VIE November / December 2012

NORTHWEST FLORIDA – COLA 2 COLA®

November/December 2012

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In this issue:

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66

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Feature Reading, Writing, and Relevé: Northwest Florida Ballet Académie 68 Holiday Season Feature The Season for Entertaining 47 Christmas at The Roosevelt New Orleans 63 Made with Love: Holiday Recipes from around the World 54 Jolie & Elizabeth Debuts Its Holiday Style for 2012 28 Old Florida Entertaining at Destin Bay House 112 VIE’s Favorite Things Holiday Gift Guide 2012 38 Arts and Entertainment Virginia Williams: A Hollywood Leading Lady Who Is Leading with Her Heart 18 Dreams Come True: Claudia Lobão Jewelry 25 A Sense of Place Shaconage: The Blue Ridge Mountains 78 A Guide to the Best Bed-And-Breakfast Retreats COLA 2 COLA 86 Voyager A Walk on the Wild Side: A Trek to Slovenia’s Highest Summit 100

98 2012 Physicians Guide Special Section 118 Advanced Eye Care 134 Aesthetic Clinique 135 Andrews Institute Hand Center 124 Dr. Nitin Bawa 126 Coastal Vascular and Interventional 120 Coastal Radiology Associates: Drs. Craig and Bethany Cazenave 130 Dr. John Chaney and Dr. Suzanne Russo 132 Dr. Tara Griffin 136 Gulf Coast Dermatology 137 Dr. Kimberly Moskowitz 138 Dr. Casi Stubbs 141 Dr. Amber Wiebe 142 Get Healthy Health Nut: The Big Gulp 146 People + Places Second Annual Caliza Goes Pink 106 Children’s Volunteer Health Network – Eighth Annual Hurricane Party 108

V IE ZINE.COM | 9

COLA COLA

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Primary Targeted Audiences

W

e are thrilled you have picked up a copy of VIE and hope you enjoy reading about the people and places of our coveted region,

COLA 2 COLA®—Pensacola to Apalachicola. We live in a great place where life is good! We have a passion for our area and the people and businesses found here, and we hope that you will share in our excitement.

VIE can be found locally at Tourist Development Council centers, Chamber of Commerce locations, Sundog Books in Seaside, Florida, boutiques, restaurants, bed-and-breakfasts, and special events.

We are excited to announce that VIE‘s distribution has recently branched out to the following airports: Baltimore/Washington International, Houston Hobby, Memphis International, Nashville International, Orlando International, and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International. In addition to these high-profile locations, VIE is also being added to the shelves of some of the country’s top-selling bookstores, newsstands, and supermarkets, giving our advertisers potential access to millions of people.

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VIE is a registered trademark. All contents herein are Copyright © 2008–2012 Cornerstone Marketing and Advertising, Incorporated (The Publisher). All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from The Publisher. VIE is a lifestyle magazine and is published at least five times annually on a bimonthly schedule. The opinions herein are not necessarily those of The Publisher. The Publisher and its advertisers will not be held responsible for any errors found in this publication. The Publisher is not liable for the accuracy of statements made by its advertisers. Ads that appear in this publication are not intended as offers where prohibited by state law. The Publisher is not responsible for photography or artwork submitted by freelance or outside contributors. The Publisher reserves the right to publish any letter addressed to the editor or The Publisher. VIE is a paid publication. Subscription rates: Digital magazine (iPad only) – One-year $11.99; Two-year $17.99 / Printed magazine – One-year $23.95; Two-year $34.95 (U.S. Only – price includes free access to digital magazine versions for iPad). Subscriptions can be purchased online at www.VIEZINE.com.

On the Cover:

VIE Creative Team:

VIE was thrilled to be working again with the Northwest Florida Ballet’s artistic director and CEO, Todd Allen, to bring together another holiday cover article. Dancer Ayaka Okubo looked stunning in white and gold as photographer Romona Robbins collaborated with Allen to capture the movement and artistic essence that literally keeps the Northwest Florida Ballet Académie on its toes.

Lisa Burwell Publisher lisa@viezine.com

Gerald Burwell Editor-in-Chief gerald@viezine.com

Bob Brown VP of Creative Services bob@viezine.com

Jordan Staggs Public Relations Assistant jordan@theideaboutique.com

Tracey Thomas Graphic Designer tracey@viezine.com

Mary Jane Kirby Account Executive maryjane@viezine.com

Troy Ruprecht Graphic Designer troy@viezine.com

James Ryan Account Executive jim@viezine.com

Bill Weckel Web/Project Manager bill@viezine.com

Scott Sajowitz Account Executive scott@viezine.com

Benjamin Rosenau Video Producer ben@theideaboutique.com

Eric Shepard Graphic Design

Tim Dutrow Videographer tim@viezine.com Ainsley Rogers Public Relations Director ainsley@viezine.com

Margaret Stevenson Copy Editor Shannon Quinlan Distribution Coordinator

The ballet’s 2012–2013 season will include Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, a perennial favorite around the world, which is sure to put audience members in the spirit of the season. A special thanks goes out to Natasha Vaughan, makeup artist, and Brooke Miller, hair stylist for the cover shoot, as well as Todd Allen for his creative direction.

VIE Contributors: Contributing Writers: Susan Benton Sallie W. Boyles Laurie Crowley Kim Duke-Layden Siobhan Fedden Colleen Hinely Audrey Johnson

Published by:

Anya Kassoff Clark Peters Tori Phelps Shannon Reeves Erin Souder Ashley Whitehead

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John Layden Phillip Makselan Romona Robbins Lori Leath Smith Erin Souder Jacqueline Ward Ashley Whitehead Christie Meresse Photography Lauren Kinsey Fine Art Wedding Photography Life in Focus RCL Portrait Design V IE ZINE.COM | 11

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Publisher’s Note:

The Season of Love

A fall chill has finally reached us in the Panhandle of Florida after a long, hot summer. The Nutcracker, planning holiday celebrations, Christmas shopping, entertaining, and spending time with family are on my mind. But as I’m writing this note, the second round of the presidential debates is on television, and politics, economic worries, and a strong division of thought and spirit in our country appear to be pushing me toward a tipping point—whether I like it or not.

Everyone seems to have taken a side and pledged their allegiance to it. This strident division between the political parties has me wondering about the commonalities we continue to share that can help build a bridge toward unity. We all want good things for our families, we want to live our definition of the American dream, and we want to be free and safe. My answer is simple: love is our common ground.

We strive to bring good news, interesting ideas, and a celebration of life with our content, and we believe this is an uplifting issue. We thank and commend the director of the Northwest Florida Ballet, Todd Allen, for the talent and vision he

Lisa and Gerald Burwell Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

contributed to our cover photo shoot, and Tori Phelps celebrates his excellence in her article “Reading, Writing, and Relevé.”

In this issue, we hope to educate and inspire our readers with our annual Physicians Guide. We also reveal quick getaways to charming bed-and-breakfast hideaways, give ideas for holiday gifts from the best-of-the-best boutiques in the area, and share recipes and tips for entertaining from some of our contributing bloggers to make your holiday soiree the talk of the town.

By the time this issue has hit the store shelves, our country will have decided who will be residing in the White House for the next four years. My prayer is that our country is blessed, prosperous, and protected—and that we continue to carry the spirit of the season with us throughout the coming year!

To Life!

—Lisa

V IE ZINE.COM | 15

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A Hollywood Leading Lady Who Is

Leading with her heart Interview by Lisa Burwell | Written by Tori Phelps Photography by Giuliano Bekor / CPi Syndication

“Relatable” isn’t usually how you’d describe an actress starring on a hit TV show.

Then again, Virginia Williams isn’t most actresses. On a break from filming— while she was sick, no less—Williams found time to discuss Fairly Legal, the projects closest to her heart, and why she feels “insanely blessed.” Maybe it was her innate graciousness or the bubbly laugh that belied how lousy she really felt, but it took all of five minutes with this appealingly down-to-earth actress to be put under the same spell she has cast on Hollywood.

Virginia Williams has a charming Southern accent that slips through when she’s off the clock. And while she’s a fine actress, this is the real deal. A Memphis-raised Southern belle, Williams adores her hometown and anxiously anticipates trips back home to visit her folks several times a year.

villain. But part of what makes this show so addictive is that there’s no black and white; rather than “good” or “evil,” the characters are just complex, layered people.

And for that, Williams is grateful. She clearly has a deep fondness for her character that’s due, in part, to Lauren’s flaws. “She’s exacting and proper and extremely stylish, but she’s also fun and a delight to play,” Williams explains. “It would have been easier to play her as a one-dimensional character, but I’ve tried very hard to show her depth.”

She confides that her portrayal of Lauren is infused with a generous helping of “steel magnolia”: strong and independent yet very feminine. To bring Lauren to life, Williams drew inspiration from the many tough-but-tender Dixie divas in her life.

“Southern women are extremely good at getting what they want,” she smiles.

Right now, business is too good for more frequent trips.

Williams landed the plum role of Lauren Reed on USA’s Fairly Legal, a dramedy with two popular seasons under its belt. The USA network is known for its unique, not-gonna-see-this-on-another-show characters, and Williams is thrilled that hers falls into that category. The premise is simple enough: After her decades-older husband dies, Lauren has to keep their law firm going while butting heads with her intrepid same-age stepdaughter, Kate, a mediator who’s also a partner in the firm.

Since Kate is the main character, it would be easy to make Lauren a cookie-cutter

Another source of inspiration: Grace Kelly. Williams studied every movie the Hollywood legend made so she could imbue Lauren with her expressions and mannerisms. This resulted in an uncanny authentic resemblance between the two actresses, gestures and carriage included.

The hometown pride that’s sprinkled throughout her conversations is just one more reason Williams seems so real. Even the story behind meeting her husband (a fellow Memphis native, of course) is adorable. True, it includes Los Angeles

V IE ZINE.COM | 19

“I’m insanely blessed to do what I love to do.” and agents, but rather than the all-too-common tale of her “people” setting her up with a fellow actor to raise her profile, she simply ran into a cute guy who was paying his dues in the mailroom at her agent’s office. Instead of chucking true love in favor of someone able to open more doors for her, she grabbed hold with both hands. The tight couple now juggles her work schedule and his career as a literary manager while keeping their relationship top priority. “We try never to spend more than ten days apart,” she adds.

And when she does have to be separated from her husband, the friends she’s made in her adopted hometown keep her going. Of her newfound pals, she confides, “I didn’t find the stereotypical shallowness that I was expecting. I have really genuine friends here—lots of girlfriends from all walks of life.”

Making friends seems to come easily to Williams, which is a good thing since her craft has taken her all over the world. She minored in Theology while earning a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Performance from Fordham University at Lincoln Center in New York City, an impressive achievement made even more remarkable considering they only accept eighteen to twenty students each year. Following her NYC years, she studied Shakespeare at both Oxford University and the British American Drama Academy—experiences she calls some of the best of her life.

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She didn’t just study the art of acting, however; Williams was already a working actor by the time she hit her teens. Roles on soap operas One Life to Live and As the World Turns were followed by appearances on more than two dozen TV shows, including a recurring role on the CBS hit series How I Met Your Mother and a lead in the Lifetime original series Monarch Cove. The self-proclaimed workaholic used her break from filming Fairly Legal in Vancouver to make two movies this summer: a comedy called Sleeping Around and a horror movie titled The Culling.

She also lent her vocal talents to an Irish independent film, Choosing Sign.

Most people would feel exhausted just reading about her work schedule, but she seems to think there’s still room for additional projects—namely a musical TV show or film. “I try to get to New York City once or twice a year to see some shows,” says the music lover.

Broadway isn’t the only activity filling her scarce downtime. Williams is a passionate supporter of Free the Slaves, a charity that fights human trafficking and the sex slave trade. She becomes more animated than usual when discussing the horrors inherent in these crimes and the shocking fact that there are 27 million slaves worldwide at this very moment. As part of her work with the organization, she journeyed to the front lines of Nepal and India in September but says there’s work to be done at home, too. “Los Angeles is one of the top three ports in the world for slave trading,” she points out.

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On a more upbeat note, she also lends her time and name to La Fresh, a natural, eco-friendly skin care line.

It’s hip to be “green” right now, but Williams agreed to be the company’s celebrity face only because she’s obsessed with the products, using them every day to wipe away the airbrushed makeup that coats her face, neck—and even ears—during long days of filming.

Not that she’s complaining. “I’m insanely blessed to do what I love to do,” she says.

Gratitude—just another reason to love her.

V IE ZINE.COM | 21

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PhotograPhy CourteSy of Claudia loBão

On September 11, 2001, as buildings crumbled, the world watched—and Claudia Lobão made a choice. The native Brazilian came safely home to her husband in their New York City residence and declared that working in a Manhattan bank was not what she wanted to do with her life.

Lobão said she had been terrified by the events of that day, but they also gave her clarity. “I said to my husband, Paulo, ‘I don’t know how long I’m going to live, so why don’t I do what I love?’”

What Lobão loved was making jewelry. From an early age, she exhibited an inclination toward the creative process. Design seemed to come naturally to her, and she would make things out of the least likely objects, such as a necklace made from her father’s guitar strings. At the age of fourteen, she began working

professionally as a model and later attended art school in Brazil. Passionate about fashion, she always dreamed of working in the industry.

After 9/11 happened, Lobão knew jewelry design was her true calling. “I was making jewelry for myself and my friends,” Lobão said. “I began making more jewelry to sell on a small basis, experimenting with designs on my friends and coworkers at the bank, until one of them suggested testing how other people liked my pieces.” Lobão and her husband were soon waking at 4:00 a.m. on weekends to journey to SoHo—the artistic Lower Manhattan neighborhood known for its variety of unique galleries, shops, and vendors. There they spent many early morning hours arranging jewelry displays at St. Anthony’s street market. Some of her peers thought Lobão was crazy trying to contend in such a competitive arena when she already had a steady job, but to Lobão’s delight, her designs received considerable positive feedback from market shoppers. “One lady came every Sunday,” Lobão said. “She loved the jewelry, and she told me, ‘You have to go

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out there. You can’t stay here; you have to go live your dreams.’”

In 2003, Lobão and her husband, along with their daughter, Valentina, packed up and moved to Texas.

After relocating from St. Anthony’s to San Antonio, the jewelry line became the family’s passion, and both Lobão and her husband worked toward creating a successful retail business. They began with a mall kiosk before upgrading to their own store; later, retailers and museums across Texas began selling Lobão’s pieces. It was then that model and actress Eva Longoria discovered the brand. “Eva loved it and sent the stylist from Desperate Housewives to see our jewelry,” Lobão said. During the eight-season run of the ABC hit dramedy series, Claudia Lobão designs were featured more than any other line. As

about twenty people there who assist in the design and fabrication of the jewelry, most of them housewives who have become the primary breadwinners for their families. These women—and women in general—inspire Lobão’s designs more than anything. “I am inspired by things that are feminine and handmade, like a lot of our crochet pieces,” Lobão said. “It’s refreshing talking to customers at trunk shows, finding out what they like and why.”

One trunk show recently brought Lobão to Destin, Florida, where her jewelry has become a popular staple at the accessories and designer jewelry boutique, Sarah Carolyn.

“We love carrying Claudia Lobão’s collection at Sarah Carolyn,” said owner Carolyn Brigman. “Our guests

“i am inSPired By thingS that are feminine and handmade, like a lot of our CroChet PieCeS.”

a result of this successful long-standing alliance, Lobão and Longoria became good friends.

The journey from St. Anthony’s market to international success might seem to most like an instantaneous whirlwind not unlike winning the lottery, but for Lobão, it was something she worked hard toward every day. “When you’re living it—getting to travel and meet all these people—it’s not like you have nothing and all of a sudden you’ve got a lot,” she said. “I lived all of it, so I don’t feel that way. I’m very grateful to every person I’ve met. To me it’s like a big puzzle, and every little thing and person is a part of it.”

Today, Lobão still wakes every morning at four. By 6:00 a.m., she has taken Valentina to school and is on Skype with her design team in Brazil. Lobão has

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love Claudia’s work because it’s a very diverse and unique collection. Her designs are always evolving.

She’s continuously creating innovative, beautiful pieces in a wide spectrum, from feminine lace-like crochet pieces to statement chain necklaces.” Brigman said her customers often tell her they continually get compliments from others when wearing Claudia Lobão jewelry. The fun, feminine pieces are a direct reflection of the designer’s personality. “She has a lovely Brazilian vibe and is full of life. We adore Claudia!”

Lobão said that every new collection she designs brings

Claudia with Carolyn Brigman, owner of Sarah Carolyn jewelry boutique in destin, fla.

Desperate Housewives actress eva Longoria and Claudia Lobão.

“eva LOved iT aNd Sent the StyliSt from Desperate Housewives to See our Jewelry.” the challenge to do something she hasn’t done before.

She garnered ideas for her latest collection during her trip to Destin for a trunk show at Sarah Carolyn. “I was very inspired by the water,” Lobão said. “The color is just beautiful and I said to my husband, ‘We have to move here!’” The new collection, which will preview at Sarah Carolyn before it shows at market in January, will be featuring a lot of turquoise, a stone Lobão had never used in previous designs. Other aspects of the collection include her signature crochet pieces and handmade chains.

She will be hosting a trunk show at Sarah Carolyn May 17 and 18, 2013, and has a whole new endeavor launching at the beginning of the year—a collection of designer dog collars, inspired by her adopted furry friends, Chloe and Maggie. The collars will feature jewels and metal details in titanium and gold.

Throughout the whole life-changing journey and the building of a luxury designer jewelry brand—all while being a loving wife and mother—Lobão’s philosophy on life and work has been based on what the woman in SoHo told her about following her dreams. “Do what makes you happy,” Lobão said.

“Following your dreams is hard enough, so imagine how hard life will be if you don’t.”

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A Return to The Roaring Twenties Jolie & Elizabeth Debuts Its Holiday Style for 2012

By Ainsley Rogers | Photography By Rush Jagoe

I

t’s December 1925. Snow flurries fall on the streets of New Orleans as a graceful brunette glides down the sidewalk, clutching her fur coat close to her body and holding down her cloche hat with a dainty gloved hand. Not far from the French Quarter, she ducks into the Roosevelt Hotel and joins a party worthy of Gatsby, where men sip martinis between cigar puffs and women mingle in silk shifts with box pleats and luxurious lace.

Nearly a century after parties like this faded into history, Louisiana-based fashion designers Sarah Elizabeth Dewey and Jolie Bensen were inspired to revive this evocative mood in their new Holiday 2012 line. Their label, Jolie & Elizabeth, pays homage to the Jazz Age, but with a contemporary twist.

And their romantic, vintage-inspired holiday line brings to mind the mystery and romance that can only be found in New Orleans.

Boasting a “made below the Mason–Dixon line” mission, the two designers are taking women’s fashion to the next level with their focus on ladylike motifs and traditional styles spun in a brand-new way. It’s a rather comfortable undertaking, as the brand reflects the personal styles of both Sarah Elizabeth and Jolie.

Featured here, the Octavia Gown in a stunning navy-blue silk/silk chiffon.

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The Helene is an elegant black silk crepe de chine wrap dress.

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The Ava strapless cocktail dress, featured here in burgundy silk crepe de chine.

“

The Jolie & Elizabeth lady is

clASSIc,

confIDEnT, RESPEcTful.” and

Though their line has long been on VIE’s fashion radar, we first met them in July at the Alys Shoppe Style Soiree, hosted by Alys Beach on Florida’s Scenic Highway 30-A. The brand ambassadors were clad in seersucker dresses, pearls, and oversized black sunglasses. And their look was a hit; the Jolie & Elizabeth trunk show was one of the most popular at the shopping event, as woman after woman left with a pleated silk shift or a seersucker ensemble from the spring and summer lines.

The Jolie & Elizabeth line, which includes both work and party wear, is composed of separates able to transition from day to night. “A Jolie & Elizabeth garment can be worn for most occasions and is one you can have in your closet forever,” says Sarah Elizabeth. “We focus on classic bodies and make sure that if we do include a trendy detail, it is one that can carry over from season to season.”

The goal: to make women feel comfortable, which ultimately makes them feel beautiful.

The duo’s designs cater to women fourteen to eighty-four years of age, though they originally believed the appeal would be limited to the twenty- to forty-yearold demographic. To their happy surprise, the timeless cuts and feminine details resonate with women of all ages. Part of that can be attributed to the fact that Sarah Elizabeth and Jolie are careful to create pieces any woman can wear. “The Jolie & Elizabeth lady is classic, confident, and respectful,” Sarah Elizabeth explains.

For the featured Holiday 2012 collection, the design team drew inspiration from their roots. “The feel of the collection is very romantic and mysterious,” Sarah Elizabeth describes. “New Orleans is traditionally a city of great mystery and suspense, and we wanted to show a little bit of that character in this collection.”

That spirit is exemplified through details like black and gray lace, chiffons, rich burgundy hues, and champagne silk.

Two of the designers’ favorites are the seductive Lana Dress, a formfitting black number with a lace overlay and show-or-reveal spaghetti straps, and the classic Helene Dress, a 100 percent silk wrap with a full sleeve and beautiful ruched detail at the waist. “These two are what you envision when you think of an ideal holiday dress—something that can be worn with tights and fur or by itself,” Sarah Elizabeth states. “The dresses can stand alone or be accessorized according to their owner.”

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The Lana Dress is a fitted black lace cocktail dress.

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From left to right: The McKenzie Dress, the Jackie Dress in burgundy, the Helene wrap in champagne silk crepe de chine, and the Ava Dress in navy silk crepe de chine.

“

The feel of the collection is very

RomAnTIc mySTERIouS.” and

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The Cher Cover-Up is a unique silk chiffon button-up tunic.

34 | N OV EM B ER / D ECEM B ER 2012

While designing the Holiday 2012 collection, Sarah Elizabeth and Jolie immersed themselves in the art and literature of New Orleans circa the late 1700s and early 1800s. With the characters and images of the era alive in their minds, they knew instantly that the Romanesque grandeur of New Orleans’ Marigny Opera House would highlight the collection perfectly. Originally built in 1853 by the German Catholic Church and currently being restored as a nondenominational neighborhood church and performance venue, the structure juxtaposes history and contemporary style in much the same way as the Jolie & Elizabeth Holiday 2012 line. A match made in fashion heaven.

