Estero April 2012

52
LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 1 LIF LIF LIF IF LIF LIF LIF IF LIF I IF LIF LIF LIF F F F LIF IF L LIF LIF L L F L L F F F L F F FEST ES ES ES EST EST EST ST ST ST ST ST ST ST ST ST S EST ST ES E ES S E E EST ST ST S ES ST S S ST S ST ST T S ST ES EST E EST T T ST T T E T ES S Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L EMA EMA EMA EM EMA EMA EMA EM EMA EMA EMA EMA EM M EMA EMA A EMA A A A A EMA EMA A A A A A M EMA MA A A EMA A A A EM EMA A A EMA EMA EMA A A A A A A MA MA A E EMA MA A A MA EMA A EMA A A A A A A A M EMA A A E A A A A A A A A E A A A A A A A EMA A A A A A EM EM A A A A A A A AG G G G G G G G GAZ GAZ G G GAZ GA GAZ GAZ GAZ GAZ A AZ AZ AZ AZ AZ AZ AZ GAZ GAZ GAZ GAZ GAZ G GAZ GAZ AZ AZ AZ GAZ GAZ GAZ G G GAZ GA GAZ G G G GAZ GAZ G G G G GAZ G Z AZ A GAZ Z Z GAZ Z G GA G G G Z GAZ Z GAZ GA A A G G G Z INE INE INE NE NE INE NE INE INE N NE NE INE INE INE NE N NE NE INE INE INE NE N INE IN INE I INE N INE INE NE N N INE N N N INE E INE N N N N NE N NE NE E NE NE NE NE INE E NEGR G G GR G GRO GRO O GRO GRO GRO GRO RO GRO RO RO RO GRO GRO GRO R RO GRO GR GRO GRO RO G GR RO O G GR GRO RO RO O O GRO O O G O G GR RO O G GRO O O O G G G G O O GRO O O O O U U U U UP U U U U UP UP UP UP UP UP. UP UP. UP. P. UP. UP U U U UP P. UP UP U UP U UP UP UP. UP. U UP U U UP. UP UP. U U UP U UP U U UP P UP UP U UP U UP U U UP U UP UP UP U UP P P P UP. P U U COM COM COM C C COM C C C COM COM COM COM OM O OM CO COM O COM COM COM COM O O COM M COM COM M COM COM COM COM COM C C COM COM COM O O COM COM COM COM COM C C C COM COM OM M COM C COM C M OM COM OM CO CO C COM M O O OM COM C COM CO COM C COM CO C OM C M M M | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | APR APR APR APR APR APR APR AP APR APR AP P P APR AP APR APR APR APR P APR APR R APR APR APR APR A APR APR A AP A AP AP P PR APR APR APR APR PR APR APR APR A A A A AP P PR APR R APR PR R R APR R APR R AP A AP APR APR R R APR P APR APR APR APR APR APR A A A APR R PR A APR AP P P PR APR R APR AP AP APR APR R APR APR APR P P PR PR R R APR PR R P PR R P PR R R AP PR AP PR P AP PR P P PRI I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I L2 L 2 L2 L L 2 L2 L 2 L 2 L L 2 L L 2 L2 2 L2 2 L2 2 L 2 2 2 L2 2 L 2 L2 L 2 L2 L2 2 2 L2 L2 2 2 L2 L 2 L2 L 2 L L2 2 L2 L 2 L L2 2 2 L 2 L2 L2 L L 2 L 2 2 2 L2 L 2 L L 2 L2 2 2 L 2 L L L L 2 L L L 2 L L L L 2 2 2 2 2 L 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 L L 2 2 L L L 2 2 2 2 2 L L 2 2 2 2 2 L L 012 012 012 012 012 0 01 012 0 0 0 0 0 01 012 012 01 12 012 12 12 12 012 2 01 012 012 012 12 2 012 0 01 012 012 2 2 2 0 0 012 2 2 2 2 12 0 012 12 2 2 2 0 012 0 0 0 012 12 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 0 012 012 012 2 012 012 0 0 01 1 1 12 2 012 2 0 01 1 012 2 2 012 0 01 012 01 0 01 012 2 2 2 1 1 0 01 012 2 012 0 0 0 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 APRIL 2012 ESTERO CALENDAR OF EVENTS | CONNORS STEAKS & SEAFOOD L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L MA EM EM EM E EM EM EM EM EM EM EM EM E E E EM M M M M M M M M MA MA A A A A A A A A A A A EM EM E EM E E EMA M M M M M MA A A A A A A A A A A A A EM E EM EMA MA A MA A A A A A A A A A A E EM MA A E EMA E EM M MA A A A MA A A A A A A A A A A A A A AG G G G G G G G G G G G GAZ AZ Z Z GAZ Z G G G G G G G G GA GAZ GA GA AZ A A AZ Z Z Z Z Z G G G G G GAZ G G GA GAZ GA GA A AZ A AZ A A AZ Z Z GAZ AZ AZ Z GAZ G G G G G GAZ G GA GAZ GAZ GAZ GA AZ GAZ GA GA A AZ AZ Z Z Z G Z Z Z G GAZ Z Z Z G Z Z Z Z G GAZ Z G GA A IN NE N N INE INE NE INE NE NE NE N NE NE E E E INE I IN N NE N N INE NE E E E E INE NE N NE NE E INE N N INE N NE N INE IN N N G GO G G G G G G G G G G G GO O O O O O O O O O RO O GRO RO RO RO O RO GRO G G G G G G G G G GR G GRO G GRO R RO R R R R R RO RO O RO O O RO GRO G G GRO G G G G G GRO GRO GRO RO RO RO R R R R R RO GRO G G GRO GRO GRO G GRO GRO GRO RO R GRO RO R GRO RO RO O O O GRO GR RO RO RO O G GR R RO GR R RO GR G UP U U UP UP UP UP U UP UP UP UP UP U U U U U U U UP UP UP UP UP P U UP U UP P P U UP UP P U UP P U UP U UP UP COM C CO C CO C C CO CO C CO C C CO CO O O O O O O O O O O O O O OM M M COM COM C COM C C COM COM C C CO CO O O O O O O O OM OM O O O O O OM M M C COM COM COM COM COM C COM COM CO C C CO CO O O O O O O O O O O OM M M M M M COM COM COM COM C C C C C COM COM COM CO C CO CO O O O O O O O COM O COM O OM COM COM M M COM OM M COM C C C C C COM COM CO O OM OM M OM M C C C C C C CO O O O OM COM COM C C C C C CO OM M C C CO O O OM C C CO O OM M | | | | | | | | | | | A A A R A A APR APR APR APR APR APR A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AP P P P P P P P P P P P P PR R R APR APR PR R APR APR APR A A A A A AP A A AP P P P P P P P P P P P P PR R R R R R APR R R R R R APR R A A A A A A A A AP P P P P P P PR R APR R APR A A A A A A AP A AP AP A AP P P P P P P P P P PR R R R R PR R PR A A A A APR AP AP AP AP AP PR P P PR PR PR R A A A A AP P P PR R R APR AP AP AP APR R R R R APR A A A A A AP P P PR R RI I I I I I I I I I L L L L2 L2 L2 L 2 2 L2 L2 L 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 L2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 L 2 2 2 L L L2 2 2 2 2 2 L L 2 2 L 2 2 L L L 2 2 2 2 L 2 2 2 20 02 0 012 0 0 0 0 02 2 2 2 2 2 2 012 012 0 0 0 0 012 1 12 12 1 12 1 12 2 2 2 2 2 2 012 012 012 0 0 0 012 0 012 01 1 12 1 12 12 2 012 2 012 012 2 0 01 1 1 12 2 012 012 0 0 012 0 01 1 12 2 2 012 2 012 0 012 1 12 2 2 2 2 012 2 0 2 2 2 012 12 2 2 0 012 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2012 SAND BASH TOP 10 GADGETS 2012 RESORT ACCESSORIES

description

Lifestyle Magazines are the premiere publications in Weston,Parkland, Coral Springs, Las Olas and Estate homes (covering West Davie, Southwest Ranches,Hawks Landing and Plantation Acres).

Transcript of Estero April 2012

Page 1: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 1LIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFIFLIFIIFLIFLIFLIFFFFLIFIFLLIFLIFLL FLL FFFL FFFESTESESESESTSESTESTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTESTSTESEESSEEESTSTSTSESSTSSSTSSTSTTSSTESESTEESTTTSTTTE TESS YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEMAEMAEMAEMEMAEMAEMAEMEMAEMAEMAEMAEMMEMAEMAAEMAAAAAEMAEMAEMAAAAAMEMAEMAAAEMAAAAEMAEMAAAEMAEMAEMAAAAAAAMAMAAEEMAMAAAMAEMAAEMAAAAAAAAMEMAAAE AAAAAAAEMAE AAAAAAAEMAAAAAAEMEMAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGAZGAZGGGAZGAGAZGAZGAZGAZAAZAZAZAZAZAZAZGAZGAZGAZGAZGAZGGAZGAZAZAZAZGAZGAZGAZGGGAZGAZGAZGGGGAZGAZGGGGGAZG ZAZAGAZZZGAZZGGAGGG ZGAZGAZGAZGAAAGGG ZGG INEINEINENENEINENEINEINENNENEINEINEINENENNENEINEINEINENENINEININEIINENINEINENENNINENNNINEEINENNNNNENNENEENENENENEINEENEGRGGGRGGROGROOGROGROGROGROROGROROROROGROGROGRORROGROGRGROGROROGGRROOGGRGROROROOOGROOOG OGGRROOGGROOOOGGGG OOGROOOOOOUUUUUPUUUUUPUPUPUPUPUP.UPUP.UP.P.UP.UPUUUUPP.UPUPUUPUUPUPUP.UP.UUPUUUP.UPUP.UUUPUUPUUUPPUPUPUUPUUPUUUPUUPUPUPUUPPPPUP.PUU COMCOMCOMCCCOMCCCCOMCOMCOMCOMOMOOMCOCOMOCOMCOMCOMCOMOOCOMMCOMCOMMCOMCOMCOMCOMCOMCCCOMCOMCOMOOCOMCOMCOMCOMCOMCCCCOMCOMOMMCOMCCOMC MOMCOMOMCOCOCCOMMOOOMCOMCOMCOMCOCOMCCOMCOCOOMC MMM |||||||||||||||||||||||| APRAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAPAPRAPRAPPPAPRAPAPRAPRAPRAPRPAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAAPRAPRAPRAAPAAPAPPPRAPRAPRAPRAPRPRAPRAPRAPRAAAAAPPPRAPRRAPRPRRRAPRRAPRAPRAPAAPAPRAPRRRAPRAPAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAAAAPRRPRAAPRAPPPPRAPRRAPRAPAPAPRAPRRAPRAPRAPRPPPRPRRRAPRPRRPPRRPPRRRAPPRAPPRPAPPRPPPRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIL 2L 2L 2LL 2L 2L 2L 2LL 2L L 2L 22L 22L 22L 222L 22L 2L 2LL 2L 2L 222L 2L 222L 2L 2L 2L 2LL 22L 2L 2LL 22L 2L 2L 2L 2LL 2L 222L 2L 2LL 2L 222L 2LLLLL 2LLLL 2LLLL 22222L 22222222LL 22LLL 22222LL 22222L LL 0120120120120120010120000001012012011201212121201220101201201212201200101201222200012222212001212222001200001212200000 22200120120122012012000111122012200110122201200101201001012222110010122012000 2 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

