night at the AAA Four Dia-

ovations are now complete. From spacious

mond Rosen Shingle Creek and enjoy two

guestrooms to gracious common areas

rounds of golf at the redesigned Arnold

and luxurious poolside cabanas, every

Palmer Design Company golf course.

detail has been impeccably updated for a

Package starts at $199 per night, plus

memorable summer. Families can enjoy

tax, and includes:

farm-to-table dining, signature golf, pam-

• Deluxe accommodations for one

pering spa treatments, inspired Grande

night

Lakes Sports outdoor experiences, and

• Two rounds of golf at the award-

luxurious guestrooms and suites.

winning Shingle Creek Golf Club,

Family Fun Package:

which includes golf cart with GPS, range balls before the round, club cleaning, and bag storage

• Reserve one king guestroom and Rosen Shingle Creek

receive a second guaranteed connecting guestroom with two

july | august 2021

tastes&experiences queen beds at 50% savings. • Valet parking • Guaranteed late checkout at 2pm Family Fun Suite Package: • Reserve one King Executive Suite and receive a complimentary connecting Lakefront View guestroom with two queen beds. • Valet parking • Guaranteed late checkout at 2pm Visit grandelakesorlandonews.com to view all summer activities and special events.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Sweeten Your Stay at Waldorf Astoria Orlando

chef-driven restaurants. Or enjoy a round

• Luxurious guestroom

of golf at the renowned Waldorf Astoria

• Early check-in and late checkout

This summer, enjoy non-stop family fun,

Golf Club. With the Sweeten Your Stay

(based on availability during the

with activities the entire family will enjoy.

package, experience more with a $100

dates of your stay)

Bask in the warm Orlando sunshine as

nightly resort credit to use toward many of

you float peacefully along the refreshing

these activities.

lazy river. Revel in the luxury of your own

Package includes:

private poolside cabana. Indulge in exqui-

• $100 resort credit per each night of

site dining at one of the resort’s many

your stay

• Flexible cancellation – reservation can be cancelled up to 24 hours prior to arrival with no penalty. Learn more or reserve at waldorfastoriaorlando.com. Escape! at Hilton Orlando

Escape! at Hilton Orlando Escape the ordinary this summer as Hilton Orlando invites you to experience the world’s largest and tallest escape room experience open July 2 through October 31. The entire resort will be transformed into an escape room of complex clues, challenges and augmented reality to unveil a climactic moment of triumph. This won’t be your traditional escape room. Instead of trying to break out of something, you are trying to unlock a huge secret within the resort. You may arrive as a guest, but you will leave as part of a furtive society. Learn more at the hiltonorlando.com/escape. 46

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home&design open house After 14 months of limited contact outside of your pod, you are probably thinking of entertaining family and friends. And although online shopping has become the norm, there is nothing better than seeing, feeling, touching and smelling accessories at local brick and mortar stores. It’s easy to freshen up your hosting game with new napkins, tableware, candles, serving trays and more. These selections were discovered at Lafayette & Rushford with locations in Baldwin Park and Dunedin on Florida’s west coast. lafayette-rushford.com

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home&design

DESIGNING MINDS:

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU!

As we enter the post-COVID stage of life, it’s time to bring people back into our homes for celebrations, dinner parties and poolside barbecues, but are you ready? Our local design experts weighed in on what you can do to make any event warm and welcoming. NOW THAT WE ARE ALL CAUTIOUSLY VENTURING BACK OUT INTO THE WORLD (hopefully fully vaccinated), we’re enjoying the activities we missed over the past year and several months. For me and my husband, Jeff, that means having people over for dinner. Solving the world’s problems over great food and good wine and bringing both new and old friends together is our favorite way to spend an evening. I love to cook, but not quite as much as I enjoy being a guest at my own party, so we frequently engage the culinary services of our dear friend and outstanding chef Malena Mesa. We just ordered a beautiful Knoll Saarinen dining room table and chairs, and we look forward to christening them soon. One change: we scaled back from 10 to eight chairs, as that seems to be the sweet spot for us when it comes to dinner table conversation. We start the evening with cocktails and bite-sized canapes, eventually move on to a sitdown dinner, and end the evening outside on our terrace or in the living room for afterdinner drinks and lots of laughs. Everything old is new again, and we can’t wait to catch up with everyone!