Though the new collection embraces the dark beauty of the designers’ native region, the pieces translate surprisingly well for women everywhere who are navigating social events from church services to cocktail parties. “The holidays present plenty of opportunities to get dressed up, especially here in the South. We hope our customer finds herself wearing these garments not only to luncheons and Thanksgiving dinners, but also on impromptu dates or a romantic walk to see Christmas lights after a night out,” Sarah Elizabeth explains. “We dare you to choose your favorite holiday piece and try to wear it only once.”

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Favorite th i ng s

Holiday

Gift Guide 2012 The holidays are a time for showing thanks to the wonderful people in our lives by coming together and giving gifts. That’s why VIE enlisted the help of shops and boutiques around the Emerald Coast area in choosing that perfect gift for a friend, a family member, or a significant other. It’s time to deck the halls and put presents under the tree, so we hope this holiday gift guide will put you in the spirit of the season!

Natural Pink and White Diamonds with 14K Rose and White Gold Bands Some of the world’s rarest and most sought-after diamonds, pink diamonds symbolize grace and beauty and, just like your love, they are one in a million.

REEDS Jewelers in Destin, Fla. reeds.com Top to bottom: 3/8 ctw $1,499.95 (19252873) 1/2 ctw $1,999.95 (19252881) 1/4 ctw $1,299.95 (19252865)

Mon Jasmin Noir L’Elixir Eau de Parfum Described as being perfect for a sensual and refined woman, this latest and extremely elegant version of the popular Bulgari fragrance comes in a beautiful bottle fitted with an atomizer for subtle scenting.

By Bulgari bulgari.com $98.00

Senegalese Woven Baskets Handcrafted by the Wolof women of Senegal from recycled prayer mats and rugs, these fair trade baskets merge modern materials with traditional designs that will look great in any space. The handiwork has been featured in ELLE DECOR and InStyle magazines.

Nest Home Decor in Grayton Beach, Fla. nest30a.com $32–$108

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Cotton + Quill Pillows These beautiful pillows by Mary Catherine Folmar of Cotton + Quill are exclusive to Summer House Lifestyle.

Summer House Lifestyle in Grayton Beach, Fla. summerhouselifestyle.com $150 each

Nina Nguyen Druzy and Geode Earrings These earrings would be an exquisite accessory to any winter wardrobe. Nina’s jewelry helps you define your own style with intricate, colorful, and artistic creations.

Sarah Carolyn in Destin, Fla. sarahcarolyn.com $395

Sonoma Patio Set The Sonoma has fabulously clean lines and is very comfortable. Perfect for lounging around a fire pit in the winter months.

Bay Breeze Patio in Destin, Fla. baybreezepatio.com Sectional, $3141.00 Club Chair and Ottoman, $944.10 Coffee Table, $422.10 End Table, $220.50

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This Will Be and You Will See

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Contributing Bloggers Erin Souder and Shannon Reeves Offer Tips and Insights

By Ainsley RogeRs

V IE ZINE.COM | 47

N

ow that we’ve bid October adieu, and the crisp winds of fall are behind us, there are three things on our minds as the holiday season dawns: family, friends, and festivities.

Many hosts begin far ahead of the holidays to gather ideas and inspirations for entertaining friends and loved ones in a fuss-free fashion; the hope is to be able to set aside plenty of time to receive guests and actually enjoy the festivities. But when there are dishes to prepare, tables to set, and cocktails to mix, accomplishing everything can seem overwhelming.

For this reason, we’ve consulted two of our favorite lifestyle bloggers and asked them to share their go-to planning tips for making holiday gettogethers more stress free. Whether you are entertaining a large crowd or an intimate gathering of family and close friends, Erin Souder and Shannon Reeves offer simple tricks that will make hosting your next soiree look and feel effortless.

48 | N OV EM B ER / D ECEM B ER 2012

Embracing Cold-Weather Details for Intimate Gatherings With Shannon Reeves of Shannon Reeves Events Photography By Lauren Kinsey Fine Art Wedding Photography

Shannon Reeves is a big fan of love stories, which just so happens to be the reason she went into the event-planning industry as a wedding planner. Now her passion is to help create truly fantastic events that are unique to the hosts’ personalities— “with some romance and sparkle sprinkled in, of course,” Shannon adds. An appreciation for eclectic details and all things Southern helps define her warm, welcoming style.

To create intimate occasions around the table in the winter months, Shannon recommends taking inspiration from the warm, textured details prevalent in the colder months versus the vivid colors of spring and summer.

“When entertaining in the spring and summertime, we love using the fresh, vibrant colors of the season to make statements when decorating,” Shannon says. “In the wintertime and during the holidays, it’s all about the textures.”

By mixing a variety of fabrics in neutral colors, you can create a classic, timeless holiday table with the perfect details. Consider using a coarse burlap runner over a creamy floor-length linen tablecloth, crisp cloth napkins, and touches of lace.

“Finish the table with a rich red wine or warm cider with floating cloves and cinnamon sticks to add a pop of color and just the perfect amount of holiday coziness,” Shannon says.

“When entertaining ... in the wintertime and during the holidays, it’s all about the textures.”

The Finishing Touches Plan to prepare ahead of time: For dinner parties or small get-togethers, plan your dinner menu around what can be prepared the day before or the afternoon of your event. That way, as guests arrive and hugs are shared, the only thing left to do is to pop things into the oven before joining the fun.

Serve a signature drink: During large parties where you’d like to serve more than wine and beer, serve a signature cocktail or punch so a full bar doesn’t break the bank and have you playing bartender all night.

Incorporate festive details: Place cards adorned Shannon Reeves is a Florida-based event planner who documents her life, entertaining inspiration, and event-planning expertise at ShannonReevesEvents.com. Shannon Reeves Events launched last October as a full-service event-planning boutique. Shannon can coordinate anything—from a bride’s big day to intimate gatherings—all with a healthy dose of romance and Southern charm. Special thanks to Hemstitch Vintage for helping Shannon style the featured dinner party.

with a holly sprig or a cinommon stick tied with twine to the napkin can go a long way in incorporating the holiday spirit into your guests’ dinner table experience.

Make a cozy takeaway treat: In a quart-size mason jar, layer one cup each of granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and powdered milk with half a teaspoon of salt. Top with half a cup of both mini chocolate chips and marshmallows, then seal. Tie with a ribbon and add a personalized message and the following directions printed on a card: A hot cocoa mix for you to enjoy this holiday season! Mix contents together, then use 1/3 cup of cocoa mix with one cup boiling water.

V IE ZINE.COM | 49

Big Gatherings, Big Impact With Erin Souder of House of Earnest Photography By Erin Souder Since January 2011, Columbus-based Erin Souder has been blogging about home decor, entertaining, and party inspirations—all mixed with a hefty number of DIY projects. The mission of her blog, House of Earnest, is to feature content that makes executing the details of entertaining and decor as simple as possible. Being a creative herself and having a self-proclaimed style that is “simple, natural, rustic, and slightly modern,” Erin works to demystify the home as a creative space and aims to feature achievable ideas for her readers.

To make a big impact in an easy way, Erin suggests knowing your strengths when it comes to entertaining lots of loved ones.

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“When it comes to entertaining for a crowd around the holidays, stick to preparing less of a variety but larger quantities of what is being offered to make a big presence,” says Erin. “A big, beautiful platter piled high with goodies makes a grander impression than lots of little dishes. Pick a few items that you make especially well and make a lot of them. Use serving dishes of varied shapes and heights to give your presentation more dimension.”

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Made with Love Ho l id a y R ecipes fRom aRound tHe W oRld introduction by Jordan staggs

if there is anything better than love for bringing families, friends, and communities together during the holidays, it’s food! Looking back on Thanksgivings, Christmases, and New Year’s Eves with the people we love, the cherished memories almost always include mouthwatering holiday meals and sweet treats made with affection.

There is just something about food, especially a home-cooked meal, that causes people from all walks of life to pause and revel in the holidays the way they were meant to be enjoyed—with others.

In honor of great food’s universal power to bring people together, VIE has elicited some help in compiling an array of palate-pleasing holiday recipes— from appetizers to cocktails and everything in between. From our home on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Susan Benton of 30AEats includes seafood in her

champagne mojitos

holiday menu, while Ashley Whitehead shares

By Susan Benton of 30AEats

some of her favorite Southern holiday fare, and Siobhan Fedden of Food Blog Food takes us across the pond with her Christmas recipes from the United Kingdom. And for you health nuts, don’t worry about missing out on the last course—Anya Kassoff of Golubka: Food That Takes Love has some great desserts that are not only healthy but will also satisfy any sweet tooth.

This season, whether you are celebrating things to be thankful for, decorating the Christmas tree, or counting down the last seconds of 2012 to usher in 2013, remember that the most important thing of all is sharing those moments with loved ones, dear friends, and, of course, some great food!

Happy holidays from VIE!

This cocktail is the perfect way to toast family and friends at a holiday dinner! ingredients: 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup water 1 1/2 cups packed mint leaves 6 limes, cut into wedges 2 cups light rum 3 cups champagne (or other sparkling wine) Cracked ice 12 or so additional mint sprigs for garnish

directions: Make a simple syrup by combining the sugar and water in a small saucepan and cooking over high heat until the sugar has dissolved. Allow the simple syrup to cool to room temperature. In a large pitcher, combine the simple syrup with the mint leaves and lime wedges and muddle with a wooden spoon. Add the rum, stir well, and then strain into another pitcher. (The mixture can be made ahead of time up to this point and put in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, continue with the next step.)

Put crushed ice into tall glasses and pour in the mojito mixture, filling them about two-thirds full. Top off with champagne, garnish with mint sprigs, and serve.

yield: 4–6 cocktails V IE ZINE.COM | 55

candied Grapefruit Vodka

By Siobhan Fedden of Food Blog Food (Suitable for vegans and vegetarians)

lobster Bisque

By Susan Benton of 30AEats

ingredients: 24 ounces (3 cups) vodka 1 red grapefruit 1 white grapefruit 5 cups white granulated sugar (plus extra for dusting the peel) 6 1/2 cups water, divided 2 tablespoons vanilla tea 1 teaspoon nutmeg 2 teaspoons ground ginger 2 teaspoons cinnamon

directions: Remove the peels from both grapefruits, scraping away the bitter white pith; slice peels into thin strips. Bring peels and 2 cups of water to a boil; reduce heat and cook for 30 minutes. Drain. Add 2 cups water to the pan with peels and repeat process. Drain. Combine 2 and 1/2 cups of water, sugar, vanilla tea, nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon in the pan and cook until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to a boil. Add the peels, reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 35 minutes or until syrup is almost absorbed into the peels. Watch carefully to prevent scorching. Remove the peels and leave to dry on wire racks overnight.

Roll each slice of peel in sugar and add to the vodka. The peel must be left to soak in the vodka for at least two weeks before drinking.

ingredients: 4 (1 1/2-pound) steamed fresh lobster tails (set aside half a tail for garnish) 5 tablespoons butter 1 small white onion, finely chopped 2 stalks celery, finely chopped 1 (14-ounce can) San Marzano crushed tomatoes 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 3 cups seafood stock 2 cups whipping cream 1 sprig of thyme 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning

directions: Remove lobster meat from shells; coarsely chop and set aside. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes. Stir in flour, and cook for 2 minutes. Add sprig of thyme and slowly stir in seafood stock; cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Add lobster meat. Slowly stir in whipping cream and Creole seasoning; cook for 10 minutes, or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Remove sprig of thyme. Add lobster garnish. Serve immediately.

tip: The leftover flesh of the grapefruit and the leftover sugar syrup can be cooked together to create grapefruit syrup.

tip: If the bisque is too thick, add a bit more seafood stock.

yield: 4–6 cocktails

yield: 4–6 servings

56 | N OV EM B ER / D ECEM B ER 2012

loaded twice-Baked potato appetizers

Herbed-crusted Beef tenderloin

By Ashley Whitehead

By Susan Benton of 30AEats

ingredients:

ingredients:

1 pound small Yukon Gold potatoes (approximately 15 potatoes) 1/4 cup sour cream 1 tablespoon butter 2 green onions, sliced 4 slices bacon 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for sprinkling Salt and pepper to taste Milk, as needed

1 head of garlic, peeled and coarsely chopped 1 stick unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup prepared horseradish 3 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme 3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary 3 tablespoons chopped fresh sage 1 (4- to 5-pound) trimmed beef tenderloin, butt end left in tact Salt and freshly ground pepper

directions:

directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F. Boil potatoes over medium-high heat until tender; allow potatoes to cool. Meanwhile, cook the bacon and chop. Cut potatoes in half; trim the rounded bottom part of the potatoes sparingly, just to allow them to sit evenly on work surface with the open half facing up (you may opt to cut the potatoes before boiling). With a small teaspoon, carefully scoop out centers of potatoes, reserving the flesh in a small mixing bowl. Once all the potato skins are hollowed out, add sour cream, butter, onions (reserve some for garnishing), cheese, salt, and pepper to the flesh in the bowl; mix well. Add milk to the mixture until it becomes creamy. Using a small teaspoon, put a small amount of mixture into each potato skin and top with bacon and shredded cheese. Place the bites on a nonstick cookie sheet or a regular cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray. Bake in oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese starts to brown. Garnish with green onion.

Preheat the oven to 500°F. In a food processor, combine the butter with the garlic, horseradish, thyme, rosemary, and sage; process to a paste. Put beef on a sheet of plastic wrap. Spread the horseradish-herb butter all over the top. Wrap in plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 1 hour. Place beef on rack on rimmed baking sheet and close oven door. Cook for 25 minutes without opening oven door. An instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should register 125°F for medium rare. Transfer tenderloin to a carving board and loosely cover with foil to rest for 15–20 minutes; the temperature will rise. Slice and serve. It will be pink and rare.

tip: The horseradish-herb butter can be refrigerated overnight. Let the butter soften before using. yield: 4–6 servings

yield: Makes approximately 30 bites V IE ZINE.COM | 57

Chocolate Orange Muffins with toasted flaked almond topping

By Siobhan Fedden of Food Blog Food

spinach artichoke dip with Roasted tomatoes

(Suitable for vegetarians)

By Ashley Whitehead

ingredients:

ingredients: 15–20 cherry tomatoes, halved 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, plus more for sprinkling 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 cup mayo 1 12-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed and drained of all juices 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper 2 teaspoons garlic salt 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

directions: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss tomato halves in olive oil, place on a cookie sheet, and allow to roast in oven until tender and browned. Remove tomato halves from oven and reduce temperature to 350°F. Combine roasted tomatoes (reserving some tomato halves for garnish) with all remaining ingredients (except the cheese) in a medium mixing bowl), and place in a shallow baking dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake for 15–20 minutes or until cheese browns. Garnish with remaining roasted tomatoes. Serve dip with tortilla chips or toasted French baguette slices.

yield: 4–6 servings

1 1/4 cups white self-rising flour 1/4 cup cocoa powder 1 1/4 cups white granulated sugar 3 ounces (1/3 cup) salted butter 4 free-range eggs 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/3 teaspoon nutmeg The juice from an orange The zest from half an orange Flaked almonds, toasted to taste

directions: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Melt the butter in a saucepan, then place in a large mixing bowl with the sugar, eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract. With a zester or grater, add the zest of half an orange to the bowl. Then cut the orange in half and juice both halves. Add the juice to the bowl and stir. Next add the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cocoa powder, baking powder, and flour. Fold the mixture together. Grease muffin pans and spoon in the mixture. Sprinkle each muffin with toasted flaked almonds. Bake in the oven until a skewer or knife, inserted into a muffin, comes out clean. Perfect for Christmas morning!

yield: 15 muffins 58 | N OV EM B ER / D ECEM B ER 2012

plum Rum Bundt cake

By Siobhan Fedden of Food Blog Food (Suitable for vegetarians)

Holiday macaroons

ingredients:

By Anya Kassoff of Golubka: Food That Takes Love

1 1/4 cups white granulated sugar 1 cup white self-rising flour 3/4 cups salted butter 3 free-range eggs 3 plums 3 tablespoons plain yogurt 2 teaspoons chocolate extract 2 tablespoons rum 2 teaspoons prepared black tea 2 teaspoons honey 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

directions: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.

Stir in the yogurt and eggs. Cut the plums in half and then slice each half into five pieces. Add the plums to the bowl, then pour in the vanilla extract, chocolate extract, tea, and honey. Stir in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Grease a Bundt pan and pour the mixture in. Bake until a skewer or knife inserted into it comes out clean. Once cooked, leave to cool. Once cooled, turn out onto cake plate and pour the rum over the cake.

ingredients: For Persimmon Macaroons: Blend 2–3 ripe persimmons in a high-speed blender to the consistency of a smooth puree. Use 1/2 cup, reserving the rest for macaroon cream.

For Pomegranate Macaroons: Blend 1 cup of dried black mission figs (soaked for 2–3 hours) with 2 cups of fresh pomegranate juice in a high-speed blender to a smooth puree. Use 1/2 cup, reserving the rest for macaroon cream.

For Blueberry Macaroons: Blend 2–3 cups of fresh blueberries in a high-speed blender to the consistency of a smooth puree, or use 5 teaspoons of blueberry powder for flavor. Combine with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Use 1/2 cup, reserving the rest for macaroon cream.

For Matcha Macaroons: Combine 1/2 tablespoon of matcha powder and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.

other ingredients: 1 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut 1/4 cup raw agave syrup 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract

directions: tip: Dust with confectioners sugar or serve with warm custard. yield: 1 Bundt cake

In a food processor, combine all ingredients until thoroughly mixed. Spread evenly on Teflex-lined dehydrator trays. Using a cookie cutter or shot glass, cut circular shapes out of the “dough.” Reform the dough that remains from the V IE ZINE.COM | 59

contributors:

circles and cut out again. If the dough is too moist and sticky to cut, place the tray in the freezer for 10 minutes or dehydrate for 30 minutes prior to cutting.

Dehydrate at 115°F for about 8 hours or more, until dry on the outside and moist and chewy on the inside.

susan benton of 30AEats

macaroon cream

blogs, recipes, and restaurant reviews for 30AEats. Her work has

directions:

holiday menu at viezine.com/vie/2012/10/30aeats-holiday-menu/.

Golubka used Artisana coconut butter for the base of the cream. Place the butter jar into warm water to soften the butter up. In separate bowls, mix butter with the reserved persimmon or pomegranate purees, matcha or blueberry powder a little at a time until you have achieved desired colors. Add raw agave syrup or other preferred sweetener to taste.

siobhan fedden of Food Blog Food

yield: About 6 cookies

www.30AEats.com Susan Benton shares her travel and culinary experiences through been featured in several issues of VIE. You can view Susan’s entire

foodblogfood.tumblr.com Siobhan lives in Plymouth, England, and has fused her love of photography and food to bring her recipes to life in vibrant detail.

anya kassoff of Golubka: Food That Takes Love g0lubka.blogspot.com Anya strives to live a raw, healthy lifestyle while still enjoying the foods she loves. She lives with her family in central Florida.

ashley whitehead Ashley graduated from the University of North Alabama with a degree in culinary arts and currently works as a chef for Marriott Hotels. Her catering business, Cake My Day, is a favorite among locals in her area.

See more recipes from Siobhan, Anya, and Ashley at viezine.com/ vie/2012/10/holiday-recipes/.

Christmas at The Roosevelt New Orleans: h i s t or y a n d h o s p i ta l i t y at n e w or l e a n s ’ p r e m i e r h o t e l

By Sallie W. Boyles

•

Photography Courtesy of The Roosevelt New Orleans Hotel

Southerners, who’ve practically written the book on hospitality, especially love Christmas, and decking the halls presents the best excuse to invite friends and family over for any reason—whether for the social event of the season or just a spontaneous get-together. Deemed by many as the most welcoming Southern city, New Orleans certainly exudes the spirit of the holidays. One landmark in particular, The Roosevelt New Orleans, shines among the openly gracious, beautifully adorned charms of the Big Easy. Whether staying at the hotel or dropping by for a look around, those who most appreciate The Roosevelt during Christmas do so with a sense of its history.

The Roosevelt’s predecessor, the Grunewald Hotel, dates back to 1893. The hotel flourished until it was torn down in 1923 to make way for a grander structure with nearly eight hundred guest rooms. Named The Roosevelt to pay homage to the twenty-sixth president, the establishment hosted a succession of prominent patrons, including political figures. Huey Long, perhaps Louisiana’s most infamous politician to date, had a private suite there; while governor, he built a highway between Baton Rouge and New Orleans to cut forty miles off his journey between the cities!

If only the walls could speak, The Roosevelt Hotel, at the heart of New Orleans’ historic business district, would tell a century of colorful stories featuring celebrated guests—Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Jack Benny, Marlene Dietrich, Douglas Fairbanks, Audrey Hepburn, Ginger Rogers,

Bob Hope, and Sonny and Cher. Music and spirits set the tone when The Cave opened at the Grunewald as one of the first nightclubs in the country. Later, The Roosevelt produced the Sazerac Bar and, in effect, the official cocktail of New Orleans. Likewise, The Blue Room, once a prime supper club venue, staged the hottest acts of the region and the nation.

In 2005, following Hurricane Katrina, Dimension Development Company bought and restored the structure, which had been a Fairmont Hotel since 1965. Displaying previously hidden handmade plasterwork, mosaic floors, and coffered ceilings, The Roosevelt New Orleans reopened in 2009 under Hilton Hotels’ Waldorf Astoria brand. Today’s managers certainly see themselves as stewards of the property with a heartfelt obligation to honor the legacy they’ve inherited.

V IE ZINE.COM | 63

“One of the great traditions of the hotel has been to celebrate the holiday season,” says general manager Tod Chambers. Having been with Hilton Hotels for twenty years, he joined The Roosevelt in 2008 to prepare for the reopening. Chambers expresses that he now has “the job of a lifetime,” adding, “We feel very responsible for carrying on the established holiday traditions and offering something spectacular for the community to enjoy.” By far, those who have a hand in producing The Roosevelt’s holiday celebration consider their work—from putting up lavish decorations to orchestrating festive affairs—a labor of love.

