Nona Magazine | Volume 4 Issue 10

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

Get ready for May's Nona magazine extravaganza! This issue gives a big shoutout to all the incredible mothers and mother figures out there Plus, dive into a business spotlight featuring Chris Gentry and real estate wisdom from Orlando House Experts. And that's just the beginning

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

I send lots of Love and support to all the amazing moms out there! Big thanks to The Roger’s team at Lokation Real Estate for their awesome new listing in May’s business spotlight. Cheers to delicious vanilla peach Bellini cocktails and mouthwatering BBQ from Gentry's! Plus, don't miss our special health & wellness features. This was a fun issue to curate get ready to thrive!

CONTRIBUTORS:

The Roger’s Team, with Lokation Real Estate

BEST THING SMOKE’N

ChrisGentry

GENTRY’S BBQ, INC

Meet Chris Gentry, the man behind the mouthwatering flavors of Gentry's BBQ. Chris's journey into the world of barbecue began as a way to cope with loss, but it quickly evolved into a passion that has captivated taste buds and won awards

Inspired by his eastern North Carolina roots, Chris infuses his pulled pork and ribs with a unique twist a hint of vinegar and a peppery finish courtesy of his signature Roscoe's Mop Sauce Cooking on large offset smokers with wood splits, Chris masterfully manages the fire, resulting in consistently delicious flavor that keeps customers coming back for more.

While Chris has transitioned from owning a retail BBQ store to focusing on pop-ups and community events, his commitment to bringing people together through great food remains unwavering. Whether it's serving up brisket at a brewery or raising money for charities, Chris believes that barbecue is more than just a meal it's a catalyst for connection and joy

With accolades like winning a world championship at Memphis last May with his mustard sauce, and more recent the winner of this year ’ s Lake Nona Social’s “The Cookout”. Chris has solidified his status as both an innovator and a pit master.

His advice to newcomers? Dive in, enjoy the experience, and don't be afraid to make mistakes along the way After all, barbecue is about embracing the journey and savoring every delicious moment. So if you ’ re hankering for some good ole smoked goodness, be sure to follow @gentrys bbq on instagram for pop-up locations, dates, and times

Gentry's BBQ, where every bite is a taste of tradition and a celebration of community.

YIELDS: 6 TOTAL TIME: 10 mins

INGREDIENTS

12 oz fresh or frozen peaches

2 tsp. honey

1 tsp. Pure vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. orange zest (optional)

1 (750 mL) bottle Prosecco, chilled

6 sprigs fresh mint, for serving

DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Defrost peaches on a plate for 1 hour in the refrigerator, or about 3 minutes on high in the microwave. Drain excess liquid and transfer to a blender.

Step 2: Add honey, vanilla or ginger, and orange zest (if using) to blender and blend until smooth Taste, and add more honey if necessary

Step 3: Refrigerate peach puree until cold, about 30 minutes. When ready to serve, add about 2 tablespoons puree to the bottom of each serving glass. Top with Prosecco, add a sprig of fresh mint, and serve.

WINTER PARK WINE & JAZZ

Last year, I stumbled a local fave in the Winter Park community - the Winter Park Wine & Jazz Experience. It was a fusion of two of my favorite things: smooth jazz melodies and exquisite wines The atmosphere was electric, with the tinkling of glasses mingling with the soulful tunes, creating a symphony for the senses.

As I sipped on a velvety red, I found myself swaying to the rhythm, surrounded by a sea of smiling faces. The event wasn't just about indulging in the finest wines; it was a celebration of life, love, and the joys of living in the moment

This year ’ s event will be held on Thursday May 23rd. As this year ’ s Wine & Jazz event approaches, I've already marked my calendar, eagerly anticipating another evening of blissful melodies and delightful flavors. It's not just an event; it's a tradition, a highlight of the year that I look forward to.

So, if you ' re looking to add a touch of magic to your month, mark YOUR calendar and rally the crew to experience the first wine event of the Summer.

Protecting Your Peace:

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP BOUNDARIES FOR EVERY STAGE

OF LIFE

by:Aaron Smith

It takes more than just love to have a healthy relationship. Maybe you ’ ve heard the phrase, “You have to love yourself before you can love someone else.” While this is hardly true, there’s another perspective along similar lines to take Often, people who struggle with self-love also struggle with setting healthy boundaries Without healthy boundaries, it’s difficult to establish a relationship that sets you and your partner up for success.

We can figure out the right boundaries for us by investing in our relationship with ourselves. In fact, many people consider setting boundaries to be an act of self-love If you struggle with setting boundaries, that’s normal Strategies such as hypnosis therapy and journaling can help change that. Keep reading to learn how to form a healthier foundation for your relationships–romantic or otherwise.

WHAT ARE BOUNDARIES?

The Oxford Dictionary definition of a boundary is, “ a line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line ” When it comes to relationships, boundaries are abstract limits that mark what you are or are not willing to do for the other person. These boundaries may refer to physical, emotional, or virtual restrictions or requests that encourage autonomy, selfrespect, and comfort For example, a boundary in a relationship could be that you need at least one day of the week to yourself

Boundaries are not ways to try to control someone else. For instance, setting a “boundary” that your partner is not allowed to have any friends of the opposite gender or not allowed to go out alone is unhealthy and toxic. This reflects deep issues with jealousy, and that is no excuse for trying to control your partner Instead, a healthy version of this boundary may be that you expect monogamy and loyalty from your partner.

