Fort Myers, FL February 2020

FEBRUARY 2020

LifestylePubs.com/FortMyers

Artists and Makers Issue NORMAN LOVE IS IN THE AIR

HEALING OUR CHILDREN

BOOKS TO STYLE YOUR SPACE

GIFTS OF LOVE

★★★★★ Absolutely amazing!!!!

I never knew I was going to be this happy. Dr. Garramone and his team are absolutely amazing and are there for you every step of the way.

Would highly recommend!

Go and do it for yourself.

— JESSICADDEAN1

|

realself.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

FEBRUARY 2020 PUBLISHER

Rob Hannon | rob.hannon@lifestylepubs.com 239-250-0222 EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Aubrey Sewell | aubrey.sewell@lifestylepubs.com

For the Love of Leap Year EXPLOSIONS OF PINK AND RED AND EVERY SHADE IN BETWEEN ARE IN ABUNDANCE DURING THE MONTH WE LOVE THE BEST. The month where we are actively loving. We love that winter is passing. We love still being caught up

AD DESIGNER

Chad Jensen LAYOUT DESIGNER

Dana Rudolph CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Aubrey Sewell, Sue Collins, Elise Rose

in the momentum of last month’s new goals and resolutions. We love having one

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

extra day this month to actually celebrate birthdays that are too often pushed to

Matt Barnhart, Joey Waves

another day. We love discovering new things about where we live. We love diving into the creative and enjoying the natural beauty around us or the beauty made by someone’s two hands. We love spoiling the special people in our lives with sugary sweets and romantic gestures. We love being loved.

And while this giddy emotion is topping our lists right now, we can start falling [more] in love with the city where we have made our homes. From fine art photographer Joey Waves, who displays the beauty of our everyday in ways no one will soon forget to Norman Love who creates tiny, bite sized exquisiteness that everyone craves, there is so much to adore about Fort Myers. It’s easy to see the demonstrative affections of gifts (pg. 32) and the way each person uniquely styles and culti-

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

vates their homes-because that’s where the heart is! (pg. 24)-but we can’t overlook

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

places such as Valerie’s House that provides love and healing for adolescents who

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

have endured more than they ever should at such a young age.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

The beautiful thing about love is that it’s so wide and so deep. It can come in the form of a sunset, a card with flowery words, or a listening ear.

So as you enter this loving month, we encourage you to love the old and the new, what’s right in front of you and what’s yet to be discovered, those you hold dear and those who need what you have to offer.

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

ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT BARNHART

LifestylePubs.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.

Information in Fort Myers Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

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Fort Myers Lifestyle | February 2020

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE FEBRUARY 2020

FEATURES 12 Pretty Palm Beach 18 Valerie’s House Loving Children Through Their Grief

22 Chocolate: A Timeless Symbol for Love on Valentine’s Day Norman Love Confections

22 18

24 Books to Change Your Home How-to-Guides to Style Your Everyday Space

12 DEPARTMENTS

24

4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Road Trip

16

Hot Spot

18

Giving Back

22 Local Limelight 24 Page Turners 26 Renovate & Refine 30 Lifestyle Calendar 32 Trend Setter 33 Realty Report

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

GOOD TIMES

Pre-event social for 2020 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. recently hosted a social reception in anticipation of the 2020 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, bringing trustees, sponsors and supporters together to commence another season of spirited philanthropy. The “Painting a Difference-Putting Kids First” cocktail reception was hosted by trustees Ray and Jessica Higdon at their home in Miromar Lakes.

Community Tree Lighting Bell Tower officially kicked off the 2019 holiday season with its third annual Tree Lighting event, one of Southwest Florida’s favorite pre-Christmas traditions, featuring an evening of free fun and entertainment for the whole family. Santa Claus arrived on a fire truck and lead the crowd in a countdown before flipping the switch to light up the 25-foot tree.

