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Tampa Bay's virtual magazine celebrating fashion, flavor, travel, culture and beauty (inside & out). Winter issue features A Billie Holiday fashion editorial, desserts around town, museums and galleiries, and Buzz Aldrin.
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813.421.3725
Create. Motivate.
THEY CALLEDYOU CRAZY.
THEY SAIDIT COULDN’T
BE DONE.
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Everyday’s a vacation when you’re a member at Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club...especially now that we’ve recently completed a $26-million renovation and expansion. Rejuvenate yourself at the sparkling new Indaba Spa and fitness center. Enjoy the game of a lifetime on four renowned golf courses, including Copperhead, home of the PGA TOUR’s Transitions Championship.
You and the kids can cool off in six pools, including Loch Ness with its waterslides and sandy beaches. Explore Florida’s natural side on 900 wooded acres. Fish scenic Lake Innisbrook. Or play on one of 11 clay tennis courts.
We invite you to contact Doug Schmidt, Director of Membership, for your private tour. [email protected]
Social$109 Annual Fee $109 Monthly Dues
TenniS$139 Annual Fee $139 Monthly Dues
ReSoRT Golf$219 Monthly DuesexecuTive Golf
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InnisbrookGolfResort.com36750 US HWY 19 N. • Innisbrook, FL 34684
Whether for business or pleasure, an Innisbrook membership stands as one of the greatest values in the nation. Clubs with similar amenities typically demand initiation fees of $100,000 or more. Not at Innisbrook. With Social memberships, Tennis memberships plus a variety of lifetime family Golf memberships, with a one-time initiation fee of only $7,500, Innisbrook has everything your family is looking for in a club and more.
IR22840 TamBayMemberAd2.indd 1 9/14/09 2:00:36 PM
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SusanJeffersPhotography.comMakeup: Pamela Bloomgren
VERTICAL highlights the treasures that defi ne our community. Focusing on fashion, fl avor, travel, culture and beauty (inside and out), it is a primer for carpe diem.If each day is a gift, let’s make the most of as many as we can. As you
fl ip through VERTICAL and fi nd places that appeal to you, don’t allow geography to stand in your way. Go the distance to discover new places and new experiences to cherish.
PRO features legendary astronaut and moonwalker Buzz Aldrin—a man who knows a little something about getting vertical in pursuit of adventure (and a change of scenery).
Tampa Bay is a destination packed with places perfect for putting a little space between us and the day to day. We can achieve mini-
holidays simply by getting out of our own neck of the woods to explore diff erent neighborhoods.
This issue exposes our colorful cultural scene. Pile the family into the car and skip town in search of stimulation at local
museums and galleries. The Tampa Artist Emporium houses an eclectic concentration of artwork to admire
and to take home, while museum memberships are gifts that give all year long and provide an evolu-tion of entertainment at area attractions.
Our sampling of local signature spa treatments should provide every ounce of motivation you’ll need to grab the girls and steal away in favor of some TLC. Make a day of it with lunch at a fab
café and time for shopping.Top that with “Taste’s” tour of delectable desserts
and you’ve got all the ingredients for a sweet new year.The power to aff ect positive change in our community lies
within each of us. Imagine the possibilities and make them your reality. Embrace what moves you. Support the worthy causes and frequent the
places featured throughout VERTICAL, and it truly will be a celebration.
Leslie Joy Ickowitz, Publisher
813.242.2400 • www.benzmodels.com
benzad.indd 1 10/28/09 2:52 PM
813.242.4400 • www.benzmodelandtalent.com
START
STYLISHPhotographer: SusanJeffersPhotography.com
BEAUTY FULLModel: Germaine Gibbs
Photograph by Roger Gibbs
EXPOSURE“Tempest” by Lee Arden Oken
Photograph by www.PatFoleyPhoto.com
HABITAT“Bird Tree” by Alicia Campos
Photograph by www.PatFoleyPhoto.com
TASTE
WANDERLUSTCopyright © Sheri Griffith Expeditions, courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC
SOCIAL BUTTERFLY
PRO
PEOPLE WHO ROCK
PEACE OUTPhotograph by Leslie Joy Ickowitz
ON THE COVER:Photographer: SusanJeffersPhotography.com
Stylist: Pamela Bloomgren, MOD Productions
Hair: Bill Baker
Makeup: Lindsey Matacchiero
Model: Felicia Postell, Benz Model & Talent Agency
Clothing & Accessories: La France
“Murple Percury” hot rod provided by Mark Crittenden
ON THIS PAGE:“Wild Horses” by Dawn Hunt
Photograph by www.PatFoleyPhoto.com
The BUZZ on
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Warren "Curt" LeimbachWarren "Curt" LeimbachWarren "Curt" Leimbach
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Maxine Schnall (Pulitzer Prize Maxine Schnall (Pulitzer Prize Maxine Schnall (Pulitzer Prize
Nominated Author)Nominated Author)Nominated Author)
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Your magazine is Your magazine is Your magazine is BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!Nancy Howe Publisher, Nancy Howe Publisher, Nancy Howe Publisher, Nancy Howe Publisher, Nancy Howe Publisher, Nancy Howe Publisher,
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Just browsed through the Premier, Just browsed through the Premier, Just browsed through the Premier,
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Mark Marker Director of Sales, Mark Marker Director of Sales, Mark Marker Director of Sales,
Innisbrook Resort & Golf ClubInnisbrook Resort & Golf ClubInnisbrook Resort & Golf Club
Vertical has got to be
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ONE OF THE BEST
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magazine layouts I’ve ever
magazine layouts I’ve ever
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photography, very clean [and]
photography, very clean [and]
photography, very clean [and]
I love the minimalist approach.
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Very well rounded info too with
Very well rounded info too with
Very well rounded info too with
fashion, restaurants in the bay
fashion, restaurants in the bay
fashion, restaurants in the bay
area, event calendars, mini bios,
area, event calendars, mini bios,
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travel, etc. Well done!
travel, etc. Well done!
travel, etc. Well done!
Terri de HaanTerri de HaanTerri de Haan
What a What a What a BEAUTIFULBEAUTIFULBEAUTIFUL - no, - no, - no, FABULOUSFABULOUSFABULOUS - publication! Your photos - publication! Your photos - publication! Your photos
pop; everything looks pop; everything looks pop; everything looks “JUICY.”“JUICY.”“JUICY.”Emily Stehle, The Pier AquariumEmily Stehle, The Pier AquariumEmily Stehle, The Pier Aquarium
An absolutely An absolutely An absolutely An absolutely An absolutely An absolutely An absolutely An absolutely An absolutely PHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALPHENOMENALjob. Brianna was especially impressed job. Brianna was especially impressed job. Brianna was especially impressed job. Brianna was especially impressed job. Brianna was especially impressed job. Brianna was especially impressed job. Brianna was especially impressed job. Brianna was especially impressed job. Brianna was especially impressed job. Brianna was especially impressed job. Brianna was especially impressed job. Brianna was especially impressed job. Brianna was especially impressed job. Brianna was especially impressed job. Brianna was especially impressed job. Brianna was especially impressed job. Brianna was especially impressed job. Brianna was especially impressed with the Manga article. Success is a with the Manga article. Success is a with the Manga article. Success is a with the Manga article. Success is a with the Manga article. Success is a with the Manga article. Success is a with the Manga article. Success is a with the Manga article. Success is a with the Manga article. Success is a with the Manga article. Success is a with the Manga article. Success is a with the Manga article. Success is a with the Manga article. Success is a with the Manga article. Success is a with the Manga article. Success is a foregone conclusion.foregone conclusion.foregone conclusion.
Bernard BraginskyBernard BraginskyBernard Braginsky
The pictures The pictures The pictures and colors and colors and colors are are are OUT OUT OUT OF THIS OF THIS OF THIS WORLD!WORLD!WORLD!A feast to A feast to A feast to the eye! the eye! the eye!
BRAVO!BRAVO!BRAVO!Keep up the Keep up the Keep up the good work!good work!good work!
EleniEleniEleni
Wow! Wow! Wow! TRULY AMAZING!TRULY AMAZING!TRULY AMAZING!TRULY AMAZING!TRULY AMAZING!TRULY AMAZING!TRULY AMAZING!TRULY AMAZING!TRULY AMAZING!Congratulations for creating Congratulations for creating Congratulations for creating Congratulations for creating Congratulations for creating Congratulations for creating such an enjoyable, impressive
such an enjoyable, impressive such an enjoyable, impressive such an enjoyable, impressive such an enjoyable, impressive such an enjoyable, impressive such an enjoyable, impressive such an enjoyable, impressive such an enjoyable, impressive and and and ORGANICORGANICORGANICORGANICORGANICORGANIC component component component component component component
of our community!of our community!of our community!of our community!of our community!of our community!Jeff Kremer Director of Donor Jeff Kremer Director of Donor Jeff Kremer Director of Donor Jeff Kremer Director of Donor Jeff Kremer Director of Donor Jeff Kremer Director of Donor Appreciation, Big Cat RescueAppreciation, Big Cat RescueAppreciation, Big Cat RescueAppreciation, Big Cat RescueAppreciation, Big Cat RescueAppreciation, Big Cat Rescue
I wanted to take a minute to tell I wanted to take a minute to tell I wanted to take a minute to tell I wanted to take a minute to tell I wanted to take a minute to tell I wanted to take a minute to tell I wanted to take a minute to tell I wanted to take a minute to tell I wanted to take a minute to tell I wanted to take a minute to tell I wanted to take a minute to tell I wanted to take a minute to tell I wanted to take a minute to tell I wanted to take a minute to tell I wanted to take a minute to tell
you how you how you how IMPRESSIVEIMPRESSIVEIMPRESSIVEIMPRESSIVEIMPRESSIVEIMPRESSIVEIMPRESSIVEIMPRESSIVEIMPRESSIVE your your your your your your your your your your your your
magazine is! I looked through it magazine is! I looked through it magazine is! I looked through it magazine is! I looked through it magazine is! I looked through it magazine is! I looked through it magazine is! I looked through it magazine is! I looked through it magazine is! I looked through it magazine is! I looked through it magazine is! I looked through it magazine is! I looked through it magazine is! I looked through it magazine is! I looked through it magazine is! I looked through it magazine is! I looked through it magazine is! I looked through it magazine is! I looked through it
yesterday online and it is really yesterday online and it is really yesterday online and it is really yesterday online and it is really yesterday online and it is really yesterday online and it is really yesterday online and it is really yesterday online and it is really yesterday online and it is really yesterday online and it is really yesterday online and it is really yesterday online and it is really yesterday online and it is really yesterday online and it is really yesterday online and it is really yesterday online and it is really yesterday online and it is really yesterday online and it is really
great! great! great! CONGRATULATIONSCONGRATULATIONSCONGRATULATIONSCONGRATULATIONSCONGRATULATIONSCONGRATULATIONSCONGRATULATIONSCONGRATULATIONSCONGRATULATIONSCONGRATULATIONSCONGRATULATIONSCONGRATULATIONSCONGRATULATIONSCONGRATULATIONSCONGRATULATIONSCONGRATULATIONSCONGRATULATIONSCONGRATULATIONS!!!