It is also normal for your boundaries to shift over time. Change is the only constant in life– new information, major life events, and more can impact your boundaries. Let’s consider that you used to be your friend’s go-to person to vent to, but you are trying to manage one of those major life events yourself, such as a family member falling ill with colon cancer This venting is taking a new toll on your mental health and adding on top of stress due to your current struggles. There is nothing wrong with setting a new boundary that this friend should reduce how often she vents to you. If you ’ re worried about her mental health, you can offer to help support her in finding a therapist.

DEVELOPING HEALTHY BOUNDARIES

Unfortunately, many people struggle with setting healthy boundaries From difficult childhood experiences to traumatic past relationships, it can be easy to slip into toxic patterns and peoplepleasing.

Boundaries include fear of rejection, guilt or shame, bad habits, external pressure, and codependency. No matter what stage in life you are in, there are solutions to help face these issues with support Options such as hypnotherapy for codependency and couples or family counseling are great strategies to overcome any challenges.

Most importantly, regardless of your age or relationship status, having a strong relationship with yourself is key to establishing healthy, meaningful boundaries Here are some scenarios of important boundaries that may help at any stage of life:

THE MOST COMMON CHALLENGES PEOPLE FACE WHEN

SETTING:

Many emerging adults in their twenties struggle with figuring out what makes them happy and overly rely on their partner or friends to make them happy. Instead, the healthy boundary is for you to accept responsibility for your own happiness.

As parents, it can be difficult to set boundaries with your children. It’s vital that parents demonstrate healthy boundaries for their children to model Some examples include setting physical boundaries, like making it clear that your child should respect your personal space In return, you must also respect their boundaries and not disrespect their personal space either

Nowadays, with location-tracking apps like Life360, it’s easy to overstep boundaries with your family, partner, or children It’s important to have a meaningful, open discussion with anyone you share your location with before signing up for these apps For example, if your spouse agrees that you can share location purely for safety reasons, it would be a violation of their boundary to use their location to show up unexpectedly at their location or use their location information to shame them

As we get older, it becomes an expectation to care for aging parents Depending on the level of care your parent needs, being a caregiver can be a lot to handle without a support network Feelings of guilt can get in the way of setting healthy boundaries in these scenarios, such as taking time to understand your limits and engage in self-care

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Whether you try something new like hypnosis therapy to get better at setting boundaries or already know what’s right for you, boundaries are meaningless if not communicated properly. Talking about boundaries shouldn’t be a one-time thing, either. As life happens and factors change, boundaries shift You should also be checking in with others regarding their boundaries as well It’s just as important to respect the boundaries of others as it is to establish your own

GET READY FOR SUMMER FUN AND STORM SEASON IN FLORIDA!

Ah, Summer in Florida – the perfect time for outdoor adventures, backyard barbecues, and lazy days by the pool But along with the sunshine comes the potential for tropical storms and hurricanes Don't let stormy weather rain on your parade! With a little preparation, you can ensure your home is ready for both summer fun and storm season.

1. Outdoor Oasis: Spruce up your outdoor space for endless summer enjoyment. Clean and organize your patio furniture, invest in some colorful cushions and outdoor rugs, and add some potted plants for a fresh touch Consider installing a misting system to keep cool during those scorching days.

2. Pool Prep: Make a splash this summer by ensuring your pool is in top shape Clean filters, skim debris, and check chemical levels regularly to keep the water sparkling. Don't forget to inspect pool equipment and repair any leaks or damage.

3. Storm Survival Kit: Assemble a storm survival kit with essentials like non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and important documents. Stock up on supplies early in the season to avoid the last-minute rush.

4. Secure Outdoor Items: Prevent potential hazards by securing outdoor furniture, grills, and decor when storm warnings arise. Bring in loose items that could become projectiles in high winds, and trim trees and shrubs to reduce the risk of falling branches

5. Reinforce Windows and Doors: Protect your home from storm damage by reinforcing windows and doors with storm shutters or plywood. Consider investing in impact-resistant windows and doors for added peace of mind

6. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on the weather forecast and heed any warnings or advisories issued by local authorities. Have a family emergency plan in place and designate a safe room within your home.

With these tips, you can enjoy all the joys of summer in Florida while staying prepared for whatever Mother Nature may bring. So, grab your sunscreen, fire up the grill, and get ready for a summer to remember!

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SUMMER WELLNESS!

Sup, fellow wellness warriors! With summer just around the corner, it's time to embrace the sunshine and all the fabulous activities that come with it Get ready to kick off your sandals and dive into a season filled with health, happiness, and vitality!

First things first, let's talk about staying hydrated. As the temperatures rise, it's crucial to keep sipping on water throughout the day Add some sliced fruits like strawberries or citrus for a refreshing twist that'll keep you cool and hydrated.

Next up, let's get moving! Whether it's a morning jog, a sunset yoga session, or a dance party in the park, find a fun way to stay active that suits your style Not only will it boost your mood, but it'll also keep your body strong and energized.

And of course, let's not forget about nourishing our bodies with delicious summer fruits and veggies Load up on juicy watermelon, crisp salads, and grilled veggies for a tasty and nutritious boost.

Lastly, don't forget to take some time to relax and recharge Whether it's a day at the beach, a picnic in the park, or simply lounging in a hammock with a good book, make sure to carve out moments for self-care and relaxation.

So, here's to a summer filled with health, happiness, and endless fun in the sun! Let's make this season our best one yet.

SIP & PAINT

Exclusive event previews

Local news updates

Lake Nona happenings

Private event access

Discount opportunities included