The decorations are the talk of the town and represent a collaborative effort among the hotel’s management and Kenny Rabalais, a local landscape architect and owner of The Plant Gallery. Having maintained the former Fairmont Hotel’s daily arrangements of fresh flowers and greenery over two decades, Rabalais eagerly accepted when The Roosevelt’s owners asked him to take charge of resurrecting the tradition of decking the halls. “I was born and raised in New Orleans,” he says, recalling childhood memories of his grandparents taking him to see the Fairmont at Christmas. “I feel very protective of the hotel.”

For years, the Christmas decor featured a tunnel effect with an abundance of angel hair and big trees. “It was pretty,” says Rabalais, “but so much filled the space that it felt a little claustrophobic and concealed the gorgeous lobby. I wanted to create something awesome that showed off the architecture and enhanced the rich colors inside.”

“I wanted to choose a kid-friendly theme that would bring back memories for adults,” she says, referring to her candy-coated Peter Pan, Moby Dick, Alice in Wonderland, Puff the Magic Dragon, and others. She also represents the amusement park’s rides with a rotating gingerbread carousel, like the prized antique at City Park, and a miniature toy train set.

Using approximately a hundred pounds of gingerbread and thirty different kinds of candy, Heyd begins the task of crafting the eleven-by-six-foot fantasy all by herself at the first of November for the great reveal on Thanksgiving weekend.

Although the pastry chef is busier than ever during the holidays with weddings, parties, and the hotel’s events, Heyd loves her work. “I like the fact that people wake up to my pastries in the morning,” she says, “and go to bed with my desserts at night.”

the white lights, branches, and lightreflecting ornaments create the “Waldorf Wonderland” that dazzles all ages while honoring the sophisticated elegance of The Roosevelt.

To keep the grand corridor open, he and his team created a forest of birch trees.

Narrow on the bottom with an expansive canopy above, the scheme optimizes the available space by taking advantage of the high ceilings. Assembled from hundreds of white lacquered natural branches, the trees are covered in thousands upon thousands of white lights and adorned with exquisite, hand-blown glass ornaments. Rabalais explains that his concept allows the smallest child to enjoy the view just by looking up, even in shoulderto-shoulder crowds. Additionally, the white lights, branches, and light-reflecting ornaments create the “Waldorf Wonderland” that dazzles all ages while honoring the sophisticated elegance of The Roosevelt.

Along with the birch forest, fifty fresh Fraser firs offer an old-fashioned Christmas warmth and scent. To prevent the trees from overwhelming the hall, Rabalais shaves off their backs and places them flush against the walls. Thousands of red poinsettias (and some white ones to accent the darker areas), orchids, amaryllises, pine boughs, and magnolia leaves also add natural freshness, beauty, and seasonal color. Elaborate garlands, laden with lights, berries, and bows, further grace the entrances, enticing all to step inside.

64 | N OV EM B ER / D ECEM B ER 2012

Another much-anticipated holiday feature is The Roosevelt’s gingerbread village.

Varying the theme each year, Deborah Heyd, The Roosevelt’s pastry chef, aims to replicate the flavor of New Orleans in an unexpected manner. In 2010, for instance, she captured the eclectic assortment of New Orleans homes (from the mansion to the Cajun cottage), and she built a village of local restaurants in 2011.

Scoping out the city, Heyd found this year’s models in Storyland, City Park’s fairy tale playground with larger-than-life storybook characters.

For Rabalais and his team, the planning process begins right after Christmas.

“Before we take down the decorations, we have a walk through, making notes on how everything looks and considering what we can do to improve upon it next year.” The physical work of unpacking, sprucing up, and replacing begins in September; the decorating itself starts one week before Thanksgiving. Remarkably, every detail is in place on the evening before Thanksgiving. The full reveal, however, occurs a few nights later when the light switch is flicked at the official grand lighting ceremony.

“My favorite thing to do is to come back after it’s all done to observe a crowd of people enjoying the experience,” says Rabalais. “I’ll stand about ten feet from the door, listening to everyone’s comments, hearing the kids saying, ‘Oh, wow!’ So many look forward to it, and their joy always gets me into the spirit of Christmas.”

Besides the thousands of locals and tourists who tour the lobby, countless others arrive with invitations to private parties and reservations for The Roosevelt’s holiday brunches, teas, and dinners. “We kick off the season with a traditional holiday brunch on Thanksgiving and continue to feature jazz brunches all though December,” says Tod Chambers, noting that The Roosevelt’s Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day brunch, each serving seven hundred to eight

hundred people, are traditions shared by generations. “Many come after their church services,” he adds.

The Teddy Bear Tea, another family tradition, tempts all ages with teatime edibles and beverages, but the magical decor and holiday characters, like the Ice Princess, Rudolph, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus, most captivate the children, who also delight in receiving their own commemorative teddy bear. “We begin taking reservations in September and will sell out by mid to late November,” says Chambers. Amazingly, he anticipates seven thousand will attend the Teddy Bear Tea from the first of December to Christmas Eve. “We’re here every weekend during the holidays,” Chambers admits, “but we enjoy putting on a show. We look forward to coming to work and sharing the experience with our friends and guests. All of downtown is beautiful, and we love doing our part for the city and the region.”

For more information about The Roosevelt New Orleans, readers can visit therooseveltneworleans.com, or call 504.648.1200.

Architecture by T. Massey Architecture Landscape and renderings by Horton Land Works

C O MIN G SUMMER 2013

M aison de Vie A Hom e

of

I nspI r e d I de A s

We are pleased to present Maison de VIE—a life-inspired idea house complete with unique stateof-the-art architecture, interiors, and gardenscapes from local architects and designers in a creative collaboration. This showstopper, located in WaterColor Phase III, will be open to the public for a room-by-room tour for design inspiration and tips from our local industry experts.

Proceeds generated from the tours and other exciting events held in conjunction with the 2013 Maison de VIE will benefit local charities. Keep a lookout on our Facebook page and our website, VIEZINE, for more news and information as it unfolds!

Maison de VIE is sponsored by Coastal Elements Construction, Q Tile, and The Premier Property Group, as well as other select cosponsors. For information about this stunning showcase located in the 30-A area, please call Karen Wagner of The Premier Property Group at 850.231.6506 or 850.830.5374

nort hw e st f l or i da bal l e t ac adémi e c el ebrat i ng t en y ears of

Reading Writing and

Relevée a dec ade in , t h e g r o un dbr eak i ng s c ho ol pr ov e s bal l e t c ur e s w h at ai ls yo u, f r om fail ing fa mi l i e s to fai l i ng g rade s.

By Tori Phelps

•

Photography By Romona Robbins

Creative Direction: Todd Eric Allen, Lisa Burwell, Ainsley Rogers and Tracey Thomas Makeup Artist: Natasha Vaughan

•

Hair Stylist: Brooke Miller

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“Schools are very good at making standards, curricula, benchmarks, etc., but my goal was to bring the professional world in—to Americanize the European model.”

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At most schools, kids slouch to class in droopy denim and stare blankly at the teacher, praying for the bell to ring.

At the Northwest Florida Ballet (NFB) Académie, students glide through their day in pristine uniforms, spending far more time leaping and pirouetting than they do sitting at a desk. It was this revolutionary way to learn that prompted plenty of skepticism when it launched ten years ago. Today, the Académie’s unparalleled success speaks for itself. a m er ic aniz ing t he eur opean model

The Académie’s premise—a free, integrated arts and academic education program for students in third through eighth grades—may seem unusual, but it has been done in Europe for hundreds of years, according to NFB Director and CEO Todd Eric Allen.

And while it’s true that most American arts organizations offer outreach programs such as after-school dance classes, they are nowhere near the level Allen had in mind.

Even performing arts high schools couldn’t do what he had in mind. “Schools are very good at making standards, curricula, benchmarks, etc., but my goal was to bring the professional world in—to Americanize the European model,” he says, referring to the traditional European system where children who show potential and passion for the arts are given a multidisciplinary education while being nurtured as artists.

Allen was familiar with a similar program called Citydance in Boston, one of the cities in which he had danced professionally, but he had his own ideas about how to run the program. First, he reached out to the Okaloosa County School District, which agreed to provide the academic teachers and curriculum.

Next, he needed to recruit students. Rather than searching local dance classes for potential students, he held open auditions for kids entering third grade—and specifically looked for children without any formal dance training. “What we do look for are kids with flexibility and rhythm who have a little bit of a ham in them,” he explains. “They’re usually the kids who, if you put music on, are dancing around the living room and pulling things out of closets to make costumes.

They have vivid imaginations and are very visual.”

especially monumental achievement when you consider that a full 30 percent of their students are at-risk kids who live below the poverty line. The secret, Allen contends, is immersing them into an environment that fulfills them. “I like the idea of finding out what kids are good at, and if you can give them their academics in that environment, then they’re excited about school. They don’t mind doing math if they can also do their thing.”

r eac h i ng f or t h e stars

Allen is proud that Académie students are scoring well in math and English, but he’s most excited about the strides they’re making in the dance world. Pointing out that his young ballet artists are being accepted for summer training at elite ballets and attracting attention from influential people, he feels sure some are headed for professional dance careers.

And that’s a life-changing possibility for many of the kids. When he decided to pursue the Académie, Allen says he knew it was going to have an impact, but he was shocked at what an eye-opening experience it turned out to be. “We have families who don’t have a lot, but they’re accepted in this environment,” he says.

“They go to the theatre for performances, and they’re proud to be involved in something like this. Like any public school, we’ve seen a little bit of everything, including things like Child Protective Services involvement; this is a cross-section of what our community and our country is.”

Allen knows from first-hand experience the difference an arts experience can make for a poor kid who’s struggling in nearly every area. He was introduced to ballet after a football injury landed him in dance class as a sort of rehab assignment. Surprisingly, the teen fell in love—not only with the genre, but also with the outlet it provided to the stressed-out son of a single mom who needed a way to express himself. “Dance has always been my ticket,” he says. “It was my ticket to college, and I even met my wife through dance. I know how powerful it is, and I wanted to expose kids here to dance’s possibilities.”

In that, he has succeeded. Celebrations on September 28 and 29 marked the Académie’s ten years not only with performances, family fun, and a black-tie event, but also with retrospectives from former students and supporters like Sen. Don Gates, who was the local superintendent during the Académie’s creation.

Once they’re accepted into the Académie, school as they know it is over. Rather than pouring over textbooks for eight hours, their days are filled with dance classes, French, music, and art—with some traditional academics thrown in for good measure. Make no mistake, however, students are there for dance. They get ballet report cards, as well as academic progress reports, but their continued eligibility for the Académie is based on improvement in dance. If they’re D students but making great strides in dance, they’re welcome.

But it was also a time to look to the future, including a new Pre-Professional Program (PPP) for high school students that extends the Académie experience and raises the bar by adding performances with the Northwest Florida Ballet.

The PPP builds on NFB’s current relationship with the Okaloosa County School District—whom Allen calls a wonderful partner—by allowing students to get their academics through either the Okaloosa Online Virtual School or by attending Fort Walton Beach High School on a modified schedule.

The vast majority of the time, however, academic underachievement is a nonissue.

“We bring them in, and they thrive academically,” Allen says. “Part of it is that they want to be here—they want to dance—so they don’t miss school. Then there are the things that go along with ballet that benefit kids in terms of self-discipline.”

The goal: acceptance into the nation’s best university dance programs or straight into the world of professional dance. It’s not unheard of for a local kid, as Allen can attest.

Thanks to the guidance of NFB Founder Bernadette Clement Sims—and a lot of hard work—Allen launched a career most dancers only dream of, including stints with prestigious companies like Boston Ballet and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. Along the way, he has performed with luminaries such as Mikhail Baryshnikov and interpreted roles for choreographers including Twyla Tharp.

Standardized tests bear that out. Académie students have consistently scored in the top percentages of the school district and state for the past ten years, an 72 | N OV EM B ER / D ECEM B ER 2012

“I used to think I had to go to New York to have an impact. But being back home has taught me that you can be a voice in your community no matter where you are.”

Allen returned to his hometown seventeen years ago to take over the helm of NFB from his old teacher, Clement Sims. “I knew about the work Bernadette had done, and the fact that she was putting it in my hands meant a lot to me,” he says. “In many ways, I am who I am today because of Bernadette.”

Since coming on board, Allen has been the driving force behind the Académie and the PPP, all while juggling the roles of dancer, choreographer, and director. Though he says he’ll always identify himself as a dancer, he’s evolved into more of a behind-the-scenes powerhouse who has tried to create the kind of environment where he would want to dance.

Allen is quick to point out that the accomplishments shared by the company and Académie have been a group effort between staff members, dancers, and supporters—especially the NFB board of directors.

“These are business leaders and lovers of the arts who have made a commitment to the mission of NFB and its continuation on the Emerald Coast,” he praises.

Maintaining strong ties with community leaders, fellow arts organizations, and crucial funding sources allows Allen to do what he loves best: teach great kids and create art with great dancers. “I used to think I had to go to New York to have an impact,” he shares. “But being back home has taught me that you can be a voice in your community no matter where you are.”

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northwest florida ballet’s 2012–13 season ½ A new season of classic and original ballets is coming soon to the Emerald Coast. The 2012–13 lineup starts the way most seasons do—with a perennial favorite, The Nutcracker (choreographed by Allen), November 17 and 18. “It’s a tradition here in Northwest Florida,” Allen says. “NFB has performed The Nutcracker for more than thirty of its forty-three years.” ½ Next up is an interpretation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream March 9 and 10. Also on the program will be a neoclassical ballet, Afterglow, choreographed by Allen. ½ Fresh from the semifinals of America’s Got Talent, Lightwire Theater performs The Ugly Duckling and The Tortoise and the Hare May 3. ½ Next June, NFB takes to the community for a mixed-repertoire performance at Rosemary Beach and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at WaterColor Resort.

BoDacious Design

BoDacious Continued …

Sweeping the Emerald Coast by storm in late 2011 and winning the “Best in Destin” 2011–2012 award for number one designer, BoDacious became the number one ladies’ jewelry and handbag boutique on the Emerald Coast, no doubt in record time.

Economic downturns, location changes, you name it—and BoDacious is growing.

BoDacious has grown in custom designs, jewelry and handbag sales, and fine and unique furnishings consignments and is still expanding with a new twist to this already incredible super-collection of all things ladies love. Nowhere else on the Emerald Coast encompasses everything that BoDacious offers. Bodacious’s unique custom design service in everything for the home includes, but is never limited to, custom draperies, bedding, upholstery, fine rugs, fine furniture, and lighting. BoDacious even offers creative furniture and bedding for your pets. In the upcoming weeks, BoDacious will be adding a wide variety of fabulous designer fabrics for the home and upholstery. Bo Casey and her staff at BoDacious are the only connection you need to have the finest, most impressive home you will ever live in. BoDacious will help you design your world—and with all the resources you need under one roof.

It’s easy to understand why BoDacious has enjoyed such a meteoric rise to stardom on the Emerald Coast and will continue to shine brighter and brighter as time goes on.

36058 E mEr ald C oast Parkway d Estin, Fl 32541 850.837.2632 Photo by John Hollan

Blue Ridge Mountains Story and PhotograPhy

by Colleen hinely

Blue Ridge Mountains

THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS

— the eastern segment of the picturesque appalachian Mountain range. beginning in Pennsylvania, the blue ridge extends through Maryland and the Virginias, southward through the Carolinas, and down to its southernmost point in northern georgia. the hills and hollows of the range harbor a mystical and storied past. tales of the native Cherokee indians and european settlers unveil the turbulent and often vicious struggles to survive within this dense and rugged terrain.

haconage (shah-con-ah-jey), or “Land of the Blue Mist,” is the ancient name conferred on the Blue Ridge Mountains by the Cherokee Indians in honor of the atmospheric blue haze that blankets the hills and hollows of the range. Though it’s largely forgotten today, the Cherokee tribe inhabited these mountains for more than ten thousand years, living harmoniously in the fertile valleys and game-rich ranges of the mountain landscape. Within their uniquely peaceable existence, the Cherokee thrived as the most socially and culturally advanced of the American Indian tribes.

S

This idyllic life lasted until the early sixteenth century, when expedition teams led by Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, and later Scotch-Irish defectors, moved in looking for gold. These new settlers anticipated a life of prosperity in the Blue Ridge Mountains, free from the religious and social persecutions of their former homelands. Instead, they stripped the land bare through overlogging and overhunting, causing shortages of food and precious hides.

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Blue Ridge Mountains one outcome of this despondency was the rise of moonshining, the real history of which is nothing like the romanticized myths and silver screen characterizations.

Blue Ridge G Mountains old eventually was found in northern Georgia in 1828, marking the beginning of a ravenous onslaught of miners and the end of a once-glorious Cherokee Nation. The discovery prompted the removal of the Cherokee a full two years before the infamous Trail Of Tears, during which four thousand American Indians succumbed to disease, starvation, and exposure along the forced thousandmile march to present-day Oklahoma.

Whether through their own poor decisions or a curse bestowed upon them by the banished Cherokee, new residents of this area did not enjoy the same prosperity as the natives. Their lives quickly dissolved into a grim and desperate fight for survival—a far cry from the sophisticated abundance once enjoyed by the Cherokee. Previously fertile valley farmlands became barren, forcing many families into the uncultivated, lawless, and primitive hillsides. Eighteenth- and nineteenth-century mountain living was isolated, with families often living a full day’s travel from their nearest neighbors. The mountain soil, riddled with rock and impermeable clay, was unable to

produce sufficient crops, leading to widespread malnourishment and even starvation. Rampant poverty soon induced depression and despair.

One outcome of this despondency was the rise of moonshining, the real history of which is nothing like the romanticized myths and silver screen characterizations.

Moonshining, named for the clandestine conditions critical to the illicit production of “white lightning” whiskey, became a lucrative and tenable way of life for destitute people. Because moonshine production and distribution was illegal, producers erected primitive stills deep within the Blue Ridge Mountains to keep their precious equipment out of sight. The combination of the illegality and profitability of moonshining instigated the widespread, abominable conduct of life in the hills.

Moonshiner’s Daughter, a memoir by North Carolina native Mary Judith Messer, is a painful chronicle of the realities of the moonshine culture. In it, she details her backwoods upbringing as the daughter

of a horrifically abusive moonshiner father and an emotionally inept mother. Mary’s father, Terry Lee Long (not his real name), was a revered moonshiner.

He was also an alcoholic who would disappear to his remote hillside still for weeks at a time, leaving his wife and three children without money for food.

The goodwill of sympathetic neighbors occasionally provided them with fresh eggs or ground corn, but the family was mostly forced to wait for Terry to emerge from the mountain depths with profits from his moonshine sales. That homecoming, of course, was often worse than the wait.

“He finally came out, but he was drunk. He was bare down to his overalls, and dirty. The white lightning made him mean, and he beat Momma a lot,” Mary writes. In addition, Terry generally returned penniless, having consumed his entire production of moonshine rather than selling it.

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Ultimately, Mary Judith Messer escaped the grim shackles of her impoverished mountain childhood.

In search of work, Mary’s family moved as many as ten times a year, her father often taking farmhand positions. Farm living at least afforded the family better shelter and access to fresh produce.

Inevitably, however, her father’s production and overconsumption of moonshine forced the family back to their isolated mountain cabin, which was devoid of electricity and plumbing.

Automobiles and passenger trains began bringing summer tourists eager to breathe the crisp mountain air. Magnificent resorts and boardinghouses promised unspoiled views and daily croquet and afternoon tea.

And farming—that seemingly impossible endeavor that had turned so many to moonshining—made a comeback, thanks to technological advances in equipment that allowed for crop cultivation.

Ultimately, Mary Judith Messer escaped the grim shackles of her impoverished mountain childhood.

As for her father, he was eventually arrested and sentenced to the federal penitentiary in Tallahassee, Florida. Not that a hiccup like prison slowed him down. He gave up drinking his own product after a near-death experience, but he didn’t stop making moonshine until he became too old to tend the still.

What hasn’t changed is the perseverance and neversay-die attitude characteristic of the people of the Blue Ridge Mountains. History, both good and bad, has evolved into folklore passed around at local hardware stores and farmers’ co-ops. But in these narratives are unmistakable lessons that have turned today’s residents into keen business people, even if meetings are still conducted in overalls and galoshes.

While moonshine families like Mary’s struggled, progress gradually came to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The landscape, too, has entered a new era of abundance. Wildflowers blanket hillsides, while the

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deep valleys are once again bountiful in elk, bear, and other wildlife nearly hunted to extinction in prior centuries.

In the end, the Blue Ridge Mountains are a sort of time capsule that whispers to us of the past.

Cradled within the hillsides are hallowed reminders like dilapidated farmhouses, lone silos, and airless servant cabins. Adjacent to palatial modern mountain homes lie ridge-side cemeteries dotted with the primitive headstones of nameless men, women, and children who tried to augment a life in the midst of poverty and despair. But in a very real sense these forebears, like the mighty Cherokee Nation before them, will never be forgotten. Their spirits are alive today within their decedents, people who call the Blue Ridge Mountain home today—a living, breathing tribute that will never die.

The

Cherokee Nation

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The Cherokee Nation was a matrilineal society—a social order that designated stature and leadership determined by maternal lineage—in which descent is traced through the mother. In a societal structure of this kind, a tribe member would only be related to his or her mother and her ancestors, while the paternal lineage had little significance— making the women in the tribe quite powerful.

Even the maternal uncles carried more importance than the fathers.

The Cherokee Nation comprised seven sacred clans: Anitsiskwa (Bird Clan), Anikawi (Deer Clan), Aniwaya (Wolf Clan), Anigatagewi (Wild Potato Clan), Anigilahi (the Long Hair), Anisahoni (Blue Paint Clan), and Aniwodi (Paint Clan). The seven clans lived harmoniously and burgeoned under civilized, central government.

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A Testimonial Dear Alan, We want to thank you for building a magnificent home for us. Sonnie and I are very pleased with the outcome. It is all that we hoped it would be and more.

This is the first home that we have had built for ourselves. Naturally, with all of the “war stories” out there, we were somewhat apprehensive. Ficarra Builders came highly recommended to us by couples whom you have built homes for – some recently and others as long as fifteen years ago. We are happy to confirm that you have certainly lived up to a sterling reputation of trustworthiness and unrelenting focus on quality.

We were allowed the flexibility to be as engaged as we felt necessary – always being involved in the decisions that were important to us – and you took care of the rest. You were always accessible by phone or in person and we were consistently informed of all construction progress and budgetary concerns.