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Fort Myers Lifestyle | February 2020

Luncheon for Residents To Be Future residents of The Colonnade of Estero, the village’s first Continuing Care Retirement Community, met their new neighbors for lunch while learning about the community’s projected timeline. The gathering included updates about construction, amenities, sales and reservations, marketing plans, incentives, a new referral program, and an overview of the nonprofit organization that’s sponsoring the development, Volunteers of America

Evening of Gratitude Honoring Dr. Steve Machiz Lee Health Foundation has awarded the Frank Haskell Humanitarian Award to Dr. Steve Machiz for his incredible leadership in establishing SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc., a nonprofit most known for its annual Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest. The Frank Haskell Humanitarian Award recognizes outstanding leadership in the advancement of quality health care for the citizens of Southwest Florida.

February 2020 | Fort Myers Lifestyle

9

AROUND TOWN

SWEETHEARTS & SCHOLARSHIPS You’re in for a treat at the February Women in Business event! Join us for the WIB Annual Sweethearts & Scholarships Wine & Dessert Auction on Wednesday, February 5th from 4-6pm at HeadPinz Fort Myers. Proceeds will benefit the Women in Business scholarship fund supporting non-traditional students who demonstrate financial need.

better every year! The Junior Parade is held during the day and is a smaller version of the Grand Parade. It’s old-fashioned family fun for participants and spectators. Come join us and be part of the tradition!

ASIAFEST "YEAR OF THE RAT" CELEBRATION APASWFL (Asian Professionals Association of SWFL) presents the 16th Annual SWFL AsiaFest "Year of the RAT" Celebration on February 8th. The all-day cultural festival will showcase crafts, customs & cultures from countries and ethnic regions from all over Asia. Featuring delectable Asian Cuisine, domestic & Asian imported beer, specialty vendors, Japanese Taiko Drummers, Traditional Lion Dancers, Martial Arts, alluring multi-cultural

The Lee County Library has joined with The

educational activities & more there is something

ACMA (Americana Community Music Association),

for everyone. Wear your favorite Asian Attire to

a no- profit that promotes local artists who perform

fully immerse yourself in the experience!

their own original songs, to offer free Acoustic concerts of all original music. Come hear great

JUNIOR PARADE

original music and the stories behind the songs in

Attend Florida’s largest youth parade on

an intimate Songwriters Showcase as you enjoy an

February 9th, from 2:30-4:30 pm, as it show-

evening of professional quality acoustic Americana

cases the creativity and talents of hundreds

music (blues, roots, folk and country) at 6pm on

of

February 11 at Ft. Myers Regional Library.

Southwest

families.

Florida

Over

100

children

units

and

including

their floats,

marching bands, dancers, street performers,

10

ACMA SONGWRITERS ON THE PLAZA

dances, artists, comedians, guest speakers, games,

clowns

and

dignitaries

parade

their

MATLACHA MARINERS’ SEAFOOD FESTIVAL & CAR SHOW

way around the Downtown River District.

The Matlacha Mariners will hold its 13th

The annual event has been taking place in

Annual Seafood Festival & Car Show Saturday,

Southwest Florida since the 1940s and gets

Feb. 22, at 11 a.m., at Sun Splash Family Waterpark

Fort Myers Lifestyle | February 2020

in Cape Coral. The event showcases cars and

and share the beauty of the Greek Orthodox

some of the best seafood Southwest Florida has to

Faith. This festival is not only about music, dance,

offer. Miceli's Restaurant, Olde Fish House Marina,

wine, food, and family fun, it is also about coming

Basket of Shrimp, KC & Son, Blue Crab Seafood

together as friends, having a good time and say-

and Cupcake Express will be serving all their spe-

ing, “Thank You” to our community.

cialties. www.matlachamariners.org.

FLORIDA WINE AND FOOD FEST

CALOSSAHATCHEE RIVER CRUISE Captains Lance and Harry Julian invite you to

Come out to the Hyatt Regency Coconut

join them on an exciting Caloosahatchee River

Point Resort & Spa on February 22nd to enjoy

tour on February 24th, at 3:30pm! No strangers to

the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest featur-

the waters, the Julian’s draw on five generations of

ing the signature cuisine of extraordinary chefs

maritime business and 40 years of maritime tourism

and taste delicious wines from renowned vintners

experience to make their tours as fun and informa-

in one of the region’s most beautiful settings.

tive as possible. During this tour, they'll introduce

Then, make waves by bidding on spectacular

you to: dolphins, mangrove forests, bald eagles, bird

travel escapes, delectable wines, and once-in-a-

rookeries, and nature’s cutest cow, the manatee.

lifetime experiences.

