Winter Garden, FL July 2023

Summer Fun

Summer Fun

Summer is so much more than a long break from school. Summer brings a different smell to the air, the sun feels a little bit different on your face, and you relax just a little bit more. While I am now a working adult and no longer count the weeks, days, and hours until the final school bell rings, I still get excited about summer. You would think that by living in Florida the sunny days of July would be business as usual, but it isn’t. I can’t explain why. Summer is a time for planned vacations, spontaneous road trips, cookouts, pool parties, and exploring.

This month’s Winter Garden City Lifestyle Magazine explores the wonder of summer and all local experiences that can make it even better.

Sincerely,

DEVIN ANN CLIFTON, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR @WINTERGARDENCITYLIFESTYLE

PUBLISHER

Nico Parra | nico.parra@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Devin Clifton | devin.clifton@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITERS

Dr. Shweta Patel | Info@gayawellness.org

Vanessa James | MsVanessaJames@outlook.com

Jessica Villegas

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 Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

Learn

July 2023 Scan

Proverbs 3:5-6

i l d r e n a d d r e s s i n g m e n t a l w e l l

b e i n g s u p p o r t g r o u p s t r a u m a - i n f o r m e d t r a i n i n g s f o r o r g a n i z a t i o n s , s c h o o l s , &

c a r e g i v e r s

m e n t o r i n g f o r y o u t h

l i f e c o a c h i n g

p r o g r a m s f o r o u r S p a n i s h s p e a k i n g c o m m u n i t y

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

The First Academy

Dr. Steve D. Whitaker has served as the Head of School at The First Academy since July 2003. During his tenure, the school has advanced a bold spiritual formation agenda, experienced outstanding enrollment growth, and witnessed remarkable scholastic achievements.

Scrunch It Curls

Scrunch It Curls is a local woman-owned curly/wavy haircare company. Devin Ann Clifton started this company after patenting an all new hair towel made specifically for curly hair so it doesn't twist curly hair causing frizz. Scrunch It has evolved to include an all-in-one hair cream and specially designed hair brushes made from the ground up for curly/ wavy hair. scrunchit.com

RealSquare Media

We are your one-stop destination for all your videography and photography needs. As a comprehensive creative content agency, we specialize in assisting businesses and entrepreneurs in taking their brand and message to new heights through exceptional video and visual content. Our expertise spans a wide range of services, including corporate videos, corporate events coverage, captivating social media videos, attention-grabbing promo videos, immersive real estate videos, engaging brand videos and photos, and captivating storytelling videos.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

ARARTICLE BY VANESSA JAMES

THAT WON’T BREAK THE BANK

FUN FAMILY FRIENDLY SUMMER ACTIVITIES

It’s true that Central Florida is a year-round paradise for tourists from all around the world and across the United States.  According to Visit Florida Research, in 2021 metro Orlando alone welcomed nearly 60 million visitors, and not exclusively to see Mickey, Minnie, and the gang at Disney. There is something special about the summers that abound with opportunities that are not only full of fun and excitement for all ages but do not dive deep into your wallet. Not sure where to begin? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Experience Lake Eola Park. This popular destination is situated in the heart of downtown Orlando and is a relaxed favorite for locals and tourists alike. A scenic walking trail circles the lake along with a playground, picnic area, and swan boats available for rental. Throughout the summer, the park hosts enjoyable events like outdoor movie screenings, yoga sessions, food festivals, and concerts. The best part is that they are free.

2. Longing for a peaceful respite from the city noise? Look no further than Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park delivering that and a whole lot more. Visitors experience the grandeur of towering oak trees, along with exotic orchids and a variety of flora. Throughout summer there are outdoor concerts, nature walks, and even yoga classes. Admission is free to the garden, although donations are always welcomed.

3. Drive to the beach just over an hour away from Orlando. New Smyrna Beach is Volusia County’s perfect day trip destination or staycation beach experience Florida is known for around the globe. There are a variety of beachside amenities like restaurants, surf shops, equipment rentals, and free parking.

4. Find your solution to staving off the summer heat. Take a refreshing dip at Wekiwa Springs State Park. Just looking into the crystal-clear waters is enough to cool you off. The waters are chill and inviting year-round, making it perfect for a summer swim. The park also offers several hiking trails leading through lush forests, where you can engage in birdwatching and spot turtles and even gators. The cost for admission is $13 for adults, $8 for children 6-12. Children under five are admitted for free.