You attract and retain highly competent people who are as adamant about quality as you are.

Our project superintendent, Kenny SanAngelo, was outstanding; and your subcontractors understand and deliver an equally impressive level of professionalism and pride in their work.

Most of all, we appreciate the fact that you are a “straight shooter.” You have certainly earned our trust, respect and friendship.

Since we began coming to the Gulf Coast, we have had a dream of our own special place by the sea – that dream is now a reality. We appreciate you!

Sincerely, Sonnie and Jerry Heffel

228 Market St. | Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 | 850.267.2898 | www.ficarra.com

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Ge tt i n G AwAy fr om

i t

a ll

A Guide to the Best B e d - A n d - B r e A k fA s t r e t r e At s f r o m C o L A 2 C o L A®

I n t rod u ct ion by J o r da n Sta g g S

t h A n k s G i v i n G fA m i Ly d i n n e r s A n d 4 : 0 0 A . m . wA k e - u p C A L L s o n B L A C k f r i dAy , Christmas gifts piling up under the tree, and New Year’s Eve parties are all reminders that the holidays are certainly among the busiest times of the year for most people. But it doesn’t have to be stressful or difficult. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that a “holiday” means a break from normal everyday responsibilities.

In fact, it’s the perfect time to get away from it all—literally. That’s why VIE has scoured Northwest Florida for the very best in bed-and-breakfast getaways.

Since medieval times, roadside inns and taverns have offered hospitality to weary travelers with a comfortable bed and a solid meal. But you don’t have to travel back in time to enjoy this luxury. Bed-and-breakfast establishments can be found in almost every town—even in tourist destinations that are known for more large-scale accommodations. When it comes to cozy holiday retreats, bed-and-breakfasts are perfect for those who are looking for charm and a homey atmosphere.

Florida’s Gulf Coast is known for its luxurious white-sand beaches and emerald waters, and for being the hottest spot for summer tourists. To some, the fall

86 | N OV EM B ER / D ECEM B ER 2012

and winter seasons are even more beautiful in this little piece of paradise and the perfect time to enjoy everything the beach has to offer—minus the traffic.

Holiday shopping is a pleasure at the many outdoor shopping centers, gift shops, and boutiques the area has to offer. The wait times are shorter at attractions and restaurants, and the beach is just as enticing. The cooler fall breezes make getting sun even more enjoyable as visitors revel in a good book in the garden, take a ride down Scenic Highway 30-A’s eighteen-mile bike path, or stroll leisurely along the water’s edge.

After a long day of fun and relaxation, go back to any of these bed-and-breakfasts and take a load off ! The owners of these retreats take pride in their properties as they would their own homes and strive to make their guests comfortable—as if they were part of the family. From the internationally inspired decor at La Maison de Lucy to the nostalgic Old Florida charm of Hibiscus Coffee and Guesthouse, this B and B guide has something for everyone. So, put your feet up, grab a mug of coffee or a glass of wine, and imagine living a simpler life as you peruse this list of fantastic homes away from home.

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AnCient shAde trees keep the ver AndAs CooL whiLe Cozy ChAirs And porCh swinGs e n C o u r A G e L A z y d Ay s .

coombs house inn Apal a ch icola , Flor id a

By Audrey Johnson • Photography Courtesy of Coombs House Inn

Phone: 850.653.9199 • Toll-free: 888.244.8320 E-mail: info@coombshouseinn.com • www.coombshouseinn.com Apalachicola is one of those special corners of the earth where local businesses rule and friendly faces are everywhere you turn. The Apalachicola River meets the Gulf of Mexico in harmony, and you realize that there’s something much bigger going on than the petty thoughts and problems of the day. Life is simpler there and the people are kinder.

And so it was no surprise that the Forgotten Coast was chosen as the perfect backdrop for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit photo shoot last fall. The world-renowned supermodels, photographers, and crew took over Coombs House Inn bed-andbreakfast and set the Gulf Coast abuzz with excitement. But Sports Illustrated wasn’t the only world-renowned outfit in town. Lady Lynn Wilson, owner of the Coombs House Inn, is an internationally known interior designer with a stellar résumé. She has designed interior spaces for palaces and hotels all over the world; her client list includes such notables as Queen Elizabeth II and Donald Trump.

On Friday nights at the inn, the staff offers guests red and white wines and assorted cheeses while Lynn gives a brief history of the Coombs House and how she came 88 | N OV EM B ER / D ECEM B ER 2012

to acquire it. Lynn and her husband, Sir William Spohrer, bought and restored the Victorian mansion, paying close attention to historical detail. Proud of the tremendous remodeling project, she shows a photo album with before and after pictures documenting the amazing transformation.

The interior of the house is decorated with antique furniture and intriguing artwork reminiscent of life at the turn of the twentieth century. Ancient shade trees keep the verandas cool while cozy chairs and porch swings encourage lazy days.

Saturday morning breakfast, with delicious treats like frittatas, fresh fruit salad, blueberry muffins, and Starbucks coffee on the menu, is not to be missed.

Lynn could live anywhere in the world, so I had to ask, “Why Apalachicola?”

She simply said, “One person can make a difference.” Lynn saw a chance to lead the restoration of a once booming town to its former beauty. In the process, she achieved personal fulfillment. As it turns out, Lynn was looking for the same thing that Sports Illustrated was searching for—that little slice of Americana.

Florida as it used to be. Raw, natural, and untouched.

h e n d e r s o n pA r k i n n ’ s n At u r A L s u r r o u n d i n G s present An ABundAnCe of options for outdoor ACtivities.

h e n d e r s o n pa r k i n n De stin , Flor id a

By Kim Duke-Layden • Photography Courtesy of Henderson Park Inn

Phone: Reservations and General Info 866.398.4432 or Weddings and Events Planning 850.424.7648 www.hendersonparkinn.com The stately Henderson Park Inn sits at the western end of Scenic Highway 98 on a secluded, pristine stretch of beachfront bordering idyllic Henderson Beach State Park. Its New England–style architecture and weathered, cedar-shingle siding, are more reminiscent of coastal Maine than Destin. Within the inn’s three-storied main house and three-storied annex next door are thirty-six sublime suites with balconies overlooking the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Upon check in, guests are greeted in their rooms by chocolate truffles on pillows and a welcome tray with a bottle of wine, fresh grapes, and roses—compliments of the innkeeper, Ryan Olin. All suites are comfortably appointed with European-style furnishings—the larger suites with mini-kitchenettes and small seating areas. Most have private, oceanfront balconies, the perfect spot to enjoy sea breezes, sunset toasts and, after that perfect night’s sleep, the day’s first cup of fresh-brewed coffee.

Henderson Park Inn’s natural surroundings present an abundance of options for outdoor activities. The close proximity of the pristine Henderson Beach State

Park beckons for intimate morning strolls along one of Destin’s most impressive beaches. The complimentary bikes and kayaks might tempt the athletic adventurer; or simply soak up fresh air and sunshine from complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas.

In the morning, head to the inn’s Beach Walk (www.beachwalkcafe.com) for the all-inclusive gourmet breakfast buffet where the wraparound windows afford spectacular views of the beach and Gulf. Omelets are made-to-order, the grits are some of the best you’ll ever taste, and the homemade biscuits and fresh fruit are delicious. At midday, relax in bathing suits on the restaurant’s breezy veranda and enjoy a complimentary picnic-boxed lunch.

Every evening, the inn presents a complimentary sunset happy hour. The stunning seaside setting and friendly guests make for a delightful experience. Ask the inn about upcoming dates for future wine tastings that may coincide with your stay— they are also included.

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Candles flicker in Beach Walk’s cozy dining room as diners splurge on superb cuisine. The melt-in-your-mouth venison is pan-sautéed in a rich Shiraz sauce; the oven-roasted grouper tops a crispy mashed potato cake with a honey Worcestershire sauce; but the hot crème brûlée will challenge anyone not to scrape his or her plate.

Henderson Park Inn offers a wonderful weekend escape to recharge your batteries.

Fall and winter rates make a special occasion or weekend splurge more affordable.

For a complete listing of room rates and availability, call (866) 398-4432. For more information about this local treasure, visit www.hendersonparkinn.com.

e v e r y d Ay t h e s i G n sp orts A new word, urGinG reAders to Be stronG, Be wise, B e G r At e f u L , e t C .

hibiscus coffee and guesthouse Grayton B ea ch , Flor id a

By Jordan Staggs • Photography By Romona Robbins

Phone: 850.231.2733 www.hibiscusflorida.com Souvenirs come in all shapes and sizes, but some of the most unexpected souvenirs are the places themselves—places so special they seem to transport the visitor back in time. To experience a slice of Old Florida, Hibiscus Coffee and Guesthouse is the place to go. This laid-back inn sits nestled beneath the Spanish moss in Grayton Beach along Scenic Highway 30-A. Hibiscus started as a fun project for Kurt and Barbara Tape, Louisiana natives who always loved Grayton. They opened the bed-and-breakfast in 1994 as a café and single guest room, until undergoing the transformation into a twelveroom inn with coffee, breakfast, and an outdoor music venue that are open to guests and the public. Within walking distance to the beach, Hibiscus is also near several shops and restaurants, and it’s the perfect spot to grab a bike (free for hotel guests) and take a lazy cruise down 30-A to popular activity spots in nearby Seaside, WaterColor, or Blue Mountain Beach.

Each room is decorated differently and has its own unique theme and name, such as the New Orleans-inspired “Big Easy,” or the “Funky Bird,” featuring flamingoes, cranes, and other fowl in everything from the paintings to the bathroom mirror.

They all share that retro Old Florida style, and are as cozy as your favorite room at grandma’s. Besides the guest rooms are the flats: one-bedroom apartments which are more modern than the other rooms, but are not lacking in the quirky décor and homey feeling that is embodied in the whole establishment.

The Backyard, which Hibiscus boasts as the “most unique listening experience on 30-A,” has a story all its own. It’s all about the music, and everyone can just relax with good food and good company in a beautiful setting. Lights are strung above several picnic tables and chairs in front of the small stage when local and visiting artists share their sounds. Country singer Greg Barnhill replaced a word in his blockbuster song “House of Love” while performing there,

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making it “Backyard of Love.” The name stuck, and it has become Hibiscus’s pride and glory.

Another staple of Hibiscus is the “Be” board hanging at the front of the property.

Every day the sign sports a new word, urging readers to be strong, be wise, be grateful, etc. “The ‘Be’ board became kind of synonymous with the fruits of the spirit here,” owner Kurt Tape said.

And while we’re talking about fruits of the spirit—the café, open daily for breakfast and lunch, is like grandma’s kitchen meets your favorite neighborhood diner.

Every meal is made with love (it says so right on the menu!), with vegan options available. Be sure to try the Waffle Wonderful; it really lives up to its name!

Bryan Kennedy, a singer-songwriter from Nashville who relocated to 30-A, has performed in the Backyard of Love many times and stayed in almost every guest room at the inn. He said there is something magical about Hibiscus. It is a true souvenir of a simpler, happier time; everyone is family, and the term “laid back” isn’t quite strong enough to describe it.

“It’s a pretty slow pace down here on 30-A, but when you come to Hibiscus, it gets just a little bit slower,” Kennedy said.

“ t h e u n i q u e At m o s p h e r e of eACh Gives Guests A s e n s e t h A t t h e y h Av e t r Av e L e d s o m e w h e r e f A r AwA y . ”

l a m a i s on de lu cy A lf ord, F lo rida

By Sallie W. Boyles • Photography By Brandan Babineaux

Phone: 850.579.0138 E-mail: info@lamaisondelucy.com • www.lamaisondelucy.com Many fantasize about living in Paris. Michael Setboun, who grew up in the romanticized “City of Light,” dreamed of living in the U.S. He lived for breaks between semesters in college, when he traveled to different cities across America and fell in love with it. When later presented with a transfer to Miami for a pharmaceutical position, he seized the opportunity, and persuaded his parents to buy an apartment there as well. To Setboun’s misfortune, or so he thought, his employer later sold the company and he was back in France. “After six months and one winter, I decided I couldn’t take it,” he says. He was determined to move back.

Without a specific business plan, he had placed a bid a year earlier on an old schoolhouse building in Alford, Florida, a small town near Marianna in Jackson County. He held no real hope that his offer would be accepted, but to his surprise, once back in Paris, he received a call. If Setboun still wanted to buy the property, it was his.

By that time, he had a vision. His excursions through the small towns of Northwest Florida had revealed a niche in the hospitality market. “There were plenty of

microhotels, but nothing upscale,” he says. The plan for a high-end, distinctly different inn was born.

When it came to establishing a theme for the bed-and-breakfast, Setboun’s father had the idea to design each of the twelve suites in the style of a different country— China, France, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico Morocco, and the U.S.A.—namely, Hollywood and New York. All suites display authentic furnishings and decorative art, as well as cultural music and DVDs from each particular location. “The unique atmosphere of each gives guests a sense that they have traveled somewhere far away,” he says. As a tribute to his mother, Setboun named the inn La Maison de Lucy.

All in all, Setboun wants his guests to unwind and feel pampered. Each morning, he uses fresh ingredients for preparing eggs, crepes, and homemade bread with organic preserves. He also treats guests to afternoon wine and cheese, or tea with pastries, and accommodates meals for private functions in the inn’s event center. Lucy has gained a reputation for being one of the best bed-and-breakfasts V IE ZINE.COM | 93

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Beyond the restful suites and elegant common rooms, La Maison de Lucy’s guests can relax with a massage or sauna, work out, take a dip in the pool, or walk the grounds. “Whether you’re here for pleasure or work, the point is to do as you like and to go at your own pace,” says Setboun, who welcomes interaction with his guests. He finds that many choose the inn for romantic getaways and honeymoons, but others simply desire its peace and comfort. “Meeting people of many different backgrounds and sharing our experiences is the most interesting and pleasurable aspect of this business.” He has thought about opening other locations in the future, but for now La Maison de Lucy is a 24/7 effort. Setboun said he cannot imagine a better job or a more ideal place to live. “We know when life starts, but not when it ends, so we might as well pursue what we love,” he says.

Photo C ou rt e s y of Pe ns aC ol a V iC tor i a n

CoLorfuL roCkinG ChAirs Adorn the front p or C h A n d i n v i t e yo u to reLAx A whiLe.

Photo by au dr e y Joh ns on

pensacola victorian b e d a n d b r e a k fa s t P ensac o la, F lo rida

By Audrey Johnson

Phone: 850.434.2818 E mail: pcolabedbrk@pensacolavictorian.com • www.pensacolavictorian.com

The house that now operates as Pensacola Victorian Bed and Breakfast was originally built for ship captain, businessman, and politician William Hazard Northup.

Upon Northup’s death, the Victorian home remained in the family, with his son Edwin residing. Avid music lovers, Edwin and his wife, Louise, hosted gatherings of musicians in the home, which eventually led to the founding of the Pensacola Philharmonic Orchestra.

Pensacola Victorian is decorated with an eclectic mix of antique furnishings.

Each piece seems to have a story, and the quirky decor has a character all its own.

Stained glass windows shed colorful light into the house and antique chandeliers draw the eye upward. Uniquely decorated bedrooms allow for a flood of natural light and make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a different era. Intricate woodwork is featured throughout the house from the stairwell to the downstairs fireplace. Colorful rocking chairs adorn the front porch and invite you to relax a while. Historic Downtown Pensacola’s shops and restaurants are conveniently located just a few blocks from the bed and breakfast.

Chuck and Barbee Major have been innkeepers at Pensacola Victorian for fifteen years. Barbee sets an easy-going atmosphere, and her easygoing nature makes guests feel right at home. The jazzy music that she plays in the living room helps to set the mood and gives the house old-world charm. As well as having a gift for being gracious and accommodating, Barbee has a story for every photo, trinket, and teapot, and she’s well versed in the expansive history of the house. After a chat with Barbee, you’ll leave feeling like an old friend.

Breakfast at Pensacola Victorian is a real treat. Barbee offers coffee, tea, juice, fresh fruit, omelets, and her delicious vanilla gooey butter cake. She also runs Cottage Cafe, a local lunch spot next to Pensacola Victorian. The café serves salads, sandwiches, and Barbee’s renowned homemade baked goods. A visit to Pensacola Victorian is refreshingly real. Barbee doesn’t meet a stranger and has a wonderfully positive outlook on life. Best of all, Barbee gives good-bye hugs and an invitation to come back soon.

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Guest rooms Are d e C o r At e d w i t h C o L o r f u L p r i n t s A n d pAt t e r n s t h At invite Guests to move riGht in.

s e a s i d e av e n u e b e d a n d b r e a k fa s t Seaside , F lo rida

By Jordan Staggs • Photography Courtesy of Cottage Rental Agency

Phone: Toll-free 866.966.2565 E-mail: info@cottagerentalagency.com www.cottagerentalagency.com/seasidebedandbreakfast.asp

For anyone looking to discover a bit of that Old Florida charm, a trip down the Gulf Coast’s Scenic Highway 30A is just the ticket. A stay in the tiny beach town of Seaside, Florida, with its pastel beachside homes and “Small Town, USA” feel, might even make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Just a block from the bicycle-strewn Central Square lies Seaside Avenue Bed and Breakfast, a nine-room inn boasting all the charm and American dreaminess of the town itself.

The cozy and relaxed bed-and-breakfast has been providing a perfect home away from home to Seaside visitors for years. It was first christened Josephine’s French Country Inn; later, Inn by the Sea by Vera Bradley. In fact, all the rooms were designed by Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, cofounder of Vera Bradley Designs Inc., and her creative team, who brought a unique, charming, and elegant feel to each one.

The individualized guest rooms are decorated with colorful prints and patterns that invite guests to move right in and relax as if they were staying at an old friend’s house.

The common room features rich colors and comfy sofas for guests to sink into and enjoy a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, a casual conversation, or a good book.

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Guests are just a short walk or bike ride away from all the excitement of Central Square and, of course, the Gulf of Mexico’s pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waves. The inn’s perks also include access to Seaside’s private swim, tennis, and fitness club, daily housekeeping service, welcome gifts, and continental breakfast to start the day off right.

Be sure to make the most of your trip back in time. Stroll along the town’s tree-lined pathways past white picket fences, have a picnic on the great lawn by the Seaside Amphitheater, and explore the shops and restaurants of Central Square. And don’t forget to catch the sunset on the beach! No matter what you do while in this idyllic little world, Seaside Avenue Bed and Breakfast is there to make sure guests relax and enjoy their stay.

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a Walk on the WIld sIde

part 1

a trek to slovenIa’s

hIghest summIt and around Its alpIne lakes

story by kim duke-layden photography by kim duke-layden and John layden

When I mentIon that my latest adventure Was to slovenIa, most people respond WIth a quIzzIcal look or they ask, “Where exactly Is that?”

Formerly part of yugoslavia—and bordered by (clockwise) austria, hungary, croatia, and Italy—slovenia straddles Western and central europe. It is generally a blip on the travel radar, overlooked by many americans. last summer, I spent three wondrous weeks with my husband, John, exploring this compact wonderland. We traversed triglav national park (www.tnp.si/national_park)—home to mount triglav, slovenia’s national emblem and highest peak at 9,400 feet—then cycled from the capital, ljubljana (lyoob-lyee-ah-nah), down the slovenian-Italian border to the adriatic sea. throughout our journey, we crossed paths with many slovenes, who are some of the friendliest and most genuine people we’ve ever met. slovenia is truly one of europe’s best-kept secrets!

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Intro

John and I are avId hIkers

and, whenever possible, include mountainous destinations in our travels. For years, we have hiked europe’s alps and longed to spend a night in one of the countless charming mountain chalets tucked high in alpine backcountry (www.hutten.be/uk/index-uk.html). We envisioned arriving by foot to bond with fellow nature-loving adventurers over hearty food, rounds of beer, and engaging trail stories. last august, one of the “must dos” on our bucket list became a reality as we embarked on an incredible five-day, self-guided hike in slovenia’s jaw-dropping Julian alps. a plethora of superlatives couldn’t sufficiently describe our astounding adventure, which exceeded our expectations and ranks as one of our best vacations—ever! read on for part one of our exciting adventure to slovenia.

Peering out the plane’s window during our descent into Venice Marco Polo Airport, I watched water taxis zip like water bugs across Venice’s shimmering canals. Since many US airlines don’t offer direct or connecting flights to Ljubljana’s Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU), our shuttle driver, Milan, from GoOpti, (www.goopti.com) awaited us outside customs to drive us to northwest Slovenia. He was pleasantly surprised when I greeted him with “Dober dan” (Slovene for “Good day”), two of the five words in my vocabulary of the challenging and vowel-deprived Slovene language. Thankfully, many Slovenes know at least a little English and many in tourist-related jobs speak it fluently.

Nestled northwest of Ljubljana, between the Karavanke and Julian Alps, lies irresistible Bled, Slovenia’s picture-perfect resort village, whose idyllic lakeside location has attracted visitors for more than a millennium. Since the Royal Hapsburg days, Bled has been Slovenia’s “hostess with the mostest” for entertaining international dignitaries and celebrities.

One of our Bled highpoints was staying at charming four-star Hotel Triglav Bled (www. hoteltriglavbled.si/en), whose hillside perch on the outskirts of town afforded us riveting panoramas of gorgeous Lake Bled. From our balcony, I gazed across emerald waters to tiny Bled Island, Slovenia’s only real island, which is crowned by a lovely Baroque church with ruby-red roof tiles and a towering belfry. A parade of pletnas (traditional flat-bottom boats with colorful canopies) ferried passengers back and forth.

During our brief visit, we only scratched the surface of the countless outdoor pleasures Lake Bled offers. We swam its invigorating mineral waters; explored

its cliff-clinging medieval castle; cycled the three-and-one-half-mile loop lined with sunbathers, swans, and centuries-old villas; kayaked to Bled Island; shopped craft markets; picnicked in the park, and promenaded the lakeshore under the moonlight. At Bled’s lively lakeside cafés, we also became acquainted with Slovenia’s tasty wines and two national brews, Laško (lashko) and Union (oon-yun).

Bled is blessed with numerous farm-to-fork restaurants serving delicious Slovene cuisine and regional specialties like grilled trout, wild game, and Bled’s signature creation, kremna rezina—vanilla custard layered with whipped cream and sandwiched between crispy layers of puff pastry. The gelato version of this dessert is even more addictive.