APRIL 2012 ESTERO CALENDAR OF EVENTS | CONNORS STEAKS & SEAFOOD

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEMAEMEMEMEEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEEEEMMMMMMMMMMAMAAAAAAAAAAAAEMEMEEMEEEMAMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAAAAAEMEEMEMAMAAMAAAAAAAAAAAEEMMAAEEMAEEMMMAAAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGAZAZZZGAZZGGGGGGGGGAGAZGAGAAZAAAZZZZZZGGGGGGAZGGGAGAZGAGAAAZAAZAAAZZZGAZAZAZZGAZGGGGGGAZGGAGAZGAZGAZGAAZGAZGAGAAAZAZZZZG ZZZGGAZZZZG ZZZZGGAZZGGAA INNENNINEINENEINENENENENNENEEEEINEIINNNENNINENEEEEEINENENNENEEINENNINENNENINEINNN GG OGGGGGGGGGGGG OOOOOOOOOOROOGROROROROOROGROGGGGGGGGGGRGGROGGRORRORRRRRROROOROOOROGROGGGROGGGGGGROGROGRORORORORRRRRROGROGGGROGROGROGGROGROGRORORGRORORGROROROOOOGROGRROROROOGGRRROGRRROGRG UPUUUPUPUPUPUUPUPUPUPUPUUUUUUUUPUPUPUPUPPUUPUUPPPUUPUPPUUPPUUPUUPUPCOMCCOCCOCCCOCOCCOCCCOCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMCOMCOMCCOMCCCOMCOMCCCOCOOOOOOOOOMOMOOOOOOMMMCCOMCOMCOMCOMCOMCCOMCOMCOCCCOCOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMCOMCOMCOMCOMCCCCCCOMCOMCOMCOCCOCOOOOOOOOCOMOCOMOOMCOMCOMMMCOMOMMCOMCCCCCCOMCOMCOOOMOMMOMMCCCCCCCOOOOOMCOMCOMCCCCCCOOMMCCCOOOOMCCCOOOMM ||||||||||| AAA RAAAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAPPPPPPPPPPPPPPRRRAPRAPRPRRAPRAPRAPRAAAAAAPAAAPPPPPPPPPPPPPPRRRRRRAPRRRRRRAPRAPRAAAAAAAAAPPPPPPPPRRAPRRAPRAAAAAAAPAAPAPAAPPPPPPPPPPPRRRRRPRRPRAAAAAPRAPAPAPAPAPPRPPPRPRPRRAAAAAPPPPRRRAPRAPAPAPAPRRRRRAPRAAAAAAPPPPRRRIIIIIIIIIILLLL 2L 2L 2L 22L 2L 2L 2222222222L 22222222L 222LLL 222222LL 22L 22LLLL 2222L 222200 2001200000 22222220120120000012112121121122222220120120120000120012011121121220122012012200111122012012000120011122201220120012112222201220 22201212220012 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

2012SANDBASH

TOP10GADGETS

2012RESORTACCESSORIES

Page 2: Estero April 2012

2 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

BellaTerra

Page 3: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 3

When we wanted to update our look,

we called on the experts at Posh Plum to help.

They were able to secure the highest resale

value for our furnishings – AND – with the

selection of styles they offered, we created

a fresh new look for our home!

24821 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 4 • Bonita Springs, FL 34134 • www.theposhplum.com

239.498.7674 • Fax 239.498.0714 • e-mail: [email protected]

Consign and design –making smart decisions about your furnishings.Insights on Home Furnishings by Greg Hunt, General Manager

Posh Plum offers comprehensiveresale and new purchase services!

At The Posh Plum we offer "Posh" furnishings

at "Plum" prices. Our expert consultants can

help you select fine furniture and accessories

for your new home or help you choose that

special item to make your home complete.

Consider consignment to get the most for your

furnishings. We can secure the highest resale

value for you. We make consigning safe, easy

and hassle free. For your design needs, I invite

you to explore our ever changing showroom.

You'll find inspiration and style whether your

taste is traditional, eclectic or in between.

Be prepared to be "wowed".

consign & design

Page 4: Estero April 2012

4 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

April is one of those ‘transitional’ months where we can all ‘catch our breath’ for just a minute. It’s the fi rst full month of spring (With the temps we‘ve been having, sort of hard to tell!). The ‘boys of summer’ have broken camp and are headed to their home stadiums for the baseball season. The grueling ‘March Madness’ has ended and the ‘Spring-Breakers’ are headed back to school to fi nish out their school year, leaving the rest of us to enjoy our ‘Paradise’.

What do 200 tons of sand, wine tasting and a fi lm festival all have in common? Sand Bash 2012!!! Read our April cover story about this 2nd annual event which promises 9 days of family fun and entertainment.

Are you into ‘gadgets’? Learn about the latest with “10 Gadgets to impress your friends and neighbors.”

Catch ‘The Buzz – What’s Hot, What’s Happening with fashion, music and food.

Ever thought of building your own wine cellar? Get all of your questions answered from a master wine cellar builder, John Seitz.

We have amazing citizens/residents in our area. This month we are honoring several of them. First of all, get to know Estero (Stoneybrook) residents Drs. Owen and Claudie Delgado-Feeney, D.M.Ds. Learn how they balance, dentistry, family and community service.

We are also honoring this year’s recent recipient of the annual “Love of Bonita” award, attorney Don Thomson. He is being recognized for more than 40 years of giving his time

and talents to make a difference in the community. Congrats, Don. We are proud to have you as a neighbor!!

This month we are excited to report on the newest dining experience in our area. It is the Connors Steak & Seafood at Gulf Coast Town Center. They offer ‘made-from-scratch American food, seasoned to perfection and served with southern hospitality.’ Get all the delicious details!

For our seasonal residents who must leave us, I bid you a safe journey to your fi nal destination. Here’s wishing you a relaxing, safe and healthy summer. We will look forward to welcoming you back next fall. In the meantime, don’t forget that you can read Estero

Lifestyle Magazine online at www.lifestylemagazinegroup.com . You can also keep in touch with us on Facebook.

For those of you who are year-round residents, if you know of anything planned in our community which you feel would interest others, please email me at [email protected] and let me know.

So, until next month, I wish you all a blessed Passover and Easter holiday and continue to… Enjoy the Lifestyle!

GARY ISRAEL, PUBLISHER

ESTERO LIFESTYLE Gary

Apr

il 20

12fromthepublisher

Page 5: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 5

Page 6: Estero April 2012

6 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

PUBLISHER Gary Israel

EDITOR IN CHIEF Jeff Perlman

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Danielle Tarrant

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Melanie Geronemus Smit

ART DIRECTOR Alexander Hernandez

WRITERS

Laura Cummings, Jim Freer, Laura Gates,

Kevin Lane, Bruce Turkel

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Laura Gates

Downtown Photo/Fort Lauderdale,

Dreamfocus Photography

ADVERTISING SALES

Gary Israel

Jill Horowitz

Kim Kadel

Rona Levenson

Beth Tache

LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS, LLC

CHAIRMAN Gary Press

PRESIDENT Jim Norton

88 NE 5th Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida 33483 239.287.4246 | fax 954.252.4432

www.lifestylemagazinegroup.com

©2012 Estero Lifestyle is published by Lifestyle Publications, LLC, all rights reserved. Estero Lifestyle

is a monthly advertising magazine. All contents are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without written

consent from the publisher. The advertiser is solely responsible for ad content and holds publisher

harmless from any error.

EsteroLifestyle

Commercial & Estate

Go Here to find out more information about us!

9250 Corkscrew Road, Suite 8Estero, Fl 33928

239-277-1515www.selectre.net

Offices at The GalleriaCorkscrew Rd, Estero Fl 33928Leasing Offered at $12.50 psf Plus CAM

Rentals Property Management

16706 Bobcat DriveFt. Myers, FL 339082,864 sf Offered at $330,00

Page 7: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 7

Page 8: Estero April 2012

10 THE BUZZ

STYLE 12 Resort Accessories 14 Spring Skin

COVER STORY 16 2012 Sand Bash

PEOPLE 20 Don Thompson 24 Deborah Rardin

FEATURES 22 Wine Cellar 28 Top 10 Gadgets 34 Catalonia

26 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

36 DINING GUIDE

SCENEONSITE 40 Celebrate Estero 42 Day of Smiles 46 Jet Blue Park Grand Opening 48 Lady in Red

50 AND ANOTHER THING

contentsAPRIL 2012

APRIL 2012 ESTEROESTEROESTEROESTEROESTEROESTERO CALENCALENCALENCCALENLCALECALC DAR OFDAR OFDARDAR OFDAR OFAR OFOFAR FD EVENTEVENTEVENTEVENTVENEVENTEVENTNTVE S | S | S | S | S | S CONCONCONCONCONCONCONCONNNNONORS SNORS SNORS SNORS SRS SNORS STEAKTEAKSTEAKTEAKSTEAKS KS KS TEAK & SEAF& S&& SEAFSEAF& SEAFEAFAAE OOD OODOOD OOD OODODD

2012SANDBASH

TOP10GADGETS

2012RESORTACCESSORIES

16

ON

TH

E C

OV

ER

42

36

34

ets

s

ng

12

COVER PHOTO BY MASTER SAND SCULPTOR “AMAZIN” WALTER MCDONALD

SCULPTURE IS BY MASTER SAND SCULPTORS SEAN FITZPATRICK AND FRED MALLETT.

Page 9: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 9

Hurry! Sale Ends 03/31/12

FREE INSTALLATION!with the purchase of

Carpet & Pad

Softique™

byCarpet

Exclusive Lifetime Warrantyyyyyy

ExExEE clusivellyyyyy

Naples Finest Flooring Showroom

Come Visit the Flooring Experts

Page 10: Estero April 2012

buzz

thebuzz

H HENRI

BENDELSince the 1890s, stylish women the world over have been seen

wearing Henri Bendel accessories.

But while the venerable brand has never gone out of style, it seems

that it has extra special buzz in 2012. Why?

Maybe, because Henri Bendel specializes in fashionable

accessories, cosmetics, jewelry, footwear, fragrances and more attracting a rabid following of

female sophisticates.

If you can’t visit the fl agship store in Manhattan (a landmark), visit www.henribendel.com to fi nd a

location near you.

So why is Henri Bendel hot?

Maybe it’s the signature black and white colors of its handbags

and beauty cases, or maybe it’s because trendsetters like Rachel

Bilson and Abigail Breslin have been spotted wearing Henri Bendel around Hollywood.

