Fort Myers, FL August 2020

AUGUST 2020

Kids + Pets

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

DELICIOUS TOMATO DISHES A LEE COUNTY STAR ATHLETE

A SAFE HAVEN FOR MANATEES

HOME DESIGNS FOR PETS

FACE Facelift | Necklift | Browlift | Blepharoplasty | Rhinoplasty Precision TX | Diamond Lift | Silhouette Instalift

INJECTABLES Botox | Dysport | Juvederm: Voluma, Vollure, Volbella Restylane | Radiesse | Belotero | Kybella

BREAST Breast Augmentation | Mastopexy – Breast Lift Breast Reduction | Mommy Makeover | Implant Options

BODY Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) | Body Contouring | Liposuction | SmartLipo Fat Transfer | Brazilian Butt Lift | Vaginal Rejuvenation | Non-surgical Procedures Cooltone | Coolsculpting | Sculpsure | Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Cellulaze – Cellulite Treatment | Laser Hair Removal | Hand Rejuvenation Excessive Sweat Treatment | Weight Loss Program

SKIN Vivace Experience – Skin tightening | Silhouette Instalift | Ultherapy Intense Pulse Light | Smartskin CO2 Laser Resurfacing | MicroPen Chemical Peels – VI Peels | Scalp Micropigmentation | Permanent Makeup – Eyeliner Hydrafacial | Dermaplaning | Medical Grade Facials | Blue Light Therapy Body Procedures | Coolsculpting | SculpSure | Laser Hair Removal Laser Hand Rejuvenation | Vivace Experience – Skin tightening | Scalp Micropigmentation

SKIN CARE Skinceuticals | Revision | Obagi | Elta MD | Latisse

LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2020 PUBLISHER

Rob Hannon | rob.hannon@lifestylepubs.com 239.250.0222 EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Cuteness Overload!

HAPPY AUGUST, FORT MYERS!

Aubrey Sewell | aubrey.sewell@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER

Dana Rudolph

We made it through an unconventional summer and time is moving onward. While

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

there are still many unknowns in our world, we can look, with great expectancy,

Aubrey Sewell

toward the delightful change of seasons and the new pace these next few months will set for us.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Matt Barnhart of AMP Shots Media

As we exit this steamy season, we have quite the treat for you in this issue. (And not dog treats!) We have filled these pages celebrating some cute kids, special pets, and unique wildlife right here in our community. We have so much to share with you, so brace yourselves!

You will get to explore the new world of kids’ vehicles, gain some tips for teaching your kids about finances, and meet an outstanding Lee County athlete with big dreams in his future. Plus, you’ll discover some easy crafts to do with your little ones

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

and some new, delicious recipes to once again inspire you in the kitchen.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Don’t worry, we didn’t forget your fur babies! There are some great tips on designing

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

a home to stylishly accommodate your pets and their accessories. And for the grand

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

finale, we cannot wait for you to meet some of the pets living right here in Fort

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

Myers! Maybe-just maybe-you’ll be lucky enough to have one of these adorable

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

(and now famous!) four-legged friends right in your neighborhood.

Take this month to spoil your little ones, whether they walk on two legs or four and… have an Absolutely Amazing, Adventure-filled, Ardent August!

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Rob Hannon, Publisher 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

Proverbs 3:5-6 Fort Myers Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Fort Myers areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

4

Fort Myers Lifestyle | August 2020

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

W E MAKE BAN KI N G AB O UT Y O U!

STANDING STRONG…

To gether

Now more than ever, relationships matter.

As Lee County’s oldest community bank, we’ve spent nearly 25

years building relationships with customers and giving back to

our local community. Discover the difference a local banking relationship can make at

Edison National Bank and

Bank of the Islands. We continue to stand strong with money to

lend and make banking about YOU.

Lending Team – From left back row: Geoffrey Roepstorff, CEO CEO;; John Ammons, Vice President, Cleveland Avenue Office Manager; Liz Aurensan, Vice President, Lending; Robbie Roepstorff, President. From left middle row: Darrin Grotrian, Asst. Vice President, Lending, Sanibel-Captiva Asst. Office Manager; Kim Nyberg, Vice President, Professional & Executive Banking; Greg Blurton, Vice President, Sr. Commercial Loan Officer.