We booked our tours online through the reasonably priced full-service travel agency Helia (www.helia.si/english), specializing in both guided and independent hiking and cycling trips in Slovenia. For our hike, we chose Helia’s self-guided Julian Alps Peak Walk, the most challenging route, which also included dom or koča (types of huts) stays.

At Helia’s pre-trek orientation, we met Urša Pipan, our trip coordinator extraordinaire. We three clicked immediately and became fast friends while perusing trail maps and route details. A severe storm was forecast for day three of our trip, which coincided with our descent down Mount Triglav. So we created Plan B: If we awoke to bad weather, we would wait until the next day to depart; then we would resume the itinerary. Urša would handle reservation changes. Perfect!

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day 1 pokljuka plateau to rudno polje / distance 9.8 miles We awoke to another crisp, sunny morning. Following breakfast at Hotel Triglav, Helia’s driver arrived promptly at nine. After nearly dismantling the car’s trunk to fit our luggage, we rode up the winding, scenic road to Pokljuka, a sprawling 4,000-foot-high forested karst (limestone) plateau situated northwest of Bled. As we waved goodbye to our non-English-speaking driver, I said a heartfelt “hvala” (thank you) and smiled apologetically. Geez. Would we ever learn to pack lighter?

We were psyched to tramp across picturesque rolling pastures dotted with rustic cottages and cows wearing bells. Chalky-white peaks punctuated the horizon against the brilliant blue sky. The trail snaked through dense forests up to a verdant ridge, where the Blejska Koča nestled between rugged mountains. At a picnic table, we lunched on beer and barley soup and then basked in the blissful, sunny surroundings.

That afternoon we hiked ridges with astonishing spanning vistas. At one eye-riveting overlook, John spotted a shiny, miniscule speck situated near the tallest of Mount Triglav’s three peaks. We were speechless after realizing that the “speck” was actually the rooftop of Dom Planika—our next day’s destination.

Blame it on altitude or potent pivo (beer), as the afternoon wore on we made several critical mistakes. We failed to reference the directions and coinciding pictures to ensure we remained on track. Additionally, during several legs, we underestimated hiking times and distances, which caused confusion and led us to second-guess ourselves.

The day’s epic blunder occurred when we assumed we had overlooked a crucial trail marker painted on a rock, which we thought would be roughly the size of a microwave oven. We then backtracked for more than an hour before realizing we had not gone far enough the first time and had to double back to retrace our steps. Three agonizing hours (and countless expletives!) later, we finally spotted the elusive rock, which turned out to be the size of a VW Beetle!

day 2 pokljuka plateau to mount triglav’s highest hut / distance: 7 miles Despite backpacks laden with gear, our spirits soared as we walked in the chilly morning air. It was a beautiful Saturday and Triglav National Park buzzed with outdoor enthusiasts. The sun grew hotter as we traversed the dusty, well-trodden ridge trail, whose sheer cliffs plunged into endless fields of green. The steep climb up mammoth Studorski preval (mountain pass) paled in comparison to the daunting descent as we, burdened with bulky backpacks, corkscrewed down gravelly, narrow switchbacks.

Just as unforgettable were the surreal vistas at the Vodnikov Dom, where we ate a late lunch. Like the canvas of a Van Gogh masterpiece, swirling spires of white, gray, and green spanned our panorama. A friendly local at the next picnic table, who offered to take our picture, said we were the only Americans he had ever seen on the mountain. As we said our good-byes, he questioned our plans to continue to Dom Planika, considering Sunday’s forecast. We assured him we had a backup plan and continued up the trail.

At higher altitudes, the “thrills and chills” escalated and the number of hikers diminished. Several craggy ridges required white-knuckle gripping of cables and spikes that were drilled into the rocks. On our approach to Dom Planika, we inched upward as the air turned very cold and windy. Rather than continue for several more hours to Triglav’s summit, we decided to drink in the views, along with some Laškos, from Planika’s bird’s-eye perch.

Hope of a post-hike happy hour faded with the sun while we plodded the final stretch up a rugged canyon, through a winding forest, and down a serpentine ski hill to modern Hotel Center ( www.center-pokljuka.si). Although we chalked up our comedy of errors as an eye-opening trial run, we knew day two’s ascent up Mount Triglav would demand our “A game”!

Around Planika’s rustic bar we bonded with two adorable hut staffers, Auka and Nika. As we finished our simple dinner of sausages, soup, and salad, a group of jovial locals invited us to join them. Of course, we answered, “Ja!” For the next few hours John and I were immersed in quintessential hut experiences. Convivial conversation and libations flowed freely until 10:00 p.m., when last call and lights-out were strictly enforced. Snug in our übercozy room, I smiled myself to sleep.

Hiking time with breaks: Nine hours

Hiking time with breaks: Six and a half hours

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day 3 triglav’s summit to seven lakes valley / distance: 6.8 miles We awoke to heavy, overcast skies. While packing, John noted that our fun-loving friends, who were veteran hikers, had departed hours before. As we sat alone in the dimly lit dining room sipping thick Turkish coffee, I grew tense. Since we had not received word from Urša to remain, and the storm wasn’t forecast to hit for two more hours, we donned rain gear and naively headed out the door. (Unbeknownst to us, Urša had been trying to call us, but there was no cellular service.)

The still air felt muggy as we shuffled and stumbled down the twisted, rock-strewn turns, accompanied only by the familiar clacking of our hiking sticks. Adrenaline coursed through me as I scouted ahead for trail markers, urging John to hurry. No sooner had we finished a tricky cable crossing than it started to rain … then thunder … then lightning! John sprang forward to usher us to safety under the ledge of a huge boulder. Scrunched tightly in our dry cubby, we watched wide eyed as hail bounced across the rocks. Luckily, the storm passed quickly.

Relieved that we had dodged a bullet, we mobilized, cautiously continuing our descent. Before long, a wall of ominous clouds rolled in followed by pounding rain.

This time the stark surroundings provided no natural shelter. As we slogged around a bend, I couldn’t believe my eyes—tucked behind the next ridge was a hut. My prayers had been answered!

From our safe haven, we, and a handful of other stranded hikers, waited nearly an hour for the storm to pass. After a quick kiss for luck, John and I ventured out again. During the next six hours, through mist and drizzle, we climbed, crawled, and scaled up, down, and around windswept canyons, volcanic landscapes, alpine bogs, glacial lakes, and thick forests. Urging me on were Urša’s counseling words regarding Triglav’s weather, “The later in the day, the worse the weather.”

Approaching the homestretch to the Triglav Seven Lakes hut, I looked up and froze; grazing nearby was a rarely seen zlatorog, or horned buck. According to local folklore, a sighting of Triglav’s legendary mascot signifies luck. Minutes later, we rounded the final bend and reached our hut—just as it began storming.

day 4 triglav lakes valley to savica slap (waterfall) hut / distance: 6.4 miles Outside our window, I saw a picture-perfect lake beneath brilliant blue skies. In the cheery dining room, we got cozy next to the wood-burning stove where the hut’s owner, Herman, had thoughtfully placed our wet boots to dry. With Slovenian folk music playing softly in the background, we sipped cappuccinos and watched as two gray-haired grandmas prepared our scrumptious-smelling omelets in the kitchen.

After practically licking our plates clean, Herman sat down to chat about “hut life.”

He told us that his supplies were still delivered the traditional way via horse rather than helicopter. When we shared details of our harrowing descent, Herman said that considering the weather, we were extremely lucky not to have been hurt—or worse. Not all hikers have fared as well.

Despite wanting to remain in this alpine Eden, we continued around the muddy lakeshore and back into the forest. Using our hiking sticks for balance, we poked our way down slick, hairpin turns until the rocky trail unfurled and meandered along scenic paths with caves and trickling waterfalls.

Hot shower: $10; Pasta dinner for two: $23; Bragging rights after our deathdefying descent: Priceless!

The best surprise of the day was the intoxicating ridge-top panorama overlooking the tip of breathtaking Lake Bohinj (BOH-heen). Tied for second were the hot showers and mouthwatering cuisine at the Savica Waterfall hut. After dinner we shared a beer and good conversation with our Hungarian roommate and fellow cyclist, Lazlo, who was the only other guest sharing the pleasant ten-bed bunkhouse.

Hiking time with breaks: Nine and a half hours

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day 5

slap savica to ribcev laz village on lake Bohinj / distance: 8 miles After breakfast we hiked the falls and then grabbed our gear to stroll along refreshingly flat lanes to Lake Bohinj. Charming holiday cottages, adorned with flower boxes of red geraniums, flanked our route. From its shoreline, Lake Bohinj looked mammoth compared to Lake Bled, but both were equally sublime. We skirted along the lovely lakeshore, pausing to take photos and for an afternoon swim at a secluded stretch of beach. Bohinj’s enticing yet frigid water kept me from plunging in, but John found it invigorating.

We then followed a circuitous course that shadowed the lake and veered toward the park, edging its fringe, and then zigzagged through a delightful village before ending at Bohinj’s alluring hamlet, Ribčev Laz. At a popular snack shack, we refueled on savory, meat-filled pastries called börek, then wandered to the outskirts of town for a glorious “four-star” finish at Hotel Kristal.

Hiking time with breaks: Six hours

Greeting us in our room were a bouquet of sunflowers and a bottle of chilled Slovenian rosé, compliments of our friends at Helia. From our balcony, we gazed up to Mount Triglav’s three magnificent peaks. With raised glasses we toasted, “Na zdravje!” (cheers) to one of our most stupefying experiences. Perhaps Henry David Thoreau said it best—“We need the tonic of wildness … We can never have enough nature.”

Kim Duke-Layden is an international adventurer with insatiable wanderlust, who lives at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort with her husband, John, and is a Realtor® for The Premier Property Group at Grand Boulevard. Contact her at kim@theppg.net; or www. kimsellsdestin.com

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PEOPLE + PLACES Caliza Goes Pink at Alys Beach To support the fight against breast cancer, Alys Beach and Caliza Restaurant’s Executive Chef Kevin Korman hosted Caliza Goes Pink on Wednesday, October 10. This was the second year for the event, which was originally started by Chef Korman to honor his own mother’s battle with and subsequent survival of breast cancer. The evening began at 6:00 p.m. and featured a delectable five-course menu that incorporated cancer-fighting ingredients in a variety of ways, each beautiful in

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presentation and exquisite in taste. The unique

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culinary extravaganza was held in Caliza’s poolside Moroccan room and lit by warm candlelight after the sun set, incorporating accents of pink throughout the decor in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The guest speaker for the evening was VIE publisher Lisa Burwell, who shared her own inspirational story and some motivational thoughts.

Guests bid on a variety of exceptional auction

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items, including an original pink Justin Gaffrey painting, done exclusively for the event, a condo stay in Belize, and a Vahan diamond bracelet from Destin Jewelers. Caliza Goes Pink raised a net total of $7,450 from the dinner and auction to benefit the Sacred Heart Cancer Center Emerald Coast and the Maryland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Patrick Tarpey and Christine Michanczyk

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Stephanie Gleason and Julie Wall

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Ainsley Rogers and Jessica Proffitt

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Meghan Kelly and Kelli Siler

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Stunning table decor at Caliza

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Elizabeth Stowe (Belize trip winner), Melody Finlaw,

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Photo by Jacqueline Ward

and Tiffany Finlaw Todd Zauner, Elizabeth Cornay, and Kim Corretti 106 | N OV EM B ER / D ECEM B ER 2012

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The VIE team: Tim Dutrow, Jordan Staggs, Gerald Burwell, Lisa Burwell, Ainsley Rogers, Mary Jane Kirby, and Benjamin Rosenau

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Mary Jane Kirby, Steve Dugas, and Lynn Dugas

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Marieanne Khoury-Vogt and Erik Vogt

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Joree and Jerry Hamm

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Gerald and Lisa Burwell, Kim Duke-Layden, and John Layden

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Pink lights set the mood for the evening

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PEOPLE + PLACES

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Children’s Volunteer Health Network’s Eighth Annual Hurricane Party Children’s Volunteer Health Network Inc.’s (CVHN) Eighth Annual Hurricane Party was held at Bud & Alley’s in Seaside, Fla., on Friday, September 21.

The event included a live and silent auction with online bidding available before the event, live entertainment by DJ Mike Whitty, hors d’oeuvres,

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and a whole lot of fun!

The event hosted around two hundred attendees who helped raise over $34,000 for CVHN. For more information on CVHN, visit CVHNkids.org.

Photos by Lori Leath Smith 1st Row (L-R): Kitty Taylor, “Beachy” Barb Lovell,

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Candace Abuvala.

2nd Row (L-R): Alan Riehl, Dave Lovell

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Carol and Dave Rauschkolb

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Christel Giles & Carol Rauschkolb

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Lorre & Bob James and Richard &

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Demetria McNeese Judd & Penny Jackson with Brian Haugen

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Lori Leath Smith and Shaye Smith

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Dave Rauschkolb and Lynn Nesmith

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Jackie Adams and Penny Jackson

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O l d FlOr ida E n t Ertai n i ng •

D est i n Bay H ouse •

By Ainsley Rogers | Photography by Christie Meresse at

For many, majestic magnolia and oak trees would not be the first things to come to mind when imagining Destin’s newest premier event venue. But at Destin Bay House, these lovely specimens, emblematic of the South, are exactly what visitors will find. Positioned perfectly on a sweeping 8,000-square-foot lawn, a lovely Old Florida home overlooks the shimmering waters of Choctawhatchee Bay, a desired destination of vacationers from across the country. With a large screened porch and ample space for entertaining, Destin Bay House personifies the Southern hospitality for which Northwest Florida is known.

The Destin Bay House was purchased in March 2011 by owner Mike Shoults.

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rental,” says Mike. “However, with the Bay House property being in a commercial zoning area and our desire to have other people enjoy this unique setting, we decided to develop it into a venue for weddings and parties.”

To transform the residential property into an exciting event venue, Mike had his work cut out for him. Since the main house and the bridal cottage were originally built in 1951, he wanted to preserve as much of the history associated with the property as possible. He gutted both the home and the cottage, and rebuilt them from the frame up, careful to keep many of the structure’s original elements in the process. After dedicating a year to the remodeling project—and adding luxurious landscaping and extensive parking in the process—the new Destin Bay House was complete.

For those seeking an intimate occasion with an Old Florida flair, Destin Bay House offers a distinctive ambience for events such as weddings, corporate functions, and reunions. “It is such a lovely spot. Those that have their events here have a unique setting to build some special memories,” Mike says.

Brides who desire the Emerald Coast for their nuptials will find Destin Bay House to be the ideal alternative to a typical seaside wedding. While the house itself gives a cool respite from the sun during an outside soiree, the sweeping lawn is perfect for a celebratory reception with ample space for a dance floor or dinner party. Above all, magnolia trees that frame a spectacular view of the bay also afford a breathtaking backdrop for the evening.

At Destin Bay House, the possibilities for event planning are endless, and Mike and his staff are always on hand to ensure that details for each event are perfectly executed. And when those details for planning seem to get a little overwhelming, DestinBayHouse.com is there to help with a list of suggested vendors and floor plans to make event organizing seamless. “Every event is unique,” says Mike. “It is exciting for us to be able to see the way each event reflects the different personalities of our clients.”

For the holiday season, consider using the expansive estate of Destin Bay House to host any festive affair. For more information, call 850-259-3490 or visit DestinBayHouse.com.

V IE ZINE.COM | 113

DAVE WADDLE

BRIAN HAUGEN

STEVE CANN

Senior Vice President, Investments

Senior Vice President, Investments

Associate Vice President, Investments

You’ve spent a career building your wealth.

We spend our careers helping you protect it.

You’ve chosen the Emerald Coast for its beauty, hospitality, and individuality.

Welcome to an investment firm as unique as you.

At Emerald Coast Wealth Advisors of Raymond James, we design custom portfolios for high-net-worth investors. we take the time to know you personally, and then consider all the angles to create your unique plan… …so you can spend more time enjoying all the reasons you’ve made the Emerald Coast your home.

543 haRboR boulevaRd, suite 501, destin, Fl 32541 Tel 850.650.0990 • Toll-free 888.317.8956 emeRaldcoastwealthadvisoRs.com Raymond James & associates , inc., membeR new yoRk stock exchange/siPc

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Now you can read VIE anywhere, anytime on your iPad. VIE brings you the best of every issue and includes additional photography, videos, and exclusive content. And the best part? It’s free with your regular subscription.

To learn more, go to VIEZINE.com/magazine.

V I E ’s 2 012

Physicians Guide

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B y S a l l i e W. B o y l e s An online search using the key words “2012 medical advances” yields a myriad of topics in numerous fields of medicine. Scientists are growing body parts like ears, bone, and skin in labs, which surgeons are using for facial reconstruction, most notably to heal wounded soldiers. Additionally, while implants are not new, the latest minimachines, now in operating rooms, restore vision, hearing, organ function, and mobility in ways that are downright astounding.

A tiny telescope in the eye, for instance, returns sight to a patient with macular degeneration. Cochlear implants, developed for profound hearing loss, are more feasible for less serious cases. Another implant, working similarly to the way in which a defibrillator regulates the heart, improves bladder function and keeps pain under control. Meanwhile, facilitating the success of orthopedic implants, microchips with sensors can be embedded in such devices to detect bacteria and increased body temperature, thereby alerting doctors to address problems before they become critical. At the same time, breakthroughs have been made in drugs to combat HIV, Parkinson’s disease, COPD, and depression.

screenings and informational pamphlets at health fairs. Likewise, when doctors speak to lay audiences, they find that individuals, hungry for information, have numerous questions.

No longer timid about asking questions, prospective patients also schedule consultations with various specialists to learn the implications of different treatment options. As patients and their loved ones become more outspoken, they more readily challenge a professional’s opinion. The days of sitting back in awe of the doctor are over, and those who don’t quite know what to ask can always find appropriate questions, as the ones that follow, online: What is the purpose of the test?

How soon can I receive the results?

Why are you prescribing this treatment?

Do alternative treatments exist?

How many times have you performed the procedure?

Doctors are further offering procedures with less risk and better long-term outcomes through a variety of advancements. Materials used for surgical products, some of which are still in trials, have implications for all kinds of applications—from stabilizing broken bones to opening arteries. Moreover, scanning devices provide doctors with highly intricate images of the body without the health risks of X-rays. Surgical tools additionally play an essential role in conducting minimally invasive procedures that precisely pinpoint and address problem areas without any major incisions.

Notably, too, is the fact that medical professionals can rely on their smartphones to share files and consult with colleagues around the world. The list goes on and on, and thanks to the evolution of communication technologies, the most recently approved innovations and findings can rapidly become tools in the hands of doctors who make a point of being informed and keeping pace for the benefit of their patients.

Specialists accordingly report that many patients show up on their first visit armed with folders containing the facts they’ve gathered pertaining to their conditions.

Consumers, relying on Internet searches along with professional and personal referrals, are also researching doctors before stepping foot inside their offices.

Unlike any other time in history, consumers are also learning about many of the latest developments as they unfold. Those who never studied anatomy scour websites for complex answers concerning health matters. Others take advantage of free

By and large, confident, skilled physicians want their patients to be well informed, and they encourage second and third opinions. Similarly, they respectfully follow up with patients as soon as test results and other crucial news become available. Savvy

What potential complications do I face?

physicians are also more cognizant of the total patient experience, and they have to be concerned; individuals no longer want to choose between bedside manner and skill—they want doctors who exhibit both. Likewise, when educated individuals advocate for themselves and their loved ones, they generally seek out the most highly respected doctors.

Physicians, of course, are humans with strengths and weaknesses, and some, undoubtedly, are more competent than others. Consumers, therefore, are wise to investigate their doctors’ reputations.

Since the ability to place one’s trust in a physician begins with being informed about the medical professional and his or her practice, we at VIE are pleased to continue a tradition of presenting our annual Physicians Guide, showcasing an exclusive selection of doctors who practice within our region of Northwest Florida. In describing their specialties—this year’s topics include cosmetic surgery, dentistry, dermatology, general health, interventional radiology, oncology, orthodontics, ophthalmology, vascular surgery, and weight control—the doctors offer revealing insights about how they practice medicine. They not only talk about the latest and greatest technologies and techniques, but also share professional and personal perspectives that one would not uncover without having a conversation with them.

Which hospital is best suited for me?

How do you spell the name of that medication/procedure?

What are the side effects?

Does the medicine have any interactions with drugs I’m currently taking?

We are happy to report that each of the physicians we interviewed expressed tremendous passion while providing information and ideas, all of which will be eye opening to readers, whether they live in Northwest Florida or far away. More than anything, our profiled physicians convey high standards that readers can use as benchmarks when contemplating the qualifications of doctors they have under consideration.

Fortunately, for the same reasons that families and individuals of all ages and from all walks of life are drawn to our beautiful, friendly communities along the Gulf of Mexico, top-notch physicians in all fields of medicine also want to settle here. Their migration, in turn, has spawned superior medical facilities with nine regional hospitals serving the area. Consequently, residents of Northwest Florida can remain close to home to receive care by world-renowned doctors, and those who travel long distances to be treated by the specialists here can rest assured their extra effort is worthwhile.

V IE ZINE.COM | 119

Coastal Vascular and Interventional

By Sallie W. Boyles

a tube into the opening. Such procedures, known for being minimally invasive, have transformed vascular surgeries and their outcomes over time.

Dr. Christopher J. Bosarge Photo by Phillip Makselan

Key StatiSticS: Location: 1851 North 9th Ave., Suite B, Pensacola, Fla. 32503. For a list of satellite office locations, please visit CoastalVI.com.

Specialty: Vascular Surgery and Interventional Radiology Physicians: Christopher J. Bosarge, M.D., Harry R. Cramer Jr., M.D. F.S.I.R., Stuart Harlin, M.D. F.A.C.S., Fernando Kafie, M.D. F.A.C.S., Christopher J. LeCroy, M.D., Ginger L. Manos, M.D., Aaron B. Montgomery, M.D., and John Tucker, M.D. F.A.C.S.

In 1964, Dr. Charles Dotter, known as the “Father of Interventional Radiology,” made history by using a catheter to open the blocked artery in an eighty-twoyear-old woman’s leg. The procedure was a last resort for the elderly patient, who had refused amputation surgery despite having a gangrene-ravaged foot.

