Destin, FL December 2023

The Giving Issue

A R T S + C U LTU R E

BRENDAN PARKER SHARES HOW ART SERVES AS MORE THAN DECOR

D E C E M B E R 2 02 3

A Bou tique Bro kerage s p ec ia l iz ing in Crea t ive S ol ut i o n s !

20 5 0 W Co Hw y 3 0a, S an ta R os a Be ac h , F l 32 54 9 w w w.lambe r tre al ty 30a. c om

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December 2023 PUBLISHER

Carmen Ionascu | Carmen.Ionascu@citylifestyle.com MANAGING EDITOR

Josh Foster | josh.foster@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Happy Holidays!

The holidays are here and as the spirit of the season is among us, we often try to replicate what made the season feel so magical to us in our youth.

The traditions we set for our own families often mirror some of what we experienced as a child whether it be the smells, the sounds, the lights, the holiday activities or a combination of it all that reflects that best. This month, we wanted to highlight the magic of the season and what our city has to offer that helps spread holiday cheer. We’ve compiled a gift guide to make your shopping easier and that also supports our local businesses.

We also wanted to share what our area has to offer this holiday season for entertainment and ways to give back. While this season can be beautiful for some, it can be painful and lonely for others, especially those who have recently lost a loved one. In the true spirit of the season, let’s take care of those in our community who need assistance or who are alone. My hope for you this season is that you feel love and peace and that we all remember to take care of each other extending grace, empathy and love.

Happy Holidays!

EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Savannah Vasquez | savannah.vasquez@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Shanna Magnuson with DaVista Photography, Eliana Kinneman with Main Character Photography

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

CARMEN IONASCU, PUBLISHER @DESTINCITYLIFESTYLE

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

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Proverbs 3:5-6

our Instagram

the US Postal Service to some of the Destin area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and

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Destin City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Media Partners LLC. It is distributed via advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Media Partners’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Media Partners’ does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Destin City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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DECEMBER 2023

inside the issue The Holidays & Giving Issue

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40

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

12 Going All In

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Lifestyle Letter

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Must See A RTS + C U LT U R E

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Financial Buzz FI NA NC E + LEGA L SE RV IC E S

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Trend Setter S HO PPI NG

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Artist’s Palette HO ME + DES I GN

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Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

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Gift Guide S HO PPI NG

Brendan Parker shares how art serves as more than just decor

24 Children’s Clothing with a Cause La Luna Children’s Boutique gives back to the community

32 Gypsy Garage Brings Bohemia to 30A Julia Vijacka Introduces Her Unique Space

40 Add Some Holiday Sparkle Beyond Jewelers Gift Guide

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Shanna Magnuson with DaVista Photography Brendan Parker stands in front of one of his large resin art pieces.

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Going All In Brendan Parker shares how art serves as more than just decor ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA MAGNUSON & JOHN MCCAIN

Brendan Parker has made quite a name for himself in the 30A area with his large abstract resin paintings. His work has been commissioned and hung in high-profile hotels and businesses such as Hotel Effie, Grand Dunes Towers, Alys Beach, and some of the most prestigious real estate properties in the 30A area. However, until recently, Brendan was not sure he would make it as an artist living solely off the sales from his work.

“A huge catalyst for me was a mindset shift as a business owner,” Brendan said. “I always had my real estate

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M UST SE E | A RTS + CU LTURE

license in my back pocket, just in case, but then one of my coaches said my backup plan was stealing energy from my art and keeping it from taking off. I finally let my license lapse and went all in with my art and that really changed my trajectory.”

In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Brendan was surprised to find there was a market for high-profile luxury art. His work became in high-demand due to an inf lux of people moving to the 30A area.

CONTINUED >

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“Great art creates a vibe that you can feel when you walk into a room, creating both atmosphere and connection,” Brendan said. “This is truly where an original work of art’s value proposition lies, in its ability to evoke and create emotional connection.”

“The pandemic really changed my business forever,” Brendan said. “At first, I was terrified that it would be the last thing people bought because it is a luxury item, but as people began working remotely, and were not able to rent their homes, they came to stay in their properties for the first time. Most of them decided they wanted to work on improving their homes and that set off the trend of interior design, especially in this area. The more blank walls created, the more art was needed to fill that void.”