Lake Eola Park

5. Bike through the heart of Central Florida. The 22-mile trail takes cyclists through charming small towns, past citrus groves, and shady woods making it a near-perfect retreat from the scorching summer’s heat. Best of all, the trail is completely free to use. All you need to do is bring your bike or rent one from a local bike shop. It’s really that easy!

6. Visit Orlando’s Wetlands Park just east of the City of Orlando. The park offers several walking trails and boardwalks that curl through the marshes and provide opportunities to spot native wildlife, from otters and alligators to a variety of bird species. Admission is free though donations are encouraged.

7. Savor fresh berries! Pappy’s Patch in Oviedo is just under a 45-minute drive from Orlando. It is the berry place for a family-friendly summer adventure with U-pick excursions for a variety of berries, including blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries. You can pick berries to your heart’s content as you stroll through the fields. The farm also sells a variety of homemade jams and baked goods. Admission to the farm is free and the berries you pick are priced by the pound.

8. Enjoy a 30-minute free hitting session with a tennis, paddle, or pickleball pro at the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Nation Campus in Tony Lake Nona near the Orlando International Airport. It offers a familyfriendly viewing of USTA matches at Boxi Park. For more information about events and activities this summer check out the USTA website.

9. Check out the summer's many free and fun activities and events at Icon Park in Orlando that adults and children will surely enjoy. With the interactive water displays that burst water into the air, kids will enjoy cooling off the day at the splash fountain. While dining or having a leisurely walk, you will find streets filled with talented performers, captivating magicians, and musicians for your entertainment. Performances are free to watch and are an entertaining way for adults and children to enjoy.

It may be the array of amusement parks that lure visitors to Central Florida from everywhere in the world, but it is so much more that keeps them coming back. We, locals, are fortunate to explore, experience, and share their magic all year round and without breaking the bank. A picnic in the park, taking a long bike ride, or having a seaside lunch at the beach, there is something magical for everyone to discover, explore, and enjoy all Central Florida has to offer.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

“We locals, are fortunate to explore, experience, and share their magic all year round and without breaking the bank. A picnic in the park, taking a long bike ride, or having a seaside lunch at the beach, there is something magical for everyone to discover, explore, and enjoy all Central Florida has to offer. ”

DIY Your Way To a Bug-Free Summer

Adult- and Kid-Friendly Natural Bug Repellents from A Beautiful Mess

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY A BEAUTIFUL MESS

Adult Blend Kids Blend

(age 15 and over)

MATERIALS:

• 10 drops lemon essential oil

• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil

• 8 drops lavender essential oil

• 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil

• 1.5 ounces distilled water

(minus 1 teaspoon to make room for the essential oils in the bottle)

• .5 ounce 95% proof grain alcohol*

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a 2-ounce spray bottle, add the grain alcohol (or Solubol) and drop in essential oils. Swirl to combine. Place the cap back on the bottle. Allow the oils to disperse in the alcohol for about 1 hour, then add distilled water, swirling again to combine.

MATERIALS:

• 10 drops lemon essential oil

• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil

• 4 drops lavender essential oil

• 1.5 ounces distilled water

(minus 1 teaspoon to make room for the essential oils in the bottle)

• .5 ounce 95% proof grain alcohol*

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a 2-ounce spray bottle, add the grain alcohol (or Solubol) and drop in essential oils. Swirl to combine. Place the cap back on the bottle. Allow the oils to disperse in the alcohol for about 1 hour, then add distilled water, swirling again to combine.

*The grain alcohol is used as a preservative as well as a carrier for the oils, but you can also use a product like this instead of grain alcohol at a 1:4 ratio (1 drop essential oil to 4 drops Solubol) if you’d rather and then just fill the rest with water to fill the 2-ounce spray bottle.

While there can be concern about citrus oils on the skin when exposed to sunlight, lemongrass isn’t a photosensitive oil, and if lemon essential oil is steam-distilled rather than cold-pressed (Oui Fresh essential oils are cold-pressed) it can be used on the skin. So just make sure to note which one your lemon oil is and only spray on clothes if you don’t have a skin-safe lemon oil (which is an application method a lot of people prefer anyway if they are more sensitive to oils).

Find more DIYs at ABeautifulMess.com.