From left front row: Leah Kirby, Kirby, Vice President, River District Office Manager; Willy Ocasio, Vice President, Sanibel-Captiva To learn Office Manager; Pam Edwards, services Vice President, Lending.

more about our customer and convenient locations, please visit EdisonNationalBank.com or call 239.466.1800.

An Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC | Bank of the Islands is an office of Edison National Bank.

INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2020

FEATURES 10 Tomatopalooza Summer Fresh Tomato Recipes

14 A Pet’s Home Designing your home with your pet in mind

18 Lee County’s All American Local high school student is headed for greatness

10 14

20 A Manatee Sanctuary Discover everything Manatee Park has to offer

18

20

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Culinary Creations

14

Renovate & Refine

18

Local Limelight

20 Animal Kingdom 24 Driver’s Notebook 26 DIY 32 Financial Buzz 34 Parting Thoughts

C A B I N ET R E F I N I S H I N G • R E FA C I N G • M O D I F I C AT I O N S & C U STO M B U I L D S

W

HE

N O N LY T H E

F I N EST FINISHES WILL DO

CO N TACT U S

for a no-obligation, on-site consultation & estimate

239.561.1119 • abernathyfinishmaster.com 1 2 0 1 1 A M E D I C U S L A N E • F O RT MY E RS, F LO R I D A

GOOD TIMES

New Southwest Florida Location Advocate Radiation Oncology, the area’s only locally owned and operated radiation oncology practice, has opened its Cape Coral office located at 909 Del Prado Blvd. Advocate Radiation Oncology is directed by a team of board-certified radiation oncologists, trained at the nation’s most renowned institutions, who are partnering to provide compassionate health care expertise to cancer patients.

Jennifer’s Boutique Canned Good Collection Jennifer’s women’s boutique collected canned goods for Community Cooperative during June. “Community Cooperative has been working hard to meet the growing need for food and resources in our community,” said owner Jennifer Williams. “The need this year is greater than ever and we are supporting Community Cooperative so they can continue their important work to feed people and nourish lives.”

8

Fort Myers Lifestyle | August 2020

See Your Future in 2 2 with Laser Vision Correction at Frantz Eyecare!

Enjoy the treatment flexibility you didn't know was possible.

Experience Better Vision Choose a technology designed specifically for your eyes: LASIK through WaveLight Technology Visian ICL (replaceable lens + reversible procedure) Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

Call Now To Schedule Your Free Screening!

Dial **2020 on Mobile Visit BetterVision.net Call 239-418-0999

Jonathan M. Frantz, MD, FACS

Fort Myers | Naples | Cape Coral | Lehigh Acres | Punta Gorda

CULINARY CREATIONS

SUMMER FRESH TOMATO RECIPES

tomatopalooza

ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL

10

Fort Myers Lifestyle | August 2020

TOMATO

PIE

INGREDIENTS + 1-9 in deep dish pie crust + 4 large tomatoes, peeled & sliced + ½ c chopped fresh basil + 3 green onions, thinly sliced + ½ lb bacon, cooked, drained, & chopped + ½ tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp dried oregano + ½ tsp crushed red pepper + 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese + ¼ c mayonnaise

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees 2. In alternating layers, fill pastry shell with tomatoes, basil, scallions, bacon, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper.

3. In a small bowl, mix cheese with mayonnaise.

Spread mixture over top of pie. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.

4. Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 30 minutes.

5. Serve warm or cold.

6 servings Allrecipes.com

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

11

CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

4-6 servings Foodnetwork.com

BAKED TOMATOES

INGREDIENTS + 4 ripe vine-ripened tomatoes + 2 tbs olive oil, plus more for tossing and drizzling + Salt & pepper + ž c panko breadcrumbs + Ÿ c grated Parmesan + 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley + 1 clove garlic, finely chopped + 1 shallot, finely chopped + Pinch red pepper flakes

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

2. Slice the tomatoes from core to core. Remove and discard the seeds and juice, and place in a casserole dish. Drizzle with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper.

3. Combine olive oil, panko, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, shallots, red pepper flakes, salt, & pepper in a small bowl.