GREEK FEST On February 21-23 at the Annunciation Greek

We are always accepting submissions for announce-

Orthodox Church, all things Greek will be cel-

ments you’d like to see included in our Around Town

ebrated. Greek Fest will host a great display of

section. Submissions are accepted via the Contact

authentic Greek food and wine, music, dancing,

Us tab at LifestylePubs.com/FortMyers.

February 2020 | Fort Myers Lifestyle

11

ROAD TRIP

ARTICLE SUE COLLINS | PHOTOGRAPHY SUE G. COLLINS & PROVIDED

PRETTY PA L M B E AC H 12

Fort Myers Lifestyle | February 2020

and religiously manicured to hide the sprawling homes beyond. Catching a glimpse of a hot pink stucco ranch was my reward for pedaling slowly. I tried not to gawk.

It’s hard not to in Palm Beach.

Opulence oozes from grand homes built during the Gilded Age and beautiful people spill out of the designer shops along Worth Avenue. But, there’s more to Palm Beach than just riches and treasure. In Palm Beach County, 47 miles of Atlantic coastline play host to sunbathers and water sport enthusiasts. In West Palm Beach, there is a growing foodie scene, with festivals galore attracting sports fans, artists and partiers.

ROUNDING THE CORNER ONTO SOUTH LAKE

We joined the West Palm Beach Walking Food Tour,

TRAIL IN PALM BEACH ON MY PINK LILY PULITZER

stopping at six different restaurants over three hours,

CRUISER, I WAS MET WITH A PARADE OF PALMS

meeting chefs and tasting their signature dishes, learn-

ON ONE SIDE AND A SHARP WALL OF HEDGES

ing about the community’s history and revitalization

ON THE OTHER.

along the way. There’s also a Historic West Palm Beach

The Lake Trail runs for 5 1/2 miles along the western side of the town, overlooking Lake Worth Lagoon

Neighborhood Food Tour, cooking classes and private tours offered by these entrepreneurs in the know.

across to West Palm Beach. That morning, dog walk-

The Flagler Museum is probably one of my favor-

ers and nannies shared the path with slow but delib-

ite museums ever. Completed in 1902, this 100,000

erate walkers, an occasional jogger and well-pre-

square-foot mansion is magnificently preserved, full of

served older women in good looking track suits. Most

sumptuous furnishings across 75 rooms. The façade of

were caught up in their own thoughts, which was fine,

Whitehall is marked by massive marble columns and

because I was entranced with the story-high hedges

topped with a red barrel tiled roof. Built around the

hiding the mansions that lined the path.

central courtyard, the house consists of two floors, an

Some were curvy and undulating, doorways pre-

attic and a basement. Flagler’s private Railcar No. 91

cisely trimmed out revealing pretty wrought iron doors

is exhibited in the courtyard. The interior and exterior

bejeweled with cut glass or gold ball accents. Others

of Railcar No. 91 car have been restored to the orig-

were boxy and sharp, trimmed high and tight like a

inal 1912 appearance, when Flagler traveled by this

new Marine recruit. Pink bougainvillea dotted 10-foot

railcar along the Over-Sea Railroad to celebrate this

tall boxwood walls with bright white concrete ledges

phenomenal engineering feat and the completion of

wedged in like Legos. Twenty-foot waving palm trees

the FEC Railway from St. Augustine to Key West. Take

popped up like toast from thick hedges that stair-

the audio tour at your own pace. You will want to circle

stepped up to the blue sky, all meticulously designed

back to your favorite rooms.

CONTINUED >

February 2020 | Fort Myers Lifestyle

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ROAD TRIP (CONTINUED)

Stay at The Brazilian Court Hotel with a Beverly Hills feel. You’ll hear conversations in French and Italian in hushed tones in the small lobby, where plum velvet sofas look out into a courtyard, a cocoanut grove framed in white begonias. Tidy white canvas cushions upon black rattan furniture around a fountain beckon. It’s much more intimate and private as compared to the grand dame down the street, The Breakers, the only longer running hotel in Florida.