Check out Henri Bendel’s Fresh and Flirty spring collection

of handbags called the No. 7 Citrus Collection and the brand

new “Henri Rocks Chandelier Earrings.” You’ll be sure to turn

heads.You don’t have to love country or

folk music to love The Civil Wars. You just have to love good music.

Take it from us, The Civil Wars are about to break. The group, fresh off winning two Grammy’s, is composed of singer-songwriters Joy Williams and John Paul White.

They’ve already appeared on

Letterman and Leno, recorded with Taylor Swift and been christened the “next big thing” by the `in the know’ critics, including your friends at Lifestyle Publications.

Check out their album Barton Hollow and remember your friends at Lifestyle Publications told you fi rst.

Foodies are predicting the rise of gluten free fare and retro foods and the fall of cupcakes and pop-up restaurants.

While we are not ready to write off the cupcake, we do think the gluten free movement has legs.

An estimated 10 percent of the population has some sort of gluten s e n s i t i v i t y — g i v i n g restaurants a chance to cash in by serving this growing niche.

As for retro fare, start looking for the tried and true to reappear on your menus: meatloaf, fried chicken, hot dogs and fruit pies are making their way from the diner to a wider variety of restaurants. Maybe it’s the times, maybe it’s the nostalgia—but there’s something to be said for bringing back meatloaf. This food just makes you smile.

Another trend worth watching is the growth of “communal restaurant tables.” Whether you’re a party of six or a table for one, it doesn’t matter.

When upscale restaurants offer communal tables there is room for everyone. Shy diners may have to adjust to sharing a meal next to strangers, but social folks will appreciate the opportunity to meet new people over a memorable meal. Watch for this European trend to grow in the United States in 2012 and beyond.

c

W

CIVILWARS

WHAT’S HOT, WHAT’S NOT IN FOOD

FASH

ION

MU

SIC

FOO

D

10 APRIL 2012

Page 11: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 11

Worried About Vision Loss?We Treat:

Let our

®

239.939.4323 800.282.8281www.eye.md

Page 12: Estero April 2012

style

RRESORTACCESSORIES

12

9

3

4

5

6

7

8

10

11

1 Marc By Marc Jacobs D3 Take T Tote, $358

2 Ash Women’s Lips Sandal, $185

3 Jean-Michel Cazabat Women’s Pia Wedge Sandal, $295

4 Pour La Victoire Women’s Taryn Platform Sandal, $265

5 DSQUARED2 Women’s Blondie Maine Ankle-Strap Sandal, $775

6 Gucci Women’s GUCCI 3503/S Oversized Square Sunglasses, $295

7 Sabre Runaway Cat Eye Sunglasses, $100

8 Carrera Champion/M/S Aviator Sunglasses, $120

9 Cole Haan Women’s Brooke Small B38073 Tote, $367.50

10 Kate Spade New York Gold Coast Maryanne Shoulder Bag, Flo Coral, One Size, $478

11 Kate Spade New York Hopper House Little Shyla Clutch, $298

Find these Resort Accessories at www.endless.com

12 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

Page 13: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 13

H O M E S C H E D U L E H O M E S C H E D U L E3/1 BOSTON COLLEGE 6:30 PM3/2 BOSTON COLLEGE 6:30 PM3/4 BOSTON COLLEGE 1:00 PM3/13 RUTGERS 6:30 PM3/14 RUTGERS 6:30 PM3/16 UNF * 6:30 PM3/17 UNF * 2:00 PM3/18 UNF * 1:00 PM3/23 ETSU * 6:30 PM3/24 ETSU * 2:00 PM3/25 ETSU * 1:00 PM4/6 MERCER * (DH) 3:00 PM4/7 MERCER * 2:00 PM4/27 KENNESAW STATE * 6:30 PM4/28 KENNESAW STATE * 2:00 PM4/29 KENNESAW STATE * 1:00 PM5/2 NO. 39 FIU 6:30 PM5/8 FAU 6:00 PM5/11 BELMONT * 6:30 PM5/12 BELMONT * 2:00 PM5/13 BELMONT * 11:00 AM

3/7 KENNESAW STATE* (DH) 5:00 PM3/9 GEORGETOWN 6:00 PM3/9 UTAH 8:15 PM3/11 COLGATE 1:30 PM3/11 STONY BROOK 3:45 PM3/13 CANISIUS 4:45 PM3/13 NORTHERN ILLINOIS 7:00 PM3/21 MARYLAND (DH) 5:00 PM3/22 DARTMOUTH 5:30 PM4/14 MERCER* (DH) 2:00 PM4/17 JACKSONVILLE* (DH) 4:00 PM5/3 UNF* (DH) 5:00 PM

All times are Eastern DH=DoubleHeader

*CONFERENCE GAME

FGCUATHLETICS.COMTICKETS: 239-590-7145

Page 14: Estero April 2012

style

SSPRINGSKIN

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Anthony Logistics For Men Oil Free Facial Lotion SPF 15 $31

2 Prestige Waterproof Lip Pencil, Natural, 0.05-Ounce (Pack of 3) $15.75

3 Banana Boat Summer Color Self Tanning Lotion, Deep Dark Color, For All Skin Tones, 6-Ounce Tubes (Pack of 3) $19.41

4 Smashbox Waterproof Pro Second Skin Concealer in Medium $21.95

5 NARS Gaiety Blush, Pink, 0.16 Ounce $28

6 Del Mar Baldessarini Cologne Caribbean Edition for Men 1.6 oz Eau De Toilette Spray $69.99

Find these Spring Skin Products at www.Amazon.com

14 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

Page 15: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 15

Page 16: Estero April 2012

16 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

Page 17: Estero April 2012

“It’s all about passion!”That seems to be the guiding theme

of the 2012 Master Sand Lovers bundle of activities, with a defi nite focus on sand sculpting.

Unlike anything seen on Fort Myers Beach, a massive 200 tons of sand will be piled under a huge tent and sculptured into massive… well… massive sand sculptures. This year, to give the event a spirited accent, participants will discover another huge tent housing a Wine Tasting Festival. The Sand Bash takes place from April 20th thru the 29th, and guests are welcome to attend daily 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Wait… wait… there’s more.

Also new this year, The Fort Myers Beach Film Festival will show a Movie on the Beach.

“Sand Bash has successfully brought so much attention to Fort Myers Beach we are honored to partner with this fun event by bringing fi lms to the beach,” commented Mark List, Chairman of the Fort Myers Beach Film Festival Board. On Friday night, April 27, the 6th Annual Fort Myers Beach Film Festival will set up a gigantic infl atable movie screen on the beach to show fi lms. “Park yourself on a beach chair or blanket and settle in for a free entertaining evening,” Mark added.

This year, tourists and residents alike will have the unique opportunity to see an exhibition of sand sculpting featuring “The Movies”. The huge sculpture will highlight the top

movies from the thirties to today with a special section for the kids highlighting Disney movies. Master sculptors from around the world are coming to Fort Myers Beach to create something a bit different this year, not your typical sand sculpting competition. Exhibition sculptures are created all over the world but, this will be the fi rst time on Fort Myers Beach.

While the very name-- Sand Bash and Sand Sculpting --might bring to mind those wonderful sand castles some of us built as children (remember using our little

shovels and buckets and lots of imagination) only to see the tide sweep our masterpieces into the ocean, multiply that memory about 100 times and add steroids and you’ll get a sense of what this unique event is going to be like.

Last year, some of the sand sculptures soared more than 15 feet.

This is the second year for Sand Bash but, last year it was competition style.

“Sand Bash is going to be something people here have never seen before,” Knight said. “You can’t appreciate it until you experience these massive masterpieces. We have some extremely talented Master Sculptors coming in Bill Dow (Montana), Brett Stocker (Mexico/Kenya), Craig Mutch

(Vancouver, Canada), John Gowdy (Italy/New Jersey), Bruce Waugh (Canada), Melineige Beauregard (Quebec, Canada), Greg Grady Jr.(New Hampshire), Bert Adams (Washington), Steve Tapazio (Rhode Island) and Fred Mallett (Texas).”

Master Sand Sculpting competitions are timed. Generally you have 24 to 28 hours over a three or four day period to create your

Sand Bash 2012… Sand Sculpting & Wine Fest

A Treat For The Senses…BY KEVIN LANE

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 17

Page 18: Estero April 2012

work. An exhibition sculpture has no specifi c time frame, which leads to sand sculptures with unbelievable detail.

The Sand Lovers, LLC, a professional sand sculpting company, and the Fort Myers Beach Holiday Inn have teamed up to produce this year’s event.

“Team work is the key to any successful event. Our successes are directly related to the great companies, people and volunteer organizations we partner with. We are very excited to continue our long standing relationship with the Holiday Inn and bring another great event to Fort Myers Beach” said Marianne Knight, Event Manager, The Sand Lovers Co-owner and professional sand sculptor. “Sand sculpting demonstrations will offer attendees the chance to learn how the Masters create their works of art. “This will show people the amazing side of what sculptors can make out of a pile of sand,” Ms. Knight said.

The newly added Wine Fest will be set up under a large tent on the beach, the perfect environment to get friends and family together to experiment with new or unusual wines by sampling a range of wines. “It’s an amazing experience, especially if you have never had the chance to go to a wine tasting, or if you have never had the chance to meet one-on-one with consulting winemaker’s, what a better place than on the beach,” said Michael Patterson, General Manager of the Holiday Inn.

Some of the highlights of the 9-day event will include watching world-renowned sand sculptor John Gowdy

create a painting on a spinning canvas to music known as “Flying Colors.” Once completed, John’s paintings are auctioned-off, with a portion of the sale going to a local charity. There’s also a kids activities area with bounce houses, water slides and more. And you won’t want to miss the amazing Chain Saw Art Demonstrations. There will be two amateur sand sculpting contests, with all ages welcomed to participate.

Still another component of this awesome Sand Bash is “Quick Sand,” a speed sculpting competition where two seasoned sand sculptors are pitted against each other, head to head, in a timed ‘sculpt-off’.

The audience chooses the sculpting subject and they also choose the winner. It’s very exciting to watch and even more exciting to participate in.

“We launched this event last year and it was obvious from the very start that we had a winning combination of professional sand sculptors and thousands of visitors, some of whom tried their hand at sand sculpting,” said Bill Knight of The Sand Lovers, LLC. “With the advent and proliferation of digital photography… using traditional cameras as well as those in cell phones and iPads, part of the joy of attending is taking lots of pictures as souvenirs. Most sand sculpting events focus on the competition; the Sand Bash producers have created an atmosphere where the entire family can enjoy and do many things.”

The Sand Lovers, LLC is the husband and wife team of Bill and Marianne Knight. They found their

love for sand sculpting about 10 years ago when they began competing in amateur contests. In 2006, after winning numerous competitions, they decided to become professional sculptors. Two years later, Bill became a Master Sculptor and he and his wife soon left the corporate world to follow their passion. Today, they are actively producing sand sculpting events. Last November, they teamed up with the Director of the World Championship of Sand Sculpting and Pinchers Crab Shack to host the largest sand sculpting event ever held in the state. It was considered the best event in the 25 year history of the World Championships. To learn more about their business, visit http://www.thesandlovers.com.