4. Fill the tomatoes with the panko mixture.

5. Bake 20 minutes.

6. Drizzle with olive oil before serving.

12

Fort Myers Lifestyle | August 2020

PEACH & TOMATO

CAPRESE SALAD INGREDIENTS

+ ½ c white balsamic vinegar + 1 garlic clove, minced + 3 tbsp brown sugar + 3 tbsp olive oil + ¼ tsp salt + 2 fresh peaches, cut into 1-inch pieces + 2 lbs Heirloom tomatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces (remove seeds if guts are plentiful)

+ 4 tbsp fresh basil, chopped + 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into 1-inch pieces + Sea salt & freshly ground pepper

DIRECTIONS 1. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, garlic, sugar, olive oil, and ¼ tsp salt.

2. Stir peaches, tomatoes, and basil together with the dressing.

3. Mix in mozzarella.

4. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper to taste.

6 servings themodernproper.com

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

13

RENOVATE & REFINE

A PET'S HOME CLEVER WAYS TO FIX UP YOUR HOME TO SHOWCASE YOUR FURRY FAMILY MEMBER ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL

LOYAL. Loveable. Cuddly. Your little shadow. Your tiniest friend. If you have a furry friend, you know that nothing warms your heart quite like seeing their sweet face or having their warm body curled up next to you.

With them being so significant in our lives and homes, why not create spaces just for them in those places? Here are some tips and ideas to turn your home into perfect pet-zones.

DESIGNATED SPACE Just like you have your own bedroom, pets would love to have an area to call their own. Pick a place that is clean, comfortable, and easily accessible to place their bed or crate. Choose an area that is out of the flow of household traffic, but is not closed off or confined; make sure it is well ventilated, or has a source of clean, fresh aromas, like a laundry room, to prevent that “pet smell” from forming and lingering.

14

Fort Myers Lifestyle | August 2020

DESIGNER DINING Buy or use a small kitchen cart that has a floor-level drawer to store water and food bowls. At dinner time, pull out the drawer for your pet to eat directly out of or place their bowls on a placemat, which is visually pleasing as well as easily cleaned up.

SET UP A SPLASH ZONE Water-loving pets will go crazy for a water feature or kiddie pool to play in in the backyard. This can also double as a bath/grooming station for larger pets.

GIVE THEM A WINDOW TO THE WORLD Allow them visual access to the great outdoors. Leave the bottom of a privacy door unfrosted, put a glass panel at the bottom of an otherwise solid door, or create a window seat where pets can relax and see what is going on beyond their small world.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

15

RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

REMAKE NOOKS & CORNERS Those little empty spaces are underutilized because they don’t have room for large pieces of furniture or décor. However, they are perfect places for plush blankets or a small, comfy bed.

REPURPOSE UNUSED CABINETS Ideally, lower cabinets down on the level of your pet works best.

This is the perfect spot for storing toys or leashes. The closed door can hide the conglomeration of items when needed while an open door allows pets to access their favorite items.

PET-FRIENDLY PORCH/DECK There are so many options for the outdoors. Buy a pet hammock and attach it in a corner to the spindles of the porch railing at a level that your pet can easily access. You can also creatively use items you already have. Benches provide the optimal spot for a pet to hide from the sun and cool off. You can place a soft, outdoor rug underneath or if the bench has a solid bottom, cutouts can be made for little pet hideaways.

TRENDY ORGANIZATION Choose containers that compliment your home’s color scheme or theme. Storage bins for food, treats, toys, and accessories don’t need to stand out like sore thumbs or be eye sores in the surrounding décor; choose patterned boxes with lids for soft toys to stack in a corner of the living or label food and treats in pretty glass or metal jars that sit on the kitchen counter.

PICK THE PERFECT BED Animals will pretty much sleep wherever they find a place to curl up, but having a bed to call their own is a sweet way to show them they’re loved. There is an incredibly broad selection of pet beds so taking into account your furry friend’s size and the space you have to work with should go hand in hand. There are standard beds, crates or kennels, heated beds for colder climates or dogs that prefer warmth, cooling beds for those that tend to overheat, covered beds that resemble houses or teepees, donut beds for pets that like to nestle in, and orthopedic beds for elderly pets or those who have joint problems. With a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and luxurious upgrades, there is sure to be a perfect bed for your perfect pet.

PET PORTRAITS Just as you would display pictures of family members, flaunt and show off your adorable fur babies in candid or professional shots.

