Scarlett | January + February 2023

January+February 2023

C.2elebra.3tion.4 Treat Yo' Self!

The latest in women’s fashion, beauty, home decor, lifestyle, and health.

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Facial Waxing • Lash and Brow Tinting Eyelash Extensions • Lash Lifts Brow Lamination

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Celebrate with perfect

LASHES

Book Your Appointment Today

DESTIN • 850-424-4479 PENSACOLA • 833-627-1705 PANAMA CITY BEACH OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • WWW.AMAZINGLASHSTUDIO.COM

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What’s Inside Features 29

CELEBRATION Fashion

Home Decor

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59

We’ve got you covered with the latest in celebration style!

The Cardonas are an excellent representation of the American dream. Read about their journey to home ownership.

Get Ready with Me

WOTY 2023 Winners Woman of the Year Awards

You have spoken! The votes are in for Woman of the Year categories ... take a look!

Health 19

Mental Health

Celebrate yourself! We have some ideas on where you can start.

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67

Body Talk

There are ways to ensure your next doctor’s appointment leaves you feeling heard and seen. Here are some tips on how to find a doctor that’s a good fit for you.

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Foodie

Celebrate together with a perfectly cooked piece of prime rib.

Throw Me Something, Mister!

It’s time for Mardi Gras. Whether you’re a serious partier or just want to celebrate with your friends, you’ll have the perfect excuse to live it up a little — to explore the fun vibe of the city, to collect those infamously gaudy strands of Mardi Gras beads, and indulge your inner rebel.

Beauty 104

Get the Look

Like what you see? Here’s how to match our style.

Tour of Homes Pensacola

Lifestyle 34

WOTY Top Three

THE Woman of the Year is in this bunch. Here’s a little about them.

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A Few Good Men

Leaders, mentors, partners, gentlemen ... a few good men.

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Back to Basics

Check out these laundry tips and tricks to help make the chore more manageable.

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Happy Hour

Nothing says “celebrate” quite like an elegant cocktail — here are three of our favorites.

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Hobbies

Beginning a new hobby can be overwhelming, but we have some ideas to get you going ... yarn work!

www.ScarlettMag.com

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January + February 2023

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See what’s happening this season at HarborWalk Village in Destin.

Read any good books lately? Here are our picks to get you started.

Before diving in, turn up this specially curated playlist inspired by this issue.

The Main Events

Cover to Cover

Listen Up!

scan here 11

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| There’s Something About Mary

Celebrating You

A

s the great Lizzo once said “ … Baby how you feelin’? GOOD AS HELL,” and at Scarlett we are feeling good as hell because it’s celebration season, baby! For us, the party didn’t stop on New Year’s Day. Not us honey, we are rolling through the first few months on a high.

We are starting the new year and the THIRD year of Scarlett off right with the Celebration issue. First off, the incredible women from our community are being recognized at our upcoming WOTY 2023 awards. If you know, you know. If you don’t, let me share with ya. It’s about 100 categories from nail tech to interior designer and all the baddies in between.

We also have THE Woman of the Year. Our top three, Megan, Teresa, and Karah are all incredible forces to be reckoned with.

We are focusing heavily on celebrating yourself in this issue of Scarlett. For me, I struggle to remember that I deserve to be celebrated. I just welcomed a beautiful new baby boy into the world. It is so easy for me to look in the mirror and see the 20 extra pounds, the bags under my eyes, and the 5th day in a photography by: Shanna Magnuson row of dry shampoo in my hair. However, this year I am choosing to celebrate. I am choosing to celebrate my body for carrying, nurturing, and birthing a healthy baby. I am celebrating myself for absolutely slaying the postpartum depression that hit me like a freight train.

I am celebrating small victories like everyone enjoying the dinner I cooked last night and crushing my work goals. I’m buying the latte on my way to the office, I’m taking an extra 5 minutes to soak in the bath, I’m getting the manicure, and I’m binging Yellowstone because I DESERVE IT … and so do you.

This year, we are celebrating ourselves. If we don’t, who will? Let’s take back our confidence and do the damn thang ladies. Go on the trip, buy the treat, dump whoever isn’t serving you. You deserve to be celebrated, queen.

In the spirit of celebrating ourselves, we are making changes for the better. We are introducing some new departments and said goodbye to some from the last two years. Scarlett is happy to celebrate our third year and appreciate your friendship and support. Don’t forget to get social and follow us on Instagram @Scarlett.Magazine - and like us on Facebook - Scarlett Magazine - for all things Scarlett. Our TEAM will continue to bring you the latest in women’s fashion, beauty, home decor, lifestyle, and health because frankly, we know you give a damn!

Mary Aho Editor

www.ScarlettMag.com

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On the Cover January+February 2023

e decor, lifestyle, and health.

C.2elebra.3tion.4 Treat Yo' Self!

The latest in women’s fashion, beauty, home decor, lifestyle, and health.

Cue the Confetti The confetti isn’t the only thing giving sparkle and shine. Meet our cover girl, Erika LaDuke. In the Celebration issue, we are celebrating ourselves in more ways than one. Erika did a photo shoot highlighting the most amazing thing, herself. There are so many ways to treat yo’self and a photo shoot where you look and feel fab is one of the best ways. So let’s celebrate, ladies, with the newest issue of Scarlett.

photography by: Shanna Magnuson model: Erika LaDuke

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Who is Scarlett?

The Team

Steve Barber

Mary Aho

Publisher steve@scarlettmag.com

Editor mary@scarlettmag.com

Kristin Frazier Copy Editor

Jessica Graña Creative Director

Shanna Magnuson Lead Photographer

www.ScarlettMag.com

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Contributors Here they are ... our amazing team of contributors. Smart, talented, opinionated.

The strength of this group is incredible. Scarlett is possible because of their wisdom, vision, perspective, and passion for their work because frankly, we know you give a damn.

We are proud to surround ourselves with this incredible talent: .

Steve Barber, Publisher Mary Aho, Editor Jessica Graña, Creative Director Kristin Frazier, Copy Editor Shanna Magnuson, Lead Photographer Kristina Wright, Photographer Harrison Barber, Distribution Emily Brink, Writer Jessica Duncan, Writer Courtney Murray, Writer Liesel Schmidt, Writer

Special Thanks Reagan Pommier - Dillard’s Cordova Mall

STUBBS ORTHODONTICS 850.678.8338 STUBBSORTHO.COM 17

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| Mental Health

C.2eleb.2rate You.3 written by: Courtney Murray

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www.ScarlettMag.com

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N

ew Year’s Eve 1999. It was the big Y2K craze, and the world was on the precipice of something new and exciting — the 2000s. Here we are 23 years later, and while we might not have flying cars everywhere or robot assistants to do our chores like the Jetsons, we might have something far more meaningful. We are finally starting to realize and recognize the importance of mental health. This is the year to celebrate yourself. Time seems to be speeding up these days, and it can be extremely hard to take that much-needed break for yourself. Our culture celebrates staying busy, with women in particular being praised for “being able to juggle it all” and constantly multitasking. Many of us are wearing a multitude of hats on a daily basis — mom, boss, friend, spouse, employee, chef, chauffeur, house manager — and the list goes on and on. Women are natural caretakers and often feel that innate pull to help others. But who’s helping you? Who’s celebrating you? While you may not be able to ditch all of your responsibilities and jet off to the Caribbean, you can start small with little glimpses of “you time” sprinkled into your daily routine. Big or small, these gestures toward yourself will start to pay off in no time at all. Speaking of the Caribbean, a vacation

or staycation is the perfect way to celebrate yourself. Taking the time to plan and save for your dream getaway or sneaking off for a weekend with your spouse or girlfriends in a nearby city can give you something to look forward to and an opportunity to blow off some steam.

Celebrating yourself is an instant mood lifter. There’s nothing like a treat-yourself-day to pick you up when you’re feeling down. For a lot of people, looking good makes you feel good. A spa day, changing your hair, buying a new shade of lipstick that makes you feel happy or getting a whole new outfit are all fun ways to shake off those cobwebs weighing you down. Shopping for something that brings you joy whether it’s clothes, home décor, or beauty isn’t just fun, retail therapy is proven to boost your mood. A study found that 62% of shoppers bought items to cheer themselves up, and 28% purchased in celebration of something. Alert your credit card companies, there might be actual psychological benefits of shopping! It makes you feel in control, brings happiness, can provide a distraction when you’re sad, creates opportunities for social interaction and, on top of all of that, saving up for something special can be therapeutic.

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While retail therapy is definitely fun, working on yourself from the inside out is key to treating yourself with the love you deserve. Adopting a fun new workout routine is a great way to get motivated about fitness. If you find yourself in a rut, most areas have a wide variety of fitness classes to dip your toes into from spin and barre to boot camp and Pilates. There’s something to fit everyone’s needs. And, everyone knows that eating healthy equates to feeling good. But how do you make it fun? One way to celebrate a healthy body is to take a cooking class. You’ll learn some new skills, enjoy some social interaction, and you might spark the joy of cooking.

Another program to incorporate into your self-care routine is meditation or journaling. These are both free and simple ways to get out of your head and to force yourself to slow down in this incredibly fast-paced world.

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Now that you’re looking and feeling at the top of your game, it’s time to capture it. A photoshoot is a fun and creative way to celebrate yourself. With the rise in popularity of Instagram, anyone can curate a DIY photoshoot at home or on the go. You can hop on Amazon and order everything from backdrops and props to ring lights, camera remote clickers, and tripods. If you’re looking to book a professional shoot, Facebook is a great place to start the search for talented local photographers to make your vision a reality. Photoshoots for yourself can be for headshots for work or just because it’s a Tuesday. Professional shoots are also perfect if you’re celebrating a big milestone with family or friends that you want to commemorate.

Whatever you choose to do for yourself this year, make sure it’s a celebration!

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| Playlist

celebration

This one is for all the lovers out there! Valentine's Day has us feeling fine. Turn down the lights, grab your honey, and slow dance in the kitchen to this issue's Valentine's playlist.

Scan to Listen

2 Be Loved (Am I Ready) Lizzo

Lovey Dovey Kinda Lovin’ Brenton Wood

Love Me Like You Do Ellie Goulding

Someone Like You Van Morrison

I’ll Never Fall In Love Again Kristin Chenoweth, Sean Hayes

Love Shack The B-52’s

Late Night Talking Harry Styles

You Can’t Hurry Love The Supremes

Light Switch Charlie Puth

Something Stupid Michael Bublé, Reese Witherspoon

This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) Natalie Cole

The Good Ones Gabby Barrett

All Your’n Tyler Childers

Let’s Get It On Marvin Gaye

Betty (Get Money) Yung Gravy

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Thank You for Voting

Haley Blaise THE BOSS

850-200-0573 • CruisinTikisDestin.com

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Proudly Celebrating 40 Years in Service Alice Baker Allison Brandt Angela Sherrill Ann Hall Ann Mitchell Bailey Macon

Beth Wood Bobbi Godwin Bonnie Sparks Charlene Bogan Chris Buskey Cindy Sanders Cindy Spence Claire Gallo Debbie McKinney Garrett McGinnis

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Glenda Gainey Hope Cleveland Jeff White Jenny Smith Jim Vickers Joe Wanek

John Connell Judy Lewis Ken Manziek Kim Grauel

Kristine Connell Lanne Goolsby Leslie Banks Linda Vickers Linda Petty Lou Howard Magda Clanton Mary Bryan

Mary Todd Melanie Behrends Mick Novota Mike Harris Mike Thorsen Miller McCombs Morgan Hamrick

Pam Glover Pat Boudreaux Peggy Branch Penny Feeser Rita Hawthorne Sam Rogers Sharon Powell Shirley Pope Suzanne Manziek

Theo Baars, III Tiffany Maybin Tina McGhee Wendy Hunter Will Maybin

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WOTYS

2023

WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Winners

PRESENTING SP ONS OR

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T.2HE W.3OTY - TOP THREE Presented by Hancock Whitney in no particular order ...

W.4ELLNESS The Alternative/Natural Medicine Tara Santosuosso Chill Cryotherapy - Pensacola The Audiologist Star Lange-Richey Riesberg Institute - Pensacola

Teresa Halverson The Manor at Blue Water Bay Niceville

The Cardiologist Mary Mehta Nemours - Pensacola

Megan Harrison

The Chiropractor Lizzie Snow Rise Chiropractic - FWB

Walton Area Chamber of Commerce Santa Rosa Beach

The Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Lygia Nabors Nabors Family & Cosmetic Dentistry - FWB

Karah Fridley-Young Destin Charity Wine Auction Miramar Beach

The Dentist Dr. Ashley DuBois Shoreline Dental Studio - FWB The Dermatologist Haley Martinez Lewis, DO Dermatology Specialists - Panama City The General Practitioner Dr. Karen Hoffman White-Wilson Medical Center, P.A. - FWB

Our 2023 WOTY Sponsors

The Nurse Therese Ruiz Ritchie AIDS Healthcare Foundation - Pensacola The Nurse Practitioner Brittani Hass Renew Aesthetics & Anti-Aging Clinic FWB The OBGYN Yolanda Jones Ascension Sacred Heart - Miramar Beach

Allyson !"#$%&'(

The Optometrist Dr. Grace Tegenkamp Fifty Dollar Eye Guy - Pensacola The Orthodontist Dr. Casi B. Stubbs, DMD Stubbs Orthodontics - Niceville/Destin

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The Pediatrician Crystal Tidwell Ascension Sacred Heart - Pediatrics Santa Rosa Beach The Pharmacist Katelyn Tidwell Fisher's Pharmacy - DeFuniack Springs

The Jeweler Ashleigh Woolly Beyond Measure Jewelers - Destin The Local Retailer Carolyn Brigman McCaskill & Company - Destin

The Musician Caroline Majure Dreamcatcher Vocal Performance Studio Destin The Photo Booth Provider Geraldyn Martinez Lumi Pod Photo Booth - Shalimar

The Physical Therapist Victoria Berry The Hand Center of the Emerald Coast - FWB

DINING.6

The Photographer Sonia G Cheeky Eye Candy Photography - Niceville

The Physician Assistant Jennifer Richardson, PA-C Gary Gotthelf M.D. & Associates - Pensacola

The Barista Rae McCollum Coffee Guy Cafe - Pensacola

The Tattoo Artist Lillith Able Three Fates Tattoo - Pensacola

The Podiatrist Dr. Francia Squatrito Bay Foot & Ankle Center - FWB

The Bartender Maggie White Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House - Sandestin

The Videographer Kiara Watson Kiara Watson Video - Destin

The Vein/Vascular Care Provider Danielle McGraw Renew Aesthetics & Anti-Aging Clinic FWB The Veterinarian Dorothy Flynn Cat Clinic of Destin - Destin

The Caterer Jami Jones The Big Red Truck - Destin

The Wedding Planner Stacy Green Forever I Do - FWB

The Woman’s Health Provider Kathleen Hensley The Crane Center, LLC - Destin

RETAIL.5 The Boutique Owner Alyssa Jamieson ClasSea Chic - FWB The Bridal Consultant Maggie Matthews Margaret Ellen Bridal - Inlet Beach The Clothier Shannon Evans S&K Boutique - Pace The Formal Wear Provider Courtney Fitzsimmons Don Alans - Pensacola The Furniture Retailer Jill Good Unwind Furniture Co. - FWB

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The Chef Carrie Knife Knife's Edge Private Chef & Catering - FWB The Hostess Kasidy Braden Marina Cafe - Destin The Restaurateur Heather Thomas The Edge Seafood Restaurant & Skybar Destin

A.2RTS & ENTERTAINMENT.5 The Artist Estelle Grengs Estelle Studio & Gallery - Freeport The Balloon Artist Chelsi Canan Blushing Balloons - Pensacola The Dance Instructor Danielle Oplaski Fred Astaire Dance Studios - Pensacola The Dancer Lydia Gallup Luminary Entertainment Company - Panama City

SERVICE PROVIDERS BEAUTY

The Aesthetician Lacie Roldan Renew Aesthetics & Anti-Aging Clinic FWB The Esthetician Allyson Shirley Allyson Skincare - Destin The Hair Stylist Kelsey Evanko Wave & Company Salon - FWB The Lash Technician Nerissa Luna Renew Aesthetics & Anti-Aging Clinic FWB The Makeup Artist Jo Rich Jo Rich Beauty - Pensacola The Nail Technician Angela D'Alessandro Southern Charm - Pensacola

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The Permanent Makeup Trinkette Parker Permanent Makeup Clinic - Pace The Seamstress Ruthy Allgyer Ruthy's Creations & Alterations - Pensacola The Stylist Reagan Pommier Dillard's Cordova Mall - Pensacola

HEALTH

The Coach Amy Day Everyday Nutrition - Pensacola The IV Therapy Provider Marcella Jackson Renew Aesthetics & Anti-Aging Clinic - FWB The Massage Therapist Stephanie Knight Escape Wellness Spa - Pensacola The Personal Trainer Aly Gray Aly Gray Fitness - FWB The Weight Loss Provider Rachael Smith Magnolia Medical Clinic - FWB

HOME

The Association Manager Missy Flinchum Newman-Dailey - Destin The Interior Designer Bunny Hall The Perfect Plan - Destin The Mortgage Lender Tracy Frick University Lending Group - Pensacola The Property Management Riane Hughes 360 Blue - Santa Rosa Beach The Real Estate Professional Residential Jessica Duncan Jessica Duncan Team BHGRE Main Street Properties - Pensacola

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The Real Estate Professional Commercial Tonya Zimmern The Zimmern Team - Pensacola The Real Estate Team Leader Crystal Watkins The Watkins Group - Destin The Title Company Originator Shawn McCorkle Genesis Land & Title - Pensacola

BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS

The Lawyer Michelle Anchors AnchorsGordon - FWB The Loan Officer Annette Battle The First Bank - Mary Esther The Marketing Professional Heather Ruiz Bit-Wizards - FWB The Military Service Member Megan Fortna Air Force 96th LRS - Eglin AFB

The Ambassador/Influencer Madrina Ciano Step One Automotive/Maserati - Pensacola

The Nonprofit Director Kimberly Watson The Watson Family Foundation - Pensacola

The Banker Lane Redding Progress Bank - Inlet Beach

The Office Manager Rhonda Nelson Renew Aesthetics & Anti-Aging Clinic FWB

The Boat Captain Pam Kane Smile N' Wave Sailing Adventures The Boss Haley Blaise Crusin' Tikis - Destin, Pensacola, Orange Beach The CEO Mary-Frances Mullins Amazing Lash Studio - Destin, Pensacola The Charter Fishing Guide Jonelle Bell Destin Charter Service - Destin The CPA Debra Henry Debra Henry, CPA The HR Director Teresa Kaliski Simple HR The Insurance Agent Jennifer L. Bone FBBInsurance The IT/Web Designer Janae Erickson Frances Roy Agency - Valparaiso The Law Enforcement Khaliqa Wheatley Walton County Sheriff's Office

The Philanthropist Shawn Tomasello Destin The Printer Tracy McCreary Southern Star Printing & Promotionals - FWB The PR Maven Whitney Lee True Story PR - Pensacola The Social Media Guru Cali Hlavac To Do in Destin - Destin The Teacher/Educator Samantha Johnson J. M. Tate High School - Cantonment The Travel Agent Chelsea Decoux Travel With Chels - Santa Rosa Beach The Volunteer Kathryn Murphy Creel Jr League of Pensacola - Pensacola

2023

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| WOTY TOP THREE

Teresa Halverson Director of Development and Community Relations, The Manor at Blue Water Bay Niceville, FL

written by: Emily Brink photography provided by: Teresa Halverson

C

ommunity involvement is in Teresa Halverson’s genes.

Growing up in Dover, North Carolina, Teresa’s mother was a pioneer for women in the small, rural town. Her actions throughout the community helped other women achieve their personal and professional goals. Her mother’s passion led Teresa to the health care community and taught her to care for others who cannot always care for themselves. Teresa’s grandmother was another strong female presence in her life. She would go visit the seniors in the small town, bringing cookies and well wishes. Teresa grew up in a caring environment and learned quickly that passing on those feelings will enrich and bless the community at large.

Teresa met her husband, Bob, in North Carolina. After his career in the Air Force came to an end, they settled in Niceville, Florida. It was there they raised their son, Garret, who is now an Officer in the USMC as an F-18 pilot. Teresa has been employed by The Manor at Blue Water Bay in Niceville for the past 18 years and has loved every minute. She began as a temporary social worker and then moved to admissions and marketing. Today, Teresa serves as the Director of Development and Community Relations for the facility.

The Manor at Blue Water Bay is a locally owned and operated, 120bed skilled nursing and in-patient rehabilitation facility. They offer post-acute care as well as long-term residential living options. Their staff are highly trained and compassionate caregivers who work tirelessly to

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help patients and residents return to their highest level of functional ability.

As a 5-Star CMS and Joint Commission-certified facility, The Manor will be celebrating 30 years of excellence in health care to the community in January 2023.

Employees are not the only people helping make The Manor run smoothly.

They also have a very active volunteer program and are always welcoming new volunteers. Anyone with a special talent or activity they would like to share with the residents is welcome to join the group. Oftentimes, residents will receive no visitors and would love for someone to read to them or just have simple conversations. Arts, crafts, music, and one-on-one visits make their lives brighter during their hardships.

Throughout our lives, each person we meet is unique and can influence our lives differently. Each experience makes us stronger individuals. Teresa’s parents provided a strong foundation of ethics, hard work, and faith. Her personal interactions have helped shape her into the person she is today and led her to live a service-oriented life. She has always been involved in the community, and making new friends or helping others was very important to her. She quickly realized that her desire to remain involved in the community came from her passion for others and for making a difference in their lives.

With a husband who loves and encourages Teresa’s passions, she spends a lot of her time giving back to the community. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber, the Chairman of the Board for the White Wilson Community Foundation, a Board Member for the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, and the NWFSC Foundation. Previously, she served on Boards for the Fisher House and the Niceville Valparaiso

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Chamber. Teresa was also selected as an Honorary Commander for the 53rd Wing at EAFB, 505th Training Group at Hurlburt, and 4th Battalion Group at the 7th Special Forces. Each of these positions has a special place in Teresa’s heart, and she truly believes in their missions. Her involvement with them has made her life richer.

Teresa would love to tell her 20-year-old self to love and accept herself the way she is. She would want to love herself more and forgive herself for past mistakes. However, she believes we should not dwell on things we wish we could’ve known at 20. Life is a journey, and it is our responsibility to learn from our past experiences.

Involvement is also a journey for Teresa, and she does not feel like she is done. There is so much more for her to accomplish and so many other ways for her to enrich the lives of the community and the residents of The Manor. She does something every day to help this area be a great place to raise families, live, work, and retire. She is

proud of her accomplishments and looks forward to what comes later.

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| WOTY TOP THREE

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Megan Richards Harrison

President + CEO, Walton Area Chamber of Commerce Santa Rosa Beach, FL

written by: Emily Brink photography by: Shanna Magnuson

A

s a Walton County native, Megan Richards Harrison is proud to be a positive influence in the community.

She currently lives in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, with her husband and two sons. Megan grew up with parents who set strong examples of how to be a good member of society and their influence really helped shape her into the woman she is today. Her mother transitioned from a position within the county government to a successful business owner when Megan was 9 years old. Watching her learn and grow as a business owner has inspired Megan. Her father completed an incredible career with CHELCO in 2012, where he had many opportunities to serve the community through leadership positions and volunteering.

The idea that you get from your community what you put in has been a big motivating factor for Megan. She wants to grow Walton County into somewhere her boys can have fantastic careers and a place where her neighbor’s children can thrive as well. Building a better community for the future generation of leaders is a strong step in the right direction. Getting to serve in the community she grew up in has been an incredibly rewarding process. She gets to live and invest in a beautiful area, and it is truly her most gratifying accomplishment.

Professionally, Megan is the President and CEO of the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce. She is excited to offer assistance to businesses in Walton County, the fastest-growing county in Florida. More and more people are shopping locally and new businesses are opening and thriving. It is definitely an exciting time!

The Chamber of Commerce is set up to help businesses — large and small — flourish in the community. Its mission is to be the leading voice for businesses, which means they are always working to advocate on behalf of local businesses. Members of the Chamber of Commerce have access to networking activities and low-cost and high-quality training opportunities. They also have a mentorship program, Mentoring Emerald Coast, and a leadership development program, Leadership Walton.

Chamber membership comes with marketing perks like an online directory listing, social media benefits, newsletter opportunities, and online job postings. Megan and her team do everything in their power to help businesses in Walton County have all the tools they need to run a successful and profitable pursuit.

In addition to all of the perks listed above, the newest

endeavor through the Chamber of Commerce is the offer for businesses to purchase health insurance for their teams. Health insurance can often be one of the biggest pocket-drains for businesses, but small businesses with low enrollment are able to lock in group rates. This has proven to be a big cost saving for businesses and the Chamber is very excited they get to provide the benefits.

Community involvement for Megan does not end with the Chamber. She serves on the Walton County Economic Development Alliance Board of Directors, the Northwest Florida Chapter Board of Directors for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, the Advisory Board for Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, a Board Member for Scenic Walton, a member of the North Walton Tourism Advisory Committee, Board of Directors for the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals, and the President of the Emerald Coast Gator Club. This is only the list of current service commitments. Megan’s list is incredible! Her service has been extremely rewarding, and she hopes to continue finding more opportunities to invest in the community through servant leadership.

Megan’s greatest female influence is her sister, Emilee.

She has blazed trails in her 20-year career at Johnson & Johnson and has more patience than anyone Megan has met. Emilee is spontaneous, unpredictable, generous, and loving. Megan hopes to be just like her someday!

Leadership positions are no walk in the park. Megan’s advice is to lead by example and remember that leaders are learners too. Every person has a lesson to teach us, so make sure to capitalize on that. Surround yourself with diverse individuals who you can lean on in times of need. Remember that it is rewarding, but when you get overwhelmed it is okay to take a step back and rest. There are opportunities everywhere to get involved so choose something you’re passionate about and jump in. Megan is also happy to help connect anyone interested in finding a place where they fit in well.

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| WOTY TOP THREE

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Karah Fridley-Young

President, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation Santa Rosa Beach, FL

written by: Emily Brink photography provided by: Karah Fridley-Young

I

nvesting in the younger generation is one of the best ways to ensure a positive future for society. Karah Fridley-Young has always had a passion for helping kids.

She grew up on the Emerald Coast and currently lives a few miles down the road in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

When she was at Auburn University she majored in Child Development and then interned with a nonprofit in Arizona focused on helping children. The kids, their futures, and their lives have always been her inspiration to be involved and make a difference in the community.

Today, Karah is the first female President of the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. Their mission is to connect with wine enthusiasts to raise money to benefit Northwest Florida children in need. They first began in 2005 and have since raised more than $25 million dollars for various charities in Northwest Florida. This feat is accomplished through hosting world-class wine and culinary events. The funds they raised have gone on to impact the lives of 100,000 youth, including those afflicted by health issues and abuse. Their annual event has even been recognized as one of the nation’s “Top Charity Wine Auctions in the US” by Wine Spectator for the past 10 years in a row.

Being named the first female president of the foundation has been an absolute honor for Karah. She has big shoes to fill in this new position, but she is qualified and up for the challenge! Karah plans to double the $25 million over the next five years and reach $50 million in total distribution.

Her proudest moments happen each year at the Check Presentation Ceremony. The reactions and the testament to the awarded funds continue to be great motivators. It is a special moment to see her hard work turn into a beautiful and needed gift for someone else. Knowing that these funds will be used to better the lives of children in the local communities make it all the more worthwhile.