The Brazilian Court is home to Café Boulud, from internationally acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud. Sit on the shady patio for lunch and order the curried squash soup with lie yogurt, apple and cilantro and a cubano with yucca fries. Book an appointment at the unassuming Kaffee’s Garden Spa in West Palm Beach, celebrating 20 years in business. My therapist, Tanya, found every knot, her touch reassuring and confident leaving me invigorated and relaxed.

DETAILS CafeBoulud.com TheBrazilianCourt.com WestPalmBeachFoodTour.com KaffeesGardenSpa.com BuccanPalmBeach.com ThePalmBeaches.com FlaglerMuseum.US

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Fort Myers Lifestyle | February 2020

01 GUEST ROOMS Newly Re-designed Guest Rooms at Brazilian Court The first refresh since the hotel’s renovations in 2008, the iconic Brazilian Court now boasts a collection of studios and suites that have recently been re-designed to enhance the feeling of effortlessly sexy and modern Palm Beach style – featuring lush green velvet, white linens, pops of lavender and a curated collection of Terry O’Neill’s black and white photography.

0 2 PAT I O D I N I N G Patio Dining at Brazilian Court While on property at The Brazilian Court, guests are invited to savor the cuisine of internationally acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud at Café Boulud Palm Beach. The dining terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a light breeze and view of the South Courtyard palm trees and fountains while relaxing in the quintessentially luxurious Palm Beach atmosphere.

0 3 F L AG L E R M U S E U M Flagler Museum Educated at the École des Beaux-Arts, Flagler’s architects John Carrère and Thomas Hastings employed location, building orientation, and symbolism in the design of Whitehall and its grounds in order to evoke the sense of a temple to Apollo. The atrium garden is a classical reference to paradise and is lush with subtropical plants, water and sculptures like this beauty.

0 4 F O O D TO U R S West Palm Beach Food Tours Get off the beaten-path and into 6 locally-owned restaurants on a tour that’s been named one of the “Top 10 Tour Experiences in the United States”. You’ll meet

February 2020 | Fort Myers Lifestyle

15

HOT SPOT

S e as o n s i n t h e Sa n d

SAND SCULPTING AT IT'S FINEST

ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY MATT BARNHART

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Fort Myers Lifestyle | February 2020

A TALENT LIKE NO OTHER, SAND SCULPTORS CREATE REMARKABLE SAND ART. Using only sand and water, amateurs and professionals model sand into whatever form their imaginations can dream up. Lucky for us, Ft. Myers Beach hosts this event annually and our eyes can’t help but be impressed by this year’s display!

February 2020 | Fort Myers Lifestyle

17

GIVING BACK

VA L E R I E ' S HOUSE: H E L PI N G AND HEALING ARE HERE

VALERIE’S HOUSE IS THE FIRST AND ONLY ORGANIZATION IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WITH ITS SOLE MISSION TO HELP CHILDREN GRIEVE. It’s a special place for children and families to come together after they’ve lost someone in their lives that meant everything to them-a parent, a sibling, or even a grandparent. Their mission is to help children and families work through the loss of a loved one together and go on to live fulfilling lives. Their vision is that no child will grieve alone, and it has done so by helping more than 800 grieving children and caregivers to find comfort and healing in their grief journey.

Currently nightly grief support groups run for children and their grieving caregivers in three locations. Their primary location operates out of a cozy, historic home near downtown Fort Myers, with a second home in Naples near Waterside Shops, and a meeting space at First United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda.

Under the direction of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than three decades of experience working with children, families meet at Valerie’s House “Home Away from Home” on weeknights. After playtime and a potluck meal, children break up into peer support groups by age where activities are wide and varied. Art and music are heavily relied upon to help adolescents iden-

LOVING CHILDREN THROUGH THEIR GRIEF

tify, express and process their grief. Younger children heal and speak through “play therapy”, as often their little hearts simply cannot find the words to express such trauma. Children create special bead bracelets where each color bead they use represents a part of their grief story and their emotions attached to that story.

Teenagers discuss their feelings, their struggles, their healing, and

ARTICLE APRIL REILLY, ANGELA MELVIN & AUBREY SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY MATT BARNHART

how they are moving through school and life with the loss. Being together with others like them is powerful and helps tremendously.

