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AUGUST 2019

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LifestylePubs.com/Naples

THOUGHTFUL GESTURES TO MAKE KIDS SMILE THE “HAMPTON” FEEL HERE IN NAPLES PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR KIDS + PETS EXQUISITE LINENS AT GATTLE’S

LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2019 PUBLISHER

Les Baker | les.baker@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Aubrey Sewell | aubrey.sewell@lifestylepubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Collins, Aubrey Sewell

School is in the Air FOR MANY OF US, AUGUST IS A BITTERSWEET TURNING POINT IN THE CALENDAR YEAR. Summer freedom is drawing to a close, and the school bells will be ringing any day now. While the lazy days of sipping cool beverages poolside may be numbered, this month brings a sense of renewal. New routines, new clothes and new school supplies often come to mind in August. And because we dedicated an issue to both the men and women of our community earlier this year, it would only be right to celebrate some of our cutest residents: kids and pets! There’s no doubt we have some serious pet lovers in Naples. Meet a photographer who loves to showcase how special both your kids and your pets are through her passion and her work. We also whipped up a recipe for homemade dog treats on Page 34 so you can spoil your loyal companions, and we offer some ideas on Page 30 to make your kids smile extra big as they head back to school.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

As our schedules get busier, it’s easy to get caught up on the conveyor belt of life, so

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

don’t forget to take some time out to relish these last days of summer by browsing

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Gattle's Fine Linens and dining like the Hamptonites!

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Cheers to another wonderful month ahead, Naples. We hope to see you around!

EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Les Baker, Publisher

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

LifestylePubs.com/Naples

Naples Lifestyle | August 2019

Proverbs 3:5-6 Naples Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Naples 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 Naples Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2019

FEATURES 14 Picture Perfect Behind the Lense with Michelle Wolf

20 Fifty-Five Years at Gattle’s Because Naples Loves Fine Linens

26 Bringing the Hamptons to Naples Dine Like You’re on Vacation

26 14

30 Just to See Them Smile Nine Ways to Bring Happiness to Your Kids’ Everyday Lives

20 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Our Town

26 Locally Owned 30 Inspired By 34 Animal Kingdom

COME DISCOVER the most amazing comfort & quality that Italy can provide

ENJOYED IN 98 COUNTRIES. DISCOVER WHAT THE 9 MOST PRESTIGIOUS CERTIFICATIONS THE E.U CAN BESTOW ON A COMPANY CAN MEAN TO YOUR HEALTH, AND WELL BEING.

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY IN SW FLORIDA AT COMFORT SOURCE SLEEP CENTER OF NAPLES SHIPPING WORLDWIDE US 239.431.6061 14700 TAMIAMI TRAIL NORTH

IN TAMIAMI SQUARE adjacent to the Mercedes dealership

GOOD TIMES

Interior Design Society Meeting at Inspired Closets The IDS Naples Chapter's monthly meeting focused on Camelot House in Collier County. The Naples Chapter will be remodeling the house to make it more kid-friendly and fun by repainting, refurnishing and adding a new small kitchen. Big Brothers Big Sisters is tied to Camelot House and has volunteers that help mentor the children and provide emotional support.

Best Beach Hotel in the Southeast The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club has received another prestigious honor, as it was voted the 2019 Best Beach Hotel in the Southeast U.S. by the readers of Smart Meetings magazine. It is Southwest Florida’s only beachfront resort with seven miles of pristine, soft white sand, an on-site championship golf course, a world-class spa and an award-winning tennis center.

Naples Lifestyle | August 2019

O u t d O O r -I n d O O r F u r n I t u re F O r I n d O O r -O u t d O O r L I v I n g â„˘

NORTH NAPLES 12820 Tamiami Trail North, Lynwood Sq. Naples, FL 34110 (between Immokalee & Wiggins Pass at Imperial)

239.591.2000

Eclectic selection of outdoor furniture, artwork by local artists and accessories.

SOUTH NAPLES 2604 Tamiami Trail North Naples, FL 34103 (3 blocks north of Golden Gate Pkwy)

239.263.6799

kbpatiofurniture.com

Buy local...keep your dollars local...keep Naples unique and vibrant.