Over the past few years The Sand Lovers have directly/indirectly donated over $130,000 to local charities from the sand sculpting events they manage. “We always make it a point to give back to the local community through charity donations and this year’s Sand Bash will be no different,” Bill Knight noted.

Sand Bash will be at the Holiday Inn located at 6890 Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers beach. Attendees are encouraged to arrive from the south in order to avoid traffi c congestion. Event directors have coordinated a revolving bus system to transport attendees from the Lover’s Key parking area to the site on the weekends.

For more information, including costs, please visit http://www.sandbash.com.

18 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

Page 19: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 19LIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLILIFIFLIFIFLIFLIFLIFLILIFLLIFLIFLIFLIFIIFLIIIFLIFLIFLLIFLLIFLLIFLIFLIFLIFLIFLL FLL FLLLLLIFLIFLIFLLLIFFFLIFLIFLIFLIFFLIFLIFFLIFFLIFFFLLIFFFFFLL FLIFL FL FESTESTESTESTESTESTESTESTESTESTESTSESTSESTESTESTESTESTESTESTESEESTESESTSESTESTTTESTEESTESESTESTESESTESTESTEESSTESTESTSESTSSSESTSESTTESESTESTTEESTESTESTESTESTEESTEEESEESTEESESTEEE TEEE TTEE TTEEESSEEESTEESTESTEESTSSSSTSTSS YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEMAEMAEMAEMAEMAEMAEMAEMAEMAEMAEMAEMAEMEMAEMAEMAEMAEMAEMAMEMMAEMAAEMAEMAEMAMAEMAEMAEMEMAMEMAMAAEMAEMAEMAMMAAMEMEMAEMAEMAEEMAEMAMEMAMEEMAAEMAEEMAEMAMAMMEMAEMAAAEEMEMMEMAEMAAAEMAMAAEMMAMAMAEEEEEEEMEMAEMEM GAZGAZGAZGAZGAZGAZGAZGAZGAZGAZGAZGAZGAZGAZGAZGAZGAGAZGAZGAZGAZGAZGAZGAZAZAZGAZZGAZGAZGAZGGAZGGAZGAZGAZGAGAZAAZZZGAZGAZGAZAZAZZGAZGAZGGAZGAZAZZZAZGAZAZGAAAZGGAZGAAZAAZGAZGAZAZAGAZAAAAGAZGAGGAAGAZGAGAAAZGAZGAZGAGAGGAZAGAZAGAZGAZGAZGAGAGAG ZGAG ZZZZZZGAAZGG ZGGAZGG ZZZINEINEINEINEINEINEINENEINEINENEINEINENENNENEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINENEININEIINEINENENNNNNENEINEINEINEINENEINEININENENNNEINEINEINENINENENEEINININEINININEINNINENEINNENNNEINNEEIINNINENEEEININEININNNEENEENEEGROGROGROGROGGGROGGROGGROGGGGGROGROGROGROGRGROGROGROGROGROGROGROGROGROGROGROOGROOROGROGROGROGGGGGGGGGROGROGRORRGROGROROGROGROGGROROROGROROGROGGROGROGROGROROGROGROGGGGGGROROGRORGRROGGROGROOOROOROOOGRGROROROOROOGGGROGGRRORGRGGRRRRGGGGGROOROORRROUP.UPUPUP.UUP.UP.UP.UPUP.UP.UP.UP.UPUPUP.UP.UPUP.UP.UPUP.P.PUP.UP.PPUPP.UP.UPUP.UP.UP.PPPPUPP.UP.UP.UPUPPUPUPUUPUPUPUPUPPPUP.PUUPPUPUPUUUPPPPPPPUP.P.UU CCOMCOMCCOCOMCOMCOMCOMCOMCOMCOMCOMCOMCOMCOMCOMCOMOCOMCOMOMCOMCOMMCOMCOMCOMCOMCCOMCCOMCOMCOMOMOMOMCOMCOMCOMCOMCOMCOMCOMCOMCOMCOMCCCOMOMMMMMCOMCOMOMCOMCOMCCOMOMCOMCOCOCOCOMCOMCOMCOMOMMMMMOMMMMMMMMCOMCOMMCOMMCOMOMCOOMCOMOMCOOMMOMMMCOC MMOOMOM |||||||||||||||||||| APRAPAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAAPRAPRRAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRPRRAPRAPRAPAPRAPRAAAPRAPRRAPRRAPRAPRAAPRAPRAPRAPAAPRRAPRRAPAPRAAPAPRAPRAPRAPRAPRPRPPRAAPRPAAAPPRAPRAPRAPRAPRAA RRRRAPRRPRRAA RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIL 2L 2L 2L 2L 2L 2L 2L 2L 2L 2L 2L 22L 2L 2L 2L 2L 22L 2L 2L 2L 2L 22L 2LL 22L 2LLL 2L 22222L 222222L 2L 22L 22L 22L 2LL 2L 22L 2L 2L 2L 2L 2L 2LL 22L 222L 222L 2L 2LLLL 220120120120120120120120120120012012012012012012012012012012012012012012012012012120120001201201201201201201201012201201201120120120121012122201201212012212012121211122101212220120101200010012012000 1919191919199191919191919119119191919191991919191919919191919119199191919191191919191919991911999119919191199991919911991199191111999919911119991999199991999911999111191111911111111119

Page 20: Estero April 2012

20 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

people

“In my book, Don is Mr. Bonita!” said Gail Lamarche, Director of Marketing at Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. It seems that a lot of people in the community feel the same way!

Late last month, Donald Thomson was honored by the Bonita Springs Community Fund of Southwest Florida Community Foundation with the 2012 Love of Bonita Award. The prestigious award, given annually, honors a Bonita Springs resident who “exemplifi es the goal of helping to build a stronger community.”

“Over the years, Don’s service to our community has been many-fold,” said Debi Braendle, the Bonita Springs business owner who chairs the Bonita Springs Community Fund. “He has tirelessly given of his time and talent to make a difference in our community. His efforts are well deserving of our 2012 Love of Bonita Award.”

Don has been a resident of Bonita Springs since 1972. His years of service to the community have become

legendary, as is evidenced by other awards including being the recipient of the Bonita Springs Citizen of the Year Award, the Pioneer Preeminent Award from the Bonita Springs/Naples YMCA and the Bonita Chamber Director of the Year Award.

A $2,500 grant was made on Don’s behalf to the charity of his choice. He picked two: the Bonita Springs YMCA and the Bonita Springs Assistance Offi ce.

“I chose the YMCA because of the how much it helps our youth in the Bonita Springs community, teaching them good values and serving them regardless of their ability to pay and the Bonita Springs Assistance Offi ce – because they are always there and helping Bonita citizens in their time of need.”

Don received his undergraduate degree from St. Leo College, summa cum laude and his law degree from Stetson University cum laude. He is a stockholder

with Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt law fi rm and heads up their Bonita Springs offi ce.

Don enjoys spending time with his wife Kim and four children, Breanne, Jon, Heather and Donny. He loves boating, riding his motorcycle and mountain hiking.

“Recipients are chosen in part for their on-going choice to use their time, energy and/or money to make a difference in the lives of people living within the Bonita Springs community,” Debi Braendle added. Candidates also “enthusiastically promote empowerment, self-suffi ciency and positive change in others. And this personifi es Don to a ‘t’.”

If you want to congratulate Don, call him at his offi ce at (239) 344-1369.

DON THOMSONLOVE OF BONITA AWARD RECIPIENT…HELPING TO BUILD A STRONGER COMMUNITY

“DON IS ONE OF THE MOST THOUGHTFUL AND CARING PEOPLE I KNOW. WHEN DON SEES A NEED, HE WILL ALWAYS STEP IN TO HELP. DON IS A PROBLEM SOLVER. HE IS A POSITIVE FORCE IN HIS FAMILY, HIS COMMUNITY, HIS CHURCH AND HIS BUSINESS. IF EVERYONE THOUGHT LIKE DON, THERE WOULD BE NO PROBLEMS IN OUR COUNTRY,” SAID DENIS NOAH, MANAGING PARTNER AT HENDERSON, FRANKLIN, STARNES & HOLT.

Page 21: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 21

239.948.7825www.floridaeverblades.com

Great Tickets On Sale!

Breakaway Sports Pub opens at 5:30 before every game. Grab some dinner overlooking the ice!

Game Times: WED/FRI 7:30 & SAT 7:00

SAVE up to $304 per seat with a ticket package vs. box office ticket prices.

Select Plans: 10 or 20 games of your choice, same seat. Any Game, Any Time Plans: 10 or 20 ticket vouchers for any game.

*Prices in parentheses signify per game prices.

Page 22: Estero April 2012

Building a Wine CellarTHAT PRESERVES YOUR COLLECTION“WHAT IS A WINE CELLAR AND WHY DO I WANT ONE?”

A lot of people think that a bottle of wine can be kept in your kitchen cabinet and simply let go.

The temperature in the typical home tends to be around 70 degrees. Temperatures that fl uctuate more than 6-7 degrees could ruin that great bottle of wine. The cork could expand and contract to let air in, oxidizing the wine. Leave a bottle of wine in a room with a temperature of over 72 degrees and you could certainly have a bottle of vinegar. So if you intend to keep wines for more than six months, you should look into some kind of long term storage. Keeping your wines in a cooler environment shouldn’t hurt your wines over a short period of time.

If you think you only need a 700 bottle wine cellar, double the numbers, even triple your thought process. When you have a wine cellar, it always seems that some of

your friends bring back wines when they take those trips to the wineries. When having a wine cellar, you are now able to purchase a case or two instead of just a bottle. Build a wine cellar too small and you will quickly be back to the original question, “What do I do with all this wine?

“CAN I STORE MY WINE IN A DARK PLACE IN THE BASEMENT”?

This is not a good thing at all. Depending on where you live in the country, too much humidity or not enough could hurt your wine. The amount of light could make a difference also. And of course the temperature variation would affect the wine. The answer would be defi nitely not.

“WHO IS GOING TO BUILD YOUR RACKING”?

Having a place to build a wine cellar is another question you should

ask yourself. Do you have a place that the vibration, or noise could be at a minimum? Can you insulate and vapor barrier all sides of your new wine cellar? Do I want to make the investment in a wine cellar? You don’t need a ballroom for a wine cellar/room. I have installed racking under a stairway. Do you go with your local contractor or do you go with a racking company?

A good carpenter could certainly build your racks. But, how much will it cost you to do this? The carpenter has to have a plan. Who or where will he get this plan? These are the questions that you need to ask yourself before you start your wine cellar. If you go to a specialist in the wine cellar fi eld, your money would be a lot better spent. They know the how’s, why’s, and any other question you might have for them.

Racking is also a very important visual factor in your new wine cellar. You want to have different racking,

22 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

Page 23: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 23

not only for aesthetic considerations, but for storage. Once you walk into your new wine cellar, do you want to see only racking or do you want to see an arch with lights, maybe focusing on your favorite piece of art? Maybe your thoughts go to a stemware rack, showing off your great stemware collection. Whatever your dreams are, don’t let your decision be made by the cheapest price.

