Emerald Coast Magazine- February/March 2015 by Rowland Publishing, Inc.

All you need to know to bring an A-list celebrity home with you Michael Chou reveals just how chance became a delicious dream

The Emer ald Coast Maga zine

Just Dance! These studios will put a kick in your step

Creative Couples Three husband-and-wife duos share the secret to successfully balancing work, love and life

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The Emerald Coast Magazine February + March 2015

F E AT U REs

68 Creative Couples

Meet three husbandand-wife duos who cash in on their calling.

contents Highlands House on 30A is a boutique bed and breakfast coastal oasis.

By Danielle Buenrostro

Come on Inn

We “check in” on four enchanting Emerald Coast bed and breakfasts serving up history, homemade breakfast and hearty servings of charm.

Matt Burke

By Zandra Wolfgram

EmeraldCoastMagazine.com February–March 2015

PHOTO + FILM STUDIOS

WEDDINGS & PORTRAITS

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FRESH SEAFOOD?

One of the first questions people ask when they visit our area is “How can we be sure we’re getting fresh seafood?” That’s an excellent question. There is a good chance that the seafood you will be offered traveled farther than you did. In the state of Florida, even though we are surrounded by water, more than 90% of the seafood sold this year will be imported from other countries. Throughout the United States, the huge majority of seafood is imported. Most of it is mislabeled. Frozen seafood is sold as “fresh” and imported seafood is sold as “local.” According to Oceana, 93% of fish sold as red snapper is actually some other species. 57% of tuna sold at sushi bars throughout the country is not tuna. Most of the tilapia served in this country comes from Viet Nam and Thailand and much of it is farmed in waters with sewage run-off and the source of feed is pig feces.

Harbor Docks has been selling fish through its wholesale market since 1981. We sell to markets across the United States and Canada. We also sell to select restaurants along the Gulf Coast. Harbor Docks contracts with over 100 commercial boats to insure that we have an adequate supply of fresh fish. We invite you to dine at our restaurants – Harbor Docks, in the heart of Destin, and Camille’s, overlooking the Gulf in Crystal Beach. But we’d also encourage you to try any of the wonderful, independent, local restaurants in our area that are committed to serving Florida seafood. We know who they are, because we sell them their fish.

check our website to find out which restaurants sell certified Gulf-to-Table fish from harbor Docks Seafood market. DES TIN , FL | 850. 837. 2506 | h a r b o r D o c k S .co m S E A F O O D & C O C K TA I L S

Snapper and Tuna stats: http://oceana.org/en/news-media/publications/reports/oceana-study-reveals-seafood-fraud-nationwide Imported seafood stat: http://www.fishwatch.gov/farmed_seafood/outside_the_us.htm Tilapia/pig feces: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-10-11/asian-seafood-raised-on-pig-feces-approved-for-u-s-consumers.html

EmeraldCoastMagazine.com February–March 2015

contents in the e.c. 19 Snapshot Amy Wendel cannot bottle her passion for perfume. 20 Made in the EC Chris Alvarado makes music … quite literally. 25 Giving Back Meet Destin’s “leading ladies.” 28 Well-Worded Author Lisa Morris tells all about writing. 31 Personality Michael Chou turns chance into a tasteful dream. 35 Scene The Emerald Coast is buzzing with news. Read it here.

happenings 43 Spotlight Lucky for us, “Seven Brides” is staged at two local playhouses. 44 Culture So you think you can dance? We tell you where you can kick up your heels.

57 Social Studies Look who we’ve “scene” out and about lately.

the good life 89 Eudaimonia Ambition lets young imaginations take flight. 90 Going Places At this luxury resort everything is included … even the pigs (yes, we said pigs). 94 Mind + Body We give you the drill on the best oil for your hair. 97 FYI Steady does it for seniors.

106 Gardening We have the dirt on the key ingredient to a gorgeous garden. 108 Habitat We invited a few celebrities over to the house. Meet Calvin, Versace, Donna … .

A WORD WITH YOU

112 Flavor Little desserts that are big on flavor give tasting parties personality plus.

12 From the Publisher 14 Editor’s Note 130 The Last Word

121 Dining Just a taste of what’s on menus along the Emerald Coast.

Special Section 37 Women’s Profiles 100 Deal Estate

122 On the Menu Barbecue nachos are an unexpected savory snack. 124 A Taste For … Savory tea.

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Photos by Shelly Swanger (20), Jacqueline Ward Images, (97) and Courtesy Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Resort & Spa (90)

52 Calendar Spring is near, and that means all kinds of festive events are sprouting up along the Emerald Coast.

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THE MARKET SHOPS

Relive Your Memories!

Our major renovation is complete; your favorite shops have been revived!

Vol. 16, No. 1 February–March 2015 The Emerald Coast Magazine

President/Publisher

Brian E. Rowland EDITORIAL Director of Editorial Services Linda Kleindienst Editor Zandra Wolfgram Senior Staff Writer Jason Dehart Staff Writer Chay D. Baxley Contributing Writers Elvin C. Bell, Laura Bradley, Danielle Buenrostro, Patti B. Burcham, Roseanne Dunkelberger, Lauren Gillespie, Janie Harris, Lis King, Jack Macaleavy, Alexia McKay, Rebecca Padgett, Audrey Post, Rebekah Sanderlin, Liesel Schmidt Editorial Interns Janie Harris, Matthew Hooper, Mikaela McShane, Kate Mueller, Samantha Rhodes, Ana Stolica, Megan Williams Production Specialist Melinda Lanigan

CREATIVE Creative Director Lawrence Davidson Production Manager/ Network Administrator Daniel Vitter

MARKETING and Sales Director of Marketing and Sales McKenzie Burleigh Director of New Business Daniel Parisi Ad Services Coordinator Lisa Sostre Sales Executives Rhonda Lynn Murray, Darla Harrison, Tanya Heath, Tracy Mulligan, Paula Sconiers, Alice Watts, Drew Gregg Westling Marketing and Sales assistant Christie Green

OPERATIONS COrporate client relations specialist Caroline Miller Staff accountant Josh Faulds Accounting assistant Tabby Hamilton Administrative assistant Caryn Nelson Receptionist Lisa Snell

Digital Services

Senior Art Director Saige Roberts

Digital Services Manager Carlin Trammel

Art Director Jennifer Ekrut

Digital Services CoordinatorS Jennifer Ireland, Rebecca Padgett

Publication Designers Shruti Shah, Rebecca Sumerall

Digital Services Producer Chelsea Moore

Advertising Designers Jillian Fry, Amanda Hartsfield

Emerald Coast Magazine emeraldcoastmagazine.com facebook.com/emeraldcoast twitter.com/emeraldcoastmag instagram.com/emeraldcoastmag pinterest.com/emeraldcoastmag youtube.com/user/emeraldcoastmag

Staff Photographer Matt Burke Contributing Photographers Mari Darr~Welch, Scott Holstein, Kenneth King, Tristin Kroening, Whitney Ladwig/Proffitt PR, Modus Photography, Kay Phelan, Kansas Pitts Photography, Pure 7 Studios, Shelly Swanger, Jacqueline Ward Images, Allison Yii

Events Events AND SPECIAL PROJECTS Coordinator Leigha Inman

Rowland Publishing rowlandpublishing.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS One Year (6 issues) is $30 Call (850) 878-0554 or go online to emeraldcoastmagazine.com. Single copies are $3.95 Purchase at Barnes and Noble in Destin and Books-A-Million in Destin and at Sun Plaza in Mary Esther.

9375 Emerald Coast Parkway At the Entrance to Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort themarketshops.com

For leasing inquiries, please contact JPB Commercial Real Estate 850-460-5050

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Editorial Office 1932 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL, 32308 Customer Service & Submissions EC Magazine and Rowland Publishing, Inc. are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork. Editorial contributions are welcomed and encouraged but will not be returned. EC Magazine reserves the right to publish any letters to the editor. Copyright February 2015 Emerald Coast Magazine Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

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EmeraldCoastMagazine.com February–March 2015

from the publisher

VOL. 16 NO. 1

Over the past several years, I have heard plenty about the death of the print industry and how the world of media and advertising will shift totally to the digital world — basically saying to a publisher: “Fold your tent, throw in the towel and go home.” I’m sorry, but that memo never made it to the desks of the employees at Rowland Publishing. Our team successfully navigated the Great Recession and the second tsunami of economic turmoil that hit our footprint — the perceived drizzle of BP oil on Gulf Coast beaches, which devastated the region’s tourism industry and made it even more challenging for our sales team to meet its goals and the business community to maintain stability. But our team of publishing professionals made the necessary adjustments to our company and their personal playbooks to stay focused, keeping their eye on the horizon and not complaining, just doing their absolute best every day. Taking on a negative attitude The Rowland Publishing Team gathered at Florida State University’s Challenge Course for a team building event as part was definitely not an option for this squad. of the company’s annual meeting in December. The media world has drastically changed in the past 25 years. At that time, the Internet had not been invented. The car phone industry was just developing, and words like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and blog had not been spoken. Newspapers, radio and TV were still the primary source of breaking news, and there was no such thing as a “smart” phone. All we could do then with a phone was make telephone calls. When the recession hit, “traditional” media, with its high operational costs, was hit hard when advertising dollars dried up. Digital news outlets grew, and predictions of the death of print were widespread. Yet at Rowland Publishing, we were deaf to that death knell. Since the economy began to tank in 2008, we have launched five new titles, including 850, Northwest Florida Weddings and Honeymoon Destinations, Sandestin Living and the Tallahassee Medical Resource Directory. We now have a department that plans and runs six annual events, and we have committed ourselves to the digital era with a three-member digital media department. And all the while, we have grown the page counts of our magazines — Tallahassee Magazine by 38 percent and our other titles by between 8 and 10 percent. The company, meanwhile, has grown from 24 to 39 employees strong. During the recession, we were often tempted to accept advertising revenue in exchange for a “puff” story about an advertiser. But we simply said, “No.” That is not our business model. Our editorial team maintained high journalistic standards, and I feel today that is one of the major contributing factors to our on the cover ongoing growth and excellent brand reputation in Northwest Florida. We have and will continue to stick Hannah and Shawn Brown, photographed by to our publishing mission to be “Current, Quotable and Well Read.” Mari Darr~Welch, were We believe our local and regional titles are a critical communications link between people in the region. each other’s first kiss They keep people informed and help create a sense of community, keeping it strong and giving those who and first date. Shawn live here a sense of pride in the place where they work and live. loves to write music and Hannah enjoys English Of course we have dealt with the natural attrition and transitions that every company must face, but I horse riding and reading can proudly say that the RPI team that stepped out on the Northwest Florida publishing field on Jan. 5, books to unwind. The 2015, is without question the finest all-around team of media professionals that Rowland Publishing has playful couple are the ever assembled. We are deep in talent, combining youth and experience, and everyone has a fire in the creative team behind HBB belly and a winning attitude. Photography based in Santa Rosa Beach. I also would like to acknowledge and salute those who over the past decade-and-a-half who have made positive contributions and helped lay the foundation this company is building upon today. I salute the team as together we forge through 2015 and beyond. I am so proud and honored to work with the 39 professionals we have here at Rowland Publishing.

Matt Burke

A Winning Team

All you need to know to bring an A-list celebrity home with you

Michael Chou reveals just how chance became a delicious dream

THE EMER ALD COAST MAGA ZINE

Just Dance! These studios will put a kick in your step

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EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015

— Brian Rowland browland@rowlandpublishing.com

Creative Couples Three husband-and-wife duos share the secret to successfully balancing work, love and life

EmeraldCoastMagazine.com Februaryâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;March 2015

editor’s note Does my definition of a Modern Woman stand the test of time?

What is a modern woman exactly? To me, a modern woman is a person who is conducive to modern times — and who also happens to be a woman. A modern woman is distinctly unique, because she is flexible to the changing ideas of today, and yet, she hasn’t lost her individuality. She is one who is confronted with a problem and efficiently resolves it by defining the problem, approaching the problem, and by learning all of its limitations, conquering the problem. A modern woman must possess such qualities as fortitude, endurance and the ability to communicate. She is one who has the courage and stamina to face situations unknown to her, and yet she is human and open-mindedly learns from her mistakes. Someone who is able to find good in all situations is a modern woman. In today’s fast-paced society, this quality is vital. The competition and challenges that are ever present in today’s modern world are certain to become more complex with time. As part of the 1983 Modern Miss Competition, A modern woman isn’t afraid your editor gave a speech about what it of the odds, and she refuses to set means to be a “modern woman.” goals within her reach. Instead, she enjoys a challenge to aid her in her spiritual and intellectual growth. A modern woman can identify with the saying, “If you can conceive it, you can achieve it!” She is a go-getter and can candidly discard role model labels. A modern woman isn’t just the woman working 9 to 5 in the big city with a briefcase and a luncheon at one o’clock. She is the gas station attendant, the sales clerk, the hairdresser. She is your mother, your daughter, your grandmother. A modern woman is someone any woman would like to be, but more importantly, someone every woman can be. If there weren’t photographs to prove otherwise, I am not sure I would have remembered or ’fessed up to giving this speech during the 1983 Modern Miss competition as a 17-year-old high school junior. But rereading the words handwritten on pink index cards, it struck me that, more than 30 years later, after graduating, marrying, becoming a mother, forging a career and establishing a small business, I think I needed to hear this from my younger, idealistic self. I needed to hear my younger self cheer, “If you can conceive it, you can achieve it.” And I needed to reconnect to that “go-getter” girl I aspired to be all those years ago. As we settle into 2015 and celebrate International Women’s Day (March 8) and Women’s History Month, I invite women along the Emerald Coast to take a moment to reflect on what it means to them to be a Modern Woman. You don’t have to write a speech on pink index cards, but if you care to share, I would love to hear how you define your role as a woman … .

—Z andra Wolfgram eC-Editor@rowlandpublishing.com

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editor’s picks Hear, Hear to Margarita Day! I like to celebrate. I like margaritas. Imagine how happy I was to learn that Feb. 22 is National Margarita Day! And apparently I’m not alone: The margarita is the most popular tequila-based cocktail in the United States. Fortunately, on the Emerald Coast, there are plenty of places serving up various renditions of this sweet-tart of a drink. Cantina Laredo at Grand Boulevard is a “Best of” winner; bartender Mo Moseley at Bud & Alley’s in Seaside pairs his with a sunset; Helen Back on Okaloosa Island adds a refreshing splash of soda; and the Texas version at La Paz has a nice Cointreau kick. Talk about holiday spirit. ¡Olé! Fleur Flair How can you not have a crush on the confections that surround us during the season of love? This adorable white ceramic cookie jar is a perfectly cute place to store them. You can embellish it with various interchangeable magnetic accents (I like the Fleur de Lis), and you can label your jar with a handy dry erase pen. A great hostess gift or for anyone you are sweet on. $64.99 on placetiles.com.

