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March 2023 PUBLISHER

Anthony S Adams | anthony.adams@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Mary Sloan Smart | marysloan.smart@citylifestyle.com

A Home is way more than just a House! HOME. So much is contained in that little four-letter word. Home is our grounding. Our base. Our sanctuary. Our launchpad. It's where we start and end each day. And while the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable. The magical thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back. As we thought about home - we wanted to highlight what makes it special to our readers. That, of course, includes the food and drinks, the aesthetic and design, but most importantly - the people within our community. We feel like the lucky ones as we got to learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise our community and hope the small lens into their lives and work brings people together. As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you'll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you - in our neighborhoods and, most of all - your home. Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as coffee table art or an accessory in their home. We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. We also want to send some love to our Advertising Partners. We support Buying Local! Every one of the businesses and organizations you see advertising in our magazine has been vetted by us and has the same involvement and dedication to our community as we do. Don't forget to follow and like us on Facebook and Instagram at @WinterGardenCityLifestyle. Also, sign up for our Digital Edition and monthly Winter Garden Insider newsletter at the top of Read.WG.LIfe. Thank you for inviting us into your home and sharing your lives with us. Here's to you and your family; live boldly, enjoy our community, be involved, and truly Live Your Best Life! ANTHONY S ADAMS, PUBLISHER @WINTERGARDENCITYLIFESTYLE

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

COPY EDITOR

Candice Hawks | wintergarden@citylifestyle.com PUBLICATION DIR ECTOR

Carey Adams | wintergarden@citylifestyle.com MAR KET SUPPORT MANAGER

Austin Adams | wintergarden@citylifestyle.com STAFF WR ITER

Madison Lambert | wintergarden@citylifestyle.com STAFF PHOTOGR APHER

Austin Adams | Austin.Kenneth.Adams@gmail.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Mary-Sloan Smart, Dr. Wendi Wardlaw, Mike Hafner CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Mary-Sloan Smart, Orlando Outdoor Living, StruXure, The Edgewater Hotel, Mike Hafner, E.J. Rector

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise Proverbs 3:5-6 Winter Garden City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Media Partners LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Winter Garden area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Media Partners’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Media Partners’ does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Winter Garden City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources

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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MARCH 2023

inside the issue The Home Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

08 The Edgewater Hotel

Lifestyle Letter

Local Limelight T R AV EL

Home Update HO ME + DES I GN

Gift Guide S HO PPI NG

Must See HEA LT H + WELLNES S

Expert Help HO ME + DES I GN

Culinary Creations FO O D + B EV E R AG E

A one-of-a-kind historic bed & breakfast hotel

14 Orlando Outdoor Living Indulge yourself bringing your indoors out!

20 Kitchen Must Haves

The Girl in the Green Apron’s Top 10 Kitchen Essentials

28 Tips For Keeping Your Home In Tip-Top Shape Increase the value and beauty of your home

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: E.J. “Eddie” Rector (@ByEddieRector) Eddie reminds us about the beauty of homes from the past.

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The Original Edgewater Hotel

ARTICLE BY MARY-SLOAN SMART (@MRS.MARYSLOANSMART) PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY-SLOAN SMART & THE EDGEWATER HOTEL

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | TR AVE L

The Edgewater Hotel A O N E - O F - A - K I N D H I S T O R I C B E D & B R E A K FA S T H O T E L

You know the comforting feeling of waking up at your grandma's house or a cozy bed & breakfast? Where the sheets are soft, there's the smell of breakfast first thing in the morning, the wooden floors creak below your feet, and the walls are lined with nostalgic pictures. Did you know there is a hotel that exists just like this in our very own town of Winter Garden? The Edgewater Hotel, which is located on Plant Street between the Scoops Ice Cream shop and Earl Brigham's Barbershop, has been a part of Winter Garden since 1926. From the moment you walk through the doors, you feel like you have stepped back in time. Although they have preserved the original 1926 historical feel, this is a wonderfully charming modern-day bed & breakfast hotel. Once checked in, you will be taken up in the original 1926 Otis elevator, where you will get off on the second floor. Here, you are met with a family room seating area furnished with an old-school record player, a beautiful grandfather clock, and a blue couch that Abraham Lincoln ordered to furnish his Vermont estate. The walls are covered in vintage photos that tell the story of the early 1900s. From pictures of the owner's grandfathers during World War II to 1920's celebrities, including Charlie