A LETTER FROM Your Future Self

Hey you, Summer is a wonderful time to get refreshed! School is out, the weather is great, vacation season is here, and we finally have a reprieve from holidays and family obligations. What will you do to fill the time? Have you thought about new and meaningful activities that can foster growth and meaning in your life? Maybe, maybe not, and if not, why!? I know, the idea of something totally new might seem daunting, but I really need you to give it a try. Did you know that fresh experiences are critical for your mental health? They generate a flood of endorphins and help with social-emotional skill building like greater resilience, expanding our worldview, improving empathy, and enhancing our confidence. They bring meaning and depth to your life!

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSICA VILLEGAS

Challenge Your Growth This Summer

Truth be told it's not always easy to try new things. Sometimes a negative experience in the past impacts your adventurous, curious spirit causing you to retreat to what is familiar and comfortable and maybe you’ve developed what is called a limiting belief around certain ideas, but c’mon, it’s robbing you (and me) to get sucked into this. Yes, limiting beliefs can be, well, limiting, but you possess the courage to try again. You are capable, you are strong, and you deserve a full and happy life!

I want to encourage you to get out there this summer and try something that challenges your comfort zone! I need you to. You will get a boost in your confidence, a pep in your step, and just maybe, a whole new shift in your life! Here are 3 things to consider that are screen-free, family-friendly and sure to stimulate your mood and those around you:

1. Get out in nature . You live in Florida! There are so many opportunities right in your back yard from nature walks at Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve, to bike rides on the West Orange Trail or a day trip to Rainbow Springs! Time in nature is always a good idea and your brain could use the disconnect.

2. Get creative. Fun for one or a gathering of many, paint parties and creative opportunities are fantastic ways to increase brain health and there is no shortage of them here in Winter Garden. Take your partner, close friends, or your little one on an impromptu rainy-day date to Pinspiration in Horizon West for splatter painting, catch a show at the Winter Garden Theatre. or level up your charcuterie skills at The Modern Host for wine and board-building with friends!

3. Give back . Volunteer in your community! Make the place you call home better for you, your family, and your neighbors. Build friendships. Help others build better lives by sharing your gift of time. This is one of the most fulfilling things you can do, and you don’t have to run a non-profit to make an impact. From volunteering with youth at Eight Waves and filling care essential bags for the homeless with Miles To Go, to corralling the whole family for a day of sorting and packing food for those in need at Second Harvest Food Bank, our communities need help, and you can have a hand in it!

This summer challenge yourself, your friends and your family to try new things, generate deeper meaning, improve your mental health, and build community! Oh, and don’t forget the SPF, your future skin needs it. I can’t wait to see you out there doing big things this summer. TIA.

With Love, Future You

“I want to encourage you to get out there this summer and try something that challenges your comfort zone!”

Fabulous Flatbread

This dish is from Chef Evon Profitt, the director of culinary operations for all of Westside Concepts in Arizona. This flatbread with grilled peaches, house-made rosemary paneer cheese, soppressata, fresh mint, and pistachios with a balsamic drizzle is to die for.

Grilled Peach Flatbread with House-Made Rosemary Paneer Cheese

Yield: 4 flatbreads

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 peaches cut into 8 pieces each

• 12 slices soppressata or any salami

• Fresh mint

• 1 tbsp. olive oil

• ¼ cup pistachios, chopped

• Balsamic reduction

• 4 baked naan bread

FOR

THE PANEER CHEESE:

• 6 cups whole milk

• 2 tbsp. rice wine vinegar

• ½ tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 tsp. kosher salt

HOW TO MAKE PANEER CHEESE:

Paneer cheese is made by curdling milk using an acidic additive such as lemon juice or vinegar. Paneer cheese does not use any kind of rennet, nor fermentation or aging.

In a pot, bring 6 cups of whole milk to 200 degrees. Once milk has reached temp., stir in the 2 tbsp. of vinegar and turn off heat; milk will begin to separate. Allow milk to curd for 5 minutes, strain whey and curds into a cheesecloth-lined colander. Transfer curds to a mixing bowl and add chopped rosemary and 1 tsp. kosher salt, mix ingredients together, reserve the cheesecloth for the next step. Place the curds back into the cheesecloth, pull the corners of the cloth together, ring out excess whey from the curds, and hang for 30 minutes to continue draining. Once the curds have drained, place cheesecloth-wrapped curds back into the colander and place a heavy item on top, in order to press the curds into shape and press more of the whey from the cheese, for 3-4 hours. Use cheese fresh or keep refrigerated up to 4 days.