Patty Masin, Vice President / General Patty Masin, Vice President / General Patty Masin, Vice President / General Patty Masin, Vice President / General Patty Masin, Vice President / General Patty Masin, Vice President / General Patty Masin, Vice President / General Patty Masin, Vice President / General Patty Masin, Vice President / General Patty Masin, Vice President / General Patty Masin, Vice President / General Patty Masin, Vice President / General Patty Masin, Vice President / General Patty Masin, Vice President / General Patty Masin, Vice President / General Patty Masin, Vice President / General Patty Masin, Vice President / General Patty Masin, Vice President / General
Manager, Neiman MarcusManager, Neiman MarcusManager, Neiman MarcusManager, Neiman MarcusManager, Neiman MarcusManager, Neiman MarcusManager, Neiman MarcusManager, Neiman MarcusManager, Neiman Marcus
I absolutely love I absolutely love I absolutely love
the look of your the look of your the look of your
magazine. It’s so magazine. It’s so magazine. It’s so
CLEANCLEANCLEAN and very and very and very and very and very and very
REFINEDREFINEDREFINED—but —but —but
not cold. Warm and not cold. Warm and not cold. Warm and
easy on the eyes.easy on the eyes.easy on the eyes.easy on the eyes.easy on the eyes.easy on the eyes.
Jen HollowayJen HollowayJen HollowayJen HollowayJen HollowayJen Holloway
Photography by SusanJeffersPhotography.com
Hair and Makeup by Lindsey Matacchiero
Publisher & Editor in ChiefLeslie Joy Ickowitz
Creative DirectorLeslie Joy Ickowitz
Art DirectorJames Burgos, BoulevardCreative.com
Contributing WritersBill Baker ✵ Marcia Biggs ✵ Linda Blum ✵ Carol CortrightArcadia Jimenez ✵ Casey Brook McPhee ✵ Rachel Oertel
Eleni Papanicolaou ✵ Janan Talafer
Contributing PhotographersGreyStreetStudios.com ✵ MKBFoto.com
PatFoleyPhoto.com ✵ SusanJeff ersPhotography.com
ProofreadingSwathi Reddy ✵ Ian Wark
InternEmilie Lorden, Assistant to the Publisher
VERTICAL is a community magazine and we welcome your participation. Letters to the Editor, inquiries and nominations for Social Butterfl y and Pro may be sent to: [email protected]. For advertising and other inquiries, please call 813.382.4387 or email: [email protected]. To enjoy a complimentary subscription to VERTICAL delivered via email, visit: VerticalTampaBay.com.
Copyright 2009 VERTICAL™ Tampa Bay. All rights reserved. Reproduction, either in whole or in part, is forbidden without written
permission from the publisher. Articles and advertisements published in VERTICAL™ Tampa Bay do not necessarily refl ect the opinions
of the publisher. VERTICAL™ Tampa Bay assumes no liability for the content and shall not be held liable for any errors or omissions. No
responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. All letters and press releases sent to VERTICAL™ Tampa Bay may be unconditionally
assigned for publication and are subject to VERTICAL™ Tampa Bay’s editorial comment. VERTICAL™ Tampa Bay is not to be held liable
for the quality or performance of goods or services rendered by the advertisers in this publication.
STYLISH
Fashion’s
OutNight
Photography by www.mkbfoto.com
On September 10th, 2009 Neiman Marcus Tampa Bay partici-pated in the fashion industries’ global cel-ebration of style and invited VERTICAL to debut its premier issue. With over 500 of the Bay area’s most fash-ion-forward guests in attendance, “Fashion’s Night Out” was a stel-lar evening of mingling, sipping, sampling and shopping with live entertainment, catered cuisine, champagne flowing and gorgeous models striking poses and strutting through-out the scene.
The brainchild of Vogue’s Editor in Chief Anna Wintour, Fashion’s Night Out was designed to spark renewed interest and support for the fash-ion industry. The call to action was heard around the world, where from New York City to Italy, France, India and beyond, fashion enthusiasts, designers, models and celebrities gathered to celebrate fashion’s present and stimulate its future.
“The feedback was more than we could
have hoped for as again and again, our customers and clients thanked us for providing such a delightful experience and for bringing the
happiness back to fashion.”
~ Patty Masin, vice president and general manager of
Neiman Marcus Tampa Bay
The 2nd Annual Fashion Week Tampa Bay (FWTB) epito-mized the Bay area’s fashion scene with a four-day extravaganza that brought local and regional designers, buy-ers, models, boutiques and the style-wsavvy together. It provided a platform to showcase the area’s established and emerging fashion designers while turn-ing attention to the two event beneficiaries, Best Buddies Tampa and the YWCA of Tampa Bay.
“We look forward to growing this event and are grateful to our partners and sponsors who help make this community event a success,” says Nancy Vaughn, executive pro-ducer and senior event publicist for FWTB.
The energy at Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2009 was conta-gious with great antici-pation for the runway shows on Thursday and Friday nights. Once the spotlight hit the catwalk, designers presented their Spring 2010 collections prov-ing to fashion fans that Tampa Bay’s got style.
Fashion Week
Tampa Bay
Photography by www.mkbfoto.com
A Billie Holiday
Location: Morrisound Recording Photography: SusanJeffersPhotography.com Wardrobe: Pamela Bloomgren, MOD Productions Hair: Bill Baker Makeup: Lindsey Matacchiero Model: Felicia Postell, Benz Model & Talent Agency Clothing: La France Jewelry: Pearls on opening page and jewelry
on this page from Zoey Bloom Hot Rod: "Murple Percury" provided by Mark Crittenden Musicians: Kevin Wilder & Don Capone
FASHION STYLING & MAKEUP ARTISTRY BY PAMELA BLOOMGREN & NELDA CORBETT
MODPRODUCTIONS727.458.4143
FASHIONHEADSHOTSWEDDINGSLIFESTYLECOMPOSITES
BEAUTY FULL
SENSATIONSSignature
A Sampling of Inspired Spa TreatmentsStory by Janan Talafer ❧ Photos courtesy of Indaba Spa at Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club
Indulge. Rejuvenate. Savor. Luxuriate. Whether you con-sider them magical mini retreats or heaven on earth, spa escapes are about stepping back from the usual day-to-day stress of thinking, working, organizing and planning. We
rarely take time to relax and release the toxins that build up in our bodies and in our minds. So go ahead, treat yourself. This selection of some of the Tampa Bay area’s most inspired spa treat-ments should spark a sensation.
AQUASTONE WELL SPAST. PETERSBURGIf you’re looking for a complete spa experience with a comprehensive wellness package, this is it. You can participate in yoga, tai chi, Pilates and healthy cooking classes, take a complimentary anti-aging shower, relax in the Zen lounge, step into a hydrosoak with “Moor Mud” or enjoy a thermal stone massage. Signature treatment: the Green Coffee Body Wrap designed to reduce cellulite and eliminate a build-up of toxins in the body to help you look and feel slimmer and firmer, especially if you’ve been overindulging lately. You can also detox with the exotic-sounding Purifying Moroccan Cocoon with Rassoul, which treats your skin with a mineral-rich mud solution. Some of the spa’s seasonal winter selections include a pep-permint patty pedicure, white truffle body wrap or hot cocoa massage. www.aquastonewellspa.com
AWA SPA & WELLNESS SANCTUARYSOUTH TAMPAA South Tampa home has been transformed into a unique spa and healing center, the vision of Germaine Gibbs, who is originally from Curaçao. A Reiki master, esthetician and model, Gibbs is an expert in custom-blending herbs, both for hot teas and body treatments. Signature treatment: the AWA Wellness Massage which incorporates chakra balancing, a scalp massage, foot reflexol-ogy, breath work and a full-body massage. Known for its “ancient healing techniques” that release energy blockages and bring you back into balance with a sense of inner calm and peace, the AWA Spa is perfect for those times when you’re feeling overwhelmed and in need of a little extra TLC. www.awaspa.com
BOTANICA DAY SPACLEARWATERDowntown Clearwater’s first spa, Botanica features all-natural treatments—think sea salts, honey butter, peppermint, cranberries and mint. Signature treat-ment: Mountain Glow Honey Butter Treatment, the ideal option if your skin feels a little dry during the winter, or if you want to make up for the sun’s assault over summer. During this blissful, one hour treatment, your body is gently exfoliated with aro-matic sea salts and honey butter and then wrapped in a warm blanket to help you relax and de-stress.
After a quick nap and shower, moisturizing lotion is massaged into your skin for a smooth, all-over softness. The spa also offers many seasonal specials, such as the peppermint pedicure and cranberry salt scrub, so be sure to inquire when you schedule an appointment. www.botanicadayspa.com
ENERGY WELLNESS MOBILE DAY SPA COMES TO YOUThis mobile spa service allows you to enjoy treat-ments in the privacy of your own home or another location of your choice. Best of all, you don’t have to get back in the car and fight traffic after your bodywork is completed. Signature treatment: A green tea mint salt glow with an infusion of green tea extract, mint, Dead Sea salts and essential oils to remove dead skin cells and invigorate the skin, while leaving it soft. Your face gets pampered, too, with a mini-facial using a four-step organic skin care system—cleansing with apple extract and witch hazel; exfoliating with a walnut polish and aloe vera; a detoxing masque; and a day hydrator with antioxidants and SPF 15 sun protection. All of this is followed with a one-hour therapeutic massage. 727.204.5461.