Speaking of blank slates, Brendan said when it comes to choosing art for a space, he recommends first finding art that truly resonates with you before buying anything else for your home.

“An excellent work of art can truly transform a space, but it is typically the last element to be addressed on a project,” Brendan said. “Art should instead, be the first thing chosen for a space, given the impact it can have. Great art creates a vibe that you can feel when you walk into a room, creating both atmosphere and connection. This is truly where an original work of art’s value proposition lies, in its ability to evoke and create emotional connection.”

Brendan said that clients often see his work in local spaces first and then reach out to him for a custom piece.

Once he has established a relationship with the interested buyer, he then gets to work finding out their color

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M UST SE E | A RTS + CU LTURE

preferences, the space they plan to display the work in and vibe they hope will come across.

“When people come to me, they already like my work, and I usually say, ‘Why don’t I make something special for you, tailored for your space?’”

Brendan said. “I’ve never really tried to make it a sales pitch. Art sales are all about creating an emotional connection. If you can get the prospective buyer emotionally involved; that is what brings sales.”

Creating an emotional connection to art is Brendan’s main draw to his craft, as he explained art is where he finds his greatest mental release and freedom from his worries and problems. Brendan said when he paints, he often listens to music and even dances, as he lets the creative brain take over.

“I love what I do, it’s my therapy, it’s where I get the most release,” he said.

“Painting is how I decompress; it allows me to get out of my head and get more in my body. It’s extremely therapeutic because I can turn my mind off.”

One of Brendan’s goals that he is most passionate about is sharing the healing power of art. He explained that creativity through art is an amazing way to process thoughts and emotions without having to find the words to speak.

"Art is a great tool for therapy, it’s a very special outlet to be able to let yourself feel. Especially abstract art because there is no right and wrong,” he said.

CONTINUED >

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Reflecting the heart of his art, Brendan said he likes to give back to the community as often as he can. Several times a year, Brendan donates his talent and even his artwork to causes such as the Destin Charity Wine Auction and Children’s Volunteer Health Network. In the near future, Brendan plans to host art workshops for those struggling with mental illness, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, addiction, and anxiety.

"I really feel like there is a need for that sort of thing, especially here locally with the military community," Brendan said. "I want art to help release trauma and help people tap into and process their feelings via paint.

It is the best medicine I have found. And I want to share it with others."

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M UST SE E | A RTS + CU LTURE

“I want art to help release trauma and help people tap into and process their feelings via paint. It is the best medicine I have found. And I want to share it with others.”

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Year-End Moves For Investment Portfolios We all know the end of the year is a busy time. I don’t want to give anyone homework for the holidays, but this is an important time of year for managing your investment portfolio. Here are a few items to consider as you wrap up 2023.

Tax Loss/Gain Harvesting: Tax loss harvesting is the practice of selling shares of securities (stocks, bonds, etc.) at a loss to balance out against securities in taxable investment accounts that have been sold during the year at a gain. Securities that have not yet been sold have a realized gain or loss. Once sold, the gains and/or losses are recognized, netted together, and reported on your tax return as a net capital gain or net capital loss. Net capital losses in excess of $3,000 are suspended and carried forward until they can be used against gains in future years.

If at the end of the year you are looking at a net capital gain, selling some shares that are trading at a loss will lower or eliminate the net capital gain, thus minimizing the tax burden when it comes time to file

in April. After December 31, you would have to wait at least another year to net out shares of stocks or bonds sold at gains.

Tax loss harvesting can result in substantial tax savings, but try not to sell the wrong shares. Good candidates for tax loss harvesting are typically shares that are at a realized loss and that don’t look likely to appreciate in the foreseeable future. Perhaps you overpaid for them, or the company’s fundamentals have taken a turn for the worse. The point is you don’t want to sell shares at a loss for tax savings only to watch them skyrocket in value soon thereafter. Any tax savings recognized may be dwarfed by investment gains you could have subsequently realized.