“CAN I AFFORD A WINE CELLAR”?

A wine cellar is only for those that are well off! That’s very much a myth. Wine cellars are for all wine lovers. No one should be denied this pleasure. The cost of a wine cellar could range from a low $10,000 to whatever you want to spend. If you build your own wine cellar it could only set you back as little as $4,000.

Then there is the option of just building a wine room (not temperature controlled), this could

even be lower than the prices mentioned above. So you really can afford this luxury that some believe is reserved for only the fortunate few.

Your wine cellar should be a place of refuge, a place to relax and immerse yourself in a thing of beauty. And when it’s built right, it can be an entertaining and charming feature of your home. Here you can let your wines mature to a great taste. Have those wines handy for all those special occasions. This is also a place that you can invite your friends and family to share in those great wines. When your friends enter your wine cellar for the fi rst time, they should be amazed.

“I never thought it would be this beautiful”; those are the words I always want to hear from my customers.

As I leave you, remember there is one thing to remember “Never drink great wine out of a Dixie cup.”

John Seitz is the Master Wine

Cellar Builder. He can be reached at

The Magnum Company Inc. www.

magnumcellars.net

Page 24: Estero April 2012

24 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

Deborah Rardin is Postmaster of the Estero Post Offi ce. She has been employed by the United States Postal Service for 29 years.

Like the eagle on its logo, Rardin has found the postal service to be an organization which has allowed her to soar as high as she desired to go in her career. It also gave her the opportunity to relocate anywhere in the United States.

“When I became Estero Postmaster in 2005, I knew I had found where I wanted to stay.”

Before coming to Estero, Rardin held several postal positions in Ohio. She also served in temporary postmaster positions (called Offi cer-In-Charge) at the Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Sanibel and Lehigh Acres Post Offi ces.

Rardin started at the old post offi ce location on Broadway Avenue and then opened the new post offi ce on Three Oaks Parkway in January 2009.

When she came to Estero in January 2005, the local post offi ce made just over 8,000 deliveries and had an eighteen-minute wait time in line at the retail counter. Today, the Estero Post Offi ce makes more than 12,500 deliveries with a consistent wait time of less than fi ve minutes in line.

“Keeping the small town feel to the ever growing, very seasonal Estero customer base has been the single hardest challenge,” Rardin said.

She encourages employees to take time to “know” their customers by name, either while mailing their package at the retail window or greeting them at the mailbox. However, it must be accomplished while maintaining the effi cient side of the business. The current staff of 40-plus employees accomplishes this task each day.

When asked about her legacy, Rardin said she hopes people remember her as a postmaster who took pride in a job well done and had concern for fi nding resolutions to customer issues.

“I hope they say the Estero offi ce was managed like the business that it is, with complex rules and regulations, but still had a team of employees who shared the same pride and genuine concern for serving their customers on a personal level.”

Rardin also is secretary for the Estero Chamber of Commerce and is involved with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. She has three grown children, Aimee, 35; Lindsey, 34; and Robert, 33.

iconDEBORAH RARDIN

Page 25: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 25

Family Owned

Since 1924

Page 26: Estero April 2012

26 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

APRIL 1-15WICKEDBarbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall(239) 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com

APRIL 1-29GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICALOff Broadway Palm Theatre(239) 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com

APRIL 3-22BLACK TIEFlorida Repertory Theatre(239) 332-4488 or fl oridarep.org

APRIL 5 - MAY 13LEGALLY BLONDEBroadway Palm Dinner Theatre(239) 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com

APRIL 5-7COME FLY AWAYNaples Philharmonic Center for the Arts(239) 597-1900 or thephil.org

APRIL 10SERGIO MENDES & JON SECADANaples Philharmonic Center for the Arts(239) 597-1900 or thephil.org

APRIL 12WAYFEST 2012: NEWSBOYSGermain Arena, Estero(800)745-3000 or germainarena.com

APRIL 13FGCU NEST FEST: WIZ KHALIFAGermain Arena, Estero(800)745-3000 or germainarena.com

APRIL 13 - MAY 11SCHOOLHOUSE ROCKBroadway Palm Children’s Theatre(239) 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com

APRIL 15BONITA SPRINGS CONCERT BAND2 p.m. at Riverside Park, Bonita SpringsBonitaSpringsConcertBand.com

APRIL 19CHICAGOBarbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall(239)481-4849 or bbmannpah.com

ALL THAT JAZZ: DANTE LUCIANINaples Philharmonic Center for the Arts(239) 597-1900 or thephil.org

APRIL 20TRAVEL CHANNEL’S BIZARRE FOODSBarbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall(239)481-4849 or bbmannpah.com

APRIL 21GULF COAST SYMPHONY: CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIEBarbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall(239)481-4849 or bbmannpah.com

APRIL 22YANNINaples Philharmonic Center for the Arts(239) 597-1900 or thephil.org

APRIL 24-28NPO: POPS 4Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts(239) 597-1900 or thephil.org

APRIL 26ART WALK: CENTER FOR THE ARTS STUDIOSPromenade at Bonita Bay(239)495-8989 or artcenterbonita.org

APRIL 27MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE: WHO SHOT THE DIRECTORPromenade at Bonita Bay(239)495-8989 or artcenterbonita.org

APRIL 28TEE OFF FOR KIDSCopperleaf Golf Club, Bonita Springs(239)495-8989 or artcenterbonita.org

APRIL 29BILL MAHERBarbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall(239)481-4849 or bbmannpah.com

HAVE AN EVENT COMING UP?Email us at [email protected]

ESTERO EVENTSA P R I L 2 0 1 2

calendarofevents

Page 27: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 27

SPORTING EVENTS

APRIL 1RED SOX VS.TWINSJetBlue Park, Ft. Myersboston.redsox.mlb.com

APRIL 2RED SOX VS.NATIONALSJetBlue Park, Ft. Myersboston.redsox.mlb.com

ESTERO BASEBALL VS. CYPRESS LAKEEstero High School(239) 947-9400 or est.leeschools.net/athletics

APRIL 6FL TARPONS VS. ROME RAMPAGEGermain Arena(239) 225-6374 or fl oridatarpons.com

APRIL 6&7MIRACLE VS. CHARLOTTEHammond Stadium, Ft. Myersfortmyers.miracle.milb.com

FGCU BASEBALL VS. MERCERSwanson Stadiumfgcuathletics.com

APRIL 9, 10 & 11MIRACLE VS. JUPITERHammond Stadium, Ft. Myersfortmyers.miracle.milb.com

APRIL 10ESTERO BASEBALL VS. CAPE CORALEstero High School(239) 947-9400 or est.leeschools.net/athletics

APRIL 18 - 22SWFL SPRING FLING TOURNAMENTRed Sox Player Development Complex(239) 277-3100 or legendsofbaseball.com

APRIL 19MIRACLE VS. BRADENTONHammond Stadium, Ft. Myersfortmyers.miracle.milb.com

APRIL 25, 26 &27MIRACLE VS. PALM BEACHHammond Stadium, Ft. Myersfortmyers.miracle.milb.com

APRIL 27, 28 & 29FGCU BASEBALL V. KENNESAW STATESwanson Stadiumfgcuathletics.com

APRIL 28FL TARPONS VS. MISSISSIPPI HOUND DOGSGermain Arena(239) 225-6374 or fl oridatarpons.com

APRIL 28, 29 &30MIRACLE VS. ST. LUCIEHammond Stadium, Ft. Myersfortmyers.miracle.milb.com

Page 28: Estero April 2012

28 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

FROM GARDENERS TO TENNIS PLAYERS, WE COVER THE LANDSCAPE

ARE YOU A GADGET FANATIC?DO YOU FIND YOURSELF SCOURING MAGAZINES, WEBSITES AND UNIQUE STORES IN SEARCH OF THE LATEST DEVICE THAT WILL SOLVE A PROBLEM, IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS OR JUST SIMPLY LOOKS COOL TO USE?WELL, SEARCH NO MORE. LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS HAS YOUR LIST OF 10 MUST HAVE GADGETS THIS YEAR AND BEYOND.IF WE MISSED A FEW, PLEASE SEND US YOUR FAVORITES. UNTIL THEN, CONSIDER THESE NIFTY GIZMOS.

FOR THE GARDENER...

1 PLANTSENSE EASYBLOOMThey used to say you had to be born with a green thumb, no longer. Now you just need to get a hold of “PlantSense EasyBloom”.

Simply shove the 11-inch stick into the dirt in a spot where you want to grow a plant. Built-in sensors gather info on soil moisture, sunlight and temperature. After 24 hours, plug it into your computer’s USB port to

upload the data to www.plantsense.com, which spits out a list of the perfect fl owers for your locale or info on how to rescue an ailing plant. Cost: $60. Visit www.plantsense.com for more information.

FOR THE SAVER...

2BLACK & DECKER POWER MONITORFinally, a device that will help you save money and boost your green cred.

The Black & Decker Power Monitor displays your house’s kilowatt usage and helps you save.

Just clamp a small sensor over your electricity meter. The sensor radios stats to the portable monitor and helps you understand how your household uses power and as they say, knowledge is power. This nifty tool may fi nally

convince your kids to shut off their fans and power down their computers. Cost: $100, visit www.Blackanddecker.com for more information.

FOR THE PHOTO BUG...

3POLAROID POGO

This super cool device enables you to hand out photos on the spot. In an era of cell phone photography it is nice to actually print and look at a physical photo.

The PoGo is a pocket-size printer that connects to your camera or phone and prints color two-by-three inch prints. Cost: $150, visit www.polaroid.com for more information.

FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES...

4 ICONTROL FERRARIOwning a Ferrari is probably every guy’s dream and that dream stays with us the rest

of our lives. Unfortunately, for just about 99% of us, that dream remains a dream.

So while we may never get to own a real Ferrari, that doesn’t mean we can’t own a remote controlled one. The iControl Ferrari is a 1:50th scale replica of the exotic Ferrari Enzo supercar that the “99%” of us can afford.

The iControl Ferrari Enzo RC car doesn’t work like a traditional radio controlled car; instead of using a remote control, it relies on a “dongle” that plugs into an iPhone, iPod, or an iPad. Download the free App and when you start the car up, your phone will make an engine starting sound. The App will display a picture of a steering wheel and you steer the RC Ferrari by tilting the phone left and right, just like a real car’s steering wheel.

We’ve tried and it is very cool. Is it the real thing? No. But, it will have to do—for now anyway.Cost: $39.50 (taxes and tags included). . For retailers, search the web for iControl Ferrari.

BY JEFF PERLMAN10Gadgets to Impress Your Friends and Neighbors

Page 29: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 29

FOR THE KID THAT CAN’T GET UP...

5TOCKYIf you have a teenager you know the drill. It’s a fi ght every morning to get them up for school.

Enter “Tocky” the runaway alarm clock; which will jump off your nightstand and roll away forcing you to get out of bed and chase it down.