GRAND BEAUTY SPASOUTH TAMPASlip away and enjoy the “grand” treatment inside a cozy South Tampa spa, salon and alternative medical center. Signature treatment: the Grand Ritual—a custom facial, followed by a full-body exfoliating citrus honey scrub. Once the outer body is polished and relaxed, Kita Sound Therapy takes care of inner healing. This unique treatment uses sound and vibration synchronized with music to restore balance, harmony and peace of mind. If you’d like to bring your significant other, try the Grand Essential Couples Spa Experience. Soak together in a luxurious milk and rose petal bath and then enjoy side-by-side massages incorporating Swedish, Thai and Shiatsu techniques, plus a warm mud compress to release toxins. Finish with a facial customized for your skin to achieve a beautiful glow. www.thegrandbeautyspa.com
INDABA SPA AT INNISBROOKPALM HARBOR In the midst of the 900-acre Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, surround yourself with luxury at
Indaba Spa, where you can also enjoy a private outdoor terrace, or walk the meditation labyrinth. Signature treatment: The Indaba Signature Facial and the Coco Luscious Body Treatment—both use the spa’s European-style Eminence Organic Skin Care. Deep exfoliation with fruit enzymes and paprika increases blood circulation and fi rms the face. Then a gentle raspberry exfoliation and mask hydrates and reduces fi ne lines around the eyes. Lips are treated too, with a mask, exfoliation and moisturizing. Top it off with a full-body coconut sugar scrub followed by a mango enzyme wrap, and then a gentle cocooning in warm towels. Finish with watermelon papaya body butter for sleek and smooth skin all over. www.spaatinnisbrook.com
SPA MORITZ SALON & SPANEW TAMPAYou’ll feel like you’ve been whisked off to Paris or Prague at this beautiful spa with gold vaulted ceilings, chandeliers and stately columns. Signature treatment: A caviar hand and foot treatment while you recline in a vibrating, heated chair—you may never want to go home! A blend of caviar, reti-nol, marine collagen, vitamins and Jojoba beads exfoliate, brighten and smooth the skin on your hands and feet. Or for pure decadence, while you sip a chocolate martini, your feet are dipped in a chocolate scrub and your face is treated to a chocolate mask. Chocolate is said to be healthy for the body, both inside and out, so this might be the perfect indulgence. The spa also off ers a pumpkin smoothie facial peel—smells just like pumpkin pie. www.spamoritz.com
Janan Talafer is a seasoned Tampa Bay freelance writer who enjoys delivering compelling writing to suite her clients’ needs. She is passionate about gardening, books, swing dancing and dark chocolate. Janan can be reached at 727.895.3659 or [email protected].
Beauty fullView
RED LIPSWhen the economy goes south, women go for red lipstick. It’s called the “lipstick principle”, a term coined by Estee Lauder after 9/11. As we have learned from the depression era till now, with every economic downturn, lipstick sales have soared—especially red.
This time, skip the lip liner and keep the edges soft along with the rest of the face. Lip drama goes a long way. And if drama is what you want, then say “to heck with soft,” and do bold, exotic eyes with heavy eyeliner and extend the tips as long as you dare. It may be over-the-top but if it lifts your spirits, who cares?
For those of you who just like the look of red without stopping traffi c, picking the right shade makes all the diff erence. Usually blue-reds look best if your skin is fair with pink undertones, while yellow undertones or olive skin look better with orange-reds. If you have trouble deciding, enlist the sales staff at the cosmetic counter to assist. In the meantime, let’s keep our fi ngers crossed for Wall Street and hope for pinker days ahead.
CURLING IRON REVIVALStill trying to get that loose wavy look in long hair? Here’s the secret: Use the curling iron without opening the clamp. Yep, it’s that easy. Wrap your hair around the outside of the curling iron while holding on to the last little wisp of hair on the end (you can use a cotton glove to protect your fi ngertips). The smaller the iron you use, the closer the waves. Brush the hair gently and turn the ends under for a retro look.
BUMP IT UPIf you haven’t noticed yet, hair is getting higher. Designers have a way of creating extremes to get their point across and extreme takes on a whole new meaning this year. Let’s brush up on what it takes to create the latest look yourself.
If your talent for teasing is totally lacking, there is the ready made Bump-it available at your nearest drugstore. It is a hideous piece of plastic that pins to your head and is covered with a badly teased section of your own hair. But save yourself the $10, we can do better than that.
Instead, we have the Bill Baker School of Backcombing. Starting about two inches back from your hairline, lift the fi rst section of hair straight up from your head. Using a fi ne tooth-comb (meaning the teeth of the comb that are close together), comb the hair back toward the scalp starting about half way up the hair shaft. Be sure to push the hair very close to the scalp. Repeat the process again until the strand of hair stands on its own. Use hairspray lightly at the base if necessary. Take the next section of hair behind the fi rst section and repeat. Use as many sections of hair as needed to create the “bump” that looks right to you. This is a personal choice, but remember that the teasing does have a tendency to collapse so you might want to start a little higher initially. Smooth the outside of the fi rst section of hair using the teeth of the comb very lightly to give it a fi nished look. Don’t worry about making it too perfect, it actually looks better if it is a little messy. If it is too high, pat it lightly into the shape and height you want. If it’s not high enough, use a pick (or even a fork will do) to lift it up. Use hairspray to hold it in place. Remember, practice makes perfect!
While attending art school, Bill Baker saw the movie “Shampoo” starring Warren Beatty. It was then that he decided, like Warren, to sur-round himself with beautiful women. He feels lucky to have accomplished his goal in the beauty industry and hopes some of his observations and opinions prove to be helpful. Contact Bill with questions or comments at: [email protected] or www.Billbakerhair.com
Tips from Tampa Bay’s Celebrity Hair Stylist On the LooseStory by Bill Baker ❧ Photography by SusanJeff ersPhotography.com
Another year has fl own by and 2010 is nearly upon us. As we refl ect on the past and look forward to new beginnings, let us energize ourselves for the upcoming year with a healthier body and glowing skin.
We all know the importance of oxygen. Oxygen is one of the elements that helps keep our body and skin in prime condition to defend against aging. When
combined with vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino-acids, it boosts metabolism and restores vitality to aging tissues.To look your best during the holidays and throughout the new year,
incorporate these good habits into your daily routine:1. Depending on your schedule and age group, start an aerobic program.
The increased activity will accelerate your heart rate and oxygenate your blood.2. Follow a diet balanced in proteins and carbohydrates, acidic and alkaline
foods. Avoid excessive salt and sugar to prevent water retention.3. Start a daily regimen of cleansing, toning, hydrating, protecting and nourishing
your skin. In the morning, use a creamy or foamy cleanser all over your face, neck and chest, and rinse with luke-warm water. Pat dry. Apply the appropriate toner and let dry.
Apply moisturizer with your fi ngertips all over your face, neck and chest. Wait a few minutes for the moisturizer to be absorbed and apply a sunscreen (minimum of SPF 25). Now you are
ready to apply your makeup. (See sidebar)4. At night, repeat the cleansing and toning process and apply your night cream. Remember that the
Treating You to a Beautiful YouStory by Eleni Papanicolaou
Year like aStart the New
Bright Star
regeneration process takes place while you sleep.5. Depending on your skin type, exfoliate once
or twice per week.PRE PARTY AND PORTRAIT PLANNING
1. Avoid aggressive treatments right before holi-day parties or family portraits. Drink a lot of water and green tea to fl ush out toxins and keep your body and skin well hydrated.
2. Before getting ready to go to a party, take a relaxing bath and incorporate green tea bags into the hot water. Green tea has slimming, bactericidal and anti-oxidant properties. Remember to apply your favorite body lotion all over as soon as you step out of the bath.
Take time to relax and enjoy your family and friends. Dream big and set your goals for the New Year. Remember that every journey starts with taking the fi rst step.
Eleni Papanicolaou is a Board Certifi ed Skin Care Specialist with 26 years experience in anti-aging and derma-corrective skin care.
MAKEUP APPLICATION TIPS✵ Apply foundation with a brush so you can
feather over flawless areas while concealing blemishes and dilated capillaries.
✵ This season brows are fuller and well defined. Using a thin pencil, make hair-like strokes to enhance the natural shape of your brows.
✵ Apply blush to the apple of the cheek.
✵ To create a smoky eye, apply a dark color on the upper eyelid and a lighter color from the crease to the brow arch.
✵ Use a soft pencil or kohl on the root of the lashes and across your upper and lower lash line. Soften the effect with a thin brush.
✵ If a lip liner is needed, choose a color that coordinates with your lipstick. Otherwise use a lip brush to create an even and precise shimmering lip.
EXPOSURE
A LASTING IMPRESSION
Yearlong Sightseeing with Museum Memberships
Story by Carol Cortright
You can’t go wrong with a great gift like this: a museum membership
tailored to your recipient’s particular interests. Museum memberships give
your special someone the opportunity to experience new things and make
new memories all year long with the added bonus of supporting Tampa
Bay’s splendid variety of cultural institutions.
Although each museum may off er its own unique perks, memberships
generally include free admission; subscriptions to newsletters and e-mail
updates; invitations to members-only events and advance ticket purchase
for special events; discounts on gift shop and café purchases and program
fees (where applicable); and in some cases, access to museum archives and
reciprocal benefi ts at other participating museums. Membership fees vary and
can range from $20 for students to $35 and up for individuals and families.