AROUND TOWN

EVENING ON FIFTH AUG. 8 Come enjoy live music, shopping, dining and dancing on fabulous Fifth Avenue South! Evening on Fifth features an array of live musical performances throughout the sidewalk areas along the iconic main street; fabulous dining available at the more than 30 restaurants (reservations recommended); and the opportunity to explore the avenue’s distinct boutiques, shops and art galleries. Whether you want to relax with friends at dinner or dessert or dance with your favorite entertainers, you won’t want to miss this Evening on Fifth! 6:30–9:30 p.m.

ANNUAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH AT CHARLIE ANTHONY PARK Bring your school-age kids to Charlie Anthony Park on Aug. 3, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to gear up for the new school year. There will be a DJ providing music as you enjoy a cookout (hamburgers and hot dogs) and your kids play in the bounce houses. And to round it out: free school supplies!

JAZZMASTERS DIXIELAND BAND AT CAMBIER PARK Spend your Saturday afternoons, from 1–3 p.m., listening to more than 200 different songs as the Naples JazzMasters Dixieland Band plays genres of music such as ragtime, blues and jazz.

TNP COMEDY NIGHT TOBYE STUDIO THEATRE: SUPERHERO THEME NIGHT CLOUDED LEOPARD KITTENS AT NAPLES ZOO

Florida’s best family-friendly comedy on Aug. 17

Two clouded leopard kittens born at Naples

at 8 p.m. with a superhero theme. Featuring Stage

Zoo, named Jean and Janet, are now on exhibit

2 Improv, the show will consist of improvisational

daily from 10 a.m. to noon through Aug. 15 at the

comedy games and songs from topics suggested

Clouded Leopard Exhibit. They are also featured in

by the audience. Special guest appearances

the Seated Safari Show daily at 2:30 p.m. Clouded

by local celebrities should be expected. Be as

leopards are listed as endangered by the U.S.

involved in the show as you’d like, or sit back

Fish and Wildlife Service under the United States

and laugh as you watch. Tickets are $20; con-

Endangered Species Act. The cats, which live in the

tact the TNP Box Office at 239.263.7990 or visit

forests and trees of Southeast Asia, are elusive, and

NaplesPlayers.org.

it's difficult to know how many remain in the wild. 10

The Naples Players, Stage2 Improv and Brewery Riptide present some of Southwest

Naples Lifestyle | August 2019

CONTINUED >

CUSTOM FINISHES

COMPLETE RENOVATIONS 239-466-7665

Rock Solid Quality & Service

3D DESIGN IN HOUSE

InfinitePoolFinishes.com

AROUND TOWN

(CON TI N U ED)

SUMMER CONCERTS AT THE POINTE Enjoy the sounds of Chicago and Motown as summer comes to a close. The Ex-Bachelors, an eclectic group of multi-instrumentalists from around the world, will funk up the evening of Aug. 4 from 7–9 p.m. with Motown grooves and soulful ballads. Back to Chicago, the area's only true musical tribute to the famous band Chicago, will delight listeners to an evening of rock and horns to continue the legacy of this infamous group on Aug. 11 from 7–9 p.m. NaplesBayResort.com/concerts

DOGS IN THE NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDENS Come visit the garden with your furry friend! Your family and the family dog have the opportunity to visit the gardens and enjoy the canine-

friendly atmosphere during designated Dog Walk

Hours, Sundays and Tuesdays from 8–11 a.m.

announcements

through Sept. 23. Regular admission for adults

is $19.95; free for members. Dog admission is

are

$14.95; free for members.

LifestylePubs.com/Naples.

Naples Lifestyle | August 2019

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B A L A N C E D I M A G E S

HIG H – G RAD E ALUM INUM ART, CREA TED FO R Y OU.

“A brand is not just a logo. It’s a first impression and the experience you give to your clients. Balanced Images is simple sophistication. Every image is thoughtfully created, carefully produced, and beautifully finished on aluminum. My business is an extension of me. I work with my clients to capture moments of their lives, passions, and personalities so that we can create meaningful art together.”