Tax gain harvesting can also be used for portfolio optimization. If your portfolio has recognized losses for the year (or carried forward from prior years), you can sell shares of securities at a gain, net them against your losses, and secure a lower or tax-free gain on the sale. This must also be practiced with discretion, as you don’t want to sell the

wrong shares purely for tax purposes and miss out on future capital appreciation. The best share candidates for tax gain harvesting are typically those that are trading substantially higher than their intrinsic value and are at risk of price regression.

Roth Conversions: A Roth conversion occurs when funds from a Traditional IRA are transferred directly to a Roth IRA account. Taxpayers who do a Roth conversion recognize income from the amount of cash converted and/or the fair market value of securities converted at the time of transfer. Taxpayers recognize income in the year of Roth conversion.

A Roth IRA is an individual retirement account where contributions are not tax deductible in the year of contribution, but withdrawals are generally tax free in retirement. A Traditional IRA is an individual retirement account where contributions are typically tax deductible in the year of contribution, and withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income. Once the taxpayer hits a certain age, they must

ARTICLE BY BENNETT STEIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELIANA KINNEMAN, MAIN CHARACTER PHOTOGRAPHY

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F IN A N CIA L BU Z Z | FIN ANCE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) which are taxed at ordinary income rates. Roth and Traditional IRAs are tax-deferred, which means that Interest, dividends, and capital gains are shielded from income tax while funds remain in the accounts.

Roth conversions must be completed by December 31st to be counted for the same year.

You may be asking, “Why on earth would I volunteer my deferred retirement savings to be taxed this year?” The answer is most people should not at any given point. But if your income is temporarily low, and you expect your retirement income to be similar or higher than today, then a Roth conversion may be an opportunity to transfer your funds into Roth accounts at minimal tax where they can remain or be withdrawn tax-free at retirement.

A common example is recently retired people who haven’t yet started social security and Traditional IRA RMDs. Furthermore, if you have shares in your portfolio that are down but you’d like to hang onto them, you can transfer them directly and have the depressed price count as ordinary income. If they appreciate after, you’ve converted a dollar for a lower amount of income reported on your taxes. A Roth conversion isn’t for everyone and is a long-term, frequently multi-year tax strategy that should only be undertaken after planning with your tax and financial advisor.

Conclusion: The end of the year presents opportunities for portfolio optimization moves for many investors. If you are at a

recognized net capital gain and have shares that are down and don’t look likely to come back, look into selling them and at least getting some savings next April from tax loss harvesting.

Conversely, if you have shares that have appreciated in value and are trading at high valuations, consider selling and netting them out against any losses. If your income is temporarily low and you have substantial Traditional IRA funds, consider converting them into a Roth account for long-term tax savings with depressed shares you think are likely to rebound.

Disclaimer: Investment advisory services offered through Stein Financial LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. The firm only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements.

Registration as an investment advisor does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators nor does it indicate that the advisor has attained a particular level of skill or ability. Information in this article does not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice, but is limited to the dissemination of general information on products and services. A professional adviser should be consulted before implementing any of the options presented. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. Changes in investment strategies, contributions or withdrawals may materially alter the performance, strategy and results of your portfolio.

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As a true native to the area, I have the expert knowledge and connections to put you in the best position to buy or sell anywhere on our coastline. Call me today for any of your real estate needs!

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Giving Back ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA MAGNUSON WITH DAVISTA PHOTOGRAPHY

Children’s Clothing with a Cause LA LUNA CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY 24

T R E N D SE T T E R | SHOPPI NG

Karoline Kellogg saw a need for quality children’s clothing in Miramar Beach when she began raising her three children here a few years ago. A longtime lover of fashion and design, Karoline decided to meet that need with a children’s clothing store, La Luna Children’s Boutique which opened in 2021.

La Luna Children’s Boutique offers fashionable, quality children’s clothing, learning toys and accessories in an environment that is mom and kid friendly. Within the store is a section for children to play and create art while parents and caregivers can shop.

“I have always loved fashion but shopping with three little kids was always very stressful,” Karoline said. “I was inspired to fill a need in our community with a peaceful environment where children can be themselves and create something new, and for moms to shop without being pressured by their kids or anyone else to buy one thing or another.”

When it comes to sourcing the products for her shop, Karoline said she selects styles and brands based on what she has discovered for her own children. Instead of spending valuable time shopping at large markets, Karoline said she focuses on bringing her favorite products as well as local products to the forefront.