Photos Courtesy Zandra Wolfgram (Modern Miss Competition) and Placetiles.com (Cookie Jar)

You Be the Judge

Best Dermatology Practice on the Emerald Coast 2012, 2013 & 2014

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Novâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Feb all massage & facial services are 20% off on Mondays & Tuesdays! EmeraldCoastMagazine.com Februaryâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;March 2015

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Sign Up for More Info For an email you’ll be happy to see in your inbox, sign up for the Emerald Coast Magazine e-newsletter. Each month we will update you with the latest stories, events and deals happening on the EC. emeraldcoastmagazine.com/ Newsletter-Mailing-List/

Don’t Miss the 2015 Emerald Coast Top Salon Event Tickets are now on sale for one of the most creative and inspiring events of the season, the 2015 Emerald Coast Top Salon competition. On April 10 at 7 p.m. the top nominated salons of the Emerald Coast will reveal their model makeovers in a dynamic, live runway show. Don’t miss out on this fierce event. Purchase tickets online at emeraldcoastmagazine.com/top-salon. For more information, see p.64.

Flip Books View this issue in a digital book format, and search our Archive section for past articles dating back to 2006. Up-to-the-minute calendar of events See what’s going on around the coast — or submit your own event. It’s free!

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#ECMag » Beachy Beach Real Estate » Coastal Skin Surgery Dermatology » Harrison Contracting Company » Idyll Hounds » Infinity Flooring » Insurance Zone » McCaskill & Company

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OF THE

latest real estate happenings and listings on the Emerald Coast. Learn about recently sold homes, or find the new home you’ve been searching for in the Just Listed section.

sponsored report

WOMEN’S

PROFESSIONAL

PROFILES

Women at Work What better time than March’s Women’s History Month to shine the spotlight on some of the region’s most accomplished female professionals? The U.S. Department of Labor reports that women comprise 47 percent of the national workforce — and more than 50 percent in the skilled professions. In this special section, we’re honoring the contributions of women in the workforce by sharing the career highlights of talented professionals from our area. Prepare to be impressed.

WOMEN’S

PROFESSIONAL

PROFILES

Junior League of the When the Junior League of the Emerald Coast began in 1964 it had five members. Now celebrating 50 successful years in the community the League is proud to have 250 members who are committed to enhancing the Emerald Coast community. These members are Northwest Florida women with diverse backgrounds, careers and interests. These women unify for the purpose of: promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the positive action and leadership of trained volunteers. Another vital part of the League’s mission is to help members gain the confidence and experience they need to go out into the community and take

on leadership positions. Training sessions and conferences aimed at building members’ leadership potentials are held throughout the year to aid in work life, home life and community endeavors. Members work together to plan fundraisers, organize service projects and conduct community impact days. Every month the JLEC holds Community Impact Days where it partners with other nonprofit organizations to aid them in fulfilling a need, whether that be collecting supplies or helping with an event. They have worked with Shelter House, Children in Crisis, Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Habitat for Humanity and many more.

Contact Junior League of the Emerald Coast | (850) 862-2665 | jlec.com

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Emerald Coast An event that the JLEC started in 1979 and continues today is the Child Clothing Project. In 2014 members helped provide clothing for 330 needy children in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Each child, who had been nominated by a school guidance counselor, was given $100 worth of clothing. This event occurs every October. Other beneficial projects include: Rock the Road 5k/10k, Touch-A-Truck Day and Derby Party. To learn more on how you can contribute or join, visit jlec.org. After 50 years the Junior League of the Emerald Coast is stronger than ever in its community presence and leadership achievements.

JLEC’s Child Clothing Project has provided clothing to local, underprivileged children since 1979.

EmeraldCoastMagazine.com February–March 2015

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WOMEN’S

PROFESSIONAL

PROFILES

Pink N Blue Avenue Gulia Kirimova is the proud mother of a little girl who inspired her to open Pink N Blue Avenue, a boutique for girls and boys. Gulia sought to combine her love for her daughter and her community by creating a company that offered “hard-tofind and love-to-have” merchandise. As a result, her store is like no other, offering unique clothing, shoes, earth-friendly products, accessories and fun accessories. After growing up in Russia, at the age of 19, Gulia made the decision to move to the United States. She barely knew English and was aware that she would face barriers, but she overcame the adversities she was faced with, became a U.S. citizen and opened her own business. The secret behind her success is to be humble, be respectful to others and treat them how you want to be treated. Contact Gulia Kirimova | (850) 424-5707 | pinknblueavenue.net

40 February–March 2015

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“Success has never been my primary goal, I just try to do better than I did yesterday and be helpful to my clients and their little ones. I keep in mind that personal success always supports professional success,” Gulia said. On any given day you can find Gulia and her two-year-old daughter GG rearranging the store and helping customers, smiles always on both of their faces. Gulia finds it important to focus on her family just as much as her business, which she thinks adds to the success and authenticity of her store. She loves what she does and looks forward to making an impact in the Destin community every day. Her philosophy is simple: affordability, community and customer service to help nurture your child from crib to classroom.

sponsored report

WOMEN’S

PROFESSIONAL

PROFILES

Ava’s Attic Consignment Boutique What is your educational Background? Susan has a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina, and Courtney has a Bachelor of Science in apparel merchandising from Auburn University. Your business has grown a lot recently. Tell us about your success. In six years of business we have expanded Ava’s Attic three times, reached 5,000 consignors, hired both a furniture painter and builder and launched our own line of chalk furniture paint.

What challenges have you faced growing your business? Our greatest business hurdle was the summer and fall of the BP oil spill. Every business in our local community suffered greatly. What do you wish your legacy to be? We want Ava’s Attic to be remembered for our outstanding customer service — both to our consignors and our customers. What do you like best about what you do? We enjoy interacting with our customers and consignors. We have built many personal relationships over the years.

Contact Susan Henry & Courtney Hood | (850) 307-5162 | facebook.com/AvasAtticConsignmentBoutique

EmeraldCoastMagazine.com February–March 2015

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WOMEN’S

PROFESSIONAL

PROFILES

Destin Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry Dr. Julia Skinner Tell us about a woman you admire. A woman I admire in my life today is my mom. I know this is the cliché answer, but she is a resourceful and generous woman who has endured and overcome incredible odds to give her children opportunities she never had. She has made many sacrifices in her life and always put education and family first. I endeavor to one day be the mom that she is today. What do you like best about being a dentist? I like being a dentist because I am given the opportunity to meet so many people in my profession and hear about their experiences and challenges over the years as they return for checkups and dental visits. We have so many patients with unique life stories, amazing careers or incredible traveling adventures, and it is always so interesting to hear the updates. My profession has given me a way to establish life-long friendships and connections with people not only in my community, but with those that travel and come to Destin seasonally. Tammy Barber, Practice Administrator What do you consider your greatest triumph? Having three great children. What has been your greatest hurdle? I am fortunate not to have had any hurdles. When I focus in on a goal, I always achieve it, because I have a fantastic support base. What do you enjoy most about what you do? The variety of tasks that I am faced with on any given day. You never know what is going to happen in a dental office.

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Dr. Julia Skinner, Tammy Barber, Dr. Stephanie Baya

Dr. Stephanie Baya What is your greatest personal triumph? Becoming a dentist. It felt so good to achieve the longterm goals I set for myself back in high school. What would you like to be remembered for? I want my legacy to be the relationships I build throughout my life. After I’m gone, I want to be remembered as a dependable friend and great parent. What advice would you give your 16-year-old self? Your parents are not as bad and embarrassing as you think they are! What do you enjoy most about your field? I love getting to meet many different people from many different walks of life every day and, hopefully, make a difference in their life, even if it’s a small one. Do you have a role model? My father. He was also a general dentist in this area and was so talented and loved by his patients while in practice. He’s the reason I’m a dentist today.

Contact Destin Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry 4635 Gulfstarr Drive, Suite 200, Destin (850) 654-8665 | DestinDentist.com Panama City Beach Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry 309 Richard Jacksoon Boulevard, Panama City Beach (850) 235-2299 | PCBDentist.com

happenings Events + Culture + Causes

spotlight

‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’

Photo by Kenneth King

Set in the Oregon wilderness in 1850, the musical tells the story of a young bride, Millie, and her plan to civilize and marry off her six rowdy brothers-in-law to ensure the success of her own marriage — all with hilarious results! “Goin’ courtin’ ” has never been as much fun as in this rip-roaring stage version of the popular MGM movie. Bursting with the rambunctious energy of the original film, the show is all boisterous fun and romance. Call (850) 729-6000 for tickets ($45) to the March 10 performance at the Mattie Kelly Performing Arts Center in Niceville or (850) 595-3880 for tickets to the March 29 show at the Saenger Theatre in Pensacola ($48). Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. for both shows. — Zandra Wolfgram

EmeraldCoastMagazine.com February–March 2015

culture

So You Think

You Can Dance? dance studios bring a different kind of fluid motion to the Emerald Coast

By Janie Harris // Photography by Mari Darr~Welch

hen the Emerald Coast comes to mind, most images involve the sway of waves crashing and sand squishing between the toes. But for the dancers of the area, a different sort of fluidity takes center stage. Kimalee Piedad spent most of her life living in the Emerald Coast, but as a young girl, her daily activities bored her. The 9-year-old child pleaded with her mother to find her something to do, and within days, a dancer was born. Now a professional dancer and instructor at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Fort Walton Beach, Piedad swings her time away teaching lessons and improving on her own abilities. “I always knew that I was going to be a dancer,” Piedad said. The Fred Astaire studio has allowed Piedad to grow as a dancer and an instructor. More than 10 years ago, the owner of the studio called Piedad and had her audition with another instructor, and soon after, Piedad joined the Fred Astaire family. She is now able to continue her professional career with instruction from the manager of the studio as well as share her love of dance with others through instruction of her own. At the studio, a number of classes are offered for any age and experience level, with the option of private instruction or group lessons. Ballroom, jazz, ballet and workout classes are all offered.

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Before hitting the dance floor, instructor Guy Patrick breaks down each different dance combination for students step by step.

EmeraldCoastMagazine.com Februaryâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;March 2015

But the studio does something for the public Niceville more than 20 years ago. Though variIf you are not sure how to put your best foot forward, that most studios don’t. Every Thursday at 7:45 ous dance trends have come and gone over the Guy Patrick says the p.m., it hosts a 45-minute guest party in which years, Toppell says those interested in dancing simplest dance to learn it allows the public to sample the instruction of well look to established studios for classes in for the complete beginner is very basic Salsa, which the dances the studio offers. order to learn good technique properly. is taking one step forward, You don’t have to be young to start dancing. And with two new dance studios popping up one step sideways and one step to the back. When Guy Patrick, the owner and instructor of Step in Destin alone, interest in this art form seems first starting, it is far better by Step Ballroom, started dancing in 2002 and to be growing. At press time dance and fitness to be able to do a dance was instructing by 2003. Known as the engineer instructor Lorraine Christen of Destin was in accurately and slowly than attempt a routine or step turned dancer, Patrick taught on Eglin Air Force the throes of realizing her dream to open a new at speed and risk injury or Base, but when he realized that a number a civilkids-focused dance studio called Rise Dance embarrassment. Take a tip from the pros and ians hustled over to take his class, he moved his Center. The studio located in Plantation Comslow down your moves and classes outside of the base. mons plaza will offer a range of year-round really dance them. Now Patrick offers a variety of ballroom dance instruction for children from ballet to classes for any age or experience level, includhip-hop along with dance-based fitness classes ing waltz, foxtrot, tango, rumba, cha-cha, salsa, swing, hustle and and workshops for adults. nightclub two-step. Classes offered specifically for adults have always been very Patrick said that dancing, for most people, is a learned skill, so important to Angela Nall, the owner and instructor for A Dance if you are new to dance, don’t expect to be able to learn a routine Studio in Niceville. in a week. “It’s a great outlet for any age or ability,” Nall said. Nall believes in lifelong dancing, and with 30 years of teach“There is so much work to it,” said Maria Middleton, a dancer ing experience, she is always striving to improve her own dancand former instructor at Dance Elite in Destin. Middleton exing ability. Dance is a passion to her, and that led her to open plains to new dancers in each of her classes that you have to A Dance Studio in 1981. Nall offers everything including ballhave fun and not think about it too much, and she has never room dances, ballet, tap and many more. But she doesn’t just had a student say he or she hated class and never wanted to teach adults. Nall has a class for every age and experience level come back. in her studio. Dance instruction along the Emerald Coast isn’t new, particularly ballet. Noreen Toppell opened the Ballet Conservatory in Every dance studio is different. Each studio charges some46 February–March 2015