... Alexia Marcin Owner, Balanced Images

balancedimages.com | @balanced_images | info@balancedimages.com

S W E E T A R T G A L L E RY C O N T E M P O R A RY F I N E A RT

AME RI CA, MI XE D ME DI A O N CA NV AS, 6 0 X4 8, ST E PH EN MA N CI NI

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August 2019 | Naples Lifestyle

OUR TOWN

“Taking pictures is savoring life intensely, every hundredth of a second.” –Mark Riboud

IT ALL STARTED WITH A SMALL 110 FILM CAMERA. Michelle Wolf of Michelle Reed Photography fell in love with savoring life through photos when she received this camera from her parents as a young child. For more than 18 years, she has been professionally photographing families, weddings, children and pets, and it is an honor and a privilege to have this national award-winning

photographer

capturing

life

intensely right here in Naples. As summer comes to a close and another new school year begins, reading this interview with Michelle will show you exactly why she is the perfect photographer to help create and memorialize the stories that are happening in this season of your family’s life.

Picture Perfect BEHIND THE LENSE WITH MICHELLE WOLF

Naples Lifestyle | August 2019

WHAT WAS YOUR CAREER PATH? HOW DID YOU GET FROM

Occasionally when I had a challenging child, Trevor would step

BEING AN ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHER TO ACTUALLY DOING

in and save the day as he jumped around in the sand and made my

IT FULL-TIME?

clients smile.

I have had a passion for photography since I was a young child. At the age of 12, I was developing black-and-white film in my closet. When my

WHICH PHOTOGRAPHERS INFLUENCED YOU, AND HOW DID

son was born 22 years ago, it seemed like the perfect time to pursue a

THEY INFLUENCE YOUR THINKING, PHOTOGRAPHING AND

career in the photography industry. I started my career as a children’s

CAREER PATH?

and family photographer. Trevor, my son, would accompany me in the

Annie Leibovitz is one of the all-time great photographers. I have

evenings for family photo shoots. He would bring his sand toys in his

always admired her. She captures the true essence of her subject,

backpack and would play in the sand until I finished my session.

and she tells the story through her lens. I love that!

CONTINUED >

August 2019 | Naples Lifestyle

OUR TOWN

(CON TI N U ED)

28140 Meadowlark Lane Bonita Springs 239.566.9797

Naples Lifestyle | August 2019

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU WANT TO SAY WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS, AND HOW DO YOU ACTUALLY GET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS TO DO THAT? With every photograph that I take, I want to tell a story. The secret is helping your client relax. Once I have gained their trust and they have relaxed, I am able to create the story. HOW DO YOU GET THE PERSON, PLACE OR THING THAT IS IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA ONTO THE FILM IN JUST THE WAY YOU WANT? It is my goal to put my clients at ease when they are in front of my camera. As a person who hates to be photographed, I understand how difficult it can be to relax and enjoy the experience. If my clients are comfortable, I am able to capture their true personality. FROM YOUR POINT OF VIEW, WHAT MAKES A GREAT PHOTO? 100% emotion! WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO INCLUDE KIDS AND ANIMALS IN YOUR WORK? As a mom, I love kids. As a horse person and dog owner, I love animals, so why not illustrate my love for them through my work? IS THERE SOMETHING YOU ALWAYS ASK OR SAY TO YOURSELF JUST BEFORE YOU PUSH THE BUTTON? I always ask myself if the pose and facial expression is flattering. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU PERSONALLY GAIN FROM YOUR WORK, REGARDLESS OF OTHER PEOPLE’S APPROVAL/PURCHASES/RECOGNITION? The most important thing for me is knowing that I have created a family heirloom that my clients will cherish for a lifetime. WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO CONTINUE TAKING PHOTOS? I absolutely love it when I have a client that hates to be photographed and they claim that they have never had a good photograph

STARTED TAKING PHOTOS? I wish that someone would have told me to invest in the best possible camera that I could have afforded at the time.

taken of themselves. That motivates me to capture the most amazing photos of that person and prove to them that they are beautiful.

IF YOU COULD TAKE YOUR ART IN ANY DIRECTION WITHOUT FEAR OF FAILURE OR REJECTION, WHERE WOULD IT LEAD?