Chaplin, who is believed to have stayed at the Edgewater Hotel, you genuinely feel immersed in the history of this hotel. Even the kitchen, right next to the living room, was thoughtfully put together with an antique oven, fridge, and dining table, and the cabinets were built out of old wood floors from the hotel. Each room is individually unique with antique makeup tables, mirrors, and vintage-inspired bedding, giving it an extra cozy charm for a one-of-a-kind bed & breakfast hotel. The staff is welcoming, kind, knowledgeable, and passionate about the history of Winter Garden and things to do in the area. They also serve a warm breakfast every morning, which is cooked fresh by them. "This is a family and friends-operated hotel, so we really enjoy each of our guests and always want them to come back. We have many regular guests that have become like family," stated Alicia Wilder, who is a partner with the current owners. The history of the Edgewater Hotel is genuinely remarkable. The hotel was built in 1926 and opened in 1927 as one of the most technologically advanced hotels of its day. Soon after, the Great Depression hit, and people were forced to barter time and possessions for a one-night stay. For a short while, the hotel became an apartment. CONTINUED >

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Original 1926 Otis Elevator

It was ultimately abandoned up until twenty years ago when the current owners bought it. "When the Edgewater Hotel was purchased and brought back to life, this became a key piece to restoring and maintaining Downtown Winter Gardens' historical feel. The owners made a point to have the hotel and Downtown Winter Garden as a whole put on the historical registry", stated Wilder. During the restoration of the Edgewater Hotel, the city put in the West Orange Bike Trail, the train tracks were moved, the Theatre began renovations, and the Downtown Winter Garden that we know and love today was being restored.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | TR AVE L

If you have never heard of the Edgewater Hotel or weren't aware that it is a fully operational hotel, I strongly encourage you to visit and stay for a night – even if you're a local! Not only is Edgewater a one-of-a-kind hotel experience, but you also get to step foot in a rich part of our community's history. "There is so much history here that was uniquely preserved. We want to model this place and tribute it to the history of Winter Garden by keeping it alive" Wilder said. The hotel stays busy and is usually booked, so if you plan on staying for a weekend, make sure to book a couple of months in advance. On your stay, make sure to check out their garden-style back balcony, which is the perfect place to sip your morning coffee and watch the sunrise through the beautiful oak trees. It's important to remember that our beautiful city of Winter Garden is made up of local family businesses. Without the community's support, they wouldn't be here, and our charming town wouldn't exist. So, shop local, stay local, and support local businesses.

“There is so much history here that was uniquely preserved. We want to model this place and tribute it to the history of Winter Garden by keeping it alive.”

MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WI N T E R GA R D E N

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Orlando

Outdoor Living

Indulge yourself bringing your indoors out! ARTICLE BY MARY-SLOAN SMART (@MRS.MARYSLOANSMART) PHOTOGRAPHY BY ORLANDO OUTDOOR LIVING

H OM E U P DAT E | HOM E + DE S I GN

Al & Casey Villamil

After the last few years, we all find ourselves spending much more time in our homes. Whether working from home, homeschooling, or entertaining, we want our home to be a welcoming place. That is why many people are investing in home renovations. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, homeowners undertook 135 million home improvement projects in the last three years, and this trend isn’t slowing down. Houzz & Home show that 55% of homeowners plan to renovate their homes over the next year. Living in Florida means this probably includes your outdoor space. We all want a relaxing oasis to enjoy the beautiful spring days and summer nights. While renovations might be on your list this year, it can be challenging to find skilled and trustworthy companies to complete the project.