Valerie’s House wants to support and help the entire family, so while children are meeting and bonding, their adult caregivers are also meeting, sharing in their own grief and supporting each other as they raise children after their loss.

Valerie’s House grief group programs are offered at no cost to families. With the help of donors, Valerie’s House hopes to always keep the cost for attending Valerie’s House free.

CONTINUED >

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Fort Myers Lifestyle | February 2020

February 2020 | Fort Myers Lifestyle

19

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

“Because of Valerie’s House, I can express my grief and not be ashamed of my feelings.”

– 12-YEAR-OLD, MEGAN EMERY

“Since I’ve been coming to Valerie’s House, I don’t worry as much and I can control my sadness.”

– 9-YEAR-OLD SYDNEY EMERY

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Fort Myers Lifestyle | February 2020

Children can enter into the program one day, one year, or even ten years after the loss. There is no set time when the child must come in, and they can keep coming as long as they want.

In addition, monthly family outings and fun, bonding events are offered to help families connect and support one another. Group session participants are welcome to call or visit Valerie’s House at any time during the day for additional support.

At such a young age, children have so many questions about their loss. They wonder why it happened, who will take care of them and who else their age has experienced what they’re going through. Without the appropriate place to share their questions, concerns or feelings, they may not talk about it. If their grief is suppressed, it can manifest in other ways, whether next week, a year or ten years from now, & these children could end up depressed, anxious, confused, insecure or angry.

“If they get the opportunity to talk about it, to feel connected with others, to know that there are people that care about them, and that they’re not alone, this place can absolutely make an impact in a child’s life. I’ve seen it happen.” – Angela Melvin, Valerie’s House Founder & CEO. What makes Valerie’s House different from traditional counseling services is the peer support aspect. Children are able to relate to each other, learn that they are not alone, and realize they will get through this.

9-year-old Sydney Emery and 12-year-old Megan Emery are sisters.

They lost their mother to breast cancer in 2018. While they have each other to lean on, they still grieve in their own ways. At Valerie’s House, they meet in separate peer support groups with others their own age.

“Because of Valerie’s House, I can express my grief and not be ashamed of my feelings.” – 12-year-old, Megan Emery.

“Since I’ve been coming to Valerie’s House, I don’t worry as much and I can control my sadness.” – 9-year-old Sydney Emery.

Valerie’s House has approximately 60 active volunteers helping with group nights, leading peer support groups, helping children connect, and assisting with day to day tasks around the house. To become a group facilitator, volunteers must attend a three-day training course. For a list of volunteer opportunities, visit valerieshouseswfl.org/volunteer.

A partnership with the Foundation for Lee County Schools provides a Mentoring Program for Valerie’s House children. Once a mentor is matched with a child, they will meet one-on-one with that child at their school twice a month for a minimum of 60 minutes per month. Anyone within the community is invited to apply. A background check and fingerprinting is required.

Valerie’s House has just launched a young adult group (18-25) and are hoping to grow that program. They are also laying the groundwork for a home to call its own. In October 2019, the City of Fort Myers voted in favor of leasing a plot of land on Shoemaker Lane to Valerie’s House. The measure allows for Valerie’s House to lease the land for $1 a year for 99 years, with the option to purchase. Development plans for the new home are now in the beginning stages.

February 2020 | Fort Myers Lifestyle

21

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

CHOCOLATE: A TIMELESS SYMBOL FOR LOVE ON VALENTINE'S DAY NORMAN LOVE CONFECTIONS

CHOCOLATE HAS BECOME AN ICONIC, AND CERTAINLY MOST APPRECIATED, WAY TO SAY “I LOVE YOU,” AND THE TYPE OF CHOCOLATE PRESENTED TO THAT SOMEONE SPECIAL CAN MAKE A SUPREME STATEMENT OF LOVE AND AFFECTION. “Demand for premium chocolate is at an all-time high,” said chocolatier Norman Love, founder and owner of Norman Love Confections. “As is the desire to give those we love something that engages the senses, I anticipate demand for artisanal, high-quality, ultra-premium chocolates to continue to be a favorite for Valentine’s Day gifting again this year.”