– TED MAINES, Ted Maines Interiors A recent client installation

AS OUR LIVES GET BACK TO NORMAL AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, making outdoor living upgrades is becoming one of the most requested updates through our design studio. It seems that at the beginning of 2020, we were focused on creating outdoor spaces that complement our homes and lifestyles, and today, we are creating outdoor spaces for our clients that supplement their sense of well-being and transform an outdoor area into an outdoor room. We sometimes take for granted how lucky we are as residents of Florida that we live in paradise. In normal times, outdoor spaces are areas of recreation for us and our families, yet today we need them for restoration for our bodies and minds. According to a recent survey conducted for the International Casual Furnishings Association, people are doing more relaxing, grilling, gardening, exercising, dining, playing with pets and children, and entertaining outside. If we have learned anything during this time of lockdowns and mandates is to value our beautiful year-round weather and the gift of fresh air.

– JOSE J. CABRERA, C L Studio, Inc. All outdoor furniture available through C L Studio, Inc., clstudioinc.com.

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IT’S BEEN A HOT MINUTE SINCE ANY OF US HAVE HAD COMPANY OVER IN ANY CAPACITY, and entertaining sounds like a foreign word at this point. So, let’s dust off those evites and start having some company inside our homes. Here are my tips on how to easily do that. First, don’t start with a party of 50 people. Let’s ease our way back into the social circle by inviting one, or at maximum two, couples over for dinner. Chances are you and your family have turned your home into a makeshift school, gym, library and office. Let’s begin to properly delineate those spaces back again and remember that each room had its own function prior to the pandemic. I bet your house misses entertaining as much as you do. The easiest way to create a welcoming social environment is with flowers. If you’re not accustomed to making your own arrangements, keep it simple. Choose two to three types of flowers in the same color for each arrangement, cut them at varying heights, pull out your favorite vase, and voila: instant dinner party arrangement. I would suggest one medium-sized floral arrangement as you enter your home on a console table, a small arrangement in the powder room, and a large, fabulous floral for your dining table. Flowers are the easiest and most chic way to say, let’s have a party!

– JOHN McCLAIN, John McClain Design july | august 2021

STEPHEN ALLEN

home&design

PREPARE STATIONS FOR COCKTAILS, WATER, PASTRIES AND SNACKS AHEAD OF TIME. Bring out the great glassware and splurge on the fresh flowers. A

HAVING MULTIPLE SEATING OPTIONS IS A GREAT WAY to allow guests

simple lighting update to dimmable LED lamp — 3000K works for most homes — will

to engage in different activities and con-

– ROB TURNER, CRT Studio

make things look fresh and clean.

versations. Include even more variety to your seating arrangements by adding creative, impromptu accommodations like poufs, ottomans and large floor pillows to the mix. Add an extra touch by placing lush greenery and florals around your home. This will make your space even more welcoming and inviting. Alfresco dining puts everyone at ease. Set the table and enjoy the outdoors over a meal with friends. Balmy weather and a beautiful sunset are the perfect ingredients for a night of entertaining. And utilizing a counter space for all of your hosting needs will make entertaining a breeze!

I LIKE TO ENTERTAIN SEASONALLY, so summer entertaining is a perfect time for people to get back in the saddle again. For seated dinner parties of six to 10 guests, I select linens and china that speak to a less formal, more relaxed summer vibe. I use colors that are lively and fun. I like to explore my inventory of table setting options with a fresh set of eyes and put together combinations that are new and unique. Although I do not specifically theme a dinner party per-se, I always find the visual niche that allows my table and setting to be inviting and memorable. To prepare for this, I recommend

– BRIANNA MICHELLE, Brianna Michelle Interior Design

investing some time and take a mental snapshot of your personal inventory. You will soon find that you may have some cherished heirlooms that you haven’t used in a long time or perhaps some new things that you forgot you purchased or received. After you’ve made the selections of what to use on your table, supplement those pieces with fresh plants, flowers, or even fresh produce (a wonderful summertime table dressing). I have often used fresh red and green apples, or bright lemons, limes and oranges as part of a centerpiece. Don’t be afraid to mix stripes (another summertime favorite) or plaids with bold prints and textured elements such a rattan plate chargers. It is creating layers of color, pattern,

STEPHEN ALLEN

and texture that make for a creative and enjoyable table!

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Lastly, I always remind myself that I also need to enjoy my table as much as my guests do. That takes the stress out of entertaining when you’re having fun putting it all together!