Well, look no further; Orlando Outdoor Living is the place to go. Orlando Outdoor Living (OOL) is a local, family-operated business with a team of highly qualified professionals. “We strive to create tailored designs for our customers that are both beautiful and functional”, said Al Villamil, founder and owner of Orlando Outdoor Living. So whether you are looking to have the best outdoor kitchen for barbequing and parties or a sitting area with a fire pit for relaxing family nights, OOL can make your vision come to life. Al grew up in Virginia, where he found at an early age he had an entrepreneurial spirit. When he was a teenager, he started buying cocktail table video games and renting them out for people to play in bars.

He quickly saved up enough to get into college, where he attended the University of Miami. Initially wanting to be a marine biologist, he quickly discovered he hated science. He decided to hone in on his business skills and get his degree in Finance. After graduating, he and his wife moved to Pennsylvania, where he and his father bought a paper company in 1987. After his father’s passing in 1989, he merged the paper business with a new partner. In order to grow their business quicker and more efficiently, Al became a pilot in 1995, logging more than 3000 hours of flight time. During this time, Al also became a professional race car driver and drove in his first professional race in 1995, the IMSA’s Rolex 24 at Daytona; from 20002003, he owned the IMSA BMW race team.

CONTINUED >

MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WI N T E R GA R D E N

H OM E U P DAT E | HOM E + DE S I GN

“MY PRIMARY GOAL NOW, IS TO CONTINUE BUILDING A REALLY GREAT TEAM AND A TRUSTED BRAND IN OUR COMMUNITY”

At this point in his life, Al had two children, and it wasn't easy to be a full-time race car driver and own a growing business. Hence, he competed in his last professional race in 2005, the same race he started his career with, the IMSA Rolex 24 at Daytona. He bought out his partner in the paper business in 2005, where he dedicated all his time for the next five years, growing it into a multi-million dollar company. In 2010 Al sold his paper business to a Sweden-based multinational (100M sales) firm and ran it until 2013. The Villamil family moved to Florida in 2012, where Al continued to grow his portfolio. Over the years, Al has always invested in small businesses and entrepreneurs and ultimately realized that is where his passion lies. He started a plastic recycling company in 2013, which led to him buying other small recycling companies. This all led to his introduction to the owner of StruXure pergolas, Scott Selzer, in 2016. Scott was a middle school teacher who worked during the summer in a construction and remodeling business where he crafted his unique pergolas. After developing a great relationship with Scott, Al created Orlando Outdoor Living and became the exclusive StruXure dealer in Orlando. In 2020 Al sold his other recycling and plastics companies to focus solely on building Orlando Outdoor Living. With quick success, Al quickly expanded the business from just pergolas to a full outdoor remodeling business.

“My primary goal now is to continue building a really great team and a trusted brand in our community,” Al stated. This summer, Orlando Outdoor Living will be opening their first Design Center and Showroom in Hamlin, which will be located right next to Home State Brewing Co. “We want people to see that we are different. We offer products in every price range and are a very custom shop”, Al stated. “We are also keenly aware that everyone values things differently. We offer good, better, and best products because I never assume I know what the client wants or what they would be willing to spend. I want to be a place that anyone can come to and find the right products for them and whatever their budget might be.” The showroom will feature their new pergolas, grills, and kitchen sets and be a place to ignite inspiration. With Orlando Outdoor Living, you can make your own backyard a staycation paradise. Whether you already have a vision or need some creative help, the OOL team will make those dreams a reality. “I love getting to work with my wife, the amazing team we have built, and our customers. Each new project brings its own challenges, and we love finding the perfect solution for everyone”, Al said. In addition, you can relax knowing you are working with a trusted, family-operated business. So make sure you stop by their new showroom this summer, say hi, and get some inspiration for your dream backyard!

MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WI N T E R GA R D E N

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Kitchen Must Haves The Girl in the Green Apron’s Top 10 Kitchen Essentials

ARTICLE BY MADISON LAMBERT (@GIRLINTHEGREENAPRON_)

After navigating dozens of different kitchens over the years while cooking for my clients, I’ve learned a thing or two about the tools and gadgets that make the sometimes-daunting task of cooking feel like second nature. So here are my picks for the best kitchen items ranging from affordable to extravagant.