With chocolate emerging as the favorite way to express emotion, Norman Love Confections develops an exclusive line of delectable chocolates for major holidays, including Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day and Christmas. The 2020 Valentines Collection features 10 distinct flavors: Caramel Passionfruit (milk chocolate: caramel, passionfruit and white chocolate ganache), Peanut Butter Caramel (milk chocolate: creamy peanut butter and caramel), Mango Orange (white chocolate: mango, orange and white chocolate ganache), Raspberry Marzipan (dark chocolate: raspberries and almond marzipan), Lemon Raspberry (white chocolate: tart lemon

ARTICLE ELISE ROSE

and raspberry), Chipotle Lime (dark chocolate:

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY NORMAN LOVE

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Fort Myers Lifestyle | February 2020

lime ganache and smoky chipotle), Coffee Hazelnut (milk choc-

strawberries available only at the chocolatier’s salons in Fort

olate: hazelnut praline and coffee), Dark Chocolate Strawberry

Myers, Estero and Naples. The Valentine’s Day Collection, as

(dark chocolate: chocolate covered strawberry), Pineapple Rum

well as beautifully packaged Gift Towers, Mystery Boxes and

(white chocolate: fresh pineapple with dark rum) and Vanilla Rum

other specialty items, are available in store and online.

(dark chocolate: Tahitian vanilla and spiced rum).

Other decadent Valentine’s Day options at Norman Love Confections including desserts for sharing and chocolate-covered

“At Norman Love Confections, it’s our busiest, most celebrated time of year and we are honored to be part of capturing hearts on Valentine’s Day and throughout the year,” said Love.

February 2020 | Fort Myers Lifestyle

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PAGE TURNERS A sit-down dinner. A cocktail party. A brunch buffet. How to Set a Table features creative, modern table stylings for welcoming family and friends into your home.

The Home Edit: A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals

by Clea Shearer & Joanna Teplin A room-by-room guide to pare down your belongings, arranging them in a stunning and easy-to-find way, and maintaining the system so you’ll not only know exactly where to find things, but you’ll also love the way it looks.

Styled: Secrets for Arranging Rooms, from Tabletops to Bookshelves

by Emily Henderson Styling takes just minutes. From editing out what you don’t love to repurposing what you can’t live without to arranging the most eye-catching vignettes, Henderson teaches you how to make your own style magic.

The Nesting Place: It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful

by Myquillyn Smith Embracing the natural imperfections and chaos of daily living, these easy tips, simple steps, and practical advice will help you decorate your home realistically without the pressure to be flawless or perfect.

Domino: The Book of Decorating: A Room-by-Room Guide to Creating a Home ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL

B o o k s t o C h a n g e Yo u r H o m e

HOW-TO-GUIDES TO STYLE YOUR EVERYDAY SPACE 24

How to Set a Table by Potter Gift

Fort Myers Lifestyle | February 2020

That Makes You Happy

by D. Needleman, S. Ruffin Costello, & D. Caponigro With an eye to making design accessible, exciting, and beautiful, this book cracks the code and provides the tools for making spaces that are personal, functional and fabulous in this indispensable style manual.

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RENOVATE & REFINE

OUT WITH THE

NEW IN WITH THE

old WE’RE SHARING TIPS, TRICKS + UNIQUE WAYS TO INCORPORATE YOUR ANTIQUE ITEMS INTO YOUR HOME

ANTIQUES ARE MAKING A COMEBACK. Whether you’re an antique aficionada, a thrifty thrifter or new to the whole concept of vintage revival; whether it’s a hand-me-down, a thrift-store-find or just something cool you stumbled upon at an estate sale; endless opportunities exist to effortlessly incorporate retro, vintage, antique or whatever-you-want-to-call-them items into different parts of your modern home.

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Fort Myers Lifestyle | February 2020

STYLE IT Coffee Table PRO TIP Revive solid-wood pieces with little actual value by refinishing the

item

WHAT IT IS Antique Chest

wood to your liking.

Don’t be afraid to do something different, and don’t take things too seriously. If the piece you’re working with doesn’t have any real value, you have so many options to liven it up, including paint, finish and hardware.

Make your piece multi-purpose by turning the lid into a game table or by storing your cocktail accessories inside for an easy-access mini bar!