FLATBREAD:

Brush olive oil onto both sides of naan flatbread, and place in oven on rack for 10 minutes at 400 degrees, or grill for 2 minutes each side. Grill peach slices for 2 minutes each side, or place in oiled sauté pan till each side begins to caramelize. On a cutting board, lay flatbread down, and place grilled peach slices around flatbread. Take small pieces of Paneer cheese and place throughout over the peaches. Be creative and find place for the soppressata or salami of your choice. Garnish with crushed pistachios and torn fresh mint. Cut flatbread, transfer to serving plates, and drizzle with balsamic reduction.

“I love the use of fresh, locally sourced peaches, and giving people the chance to make an easy, versatile cheese at home with ingredients that many already have in their refrigerators and pantries.”

The Mompreneur Summit 2023

An event you can not miss!

ARTICLE BY DEVIN CLIFTON

THE MOMPRENEUR SUMMIT 2023

Date: Aug 31st 2023

10am - 4pm EDT

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando

5780 Major Boulevard Orlando, FL 32819

THIS EVENT IS FOR YOU IF...

• You are a Mompreneur or want to jump into entrepreneurship or have an idea and don’t know where to start.

• You are hungry to grow + expand in your career, business, or life.

• You are craving genuine connections with likeminded Mompreneurs who will support you.

• You are ready to ditch self-doubt and fear, and confidently go after your big ideas.

• You believe in the power of community.

THE TICKET  WILL INCLUDE:

• Opportunity to network and connect with Like-minded women

• Inspiring and powerful Keynote Speakers, covering topics such as persistence, identifying stress; coping strategies and dealing with Mom guilt; Future Self and the power of Believing it until you become it.

• Lunch and mimosas

• DJ and dancing floor

• 360 Photo-booth

• Vendors exhibition

• Prizes

• Swag bag

SOME BENEFITS OF ATTENDING THIS EVENT:

1. Networking Opportunities: TMS 2023 will provide a platform to connect with likeminded women, fellow mompreneurs, industry experts, and potential business partners. Networking can lead to collaborations, mentorship, and access to valuable resources.

2. Knowledge and Education: TMS 2023 will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and workshops conducted by industry

leaders and experts. Attending the summit can expand your knowledge base, provide insights into current trends, and offer practical tips and strategies for business growth.

SPEAKERS:

• Jessica Villegas: Founder + Success Coach at Hi-Lite Coaching + Consulting

Topic: Believing it until you become it.

• Lesline Pittman: Yoga Coach, leslinedoeswellness, LLC

Topic: The 7 Simple Ways For The Busy Mom To Find Peace & Balance.

• Dr. Nicole Ross: Founder, CEO New Perspective  Consulting Services

Topic: How to get your Joy back

• Dr. Marcelline L. Girlie: Founder, Vivid MindsMental Care

Topic: Becoming a Stress Slayer

1. Inspiration and Motivation: Being surrounded by other ambitious and passionate mompreneurs can be highly inspiring. Hearing success stories, learning from others' experiences, and sharing your own challenges and triumphs can foster motivation and drive to take your business to the next level.

2. Access to Resources: You will also have the opportunity to see exhibitors and sponsors showcasing products, services,

and technologies relevant to mompreneurs. This can provide an opportunity to discover new tools, services, and solutions that can enhance your business operations, marketing efforts, and productivity.

3. Exposure and Brand Visibility: By Joining us at TMS 2023 you can increase your visibility within your industry and among potential customers.

Agenda: themompreneursummit.net

For Sponsor opportunities please reach out directly to Viviana Pereira

Just a little about me: I'm the owner, along with my husband, of RealSquare Media - a Media company that focuses on creating photography and videography for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and corporate entities.

I'm also the creator of a local community called "Faces of a Mompreneur" - a group of like-minded women who are all working hard to build their businesses and careers while also raising their families. Being an entrepreneur is tough enough, but being a mom entrepreneur can get really crazy really fast. That's why I'm so passionate about bringing women together to support each other.

The Mompreneur Summit 2023 is an event dedicated to moms who are looking to level up our businesses and lives. It's the perfect opportunity to connect with other likeminded women, gain insights and strategies to take their businesses to the next level, and have some fun while we're at it.

“Are you ready to ditch self-doubt and fear, and confidently go after your big ideas?”

GARDEN TO GLASS

DIY COCKTAILS WITH FRESH HERBS

Nothing says spring like the aroma of fresh-cut herbs in a crisp, cold, cocktail. With warmer weather finally here, growing herbs at home can transform your cocktail hour and add a fresh kick to your springtime favorites.