Visit museum web sites for complete information and details about current
and upcoming exhibits and events. Here are just a few suggestions:
TAMPA THEATREThe web site sums it up: “Tampa Theatre is the most elegant place in which you will ever order Goobers.” Supporters of this architectural and cultural treasure are rewarded with fantas-tic films that just aren’t available at your run-of-the-mill megaplexes, along with classic movie events, concerts and behind-the-scenes tours. www.tampatheatre.org
RUTH ECKERD HALLThere’s not a bad seat in the house at this inti-mate Clearwater performing arts venue. 2010 shows include The Color Purple, A Chorus Line, Riverdance, Lord of the Dance and Chicago. www.rutheckerdhall.com
TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTERThis new state-of-the-art museum in Tampa’s Channelside district tells the story of 12,000 years of bay area history through interactive exhibits, fascinating displays and captivating programs. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org
HENRY B. PLANT MUSEUMLocated beneath the Tampa skyline’s signature silver minarets, this corner of the former Tampa Bay Hotel showcases unique local history from times-gone-by with events and exhibits including the Victorian Christmas Stroll, Gasparilla: A Tampa Tradition and a Victorian Valentine-Making class. www.plantmuseum.com
MOSIA visit to MOSI is an electrifying experience, introducing children and adults alike to the won-ders of science and technology. In addition to hands-on exhibits, Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry is home to the domed IMAX audi-torium and one amazing venue for birthday parties. www.mosi.org
Carol Cortright is a freelance feature writer and copy-writer. She contributes travel, art/culture, food and busi-ness articles to a variety of publications and she helps companies, nonprofits, and professionals find and finesse the right words for any occasion or project. Carol can be reached at 727. 793.8826 or [email protected].
TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART TMA’s exciting new facility is slated to open in early 2010, complete with its inaugural show, A Celebration of Henri Matisse, featuring prints, paintings and sculpture by one of the 20th century’s greatest artists. www.tampamuseum.org
ST PETERSBURG FINE ARTS MUSEUMThis graceful Palladian edifice features collections ranging from antiquity to the French impression-ists, plus decorative arts, contemporary works, a sculpture garden and more. Special exhibitions include Legends in Photography, The Baroque World of Fernando Botero, Whistler, Hassam and the Etching Revival. www.fine-arts.org
RINGLING MUSEUM OF ARTOne can easily spend a glorious day exploring the Ringling, between its fine art and circus museums, beautiful gardens and the historic waterfront Ca’ d’Zan mansion and Asolo Theater. Special exhibi-tions include Venice in the Age of Canaletto and Gothic Art in Gilded Age. www.ringling.org
LEEPA-RATTNER MUSEUM OF ARTThis ship-shape piece of postmodern architec-ture houses works by Abraham Rattner and his family, and by Rattner’s friends and contem-poraries Picasso and Chagall, among others. Special exhibitions include “Rocky and Friends” with works by nationally recognized Rocky Bridges and nine other award-winning artists. www.spcollege.edu/central/museum
FLORIDA MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTSThis Tampa institution celebrates the importance of photography in capturing contemporary life and culture through exhibits by widely-known artists, participates in community outreach projects and presents photography classes. www.fmopa.org
THE STUDIO@620This dynamic St. Petersburg gallery provides a kaleidoscope of innovative cross-cultural exhib-its and diverse events that delight the senses and expand our consciousness of what makes the world go around. www.studio620.org
Opening photo:
Florida Museum of
Photographic Arts’
member show First
Place winner, “Some-
thing Wicked This
Way Comes” by www.
DaveGutcherPhotogra-
phy.com
Vase on this page:
Duncan McClellen, St.
Sebastian, 2008 On
loan from the artist to
Leepa-Rattner Museum
of Art
NowEnrolling!
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From one platform, a horse gal-
lops gracefully towards an imagi-
nary destination. From another, a
papier-mâché shoe makes a fashion
statement. Throughout the eclectic
space, clothing and jewelry hang out
among an array of mixed media.
Mysterious masks peer off into the
distance from some walls while mag-
nificent mosaics adorn others.
Whimsical themed ping-pong paddles, pottery, paintings, photography and more set the scene at Tampa Artist
Emporium, a fine art and craft gallery showcasing original artwork by over 100 local emerging and established artists.
“The art market here is underground,” explains Shelby Boggs, gallery director. “We have brilliant artists in Tampa and some venues are doing shows once a month but the exposure is limited. This is an opportunity for the artists to meet the ‘right’ people and showcase their work.”
In the past two years the Tampa Artist Emporium has helped open doors for over 300 local artists, enabling them to pursue their passions. As a result, some have presented their artwork in other cities such as Miami, Manhattan and even Milan. Artists apply for a coveted spot to display their creations at
WALL TO WALL INSPIRATIONShining Light on Tampa Bay’s Talent
Story by Leslie Joy Ickowitz & Arcadia Jimenez ❧ Photography by PatFoleyPhoto.com
WALL TO WALL INSPIRATIONShining Light on Tampa Bay’s Talent
Story by Leslie Joy Ickowitz & Arcadia Jimenez ❧ Photography by PatFoleyPhoto.com
the Emporium. The duration of each artist’s show-case depends on the agreed-upon rental period but rotating artwork every three months ensures a fresh perspective and an exciting evolution of eye candy to appreciate.
A destination unto itself, the Tampa Artist Emporium is a wondrous place to enjoy a relaxed afternoon stroll but it’s also a great spot to pop in and purchase a unique gift for yourself or someone else. From Joyce Koerner’s comic-book-themed art with personalized sayings to Wendy Boucher’s short novels and paper art, there is always an abundance of innovation to behold.
In response to how the Tampa Artist Emporium came to fruition Shelby shares, “It was just an idea!” A month after this “idea” surfaced, she and her husband opened the gallery with just $1000, post-cards as promotional material and two e-mail blasts. Today, Shelby continues to run the show but Sandra Jarret, one of the original artists showcased at the Emporium, has stepped up as owner. “Thanks to Sandra this will continue to work,” Shelby asserts. “She’s behind-the-scenes but she’s been here for me even before she took over. She’s been great!”
The Tampa Artist Emporium’s community par-ticipation extends beyond the art realm by contrib-uting to local charities such as The Spring of Tampa Bay, The Humane Society and Tampa Firefighters Museum. Monthly Art Mixers spotlight deserving causes while guests mingle with artists, participate in raffles, purchase one-of-a-kind gifts and play an essential role in celebrating and supporting Tampa’s art scene.
At Tampa Artist Emporium, creativity abounds from corner to corner and everywhere in between, carving its rightful place as one of the Bay area’s brightest treasures.
Tampa Artist Emporium is located in Palma Ceia’s Business and Design District in Tampa at 3415 Bay to Bay Boulevard. www.TampaArtistEmporium.com
"Wild Horses" by Dawn Hunt
Artist Linda Roberts
HABITAT
Inviting Scenes
Table Décor for Home Entertaining
Story by Linda Blum ❧ Photography by PatFoleyPhoto.com Photographed on location at Cazou
“Cloudy with a chance of snow fl urries tonight
and a sparkling winter wonderland by morning.
Time to get out the snow shovels and mittens.” Oh!
That was in your former life, not this one here in
Florida, the land of eternal sunshine.
How we pine for those wintry days, snowballs and hot chocolate, as we plow through the preparations for this holiday season in Tampa Bay, sweltering in the
unseasonable heat. But, we can eat, drink and be merry with traditions passed down through the ages, and create the desired vision of sugarplums and cozy winter delights with a little plan-ning and preparation.
It’s so much fun to entertain at home. Changing our reality with just a few inspired table decorations and themes everyone can enjoy is easier than it seems. Plus, your guests will always have something special to anticipate upon receiving an invitation
to your dinner parties and festive gatherings.According to Laura Whitley, co-owner of Cazou (www.
shopcazou.com), an interior accessories and lifestyle store in South Tampa, “Bright, bold, vivid jewel tones are being snapped up this season by customers who want to create a table fit for royalty. By adding a few tassels, some velvet, pearls and gold pieces, a table will look fresh, exciting and new.”
Beginning with some basics, perhaps white dishes, candles and clear wine glasses, it’s easy to change your table every time you set it by adding splashes of color and texture.
Various colored linen napkins tucked into wine glasses or
goblets can provide instant drama to a table. Add to that some cherished trinkets from around the house, colored candles of different shapes and sizes, greenery from the garden or even fresh herbs in small bud vases. Computer-generated place cards printed on colored paper to coordinate with the napkins can be tied to stemmed glasses with golden cord or crimson ribbon. You can even cut a notch into bright red or green apples and insert place cards there for a functional and edible bit of style.
Don’t forget how attractive vegetables can be when piled high and arranged with a few flowers inserted around and about. Artichokes, green and red cabbages, yellow zucchini and
a bunch of celery add abundance and beauty to your table. Create some height with an inverted bowl underneath and place as a centerpiece with some greenery and candles nearby. Take advantage of Florida’s flora by designing a centerpiece with sea grapes and leaves.
Of course, a monochromatic table can be extremely elegant, during the holidays and beyond. Using those same white plates, candles and clear glasses, select an accent color like silver. Tie napkins with silver ribbon, add silver candles in clear holders and sprinkle silver sparkles around the table. Craft stores feature miniature silvery leaves with little gift-wrapped boxes that can
be used in your centerpiece. Or, you can spray paint pine cones, fresh leaves, palm fronds and even flowers with silver paint and scatter them about the table. Miniature mirrors reflect light and add a glow to your arrangement.
The possibilities are endless for exploring cre-ativity with table décor. Just let your imagination run free as you picture those delicate snowflakes falling far, far away from you, while enjoying this winter with family and friends and not a snow shovel in sight!
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TASTE
THE DESSERT ISSUE
Think of the words we use to describe dessert: tempting,
rich, luscious, scrumptious and sinful. Something about
a blend of sugar, cream, eggs, fl our and chocolate causes us to
give in to our cravings for just one, two or more-than-a-few
sweet bites. Chocolate especially has captured our imagination,
beginning with its origin as an ancient ceremonial drink of
the Mayans and the Aztecs. Casanova is said to have considered
chocolate a love potion and to have consumed vast quantities
to maintain his amorous energy.
And who can blame him? Just one glimpse of a chef ’s artistic
concoctions on the dessert cart or one tantalizing description
on a menu has me hooked. So for those who share an adora-
tion for sweets, we present a sampling of delicious temptations
too tasty to resist.