HOW HAS PHOTOGRAPHY INFLUENCED YOU AS A PERSON?

I have been in the wedding industry for 20 years, and I have been

Owning my own photography business has taught me so much

very blessed to have been able to photograph all over the country

about life and people. There have been challenges along the way,

and also abroad as a wedding and portrait photographer. At this

like with any business, but the rewards have been abundant. I have

time in my career as a professional photographer, I have shifted my

had the pleasure of working with the rich and famous and also the

focus from weddings to portrait and commercial photography. That

homeless. It has been a wonderful journey that I will treasure forever.

is the beauty of photography.

August 2019 | Naples Lifestyle

Create

YOUR OWN L IFEST Y LE

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CARPET � HARDWOOD � TILE � STONE � LUXURY VINYL � AREA RUGS

FIFTY-FIVE YEARS AT GATTLEâ€™S

BECAUSE NAPLES LOVES FINE LINENS ARTICLE SUE G. COLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY MALLORY BERRY

Naples Lifestyle | August 2019

“YOUR HOME IS YOUR PLACE OF CONNECTION TO THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE AND TO YOURSELF, SO GATTLE’S AIMS TO BRING YOUR SENSE OF TASTE AND CONNECTION TO LIFE WITH OUR CAREFULLY CURATED COLLECTION.”

IN 1904, GERMAN IMMIGRANT HENRIETTA GATTLE

“I had the pleasure of working for Tom Gattle Sr. in

SOLD DELICATE IMPORTED LACE CURTAINS BY

Naples prior to his passing, and what a wonderful char-

APPOINTMENT FROM HER HOME. The setting was

ismatic gentleman he was!” Stacey says. “It was such fun

spotless yet inviting, comfortable and refined. Her beauti-

to come to work and be blessed with a pleasant and hard-

ful goods appealed to homemakers who appreciated the

working staff with the ability to promote new ideas and

world’s finest linens made by attentive craftsmen using

purchase exciting products.”

the most luxurious materials. Today, 155 years later, these

Tom Gattle Jr. is now managing the company, with other

traditions of hospitality and quality continue at Gattle’s of

family members helping to drive merchandising, buying

Naples, where homeowners have found exquisite linens,

and marketing. Naples shoppers know Bedding Manager

carefully curated gifts, tableware, lingerie and the best in

Cindy Getzberg, Lingerie Manager Mary Anne Shebert and

bedding for 55 years. Stepping inside the bright Third Street

Bath Manager Debi Rubright, who are all extremely knowl-

store, the air is perfumed and pleasant, a signature scent.

edgeable and make customer service a priority every day.

It’s hard to define—fresh, elegant and oh-so-memorable. ’“We actually don’t burn candles, but there’s something about the combined scents from our bath shop that is so

Stacey and her Naples staff, along with members of the Gattle family, will be busy this month, gearing up for fall, attending home shows and buying new merchandise.

nice,” says General Manager Stacey Masters, who has been

“Our steadfast lines introduce new offerings as well, so it is

with Gattle’s for more than 10 years. “Our clientele loves it,

always a surprise to see what the new trends will be,” Stacey says.

and many have asked if we could try to bottle the fragrance!”

Inside the cheery Gattle’s store, you’ll find soft and

Some fragrance favorites are the Lafco candles and

sumptuous throws; the highest thread count bed furnish-

diffusers, which are also among the store’s top picks for

ings; thirsty towels for bath, beach and boat; gorgeous

hostess gifts.

robes and sleepwear; graceful tableware; and refined gifts.

“The Marine is a favorite as well as the Champagne. Both have lovely clean scents and would be a welcome

Michael Aram’s rich and vibrant pieces for dining and entertaining are showcased.

addition to any area,” says Stacey, who was a successful

Featured are Sferra bed linens from their mills and arti-

interior designer in the Naples area for more than 25 years

sans that dot the Alpine foothills in Northern Italy. You’ll

before joining Gattle’s.

also find Matouk luxury linens, made from the world’s finest

The 4,600-square-foot store has grown in size since the

materials for nearly 100 years in Fall River, Massachusetts.