Following Dr. Dotter’s intervention, all of her pain ceased, the dead flesh of her toes simply sloughed off, and the woman was able to walk out of the hospital on her own. Today, nearly fifty years later, the most innovative treatments continue to follow the basic principles of angioplasty, a technique of widening a narrow passage, and stenting, which entails inserting

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Optimizing the treatment options for patients who suffer with a broad range of vascular diseases— from benign spider and varicose veins to the lifethreatening aortic aneurysm—a group of vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists have merged in Coastal Vascular and Interventional (CVI), a practice that exploits the educational backgrounds, professional insights, and skills of both specialties. Although overlap exists in their respective fields, the interventional radiologists deliver the expertise of performing certain intricate procedures, and the vascular surgeons contribute their surgical expertise of the veins and arteries.

“Our work requires a much higher level of precision than sewing arteries together,” says Stuart Harlin, vascular surgeon and president of CVI. Aside from performing delicate procedures, he indicates that one of the biggest challenges today is determining the most suitable treatment alternative for a patient.

Teaming up for the benefit of collaborating, CVI’s eight physicians serve patients from thirteen different offices, including eight hospitals, over a region that stretches from Foley, Alabama, to Miramar Beach, Florida. Dr. Harlin personally performs about 1,400 procedures each year. The fact that CVI operates a high-volume clinical practice with an extensive professional network uniquely qualifies the group to participate in research and education, thereby exposing their patients to the most advanced medicine available.

CVI’s state-of-the-art main office, the Coastal Vascular and Interventional Center in Pensacola, demonstrates how patient care, research, and education work together. The clinic itself provides a full range of services—diagnostics, outpatient treatment, and follow-up—in a comfortable, patient-friendly environment. Many receive complete care there without ever having to set foot in a hospital.

Additionally, the group’s strong research initiative invites the most cutting-edge tools and information into their practice. A number of medical products and equipment manufacturers, for instance, rely upon CVI for their clinical trials.

“Vendors are highly reactive to our suggestions and allow us to engineer modifications based upon our experiences,” says Dr. Harlin, who majored in engineering as an undergraduate.

Notably, CVI’s trials and research provide a fertile training ground for surgical students. Currently, the practice provides vascular surgery fellowship training through the University of South Carolina and the University of Texas. “We are coming as close as we can to being a true academic center,” Dr. Harlin says.

Taking part in a number of patient trials, the doctors welcome opportunities to test new technologies and modified techniques involving graphs, stents, and “rotor rooters”—devices that shave away plaque to eliminate blockages. “We’re participating in abdominal aortic aneurysm studies and clinical trials affecting the carotid artery and peripheral arterial disease,” says Dr. Harlin.

In light of dramatic medical advances over the past few years, many patients are surprised to learn how quickly they can recover. “They delay treatment because they are worried,” says interventional radiologist Christopher Bosarge, “and then they’re in and out on the same day, often within three hours.”

Describing why innovations continue to make such a difference, he says, “By having smaller tubes to shave away the plaque, we now put less pressure on the artery because we don’t have to open it up as much. Another important change on the way is a stent that is medically coated to prevent buildup of scar tissue.” Tissue naturally forms inside a stent over time, causing the passage to narrow again, so the new coating precludes the need to reopen the blockage in the future.

Dr. Harlin personally performs about 1,400 procedures each year. The fact that CVI operates a high-volume clinical practice with an extensive professional network uniquely qualifies the group to participate in research and education, thereby exposing their patients to the most advanced medicine available.

Dr. Stuart Harlin Photo by Troy Ruprecht

“Endovascular procedures also allow us to treat patients who are too high risk to go into the operating room,” says Dr. Ginger Manos, the newest vascular surgeon to join CVI and one of a handful of women in her field. “Although a long blockage will generally require us to do open bypass surgery, the extent of the disease and the condition of the individual will dictate the procedure and how durable it will be.

That’s the discussion I have with my patients.”

“A leg bypass is more durable than angioplasty,” says Dr. Harlin, “but we can offer any of the treatment options.” Interestingly, he reveals that about 75 percent of leg work is now catheter based.

“Patients need to know that intravenous surgeries have changed,” Dr. Harlin adds. “The procedures are office-based with minimal recovery and no pain. We also use ultrasounds for screenings, which are safe.”

Vascular problems, however, are generally serious when left untreated, and complications often become emergencies because people miss the warning signs. Cold feet and cramping in the calves while

walking, for instance, are possible signs of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in which the arteries that carry blood to the legs and feet become blocked.

The condition can lead to heart attack and stroke, but the symptoms are commonly ignored. Likewise, individuals who have asymptomatic diseases fail to get proper screenings.

“People are aware of women’s health issues,” says Dr. Manos, “but they don’t know enough about vascular problems, like diabetic wounds. I was in the operating room last night with a patient who had a diabetic leg that wouldn’t heal.” Fortunately, the patient’s own veins were used to repair the blockage, and the prognosis was good.

variety of ways, such as by participating in health fairs, offering screenings, hosting continuing education symposia, and even appearing on television. “We also regularly visit doctors’ offices,” says Dr. Harlin, who believes that education and reminders help busy physicians in family and internal medicine practices remain alert to subtle warning signs in patients.

While vascular diseases continue to be treated, not cured, doctors offer positive news. “The diseases haven’t changed,” says Dr. Harlin, “but people are living longer. The outcomes have changed.”

Patients also need to be informed about their diagnoses. “Alternatives exist for treating almost every condition,” says Dr. Bosarge. “Patients need to do their research.” Noting that more patients are arriving with their own findings in hand, Dr. Bosarge welcomes the consumer-driven trend occurring in his field. “In this day and age, our offices have to be flawless, and we have to treat our patients well,” he insists. “We have to call our patients back with news; we cannot leave people hanging. I’m constantly calling my patients to check in.”

As a result, CVI’s physicians continually work to generate awareness about vascular disease in a

The CVI specialists are pleased to be part of an extensive medical community of top-notch physicians

V IE ZINE.COM | 121

Coastal Vascular and Inter ventional

who do put their patients first. Consequently, they happily recommend their region of the country for its natural assets and for the excellent doctors—a combination for a great quality of life.

For more information about Coastal Vascular & Interventional, readers should visit coastalvi.com and coastalveininstitute.com, or call 850.479.4223.

The Doctors of Coastal Vascular and Interventional Photo by J.D. Hayward

THE VASCULAR SPECIALISTS TRUSTED. EXPERIENCED. DEDICATED.

Redefining the Standards of Excellence.

When it comes to your vascular health, shouldn’t excellent care be the expectation? The Vascular Specialists at Coastal Vascular & Interventional believe excellence in patient care is born from decades of experience, advanced professional training, active clinical research and a passion for achieving exceptional results for their patients. As distinguished Patients’ Choice Award Winners, Fistula First Champion Surgeons, and top enrollers in national and international clinical trials, The Vascular Specialists are dedicated to redefining what it means to provide excellent care for their patients.

coastalvi.com For appointments, call 850.479.4223 Christopher J. Bosarge, M.D. Harry R Cramer Jr., M.D. F.S.I.R. Stuart Harlin, M.D. F.A.C.S. Fernando Kafie, M.D. F.A.C.S.

Christopher J. LeCroy, M.D. Ginger Manos, M.D. Aaron B. Montgomery, M.D. John Tucker, M.D. F.A.C.S.

GULF SHORES FOLEY PENSACOLA GULF BREEZE MILTON NAVARRE CRESTVIEW DESTIN

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Andrews Institute Hand Center

By Sallie W. Boyles | Photography provided by Andrews Institute

one that merged their individual disciplines to create a special field of study, would broaden their understanding of the hand and improve treatment outcomes. Today, doctors who are certified in the subspecialty must complete an orthopaedic, general, or plastic surgery residency in addition to a fellowship in the surgery of the hand, which encompasses orthopaedic, plastic, vascular, and neurosurgery.

Key StatiSticS: Location: 1040 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, Fla. 32561 Specialty: Orthopaedic Hand Medicine

The hands and wrists rely upon the coordinated efforts of twenty-seven bones, twenty-nine major joints, 123 ligaments, forty-eight nerves, thirty arteries, and thirty-four muscles to be able to hold, touch, feel, grasp, manipulate, and caress. Instinctively, the appendages also rise to the occasion and serve as a first line of defense in shielding the body against such mishaps as falls and flying objects. Considering their intricate design and function, it’s no wonder that approximately 10 percent of emergency room visits involve hand injuries. In addressing handrelated problems, including congenital deformities and diseases, hand specialists play a significant role in advancing orthopaedic medicine.

The specialized area of medicine that focuses on the hand, wrist, arm, elbow and shoulder originated during World War II, when an unprecedented number of wounded soldiers survived such injuries. Patients were initially assigned to various types of surgical units (general, orthopaedic, and plastic), but conferring physicians agreed that a unified approach,

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Despite their surgical training, hand surgeons draw upon many other treatment options, including splinting, therapy, and injections. Consequently, patients with a broad range of conditions and concerns, from minor to urgent, turn to hand surgeons for their expertise, whatever the diagnosis. Many patients are also relieved to learn that their insurance policies will cover their visit to a hand surgeon without a referral.

In concert with a philosophy of providing access to the best care available, the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine operates the Hand Center under the direction of three orthopaedic surgeons who are fellowship-trained hand surgeons. Barry S. Callahan, M.D., Alexander C. Coleman, M.D., and Steven C. Kronlage, M.D. personally care for patients as well as perform leading-edge research to advance their knowledge for the benefit of patients and colleagues worldwide.

Dr. Callahan, who is particularly interested in sports injuries, sees a number of professional athletes along with many others who enjoy being active. All receive attentive care, but the path of treatment differs based upon the patient’s goals. “A more aggressive philosophy definitely exists in managing sports injuries,” he says. “Professionals aren’t going to stop playing, so all options must be explored for serious athletes who won’t listen if we just recommend rest. When immobilization is out of the question, our decision regarding surgery has to meet their aggressiveness.”

While professional athletes demand full restoration of function and rapid recovery, children in sports

can pose even greater challenges. “Our big push is education,” says Dr. Callahan. “The skeletally immature can play sports, but they need balance. A child can’t play baseball or soccer year-round without suffering an injury.”

“I was having a discussion with a colleague about Little League elbow,” says Dr. Kronlage, referencing the swelling and tenderness that results from overuse. “We concluded that we should not even face such problems because no kid should be pitching enough to cause that level of physical stress.”

Callahan adds that coaches and parents must comprehend the harm of children playing through pain, and bone fractures are not the only causes for concern. “The kid who has an injury does not have to be playing during recovery, unlike the paid professional.”

At any age, a patient’s recovery over the long term can be compromised when problems are ignored.

When injuries to soft tissue—ligaments and joints— are neglected during the acute phase, results can be disastrous. The thought that, “It’s just a finger” is the wrong approach. The joints are highly sophisticated because of the number of movable parts, and a small problem can become a major issue.

“We use our hands for everything,” says Dr. Coleman, “and losing the use of just the thumb translates to a 40 percent disability. You need to see a hand surgeon when something doesn’t work after an injury, for example, if you can’t make a complete fist or straighten your finger.”

Hand Center physicians, in fact, would rather reassure an overcautious patient than inform someone who postponed an appointment that permanent damage had been caused due to the delay in treatment. “Don’t ignore a sprained wrist that remains swollen or black and blue,” Dr. Callahan cautions. “If your primary care physician says your wrist X-ray is normal but your pain persists, see a hand specialist.”

Coupling their knowledge with the latest technology, hand specialists offer excellent prognoses for severe cases that, until recently, were grim. Among the few facilities in Florida to own and use the Leica Varioscope for advanced microsurgical reconstruction of the hand and upper extremities, Andrews Hand Center physicians perform delicate procedures, such as replacing damaged nerves with synthetic nerve tubes, with minor incisions. “We operate with a high level of finesse,” says Dr. Callahan.

“With our ability to repair primary and peripheral nerves under magnification, it’s possible to run a saw through your hand and have some function restored— unlike previous years when amputation was the only option.”

Left to right: Alexander C. Coleman, M.D., Barry S. Callahan, M.D., Steven C. Kronlage, M.D.

While their patients are grateful to them, the hand specialists feel privileged to practice in such an intricate field of medicine and within a facility that places every capability imaginable—from digital X-ray equipment and on-site certified hand therapists to state-of-the-art research facilities—at their fingertips.

Heidi Richardson, OTR/L, CHT, works with Qwana Gable for treatment after a burn injury

he insists, “but you won’t have ideal results without optimal support for recovery.”

Advancements in surgical tools and materials are, by all accounts, extraordinary. “If you have a smashed elbow or wrist,” says Dr. Kronlage, “the materials now available make everything easier.”

For instance, bone graph substitutes made of many of the same minerals found in bones, like calcium and phosphates, now simplify procedures like wrist repairs. Instead of harvesting bone from the pelvis, which intensifies the patient’s pain, the surgeon uses the bone substitute to fortify the wrist until living bone grows back. The substitute, by the way, dissolves on its own. “This is a science of restoration of function,” says Dr. Kronlage, who performs between ten and fifteen elbow and wrist surgeries each week.

Andrews Hand Center specialists openly express their satisfaction in addressing what they term as “structural problems” and delivering solutions that generally produce rapid, life-enhancing improvements for patients. While their patients are grateful to them, the hand specialists feel privileged to practice in such an intricate field of medicine and within a facility that places every capability imaginable— from digital X-ray equipment and on-site certified hand therapists to state-of-the-art research facilities—at their fingertips. For added convenience, occupational therapy services with hand therapists are available at several Andrews Rehabilitation facilities across Northwest Florida.

Tendon transfer surgery represents another significant development, as in cases of rheumatoid arthritis. “If the tendon in the arthritic thumb has ruptured, we can replace it with one of the index finger’s two flexor tendons,” says Dr. Coleman.

Interestingly, a short period of occupational therapy is needed to retrain the brain. “The patient has to think about straightening the index finger to extend the thumb, but the brain relearns quickly,” he says, adding that the Hand Center’s certified hand therapists significantly contribute to patients’ successful outcomes. “You can have the best hand surgeon,”

For appointment scheduling or additional information, including educational resources, the specialists at the Andrews Hand Center encourage readers to call 850.916.8700 or visit AndrewsHandCenter.com.

V IE ZINE.COM | 125

Dr. Bawa:

Whole Life Makeovers From the Inside Out

By Tori Phelps | Photography by Romona Robbins

hormones because she wanted me to help her with them,” he says.

In his desire to assist her and, as it turned out, many more patients, Bawa received extensive advanced training to learn how to properly prescribe bioidentical hormones—something that isn’t taught in most residency programs.

Key StatiSticS: Location: 45 Sugar Sand Lane, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. 32459 Specialty: General Medicine, Weight Loss, Bio-Identical Hormones, Aesthetics

One reason may be because it’s such a new concept, both for doctors and the general public. It’s taken celebrities like Oprah and Suzanne Somers to bring attention to the topic, Bawa points out, because TV and magazine advertisements will never make them a household name. Why? Pharmaceutical companies have no interest in marketing generic bio-identical hormones. “Most doctors get their knowledge at drug company–sponsored free lunches and buy into the products they sell,” he says. “But often the generic products are less expensive and better.”

Hormones seem to be on a mission to make us miserable. When you’re a teenager, they’re raging; when you’re a little more mature, they can knock you for a loop in a whole new way, working behind the scenes to impact everything from weight gain to disease. But hormones may have met their match in Nitin Bawa, MD.

That leaves women at the mercy of their personal physicians, many of whom aren’t up to speed on the benefits of bio-identical hormones (which are hormones that humans make themselves). “Lots of doctors only know how to prescribe synthetic hormones like Premarin, which is made from pregnant mares’ urine,” Bawa explains. “Studies have shown it increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots, yet it’s still very heavily prescribed, even though generic estradiol—which is what the human body makes—is cheaper and readily available.”

He’s been a fixture in the Emerald Coast holistic medicine movement in the eight years since he was recruited to the area. His specialty is internal medicine, but through his practice at Dr. Bawa and Associates, he takes a special interest in bio-identical hormones, weight loss, and aesthetics—a trifecta that can significantly affect the way his patients— women especially—look and feel about themselves.

It’s actually been his female patients who’ve shaped the way he currently practices medicine. “One of my patients asked me to get trained in bio-identical

Most people equate “hormones” with “estrogen,” but Bawa says there are a variety of hormones that can help—or hinder—us. Fatigue, for instance, can be a result of hormone imbalance, as can weight gain and even a low sex drive. “Besides estrogen, women also need hormones like progesterone and testosterone,” he says. “There are some studies showing progesterone, which is available over the counter, might reduce the risk of breast cancer.

However, most doctors don’t know how to help people with this.”

Physicians: Nitin Bawa, M.D., Keri Matheus, W.H.N.P., and Jill Smith, PA-C

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You may have heard of cortisol, the stress hormone; many of us have too much or too little of it. “Too much causes weight gain, and too little causes fatigue. Adjusting this helps with energy and makes it easier to lose belly fat,” Bawa clarifies.

Testosterone is given in very small quantities to women, and it has to be made in a compounding pharmacy. In fact, the best way to get any hormone, he says, is through a cream from a compounding pharmacy. But again, most physicians don’t have the training or knowledge necessary to prescribe these custom-made creams.

That’s certainly not a problem for Bawa. He’s one of the only doctors in the area with extensive experience in bio-identical hormones and the lone provider who also takes insurance. But people come from miles away for something other than simple clinical expertise: his holistic approach to patient care, especially when it comes to weight loss, can produce success where other doctors have failed before. “It helps to look at each patient individually, determine what’s standing in the way of their goals, and then systematically remove those hurdles,” he says.

For patients who are using alcohol to self-medicate, that means finding the root of the problem. Then, like a domino effect, everything falls into place because cutting out the alcohol makes it easier to lose weight. Other patients have hormonal imbalances that are easily straightened out and—voilà!— they’re now able to lose weight. Still others need help controlling anxiety and depression, which can cause them to overeat.

Part of Bawa’s edge is that he uses both medications and over-the-counter supplements to find the perfect prescription for each patient, something cookie-cutter programs can’t do. “Many doctors don’t like to help people with weight loss, but I love to figure out what I can do to help people lose weight. I’ve had great results by treating each patient individually, adjusting their hormones and then

Part of Bawa’s edge is that he uses both medications and over-the-counter supplements

to

find

the

perfect prescription for each patient, something cookiecutter programs can’t do.

using different modalities for weight loss,” he says.

“I’ve definitely found my calling.”

Some of those modalities include things like hCG, lipotropic injections, phentermine, and natural supplements—all of which are popular with his patients. Of course, everyone wants to look and feel great, but he says there’s something about living on the Emerald Coast that makes people want to carpe diem when it comes to their health and happiness.

Naturally, that involves loving what they see in the mirror, too. Dr. Bawa has found that once his patients have lost weight and are feeling happier and healthier, they want to look better as well, which is why he has invested several years of research into various laser and aesthetic treatments for his patients. His studies led him to partner with a laser company, and the end result is a full-service laser clinic that offers therapies like laser vein removal for the face and legs, LimeLight (a programmable IPL—intense pulsed light—device) to help reduce and eliminate sun spots and redness, the Pearl Fusion procedure that can reduce wrinkles and take

ten years off a person’s appearance, and laser hair removal. No other clinic in the area offers the wide range of laser services that Dr. Bawa does.

For more information on Dr. Bawa and his services, visit DrBawa.com.

His one-size-does-not-fit-all mind-set is something he’s passed along to his physician assistant and nurse practitioner who also employ his popular holistic approach with patients. “People appreciate that we can use supplements, for instance, to help with mood, rather than just ordering antidepressants for everyone,” he says. “Our technique is so popular, I have people who fly in from other states to get their hormones adjusted and then stay to get laser procedures or additional help with weight loss.”

Whether treating age spots or belly fat, Bawa does his research to make sure every method is the most effective as well as the safest—even testing supplements on himself before giving them to clients.

While that requires extra time on his end, he’s happy to put in the work if it means better outcomes for his patients. “I went into medicine to help people,” he confides, “and I think I’m really able to help patients in unique ways with what I do.”

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Coastal Radiology Associates: Drs. Craig and Bethany Cazenave

By Sallie W. Boyles | Photography by Romona Robbins

by the scope and detail of images viewed regularly by modern radiologists. If only they could have time traveled to 2012 and shadowed another husband-and-wife team, Drs. Craig and Bethany Cazenave! Often assisting one another, the Cazenaves serve physicians and patients through their practice, Coastal Radiology Associates, which operates from Fort Walton Beach Medical Center in Fort Walton Beach.

Practicing in a group of six radiologists, the Cazenaves appreciate the exceptional advantages they have as a married couple who share professional interests and, at times, collaborate on cases. “Few couples work as colleagues in the same medical practice,” says Dr. Bethany Cazenave. “We really enjoy our time together, and in our professional capacities, we complement one another.”

Although their qualifications overlap, they deliver different areas of expertise.

Key StatiSticS: Location: 1000 Mar Walt Dr., Fort Walton Beach, Fla. 32547 Specialty: Radiology, Neuroradiology, Vascular and Interventional Radiology Physicians: Craig R. Cazenave, M.D. and Bethany A. Cazenave, M.D.

Radiology, well-known as the medical specialty that utilizes imaging to diagnose and treat diseases, developed from the invention of the X-ray. In 1895, with his wife Anna Bertha lending a hand (literally and figuratively), German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen captured the radiographic image of her hand’s skeleton. Astounded by the revelation, Anna Bertha purportedly exclaimed, “I have seen my death!”

In light of that eye-opening moment, the Röntgens would have undoubtedly been amazed

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Considering that radiology is the most infrequently chosen specialty among female doctors, Dr. Bethany Cazenave, also a subspecialist in women’s imaging, is uniquely qualified to serve her colleagues and patients. Starting out, however, she intended to be a general surgeon. “I wanted to do breast cancer surgery, but when I looked at radiology, I realized it was an awesome field of study with so many options, including breast imaging.” The woman’s imaging fellowship she completed through the University of Pittsburgh enabled her to train in breast imaging as well as in female-related conditions—gynecologic oncology, postpartum complications, and infertility.

