Laureate Park Insurance Partners assist Lake Nona families with home and auto insurance.
Mecatos Bakery
Mecatos Bakery & Café is giving a fresh twist to happy hour.
CULINARY CORNER
Southern Cornbread Dressing Pumpkin Spice Martini
The great debate. When should Christmas decor make a debut?
NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER
November’s Nona Magazine issue spotlights Laureate Park Insurance Partners and Ana, owner of Mecatos Bakery & Café. Enjoy a recap of the 6th Annual Pretty in Pink breast cancer brunch, two cozy Fall recipes, and more community highlights!
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
November’s Nona Magazine brings you a spotlight on Laureate Park Insurance Partners, dedicated to helping Lake Nona families with home and auto needs, plus Ana of Mecatos Bakery & Café, reviving happy hour vibes! Enjoy our recap of the 6th Annual Pretty in Pink brunch, along with two festive recipes—a Thanksgiving classic and a cozy Fall flavor—plus more!
The 6th Annual Pretty in Pink Breast Cancer event, featuring the wonderful women of Lake Nona alongside our community partners.
The owner of Mecatos Bakery & Café is revamping happy hour in Lake Nona.
Southern Cornbread Dressing
The
Maintaining Well-Being During the Holidays: Financially, Physically, and Mentally.
Since opening in 2018 Laureate Park Insurance has been committed to serving the Lake Nona community with personalized home and auto insurance solutions. With over 50 years of combined experience, their team of local Florida experts works closely with each client, ensuring they understand their coverage options and are fully protected
Laureate Park Insurance go beyond offering generic plans, instead taking a holistic approach to craft coverage tailored to the unique needs of Lake Nona residents. Whether protecting homes from hurricane damage or offering customized auto policies, their advisors make sure every client’s future is secure
One example of their impact was helping a family who unknowingly lacked proper Bodily Injury Liability on their auto policy. After their teen driver was involved in an accident, the coverage they recommended protected them from financial hardship
Laureate Park Insurance prides themselves on being more than just a service provider they’re a trusted neighbor, supporting the community through education, volunteer work, and local partnerships The team’s goal is simple: safeguard what matters most to you.
Nestled in the heart of Lake Nona, Mecatos Bakery offers a delicious slice of Colombian culture, thanks to owner Ana’s passion for sharing authentic flavors “We wanted to create a welcoming space where everyone can experience a slice of Hispanic culture,” she says Mecatos brings the rich traditions of Colombia to this vibrant community, where Ana has found tremendous support and inspiration.
For those on the go, mobile ordering through UberEats, EZ Cater, or Mecatos’ app makes it easy to enjoy their offerings. Popular picks include stuffed arepas, tequeños, and iced lattes, perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal. And if you ’ re looking to relax, the cozy patio overlooking the lake is ideal for unwinding with a freshly brewed Colombian coffee
Step into Mecatos, and you’ll find a menu bursting with Colombian and Latin American treats From savory empanadas and arepas to sweet tres leches cake and guava pastries, there’s something for everyone The café even hosts a daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p m , featuring $2.99 coffees, 2-for-1 sangrias, mimosas, and beer, plus a tempting “buy one, get one half off” deal on burger combos.
Mecatos also offers a catering service that’s perfect for any gathering. Whether it’s a corporate breakfast or a festive celebration, Anna and her team are dedicated to delivering the authentic flavors of Colombia to every event. With a variety of traditional bites and desserts, Mecatos ensures that every guest gets a taste of Colombian hospitality
With exciting plans for the future, Ana is committed to growing alongside the Lake Nona community. Mecatos Bakery is more than just a café it’s a community hub that brings people together, one delicious bite at a time
NEUROTOXIN INJECTABLES
MORPHEUS8
IPL / LUMECCA
FORMA (RADIO FREQUENCY)
LASER HAIR REMOVAL
MICRO-NEEDLING WITH EXOSOMES
MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS
DE|RIVE HAIR RESTORATION
FACIALS
FILLERS
THE GREAT HOLIDAY DEBATE:
SHOULD CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS GO UP BEFORE OR AFTER THANKSGIVING?
It’s that time of year again – the debate over when to deck the halls! For some, it’s never too early to sprinkle a little holiday cheer around the house As soon as Halloween’s over, they’re eager to bring out the twinkling lights, wreaths, and maybe even a fully decorated tree After all, if the stores start Christmas displays in October, why shouldn’t they join in on the early festivities?
But others hold firm to the belief that Thanksgiving deserves its own spotlight These traditionalists argue that putting up Christmas decorations too early overshadows this day of gratitude and family gatherings. For them, the real kickoff to Christmas is the day after Thanksgiving, when leftover turkey sandwiches are eaten to the sounds of “Jingle Bells” and holiday decorating truly begins
So, where do you stand? Do you believe in giving Thanksgiving its own time, or is an early celebration the best way to make the most of the “most wonderful time of the year”? Whether you ’ re pro-early decorating or a Thanksgiving devotee, it’s hard to deny the joy that those festive decorations bring Let us know your thoughts does the garland go up before or after that pumpkin pie?
EXPERIENCES
TRAVEL
Join our exclusive private membership and unlock a world of adventure, taste, and connection! Dive into extraordinary group travel experiences across the globe, tailored to satisfy your inner wanderer.
