South Orlando, FL February 2022

F E B R UA RY 2 022 | TH E LO C A L LOV E I S S U E

LoveLocal LI F E + C U LTU R E

VALENTIN E’ S DAY GI FT GU I DE TR AV E L

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WHEN LIFE BRINGS LEMONS...

! h c n u r b e v a h go

J GSI G N AT U R E .CO M

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Pop for Love!

February 2022 PUBLISHER

Brenda Torres | brenda.torres@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Andy Cingolani | andy.cingolani@citylifestyle.com

Art comes in many different forms, and it gives us a glimpse of someone’s heart — a part of them we don’t see on the surface. We are all drawn to various expressions of art in different ways, and we tend to appreciate artistic expression that makes us feel something and that resonates with us. I have always admired the vast creativity that artists of all kinds pour into their craftsmanship.

Our February issue is dedicated to the art of LOVE. As you read about our local museums, the Dr. Phillips Foundation through the performances at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, and their stories of passion and self-expression, we hope you are inspired to pursue what you love. With the hectic schedules we often keep, it is easy to let our hobbies, talents and special interests fall by the wayside. We just have to be deliberate about allowing ourselves time to pour into interests that we love and that fill us up.

Which is why we know you will love our cover feature, "Pop for Love" — a passion filled photo shoot "Spectacle" that turned into a viral marriage proposal!

While we don't yet know where our lovebirds will host their wedding, perhaps we can talk you into a second honeymoon to the high seas, with our story, "Return to the Seas" by our City Lifestyle South Orlando resident travel expert, Kimberly Huber of Adventures and Cruises, a Cruise Planners agency. But if you decide to chill to your own happy hour at home, we have you covered with easy recipes of cocktails perfect for Valentine's Day! So, while you fill your home with chocolates, flowers and valentines (and perhaps college basketball) this month, remember to give yourself some time to do what you love. Find what makes you feel alive, and don’t forget to share it with us. And while you are at it, don’t forget to shop local and support our local makers and artists right here in our community.

May you Live Fully, Live Truly, and Live Well!

AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kirstan Lanier CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Brenda Torres, Allison Swan CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Kristina Bozanich of Bozanich Photography, Janie Jones, Jackie Quinones, Yanira Suarez, Brenda Torres

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER Bruce Ianni DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

BRENDA TORRES, PUBLISHER @CITYLIFESTYLESOUTHORLANDO

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/SOUTHORL ANDO |

Proverbs 3:5-6 South Orlando City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the South Orlando area’s 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 South Orlando City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue The Local Love Issue

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F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

12 Beverages Perfect for Valentine’s Day

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Lifestyle Letter

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City Scene

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Business Monthly

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Local Experiences

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Happy Hour

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Gift Guide

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Open House

A RTS + C U LT U R E

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Giving Back

A RTS + C U LT U R E

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Travel Journal

32

Money Matters

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Events

Easy cocktail recipes you’ll surely love.

14 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide From local artisans and other great finds!

24 Downtown Jewel

Dr. Phillips Center - the venue of choice for world-famous performers.

28 Return To The Seas

The cruise industry has seen a lot of changes, but it’s coming back.

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Kristina Bozanich, Bozanich Photography Spectacle “Pop for Love” with model Thandiwe Ogbonna

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 2

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen in the city.

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BRENDA TORRES

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BRENDA TORRES

2 BRENDA TORRES

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BRENDA TORRES

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KRISTINA BOZANICH

BRENDA TORRES

YANIRA SUAREZ

1: Jessica of Jessica’s Frituras Catering wins our $800 Semper Laser certificate giveaway 2: Jeanette Medina, Signarama Llama, and Llama Mama Amy Robl at our Spectacle 3: The many toys collected for Feed and Fortify and A Hero For Kids 4: Migdalia Maldonado of Feed and Fortify and John Kalish of a Hero for Kids 5: G World Properties goes Brazilian Fun for their Christmas Gala 6: Jeanette Medina helping with Feed and Fortify (non-profit) gifts distribution 7: Yanira Suarez, Gea & Jeremy Gomez, Yuri Gomez award their top agents at Christmas Gala

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your social media photos with @SouthOrlandoCityLifestyle

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C I T Y SC E N E

F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 2

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

White House Cleaning and Restoration Now in Florida With specialized services in professional cleaning and sanitization for both commercial and residential customers, White House Cleaning and Restoration has earned the "2021 Best of the Best" award in South Bend, Indiana, where the company was founded in 1989. Now, owners Roger and Stephanie have brought this expertise to Central Florida and are ready to serve you with your deep carpet cleaning, water mitigation, smoke and soot removal, furniture cleaning and much more!

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Museum of Illusions Orlando Earns Prestigious National STEM.org Accreditation The first of the Museum of Illusions branded locations to achieve this prestigious accreditation, Museum of Illusions Orlando will begin implementing its school program for elementary, middle and high school students in January 2022. STEM.org Educational Research has served over 4,500 schools, districts, and organizations in over 25 countries, such as Wayne State University, Malaysian Institute of Technology Academy, Artificial Intelligence Scientific Centre (Caribbean), Tioga Drone Camp, Estella's Brilliant Bus, and Dearborn Public Schools.

Photography Museum of Illusions

Scan to read more.

South Orlando Handyman Services Loved with all 5 Star Reviews!

Mr. & Mrs. Handy Services is made up of high school sweethearts Hugo and Jackie, whose business philosophy is to "offer quality service with clear expectations."

According to the many rave reviews on the Hunter's Creek Facebook group, Rants and Raves, they "show up, they handle with care, and they deliver!" Combined, they have over 20 years experience in plumbing, painting, custom closets, electrical, pressure washing and more! Background and credit report check approved (TAKL).

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Photography Jackie Quinones

If you want to be included, send us a message!

Visit CityLifestyle.com/SouthOrlando to get in touch.

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local experiences Locals recommending the best places and things to do in the city.

Celebrate the ones you love this Valentine's Day by treating them to a night out at one of your favorite restaurants or experience something new and find a hidden gem around town. Whatever you are looking for, we have you covered.

Romantic Date Ideas THE DINNER PAR TY PR OJECT: At The Dinner Party Project, life happens

around the dinner table. A romantic way for humans to connect over cocktails, conversation and a podcast. 1001 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801 LAKE EOLA PAR K: The swan-shaped paddleboats at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando are one of the city's iconic symbols, and a fun, romantic activity for two. 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801 THE MELTING POT: At The Melting Pot, they perfectly balance their menu with seasoned vegetables, fresh fruit, succulent meats, and artisan cheeses, along with plenty of customizable options. 7549 W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819 HAR R Y P. LEU GAR DENS: Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre botanical oasis minutes from downtown Orlando. Enjoy a leisurely, romantic stroll among a sea of gorgeous blooms. 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803 PAINTED HOR IZONS HOT AIR BALLOON: Enjoy an unforgettable, romantic hot-air balloon ride over scenic Central Florida with Painted Horizons, offering views of Walt Disney World Resort and the surrounding countryside.

7741 Hyacinth Dr Orlando, Fl

Harry P Leu Gardens

Scan for more photos and the full list.

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BEVERAGES PERFECT FOR VALENTINE’S DAY Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and that means it’s time to celebrate with your sweetheart!

This year, as you raise your glass to toast love and romance, try one of these tasty beverages, each creatively and perfectly named for the occasion.

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H AP PY H OU R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Bésame

Cherub’s Cup

We scoured the Internet – and polled a few bartenders – searching for the most appropriate beverages for a fun, delicious Valentine’s Day Happy Hour. While there were plenty of contenders, these four were the ones that really stood out.

B É SA M E : This cocktail’s name means “kiss me” in Spanish, so it’s perfect for a Valentine’s Day toast. One of the main ingredients of a Bésame cocktail is Agavero tequila, which is created from a blend of blue agave añejo and reposado tequilas, hand-blended with the essence of the Damiana flower. The cocktail also includes whole raspberries, passion fruit juice, and Chambord, garnished with lime wedges or fruit of choice and served in a cocktail glass.

Love Potion #9

CHE R U B’S C U P: The Cherub’s Cup can easily become a new favorite for just about any time of year. Simultaneously sweet and dry with a hint of intriguing and refreshing flavors, it’s perfect for a romantic celebration. The recipe includes elderflower liqueur, which is fantastic against the recipe’s strawberry and sparkling wine. And, whether you’re a fan of vodka or gin, either can form the foundation of this cocktail.

LOVE POT I O N #9 : It’s not just a hit song from the 1960s. Love Potion #9 is a tasty frozen cocktail made with strawberry vodka, vanilla ice cream, and white crème de cacao liqueur, served in a chocolate-rimmed glass. And because it has just 1½ ounces of liquor, it’s a gentle, low-proof drink that can be enjoyed before or after a romantic dinner or while having a drink with your sweetheart.

PASS I O N C O C KTA I L: One way to describe the Passion Cocktail is that it’s like a Tequila Cosmopolitan. This festive pink cocktail recipe combines tequila with cranberry, lime, and orange liqueur, specifically, Grand Marnier. This tequila drink perfectly complements a dinner for two, especially Mexican cuisine because the sweet fruits offset the spiciness of the food.

Passion Cocktail

For more love inspired beverages, check out the online version of this article. Click on drink photos for complete recipes.

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VAL EN TINE’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

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1. Women inspired, local + flavored Siervas Whiskey 2. Custom earrings from Bay Hill Jewelers 3. Hand painted heart chocolate piñata from local Chocolate Pearl 4. Framed Heart-In-Sand canvas from personalcreations.com 5. Private romantic flight, Afternoon Delight Flights Central FL 6. Romantic suite at The Pearl, Rosemary Beach 7. Couples retreat at The Woodhouse Day Spa 8. Sweetheart snuggle fleece pajamas from pajamagram.com

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Orlando Museum of Art

To u r i n g t h e Museums of Central Florida FROM 500-YEAR-OLD AFRICAN ART TO DISPLAYS HONORING OUR MILITARY HEROES, THE ORLANDO AREA OFFERS SEVERAL UNIQUELY INTERESTING MUSEUMS

ARTICLE BY ANDY CINGOLANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PROVIDED Clearly, the main reason Orlando is known throughout the world is the theme parks at Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld. For those of us who live in Central Florida, that certainly makes it a fun, interesting place to live. That said, the Orlando area is not without its cultural attractions as well. You just need to know where to look. Here are a few ideas on where to start.

Display at the Museum of Military History

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D EPE O PANRT H OU M ESE N T || ARTS CATEG+ ORY CULTURE

ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART Founded in 1924, the Orlando Museum of Art presents up to a dozen exhibitions every year and offers unlimited gallery tours, as well as heart enrichment programs, lectures, studio classes, and more. This month, Heroes & Monsters, an exhibition of work by Jean-Michel Basquiat premieres on February 12. Located at 2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, omart.org

BRONZE KINGDOM MUSEUM With over 2,000 pieces from Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal, and The Democratic Republic of The Congo, the unique collection at Bronze Kingdom includes a range of African bronze, beaded, and wood sculptures.

Among them, the museum is home to grand palatial pieces from the Benin and Bamoun tribal kingdoms, some dating to the early 1600s. Located at 6464 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, bronzekingdommuseum.com.

MUSEUM OF MILITARY HISTORY The Museum of Military History provides a glimpse into our nation’s military heritage, with heroic accounts of bravery and sacrifices from those who have fought to maintain our freedom.

The exhibits include hundreds of genuine artifacts, military relics, photographs and memorable accounts by former soldiers. Located at 5210 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746, museumofmilitaryhistory.com.

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Orange County Regional History Center

ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER The Orange County Regional History Center, housed in a historic courthouse in the heart of downtown Orlando, offers four floors of exhibits exploring 12,000 years of Central Florida’s rich heritage. A Smithsonian affiliate, the museum also offers visiting exhibitions and a wide range of programs for families, children, and adults. Located at 65 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801, thehistorycenter.org.

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O PE N H OU SE | ARTS + CULTURE

WELLS’BUILT MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY & CULTURE Originally The Wells’Built Hotel, this structure has been converted into the Wells’Built Museum and exhibits memorabilia from Orlando’s African American community, including displays on the Civil Rights movement, along with African art and artifacts. Located at 511 W South St, Orlando, FL 32805, wellsbuilt.org.

CHOCOLATE MUSEUM & CAFÉ At Chocolate Museum & Café, experience a 45-minute tour that starts in a a”tropical rainforest” where you’ll learn all about the cacao bean, followed by a presentation on the history and origins of chocolate. Then, you’ll see 25 solid chocolate sculptures of famous landmarks, like Mt. Rushmore and the Eiffel Tower.

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And She Said

YES! A live photo shoot turns into surprise marriage proposal 20

F E AT U R E | L IFE + CU LTU RE

Pop For Love Cards

The fact is we need a cover every month, and this is how it all started! A simple conversation with a very talented photographer, Kristina Bozanich, owner and creative mastermind behind Bozanich Photography, turned into a live photo shoot and marriage proposal. All synchronized in perfect harmony for our February “Local Love” theme. Truth is we wanted something different and extravagant, and in some mysterious way, captured in bold imagery. Part of the discussed logistics was the fact that we had to shoot in December and in the midst of the holiday season. And that’s when Kristina suggested Spectacle.

SPECTACLE Spectacle is a monthly LIVE series for members and spectators in the community of South Orlando. The event is a pop-up photoshoot that spontaneously appears and disappears somewhere in the area. Working with local businesses and vendors, Bozanich Photography presents the LIVE series on social media, followed by the astounding results in images in less than a week.

For weeks, the event is announced with teasing tips of what the show will be about, leaving just enough to still enjoy an element of surprise.

We encourage you to check out and relive past Spectacle events like Batman vs. Joker, Loki in The Void, Vampire Tea Party, and of course, ours at kristinabozanich.com/spectacle.

With planning underway, we themed it “Pop for Love,” giving us the framework to build upon. Initial conversations drafted plans for shooting at a local children’s hospital parking lot, to shoot video from a drone of a heart shaped by people, to a bed of roses, to popping make up sessions, to models and much more.

This is what happens when you put passionate creative minds thinking and planning in the same room! All ideas sound great, yet ping pong with changes several times before a final one is agreed upon. And then, it hit! The way to have the greatest impact and the amount of people who would enjoy the live show, was to collaborate with others. Together with the Crema de Nona networking group’s Christmas event, we were sure to have a crowd. As the

ARTICLE BY BRENDA A. TORRES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTINA BOZANICH, BOZANICH PHOTOGRAPHY

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“WE FORTIFY TALENTS HELPING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEVELOP THE POTENTIAL THAT GOD HAS PLACED IN THEM.”

Carrie Roberts of American Trustee having fun!

Holiday Cards for our Troops

Robert & Lyndsey - Congratulations!

group was also collecting children’s toys for two local non-profits, this was a big win! Migdalia Maldonado from Feed and Fortify, one of the non-profits benefiting expressed, “We fortify talents helping children and young people to develop the potential that God has placed in them.”

To further our popping theme, we set up our backdrop of balloons, courtesy of 4partycorp; keeping the hues to reds, whites and silver to blend well with our Christmas event. Local business owners and City Lifestyle South Orlando partners filled up the room, unsuspecting of what was about to take place.

Just as planned, our hired talent and stunning model, Thandi Ogbonna, walked in the room, following a short introduction

by Kristina and City Lifestyle as cameras rolled live for both Instagram and Facebook

audiences. As props, we brought in pop-up greeting cards, that turned into a perfect segue to introduce our cards for troops!

Every year there are countless troops who spend holidays away from home. As part of our event, we committed to personalize, sign and send 100 holiday greeting cards to soldiers all over the world, hoping to pop some love to our troops and a bit of home for the season. This was an activity enjoyed by many while the photo shoot was going strong. We are thankful to the CardHugs volunteer group for working with us for this mission!

sure that the groom would assure us that the bride-to-be would be okay with a very public live streamed proposal. We could not be happier with the couple we found!

Throughout the evening we had asked many guests to help us hold props around our model for shots. All were happy to engage with the event and made for a very natural ask of our couple to help us with one last shot. As we posed and aligned Lyndsey Welch in front of our balloon wall and facing the crowd, we squeezed her beau Robert Masini behind her who quickly got down on one knee while holding a frame that read “Will you be mine forever?” We turned Lyndsey around, and there he was! Congratulations Lyndsey and Robert! May your love live on for always, and may our Spectacle be one of your greatest and lasting memories…

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F E AT U R E | L IFE + CU LTU RE

THE PROPOSAL In hopes to seal our Spectacle event with flashing lights, Kristina and we searched far and wide for a couple about to engage.

The task was greater, as we had to make

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Disney's Frozen; Courtesy of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

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G IV IN G BAC K | A RTS + CULTURE

downtown jewel FOR MORE THAN SEVEN YEARS, THE DR. PHILLIPS CENTER HAS BEEN THE VENUE OF CHOICE FOR WORLD-FAMOUS PERFORMERS. ARTICLE BY ANDY CINGOLANI

Since opening in 2014, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has been the jewel of downtown Orlando’s cultural and arts scene, hosting acts and productions known throughout the world. These have included top musical acts ranging from rock and pop to jazz, opera, and more, along with top-name stand-up comics.

Broadway productions – such as Phantom of the Opera and Fiddler on the Roof, as well as the upcoming production of Disney’s Frozen – have been performed on its stage.

The Dr. Phillips Center has even been named one of Travel + Leisure magazine’s “25 New Tourist Attractions Worth Adding to Your Bucket List,” and one of Southern Living magazine’s “50 Best Places in the South Now.” At Dr. Phillips Center, they believe a performing arts center should be more than a beautifully designed building.

That’s why their focus is also on creating experiences that educate as much as entertain, inspiring creativity with programming the entire community can enjoy. This involves making the arts accessible to people from all walks of life – all over the world.

This commitment has led to the vision they call Arts For Every Life®, which positions the Dr. Phillips Center as a hub for the best international, national, and local artists, as well as for community outreach and arts education.

In fact, the two-block, nine-acre downtown Orlando destination includes a wide range of facilities dedicated to their vision:

• Walt Disney Theater • Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater • DeVos Family Room • Seneff Arts Plaza • AdventHealth School of the Arts • Steinmetz Hall • Judson’s Steinmetz Hall and Judson’s are the two most recently added venues, opening this year. Steinmetz Hall is designed to be one of the world’s most acoustically perfect venues, engineered to achieve an N1 sound rating, the lowest level at which humans can detect sound. The entire theater is encased inside a concrete frame. Between the theater and the frame, 437 steel and rubber isolation pads, each measuring 18 inches, act as shock absorbers to deaden sound from ambient noise, such as nearby traffic and passing trains.

Judson’s is a 3,000-square-foot space inspired by the performance space at Jazz at Lincoln Center in Manhattan. It’s designed to be a dynamic, cabaret-style music room for intimate performances and unique events. A signature feature is a soaring, 27-foot wall of floor-to-ceiling windows.

February promises to be an eventful month at the Dr. Phillips Center, with several popular acts and stage productions scheduled. Disney’s Frozen, for example, opens on February 24 with 14 performances over ten days. Headliners that include singers Gladys Knight and Pat Matheny, as well as comedians Jay Leno and Jim Jefferies, are set to perform. A live performance of the hit reality TV show, Dancing With The Stars, is also on tap.

CONTINUED >

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THE DR. PHILLIPS FOUNDATION The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is supported by the Dr. Phillips Foundation, which is dedicated to many types of philanthropy in Central Florida. The foundation is the legacy left by entrepreneur and industrialist, Dr. Philip Phillips, who ran a highly successful operation producing fresh fruit and canned juice during the first half of the 20th century. His wife, Della, was an accomplished musician, classically trained in piano and music theory. She shared her love for the arts with family and friends, believing classical music and performance provided not only entertainment, but also intellectual stimulation. Their family is the source of the wealth that continues to benefit the community today.

For more information and show schedules, visit drphillipscenter.org.

ENTER TO WIN TICKETS TO DISNEY’S FROZEN! New and existing Instagram followers of City Lifestyle South Orlando can enter by tagging a friend on our February 1 Frozen Instagram post. Open to anyone 18 and over. Show date is March 3, 2022. Drawing will be held on February 18.

upcoming shows

Gladys Knight

Dr. Phillips Center; Courtesy of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

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D IV G E PA INRT G BAC M E NKT || ACATEG RTS +ORY CULTURE

02.04.2022

02.05.2022

Gladys Knight Walt Disney Theater

Theo Van Walt Disney Theater

02.05.2022

02.11.2022

Heather McMahan Steinmetz Hall

Jim Jefferies Walt Disney Theater

02.12.2022

02.13.2022

Alton Brown Live Walt Disney Theater

Gilberto Santa Rosa Walt Disney Theater

02.17.2022

02.19.2022

Pat Matheny Steinmetz Hall

Dancing With The Stars: Live 2022 Steinmetz Hall

02.24 - 03.06.2022

02.25.2022

Disney’s Frozen Walt Disney Theater

Jay Leno Steinmetz Hall

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ARTICLE BY ANDY CINGOLANI

FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS, THE CRUISE INDUSTRY HAS SEEN A LOT OF CHANGES, BUT IT’S COMING BACK.

retu rn to the seas

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T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L

In early 2019, when the global COVID-19 pandemic hit, the vast majority of businesses experienced drastic changes.

Where possible, office workers started working from home, restaurants switched their focus to carry-out and delivery, and grocery stores asked customers to wear masks and practice social distancing.

Meanwhile, cruise lines shut down entirely, along with most of the hospitality industry. Slowly, however, cruises started running again as new safeguards were put in place and more passengers were vaccinated against the illness.

According to Kim Huber, our travel expert with Cruise Planners, people who love to go on cruises are booking voyages again. And many of them are finding that some of the changes they’re seeing are actually positive.

“I’d say the biggest positive I’m hearing from my clients is that there seems to be a higher level of service,” Kim said. “For example, most of the food options are no longer self-serve. So instead of crowding together at buffet lines and serving yourself, you’ll point to what you want and a crew member will serve you. People like that.”

Additionally, she said ships are running at a lower capacity, which means passengers don’t feel as crowded as they used to.

“Ships are running at about 60 to 70 percent capacity,” she said. “So you have fewer people competing for the chairs that you want by the pool, and the hot tub isn’t filled with a bunch of other people when you want to get in it. You’re not fighting for the premium space, like the good seats in the entertainment venues.”

Pricing is also fairly reasonable right now, she added.

However, that may not last long.

“We’re in wave season right now, which lasts until about early March. So the cruise lines are offering premiere specials. When prices start to go up, it’s expected that the costs will be more like they were in 2019. If you’re comparing those prices to 2021, you may feel some sticker shock because prices last year were the lowest they’ve been in 20 years.”

“I’d say the biggest positive I’m hearing from my clients is that there seems to be a higher level of service.”

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6 important things to remember about cruising in 2022 1. You must show proof of a recent negative test, up to 48 hours before boarding, depending on the cruise line 2. A negative test immediately prior to boarding may be required 3. If one person in your party is positive, the entire party will not be allowed to board 4. Passengers 12 and older must show proof of vaccination with the final dose administered at least 14 days prior to boarding 5. Passengers are given a specific window of time to board, and if you miss it, you could end up waiting until the end of the day to board 6. Masks will be required for most indoor activities, except when you are in your stateroom or cabin and while eating Policies vary depending on the cruise line, so be sure to check with your travel advisor ahead of time.

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TDRE AV PA ERT LM J OU E NR T N| ACATEG L | TRORY AVE L

For Orlando-area residents, cruises sailing out of Port Canaveral and Tampa are the most convenient because the drive to the port his shorter. That said, there are some differences to take into consideration.

“Port Canaveral is only a 45-minute drive, so there’s no need to go the day before and get a hotel,” Kim said. “While there’s long-term parking, I often help clients by reserving a private van or bus to take them to the port and pick them up after the cruise.

Cost-wise, it can be the same or cheaper than parking at the port, depending on how long the cruise is.

Tampa is a smaller port with fewer cruise lines that call it their home port. Plus, it’s a little bit further away, so I don’t recommend it unless you’re looking for a specific itinerary that only sales out of Tampa.”

ABOUT CRUISE PLANNERS According to Kim, the most important aspect of her role as a travel advisor is the extensive knowledge she has about the industry.

“On average, people spend 40 hours planning their own trip,” she said. “I do all that work for free – it doesn’t cost the client anything. Plus, I get frequent notifications from all the cruise lines and I’m up to date on any changes to testing procedures, vaccine requirements, schedules, itineraries. I also know if there’s a deal or price reduction available, and I can sometimes save my clients even after they’ve booked their cruise.”

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SOU T HO R L A N D O

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creative planning for your future ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Scan the code to see the full article at CityLifestyle.com

Creative Planning believes there’s a richer way to wealth. Their team of CFP professionals, CPAs and attorneys work together to create clear customized plans to maximize your wealth, all in one place. Their award-winning in-house services span a variety of financial d isciplines, i ncluding c omprehensive wealth and investment management, insurance, tax prep, trusts, estate, financial and retirement planning. Founded in Overland Park, they have since branched out across the globe, gaining a national reputation that has earned them numerous prestigious awards, including #1 wealth management firm i n America by Barron’s, CNBC and Forbes.

President and CEO Peter Mallouk shares his wealth of knowledge with approachable financial advice. Two issues coming together at once inspired the creation of Mallouk’s business.

“My dad was a physician frustrated with his financial advisor who sold him products and didn’t really explain things well, and I was an estate attorney that saw a full view of the advisory world and thought there was a better way to deliver the all around experience. Ultimately, that led to Creative Planning offering investments and planning as well as legal and tax advice in a very approachable, consultative way.”

Mallouk has written several books, including 5 Mistakes Every Investor Makes and How to Avoid Them, and has cowritten Unshakeable: Your Financial Freedom Playbook and The Path: Accelerating Your Journey to Financial Freedom with Tony Robbins.

When looking for a financial advisor, find the right one by asking the right questions.

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M ON E Y M AT T E R S | L IFE + CULTURE

“Most don’t realize that the vast majority of financial advisors don’t have to act in the client’s best interests. A minority of financial advisors are fiduciaries and operate under laws that share similarities with doctors and lawyers, meaning they do have to act in their client’s best interests. First, ask your advisor if they are registered as a broker or are dually registered. If they say yes to either, that means that part or all of the time, they don’t have to act in your best interests.

There are thousands of advisors that will act in your best interest, so take the time to find one. Second, ask your advisor if their parent company, or the ownership of their parent company, own investment vehicles. If the answer is yes, don’t be surprised if some of those investment vehicles find their way into your portfolio. Essentially you may find yourself paying an advisor to then put you in a fund where the company collects another fee. There is no need to accept this conflict. Find a fiduciary that is not dually registered and that does not own their own investment products. At that point, you at least have someone that is incented to act on your behalf all the time. From there, look for education, credentials and experience with people like you.”

As for the future, it’s never looked brighter at Creative Planning.

“It’s an exciting time—we can do more for our clients today than at any point in our history. In many ways, it feels like we are just at the starting line.”

For more information, visit CreativePlanning.com.

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 2

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in the city.

F E B R UA RY 4 T H

Gladys Knight Live

DR. PHILLIPS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, 445 S MAGNOLIA AVE, ORLANDO, FL 32801 | 8:00 PM Very few singers over the last 50 years have matched the artistry of Gladys Knight. A seven-time Grammy winner, she has enjoyed #1 hits in Pop, Gospel, R&B and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television and live performance. Knight has recorded more than 38 albums, including four solo albums during the past two decades. drphillipscenter.org

F EB RUA RY 5T H

2022 Trash 2 Trends

SEAWOR LD PORTS OF CALL, 7 0 0 7 S E AWO R L D DR , O R L A NDO, F L 328 21 | 6 :30 P M Enjoy an evening of recycled fashion from local designers who create runway looks from items headed to the landfill. The money raised by this event goes right back into the Orlando community to increase recycling, prevent litter and beautify our neighborhoods, green spaces and business districts. Must be 18 or older to attend. Cocktail attire. orlando.gov/Events/2022-Trash-2-Trends

F E B R UA RY 8T H

An Evening with Alice Cooper

H ARD R OCK LIVE, 6050 UN IVE R SA L B LV D, O R L A NDO, F L 328 1 9 | 8 :0 0 P M Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2011, Alice Cooper's career has spanned over 50 years. His stage show features numerous props and stage illusions, including pyrotechnics, guillotines, electric chairs, and more, Cooper is considered by music journalists and peers to be "The Godfather of Shock Rock." alicecooper.com

F EB RUA RY 1 7 T H

Pat Metheny

DR. PHILLIPS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, 445 S MAGNOLIA AVE, ORLANDO, FL 32801 | 7:30 PM Over the years, Pat Metheny has topped countless polls as "Best Jazz Guitarist" and received numerous awards, including gold records for (Still Life) Talking, Letter from Home, and Secret Story. He has spent much of his life on tour, often doing more than 100 shows a year since the 70’s. His latest album, SIDE-EYE, is available now. patmetheny.com

F E BRUA RY 24 T H - 2 7 T H

F EB R UA RY 2 5T H

Disney's Frozen

DR PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 445 S MAGNOLIA AVE, ORLANDO, FL 32801 The Tony-nominated Best Musical, Frozen, is now on tour featuring the songs you love from the original Oscar-winning film, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers. Featuring sensational special effects, stunning costumes, and powerhouse performances, Frozen is everything you want in a musical: It’s moving.

It’s spectacular. And it’s pure Broadway joy. drphillipscenter.com

Jay Leno

DR PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 445 S MAGNOLIA AVE, ORLANDO, FL 32801 | 7:30 PM Acclaimed TV late night show host, admired stand-up comedian, TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, and philanthropist…Jay Leno is widely characterized as “t he hardest working man in show business.” Jay Leno’s late-night television ratings domination included two decades as the host of the #1-rated The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. drphillipscenter.com

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