2) Taylor Kitchen Thermometer ($11.66)

I can’t begin to count how many steaks, tenderloins, roast chickens, cakes, and breads that have been saved by this tool. Using a thermometer takes all of the guesswork out of cooking. I particularly like this brand because of its compact design and lack of tangle-prone wires.

1) Microplane Classic Zester Grater ($15.50) This sleek tool may appear to be your run-of-the-mill citrus zester, but it is so much more. Elevate your recipes by grating garlic into a smooth paste rather than the sharp angular bits you get from a rough mince. Impress your dining companion with gorgeous curly strands of fresh parmesan cheese atop their pasta. And with the proper technique, get every bit of zest from your citrus of choice—no more patchy lemons with chunks of bitter pith missing.

G IF T GU ID E | SHOPPIN G

3) Wire Racks ($15.99)

Foolproof for making mess-free bacon, cooling cookies, and evenly cooking beef tenderloin. Racks ensure even distribution of heat around food in the oven, as well as even airflow for cooling.

4) Williams-Sonoma Prep Tools Straight Swivel Peeler ($19.95)

Every cook’s nightmare is a 10-pound bag of unpeeled potatoes. This gadget makes the peeling process a little less scary and certainly saves you from a bout of carpal tunnel with its curved vegetable-contouring design.

5) Lodge 10” Cast Iron Skillet (19.90)

A New York Strip’s best friend, cornbread’s companion, and the proper home of chicken pot pie, this pan is a favorite among cooking enthusiasts for good reason. So take care of it, and it will last you a lifetime.

CONTINUED >

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6) Lazy Susan Spice Organizer ($19.99)

Consider these turntables a permanent part of your mise en place. Cooking is exorbitantly difficult without easy access to ingredients, and knowing what you have and where it is, is crucial to being successful in the kitchen. Plus, your inner child will get a kick out of all that spinning.

7) Aprons ($19.99) I can’t overstate the importance of a clean apron in the kitchen. I dedicated the name of my business to mine, after all! Pockets for small important things (like a thermometer), a place to keep your kitchen towel close to your body, plus your wardrobe will thank you greatly. Choose a color, pattern, or fabric you like and grab a set of two, so while one is in the washer, you have a backup.

8) Whysko Stainless Steel Bowls with Lids ($28.97)

These wide-bottom bowls with lids are essential for food safety and efficiency. Neatly seal marinating meat, store sauces and dressings away for later, vigorously whisk brownie mix without fear of spillage, and even proof sourdough. And let’s not forget about their stackability for saving precious cabinet space.

G IF T GU ID E | SHOPPIN G

9) Wusthof Classic 6” Chef’s Knife ($135.00)

While this is a pricier item, I consider it to be one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. You don’t necessarily need an entire block of high-end chef’s knives to increase efficiency in the kitchen. One quality knife will do just fine if you keep it clean and sharp. I recommend a 6” for beginners as it’s less cumbersome than the 8”.

10) Instant Pot Ultra 8QT10-in-1 ($143.99)

While crockpots have never appealed to me, this pressure cooker has revolutionized my cooking game. After a busy day of work, you can come home, toss in some beef short ribs and a few veggies, and in an hour, you’ll have the most tender, delicious meat that tastes like it’s been braising in a Dutch oven all day. I even use it on special occasions and holidays when cooking for a crowd because of its huge capacity and foolproof efficiency.

Head over to my page,GirlInTheGreenApron.com,or visit me on Instagram at @GirlInTheGreenApron (don’t forget the underscore at the end) for more recipes, tips, and tricks!

MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WI N T E R GA R D E N

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ARTICLE BY DR. WENDI WARDLAW

FIGHTING INFLAMMATION

M UST SE E | HEA LTH + WELLNE S S

Inflammation as an acute and controlled reaction is good for us. Our body's natural defense mechanism keeps us safe from bacteria and other toxins. The swelling, redness, pain, and warmth are for our protection. However, when it goes wrong, the acute response of our immune system doesn't shut off and becomes chronic. The white blood cells (leukocytes) release pro-inflammatory cytokines, breaking down healthy tissue. This reaction is chronic inflammation. The mouth is the largest bacterial access into the body, connecting directly to the digestive system and the respiratory tract. As a result, the bacteria from the mouth can quickly get out of control and become systemic. Naturally, our bodies are made to defend themselves from oral bacteria with our bacteria-fighting, saliva, and good oral hygiene. However, if the mouth is dry or with poor or inconsistent hygiene, it can lead to systemic bacteria and chronic inflammation. If you have chronic inflammation, check to ensure your mouth is always moist.