Gattle family first opened in 1962, expanding their brand

“Your home is your place of connection to the people

from its Midwest roots in Cincinnati and on the north-

you love and to yourself, so Gattle’s aims to bring your

ern shores of Lake Michigan with family still at the helm

sense of taste and connection to life with our carefully

today. Stores in Miami Beach and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida,

curated collection,” Tom Gattle Jr says. “We are proud to

opened in 1932 and 1950, respectively, each shuttering

have European bedding companies that along with our

after decades of serving discerning homemakers.

managers create exclusive designs for Gattle's alone.” CONTINUED >

August 2019 | Naples Lifestyle

GATTLEâ€™S

(CON TI N U ED)

Naples Lifestyle | August 2019

Since the early 1900s, the Gattle’s name has remained synonymous with luxury home linens assembled from around the world with Henrietta’s son, Otto, managing the business. By the 1950s, with the rise of unique tableware for formal entertainment, store locations appeared in Florida and later in North Carolina. Eventually, Otto's son, Tom Gattle Sr., would carry on the family business for many decades, making unique and exclusive luxury linens available from Gattle’s brick-and-mortar locations passed from generation to generation. Gattle’s linens have had patrons such as Susan Hayward, Rose Kennedy and Richard Nixon. It is also known that while visiting the United States, both Pope John and Queen Elizabeth have slept on Gattle’s regal sheets. Gattles.com now includes a beautiful online collection managed by Ginny Gattle Mooney. A new store opened this summer in Harbor Springs, Michigan. Follow Gattle's Instagram at @ShopGattles.

CONTINUED >

August 2019 | Naples Lifestyle

GATTLE’S

(CON TI N U ED)

1250 Third St. S, Naples 239.262.4791, Gattles.com

Naples Lifestyle | August 2019

Creating Signature Spaces INSPIRED BY OUR CLIENTS

AF TER

Schedule a Consultation • 239.325.9794 • serranodesigns.net

LOCALLY OWNED

Naples Lifestyle | August 2019

BRINGING THE HAMPTONS TO NAPLES DINE LIKE YOU'RE ON VACATION

“OUR GOAL AT THE HAMPTON SOCIAL IS TO

peach puree and a touch of Tito’s, served frozen with

MAKE OUR GUESTS FEEL LIKE THEY ARE ON

a peach-sugared rim) and unwind in the lounge. Their

VACATION. Between our East Coast-inspired menu,

iconic “Rosé All Day” neon sign in the lounge space

our craft cocktails and our nautical environment, there

creates an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity or a

is truly no other restaurant like The Hampton Social,”

way to memorialize a special night out. Whether you’re

says Marc Trevino, director of Marketing for Parker

seated in the courtyard room under a green ceiling or

Restaurants Group and The Hampton Social.

the main dining room watching the pizza bar at work,

Once you step through the doors, you will feel yourself slipping into that relaxed vacation

you’ll immediately be whisked away to the social atmosphere of the Hamptons.

mode. This visually appealing, coastal-themed

With a mix of coastal fare and landlocked options,

restaurant is clad with whitewashed wood, abundant

there is something for every palate. The appetizer

nautical decor and lush greenery, which makes for a

menu offers both hot and cold bar options: tuna poke,

truly warm and inviting dining experience.

East and West Coast oysters; charred cold shrimp; social

Owner and manager Will Reynolds feels it’s his

dips; spicy chicken wings; Parmesan truffle fries; mar-

responsibility to ensure his team members have every-

inated tenderloin tips; pizzas; calamari; and the cus-

thing they need to facilitate “an exceptional experience”

tomer favorite, Brussels sprouts with herb goat cheese,

for every guest who enters. He himself goes over the

almonds and sweet chili honey. The menu varies and

facility with a fine-tooth comb to assure everything is

rotates based on the season and market trends. As you

in order and personally greets guests, checking in with

peruse the menu, you will encounter dishes such as the

them throughout their dining experience to make sure

Shelter Island Salmon with chickpea mash and grilled

they are more than satisfied. Will and his team pro-

asparagus or fresh swordfish over roasted red pepper

vide high-class food, service and ambiance from the

cauliflower risotto topped with a Mediterranean salsa

moment guests arrive, eager to enjoy their visit, to the

verde. From lobster rolls to cheeseburgers, shrimp tacos

moments they leave, planning their return.

to a selection of handcrafted pizzas, the menu—which is

Before the meal, guests can wait at the bar with

selected and inspired by both Brad Parker, the CEO and

a handcrafted cocktail like the Bees Knees, Sea of

founder, and Francis Gonzalez, the culinary director—will

Lavender or the ever-popular Frosé (rosé with fresh

satisfy any craving a diner may have.

