February 2012 – Tampa Bay | Panache Vue' Magazine

Makeover Maven – HGTV Star Sabrina Soto

February 22, 2012 By Tom Castaneda 171 Comments

Meet Interior Design Expert & HGTV Star Sabrina Soto

Sabrina Soto

During her nearly six-year career at HGTV, renowned interior design and staging expert Sabrina Soto has become one of the network’s brightest stars. And the popular host of shows like Get It Sold and The High/Low Project continues to expand her fan base with her effervescent personality, enterprising approach to design and ability to click with her clients.

“Every morning, I wake up and wonder if I’m dreaming,” exclaims Soto, a Miami-born first generation Cuban-American who credits her success to hard work, passion and a never-give-up attitude. “It’s the best job in the world!”

It should come as no shock that the 35-year-old star has landed a gig that allows her to create stunning spaces that inspire millions around the world. Soto inherited her considerable passion for design from her mother, Maria Soto, who ran a decorating, home staging and party planning business.

“Every weekend we would make crafts,” recalls Soto. “And I would just sit around and watch her put a room together or we would go shopping for clients. I just looked up to her and loved the whole design process. I was never bored in her presence.”

Soto credits her mother with teaching her an invaluable lesson that would lead to her developing an uncanny knack for designing breathtaking spaces, even on a limited budget.

“My mom always told me that no matter how much money you have, you can still create a beautiful space and be proud of where you live” divulges Soto, who has been featured in Time, USA Today, In Style and The New York Post. “And she would show me ways to have a beautiful home and atmosphere without breaking the bank.”

Sabrina Soto

Surprisingly, Soto didn’t immediately pursue a career in the industry, despite taking design classes at the University of California, Los Angeles.

“I just never thought I could really make a business out of decorating,” admits Soto. “So I kind of did it on the side while I was working in real estate and marketing.”

Soto would eventually land television hosting roles for the likes of MTV and The Learning Channel, before finding her dream job on Craigslist.

“I saw this posting where they were looking for someone with television and real estate experience,” remembers Soto. “While meeting with the owner of the production company, I told him that I was also a designer and did staging work. He flipped because he was looking for a host for Get It Sold. One thing led to another and they cast me!”

In no time, Soto saw her popularity rise at HGTV. But after six seasons on the show, she knew it was time to let people see her true colors.

“If I painted one more room beige, I was going to die,” proclaims Soto, Target’s style expert for home—a role that gives her the opportunity to curate the company’s lines, put rooms together and make recommendations. “I love using bold colors on the walls in a room or through the accessories. I really love using different colors in unexpected ways!”

Along with allowing her to demonstrate her creativity through a variety of design styles, Soto’s latest show—The High Low Project—lets her work with unlimited and limited budgets in the same episode.

“I love being able to do a very high-end design and then recreate it for the budget the homeowners have,” says Soto, who believes the initial client consultation is the key to creating a perfect space, especially since they tend to contradict themselves with what they want and don’t want. “Sometimes I take a $30,000 room and turn it into a $3,000 room. To show people it’s completely doable with such a small budget—even if they get inspired by one project or one piece of the room—is wonderful!”

So what’s next for Soto? The release of her first book, Sabrina Soto Home Design: A Layer-by-Layer Approach to Turning Your Ideas into the Home of Your Dreams, in May.

“It basically takes the guesswork out of the process,” explains Soto, who had a LEED-accredited designation from the U.S. Green Building Council—one of only about 6,900 accredited interior designers worldwide. “Each chapter is a different layer and you just go through the process of how to put together a beautiful space.”

It’s just the latest chapter in the inspiring life of a design superstar living the dream while helping people around the world create their own dream homes.

Soto’s Renovation Recommendation

If you’re looking to redecorate or redesign a living space, Soto says it’s important to avoid rushing the process:

“Even though design shows are 22 minutes long, it takes a lot more planning than that,” declares Soto. “Sometimes when you rush to get it done, you make mistakes. And you spend more money than you have to. With patience comes good design and great deals!”

For more about Sabrina Soto, visit www.SabrinaSoto.com.

Tom Castañeda

Tom Castañeda is a creative writer, blogger, and award-winning broadcast journalist who has worked at Architectural Digest, In Touch Weekly, and Latina – a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle magazine for today’s bi-cultural Latina woman. Throughout his career in publishing, Tom has planned and executed numerous celebrity, fashion, and beauty programs throughout the country, including fashion shows, and shopping events for brands like Bloomingdale’s, Chanel, Mikimoto, David Yurman, Givenchy, Armani Fragrances, Macy’s, Southpole Collection, and more. Additionally, Tom has drawn on his strong journalism background to create various print, online, and video reports on various subjects, including fashion and beauty.

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, Celebrity, Feature - South Tampa, Feature Articles, February 2012 - South Tampa, February 2012 – Tampa Bay, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Author, Book, Celebrity, Get It Sold, HGTV, Home, Home & Garden Television, Home & Garden TV, Home Accessories, Home Decor, Home Design, Home Furnishings, Sabrina Soto, Television, The High/Low Project, Tom Castañeda

Safari Style

February 22, 2012 By Tom Castaneda 203 Comments

Embrace the Next Season’s Haute Tribal Trend Now

New York Fashion Week - Donna Karan (Spring 2012)

The first day of spring may not be until March 20, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start converting your wardrobe now. And while you’re making the transition between seasons, why not unleash your wild side?

One of this season’s most popular fashion fads appears to be inspired by Meryl Streep’s classic film Out of Africa. Don’t worry though, embracing the tribal trend doesn’t mean having to sport saggy safari suits or lackluster khakis.

This season, designers like Donna Karan, Michael Kors and Zuhair Murad have created African-inspired styles with a modern twist. Their spring/summer collections feature pieces that combine the traditional earth colors that reflect the tones of the continent’s untamed landscape with magnetic color and high-octane prints. The end result: Afri-luxe looks that will breathe some fresh Sahara air into any plain Jane ensemble.

But don’t take my word for it! Pick up the latest issue of Us Weekly or People and you’ll undoubtedly see images of celebrities like Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian wearing exotic, tribal-print pieces that include intricate beading and crochet details.

Here are some ways to add a tribal-inspired twist to your wardrobe and go absolutely wild this spring:

Effortless Expedition
Designers like Oscar de la Renta and Derek Lam have all embraced the tribal trend and made it their own through a wide variety of vibrant patterns. If you’re not sure what silhouettes or colors will work best for your body type, remember to pick a simple shape since not all prints are the same. Try selecting two or three colors from the ethnic-inspired palette—like tan, gold and bronze—and work within those colors to keep your look classic and uncomplicated.

Tribal Trimmings
If you’re not sure how far you’re willing to go to introduce the tribal trend into your wardrobe or you’re just afraid of looking like Katherine Hepburn in The African Queen, consider warming up to the look with awe-inspiring accessories. Beaded bangles, wood rings and woven belts are a great way to start. But if you really want to stand out in the crowd, consider a bold statement necklace. Pair one with a cocktail dress for a night out or look equally chic wearing the same piece with a T-shirt and jeans.

To Dye For!
Traditionally, safari clothing is light-colored to help reflect the sun’s rays and blend in with the natural environment. But fashion brands like Bottega Veneta have strayed from the customary to infuse their tribal-inspired attire with spirited shades like red and tangerine—this season’s hottest hue. So if you’re ready to go bold, add some punch to your wardrobe by picking ethnic prints and patterns with a splash of color.

Milan Fashion Week - Bottega Veneta (Spring 2012) | Paris Fashion Week - Zuhair Murad Haute Couture (Spring-Summer 2012)

Touchy-Feely
While on the hunt for the perfect exotic print, why not invest in pieces with some texture—like shell beading, fringe and crochet? By sampling some of this season’s handmade and craft-like fabrics and styles, you’ll add a little depth and flair to your overall look.

Mix & Match
Now if you’re a fearless fashionista, consider mixing your newly acquired ethnic-patterned attire with animal print pieces to create a brasher look. Talk about experiencing the best of both worlds!

So whether you decide you’re more comfortable in feel-good earth tones or choose to pump up your style with rich tribal patterns and shapes in bold colors this spring, you’ll go on a first-class fashion expedition and you’ll be the queen of the urban jungle.

Tom Castañeda

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, A La Moda, February 2012 - South Tampa, February 2012 – Tampa Bay, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Fashion, Fashion Show, Fashion Week, Features, South Tampa, Tampa, Tampa Bay, Tom Castañeda

Buzz Stop – In and Around Tampa Bay

February 22, 2012 By Karyn Anjali 36 Comments

Photos: Michael Blitch

Upcoming Events to Consider

The Tampa Museum of Art presents Worlds Apart: Myth & History, Gods & Mortals, Heroes & Hybrids form February 12th to the 15th.

The Florida Orchestra and The Studio@620 present the third season of “An Intimate Collaboration” on February 15th, March 14th and May 9th.

3rd Annual India International Film Festival of Tampa Bay will be held from February 17th to the 19th at Channelside Cinemas.

Don’t miss your chance to mingle with local and national celebrities at the 30th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic, Stars and Pars Gala and Auction on February 25th. Funds will benefit The Children’s Home, Inc.

Karyn Anjali

Karyn Anjali is a published author and Tampa Bay’s resident socialite spends time out and about attending events and supporting charities. A successful business owner of a custom jewelry line, Karysma, and a Real Estate Broker, writing remains a preferred hobby.

Born in Trinidad, and having lived in Toronto, London, Miami and Vancouver prior to moving here 9 years ago, she enjoys the small town feel within a large city with daily dynamic things happening. She has an MBA and a BA in Communication Arts.

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, Buzz Stop, Events, February 2012 - South Tampa, February 2012 – Tampa Bay, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Event, Events, Features, Karyn Anjali, Redefining Masquerade, South Tampa, Tampa, Tampa Bay

Environs – Your Master Bath & You

February 22, 2012 By Cheryl Perotti 38 Comments

Cheryl Perotti

Most of us spend anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour (or more) in our bathrooms preparing to face the day. So why not make it as comfortable and efficient a space as possible? Although newer homes are devoting more space to bath areas, it is often wasted space without the infrastructure and details that we need. Although the large square space looks luxurious, it usually does not afford the volumes of storage, countertops and seating that can make your space work for you. For those you need ample, not ballroom size, space and plenty of linear footage.

When planning that dream spa-like bath, remember that truly functional storage is the key to controlling clutter. Let’s face it, few of us groom today without various and sundry electronics that have those pesky cords and require the unsightly plugs. The solution is to plan your storage cabinets with accessible outlets that allow the corded monsters to remain plugged in and easily accessible but out of sight when not in use.

Tall cabinets with tray drawers create excellent appliance centers as well as providing easily accessed towels and grooming supplies. In the shower, create wall niches instead of adding shelves for shampoos, soaps, razors. It is a much more streamlined approach!

One of the best one/two combos for a bath area is the oversized, recessed medicine cabinet – cleverly disguised as a beautifully framed mirror. It handles all of those small items at a comfortable height on shallow shelves, so no reaching behind stuff to locate the eye drops and absolutely no nosey guest will think to open your wall mirror to check out your supplies!

Environs - Your Master Bath and You If there is a woman in the house, she wants, needs and deserves a comfortable spot to sit to apply her makeup, creams, and lotions. Hey, no one has ever said that being a woman isn’t complicated! And what about the guys? They need a place to clip the toenails (a major yuck factor that should be confined to the bathroom). So think seating, including built ins in your shower. It makes shaving your legs and scrubbing your footsies so much easier!

Tile grout can be another big yuck factor so consider other options for shower and counter top materials. Plus stain resistant quartz, epoxy resins and other impervious materials are wonderful for those areas where perfume, cosmetics and nail polish accidents can occur.

Other big comfort factors in your bath could include a small TV, heated floors, towel warmer, music system, fireplace, ceiling fan and lots and lots (and lots) of natural light. One last thought, make certain you also have a reliable clock in the bath to keep your day on schedule. Because you just might start enjoying your morning ritual a little too much!

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, February 2012 - South Tampa, February 2012 – Tampa Bay, Home, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Cheryl Perotti, Decorating, Home, Home Accessories, Home Decor, Home Furnishings, South Tampa, Tampa

Can You Get Soft Water from a “No Salt” Conditioner?

February 22, 2012 By Matthew and Jori Zarra 25 Comments

Matthew and Jori Zarra

Lately I have heard a massive amount of advertising for water conditioning systems that do not use salt and claim to take the place of your water softener. These ads show consumers struggling to carry bags of salt for their water softener and claim this can be eliminated with their product because no salt is needed. The advertising is very misleading because it does not tell the whole story about their product. They are using deceptive tactics to mislead the consumer into believing that the product they are selling will give the same end result as a traditional water softener. The short answer is NO – IT WILL NOT SOFTEN THE WATER AND THEY ARE NOT THE SAME!! There is no technology available that will soften your water without using ion exchange technology (exchanging sodium chloride for calcium and magnesium on the softening resin filter media). You have to do your homework on these no salt conditioners to actually get the truth, if you dig deep enough you will find that some of the manufacturers actually state that you will get a white film or crust on your fixtures and glass but it is easily wiped away. Seriously??

The “No-Salt” technology is referred to as Physical Water Treatment. These systems include magnets, electro-magnets, electrical frequency (these are the systems where you wrap wire around your pipes) and crystallization polymers. All of them claim to modify the structure by changing the composition of the hardness minerals, in a way that prevents scale from forming. One big issue is that the hardness (calcium and magnesium) is still in the water and it is not being removed like a traditional water softener. Ion exchange technology in a traditional water softener 100% removes the hardness from the water unlike physical water treatment.

Another essential problem with all physical water treatment products is that you can’t verify that they are actually doing anything. There is not a test that can show a difference in water before and after the treatment, not one – unlike a water softener. There is not a detectable difference in the feel of the water, the reaction with soaps, or with laundry. The water before and after the treatment is exactly the same. With a traditional softener the effects are instantly noticed through the feeling of the water and the elimination of spots and scaling, this is not the case with physical water treatment If your softener breaks down or is removed you will instantly notice a difference in the water and know something is wrong unlike physical water treatment. In most cases the only way you know that the physical water treatment machine is working is by the green dummy light that shows the machine is on. At Florida Water Treatment we have removed hundreds of these physical water treatment machines because the customer states they have made no difference in their water and reinstalled a traditional water softener. DO NOT make the mistake of believing these physical water treatment machines will take the place of your water softener, they WILL NOT give you the same result and are by no means a direct replacement.

The technology has been improved greatly with traditional water softeners drastically reducing the amount of salt used. At Florida Water Treatment we build softeners that use 4-6 bags of salt per year and we guarantee that you will never miss a day of soft water. The newer technology has made our softeners much more efficient and effective in the way they soften water. AT Florida Water treatment we have a water softener for every budget since all of our equipment is custom built. At FWT we employ no sales personnel so there are no long demonstrations or pushy and deceptive sales tactics. Please call FWT for a free water analysis and estimate.

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, February 2012 - South Tampa, February 2012 – Tampa Bay, Green Living, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Energy Savings, Features, Florida Water Treatment, Green Living, Home, Jori Zarra, Matthew Zarra, South Tampa, Tampa, Tampa Bay

Passionate About Food & People

February 22, 2012 By Nina Stanley 171 Comments

Patrick and Linda Baldwin

Founder and CEO of Intelligent Gourmet, a “clean” lifestyle food company, Linda Baldwin started in the business 15 years ago with Amore Catering. Since then, she has worn many hats as a Manager, Chef, and Managing Partner. In 2010, the company’s focus shifted to preparing prepackaged “clean” meals and “clean” food products under the brand name, Intelligent Gourmet.

She had the good fortune of growing up watching her mother, father, grandmother and aunt prepare weekend and holiday meals. The care and effort they put into their cooking ignited a spark in her. She says, “Sometimes I think this profession is just in your blood.” She began her culinary career managing fine dining restaurants in the North East training and working with some of the top Chefs from around the country.

Intelligent Gourmet’s, Linda’s brain child, uses food that is all-natural, low-sodium, low-fat, gluten-free, and low-glycemic-carbohydrate. Their “clean” food line includes snacks, salad dressings, sauces, and individually prepackaged gourmet quality meals and “clean living” meal plans. Traditionally, consumers wanting to eat healthy had to put up with low quality, small portion, and bland meals. Now everyone can eat healthier and make changes that will improve the quality of their lives. Liz Keiffer, Certified Holistic Health and Nutrition Counselor, describes it as “Solving a problem created by food with food.”

The biggest difference in Intelligent Gourmet’s food is not a weight loss specific diet; weight loss is merely a byproduct of eating “clean.” Eating “clean” is also not about fueling your body; it’s about satisfying your taste buds, it’s about learning to eat well, and most importantly it’s about an eating/dietary lifestyle change. The company changes the menu every week with a large variety of items that include wild caught and fresh fish, prime beef tenderloin, pork tenderloin, all natural chicken breast, as well as vegan and vegetarian options. Nothing gets served or put on one of the menu unless it meets her expectations.

The restaurant is a fun upscale environment where one can always find an expert to talk about meals, allergies, and specific likes and dislikes so customers can build a custom meal plan. Everything is made onsite from scratch so it is easy to adapt a recipe as necessary for sensitivities to allergies with family and kid friendly meals under the Intelligent Gourmet and Amore Catering (Amore ToGo) brands.

Linda plans that within the next five years that the company will expand throughout Florida and regionally to satisfy the growing demand for high-quality healthy food products and prepackaged meals. She is actively seeking strategic investors who share the same vision. Her long term goal is to see Intelligent Gourmet products distributed nationally through retailers. For now, service is offered to Tampa, St. Petersburg, New Tampa and Lutz and they also can ship overnight anywhere in a 400 mile radius of their current store.

A member of the Culitvar Team, a group of chef’s hand selected to help support recipe development within the online community for Kraft Foods, Linda keeps busy. She is the community blogger in the neighborhood for WTSP and writes the dining out series for Panache Vue’, South Tampa. She holds a C.P.C.E designation from the National Catering Association and is a member of the American Association of Nutrition Consultants and is in the process of finalizing her C.N.C. designation. Amore’s Intelligent Gourmet was selected by Fit Kids Playground to provide the nutritional and educational component for the grant they received from WE CAN. Amore is recognized as a leader in the field of healthy cooking through Intelligent Gourmet and have written a curriculum that is used to educate pre-school and elementary children in Hillsborough County about the benefits of eating “clean” healthy.

In her personal life, Linda is a wife, mother and grandmother. She is blessed to be married to her best friend. Their shared love of the water gives them an escape to run around in the bay on their Boston Whaler whenever there is free time. Her children live in Gainesville and when she gets the opportunity to sneak out of town, she loves spending family time her children and grandchildren. She loves cooking in her kitchen for family and friends as well as at work.

She owes her success to God, her family and parents. Her Faith provided the confidence to pursue her passion. Her family never questions Linda’s dedication to them despite long work hours and her parents set the example for hard work. Her mentors, Dr. Joseph Guggino and His Son Joseph Guggino gave her the necessary “hand up.”

Being passionate about food and people, she owns a business that allows her to combine both. “Every day I get the satisfaction of helping customers to achieve their goal of taking a proactive approach to their own health by eating “clean” healthy meals!” says Linda with pride.

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneur - ST, February 2012 - South Tampa, February 2012 – Tampa Bay, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Amore, Amore To-Go, Catering, Dining, Entrepreneur, Features, Gourmet, Green, Health, Intelligent Gourmet, Linda Baldwin, Organic, Patrick Baldwin, Restaurant, South Tampa, Tampa, Tampa Bay, Wine & Dine

Citizen Model – More Than Just a Pretty Face: Yesabel Cordero

February 22, 2012 By Tom Castaneda 42 Comments

Yesabel Cordero - 2012 - 02 - Panache Vue Magazine - South Tampa

Yesabel Cordero - Photo: Sean Murdock

For the last six years, Yesabel Cordero has been making her childhood dream a reality. From strutting down the runway at Miami Fashion Week to striking a pose for cameras around the world, the Puerto Rican beauty is still playing dress-up, much like she did as a little girl.

“I remember getting dolled up in my mother’s shoes, my grandmother’s makeup and piling on their jewelry,” recalls Cordero. “I was so creative that I even started using my own bed sheets to make long, flowing gowns. I was barely able to walk around the house with heels on, but I thought I was a model and glamorous.”

Cordero—who was raised in New York and Florida—even remembers the time she stole the spotlight from her cousin during her photo shoot for the Miss Puerto Rico pageant.

“I was right there next to her, posing in a little striped dress, and remember thinking that I would be famous one day” acknowledges Cordero, who has worked with a number of noted photographers during her career. “I still have that picture on my refrigerator, so I never forget how it all started!”
Despite knowing her calling at such an early age, Cordero—who aspires to be like her idols Veruschka von Lehndorff, Iman and Linda Evangelista—didn’t immediately pursue modeling. Instead, she decided to focus her attention on her other passion: dancing, which led to her being scouted by a talent scout in South Florida.

Yesabel Cordero - Photo: Sean Murdock

“I was discovered while dancing in a Samba show for a non-profit organization,” states the four-time gold medal professional ballroom dancer. “She saw me in my costume, decked out in gorgeous bright-colored feathers and saw my potential.”

Since then, Cordero has gone on to appear in publications like Ocean Drive and Miami magazine. But she can’t help but get butterflies in her stomach when she thinks about her very first national spread in Latina magazine.

“I had just entered a competition with more than 200 other girls,” explains Cordero. “To be selected to take a trip to shoot the spread and not knowing my surroundings was the most nerve-racking event of my life! I was a fresh face, intimidated by the whole production and shocked that they were seriously interested in someone like me.”

Cordero’s grandmother knew otherwise; and she made sure to celebrate that important feat with her granddaughter, as well as pick up a few extra copies of the magazine.

“I remember calling my grandmother and hearing her say, ‘You made it!’” says Cordero, who credits her family with helping her stay grounded and serving as an amazing support system. “It was just priceless.”

Most recently, Cordero took part in an extra special campaign for Tiffany & Co. It’s an experience she will always treasure.

Yesabel Cordero - Photo: Kristen Weaver

“Can we say jewels? They were endless and heavy to wear,” declares Cordero about the gig, which featured the work of influential Miami designers like Luis Valenzuela and Viviana Gabeiras and jewelry and diamonds from Tiffany’s new collection. “I am truly blessed to have had the privilege to be a part of something so amazing. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend!”

When Cordero isn’t modeling her oh-so-sparkly best friends or shaking her bon-bon on the dance floor, she dedicates her spare time to supporting non-profit organizations like the ASPCA and SaveJapanDolphins.org.

“I have a passion for animals,” professes Cordero. “I do believe they need a voice and an advocate on their side. That’s why I volunteer and participate in various charity events throughout the Miami-Dade area.”

But this model citizen may soon find she has less time to dedicate to her philanthropic efforts. Along with lining up several photo shoots, she’ll soon head to Greece to appear in a music video for a famous classical singer. It’s all part of her quest to become an international supermodel.

“The sky is the limit,” asserts Cordero. “Dreams really do come true. And, no one can stop you but yourself!”

With that can-do attitude, those striking good looks and her family’s encouragement and support, don’t be surprised if you spot Cordero’s face on the cover of Vogue, Marie Claire and Harper’s Bazaar in the near future.

Tom Castañeda

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, Feature - South Tampa, Feature Articles, February 2012 - South Tampa, February 2012 – Tampa Bay, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Fashion, Fashion Model, Fashion Show, Fashion Week, Hispanic, Latina, Miami Fashion Week, Model, Tom Castañeda, Yesabel Cordero

Makeover Maven – HGTV Star Sabrina Soto

Meet Interior Design Expert & HGTV Star Sabrina Soto

Safari Style

Embrace the Next Season’s Haute Tribal Trend Now

Buzz Stop – In and Around Tampa Bay

Environs – Your Master Bath & You

Can You Get Soft Water from a “No Salt” Conditioner?

Passionate About Food & People

Citizen Model – More Than Just a Pretty Face: Yesabel Cordero

PanacheVue' May 2013