For anyone eager to become a supporter of The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation there are so many places to start! Financial opportunities include sponsorship, buying tickets to events, and participating in the bidding. The gift of time by serving on the board or a committee is also welcome. Finally, sharing individual or business resources with the foundation by contributing to the auction

lots is a vital part. More information can be found at DCWAF.org or by giving Karah a call at (850) 650-3732.

If the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation doesn’t quite fit your style, Karah would like to encourage you to ask yourself what motivates you in terms of giving. What causes are near and dear to your heart, your values, and your lifestyle? Seek those causes out and find a way to be involved and give back through those organizations.

If the cause does not connect with you, there will be less motivation to give up your time and effort. No charity is better than the next, all that matters is that time is spent investing in the community. For a list of 17 charities that are near and dear to Karah’s heart, visit DCWAF.org/ charities.

If Karah could tell her 20-year-old self anything, she would tell her to work hard and be consistent. Her advice for current leaders is to trust themselves. Keep the vision of why this work matters at the forefront of your mind.

Practice resilience, have humility, and play to strengths. It was only through a lifetime of choices and experiences that she became the woman she is today. The good choices and the bad ones led her to this point, and she is grateful for these opportunities coming her way.

Karah is surrounded by strong, capable women. If she had to name her greatest female influence she would say her mother. However, she couldn’t let this opportunity pass without giving a shout out to her team at The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. Kate MacMillan, Mindy Holscher, and Brooklyn Bain all bring passion, joy, and brilliance to the work. Karah is grateful to work in their presence and learn from their experiences.

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WOTY WINNER.4S 3 2 0 2 r u o o t s n io at ul Congrat r Award Winners!

Woman of theedYe2a023 at the top of their These ladies rowcke couldn't be more proud. game, and

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Samantha Johnson - J.M. Tate High School THE TEACHER 2023 Samantha Johnson, an Academic Advisor at J.M. Tate High School in Escambia County, is on a mission to ensure that all students know their worth, grow beyond their expectations, and achieve what they think is impossible through the power of learning. Samantha grew up in a military family and, as a child, traveled all over the world. She graduated from the University of West Florida with a bachelor's degree in Teaching and Learning and she is currently working towards earning her master's degree in Educational Leadership. She has served students in Escambia County Public Schools for seven years in a variety of roles including being an Exceptional Student Education Teacher, Exceptional Student Education Department Chair, and a Positive Behavior Intervention Support Chair. She has spent the majority of her career advocating for and supporting students with disabilities.

Samantha is heavily involved in volunteering for local nonprofits and youth sports organizations. She believes serving her community is one of the most important aspects of her life. Recently, Samantha was chosen by her community for the Treat a Teacher award from Pen Air Federal Credit Union. She is honored to be selected as Woman of the Year for Education and the opportunity to represent her community and fellow educators.

Samantha knows this would not be possible without the support of her family and friends, as well as everyone at J.M. Tate High School, including Principal Laura Touchstone.

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A.2 Few Good Men.4

en — can’t live with them, can’t live without them. But luckily we’ve found a few good men! Leaders, mentors, partners, gentlemen.

There are approximately 161.6 million men in the United States. That’s a big number, but all we need is a few good men to make a difference. We are lucky that the Gulf Coast has as many good men as they do palm trees. Our area is booming with strong male role models helping to lead the way and to guide the younger generations down the right path.

These men are out there in our community making a real difference. They are running businesses, they are volunteering, they are working at the local nonprofits, they are fathers, and they are husbands. These men are juggling all of these jobs and are doing it with style and grace. Being a good man is more than just following the rules, it’s being the individual who goes above and beyond.

It’s being the man who isn’t afraid to stand up for what is right. A truly good man is one whose traits perfectly balance out. He is both strong and sensitive, a leader but can also take direction. A good man is someone you can look up to.

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| A Few Good Men

Travis J. Watkins

Co-Owner + Operator, Davis-Watkins Funeral Homes Fort Walton Beach, FL

written by: Emily Brink photography provided by: Shanna Magnuson

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ravis J. Watkins strives to change the negative connotation around the funeral business and the difficult feelings associated with it. Throughout his life, he has found innumerable reasons to associate beauty with the industry and hopes to pass that feeling on to his clients.

Travis is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer who, along with Joel Davis, owns and operates Davis-Watkins Funeral Homes and Crematory. They first started in 2006 and now have operations in Fort Walton Beach, DeFuniak Springs, Crestview, and Miramar Beach, Florida. With an additional funeral home in Hartford, Alabama, their plans to keep growing are not stopping anytime soon.

As a funeral professional, Travis feels privileged to care for and be entrusted with a loved one. When he first began his career he was an intern at a conglomerate funeral home.

He learned the depths of compassion needed for the job and grew to love it. However, he did not love the profit-based mindset of the big corporation. That is why he eventually started his own company and has loved it ever since. He serves every religion, race, culture, socioeconomic status, political party, and various circumstances available. The best part is that he gets to see love on a daily basis and experience how deeply love can heal hearts. He does not take his job lightly and finds it truly rewarding to help people during their darkest moments.

Even from a young age, Travis felt called to the funeral industry. He grew up in Wabash, Indiana — a small town where the funeral home was one of the biggest and nicest buildings around.

It always drew his attention as a young boy. At the age of 10, he was the youngest newspaper carrier in town. He had the paper delivered by 5 a.m. each day and went door to door collecting payments. The relationships he built with the residents of the town led him to attend many funerals and pay respect to those on his route who passed on. He was the kind of person who viewed funerals as family reunions and valued those moments. When he was 12 years old, his older cousin was killed in an automobile accident. It was during this hard time for his family that Travis truly began understanding the depth of pain felt by families who lose a dear loved one. He had a deep need to help people through their grief. He wanted to be the one to comfort them and be equipped with the necessary skills to do that.

Travis is the proud father to two young children and lucky to have a loving spouse. He hopes to instill deep values into his children through his own demonstration. His spouse

shows him unconditional love that he is forever grateful for. Travis would say that his mother is his greatest female influence. She is the most regular influence throughout his life who taught him countless lessons about serving others.

She always accepted him and acted as his biggest advocate in life.

If Travis could tell his 20-year-old self anything, he would say not to sweat the small stuff. Enjoy yourself, your family, and your friends, but don’t forget to be kind, humble, and compassionate.

Community involvement is a huge part of Travis’ job and he looks forward to continuing that influence for many more years. He enjoys seeing those he mentors become caring and successful people because that is what this business is all about. He feels like the biggest compensation does not come from money but from genuine, heartfelt thank yous and knowing that they made a difference in someone’s life.

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| A Few Good Men

Aleksandrs Prokopcuks Owner, Sunrise Cafe and Bakery Panama City, FL

written by: Emily Brink photography by: Shanna Magnuson

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hile growing up in Riga, Latvia, Aleksandrs Prokopcuks always had a passion for delicious food. He was always that kid helping his mother in the kitchen and whipping up yummy treats. In Riga, he went to culinary school and began his professional career in the food industry. When Aleksandrs moved to the United States, he brought his passion and dream to one day open his own shop.

Today Aleksandrs lives in Panama City, Florida, where he is the proud owner of Sunrise Cafe and Bakery. His little shop on Front Street Road serves breakfast and lunch all day. Every morning they serve freshly baked croissants and donuts. Their menu boasts breakfast, lunch, coffee, ice cream, pastries, and cakes. He even curated a special European menu that gives locals a taste of foods they have never tried. Some favorite dishes include Manty, Samsa, Borscht, and more! The dishes on the European menu change frequently based on availability. The unique cuisine is really what sets the Sunrise Cafe and Bakery apart from everyone else.

In the future, Aleksandrs hopes to begin working with local schools in the area for fundraising events. They would cater the event and a portion of the sales would go back to the school. It would be an awesome way to build the community.

Family is such a huge part of Aleksandrs’ life, which is why his mother was his first greatest female influence.

She taught him the importance of family and how to be a genuine and good person. Unfortunately, his mother passed away in 2011, which has been a huge loss in his life. Thankfully, Aleksandrs had his amazing wife, Moret, to lean on during the hard times. She has grown to be an incredible influence in his life and a wonderful support to Aleksandrs. After many years of trying, they were finally blessed with two wonderful children. Becoming their father is Aleksandrs’ greatest accomplishment. Family truly is everything to him.

Looking back, Aleksandrs would tell his 20-year-old self to stay focused and listen to the advice of older business professionals. With focus and influence, his dream of opening his own business would be possible. He would also tell himself to invest, become more financially stable, and not have as many credit cards.

Having a family-owned and -operated business, Aleksandrs and his team strive to create a positive and

effective environment. They have a strong team who works together to get the job done. For anyone on the team looking to grow, Aleksandrs gives them that opportunity and encourages self-improvement. The small, focused business model gives them the opportunity to indulge in creative thinking and encourages everyone to bring their specialties to the table. Everything from special dishes, desserts, drinks, etc. are invited to the menu for customers to try. Aleksandrs has an open-door policy with all of his employees. Some of the staff have even been with him since the day they opened. Aleksandrs truly cares and loves each one of them and wants to help them succeed in their goals. He is happy to have the opportunity to make his own dreams come true and wants to forward that happiness to anyone else he can.

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| A Few Good Men

Stephen Rampersad Chief Advancement Officer, The Arc Gateway Pace, FL

written by: Emily Brink photography by: Kristina Wright

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ith a resume full of community-building endeavors, Stephen Rampersad is no stranger to spending a good chunk of his time investing in the community around him. He has spent the past six years living in Pace, Florida, part of Santa Rosa County. Stephen is invested in making the community he lives in a better and safer place. He moved to the area from Central Florida and has enjoyed turning this little part of the world into a slice of home.

Stephen is the proud father to two boys. They are lovely little humans who bring light and joy into his world. Being their father is Stephen’s proudest accomplishment.

Currently, Stephen is the Chief Advancement Officer for The Arc Gateway, a Food Raising Friends Board Member, Ambassador for Greater Pensacola Chamber, an Assistant to his sons at Project Broken Crayon, and a third and fourth grade Basketball Coach for the Clyde Gracey Community Center. Before his current role, he was a professional Firefighter. He also served on the Board of Directors at The Arc Gateway before accepting his current position.

As Chief Advancement Officer for The Arc Gateway, Stephen is proud to be helping valuable members of society find a place where they can lift those around them and make important contributions to the community. Their mission is to provide the best possible life experiences for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They promote independence and community inclusion and help the folks who come to their program become more integrated and functional in society. The Arc does not focus on the disabilities of its members, instead they focus on the abilities of each individual. They do their best to harness those abilities and turn them into something people will be proud to show off and that individuals will have a need for.

Stephen was inspired to get involved by his parents, Robin and Zorida. They always encouraged him to be kind and generous and tried to teach him proper values. Stephen was raised in a religious family who would often quote the scripture Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you do for the least of these you did for me.”

This sentiment and the golden rule of, “Do unto others as you would have done unto you,” became sayings that stuck with Stephen and helped to guide him on the path of community involvement. As a parent himself, he tries to instill a very similar philosophy in his boys. He and his wife often tell them, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”

Women have always played critical roles in Stephen’s life, and he has three amazing female influences to highlight.

First, his wife, Christen, is a tremendous support and a wonderful mother, wife, and friend. She is the glue that holds his family together. Missy Rogers, CEO of The Arc Gateway, is an extremely caring and compassionate leader, mentor, and friend. The third is Madrina Ciano, who has engulfed herself in a world of philanthropy and goodwill.

Stephen feels proud to be tagged #sidekickstephen in her community involvement projects.

If Stephen could tell his 20-year-old self anything, he would admonish him to worry less and fish more. Stephen is humble when it comes to his projects, but he looks forward to the next few years. His family plans to continue finding and supporting nonprofit organizations that will make a difference in the lives of their community.

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March+April 23

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Tour of Homes Pensacola |

The American Dream with Special Guest Writer

Jessica Duncan

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’d like to introduce you to the Cardona family to kick off the new year! The Cardonas are an excellent representation of the American dream.

Richard, Jeimy, and their children, Sebastian, Samir, and Amaia, are originally from Puerto Rico. I had the pleasure of meeting them when they were searching for the perfect home for their growing family. When Hurricane Maria passed through Puerto Rico in 2017, it completely devastated their hometown. The hurricane caused Richard and Jeimy to lose their jobs and forced them to move into an 800-square-foot home in the Pensacola area. For the Cardonas, a home means a place where the entire family can gather, even when that meant sharing their 800-square-foot home with nine family members and one bathroom. They’d cycle all the kids through bath time every night, and they’d all play in their living room, never losing hope for the future.

Moving to Pensacola created new opportunities for the whole family and gave them room to do what they loved. For Richard, that’s being a Barber and helping everyone in any way he can. As for Jeimy, she’s had a love for baking ever since childhood and now runs her

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own Cottage Baker business out of their kitchen where she bakes cakes, cookies, and other desserts. Despite the hardships, she knew she was working toward the family dream.

When I learned about their story, I was touched and inspired by their positivity and commitment. When we first sat down for a buyer’s strategy meeting, we were able to create a plan for them to buy their dream home. Since they’re business owners, we connected them with a lender so they could determine what needed to be done to purchase a home. After creating the plan to move their family out of their rental home and into a house they could call home, Richard and Jeimy immediately went to work and were ready to buy in three short months. We began checking out neighborhoods and homes in the Pace area. After searching for a few weeks, we were able to secure the perfect house for the Cardona family.

Though it was tough leaving behind family in Puerto Rico, the Cardonas are thrilled to be able to host the whole family and accommodate everyone comfortably in their new home. As for their new home, talking about it brings the family to tears. Richard expressed that owning their home is one of their largest accomplishments, and he feels like he’s made it when he thinks about where they live. Their kitchen is special to the entire family because it brings everyone together where they can eat, laugh, and make memories. For Jeimy, this kitchen meant the ability to expand her passion for baking. Sebastian and Samir love their new home too. They both agreed that they love having their own playroom designated for all their toys and activities. Knowing they picked the right home to raise their family brings Richard a sense of relaxation.

One of Richard and Jeimy’s favorite memories was seeing the look on their children’s faces when they got to see their new home and told them it was where they’d grow up.

One of the family’s favorite things about their neighborhood is that everything they could ask for is nearby.

Groceries, shopping, entertainment, and several restaurants make it a convenient location to access anything they’d like.

Jeimy has befriended other moms in

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the neighborhood and has friends whose children go to school with their kids right around the corner. Sebastian’s dreams have come true now that he can enjoy baseball, football, and karate in his new neighborhood.

Through such a challenging experience, Richard and Jeimy remained firm in their faith that everything happens for a reason and believed they were led where they were supposed to be — in their beloved new home. They agreed never to look back and think about what could’ve been, but instead to always keep looking forward.

They’re so excited to raise their children with the belief that everything that happens makes you stronger, always be kind, and help others. Meeting the Cardonas is one of the highlights of my real estate career. It’s not just about selling houses; it’s about helping families create a home and the best future possible. It was about helping them achieve the American dream.

Jessica Duncan Real Estate Agent

Jessica Duncan, an award-winning, top-producing Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Main Street Properties, is driven by a passion for providing the highest level of service with integrity to clients in her hometown.

Jessica was born and raised in Pensacola, educated at the University of West Florida, and is deeply rooted in her community. She has a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Finance and prides herself in being innovative in real estate sales and marketing strategies, a skillset sharpened through 12 years in the corporate arena as a marketing strategist.

In addition to real estate, Jessica is passionate about serving her community through several area nonprofits and is a proud board member of IMPACT100 Pensacola Bay Area, an all-women philanthropic organization.

1313 Creighton Rd • Pensacola, 32504 850.554.1783

WOTYS

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If you’d like to recommend a home to be featured, email Jessica at Jessica@JessicaLoveDuncan.com. www.ScarlettMag.com

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Back to Basics |

A.2ll Washed.3 Up.4 written by: Emily Brink

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veryone loves the feeling of freshly pressed clothes and drying off with fluffy towels. I don't know what it is about clean bed sheets, but they always give the best night's sleep. However, the price of that fresh feeling is the tedious and laborious process of actually doing the chore itself. Laundry continues to pile up and is one of those chores that never seem to end. These tips and tricks will help get you back on top of the laundry pile and into a more confident mindset!

One way that laundry tends to create lots of extra clutter is the pesky pile of clothes that are not quite dirty enough to go in the dirty clothes basket but not quite clean enough to go back in your closet. This pile either sits on the floor, on a chair, or on top of your dresser and is a definite eyesore. There are a variety of solutions and most people will just tell you to pick, clean or dirty,

but there is a third option. Simply buy another laundry basket, put it next to your original one and keep it specifically for the kind-of-dirty clothes. This allows you to keep everything separate but not have the room look like a tornado blew through.

The one drawback to having a kindof-dirty clothes basket is the inevitable wrinkles. Besides the obvious iron and steamer, there are a few other hacks that will help rid your clothes of those pesky wrinkles. If the wrinkles are not too bad, put the item on a hanger and hang it in the bathroom while you take a nice hot shower. The steam from the shower will relax the cloth and get rid of the wrinkles. The other trick is to toss it into the dryer and turn it on low. If the wrinkles are extra bad, spray it with a little water to aid in the process and pull out a warm, wrinkle-free shirt!

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With wrinkles taken care of, the other thing that plagues our favorite pieces of clothing is stains. Some stains like blood can be washed out with soap and cold water, but others are harder to get out. OxiClean is the highest-rated stain removal that works on almost everything.

However, yellow armpit stains, dingy grayness, or musty-smelling towels can’t always be fixed by spot treatments.

What can fix them is a laundry stripping process in the bathtub. This process allows all of the dirt to soak out of your clothes and get washed down the drain.

All you need is Borax, baking soda, and laundry detergent. Fill the tub with hot water and dump ¼ cup Borax, ¼ cup baking soda, and ½ cup laundry detergent into the water. Add in the items you want to clean, stir them all around, and let soak until the water is cold. This usually takes around four hours. During this time you will see the water change colors due to the dirt being pulled from the fabric. Wring out the items as best you can and toss them into a water-only wash cycle. Once they are pulled out of the dryer it is like you have a brand-new set of clothes, sheets, or towels!

A few tips to ensure you get the results you want is to not mix light and dark colors. Dyes have a tendency to run during this process. Remember that this is done with the hottest water available so if you have something that will get ruined by heat, skip this trick. It might be a bit of a long process but the outcome is worth the time spent in this case.

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Throw Me Something, Mister! written by: Liesel Schmidt

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hrove Tuesday. Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras.

By whichever name you might know it, chances are you’re familiar with this free-for-all festival of fun, when people use any and every excuse to let it all hang out and party like it’s their last hurrah. And really, that’s what this carnival celebration is all about — indulging before the fast.

Traditionally speaking, Mardi Gras, as it’s most commonly called in the South, is intended to be an opportunity to consume all of the rich, fatty, and decadent foods that go on the no-no list during Lenten season fasting. Hence the name Mardi Gras, which, if you parle Français, you know is French for “Fat Tuesday.” Read: Go nuts.

Lent brings with it penitent reflection of your shortcomings and turning from the wicked ways of the flesh, ushering in a time of confession. When you’re getting ready to be good, there’s never a better excuse to be as bad as you can be. And Mardi Gras absolutely revels in it.

In the Gulf South states especially, Mardi Gras season has taken hold with gusto, unfolding in a series of parades, festivals, balls, and parties that literally let the good times roll beginning at Epiphany and ending the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. That’s a whole lot of fun to be had, and cities like

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New Orleans, Mobile, and Pensacola love festival season to excess, constructing elaborate floats manned by krewes whose sole focus is making the party as big, bold, bright, and loud as possible. Hitting the streets with parades that show off their dedication to debauchery, these krewes are the official Mardi Gras masters, complete with creative names; royal courts full of appointed courtiers and even coronations; and calendars of events that pack the entire year in preparation of the main affair. It’s a “mystic” thing, with mystic societies that keep it all in good fun but still manage a bit of beatific behavior as well, often pooling their efforts and socially active presence to do community work throughout the year.

There are, of course, some things to note before you decide where to throw your beads. For more family-friendly fun, Pensacola rolls out some great parades that keep the PG factor in mind. Not that we’re new to the game. In fact, in 1874, the people of Pensacola saw all the fun being had celebrating Fat Tuesday

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in New Orleans and Mobile and decided to start their own Mardi Gras festivities.

Now, the Pensacola Mardi Gras Grand Parade boasts as many as 100,000 people in attendance each year, making it one of the biggest celebrations on the Gulf Coast. Winding through Historic Downtown Pensacola, the Grand Parade includes a king, queen, and royal court as well as about 250 floats, marching bands and dance teams — an event that requires about 6,000 people to pull off. For alternate options, check out the Pensacola Beach Mardi Gras Parade and the boat parade out at Perdido Key. For the OG Mardi Gras, hit Mobile, the birthplace of it all. They do the season right, with balls and parades that keep your calendar in full swing. For weeks, you’ll find processions and parties rolling through town, beads flinging through the air along with candy, doubloons and Moon Pies aplenty.

The most free-spirited of them all is, of course, New Orleans, where anything and everything goes. A party-scene all year, things kick into high gear during Mardi Gras, when the festivals begin and the parades snake their way through the streets of the French Quarter. A great time and place to party with impunity, you’ll find no shortage of things to do and see, with people whose sole goal is to have as much fun as possible. A word of caution, this may not be the place to bring anyone underage — things get straight up crazy. Partial nudity, open drunkenness … It’s a party in the most extreme sense, but isn’t that what it’s about?

As Mardi Gras season rolls through the South, get in on the fun. Whether you’re a serious partier or just want to celebrate with your friends, you’ll have the perfect excuse to live it up a little — to explore the fun vibe of the city, to collect those infamously gaudy strands of Mardi Gras beads, and indulge your inner rebel. So, put on your party clothes or your wildest costume and step out for some fun — just keep your head up and your hand out to catch the excitement. And get ready to layer on the beads! www.ScarlettMag.com

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written by: Liesel Schmidt photography provided by: Pensacola Opera

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ensacola is a city rich in history, culture, and art. In fact, the arts are something that the City of Five Flags celebrates with a thriving community of artists, artisans, and performers who have all found their home and a place to let their light shine. As part of that art scene, the Pensacola Opera has enjoyed a great deal of success in bringing some of the classics to the opera and theater lovers in the city, producing incredible talent and keeping opera in the spotlight.

Originally established as the Pensacola Chamber Opera in 1983, the company was started by a small group of people interested in opera including singers, parents of singers, singing teachers, professionals, and businesspeople. “They decided that Pensacola could mine our rich local talent to produce quality opera and created an all-volunteer grassroots opera company that successfully produced Mozart’s Così fan tutte in English,” says Marketing Director Alex Hilkey. “Sets were created in the founders’ workshops, sewing machines buzzed in homes to create the costumes, the orchestra and singers were hired, and rehearsals were staged. The first opera production was performed three times for a total audience of 700.”

That first production led to others,

coming at a time when the area was ripe for the kind of cultural experiences that opera offered. “It was the back end of a ‘boom’ period for regional opera companies around the United States,” explains Music Director Cody Martin.

“Prior to the mid-century, opera lovers either had to catch a touring production provided by one of the major companies from cities like New York or LA, or they had to take a trip to those cities to see them in person. Following WWII, cities around the country of various sizes created opera companies that could serve their local communities, providing highquality arts experiences with a much lower price of entry. Creating an opera company here in Pensacola was likely a way to combine a lot of local artistic talent into an art form that celebrates not only music, but theatre and dance as well. The company founders saw that this community was one with the

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appreciation and culture that could support an opera company, especially considering the long history of older arts organizations such as the Pensacola Symphony, Pensacola Little Theatre, and Pensacola Museum of Art.” Over the past four decades, there has naturally been growth and change. In the early 1990s, the rebranded Pensacola Opera moved to the historic Saenger Theatre in Downtown Pensacola, where having a full-time office allowed Pensacola Opera to offer its first season subscriptions and begin its now nationally recognized outreach programs. Pensacola Opera has also become a professional nonprofit and a national draw for talent, and the company offers a mainstage season of opera productions as well as a thriving Studio Artist program, many successful special events, an education initiative that reaches more than 11,000 kids per year, and free live concerts.

“Pensacola Opera is celebrating its 40th anniversary season with thrilling opera productions, new leadership, acclaimed education programs, the 20th anniversary of the Jan Miller Studio Artists Program, and a vision for the future. Opportunities for emerging artists and new audiences to experience the excitement of opera will continue to increase in the years ahead,” says General Director Chandra McKern. “We are committed to charting a course for meaningful change in our community, maintaining a focus on equitable and inclusive programming while honoring the very best of our art form."

“In celebration of our 40th anniversary, we have selected a season that reflects the history of our organization while showcasing the progress we have made artistically as a company,” Chandra continues. “Performances of Puccini’s La Bohème in January and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel in March will be the perfect combination of music and drama, lush orchestrations, and powerful singing. The shows will feature some of our favorite main stage artists and alumni of our Artist in Residence program, as well as local singers who are well known to our patrons.”

“We are committed to charting a course for meaningful change in our community, maintaining a focus on equitable and inclusive programming while honoring the very best of our art form."

Located at 75 S Tarragona St, Pensacola, FL 32502. For more information, call 850.433.6737 or visit PensacolaOpera.com.

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Body Talk |

What's Up, Doc? written by: Liesel Schmidt

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e’ve all been there: Sitting in an exam room, talking to a doctor who makes us feel unsure of our own symptoms, as though we’re imagining things because, you know, we’re hysterical women who make mountains out of molehills and worry about every little thing. Or, as though they’re silently judging us because we shave our nether regions, and that’s a sure sign that we’re caving to the male patriarchy — not to mention it somehow relates to our level of sexual promiscuity.

Unfortunately, with the multitude of terrible doctors who really shouldn’t be in contact with another human being, much less holding people’s health in their hands, finding someone wearing a white coat who listens and actually hears you, respects your concerns, and makes you feel comfortable can feel as impossible as finding Bigfoot. There are, however, ways to ensure that you don’t leave your next doctor’s appointment feeling as though you just paid to have someone totally disregard your feelings or your needs and judge your lifestyle.

So how to find this elusive creature? Well, being the popular woman you are, do the thing you do best: talk to your friends. Ask them about their doctors and their experience with those doctors. Whether they’re gynos, GPs, orthopedists, chiropractors … whatever.

You have a network, so use it! Or, if you’re in the situation where you’ve already found the perfect doc, but they’re retiring or moving, ask them for a recommendation.

If you’ve found a few doctors who may look promising, do your research directly. Call the office and ask questions about the practice, like whether they accept your insurance, how long they’ve been in practice, and whether they have any experience with whatever your medical conditions/concerns may be.

Ask if they have any special training or certifications that may position them to be better suited to your needs. Ask what their hours are like to determine whether their schedule works with yours, what hospitals they work with, and whether they can perform lab work and X-rays in the office.

Once you’ve gone to an appointment, you’ll have a better feel for the doctor

from your own personal perspective. Getting other people’s opinions and experience is all well and good, but only you know exactly what you need from your physician. So, after your exam take your own “temp.” How do you feel? Do you feel as though you were able to tell them all of your concerns? Did you get the impression that they were listening to you and downloading what you said? How was their delivery? Did they speak to you in a way that conveyed respect for you and your issues? Did they explain things well and in a way that you could understand? Did they walk you through what they were doing during a physical exam? Did they make you feel comfortable enough to tell them your full medical history?

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All of these things are incredibly important. Your doctor should be an advocate for your health and your needs, and to do that, they need to get the full picture of you including your lifestyle, your symptoms, past medical conditions — all of it. But that full picture requires you to be comfortable enough to be open and honest about all of it. And by all, we mean all, from how much you really drink on the daily to whether your sex life is satisfying. Don’t downplay things because you think you’ll shock the doc. Honey, they’ve seen it all, and they sure as hell have heard it all. You’re not going to make them blush, so spill. Then — and only then — can you know whether you’ve found the doctor that truly meets all of your needs and meshes well with your personality in all its glory. Honey, you’re one of a kind, and you need a doctor that treats you that way. So do your research, ask your tribe, and make an appointment. Your health isn’t something that should wait. www.ScarlettMag.com

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Angela Rissi Siquara, Owner 457 Serenoa Rd., Unit 7 • Santa Rosa Beach 850.279.8410

www.PhoenixSurfacesLLC.com

When life throws us stones we make countertops!

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The M.3ain Events

written by: Liesel Schmidt / photography provided by: Emerald Grande

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ith its location at the foot of the Destin Bridge, the glittering towers of the Emerald Grande Resort stand like a gateway welcoming people into Destin, beckoning an escape into paradise. Much the way an allinclusive resort creates its own bubble of experiences, amenities, and attractions, Emerald Grande sits in a place of pride amidst HarborWalk Village boasting luxury accommodations within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and shops — not to mention a unique calendar of not-to-be-missed events.

All year long, Emerald Grande creates its very own brand of fun, offering concerts, festivals, live entertainment, and a myriad of reasons to come and see, experience, and enjoy being in this spectacular little slice of heaven.

For anyone who loves a good mimosa and great music, Mimosas & Melodies is a must-do. “It’s unique because it is one of the only daytime concert series that takes place in our area,” says Event Manager Ragan Bonner. “Locals and tourists alike can enjoy the cool weather and brighten up the gray winter days with an awesome concert and free drink samples!” Held each Sunday from Jan. 8 until Feb. 26, from 2-4 p.m., make sure to add this event to your post-brunch plans. Free to attend, so come ready to sip and sing along to the music.

Jazz enthusiasts will love hearing budding artists go head-to-head at the Best of the West Jazz competition on Saturday, Jan. 21. Starting at 11 a.m., this free-to-attend contest gets underway with incredibly gifted musicians showing off their stuff. “The Best of the West Jazz competition brings the community together for the sole jazz competition in our area,” says Ragan.

“Schools in the Panhandle have such a talented group of students that deserve to be showcased, and Best of the West gives our community the chance to hear them — plus, it brings about some friendly competition.”

Featuring all the brunch classics and some new favorites, Brunch Fest is every brunch lover’s dream come true. Held Feb. 11 from 12-3 p.m., some of the area’s most skilled chefs will put their

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talents on display for festival goers to enjoy. “Emerald Grande’s Brunch Fest is the biggest — and best — brunch fest around!”

Ragan contends. “This festival not only allows our restaurants and chefs the chance to showcase their culinary talents but provides an extra fun reason to come out and enjoy the sunshine and great views while trying tasty brunch bites and beverages. And really, who doesn’t love brunch?” Brunch Fest tickets are available for purchase at eventliveus.com.

The real fun begins on Feb. 18 when the Mardi Gras parade rolls through HarborWalk Village. “Mardi Gras is huge in our area,” says Ragan. “This event is unique because it brings New Orleans to our city and allows our community the chance to celebrate, showcase their businesses, schools, or groups, and have a ball!” From 2-5:30 p.m., HarborWalk will be full of Mardi Gras spirit, complete with authentic Mardi Gras floats and beads flying through the air around the Village as they are tossed from the parade floats, set to live music that gets the good times rolling. Free to attend, with a $25 fee for parade entrants and $200 float packages.

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Each event, while completely unique and special to Emerald Grande and HarborWalk, has a common thread: fun. “People should expect to find a new opportunity for a fun memory at every event,” says Ragan. “The point of our events is to not only provide an opportunity for the businesses, bands, and schools around town to gain exposure, but also to provide a chance for our visitors and area residents to create lasting memories for their families. People should come out for our events to add a little variety to their weekend calendars and to enjoy the harbor views while supporting local businesses and their community.”

Scan to visit our website for more information.

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| Foodie

P.4rime R.2ib written by: Emily Brink

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e are here to celebrate the new year, celebrate our successes and our losses, and celebrate the little things that make life beautiful. One of those beautiful things is to gather together with friends and family and enjoy a hearty meal. In this issue, we are telling you all the juicy details on how to make the most mouth-watering prime rib roast that will make your guests melt in tastebud heaven. The prime rib is not an everyday meal, but for special occasions and celebrations it is the way to go!

The most important part of a prime rib roast is choosing the right one at the store. A prime rib cut does not need a lot of seasoning or special gimmicks to make it delicious, but starting with a beautiful piece gives you a great head start on the process. At the grocery store, you want to find a piece with plenty of fat around the outside and an even marble pattern distributed throughout the middle. The fat is what is going to give this dish that flavor you’re looking for so do not trim it off! Keep an eye out for meat with a bright color and a milky-white fat color. Anything with dingy colored meat or yellowish fat is not what you want.

Another key factor to making sure the prime rib is done right is the resting period.

After it comes to the correct internal temperature, it is vital that the roast sits covered for at least 15 minutes. This process allows the meat to continue tenderizing and lets the juices settle into each other. You might not think this is very important, but I am telling you it is! Take it off the heat, cover it up, and do not touch it one bit until 15 minutes has passed.

When done right, prime rib can be a total showstopper of a main dish. It pairs wonderfully with vegetables, mashed potatoes, and side salads. If you are looking for some side dish ideas, check back to our Holiday issue where we wrote about several tasty sides.

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Prime Rib Roast 1 standing rib roast (about ¾ pound per person) 1 tbsp kosher salt 2 tsp black pepper 1 bunch fresh rosemary

1. Remove rib roast from packaging and place in a roasting pan. Let roast come to room temperature.

Preheat the oven to 450ºF. 2. Generously cover all sides of the roast with salt and pepper. Place in a roasting pan, fat-side up. Arrange rosemary in the bottom of the pan around the roast.

3. Roast for 30 minutes, then reduce heat to 300ºF. Roast for another 1.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches desired doneness.

(115ºF-120ºF for medium rare, 125ºF-130Fº for medium) 4. Remove roast from oven, cover with foil, and let rest for 20 minutes.

Internal temperature will continue to rise.

5. Slice the roast crossways against the grain in thin slices. Enjoy!

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B.2ananas Fost.3er

| Sweet Tooth

T.2he Ingredients

½ stick of butter ⅔ cup brown sugar 3 tbsp dark rum 2 ½ tsp vanilla ½ tsp cinnamon, ground ¼ tsp salt 3 bananas, peeled and sliced ¼ cup pecans or walnuts, chopped 1 pint vanilla ice cream

D.2irections

1. In a large, deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, rum, vanilla, and cinnamon.

3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, add the bananas and nuts to the pan.

4. Cook until the bananas are soft, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Serve with ice cream immediately.

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| Happy Hour

Celebration Drinks written by: Mary Aho

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here is always something to celebrate. Whether it’s a promotion at work, acing a test, or sticking to a goal, when it's time to celebrate we all like to treat ourselves.

Nothing says celebrate quite like an elegant cocktail. For your next celebration, toast to your accomplishments with one of these delicious cocktails.

Espresso Martini

Negroni Sbagliato

Whiskey Sour

2 oz vodka

1 oz Campari

2 oz bourbon

½ oz coffee liqueur

1 oz sweet vermouth

¾ oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed

1 oz espresso, freshly brewed (or cold brew concentrate)

1 oz prosecco or other dry sparkling wine

½ oz simple syrup

orange twist, for garnish

½ oz egg white (optional)

½ oz simple syrup coffee beans

1. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice and shake until well-chilled.

2. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

3. Garnish with 3 coffee beans.

1. Fill a rocks glass or Old-Fashioned glass with ice.

2. Add Campari and sweet vermouth and stir to combine.

3. Top with prosecco and gently stir again to combine.

4. Garnish with orange twist.

Angostura bitters, garnish

1. Add bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to a shaker and shake for 30 seconds without ice.

2. Add ice and shake again until well-chilled.

3. Strain into a rocks glass or a coupe.

4. Garnish with 3 or 4 drops of Angostura bitters.

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Cover to revo C Who doesn’t love to curl up with a good book? They’re the perfect excuse to snuggle under your favorite blanket, sink into your favorite chair, or relax in your favorite nook, and get lost in a different world. We’re always up for a new adventure, so whether your genre of choice is romance, self-help, history, or mystery, this list has something for everyone. book picks by: Mary Aho / reviews by: Amazon.com

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Great Circle

The School For Good Mothers

by Maggie Shipstead

by Jessamine Chan

After being rescued as infants from a sinking ocean liner in 1914, Marian and Jamie Graves are raised by their dissolute uncle in Missoula, Montana.

There — after encountering a pair of barnstorming pilots passing through town in beat-up biplanes — Marian commences her lifelong love affair with flight. At 14 she drops out of school and finds an unexpected and dangerous patron in a wealthy bootlegger who provides a plane and subsidizes her lessons, an arrangement that will haunt her for the rest of her life, even as it allows her to fulfill her destiny: circumnavigating the globe by flying over the North and South Poles.

Frida Liu is struggling. She doesn’t have a career worthy of her Chinese immigrant parents’ sacrifices.

She can’t persuade her husband, Gust, to give up his wellness-obsessed younger mistress. Only with Harriet, their cherubic daughter, does Frida finally attain the perfection expected of her.

Harriet may be all she has, but she is just enough.

A century later, Hadley Baxter is cast to play Marian in a film that centers on Marian’s disappearance in Antarctica. Vibrant, canny, disgusted with the claustrophobia of Hollywood, Hadley is eager to redefine herself after a romantic film franchise has imprisoned her in the grip of cult celebrity. Her immersion into the character of Marian unfolds, thrillingly, alongside Marian’s own story, as the two women’s fates — and their hunger for self-determination in vastly different geographies and times — collide. Epic and emotional, meticulously researched and gloriously told, Great Circle is a monumental work of art, and a tremendous leap forward for the prodigiously gifted Maggie Shipstead.

[Best Seller]

Until Frida has a very bad day.

The state has its eye on mothers like Frida. The ones who check their phones, letting their children get injured on the playground; who let their children walk home alone. Because of one moment of poor judgment, a host of government officials will now determine if Frida is a candidate for a Big Brotherlike institution that measures the success or failure of a mother’s devotion.

Faced with the possibility of losing Harriet, Frida must prove that a bad mother can be redeemed. That she can learn to be good.

[Dystopian Fiction]

The Impossible Us

by Sarah Lotz Nick: Failed writer. Failed husband. Dog owner.

Bee: Serial dater. Dress maker. Pringles enthusiast.

One day, their paths cross over a misdirected email. The connection is instant, electric.

They feel like they’ve known each other all their lives. So they decide to meet.

While Nick buys a new suit and gets his courage up, Bee steps away from her desk and sets off to meet him at a London train station. With their happily-ever-after nearly in hand, what happens next is incredible and threatens to separate them forever.

As their once-in-a-lifetime connection is tested, Nick and Bee will discover whether being together is an impossible chance worth taking.

[Love Story] 95

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The Sweetness of Water

The Essential Guide to Self-Sufficient Living

by Nathan Harris

by Abigail Gehring

In the waning days of the Civil War, brothers Prentiss and Landry — freed by the Emancipation Proclamation — seek refuge on the homestead of George Walker and his wife, Isabelle. The Walkers, wracked by the loss of their only son to the war, hire the brothers to work their farm, hoping through an unexpected friendship to staunch their grief. Prentiss and Landry, meanwhile, plan to save money for the journey north and a chance to reunite with their mother, who was sold away when they were boys.

Gehring’s books on country living have sold more than 500,000 copies. In this book, she offers a guide to homesteading skills that is as charming as it is practical.

Full of sweet illustrations and gorgeous photographs, step-bystep instructions for essential skills such as building a chicken coop are interspersed with country lore and old-fashioned tips and tricks.

[Self-Help]

Parallel to their story runs a forbidden romance between two Confederate soldiers. The young men, recently returned from the war to the town of Old Ox, hold their trysts in the woods. But when their secret is discovered, the resulting chaos, including a murder, unleashes convulsive repercussions on the entire community. In the aftermath of so much turmoil, it is Isabelle who emerges as an unlikely leader, proffering a healing vision for the land and for the newly free citizens of Old Ox. With candor and sympathy, debut novelist Nathan Harris creates an unforgettable cast of characters, depicting Georgia in the violent crucible of Reconstruction. Equal parts beauty and terror, as gripping as it is moving, The Sweetness of Water is an epic whose grandeur locates humanity and love amid the most harrowing circumstances.

[Historical Fiction]

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Peter Pan

March 11 at 7:30 pm March 12 at 2:30 pm Mattie Kelly Arts Center $45 Adults • $20 Children 12 & Under With live musical accompaniment by the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra

Signature Season Media Sponsor:

850.664.7787

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Sponsored In Part by:

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| Get Ready with Me

written by: Courtney Murray

Get Ready to

C.2eleb.2rate

with Me 99

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t’s 2023, and we’ve made it another year! That's reason to celebrate. And, there’s no time like the present to start prioritizing yourself and your happiness. A great way to do that is by celebrating the special moments in your life with those you love throughout the year. There is an expectation of what you should wear for every occasion. The perfect, casual-yet-put-together look for a first date. The dressy but not over-the-top look for your office holiday party. There’s Valentine’s Day, birthdays, bachelorette parties, retirement parties, and even taco Tuesday (because let’s be honest, tacos are always a reason to celebrate).

Every event has a dress code, and it can be overwhelming to know what to wear so let’s break down a few of the celebrations you might attend this year and how you might dress for them.

Girls' Night Out A typical girls' night out might involve a nice dinner followed by cocktails and maybe ending the night by tearing up the dance floor with your best gal pals. If you’re a busy mom like me who doesn’t get out often, you will probably jump at the prospect of putting on anything other than yoga pants and discussing anything other than Paw Patrol. Festive attire for a girls' night out could be something fun and simple like a great pair of denim, a black bodysuit, and a killer pair of heels. If the weather is chillier where you live, you can’t go wrong with some Spanx faux leather leggings, an oversized sweater, and boots. www.ScarlettMag.com

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Beach Birthday Party If you’re like many of us living along the beautiful Emerald Coast, hosting your birthday at the beach is such a fun option. There are many companies that will set up an entire beach bonfire, games, food, coolers full of beverages, tables and chairs, and even outdoor televisions. All you have to do is show up looking fabulous. The perfect daytime beach birthday party outfit would be a great fitting bathing suit with a cute pair of cut-off shorts and a long kimono on top. If it’s an evening affair, a flowy maxi dress or linen romper are options that are comfortable enough to play corn hole in and impress your party guests at the same time.

Wedding Reception It’s the big show — a wedding. One of the biggest celebrations of a person’s life is just the right time to refresh your electric slide skills, dust off your best dress, or treat yourself to something new. When you get that crisp wedding invitation in the mail it should tell you the dress code. If the reception says cocktail attire, you’re in luck. You very likely might have something that fits the bill hanging in your closet. This could be a short and sassy number, a sleek midi-length dress, or even a sparkly jumper with the right accessories.

Anniversary Dinner Celebrating an anniversary is the perfect occasion to get dressed up and spend a fun night out with your partner. Depending on where you are going to celebrate, the attire may vary in dressiness. A classic little black dress (LBD) is a piece that can be altered to fit the venue. If you’re headed into a happy hour and casual dinner situation, you can throw a cute leather jacket on top and finish the look off with a pair of booties. If you are going somewhere more formal, the same LBD can be made fancier with heels and a sparkly pair of earrings. Voila, two for the price of one.

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| Hobbies

written by: Emily Brink

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any of us are craving something new at the start of the year, which makes January the perfect time to start a new hobby and perfect it throughout the year. Learning to knit or crochet will allow you to make everything from soft blankets to cozy sweaters to beautiful decorations. It is a very transportable and versatile craft, and there is a reason it has stuck around throughout the ages.

Let's first talk about the difference between knitting and crochet. Knitting uses two needles and interlocking loops to create a long row of stitches. The interlocking stitches give a bit of a stretch that allows for things like socks to fit better over the body.

Crochet uses a single hook and completes one stitch at a time. Crochet stitches are less stretchy due to the tight, knot-like process.

They both make beautiful patterns and designs; it just comes down to personal preference on what tools you want to be working with and which kind of stitches you like best.

Beginning a new hobby can be overwhelming but starting with a simple project that gives you a basic idea of what is involved is a great way to test the waters. One idea is to create a temperature blanket or scarf. This project only requires one row a day and can be a fun way to document the year.

Every successful project requires adequate planning, and a temperature blanket is no different. The first step is to choose the yarn and color scheme of the blanket. Do you want blues for colder temperatures and reds for warmer ones? Or something totally different?

Next, decide how you want to categorize

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your colors. The easiest way is to do it in degrees of 10. So, one color for 21-30 degrees, a different color for 31-40 degrees, another for 41-50 degrees, and so forth. At the end of the year you will have blocks of colors, color patterns, and stripes here and there.

This kind of blanket or scarf is not limited to just the temperature. Some other ideas to consider include habit tracking, mood monitoring, goal achievements, or social interactions. Whatever type of situation speaks to you, track it, categorize it, and turn it into a beautiful piece of art that will keep you warm. It is a creative way to journal and a visual way to get an overview of your year.

Yarn work is an awesome new hobby. It can bring satisfaction and pride to see something you created in physical form.

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| Get the Look

the

Celebration Etsy, CashmereAndCoconuts: Dragonfly In Amber — Merino Nylon Yarn, Hand Dyed

Royaluxe: Wine Opener, Corkscrew, Stopper, and Foil Cutter

OPI: Pop the Baubles, Nail Lacquer

Waterford: Elegance Champagne Belle Coupe

Tyler Candles: Glamorous Wash, Fine Laundry Detergent

Mo’Bay Beignet Co: Original Mix Gift Set

Dillard’s: Dress The Population, Andy Wide-Leg Gold Sequin Jumpsuit

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