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL

August 2019 | Naples Lifestyle

LOCALLY OWNED

(CON TI N U ED)

The Hampton Social believes first and foremost that their guests must always leave happy, so it’s their job to go above and beyond to exceed expectations. They do this by keeping two things at the center of their driving force: service and atmosphere—and both of these start with great leadership. Will holds himself accountable as he continuously puts his team first, never walks past a standard, never compromises integrity, and strives for humility and empathy knowing he is helping to create a culture people want to be a part of and is helping to raise up future leaders who are successful and admirable. To make sure their service is top-notch, The Hampton Social looks for staff members who are engaged, involved and understand the heart of a servant. They also focus on continuous training and development to ensure the well-being and growth of all their team members. As a part of creating a positive, fun, friendly atmosphere and interacting with diverse customers, they run specials and promotions. One of their largest promotions to date has been the “Parker for a Purpose” program, which saw $2 of every glass of rosé donated to the Lynn Sage Foundation, which funds innovative research for breast cancer. Continuing to connect with the Naples communities through charitable giving, events and partnerships is a part of their future plans as they strive to make an impact not only on the culinary front of Naples but on the people as well. They are also opening additional locations in Orlando, Florida; Nashville, Tennessee; and Cleveland, Ohio.

Naples Lifestyle | August 2019

OUR GOAL AT THE HAMPTON SOCIAL IS TO MAKE OUR GUESTS FEEL LIKE THEY ARE ON VACATION.

August 2019 | Naples Lifestyle

INSPIRED BY

NINE WAYS TO BRING HAPPINESS TO YOUR KIDS' EVERYDAY LIVES

Just to See Them Smile

ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL

Naples Lifestyle | August 2019

THERE IS NOTHING QUITE LIKE SEEING A SMILE LIGHT UP A CHILD’S FACE OR HEARING A LAUGH THAT ROCKS THEM FROM HEAD TO TOE. Children experience happiness as they discover, create and encounter the world around them. As adults in these special little people’s lives, we have the privilege of helping to create joy in their everyday. No matter the gender or age of the child or teen you hold close to your heart, there are simple ways each day that you can invest in them, delight them and keep them smiling.

1. LUNCHBOX NOTES For those who still take lunches to school, finding a few words between their sandwich and fruit will surely brighten their day. Use colorful pens or paper cut into creative shapes to personalize your words. Small, quick and simple, it will remind them they are cared for and may be just what they need to get through their day.

2. JOY JAR In a world with so much negativity, it’s important to seek out the bright spots. Placing a jar in a key area where everyone can jot down something positive about their day or week (and then share them or leave them to read until later) goes a long way to creating an optimistic atmosphere. Seeing and focusing on the good around them affects kids’ attitudes and outlooks and helps them to continue that trend.

3. MIRROR MESSAGES All you need for this kind gesture is a dry-erase marker. Leave a sweet, encouraging or funny note on their bathroom (or bedroom) mirror to wake up to or to return to at the end of the day. Since they’re easy to wipe off, these can be changed quickly and frequently to recognize a birthday, encourage them through a challenging situation or just remind them of how awesome they are.

4. LIVING ROOM PICNICS Who doesn’t love a picnic? You don’t have to eat at the table every day; breaking up the usual monotony is fun! Grab a blanket, use disposable plates and utensils to cut down on cleanup, and have the laid-back, relaxed feeling of a picnic right on your living room floor as your kids delight and relish in this simple change of routine.