“The brands we carry are the brands I have been buying for my kids for six years now,” she said. “We went through so many brands with each kid, and we learned what washes well and what shrinks and what's comfortable and we wanted to share our experiences with everyone in our area.”

At this time, La Luna carries six local brands, some European brands, and several brands made in the USA. Karoline CONTINUED >

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is specifically proud to be the only store in the nation carrying her daughter’s favorite brand, Taylor Joelle which has proven to be a best seller.

Karoline, originally from Egypt, said that the warm welcome she has received since opening La Luna has meant the world to her and her family. Karoline said that being able to raise her children Mary 6, John 5, and Youssef 3.5 in an area that is close to her family and that values their contribution to the community has really impacted her.

“The day I opened the store a friend texted me, ‘May it be joy to the world and may you experience God through it,’” Karoline said. “I really appreciated that text because it gave me a different perspective. As a business owner life can get complicated and heavy but being in the store helping moms and children, I have received so much of God's love through them, and I know that it brought them His joy and for that, I am beyond grateful for this community.”

CONTINUED >

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“We love bringing the community together to raise money for organizations that help children grow in a healthy environment and empower them to be who they want to be,” Karoline said.

Now having just hosted their second anniversary celebration and fundraiser, Karoline said the thing she most values about the South Walton community is their generosity.

Every year, La Luna hosts four charity events, the most recent benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast and Emerald Coast Theatre Company.

“We love bringing the community together to raise money for organizations that help children grow in a healthy environment and empower them to be who they want to be,” Karoline said. “Our community is so generous. I love seeing all the families that have been shopping with us come celebrate and showcase our product. We appreciate our customers, and most of them have become close friends, so what better way to celebrate than to invite them all to one big party and share that day together and help those in need.”

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T R E N D SE T T E R | SHOPPI NG

Where Santa is shopping this season!

Dalton crow

@austonson98 /austonson98

Auston Crow

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(850) 842-3200

Open 7 days a week!

11am-10pm Kitchen closes at 9pm

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Kitchens · Bathrooms · Additions · Painting

(321) 863-9624 | Santa Rosa Beach, FL

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Eric Lafreniere 850-714-2831 | Email eldvm98@hotmail.com

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92 Shannon dr in Seagrove Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Fl 32459 Private Boat Lift Overlooking the Lake and Gorgeous Sunset | Private Deck and Pool | High-end Appliances & Finishes | Expansive Open Floor Plan with Hardwoods Throughout | Huge Foyer with High Ceiling | Home was Built in 2019

ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA MAGNUSON WITH DAVISTA PHOTOGRAPHY

Gypsy Garage Brings

BOHEMIA TO 30A There's a new beachside boutique in GulfPlace offering a window into a different era: Gypsy Garage 30a. Destin City Lifestyle introduces Julia Vijacka, owner and free spirit behind the inspirational space.

DESTIN CITY LIFESTYLE: TELL US A BIT ABOUT GYPSY GARAGE AND HOW YOU CAME TO OPEN THIS SPACE ON 30A? Julia: The space came together unexpectedly, it wasn’t going to be necessarily a retail store, more like a place for friends and the community, to mingle and create. My idea was to introduce different artists with pop-up events and create a space for everyone to enjoy music, read books and share ideas surrounded by unique treasures. I really wanted something out of the ordinary and eclectic, like a window to the past or future while staying in the present.

DCL: WHAT KIND OF THINGS CAN BE FOUND IN YOUR STORE? Julia: Gypsy Garage is a little shop where you can find antiques, and a mix of new items and old things. We have original art and custom portraits by Linda Loomis, jewelry, vintage clothes, wearable art by Carmen of Graffiti, books, candles, games and much more. There is also a cozy room with a 1950’s Drexel Esperanto daybed, 1983 Vivaldi MacKenzie Childs checkered chairs, CONTINUED >

Julia Vijacka Introduces Her Unique Space

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a vintage bumper pool table with poker face, a record player and old records; all available for sale but in the meantime, there for everyone to enjoy. The space is always changing as things come and go.