Although Dr. Cazenave likes the fact that radiology keeps her involved in all kinds of modalities (from OB/GYN to vascular) and all ages of patients (from pediatric to elderly), she has an affinity for women’s health, and her female patients are drawn to her.

From her experience in treating breast conditions, Dr. Cazenave says, “Women like having a female physician, particularly for breast problems. I’ll observe a palpable sigh of relief in women when

they see that I’m their doctor. I easily connect with them, yet it is extremely difficult to tell patients that they have something wrong involving one or both breasts.” Consequently, whether or not an abnormality found by a mammogram is indicative of cancer, Dr. Cazenave strives to encourage patients to focus on the next step. “I want them to leave my office thinking that we will be proactive and move to the next diagnostic step, which in many cases includes additional tests or possibly a biopsy. Many patients don’t have breast cancer, but unfortunately, the path to a diagnosis can sometimes be frightening.” Sensitive to her patients’ need to know, she says, “We work as a team to get the diagnosis as soon as possible, and subsequently discuss the findings and further recommendations with the patient as soon as the results are available.”

Without supplanting the referring physician’s orders, Dr. Cazenave also responds to general questions about health, touching on topics like weight, exercise, and diet. “Obesity can play a role in breast health,” she says, recommending an active lifestyle with strength training for women who are healthy enough to work out. “Osteoporosis,” she points out, “is a concern for women. When we lift weights, we’re taxing muscles and joints and causing a chemical turnover in the bone matrix that can improve bone density in normal patients.” A number of patients, too, have questions about dietary supplements as the possible cause of their breast disease.

“They wonder if the microcalcifications in their breasts have been caused by calcium supplements,” she says, assuring that is not the case.

Recognizing that women desire usable information about such issues, Dr. Cazenave is expanding her efforts to speak to female audiences in lay terms about diseases that can affect them. “I feel that I can be a positive influence in reaching out to women who are seeking a professional opinion from a woman,” she says.

While urging individuals to be informed, Dr. Cazenave cautions people to avoid information

overload, especially if facing what appears to be a grim prognosis. “Be educated, but if you go online, you’ll find so much information that it may scare you unnecessarily,” she says, advising individuals to consult with their physicians before jumping to conclusions. “We’re used to working with the problem day in and day out, so we can generally explain why there’s no need to get upset.”

At the same time, as experienced radiologists, the Cazenaves readily acknowledge that many cases do not exhibit textbook symptoms. “When we see something that’s perplexing,” says Dr. Bethany Cazenave, “we have to render a differential diagnosis—it could be this, or it could be that—and then we have to look at the individual from a clinical standpoint.”

“Few couples work as colleagues in the same medical practice. We really enjoy our time together, and in our professional capacities, we complement one another.”

Above all, they are a husband and wife who genuinely enjoy being together, both inside and outside the hospital. When not working, the Cazenaves love participating in social activities and charitable events, and they fully take advantage of Northwest Florida’s outdoor adventures, like boating and diving. And as the name of their boat, Pair-A-Docs, suggests, they expect ups and downs in life, but maintain a sense of humor about it.

Readers can learn more about Coastal Radiology Associates or schedule a consultation by visiting Fort Walton Beach Medical Center’s website at fwbmc.com, or by calling the hospital at 850-862-1111.

Similarly, Dr. Craig Cazenave, in practice for over thirty years with fellowships in neuroradiology and in vascular and interventional radiology, claims that he individualizes care to improve clinical outcome.

Since some answers do not appear in a book, Dr. Cazenave has a tendency to ponder ideas. Because of his experience, he can coordinate multiple different techniques from different specialties to obtain optimal outcomes for the patient.

Emphasizing that medicine is an art applied for the benefit of the patient above all, Dr. Cazenave says, “Medicine is practiced at the bedside; the further you get from the bedside, the colder medicine can be. As physicians, we’re obligated to be at the bedside taking care of patients.”

“Craig is an extremely compassionate physician,” says Dr. Bethany Cazenave. “That’s what attracted me to him.” Such admiration is mutual. Dr. Craig Cazenave respects his wife for striking a delicate balance between compassion and confidence, as shown in her bedside manner. “She’s not a wallflower or a freight train,” he says.

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Doctors Helping Doctors Help Patients

By Laurie Crowley

in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, has teamed up with Suzanne Russo, M.D., of the University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute in Mobile, Alabama, to give patients not only cutting-edge cancer treatment but also a renewed hope in the fight against this aggressive disease.

Photo by Dan Anderson

Key STaTiSTiCS: Location: For a list of all office locations, please visit White-Wilson.com.

Specialty: For a complete list of services offered, please visit WhiteWilson.com.

Physicians: John Chaney, M.D. and Suzanne Russo, M.D.

A spirit of cooperation and collaboration and a passion for healing have brought together two physicians who are leading the fight against lung cancer. It has long been known that early detection and treatment is vital to beating the odds in cancer survival, but treatment options are not always available or desired by the patient with certain types of cancer. That is why it is so encouraging that John C. Chaney, M.D., of White-Wilson Medical Center

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Dr. Chaney White-Wilson Medical Center is one of the largest multispecialty physician groups on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Dr. Chaney is one of fifty physicians providing health-care services in twenty different specialties. Dr. Chaney is board-certified in pulmonary disease, internal medicine, critical care medicine, and sleep medicine, and he is the only pulmonologist in the area with the expertise to place fiducial markers into the lungs of cancer patients, allowing them the opportunity to be excellent candidates for radiation treatment at the Mitchell Cancer Institute in Mobile. “That is how my relationship with Dr. Russo and the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI) began,” noted Dr. Chaney. “I was familiar with the work Dr. Russo was doing at MCI and excited about the state-of-the-art CyberKnife System being used there, and I knew immediately our specialties complemented each other.”

Dr. Russo Dr. Suzanne Russo, a radiation oncologist and Philip Rubin Professor of Interdisciplinary Oncology with the Mitchell Cancer Institute, was equally eager to share her expertise with Dr. Chaney and his patients. Dr. Russo noted, “Typically the treatment for lung cancer involves surgery along with some form of radiation or chemotherapy. Oftentimes, surgery is not an option due to the compromised condition of the patient.

Emphysema, coronary artery disease, or stroke, for example, can make a patient a poor candidate for surgery, but fortunately there are other options.”

One such option is the CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery System, a viable, noninvasive alternative to surgery for the treatment of malignant and

nonmalignant tumors anywhere in the body. The treatment—which delivers high doses of radiation to tumors with extreme accuracy—offers new hope to patients who have inoperable or surgically complex tumors, or who may be looking for an alternative to surgery. The USA Mitchell Cancer Institute is one of less than a hundred institutions in the United States to have this state-of-the-art machine.

“Our relationship provides cutting-edge science and state-of-the-art clinical expertise to a region rather than an institution,” says Dr. Russo. To that end, Dr. Russo explained that through the cooperation of cross disciplines, a wider range of patients have access to state-of-the-art treatment.

The Road to Recovery Dr. Chaney places the fiducial markers in the patient’s lung using navigational bronchoscopy. “This technology allows me to place the ‘seeds’ in and around the tumor accurately, which then allows Dr. Russo the ability to radiate the tumor with pinpoint accuracy, sparing the surrounding good tissue,” he says. This procedure is done on an outpatient basis, making it easy for those living outside the Fort Walton Beach area to be back in their own homes by dinnertime.

Likewise, patients traveling to the Mitchell Cancer Institute in Mobile, Alabama, from the Fort Walton Beach area are able to get their radiation treatments done in as few as five days. Until the CyberKnife System was introduced, there wasn’t much to offer patients who typically had to endure six weeks of radiation therapy, five days a week. Since the treatment is offered on an outpatient basis, it is painless, noninvasive, and generally lasts between thirty and ninety minutes; patients can return to their normal activities immediately.

Both Dr. Russo and Dr. Chaney have had only positive feedback from their patients, who note a mutually professional and caring experience. Now, whether you live in the Florida Panhandle or on the

Both Dr. Russo and Dr. Chaney have had only positive feedback from their patients, who note a mutually professional and caring experience. Now, whether you live in the Florida Panhandle or on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, cutting-edge cancer treatment is a mere two hours away.

Photo by Troy Ruprecht

Gulf Coast of Alabama, cutting-edge cancer treatment is a mere two hours away. Dr. Russo points out that, “Patients don’t mind traveling if they know they are getting the best care possible.” about the USa Mitchell Cancer institute The University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute includes some of the leading cancer specialists in the nation. Working closely with local and regional hospitals and physicians they continue to live their motto, Minds over Cancer.

brings cancer research and treatment under one roof. At the heart of this “all in one” approach is a strong spirit of collaboration between clinical care, basic and translational research, and, most especially, the referring physician. This interdisciplinary cancer team works together to develop life-saving treatments for cancer patients.

For more information on the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute, visit usamci.com. For more information on White-Wilson Medical Center, visit white-wilson.com.

Focusing on the multidisciplinary approach to medicine, MCI is leading the fight with a team of scientists, researchers, and physicians, attacking cancer on all fronts. Bringing together expert minds, MCI is committed to providing the best cancer care available today while continuing groundbreaking research that can ultimately save lives. Located in a 125,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, MCI

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Advanced Eye Care

By Sallie W. Boyles

offices during her nineteen years of practice. In addition to performing routine eye exams, Dr. Long specializes in multifocal and bifocal contact lenses, dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, diabetic eye care, and macular degeneration.

Photo by RCL Portrait Design

Key StatiSticS: Location: 2500 West 23rd St., Panama City, Fla. 32405 Specialty: Ophthalmology and Optometry Physicians: Ben Hasty, M.D. and Lori Ann Long, O.D.

Most people value their vision above all the five senses yet don’t bother having their eyes checked until they suffer an injury or experience problems that can’t be ignored. A regular vision checkup is a good idea, especially when holding reading materials at arm’s length or squinting to see a road sign is no longer effective.

Whether all appears well or not, children should have their vision checked periodically by an eye doctor, young adults should undergo eye exams at least every three years, and seniors every year. Additionally, those who wear glasses or contact lenses should see their eye doctors annually or as professionally recommended.

At the age of forty, individuals should be checked for glaucoma, and by the age of sixty to sixty-five, all should schedule annual visits to watch for cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

Having practiced in Panama City for twenty years, Dr. Ben Hasty attended medical school at St.

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Photo by Marla Carter

Louis University on a Navy scholarship and then proudly served as Senior Medical Officer of the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa, Japan, and Assistant Wing Surgeon at MCAS El Toro, California. His ophthalmology training included the University of Florida; the University of California, San Francisco; the University of Southern California; Naval Hospital Oakland, and Stanford University. In addition to being a boardcertified ophthalmologist through the American Board of Ophthalmology, he is also a certified cataract and lens implant surgeon through the highly selective American Board of Eye Surgery. Moreover, Dr. Hasty is the only fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist in the area. He is a member of the Florida Medical Association, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and The Bays Medical Society.

Dr. Lori Ann Long is one of the few residencytrained optometrists in the Northwest Florida area.

In fact, only 12 percent of optometrists are offered the opportunity to do a residency program after completing optometry school, yet Dr. Long was offered two residency positions. She chose to do hers at Hershey Medical Center in Pennsylvania, where she worked alongside ophthalmology residents. Since completing this extra year of intensive training, she has worked predominantly in ophthalmology

Drs. Hasty and Long are in practice together at Advanced Eye Care of Panama City. They are dedicated to helping individuals achieve and maintain the best quality of vision possible and treating patients with the most innovative techniques in eye care.

Advanced Eye Care offers a variety of refractive surgery options—procedures that adjust the eye’s ability to focus by reshaping the cornea or by implanting a lens inside the eye—in addition to general ophthalmology treatments to help restore and maintain optimal vision health. Drs. Hasty and Long provide eye care for the entire family; their services include LASIK surgery, cataract surgery, diabetic eye exams, glaucoma management, and comprehensive eye exams for contact lenses and glasses.

Patients of Advanced Eye Care also receive a wide variety of contact lens options, including the newest bifocal and multifocal contacts. “Our team helps patients choose the best type of contact lenses or glasses for their eyes,” says Dr. Long. “Starting with the correct prescription, we leave no stone unturned to ensure that each patient leaves our office with the perfect look and feel, as well as expert instruction for proper care and use of contacts.”

The doctors and staff of Advanced Eye Care are committed to delivering a positive experience in every aspect of care. “If patients are in for their annual eye exams or more pressing ophthalmology needs, we give them all of the time they need, and we strive to see everyone promptly,” says Dr. Hasty.

For additional information or to make an appointment, Advanced Eye Care can be reached by calling 850.763.2020. Advanced Eye Care will change the way you see the world.

CoolSculpting at the Aesthetic Clinique By the Aesthetic Clinique | Photography by Romona Robbins

any work, wear tight, binding garments, or change any bandages. In fact, there are no restrictions on activity or diet, and there is no need for wound care.

Some might argue that liposuction is more aggressive because larger amounts of fat can be removed.

This is true, but there is nothing preventing a person from getting a second or even a third treatment with CoolSculpting to achieve the desired results.

Keep in mind that CoolSculpting is indicated for people who are within 15 percent of their ideal body weight, so it’s not meant for the very obese client.

Key StAtiSticS: Location: 2050 West County Hwy. 30-A, Suite 114, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. 32459 Specialty: Facial Plastic Surgery Physicians: Steven Weiner, M.D.

Does the idea of removing fat in the love handles or abdominal area using a procedure that is completely noninvasive, only takes a couple of hours, and has no downtime appeal to you? If it does (and why wouldn’t it?), then CoolSculpting is something you need to look into.

The CoolSculpting device has been on the market since 2009 and proves to be a very safe and effective treatment for removing that stubborn fat that just doesn’t seem to go away, despite all the hours spent in the gym. Before the advent of CoolSculpting, liposuction had been the mainstay for treating problem areas, but there are several drawbacks to this procedure: downtime, a need for anesthesia, discomfort, and a potential for uneven results. The ability to walk in and walk out and go to the gym or to lunch is an extremely attractive factor of the CoolSculpting treatment. You don’t have to miss

CoolSculpting was conceptualized by Dr. Rox Anderson and Dr. Dieter Manstein of the Wellman Center for Photomedicine, which is associated with Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. The two knew of a phenomenon called “popsicle panniculitis,” which is loss of fat in the cheek area after a child freezes it while sucking on a popsicle. They also found a case report of a woman riding a horse naked in cold weather that resulted in fat loss on her inner thighs after they became extremely cold. They postulated that cooling fat could lead to fat loss.

Back in the lab, the two physicians found that fat was more sensitive to cold than were muscle, nerves, skin, and vessels. They were able to find an optimum temperature to maximize the destruction of fat, while leaving all of the other structures unharmed. The concept of cryolipolysis (“cryo” = cold + “lipolysis” = breaking up of fat) was created. After the fat was exposed to cold for a certain amount of time, it was terminally injured and would gradually die. Over time, the body would remove the dying cells, with no increase in lipid or cholesterol levels in the blood.

With further research, it was found that about 25 percent of the abdominal fat treated was reduced in one treatment. Additional treatments have been shown to further reduce the fat by about the same amount.

incorporated into the Aesthetic Clinique’s practice in December 2009. We were the second in Florida to treat with CoolSculpting, and among the first twenty in the country.

The areas that have been treated in our office at the Aesthetic Clinique are the abdomen (upper and lower), the flanks (love handles), and the “muffin top.” Treatments are based on cycles, and each cycle is one hour. The number of cycles a person will need depends on the amount of fat and the area being treated. Sometimes a larger handpiece, about twice the size of the regular handpiece, can be used on the abdomen; this can reduce the time of a treatment.

There is no downtime and side effects are minimal.

Some of these are bruising, numbness, moderate pain (reported by 0.04% of patients, lasting for a couple of weeks), no visible results, or enlargement of the fat (reported in only five cases or 0.001% of patients).

These statistics are based on 303,000 treatments.

The procedure is relatively painless, and most people work on their computer or watch movies during their treatments. Currently, CoolSculpting is almost three years old and has proven itself as being safe, comfortable, and effective with solid research and highly regarded physicians backing it. For those looking for more information, visit TheClinique.net.

About Dr. Weiner: Steven F. Weiner, MD, is a board-certified Head and Neck and Facial Plastic Surgeon. He completed medical school at the University of Michigan, then interned and spent his residency at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. In mid-2005, Dr. Weiner created The Aesthetic Clinique, where he concentrates 100 percent of his efforts on noninvasive and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.

CoolSculpting was cleared by the FDA in 2009 and was used off label for fat reduction initially. It was

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Dr. Tara Griffin

By Tori Phelps | Photography by Romona Robbins

Schwartz and eventually purchased the business from him, expanding it into a virtual one-stop shop for medical and aesthetic services.

Key StatiSticS: Location: 3135 Thomas Dr., Panama City Beach, Fla. Specialty: Dentistry, Aesthetics

The Emerald Coast Dental Spa offers an impressive lineup of cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, as well as family-friendly general and laser dentistry and some orthodontics. Griffin says one of the most popular procedures she performs is the Rembrandt Sapphire In-Office Whitening System—a method that uses a very powerful light and professionalgrade teeth whitening gel to deliver instant results with almost zero sensitivity. And because Griffin’s goal is to make life as easy as possible for her patients, she also offers facial cosmetic services such as BOTOX, Juvéderm, Obagi Nu-Derm, Jeunesse Luminesce anti-aging products, and even nutritional supplements. “I truly want what’s best for each patient,” Griffin says. “I’m compassionate about what I do for people and how I treat them, and it shows in each of my businesses.”

Physicians: Tara Griffin, D.M.D.

Dr. Tara Griffin is no ordinary dentist. Sure, she expertly fixes cavities and makes sure your teeth are squeaky clean, but she might also save your life while you’re in her chair. This overachiever not only offers premier dental and day spa services through her Emerald Coast Dental Spa practice, but her recently launched Emerald Coast Dental Sleep Medicine also provides potentially life-saving treatments for people suffering from sleep apnea.

This medical powerhouse actually started her career in environmental consulting before a chance encounter in Dr. Carlton Schwartz’s Bay County dental office convinced her that she wanted to make a similar impact on people’s lives. After earning her DMD degree at Nova Southeastern University, Griffin had the opportunity to take over a family practice in Dallas, but she decided to come back to the area—and the dentist—that started it all. She went into practice with Dr.

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To ensure patients’ long-term health, Griffin spent two years receiving advanced education in dental sleep medicine. With that essential training, she founded Emerald Coast Dental Sleep Medicine (ECDSM) in December 2011, introducing a muchneeded service to the community. Hers is the first practice in the Florida Panhandle that solely treats sleep apnea and snoring, taking on patients who’ve been diagnosed with snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnea. “We treat people with oral appliances much like a retainer or night guard,” she explains, saying these smaller devices may be able to replace a burdensome CPAP machine during sleep.

Sleep medicine isn’t the only area in which she’s a proud trailblazer. The practice’s newest technology is a Planmeca 3D cone beam CT scan, a state-of-the art dental X-ray unit that uses very low radiation to evaluate the bones, sinuses, airways, and much more. “I’m currently one of seventeen doctors in Florida—and the only doctor in the Panhandle— who is certified in epigenetic orthodontics with

the DNA Appliance,” she says. “The use of the cone beam CT scan enables me to offer the best treatment options to ensure optimal success with orthodontic treatment.”

Griffin, who received a Small Business Award from the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce and was named “Top Dentist” by Panama City Living magazine, says part of the reason she’s achieved so much success is that she had a great mentor—and suggests other potential business owners do the same. One thing her mentor drove home the very first time she met him was superior customer service, a lesson she’s never forgotten. “Patients are always complimenting us on our customer service and quality of care,” Griffin says. “In fact, I measure success by the number of patient referrals I receive and by how many hugs, smiles, and tears of joy I see when someone has had a life-changing moment.”

An enthusiastic athlete, Griffin knows the importance of whole body health, which is what drew her to medicine in the first place. “I joined the dental profession to make a real difference in people’s lives through health care,” she says. “In the discovery of dental sleep medicine, I now have the ability to not only positively impact, but save people’s lives.”

For more information on Emerald Coast Dental Spa/ Emerald Coast Dental Sleep Medicine, call 850-249-9311.

Gulf Coast Dermatology

By Tori Phelps | Photography by Troy Ruprecht

linear accelerators used in most radiation oncology practices. While these can treat skin cancer, they’re also designed to treat deeper structures like lymph nodes or breast tissue. “All we’re treating is skin cancer, so our device is designed for skin. It gives very high cure rates and high cosmetic satisfaction when compared to a linear accelerator.”

Drs. Jon Ward, Michael Stickler, George vonHilsheimer, and Neil Sandhu (not pictured), are leaders in the treatment of skin cancer and the region’s only physicians to offer noninvasive superficial radiation therapy.

Key StatiSticS: Location: For a list of all office locations, please visit GulfCoastDerm.com.

Specialty: Medical, Surgical, and Cosmetic Dermatology Physicians: Jon R. Ward, M.D. and Michael A. Stickler, M.D.

Skin cancer can be a life-and-death battle, and the physicians at Gulf Coast Dermatology know the first step toward fewer casualties is making topnotch care more accessible. That’s why Dr. Jon Ward and Dr. Michael Stickler offer an astounding sixteen locations throughout North and Central Florida, Southeast Alabama, and Southwest Georgia—with two more set to open this year. “Our mission is to look at areas where dermatology is underserved and bring offices to those areas,” Ward says. “There’s never been a dermatologist based out of Santa Rosa County, for example. Why not open an office there so those 150,000 people don’t have to travel to Pensacola to receive specialty skin care?”

Ward and Stickler are part of a team of eleven physicians and nine physician extenders who oversee care at Gulf Coast Dermatology. Ward, who founded the practice in 2006, says Stickler’s introduction of

Mohs micrographic surgery in 2007 marked a new day in their skin cancer focus, making Gulf Coast Dermatology the first practice in Bay County to offer the technique.

Mohs, a form of skin cancer surgery that delivers the highest cure rates, is just one weapon in their arsenal. They’re the only medical practice in the Florida Panhandle to offer superficial radiotherapy (SRT), a painless, nonsurgical option that uses low-energy radiotherapy in a dose similar to an X-ray. Gulf Coast Dermatology, then, has three approaches (including simple excision) to defeat skin cancer, and they are the sole practice in the area to provide this array.