Topping off Decadent DiningStory by Janan Talafer
SweetSatisfaction
Photography by Scott Kelby, courtesy of Flamestone Grill
Photo courtesy of The Sun House Restaurant
CAFÉ PONTE, ICOT CENTER, CLEARWATER — In this elegant restaurant with
white linen tablecloths and attentive service, you’ll find amazing desserts that throw all caution to
the wind. For pure chocolate indulgence, try the Flourless Chocolate Cake, a rich, thick, dense
cake that could best be described as in between fudge and a brownie. Add crème anglaise, a lovely,
smooth textured custard sauce, and burnt caramel ice cream for a fabulous pairing of flavors. It’s
a rich and satisfying end to a perfect meal. But in case you just haven’t had enough, sample the
Warm Chocolate Soufflé, an upside down soufflé topped with Tahitian Vanilla Bean ice cream and
chocolate. Take one bite and the chocolate oozes out, similar to a lava cake. www.cafeponte.com
CITY STREET SWEETS, HYDE PARK VILLAGE, TAMPA – If you are a candy-
aholic, watch out. This to-die-for candy shop is overflowing with mouth-watering confections.
There are over 50 kinds of chocolate bark alone, plus 18 flavors of fudge, a dozen or more different
chocolate truffles and classic favorites like Gummi Bears, Atomic Fireballs, licorice and taffy. Hang
out at the “Chocolate Lava Lounge” and enjoy the Cran-Gran-Blue chocolate bark, a customer
favorite. It’s made with dried cranberries, blueberries and granola mixed with 72 percent cocoa dark
chocolate. Other equally out-of-the-ordinary flavors include Chipotle Chilean Pepper, Spicy Peanut
and Mudslide. For something different, experience handmade specialties on “Caramel Revolution
Row” and indulge in a Caramel Chocolate Cookie Swirl CraZapple. www.citystreetsweets.com
CONCH REPUBLIC GRILL, NORTH REDINGTON BEACH – Dress casually for
this laid-back, beach-style restaurant located right across from the water. The restaurant’s name is
taken from Key West’s amusing, but short-lived announcement in 1982 that they were “seceding
from the Union” and reinventing themselves as the new “Conch Republic.” Try the Bananas Foster
served tableside, a showy presentation that starts with the waiter cooking up butter and brown sugar
to create a sweet syrup, followed with a little cream and then fresh sliced bananas, all doused with
several liqueurs, including a banana-flavored one and Triple Sec, with its distinctive citrus flavor.
The whole concoction is set aflame and after the fire dies out, it’s poured over two crepes filled
with vanilla ice cream. Wow. www.conchrepublicgrill.com
FLAMESTONE GRILL, OLDSMAR – Campfire S’mores are the perfect finishing touch to
a meal at this sizzling American restaurant featuring fire-grilled steaks and seafood. When you order this
creative twist on an outdoor campfire favorite, the waiter brings a tiny hibachi grill to the table, along
with plenty of marshmallows and a supply of graham crackers coated in thick Godiva chocolate. Toast
the marshmallows to your liking, golden brown to blackened, and then smash the gooey mess inside the
cracker sandwich—pure decadence. For a more upscale, equally innovative dessert, try the Crème Brulee
Flight, a foursome of vanilla bean, Godiva chocolate, espresso and key lime flavored creamy custards, all
arranged in individual pots on a decorative wrought iron frame. www.flamestonegrill.com
PACIUGO GELATO, DOWNTOWN ST. PETERSBURG – Gelato is the Italian version of
ice cream, smoother and less filling than the American style with 75 percent less butterfat. It’s also served
at a warmer temperature to bring out the flavors. At Paciugo Gelato, you’ll find a creamy “Tuscany” ver-
sion made with milk, eggs and sugar, and a “Sicilian” style comprising water, fresh fruit and sugar, similar
to a sorbet. No preservatives or corn syrup are used, only natural ingredients. Choose from a dazzling
array of flavors, from Fondente, an extra dark Belgian chocolate that is pure heaven for chocolate lovers,
to the unusual Vanilla Black Pepper Olive Oil, a surprisingly fantastic flavor of creamy vanilla blended
with a pinch of black pepper for a subtle bite. www.paciugo.com
THE SUN HOUSE RESTAURANT & BAR, ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Beautiful
sunsets are cause for celebration at this beachfront restaurant with a gorgeous view of the Gulf of
Mexico. Each night one customer is selected to ring the gong, while the sun slowly dips below the
horizon and the crowd sings, “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.” Sit outside on the balcony
and enjoy the unique Roasted Almond Berry Basket, an edible basket formed from a baked mixture
of pastry dough, sugar and almonds and filled with a creamy egg custard. The custard is drizzled
with the distinctive orange flavor of Grand Marnier and then crowned with whipped cream. An
abundance of fresh seasonal raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and blackberries are sprinkled on
top. www.thesunhouserestaurant.com
TOMMY BAHAMA’S RESTAURANT & BAR, ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE,
SARASOTA – Eclectic with a tropical twist, Tommy Bahama's Restaurant & Bar offers a relaxed,
elegant island ambience along with truly inspired cuisine. Their "Life is One Long Weekend" mindset
turns the island experience from wishful thinking to a tasty reality with a cosmopolitan collection
of dishes inspired by diverse getaways to Jamaica, Barbados and beyond. You’ll feel like you’ve been
whisked away to the islands as you enjoy the rich Piña Colada Cake, a unique twist to the Caribbean
rum cakes. Picture a moist vanilla four-layer cake soaked in Myers Dark Rum. In between each
layer, you’ll find a thick, delicious coating of white chocolate mousse frosting and tidbits of juicy
pineapple. The finished cake is covered with more white chocolate mousse and then coated with
flakes of toasted coconut, which adds a distinctive nutty flavor. Instead of toasting paradise, you’ll
taste it. www.tommybahama.com
WRIGHT’S GOURMET HOUSE, SOUTH TAMPA – At this landmark Tampa deli and
bakery, you’ll find an incredible variety of made-from-scratch cakes, pies, cookies, brownies and…you
get the point. It’s tough to choose from a selection that includes coconut cream pie, lemon squares,
cream cheese brownies, pecan pie, or one of the famous cakes (on the whole or by the gargantuan
slice). Rich, banana-layered Hummingbird Cake will make your spirit soar. Also taking your taste
buds to new heights is the Alpine Yellow Cake with chocolate frosting and white chocolate shavings
or the Hawaiian Princess, a coconut cake layered with a pineapple-coconut filling and cream cheese
frosting, topped with coconut and pineapples sprinkled on top. Wright’s signature Carrot Cake is a
richer, spicier version than the average with flavorings of cinnamon, nutmeg, coconut, pecans and
hand-grated carrots. www.wrightsgourmet.com
Piña Colada Cake at Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant & Bar
513 TAMPA STREET | 813.223.2831 | TOMASPAIN.COM
S P A I N R E S T A U R A N TT O M A TA PA S B A R | D O W N T O W N TA M PA
H O U R SMonday: 8am–3pm | T–Th: 8am–9pm | Friday: 8am–11pm | Saturday: 4pm–11pm | Sunday: Closed
H A P P Y H O U R Tuesday–Friday, 4pm–7pm
Drink Specials: Homemade Sangria, Mojitos, Draft Beer, Imported House Wine (Rioja)
FREE PINCHOS (HOR’ DOURVES) DURING HAPPY HOUR
FREE DELIVERY | LIVE MUSIC SATURDAY NIGHTS
MONTHLY FLAMENCO SHOW
CATERING AVAILABLE | PRIVATE PARTIES & CORPORATE EVENTS
You’re invited to dine with us...Millions have witnessed Innisbrook Executive Chef André Halston on NBC’s TODAY and now you can enjoy his classic steak and seafood dishes served at our legendary Packard’s Steakhouse overlooking the famous Copperhead golf course. Or, consider the Seasonal American cuisine created with the freshest, hand-selected ingredients and served at the sparkling new Market Salamander Grillé. At last, after a $26 million transformation, you too can enjoy cuisine once reserved for a fortunate few for four decades. Reservations required, please call 727.942.2000.
Innisbrook Resort’s newest luxury amenity has opened and is available, by reservation only, to you. An experienced staff will pamper you with your choice from an extensive selection of massage, skincare treatments, nail, hair and personalized make up services. So, bring a friend for an hour or for a day and renew your body and spirit...at Indaba Spa. Spa reservations: 727.942.5258 or visit SpaAtInnisbrook.com
...And Indulge Your Senses.
Chef André Halston pictured in Packard’s Steakhouse
Innisbrook Gift Certificates Are The Perfect Holiday Present
36750 US Highway 19 North • Innisbrook, FL 34684InnisbrookGolfResort.com
IR23284 VerTamBayF&BAd.indd 1 9/17/09 11:24:08 AM
Vintage VinoyThe Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club in St. Petersburg has created a new
“Classic Dining” menu off ered in the award-winning Marchand’s Dining Room. This three-course meal is currently off ered for a special price of $19.25 per person (plus tax
and gratuity) in honor of the year the original Vinoy Park Hotel opened in 1925.
*New Classic Dining Menu $19.25
StarterLobster Bisque
Or Wedge Salad
Egg, Tomato, Smoked Bacon, Bleu Cheese Cream
Choice of EntréeBeef Short Rib Bourguignon,
Pappardelle Pasta, Roasted Cipollini & Carrots
Grilled Atlantic Salmon Creamed Leeks, Beurre Rouge Sauce, Frites
Roast Chicken BreastWild mushroom & Vegetable Fricassee, Scalloped Potatoes
DessertRaspberry Napoleon
OrChocolate Marquise
Pistachio Anglaise
The Vinoy’s “Classic Dining” menu is off ered only in Marchand’s Bar and Grill and available seven days a week from 5:30 pm to 7 pm for the next
year. Reservations are recommended by calling 727.894.1000.
*The “Classic Dining Menu” is not off ered Christmas Eve, Christmas Day,
Thanksgiving Day, Easter Sunday, or Valentine’s Day.
One morning I sat at my son’s karate class reading a favorite cookbook. The instructor walked by and looked at me
curiously. “Are you reading a cookbook?” he asked. “Yes,” I replied. He claimed to not even know how to boil water, so I felt it necessary to fill him in on what he had been missing. I explained to him that cookbooks are much more than a primer on cook-ing or a compendium of recipes—they are travel-ogues, biographies, style manuals and entertaining bibles. He shrugged his shoulders and walked away, unconvinced that cookbooks could be useful, much
less a source of entertainment.A recent trip to the bookstore proved
to me that I am not alone in my love of cookbooks. It was right after the release of the film adaptation of Julie and Julia and the question on every customer’s lips was, “Do you have Mastering the Art of French Cookery by Julia Child?”