Spread the vintage love. Use antiques strategically and as accent pieces to keep your overall aesthetic from coming off as too dated.

tips CONTINUED >

February 2020 | Fort Myers Lifestyle

27

RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

WHAT IT IS Vintage books + tchotchkes

Bookends + Paperweights PRO TIP Display vintage books (or vintage-looking books!) as a visual focal point on nightstands, shelves + coffee tables.

item

STYLE IT

tips

28

Repurpose old tins, mugs, teacups

Create the most impact by displaying

Make it art. Don’t be afraid to display

or storage containers into succulent

(not hiding!) items that carry the best

unique pieces as wall art. Consider cre-

gardens. Because succulents have

stories or sentimental value. We love the

ating a gallery wall that mixes vintage

shallow root systems, they can sur-

use of incorporating these smaller figu-

photographs, prints, mirrors and china.

vive (and thrive!) in smaller spaces.

rines as bookends and paperweights.

Fort Myers Lifestyle | February 2020

W E M A KE B A NKING A BOUT YOU!

“A LOAN CAN SPARK ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES,

including a better way of doing business.”

— Greg Blurton, Vice President, Commercial Lending

Like Thomas Edison, we believe

there is always “a better way.” To us, that means being attentive, invested and involved in the efforts of our community’s business leaders as we provide them with commercial lending services that empower them to reach their goals.

We’re Standing Strong with Money to Lend. Experience the benefits of joining Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands.

Edison National Bank/ Bank of the Islands customers enjoy:

• free online and mobile banking • no-fee access to their account funds at any Publix® Presto! ATM

• free bill pay services for personal account holders

• courier and cash management services for business clients

• streamlined processing for all loans

including commercial and residential mortgage loans

To learn more about our customer services 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.

FEBRUARY

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

1

includes a Champagne Toast, a Truly Scrumptious catered meal, coffee, desserts, dancing, photos, and more.

20TH ANNUAL ARTFEST FORT MYERS Downtown Ft. Myers

Southwest Florida’s premier two-day art festival and largest weekend event puts the artists first. Bringing the

27 LEE COUNTY FAIR Lee Civic Center

best-of-the-best art to all for FREE,

It's fair time again! For eleven days,

ArtFest is located along Ft. Myers'

enjoy delicious food, thrilling rides,

downtown riverfront park. With tra-

specialty shows, good natured con-

ditional art, new and cutting-edge

tests, and much more. Be sure to

art, activities for kids, a sidewalk

check out the talent contest, youth

chalk competition and a high school

citrus project, fashion review com-

art competition, there will be fun and

petition, chicken bbq cook-off, youth

artistic inspiration for everyone.

royalty, hay bale decorating competition, and club booth competition.

8

STEMTASTIC! DAY OF DISCOVERY Harborside Event Center

The

FREE

STEMtastic

Day

of

Discovery allows families to inter-

29 2ND ANNUAL CITY OF PALMS HALF MARATHON & 5K Florida Gulf Coast University

act with high profile indoor/out-

The race will take you on a tour

door interactive areas featuring sci-

of the beautiful FGCU campus

ence,

engineering

and surrounding areas: Ben Hill

and math related exhibits, games

Griffin Parkway, the beach of Lake

and presentations by a number of

Como and the green space of the

regional and national organiza-

The Recreation Outdoor Complex.

tions. The event also highlights the

This event will feature a specialty

artistic talents of many local area

finisher's medal, colorful and com-

children through musical, acrobatic

fortable shirt, catered sandwiches,

and theatrical performances on the

snacks, and drinks! Professional

community stage.

photographers will capture your

technology,

finish line moment.

14 LOVER'S KEY WEDDING VOW RENEWAL Lover's Key State Park

Love is always in the air at Lovers Key, but even more so on Valentine’s

30

Day. Join us for the 11th Annual

We are always accepting submissions

FOLKs Valentines Day Vow Renewal.

for events you'd like to see included

There will be three ceremonies

in our Calendar section. Submissions

throughout the day to choose from,

are accepted via the Contact Us tab at

taking place at the Gazebo. The event

LifestylePubs.com/FortMyers.