Having options means the Gulf Coast Dermatology physicians can focus on the most effective treatment for the individual. “Most patients are presented with limited options based on what their physician offers,” Ward says. “So if you go to a radiation oncologist, you’ll probably be offered radiation. If you go to a surgeon or dermatologist, you’ll probably be offered a surgical technique. But because we offer all treatment modalities for skin cancer, we can give an unbiased opinion based on what’s best for the patient.”

If that best option happens to be SRT, patients get a breakthrough technology that’s designed specifically to treat skin cancer, rather than the all-purpose

Though the focus at Gulf Coast Dermatology is skin cancer, the practice also offers the innovative Aqua Medical Spa for cosmetic procedures ranging from BOTOX™ to laser hair removal. Its newest addition—miraDry sweat reduction—hits particularly close to home for Ward, who has suffered from embarrassing underarm hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) since he was a teenager. “Once I learned patients only need one to three treatments to permanently relieve underarm hyperhidrosis, I was sold.

I’ve had my first treatment, and I’ve had no underarm sweating that hasn’t been induced by exercise.”

Another Aqua Medical Spa highlight is CoolSculpting, a procedure that eliminates pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. It’s not a weight-loss technique, Ward warns. Rather, it’s for people who are near their ideal weight but may have love handles or want a smoother back view in a strapless dress. There are no incisions and after the one- to two-hour office procedure, there is no downtime, making it perfect for patients who want a more natural approach to cosmetic corrections.

While they take pride in delivering the best results—whether it’s CoolSculpting or skin cancer treatment—their goal is to prevent the need for their services, especially when it comes to the latter. And until there are no new cases of skin cancer, Ward and Stickler will continue the fight. “Our days are filled with so many successes, but we do have disappointments,” Ward confides. “That’s why giving skin cancer screenings and talking about sun protection is so important. If we can prevent it, every day will be a successful day.”

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Dr. Moskowitz

Has the Prescription for Healthy Veins and Heavenly Skin

By Tori Phelps | Photography provided by Cosmetic Vein & Laser Clinic

sunny—and funny—personality and a relatable heart-on-her-sleeve love for her kids, Emma and Luke, go a long way toward establishing a rapport.

At that point, Moskowitz can help patients make healthy decisions about their medical care, including their skin and veins. “We obviously can’t stop the aging process, but it’s such a blessing to be able to help people look younger, feel healthy, and realize how amazing they are,” she says.

Key StatiSticS: Location: 12238 Panama City Beach Pkwy., Panama City Beach, Fla. 32407 Specialty: For a list of all services offered, please visit SkinandVeins.com.

Physicians: Kimberly Moskowitz, M.D.

Dr. Kimberly Dawn Moskowitz has always been fascinated by how the human body works. But her initial interest in a physical therapy career literally changed overnight, thanks to an epiphany that she wanted to be a medical doctor instead. Though she’d just earned her undergraduate degree, she immediately packed her bags for Georgetown University’s medical program. She says the quote “At first dreams seem impossible, then improbable, then inevitable” perfectly sums up the life-changing series of events.

That impossible, improbable, inevitable dream was realized when she opened the Cosmetic Vein and Laser Center in 2005. From here, she works every day to carry out the vision she created for herself, which includes a primary goal of helping people feel comfortable and safe in her care. Her naturally

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Her approach to turning back the hands of time is in making minor changes that cause a big difference.

The noninvasive procedures Moskowitz performs on faces and bodies include Fraxel ™ skin resurfacing, BOTOX®, Restylane®, and Juvéderm®; photorejuvenation for sun and age spots; photodynamic therapy for skin cancers and precancers; and VelaShape® for cellulite and body contouring. “I truly love them all, but Fraxel Repair laser resurfacing is amazing because it takes seven to ten years off your skin’s age with only a week of downtime,” she enthuses.

In fact, she says Fraxel may be the answer to the elusive search for a nonsurgical face lift. Fraxel works microscopically to tighten, lift, and stimulate collagen production and delivers results that last as long as surgical correction: up to six or seven years. And unlike surgical correction, which can leave scarring, misshapen eyes, and significant downtime, Moskowitz says Fraxel is predictable, always symmetrical, and yields minimal downtime.

“Individually, noninvasive treatments are fantastic; combined, they’re extraordinary,” she says. “When we combine Fraxel Laser resurfacing, BOTOX, and fillers, there’s almost nothing we can’t do for the aging face and neck.”

The second procedure she performs most often is called Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT), which treats varicose veins—a problem most patients, and even some physicians, mistakenly believe is simply a cosmetic issue. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Moskowitz says that left untreated, varicose veins can lead to serious health risks like blood

clots, phlebitis, cellulitis, leg ulcers, chronic venous insufficiency, and restless legs syndrome. “Expert treatment of varicose veins dramatically improves symptoms such as aching, swelling, leg discomfort, cramping, fatigue, and restless legs syndrome and reduces the risk for more serious complications.”

Moskowitz certainly fits the bill on the “expert” front. She’s performed more than seven thousand successful EVLTs and has trained other physicians in the procedure since its FDA approval in 2002.

Her groundbreaking work has been recognized at the highest levels in her field, most recently with a highly coveted invitation to speak at the upcoming American College of Phlebology conference.

Acknowledging her extensive experience with EVLTs, she notes, “With this experience comes discovering new information and trends about the symptoms caused by varicose veins and symptoms relieved by treating abnormal veins in the legs.

Because of the novelty of my information, I can’t discuss the details, but let’s just say it will add a new dimension to treating varicose veins with EVLT. Hopefully, this will be a game changer.”

She’s already changing the game of phlebology (venous disease) by becoming one of only 248 physicians in the entire country to receive board certification in the new subspecialty. But then again, she’s a trailblazer from way back, opting for a unique residency path that included one year in pathology and the remaining three in internal medicine, with a strong focus on dermatology. “Although dermatology was and still is my passion, I felt it was God’s calling for me to become board certified in internal medicine,” she explains. “He gave me an amazing gift—this sense that when I’m alone with my patients, I just understand what they need. Not that I always have the right answers immediately, but I can see and hear what they need from me. I find so much joy in knowing how to really touch people—not just physically, but by listening to them and seeing who they really are.”

Her exceptional skills in internal medicine, dermatology, and phlebology allow her to treat patients differently and, arguably, better than a physician without that essential combination. “People come to my office every day and say to me, ‘My legs ache and burn and swell at the end of the day’ or ‘I’m starting to feel old when I look in the mirror,’” she reports. “It’s extremely gratifying to know that I have the knowledge, experience, and technology to help them look and feel better about themselves. I love the diversity of my career; it’s a perfect gift, and I never take it for granted.”

Dr. Moskowitz’s adoring children—Emma and Luke

Going the Extra Smile: Casi B. Stubbs D.M.D.

By Laurie Crowley | Photography by Romona Robbins

technology in the orthodontic industry, Dr. Stubbs is advancing and treating patients with confidence, providing healthy smiles along the Emerald Coast.

Since 2008, Dr. Stubbs has been treating both children and adults and has always insisted upon the highest standard of care for her patients. That means utilizing the most modern advances in the industry, such as invisible ceramic braces and Invisalign®, using the latest in computer technology (digital imaging and advanced computer graphics), and employing a staff of professionals dedicated to providing quality care in a warm, nurturing environment.

The New Office “We are the same committed staff, only now in a custom-designed space,” says Dr. Stubbs. “That’s why I’m so excited to welcome patients to our new location. I’ve recognized certain areas that will make your orthodontic appointment more inviting.”

Key STATiSTiCS: Location: 4633 E Hwy 20, Niceville, Fla. 32578 Specialty: Orthodontics Physicians: Casi B. Stubbs, D.M.D.

Growing a practice and staying connected to her patients is a goal and a reality for local orthodontist Dr. Casi B. Stubbs. Dedicated to her profession and her patients, Dr. Stubbs has opened a newly built state-of-the-art office at 4633 East Hwy. 20, Niceville, Florida. Having outgrown her previous office just a few miles down the road, Dr. Stubbs and staff couldn’t be more excited to share this new space with patients and their families. Working closely with local contractor Ron Brannon of Brannon Construction in Freeport, Fla., Dr. Stubbs and her husband, Zack, custom designed an environment that allows for efficient and comprehensive treatment in a seamless fashion. Utilizing the latest

From the welcoming reception area, complete with a coffee station and computer space, to the gaming station for teens and the play corner for the little tykes, no detail has been left unattended. Dr. Stubbs recognizes that it is a privilege to treat her patients and is honored when they entrust her with their orthodontic care. “I never take for granted the faith my patients place in me and I work tirelessly to earn their respect.” This dedication is representative of the Christian ethic maintained in the office, where a monthly Bible verse is displayed prominently.

Dr. Stubbs realizes that every case is different and every patient has unique needs, which is why she often encourages parents to come into the exam room with their children to see what’s going on. “Having both the patient and family remain confident and comfortable in our care is of utmost importance,” says Stubbs.

About Dr. Casi Stubbs Dr. Stubbs received her undergraduate degree in chemical science from Florida State University

and her dental degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry before attending Nova Southeastern University, where she completed her orthodontic specialty training. Committed to continuing education, Dr. Stubbs maintains memberships with the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Florida Association of Orthodontists, the Florida Dental Association, and the Southern Association of Orthodontists.

A native of DeFuniak Springs, Florida, Dr. Stubbs is a graduate of Walton Senior High School. She returned home to the Emerald Coast to start her professional career. A wife and mother of two young daughters, Elle and Brycelyn, Dr. Stubbs is thrilled to be accepting patients at her newly built office in an area she holds so close to her heart. “I feel that life is coming full circle,” she says. “I’m back home, doing the work I love, and watching my daughters thrive in this beautiful area.” Inspired by her daughters and the breathtaking waters and awe-inspiring natural landscape of the area, Dr. Stubbs has written a children’s book, This Will Be and You Will See, which is featured in VIE’s Favorite Things for holiday shopping on page 39. For more information, visit drstubbsbooks.com.

For the past four and a half years, Dr. Stubbs and her experienced staff have been treating patients in the Bluewater Bay area, and this year they have opened a satellite office in the Destin Regatta Bay Business Center. Dr. Stubbs and her staff strive to connect with each patient, fostering a comforting relationship while creating a smile that exceeds expectations.

To learn about Dr. Stubbs’s office, please visit stubbsortho.com, or to talk with a member of the office staff or schedule an appointment, call 850-678-8338.

For more details on Dr. Stubbs’ new book, This Will Be and You Will See, see VIE’s Holiday Gift Guide on page 41.

V IE ZINE.COM | 141

Dr. Amber Wiebe

By Sallie W. Boyles | Photography by Life in Focus LLC

of Dentistry. She is also proud to be a graduate of the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), a world-renowned center for cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry. Dr. Wiebe is further involved in a fellowship lecture series with an intensive examination requirement that will distinguish her as a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD). “I am providing the most advanced information and options to my patients and they appreciate it,” says Dr. Wiebe, revealing that her postgraduate studies encompass hands-on training and lectures by renowned experts from around the world.

Key StatiSticS: Location: 4942 U.S. Hwy. 98, Suite 19, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. 32459 Specialty: Dentist, Cosmetic Facial Treatments Physicians: Amber Wiebe, D.M.D.

Not so long ago, adults considered themselves lucky to have all of their teeth, regardless of their appearance, by the time they reached a certain age. At the mercy of genetics, accidents, neglect, illness, and aging, even the brightest smiles still lose their luster over time. Fortunately, some dentists continue to make great strides in preserving, restoring, and constructing smiles and faces in ways that transform how patients look and feel. Dr. Amber Wiebe encompasses that knowledge for both the smile, with smile makeovers, and the face, with facial treatments using BOTOX and facial fillers.

Modern dentistry is evolving rapidly, and Dr. Amber Wiebe, a Fellow of the American College of Dental Sciences who first opened her practice in 2000, is staying ahead of the curve. While Florida’s dentists must satisfy thirty-two hours of continuing education online every two years, Dr. Wiebe is finishing her two-year, six-hundred-hour comprehensive dentistry program mastership course, offered by University of Florida College

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Dr. Wiebe uses the highest technology treatments to monitor the periodontal condition and decay in her patients’ mouths. One method Dr. Wiebe uses to diagnose the condition of a patient’s mouth is OralDNA testing, which uses a patient’s saliva sample to test for periodontal bacteria. Dr. Wiebe further employs the Diagnodent laser cavity detector to pinpoint cavities with 99.9 percent accuracy, as compared to the traditional dental explorer, which is 25 percent accurate. “The bacteria emit phosphorescence, which shows the precise depth of the cavity,” she says, explaining her enthusiasm for technology that delivers clear advantages to her patients. “When a patient asks which cavity is the worst, I can really tell them with scientific accuracy and I love it!”

Dr. Wiebe has also trained comprehensively when it comes to BOTOX and fillers and uses the cannula technique to reduce the chance of bruising on patients. She is highly skilled in BOTOX, Dysport, Restylane, Radiesse, Perlane, and Juvéderm cosmetic facial treatments. As an instructor in facial fillers and BOTOX, she enjoys traveling around the country monthly, teaching other dentists and medical doctors about cosmetic treatments with these transformative materials.

For those wondering about the place of wrinkleminimizing treatments in dentistry, her advanced

training places her in a unique position to help her patients look their best. “I am so attuned to how the face should look,” she says. “I constantly see every wrinkle and pore, and I know just what to do to eliminate frowns around the mouth, as well as wrinkles in the forehead, eyes, and neck. I enjoy reducing my patients’ wrinkles and giving them natural-looking, fuller cheeks and lips.”

Surprisingly to many, BOTOX can be used for multiple purposes, and popular treatment areas in Dr. Wiebe’s office include forehead wrinkles, elevens, crow’s-feet, lip wrinkles, and frowns. “BOTOX can also be used to reduce a high gum line without surgery,” Dr. Wiebe says, adding that it’s successful in TMJ therapy as well. “It is transformative for many of my TMJ patients who have had to wear a bite guard for years. When they get BOTOX from me, it is almost instant relief !”

In every case, she is thrilled to help her patients.

“Many people come to me not even knowing what we can fix,” says Dr. Wiebe, who sees patients as young as two and well into their nineties. “We have so many ways we can help them; it is really exciting!”

A distinguished recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award signed by President Obama and recognized as one of America’s Top Dentists, she certainly demonstrates her commitment to serving others. For more information about Dr. Amber Wiebe and Santa Rosa Beach Dental, readers can visit amberwiebedds.com or call 850.267.0777.

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V IE ZINE.COM | 145

Our Old friend sugar has Been muCh in the news lately. driven By grOwing COnCern aBOut the natiOn’s OBesity ePidemiC, fOCus has finally shifted tO the PrOBlems Of the ameriCan diet and lifestyle. while it is PrOBaBly unfair tO single Out One faCtOr in the (literally) grOwing PrOBlem, the amOunt Of sugar COnsumed Per CaPita has ClOsely Paralleled the natiOn’s weight gain.

By Clark Peters

Our grandParents COnsumed 10 POunds Of sugar Per CaPita Per year.

he topic of sugar has been elaborated on in many of my prior articles (“Hydration,” Summer 2009; “Obesity,” Summer 2010; “You Are What You Eat,” Fall 2010), so readers will recall that sugar in all its forms (some, like high fructose corn syrup, are worse than others) is the simplest of all carbohydrates and has the highest glycemic index score. In short, it is a nutritionless calorie source with no nutrients, fiber, vitamins, minerals, or other benefits contained in whole foods. Now, a little sugar is not of itself a toxin and it adds greatly to the flavor of foods and liquids. But, when overconsumed, it leads to insulin spikes (diabetes if continuous), obesity (after current energy needs are met, the excess is stored in fat cells), and a host of other side effects, none of which are good. High blood pressure, mood swings, sleep disruption, and sugar highs and lows are included in a far from comprehensive list of the end results of overindulging in sugar. (Google “sugar toxicity” for more information on this topic.)

So, as with most things related to food, moderation is key. But it has become clear that most Americans are not moderate consumers of sugar—or, indeed, food in general. Our grandparents consumed ten pounds of sugar per capita per year. Now Americans consume one hundred fifty pounds per year!

The concern with our growing size/obesity tends to focus on type 2 diabetes, a lifestyle disease closely correlated with obesity. Currently, some thirty million Americans are diabetic. But projections suggest that by the year 2020 or thereabouts, if nothing changes, the number of diabetics will triple! Indeed, if a condition called prediabetes (also known as Syndrome X) is added to these figures, one out of every two Americans will be included in these categories.

Medical costs to treat diabetes alone will exceed $500 billion by 2020.

One person, Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City, has recently taken a stab at addressing this problem for his constituents. Citing the well-known fact that portion control is part of the problem (remember Mom’s admonition to always finish what you are served?), he set out to limit the size of sugary drinks to sixteen ounces in the city’s food-service establishments. This may sound like a small step, but sodas are now routinely offered in quantities up to thirty-two ounces; a drink this size is called, appropriately enough, the “big gulp.” Recall that a twelve-ounce can of Coke, Pepsi, Mountain

nOw ameriCans COnsume

150 POunds

Per year!

Dew, or any other soda brand contains the equivalent of ten teaspoons of sugar. So, I would argue the mayor’s limit was set too high, even at sixteen ounces. If one ordered the largest size now available in NYC—a “big gulp”—that is the equivalent of a quarter of a gallon! I don’t know who could possibly want that much, but the point is that an enormous quantity of sugar is represented in these large containers. So, small steps—at least Mayor Bloomberg was starting to talk about moderation. The New York City Board of Health fully supported his plan.

The public reaction, however, has been loud and angry. Complaints about the “nanny state” and loss of basic rights have cropped up from a variety of sources. Not surprisingly, many Americans who value our freedoms—one of which is the freedom to make bad choices— do not appreciate being told what they can or can not put in their mouths. I suspect that many of these same people are among those who complain about our nations’ health-care costs. (Note that the restriction on the size of the containers sold does not prevent you from buying additional servings if you desire.)

Clearly, Mayor Bloomberg’s actions were well intentioned and just as clearly, a tiny step in addressing a very large (excuse the pun) problem.

Personally, I believe a more effective approach would include some pretty basic economics.

V IE ZINE.COM | 147

Since continued overconsumption of sugar (in all forms—not just soft drinks) will significantly drive health-care costs, why not tax the source problem. This might result in the following:

an inCrease in the COst Of COnsumPtiOn, whiCh in turn wOuld drive dOwn demand: simPle suPPly/demand Curve eCOnOmiCs revenues generated tO helP defray the attendant health COsts Of sugar’s harmful effeCts (if COnsumPtiOn remained high desPite taxes) This is far from a blinding new insight. Indeed, this proposal was suggested two hundred years ago by one of our early statesmen, Adam Smith. His prescription went like this: “Sugar, rum and tobacco are commodities which are nowhere necessities of life, [but] which are … objects of almost universal consumption and which are therefore extremely proper subjects of taxation.” In the two centuries since, policy makers have followed his advice—with one glaring exception: sugar. George Washington imposed and then enforced a whiskey tax (1791). Taxes on tobacco followed.

Indeed, some years later, policy makers made an ill-advised attempt to ban alcohol (a.k.a. Prohibition). It has been said that it is impossible to legislate morality. But, you can tax it! And the taxes on alcohol and tobacco raise, to this day, prodigious amounts of money for the public coffers. Some of these funds have been used in the public arena on, in addition to health care, ads and education to illuminate the dangers and damage of both substances. Aren’t we well past the time to use the same tactics on sugar—a substance that not only has no redeeming value other than taste but also provides damage and danger to the public? As it stands, this is easier said than done. Taxing sugar, just as with alcohol and tobacco, will run into some stiff opposition.

In the recent past, when a sugar tax was proposed as part of the health care reform bill, the food and beverage industries unleashed a $57.6 million campaign and blocked it. Even more recently, two years after Washington State imposed a two-cent tax on soft drinks, the industry spent $16 million on the referendum that repealed it. Perhaps more telling was the response in July of this year to Mayor Bloomberg’s portion proposal. Quoting from one respondent among many from all over the country: “… for me, it’s about how I feel at the end of the meal. Yes, I am overweight. [!!] Yes, I know portion control works. I realize there is a movement to justify anti-obesity legislation for the public good. But to relinquish my freedom to act as a free man, even in this case, would put us on a slippery slope.”

Wow! I wonder how free he will feel if he becomes bedridden with heart disease or diabetes. With attitudes like this one (by no means the only one of this nature) and legislators more interested in getting reelected (clearly some of the monies mentioned above lined their pockets) than legislating for the public interest, the prospect of addressing the nation’s sugar addiction seems very slim. Speaking personally, the tax proposal seems like a win-win. The government would generate some desperately 148 | N OV EM B ER / D ECEM B ER 2012

a reCent study shOwed that

Overweight kids are drinking

1000 2000

tO CalOries Per day in sOdas alOne!

needed revenues (given the current dire status of financial affairs in Washington, D.C.) and the nation would get slightly healthier as a result of consuming fewer sugary soft drinks. Yes, the industry would take a hit, but given the profitability of soft drinks (obscenely high), surely they could survive and prosper—just not quite as much. And the consumer would still be left with freedom of choice, albeit at a slightly increased price. Speaking of prospering, the latest sugar news has several fast food chains promoting ninety-nine-cent soft drinks with breakfast!

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We are clearly a nation of indulgence befitting our high standard of living. Just as clearly, this indulgence is starting to take its toll on our health. Overall calorie intake has risen since 1970 by about 425 calories per capita per year.

Importantly, 16–17 percent of daily calories now come from sugars. Bad enough, but it may be worse for our children (grandchildren, in my age group) who are major targets for the industry’s marketing campaigns. A recent study showed that overweight kids are drinking 1000 to 2000 calories per day in sodas alone!

Let me reiterate. Sugar is not the only culprit.

Overeating in general will get the job done. But, the calories we consume in sugary beverages do not make us feel as full as the same quantities of whole food. It’s as if the body says: “Hey, that was tasty, but eat more because I’m not getting the nutrients I need.” Now, I believe that freedom is one of the key things that makes our country an attractive place to live. That said, it also seems clear that if we can’t or won’t use those freedoms wisely, we should at least tax them to pay for the consequences. They are mounting and will eventually cost other freedoms.

V IE ZINE.COM | 149

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