January/February 2012 – Tampa Bay | Panache Vue' Magazine

First Generation Pilates Master Lolita San Miguel

January 30, 2012 By Patricia Massey Welter 15 Comments

Lolita San Miguel

First Generation Pilates Master Teacher Lolita San Miguel Shares Her Living Legacy at Suncoast Pilates

“Boundless energy”, “intense creativity” and “an enduring devotion to Pilates” are all phrases that describe Lolita San Miguel, a first generation Pilates teacher. New York-born Lolita San Miguel celebrates in 2011 her 53rd anniversary of practicing the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning. She received her first certification from Carola Trier, Joseph Pilates’ first disciple to open a studio. She then studied with Joseph Pilates himself. Lolita holds the distinction of being one of the only two known practitioners to have been officially certified by Joseph and Clara Pilates and awarded degrees by the State University of New York to teach the Pilates Method. Lolita has also been certified by Polestar Pilates Education and was awarded a Gold Certificate by the Pilates Method Alliance. She is one of the three living “Distinguished Elders” of the Pilates Method Alliance.

After a distinguished career in dance – she was a soloist with the Metropolitan Ballet for over ten years and ballet mistress for Ballet Hispanico for three years – Ms San Miguel moved with her husband to Puerto Rico in 1977. She founded Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico’s finest ballet company) and was its Artistic and Executive Director for 27 years. She also founded Pilates y Mas, Inc. in Puerto Rico in 2000 to teach, train and certify teachers in association with Polestar Pilates Education. Ms San Miguel retired from Ballet Concierto in 2004 and at the age of 70 started a new career, dedicated to the teaching of the Pilates Method. Ms San Miguel is in great demand throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia and South America, and has international students and teachers come to train with her. She has published eight DVDs.

Suncoast Pilates is proud to have Lolita San Miguel presenting two Pilates workshops, a “Meet and Greet” and sharing the history and her experiences with Joseph Pilates on February 3 – 4, 2012, at the studio.

Patricia Massey Welter

Patricia Massey Welter, PMA®-CPT, Lolita San Miguel Pilates Master™, Second Generation Pilates Teacher – Suncoast Pilates – 34080 U.S. Hwy 19 North – Palm Harbor, Florida 34684 - Phone: (727) 772-6772 - www.SuncoastPilates.com

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, Health, January/February 2012 - North Pinellas/Pasco, January/February 2012 - Tampa Bay, North Pinellas / Pasco, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Clearwater, Fitness, Health, Palm Harbor, Patricia Welter, Personal Trainer, Pilates, Pinellas, Suncoast Pilates, Training

On Thin Ice

January 22, 2012 By Tom Castaneda 341 Comments

Figure Skating for Improved Health & Fitness

Tom Casteneda - Photo: Dan Austin Photography

I’m not ashamed to admit I absolutely love figure skating. Now, I’m not obsessed with the sport. I can’t rattle off the names of skaters who’ve landed a quadruple jump or anything like that. But, if there’s a competition on television while channel surfing, I stop and watch…like a hawk!

There’s just something so breathtakingly beautiful and terrifyingly thrilling about the sport, especially knowing how challenging it is to look so perfectly poised while gliding on an extremely thin blade of metal across a super-slick surface.

While attending college, I even enrolled in a figure skating class to fulfill my physical education credit, even though I had never stepped foot on the ice before. My instructor, a one-time Olympic-level coach, even told me I had a natural talent for skating, said I “could’ve been a contender.” I was obviously flattered!

Except for the very rare trip to an ice skating rink, that would be my last experience on skates in years…until now. Tired of running, biking and doing the elliptical to get into better shape; I’ve decided to tackle the ice again by taking a challenging 10-week training session at the Tampa Bay Skating Academy in Oldsmar.

It may not be a traditional way of working out, but you can burn some serious calories. For every hour of continuous skating, a 150-pound person burns about 600 calories, according to the American College of Sports Medicine—that’s about the same amount as running five miles in an hour. And, orthopedic surgeons say ice skating has less impact on joints than activities like running. But that’s not all, it even helps build muscle tone, increase endurance and improve balance.

During my first icecapade—a pre-class session with TBSA coach Alex Vlassov to help me get reacquainted with the art of skating—I quickly learned that I haven’t completely lost my abilities. I was actually able to get my footing pretty quickly; and I was still able to do a couple of the tricks I learned in my college class.

Photo: Dan Austin Photography

I did learn that I’ve got a long way to go to be even half as skilled as William and JoJo Hubbart, the 12 and 13-year-old sister-brother figure skating pairs team from Palm Harbor. During my time on the ice with the dynamic duo—who recently placed third at a national skating competition, even though they’ve only been skating as a team for about a year—I couldn’t help but marvel at their remarkable skills while feeling a little self-conscious about my own proficiency on the ice, despite their encouraging looks and considerate counsel.

Nervousness and insecurity aside, along with a fear of falling in front of a rink full of onlookers, I must admit it felt energizing to be back on the ice. And, I had an absolute blast. So, even though I know I’ll never be an Olympic gold medalist like Scott Hamilton or Brian Boitano, I’m excited about challenging myself to refine my skills, maybe even learn how to do a single Salchow while getting an invigorating, non-traditional winter workout.

To follow Tom’s progress on the ice, visit www.PanacheVue.com. For more information on adult and children’s classes at the Tampa Bay Skating Academy, visit www.TBSA.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, Health, January/February 2012 - North Pinellas/Pasco, January/February 2012 - Tampa Bay, North Pinellas / Pasco, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Clearwater, Exercise, Fitness, Health, Ice Skating, Oldsmar, Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Skating Academy, Tom Castañeda

Dr. Carl Conforti

January 22, 2012 By Nina Stanley 356 Comments

PV: Why did you choose your line of work?
Carl: After years of suffering from terrible headaches as a child, my parents were willing to try anything to allow me to be pain free. One of their friends suggested that they take me to see a chiropractor. The doctor explained misalignment and promised my parents that he could provide the relief that they sought for me. Sure enough after countless MRI’s, CT scans and prescriptions from other doctors, the chiropractor was finally able to relieve the pain that seemed to elude all of the other professionals. As I got older I realized that freeing people from pain and providing health and wellness to the Tampa Bay area was my passion. C hiropractic was the perfect fit.

PV: What is your role in your business?
Carl: While I exclusively see patients in my Oldsmar office, I also partner with our other outstanding doctors located in Trinity, Wesley Chapel, and Tampa. As the owner and partner of the other offices, I along with my team of doctors have changed the lives of thousands of people throughout the Tampa Bay area.

PV: What sets you apart from your competition?
Carl: The doctors and staff at Conforti Chiropractic strive to make each patient their number one priority. With individual consultations and adjustment rooms, each patient is given the attention they need in order to achieve their fullest potential for health and wellness.
In addition to the service, Conforti Chiropractic is a full wellness clinic. Our patients receive adjustments, therapeutic massage, therapeutic exercise, spinal decompression, and hot and cold therapies through their treatment plans. In addition, our Oldsmar office also offers a full medi-spa with facials, microdermabrasions, etc. As a whole health and wellness office, Conforti Chiropractic sets a new standard in health!

PV: What would you be doing now if this weren’t your business, taking money out of the equation?
Carl: I would be volunteering in the community to provide health and wellness services to those who do not have the means to provide for themselves. I would spend time in the schools working with children and teaching them how to make the choices that will make them healthy for their entire life. Educating the public on the importance of wellness is the most important aspect of my job, and it is something that I am passionate about every day.

PV: What do you do for fun?
Carl: On my days away from the office, I enjoy fishing, boating, wave running, golfing, and spending time with my 3 amazing children.

PV: Who or what is most important to you?
Carl: My three beautiful kids and my parents, they have the most amazing passion for love and life. They have supported me my entire life and I would not be who I am without them.

Dr. Carl Conforti

PV: A little secret about you that would shock people who don’t know you.
Carl: I was a competitive body builder for 6 years. I won 5 overall championships and appeared on ESPN.

PV: What are your personal and professional mottos?
Carl: I treat every single person that I encounter in my office and in my life as I would a member of my family. It is amazing how far truth and fairness will get you in business and in life. There is nothing more important than surrounding yourself with people you love and trust.

PV: When you were 5 what was your dream job?
Carl: I wanted to be an accountant. My family’s business taught me a lot about managing money and keeping track of everything.

PV: Have you achieved all or most of your dreams thus far?
Carl: I am so happy with what I have achieved in life, but I will never stop dreaming. Dreams make us strive for excellence each and every day…and that is something that I will pursue for my entire life.

“Dreams make us strive for excellence each and every day… and that is something I will pursue my entire life.”

Dr. Carl Conforti has been a licensed Chiropractor since March 1998.

Dr. Carl Conforti has been freeing people from pain since May 1999 in his clinic in Oldsmar, FL. As a Chiropractor with experience, he is committed to promoting the health and well being of his patients.

Dr. Conforti uses a “whole person approach” when taking care of his patients. By combining the very best hands-on-technique, state of the art physiotherapy procedures, and providing the newest and best natural vitamins and mineral supplements on the market today, Dr. Conforti is able to help you to accelerate and/or maintain your journey to good health.

Although Dr. Conforti works exclusively out of our Oldsmar office, he also owns clinics in Trinity, Tampa, and Wesley Chapel. His collegues Dr. Todd Bodanza, DC of the Trinity location, Dr. Damien Rogers, DC of the Tampa location, and Dr. Bill Scheu, DC of the Wesley Chapel location work continuously with Dr. Conforti to provide the best in spinal care and wellness.

Education:
University of Florida
Life University

Memberships & Associations:
Florida Chiropractic Society
Florida Chiropractic Association
Certified in Cox Flexion/Distraction technique

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, Feature - North Pinellas/Pasco, Feature Articles, January/February 2012 - North Pinellas/Pasco, January/February 2012 - Tampa Bay, North Pinellas / Pasco, Panache People to Know, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Chiropractor, Dr. Carl Conforti, Features, Philanthropy, Tampa, Tampa Bay

Looking Forward to 2012

January 21, 2012 By Diane Whitney 35 Comments

Art and Diane Whitney

My husband loves Disney World. Unlike the tourists who strategize their plan of attack, he charges head-first for Space Mountain. He is energized by the thrill of racing up and down through relative darkness. While our young daughter stood transfixed by beautiful horses on the carousel, he cajoled her into joining the battle cry for adventure. Although some may consider this a mild form of child abuse, it actually is a great lesson. Rarely does life proceed in an easy, breezy fashion. Life, by its very nature, is unpredictable.

For A-1 Custom Cabinets, saying goodbye to 2011 was like exiting a roller-coaster. The year sped by in such a frantic fashion that we often felt rushing wind. There were dizzying highs and agonizing lows, but through it all we remained focused on the future. Looking back is fruitless when all that matters is where we are going. Instead of pining for the prosperity of previous years, we allowed the slowing economy to affect our business in a positive way.

With the real estate slump forcing many homeowners to postpone remodeling plans, the recent surge in commercial activity presented A-1 Custom Cabinets the opportunity to return to our roots. For many years we were the sole cabinet supplier for Pinch-a-Penny franchises. We are adept at building display units and cash wraps. We also compiled an impressive portfolio of expert laminate cabinetry in medical offices, mail rooms, break rooms and reception stations. As a result, we were selected to complete the cabinetry for the new Sun Toyota dealership, Bayshore Animal Hospital, Suncoast Family Care, Stevens & Stevens Business Record Management, and Surgical Services of Tampa Bay.

So as we enter the New Year, A-1 Custom Cabinets is optimistic that this upward trend will continue to expand in residential real estate. Knowing that the majority of homeowners recognize the value and desirability of remodeling, we are eagerly looking forward to 2012.

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, Home, January/February 2012 - North Pinellas/Pasco, January/February 2012 - Tampa Bay, North Pinellas / Pasco, Tampa Bay Tagged With: A-1 Custom Cabinets, Art Whitney, Bathrooms, Business, Cabinets, Clearwater, Diane Whitney, Home, Kitchens, Outdoor Kitchens, Pinellas County, Remodeling

Twitter

January 21, 2012 By Patricia Rossi 14 Comments

Patricia Rossi

There are many great uses for the social networking site Twitter. Besides keeping family and friends connected to your daily life, you can use it for professional purposes, such as advertising job openings, business networking, and sharing news briefs. Twitter offers a micro-blogging platform whose posts are called tweets. Tweets are short posts of up to 140 characters that are displayed on your profile page. Twitter is a tool that can add value to your networking life depending on how well you use it. Twitter lets your message rip around the globe in 2 seconds flat. It is an amazing tool to enhance business and social relationships.

No tweeting if you are in a meeting, with a group of people, or one on one with another person. Give real people your full attention. People always know if you’re tweeting under the table no matter how inconspicuous you think you are.

If you see a great tweet it’s okay to re-tweet it. Just be sure to give the original tweeter credit on your Twitter feed for their 140 characters of brilliance. If someone re-tweets what you share, be sure to thank them.

Consider it an honor when people follow you. They are saying they like the content you share, so follow them as a reciprocal courtesy. An exception to this rule is if someone follows you only to hawk their snake oil. In that case un-follow them.

Never tweet in sacred situations, such as church services, weddings, funerals, baptisms, bar mitzvahs, etc.

Before you post a tweet, picture it in skywriting across the heavens. Never tweet while upset, inebriated, or unhappy with your boss or company. What you put out there will linger forever in cyber space, so be cautious about tweeting negative content.

Be neat when you tweet. Use proper grammar, since your grammar and usage tells a story about you. There is more than one way to be seen and received, so be careful with too many abbreviations and acronyms. Keep in mind that sloppily written posts are like leaving the house with your shirt incorrectly buttoned and one shoe untied.

Hashtags should only be used when relevant. A hashtag highlights and covers events that are happening in real time. They bring communities of people with similar interests together. Random hashtags end up just being unnecessary noise.

Refrain from using automation tools to connect or communicate with your followers. Real time interaction is what makes Twitter an amazing tool. Genuine engagement is the key ingredient while using social media, not a robotic auto-message received in real time.

Use direct messaging for private conversations and keep in mind you should never post personal information about yourself or others. If in question, pause and use the direct message option. You can always choose to post openly later, but if you make something public first, it’s too late to go back and make it private. Remember: When in doubt, don’t.

Be your very best on Twitter in everything you post. Be careful not to become too relaxed and share things that don’t represent you well. Keep in mind you never know who might be tracking your tweets.

Taken from Patricia Rossi’s new book “Everyday Etiquette” Contact Patricia for Speaking Events~Workshops~Business Etiquette Tutorials. PatriciaRossi.com 727-375-0375

PATRICIA ROSSI is the Nationally Syndicated Manners Correspondent for NBC’s “Daytime” where she hosts the popular Mannners Minute. Check out PatriciaRossi.com for a schedule of classes and speaking events.

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, Business, January/February 2012 - North Pinellas/Pasco, January/February 2012 - Tampa Bay, North Pinellas / Pasco, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Business, Etiquette, Everyday Etiquette, Patricia Rossi, Social Media, Technology, Twitter

Why SMARTLIPO is so HOT

January 21, 2012 By Dr. Frank Toscano 21 Comments

Francis E. Toscano, MD, FACEP

Revolutionary and painless SmartLipo is outselling all other forms of liposuction by a margin of about ten to one! Why is that? Why is SmartLipo so hot? I will answer this question somewhat cryptically. SmartLipo is hot precisely because it’s hot. Let me explain.

It’s the heat of the SmartLipo laser that produces the marvelous skin tightening that everyone wants. You can’t get that with Zerona, Cool Lipo, Vaser, Aqualipo, or Tumescent Lipo. Heating the skin is what causes it to tighten. Heat stimulates fibroblast cells to produce new elastic collagen and that causes the skin to smooth and tighten.

Zerona and other “cool lasers” claim that they make fat leak out of fat cells so it can be excreted by the body. Really? I don’t buy it. If the fat cells are not killed and removed, they will simply swell right back up again. And, even if “cool lasers” really worked the way they claim, what about the loose skin leftover?

It’s wise to be skeptical of Aqualipo, too. It breaks up fat with jets of water but doesn’t apply any heat. If there’s no heat, there’s no tightening. You might as well get traditional lipo which doesn’t tighten skin either.

And Vaser? It sounds like the word “laser”, doesn’t it. That’s downright deceptive in my opinion. Don’t be fooled. Vaser is absolutely NOT a laser. It’s just ultrasound, pure and simple. Less effective, less accurate, less tightening.

Here’s the key to effective Laser Body Sculpting: (1) use heat to kill the fat cells, (2) suction them out, (3) use heat to tighten the skin. That’s what SmartLipo does so well.

And one more vitally important piece of advice – during your lipo consultation, make sure you see a physician! If your consultation is performed by an assistant or a receptionist or a “patient care coordinator” and not a physician, do yourself a favor and walk out.

After over 800 SmartLipo procedures, Red Bamboo Medi Spa has the reputation, the experience and the expertise you deserve. Avoid the gimmicks. SmartLipo works.

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, Health, January/February 2012 - North Pinellas/Pasco, January/February 2012 - Tampa Bay, North Pinellas / Pasco, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Clearwater, Francis Toscano, Health, laser body sculpting, Red Bamboo, Red Bamboo Medi Spa, SmartLipo

Dreams Do Come True

January 21, 2012 By Nina Stanley 28 Comments

Jim and Elaine Trotter

Jim and Elaine Trotter own and operate Budget Blinds of Greater Tampa, a custom window covering company that offers a convenient shop-at-home experience for window coverings and home décor accessories. The Trotter’s became involved with custom window treatments for a number of reasons. Jim worked as an executive in the apparel industry for almost 20 years and the Trotters moved to Tampa about ten years ago when the company where Jim worked relocated them yet again. But after giving the new location and management approx. 6 years, he decided to leave the company and the corporate world behind. On the flip side, Elaine had been out of the work force for over 20 years raising a family, managing the household and finances, and serving on charity boards. “We took almost 9 months off and decided that after 27 years of marriage we still liked being around each other, wanted to stay in Tampa, and eliminate Jim’s extensive travel schedule. We decided to pursue a life-long dream of owning a business together. Through a local career transition company, called Right Management, Jim met Rick Bisio with FranChoice. We both went through extensive personality profiling and interviews with Rick at FranChoice and based on our skill sets, goals, management backgrounds etc.; Rick recommended three franchises for consideration. We did extensive due diligence, and found that a gentleman and his wife, who were Budget Blinds pioneers in the state of Florida, wanted to sell their three Budget Blinds territories. Their storefront was conveniently located 10 minutes from our house.”

The Trotter’s chose Budget Blinds because of their strong business model, quality products and outstanding corporate support. Even in a downward economy Budget Blinds, Inc. has been ranked in the top 20 for financial strength 3 years in a row- #2 in 2011. Budget Blinds has also been ranked #1 in the window covering industry since 1996. “We pride ourselves on customer service- from the time you make an appointment to the professionalism of our design consultants, who are extremely knowledgeable and educated, all the way to our experienced installers. Really for us it’s all about customer service and our staff really makes it happen.”

What sets them apart from the competition? They are locally owned and operated but are proud to be affiliated with the #1 window covering franchise in North America. Having over 860 franchises in the US and Canada gives Budget Blinds great buying power. They have partnered with leading manufacturers to bring their clients quality window coverings at great prices. “We can then pass along those savings and exclusive warranties to our customers. We offer a very personalized shopping experience by bringing all of our samples to our clients’ home”. There’s no better place to shop for window coverings than in the rooms where the treatments will reside. They offer free in-home consultations and provide expert measuring and installation. They also offer peace of mind by eliminating all of the guesswork and answer all of your questions. In addition to manufacturers warranties, Budget Blinds stands by their products by offering an industry anomaly, a 5- year “no questions asked” warranty up to a lifetime warranty that is exclusive to Budget Blinds’ customers from their select manufacturers such as Hunter Douglas, private label Enlightened Style and Signature Series window treatments. Budget Blinds, through these select manufacturers, will replace your window treatments for any reason as well as any crazy scenario that happens to damage your product.

One of their most memorable experiences is their latest partnership with Ravinia Luxury Courtyard Villas as their preferred window covering provider, working with their wonderful sales and construction team and designing the window coverings for their models and new residents has been both fun and rewarding. They recently completed a project where they provided window treatments for 350 apartments at The Preserve at Alafia in Riverview and provided window coverings for the new Florida Medical Clinic building on State Road 54 in Land O’Lakes.

Their favorite part of owning a business is working together. Jim and Elaine are active members of Van Dyke Church. Jim loves to relax on the golf course, Elaine is an avid lover of all things organic, and enjoys writing for various publications. Both can be found working out together at LA Fitness. Panache asked Jim and Elaine who they feel they owe their success to. “First and foremost we owe our success to God. Secondly to an incredible team of experienced, caring individuals – true professionals who give the personalized design, service and quality our customers deserve. We have owned our Budget Blinds franchise for over 3 years now and in looking back, all the reasons we bought the franchise have come true. It has been a good fit for us and we could not be happier”.

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneur - NP / P, January/February 2012 - North Pinellas/Pasco, January/February 2012 - Tampa Bay, North Pinellas / Pasco, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Budget Blinds, Budget Blinds of Greater Tampa, Elaine Trotter, Entrepreneur, Features, Jim Trotter, Land O' Lakes, Window Covering

First Generation Pilates Master Lolita San Miguel

First Generation Pilates Master Teacher Lolita San Miguel Shares Her Living Legacy at Suncoast Pilates

On Thin Ice

Figure Skating for Improved Health & Fitness

Dr. Carl Conforti

Looking Forward to 2012

Twitter

Why SMARTLIPO is so HOT

Dreams Do Come True

PanacheVue' May 2013