16

Fort Myers Lifestyle | August 2020

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

17

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

BRADY PORVAZNIK ROUNDS OUT HIS HIGH SCHOOL CAREER

L E E CO U N T Y ' S ALL AMERICAN ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL | PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED BY B. PORVAZNIK

18

EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD BRADY PORVAZNIK IS HEADED TO

the way. One of his proudest moments as a little leaguer was

MONTREAT COLLEGE IN NORTH CAROLINA THIS FALL

hitting his first home run when he was ten; this was even

TO PLAY BASEBALL AND TO PURSUE AN EXERCISE

more memorable for him as it happened on his parent’s

SCIENCE DEGREE. Brady’s talent and skill on both the foot-

anniversary (so sweet!). Another unforgettable moment for

ball field and baseball field, as well as his performance in the

Brady was when he hit a walk-off double that led his team to

classroom, has made him a young man worth recognizing. For

the state playoffs. His baseball career continued to be suc-

football, he was chosen as a Lee County All-Star to play in the

cessful as a First baseman in high school; he had 5 RBI’s in

All-Star game; he received an Allstate Honorable Mention; he

one game during his junior year; he finished off his shortened

was awarded a scholarship from the Rotary Club at the Ida

Senior year season with a .333 batting average, .385 OBP,

Baker Crosstown Showdown game; and he was part of the

6 RBI’s, and going 3 /4 in his final high school career game.

All Academic Team. His baseball recognitions include being

With a solid baseball foundation built at a young age,

nominated for the Rotary Club’s Scholar-Athlete Scholarship

it was no wonder that Brady went on to play baseball

Award and making the All-Cape Coral baseball team.

in high school. The surprise was his decision to join

Brady started playing baseball at the age of 5 when his

the football team during Freshmen orientation at Island

dad signed him up for the Ruttenberg Little League team.

Coast. Coming late to the game, having never really played

Once he started playing, he loved it; baseball came naturally

before, he had to learn the ins and outs of football; he

to him, with his dad coaching and encouraging him all along

had to learn it from a technical standpoint and he had to

Fort Myers Lifestyle | August 2020

learn how to aggressively dominate on the field. However, with his determination, hard work, and natural athletic ability, he picked up the game quickly and his skills soon matched those of his teammates. He earned a starting position as a Freshman on the JV team and continued to hold that starting spot throughout his next three years of high school as he transitioned to Varsity, playing as both a Tight End and a Defensive End. Off the fields and in the classroom, Brady was a pleasure to have in class. He modeled what a PRO Gator student looked like; he was P-Prepared, R-Respectful, & O-On Time. He balanced his academics and sports by concentrating on his classwork and managing his time efficiently from bell to bell and then focusing on the task at hand once his feet hit the field.

Keeping academics a top priority kept him eligible to play the sports he loved and set the stage for his college career, finishing high school with a 4.21 GPA. When asked what his motivation force was in both of these areas, he said it was setting goals and putting in the work to achieve them. “I have to remind myself of the end goals. I want to see how far I can go [push myself], while still performing at the top of the pack.”

Being a part of a team, or in his words, “ a brotherhood,” has impacted Brady in a huge way. Having teammates by his side has pushed him to work harder and has challenged him to be a better version of himself. He knows that for a team to be successful, everyone needs to be 100% in, fighting for one common goal. Knowing the members on his team, who have truly become his friends, have each other’s backs in any situation gives him confidence to step on the field. Regardless of which field he’s playing on, when he steps on that grass, he feels that adrenaline rush. “I try to have a clear mind and focus on the task at hand, but I still have those butterflies in my stomach. However, once the first play happens in football or the first pitch is thrown, all of the nerves go away and it is just time to play.”

“I HAVE TO REMIND MYSELF OF THE END GOALS. I WANT TO SEE HOW FAR I CAN GO [PUSH MYSELF], WHILE STILL PERFORMING AT THE TOP OF THE PACK.”

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

19

ANIMAL KINGDOM

the manatee sanctuar y EXPLORING MANATEE PARK

ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED BY MANATEE PARK

20

Fort Myers Lifestyle | August 2020

THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 40 PARKS HERE IN LEE COUNTY-REGIONAL PARKS, COMMUNITY PARKS, AND NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS-FOR RESIDENTS TO ENJOY. Each park has its own unique characteristics, but there is one that is quite distinctive and extraordinary to our area and we are incredibly fortunate to have such an amazing place to visit. Manatee Park is a non-captive warm water refuge for the Florida Manatee located off Palm Beach Boulevard. This park developed when Lee County’s High School Monday Group fostered a partnership between Florida Power & Light and Lee County Parks & Recreation. This group’s focus was recognizing the conservation value of the FPL warm water discharge canal and the public’s interest to observe and learn about manatees. Tourist tax dollars funded the first amenities on the 17-acre site and Manatee Regional Park opened in 1996. The Florida Native Plant Society, along with many volunteers worked to cultivate native plant habitats and gardens out of the disturbed area to create the beautiful landscape visitors see today. Through the vision of environmental educators and caring citizens, the park was transformed into an outdoor classroom where people could learn about native ecosystems in Southwest Florida and learn the importance of preserving our natural habitats.