Having experimented with many chefs’ works
over the years, I started ponder ing Ms. Child’s influence
on modern cooking. Then I perused the shelves to see if I could categorize the chefs
CookingCharacter
Pairing Your Style with Celebrity ChefsBy Casey Brook McPhee—Director, Largo Public Library
represented there in a way that would be helpful for someone new to cooking. Obviously, I would want to steer a novice, such as my son’s karate teacher, in a direction that would produce a suc-cessful outcome—a delicious meal. I thought many people would embrace Julia Childs’s teaching style, but would spend a lot of time reading instead of cooking. It seemed like the wordy recipes and lack of pictures would be daunting for a novice cook.
This brought to mind a disastrous luau that I tried to pull off back in the early 1990’s. I pored over the pages of Martha Stewart’s Entertaining, but due to my lack of cooking experience, the recipes I cooked from it tasted lousy. Entertaining wasn’t for beginners. Even though Martha Stewart is a perfectionist and Julia Child never could be, they share a love of detail and explicit instructions. I dubbed their brand of cooking the “Classics.”
Going through the roster of Food Network stars seemed the next logical step in breaking down the cookbook genre. For those folks who want their meals “fast and tasty,” look no further than Sandra Lee and Rachael Ray. Some people may not see the similarities between these two instantly, but look closely and you’ll understand what I mean. Rachael Ray once hawked food products in grocery stores, which led to mastering her trademark 30 Minute Meals. Sandra Lee’s semi-homemade ingredient list is largely made up of store-bought items. It’s all about ease in preparation and getting a hot, tasty meal to the table fast. Hey, isn’t that what we all want on a week night?
The next category I pondered was “Southern Exposure,” starring none other than The Neelys and Paula Deen. If you are looking for succulent meat that falls off the bone and delicious entrees to bring to potlucks, these are the cooks for you. I’ve tried a few of Paula Deen’s recipes with suc-cess, mostly for special occasion foods. The Neelys’ easy-going personalities and family style kitchen make it all seem doable and low stress. A chef in this category probably learned to cook at their grandmother’s knee.
Finally, I came up with a category called, “Gourmet Gurus” which includes two of my favorite chefs, Tyler Florence and Ina Garten. I have recommended Ina Garten’s cookbooks to many friends because of the simplicity of the recipes and the extraordinary results that come from a short list of easy-to-find ingredients. Tyler Florence and his “Ultimate” series take classic dishes and raise
them up a notch with modern flair. The chefs in the previous two categories stress casual entertain-ing with friends and family.
Casey Brook McPhee is an avid reader who has worked in libraries for twenty years. She is torn between her love for the scent and tactile pleasure of books and the instant gratification the Amazon Kindle provides.
1. My dream vacation would take place in: a. New York City b. a spa c. Savannah d. Paris
2. A dish I would rely on as a crowd pleaser: a. crown roast with stuffing b. meatball subs c. BBQ ribs d. beef bourguignon
4. When faced with a new project my tendency is to: a. do some research and
make a detailed plan b. jump in and do it c. kick back and think about it d. take an idea and put
my stamp on it
5. For me, shopping trips are: a. geared toward accom-
plishing my to do list b. about large dis-
count warehouses c. a time to stroll with a friend d. about finding the best quality
6. At my house, guests eat their meals on: a. matching porcelain or the
latest designer dishes b. paper plates c. mix and match flea
market finds
Here’s how you measure up:
Mostly a: Classic (Julia and Martha)
Mostly b: Fast and Tasty (Rachael and Sandra)
Mostly c: Southern Exposure (Paula and the Neelys)
Mostly d: Gourmet Gurus (Ina and Tyler)
Mixed: You’re eclectic, try them all!
Having thought this through in some detail, I wondered if it was possible to characterize our own cooking styles and find our inner celebrity chef. So, I formulated a test for novices and experienced cooks alike that assesses cooking styles and helps align people with the cookbooks that suit their cooking personality. Choose the first answer that comes to mind.
WANDERLUST
As we prepare to enter a new year and leave 2009 behind, many of us reflect on where we have come from and where our
future will lead us in our careers, our health and especially our family lives. As time marches on we begin to realize how vital it is to create unforget-table memories with our family now, before the opportunity is lost forever.
With this in mind, many are opting to share the holidays and important occasions with loved ones by taking or giving a special family trip. Whether the kids are 14 or 40 isn’t important, as long as par-ents, their children and their children’s children get to share experiences that will last a lifetime. Multi-generational trips for all age groups are cropping up, providing fantastic, fun-filled family getaways.
Picture sharing the pyramids, mummies and tem-ples of Egypt with Abercrombie & Kent’s cultural exploration tour. In 9 days your family will span thousands of years of history, crawl inside a pyramid and ride a camel. Children have as enriching an experience as adults with convenient departures during school holidays and vacation times.
If that’s not your cup of tea, how about a Family Safari in Kenya? In addition to seeing elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras and lions, families can visit with Masai warriors in their village, and kids get to spend time with Masai children who have such a different life experience. Ecologically and intellec-tually, this trip helps children and adults appreciate the richness of our world and how essential it is to preserve resources for future generations.
Another option is Majestic Canyons River Rafting in Utah, including four nights camping riverside, fabulous meals cooked over a campfire and the exhilaration of running rapids by day. There’s
no extra charge for the billions of stars you’ll see in the night sky.
Flavors & Flair of Spain includes a horse and carriage ride, a treasure hunt in a museum and a cooking class the whole family can participate in. Abercrombie & Kent’s programs promote together-ness, allowing families to enjoy each other amidst spectacular surroundings, luxury accommodations, gourmet meals and sightseeing designed to engage all age groups.
Cruising is another family favorite. The options are limitless; from educational cruises in Alaska and Mexico to cultural voyages in the Mediterranean and beyond. Exposing children to the world around them at an early age helps them to appreciate the differences among people and encourages accep-tance and tolerance. Plus, cruising provides activities and entertainment for every member of the fam-ily. At the end of the day, dinner brings everyone together to eat, drink and truly be merry.
Planning a family trip is an exciting part of the process so gather together, create a wish list and get ready to go. A gift given at Christmas but not taken until July is one everybody can enjoy looking forward to and reflecting on long after the trip is over. The gift of travel truly keeps on giving for a lifetime.
Linda Blum is a travel writer and the President of Adventure Pro Travel. A professional travel agent with more than 40 years experience, she has traveled the world, visiting over 75 countries and all 7 continents. Contact Linda at 888-455-9997 or email [email protected].
Celebrating TogethernessStory by Linda Blum ❧ Photography © Suzanne Teng, courtesy of
Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC
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I like to get lost in the past.Maybe that’s why I’m drawn to New Orleans
time and again. Shacked up for a long weekend in the French Quarter, I can leave the 21st cen-tury behind. Its architecture—ramshackle plaster, ancient bricks, mysterious courtyards—works as well as any time machine.
Many of the hotels, although modern inside, are built around old bones that have existed for over a century. A favorite haunt is the Dauphine Orleans Hotel, a former 18th century townhouse and its adjoining bar, May Baily’s Place (once a well-known Storyville bordello).
Dining in the past is easy too—no shortage of joints doing what they’ve done best for decades:
• Café du Monde: frying perfect beignets and perking chicory coff ee since 1862 (don’t wear the chic black turtleneck—it’s not so chic with a snowdrift of powdered sugar across your chest.)
• Central Grocery, est. 1906: This Italian market’s prized invention is the muff aletta—a whopping sandwich smothered in olive salad, ham, salami and cheeses.
• Fiorella’s: It’s been around since 1937 and I’d love to sample some of their Italian specialties but I can’t get past the spicy fried chicken.
Drink up—the Quarter abounds with bars and cocktails that go way back:
• Napoleon House, ca. 1914: Sipping a Pimm’s Cup in a dark corner booth is a great antidote to the hot Southern sun.
• The Roosevelt Hotel Bar’s Ramos Gin Fizz (trademarked in 1935).
• The Swizzle Stick Bar inside Loew’s Hotel
where, if you ask nicely, their top-notch bartender will mix an Aviation—a lavender-hued marvel that fi rst landed around 1916.
Some fab new attractions steeped in history that couldn’t have a more appropriate home base than New Orleans:
• The Southern Food and Beverage Museum (SoFAB) fosters a newfound appreciation for that oyster po’boy. www.southernfood.org
• The Museum of the American Cocktail (part of SoFAB) highlights the evolution of mixology with well-preserved artifacts. www.museumoftheam-ericancocktail.org
• Bustout Burlesque at the House of Blues: Glittery, bawdy fun in the best tradition of Bourbon Street’s famous 1950s nightclubs before they went to seed. www.bustoutburlesque.com
New Orleans’ trademark joie de vivre took a big hit in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. We can help with its continuing recovery by visit-ing and supporting the culture that gives us so much—music, art, cuisine, history—and teaches us how to let the good times roll, even when the times get tough.
Note: During December, hotels off er special “Papa Noel” rates and restaurants host traditional Creole “Reveillon” dinners. The already-lovely lace-balconied buildings are festooned with seasonal fi nery and free con-certs are performed at St. Louis Cathedral. Go to www.neworleanscvb.com and www.fqfi .org for information.
NOLA’s Still Got It, Baby!A Toast to an American Favorite
Story By Carol Cortright ❧ Pirate’s Alley by Clarence Millet circa 1930Courtesy of Ogden Museum of Southern Art www.OgdenMuseum.org
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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY
DECEMBER 31AQUA-EVE AT THE FLORIDA AQUARIUMCelebrate New Year’s Eve with a diff erent kind of bubbly at Aqua-Eve at the Florida Aquarium. Party with the fi shes, dance to live music, enjoy food, wine and beer and the best seat in town for a fi reworks display over the channel at midnight. For something special, take a Fireworks Cruise on Bay Spirit II. The two-hour excursion aboard a double-decker powered catamaran will include beer, wine, dessert, hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight. Boat departs at 10:30 pm. Tickets for Aqua-Eve are $90 Dec 7- 20 and $100 thereafter; fi reworks cruise is additional $70. For more information and reser-vations, call 813.273.4030; adults 21 and over only. www.fl aquarium.org
Get Up.Get Into It.