Many medications contribute to dry mouth, such as; decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, diuretics, and antidepressants—also, many medications that treat diabetes, cardiovascular, and thyroid disease. To increase your salivary flow, ensure you drink plenty of water, say half your weight in ounces daily, to help control dry mouth. There are also moisturizing sprays ad lozenges that can help. Our saliva neutralizes acids produced by oral bacteria and decreases the microbes that cause disease. Studies point to oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with a severe form of gum disease (periodontitis) to systemic diseases. Periodontal Disease is the loss of the structures (bone and tissues) that support our teeth. This disease is directly linked to artery inflammation, making one twice as likely to develop heart disease. The CDC states nearly half of adult Americans have periodontitis, the most severe form of Periodontal disease. This type is also linked to cancers, Alzheimer's, Diabetes, Respiratory disease, and pregnancy problems. Why is this important? Because 80% of adults over 35 years old, which is most likely the reader of this article, have some form of Periodontal Disease? We cannot separate our mouth from the rest of our body; it's the door. Just like a nitroglycerin tab placed under the tongue can stop a heart attack, oral bacteria enter the bloodstream through the same pathway. Research shows that 120 diseases can be diagnosed in the mouth and that 90% of systemic diseases have an oral footprint. Dentistry is about more than just our teeth; it's our health which is why "A Healthy Mouth IS a Healthy You®." We discussed the importance of having a healthy amount of salivary flow and good oral hygiene. Next, let's look at other ways to decrease inflammation in our bodies.

Dr. Wendi Wardlaw

• Eat Cherries Great for chronic inflammatory diseases, like arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and many cancers. • Healthy Sleep habits Inflammation increases with sleep debt, so wind down and choose to make your sleep a priority for you. • Say No to Non-Nutritious Food Eat less processed meats and candy and drink less soda and alcohol. • Say Yes to Colorful Fruits and Vegetables The more colorful the food you eat, the more antioxidants you get to fight inflammation. • Meditate/Relax Meditate, take a walk, read a book, and relax. This helps you decrease cortisol, your (fight-orflight) hormone, and switches you to rest and digestion mode. As a result, you increase your vitamin intake, strengthening your immune system. We live in an increasingly stressful society, but there are ways we can decrease how stress affects our health. We can choose healthy lifestyles. I want you to be healthy and blessed. But remember, you can't be healthy without a healthy head, so start at the top. A Healthy Mouth is a Healthy You. MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WI N T E R GA R D E N

TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR HOME IN TIP-TOP SHAPE Living in Central Florida provides unique challenges for your home, one of your largest investments. Preventative maintenance not only keeps it looking beautiful and enjoyable it will also pay dividends down the road. We’ve assembled some advice from our community’s top experts on how to keep your home in tip-top shape.

01 COLORWORX Julie Brewer, Owner of local painting company Colorworx (407-717-7142 / ColorworxPainting.com), shared that you should not worry too much about that ugly green ‘stuff’ growing on your home here in Central Florida – It’s mostly aesthetic. You should pressure wash the exterior of your home every year. Mud Dauber nests actually stain the paint, and you will need to touch up the paint after cleaning those off. Depending on sun and shade exposure you should paint your home’s exterior every 5 to 7 years with a high-quality exterior latex/ acrylic or elastomeric paint, which is best for our area.

EXP E RT H E LP | HOM E + DE S I GN

Local Expert Advice On Maintaining Your Home

Renato Nogueira, Owner of Dive-In Pool Service and local pool & spa expert (407-234-1702 / DiveInPool@live.com), informed us that your pool chemicals should be weekly, even for salt-water pools that generate chlorine automatically. Taking care of your pool and spa’s filter is critical; filter pressure should be checked weekly, and cleaning should be performed every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on filter type & size. We have hard water in our area, and the hard-water stains/calcification on the tile can be cleaned with a high-quality ‘tile scale remover’ and pumice stone. Just be careful to rinse well and not swim immediately afterward, as some of these cleaners are acid-base.