The peak visitation season is during the coldest Florida months, our winter, from mid-December to the end of March. Manatees use natural springs and tributaries to find warm water in the winter months. As development altered the landscape over time and, in some cases, cut off access to many naturally warm waters, manatees found and started to favor warm water discharge canals adjacent to power plants. For generations, manatee moms have been teaching their calves that Manatee Park is a warm water sanctuary they can use to get out of the cold (68 degrees and under) Gulf of Mexico in the winter. Therefore, the largest contributing factor to manatee population and human visitation is the weather; the colder it is, the busier it is, with mornings typically being the best time to observe manatee activity.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

21

ANIMAL KINGDOM (CONTINUED)

22

Fort Myers Lifestyle | August 2020

Since Manatee Park is one of the smaller parks in Lee county,

water. There are numerous picnic areas, playgrounds for

accommodating approximately 200,000 people in a short three

younger guests, walking paths, a wildflower meadow, canoe

and half month time span, visitors are asked to be patient as

and paddle craft rentals, fishing spots and guided tours. It

they find parking and traverse the docks along the canal. Adult

also has an extensive butterfly garden and is a demonstra-

and juvenile manatees are visible from multiple viewing areas

tion landscape for the Florida Friendly Landscaping pro-

and knowledgeable volunteers are available to educate visitors

gram. There is a gift shop to peruse, educational programs

about manatees and other native animals that might be seen

to attend, and specialty summer camps to check out. The

during cold weather months, as well as answer any questions

Pavilion, Chickee Hut, and Amphitheater Rentals are avail-

that may arise from viewers. There are also kayak rentals avail-

able for small events and gatherings as well. Park hours are

able through the Manatee Kayaking Company for exploration

8 am to sunset and there is a parking fee (options of per

of the riverine habitat along the Orange River.

hour or per day). So if you have not checked out this small,

While the gentle sea-cows are Manatee Park’s most

native gem in our community, now is the time to do so;

popular attraction, they are not in attendance year-round,

and then you can plan and be prepared to return when the

which provides opportunities to explore the rest of what

weather turns cool and Southwest Florida’s ocean mam-

the park has to offer when they aren’t gliding through the

mals seek shelter once again in warmer waters.

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

23

DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK

LITTLE TYKES, BIG WHEELS TRENDY RIDES FOR OUR LITTLEST LOVES

Maserati GranCabrio

ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL

24

Fort Myers Lifestyle | August 2020

Audi TT

PARENTS ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES SHOWING OFF THEIR WHEELS THESE DAYS; CHILDREN ARE BECOMING THE ENVY OF EVERY KID ON THE BLOCK WITH THEIR LUXURIOUS, ELECTRIC RIDES THAT MODEL ADULT VERSIONS. This high-tech industry of motorized automobiles, ranging from ride-on electric cars to vehicles that can be manually operated, is becoming incredibly popular for numerous reasons. These “toy cars” are the epitome of fun, but they also help foster a kid’s sense of imagination, provide opportunities to teach lessons about road safety and sustainability, and help develop and improve motor skills. With amenities like working headlights and turn signals, leather seats, and power steering, our youngest generation is traversing their neighborhoods in ways we only dreamed of as kids (or are still dreaming of now!). Whether your child is obsessed with cars or you are living vicariously through them, the stock of miniature versions of powerful, plush, and trendy dream rides will blow your mind.

One option is the smooth ride of the Maserati GranCabrio, with its EVA wheels and spring suspension. It also has a radio with both music and stories to listen to while driving as well as pre-programmed horn and engine sounds.

Another great choice is the Audi TT electric car that can be controlled by children in-cabin and parents via remote control. This is a great option for very young children as it can be driven both indoors and outdoors at a sporty speed of 3.1 mph.