Get Involved.
display over the channel at midnight. For something special, take a Fireworks Cruise on Bay Spirit II. The two-hour excursion aboard a double-decker powered catamaran will include beer, wine, dessert, hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight. Boat departs at 10:30 pm. Tickets for Aqua-Eve are $90 Dec 7- 20 and $100 thereafter; fi reworks cruise is additional $70. For more information and reser-vations, call 813.273.4030; adults 21 and over only. www.fl aquarium.org
display over the channel at midnight. For something display over the channel at midnight. For something special, take a Fireworks Cruise on Bay Spirit II. The two-hour excursion aboard a double-decker powered catamaran will include beer, wine, dessert, hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight. Boat departs at 10:30 pm. Tickets for Aqua-Eve are $90 Dec 7- 20 and $100 thereafter; fi reworks cruise is additional $70. For more information and reser-vations, call 813.273.4030; adults 21 and over only. www.fl aquarium.org
vations, call 813.273.4030; adults 21 and over only.
Great Places to Get Dressed, Get Out and
Make a DifferenceCompiled by Marcia Biggs
JANUARY 22HISTORY CENTER ANNIVERSARY GALAGo back in time at the Tampa Bay History Center’s First Anniversary Gala, a black-tie celebration, from 6:30 to 10pm on the beautiful waterfront location in downtown Tampa. Everything old is new again at the 60,000 square foot facility which will be decked out for the occasion with live music, heavy hors d’ oeuvres and an open bar. Tickets are $250. While there, be sure to check out the exhibits and col-lections including Cigar City which tells the story of Tampa’s cigar industry and immigrant commu-nities, and the amazing 400 Years of Florida Maps Collection. And special acknowledgement goes to the Center planners for giving us Hillsborough County government’s fi rst green building. (The construction and exhibits adhere to the U. S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria). For tickets and more information, call 813.228.0097 or visit www.tampabayhistorycenter.org
FEBRUARY 20EINSTEIN ON WINEEnjoy a brilliant evening at Einstein on Wine, the Museum of Science and Industry’s 15th annual epicurean bash featuring a silent auction, live music and tastings from more than 100 restaurants, cater-ers and vintners. A great opportunity to mingle, sip, taste and bid on an array of auction items including sports memorabilia, golf outings, fi ne dining and gift certifi cates. VIP entry at 6pm, $125; general admission at 7pm, $70 in advance, $80 at the door. For tickets and more information, call 813.987.6000 or visit www.mosi.org. Proceeds benefi t MOSI education programs.
MARCH 4BOWLING BALLBe the lead pinhead and get a team together for the annual Bowling Ball in support of prostate cancer research at Moffi tt Cancer Center. The fun begins at 5:30pm at Splitsville in Channelside. Sponsored by Moffi tt’s Corporate Partners Program, the event pits 24 teams in a casual night that includes food,
drinks, music and an awards presentation. Tickets start at $75 for individual “pinheads”; teams $TBA. For more information or to register, call Sue Bliss at 813.745.4860. www.moffi tt.org/giving
MARCH 6ABILITIES WINE TASTING AND SILENT AUCTIONStep up to the plate and bid on a spectacular array of nearly 400 auction items at the Abilities Wine Tasting and Silent Auction. Considered one of Tampa Bay’s premier annual fundraisers, this social event off ers some of the best people watching of the year and features hundreds of wines and tastings from 40 area restaurants. Bring a designated driver or book a room downtown and make a weekend of it. The indulgence starts at 6pm at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. VIP $150; grand tasting $75; designated driver $40. For more information, call 727.538.7370 ext. 319. www.abilitiesfoundation.com
MARCH 7OSCAR NIGHT AMERICA-TAMPA BAYGrab your feather boa and sparkly duds; it’s time to strut the Red Carpet at Oscar Night America—Tampa Bay, the annual Academy Awards party at Tampa Theatre. An evening of Hollywood glitz and glamour is in store, including limo rides, screaming fans and paparazzi. Watch the ceremony telecast live on Tampa Theatre’s big screen. Offi cially sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Oscar Night America—Tampa Bay is Tampa’s only benefi t supported by the Academy and one of 52 such events nationwide. Beginning at 6pm, the festivities include heavy hors d’oeuvres, a swag bag of good-ies, and coff ee and doughnuts for those who stay until the fi nal award is announced. All proceeds ben-efi t Tampa Theatre’s fi lm and educational programs. Admission from $25. Call 813. 274.8286 and visit www.tampatheatre.org for more information.
Event details and ticket prices subject to change. Contact organizations directly for the most up-to-date information.
PRO
The item is merely a business card but it belongs to one of my personal heroes, legendary astronaut and moonwalker Buzz Aldrin. Seven distinguished designations including Astronaut, Explorer, Lunar Ambassador, Rocket Scientist and Space Advocate are listed on the card. Dr. Aldrin handed it to me during a chance encounter at Kennedy Space Center, where I remember thinking “This man has walked on the surface of the moon and now he’s sitting here talking to me.” I walked away feeling so lofty I thought my feet would never touch the ground.
Usually, I’m not the star-struck type but there’s something about hanging out with someone who has hung out among the stars that blows me away. You could say I’m a bit of a space groupie—I’ve watched Apollo 13 at least a hundred times (even though I’m well aware of how it ends) and recently, I combined references from both Star Wars and Star Trek in the same sentence. Although he is cool enough to have Disney and Pixar’s Buzz Lightyear named for him and MTV’s Moonman modeled after him, there’s nothing sci-fi about Buzz. Dr. Aldrin is the real deal and he has his eye fi xed on a future that involves sending space tourists rocketing into the sky to experience a sliver of
the moon for themselves.“A-W-E,” he says, is the emotion that most
closely resembles the feeling he experienced on the moon’s surface. “One of the purposes of my ShareSpace Foundation is to share space with as many people as possible,” Dr. Aldrin asserts.
In his estimation, the fi rst lunar resort should feature, “activities that boost visitors’ common experience,” rather than competitive games.
Alliances with Omega Watches, Louis Vuitton and Snoop Dogg, with whom he recorded a rap song, position Aldrin fashionably front and center, enabling him to share his passion with the public. To inspire the next generation of space explorers, he has authored two children’s books, Look to the Stars and Reaching for the Moon. Never one to shy away from the glory of technology, he also tweets on Twitter and blogs for The Huffi ngton Post.
One simple observation Dr. Aldrin shared truly applied perspective to the sheer exclusivity of his lunar excursion.
“Dust behaved diff erently on the surface of the moon,” he said.
Now honestly, how many people can say that and actually know what they are talking about? Better
Over the Moon
A Close Encounter with Buzz AldrinStory by Leslie Joy Ickowitz ❧ Photograph courtesy of NASA
Astronaut Buzz Aldrin,
lunar module pilot,
walks on the surface
of the Moon near
the leg of the Lunar
Module (LM) “Eagle”
during the Apollo 11
extravehicular activity
(EVA). Astronaut Neil A.
Armstrong, commander,
took this photograph
with a 70mm lunar
surface camera.
Protected by a ziplock bag and tucked inside a beautifully embroidered box fi lled with photographs is one of my most treasured possessions. It measures 2” x 3.5” imprinted with the words “Rocket Hero” and features a gold foil logo illustrating the concept.
yet, how many people have a first-hand account of how anything behaves on the surface of the moon?
The same man who planted and saluted the American flag up there, and who demonstrated mobility by “prancing around and bouncing up and down” in front of the video camera. “We didn’t do it for the fun,” he says seriously. “It was a learning experience.”
Aldrin’s dramatic life, including his battles with depression and alcoholism, is an open book. His memoir, Magnificent Desolation: The Long Journey Home from the Moon, provides a fascinating view of his experience both out of this world and back again.
His existence after the Apollo 11 mission was a very lonely time. His mother, Marion Moon, tragi-cally committed suicide the year before his lunar landing. And after a hero’s welcome home here on earth, Aldrin eventually felt used up and spit out.
So what frightens the man who strapped him-self to a Saturn V rocket to forge the footsteps of history? “Loneliness, discouragement and disap-pointment,” Aldrin says. “Things that could lead me back to the very dim parts of my life of depression and alcoholism.”
Sharing is at the core of Aldrin’s life-long dedi-cation to educating, inspiring and broadening the horizons that lead to future exploration and further discoveries. His captivating stories shed light on both the triumphs and the frailties of the human experience. Despite frustrations, what impresses him most about humanity is, “the individual free-doms to have differing points of view on our expe-riences but then the challenge to come together for the common benefit of each of us.”
These days, his journey centers around, “seeking out and sharing new experiences that cause you to think,” Aldrin says. “I marvel at the coincidental nature of chance, and of statistics. How that tempts many people to think that something was somehow destined to be. There are sudden changes of good fortune and not-so-good fortune that we have to experience that cause us to learn and to educate following generations.”
After traveling 250,000 miles into outer space and 2.5 miles beneath the ocean’s surface to Titanic’s resting place on the Atlantic floor, Aldrin’s radar is locked on future adventures. The avid explorer, who admittedly, “got rather distracted by things like the moon,” plans to visit Antarctica in 2010 and his son, a successful businessman, has
offered to sponsor a diving trip to the Galapagos Islands. “There’s an infinite number of locations under the ocean to explore.”
“My life has been driven by certain pursuits,” Aldrin says. “Aviation was one, the military another, human space activity the next. Then I’ve chosen to share those as my ongoing purpose for the benefit of our country and the world.”
Visiting with Dr. Aldrin reminded me to dream dreams, have hope and believe that anything is pos-sible. Not long after that day, VERTICAL launched. Since then, I try to live by what I have come to believe as a direct result of my Buzz encounter: The sky is not the limit. In fact, we can reach for the stars.
Alan and Leslie
with Buzz Aldrin at
Kennedy Space Center.
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While rubbing elbows with beautiful people in Celebrity Gifting Suites at the Emmy Awards Show, Kids’ Choice Awards and MTV Movie Awards this year, Tampa’s Dr. Adam Scheiner took action to make a difference. The cosmetic surgeon sacrificed two crisp, clean white lab coats in favor of having them emblazoned with celebrity autographs. All the way from Hollywood, he brought hope home for The Spring of Tampa Bay, a shelter for victims of domestic violence.