– ERIC HORNER, Eric Horner Interiors

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RECONNECT & REENGAGE:

Coming together to be encouraged, inspired and empowered at this year's Orlando Women's Conference — both live and virtual — attendees will hear from dozens of well-respected community leaders with a focus of getting back on track. Three of the keynote presenters include survivor, thriver and advocate RANIA ARWANI, accomplished author and life coach DR. KEITA JOY, and motivated visionary BARBARA POMA. PHOTOS: JIM HOBART, MACBETH STUDIO

| LOCATION: THE DR. PHILIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS HAIR AND MAKEUP TOUCHUPS: MARJORIE ROBINSON, 407-375-1345

RETHINK: DEFINE SUCCESS ON YOUR TERMS Orlando Women’s Conference Luncheon Keynote Speaker DR. KEITA JOY, Life Coach and Consultant, CEO, Success Uncensored®️ Coaching

ORANGE APPEAL: What’s the most important lesson you have learned in your lifetime? DR. KEITA JOY: I’ve learned the power of crazy faith to believe

colorism, discrimination and lack of empathy. I am dedicated to

despite the obstacles that are in your life, that better days are still

women.

being a part of the conversation and strategy to provide equitable health services, financial services and career services for Black

ahead. The audacity to hope has been my lifeline. With the passfreshman in college to obtaining my doctorate while working full-

OA: What is the best advice you have given? DKJ: Live by the Success Uncensored® Coaching’s formula for suc-

time and raising children, I always had a ridiculous belief in God

cess is: Do YOU + Do it Well + Do it Consistently. This formula has

and in my inner strength that gave me the will to conquer and live

helped Facebook employees and partners, NFL and NBA players,

with joy and success! Lesson: miracles manifest first in the mind.

stay-at-home mothers, entrepreneurs, CEOs, and now you!

OA: What’s the most important lesson you have learned in the past year and a half? DKJ: Authenticity wins every time. Being a double minority

selves and unleash their greatest potential with clarity, discipline

ing of my father suddenly at a young age to sexual assault as a

The hardest thing for people to do is to define success for themand joy. Challenges such as people pleasing, insecurities, fears and trauma make it difficult to live a fulfilled life.

(African American and a woman), I’ve always felt compelled to

Here’s what you can do to increase your peace and profit:

water down my brilliance to appease the insecurities of men or

Do YOU — be authentic; know your values and belief system.

quiet my rich Black culture to comply with corporate culture that

Have a clear understanding of your personal and professional

oftentimes is very white and male. As I began to fully show up in

goals and desires. Know your strengths, talents and skills, and the

my brilliance in all spaces, my coaching and consulting business

best ways to apply them. Explore your purpose.

increased in revenue. Companies, teams and leaders desire real change and gravitate toward authentic living, because authentic living correlates with real solutions.

Do it Well — all things in excellence. Measuring tools to identify what excellence looks like in every area of your life. Do it Consistently — How to remain resilient and motivated. Develop discipline.

OA: What single issue means the most to you? DKJ: Equity and empathy for Black women. I was fortunate in Talk. The topic was Mental Health is Declining and Black Women

OA: How do you stay positive and motivated when the going gets tough? DKJ: I remember what I thought I couldn’t see myself getting

are Hit the Hardest. As a Black woman I’ve experienced racism,

through in the past, and how eventually I did, which is my evidence

2020, during the height of the pandemic, to release my first TED

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that I will overcome again. Perception is reality and if I believe it will be better then it will be because of the perspective I choose to have. The biggest wins take the biggest risks… like love. I want to be like Theodore Roosevelt and live in the ring… in the arena rather than be a critic (fearful person) in the stands.

OA: How do you define success for yourself? DKJ: Oh, that’s a fave question — I wrote a book that all attendees will have access to purchase, Success Uncensored: A High Achiever’s Guide to Define Success on Your Own Terms. Success is liberating because it is a personal mission statement for each individual to define for themselves based on these qualifiers: season of life, priorities, and desires.

OA: What has been your defining moment? DKJ: Just one? LOL. When I resigned from my career as a school counselor to start my coaching and consulting business, I was terrified. My teacher community thought I was insane for leaving my comfortable job as a counselor with benefits and direct deposit and summers off, but when I heard that statement, I knew why I was leaving: I chose calling over comfortability. I lacked capital but I never lacked faith and strategy. This was the moment I said YES to living! What if I fell… oh, but what if I flew?

OA: What would you like to accomplish in the next five years? DKJ: Success Uncensored® Coaching will be a full-service agency with several life and business coaches available for corporate and athletic teams globally. I look forward to having a TV platform to intentionally spread, joy, wisdom and laughter. I desire to grow closer to God, discover new aspects of myself, love my husband and kids deeper, and travel more. Dr. Joy and Success Uncensored® Coaching will be a household name.

