Health + Wellness

Westly’s Ready for 2024

Article and Photography by Hey y’all, Westly here! If we haven’t met, I’m the charming, handsome, and humble orange character you’ve been seeing around town with my friends at Healthy West Orange. You can’t miss me! Who else is feeling ready for a fresh start in 2024? As we’ve learned in the last couple years, sometimes a new year doesn’t happen the way we think it will. But I know one thing’s for sure, our community is awesome! Whether your goals involve getting active, eating healthy...

Life + Culture

It’s a good day to picnic!

Article and Photography by Hey y’all, it’s Westly from Healthy West Orange, here to cheer you on and spread the word about local health resources and events. It’s pretty much the best job ever.  I am living for this “winter” weather here in Central Florida! It makes me want to spend a ton of time outside and relaxing in nature. My favorite way to do just that is to have a picnic. So, pack your picnic basket, blanket, and snacks, because I’ve found some awesome spots in our community. Dr...

Travel

Culinary Travel

Article by Kimberly Huber As a travel advisor, I have helped people go on dream vacations based on a wide variety of interests. One of the most popular and exciting types of travel revolves around food. People want to try new and interesting culinary experiences, both here in the U.S. and internationally. My advice is always to explore the local cuisine and culture, which means getting away from the tourist areas. Not only will you experience much better food, it will probably be cheaper. A...

Food + Beverage

Sail Away Crab Boil

Article by LeAnn Parker | Photography by Janie Jones There is nothing better than gathering with the ones you love to enjoy a great meal and each other's company. I love family-style meals such as a crab boil this time of year. The food is the star of the show and a vital part of the tablescape – decor optional! Additional elements included here are a large paper-sail, light blue taper candles, a few large flowers, and heavy white rope as nautical accents. You can also use other elements such...

Food + Beverage

The Perfect Date Night

Chef’s Table at the Edgewater Hotel and the Tasting Room Article by Andy Cingolani | Photography by Chef’s Table If you're looking for the perfect place for a date night in Winter Garden, head to the Edgewater Hotel and enjoy an evening of fine dining at Chef's Table. Open since 2008, Chef's Table Offers an elegant three course dinner featuring outstanding cuisine in an upscale environment. “When you dine with us, it's a special experience,” said co-owner Laurie Tarter. “You get to enjoy a...

Health + Wellness

Creep it Real ...

Halloween CAN be Healthy! Article and Photography by Healthy West Orange Hello, gourd-geous, it’s Westly! In case you forgot, I’m the bright orange community cheerleader of Healthy West Orange! And no, I’m not orange just because it’s the hottest color this season, it’s a lifestyle for me. Speaking of lifestyle, you may have the idea that healthy living and Halloween don’t exactly go together. I can definitely understand how an endless sea of sugar can make you feel physically and mentally...

Arts + Culture

Painting With Moss

Mickey McClain creates living art made out of moss for homes and businesses Article by Andy Cingolani | Photography by The Plantologist Studies have shown that being around plants – in fact, simply looking at images of plants – produces positive psychological effects, like stress reduction and improved concentration. Similarly, research in color psychology has shown that the color green can help people feel calmer and less stressed due to its association with nature. To Mickey McLean, owner...

Home + Design

Three Perspectives on Interior Design

Meet Sam Baker, Marilou Stones, and Shalea Madorin Article by Andy Cingolani For our style issue, we put together a panel of successful interior designers working in Central Florida, each with their own area of focus, and asked them to talk about what's going on in the world of interior design. Sam Baker Inspired Home Renovation MyInspiredHome.com With 25 years of experience in interior design, Sam Baker it's an independent, boutique firm specializing in renovations of luxury homes. She...

Travel

Earthy. True. Timeless. Elegant.

At ette hotel, they’re redefining what it means to be a luxury hotel. Article by Andy Cingolani | Photography by ette hotel In a city like Orlando, when you set a goal to create a new type of luxury hotel experience, it can be a challenge to stand out among the crowd. At ette hotel in Kissimmee, however, that is exactly what they've accomplished… a unique environment unlike any other in Central Florida. According to Amado Bobadilla, ette’s general manager, every possible detail that affects...

Life + Culture

Welcome to Central Florida, Coach!

After years of success in Arkansas, Coach Jeff Conaway brings his brand of excellence to The First Academy Article by Andy Cingolani | Photography by The First Academy Since 1987, The First Academy in Orlando has been providing Christian-based education to students from kindergarten through high school, excelling in a wide range of academics. An important part of the school's role in the community is its athletic programs, and like most high schools in Florida, football is one of the...