Growing herbs is incredibly easy and can be done in a variety of ways—from a container in a window, to a planter box in the yard. With a container or garden full of fresh herbs, you will be ready to take your cocktails up a notch.

Basil is a bright herb that is easy to grow and perfect for cocktails. Make sure to harvest immediately before mixing drinks and take leaves from the top to ensure a continual harvest. Fresh muddled basil leaves lend a crispness to the Gin Basil Cucumber cocktail.

Sage is easy to grow and does well in containers. The leaves add an earthy freshness to a refreshing cherry-infused Bourbon.

Mint is also easy to grow, but give it lots of room, as it likes to spread out and is virtually indestructible in the garden. Mint is a versatile herb but is especially lovely in the Rhubarb Mint Mojito.

Try recreating these refreshing cocktails with herbs grown at home and take your cocktail game to new heights!

ARTICLE BY TARA NORRIS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADALYN SINCLAIR

MR. BROWN INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. cherry-sage infused Bourbon

• 0.75 oz. apple brandy or apple jack brandy

DIRECTIONS

• Place over an ice ball in an old-fashioned glass

• Top with ginger beer and garnish with Bordeaux cherries and leaf of sage

RHUBARB MINT MOJITO

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz. white rum

• 1 oz. rhubarb puree (2 cups rhubarb, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water)

• 0.5 oz. fresh lime juice

• 8-10 fresh mint leaves

• soda water

• lemon-lime soda

• ice

DIRECTIONS:

• Muddle mint, lime juice, and rhubarb puree in a glass or small cocktail shaker

• Once muddled, add the white rum and ice

• Top with large cocktail shaker and shake for a few seconds

• Remove large shaker and pour everything into a glass

• Top with more ice

• Add soda water and lemon-lime soda (equal parts to your liking)

• Garnish with mint leaf and lime wheel

GIN BASIL CUCUMBER

INGREDIENTS

• 2-3 fresh basil leaves

• 0.5 oz. fresh lime juice

• 0.25 oz. simple syrup

• 2-3 cucumber slices

• 2 oz. gin

• tonic water

DIRECTIONS

• Muddle basil, lime juice, simple syrup and cucumber slices together in a small cocktail shaker

• Add gin and ice to cocktail shaker

• Shake well

• Strain over an ice ball

• Top with tonic water and garnish with basil leaf and a cucumber slice

CITY LIFESTYLE

Summer Bucket List

Welcome, summer! As a hyper-local publication, we thrive on helping our readers make connections with the cities they live in, the businesses that make up their communities and the inspiring individuals making a positive mark. Are you ready for your most adventurous, fun summer? Here are summer bucket list ideas for you to accomplish this year. We hope you’ll explore a new neighborhood, spend a lazy Saturday afternoon at a new winery or taste the flavors at a local ice cream shop. Let us know what you discover and enjoy! We’d love to hear.

Summer is finally here. Take advantage of the season with our Adult Summer Bucket List. Check off these activities as you complete them with your family and friends and congratulate yourself on a Summer well-spent!

A Healthier Margarita

DISCOVER THE DELICIOUS FRESH TASTE OF A CLASSIC MARGARITA MADE WITHOUT SUGARY MIXERS

ARTICLE BY ANA MEYER

Whether you’re hosting a pool party or simply enjoy sipping the sweet and tartness of an amazing Margarita, this healthier version with these natural ingredients is sure to make your palate happy. This is all fresh ingredients, no mixers. It’s just as easy, much cleaner and better for you!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. Casamigos Reposado or Blanco Tequila

• 1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

• .25 oz. Fresh Orange Juice

• .5 oz. Agave Nectar

• .5 oz. Orange Liqueur

• Garnish with a lime wheel through a skewer

INSTRUCTIONS

• Combine all ingredients into a tin shaker.

• Add ice, shake vigorously and strain into rocks glass.

• Add fresh ice and garnish.

W ITH YO U R K I DS

T H E T I M E TO P L A N I S N O W

It ’s never too early to star t making smar t financial decisions for your child’s future, especially as saving for a college education can have an impac t on your retirement plan. At The LifeWealth Group, we help empower our client s with information regarding the cost, various avenues to fund a college education and other items to consider as they begin this impor tant conversation with their children or grandchildren We believe it is essential to par tner with your children to help them understand their options.

Call 407. 299.4129 to schedule an appointment to take the first steps in the college planning process. We also encourage you to at tend one of our upcoming events. Find us on social media to learn more about this and other impac tful financial topics.