Tocky has a microphone so that you can record your own sounds or wake up calls. You can even program mom’s voice and save her the trouble of yelling every morning. If you’re a kinder and gentler parent you can also upload your favorite music, but you still have to get out of bed when Tocky jumps. Or you can upload your favorite songs and listen while Tocky rolls around your room. Either way, Tocky rocks.

Cost: $69. For retailers, search the web for Tocky.

FOR YOUR IPHONE...

6 MATERIAL 6 WOOD IPHONE BACKS52.4 million of us bought iPhones over the Christmas holidays. Now

it’s time to personalize our devices for the spring. What’s better than adding a little warmth to the back of your iPhone? We recommend Material 6 Wood iPhone Backs. Available in an array of fi nishes they come equipped with a mini screwdriver to help you install. Cost: $90-$100. For retailers, search the web for Material 6 Wood iPhone Backs.

FOR THE TENNIS PLAYER...

7 NIKE ZOOM VAPOR 9 TOURDo you want to play tennis like Roger Federer?

Ok, that’s probably not feasible. Do you want to look like Roger Federer? Ok, that’s not realistic either. But you can wear his tennis shoes. Developed in collaboration with Fed, the Vapor 9 features a fi nger-like system on the outside that works to mold the top of the shoe to the shape of your foot. That means comfort. We don’t guarantee a better backhand. Cost: $130. Visit Nike.com for more information.

FOR THE TECHIE...

8 MAGNUS IPAD STANDSearching for the most minimal iPad stand around? Check out the Magnus . Made from pure aluminum

and hand-fi nished to match the iPad almost perfectly, it uses brutally strong neodymium magnets to attach securely to your iPad 2, holding it at a perfect viewing angle while hiding almost completely out of sight. Cost: $50. For retailers, search the web for Magnus iPad Stand.

FOR THE MOVIE BUFF...

9 SAMSUNG 3D BLU-RAY PLAYERSurprisingly, 3-D enabled Blu-ray players don’t cost much more than your typical Blu-ray unit. This

elegant and sleek little wall-mounted Blu-ray player is Wi-Fi enabled to connect to other devices through your home network. You can buy the Samsung 3D Wi-Fi Blu-ray player for $399. Visit www.samsung.com for more information

FOR AN INSTANT UPGRADE…

10LG SMART TV UPGRADERIt’s always nice to have the latest model TV in your

living room, but there is a price tag that comes with upgrading to new models. But now there’s an answer if your older fl at screen TV does not have all the bells and whistles of the newer models. For just $99.99, you can upgrade your TV to a SMART TV with the LG SMART TV Upgrader ST600. Select from the most popular content from a variety of apps including

various Video On-Demand and Movie On-Demand services. Enjoy web surfi ng just like on a PC with the Web Browsing feature and search the Internet while watching TV. You can also access content stored in your digital devices including digital cameras, mobile phones, and PCs and view them on your home’s largest screen with a simple click.Cost: $99.99. Visit www.LG.com for more information.

Page 30: Estero April 2012

30 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

All Batteries & Bulbs for Home & Business

BatteriesPlus.com

Mon-Fri 8 - 8Sat 9 - 6Sun 10 - 4

» FREE Charging Systems Check

» FREE Battery Testing

» Battery & Bulb Recycling Center

» Battery Installation

» Cordless Tool Rebuilds and More!

» Business Accounts Welcome

» Buying Power of Over 500 Stores » National Warranty

From laptop batteries to LEDs, we have the one you need.

BONITA SPRINGS24830 S. Tamiami Trail(On the corner of US 41 & Pelican Landing)

239.405.8143

ONLY!$1099

Lifetime Watch Battery & InstallationLimit 2. Some makes, models or styles may be excluded. Expires 4.30.12. DISC0402. DISC040

We offer pick up, delivery, & installation!Stop on by and say hi to “Lil Bit!”

CUSTOM & PRESERVATION

FRAMING Additional services such as:

Dry Mounting Flat Screen TV’sSports Memorabilia

Many More Artistic Services

Turnaround time 3-5 days

HOURSMonday - Friday

9am-5pmSaturday

9am-3pm

239-390-2381 [email protected]

BONITA SPRINGSSandpiper Plaza

3725 Bonita Beach Rd.Suite #6

Page 31: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 31

Page 32: Estero April 2012

32 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

13720 Jetport Commerce Pkwy,yy Suite 1Fort Myers, FL 33913

239.225.2198allamericanprinting.us

Whether you want to thank customers for their business or increase the impact of your direct marketing

WeWW ’re your one-stop resource for print and advertising specialties. At All American Printing, we offff er:

All American Printing is your headquarters for fftopp-qqualityy business ggifts and ggive-awaa ayy items.aa

All American Printing is your headquarters for top-quality business gifts and give-away items.

BLUEPRINTS • FULL-COLOR PRINTING • DIGITAL COLOR • GRAPHIC DESIGN • BROCHURES • MAIL ING SERVICES • NEWSLETTERSB U S I N E S S C A R D S • S I G N S • P R O M O T I O N A L P R O D U C T S • B A N N E R S • O N L I N E O R D E R I N G • S E R V I C E T O Y O U R F R O N T D O O R

Thousands of product choices

High-quality imprint and graphicsPPerersosonanall ccononsusultltaatitioonnPrompt and timely delivery of orders

product at the right price.Visit our website or call us today aato set up p an appppopp intment.

Page 33: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 33

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

henlaw.com 239.344.1100 Fort Myers Bonita Springs Sanibel

©2012 Henderson Franklin Starnes & Holt, P.A.

Meet our Southwest Florida Women Lawyers

Adapting. Changing. Moving forward.

FLORIDA RANKS FOURTH IN THE NATION FOR THE SHARE OF BUSINESSES OWNED BY WOMEN.*

Henderson Franklin’s women lawyers are leaders in their community, providing legal services in the following areas:

*The Florida Commission on the Status of Women

Front Row: Amanda Barritt, Beth Vogelsang, Cora Molloy, Vicki Sproat, Tyra Read, Kelly Jablonski.

Back Row: Sharon Zuccaro, Stefani Norrbin, Amanda Brock, Traci McKee, Shannon Puopolo,

Suzanne Boy, Erin Houck-Toll, Amy Turner

Appellate Law

Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights

Business and Organizational Planning

Commercial Litigation

Divorce, Marital & Family Law

Employment Law

Health Care

Immigration

Insurance Defense

Intellectual Property

Land Use and Environmental Law

Malpractice Defense

Mergers & Acquisitions

Personal Injury Defense

Real Estate

Taxation

Workers’ Compensation Defense

Page 34: Estero April 2012

34 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

Spain is the land of romance, history, diverse culture and amazing oddities. From bullfi ghts to Gaudi to dancing the night away on Ibiza, travelers could easily spend a year

exploring beautiful cultural Spain. Recently SitInMySeats VIP Tickets & Travel took 30 VIP clients on a private tour to see everything from lush, green forests and mountain ranges, through to endless arid plains and long, sandy beaches. Spain, absolutely amazing!

Laura Hildenbrandt, Director of Travel Sales & Marketing has traveled extensively during the past two decades but rates Catalonia at the very top of her list of places to put on your bucket list. According to Laura, “spending a few days in this amazing seaside region of Spain is only the “tip of the iceberg.”

The capital of Catalonia is Barcelona, a coastal city oozing with charm. From the moment you take the fi rst breath of Barcelona air, you are captivated by the mystery. The very old, the very traditional, the very new, and the very eclectic collide to make the city itself a fi esta for your senses! The glistening Mediterranean Sea laps against the coast of this amazing city keeping a constant “on a tropical holiday feel” even as you’re hustling down a busy street. Barcelona embodies all of the interesting little oddities of Spain with ancient streets perfect for people watching.

If architecture is your thing, Barcelona is a gem. Antoni Gaudi lived and worked in Barcelona. Gaudi is best known for his drip like architecture. His distinctive and highly individual style can best be seen in his still

un-completed masterpiece, Sagrada Familia, the church he was unable to fi nish before his death. Started in 1882, construction continues to this very day. His strange work will make you stare with wonder!

While the city is constantly being modernized, Barcelona retains its historic charm and fl avor. You will fall in love with Ciutat Vella, “old city” that lies at the heart of Barcelona. You will see signs of Roman architectural structures and walls as you take a step back in time in the most popular meeting point in all of Catalonia.

Ca talonia CAPTIVATEDBY

travelstyle

Page 35: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 35

As most travelers know, the best way to get to know the culture of any place is to eat your way through it. This is especially true in Barcelona, the epicenter of Catalonia. Perhaps it’s because Catalan food is such a good refl ection of the culture. The cuisine is simultaneously sophisticated and unpretentious, much like the Catalans themselves. A favorite of Laura Hildenbrandt’s was the pan con tomate, bread rubbed with tomato, garlic and olive oil. In Laura’s words, “Delicioso! No matter how hard I try I just cannot duplicate the recipe! I miss Catalonia more and more each day!”

Offering luxurious accommodations, eclectic and charming people, unbelievable cuisine, and a climate that beckons you to stay, Barcelona will delight and surprise even the most seasoned world traveler. Keep in mind, however, that it will be very, very hard to leave once you are “Captivated by Catalonia!”

For your next vacation to this or any other worldwide destination, please call Lisa or Laura at SitInMySeats VIP Tickets & Travel - 1-866-798-7328.

Page 36: Estero April 2012

36 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

CONNORS STEAK & SEAFOOD REVIVES THE ART OF DOING THINGS RIGHTNEW RESTAURANT FEATURES DELECTABLE DISHES

Dining in Estero just got tastier. The new Connors Steak & Seafood

in Gulf Coast Town Center offers made-from-scratch American food, seasoned to perfection and served with southern hospitality.

The Estero location is the third for Connors, which opened in Knoxville in 2004. A second location

is in Huntsville, Ala., and is where Managing Partner Matt Williams relocated from to open the new restaurant.

“We believe in making dining a pleasant experience for our guests,” he said. “Whether you come in wearing shorts and a polo shirt with sandals, or a business suit, you’ll feel comfortable.”

“You can come in and get a 10-dollar sandwich, or you can get a 35 or 40-dollar steak,” said owner Mike Connor, who was in town for opening week to ensure the restaurant bearing his name meets

his tight specifi cations for quality. Connor’s goal is to create an

atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, heartily enjoys their dining experience and leaves satisfi ed with both the meal and the value. He never tires of guests telling him, “That’s the best steak I ever had!”

From the tender fi let mignon to the juicy rib eye, each steak served at Connors must have the right amount of age and marbling. Add Connors proprietary seasoning blend, and the fl avor is marvelous.

The restaurant practices what Williams calls a “lost art way of doing things,” making everything from scratch, including the sauces, dressings and seasonings. A featured fl avor of homemade ice cream is made daily. Opening week featured ultra-creamy blueberry.

“The only thing on the menu not made from scratch is the cheesecake, which is fl own in from Carnegie Deli in Manhattan,” Williams noted. “They do it pretty well.”

The atmosphere of Connors is upscale, yet casual. It’s stone archway and wooden beams give it a Smoky Mountain cabin feel. Instead of a fi replace in the center, however, the Florida location features water gentling fl owing down tiles of slate,

connorsSTEAK & SEAFOOD

diningstyle

WE BELIEVE IN MAKING

DINING A PLEASANT

EXPERIENCE FOR OUR

GUESTS,” HE SAID.

“WHETHER YOU COME

IN WEARING SHORTS

AND A POLO SHIRT WITH

SANDALS, OR A BUSINESS

SUIT, YOU’LL FEEL

COMFORTABLE.”

BY LAURA CUMMINGS

Page 37: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 37

INGREDIENTS IN ORDER OF MIXING

BUTTER, 4 OZ GREEN PEPPER, 1/4”

JULIENNE 16 STRIPS YELLOW PEPPER, 1/4”

JULIENNE, 16 STRIPS RED PEPPER, 1/4”

JULIENNE 16 STRIPS RED ONIONS, 3/8”

DICED, 8 TBSP. MINCED GARLIC

2 TSP. SHRIMP,

41-50 CT. COOKED 1 LB 4 OZ.

ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE, ¼” SLICED ROUNDS 10 OZ.

TASSO GRAVY OR CAJUN GRAVY 16 OZ

GRITS 2 CUPS GREEN ONIONS,

1/8” DICED 8 TBSP. RATTLESNAKE

SEASONING 2 TSP

» Sauté peppers and onions in butter for 3 minutes.

» Add garlic, shrimp and sausage, sauté until shrimp and sausage are hot – approx 3 minutes.

» Add Tasso gravy and bring to a boil. » Place grits in center of Chi Fu and pour

gravy mix over top. » Garnish with green onions and

rattlesnake seasoning.

SHRIMP & GRITS

set in deep-colored wood.The bar is located up front and features an attractive

display of red and white wines, champagne and beers. The restaurant also offers several coffee drinks and martinis, including the featured Chocolate Martini, combining Stoli Vanilla Vodka, Baileys Irish Cream, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur and shaved chocolate, garnished with a fresh strawberry.

Our evening started with a friendly greeting from our server, April, who had fl own in from Alabama to train the Fort Myers wait staff. She fi red off an amazing array of house specialties, complete with tantalizing descriptions in her inviting Southern drawl, hardly taking a breath. From “fork tender” prime fi let to island mahi-mahi, the possibilities seemed endless, and our mouths were already watering.

The feast began with an appetizer dubbed the Isle of Shellfi sh. The impressive array of seafood comes on ice and features fresh oysters, jumbo shrimp, lobster tail, lump crab meat and two king crab legs jutting boldly from the center. It’s served with zippy tartar sauce and cocktail sauce with a dab of extra horseradish for more bite.

The two of us quickly devoured the Isle of Shellfi sh, which was no doubt meant for four. Feeling nearly full already, we bravely charged ahead with soup, salad and warm bread dipped in a fl avorful combo of extra virgin olive oil and freshly ground pesto.

The Signature Lobster Crab Bisque was amazingly creamy with giant chunks of fresh crab and lobster generously infused. The Baby Spinach and Strawberry Salad featured walnuts, blue cheese crumbles and a tangy sweet vinaigrette.

After sopping up the last of the bisque, it was time to face the glory of the main course. I fi rst feasted with my eyes on the house specialty, the nine-ounce Boursin Filet, a tantalizingly plump fi let of beef topped with Boursin cheese and tobacco onions.

Boursin is an herb-infused cream cheese created by Francois Boursin in Normandy, France. When topped with tobacco onions -- red onions dipped in seasoned buttermilk and deep fried -- this is one tall dish.

The fi let mignon was melt-in-your mouth perfection, yet I couldn’t help but try the delectable seafood specialty my husband was clearly enjoying across the table. The Parmesan Encrusted Alaskan Halibut is a thick, white fi let, baked and drizzled with a buttery lemon piccata sauce and served with creamy rice and broccoli.

Throughout our dining experience, the Connors wait staff employed a teamwork approach, never letting a glass run dry or failing to gauge our satisfaction with a friendly check in.

While we certainly didn’t need dessert, there was no way we were leaving without sampling the house specialty, Strawberry Shortcake. The giant slice of sweet cake was served warm and generously topped with Connors’ homemade vanilla bean ice cream and a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

Although the Carnegie’s New York Cheesecake drizzled with chocolate and caramel sauce was delicious, the strawberry shortcake was heavenly. We certainly left feeling satisfi ed.

Connors Steak & Seafood is located at 10076 Gulf Center Drive and accepts reservations, walk- ins or call-ahead seating by phoning (239)267-2677. The restaurant also has a private dining area to accommodate parties up to 35. A complete menu is available online at www.connorsrestaurant.com.

RECIPE

Page 38: Estero April 2012

38 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

“A thoughtful fusion ofLebanese, Turkish,

Morroccan, French,Spanish Cuisine &a touch of Italy”

Bonita Springs | 239-390-1700

25987 S. Tamiami Trail, #109

Located in Bonita Commons

FULL BAR

next to Art, Etc.

Welcome4:30-10:00 7 days a week

Reservations Suggested

25% OffEntrees

(Sunday- Thursday)

15% OffEntrees

(Friday and Saturday)

Mention this ad at time of seating18% gratuity added to check before discount

Not valid with any other offer

Expires 4/30/12 DISTINGUISHED SELECTION OF 120 WINES

SUN - SAT 5PM-10PM

DINNER SERVED - RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED

CORKSCREW VILLAGE 21301 TAMIAMI TRAIL SOUTH, STE 460Corner of US41 & Corkscrew Rd.

www.ristorantefarfalla.comJOIN US ON FACEBOOK

ELM

Chef/OwnerMichael Fattah

from Bergen County, NJ

(239) 495-9912

Early Dine In for 2

OSSO BUCOALLA MILANESE

FRI-SAT

2 Courses Each & Bottle of Wine

$44.99 Plus tax &GratuityYOUR CHECK

10% OFF

RISTORANTE

FINE ITALIAN CUISINE

3 COURSE MEAL WITH WINE PAIRINGSCOOKING CLASS DEMONSTRATIONS MON & WED 12:30PM

Serving Breakfast and LunchOpen Daily 7am–3pmBeer &Wine Served

The best homemade breakfast and lunch in Bonita Springs!WINNER-2008/2009/2010 BEST OF BONITA

News-Press People’s Choice Awards. Homemade specialities including eggs, omelets, pancakes, waffles, homemade soups, salads, chili,Taylor Pork Roll, scrapple, sausage gravy, corned

beef hash, creamed chip beef, roast beef and turkey and “Real” Philly Cheesesteaks, and homemade rice pudding.

Open for Dinner 5pm to 9pm4295 Bonita Beach R Bonita Springs 34134

(239)221-8540

www.atableapart.com

Limit one per table. Dine in only. Not valid Fri/Sat. Can not be combined with other offers.

Expires 4/30/12.

$10 off any purchase of $50 or more

Dine in only.Can not be combined with other offers.

Expires 4/30/12.

Free bottle of house winew/ purchase of 2 entreesfrom our Prix Fixe Menu

Page 39: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 39

NGX

National Gold Xchange cordially invites you to visit our location conveniently located at:

WE BUYCOINS &BULLION

Now Is The Perfect Time To Turn Your Unwanted Jewelry Into Cash

WE BUY VINTAGE, ESTATE & UNIQUE JEWELRY OF ANY CONDITION WE PAY THE HIGHEST PRICES IN ALL OF FLORIDA....BEFORE YOU SELL YOUR PRECIOUS METALS YOU MUST COME AND SEE US, YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED

EWELERSJEXPERT

Jewelry & Watch Repair

ON SITE

ROLEXSERVICE &

POLISH$499.99

WE BUYGOLD &

DIAMONDS

Sandpiper Plaza - 3725-5 Bonita Beach RdBonita Springs, Florida 34134 (239) 405-8911

Page 40: Estero April 2012

Estero Fire Division Chief Todd Coulter& Fire Chief Scott Vanderbrook

Ernie Hand, Emerson Ritter & Brian Dubrasky

Deb Rardin, Sharon VanRite, Shelley Starner-Pritt& John Garvalia

Lonnie and Robert Steinhaur, Levi Brown, Nicole Hesidence & Beverly Benkhatar

Estero Fire Rescue TeamOverall Winner for Best Ribs and People’s Choice Award for Chili

San Carlos Park Fire “Southern Boys”Overall Winner for Best Chili

CelebrateEstero

Casey Fast & Janelle Newman with Daniel & Desire Chapman

On February 11, 2012, the Estero Chamber of

Commerce held its ninth annual Celebrate Estero

event at Miromar Outlets, showcasing Estero

businesses. Four teams competed for bragging

rights in a chili and barbecued ribs cook-off,

with the team from Estero Fire Rescue taking home

two trophies.

sceneonsite

Estero High School Culinary Arts students

40 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

Page 41: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 41

VITAMINS HERBS ORGANIC FOODS NATURAL BEAUTY CARE GLUTEN FREE FOODSORGANIC BULK FOODS HEALTHY PET FOODS & MUCH MORE!

McGregor Point Shopping Center15271-7 McGregor Blvd

Fort Myers, Fl 33919239-489-3377

Colonial Crossings Shopping Center4600-C10 Summerlin Road

Fort Myers, Fl 33919239-939-0990

Coral Pointe Shopping Center1631 Del Prado Blvd.Cape Coral, Fl 33990

239-574-6333

North Shore Shopping Center13860-G N. Cleveland Ave.

N. Fort Myers, Fl 33903239-997-6676

www.motherearthnatfds.com

Come Visit & Talk To Our Knowledgeable StaffSee Our Large Selection of Products

Experience Our Down-to-Earth Prices!

Island Park Shopping Center16520 S. Tamiami Trail

South Fort Myers, Fl 33903

5 Convenient Lee County Locations to Serve You!

239-454-8009

20% OFFR e g u l a r P r i c e s

*One Coupon Per Visit*Sale & Promotional Items Excluded

Your Neighborhood Health Food Store!

Exp 4/30/12

Page 42: Estero April 2012

Dr. Claudie Delgado-Feeney, Dr. Brian Olitsky,Dr. Maria Hernandez & Chrissy Hatlee

Maj. Tom Louden, Connie Lauderback &Sue Veto with the Salvation Army bear

Marion & Jean Perkins

Dr. Maria Hernandez, Dr. David Gulotte & Dr. William Sullivan

Jewel Faerber, Annmarie Ferry, Valeria Lopez & Paola Lopez

Dr. Miguel Argunosa, Dr. Aaron Leishman & Dr. Ivan TerreroDr. Denise Carlin & Katy Errington

Day of Smiles

Dave Rea, Rick Childress & Bob Boudreau

The Rotary Club of Estero and the Salvation

Army of Bonita Springs partnered on February 11, 2012 for the inaugural Day of Smiles in Estero. The event offered dental screenings for low-income children and

featured a number of fun activities.

sceneonsite

“Hamstar,” Tooth & “Hop” with Christian Welsh, Julie LeBriton, Rebecca Sanders & Noah Brantingham

42 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

Page 43: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 43

Dara LeichterBreast Cancer Nurse

Navigator

Susan MurphyBreast Cancer Survivor

, .

Regional Cancer Center is a unique partnership between Lee Memorial Health System and its private physician group partners. Working together, the health system and physicians now can offer cancer patients treatment for nearly every aspect of their cancer care under one roof. From the latest treatments and technology to workshops and design features intended to soothe the mind and body, cancer patients will know that they do not have to fight their cancer alone.

A s a hairstylist, Susan Murphy never thought

she’d have to choose between her hair and

her life. But when she was diagnosed with breast

cancer, the staff at the Regional Cancer Center

helped her with the entire process—medically,

emotionally and financially. Now cancer-free,

she’s back to running her salon and no longer

needs a wig. To read Susan’s story, please visit

www.LeeMemorial.org/caring

www.LeeMemorial.org

Page 44: Estero April 2012

44 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

Go With A Real Estate Expert

& An Agent That Gets Results

If you are looking for a Real Estate Agent that works for your Business, Joe Pavich, Jr is the one you want to work with. He

Has a decade of “Full Time” Real estate experience, Multi-Million Dollar Producer, 5 star Award Winner in Customer service and The best marketing plan you will find. Joe also ranked in the Top 10 for gross sales for the Bonita-Estero Board of Realtors in 2009 and Number 2 in 2010.

Pricing your Home Low and Selling Fast isn’t Joe’s Motto. He would rather market your home properly and get the best price in the Fastest time.

Joe doesn’t just list your home in the MLS and hope another agent brings the buyer. He markets your home to the right buyer.

And creates the best web presence. Joe’s Website www.joepavichjr.com is ranked on the most traffic searches for Google, Yahoo and Bing and tries new marketing ideas as the come available.

Call Joe Pavich, Jr and let him show you the difference. He is Handshake guy, a Family man and his word means everything.

Joe Pavich, Jr.

Broker & Associate

5 Year Award Star Award Winner In Customer Service By Gulfshore Life Magazine

Innovative International Marketing Plan

Near a decade of“Full Time” Real Estate Service

Honesty, Reliability,Knowledge and Integrity.

Ranked #9 In 2009 & #2 In 2010 For Gross Sales

In The Bonita/ Estero Board Of Realtor Per The MLS.

www.joepavichjr.com

Page 45: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 45www.esterorealestatelistings.com

Listings by Joe Pavich

Page 46: Estero April 2012

Jamie & Veronica Chambers with Bella, Alexandra & Carter

Lee County Commissioner Frank Mann &Boston Mayor Thomas Menino

Bob Huebner & Paul Gaffney

Warren Christie, Tracy Morgan & Ken Maxwell

Lee County Commissioner Ray Judah &Red Sox 2nd baseman Dustin Pedroia

Dave Harner, John Yarbrough & Jeff Milkey

Jet BluePark Grand

Opening

Ray Stone & Doris Williams

The Boston Red Sox officially opened their

new spring training facility, JetBlue Park at Fenway South, during a community open house on February 25, 2012.

sceneonsite

Simone Puhl, Fred & Jean Lindenhovius with Linda Puhl

46 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

Page 47: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 47

LauderdaleImports BMW

The UltimateDriving Machine®LauderdaleBMW.com

We Share Your Passion.TM

Introducing The All-New 3 Series Sedan.The 6th generation - Sport, Luxury, Modern...You Choose.

Lauderdale BMWWe have passion for what we sell and passion for what you drive.

H O L M A N A U T O M O T I V E G R O U P - FA M I L Y O W N E D S I N C E 1 9 2 4

pas·sion: noun \ pa-sh n\: intense emotion, compelling feeling, enthusiasm, or desire.From the moment your hands grip the wheel you feel the power.

This is where sleek design meets brute force. Sit back, hold on, and enjoy the thrill of your new ride.Be the first to experience the next Ultimate Driving Machine® at Lauderdale BMW.

visit us at www.LauderdaleBMW.com

Lauderdale BMW of Ft. Lauderdale1400 South Federal Highway • 1-800-239-8855

US1 between the Downtown Tunnel & the Airport

Lauderdale BMW of Pembroke Pines14800 Sheridan Street •1-800-281-7044Just East of I-75

Page 48: Estero April 2012

Maryanne Fogleboch, Linda Hunsberge & Susan Delduco

Kathy Rooker & Joan Jenkins

Jenny Machak & Pam Bishop

Christina & Donna Daubmann

Debi Montenieri, Lina Boyle, Kellie Brown & Melissa Morrison

Beth Oliver, Molly Norman, Joy Gugliuzza, Danielli Martel & Stacy Sherman

Lady in Red High Tea

and FashionShow

Darcy Kennedy & Phyllis Rulison

Proceeds from the February 10, 2012

event at the Miromar Design Center,

benefitted the Women’s Council of Realtors & American Heart

Association’s Go Red for Women movement.

sceneonsite

Sharon Duggan, Vanessa Martin & Joanne Ellis

48 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

Page 49: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 49

Page 50: Estero April 2012

50 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

BY BRUCE TURKEL

AND another thing...

THE FUTURE STARTED YESTERDAY

My daughter sent her college applications out a couple of months ago and is waiting for her acceptance letters to arrive in the mail. So far she’s received six green lights and no turndowns so I’m proud to report she’s six for six.

She wrote her college application essays about her love of photography and the environment. She talked about taking her camera, nicknamed Nick Canon (it’s a Canon SLR, get it?) on nature hikes and how she’s going to choose her school not just for its academic offering but also for its natural surrounds.

Yesterday she texted me a copy of the acceptance letter she received from one of the schools. In the margins of the laser printed form letter an admissions counselor scrawled in longhand, “You and Nick Canon are going to enjoy the scenery at ABC College.”

How smart is that? Not only does the customized letter show that someone at ABC College actually read her essay and paid attention, but those 12 words also created all kinds of warm and fuzzies. In an instant, a school that was in the bottom half of her desirability list leapfrogged to the top three.

Scientists have been researching why users are so addicted to their smartphones and Blackberries (it’s no surprise they’re called “Crackberries”). What they’ve found is that every little “ding” stimulates a shot of dopamine into the bloodstream of the users. You can almost hear Sally Field exclaim, “You like me. You really like me” every time the phone rings. It’s such a powerful charge that Apple has recently exploited it further with the iPhone 4S’ Siri app. Each time the phone does your bidding and answers affi rmatively with your name, it’s a satisfying and fulfi lling experience.

Social networking sites that send you an email when someone posts your photo. Restaurateurs who bring you a complimentary amuse-boche or after dinner drink. Beautifully designed products that make you smile each time you look at them. Doctors and nurses who take a little extra time to sit and talk with you about your health and your lifestyle. People who use your name when they speak to you. Pets that love you unconditionally.

Each of these uncommon

delights gives us a little “Atta boy” or “Atta girl” that reminds us that we matter. Each one makes us feel good about ourselves. Each one makes us want to go back for more.

Thanks to computerization and technology, most products we buy are very good at doing what they’re supposed to do. For example, when was the last time you had a television set break? TVs have become so reliable that the industry had to invent entirely new types of TVs — fi rst the fl at screen and when those became ubiquitous, 3D TVs — just to keep us buying them. Apple is so good at regularly upgrading their products to create desire that you don’t really buy their goods, you subscribe to them. All of a sudden, a product’s popularity isn’t just measured by its functionality, but by how that product makes us feel about ourselves. If we feel welcomed, pampered, pleased, delighted, we buy. If we feel validated, we buy a lot.

I don’t think most people like rats. They can be dirty, dangerous, and destructive. Throughout history the rodents have carried numerous diseases and have been responsible for countless human suffering through plagues and pestilence. Just a glimpse of the rodents’ beady little eyes, gruff gray fur, and scrabbly-skinny tails provokes fear and loathing.

According to Wikipedia, “rodents have sharp incisors that they use to gnaw wood, break into food, and bite predators.” And the family of common rodents includes not just rats but mice, porcupines, beavers, guinea pigs, hamsters, and squirrels as well. That means that squirrels and rats are related. So why do people hate rats but think squirrels are cute?

It’s the distinct differences between the two that make all the difference. While rats have those nasty, scaly tails,

squirrels have broad, fl uffy ones. Rats look matted and mangy. Squirrels have thick, luxuriant fur. A park

full of squirrels is delightful. A park full of rats? Disgusting! Rats have beady eyes. Squirrels have big, shiny eyes. In fact, the dimensions of a squirrel’s face are similar to that of a human baby.

In other words, rats gross us out while squirrels bring out our maternal and paternal instincts and make us feel good

about ourselves. And therefore, them.So has evolution crowned squirrels

as the original branding gurus? You’ve never heard anyone described as a “dirty

squirrel,” have you? How about a “squirrel fi nk”? No one’s ever “squirreled out a friend,”

have they? And when was the last time a bad situation was described as “squirrels deserting a sinking ship”?

No, it’s the rats that got the bad rap. And the squirrels — like other savvy creatures,

colleges, and companies — get all the peanuts.

Page 51: Estero April 2012

LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | APRIL 2012 51

WE HAVE HUNDREDS OF NEW ACURAS READY FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY AND ONLY RICK CASE DOUBLES THE FACTORY NATIONWIDE WARRANTY TO 10-YEARS, 100,000 MILES

No matter which vehicle you choose – choose Rick Case Acura. And best of all, you don’t have to go far to find South Florida’s finest selection of new and pre-owned luxury automobiles. Rick Case Acura is just minutes away and here, you’ll find no hassles, no pressure and no shortage of knowledgeable staff. And only at Rick Case can you get a 10-year, 100,000 mile

nationwide warranty on all new Acura’s purchased. So come in, let us show you how great a Rick Case car buying experience can be.

BEFORE YOU BUY OR LEASE A LUXURY CAR OR SUV IN SOUTH FLORIDA,

MAKE SURE TO SEE RICK CASE ACURA,THE WORLD’S LARGEST ACURA DEALER 7 YEARS IN A ROW AND THE #1 DEALER SINCE 1986.

2012 ZDX

2012 MDX 2012 RDX

2012 TL2012 TSX WAGON 2012 RL

ONLY RICK CASE GIVES YOU3 Day Free Trial,

Free Car Washes for Life& Discount Gas!

SAVES $100s,EVEN $1000s!with Rick Case Rewards

ence can be.

MINUTES FROM ANYWHERE IN SOUTH FLORIDA ON 441 AT SUNRISE BLVD.

888-499-8636

7 YEARS IN A ROW THE WORLD’S LARGEST ACURA DEALERSHIP

Monday - Saturday 9AM - 9PM | Sunday 11AM - 5PM

r i c k c a s e a c u r a . c o m

RICKCASEACURA.COM

SPECIAL EDITION

Page 52: Estero April 2012

52 APRIL 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM