Scarlett | November + December 2022

November+December 2022

H.2oliday.5 Making spirits bright!

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

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What’s Inside Features 17

HOLIDAY Fashion

Home Decor

90

49

We’ve got you covered with a run-down on how to host a Thanksgiving dinner.

Make the most of your holiday season with the perfect Christmas tree decór.

Get Ready with Me

You Plaid Me at Hello

As we approach the holiday season, no doubt we’re all seeing a proliferation of plaid — or, to be more correct, tartan. There’s a reason for that, of course ... read more to find out!

Health 53

Let’s Get Physical

Kids aren’t the only ones with playdates anymore! Adult sports leagues for the win!

62

70

Foodie

Get ready to dish about all the sides for holiday meals this year.

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Body Talk

Alright ladies, it’s time to talk about hormone health.

Ornament Gift Exchange

Throughout the holidays there are ample occasions to both give and receive gifts. While it’s fun to have the element of surprise on Christmas morning, there’s nothing quite as comforting as tradition — cue the gift exchange parties.

Beauty 84

About Face

Welcome Home

57

Tour of Homes Pensacola

What does house hunting have to do with Christmas? Jessica Duncan talks about ways to consider how your lifestyle affects your purchase.

Lifestyle 27

Heroines

Raise a glass to some amazing women in our community.

39

A Few Good Men

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

101

Happy Hour

Classic holiday cocktails — with a modern twist.

Got questions about chemical peels? We’ve got answers!

104

Get the Look

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

www.ScarlettMag.com

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November + December 2022

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95

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The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Program is a welcome and familiar part of the season for most. Here’s how it all started.

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.

Be the Change

Cover to Cover

Listen Up!

scan here 11

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| There’s Something About Mary

A Little Bit of Jessica

O

ur Holiday issue is officially here, tartan-clad with hot pink heels!

And here I am filling in for our amazing Editor Mary, who is out on maternity leave enjoying her new addition, a healthy baby boy.

So, here we are, doing things a little … different, but still bringing you all the comforts you’ve been waiting for like Thanksgiving recipes, Christmas party ideas, and of course an announcement about when you’ll have the Woman of the Year voting results.

Working on our content in advance to get each issue out on time means we at Scarlett are already in holiday-mode by October! It’s a strange, wonderful mix of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas all melting into one long, eclectic holiday season. Merry everything! Happy always! This year, I found myself baking test batches of Christmasinspired macarons, working around the decorative pumpkins on the kitchen counter. One of the interesting things about having so many holidays swirling around together for so long is that by the time we actually get to the holidays, I’m ready for something … different.

One year, we packed up the fam and rented a beach-front condo the week of Christmas. Our kiddo’s favorite color was purple at the time, so my mom did what any self-respecting grandmother would, and found us a sparkly, purple, artificial Christmas tree just for the occasion. We all went shopping for cheap decorations — mostly sea shells and anything glittery — and put the bizarre, but still familiar, thing up in our condo. We even decided to stretch out the gift-giving over a couple of days to make it last a little longer. It was magical.

Different, yes. A little crazy, yes. But magical. Of course we missed our traditional big, extended-family dinner, but we found ways to get together in smaller groups afterward to celebrate — which actually turned out to be more intimate and less stressful in the long run!

And let’s be honest, there are some years that I just want to sleep in, eat sugar cookies — you know, the ones with the really good icing that someone definitely put way too many sprinkles on (it was me, I do the sprinkles) — and maybe not change out of my cactuses-with-Christmas-lights pajamas. The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, so why not do something you truly enjoy.

Always wanted to have a “Friend’s-giving,” or throw a costume party, or host a gingerbread house competition with your neighbors? Well chica, what are you waiting for? If you’ve never sponsored a family for Christmas, or done a destination holiday instead of gifts, or spent your day delivering turkey dinners, you’re seriously missing out. Is it different, yes. But, like, a good different. Like, tartan with hot pink heels different. No matter how you celebrate, the reason for the season is definitely not stress and exhaustion — so start with that, and see where the magic takes you!

At Scarlett, we love bringing you the latest in women’s fashion, beauty, home decor, lifestyle, and health. Thank you all so much for the support as we finish our second year of Scarlett. Enjoy this issue and connect with us on social media on Facebook: Scarlett Magazine and Instagram: @scarlett.magazine.

Because frankly, we know you give a damn.

Jessica Graña Creative Director

photography by: Shanna Magnuson www.ScarlettMag.com

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On the Cover November+December 2022

H.2oliday.5 Making spirits bright!

e decor, lifestyle, and health.

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

Mad About Plaid We can’t be mad about our cover girl for the Holiday issue. Brittany Bair rocks original hand-made designs by Margaret Hoffman of Vault 46, featuring all things tartan with the perfect heels from Reagan Pommier of Dillard’s Cordova Mall. The Holiday issue is making spirits bright by assisting with hosting Thanksgiving, classic holiday cocktails, ornament exchanges, side dishes, Christmas trees and a tradition of giving with a look at The Salvation Army.

Sit down, relax and enjoy your Holiday issue of Scarlett. photography by: Shanna Magnuson model: Brittany Bair

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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, Fleming G. Brooks, Margaret Hoffman - Vault 46

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You Plaid Me at

Hello

written by: Liesel Schmidt photography by: Shanna Magnuson styled + designed by: Margaret Hoffman hair + makeup by: Stacy Ralderson shoes by: Dillard's Cordova Mall

www.ScarlettMag.com

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S

ocks, bows, shirts, pants … even dog collars and wrapping paper. You name it, you can generally find it in plaid, and the colors of plaid are as plentiful as the rainbow. But where it all started, where those designs originated, and what they mean tells of a history as rich and interesting as the countries they come from. So, we’ll start where all good tales start — with the origin story.

Once upon a time, in a land far away … … or not so far away, with all the modern advances of travel … … was a woven fabric of interlocking stripes called tartan whose colors and design would eventually become culturally significant. But alas, they didn’t start out that way. In fact, tartan designs originally had no names and absolutely zero symbolic meaning. Like many textiles of the time, all tartan cloth was handwoven and locally made. And, while certain colors or patterns were more commonly found in some areas than others, there were no specific “clan tartans.”

Still, as tartan became increasingly popular in Scottish Highland culture, it also came to be characteristic of Highland dress by the 17th and 18th centuries. And, so it was that after the Battle of Culloden in 1746, the British government outlawed the wearing of tartan in the Highlands in the Act of Proscription — part of their attempt to suppress the “rebellious” Scottish culture.

But, being rebellious people, they naturally continued both the production and the wearing of tartan. By the end of the 18th century, commercial weavers were producing tartan — especially for the Highland Regiments. Because such large quantities were being produced, standard colors and patterns were developed — at first, with assigned numbers to identify the patterns.

Eventually, however, the tartan patterns and colors were given names that included the names of Highland clans as well as town names. Still, it was a matter of practicality; the names weren’t representative in any way.

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All of that changed in the early 19th century when the names of the tartans started to represent actual connections to the clans. When King George IV visited Edinburgh in 1822 all the clan chiefs were asked to come out to greet him in their “proper clan tartan.” But, as many did not have a clan tartan, many new tartans were created or simply renamed for the event. And, henceforth, the belief evolved by the end of the 19th century that tartan was representative.

Naturally, there is quite a bit of lore surrounding the meanings of certain tartans. For instance, some sources say that red tartan was worn in battle to hide blood and that green tartan resembled the forest, while blue was symbolic of lakes and rivers and yellow represented crops. Today, the colors are believed to identify religion. Red and green tartans represent Catholics, while Protestants claim blue tartans — an important distinction in Scotland.

Still, while clan tartans are the most widely known, tartans can represent a myriad of things, including families, towns, districts, corporations, individuals, and even events. What qualifies a tartan as being official or

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It’s our favorite time of year again as we celebrate the 25 Days of Giving! Starting the day after Thanksgiving, you will see Step One Automotive Group team members out in the community every day giving back to help those in need this holiday season.

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authentic is simply whether or not it has the approval of the governing body of whatever that tartan specifically represents.

How tartan became more widely known as “plaid” is simply that the Scottish Gaelic word for blanket, plaide, is used in the context of Highland dress to refer to a sizeable length of material.

The original kilts were known as “belted plaids” and were basically made of a large blanket gathered and belted at the waist.

Most used tartan cloth, which is why tartan is so often referred to as plaid.

As we approach the holiday season, no doubt we’re all seeing a proliferation of plaid — or, to be more correct, tartan. There’s a reason for that, of course. Tartan’s close association with Christmas results from the fact that the Scots’ (specifically those descended from the Celts) celebrate the winter solstice.

During this time, the days-long “Yule” festivities were said to bring light to the darkness of winter and please the gods so that they would grant the return of the sun. The fête involved burning a Yule log and kissing under the mistletoe. Further traditions of Celtic pagans during the celebration of the winter solstice also included decorating trees and the use of the holly flowers.

Over the passage of centuries, the symbolism of these things have been dulled and basically forgotten or whitewashed. So now, red and green tartan has widely become a herald of the Christmas season, much the way that evergreen trees have. But once upon a time …

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N

H.2eroines

ot all heroes wear capes, some wear fabulous heels. Being a woman can be a difficult job. We are often expected to be everything to everyone. Work hard to reach your full potential in your career field, but also raise a family in-between.

Make sure you meet all of your deadlines at work but also bake a casserole and join a book club. While it may seem overwhelming to “do it all,” there are a few local women who seem to have it figured out. And, for that, they are my heroes; or should I say heroines. Malala Fund said, “I want every girl to know that her voice can change the world.” This group of women are bravely climbing to the top and making a difference in the lives of those around them.

In these articles, we are raising a glass to some amazing women along the Gulf Coast. As successful businesswomen and entrepreneurs, these women are the examples that we need for our youth. Some are mothers, some are bosses, some are adventurous, some lead quietly from the sidelines, but there is one thing they all have in common — they are heroines. The leaders, the path blazers, the extraordinary women that always go a step above the rest. A heroine is defined as a woman admired or idealized for her courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.

These fearless women are that and more.

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| Heroines

Sandy Innes-Veilleux Co-founder and Owner, The Farm Pensacola, FL

written by: Emily Brink photography by: Kristina Wright

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A

s human beings, we are in a constant state of becoming, and the person we are is ever-changing.

This is how Sandy Innes-Veilleux feels about the woman she is today. She has reached certain achievements through hard work, passion, and humility while also teaming up with the brilliant minds of other creatives and visionaries.

She is definitely still working on herself and striving to continue becoming a better and better version of herself.

Sandy was born in Montreal, Canada, but made her way down to the Emerald Coast where she currently lives in Pensacola, Florida. Sandy has been heavily involved in the food industry where she works with local farmers to create easier access to fresh foods. She is the Co-founder and Owner of The Farm, a locally run farmer’s market in Pensacola where farmers can bring their produce and sell it directly to consumers.

Ten years ago, Sandy was able to revitalize and bring The Farm back to life. The retail and wholesale market once served local food to more than 300 chefs and always filled a farmstand. Sandy wanted to bring that glory back to Pensacola so people could again enjoy the sense of community that comes with a farmer’s market.

Representing the area’s best farmers has been an absolute joy for her! It is the greatest adventure ever to bring the very best of the Gulf Coast produce to the mouths of hungry people. The phrase “from our family to yours” has quickly become an everyday mantra, and Sandy is so grateful. The Farm and its success is her proudest accomplishment, and Sandy couldn’t be more grateful for its supporters. She truly enjoys seeing the change it brings to the community.

Every person Sandy meets moves her in some way or another. She has always been surrounded by an amazing village of humans who help move her along. It truly inspires her to always be near strength, creativity, passion, spirituality, and kindness. People are so delightfully quirky and that leaves a mark on Sandy. The daily interactions with these special individuals have helped her become the woman she is today.

If Sandy could go back and tell her 20-year-old self anything, she would tell her that if she can survive her 20s, she can survive anything! Be kind and polite, eat clean,

serve others, create opportunities, get uncomfortable, and challenge yourself. Sandy’s mother is the most talented, smart, loving, and fearless human. Her example inspires those same characteristics in Sandy. She is so grateful for her mother and cites her as her greatest female influence.

Over the next five years, you will see Sandy continue to use her business ventures to give back to the community and invest in her customers. The Farm has been a cornerstone of the community and will continue to team up with local vendors to bring business to more of the local consumers. She can’t wait to share some of her other business ideas with companies like Produce Rx, the crew of Manna Foods, and the Farmsprouts!

Sandy prides herself on the way people all around her keep in touch and continue to build each other up even after they have moved on professionally. She loves it when people stop by the market to say hello and to keep her posted on where their life is taking them. Sandy is a huge cheerleader for the entire community and will continue doing what she can to bring people together in meaningful ways.

• Guilty Pleasure: BG196 Black Garlic dark cherry gelato with BG196 honey. This was one of our very rst creations with the very talented Chef Jordan of Craft Bakery. Dreamy and so very mind-blowing.

• Last Google Search: How many layers of paint the gra ti bridge is said to have.

• Currently Reading: Dominique Crenn 29

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| Heroines

Geraldyn Aleyn Martínez Rivera Owner, Lumi Pod Photo Booth Fort Walton Beach, FL

written by: Emily Brink photography provided by: Mayeska Sand

E

ver since she was a little girl living in Puerto Rico, Geraldyn Aleyn Martínez Rivera has been heavily involved in the community she lived in. Her parents were big participants of different civic and community organizations. It was their way of giving back and that example was undoubtedly passed onto their daughter. As Geraldyn grew into a teenager, she gave of her time to many of the needs in her community.

Whether it was feeding the homeless or singing songs to hospital patients, she came to realize that some of the best feelings came when she was helping those in need or down on their luck.

Today Geraldyn lives in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where she moved when she was 21. The past 23 years have been filled with many ups and downs, but she is happy to be a part of such a wonderful community.

Professionally, Geraldyn has owned her own photobooth company, Lumi Pod Photo Booth, since 2014. She is also the Brand Manager for United Way, an international nonprofit organization that helps fundraise for local charities. For official volunteer work, she presides over the Northwest Florida Boricuas Ausentes, a local nonprofit organization that showcases Puerto Rican and Caribbean traditions and culture.

Other organizations Geraldyn has aided include Destin Harvest Harbor Dock’s annual Thanksgiving dinner, The Salvation Army, United for a Good Cause, and the past eight years as the Spanish Choir Director at Saint Mary and Saint Sylvester Catholic Church.

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The woman she is today has been shaped by personal and professional experiences that led her to more and more ways to give back to her community. If Geraldyn could go back and tell her 20-year-old self anything, she would say that she was right on track. She would remind herself to never stop volunteering and to take time to educate yourself on healthy finances and investments. Her last bit of advice would be to not worry about any weight gain, it is no biggie!

As a very proud mother, Geraldyn’s biggest accomplishment is having raised all of her children to be bilingual. They were all born in the United States and their first language was English, but with her Puerto Rican heritage, it was important that her children speak Spanish as well. They spoke enough Spanish in the house that her children were able to feel a connection with their culture.

It makes Geraldyn so proud to see how her children value Puerto Rico’s beaches, traditions, and culinary aspects as if it was their own home country.

Her parents have been a huge influence on Geraldyn throughout her life. Her mother easily became her greatest female influence. She taught Geraldyn about being kind, fair, firm, and finishing what she started even if she has to stay up late. She learned how to smile pretty and laugh out loud from her mother, and she is happy to pass those

• Dream Vacation: I often dream of 6 consecutive-month traveling through Europe.

• Last Google Search: I last searched the diffe ence between ‘Eau De Toilette’ and ‘Eau de Parfum’ to prove my husband why I prefer perfume over toilette.

• The Pool or The Beach: I love the pool. It is more intimate, and relaxing, in my opinion.

attributes on to her own children.

The past few years have left Geraldyn’s volunteer spirit a little stunted as she waited until things calmed down a bit. Now that the world is getting back to normal, she is excited to pick up where she left off and continue to volunteer with the community. She was inspired by Scarlett’s Woman of the Year awards and seeing how influential women are in the community. Over the next five years, Gearldyn will focus on her leadership qualities and invest her time into various community organizations.

She hopes to inspire those around her to join her journey and accomplish even bigger and better things together.

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| Heroines

Shaye Smith

Director of Marketing, The Center for Sales Strategy Destin, FL

written by: Emily Brink photography by: Savvy Leigh Photo

I

nvesting in the generations of tomorrow is the best way to ensure that communities stay strong and functionable for years and years to come. Shaye Smith has always had a giving spirit, but helping the next generation is her passion. She enjoys seeing people grow and flourish in their careers. Since moving to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, from her hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, Shaye has spent countless hours supporting local nonprofit organizations in various capacities.

Through her church, Shaye works with the youth and has led multiple humanitarian mission trips to Guatemala. She has also taught dance for more than 15 years and realizes the influence a teacher can have on their students. She tries her best to impact their lives for the better and to encourage them to be the best versions of themselves.

Other charitable endeavors include serving on the Board of Young Professionals of Walton County, classroom and school functions, and supporting local places by running in and facilitating 5k race events. Shaye will continue to keep her eyes peeled for opportunities to use her time and talents to continue benefiting the community and the world around her.

Professionally, Shaye is the Director of Marketing at The Center for Sales Strategy. She loves the involvement her job allows her but still seeks out other opportunities to volunteer.

She is a member of the Florida Public Relations Association and a volunteer at the Destiny Worship Center and other various children’s organizations. Dance is a passion of hers, and Shaye is happy to be

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a Dance Instructor and a Barre Fitness Instructor. It is exciting getting to make money doing something she is happy to do!

Faith has been a big proponent in Shaye’s life and her ability to continue on through the hard times. Her mother has been a huge example in this aspect and is Shaye’s greatest female influence. Her mother’s example has influenced how Shaye has lived her life, grown in her career, and moved into parenthood. As Shaye has walked through life and faced tough challenges, she has been able to lean on the influence of her mother, the foundation of her faith, and the experiences of those who have navigated rough waters before.

Being a mother is Shaye’s proudest accomplishment. Her son is 6, and she loves seeing him develop a personality and grow into his own person. Professionally, she is exceptionally proud of serving as the President of the Northwest Florida Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association, receiving the 2020 Employee of the Year award and being recognized as one of the Emerald Coast’s 40 Under 40. Also, the fact that she started as an entry-level marketing coordinator and is now a director of marketing!

After graduating from Auburn University, Shaye moved to Destin, Florida, knowing only her immediate family. Through networking and various connections, she jumped feet first into church activities, local nonprofit

• Go-To Cocktail: Red wine or an ice cold beer • Last Google Search: Either ‘Auburn football schedule’ – Auburn University alum here – WAR EAGLE! Or ‘Flight length from Miami to Paris’ – as I’m writing this, I’m currently planning a trip following a work conference in Miami to visit Europe for a few weeks!

• Favorite Disney Princess: Belle from Beauty and the Beast!

I actually dressed as her for one of my Disney races during the Wine & Dine Half Marathon Series I did!

• Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Hershey’s Cappuccino Crunch

organizations, and young professional groups. Through her involvement, she kept hearing more and more stories about the amazing community the area has created and knew she needed to be a part of those stories. The engaging community keeps fueling her fire to do more.

Shaye loves nothing more than seeing people flourishing in their lives and becoming all they can become. Whether it is seeing a student she taught dance to in middle school graduating college or colleagues she mentored moving on to great things in their careers, Shaye will continue doing what she can to help people along their journeys.

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| Heroines

Sara Lefevers

Manager of Community Impact and Government Relations, Baptist Health Care Pensacola, FL

written by: Emily Brink photography provided by: Sara Lefevers

L

ife is not a competition, and Sara Lefevers knows that building others up is a win for everyone.

In her professional career, she has had many opportunities to mentor various interns and young professionals. Sara believes that if her interns are going on to bigger and better things, that only reflects positively on her leadership. If she is not building others up, helping them become the best versions of themselves, and leading them to success, then she has failed.

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Sara has lived in Pensacola, Florida, for the past 12 years. She is hoping that 12 years will turn into forever! Her current occupation is Manager of Community Impact and Government Relations for Baptist Health Care. It is the region’s only not-for-profit, locally owned, and locally governed health care system.

Her role includes managing health care policy issues for the organization as well as community benefiting reporting. She is always looking for opportunities to engage with and impact the communities they serve.

She is privileged to work closely with individuals in the community and learn exactly what they need.

Previous to her current position, Sara worked as the Executive Director for the Pensacola Chambers Foundation. During her time, she created Pensacola’s first holistic strategic plan called Pensacola 2030.

She has also been the Director of External Affairs for the Chamber where she managed policy issues for the business community.

www.ScarlettMag.com

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Ever since she was young, Sara has been interested and involved in politics. When she was a junior in college she took a class about victims while pursuing a degree in criminal justice. Since that class, she has been unable to turn a blind eye to the plights of victims and has spent much of her volunteer service helping the survivors find new paths to healing. Currently, Sara serves as the President and CEO of a nonprofit called The Network of Immediate Services for Survivors International (NISSI).

They aim to bridge the gap between survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation by providing a network for immediate needs. Sara has also been a part of the Safe Harbor Pregnancy Resource Center, the Circuit One Human Trafficking Task Force, and various other antitrafficking and law enforcement task forces.

Becoming the woman she is today took a lot of grace, determination, and people who loved and supported her.

Sara’s proudest accomplishment is taking a nonprofit dedicated to helping people in their most vulnerable moments and turning it into a sustainable model that can be replicated in other communities. It is an amazing feat to see something you’ve built go on to continue helping the community after you pass it on.

Community outreach and support have always been integral parts of Sara. Over the next five years she plans to be a part of a team making big strides in the state’s delivery and access to health care. NISSI will continue to reach out to survivors and help them build a new life and find forever freedom. She will also look to her 5-year-old son more and more to get him involved in community service and organizations he might be interested in. She believes the old adage: “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” It is with that mindset she will pour herself into her son and then into the community to help lift all those she encounters.

• Dream Vacation: I’m a huge animal person and fan of travel.

Since I’ve checked swimming with sea turtles in Hawaii o the list and subsequently swimming with sharks, and checked off an African safari – I would say next on the list would be playing with pandas in Asia!

• Fashion Icon: My fashion icon is Audrey Hepburn.

• Currently Reading: I am currently reading Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead.

• Childhood Dream Job: As a child, I wanted to be a senator.

Can’t say it’s off the table • Favorite Show to Binge-Watch: My favorite TV show to binge-watch is Yellowstone.

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| Heroines

Becca McKeithen Founder and Executive Director, FoodRaising Friends Milton, FL

written by: Emily Brink photography by: Kristina Wright

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aking a dent in the world of poverty is not possible for one person or one organization to do alone. When Rebecca “Becca” McKeithen first started looking into getting involved in the community and attempting to make changes for the better, she was easily inspired by what she found. It was this living, breathing movement of people all doing their part to solve a very specific need in the community.

Together the impact was huge. Becca found her niche and has been an integral part of Northwest Florida ever since.

Born in Lafayette, Colorado, Becca is now a very proud resident of Milton, Florida. She is the Founder and Executive Director of FoodRaising Friends, an organization that increases access to food for children through intentional relationships with schools and community programs. Being fed is a basic need of all humans, especially little ones trying to grow up. Becca and her team work to bridge the gap from food to belly to ensure that children are not left without.

FoodRaising Friends works with more than 25 schools in Santa Rosa County and has started branching into Escambia County, scratching the surface of childhood hunger. Becca hopes that her program can continue to grow and become a pivotal part of connecting children to food.

Growing up, Becca’s parents set an example of what it means to “love your neighbor” and how to do so.

From providing a homeless person a meal to giving someone a ride, she learned from a young age that if there

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is a problem, you do your part to fix it. She is grateful for the people in her life who invested in her family and helped ensure she had what she needed to survive. This type of upbringing definitely made an impact on Becca and has shaped the way she participates in the world.

Becca’s mother, Jane, lost her own mother at the age of 11. Jane overcame so much adversity in her lifetime and became the best mother to Becca. No one in Becca’s life is more honest, raw, and vulnerable than her mother. Her mother is the epitome of grit and gratitude and Becca admires her in every way. Jane is fierce and brave and is easily Becca’s greatest female influence.

Becca, 36 now, would love to tell her 20-year-old self that she has so much to offer the world. She would tell her to keep going and one day people will see her and respect her. There is a seat for her at the table! She would also remind her that there is always a choice. Her peace and her power are seen in the way she responds to things that happen to her.

Lofty goals are no stranger to Becca. Her parents always called her a dreamer, and she still is dreaming today. She would love to see other communities pick up FoodRaising Friends and recreate the program. Not many other programs function like FoodRaising Friends, and Becca has seen the impact. She doesn’t care if the name changes as it grows to other areas, she just wants to see more and more kids having consistent access to food. When children are fed, it significantly improves their lives. Statistics show that fed children perform better in school, have better attendance, and have higher graduation rates. Hungry children are in survival mode that inhibits their ability to learn. Becca wants to see the mission and advocacy grow nationwide, and if she gets to be a part of inspiring other communities and teaching them what they have done in Northwest Florida, that will be a success!

• Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: I am a huge ice cream lover.

In my family, ice cream is the dessert of choice. My favorite ice cream is vanilla, but likely because of the endless options for toppings. A vanilla cone and rainbow sprinkles could very quickly make my day!

• Childhood Dream Job: As a child, I wanted to be what every diva-loving little girl wanted to be — a singer. I wanted to be a Spice Girl or the next Mariah Carey. My dad is a musician, so I grew up singing in choir, church, and competitions; but education and children are my passion. I never pursued singing after high school, except for Sunday church.

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A.2 ew 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

Thomas Lemasters Owner/Operator, Artistic Catering Executive Chef, Marina Cafe Destin, FL

written by: Emily Brink photography provided by: Thomas Lemasters

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s a self-proclaimed “hometown boy,” Thomas Lemasters was born and raised in Destin, Florida. He and his family still live in Destin today where he owns and operates his own catering business, Artistic Catering.

Commonly known as “Chef Tommy,” he and his team service weddings, family events, and school functions.

Some of his favorite things to cater are private events and exclusive parties on yachts in the Destin area. He loves creating delicious foods right in front of his clients and providing them with the experience of fresh food. One of his signatures is the “Hook and Cook Special.” You hook it, and they cook it up for your dinner. Tommy prides himself on winning “Best Chef in Destin” twice and continuing to provide personalized and professional catering solutions.

Artistic Catering can provide assistance with menu planning, venue selection, and decor. They are there to serve you and your guests and to make sure that the event is a success!

Tommy’s journey of becoming more involved in the community began back when he worked for other local restaurants. He really enjoyed observing their community involvement and seeing how impactful a restaurant could be. They would raise money for local organizations and donate their catering services to the community.

He has seen firsthand that if you help and serve the community, the community will return that kindness to you. Tommy continues that mindset into his own business adventures and hopes to contribute to the community throughout his career and afterward.

Family is an important part of Tommy’s life.

He credits his amazing and beautiful wife as his greatest female influence. She has been his biggest supporter and continues to help him become the man he has always wanted to be.

Tommy is the proud father to two girls. He strives every day to be a good influence in their lives. If he can do right by his daughters and his wife, that is all that matters in the end.

Being a parent, Tommy knows the importance of schools and activities hosted by schools.

Tommy and his team at Artistic Catering do a lot of giving back to the community. However, catering for local school events is his favorite method of giving back. He has always wanted to be a positive influence for the younger generation, and he is so happy that he is able to use his business to do just that. Over the next five years, Artistic Catering will continue providing excellent catering services for private events.

They will also continue to serve the community

through focusing on local schools and providing their services for events in the area. He is looking forward to seeing what comes next and what new opportunities will come around.

If he could go back and tell his 20-year-old self anything, he would urge him to continue to push hard and work toward both his personal and his business goals. Tommy tries to encourage those under his guidance to do their best in hopes that they continue to do well and be an asset to society. Tommy is so grateful for his whole team and they way they all work together to make events happen. You can rest assured that your event is in the hands of professionals who will make it a great success!

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| A Few Good Men

Igor Kalem

Owner, Blue Collar Home Buyers Panama City Beach, FL

written by: Emily Brink photography by: Shanna Magnuson

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hen he was 20 years old, Igor Kalem was going to school full time in addition to working full time with a corporate job in the oil fields. Neither school or job gave him any joy. Between the long hours of work and school, he was constantly stressed and unhappy. Looking back, he is grateful for the lessons those experiences taught him, but he wishes he would have had the courage to follow his passions much earlier in life. His advice to his younger self is to follow a path that makes you truly happy, not the path made by the expectations of others.

After the war in Bosnia in the 90s, Igor and his family moved to the United States as refugees. They had lost their home and fled the violence and unrest. It was not an easy transition, and life was tough going for the Kalem family for a while as they tried to find a place that felt comfortable. Eventually, they settled in a small town in western Wyoming where Igor spent a good portion of his life. Throughout their long transition to their new home, no one worked as hard as his greatest female influence.

His mother was tireless in her efforts to ensure that Igor and his sister had better opportunities than she ever did.

This selflessness stays with Igor and influences his mindset greatly.

Today, Igor lives in Panama City Beach, Florida, and is involved in the real estate business. He had been investing in properties in Wyoming but felt like something was missing. In 2019, he was reading about the destruction left by Hurricane Michel and knew he had found the thing that was missing from his life. Igor moved his business, Blue Collar Home Buyers, down to Florida and got to work. Their mission is to revitalize properties while giving Panama City homeowners an easy option with a hassle-free experience to sell a house fast. However, they do more than just sell houses. Igor and his team spend time restoring houses that were damaged in the hurricane in order to make them sell for a higher price and help the community in its cleanup efforts.

When he first started operating down south, Igor bought almost exclusively distressed, hurricane-damaged homes.

The whole undertaking of learning the process of how to repair those homes and actually accomplishing it was astronomical. Watching his team’s hard work helping restore the communities and clean the homes has brought Igor a lot of pride. The before-and-after pictures of the

rehabilitations are amazing, and Igor is excited to continue these kinds of restoration projects.

As a relatively new member of the community, Igor is looking forward to finding more ways to positively impact those around him. He knows what it feels like to feel hopeless and doesn’t want anyone around him to feel like that. In his circle of peers, Igor likes to be the positive glue that binds them all together. He enjoys spending time with like-minded individuals who help each other grow and become better humans. He hopes to leave those around him with a positive impact. While he is getting to know the area better, he is searching for more opportunities to give back. He is a big nature guy as well as someone interested in self-growth and personal development. As he continues to grow, he wants to proportionally help others in the community succeed as well.

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Pensacola has a distinguished and proud heritage dating back over 450 years. At Connell & Company Realty, Inc., we are equally as proud of the historical significance of the area and take pride in presenting these communities to our customers.

By setting the standard for excellence, Connell & Company has become among the largest independently owned real estate companies in Northwest Florida. We are a multi-million dollar corporation of more than 50 Realtor Professionals and staff. We don’t compete with each other; we work as a team with over 2,000 years combined real estate experience – committed to offering you the best possible real estate experience!

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| A Few Good Men

Shane Womack Real Estate Agent, Think Real Estate Panama City, FL

written by: Emily Brink photography by: Shanna Magnuson

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ne thing we can all hope for at the end of this life is to have people saying good things at our funeral. That is how Shane Womack tries to view his role as a leader; if he has some people saying good things about him at his funeral he has done pretty alright. We do not often think to ask others how we are as leaders, but seeing how they turn out after moving on from our leadership can really help us know if we are pointing them in the right direction. Shane hopes that those he has been a leader to continue moving onto bigger and better things and look back on their time with him as favorable and informative.

Shane was born and raised in Panama City, Florida, and loves what the city has to offer. He is currently a real estate agent with Think Real Estate and works hard to ensure that his clients are getting the best possible deal on the home of their dreams. He enjoys getting to know people on a personal level in order to help best match their personalities with their homes.

Having grandparents who instilled the importance of helping wherever and whenever possible has really helped shape Shane into the man he is today. They taught him that even the smallest good deed has a much bigger impact that you can even imagine. The ripple effect of helping someone out can spread throughout the community and even the world. Shane is a big supporter of his church and volunteers there as much as he can.

His grandmother, or Nana as he calls her, has always been a calm and collected presence in his life. She helps Shane make sense of the hard things and guide him in positive directions. His Nana is the strongest female in the world and has therefore become Shane’s greatest female influence.

The journey of life can be more than stressful at times, but having a wife and children who love him and support him makes the hard times worth it. Shane’s proudest accomplishment is his family. He and his wife are the proud parents of four amazing children, and Shane is grateful he gets to see them grow up and become their own individuals. The journey of life is what it is all about, and he is happy to share those adventures with the people he loves. Shane is also a retired Marine and holds the five years he served very near to his heart.

If Shane could go back and share some advice with his younger self, he would emphasize the fact that some people just won’t get him, no matter what. There is no way you

can please everyone, and for your mental wellbeing, you just have to “get over it.” It is okay if some people just don’t understand.

Going forward, Shane plans to keep his eyes open for those little moments where he can serve someone in need. Overall, everyone is just pretending to have their life together. But at the same time, every single person is dealing with something big, some of us are just better at hiding it than others. Shane makes it his mission to be kind and helpful to those he meets in order to help lighten their load just a little bit. He wants people to help when at all possible, but do not do it expecting something in return.

Kindness is a gift.

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| Close-Up

BUILDING

written by: Lyric Swedenhjelm photography by: Nick Brooks Photography

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a legacy

eet Emerald Coast Home Collective: our area’s newest real estate team. Founded by Heather Curry, this team is made up of a powerful group of collaborative professionals who are passionate about helping people and being an integral part of their community.

Emerald Coast Home Collective is powered by Real Brokerage, LLC, an amazing brokerage whose mantra is "Work Hard, Be Kind" and that is clear when it comes to this team.

When asked what inspired Heather to start this group, she lovingly replied, “My main motivations are my family, and that I also wanted to build a legacy that would touch the lives of others, so Emerald Coast Home Collective was born. I have lived in this area for more than 20 years and have absolutely

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loved it! I am a nurture by nature type of person, so having the ability to help people make some of the biggest decisions in their lives regarding their homes, to be a resource and mentor for others, and to bring new neighbors into our amazing community has connected me to my life’s purpose and gave me the idea to start ECHC.” The Emerald Coast Home Collective is comprised of Heather Curry as Team Lead/Founder, her daughter Lyric Swedenhjelm as Marketing Director and up and coming Realtor, Patrick Stephens as Realtor, Maria Lee as Executive Assistant, October Rooney as Transaction Coordinator, and Katie Anderson, owner of Let’s Get Social Society and their Social Media Manager.

When asked to describe their culture, they responded with, “We are devoted to helping people, and love to be a resource for not only your real estate needs, but anything and everything along the Emerald Coast. Our team shares an optimistic mindset that keeps us solution oriented and open minded.

We keep our perspectives fresh and stay positive in order to continue moving forward. We are grounded in love because we love where we live. We share a love for our community, our neighbors, our environment — and most importantly, we do what we do because of the love of our families — when you choose to trust Emerald Coast Home Collective, that’s what you become: part of the family. We are loyal individuals who are by your side every step of the way of your unique process in buying or selling your home, and always help you make

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decisions that are in your best interest. We are experienced and educated in the local market, so you know that when you turn to us, we will have an awareness and expertise in current trends in order to best support you. Here at ECHC, we believe in connection. We strive to connect with you on a deep level in order to understand what motivates you, to connect with the local community around us, and to connect with each other in order to achieve our full potential. Teamwork is very important to us — they say your vibe attracts your tribe, and our tribe is there for one another. We have been intentional with choosing the best of the best, our team takes a collaborative approach and naturally match each other’s energy. We always have each other’s backs, and we work together in order to have yours. One of our most important values is integrity. We will always come to you with complete honesty so you know you have everything you need to do what is best for you, despite our own personal interests. We uphold firm ethics to keep ourselves accountable and trustworthy not only for you but for each other. Everything we do is done with vigor. We wake up every day knowing we love what we do, we give every task at hand our maximum effort, with perseverance, strength, and enthusiasm. At the end of the day, Emerald Coast Home Collective is committed to excellence. We are dedicated Emerald Coast Home Collective, Powered by Real Broker, LLC • Info@echomecollective.com to providing premier service to our clients and Located at 495 Grand Boulevard Suite 206, Miramar Beach, FL, 32550 • 850-240-7475 community.”

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Welcome Home |

Oh Christmas Tree written by: Emily Brink

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he traditional American Christmas is not complete without the addition of a beautiful Christmas tree to decorate your home. Evergreen plants have been special to people from the ancient Egyptians to the Native Americans and everyone in between. The green reminds us that winter will not last forever, and one day before we know it, the sun will shine its warmth on us again and the cold will dissipate. Also, decorating with boughs of greenery above windows and doorways was thought to protect the home against unwanted spirits.

It wasn’t until the 16th century that the tree decorating tradition began in Germany. Around 1840, the first decorated Christmas tree was found in a Pennsylvania home of a German immigrant. The tradition took a while to take off because it was seen as a pagan symbol, but today you are hard-pressed to find a house without some kind of Christmas tree in their home for the holidays.

Deciding where to place the Christmas tree can sometimes be a hassle. Some people like to change the layout of their rooms fairly frequently, which means that every year the tree has a new place. Or, sometimes, your house has a spot that feels like the perfect tree spot and it goes up the same way every year. Either way, it is important that the tree not be too far out of the way that people cannot fully appreciate it, but also not protrude very far into the living space that it becomes obtrusive. It is important to be cognizant of your space while choosing your tree so the proportions fit the space nicely.

After placing the tree, it is time to decorate it.

The amount of ways to decorate a tree is about as diverse as the kinds of people who buy them.

There is no right or wrong way to do it. If you have children or pets, you might choose plastic ornaments that will not shatter if knocked from the limbs. If you are sentimental, you may have a large collection of ornaments from big moments in your life as well as little things your loved ones have made adorning your tree. Some people like to choose a color scheme for the tree and only buy ornaments in that color, while other people like to have a full rainbow on their tree.

Besides ornaments, you can also decorate the tree with white or colored lights, candles, an angel or star atop the tree, garlands of popcorn, and cranberries. It is even becoming popular to create garlands out of other dried fruits like oranges and drape it around the tree. Whatever way you decide to decorate your tree this year, make sure it reflects who you are. www.ScarlettMag.com

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Jo Rich

Bridal Makeup * Bridal Spa * Girls Night Out

Facials * Waxing * Lashes * HA Fillers * Permanent Makeup

Beauty Palafox Glamour Bar 126 Palafox Place, Pensacola • (850) 982-2545

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Let's Get Physical |

ADULT

Sports Leagues written by: Courtney Murray

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ove over T-ball and peewee football, there’s a new team in town, a much older team with knee braces and mortgages. It’s the adult leagues. There’s been a rise in popularity of adult sport teams in the last decade from kickball, softball, volleyball, and soccer to bowling, pickleball, and bocce ball. If you want to play it, you can find a team to join. With the daily stress put on the modern-working adult or stayat-home parent mounting up week after week, joining an adult sports league can provide a much-needed outlet. Many jobs are becoming remote working positions, and more young adults are working from home part time. While this is definitely convenient for many people, it can be isolating. Being a part of a team is something that many adults haven’t done since childhood. Think back to your days as a kid on a soccer team.

You’d get up early and put on your uniform and excitedly head to the fields. You’d be greeted by all your friends and gain confidence from encouragement by your coach and teammates. As you reminisce, you can almost taste the orange slices and juice boxes from halftime.

Just because you have kids and require reading glasses now doesn’t mean that the fun has to end. There are countless benefits for adults to join sports teams. Most major cities and many small towns have organized adult intramural sports leagues. It is a great way to socialize, get exercise, try something new, and make friends.

Many companies form their own leagues, which creates a fun bonding experience with your colleagues and an opportunity to get outside of your cubicle and stretch your legs.

Many modern adults are so busy that fitting in spin classes or kickboxing is impossible during the week. But a sports league with a set schedule after

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work with friends will encourage you to stick with it and get physical exercise without the stress and high prices. Physical activity also creates endorphins, which are natural mood boosters; and who doesn’t need less stress in today’s ever busy world?

Meeting friends and socializing gets harder and harder as you get older. Between careers, relationships, children, and PTA meetings, curating adult friendships takes a backseat to the rest of life. Whether you’re new to an area, are looking to meet new people, or even to network, joining an adult sports league is the perfect venue to bring people from all walks of life together for a common goal.

No need to have attended college on a volleyball scholarship to participate,

there are teams of varying degrees of difficulty and competitiveness, which means there is a place for everyone.

If high energy and hand coordination is your speed, a softball or soccer team might be a good fit. If you’d like something slower paced, shuffleboard or bocce ball could be a good choice.

As an adult with a busy life, it’s easy to get in a rut and stick with what you know. No matter what age you are or what stage of life you are in, it’s never too late to learn a new skill and expand your horizons. The best part of joining an adult sports league is you’re very likely to meet your fitness and mental health goals while doing something fun with people that bring you joy.

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Tour of Homes Pensacola |

What Does House Hunting have to do with christmas? with Special Guest Writer

Jessica Duncan

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hristmastime is the time of the year you spend decorating and gathering at your home more than any other time of year. You’ll get extra use out of your house during this time, so it’s essential to consider all your needs when searching for the perfect home. Do you typically stay in town for Christmas? Do you have traditions or want to create new traditions like parties or gatherings? When searching for your next home think about where the themed Christmas trees will go. Where will you gather to eat your Christmas lunch or dinner? Where will you hang those sentimental pieces of décor that have become family heirlooms over the years? Each room in your home serves a purpose, and you can envision how each room will function. On the other hand, ceiling heights and room sizes will determine what décor fits into your space. If you want a 10-foot tree in your living room or a 15-foot Frosty out front, your home needs to accommodate those desires, and you’ll want to plan ahead for those critical details.

Do you like to decorate the outside of your home? Outdoor holiday decorations tend to create a more cohesive neighborhood, developing an unspoken bond with your new neighbors. Even if you choose not to live near neighbors, it adds warmth and a sense of childlike nostalgia to your space. When you’re building or

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remodeling a home, consider adding electrical outlets in the eves of the house to make decorating for the holidays much simpler. Adding electrical outlets into your landscaping will create a cleaner look without extension cords all over the yard.

It’s important to consider whether you’ll be the one decorating the outside of your home or if you’ll be hiring someone. Always be careful if you’re doing it yourself and research the proper installation company to take care of your home.

When I’m working with a client searching for their dream home, whether buying or building, we talk about their Christmas needs. How many people will you host, and where will they make themselves comfortable? I want to ensure there’s enough space to accommodate every last holiday wish. Sometimes storage space shouldn’t be left on the back burner. Properly storing all your Christmas mementos is just as important as decorating with them! If you spend thousands of dollars on decorations, you may not want to store them in a hot attic that can destroy them. Be on the lookout for an attic with spray foam insulation. Spray foam insulation will provide a storage space where the temperature doesn’t vary much from your home’s temperature, and you can install it during the building or remodeling process.

While there’s always another trend to keep up with, you’re ultimately deciding where you want to make your memories, so look for qualities that make a house a home. Before adding decorations, furnishings, and loved ones, these qualities can be floor plans, storage space, or windows. It’s important to envision what brings

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you joy while searching for the right place. Your home can be your happy place that’s cozy, functional, practical, and allows for a stress-free holiday season. When I show clients a house or help them design one to build, we always discuss where they’ll put their tree or how their family will enjoy the holidays in their home. I’ve had the privilege of seeing these dreams come true while attending their holiday parties or just by seeing their social media posts. This is one of those added benefits to my career that makes it much more than finding a house. Knowing that I’m able to take part in creating memories for a family warms my heart. This is what makes finding the right home priceless. Be present and take care of yourself this holiday season. We’re headed into 2023 with a grateful heart and wishing you a Merry Christmas!

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

TOP THREE

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

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| Foodie

H.2oliday.6

Side Dishes written by: Emily Brink

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he best part about the holiday season is gathering together with friends and family and sharing a meal or two. People come from near and far to share stories, reminisce about the past, and enjoy the comforts of good food. No matter if you are the host of these dinners or are traveling to another home to enjoy the festivities, we are here to provide you with some amazing sides that will perfectly complement the main dish.

Everyone knows about mashed potatoes and green bean casserole, but there are other dish ideas to bring to Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners that will knock the socks off guests.

Below you will find three recipes to help make any holiday dinner a success! No meal is complete without a main course, a delicious vegetable, and a comforting starch. We took that into consideration and provided a variety of options to help fill your table.

For the starches we have creamy corn casserole, a warm cheesy dish that is sure to satisfy all of your comfort cravings. The ingredients are mouth-watering to say the least. To include some lighter options, we have a delicious pomegranate salad that adds a refreshing feel to any meal. Lastly, we added a yummy vegetable dish to really round out the meal. These recipes are transferable, so you can put it into another dish and serve it at your table or take it with you to another home. Either way, they will be a delight!

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Creamy Corn Casserole 3 14 oz bags of frozen kernel corn 2 tbsp butter 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed ½ cup milk ½ cup shredded cheddar 3 garlic cloves minced OR 1 tbsp garlic powder 3 tbsp chopped chives 1 tsp chili flakes, optional Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

Roasted Brussel Sprouts ½ lb brussel sprouts, halved 2 tbsp avocado or olive oil 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 slice bacon, cut into small strips ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp black pepper ¼ cup dried cranberries

1. Preheat oven to 425F and line a 1. Melt butter into a skillet over baking sheet with parchment paper. medium-high heat. Add in corn, garlic, salt, and pepper and saute for 4-5 2. Combine all of the ingredients (except minutes. the cranberries) in a mixing bowl and toss until the brussel sprouts are well 2. Add in cream cheese and milk, coated in the vinegar and oil. and mix until fully combined. Stir in shredded cheese and cook until all cheese 3. Pour bacon and brussel sprouts melts and you get a thicker consistency. mixture onto the sheet pan. Place the Then remove from heat. brussel sprouts cut side down on the pan. for 20 minutes, flipping halfway 3. Garnish with chives and chili flakes. Roast through. The brussel sprouts should be Enjoy! browned and tender yet still a little firm.

4. Once the brussel sprouts are done roasting, toss them with the dried cranberries and serve immediately.

Monte’s Pomegranate Salad 8 oz/1 cup Cool Whip 4 pomegranates, seeded 2 medium apples, diced ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped ¾ cup raisins

1. Prep all ingredients into a large bowl.

2. Fold in Cool Whip and cool until ready to eat!

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A.2 radition.4 of G.2iving

Be the Change |

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The Red Kettle Program

C

hristmas trees, bright lights, music, and the bell ringing for Red Kettle starts the holiday season for so many each year.

In 1891, Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee was distraught because so many poor individuals in San Francisco were going hungry. During the holiday season, he resolved to provide a free Christmas dinner for 1,000 destitute and povertystricken people. He only had one major hurdle to overcome — funding the project.

After thinking about a solution to raising the money, he remembered an experience as a sailor at Stage Landing in Liverpool, England, where a large iron kettle was kept near incoming boats for passers-by to toss in coins for the poor.

The next day, Captain McFee placed a similar pot at the

Oakland Ferry Landing at the foot of Market Street. Beside the pot, he placed a sign that read, “Keep the Pot Boiling.” He soon had the money to see that the needy people were properly fed at Christmas.

Six years later, the kettle idea spread from the west coast to the Boston area. That year, the combined effort nationwide resulted in 150,000 Christmas dinners for the needy. In 1901, kettle contributions in New York City provided funds for the first mammoth sit-down dinner in Madison Square Garden, a custom that continued for many years. Today in the U.S., The Salvation Army assists more than 4.5 million people during the Thanksgiving and Christmas time periods.

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Captain McFee's idea launched a tradition that has spread, not only throughout the United States, but all across the world in places like Korea, Japan, Chile, and many European countries. Everywhere, public contributions to Salvation Army kettles enable the organization to continue its year-round efforts at helping those who would otherwise be forgotten.

Red Kettle/ Salvation Army Across the Gulf Coast: Panama City Salvation Army 1824 15th St Panama City, FL 32401 Phone: (850) 769-5259 Fort Walton Beach/ Destin Salvation Army 425 Mary Esther Cut Off NW Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 Phone: (850) 243-4531 Pensacola Salvation Army 1501 N Q St Pensacola, FL 32505 Phone: (850) 432-1501 ext. 25 Mobile Salvation Army 1009 Dauphin St Mobile, AL 36604 Phone: (251) 438-1625 MS Gulf Coast Salvation Army 575 Division St Biloxi, MS 39530 Phone: (228) 207-1218 Greater New Orleans Salvation Army 4526 S Claiborne Ave New Orleans, LA 70125 Phone: (504) 899-4569

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Ornamen.3t G.4ift E.2xch.3ange written by: Courtney Murray

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I

f your love language is gifts, this is your season to shine! Throughout the holidays there are ample occasions to both give and receive gifts that will fill your cup and your heart. While it’s fun to have the element of surprise on Christmas morning, having no idea what treasures await you under the tree, there’s nothing quite as comforting as tradition. During the coziest time of the year, following deep-rooted family traditions or implementing new ones to start with your family provides sweet stability and a legacy to be passed down to your future generations. An annual ornament gift exchange between family or close friends is perfect.

Ornaments are heirloom items that you can keep forever and use year after year or that you can pass down to your children. They serve as more than pretty decorative items to fill your Christmas tree, they provide a walk down memory lane. Every year, my family puts on Christmas music, and as we carefully unwrap a festive ornament, we are instantly transported back in time. We remember the trip we bought it on, the sweet neighbor who gifted it to us, or a childhood ornament passed down that has survived 30+ years and countless moves. A tiny delicate Christmas time capsule. If you’d like to start an annual ornament exchange, get going now. Let your family or friend group know that you’d like to do it, then pick a date and location. You can make your exchange simple or go elaborate by making it into a party with festively themed food and drinks. There are also a variety of ways to do the exchange. You can choose a partner to trade ornaments with, do a blind “secret Santa,” or everyone brings a wrapped ornament and you pick numbers to see who opens first. You can up the stakes by doing steals too and make your holiday gathering super competitive.

If you want to branch out from ornaments, there are many other types of gift exchanges from wine swaps to cookie trades, jewelry or candle exchanges, or old school with a classic “white elephant,” which is guaranteed for some laughs.

If you’d like to come home with something other than a leopard print Snuggie or an old box set of The Office DVDs consider doing a “favorite things” gift exchange instead. It’s simple. Each person brings two or three of their favorite things and then you pick numbers to decide what order you open gifts. Each participant goes home with a few nice items that are already tested and loved by a friend.

Savor this gift-giving season and happy exchanging!

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Holiday Harbor on !

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

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A

s the holiday season approaches, so too does the flurry of events that make the days feel festive, fun, and magical. All throughout the harbor, you’ll see wreaths hung, palm trees twinkling with holiday lights, and storefronts adorned with garland welcoming the season with open arms — and HarborWalk Village celebrates with an entire month of Holiday on the Harbor events.

Just days after Thanksgiving, Santa Claus comes to town on Saturday, Nov. 26, bringing fun for the whole family. Take part in holiday activities such as a Rudolph-themed scavenger hunt, writing letters to Santa, and learning the story of magical reindeer food. The jolly ol’ elf stops by to take photos at HarborWalk Village from 1 to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month until Christmas. Guests receive a free 4x6 photo that will help them remember the fun forever.

For kids from 1 to 92, Holidays on the Harbor appeals to all ages, getting everyone in the spirit of the season with a variety of festive events. Adults will love the annual Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl on Dec. 3 featuring a game of “food and drink specials” bingo as well as live music by North Pole Panic on the main stage. Still looking for the perfect gift? You’re in luck! The Mistletoe Market on Dec. 10 and 11 is sure to have everything you need. And, there’s even more fun at the 36th Annual Holiday Boat Parade on Sunday, Dec. 11 where boats of all shapes and sizes will line up to illuminate the harbor ending the evening with a festive fireworks show.

“The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, and I am thrilled to bring holiday magic to the Harbor for all to experience!” says HarborWalk Village Event Manager Ragan Bonner of this year’s festivities, continuing the tradition that has made HarborWalk a holiday destination for years.

To help bring the holiday spirit alive, local high schools and choirs will be featured on the main stage throughout the month. Performances include “Holidays on the Harbor” by the Ballet Conservatory and Destin School of Music and Dance, and concerts by the Fort Walton Beach High School Chorus and Niceville’s Opus One. In the spirit of giving, each Holiday on the Harbor event offers an opportunity to support a local nonprofit or charitable organization. In fact, even mailing a letter to Santa is a way to give back. For every letter mailed to the North Pole from the Harbor Post Office, a $1 donation will be made to the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).

A canned food drive will also be held at HarborWalk Village to support Food For Thought “We love supporting our local nonprofits,” says Ragan of the various ways that HarborWalk has aligned with community organizations to help meet their

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needs. “HarborWalk Village is excited to partner with these charities to give back this holiday season, at a time when many might be going without.”

Other holiday events include Breakfast with Santa at the Emerald Grande, available only by reservation, and Santa Paws Pictures — the perfect way to get your furry friend in on the fun!

For complete information on Holiday on the Harbor events, visit the HarborWalk Village Facebook Page @HarborWalkVillageDestin. To book Breakfast with Santa, call (850) 424-0622.

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EXCEEDING EXCEEDINGEXPECTATIONS EXPECTATIONS

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| Body Talk

FINDING Balance written by: Liesel Schmidt

S

o, you’re running around, getting ready for the holiday season, and you notice that you feel … Off. Maybe you’re overly tired, maybe you’re just not feeling it when your guy stares at you with that look. Maybe you’ve noticed that your clothes are fitting a little tighter or all that work you’re doing to lose a few has done abso-frickin-lutely nothing. Maybe you’re swinging from precariously close to melting down to blissfully happy, all with zero idea of what the hell is going on.

Buckle up, babe, because all of them are classic signs that you may be imbalanced. And, I’m not talking look-up-the-nearestshrink-to-discuss-your-childhood-traumas kind of imbalanced.

Nope. This is straight up a hormonal issue.

Stop shaking your head and listen. If you’re thinking, “Hell, no, I’m not at that age,” you’d be wrong. Hormone imbalances in women actually occur naturally during various stages of life including puberty, after menopause, and during perimenopause — all those fun times you go through as a woman when your hormones are trying to find their new normal. But, it can also be caused by the presence of toxins in your body, conditions such as thyroid dysfunctions, medical treatments including chemotherapy, use of synthetic hormones or — pay attention here — by certain lifestyle choices.

Yep. You read that right. Your habits can upset the delicate balance of all those female hormones coursing through you.

As a result, it can also lead to premature aging and a decline in estrogen production. Some of those habits that cause estrogen imbalance and throw off the levels of testosterone in your body are poor diet and lack of exercise as well as smoking and alcohol use — which means you may want to take stock of just how well you know the wine aisle of the local Aldi. Now, take a deep breath for this next one, because even stress can lead to hormone imbalances. And, we all know just how stressful life has been lately.

But why you should care about imbalanced hormones is more than just an off-kilter sex drive or some annoying hot flashes. An imbalance can endanger your overall health and affect the quality of your life, so it’s crucial to restore balance and maintain the levels that make your body run at its best.

Imbalances can lead to complications including obesity, diabetes, cognitive and emotional disorders, and heart conditions. The ways that estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone work synergistically and keep one another in check all affect many systems of the body, and when that

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balance is upset, the body begins to show signs of that dysfunction. Your brain may begin to deteriorate so that memory, sleep, mood, and cognition suffer. Insulin levels may rise and fall uncontrollably, leading to diabetes. Your bones and muscles weaken because your body is unable to process the nutrients it needs to maintain the musculoskeletal structure.

And, producing an overabundance of estrogen can increase the risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer — all of which thrive and grow with the dominant presence of estrogen.

Before you start going all worst-case scenario and start scouring WebMD like a crazed person, take a beat and keep reading. Take a self-inventory. The most common symptoms of hormone imbalance in women include: Lack of energy or fatigue Mood disorders including anxiety or depression Decreased libido Unexplained weight gain Difficulty losing weight Unexplained loss of strength Difficulty sleeping Lack of focus Memory loss Mood swings Night sweats Hot flashes Irregular or missed periods

Hormone imbalances don’t mean the end of the world. If you have any of the symptoms, call your doctor and let them help you find solutions to restore and maintain the proper levels so you can get back to killing it like the Wonder Woman we know you are. Some options you may want to explore are bioidentical hormone replacements using pellet therapy, which offers consistent results. Due to the fact bio-identical hormones are developed to naturally mimic those produced in the ovaries, they are safer and more easily recognized by the body, reducing the risk of side effects. However, you may also explore the more traditional options such as topical creams and ointments, pills, vaginal rings, or patches. All of these treatments and hormone therapies have been proven effective, so discuss any questions you may have with your physician to find what might be best for you.

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C.2hristm.3 C.2andy.3

| Sweet Tooth

T.2he Ingredients

1 16 oz jar of peanuts, salted 1 16 oz jar of peanuts, unsalted 1 12 oz bag semi-sweet chocolate chips* 1 12 oz bag milk chocolate chips* 1 12 oz bag peanut butter chips* 1 12 oz bag butterscotch chips* 2 lbs white almond bark, broken into pieces

D.2irections

1. Layer all ingredients into a slow cooker.

2. Set the slow cooker to low, cover and leave for an hour.

3. After an hour, remove the lid, stir, and put the lid back on the slow cooker.

4. After 30 minutes, stir your candy mixture again.

5. Repeat this process until the chocolate is completely melted.

6. Once melted, spoon candy mixture onto wax paper or into cupcake-lined muffin tin.

7. Allow to cool completely and set before moving into an airtight container.

N.6otes

*The baking chips are customizable, and you can use any combination you like.

These make great gifts for friends and family. Box them up and give them out for the holidays.

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| Playlist

holiday

This year we are rocking around the Christmas tree to these festive hits. Listen and enjoy as you light your tree, hang your stockings, and wrap presents. Grab a cup of cocoa and cozy up next to a loved one as we celebrate this season with this holiday playlist.

Scan to Listen

All I Want For Christmas Is You Mariah Carey

Jingle Bell Rock Bobby Helms

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree Brenda Lee

Here Comes Santa Claus Gene Autry

Deck the Halls Nat King Cole

O Christmas Tree Tony Bennett

Blue Christmas Elvis Presley

Feliz Navidad José Felícíano

Sleigh Ride Little Saint Nick Johnny Mathis, Percy The Beach Boys Faith & His Orchestra

Wonderful Christmastime Paul McCartney

Merry Christmas Darling The Carpenters

Santa Claus is Coming to Town The Jackson 5

(There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays Perry Como

Silver Bells Michael Bublé, Featuring Naturally 7

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| About Face

T.2he Peel Deal written by: Liesel Schmidt

W

hen you look in the mirror, you know what you see: fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes, on your forehead, around your mouth. Uneven skin tone and texture, maybe even dullness that makes you feel — for lack of a better word — “meh.” And, as much as you know it’s something that comes with the territory of being human and having a face that isn’t cosmetically enhanced to the point of making you look plasticized, it’s still not thrilling to see the signs of aging or environmental damage on that mug of yours. Well, buck up, buttercup, because a solution is as simple as a chemical peel.

A chemical peel is essentially how it sounds: You’re literally peeling away layers of skin to eliminate all those pesky issues like acne, age spots, discoloration, dullness, fine lines, freckles, melasma, rough texture, and sun damage. We see you half cringing inside at the thought of peeling away skin, and half intrigued at the thought of what it can do to return your face to its former glory. So listen up. Once the damaged or blemished layer of skin tissue is removed, it makes room for new, undamaged skin to take center stage. You’ll notice fewer lines and wrinkles, a more even skin color and tone, a brighter and more youthful complexion, and smoother skin. So take stock, lovely, and determine if you have any of the issues that would make you the poster child for chemical peels.

But just how do we get to this newly revitalized visage?

During a light chemical peel, which removes the outer layer of skin to treat fine wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tone and dryness, a chemical solution made of glycolic acid or salicylic acid will be applied to your face using a brush, cotton ball, gauze, or sponge. The treated skin will begin to whiten, and you may feel a mild stinging sensation. Next, a neutralizing solution or wash will be applied to remove the chemical solution from the treated area.

During a medium chemical peel, which removes skin cells from the epidermis as well as portions of the upper part of the dermis to treat wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven skin tone, trichloroacetic acid, sometimes in combination with glycolic acid, will be applied with a cotton-tipped applicator or gauze.

The treated skin will begin to whiten, and a cool compress will be applied to soothe the treated area. No neutralizing solution is needed, but you may still feel stinging and burning for as long as 20 minutes.

During a deep chemical peel, which removes deeper skin cells for treatment of deeper wrinkles, scars, or precancerous growths, you'll be given IV fluids and put on a heart monitor.

The licensed professional will apply carbolic acid (phenol) to the skin with a cotton-tipped applicator. Treated skin will begin to turn white or gray. Limiting exposure to phenol is important, so this procedure is done in zones at about 15-minute intervals, taking up to 90 minutes for a full facial.

What you get after your newly peeled face has had time to heal (courtesy of a week or two of healing, downtime, soothing ointment, and some very effective pain meds), is a brighter, more radiant, even, and smoother face and decolletage than you previously possessed. So while it may create some temporary discomfort, the results speak for themselves.

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Q: How long does a chemical peel last?

A: Light chemical peels can be repeated every two to five weeks.

Medium chemical peels may need to be repeated as necessary to achieve or maintain the desired result. Deep chemical peels are more permanent and do not need repeat procedures to achieve the full effect.

Q: Will results really be noticeable?

A: Yes. A light chemical peel improves texture and tone and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The results are subtle but will become more noticeable with repeated treatments. Medium chemical peels will reveal noticeably smoother skin. Deep chemical peels offer more dramatic and more visible improvement in the look and feel of treated areas. Note: Results may not be permanent, and age and new sun damage can bring new lines and changes to skin color as time goes on.

Q: What are possible side effects of chemical peels?

A: • Redness, scabbing, and swelling that may last for a few months.

• Scarring, typically on the lower area of the face. Use of antibiotics and steroid medications can soften the appearance of these scars.

• Skin discoloration such as darkening or lightening. Hyperpigmentation (darkening) is more common after light peels, while hypopigmentation (lightening) is more common after a deep peel.

• Infection such as a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection including flare-ups of the herpes virus.

• Heart, kidney or liver damage that can result from the use of carbolic acid (phenol) in deep peels.

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PRESENTED BY HANCOCK WHITNEY

Category and Top 3 Winners To Be Announced in the January + February 2023 Isssue THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 WOTY SPONSORS

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THE

CLIQUE

Sis, these are the women, I mean, THE women. These are the gals to keep your eye on. They are the ones who Get. It. Done. The Clique is a group of women that come from all walks of life and all industries. Get to know them...

Do you want to be part of The Clique? Join the group every issue in celebration of what’s unique about each woman. Whether you want the community to know about a stand-out employee, highlight a new addition to your crew, or pat yourself on the back after an extraordinary achievement, The Clique is your chance to be part of a remarkable tribe of women!

L

Liz Allen

iz Allen owns Royal River Home & Garden, where she created an enchanting environment for seekers of unique home goods. She began by refinishing and hand painting furniture for her home and quickly became obsessed with the transformation of each piece. She had to overcome letting go of the beautiful things in order to continue her venture, and in turn being able to serve others. Her motto is, “Be brave enough to live creatively,” which she hopes inspires others to trust in their own unique desires of aesthetics in their home.

Liz lovingly named her retail store after the place she grew up, the Royal River Deeside of Aberdeenshire in Scotland, United Kingdom, on a 300-acre farm in between Aberdeen city and Balmoral Castle, where Queen Elizabeth resided during the summer.

After graduating from Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen, Liz moved to the most beautiful Victorian spa town of Harrogate, Yorkshire, where she met her husband who was stationed on an American military base. Liz was, at the time, was renovating homes and running a design agency. They quickly married and had two babies, heading to Pensacola ten years ago in December 2012, where they had their third son. Liz continued to renovate homes but also delved more into nonprofit community events there. Later, Liz and her family settled in nearby family-friendly Pace, Florida, where Liz started her brick and mortar furniture and home decor boutique.

ROYAL RIVER HOME & GARDEN

850.905.9030 • 3929 Hwy 90, Pace, FL 32571

D

Dr. Haley Martinez Lewis

r. Haley Lewis earned her medical degree at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Dothan, Alabama, completing her residency in dermatology at Goodman Dermatology in Atlanta, Georgia. She also holds a Master of Public Health degree from the Colleges of Public Health & Health Professions and a Bachelor of Science degree both from the University of Florida. While in her residency, Dr. Lewis co-authored several articles, one of which has been published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information and another presented at the American Academy of Dermatology’s Spring Conference. Her expertise includes providing comprehensive skin exams and educating her patients on the importance of getting an annual skin exam to catch skin cancer early, performing traditional and laser surgery, working with patients to help diagnose and treat many of the common, and not so common, skin conditions and diseases we see here at Dermatology Specialists of Florida.

Dr. Lewis is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and is accepting new patients in Panama City and Panama City Beach.

Haley enjoys spending time with her husband, Drew, an Army pilot and her 1-year-old son, Aiden, and playing with her dog, Cooper, traveling and cooking.

DERMATOLOGY SPECIALISTS OF FLORIDA

850.692.8921 • 2505 Harrison Ave, Panama City, FL 32405 www.ScarlettMag.com

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| Get Ready with Me

Get Ready to

H.2ost Thank.3sgiving written by: Courtney Murray

T

he rustle of dry leaves is heard as you shuffle down the block to get your morning coffee. You step into the shop, and the scent of pumpkin spice wafts through the air. The fall season is upon us. Wrap up in your plaid blanket scarf and get ready to plan the culinary event of the year — Thanksgiving.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran, or you’re hosting the big event this year for the first time, a lot of time and preparation goes into planning and pulling off a successful Thanksgiving dinner. There’s the food, guest list, seating arrangements, drinks, décor, and the list goes on. Once you’ve decided to be the brave host this year, you’ll need to determine your guest list and notify them with plenty of time to plan accordingly. Traditionally, Thanksgiving is spent with family but with so many people being far from home and insane flight prices around the holidays, the rise of “Friendsgiving” is being seen across the country. In either event, it is socially acceptable to assign guests that you are close to a variety of dishes or beverages to bring.

Many times the host will prepare the main dishes and assign out other side dishes, drinks, or desserts. There are many different

with Me

ways to do this so you’ll have to gauge your situation to see what is appropriate. Once you’ve determined how many guests you will have, a good place to begin is mapping out your menu.

Traditionally, Thanksgiving “dinner” is served in the afternoon. So while appetizers aren’t required, depending on how early you’re inviting your guests over, you might want a few light snacks to nibble on while watching the parade or tossing the football in the backyard. You can do a veggie platter, cheese board, or chips and dips. Next, you’ll probably have your main traditional dishes such as turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, and stuffing. Side dishes can be as basic or elaborate as you want.

Some popular Thanksgiving sides include cranberry sauce, green bean or broccoli casserole, rolls or cornbread, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potatoes. For desserts you’d be remiss if you left out the pumpkin pie, apple pie, and pecan pie. Such a big event like Thanksgiving dinner takes a lot of planning with sufficient time to prepare, so let’s map out a timeline to help keep you on track and make your special dinner a smashing success this year.

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Thanksgiving Dinner Preparation Timeline One month prior:

Plan your guest list and notify them that you are hosting with the time and location. Create your menu and let others know if you are having them bring food or drinks so they can plan accordingly.

Two weeks prior: Create a seating chart and plan tableware to ensure you have enough tables and seating for all of your guests. Go through your dishes, silverware, glassware, pots and pans, casserole dishes, and serving dishes to make sure you have what you need.

One week prior: Buy your turkey and finalize your grocery list. Check in with your guests to make sure they know what they are in charge of bringing. If you’re buying a frozen turkey it will take about four days to thaw a 16-pound turkey. Once thawed, it’s safe for another two days. So you’ll probably need to start thawing your bird out now. Shop for any décor you might want to spruce up your table setting and make it special.

Something simple like dried floral centerpieces and new plaid runners can give your table that wow factor.

Day before: The day before, you’ll want to make sure your turkey is fully thawed and that you have all of your ingredients for your sides. If you’re making pies, you could make these today and have them ready to go. Prep as many of your dishes as you can today so you have less to do early in the morning.

Day of: Start the turkey, finish making the sides, put on some fun music, pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy the holiday fun.

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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:

nfballet.org

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there’s always a reason to celebrate with the best mexican food and margaritas around!

Located in Panama City, Shalimar, Niceville, Crestview and Fort Walton Beach. peppersmexicancantina.com

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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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The Club

The Body

Everyone’s Dying to Join …

Bill Bryson once again proves himself to be an incomparable companion as he guides us through the human body — how it functions, its remarkable ability to heal itself, and (unfortunately) the ways it can fail. Full of extraordinary facts (your body made a million red blood cells since you started reading this) and irresistible Bryson-esque anecdotes, The Body will lead you to a deeper understanding of the miracle that is life in general and you in particular.

by Ellery Lloyd

The Home Group is a glamorous collection of celebrity members’ clubs dotted across the globe, where the rich and famous can party hard and then crash out in its five-star suites, far from the prying eyes of fans and the media.

The most spectacular of all is Island Home — a closelyguarded, ultra luxurious resort, just off the English coast — and its three-day launch party is easily the most coveted A-list invite of the decade.

But behind the scenes, tensions are at breaking point: The ambitious and expensive project has pushed the Home Group’s CEO and his long-suffering team to their absolute limits. All of them have something to hide — and that’s before the beautiful people with their own ugly secrets even set foot on the island.

As tempers fray and behavior worsens, as things get more sinister by the hour and the body count piles up, some of Island Home’s members will begin to wish they’d never made the guest list. Because at this club, if your name’s on the list, you’re not getting out.

by Bill Bryson

As Bill Bryson writes, “We pass our existence within this wobble of flesh and yet take it almost entirely for granted.” The Body will cure that indifference with generous doses of wondrous, compulsively listenable facts and information.

[Self-Help]

[Best Seller]

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

by Dr. Seuss

Not since ’Twas the Night Before Christmas has the beginning of a Christmas tale been so instantly recognizable. This heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will grow even the coldest and smallest of hearts. Like mistletoe, candy canes, and caroling, the Grinch is a mainstay of the holidays, and his story is the perfect gift for readers young and old.

[Christmas Classic]

www.ScarlettMag.com

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The Alice Network

In a Holidaze

1947. In the chaotic aftermath of World War II, American college girl Charlie St. Clair is pregnant, unmarried, and on the verge of being thrown out of her very proper family. She’s also nursing a desperate hope that her beloved cousin Rose, who disappeared in Nazi-occupied France during the war, might still be alive. So when Charlie’s parents banish her to Europe to have her “little problem” taken care of, Charlie breaks free and heads to London, determined to find out what happened to the cousin she loves like a sister.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year … but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions.

by Kate Quinn

1915. A year into the Great War, Eve Gardiner burns to join the fight against the Germans and unexpectedly gets her chance when she’s recruited to work as a spy. Sent into enemyoccupied France, she’s trained by the mesmerizing Lili, the “Queen of Spies,” who manages a vast network of secret agents right under the enemy’s nose.

Thirty years later, haunted by the betrayal that ultimately tore apart the Alice Network, Eve spends her days drunk and secluded in her crumbling London house. Until a young American barges in uttering a name Eve hasn’t heard in decades, and launches them both on a mission to find the truth … no matter where it leads.

[Book- Club Worthy]

by Christina Lauren

But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world — the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy.

The next thing she knows, tires screech and metal collides, everything goes black.

But when Mae gasps awake she’s on an airplane bound for Utah, where she begins the same holiday all over again. With one hilarious disaster after another sending her back to the plane, Mae must figure out how to break free of the strange time loop — and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.

Jam-packed with yuletide cheer, an unforgettable cast of characters, and Christina Lauren’s trademark “downright hilarious” (Helen Hoang, author of The Bride Test) hijinks, this swoon-worthy romantic read will make you believe in the power of wishes and the magic of the holidays.

[Love Story]

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www.ScarlettMag.com

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Happy Hour |

Classic Holiday Cocktails

with a Modern Twist written by: Courtney Murray

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O

nce the first notes of Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You ring out through your radio speakers the holiday season is on with flocked trees, jingle bells, and plaid everything from here until New Year's. The holiday season is such a joyous time filled with love, family, friends, and merriment all around. For some though, it can be a stressful time packed with travel plans, hectic shopping, and pressure to do all the perfect holiday events. There’s one thing that is sure to raise some holiday cheer all around however, and that’s some good old-fashioned holiday cocktails. It’s always comforting to sip on the classics like eggnog and mulled wine when trimming the tree while Bing Crosby plays in the background. With the rise of craft cocktails there are so many fun new ideas that maybe it’s time to put a twist on the classics, while still honoring tradition.

Punch bowls aren’t just for Grandma’s Christmas party anymore, there’s lots of festive ideas you can pour in your bowl this holiday season. A crowdpleaser for all ages is a non-alcoholic Christmas punch. You could even have carafes of vodka, rum, and tequila on the side for people to add if wanted. If you’re a wine fan, a holiday fan favorite is hot mulled wine. It will make your home smell amazing while simmering on the stove and warm your heart and soul when sipping. If hot wine isn’t your speed, or you live in Florida where it may still be hot outside, try out a festive Christmas sangria for your next holiday gathering. If you’re a fan of eggnog around the holidays, there are now eggfree and vegan versions of the cocktail, or consider sprucing it up this year with an international flair like the coquito.

This Puerto Rican spin on eggnog uses coconut rum, which gives it an island twist. Any drink can take on a holiday flair with the right garnish. Throw a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary in a glass of Champagne, and voila, it’s Christmas Champagne! Enjoy experimenting with new twists on the classics this season. Cheers!

www.ScarlettMag.com

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Gingerbread Eggnog 6 large egg yolks ½ cup sugar 3 cups milk 1 stick cinnamon 1 tsp nutmeg, freshly grated 1 pinch salt ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract ¼ tsp allspice ¼ tsp ground cloves ½ tsp cinnamon ½ tsp ground ginger 1 tbsp dark molasses ¼ cup rum, optional

Put separated egg yolks into a medium bowl and add in the sugar.

Whisk until light yellow in color and creamy and smooth. Place the cinnamon stick in the milk and heat on the stovetop in a large saucepan until just simmering. If you want a thicker eggnog, replace 1 cup of milk with heavy cream. Add the spices, vanilla, and molasses. Carefully ladle a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, constantly whisking as the milk is poured over the eggs so they don’t scramble. Repeat 2 to 3 times.

Add the egg mixture into the rest of the milk mixture on the stove and bring to a simmer. Place a candy thermometer in the mixture and turn off the heat when it reaches 160°F. Place in a large glass bowl and cover. Chill for at least 4 hours and mix in rum when serving.

Christmas Punch 8 Servings

1 orange sliced 1 cup cranberries ½ cup pomegranate seeds 2 cups cranberry juice 2 cups orange juice 1 cup pomegranate juice 2 cups Sierra Mist or Sprite Rosemary for garnish

Combine all ingredients (minus soda) in a large pitcher or punch bowl over ice. Add soda right before serving and add lemons or limes and rosemary sprigs for festive garnish.

Winter Margarita 1 oz reposado tequila 1 oz mescal 1 oz lime juice ¾ oz simple syrup 1 egg white

Shake ingredients without ice, then shake again with ice.

Strain into a coupe glass and serve up with a salted rim.

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| Get the Look

the Tartan Holiday Etsy, MadAboutPlaid: Classic Plaid Christmas Ornaments Dillard’s: Kate Spade New York Heritage Flower Plaid Stacked Ring Set

Williams Sonoma: Classic Tartan Reusable Gift Wrap

L.L.Bean: Washable Wool Blanket, Plaid

Dillard’s: Betsy Johnson Prince Plaid Bow Detail d’Orsay Pumps

Target: Holiday Cream Tartan Plaid Flannel Matching Family Pajamas Collection

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