From savoring world cuisines during curated food tastings to mingling with like-minded members at chic rooftop socials, each event is crafted to inspire, connect, and entertain
Imagine sunset views while enjoying exquisite dishes, exclusive discounts with our community partners, and a lineup of unique events designed just for you Whether it’s a spontaneous city escape, a bespoke culinary journey, or a chance to explore hidden gems in vibrant destinations, our members are at the heart of it all
Say goodbye to the ordinary and hello to the extraordinary! Ready to take your social calendar up a notch? Join us and be part of something truly memorable
Our Pretty in Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Brunch was a beautiful gathering, filled with compassion, support, and strength, as we came together to raise awareness for breast cancer. We are deeply grateful to our title sponsors, AdventHealth and Nur Med Spa, for their unwavering commitment to this cause. Thanks to their generosity, this event was made possible and had an incredible impact on all attendees.
A big thank you goes out to our amazing bar sponsors, The Drip Bar and Unik Title, for keeping spirits lifted We are also grateful to our community partners Lightly Salted Salt Spa, Pristine Spa, Apricot Lane Boutique, Aubrey James Photography, Ronin Productions, and Bacàn at the Wave Hotel for helping make this brunch an unforgettable experience Bacàn at the Wave Hotel graciously hosted our event, creating a stunning and inviting atmosphere.
Our guest speaker, Dr. Saima, general physician and owner of Nur Med Spa, shared her powerful personal story of how breast cancer has touched her family. Her heartfelt talk emphasized the critical importance of self-care, regular mammograms, and self-checks. Dr Saima’s words resonated deeply, reminding us all of the vital role we each play in caring for our health.
Special thanks to the wonderful staff, whose dedication ensured every guest enjoyed a delicious meal in a setting that felt both comforting and inspiring It was a truly memorable day dedicated to honoring survivors, supporting those currently battling, and spreading awareness for a cause that touches us all Thank you for joining us in our mission!
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup butter or margarine, divided
3 cups cups self-rising white cornmeal mix
1 cup all-purpose flour
7 large eggs, divided
3 cups buttermilk
3 cups soft, white breadcrumbs
2 large sweet onions, diced
4 celery ribs, diced
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh sage
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1 Tbsp. seasoned pepper
7 cups chicken broth
DIRECTIONS:
Melt butter in a baking dish:
Place 1/2 cup butter in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish; heat in oven at 425°F for 4 minutes
Make cornbread mixture:
Stir together cornmeal and flour; whisk in 3 eggs and buttermilk
Add batter to pan:
Pour hot butter into the batter, and stir until blended Pour batter into pan
Bake cornbread:
Bake at 425°F for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool. Crumble cornbread into a large bowl; stir in breadcrumbs, and set aside
Sauté onions, celery, and herbs:
Melt remaining 1/2 cup butter in a skillet over medium heat; add onions and celery, and sauté 5 minutes Stir in sage, parsley, and seasoned pepper; sauté 1 minute Remove from heat, and stir into cornbread mixture.
Make dressing mixture, and add to baking dishes:
Whisk together chicken broth and the remaining 4 eggs; stir into the cornbread mixture
Pour evenly into 1 lightly greased 13- x 9-inch pan and 1 lightly greased 8-inch square pan
Bake dressing:
Bake at 400°F for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown.
STAYING HEALTHY DURING THE HOLIDAYS:
CONQUER COMMON SEASONAL STRUGGLES
CONQUER COMMON SEASONAL STRUGGLES
he holiday season is a time for celebration, but it often comes with challenges to staying healthy. With a few smart strategies, you can enjoy the festivities without sacrificing your wellness
Holiday Parties and Social Gatherings
From office parties to family dinners, holiday events are filled with tempting treats. To stay on track, eat a balanced meal before heading out; this can help curb excessive snacking. At gatherings, aim for smaller portions, allowing you to sample everything without overindulging.
Reduced Physical Activity
Busy schedules and cooler weather can disrupt workout routines, making physical activity harder to prioritize Squeeze in movement where you can: take a brisk walk after a meal, opt for stairs over elevators, or plan fun activities like ice skating or holiday hiking Even small efforts help maintain energy and combat holiday sluggishness
Financial Stress
The pressure to spend more during the holidays can lead to stress, impacting health. To avoid this, set a realistic budget early on, and focus on experiences rather than expensive gifts. Cooking a healthy meal together or planning an active family outing can provide meaningful connections that don’t stretch your finances. Enjoy the season while prioritizing your wellbeing it’s the best gift you can give yourself!
PUMPKIN SPICE MARTINI
What You’ll Need:
2 ounces Rumchata
1 ounce Pumpkin vodka
1 ounce Vanilla vodka
1 tablespoon Pumpkin pie spice for the rim
1 tablespoon Maple butter for the rim
1 cup ice for your shaker
To a plate large enough to fit the rim of your martini glass, spread the maple butter, and dip the rim of your glass ensuring there is a thin layer of maple butter.
To a plate large enough to fit the rim of your martini glass, add the pumpkin pie spice and dip/roll the maple-buttered portion of the glass ensuring that the spice sticks to the maple butter.
To a cocktail shaker, add ice, vanilla, pumpkin vodkas, and the Rumchata
Shake for about 20 seconds, before straining and pouring into your maple and pumpkin spice-rimmed glass.