Dodge Viper

The Dodge Viper SRT is a great safe, adventurous all-terrain sports car. With rubber traction strip tires, high durability, and a top speed of 5 mph, its best suited for kids (ages 3-7) on the go.

If extravagance is the goal, the Lamborghini Aventador is where it’s at. This tiny, street-ready package features doors that swing upwards for that high-tech sports car feel and a built-in auxiliary outlet to port your kid’s own music throughout it’s cabin.

An electric car that can cope in pretty much any situation is the Ride-On Jeep. It has a large wheel

Lamborghini Aventador

basis and chassis to provide excellent safety, three speed levels, adjustable seatbelts, and an MP3 player. In addition, it comes in multiple colors so your child can pick their favorite!

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

25

+HANDCRAFTED+

DIY

FUN PAPER CRAFT PROJECTS FOR YOU + YOUR KIDDO ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

SEARCHING FOR WAYS TO GET SOME QUALITY TIME IN WITH YOUR KIDS (AND KEEP THEM BUSY)? Put down the tablet and bust out the toolbox—the craft toolbox, that is...we don’t condone giving power tools to children. When you’re looking for some productive indoor time to spend while empowering your little ones’ imaginations, consider these easy (but we can’t promise mess-free!) projects you can create with a few standard supplies and a lot of creativity.

26

Fort Myers Lifestyle | August 2020

M AT E R I A L S

PIÑLLAMA

+ Cardboard + White crepe paper + Construction paper + Glue + Scissors + Beads, yarn, pom poms, etc.

DIRECTIONS 1. Take your cardboard and cut two pieces into the shape of a llama (we found a stencil online). Then, cut strips of cardboard the depth you want your llama to be. You’ll connect these to either side of the llama cutouts to enclose your piñata.

2. Glue your strip of cardboard all along the edge of one side of your llama, then glue to the other side.

(Be sure to leave a hole you can close up later so you can fill it with your favorite candy!)

3. Starting at the neck, cover the front, back and sides of your llama with white crepe paper, cutting a slit every half inch or so to create the traditional piñata look.

4. Cover all remaining sides the neck and head with white construction paper, cut to fit your design.

5. Using construction paper, beads, pom poms, tassels, buttons, etc., add some flair to the rest of your llama!

Bonus points for incorporating different shapes and textures into your final product.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

27

DIY (CONTINUED)

M AT E R I A L S + Pink or coral construction paper + White construction paper + Black construction paper + Pink feathers + Glue + Scissors

DIRECTIONS 1. Using a stencil, cut out the pieces you’ll need for your flamingo from construction paper: Pink: 4-6 circles for the body (depending on how “fluffy” you want it), neck and legs White: Outline of the beak Black: Beak 2. Fold the circles in half and glue them all together back-to-back to create a sphere that looks like an accordion.

3. Glue the beak and white stripe to the neck, then glue the neck to a flat side of your inner-most circle.

4. Add the legs, a black dot for an eye and pink feathers for the ultimate flamin-goal.

28

Fort Myers Lifestyle | August 2020

FLAMING OA L S

COSMIC PENCIL CUP

M AT E R I A L S + Cardboard + Construction Paper + Glue + Scissors + Markers

DIRECTIONS 1. Cut out the shapes for your rocket ship. You’ll need: (2) rocket bodies for the front and back of your ship, (2) fins, (1) nozzle, (1) nose cone, (3) rectangles for your pencil cup, and any additional cutouts for decorations, like windows.

2. Glue the your rectangular pieces to one side of your rocket ship, then glue the back on. You should have an open spot at the top where your pencils will go.

3. Glue the rest of your pieces to the front of your rocket and add embellishments as desired.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

29

DIY (CONTINUED)

CRINKLE CUTIES

M AT E R I A L S + Construction paper + Scissors + Glue

DIRECTIONS 1. Prep the pieces you’ll need for each piece of your garland—you’ll need a combination of large half circles, slightly smaller half circles and any other decorative shapes you want to add.

2. Take the largest half circles and fold multiple times to make small creases, creating the crinkle effect.

Glue the smaller half circles on top and then add any additional decorative shapes.

3. Punch holes in both ends of the completed product to place string through, then hang on a wall or in a doorway.

30

Fort Myers Lifestyle | August 2020

A LEVEL ABOVE

13300-56 South Cleveland Avenue Fort Myers, Florida 33919

(321) 710-5507 AMPSHOTSMEDIA.COM

READ

DINE

SHOP

L O C AT E D AT

C O N TA C T U S

PHOTOGRAPHY · VIDEOGRAPHY

PLAY

During this time, we’ve brought our print publication to you.