RESOLVE: SURVIVOR, THRIVER AND ADVOCATE

Orlando Women’s Conference Opening Keynote Speaker RANIA ARWANI, Family Law Attorney, Arwani Law Firm ORANGE APPEAL: What’s the most important lesson you have learned in your lifetime? RANIA ARWANI: There are no mistakes in

OA: What single issue means the most to you? RA: The fight against domestic violence.

life; there are only powerful lessons which that opportunity. No matter how difficult a

OA: What is the best advice you have given? RA: When in conflict, listen more and talk

situation may be, we can find guidance within

less. Conflict does not need to be a negative

each challenge presented that can offer

thing. Addressing conflict in your personal

more meaning, depth, and understanding to

or business life is healthy as it aids in growth

our lives. Without adversity we cannot grow.

and helps solidify relationships. Instead of

Without the ability to overcome hardship

immediately trying to assert your position,

our lives would be stagnant, and we would

take a moment to listen to the other side

not develop into compassionate individuals

without thinking about how you will

who are more open to listen. By shifting our

respond to what they are saying. Because if

perception of adversity away from some-

you are formulating your response while

thing dreaded and fearful, we can approach

someone is speaking to you, then you are not

each obstacle as an opportunity for growth.

fully listening to them.

serve to elevate us if we are willing to seize

Whether or not a person recognizes it, indi-

Ask questions about what they are say-

viduals possess an incredibly strong capacity

ing. Once you understand what the other

for inner strength.

side is saying and why they are saying it,

The first step toward accessing that

then you can meaningfully and respectfully

strength is to tackle the various challenges presented to us, even

respond, and chances are the other person will be more willing to

those society tells us we cannot overcome. It has taken me years

listen to you as well. Somewhere along the way, we as a society

and an abundant amount of self-discovery to learn this lesson, but

have forgotten how to have spirited but respectful discourse, and

I now truly believe that the challenges we face are blessings that

I believe a large part of that is because we have forgotten that con-

allow us to discover ourselves, allow us to help others find that

flict can allow us to see a perspective that we have been blind to.

strength in themselves, and most importantly, allow us to uncover

We have forgotten how to listen. Next time you are presented with

the remarkable reliance we all have within.

a conflict, listen with an open mind and see how far that can take you.

OA: What’s the most important lesson you have learned in the past year and a half? RA: Basic things are never basic. I no longer take the little things in life for granted, like hugging loved ones, having coffee with a

OA: How do you stay positive and motivated when the going gets tough? RA: When things get tough, I tell myself that this is another

friend, or simply dropping the kids off at school. Moments in life

excitement that I am encountering. I give positive labels to diffi-

are not guaranteed, and nobody knows when tragedy may strike.

cult situations; for example, getting sick is building immunity,

It is essential to let others know their value to you; that you care

and being away from loved ones means an extravagant reunion. I

and love them. Because one day they may not be there for you to

let myself feel whatever it is I need to feel, and then I start looking

tell them, and you may find yourself wishing you had just one

for solutions. Most importantly, I remind myself to be patient

more moment.

with myself.

orangeappeal.com

OA: How do you define success for yourself? RA: Success is using my experiences and expertise to help women find their own voice and independence. The more women I can empower, the more successful I feel I am. There is nothing more gratifying or incredible than the emotions you have knowing that you contributed — no matter how large or how small — to helping a woman find her own confidence and self-worth. As long as I am doing that, I know I am successful.

“

WHETHER OR NOT A PERSON RECOGNIZES IT, INDIVIDUALS POSSESS AN INCREDIBLY STRONG CAPACITY FOR INNER STRENGTH.

”

OA: What has been your defining moment? RA: When I was still in college, I was abused by my former husband. He was prosecuted and my defining moment was when the prosecutor gave her closing statement. That day she gave me a feeling I will never forget, and that day was the day that I decided to change my career path and go to law school. The prosecutor was so much more than a government employee going after a criminal that broke the law. She was a powerful woman providing me with a strong voice when I was unable to provide one for myself. She helped me understand that I deserved a voice. I deserved to be heard. I wanted to let other women know that their voices deserved to be heard as well. I wanted to help give women the same gift she had given me: freedom.

OA: What would you like to accomplish in the next five years? RA: I would like to take longer and more frequent international vacations and see the world with my husband and children.

REUNITE: COME TOGETHER

WITH LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING Orlando Women’s Conference Afternoon Keynote Speaker BARBARA POMA, CEO, onePULSE Foundation

ORANGE APPEAL: What’s the most important lesson you have learned in your lifetime? BARBARA POMA: Life is full of lessons; they

cially those with strong voices or who live in

come in all moments, joyous or painful. As

like them, and realize their commonalities

you get older and wiser you find you recog-

versus differences, we will see change. These

nize these moments as opportunities to learn

commonalities can be simple things like

something new and to help you grow. Hav-

being a parent, or liking the same genres of

ing children certainly taught me patience,

music, film or literature, or hobbies. Finding

and losing my brother and father in the same

them in others links us to them in ways that

year taught me how to grieve and recover.

make it hard to not accept them.

the majority, need to keep talking about acceptance. Once people can truly encounter someone who may not look like them or talk

My most important life lesson, of course,

for granted. To make sure that we tell all of

OA: What is the best advice you have been given? BP: The best advice I have ever been given

our loved ones each and every day how

came from my brother when I was about 18

much they matter and how important they

years old. It was simple and I did not com-

are to us.

prehend the impact it could have on not only

comes from the Pulse tragedy of June 12, 2016. The lesson to not take anything in life

my life but on everyone I would encounter. It

OA: What’s the most important lesson you have learned in the past year and a half? BP: The last year and a half has been trau-

is simple: do not judge a book by its cover; listen to people. By practicing this, and I do mean consciously practicing it, I have not

matic for humans across the world. No one escaped the fear, loss,

only met some incredibly interesting people who have led amaz-

anxiety and isolation of COVID-19. My personal lesson was

ing lives, but I have also learned so much about life.

understanding how this experience affected people so differently.

found themselves reconnecting or reuniting with their families

OA: How do you stay positive and motivated when the going gets tough? BP: This is not an easy question believe it or not. I think people will

and neighbors. Some found remote work was either a gift or a

naturally say things like, “I run, I journal, or I meditate,” and those

hardship. Intentionally seeking to understand how it affected

are all real ways to stay positive and motivated. I actually tell my

those closest to me — family or work family — was so insightful

kids to practice these! But for me, I dig deep and find the purpose

and made relationships so much stronger. Being a person who

in what I am doing in my life then I set goals to achieve it. Know-

always views life through the glass-half-full mentality, I somehow

ing there is a goal keeps me focused, positive and motivated every

found the light during the COVID crisis. I also learned that as

single day. Since the shooting, it is the work of onePULSE Foun-

much as I thought I could paint, I was really terrible at it!

dation that gets me out of bed every single day.

OA: What single issue means the most to you? BP: Equity. Equity for ALL in every aspect: race, color, gender

OA: How do you define success for yourself? BP: Success for me is seeing my family and the onePULSE Foun-

identity, sexuality, religion, culture, age and disability. For true

dation team happy, feeling confident in themselves, and enjoying

movement in the equity conversation to begin, everyone, espe-

their work and personal lives. Creating environments that allow

For some, who have been traumatized by a tragedy like Pulse, this pandemic only magnified their emotions and needs.

orangeappeal.com

Others

for personal growth but also provide the support system in moments it is needed most is something I feel really strong about. When I create these spaces, I feel successful.

OA: What has been your defining moment? BP: I am not sure there is one defining moment for anyone. I believe every chapter of life is a defining moment and once you endure it or experience it, the next chapter begins. The day you leave home, the day you marry or divorce, with the birth or adoption of your children, with the death of a loved one, Pulse, and with all those that are to come, these moments have all defined me. Each of those moments changed a part of me and the trajectory of my life. I know my life will continue to have defining moments and I look forward to all of them.

“

I BELIEVE EVERY CHAPTER OF LIFE IS A DEFINING MOMENT AND ONCE YOU ENDURE IT OR EXPERIENCE IT, THE NEXT CHAPTER BEGINS.

”

OA: What would you like to accomplish in the next five years? BP: On a personal level I look forward to seeing my children settle into careers, relationships, and into their adult lives. This would be a huge accomplishment as any parent will tell you. On a professional note, the successful completion and openings of the National Pulse Memorial & Museum and Orlando Health Survivors Walk is my ultimate goal. Providing these experiences to the families, survivors, first responders, Orlando residents and all who travel here is my motivation, my purpose, every single day.

Tuesday, September 14 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

REconnect REengage REcharge join in the conversation!

Orange Appeal July/August 2021

Articles inside

RETHINK: DEFINE SUCCESS ON YOUR TERMS

BLB Hacienda: A Breath of Fresh Air

Love Stories: Weddings

Reconnect & Reengage Orlando Women’s Conference Preview