CONTINUED >

August 2019 | Naples Lifestyle

INSPIRED BY

(CON TI N U ED)

5. TABLE TALK Communication is everything, so leave the electronic devices charging in another room and actually talk with one another during dinner. If you breeze through the daily updates and news quickly or get stuck on topics to discuss, type up or write a list of questions, hot topics or openended thoughts, cut them into strips, and place them in a bowl in the center of the table. Then take turns pulling one out, having everyone answer the question or give their opinions and ideas. You’ll learn a lot about one another, hopefully laugh a little, and have a good conversation.

6. PLAYLISTS Make a playlist of your kids’ favorite songs. Have it playing when you pick them up from soccer practice, while they are doing their ever-dreaded chores, or just because it’s a great soundtrack for a midweek family dance party. Knowing that you pay attention to what they like and play music they enjoy will boost their spirits.

7. DATE DAYS It doesn’t matter if they are 5 or 15, setting aside specific one-on-one time, where you don’t have distractions of other siblings or to-do lists, works wonders for your kids’ heart, soul, mind and relationship with you. Younger kids may be more excited about this than the “cool” teen, but teenagers value and crave time like this even if they don’t express it. It doesn’t matter if it’s only once a month; take them out to do something they enjoy where you can zone in to their world and connect with them: a movie, an arcade, window shopping, a cooking or art class, putt-putt, a petting zoo, go-cart racing, a sporting event, a concert, fishing, a pedicure—you get the idea! Plus, this provides a priceless teachable moment. Model a “good date.” Show them how they should expect to be treated when someone takes them out and how they should treat someone they take out.

Naples Lifestyle | August 2019

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Creating miles of smiles! DR. SAMANTA ANDISCO DR. ROBERT BRACHO

Call today to make an appointment 239.319.2440

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8. CREATE BIRTHDAY WEEK This can be as extravagant or as simple as you choose, but every kid will love celebrating their birthday for an entire week. Make each day leading up to their birthday special in some way: a present, a new outfit, their favorite meal, breakfast in bed, a “Get out of Chores” coupon, an activity of their choice—the possibilities are endless! Then on the day of their birthday, have their bedroom door decorated with balloons or signs, sing “Happy Birthday” with a breakfast cupcake or have a special treat delivered to them at school or work, and end it with a party!

9. DAYDREAM Go on an imaginary adventure. Create their “perfect world.” Plan the future. Dream up a vacation. Spend the lottery or inheritance money you surprisingly receive. Come up with new, ridiculous and silly rules or laws. Generate new ideas for a TV show, movie or book. Make up new animals by combining ones that exist and giving them new names. Design their ideal outfit, room or car. Explore new planets or the depths of the ocean. Spending time being creative and letting your imaginations run together is an inexpensive, enriching and incredibly entertaining activity. August 2019 | Naples Lifestyle

ANIMAL KINGDOM

DOGS WILL GO NUTS FOR THESE QUICK + EASY SNACKS

TREAT YOUR PET MAN’S BEST FRIEND DESERVES MAN’S BEST FOOD. Dogs will go nuts for these quick and easy peanut butter and oat treats. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll be well on your way to getting your dog to do anything you ask. And, if you get hungry, you can even sneak one for yourself—just don’t let your pup see!

Peanut Butter + Oats INGREDIENTS + 1 cup old-fashioned oats + 1/2 cup flour + 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter + 1 egg

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat your oven to 300 F.

+ IMPORTANT Be sure the peanut butter you use

does not contain xylitol—the artificial sweetener can be fatal to dogs.

Naples Lifestyle | August 2019

2. In a large mixing bowl, mix together oats, flour, peanut butter and egg until combined. 3. Roll your dough out on a flat surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. 4. Cut out your dog’s favorite shapes with cookie cutters. 5. Place your treats onto a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Makes about 36 1-inch diameter treats.

INSPIRATION M E E T S O R G A N I Z AT I O N .

Inspired days start in Inspired Closets. Each customized space is designed around you, providing easy access to everything you need to confidently take on the day. Wherever it may take you. Get inspired at InspiredClosets.com

Visit Our Showrooms (239) 948-0022 InspiredClosetsSWFL.com NAPLES: 4535 Domestic Ave. BONITA SPRINGS: 28400 Old 41 Rd., Suite 7

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*Not valid with other promotions. Offer expires August 31, 2019. See store for details.