Now, we’re adding a new way to share good news! + INTRODUCING +

CityLifestyle.com YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

31

FINANCIAL BUZZ

spending, saving, & sharing money

ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL 32

Fort Myers Lifestyle | August 2020

TEACHING KIDS TO BUDGET

WOULDN’T IT BE GREAT IF MONEY GREW ON TREES? As adults, we would love this, however unrealistic it may be; but for children, money just seems to appear for school clothes, birthday parties, Christmas presents, or their next meal. To them, money is at their parents’ fingertips and they don’t realize that is so because of responsible budgeting and financial planning. Knowing how to save money or plan for future expenditures isn’t knowledge kids are born with, so it’s up to the significant adults in their lives to teach them how to be wise and sensible with their money-and the perfect time to start those lessons are when they are young with the dollars and cents that fall into their little hands.

There are many ways to go about teaching the value of money, but keep in mind that young people are visual and hands on. Just a verbal explanation isn’t going to mean much or necessarily sink in. Children need to hold and manipulate bills and coins as well as visually see how money can be

ways kids can earn money: A LITTLE ELBOW GREASE: Chores aren’t always fun, but there are a lot of lessons kids can acquire from not so glamorous tasks that need to be done, including earning money for a job well done (or doing a job you just don’t want to do, haha!). Depending on their age, children can clean bathrooms, wash cars, mow lawns, pull weeds, paint fences…the list of money-making tasks is endless!

divided. One tried and true way to do this is using the three-jar system. Most people have heard of this and many use it, albeit through non-tangible ways like budgeting and different bank accounts, because it really works. It’s easy to use, easy to see, and an incredibly simple and straightforward way to teach adolescents how to be responsible with their money. Grab three glass jars and assign

PET SITTING/BABYSITTING: There are always families heading out of town for vacations or parents who need a night out that are looking for help. Older kids should be able to handle these jobs on their own while younger children may need some modeling and supervision as they learn how to appropriately and responsibly care for pets and children.

a category to each-i.e “Save,” “Spend,” & “Share.”

Then when your child receives money or earns it,

BE AN ENTREPRENEUR: Have kids exercise their business

they can divide it between the three jars. They will

skills by setting up a lemonade stand, helping to run a garage

have money to use immediately, money to use in

sale, or making and selling baked goods, jewelry, keychains,

the future, and money to help a person or organi-

and other crafty items.

zation in need. Instilling this financial accountability when they are young sets them up for stability and success in the future.

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

33

PARTING THOUGHTS

PAW PRINTS OF FORT MYERS

1.

OUR LITTLEST, DEAREST LOVES

ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL

2.

1. MILO, 4, CHIHUAHUA Trudy Farrier, Trudy’s Event Planning Services 2. BENTLEY, 10, YORKSHIRE TERRIER Aubrey Sewell, Fort Myers Lifestyle Editorial Coordinator 3.

3. RIGBY, 1, ENGLISH CREAM RETRIEVER Matty Jollie, Musician 4. PHYLLIS, 3 Rob Hannon, Publisher of Fort Myers Lifestyle 5. KYLO, UNDER A YEAR, SHIBA INU George Lampert, Owner of Poke Fusion 6. PIG, 2, SIAMESE Leah, Ft. Myers Resident

34

Fort Myers Lifestyle | August 2020

4.

5.

6.

Contact 239.303.5829 for a Professional Design Consultation!

C u s t o m c l o s e t s , wa l l u n i t s , l au n d r y a re a s , pa n t r y, g a r ag e s , h o m e o f f i c e s a n d m o re .

All About Closets is all about innovative design, impeccable craftsmanship and flawless service.

Our installations reflect your dreams and your personality, while enhancing your home. Our team works from Port Charlotte to Marco Island.

13180 Livingston Road Unit 105 | Naples, Fl 34109

www.allaboutclosets.com

MASERATI OF FORT MYERS 14401 S. TAMIAMI TRAIL 239-789-1011 MASERATIOFFORTMYERS.COM

ALFA ROMEO OF FORT MYERS 14401 S. TAMIAMI TRAIL 239-230-3563 ALFAROMEOUSAFORTMYERS.COM