Fort Myers Lifestyle | February 2020

hugs, kisses,

and

E LOV £

The 2020 Valentine’s Day Collection is available Jan. 27th through Feb. 14th

The ultimate Valentine’s Day gift is LOVE! Choose from a variety of delicious gourmet chocolate gifts and artisan desserts for Valentine’s Day or bring your LOVE to a Chocolate Salon near you...

Visit Our Website for Locations and Hours: NormanLoveConfections.com

A LEVEL ABOVE

(321) 710-5507 AMPSHOTSMEDIA.COM

13300-56 South Cleveland Avenue Fort Myers, Florida 33919

L O C AT E D AT

C O N TA C T U S

PHOTOGRAPHY · VIDEOGRAPHY

February 2020 | Fort Myers Lifestyle

31

TREND SETTER

Gifts of Love

UNIQUE PRESENTS FOR YOUR VALENTINE

FINDING SOMEONE A GIFT THAT IS JUST RIGHT IS ALWAYS DIF-

Instead of jumping on the cliché train this year, check out some

FICULT, BUT FINDING THE PERFECT PRESENT TO EXPRESS

of these unique ideas that will definitely allow Cupid’s arrow to

YOUR LOVE OR FEELINGS TO WHOMEVER HOLDS YOUR

strike again. AND the best thing about these finds is that you get

HEART TAKES THE CAKE. It should mean something coming

to enjoy them WITH your special someone!

from you and it should mean something to the person receiving it.

ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

1. Reasons I Love You Stones, $39.99, Gifts.com 2. Building Our Story Wall Art, $14.99, Gifts.com 3. Champagne Bonbons, $16, Bixbyco.com 4. Soundwave Bracelet, $30, Etsy.com 5. Our Q & A a Day: 3 Year Journal for 2 People, $13.74, Amazon.com 6. Song Lyric Wall Art, $47, Etsy.com

32

Fort Myers Lifestyle | February 2020

REALTY REPORT REALTY REPORT

FORT MYERS

NEIGHBORHOOD

LIST PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/LIST

DOM

BEDS

BATHS

Cape Coral

$2,375,000

$2,150,000

91%

0

6

6

The Sanctuary

$1,000,000

$1,000,000

100%

0

4

4.5

Pelican Sound

$780,000

$745,000

96%

0

3

2

Del Sega

$842,000

$842,000

100%

0

2

1

West Bay Club

$2,249,000

$2,025,000

90%

0

5

4.5

Gulf Harbor Yacht & Country Club

$1,200,000

$1,205,000

100%

2

3

3.5

Cases

$1,895,000

$1,790,200

94%

3

3

3.5

Shell Harbor

$1,349,000

$1,285,000

95%

0

3

3

Bonita Bay

$735,000

$725,000

99%

3

3

4

High Point Place

$749,900

$745,000

99%

2

3

2.5

Palm Isles

$785,000

$750,000

96%

4

4

2

Gulf Harbor Yacht & Country Club

$1,075,000

$975,000

91%

0

3

3

Pointe Santo De Sanibel Condo

$1,050,000

$1,050,000

100%

0

2

2

Fort Myers Beach

$755,000

$706,500

94%

0

3

2

Pelican Landing

$769,000

$785,000

102%

4

3

3.5

Ventura Captive Condo

$915,000

$875,000

96%

8

3

3

$1,295,000

$1,250,000

97%

0

3

3

Island Harbors

$719,900

$734,900

102%

2

3

2

Bonita Beach

$5,100,000

$4,900,000

96%

4

3

2

$774,000

$774,000

100%

3

3

2

Shell Harbor

Sanibel

This data is a sampling of sold properties since November, 2019. Source: Southwest Florida MLS.

Text: FMRR02 to: 239-360-5527 for more information

WHAT IS SELLING IN FORT MYERS?

“Your Real Estate Concierge” Barry Hoey PA, Realtor® CIPS, CLHMS, CRS, GRI, SRES

Full-Time Real Estate Broker Associate with the Hoey Team 251-504-5587 | Barry@SWFLLuxury.com www.SWFLLuxuryCollection.com

SWFLLuxuryCollection.com February 2020 | Fort Myers Lifestyle

33

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