DSL: WHEN CUSTOMERS COME INTO YOUR STORE, WHAT IS THEIR REACTION TO YOUR COLLECTION? Julia: Most people come to the Garage and absolutely love it. The vibe, the items, the music, the surprise when they walk in; But my favorite is when I get words from little kids or old gentlemen. When they say how cool it is and they comment on various things and buy something that took them an hour to find.

When someone plays the 120-year-old, 1903 Fischer piano from New York, it just warms my soul. What time would it be if all the clocks stopped? The Garage makes me stop going all directions and be present.

DSL: WAS OPENING A LITTLE STORE ALWAYS YOUR DREAM? Julia: My friends who have known me for over 40 years when growing up in Prague, back in communist Czechoslovakia, tell me that this is what I always wanted, a little shop like this and I was literally surprised! I thought, 'I did?' But then, I thought about it, and they were right. I was always at vintage shops and art galleries, buying books with the last of my money, baking bread, knitting socks, bringing home rocks or dogs, saving people, animals, everything except myself...that came later.

DSL: AS A LIFELONG TRAVELER, OR IN YOUR OWN WORDS - GYPSY - WHERE DO YOU CALL HOME? Julia: Born and raised in Prague, that beautiful city will always be in my heart. After that, I lived in many places, but the most special was Key West, and it will always be; Island living with no worries, sailing, working and making lifelong friends. For the past 20 years our home has been here, on the Emerald Coast.

This area is a very tight community, we stand together, rain or shine. So, every place is special to me in its own way, through what they each taught me, but I guess everywhere I go, I stay the gypsy I am; the Boheme, traveling, changing and finding answers.

Y’all come check The Gypsy Garage out! Thursdays we are open till 8 p.m. and something is always happening. Until then...

Stay wild, Moon child!

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / D E ST I N

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The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign

2023 38

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

“

This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

The annual City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is in its 4th year. Last holiday season we gave away over $300,000 to help 116 individuals and families in need, but we need your help to make it happen again this year.

With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed. Perhaps you know of a single parent struggling to provide for their family, an elderly person who has experienced loss, someone enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need, even if no one else does.

“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them during this holiday season.”

“We believe God has blessed our company with continued success, so we in turn want to be a blessing to others,” Matthew Perry, President of City Lifestyle adds.

City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep giving on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is truly rewarding and it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster a culture of generosity.”

Scan Code to

Nominate Nominations accepted Nov. 27 – Dec. 10, 2023

Follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram for reminders!

To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. All nominations and recipients will be kept confidential.

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / D E ST I N

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Add Some Holiday Sparkle B E YO N D J E W E L E R S G I F T G U I D E PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA MAGNUSON WITH DAVISTA PHOTOGRAPHY It’s the holidays, and that means everything has an extra shine and sparkle; from lights and decor to the shimmering frost. Why not add some of that festive brilliance to your own loved one’s wardrobe with a one-of-a-kind piece from

This 18-karat white gold ring features 2.6-carat green tourmaline and 1-carat of small diamonds surrounding it.

Give bold with this 14-karat white gold fancy yellow diamond halo ring featuring a 1.5-carat cushion cut fancy yellow diamond with a 0.5-carat diamond halo.

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G IF T GU ID E | SHOPPIN G

Beyond Measure Jewelers in Destin? Take a look at these inspirational pieces from our very own local jeweler and surprise that special woman in your life with something truly radiant this holiday season.

A dazzling 14-karat white gold halo ring featuring a 2-carat round brilliant diamond with 1-carat worth of diamonds creating the halo.

Show-stopper earrings made in Israel, showcase 18-karat yellow gold with sapphire and diamonds. Flex style 14-karat diamond tennis bracelets.

Bring some flair with this unique snake ring featuring 18-karat yellow gold with 4.3 carats of diamonds.

Custom Name Necklace /(Initials) Personalized with your choice of metal color, font and diamonds. 18K Gold Plated & diamonds.

Happy Holidays

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850-326-2140 | OptimumWindowCleaning.com *New Customers Only, Must be within a year.

DESTIN RESIDENTIAL ROOFING DESTIN COMMERCIAL ROOFING DESTIN ROOFING REPAIRS Contact Us for a Free Consultation and Estimate.

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