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photo By Mari DaRR~Welch

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culture thing different ranging from $50 to $150 per month. They all have instructors who beSo You Think lieve different things about You Want dance, but they all have certo Take Dance tain similar elements. Lessons? Each instructor believes that anyone can dance. It doesn’t Ballet matter if you are old, young, Conservatory Ballet, pointe, tap, tall, short, a natural or have jazz, modern, hip-hop, two left feet. You can dance. contemporary/lyrical “If you can walk, you can 4677 E. Highway 20 dance,” Piedad said. Niceville/Bluewater Bay Each instructor believes (850) 897-2933 dance has hundreds of benefits. The Fred Astaire Dance Destin School Studio’s website lists numerous of Music & Dance Ballet, pointe, tap, benefits. Dance can improve jazz, modern, hip-hop, confidence and give dancers contemporary/lyrical the ability to enjoy themselves 4010 Commons Drive in social settings. It provides West, behind Walmart the opportunity to meet new and OfficeMax people. Dance also gives danc(850) 837-1133 ers the chance to express their Fred Astaire feelings in a safe and beautiful Dance Studio way. It can help with relaxPrivate and group dance ation and fun, and dance’s biglessons, wedding dancing gest benefit is health. Dance 11 Yacht Club Drive can improve the cardiovascular Fort Walton Beach system, tone muscles, burn (850) 244-4480 calories, improve flexibility Ask about their free and balance. To Piedad, dance dance lesson. is hundreds of benefits all put Step by Step into one art form. Ballroom “You’re exercising without Private and group knowing it,” she said. lessons in waltz, foxtrot, When taking a class as a betango, rumba, cha-cha, salsa, swing, hustle and ginner, it’s good to go in with nightclub two-step an open mind. This is not a reality television show or a A Dance Studio 1047 E. John Sims dance competition. You will Parkway not learn a routine and have it Niceville ready to perform for an audi(850) 200-7348 ence in a week. The only way The Studio that can happen is if you work Ballet, jazz, hip-hop on it every day from sunup till dance classes sundown. Just have fun with 27 Quincy Circle, Seaside it. Middleton said that as long (850) 238-7378 as you are having fun, no instructor will think you are doing poorly. “Don’t take yourself too seriously,” Nall added. Each studio regards dance as a sacred art that should be nurtured in each individual who walks through their door. The beauty of dance can only be interpreted by the individual, but these studios attempt to share their visions with the world to help those of us who don’t know much about it see the wondrous effort that goes into the art form. “There are no words for it,” Middleton said. ec

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thecalendar +wine tasting

30A Wine Festival at Alys Beach

february + march

March 6-8 The fourth annual wine festival in beautiful Alys Beach is a showcase of premier wine producers and local culinary favorites. This newly expanded three-day event features a Friday night gathering, wine-tasting seminars, a walkabout and grand tasting, a band party at nightfall and Sunday’s exclusive wine tasting and croquet tournament (appropriate croquet attire encouraged). The event is produced by the Alys Foundation, and proceeds from the event will benefit the Children’s Volunteer Health Network. The event kicks off Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. with Bourbon, Beer & Butts. On Saturday wine seminars begin at 1:30 p.m. followed by the wine tasting walkabout beginning at 3:30 p.m. The event is capped with an after party that goes until 8 p.m. The festival continues on Sunday beginning at 11:30 a.m. with Fruits de Mer & Sancere and croquet tournament ($200). Friday tickets are $60 per person, Saturday is $200 or a weekend pass for all events is $300 per person. For more information, visit 30awinefestival.com.

+gala

Emerald Coast Cattle Barons’ Ball March 14 “The Lone Ranger” is the theme for this year’s highly anticipated Cattle Barons’ Ball, where generous guests donned in their best Western duds and cowboy boots come to the rescue. The high-energy event will feature live entertainment, live and silent auctions, gaming, complimentary drinks and fancy vittles from the area’s leading restaurants and caterers. This annual Emerald Coast event will benefit the American Cancer Society by raising funds for cancer research, advocacy, education and patient services. Saddle up Silver and giddy-up to the Linkside Center at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Tickets are $175 per person. For sponsorship or ticket information, call Kay Phelan at (850) 376-1551. For more details, see facebook.com/EmeraldCoastCattleBaronsBall.

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compiled by Zandra Wolfgram For more events in the EC, visit emeraldcoastmagazine.com.

Wednesdays

Wednesday Night Concert Series Enjoy this outdoor music concert series featuring live performers, bands and musicians. FREE. Events Plaza, The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin, 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway West, Miramar Beach. 7–9 p.m. (850) 267-8117, baytownewharf.com

Third Friday

Downtown Art Walk Stroll Fort Walton Beach’s historic district and visit merchants from participating shops and restaurants while enjoying art demonstrations, live music, complimentary refreshments and special discounts. FREE. Downtown Fort Walton Beach. 5:30–8:30 p.m. For more information, email Jennifer Bundrick at downtownfwbartwalk@gmail.com.

Fridays

Live Music Fridays Enjoy live music at the Marina Bar and Grill. FREE. Marina Bar and Grill, Baytowne Marina at Sandestin, 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway West, Miramar Beach. 6–9 p.m. (850) 267-7778, Sandestin.com/events

Saturdays

Seaside Farmers Market Get your pick of fresh produce, baked goods, dairy products, native plants and other unique offerings during Seaside’s market on Saturday mornings. Held behind Raw & Juicy. (850) 231-6107, seasidefl.com

Saturdays

Grand Boulevard Farmers’ Market This outdoor market features dozens of unique vendors offering locally sourced produce, eggs, milk, cream, butter, grass-fed beef, chicken, lamb, pork, local honey, pickled vegetables and gourmet jams, as well as flowers, herbs, soaps and lotions. FREE. Grand Park in Grand Boulevard, 600 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (850) 837-3099, grandboulevard.com

Saturdays

Artist Bazaar View the wares of local artists, craftspeople and artisan vendors at the Artists at Gulf Place at the new weekly Artist Bazaar. FREE. Gulf Place on 30A and 393. 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m. 30aArtistBazaar.com

Sundays

The Market at Gulf Place An outdoor farmer’s market on the green at Gulf Place. Find fresh fruit, vegetables, handmade crafts, organic items and more — all produced by local farmers and artisans. Enjoy the Artist Bazaar during the market, as well as live music on Sunday evenings. FREE. Gulf Place on 30A and Highway 393. 3–7 p.m., with live music 6–9 p.m. in the amphitheater. (850) 200-6805 or (850) 879-7296, facebook.com/ marketatgulfplace

Feb. 1

Super Bowl Sunday at Fat Tuesday Touchdown! Take in the action of Super Bowl at Fat Tuesday in The Village of Baytowne Wharf at

Photos by JacQueline Ward Images (Cattle Baron’s BAll) and Courtesy of Alys Beach (30A Wine Festival) and NWFL Ballet (Swan Lake)

+ballet

Northwest Florida Ballet Presents ‘Swan Lake’ Feb. 28-March 1 One hundred and twenty years after its revival by Petipa,

the same renowned Russian ballet master who brought “The Nutcracker” to life, Northwest Florida Ballet Mistress and former Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo dancer Dorothy Daniels Lister will stage the Northwest Florida Ballet’s (NFB) season finale performance. Like all the best tales of enchantment, “Swan Lake” weaves together a beautiful princess, a passionate prince and an obstacle that only true love can overcome. Music by Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky creates a thrilling and magical soundtrack for one of the most iconic and enduring ballets of all time. Performances will be Saturday, Feb. 28, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 1, at 2:30 p.m. at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville. Tickets are $32 for adults and $15 for children. For more information, call NFB at (850) 664-7787 or visit nfballet.org.

EmeraldCoastMagazine.com February–March 2015

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Trey Griffith, model for Avantgarde, the winning salon of 2014

+save the date

2015 Emerald Coast Top Salon April 10 The 11 top nominated

salons from across the Emerald Coast will take the stage at the newly renovated Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa to unveil the head-to-toe transformation of their models. Attendees along with a panel of judges will crown the Emerald Coast’s Top Salon for 2015! Mix and mingle with representatives from The Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, our presenting sponsor, and the elite of the salon industry.

7 p.m. Tickets are $53. A portion of the proceeds are donated to the charity of the winning salon’s choice. Tickets are limited, purchase at emeraldcoastmagazine.com/top-salon.

Feb. 1

Super Bowl Party at Marina Bar and Grill Enjoy a Super Bowl “tailgate” party at the scenic Baytowne Marina. Enjoy drink specials and football fare from the Marina Bar and Grill and watch the game on one of eight screens, or head outside to cheer on your favorite team while watching on a large screen. FREE. Marina Bar and Grill, Baytowne Marina at Sandestin, 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway West, Miramar Beach. 6–9 p.m. (850) 267-7778, Sandestin.com/events

Feb. 1–28

Arts & Design Society Window Display Come view the works of Pat Roberts, whose diverse and colorful art will be on display in the studio windows of the Arts & Design Society Art Center, fronting First Street on Fort Walton Beach. Drive by and stop to see these works. FREE. Art Center, 17 First St. Southeast, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 244-1271, artsdesignsociety.org

Feb. 6–8

56th Annual Beaux Arts Exhibition In partnership with the Arts & Design Society, The Meridian at Westwood hosts this annual exhibition, featuring the original artwork of the Emerald Coast’s finest artists. A silent auction of artwork is a highlight of the reception. FREE. 1001 Mar Walt Drive, Fort Walton Beach. Reception on Sun, 2–4 p.m. (850) 582-1329, artsdesignsociety.org 54 February–March 2015

Feb. 10–27

‘Hands On’ Art Exhibit The Arts & Design Society presents an art show that features interactive artwork of every variety. FREE. Art Center, 17 First St. Southeast, Fort Walton Beach. Opening reception, Friday, Feb. 20, 6–8 p.m. Gallery hours: Tues–Fri noon-4 p.m.; Sat 1–4 p.m. (850) 244-1271, artsdesignsociety.org

Feb 13 and 15

Wine Women & Shoes Put your best foot forward during a spectacular weekend of fine wines, delectable food, fabulous shopping, incredible auction lots and a swanky fashion show, all to benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s music education programs and Arts in Medicine collaboration with Sacred Heart Hospital along the Emerald Coast. Friday night Vintner Dinners are held at stunning area homes, pairing great chefs with fabulous wines. $250 per person. Sunday’s Signature Event is at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf & Spa Resort, 2–5 p.m. $65 per person. (850) 269-7229, winewomenandshoes.com/sinfonia

Feb. 13–14

26th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival Warm up this winter by sampling a variety of gumbos and cast a vote for the “People’s Choice” winner, while celebrity judges name the “Area’s Best.” Local Gulf coast restaurants will be featured, along with live music and activities for the entire family.  $20. The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin, 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway West, Miramar Beach. Noon–4 p.m. (866) 912-3224, sandestin.com/gumbo

EmeraldCoastMagazine.com

+concert

‘Metales M5’ March 6 Sinfonia Gulf Coast presents

Mexico’s leading brass quintet, Metales M5, which combines fine classical chamber music, non-stop audience interaction, inborn showmanship and an inimitable Latin American charm for a not-to-miss concert experience. The intimate setting of Rosemary Beach Town Hall on 30A is the perfect venue for this dynamic 7:30 p.m. performance, which will feature the works of Bernstein, Mozart, Piazzolla and more.

Tickets are $42.50. For more information, call (850) 269-7229 or visit sinfoniagulfcoast.org.

Photos by Tristin Kroening (Top Salon and Courtesy of Sinfonia (Metales M5)

Sandestin, 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway West, Miramar Beach. 6–9 p.m. (850) 351-1809, Sandestin.com/events

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online at SuperLawyers.com 850-837-5507 · ﬂaattorney.com Clary Cobb Building · 1241 Airport Road, Suite H · Destin, FL 32541 Admitted to practice in all Florida courts and the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida, U.S. Tax Court and U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Member of Attorneys Title Fund Services LLC. Authorized Agent Old Republic National Title Insurance Company.

EmeraldCoastMagazine.com February–March 2015

thecalendar Feb. 15

12th Annual Mardi Gras Dog Parade The streets will be filled with pooches promenading through the streets via convertibles, small floats (pulled by masters), golf carts, bicycles and decorated wagons as Mardi Gras music fills the air. Collar your friends (furry and otherwise) and head to one of the premier canine events on the Emerald Coast. The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin, 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway West, Miramar Beach. 2 p.m. (850) 267-8117, baytownewharf.com

Feb. 17

13th Annual Fat Tuesday Baytowne Bash Parade Laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll) with the 13th annual Fat Tuesday Baytowne Bash Parade rolling through Sandestin. Yell “Throw me something, mister!” as festive floats, golf carts and pickup trucks roll through the village streets and marchers dressed up in their Mardi Gras best shower parade-goers with a barrage of beads, moon pies and other trinkets. The post-parade celebration continues into the night with street performers, “throws” tossed from balconies on Main Street and parties at various Baytowne establishments. FREE. The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin, 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway West, Miramar Beach. 5 p.m. (850) 267-8117, baytownewharf.com

Feb. 25

Arts & Design Society Speaker Luncheon The Arts & Design Society presents artist Ruth Grossman, who will speak on her career of designing and making costumes for Broadway shows. $12; reservations made after Feb. 24, $15. Art Center, 17 First St. Southeast, Fort Walton Beach. 11:30 a.m. (850) 244-1271, artsdesignsociety.org

Feb. 28

Rock the Roads 5K Run/ Walk and 10K Run The Junior League of the 56 February–March 2015

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Emerald Coast’s 3rd Annual Rock the Road 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run is one of the organization’s newest fundraisers, with money raised going directly to support the projects and programs of the Junior League in the Emerald Coast area. 5K is $25 early registration, $30 day of; 10K is $35 advance, $40 day of. Clement Taylor Park, Destin. 8:30 a.m. start. (850) 269-7234, jlec.org or active.com

Feb. 28

Party with a Purpose — White Party Join hosts Skip and Victoria Moore for this second annual soiree, which raises funds for Angel Flight Soars, an organization that arranges free air transportation for people who need to travel to receive lifesaving medical treatment but lack the means. Enjoy whiskey, wine, exciting auction lots and live entertainment while giving back to a worthy cause. $175. 723 Whiskey Bravo, Seagrove Beach, 6 p.m. (850) 213-0015, angelflightsoars.org/723WB

March 1–31

Arts & Design Society Window Display The works of the students in Marcy Eady’s weekly children’s classes will be on display in the studio windows of the Arts & Design Society Art Center, fronting First Street in Fort Walton Beach. Drive by and stop to see these works. FREE. Art Center, 17 First St. Southeast, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 244-1271, artsdesignsociety.org

March 10–27

‘Give Us Your Best Shot’ Exhibit This show will feature works that the artists deem the best they have done within the past two years. FREE. Art Center, 17 First St. Southeast, Fort Walton Beach. Opening reception, Friday, March 13, 6–8 p.m. Gallery hours: Tues-Fri noon–4 p.m.; Sat 1–4 p.m. (850) 244-1271, artsdesignsociety.org

March 25

Arts & Design Society Speaker Luncheon The Arts & Design Society presents co-owner Tony Dakers with his wife, Laura Destin of Valparaiso

socialstudies

Charles Beams

Kyung Park

Festival of the Arts Oct. 26, 2014 The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation welcomed more than 100 juried artists from 13 states to Destin for its annual Festival of the Arts. More than 6,000 art lovers attended the 19th year celebration of art, music, food and fun. Photos by Chase Yakaboski

Frank Ledbetter

“I had

baby was growing just ne, even when I got sick and lost so much weight from the chemo. I loved the staﬀ at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast and the Cancer Center. They Now my baby and I are healthy and happy! In October 2013, Angie and David Barousse of Panama treated me like family with City received the happy news that Angie was pregnant. compassion and lots of care.” In the same month, Angie also learned that she had In late June 2014, Angie gave Triple Negative Breast Cancer birth to a healthy baby girl. “She is absolutely perfect. Under the care of Sacred Heart Medical Oncologist Dr. Thomas R. Johnson, Angie endured a mastectomy She is truly our miracle baby. Now I am cancerand braved six rounds of chemotherapy during the free, and I am the rst half of her pregnancy, while Sacred Heart happiest I have Maternal/Fetal Medicine Specialist Dr. James Thorp ever been.” kept close watch on the baby.