Dazzling stars rose to the occasion, includ-ing Hector Elizondo, Erik Estrada, Warren Sapp, William Shatner and Fred Willard among others, by signing the coats which are to be auctioned off on eBay to benefit The Spring.
Inspired by his conversation with Dr. Scheiner, one young celebrity became compelled to do more. Jareb Dauplaise, a television and film star who appeared in Transformers and Epic Movie, traveled to
the Bay area to speak at The Spring’s annual Gift of Peace Breakfast. Sixteen empty seats situated on the stage (representing the 16 lives lost to domestic violence in Hillsborough County over the past year) instantly rocked the actor emotionally, who, as a victim of abuse himself, told his story in front of an audience for the very first time.
“Much of the violence we experience in this world at the hands of individuals happens in part because those individuals grew up in homes with violence. They were abused as children,” Dr. Scheiner explains. “By intervening with shelter and counseling for the abused, we can break the chain of violence and change to a cycle of peace.”
To learn more about The Spring of Tampa Bay, visit www.thespring.org. The 24 Hour Crisis Hotline can be reached by dialing: 813.247.7233.
SHINING STARS SUPPORT THE SPRING OF TAMPA BAY
Photography by GreyStreetStudios.com
The sunflower is our new symbol. Why? Because sunflowers
are strong hearty flowers that grow in every neighborhood.
Sunflowers always seek the light— The Spring provides support
and emergency shelter to victims of domestic violence who
seek strength. They come from every neighborhood. The Spring
is the light they seek—help us continue to be there!
The Spring is Hillsborough County’s only certifiedDomestic Violence Prevention and Emergency Shelter Agency.
www.TheSpring.org
It’s why we’re here. It’s what we do. It’s who we are. Twenty four hours each day, seven days each week, we work to keep individuals and families safe. Advocates are standing by to take a call from someone needing help, or seeking safety in our emergency shelter 24/7. Remember our number by remembering our cause. Keeping victims of domestic violence SAFE, 24/7.
The Spring relies on the community to help us keep families safe. Your tax-deductible gift will make sure there is someone there to take the call, offer help and open the door to a safe haven—24/7.
To donate, go to www.TheSpring.org.
Outside Hillsborough County call 1-800-500-1119
In Hillsborough County, our hotline phone number, 24-7-SAFE (813-247-7233) tells our story.
Germaine Gibbs is as warm and gentle as an island breeze. The Curaçao native has a heart of gold and in her presence, it’s
instantly clear you are in good company.An accomplished model, spa owner, Reiki mas-
ter, corporate finance consultant and community volunteer, Germaine puts her best foot forward to make a difference in the lives of others. In addition to being an active member of the Junior League of Tampa (www.jltampa.org), for the recent five-year anniversary celebration of Awa Spa, she combined her passions for wellness and fashion, treating her guests to an unforgettable event while raising funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www.jdrftampa.com).Why is it important to you to give back?
“I like giving back because it feels good. The world and our community give us so much on a daily basis that it’s hard to be selfish. I also believe in good karma. I feel that I have been very blessed with the opportunities I have been given and with the people I’ve met along the way. The least I can do is to give back somehow, whether it involves volunteering or raising funds for a good cause.”What’s your greatest source of inspiration?
“I get inspired by my husband Mike and by my travels. Mike is the most artistic, adventurous, honest and positive person I’ve ever met. The glass is always half full with him. He inspires me to be a better person and to continue seeing the good and positive in people.”
“I also get inspired when I travel, whether this means a day at the beach in Anna Maria, sunset in Curaçao or the hustle and bustle of New York City—anything that allows me to step out of the routine, to take a deep breath and broaden my horizon. There is always something to be learned.”Who is your hero and why?
“My mom. She raised four girls to be indepen-dent thinkers, hard workers and ambitious. She
Model BehaviorA Model Citizen Leaves a Lasting Impression
Photography by SusanJeffersPhotography.com
has always pushed me to be a better person and to stand on my own feet.”What’s the most valuable life lesson you have learned
to this point?
“I’ve learned to always stay positive, look up and look ahead. As clichéd as it may sound, things really do happen for a reason. It is for us to figure out what that reason is, what the lesson learned is and to move forward from there. Life is too short and the future too bright to focus on the past.”What has been the best experience of your life to date?
“It is difficult to pinpoint one single best expe-rience in my life. Several people and places have been instrumental in helping me choose the path I am on today and where I am going tomorrow, but one incredibly enjoyable experience is repeated each year. It is when I go home to Curaçao for the holidays to see my family and friends, the other ‘Children of Curaçao’—this is what we call ourselves in Curaçao. I start counting the days to December in October. I have a big extended family and while we may not all have the same opinions (and some are more vocal than others) we certainly have a whole lot of love for each other. I know I can always count on my family.”What advice do you have for others on pursuing
their dreams?
“Dream on and dream BIG. Know that you will encounter stumbling blocks along the way but do not allow these to stop you. If you are truly passionate about what you want to achieve, use these blocks as stepping stones and enjoy the entire journey, not just the destination.”
Rachel Oertel is a
personal growth
advocate and the owner
of AquaStone Well
Spa in St. Petersburg:
AquaStoneWellSpa.com
This season is a wonderful whirlwind of gift giving, holiday cheer, family gatherings and parties galore. Yet
we still seem to get all hot and bothered during this time of year. Even “good stress” can be too much and have a negative impact on our health, both mental and physical. Too much eating, drinking and spending equals weight gain, debt and per-haps memories of embarrassing behavior that lingers way beyond the holiday season and into the new year. So, how do we stay in tune with our spirit in the midst of all this? Here are just a few tips to help you stick to tidings of peace, love and goodwill:
1. After you get your shopping done early, so not to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, make it a point to connect with others. Speak from the heart. Actively, compassionately listen. Let people you love KNOW that you care about them.
A Peaceful Approach to the Year Ahead
Reality Check with RachelBy Rachel Oertel, Personal Growth Advocate
2. Get back to the basics. Nurture yourself. What a concept. Take time out just for you. Breathe. Holidays tend to create incredible stress for some—from too much family togetherness to traveling and trying to find that perfect gift—and in the process, we neglect ourselves. Exercise, read, draw, dance, do some yoga. Whatever it takes to make you feel a little more like you during stressful times. And then, make a commitment to yourself to set aside time to practice some form of stress relief on a more consistent basis throughout the year.
3. Feed your heart, instead of just your belly. Nothing says “feel good” like doing a good deed.
Volunteer, donate something, do something to make someone else’s day. In essence, it will make your day too. Making a difference for someone in need can add so much to your
life and the lives of others.4. Practice gratitude. Stop and take
notice of the small moments that actually mean a lot. Being grate-ful for what you already have in your life can really put things in perspective and carry that well into the future.5. Forgive someone. This is a big-
gie, for sure. Remember forgiving is one of the greatest gestures of generosity
you can give to yourself and someone else.6. Make a promise to yourself to practice
the above each month throughout the year and see how it impacts your life and the lives of oth-ers. Just think, if each of us made just a few small goodwill-type changes, our world would be an even more peaceful, loving place. Imagine that!
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TAMPA BAY'S PREMIERE DANCE PARTY FEATURING VJ JIMI O
WEEKLY THEME PARTIES, CHARITY EVENTS AND FASHION SHOWSFEATURING DJ KEV AND THE ABSOLUT ROOFTOP DECK
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128 3RD ST. S : ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33701 : 727.871.7874 : PUSHLOUNGE.COM
TAMPA BAY'S PREMIERE DANCE PARTY FEATURING VJ JIMI O
WEEKLY THEME PARTIES, CHARITY EVENTS AND FASHION SHOWSFEATURING DJ KEV AND THE ABSOLUT ROOFTOP DECK
THROWDOWN $5 FOR THE ROOFTOP KEG PARTYTHROWDOWN $20 FOR A $40 TABTHROWDOWN $100 FOR A BOTTLE OF GREY GOOSE OR BACARDI
TAMPA BAY'S ONLY NIGHT DEDICATED TO ROCK MUSICLIVE LOCAL, REGIONAL OR NATIONAL ACTS PERFORM FROM 9-11LATE NIGHT ROCK MIX WITH DJ COZ
SPECIAL FEATURESDOORS OPEN AT 7MOVIE DATES AND TITLES AT WWW.PUSHLOUNGE.COM
CLASSIC MOVIESDOORS OPEN AT 7MOVIE DATES AND TITLES AT WWW.PUSHLOUNGE.COM
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PEOPLE WHO ROCK
SPECIAL THANKS TO FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS OF VERTICAL
Germaine Gibbs, Awa Spa and Wellness Sanctuary ✵ Debbie Ploor, Orange Home Accessories ✵ Alexis
Muellner, Tampa Bay Business Journal ✵ Dr. Adam Scheiner, The Aesthetic Center at Tampa Eye Clinic
✵ Dr. Nathan Bonilla-Warford, Bright Eyes Family Vision Care ✵ Bill Cason, Cason Marketing ✵ Ester
Venouziou, LocalShops1 ✵ Arcadia Jimenez ✵ Kimberly Macaluso, Neiman Marcus ✵ Ryan Seay, BJ
Ramone,Tom and Jim Morris at Morrisound Recording ✵ Mark Crittenden ✵ Lindsey Matacchiero ✵
Don Capone ✵ Kevin Wilder ✵ Felicia Postell ✵ Ryan Marshall, Benz Model & Talent Agency ✵ Lenny
Cruz, Lenny’s Latin Cafe ✵ Jill Wax, Kate Thomsen and Stephanie Strech of La France ✵ Kristin See,
Make A Wish Central & Northern Florida Chapter Suncoast Region ✵ Shelby Hudspith ✵ Sheila Awad,
The Spring of Tampa Bay ✵ St. Petersburg Clearwater Film Commission Manager Guy Balson ✵ Carrie
Wildes ✵ Cathryn Branch ✵ Vicky Westra ✵ Nancy Howe and Jennifer Lugo of Maddux Business Report ✵
Special thanks to VERTICAL’s contributors ✵ Much love to my husband Alan and our families and friends
✵ HAPPY BIRTHDAY POP ✵
PEACE OUT