DIVE-IN POOL SERVICE

03 NICK’S AC & HEATING

Having your AC go out in Florida is never good, and Dan Orientale, Owner of Nick’s AC & Heating (407-489-5060 / NicksACandHeat.com), says that although no one can predict when you will have an issue, preventative maintenance is key! Have your AC and heating units checked out twice per year, replace filters every 60-90 days, and ensure that the drip pan drains are clean and open. Most high-efficiency homes are designed to maintain one temperature and to lower your utility expenses; it’s best to do away with heating and cooling ‘programs’ and pick a single temperature that works best for you. Also, installing a U/V light in your air handlers is a great way to reduce molds and other allergens in your home.

VENT PRO DUCT CLEANING

Just like your AC & heating system, air ducts require regular maintenance, and as a general rule of thumb, Mike Schumaker, Owner of Vent Pro Duct Cleaning (817-682-2412), recommends duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years, even if you change your filters often. Due to safety reasons and to ensure your dryer’s longevity, dryer vents are more critical and require yearly cleaning.

FERRGO Juan Gomez, Owner of FERRGO, a designer and installer of landscapes, hardscapes, pavers/brick, and water features shares that one of the best ways to increase the value and beauty of your home is by creating elegant outdoor living spaces and beautiful yard designs by combining seasonal colors, perennials, landscaping, and maintenance. He also recommends that hard surfaces such as unsealed pavers, cement driveways/ aprons, and sidewalks/aprons should be pressure washed at least twice a year. Most HOAs require you to clean the sidewalks, aprons, and curbs as well. The value of sealing your pavers is not only aesthetic, but also protects them from sun damage, mold, mildew, and algae. Using a professional to seal your pavers will extend the longevity, and expect about 5 years from a high-quality sealer. Sealed surfaces should be low-pressure washed as needed.

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Beautiful Smiles Creating

Are you resting when you sleep?

Ask about a home sleep study. Same-Day Crowns Available!

“A Healthy Mouth is a Healthy You!” Dr. Wendi Wardlaw One of Orlando’s Top Dentists Ask About Veteran Discounts

(407) 877-0141 · MyStoneybrookDental.com | 15502 Stoneybrook West Pkwy. · Winter Garden

A Winter Garden Historic Hotel With the Comforts of a Bed & Breakfast

We are a family at

Step back in time in this authentic historic hotel where the rich 1926 original experience has been preserved. The B&B is located on the second & third floors of the historic Edgewater Hotel in downtown Winter Garden. While providing modern comforts of today, such as free WIFI, you’ll also receive a delicious cooked to order breakfast. From the antique sinks and fixtures to the original 1926 Otis elevator, the Edgewater is a B&B experience like none other in greater Orlando. FL Resident Multi-Night Discounts, June-August.

Conveniently located within a thirty-minute drive from Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, and downtown Orlando.

407 654 6921 | www.HistoricEdgewater.com 99 W Plant ST. Winter Garden, FL 34787 MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WI N T E R GA R D E N

D ULIN C E PA RT A RY MEN CR T E|ATCATEG ION S ORY | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Making Those Special Dining Occasions Even More Personal,

in your home

MEET PERSONAL HOME CHEF BRIAN GREENE

The demand for a personal chef has skyrocketed during the pandemic, and for good reason. These chefs come to you and will cook an elegant, fun and always delicious meal right there in the comfort of your own home. Chef Brian Greene, a local personal chef, has turned his passion for cooking into his own business. He has been cooking for years, and the passion all started when he began cooking for his family in high school; It was something he was good at and just came naturally to him. He worked at some of the world-renowned restaurants at Disney and took some of those learned skills with him into his clients' kitchens. Once you decide on wanting Chef Greene for your elegant dinner party, intimate date night, or even fun brunch, he will coordinate with you through consultation to find what menu will work for you and your guests. He has a preset menu of crowd favorites but is always open to creative new suggestions. On the day of your event, he will show up early to set up in your kitchen, bringing whatever ingredients he needs to create your special meal. As your guests arrive, he already has a game plan in place on how everything will be served and presented. He even interacts with you and your guests to provide that over-the-top service that you just don't usually get at a restaurant. Each course is plated carefully and without a detail out of place. Chef Greene will then serve each course while explaining what delicious food he has just cooked for you. He also offers a custom cocktail menu or other non-alcoholic drinks if you so choose. We had selected the five-course meal and everything we had left us thoroughly impressed and satisfied. The first course was the chicken corn chowder which was packed full of flavor, and I could hardly believe it was all made that same evening because it had the deep flavors of a soup that had been simmering all day. Next, we had the appetizer, and he had

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE HAFFNER, (@JUSTPOTUS)

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chosen a crab cake with parsnip remoulade; the crab was delicious and was not overpowered by needless breading. This was one of the best ones I've had the pleasure of eating in such a long time. The salad was a simple yet tastefully cultivated winter salad that was light and refreshing. The entrée was the star of the show, and for good reason, it was a filet topped with large garlic herb shrimp and potato leek au gratin. The smells that came from the kitchen while these steaks were cooking had all of our mouths watering. The steaks were a great cut and perfect size, and the shrimp was everything a juicy shrimp should be when you order it and was absolutely devoured. While he was making our last course, dessert, we were worried we wouldn't have room after that incredibly satisfying main course. However, Chef pulled through with a light and airy "brulee citrus with toasted meringue" that somehow still left us wanting more of it by the end of the evening. Few things bond a group of people together like good food, and I think that's precisely what happened over the course of the evening. Thanks to Chef Greene, we had a personalized yet delectable experience while having a blast at the same time. If you are attempting to decide on hiring a personal chef, Brian Greene is going to be the right choice, no matter what you are looking to accomplish.

SUBLIME CHEF GREENE 407-785-5959 | SublimeChefGreene@gmail.com | @sublime_chef_greene

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | PR OF E S S I ONAL S E RVI CE S

THE PIXEL FUND RESCUE

ADVOCACY

EDUCATION

Help Fund our Fabulous Furry Friends The Pixel Fund pet rescue operates with an all-volunteer team, including its board of directors. We rely on our dedicated network of fosters and rescue partners to pull pets to safety from high kill shelters, get them healthy and ready for adoption, transport them carefully, and on our many Facebook and local friends and family members who help us network these wonderful animals to help find them their forever homes.

It is truly a team effort of love and lifesaving! To learn more, foster, adopt or donate today, visit ThePixelFund.org bv @ThePixelFund

IS YOUR TAX BILL DRIVING YOU MAD? You’re not alone. Most people are worried about their future, especially when it comes to retirement planning. That’s why we offer proactive tax strategies and retirement planning services that can help you feel more confident about your financial future.

EVENTS THAT

EMPOWER March 2nd | 12:00 pm LifeWealth Women’s Event: Taking the Madness Out of March with Proactive Tax Strategies

The LifeWealth Group Office

Complimentary Lunch and Presentation

Call 407.229.4129 to schedule your complimentary consultation with one of our advisors or reserve your event seat.

March 21st or 23rd | 6:30 pm Retirement Seminar Market to Table Private Dining Room Complimentary Dinner and Presentation

270 W. Plant Street, Suite 240 Winter Garden, FL 34787

TheLifeWealthGroup.com

Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment products and services made available through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Adviser. MAS and the LifeWealth Group are not affiliated companies. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Any references to protection benefits, safety, security, lifetime income, etc generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investment products. Insurance and annuity product guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Brad Busbin is an employee of The LifeWealth Group offering investment advisory services. Mr. Busbin also can provide legal services. Legal services provided by Mr. Busbin are not subject to investment adviser requirements. All other agents or representatives may not give legal advice and the firm nor its agents or representatives may give tax advice. You are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any purchasing decisions. 1654620 - 1/23