Breast Cancer while I was Pregnant”

“The doctors were so supportive; they even prayed with us,” says Angie. “Dr. Thorp reassured me that the

www.sacredheartemerald.org 850-622-0873 EmeraldCoastMagazine.com February–March 2015

thecalendar

+running

Feb. 27-March 1 Get ready, set and race to help support the Seaside Neighborhood School and Seacoast Collegiate High School. The fun begins Friday, Feb. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Seaside’s Lyceum Hall when participants can pick up packets, enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, listen to live music and get a sneak peak at the silent auction. The festivities continue on Saturday, Feb. 28, from noon to 6 p.m. at Seaside’s Lyceum Hall and Seaside Amphitheater, where guests can pick up race registrations, browse a vendor expo and bid in a silent auction. The Half Marathon race begins at the Seaside Post Office on Sunday, March 1, at 7 a.m., and the 5K Run kicks off at 7:25 a.m. Silent auction bidding will remain open until 11:30 a.m. Runner awards will be given at a post-race party in the Seaside Amphitheater beginning at 8:30 a.m. Tickets for the Friday night event are $25; 5K entry $95 for adults and $50 for children (ages 6-13); $125 for the 10K. Purchase event tickets and register for the race at active.com. For more details, visit snsrun.com.

Ceramic Studio and Hobby Shop, who will speak of their work with adults and children, creating fun and practical works of art with poured clay and paint. $12; reservations made after March 23, $15. Art Center, 17 First St. Southeast, Fort Walton Beach. 11:30 a.m. (850) 244-1271, artsdesignsociety.org

March 27–28

Purses with a Purpose This fashionable event features a Friday night VIP party with first pick of items, food, drinks and door prizes and a discount sale on Saturday morning. New and lightly used designer handbags will be up for sale and auction. All proceeds benefit Shelter House. 58 February–March 2015

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$5 for VIP party; Saturday is FREE. 600 Grand Blvd. at Sandestin, Miramar Beach. Fri 6–8 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.–2 p.m.  (850) 243-1201, shelterhousenwfl.org

March 28

Bay Breeze Patio Anniversary Event Enjoy grilling demonstrations and tastings, outdoor fireplace and log demonstrations, outdoor living experts, door prizes, special sale prices and more. At 2 p.m., the Grill Masters will fire up their grills and compete in the Annual Burger Throwdown cooking competition. FREE. 32 Forest Shore Drive, Miramar Beach, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (850) 269-4666, baybreezepatio.com ec

Photo Courtesy of Walton County TDC (Marathon)

Seaside School Half Marathon and 5K Run

socialstudies

Valerie Bogar, Nellie Boga, Ronnie James, Amanda Layco-Mitchell, Khameela Layco-Mitchell, Gabby Layco Mitchell, Charisma Payne, Zena Payne, Lorenzo Mitchell

Laura Holloway and Darla Briganti (seated) with Gabby, Amanda, Khameela Layco-Mitchell and Charisma Payne (in back)

Zandra Wolfgram

The Ogle Family

Jared Sellich, Marisa Vaughn and Charis Sellich

‘A Dickens Christmas’

Nathanael Fisher, Zandra Wolfgram and Anna Fisher

Dec. 11, 2014 The Emerald Coast Theatre Company warmed the holiday season with a new tradition: an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale “A Dickens Christmas.” Guests were treated to English tea and cookies before seeing the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformational night with three ghosts. After the show, patrons donned Victorian garb and snapped keepsake photos with the cast. Photos by Chase Yakaboski EmeraldCoastMagazine.com February–March 2015

socialstudies

Deanna Mathews and Marci Guertin Third Annual 30A 10K and Fun Run Racers

30A Thanksgiving 10K Nov. 27, 2014 Starting in the beautiful town of Rosemary Beach, the 30A 10K held bright and early on Thanksgiving Day gave runners an excuse to go for that second slice of pumpkin pie. Over the years, the race that winds along stunning Scenic Highway 30A on the gorgeous Gulf coast, has donated more than $60,000 to local charities. Photos courtesy of 30A Thanksgiving 10k

The Turkey Tom trotters

Music of the ‘Mad Men’ Era Oct. 7, 2014 Sinfonia Gulf Coast and Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood teamed up to present a delicious musical treat to kick off the symphony’s 9th season. Guests enjoyed an exquisite four-course meal prepared by Chef Dan Vargo, while award-winning singer and actor Cheyenne Jackson charmed the intimate crowd with songs from the “Mad Men” era and the Great American Songbook. Photos by Lori Eckert Cheyenne Jackson and Demetrius Fuller

Suzanne Quinlan and Gay Landreth 60 February–March 2015

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Stephen Phlaum and Sherry Londe

Steve and Kay Crawford

EmeraldCoastMagazine.com Februaryâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;March 2015

WATCH THE WORLD’S BEST COMPETE... FROM THE SIDELINES! MARCH 6•7•8 Elinor Klapp Phipps Park

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socialstudies

Kathy and Brian Haugen

Dr. David Hansen, Dr. Jolean Johnson, Elizabeth and Bill Campbell

Savor the Season Nov. 6, 2014 Guests gathered around the Caliza Pool in Alys Beach for the fifth year to listen to the sounds of Michael J. Thomas, sample wine and gourmet cuisine prepared by local chefs, and bid on tempting silent and live auction prizes and packages. The festive fall affair raises funds and awareness for the Taylor Haugen Foundation. Hardie Jackson, Justin McCaulley and David Hudson

Photos by Chase Yakaboski

Bud & Alley’s Seeing Red Vintner Dinner Nov. 6, 2014 Winemaker Erik Miller paired his favorite Kokomo Winery selections to complement the four-course seafood dinner prepared by Bud & Alley’s Chef Dave Bishop. The soiree launched Seaside’s signature wine collection and kicked off the 24th annual Seeing Red Wine Festival. After the dinner guests kicked off their shoes and lifted their glasses during a moonlit stroll on the sugar-white sand beach. Photos by Zandra Wolfgram

Dave Rauschkolb, Lori Leath Smith and Erik Miller

Elijah Shelley and Gelin Digennaro

Dave Rauschkolb and Robert Davis EmeraldCoastMagazine.com February–March 2015

Your Favori t e Compe t i t ion is BaCk

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PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CENTER FOR COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY

April 10, 2015 At 7:00 pM

At Hilton SAndeStin BeAcH Golf ReSoRt & SpA The community voted and the eleven top nominated salons of the Emerald Coast have been chosen. Now the competition begins. Each salon has chosen a deserving model and charity to support. The unveiling of each salon’s makeover masterpiece will be revealed as their model walks down the runway. A panel of judges and attendee votes will determine who wins the honorable title of Top Salon. The following three pages feature the competing salons and list each corresponding model and charity. The winner will receive an advertising campaign developed by Rowland Publishing, along with a yearlong ad campaign in Emerald Coast Magazine. Tickets are $53. This includes event entry, one drink coupon, heavy hors d’oeuvres and opportunities to win some great prizes and getaway packages! A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit the winner’s charity of choice.

Tickets and event information at emeraldcoastmagazine.com/top-salon

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NOMINEES

Avantgarde

C’est La Vie

Model: Dayna R. Iscano Charity: Gulf Restoration Network

Model: Felisha Floyd Charity: Taylor Haugen Foundation

Cutting Room Salon & Spa Model: Amber Moss Charity: Wounded Warrior Project

PRESENTING SPONSOR

PRESENTEd by

SPONSOREd by

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Cashing in on

Hannah and Shawn Brown “horse around” under cypress pines near their photography studio in Santa Rosa Beach. 68 February–March 2015

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Crea

ativity Three Local Couples Turn Their Passions for Food, Design and Photography into Successful Careers Working Side by Side Story By Danielle Buenrostro and Photography by Mari Darr~Welch

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nly a small percentage of us share a workplace with our spouses. In fact, the average person would probably say that working with his or her mate wouldn’t be good for the marriage. Yet three local couples have taken a less traditional approach to keeping business and pleasure separate. They’ve found a way to co-work and cohabitate in perfect harmony.

Love Through the Lens Shawn and Hannah Brown Shawn and Hannah Brown are the dynamic duo of HBB Photography, capturing the engagements, weddings, pregnancies and special moments of families on the Emerald Coast. Part Spanish shutterbug and part Canadian creative genius, the two are known for their photojournalistic style and out-of-the-box thematic shoots. The Browns’ passion to see life through a camera lens started early in life. Hannah grew up in Madrid, inspired by her mother’s studio portraiture work and learning the fundamentals of 70 February–March 2015

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light, composition and film. Shawn was born in Toronto, where he inherited his dad’s film camera and developed a curiosity to learn more. The two made their way to the Emerald Coast and were each other’s first kiss and first date, which eventually led to wedding vows. After eight years of wedded bliss, Hannah testifies that they are truly each other’s best friend and says she couldn’t imagine work without Shawn by her side. For the Browns, being together 24/7 doesn’t get old. Their success is a classic case of yin and yang that works. Hannah is technical and calculated while Shawn is uninhibited and eccentric. “He also has no fear of making a fool out of himself in order to get a shot,” Hannah said. “He thinks way outside the box, and I try to grasp what he’s saying and make it into reality. That’s how we come up with all of our thematic portraits.” Relying on each other’s strengths during a photo shoot allows the Browns to produce one-of-akind pieces of art that families cherish for years. It has also helped them develop a reputation in the area as first-rate artists. “One thing that keeps us passionate is getting to meet new people and experiencing the dynamics they have with their loved ones in their relationships,” Hannah said. When a family actually has fun during a photo shoot, that moment is one of the biggest compliments a photographer can get, according to Hannah. Also, when clients looks at their website and immediately know they want the Browns to capture their special day, the moment is very humbling to the couple. When they’re not behind the camera, Shawn loves to play and write music. Hannah enjoys riding horses and unwinds by reading at least three books a week. “We work at the beach every day, but when we actually get to go just for fun, it kind of blows my mind that we live five minutes from some of the most beautiful beaches in the world,” Hannah said.

The Browns met in youth group when Shawn was 11 and Hannah was 14. Being playful inspires the couple's innovative approach to photography and is one of the secrets to their lasting marriage.

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Culinary Prowess Steve and Camille Withall If you’ve eaten at some of the best restaurants on the Emerald Coast or taken a cooking class, chances are the dishes of chefs Steve and Camille Withall have tantalized your taste buds. Steve boils a mean batch of crawfish as head chef at Stinky’s Fish Camp in Santa Rosa Beach, while Camille is sous chef at George’s at Alys Beach and enjoys baking her cake and eating it, too. The couple come from a long line of great cooks in their respective families, Steve growing up in New York and Camille in the Philippines. After working in the engineering field left him unfulfilled, Steve had a desire for something more, and he soon discovered the kitchen is where he belongs. Steve and Camille’s paths crossed when they both ended up working in the same kitchen in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort after culinary school. 72 February–March 2015

Their love affair with food and each other soon led them to tie the knot. “Working together really well was organic,” Steve said. At George’s, Camille takes pride in making sure the food tastes as good as it looks with memorable and unexpected dishes such as popcorn, bacon and chocolate blended together. At Stinky’s, Steve satisfies appetites with a definitive taste of Gulf Coast cuisine, creatively integrating seasonal ingredients from local farmers and putting his own spin on things. “Stinky’s daily feature menus are my main creative outlet,” he said. “Wine dinners, catering events and the guest amuse-bouche program (which is a small, unique one-bite treat used to stimulate a guest’s appetite and to welcome them) all keep my creative juices flowing.” A dual household of chefs is demanding, with unforgiving work hours and very little time off. But both chefs enjoy being in the pressure cooker because it brings out their creativity. “It’s all about complexity of flavors for me, growing up with Filipino cuisine, which is a mix of Asian and

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Camille, 33, and Steve Withall, 34, pictured in their gourmet chef's kitchen in Miramar Beach, are passionate about all things food and wine, each other and their cat named Roux.

Spanish food,” Camille said. “It’s the love of feeding others great food.” On their days off, they’re at home in their Miramar Beach kitchen, entertaining for family and friends. For sweethearts Steve and Camille, the ingredients to a successful dish parallel the ingredients of a successful marriage. “For any composed dish, quality of ingredients and maintaining their integrity with the correct amount of seasoning and attention to detail is key,” Steve said. “Like the care you put in food, respecting your spouse and vows and communication, while remembering to have fun along the way, makes for a great marriage.” EmeraldCoastMagazine.com February–March 2015

Scott and Lisa Marie Brooks, who have been a married dynamic duo for 14 years, pour their love into designing and building custom fairytale dream homes like this one in Seaside.

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Building on Their Talents Scott and Lisa Marie Brooks An unlikely mix of talents and unfortunate circumstances led a couple from Malibu, California, to make their mark in the Emerald Coast as one of the leading husbandand-wife custom home builders and design firms in the area. After purchasing property in WaterColor in 2002 and coming to the horrifying realization that they couldn’t afford to pay a contractor to build their dream home, Scott and Lisa Marie Brooks took matters into their own hands. Although neither had worked in the home building industry, they pooled their skills — Scott as a naval officer, entrepreneur and airline pilot and Lisa Marie as a model, designer and photographer — and made their dream a reality with the help of family. It was during the downturn in the home market from 2005 to 2007 that Lisa Marie called her dad, Dave Borges, who was a custom homebuilder in Arizona, in tears, saying their dream home wasn’t going to happen based on what local builders were quoting them. “The next thing I knew, he was on his way to Orlando to get his Florida contractor’s license,” Lisa Marie said. Soon after building their dream home, others began to notice the craftsmanship,

were impressed by the unique quality and began to inquire. It was at that point Lisa Marie’s dad left the collapsing Arizona market for good and joined forces with the Brookses to officially launch Borges Brooks Builders in 2008. Although they’ve been in business only six years, they’ve built 30 custom homes, five of which are for repeat customers building their second home with the firm, Lisa Marie said. “We have built homes for three friends, and we are still friends with all of them,” she said. The booming business is truly a family affair. Dave is semi-retired now yet still helps with various aspects of the company. Used to operating with no margin for error as a pilot, Scott manages the finances and the building process while Lisa Marie handles the design aspects of building, taking a creative license to infuse her coastal contemporary style into home furnishings, elements and décor. “I spent years in the fashion world, traveling and living in more than 14 countries, and immersed myself in different cultures, architecture, style and design, which all helps me to see projects from a different set of goggles than most,” she said. Working side by side every day is no big deal to Scott and Lisa Marie. They make it work by knowing which battles are worth fighting and which are not. “It’s not that difficult to work together,” Lisa Marie said. “We both want perfection, so we can usually agree. If we do disagree,

and if it’s design-related, I win out. If it’s a structural issue, Scott always wins.” In addition to their impeccable attention to detail and exquisite workmanship, one of the Brookses’ biggest keys to professional success is operating with integrity. “If you have that one quality, everything else falls into place, and all are happy in the end,” Lisa Marie said. “Build it with integrity, and it will last. Design it to be in harmony with, as well as a reflection of, the amazing natural beauty in this area and people will love it.” Back home, Scott and Lisa Marie enjoy time outdoors with their son Logan, 13. Life on the water gives them a chance to recharge and reconnect away from the stresses of work. “We love to hop on the boat or the Jet Ski or the Harley-Davidson,” Lisa Marie said. Their chemistry as a couple, their business acumen blended with sophisticated style, and their team of talented professionals are all the components of a successful equation for the Brookses at home and at the office. “In order to compete in this niche market, you must always be upping your game. We are both creative; however, we cannot take all the credit,” Lisa Marie said. “We have some of the most talented subs, designers and trade people anywhere. We have both lived and traveled all over the world, and we both agree that the level of talent in our little corner of the world is second to none. We are incredibly blessed to have all of them on our team.” ec

EmeraldCoastMagazine.com February–March 2015

come on

inn Historic B&Bs Along the Emerald Coast Are Full of Old-World Southern Charm Story By Zandra Wolfgram // Photography by Matt Burke

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The Sailfish Room at Highlands House in Santa Rosa Beach is an elegant coastalinspired oasis.

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Historic B&Bs along the EC

he history of bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) in America dates back to the time of early settlers. As the pioneers traveled the trails and roads across this country, they sought a safe refuge in homes, inns and taverns. In fact, some of those historic accommodations now serve as B&Bs. During the Great Depression, many people opened their homes to travelers to bring in some additional money for the family. The term “boarding house” was used at this time. After the Depression, this type of lodging declined, and many people had the idea they were just for low-income travelers or drifters. In the early 1950s, the term “tourist home” was coined for homeowners renting out rooms along with a warm meal. Once motels began to dot U.S. highways, they were soon forgotten. Today there are nearly 30,000 B&Bs throughout the states. The concept is now well accepted as a niche category within the hospitality industry. In fact, there are newsletters, travel publications and guidebooks dedicated to B&Bs. By serving breakfast to guests in a central gathering place, B&Bs by nature appeal to those seeking a social travel experience. It’s also a highly social lifestyle for the innkeepers, not to mention a steady revenue stream that can quickly pay off a home mortgage, making for a smart real estate investment. We “checked in” on four family-owned and operated B&Bs along the Emerald Coast to bring you their stories. Pensacola Victorian is a Lesson in Local History At an age when they could be enjoying a life of leisure, Barbee and Chuck Majors are spending their golden years hosting thousands of guests in their five-bedroom, turnof-the-century home. Still, they can’t wait for the next guest to arrive. For this innkeeper couple, meeting new people is the most exciting part of running a bed and breakfast. “They come from all over the world. There aren’t too many countries represented who haven’t stayed with us,” Barbee Majors says. And with so many stories to tell, the Majors’ guests come seeking history and charm and leave the Pensacola Victorian wanting to hear more. As Barbee tells it, the home is a Queen Anne Victorian built in 1892. In its day, it was considered

one of the better homes in town. In fact, William Hazard Northup, the sea captain who built it, served as mayor of Pensacola in 1897. The home reportedly served as a mortuary at one time, too. For Barbee, living and working in a Pensacola Victorian is literally a dream come true. While on their annual vacation in Navarre 17 years ago, her best friend dreamed about a home that she said would be Barbee’s one day. While surveying the Pensacola market, the Majors happened upon a quaint bed and breakfast on West Gregory Street that matched her friend’s description. To their surprise, not long after returning home to St. Louis, the Majors learned the dream home was up for sale. They put in a bid immediately, and in three months the Majors were in the B&B business.

The spacious guest rooms in the Victorian Pensacola are appointed with vintage pieces, feature sitting areas, queen size beds, cable TV and private baths; An oldfashioned claw foot tub is perfect for a relaxing soak. 78 February–March 2015

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The History of the Northup Home As the story goes, William Hazard Northup ran away to sea at an early age and by the age of 21 was captain of a coastwise schooner. He was acquainted with E.E. Saunders, a captain and fishmonger from New England. When Saunders moved to Pensacola in 1868, Northup followed in the early 1870s. After settling in Pensacola, Northup established a livery and undertaking business under the name Northup and Wood. Northup married his friend Saundersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sister, Harriet. The couple had a son, Edwin Saunders Northup. In 1897, Northup and others organized the Pensacola

Electric Terminal Railway Company and operated the Pensacola streetcar system. Northup was elected mayor of Pensacola in 1897 and served through 1898. In 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt appointed Northup Collector of Customs at the Port of Pensacola. The next president, William Howard Taft, appointed him Postmaster. The Northup home at 203 W. Gregory St. was restored and operates as the Pensacola Victorian Bed & Breakfast.

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(Clockwise) Victorian Pensacola captures memories in guest books; Guests gather for breakfast at the laceddraped table in the formal dining room; Ask about the upgrade to a candlelit breakfast if staying in the Suzanne Room; Tall ceilings, elegant chandeliers and period furnishings take guests back to Victorian days.

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Historic B&Bs along the EC

“My friend’s dream came true, and so did mine!” Barbee says. The Majors seem to be naturals. Barbee grew up in the restaurant business, and during the summer she helped clean cabins and wait tables at various YMCA camps her father managed. And when she grew up, she ran a company in St. Louis that produced special events and promoted artists, photographers and musicians, so managing a household “wasn’t much of a leap.” She now chalks it all up as a sign she was destined to be an innkeeper. The couple’s charm results in plenty of repeat business for their four guest suites: the Victoria, Elizabeth, Suzanna and the Captain, named in honor of the home’s original master. By definition, every B&B stay includes breakfast. Here, the Cottage Café, which opened in 2004, serves a hearty, homemade breakfast and lunch (Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) out of what was the home’s carriage house. “Everything is good, but the chicken curry salad seems to be a favorite. People come in asking for it,” she says. Barbee loves that her guests come for some hospitality but leave rested and full of history. “They tell us it’s comfy, Southern and happy, and that’s what we wanted,” she says.

Victorian Pensacola dates back to 1892; Hearty homemade chili with cornbread and curry chicken salad are popular items on the Cottage Café menu; Owners Chuck and Barbee Majors on the veranda of their dream home. EmeraldCoastMagazine.com February–March 2015

Historic B&Bs along the EC

Highlands House is From an Era Gone By If you can wow a bride on her big day without a hitch, the rest is a cakewalk, so to speak. Over the past dozen-plus years, the Highlands House on 30A in Santa Rosa Beach has become a popular place for both local and out-of-town brides looking for a romantic place to have a beach wedding. But that’s not exactly how this beachfront B&B started … New Yorker Marc Russack has been the owner and operator of Highlands House for the past three years. His father, Ira Russack, purchased the Antebellum-style home about 14 years ago. The home dates back to 1946, and for many years it was a haven for transient homesteaders coming through town. Today, guests travel from near and far to stay in the gracious, nautical-themed guest suites. “We get guests from Atlanta and New Orleans and also international guests from Germany and Austria,” Russack says. Many people fantasize about running a B&B, and though it’s “wonderful,” this business entrepreneur didn’t exactly expect to run one. Russack has a retail background and most recently owned a motorcycle rental business in Miami. “It’s a lot of people’s dream, but they may not realize the responsibility and work to be open seven days a week,” he says. The innkeeper’s vision is to re-envision Highlands House. “I want to revamp and refresh the brand,” he says. According to Russack, the one-stop shop concept of offering accommodations, catering, florals, cakes and planning has made Highlands a “dominating force” in the weddings market. Russack would like to build 82 February–March 2015

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on that reputation and grow the catering side of the business. Taking the lead is CuThe common area at Highlands linary Institute of America-trained Chef House is made Kevin Purdy of Nashville, who has develcozy with warm, wood planked oped a following at the B&B’s on-site café floors, comfortable and bar, recently renamed 1946 at Highslipcovered seating lands House. A stay at Highlands includes and fragrant freshcut flowers. breakfast at the 1946, but it is also open to the public with seasonal hours for brunch, lunch and dinner. Currently, there are seven guest suites available for rent, all with nautical names such as Driftwood and Seascape. All have private baths, and four of them offer Gulf views. A sunroom spans the entire length of the house and opens on to a sweeping veranda allowing everyone to enjoy the home’s “killer beachfront view.” Russack has big plans for physical changes, too. “I want to connect the front and back into one large bridal suite and perhaps move away from the coastal theme. Maybe something Parisian French,” he says. “I want it to be fun, with music and atmosphere. A timeless place where you don’t know what era you’re in.” Russack says running a B&B and staging weddings requires a team. “We are a big family here. We care. We’re here for everybody,” he says. And if beach-loving B&B guests continue to venture to Highlands House, he dreams of expanding the concept to a second location.

The Tapas Wine Bar at Highlands House; The Seascape room (top right) and the Seashell room (bottom left) feature hand carved four-poster beds with fine linen and tons of natural light; A second floor balcony veranda (bottom right) is the perfect place for taking in the Gulf views.

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Hibiscus House is the Place to ‘Be’ Just a stroll from the sugar-sand beaches of Santa Rosa Beach, on a shady tree-lined street called DeFuniak, sits Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse. Covered in lush, leafy vines, it has 12 distinctly different accommodations nestled within a cluster of quaint spaces — the original main house, a cottage, a barn and converted mini-flats apartments — all furnished in an eclectic, casual homey feel. Like many good things, Hibiscus — owned and operated by Stephanie Vantassell and her family — evolved over time. The Old Florida-style house, which now houses the café, is the original building and home to four guest rooms — the Turner, Magnolia and Hibiscus rooms upstairs and the Art Deco room downstairs, which is pet friendly. Just across the courtyard is the Woodpecker Cottage. It used to be a shed and was at one point a jewelry shop. The oldest building is affectionately known as Bert’s Barn. As Vantassell tells it, it dates back to 1904 and was originally located down the street. “Someone put an ad in the paper that said ‘Come and get it,’ and my uncle (Kurt Tape) did,” she says with a laugh. Upstairs are the Tropical Bird and Romance Room — the most popular for brides and couples. Both suites have sofa sleepers, mini living areas and a shared kitchen. These two rooms, which feature “smart” TVs with access to the Internet and Netflix, are often rented together at a discount. And the most recent addition to the offerings here are called “the flats.” The front office is on the first floor and two one-bedroom apartments, or flats, are above. Equally as laid-back and welcoming as Hibiscus House is its innkeeper, who relishes the opportunity to work in hospitality and for her family. “This was not my aspiration, but I am unbelievably excited,” Vantassell says. “It’s all about the people. You get to meet all walks of life in this job.” Though it’s sometimes hard for her to carve out personal time running a B&B that is open daily, the meditative vibe of Hibiscus seems to be a ground wire for Vantassell. At the start of each day, as the coffee and herbal tea are brewing, she chalks a word on the sign that hangs out front that conveys the spirit of the B&B. 84 February–March 2015

Courtesy Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse

Historic B&Bs along the EC

What started as an inspirational thought for the day has become a tradition known as the “Be word” — as in “Be happy,” “Be thoughtful,” “Be grateful” and so on. And now, guests anticipate it. “Sometimes people call me from out of town and ask me what the word is, just because they want to know,” she says. “It’s become so popular, it’s spurred a life of its own, so we started putting it on our Facebook page, too.” Vantassell is proud of promoting her B&B using new media channels such as Facebook and Twitter. Hibiscus House is marketed as an alternative to traditional vacation stays at resorts and hotels in the area. “If folks are wanting to get away from the busy tourist scene in Destin and Panama City, this is like an escape to Grandma’s house,” Vantassell says. The off-the-beaten-path positioning is catching on with celebrity types looking to fly below the radar, too. “We are getting a lot of musicians and songwriters with the 30A Songwriters Festival. We are cool with them, so they can come here and be incognito,” she says. Another draw for a niche market attracted to the beatnik 30A scene is the Hibiscus House Café, which is 100 percent organic, locally sourced and all vegetarian. It is open to the public for breakfast daily from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. “We make everything homemade and fresh every day,” Vantassell says. If you want to feel relaxed, this is definitely the place to “be.” Bert’s Barn (top) is one of Hibiscus House’s storied buildings that dates back to the turn of the century; The Backyard of Love (above) has been transformed from a wood into a garden perfect for intimate weddings, special events and live entertainment.

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(Clockwise) The Old Florida room in Bertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Barn is a throw back to South Florida circa 1930s; Flat No. 3 (top right and bottom) is a roomy, private, pet friendly one-bedroom apartment suite; The Art Deco room at Hibiscus House features a lovely screened in porch with a view of the garden.

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(Clockwise) Guests can warm by the fire in the library at Aunt Marthaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s; A breakfast made from old family recipes is served daily in the formal dining room; Guest rooms have private baths, water views and loads of Southern charm; Large windows keep the sunroom filled with Florida sunshine.

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Historic B&Bs along the EC

B&Bs Along the Emerald Coast Aunt Martha’s is a Living Legacy Though built just 15 years ago, the romantic, Old Florida-style Aunt Martha’s B&B has the ambiance of a time from days gone by. Martha Jo Garvie (for whom Aunt Martha’s is named) would know: Her grandparents, Theo and Molly Staff, owned and operated Fort Walton Beach’s first hotel, the Gulf View (now the headquarters for the Emerald Coast Junior League). They also built the first restaurant in town, Staff’s, which recently closed after celebrating its 100th anniversary. Garvie grew up helping in the hotel and the family garden that surrounded it. Sometimes she helped her grandmother make cheese and butter — luxury byproducts from the family’s cow. Helping with the weekly wash wasn’t so bad, because her father was the proud owner of the first wooden washer in Fort Walton Beach. “I was born in 1941. When I grew up here, there were only about 90 people in town, so you had to be resourceful. We all helped. Everyone had a part,” she says. When her husband, Bill Garvie, retired from the FBI, the family property owned waterfront property, but it was zoned for commercial use. They had five kids and 16 grandchildren, so a big, roomy house that they could operate as a B&B was the plan. “If things didn’t work out, we figured we had plenty of family to fill it,” Martha says. But things did work out, and 2015 marks the 16th year the couple has been in the B&B business. “We took a chance, and we love it. It’s a little bit of heaven. It’s real peaceful and quiet,” she says. Aunt Martha’s welcomes guests into a library warmed by a cozy fireplace. Adjoining the library is a living room and sunroom with generous floor-to-

ceiling windows that invite in the Florida sunshine. French doors open onto a sweeping veranda that overlooks Santa Rosa Sound. Pocket doors in the dining room enclose it, creating an intimate dinner space. A winding staircase takes you to the second floor to five unique rooms, each beautifully decorated with a touch of Aunt Martha’s Southern charm. Aunt Martha’s rooms have Southerninspired names such as Ivy, Rose and Blue Bonnet. Bill wanted to name them after Civil War battles, but Martha talked him out of it. “I didn’t think that was a very good idea,” she says. If you come to Aunt Martha’s, come hungry. She sets a formal table and serves a full breakfast that usually includes traditional Southern egg, ham and cheese grits; stuffed French toast with bananas and walnuts; and some fresh fruit cobbler. The Garvies have never advertised, but once their guests find them, they often return for frequent visits. Two families travel together each year in June to enjoy the Billy Bowlegs festivities. “They probably have been coming for 10 years or so now. They have parties and cookouts. Their kids have grown up here,” Garvie says. Over the years, Garvie has seen Fort Walton Beach come a long way from the days of delivering the mail by boat. For the most part, she is pleased with the development downtown. “I think it’s great. My family has always been for progress. If it’s done correctly, it can’t do anything but help,” she says. But history has a place, too, and Aunt Martha’s has helped keep the legacy of her family alive. She says most people love to hear about the “old days” in Fort Walton Beach. And she’s glad to remember them by recording their names in her guest book. ec

Aunt Martha’s 315 Shell Ave. SE Fort Walton Beach (850) 243-6702 auntmarthasbedandbreakfast.com 4 guest rooms Private bath, telephone, cable TV Water views Walk to historic downtown $105–$115 Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse 85 DeFuniak St. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 231-2733 hibiscusflorida.com 12 guest rooms Wi-Fi, Netflix, full kitchen, pet friendly (amenities vary per room) Walk to the beach $115–$285 Highlands House 4193 W. County Highway 30A Santa Rosa Beach (850) 267-0110 highlandshouse.com 7 guest rooms with private baths, four with Gulf view Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV Common balcony Private beach access $200–$250 Pensacola Victorian Bed & Breakfast 203 W. Gregory St. Pensacola (850) 434-2818 pensacolavictorian.com 4 guest rooms with private baths Wi-Fi, cable TV Walk to historic district, farmer’s market, shops, dining $95–$150

EmeraldCoastMagazine.com February–March 2015

As Hilton Sandestin Beach celebrates 30 amazing years and the debut of our transformation, we invite you to celebrate personal renewal at our award-winning Serenity by the sea Spa.

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the good life Food + Travel + Hea lth + Home

eudaimonia*

Photo Courtesy of National Flight Academy

Flying Ambition

Participants enter the National Flight Academy across the brow and into our immersive Quarterdeck. Authentic lights, sounds and even smells welcome the students onto the NFA’s landlocked aircraft carrier, the AMBITION (CVT-11).

Since it opened in May 2012, seventh- to 12th-graders who venture into NAS Pensacola’s Flight Academy program have gotten to live aboard the virtual aircraft carrier Ambition, where they experience aviationbased adventure that is revolutionizing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education. For six exhilarating days, curious-minded students get the rare chance to experience an immersive, aviation-based story — or mission — that weaves STEM objectives developed with the University of West Florida with important 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and communication. One session is $1,250 per student, and scholarships are awarded each year to qualifying students. What a way to lift off a young person’s imagination. For more information visit nationalfl ightacademy.com. — Zandra Wolfgram

*happiness is ...

EmeraldCoastMagazine.com February–March 2015

going places

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Destination: Great Exuma About a 40-minute flight from George Town, Bahamas

Sli p

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Sandals EXUMA’S EMERALD BAY ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT OFFERS LUXURY, ADVENTURE — AND SWIMMING PIGS!

Photos Courtesy Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Resort & Spa

By Jack Macaleavy

magine streaking across the crystal-clear Caribbean water in a 35-foot cigarette-style boat with three, 300-horsepower engines. You are just off the coast of Great Exuma and rounding one of the Out Islands into a secluded cove. All of a sudden, six 200-pound pigs come running out of the underbrush straight into the water, swimming out to the boat 30 yards offshore. Jump in the water, and you’ll quickly be surrounded by these snorting friends looking to be fed the hot dogs and buns given to you by the boat captain of the Thunderball 007, named after the James Bond film shot in the area in the mid ’60s. After 30 minutes of interaction, you’ll jet off to the next Out Island’s secluded beach. This time, dozens of one- to two-footlong prehistoric-looking iguanas come to the beach waiting for you to walk ashore and feed them grapes. Get close up and capture these unique images — and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After a full day of ocean adventure, it’s back to the dock to return to the luxury of the Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Resort & Spa, Great Exuma, Bahamas. Sandals Resorts have been the benchmark that all other allinclusive resort destinations have emulated since its first property opened in Montego Bay in 1981. Gordon “Butch” Steward, now chairman of Sandals Resorts International, had an idea

Enjoy one of three luxurious swimming pools at Sandals Emerald Bay, or take an excursion to interact with swimming pigs (left) or visit an island teeming with friendly iguanas.

EmeraldCoastMagazine.com February–March 2015

to create a destination where one would arrive and never have to deal with money or tips — while having a plethora of dining and entertainment options to choose from. This simple concept has allowed Sandals Resorts to grow to 15 properties. The latest, Sandals LaSource Grenada, opened in December 2013. One of the more recent new properties opened in 2010 after Sandals acquired the Four Seasons in Exuma, Bahamas. This 245-room property was quickly transitioned over to Sandals’ style and is the premiere destination on the very simple and undeveloped island in the Grand Bahama chain. From the moment you arrive, their 600-person staff is focused on one objective — to make your experience personal and luxurious. There are 21 room categories — all with a view of the crystalclear waters of Emerald Bay. Many of the room categories come with an English-style butler service. An individual is assigned to unpack and pack your bags, attend to your wardrobe, serve you meals on your private terrace and provide 24-hour room service. Each room comes with a

fully stocked bar and refrigerator filled with beverages, mixers and water, and it’s restocked daily. The linens are of the highest thread count, furniture is mahogany and the bathrooms are granite. The resort offers seven dining options, highlighted by reservation-only French and Italian restaurants. From elegant to casual beachside dining under the stars, one will never lack for options and culinary experiences. There are three pools, one with a swim-up bar, six tennis courts with complimentary lessons each day and an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed course that runs along the oceanfront and is comparable to California’s Pebble Beach. Guests can enjoy a complimentary round of golf each day. Exuma is a very easy journey, but a world away from North Florida. Fly American Airlines to Miami then 55 minutes to Exuma — all for around $500 round trip. Now is your chance to experience this very remote island the Sandals way before big development arrives. For more information about the resort and reservations, visit sandals.com or call (888) SANDALS. ec

(Above) Relax in the crystal-clear Caribbean waters off the appropriately named Palm Island. Coastal views are part of the resort’s Greg Norman-designed golf course (facing page top). As one of Sandals’ all-inclusive resorts (bottom right), the Exuma property offers guests golf (middle right) and a wide variety of dining options (bottom far right), as part of their package of amenities and activities. 92 February–March 2015

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Photos Courtesy Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Resort & Spa

going places

EmeraldCoastMagazine.com Februaryâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;March 2015

mind + body

Moroccan Gold

Expensive, Yes. But Smooth, Shiny, Strong Tresses Make Argan Oil Worth the Price

very so often, a product comes along that revolutionizes how we care for our hair, making it faster, easier — or even possible — to maintain a salon style at home. The blow dryer. Hot rollers. The flat iron. And now … argan oil. This light-as-a-feather oil is hailed by many as a miracle — taming flyaways and cutting drying time — while also giving all hair types additional strength, smoothness and shine. “If (someone) has fine hair a lot of times fine hair doesn’t have enough body,” explained Rhonda Davis, spa director at Serenity by the sea Spa. “A particular argan oil product can give fine hair lift and volume. People who have thick, coarse or wavy and curly hair, would also have benefits from argan oil because it can repair frizzy hair, damage and split ends. It gives hair hydration.” While it may be new-to-you, argan oil has actually been around for centuries, used for hair and skin care as well as cooking in Morocco, the center of the world’s argan oil production. The oil comes from the olive-like fruit of the argan tree, which grows in the arid land of southern Morocco and has a most interesting backstory. A quick search on YouTube shows amazing videos of goats climbing the trees to eat the fruit. Historically, the nuts would be harvested from the goat’s dung, but it is now collected by women who take off the outer husk, open the almond-like shells by cracking them on a rock and then grind the inner 94 February–March 2015

kernels with a primitive stone wheel to release the oil. Because of the recent boom in argan oil’s popularity, Moroccan women have joined together to create cooperatives, which can purchase equipment to extract the oil in a much less labor-intensive manner. It has also preserved argan trees from being cut down for development, since the oil is a valuable commodity. Pure Morrocan oil is expensive (poppyaustin.com sells a two-ounce bottle online for $25), but only a few drops are needed to treat a full head of hair. Many products on the market now mix the oil with extenders or in other hair care products such as shampoo and conditioner. Davis said that at Serenity, they decided to incorporate argan oil into their repertoire with the Moroccanoil brand — an extremely popular professional line. A personal advocate as well as a professional one, Davis is a huge fan of this seemingly one-sizefits-all product. “Moroccanoil gives me volume,” enthused Davis. “It gives my hair hydration. (My hair) is really shiny and blow-dry’s exactly how I want it to blow-dry. It makes my hair very manageable as well as healthy looking and feeling.” As with any oil-based product, though, a little can go a long, long way. “Too much of a good thing isn’t always a good thing,” reminded Gretchen Leslie, master stylist and cosmetologist with Shores Salon in Destin. ec

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Matt Burke

By Rosanne Dunkelberger and Chay D. Baxley

Just a drop of argan oil will add luster to your locks.

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Balance for Life Avoiding Falls is Key to Staying Healthy for Seniors By Laura Bradley

Jacqueline Ward Images

’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” While the famous line and the cheesy production values of this infamous television commercial might be funny to some, the issue it addresses is very serious — and, at times, fatal. Falls are no laughing matter for senior citizens; they are the sixth leading cause of death among older people, taking more lives than diabetes. For many, the fall itself isn’t what proves to be life threatening, but the aftermath. Balance problems tend to arise after the age of 75, and falling can lead to months of being bedridden after an injury. “A hip fracture is particularly dangerous because it’s a major fracture and will always require surgery to repair it,” explains Dr. Kenneth Brummel-Smith, Charlotte Edwards Maguire professor and chair of Florida State University’s Department of Geriatrics. Hip surgery itself has many risks, and the prolonged bed rest afterward poses another serious threat: pneumonia. The long period of inactivity also weakens muscles, increasing the risk of a future fall. Other dangers include kidney damage from broken down muscle tissue and pressure sores. Even those who fall and suffer no injuries tend to see a lasting effect — a heightened fear of falling in the future. This fear can be paralyzing, often causing seniors with previously active, healthy lifestyles to greatly reduce their activity levels to prevent another fall. Brummel-Smith points out that this is a counterproductive action

that weakens muscles, actually increasing the risk of falling. Active living communities are one option for seniors who feel daunted by living alone, where a fall can mean days of being unable to move to get help. David Kerns, who lives at the Westminster Oaks community, suffered a fall in September 2011. Ninety-four years old at the time, he was walking home from working in the garage. Carrying two heavy bags, one per hand, he stopped to get the mail. But after bending over to put down the bags, he lost his balance and fell forward onto his left arm, hitting it so hard that he bent the top of his humerus. He quickly called an emergency nurse who works in an adjacent building who brought him up for evaluation and sent

him to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. In the following days, Kerns was checked into Westminster Oaks’s Health Center, where he stayed for about a month as he recovered with the help of physical and occupational therapy sessions. Since his fall, Kerns still goes for walks and works in the garage like he used to, but now he makes sure to plan ahead so that people know where he is going. The support he feels from the community formed between residents and staff at Westminster Oaks has been invaluable in recovering from his fall. “There’s just all kinds of people that will help you along,” he says. “You’re thankful … that somebody’s going to take good care of you.” Over the years, increased awareness about the dangers of falling has led many to

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look into how to build and maintain good balance to secure their safety and independence. Don Rapp, a local balance expert and author of “Become Your Own Balance Coach,” a kinetic arts balance manual, urges that it is never too early to start thinking about balance: “You can start any time; even a little bit is better than nothing.” Rapp’s approach to balance is to start simple and work up. His exercises might seem very simple; it might not immediately seem important to be able to balance a ruler across one finger, but Rapp stresses that the systems behind that simple trick are also the systems that allow us to stand and walk properly. Balance is a combination of primarily three tools: our vision, our vestibular system and our somatosensory system. Vision allows us to see and position ourselves relative to our surroundings; the vestibular system (generally based in the inner ear) tells us at what angles our body is positioned; and our somatosensory system tells us where our body parts are positioned in space and in what formations they are. As vision deteriorates with age, the other two systems are forced to compensate. Rapp’s approach is to control and exercise the systems we are able to train. “The thing to do before you lose your eyes,” he explains, “is to get the somatosensory system and the inner ear up to top functioning before you lose that so there can be an integration.” In addition to balance exercises, Rapp stresses the importance of an active lifestyle and the avoidance of being sedentary for long periods of time. Even if your physical fitness is not great or you are afraid of putting stress on your body, there are plenty of lower-impact exercises that improve balance. “One (exercise) that’s been studied a lot is tai chi, where you’re moving really slow and you have to force yourself to balance. Those maintain those complicated neurologic interconnections so they decrease the falls,” Brummel-Smith suggests. Lifestyle changes don’t have to be major — even minor adjustments such as sitting on an exercise ball or even standing for some periods of time instead of sitting in a desk chair can make a difference. There are several ways to see if your balance is not where it needs to be. Brummel-Smith explains that one of the best ways is to use the “Get Up and Go” test. Start seated in a regular chair and time yourself. Stand up without using your hands, then walk at a normal pace for about 30 feet. Turn around and come back, sitting down without using your hands. This should take about 15 seconds. “If a person can’t get out of the chair without using their hands, and if they can’t make it that fast they’re at a high risk for falls,” says Brummel-Smith. Another simpler test that Rapp suggests to determine how much you rely on your vision for balance, is to stand up straight and tall and close your eyes. If you start to wobble or feel unstable, your balance is too dependent on your eyesight. Seniors who feel unsure about their balance might also benefit from a cane, which can provide another base of support if used correctly. Canes purchased at drugstores or retail stores are often adjustable, so it is important to remember to test and adjust the length so that the cane works properly. Brummel-Smith instructs that it is also important to remember to carry the cane on the side of the good leg, not the bad leg. Although it might seem trivial, footwear is also very im-

BALANCE TIPS

DIY Balance Exercises For sharpening your system » Balance a ruler on four fingers, then three, then two, then one. » Roll a newspaper into a cone and balance it on your fingers. » Roll a newspaper into a baton and pass it around your body with your eyes closed. » Make an alligator mouth with your arms, with your top hand holding a tennis ball. Bring your top hand down and your bottom hand up, handing off the ball as they switch places. Then start tossing the ball from hand to hand as the arms cross, giving the ball air time.

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portant. Seniors should choose good shoes that have good traction. Running shoes and shoes with knobby soles are best avoided in favor of smoother soles. Good shoes not only provide grip for stability but also support improved posture. Another way to reduce the likelihood of falling is to make small changes in living spaces. Good lighting, a floor free of wires, rugs and loose items, securely nailed down thresholds and an elimination of clutter can make a huge difference. Another thing to consider is that pets tend to get underfoot and can pose a risk. Regardless of strength and preparation, accidents still happen. After a fall it is crucial to listen to the body. If anything peculiar happens during or after the fall, including loss of sensation in the feet or inability to determine their position, unconsciousness or tremors, Brummel-Smith says it is important to see a doctor even if there was no injury. He also suggests reviewing current medications, because many medications such as anti-depressants, tranquilizers and sleeping pills affect the brain and can harm balance. ec

For strengthening your system » Stand at attention, spine straight, shoulders back and relaxed, neck extended toward the ceiling and look straight ahead. » Stand up from a chair and sit back down. Repeat. » Put a can of food or soup in a plastic bag, hook it over your foot and extend your leg while sitting down.

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WaterSound Origins

Nature-Based Recreation is the Just the Beginning of the Resort-Inspired Amenities in this 30A Community By Zandra Wolfgram

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Photos Courtesy The St. Joe Company

he St. Joe Company is Northwest Florida’s largest real estate developer known for “placemaking” — creating premier commercial properties and thoughtful residential communities. One of the company’s biggest successes is likely The WaterColor Inn & Resort, designed by the Rockwell Group, which landed the 30A boutique jewel box on Travel + Leisure magazine’s “Top 100 Resorts in the World.” With WaterSound Origins, St. Joe Company has seamlessly melded the amenities of an upscale boutique hotel experience with a family-friendly neighborhood oozing a distinct sense of place. The result? One of the most sought-after residential communities on the north side of 30A, nestled on the pristine shores of Lake Powell. Like many communities along the WaterSound Origins owners are able to homeownership here play unlimited golf is about a lifestyle at Origins Golf Club centered around and (right top); Yoga class (right bottom) within the area’s abunjust one of many dant nature. And with fitness activities offered by St. Joe amenities and services Club & Resorts. provided by St. Joe Club & Resorts, such as a resort-style pool, gracious green lawns, nature trails, golf dining and water sports galore, WaterSound offers a taste of the good life … and then some. Homebuyers in WaterSound Origins can choose from nine home layouts offering three to four bedrooms, ranging from 1,750 to 3,134 square feet and priced from the high $300,000s on up. Whether you like a single or two-story, you can customize your home with any number of upgrades from something as basic as flooring up to a private pool and outdoor fireplace. With proven local builders like Huff and Romair listed as the preferred builders,

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buyers are assured of a quality home built to last. In fact, one of the Huff The Village Commons is homes has already garnered industry located in the heart attention as both a “Best in Class” as of Origins and provides a central part of the Building Industry Awards gathering place full of Okaloosa and Walton counties of amenities for and as a recipient of a 2014 Parade owners; Origins’ spacious homes are of Homes Realtors’ Choice Award ideally suited for from the Emerald Coast Association entertaining family of Realtors (ECAR). The home, and friends. starting at $418,000, boasts 1,925 square feet of living space including three bedrooms, each with a walk-in closet. Located in the heart of the WaterSound Origins community, the home is convenient to a number of outdoor activities, from kayaks on Lake Powell and picnics with the family in neighborhood parks to scenic bike and nature trails throughout the community. “We are delighted one of our homes has received this ECAR award,” said Huff Homes founder Chandler Huff. “This is one of the fastest-growing communities in South Walton, attracting families and couples looking for high-quality homes nestled in natural surroundings. Our WaterSound Origins homes offer plenty of porch space at the front and back and generous living rooms for family gatherings.” Near to championship golf courses, designer shopping and some of the best dining on the coast, as its name suggests, WaterSound Origins is well positioned to give owners who set down roots a great start on a well-planned life. ec

Jodi Ketchersid, J.D., Realtor/Owner 4014 Commons Drive, Suite 100, Destin, FL 32541 850.424.3094 · RealJoyProperties.com William L. Ketchersid, Esq., LL.M., Tax 1241 Airport Road, Suite H, Destin, FL 32541 850.837.5507 · flaattorney.com 2013

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103

DEAL Estate

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Interior Transformation, Great Location Make the Sale at WaterSound By Rosanne Dunkelberger

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Beachy Beach Real Estate

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hile it boasts an expansive 3,536 square feet of interior living space, this WaterSound Beach beauty makes spectacular use of the outdoor environment. The design of this corner residence creates the feel of a sanctuary with the main living areas and bedrooms all opening to and surrounded by porches and decks. A design 9 South Watch Tower Lane highlight is the home’s open-air watchtower, which offers a commanding view of the Gulf of Mexico. Quick Look The buyers were attracted to List price: $2,249,000 the home’s location within one Sold price: $2,050,000 of 30A’s premier communities Square feet: 3,536 and its proximity to the Gulf of Bedrooms: 5 Mexico, said listing agent HilContact: Hilary Farnum, ary Farnum. The property had Broker/Owner, Beachy been on the market a while and, Beach Real Estate hilary@beachybeach.com at Farnum’s urging, the sellers (850) 231-3060 remodeled and updated, which added to the home’s allure and led to the sale. The total interior transformation for the home, built in 2007, included new furnishings, all-new paint throughout including cabinets, lighting, bedding and more in a clean, coastal palette of calming beach hues. Upgrades that added to the home’s character, style and functionality include hardwood flooring, tabby shell fireplace, outdoor grilling area, high-end appliances, beautiful granites, two new AC units, an elevator shaft and more. Each of the home’s five bedrooms has a private bath. The master retreat enjoys its own private porch with two sets of double French doors and a luxurious master bath. A nautically themed, kid-friendly guest bedroom features fun, custom, rope-hung bunk beds. For guests, there’s a one-bedroom carriage house with living room, kitchenette and private bath and balcony. Plus, the new owners will enjoy all the resort amenities and upscale enticements of WaterSound Beach, a private, gated, Gulf-front community on 30A. ec

Real Joy Properties

DEAL Estate

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15200 Emerald Coast Parkway, Unit 805, Destin

A Jewel on the Emerald Coast By Rebecca Padgett

hen you envision your perfect home it is likely a dwelling that represents relaxation, comfort and beauty. A view of emerald waters and sugar-white sand beaches doesn’t hurt either. On the eighth floor of St. Maarten at Silver Shells, a condominium that embodies all of your dream home’s assets awaits you. This 2,008-square-foot unit offers an open floor plan with sweeping views of the Gulf from all angles. The entire space has been recently renovated and fully decorated in a very tasteful design. The center of the home provides a fully functioning kitchen with custom-made cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. There is plenty of room for you and your guests with three bedrooms and three full bathrooms. The living room, dining room, kitchen and private master bedroom Quick Look all have sliding doors and balcony List Price: $1,000,000 access that provide a nice seaside Square Feet: 2,008 breeze at any time of the day. Bedrooms: 3 The 279-square-foot balcony is Bathrooms: 3 definitely a major selling point. “It Contact: Jodi Ketchersid offers additional dining space and is jlketchersid@gmail.com the perfect place to enjoy a cup of and Richard Eckert coffee in the morning or a cocktail richard@eckert.com at sunset,” said realtor Jodi KetcherRealtors, (850) 582-0874 sid of Real Joy Properties. Other amenities include a utility room, a foyer and private elevator access. By living at Silver Shells you will also gain access to a full-service spa, indoor/outdoor pools, tennis and basketball courts and gated security. If you were to ever pull yourself away from the magnificent views at your balcony, attractions such as the beautiful Henderson State Park is located directly east of Silver Shells. A Ruth’s Chris Steak House is also located directly on site. If you decide to leave your condominium, your reserved parking space will be right there waiting for you on your return.“This property is perfect for use as a rental investment, second home or full-time residence,” said Ketchersid. With enchanting views, cozy furnishings and a plethora of amenities, this condominium is the epitome of coastal living. ec EmeraldCoastMagazine.com February–March 2015

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ms. grow-it-all

What’s Your Composting Style? With Scientific Precision or a Free-Form Approach, We All Can Make Our Own Dirt By Audrey Post

Q: I like the idea of composting — using kitchen and yard scraps to improve the soil while reducing the waste stream from my home — but I really have no idea how to get started. I read some articles online that made me wonder whether I have the time and space, much less the scientific knowledge, to devote to composting. Is composting as complicated as it sounds, or is there an easier way? A: While composting can be complicated, it doesn’t have to be. You can be precise about the size of your compost pile and make it 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet, creating 3- to 4-inch layers of nitrogenheavy organic material alternating with carbon-heavy materials, giving it just the right amount of water to keep it moist but not soggy and turning it at prescribed intervals to keep it “cooking.” Or you can toss your kitchen and yard waste into a pile and pretty much ignore it. Both piles will decompose eventually and create compost. The only difference is how long it will take. When I first attempted composting many years ago, a wellmeaning but persnickety neighbor told me I was doing it all wrong — that my pile wasn’t big enough to generate the required heat for composting and my green (nitrogen) and brown (carbon) layers were of unequal sizes, further thwarting the process. He made composting sound as complex as rocket science, and I decided that I had taken on more than I could handle and abandoned my composting project. Literally. I walked away and didn’t check it again for several months, which was when I discovered that my old “substandard” pile of eggs shells, vegetable trimmings, coffee grounds, grass clippings and leaves was in the process of rotting quite nicely. I have to admit I felt vindicated, but the bigger lesson I learned was that while chemistry-class composting might be the ideal, less formulaic efforts should also be encouraged. Every little bit helps, as long as you follow one basic rule: Plant material only — no meat and no fats, or you’ll create a rancid odor and attract all sorts of unwanted visitors to your compost pile. Your pile will create compost faster if you have a good mix of “green” material, nitrogen-rich materials such as grass clippings and vegetable trimmings, and “brown” material, such as fallen leaves, sawdust and soil. They can be mixed together or separated into layers, but the key is to have both. If you have only one or the other, the pile will still rot, but it will take a lot longer. If you’re not in a hurry, it doesn’t matter. You can also use manure as a “brown” material, but make sure it’s from livestock such as cows, horses, goats, sheep, pigs or chickens, which eat grains and vegetables. Avoid dog and cat feces. Because

they eat meat, their waste is not suitable for use as fertilizer or compost material. Composting can be as simple or as You can confine your compost in any complicated as number of structures — including a bin made you want it to be. Just do it, advises of wooden pallets, a circle of hardware cloth Ms. Grow-It-All. or chicken wire, a commercial compost bin or tumbler, or a 5-gallon bucket with holes drilled in the bottom for drainage — but it will decompose faster if it’s enclosed. It also decomposes faster if the material is in smaller pieces, no larger than 2 or 3 inches, and the pile is kept moist. The bacterial and fungal activity within the pile creates heat, and stirring the pile every couple of days keeps the bacteria and fungi fed and the pile hot, so the material breaks down faster. It’s ready to use when it has a loose, crumbly texture like soil and an earthy smell. ec

© 2014–2015 Postscript Publishing, all rights reserved. Audrey Post is a certified Advanced Master Gardener volunteer with the University of Florida IFAS Extension in Leon County. Email her at Questions@MsGrowItAll.com or visit her website at msgrowitall.com. Ms. Grow-It-All® is a registered trademark of Postscript Publishing.

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habitat

From the Runway to Your Hallway Many of fashion’s biggest stars are turning their sense of style to furniture, textiles, bedding and accessories for the home

ashionistas must be elated. Now they can tap their stiletto-heeled Jimmy Choos across an Isaac Mizrahi rug, curl up on a Calvin Klein sofa, fluff a Trina Turk pillow, toss a Ralph Lauren throw, and then sip a Bellini from a Giorgio Armani glass. Rigid classicists may wrinkle their noses in disapproval as the blizzard of fashion brand names invades every corner of the house, but Emerald Coast interior designers are more broadminded. They point out that fashion designers’ great sense of style translates well into home furnishings, and that consumers drawn to fashion imagery may well end up with more sophisticated rooms. “For a very long time, color and style trends have come from high-fashion runways, then transitioning to local designer racks and finally to home interiors,” says Lindsay Miller, a designer with Lovelace Interiors in Destin. “The difference is that so many high-profile designers now have their own home furnishings brands, and why shouldn’t they? They set the trends, so I think that it’s only appropriate that they should design for the home as well.” Jessica Faircloth of Lemongrass Interiors in Santa Rosa Beach agrees, with one minor point to ponder. “Yes, there’s a direct link between fashion and interior design, and it can expand consumers’ visual vocabulary,” she says. “And good design is good design, no matter who does it. But let’s face it: How many of the fashion designers really design that chair or that bed? Most are actually tastemakers who approve or disapprove designs put in front of them. Look, is there anybody who believes that über-model and actress Sofia Vergara really designs clothing or coffee tables? Her name adds star power to products. It’s as simple as that. And there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s good business.”

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Florida Best-Sellers Fashion icon names that make it into many Florida homes include Diane von Furstenberg, Tommy Bahama, Trina Turk, Lilly Pulitzer, Betsey Johnson, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Oscar de la Renta. “A lot our clients love Lilly Pulitzer’s designs for Lee Jofa Textiles,” Miller says. “They are so Florida, and people love the story of her ascent, from a juice stand in front of her husband’s citrus grove. She made a simple sleeveless, printed smock that would camouflage juice stains. It shot to stardom when her old schoolmate Jacqueline Kennedy was photographed in one while vacationing in Florida. Now Lilly was in the dress business, and it was inevitable that the dresses would eventually give birth to textiles. Recently I decorated a third-floor guest suite exclusively with her fabrics, and the result was so cheery and bright.” California designer Trina Turk’s affection for vibrant color and print has made her home furnishings Florida favorites as well. “Trina’s designs have a California vibe that’s beachy, but not too literal,” Faircloth says. “They suit Florida homes. I have used tons of her textiles. Recently, I used one for window treatments in a client’s home. It so happened that the client had a Trina Turk dress in her closet. I liked that.” To Russia with Love According to designers at the Tamarind Group in Miramar Beach, the everyday client isn’t typically familiar with brand names in home furnishings. In their experience only “avid fashionistas” know the top names. Those in the know might say, ‘I want that Donna Karan bed or that Oscar de la Renta sideboard.’ One Tamarind Group client ordered two of his homes furnished exclusively with Ralph Lauren designs,

Courtesy of Tuskers Home Store

By Lis King

Tommy Bahama’s Ivory Key line was inspired by the pastel homes, crisp whitewashed roofs and lush landscape of Bermuda.

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(Right, above) Every aspect of Tuskers signature outdoor collection was carefully designed using beautiful yet durable materials to hold up to Florida’s warm weather climate; (Right, below) Natural materials such as woven rattan, crushed bamboo, travertine and etched sea glass add character and authenticity to Tommy Bahama’s Ocean Club collection. 110 February–March 2015

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Courtesy of Tuskers Home Store

from elegant desks to exquisite chandeliers. They happily obliged thinking ‘Who wouldn’t be happy to put the Ralph Lauren aesthetic to work in a St. Petersburg (Russia) mansion and a country dacha?’ They designed his rooms here in Florida and shipped it all to Russia. Tommy Bahama, known for its beach-themed clothing and accessories, is a great Florida favorite, and that goes for the brand’s furniture collection for Lexington as well. Tuskers Home Store in Miramar Beach sells a lot of the Tommy Bahama line, from dining rooms and case goods to sofas and coffee tables. It’s all enormously popular, according to store personnel, and Jessica Faircloth says that it’s the collection’s island vibe that appeals to Floridians. “Here we have a departure from the usual white and light-colored furniture we see so much around here,” she explains. “It has sort of a colonial Britain-in-the-tropics look.” Teenage girls can get into the mode in their rooms, too. Betsey Johnson, known for her over-the-top clothing, recently introduced a bedding line featuring an exuberance of ruffles and skulls. “Betsey Johnson’s admirers call it rad,” says Jill Pigg of Bed, Bath & Beyond in Destin. The store also carries bedding by fashion designers Kenneth Cole and Jill Sanders.

Courtesy of Tuskers Home Store

habitat

Courtesy of CALVIN KLEIN, INC.

(Top left) Twilight Bay makes a fresh design statement in this bedroom with French Laundry styling using washed linen, slipcovered tailoring and decorative nailhead trim; (Top right) Blending traditional elements like leather-wrapped bamboo and raffia accents; Tommy Bahama’s Ivory Key collection offers a spirited take on refined island living; (Below right) Washed linen, woven cotton, cashmere, alpaca and shearling add understated luxury to the Calvin Klein’s Chalet linen collection.

Viva Italia The Italians were the first players in the fashion-to-furniture trend. Firms such as Armani, Versace, Fendi, Gucci and Prada are represented at design centers, designer showrooms and online, so if you’re hungry for bit of la dolce vita, you might consider an Armani table or a Capellini chair. They can add welcome style to any room. It’s not possible to talk about Italian fashion without mentioning Pucci. His prints are as adored today as they were in the 1960s, when they were a must for the ultra-fashion-conscious woman. Signor Pucci died in 1992, but today Capellini covers chairs in an Emilio Pucci collection in prints that are teaching the whole world to speak Italian. Versace’s home collection is usually over the top in its extravagance and calls for palazzo surroundings, but the company’s dinnerware for Rosenthal could be a compromise for more modest digs. Featuring the Versace logo’s head of Medusa and gold, it can make any woman feel like an heiress. Giorgio Armani’s furnishings are super-sleek and luxurious, but if the $20,000-plus price tag on one of his sofas floors you, there’s also a line of accessories, such as Murano vases, silk pillows, candles, pottery, flatware and linens. So what’s next in fashion-furniture crossover strategies? Lemongrass Interiors’ Faircloth just might have the right idea. “How about interior designers creating runway fashion?” she asks. “I, for one, am extremely interested in seeing what people like Kelly Wearstler, Barbara Barry and Jonathan Adler can do with fashion. Kelly is already designing items like jewelry and scarves. I think that soon we’ll see a furniture-to-fashion trend, and nobody will find it the slightest bit strange. I repeat: Good design is good design, no matter who does it.” ec

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flavor

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Downsized Desserts Tastes trend toward smaller sweet treats that are still big on flavor By Alexia McKay and Rebekah Sanderlin

the desserts or the people eating them. But they’re great to look at, and almost anything can be turned into a miniature dessert.” Becker is not alone in realizing that diners have started setting their sights small. Ordering whole cakes and pies for a birthday party or special event is becoming a thing of the past. Today, sweets lovers are asking chefs to make little versions of their favorite desserts.

Matt Burke

ometimes all we want is a bite — of everything. Pastry chefs have noticed this, and lately they’ve tried to accommodate us by making tiny temptations out of practically any confection. “Small desserts are definitely a trend,” says Chef Yasha Becker of the Hilton Sandestin Golf Beach Resort and Spa. “I’m not sure who is making the trend, the people making

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Matt Burke

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Jacqueline Ward Images

“Unless it’s a sit-down dinner party, I’m trying to do smaller Holbrook says his clients love mini crème brûlées, which desserts,” says Christopher Holbrook, owner of Signature Cahe makes in about 80 different flavors and serves in 2-ounce tering of 30A. “And I could see this trend shot glasses. Crème brûlée flavors, such sticking around for a lifetime.” as key lime pie cheesecake, Death by Though diminutive desserts may seem Chocolate, triple chocolate brownie, lyto have come on the scene only in recent chee and ginger, raspberry white chocoyears, people have long savored teensy late Grand Marnier, Irish coffee, tiratreats. France, with its historically admisu and Bananas Foster are huge hits venturous culinary tradition, popularwith the people he serves. ized petit fours more than 200 years ago. Becker also does several types of desA petit four — the name means “small serts in shot glasses because, he says, oven” because the bite-sized morsels people love seeing what’s in the dish. were originally baked in a smaller oven “I think it’s fun to take the classic next to the big one — is a small, often items and turn them into a bite-sized beautifully decorated, pastry. dessert,” Becker says. “A ‘s’mores gateau’ Vanessa Pock, owner of A Cupcakery or a tiramisu can be stretched in many by the Sea in Fort Walton Beach, says different directions, and you can’t get petit fours — as well as many other away from cupcakes or cake pops. Who types of scaled-down desserts — have can pass up food on a stick?” Pastry Chef Yascha Becker of the Hilton been making a comeback. The rising popularity of small desSandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa is the king of sweet treats. A few of his “Also, our French macarons are really serts is partly due to how much easier mini masterpiece creations pictured are popular, they’re bite sized,” Pock says. they are to eat. At events such as wedHazelnut Tiramisu with Salted Caramel, assorted Holiday truffles, macaroons, “I think people want to have that induldings and cocktail parties, where guests key lime chiffon cake, espresso pot au gence, have crème brûlée, a cupcake or are likely to be mingling and eating at crème and mini pumpkin pie. Miniature something, that satisfies sweet cravings. the same time, a small dessert is much Keylime pie, coffee ice cream and red velvet cake “shooters” (above) But they don’t want to have to buy a large more manageable than a large one. concocted by Christopher Holbrook with cake and have to eat it for four days just “With two-bite desserts, you look Signature Catering of 30A are bite size because they don’t want to throw it out.” good while you’re eating,” Holbrook indulgences with big impact. 114 February–March 2015

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says. “You aren’t walking around with a big bowl of ice cream looking like a hog. It’s a more elegant dining experience.” Brides and event planners now favor dessert bars at their events, featuring an assortment of small desserts such as mini cupcakes, larger cupcakes, French macarons, Linzer torte cookies and cake pops, Pock says. “They’ll make a whole dessert table for a wedding reception,” Pock says. “It makes a pretty display and gives guests a big variety. They can have a cupcake, or a cookie or a French macaron. It’s just a variation.” French macarons, which are not to be confused with your grandma’s macaroons, are a sweet, meringue-type sandwich cookie that only recently became popular here, Pock says, though they’ve long been popular in Europe. She says they can be stacked into a wedding cake shape as well, and they have the added benefit of being gluten-free. Pock adds that brides are also moving away from large wedding cakes and embracing pull-apart cupcakes and mini cupcakes, iced to look like a large cake, and they’re doing it for reasons of convenience, cleanliness and cost. “With cupcakes, they don’t need additional help for cake cutting or serving pieces, and they can have several varieties and layers,” she says. “They’re easy, convenient and easier to eat, and they’re a better value. You can have a hand-decorated cupcake for a lot less than a chunk of wedding cake. A basic wedding cake is about $3.50 per slice, but it goes up

“I do not know of any golf resort or courses that compare to Burnt Pine. Plus, when you live at Sandestin, the lifestyle choices are endless.” -Gary Brown, Burnt Pine Advisory Board Chairman

Celebrating its 20th year, Burnt Pine Golf Club is the preeminent country club experience in all of Northwest Florida. Located on the grounds of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Burnt Pine is a classic Rees Jones design and has been deemed the “Crown Jewel of Florida Golf” by Golf Magazine. Burnt Pine is visually-appealing as the 7,000-yard layout traverses pine forests, native wetlands and breathtaking views of Choctawhatchee Bay. In 2014, all 18 greens complexes were completely rebuilt, so now is the time to experience the finest conditioned golf course on the Emerald Coast.

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to $8.50 or $9 a slice depending on the decoration. Our cupcakes are $3.95 — and they’re hand-decorated.” Whether small-like cupcakes or mini-like cake pops, folks can stroll into their favorite bakery or eatery and find petite versions of their favorite desserts on the menu or displayed behind the glass cases. “We have a large variety of mini desserts which are sold by the pound,” says Publix spokesman Dwaine Stevens. According to Stevens, downsized treats make up just over one-third of the dessert sales at Publix. Chocolate-dipped strawberries are one of the most popular, along with petit fours, mini éclairs, cream puffs, cannoli and bite-sized brownies. Heather Johnson, marketing director for a 15-unit franchise of Applebee’s Bar and Grill, says the restaurant, like several other restaurant chains, acknowledged that guests “were craving just a little something sweet to top off their meal.” Now, for $2.29 each, diners can choose from three tasty shooters — strawberry cheesecake, chocolate mousse and hot fudge sundae. “Delicious options like dessert shooters and brownie bites with ice cream for $1 are a huge hit with guests, because smaller portions with a lower price point make it The average diner easy to say yes,” Johnthese days is getting son says. away from more Coffee lovers can sugar and sweets. indulge in Starbucks’ There’s an overall food Petites, a line of mini revolution in America treats that includes cake pops, peanut right now. There is butter mini cupa food knowledge cakes and red velvet out there; people are whoopie cakes to go talking about what with their skinny vathey’re eating. Portion nilla latte. Starbucks Petites sizes are getting build on the hot cusmaller. I think linary mini trend and people just want to be have been widely emhealthier in general.” braced by customers — Christopher Holbrook, owner as a delicious afterof Signature Catering of 30A noon treat. It’s a trend that has even nutrition experts taking note. Though it’s rare to find a dietician who recommends frequently eating dessert, even the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s online Weight Management guide notes, “Some restaurants are serving small portions of desserts, which can help decrease calorie intake.” A rising national awareness of nutrition and the popularity of calorie-counting smartphone apps likely also contribute to the public’s embrace of these dainty delights. “The average diner these days is getting away from more sugar and sweets,” says Holbrook. There’s an overall food revolution in America right now. There is a food knowledge out there; people are talking about what they’re eating. Portion sizes are getting smaller. I think people just want to be healthier in general.” But, wiser choices aside, the primary reason for eating little desserts will always be the same: People love sweets. “They’re eye candy,” Becker says. “Everybody eats with their eyes first. Garnished on a plate or in a glass, they look so inviting, you just want to try them.” ec

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Do you know an outstanDing woman Business LeaDer? 850 — The Business Magazine of Northwest Florida is looking for your help in recognizing women in our region who have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills in their businesses and communities. PINNACLE

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PINNACLE AWARDS HONORING THE OUTSTANDING WOMEN BUSINESS LEADERS OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA