This holiday, put the decision in their hands. Give the gift designed with the individual in mind — the IDECIDE Gift Card from The Mall at Millenia available at Concierge and at mallatmillenia.com. To make holiday shopping even more of a joy, The Mall at Millenia will be offering extended hours. Holiday shopping hours are also available online.
I-4 AT CONROY ROAD, EXIT 78
Neiman Marcus | Bloomingdale’s | Macy’s
Focal Point Garden Center & Gift Shop
Nursery & Supply, Inc.
(407) 349-2200
1,000’s of Gifts for the Home & Garden Handcrafted one-of-a-kind pottery & water features, annuals to fruit trees, fun & unique gift items.
Tampa pro massage
Holiday gift certificates make great stocking stuffers, especially when they include holiday rates for licensed massage therapy by a professional with more than 12 years experience. TPM was voted Tampa’s best massage therapist in 2008. Visit TampaProMassage. com or call 813-368-0532 for details.
If you can’t find a gift for that someone special here, then ya better go to Tiffany’s!
145 W SR46, Geneva 407.349.2200
Only 20 minute drive from Downtown Orlando Facebook: Focal Point Gift & Garden Center
Holiday hours: Mon-Fri 9-8 Sat 9-7 Sun 10-6
foCal poinT garden CenTer & gifT sHop
Perfect gifts for the gardener in your life are available at Focal Point. Handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pottery and water features, annuals and fruit trees are among thousands of gifts targeted toward the green thumb on your list. For more information call 407-349-2200 or visit them on Facebook.
The perfect place for your holiday party! schedule your event today
mall aT millenia
This holiday, put the decision in their hands by purchasing the IDecide Gift Card from The Mall at Millenia. Fashion, Style, Indulgence—they can pick the gift right for them. IDecide is for the truly gifted holiday shopper. Available at Concierge and at MallAtMillenia.com.
Gift Certificates Available 111 N. Magnolia Ave. @ Washington St. FREE parking across the street after 6PM 407.999.9950 Facebook: Tastings Orlando
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Francis House has been serving Tampa Bay’s HIV/AIDS community for 20 years.
WE ARE DEPENDANT ON OUR COMMUNITY TO HELP INSURE THAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE THE VERY BEST HOLIDAY SEASON.
Our wish list includes: GIFT CARDS FOR CLIENTS CANNED FOOD • HYGIENE ITEMS TOYS FOR KIDS
ToTal Wine & more
The 750 ml River Road Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley, Calif, may be the best hand-crafted Pinot Noir you’ve never heard of. The wine brims with layers of cherry and berry flavors and is available at Florida locations for $17.99. Visit TotalWine.com to find a location near you.
If you can help, please contact Joy at 813.237.3066
HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON!
sam flaX
delivered to your
door!
Haul out the holly and head on over to Sam Flax, especially if you’ve never experienced the joy of browsing through one of the most original stores around. From office supplies to crafts, Sam Flax South is always one of the best destinations for unique gift ideas and one-of-a-kind stocking stuffers. Check out SamFlaxSouth.com.
$0 Subscription Rate + Standard Class Mailing* + Shipping & Handling Envelope
26 ISSUES = $26.00 *First class subscription rates available.
BarK aVenue BaKery
Bark Avenue Dog Bakery offers all-natural, human grade, great tasting gourmet dog treats in dozens of flavors and shapes. Celebrate the season with your dog with a special hand-dipped, fresh-baked treat made of carob, peanut butter and yogurt. Call 407-345-9999 or visit BarkAvenueBakery.com to check out the selection.
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DE-STRESS & PLAN AHEAD THIS HOLIDAY STEVE BLANCHARD
E
very holiday season I plan to get a jump
on the shopping rush so I can actually enjoy the spirit of the season. But every year I find myself with a list of names, rushing through stores trying to find that perfect gift just days—and some times hours—before I’m to pass it onto its recipient. It’s like going on a treasure hunt but with a faulty map. Instead of finding a load of treasures to share with friends and family at the end of December, I wind up with a sense that I could have done more to find better presents for those close to me. I love giving gifts during the holidays; its just that time has a funny way of sneaking away from me. Each year my family doles out Christmas wish lists at the end of the summer right before the school year begins. I laugh every year at their anticipation for a holiday that’s four whole months away. Then, in mid-December, as I’m rushing around trying to find the right gift for my two nieces, I swear that next year I’ll start early. One of the hardest things about shopping for loved ones is matching a gifts to personalities. My partner has never been an easy person to buy for. He’s a sports nut, but is picky when it comes to sports video games. He loves music, but would rather pick out his own selections. The thought of him returning yet another gift this year makes me really want to work hard to find that one item he can’t live without. It’s just difficult knowing where to start. So this year, I’m doing my homework. I’m not planning on doing anything crazy like participating in Black Friday, but I have noticed that retailers across the region not only have some great gift ideas, but many support equality and the LGBT community. So instead of going through my typical routine of wandering store to store, I’m mapping out a route. That’s why Watermark’s 2009 Holiday Gift Guide is a great place to start this year’s shopping spree. Clothing, books, toys and services are packed into this year’s guide, complete with spotlight ideas to help you make some truly memorable moments this holiday season. Flipping through these pages will give me— and many of you—ideas for creating some great memories in the 2009 holiday season. This is the season of giving, so what better way to start it off than with an intact map to lead you to the perfect holiday gifts for everyone on your list.
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GIFT CERTIFICATES The perfect holiday gift for someone who enjoys Cuban food & coffee!
BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER
Cuban food, coffee & specialties
art & café MON - WED 9a-7p // THURS-FRI 9a-10p // SAT 10a-10p
29 S. Orange Ave., Orlando • 407.423.4300 RohoArtAndCoffee.com
deCHoes
Dechoes Resale and Vintage has three Central Florida locations offering the best in trendy, designer items and vintage clothes for everyone on your list. Trade or sell your gently used clothing to feed your fashion frenzy. Visit Dechoes.net or call 407-898-9791 to find the nearest location.
Best in Vintage, Designer & Trendy Clothing & Accessories
www.dechoes.net Facebook Dechoes Resale
407.898.9791
TooJay’s
PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Best known for overstuffed deli sandwiches and traditional deli favorites, TooJay’s also provides outstanding catering services. Everything from gourmet party platters to fabulous hot entrée buffets are just a phone call away. So this holiday season, trust TooJay’s with your table, then sit back and enjoy! Call 561-659-9011 for details.
SuNdAy, NOvEmbEr 22 6-8Pm SuNdAy, dEcEmbEr 6 6-8Pm Choose from a variety of photo packages, perfect for making a special Holiday memory. All animals must be on a leash, in a carrier or held by the owner at all times. Pets may not enter the mall before 6pm. Please use the Premiere Cinema entrance off of Maguire Road.
roHo arT & Coffee 3201 East Colonial s Orlando, FL 32803 407-896-1131 Mon-Sat 10am-9pm s Sun 11am-6pm www.orlandofashionsquare.com A Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust Property
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Offer an experience as a holiday gift this year with gift certificates to Roho Art & Coffee in Orlando. The hybrid art gallery and café serves up a relaxing dose of creativity and caffeine in an upscale environment. Visit RohoArtAndCoffee.com or call 407-423-4307 for a full menu and details.
#-' / ' ( &' / # &' / ( ' / #( ' # ( &" '' ' #&
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" & " ''#& " 1st Time Visit take 20% OFF Your (& $$ " Entire Bill # ( & '
Central Florida’s Finest Gourmet Dog Bakery SM
Not valid with any other offers.
take 20% OFF Your Entire Bill
( & ' * ( & ' * Not valid with any other offers.
We honor all competitor's coupons. ( & ' * We honor all competitor's coupons.
Premium & Holistic Dog Food Fine Gifts & Accessories Gift Certificates Available • Open Daily 7728 West Sand Lake Road Orlando, Florida 32819 • 407-345-9999
Treats Baked Fresh Daily on Premises! Come Smell the Difference! SM AMERICA’S WINE SUPERSTOREŽ
& + #+ & "( & $& " ' #+" "( & ) , .
407-327-7707 www.dtailspets.com 8,000 Wines | 1,000 Beers | & More
#1 Holiday Destination for the Lowest Prices on Wine, Beer & More!
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TIME
WINNER
Retailer of theYear Wine Enthusiast Market Watch Beverage Dynamics
GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE During this busy time of year, our wine team is here to help you. Whether it’s planning and purchasing the right drinks for a gathering, choosing a gift or selecting the perfect bottle of wine for tonight, we want you to put our knowledge to the test. When in doubt, look for a Team Member in a white shirt! All are dedicated to bringing you the Total Wine Experience™.
ORLANDO – Colonial Plaza
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY USE A DESIGNATED DRIVER
2712 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 (407) 894-6553
PLEASE VISIT ANY OF OUR OTHER 13 FLORIDA LOCATIONS
www.totalwine.com
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Hopkins Aesthetics & Reconstructive Dentistry www.AllAboutSmiles.org
Dunedin:
727-733-1175 “A Beautiful Smile, A Beautiful You.”
Crowns and Veneers Invisalign ZOOM Whitening Sedation Dentistry
BodyWorK massage & day spas
The Holidays are really just about looking good! Bodywork Spa and Hopkins Aesthetic and Reconstructive Dentistry believe that holiday cheer begins with a glowing smile, well-rested appearance and living stress free. These are three things that help bring confidence to your holiday cheer. For more information call 813-2862125 or visit BodyworkByRog.com.
V
M t V a a H t
REJUVENATE Botox Juvederm Facials SkinMedica Latisse Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion
sKinZWear
r
Skinz allows you to design your own swimsuit by offering different styles, cuts and fabrics of almost any color. Help a friend make a statement at the beach with his or her new look. Call 727-441-8789 to talk to a real person or browse online at SkinzWear.com.
C ( f t T R
florida fur and leaTHer
T B
Relaxational & Theraputic Massage Sports massage Bodyhair Waxing Monthly Specials
BODYWORK BY
ROGER C. MEDRANO W W W. B O D Y W O R K B Y R O G C . C O M
Tampa:
813-286-2125 8
Florida Fur and Leather has been in the same St. Petersburg plant since 1957. Our services include cold storage, fur cleaning and glazing, cleaning and re-coloring of leather clothing and handbags and repairs and alterations. We carry a large inventory of new and preowned furs and leathers. Visit FloridaFurAndLeathers.com or call 727-822-3653 for more information.
T b t b t i o
Van WeZel
Mark your own special occasion with a gift certificate that lasts from the holidays through spring at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The venue’s 40th anniversary features Liza Minnelli, Bernadette Peters and Patti Lupone along with Broadway’s Avenue Q, Hairspray and Mamma Mia. Visit VanWezel.org for tickets and a full schedule.
ruTH eCKerd Hall
Celebrate the New Year with theater. A Chorus Line (Feb 18-20), winner of nine Tony Awards, is the musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all on the line. Also returning is last year’s huge hit, Dixie’s Tupperware Party, which returns March 30-April 3. Visit RuthEckerdHall.com for tickets.
THe old Tampa BooK Company
The Old Tampa Book Company is a gem for booklovers in the heart of downtown with more than 40,000 collectible, rare, used, and out-of-print books. Subjects range from fiction and non-fiction to automobiles and zoology. Search the store’s inventory online at OldTampaBookCompany.com or call 813-209-2151.
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Handy Andy Home Maintenance & Repairs
407.467.7100 •Faucets •Door Locks •Dry Wall •Ceiling Fans •Garbage Disposal •Window Blinds •Much, Much More! Andy Prieto • greenalertinc@yahoo.com
Licensed & Insured Visa & MasterCard accepted
A gift card good enough to eat. But don’t! With each $100 Gift Card purchase in any denomination, receive a $10.00 Holiday Bonus Card
with our compliments thru December 31st.
Available in store or online at www.toojays.com
Orlando Colonial Marketplaza Southwest Orlando The Marketplace at Dr. Phillips Altamonte Springs Palm Springs Shopping Center Lake Mary Lake Mary Centre Ocoee Shoppes of Ocoee East Orlando Waterford Lakes Town Center Tampa Bay Street at International Plaza Clearwater Countryside Mall Sarasota Westfield Southgate
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peT food WareHouse
People have department stores, so why shouldn’t pets? Pet Food Warehouse carries 30 different brands of dog and cat foods and a wide selection of treats. Small animals are also included with aisles dedicated to birds, fish and other furry friends. Call 727-521-6191 or visit PetFoodWhse.com for more information.
TasTings
Tastings, A Wine Experience, features Enomatic card-based wine dispensers giving guests the opportunity to sample 72 different wines by the taste or glass at your leisure. Tastings is the perfect place to host your holiday party of any size. Musical guests appear weekly. Call 407-999-9950 or drop by 111 N. Magnolia Ave., Suite #175 in Orlando for a full schedule.
WasHBurn imporTs With gift ideas from the practical to the extraordinary, Washburn Imports offers a wide variety of furniture, artwork, craftwork and one-of-a-kind accessories handcrafted by skilled artisans and linked to a story of unique origin, With stores in Orlando and Sanford, the selection is always close. Call 407-228-4403 or 407-322-1449 for more information.
Florida Fur & Leather
Santa Shops at Florida Fur and Leather 411 19th Street South St. Petersburg FL, 33712
7 2 7 .8 2 2 .3 6 5 3
F l o r i d a F u r A n d L e a t h e r. c o m
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EXCEPTIONAL VALUES COME SEE THE NEW ARRIVALS
ORLANDO • SANFORD
T P A
Y H b b p s
F C
Great holiday gift giving items now arriving from Bali, China and India
F o d e s 7
www.wasburnimports.com
D B
Orlando 1800 N. Orange Ave. 407.228.4403
Sanford 116 E. 1st St. 407.322.1449
D a s r t 3
Tampa Bay performing arTs CenTer
You remember Wonderland, the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts and the rest? Now they are back in a new musical produced by TBPAC. You could be among the first to experience a strange-yet-familiar place filled with fantastic characters and beautiful sounds. Visit TBPAC.org for tickets.
25%
DISCOUNT ON ALL BOOKS UNDER $100
wonderlandthemusical.org
WITH THIS AD
40,000 Used, Rare & Collectible Books
OLD TAMPA BOOK COMPANY
813-209-2151
507 N. Tampa Street (Downtown Tampa) Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 11-5 www.oldtampabookcompany.com
florida CrafTsmen
Florida Craftsmen, Inc. is Florida’s only state-wide nonprofit organization exclusively dedicated to fine craft and design. The gallery offers an ultimate holiday shopping experience and includes ArtLofts, a community of 21 artist studios on the second floor. For more information call 727-821-7391 or visit FloridaCraftsmen.net.
“It Smells Good, it Tastes Good and it Feels So Good Goin’ Down”
d’Tails peT BouTique and spa
D’Tails offers one-stop shopping for your pets’ needs and offers grooming services for all dog and cat breeds seven days a week. The boutique features pet beds, raised feeders, collars, apparel, toys and more, all of the highest quality. Gift cards are available. Call 407327-7707 or visit DTailsPets.com.
10016 Cross Creek Blvd ,Tampa 33647 Dine-In Café / Event Catering Services We invite you to come experience
www.UrbanCulinaryCuisine.com
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H
APPY HOLIDAYS F R O M
T H E
TAMPA BAY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER
WONDERLAND Nov. 24-Jan. 3
Dec. 13
DAVID COPPERFIELD An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion Jan. 22
Orlando Ballet’s
THE NUTCRACKER Dec. 22-23
COMPLEXIONS CONTEMPORARY BALLET Jan. 14
´ RENEE FLEMING Jan. 26
BROADWAY SEASON Mini-season ticket packages for the 2009-2010 Broadway season still available.
GIFT CARDS!
If you can’t give them the moon – give them the STARS
SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE! TICKETS, DINING & INFO:
813.229.STAR (7827) • TBPAC.ORG OUTSIDE TAMPA BAY: 800.955.1045 TAMPA BAY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Events, days, dates, times, performers and prices are subject to change without notice.
Dan Fiorini Crossroads Center 2060 tyrone Blvd. n. st. PetersBurg, Fl 33710-4643 727-344-1000 Fiorinigallery.Com
CuStoM FraMeS & MirrorS open
Monday-Friday 10 -6 Saturday 11am -4 pm am
pm
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ar
20 08 k’s
a nn u al
In less than a year, Mother Falcon has grown into the go-to place for original tees. The boutique allows customers to choose a design from a large portfolio or bring in their own creations to have imprinted onto a t-shirt. The 15-minute process is always fun and fabulous. Call 407-423-3060 for pricing and details.
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Voted 2009 WAVE Award Winner MASSAGE THERAPIST OF THE YEAR
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ety and
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ce
Wm Cory Jeffries, LMT 813-368-0532 (CELL)
www.TAMPAPROMASSAGE.com FL LIC MA22480
King CenTer
Give the gift of entertainment with tickets to any of the amazing concerts or upcoming Broadway shows at The King Center in Melbourne. A Chorus Line and diva Gladys Knight are both coming in February and more shows are added each week. Visit KingCenter.com or call 407-242-2219 for show details.
Our best performing paint. Period. • Deeper, richer colors • Smoother application • Low odor
THE VILLAGE PAINT SHOPPE Store Name Here
Here
1061 S. Sun Dr.#1105 10956 W. Colonial Dr. Lake Mary, Fl. 32746 Ocoee, Fl. 34761 407-328-0908 407-654-8343
benjaminmooreonline.com
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fiorini gallery and frame
Place your holiday custom frame order at Fiorini Gallery and Frame by Thanksgiving and get a 20% discount. Turn a photo into a masterpiece with the Canvas Transfer Service. To see a calendar of upcoming artists, shows and events, visit FioriniGallery.com or call 727-344-1000.
don’T Be afraid of
TradiTions THis Holiday
C
STEVE BLANCHARD
elebrating the holidays is all about tradition.
From the spread of food on the dining room table to the way the decorations are displayed throughout the house, there is always some sense of history embedded in our annual gatherings. Many of us remember holidays at the homes of our grandparents or other relatives. Each year, the gathering would incorporate old traditions while introducing new ones—and new family members—to the mix. I remember almost every holiday celebration from my childhood. Christmas Eves spent at my grandmother’s house were always full of laughter and warmth—and shredded wrapping paper scattered throughout the living room by the end of the night. As our family grew, her house seemed to get smaller and smaller. But that didn’t stop the traditions that began before I was born. Christmas mornings were always eventful, with my parents rubbing their eyes and sipping coffee as my sister and I tore through packages that were color-coded for us. I had the red packages with green ribbons; she had the green packages with red ribbons. To this day I still send my closest friends on a scavenger hunt, just as I made my sister do when I reached high school age. Many LGBTs continue to incorporate traditions from their past while incorporating new ones to include our partners, children, friends, neighbors and pets. “Family� has many definitions and traditions have a way of forming by themselves as we celebrate with those closest to us. Don’t be afraid to experience new traditions. We ask for the overall community to be open-minded, so why can’t we do the same during the holiday season? As you are tearing through your packages this holiday—no matter which holiday you celebrate—take a moment and reflect on the gift of friendship and love that so many of those around you give throughout the year. While we all enjoy beautiful packages filled with fabulous gifts, don’t forget that the best gifts don’t always come wrapped in paper and ribbons.
Give the Gift of Entertainment!
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May we suggest . . . THEATRE TICKETS TO THE KING CENTER No need to worry about size, color or style One Size Fits All Uncertain of which show . . . Gift Certificates are available in $5 increments Good for all shows at the King Center
Visit our Ticket Office or call 321.242-2219 www.kingcenter.com -AXWELL # +ING #ENTER FOR THE 0ERFORMING !RTS OF "REVARD #OMMUNITY #OLLEGE s -ELBOURNE &LORIDA
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Head to WatermarkOnline.com
to see the online version of the franCis House
Francis House has been serving Tampa Bay’s HIV/AIDS community for 20 years and is dependent on the community to help ensure that its clients have the very best holiday season. The organization’s wish list includes: gift cards for clients, canned food, hygiene items and toys for kids. To help the charity, contact Joy at 813-237-3066.
Watermark Holiday Gift Guide 2009!
YOUR LGBT LIFE. DAILY.
START
HERE. y T disTriBuTing
Nothing says holidays like having your stocking stuffed! Don’t forget to take care of yourself this holiday season and shop online at YTDistributing. com from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Enter “holiday” at the checkout screen and get 20% off purchases through Dec. 31, 2009.
T O Y S F OR ME N & W OME N , L UBRI C A N T S , T I CK L E R S , S T R A P - ON S
SANTA’S SECRET
WORKSHOP L O V E B O U T I Q UE F L . C O M
4, 5, 6 HOUR DVDS
FOR ONLY
1
$ .99
Bring in this coupon for
loVe BouTique
Get your stocking stuffed at The Love Boutique. Visit 5,000 square-feet of fetish, fantasy and fabulousness and Central Florida’s largest selection of Falcon Videos and Toys. Videos start at $1.99 and the boutique offers toys and accessories for men and women. Visit LoveBoutiqueFL.com or call 407-856-0311
5 FREE ADULT DVD’S with purchase of $30 of novelties or lingerie
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
5,000 sf of fetish, fantasy & fabulousness
955 TAFT VINELAND ROAD ORLANDO 32824 • (4O7) 856-O311
J U ST M I N UTE S N O RTH O F H U NTE R S C R E E K , 1 ½ M I L E S S O UTH O F F L O R I D A M A L L
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