March 2012 – Tampa Bay | Panache Vue' Magazine

Beauty and the Beat – Tamara Sky

March 19, 2012 By Tom Castaneda 253 Comments

Introducing Model-Turned-Mixtape-Master Tamara Sky

During her childhood, Tamara Sky was completely captivated by music, including salsa, 80s, rock ‘n’ roll and disco. The Puerto Rican beauty listened to everything, including her father’s collection of old records.

“When I was about 4 years old, I raged to one of my dad’s ‘60s records, Surfin’ Bird by The Trashmen,” recalls the 27-year-old model and professional disc jockey with a giggle. “In my teen years, I listened to metal, drum & bass and reggae. To this day, I really enjoy music with Latin and disco influences.”

Tamara Sky - Photo: Charis Kirchheimer

With such an eclectic ear, it should come as no surprise that Sky moved to Miami—a city bursting at the seams with mind-blowing music—at the age of 19. But she didn’t actually relocate to the Capital of the Americas to work in music.

Tamara Sky - Photo: Joel Alvarez, Venge Media *

“I moved to Miami to pursue a modeling career,” states Sky, who has worked with brands like LOVE+MADE, Luxirie by LRG and Stüssy. “Miami reminded me of Puerto Rico’s beach vibe; and I liked how free-spirited and open-minded people were. Making the move was definitely a pivotal moment in my life. I was in Puerto Rico studying accounting, which I’d probably be doing today if I’d stayed there.”

Tamara Sky It’s hard to picture Sky crunching numbers, especially knowing the stunning beauty—who was featured in Ocean Drive magazine, became a Playboy Playmate of the month and appeared on E!’s reality TV show The Girls Next Door—was born to strike a pose. And, Sky has capitalized on her success as a model to take her deejaying career to new heights.

“I’ve always been passionate about music, but I didn’t wake up one day saying, ‘I want to be a deejay.’ Honestly, it never crossed my mind,” admits Sky, who dated a turntablist who would inspire her to become a disc jockey. “After watching him nerd out, it just came about organically. And, once I started, I couldn’t stop. I was practicing five hours a day, even after starting to deejay at clubs. I was focused on being good at it!”

It’s that commitment to her craft that has made Sky a highly sought-after deejay. In recent years, she’s landed high profile gigs, including playing at Donald Trump’s birthday party and sharing the stage with industry superstars like Tiësto, Paul van Dyk and The Crystal Method.

“I get to travel and experience new cultures, which is something I have always wanted to do. The countries I visit and the events I work at are very diverse, everything from underground parties to high-profile events, which fits my personality,” proclaims Sky. “But my biggest reward is establishing myself as an artist through the eyes of my peers. I love getting the opportunity to perform alongside other artists that I respect, that inspire me.”

Tamara Sky Sky’s now inspiring others with her own mind-blowing mixtapes, like Jet Lag and Lil Death, which have been commissioned by brands like Casio G-Shock and We Are Handsome.

“I like to tell a story with each of them and make sure there are levels of meaning and intention. They all come with a vibe, theme, title and cover art that I personally design to convey their respective message,” asserts Sky. “I like using movie samples and some of my rare music finds to make them even more unique. And I focus on making cinematic intros and unforgettable endings.”

Even though Sky has experienced tremendous success as a model, deejay and mixtape master, she’s not planning to settle for the status quo.

“I’m never content with what I do,” admits Sky, who is currently working on her own music as a singing artist. “If I achieve something I’ll be searching for the next thing. I believe that the key for success.”

With that dogged determination, coupled with her ceaseless creativity, there’s no doubt the sky is the limit for this dazzling deejay.

For more about Tamara Sky, visit www.DJTamaraSky.com

Hair: Rock Paper Scissors Salon – Make Up: Art of Beauty by Sunha – Wardrobe: Fused Fashion, Saks Fifth Avenue Tampa – Production: Parisa Soleimani/P.S. Promotions – Photographer: Joel Alvarez, Venge Media – Location: The Playboy Club, Miami Beach – Cover Picture Photographer: Charis Kirchheimer

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, Feature - South Tampa, Feature Articles, March 2012 - South Tampa, March 2012 – Tampa Bay, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: DJ, Fashion, Fashion Model, Fashion Show, Fashion Week, Hispanic, Latina, Miami Fashion Week, Mixtape, Mixtape-Master, Model, Playboy, Playmate, Tamara Sky, Tom Castañeda

Meet HGTV’s Event Planner Extraodinaire Dina Manzo

March 19, 2012 By Tom Castaneda 232 Comments

Life of the Party

She may have chosen to leave The Real Housewives of New Jersey during the hit Bravo series’ second season, but Dina Manzo never really left the public eye. Instead the noted interior designer, event planner and philanthropist maximized on her status as a beloved reality TV star to expand her business empire and become one of HGTV’s most popular personalities.

Dina Manzo

“It’s so amazing; I truly feel like part of the family,” declares the 40-year-old charismatic superwoman about her experience as the cable network’s newest star. “I have a voice and people are listening; I love what I do!”

Manzo—who didn’t plan on returning to television after Housewives—is now starring in her own HGTV series. Launched last September, Dina’s Party spotlights her impressive interior design and event planning skills. In each episode, Manzo and her team transform a client’s space into something singular and stunning to celebrate an important moment or occasion.

“I love the challenge that comes right after that first inspiration, that first idea,” admits Manzo. “It’s such a rewarding feeling to bring that vision to life and celebrate the finished product. It’s so fast-paced and every week brings something new and different. I feel more creative than ever!”

Manzo’s ceaseless creativity isn’t some newfound talent though; it’s actually a gift she inherited from her mother.

“She was all about making our home a lovely place to be,” recalls Manzo, the youngest of 11 children. “I grew up watching her paint walls and make curtains; and I remember being very young and redoing my own bedroom with my stuffed animals and moving everything around once a week. It was not normal!”

Dina Manzo

Despite that natural talent, Manzo didn’t pursue a career in interior design and event planning right away. Instead she worked as a makeup artist, something she might still be doing had her doctor not ordered her to go on bed rest during her pregnancy.

“I was bored out of my mind and realized I needed to do something, so I started taking basic interior design classes,” remembers Manzo, who later continued her studies while working for a furniture company called Expressions. “But I quickly learned that in this industry, you either have a natural talent or you don’t.”

Realizing her true calling, a self-assured Manzo launched her design career with complete conviction. She even side-stepped small jobs to work on “mega mansions.”

“I’d help build a 20,000 square-foot home from the ground up with the builder and the architect,” states Manzo. “It was really interesting to start from the foundation and carry the feeling through the entire house, and I’m glad I had that experience. It has helped me in all aspects of design, knowing what really goes into the structure of a home, the layout and paying attention to the details.”

It’s that meticulousness that led Manzo to transition from interior design to event planning. Along with executing events with her then-boyfriend Tommy—a co-owner of Housewives haunt The Brownstone—Manzo planned her own wedding, which was featured on the VH1’s My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding.

“When I accomplished it and actually made the place look gorgeous, I realized I was pretty damn good at event planning,” proclaims Manzo. “I went from planning a wedding ceremony for 50 to one for 750 people, all in a matter of four weeks with VH1 cameras following my every move. And, I realized I had a natural gift.”

So in 2005, Manzo wrapped up her projects, phased out her design business and launched her event planning company, Designer Affair, where even her 16-year-old daughter Lexi lends a hand.

“She helps set up parties,” says the proud mother. “She loves my team; they’re like her big brothers and sisters. She’s a part of it all and it’s working out great!” But there’s more to Manzo’s life than party planning. She’s also the founder of Project Ladybug, a non-profit organization that enriches the lives of children receiving treatment for serious and life-threatening illnesses.

Dina Manzo - Party Planning

“I toured the hospital where my husband and daughter were born, and I saw a need for these children who were coming for treatment with no winter coats and no shoes on their feet,” remembers Manzo. “It just broke my heart and I thought this is who I want to help. So I said, ‘I’m an event planner and I throw a damn good party, so why not throw one for a great cause.’ And, the charity has grown by leaps and bound, we’re now even national!”

So what’s next for this empowered businesswoman with a heart of gold?

“I’m coming out with my own line of pillows, throws and candles; and I’m writing a lifestyle and design book,” announces Manzo. “I dream big; and I think Martha Stewart needs a younger, hipper replacement.”

It’s that passion, determination and superwoman spirit that could see Manzo unseating Martha Stewart sooner than later!

For more about Dina Manzo, visit www.DinaManzo.com.

Tom Castañeda

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, 2012, Celebrity, Feature - North Pinellas/Pasco, Feature - South Tampa, Feature Articles, March 2012 - South Tampa, March 2012 – Tampa Bay, March/April 2012 - North Pinellas/Pasco, March/April 2012 - Tampa Bay, North Pinellas / Pasco, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Author, Book, Celebrity, Dina Manzo, Get It Sold, HGTV, Home, Home & Garden Television, Home & Garden TV, Home Accessories, Home Decor, Home Design, Home Furnishings, Television, The High/Low Project, Tom Castañeda

Panache People to Know – Tampa Artist – Taylor Ikin

March 19, 2012 By Nina Stanley 264 Comments

Taylor Ikin

PV: Why did you choose this business or line of work?
Taylor: I did not choose it…it embraced me. Looking for friends while living on an island in the Caribbean, I joined a group of painters. And so my life began.

PV: What is your primary role or duty in your company?
Taylor: As an artist, I am a one man band. I am a studio of one.

PV: What sets you apart from your competition?
Taylor: : I am known as an environmentalist with a paint brush. I try to educate, inform and encourage the viewer to preserve for the future.

PV: What would you be doing now if it weren’t for your business, taking money out of the equation?
Taylor: Painting and teaching art are my job and my pleasure. I would not change a thing.

PV: What do you do for fun?
Taylor: Anything that has to do with people, especially relating to the arts, a party and travel!

PV: Who or what is most important to you, personally or professionally?
Taylor: My family, friends and doggie Abby are most important, followed by doing the best work I can. My long term relationship with Nuance Galleries in Tampa has also given me the much appreciated personal and professional support.

PV: A little secret about you that would shock those who don’t know you!
Taylor: My full name is Anna Robinson Taylor Newton (Gray) Ikin!

PV: What are your personal and professional mottos?
Taylor: “Defer not to tomorrow to be wise, for tomorrow’s sun may never rise!” unknown

PV: When you were five, what was your dream to be when you grew up?
Taylor: My dream was to have horses and especially show jumpers.

PV: Have you achieved all or most of your dreams thus far?
Taylor: Yes. I had a horse; I have enjoyed painting all over the world, including 18 years in Antigua. I teach workshops and lecture around the country and the class I teach at the Dunedin Fine arts Center is a total joy. The public recognition of my work is the icing on the cake.

Taylor Ikin is widely known for her work on YUPO, a synthetic tree free surface. Her environmentally sensitive images have been exhibited in Museums throughout the South as well as Florida house in Washington DC. Her unique approach and joy in making art are the frequent topic of articles in multiple art magazines, books and the local press, and can be enjoyed through her DVD, Dancing With YUPO. She has taught regionally, nationally, and in the Caribbean as well as 15 years at the Gulf Coast Museum of Art and recently the Beach Art Center. Ikin now teaches at the Dunedin Fine Arts Center in Dunedin, FL.

She has served on the Boards of the Arts Council of Hillsborough County and was the President and a Board Member of the Florida Watercolor Society for a total of 16 years.
Ikin is currently on the Board of the Gasparilla Festival of Arts, the Education Committee of the Tampa Museum of Art and the Restoration Committee of the Tampa Theater. She was awarded Signature Membership in the Florida Watercolor Society as well as the Suncoast Watercolor Society and is an award winning member of the Florida Artist Group. In 2012 her work was juried into the National Water, www.TaylorIkin.com

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, Culture & Arts, March 2012 - South Tampa, March 2012 – Tampa Bay, Panache People to Know, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Art, Art Gallery, Artist, Dunedin, Dunedin Fine Arts Center, Fine Art, Gallery, Painter, Paintings, Tampa Bay, Taylor Ikin, Watercolor

In Full Bloom

March 19, 2012 By Tom Castaneda 946 Comments

Cultivate Your Style in Spring’s Fadtastic Floral Patterns

In Full Bloom Spring is in the air; and it appears that everything’s coming up roses (and azaleas, and tulips).

After several seasons of fashion offerings in a tomboy style— male wardrobe staples like military jackets, boyfriend jeans and combat boots—this spring marks the triumphant return of femininity. No longer borrowing from the boys, designers like Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch and Ralph Lauren are bringing back the pretty—everything from ladylike short suits in softer sorbet shades to flapper-like dresses inspired by the Roaring Twenties.

But this season’s ka-blooming floral print trend is undoubtedly the girliest of the bunch! After all, is there anything more feminine than a beautiful floral pattern?

This season, designers like Giambattista Valli, Anna Sui and Matthew Williamson have taken a fresh approach to florals, seeding their spring/summer collections with oversized blooms, asymmetrical motifs and wallpaper-worthy botanicals in a variety of chic colors, everything from pale pastels to oh-so-noticeable neons. The end result: marvelously modernized flower-patterned dresses, shirts and pants that will make you feel flirty and fabulous.

Even on-trend celebrities like Anne Hathaway, Zoë Saldaña and Taylor Swift are seeing life through rose-colored glasses. The stylish starlets have been spotted expertly rocking the floral trend in their everyday lives and on the red carpet.

Minimalist-Chic

Not really the “Mary, Mary quite contrary” type? Don’t worry; you really don’t have to be covered in flora from head to toe to stand out in the style crowd. Designers like Roland Mouret have fashioned some attention-grabbing garments with minimal blooms that offer a tip of the hat to the floral pattern trend.

Pumped Up!
If you aren’t afraid to introduce some considerable color into your wardrobe, you’re in luck! This spring, designers like Proenza Schouler and Thakoon have infused their flower-heavy collections with bright island colors like aquamarine, yellow and tangerine. For a very of-the-moment look, pairing two vivid shades in the same hue has never looked fresher.

Supersize It!
Maybe a wetter than normal winter is to blame; but some of this season’s most eye-catching botanical prints come in oversized blooms. Designers like Diane von Furstenberg, Adam Lippes and Paul Smith have produced some fashionable pieces that feature massive motifs. For the bold at heart, they are definitely stand-alone standouts. For the less daring, they can be paired with a solid-colored blazer or cardigan to downplay the drama. Either way, you’ll definitely be big on style. Just remember that oversized blooms are typically most flattering in lighter tones.

Mix ‘n Match
If you’re the type who takes fashion risks, why not mix and match two different prints together. Mismatched floral patterns can add a little rebellious flair to your look; while combining a botanical print with stripes or plaids can create a punk-meets-pretty effect. Neat tailored lines will help keep you looking sophisticated!

Garden Formal
Flowery patterns aren’t just for casual clothing! Even formal attire like evening wear, suits and gowns are getting the floral treatment. During this year’s runway shows in Milan, Paris and New York, several designers introduced red carpet worthy dresses featuring flowery flourishes. Not only are they elegant and romantic showstoppers, but they’re lavishly ladylike!

So whether you decide to take a subtle or extreme approach, there’s no doubt you’ll make your wardrobe blossom with feminine flair by embracing this season’s petal-perfect trend! Happy harvesting!

Tom Castañeda

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

Your Money & Your Life

March 19, 2012 By Dr. James Pitts 22 Comments

Dr. James R. Pitts

In the last column we discussed reaching your “Financial Number”. This is the amount you will need to support your family when you retire. The big question is “How do I get there?” There is no magic bullet in accumulating wealth; however, there are some strategies that will propel you faster toward your goal.

First, start early. That means now if you haven’t already. History shows us how important the power of time is in building up wealth. The correlating factor to time is the power of compounding interest. Einstein once commented that compounding interest was one of the most amazing principles he’d ever seen and he was a pretty smart guy! Some people never fully get to see the really good part of compounding interest because they start too late or give up before it has time to work.

The next principle is to save and invest money automatically. By setting up an automatic draft from your bank account into your investments, the money gets there every month. Once you do this, you don’t think about it. You don’t miss it and it goes automatically to work for you. For most people, if they have to write a check every month, it is less likely to happen. By investing automatically, you are also invoking the principle of dollar cost averaging. This strategy allows you to buy differing amounts or shares of an investment with the same amount of dollars every month. By doing so, you may lower the average cost per share by buying more when the price is low and buying less when the price is higher.

Most people get interested in stocks when everyone else is. The time to get interested is when no one else is. You can’t buy what is popular and do well.

–Warren Buffett

The next principle of investing gets less attention but I feel is so important. This is the technique of rebalancing. By rebalancing we have a preset allocation of assets, for example 60% stock and 40% bond. Once a year (or quarter) we will look at the portfolio and sell some of the asset class that has increased in value and buy some of the asset class that has decreased. By doing so, we are keeping our 60/40 balance. We are also invoking another principle of wealth building-Buy Low and Sell High. Most folks buy something when it is looking great then miss the increase it had. They sell when the investment bottom drops out. Most investors do the exact opposite of what you should do. They buy high and sell low.

http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/value/archive/investors-lose-big-with-market-timing.html
Dollar cost averaging does not guarantee profit or protection from loss.

In our next issue we will continue our discussion on wealth building strategies. Until then, “Happy Investing”!

Dr. James Pitts is a Registered Investment Advisor Representative and Financial Planner. He ran a successful dental practice for 25 years and by using financial planning techniques and investing wisely, he was able to retire at 51 financially independent and debt free. His passion is to help other people reach their financial goals and live the best life.

Call to schedule a free, no obligation consult or 2nd opinion.
Dr. James R. Pitts
727-686-4068
james.pitts@jwcemail.com

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, Business, March 2012 - South Tampa, March 2012 – Tampa Bay, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Business, Dunedin, Finance, Financial Planner, Investing, Investment, Investors, James Pitts, Money, Retirement, Stock Market, Stocks

Spring Sets a New Tone for the Rest of the Year

March 19, 2012 By Dr. Paul Duryea 16 Comments

Dr. Paul Duryea

The warmth of the spring time sun brings a new awakening to the sleepy world of winter. “Yes Virginia” it was a warmer than anticipated winter but spring sets a new tone for the rest of the year. Have you given thought to the one person who is usually last on the list for esthetic improvements? Well you need to take the bull by the horns and set yourself obtainable goals that you can follow and achieve. It may be weight loss, it may be exercise it may even be a new “hair style” or even a new smile. There have been many studies that have shown people with a beautiful smile are more trusted, seem to be friendlier, thought to be more intelligent and by far happier than their “poor smile” counterpart.

Orthodontics is the oldest Dental specialty and has changed drastically since its inception. Now there are Lingual braces (behind the teeth) Ceramic braces (tooth colored) Gold braces (plated in a 24K gold alloy) and even clear non bracket aligners. Like everything else in life they all have their own nuances and limitations. Orthodontics is continually striving to deliver the best smile with a minimum of visual impediment during treatment. So remember if you have been thinking of getting that “fantastic smile” take that first step and make an appointment for a no charge Orthodontic exam. It could be the best decision for the person that is always taken care of last. It can change your life forever!

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, Health, March 2012 – Tampa Bay, March/April 2012 - North Pinellas/Pasco, North Pinellas / Pasco, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Braces, Dentist, Dentistry, Health, Orthodontist, Palm Harbor, Paul Duryea

Commitment, Pride & Experience – S.T. Anthony Contracting

March 18, 2012 By Nina Stanley 25 Comments

Julia Anthony, Benjamin Anthony, and Stephen T. Anthony - Photo: Nicole Geller

Steven T. Anthony literally has business in his blood having grown up spending his summers working with his father who is a general contractor and his uncle, a custom home builder. In the summer of 1997, he decided to branch out by starting S.T. Anthony Contracting, Inc., a full service home improvement and building company based in the Tampa Bay Area.

He chose this business because of a fascination with the process of transforming something that is considered at the end of its usefulness into a thing of beauty and ready for people to enjoy. It was a natural fit for him to carry on the family business while helping people improve their homes through providing quality construction services. With the economy the way it is today, clients are happy with the affordability of their services.

The difference from other contractors and their competition is that Steven has a strong desire to provide his lifelong expertise with a high level of professionalism during the build/remodel process. They strive to make the customers home improvement project experience a pleasant one without the worries that may occur when beginning a renovation or improvement project. It is his priority to be present on every job site and to personally lead the project.

In five years, it is the hope that the company be recognized, respected and trusted in the South Tampa community as well as continually developing their reputation for high quality home improvements and superior service. They want to be the first one a client thinks of as a referral to a future customer. In the long run like any other successful business, being able to employ and serve more customers is a goal.

Steven volunteered recently alongside other general contractors using donated construction materials to assist a homeowner who would not have been able to do necessary repairs. Giving back is a big part of their business. The company belongs to Tampa Bay Business Builders and the Better Business Bureau.

The success of the business is a direct result of the planning and dedication that their family puts into ensuring that each of their clients has a positive, memorable experience working with us. He is married to his childhood sweetheart and biggest fan, Julia, and is father to son, Benjamin. Also in the family are two ShihTzus, Max and Bailey.

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneur - ST, March 2012 - South Tampa, March 2012 – Tampa Bay, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Construction, Entrepreneur, Features, General Contractor, Home, Home Improvement, S.T. Anthony Contracting, South Tampa, Steven T. Anthony, Tampa, Tampa Bay

Patient Satisfaction – Florida Joint Care Institute

March 18, 2012 By Nina Stanley 30 Comments

Henry William Hanff, MD; Jennifer Lynne Cooke, MD; and Stephen Anthony Hanff, MD

In November 2011, Florida Joint Care Institute was cofounded by Henry William Hanff, M.D., Jennifer Lynne Cook, M.D. and Stephen Anthony Hanff, M.D. Among the three, they have a combined experience approaching 50 years. Together they are committed to providing exceptional orthopaedic care to the community in an efficient and compassionate manner. They bring with them a diverse and comprehensive knowledge of bone and joint pathology to deliver gold standard care that is unrivaled. They have affirmed their commitment to their vocation by building their new state of the art facility in Trinity.

Although the partners have diverse backgrounds, they unite with the one common goal to provide comprehensive and unparalleled orthopaedic care. Dr. Henry Hanff has been serving the community as an orthopaedic surgeon since 1973. He started working in an operating room as an orderly at age 17 and never looked back. The depth of his experience with joint replacement is unparalleled. Having performed more than 8,000 joint replacements, he brings a practical fund of knowledge to the group that is invaluable. He also is a world-renowned lecturer in fracture care as faculty for the AO foundation and travels to Europe every year to teach surgeons from around the world.

Dr. Jennifer Cook has been practicing in the community since 2006 and has already made tremendous contributions. After completing both her medical and orthopaedic training at M.I.T. and Harvard, she spent an additional year at the Insall Scott Kelly Institute in New York where she mastered knee and shoulder reconstructive surgery. She is also an expert in fracture care as an alumnus of the AO Foundation. Here in the community she has volunteered her expertise at the Good Samaritan Health Clinic of Pasco and has poured her heart and soul into the organization WOGO that she cofounded. WOGO, or Women Orthopaedist Global Outreach Program, is a nonprofit organization that performs joint reconstructive surgery in third world countries. Having recently performed dozens of knee replacements in Nepal and Guatemala sets her apart as a true humanitarian.

Dr. Stephen Hanff has been in practice for nearly three years after completing five years of orthopaedic residency at the University of Florida. There he had the privilege to work with some of the finest surgeons for the Gators, and additionally focused his time mastering joint replacement and revision reconstruction. As an alumnus of the AO Foundation, he brings a level of expertise in fracture care to a community beset with fractures secondary to osteoporosis. Having been born and reared in the community, he is privileged to live here with his wife and two daughters to serve those who shaped and inspired him.

They stand apart from the rest by being able to provide necessary comprehensive joint care within the community. In addition to offering a wide array of orthopaedic services including fracture care, sports medicine, arthroscopy and joint replacement, they routinely perform revision joint replacements and complex deformity reconstructions. With a growing need for revision reconstruction in the community, they look forward to address the problems the community will face in the future.

Their new facility in Trinity was built to meet these growing needs. A new and beautiful state of the art building with over 13,000 sq ft provides the serene atmosphere for patients to meet the experts. Within the building they can perform X-rays, physical exams, injections, schedule surgery and perform physical therapy. With most insurances accepted, they are able to see almost anyone. Although they work exclusively out of their new location in Trinity, they routinely see patients from Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Hernando and Citrus counties. They are proud to be small business owners where they have the autonomy to put patient care first and not be beholden to a parent corporation and its profits.

Although their collective experience is diverse, they present with one common goal- to provide exceptional orthopaedic care to the community. Their humanitarian efforts extend far beyond the office walls and transcend the confines of the workweek. They are proud to continue the tradition of volunteering their services pro bono to the high school athletes by performing annual physicals. They continue to be an educational resource to the community on topics such as arthritis and osteoporosis. All three share the same gratitude for their blessings and are grateful for every opportunity they have to give back. They exemplify everything it means to truly be a physician.
Florida Joint Care Institute… diligent, efficient and compassionate.

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneur - NP / P, March 2012 – Tampa Bay, March/April 2012 - North Pinellas/Pasco, North Pinellas / Pasco, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Dr. Henry William Hanff, Dr. Jennifer Cook, Dr. Stephen Hanff, Entrepreneur, Features, Florida Joint Care Institute, Health, Medicine, Orthopedic Services, Tampa Bay, Trinity

New South Tampa Hotspots at Every Price Point

March 18, 2012 By Linda Baldwin 17 Comments

I don’t know if there has ever been a study of how people eat at different times of their lives. But DINKS (Dual-Income-No-Kids) and college students, young professionals, proud parents and empty-nesters definitely have different dietary requirements. It’s been a good month for all of them here in South Tampa, because it seems like the perfect restaurant has opened up for each.

Panache Vue' Magazine - South Tampa - Hotspots

Foodie Finds for Empty-Nesters, DINKS & Young Professionals

Boca – Kitchen – Bar – Market (901 W. Platt Street; 813.254.7070)

Having opened February 3rd, Boca-Kitchen-Bar-Market is almost as fresh as its produce, which gets picked up not from frozen storage facilities, but off of boats (like red snapper from “The Fish Coffin”) and straight from local farms (like quail eggs from Lake Meadows Ranch). Seasonal herbs and vegetables are picked and delivered daily to show up in salads, flatbreads, and possibly even the Staff Meal – which is whatever the chef feels like cooking that night. Wines are from sustainable vineyards, and little touches like cardboard rounds for coasters, in keeping with the restaurant’s environmentally conscious convictions. The tight table arrangement encourages conversation among the communal and chatty crowd and the bar. The young, hip, vibe has packed the house since it opened, so be sure to make a reservation.

The Manhattan Dolce Bar & Bistro (4328 West El Prado Blvd; 813.832.3388)

There hasn’t been anything like this in the neighborhood: an upscale, adult bar with a full tapas style menu. It’s a great place for stopping after dinner, since it’s open from 5pm to 1am, or you can choose from an eclectic menu, featuring short rib tacos or Sambuca lemongrass mussels, and have plenty to share. I love stopping by for the after-dinner specialty drinks, like the Italian coffee. Yummy! The bar is stocked to provide fresh fruit and muddled cocktails, along with beer and wine, and even the desserts are liquored up, like the bread pudding soufflé with Irish whiskey sauce. I think it’s the perfect girls-night out, or hot date night spot. Hit up their happy hour Monday through Friday from 5pm to 8pm, and enjoy nightly live entertainment. Their goal is to be the ultimate getaway in South Tampa – let’s help them do it!

College Students & Families

PDQ (2207 South Dale Mabry Highway; 813.254.737)

When the nearby high school lets out, it’s like an exodus to make it straight over to PDQ. The food is fresh and served up fast and hot in a friendly and fun environment. The retro soda fountain looks like an old-time coke vending machine, a detail few teens recognize but love anyways. Don’t expect to find burgers at this joint – this place is strictly for the birds: chicken and turkey. Chicken tender dipping sauces, salad dressings and fries are made on-site and nothing is prepackaged. Personally, I think the chicken tenders taste every bit as good as their sit-down restaurant competition. And if you’re wondering, PDQ stands for “Pretty Darn Quick.”

Irish 31 (1611 West Swann Ave; 813.250.0031)

Everything on their lunch menu is $8 and they have a kids menu. Ready to go yet? With a mission to set the standard for Irish Pubs by blending a love of the traditional (Mulligan stew, shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash) with the homey atmosphere of a living room on a Sunday during an NFL game (if that living room had 16 televisions), Irish 31 is unique to say the least. Keep an eye out for the almost nightly drink specials.

Linda Baldwin

Linda Baldwin, is a Credentialed Diet & Nutrition Expert and a Professional Catering Executive (CPCE) whose skills have been honed by 25 years in the catering, restaurant, and event production industry. She is know as local foodie, ultra healthy prepared foods specialist, educator – columnist and creator of Amore and Amore To-Go a lifestyle company, based in South Tampa since 2006. She leads a team of professionals that include chefs, and educators in the field of health and wellness.

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, March 2012 - South Tampa, March 2012 – Tampa Bay, South Tampa, Tampa Bay, Wine & Dine Tagged With: Boca - Kitchen Bar Market, Dining, Gourmet, Hot Spots, Irish 31, Linda Baldwin, PDQ, Restaurant, South Tampa, Tampa, Tampa Bay, The Manhattan Dolce Bar & Bistro

Time to Get Back in the Swing

March 18, 2012 By Cesar A. Lara 25 Comments

Dr. César Lara

Spring in Florida…..time for renewal and awakening…..and for getting all the sports equipment out of the closet! Here’s that football put away before Christmas – that season’s over…baseball and bat? Good idea to hit a few balls….but wait! Here’s the golf clubs! That’s the sign of warmer weather!

As the clubs and shoes are prepared for the season, isn’t it funny to think how we use expressions of golf to describe our feelings? Feeling a little “rough”, somebody “tee-ed” you off, not quite up to “par”? And as we are getting ready for the physical activities of spring, maybe we’re not feeling quite up to “par.” The winter period of inactivity may have put a few extra pounds on us and we’re just not quite feeling ourselves.

Spring is a good time to get a physical – just like in sports, find your strengths and weaknesses. As the few extra pounds come on, it puts stress and strain on the body. You may find your blood pressure a little higher, and maybe feeling a little tired as a result of the extra weight. Some lab work will tell if your cholesterol has increased or perhaps your “sugar” glucose level is elevated. If this is the case, don’t despair.

Diet and exercise seems like a worn out phrase, but it is everything to your body. To get your body ready for spring (just like the clubs and shoes); you need to give it the proper treatments. A diet of healthy fruits and vegetables, along with some protein each meal will go a long way toward getting you back in “the swing” of things. You already know the rules of the game. It’s just putting them into your routine. A few easy tips will help you avoid feeling like you just missed an easy putt. Opt for the grilled chicken instead of fried; make sure 2/3 of your plate is filled with healthy vegetables and fruits. Grilled vegetables basted with a little olive oil are not only healthy, but taste good!

As you “tee off” into your healthy lifestyle, beware of the “sand traps,” processed food whose shelf life is longer than ours! Avoid the “rough” by getting on the treadmill, or better yet, take a walk around your neighborhood each day. Fresh air and our Florida sunshine are great for the physical and mental health. Your health and your mood will improve!

If lab work shows that you need to make some lifestyle changes, it’s not like your ball went in the lake. It’s more that you’re off the green a little and need to get back on. When that happens in your golf game, you have to take stock of where your ball is and where it needs to go next. It’s no different with your health. Figure out where you need to go and take the steps to get there. Before you know it, you will find yourself on the fairway sailing towards a healthy “hole in one.”

Dr. César A. Lara

César A. Lara, M.D. is a Board Certified family physician and a leading expert in the field of medicine, the treatment of obesity, and weight loss management. For more than 20 years, it has been Dr. Lara’s passion to become a positive force in America’s ever-growing obesity crisis…one patient at a time. Dr. Lara’s dream of helping men and women overcome diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and other chronic conditions related to obesity was realized with the emergence of the César A. Lara, MD; Center for Weight Management as a premier weight loss center in Tampa Bay. A graduate of the University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Dr. Lara is known for his strong personal faith and his generous contributions to the Tampa Bay community. Dr. Lara regularly appears on television as a medical contributor to Brighthouse Network’s Bay News 9 en Español and WTSP-TV Studio 10. He frequently participates in corporate health fairs promoting an active lifestyle and healthy weight loss options. He is the founder of St. Michael’s Free Clinic and Weight Away Tampa Bay, charitable organizations that provide free medical treatment to those who cannot afford it.

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, Health, March 2012 – Tampa Bay, March/April 2012 - North Pinellas/Pasco, North Pinellas / Pasco, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Center for Weight Management, Diet, Dr. César A. Lara, Exercise, Features, Health, HGC Diet, Physician, South Tampa, Tampa, Tampa Bay

New Study – Water Softeners Among Very Best Household Energy Savers

March 18, 2012 By Matthew and Jori Zarra 231 Comments

Matthew and Jori Zarra

Water softeners can save significant amounts of money and energy in the home, a major new study by the independent Battelle Institute revealed. Softeners help preserve the efficiency of water heaters and major appliances and keep showers and faucets unclogged, the report found. The study was commissioned by the Water Quality Research Foundation (WQRF) in 2009. Battelle Memorial Institute is a renowned independent testing and research facility dedicated to applied science and technology development.

Among some of the key findings of the study:

Gas & Electric water heaters: Gas & Electric storage tank household water heaters operated on softened water maintained the original factory efficiency rating over a 15-year lifetime. On the other hand, hard water can lead to as much as a 48% loss of efficiency in water heaters. Up to 30 pounds of calcium carbonate rocklike scale can accumulate in these heaters over time, according to the study. The life of the heating element will be shortened due to scale buildup because of increased operating temperature of the heating element. Such scale adversely affects the water heater’s performance.

Tank-less heaters: Indoor instantaneous gas water heaters (tankless heaters) operated on softened water maintained the original factory efficiency rating over a 15-year lifetime. The study found that tankless water heaters completely failed to function because of scale plugging in the downstream plumbing after only 1.6 years of equivalent hot water use on 26 gpg hard water. Softened water saves 34% of costs compared to operating on 20 grains per gallon (gpg) and saves 47% compared to operation on 30 gpg hard water.

Showerheads and faucets: Showerheads on soft water maintained a brilliant luster and full flow. Faucets on softened water performed well throughout the study; nearly as well as the day they were installed. Showerheads on hard water lost 75% of the flow rate in less than 18 months. Faucets on hard water could not maintain the specified 1.25 gallons per minute flow rate because of scale collection of the strainers. The strainers on the faucets using un-softened water were almost completely plugged after 19 equivalent days of testing.

Appliances: In the study, dishwashers and washing machines were operated for 30 days and 240 completed wash cycles on soft and hard water sources. The units using soft water were almost completely free of any water scale buildup. As the report states, they appeared as if they could be cleaned up to look like new with just a quick wipe down. The appearance of the inside of units using hard water showed the need for de-liming and cleaning due to the buildup of scale and deposits.

Contact Florida Water Treatment by phone @ 727-736-2747 or visit us on the web @ www.flawatertreatment.com for all of your water treatment needs.

Study Source – Water Quality Association (WQA)

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

Why am I Harping on the HARP 2 Program???

March 16, 2012 By JoAnn Rooney 50 Comments

JoAnn Rooney

Because over a million homeowners may be eligible for this refinance and it comes out this month in March.

The HARP program is designed to help people who have made good on their mortgage obligation through a period of severe economic stress and housing price declines. This program will refinance your 1st mortgage only. The HARP program will allow borrowers to refinance their current mortgage to today’s lower rates. This program is specifically for borrowers who are “underwater” on their mortgage.

Borrowers who fulfill the following criteria will, in general, qualify for the HARP 2 program

They must be current on their mortgage and have no record of a late payment within the last six months, and may only have had one late payment maximum over the past 12-month period.
The current loan-to-value ratio (LTV) must be higher than 80%.the mortgage must have been sold to or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac on or before May 31, 2009
The mortgage must not have already been refinanced through HARP in the past, unless it happens to be a Fannie Mae loan that underwent a HARP refinance between March and May 2009

Your mortgage must be owned by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and to check it is as easy as going to these web sites and entering your information:
www.FannieMae.com/loanlookup www.FreddieMac.com/mymortgage

If Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac own your loan than you can apply for the HARP 2 on an owner occupied home, a second home or a rental property. It can be a single family home, a villa or a condo it does not matter. You can owe 250K on a home that is now worth 200K it does not matter. You can have multiple properties owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and they are all eligible.

If you check and your home is owned by either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac then call your current servicer (your servicer is who you are making your payments to) and ask them if your loan qualifies for a HARP 2 loan. Then ask them what rate and terms are they offering. I have clients who have called their servicers and have been offered lower rates, shorter terms, no appraisal and minimal closing costs.

If you have a second mortgage and that lender will subordinate then you can refinance the first mortgage. You can NOT include the second mortgage in the new loan. If you currently have MI insurance and Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac own the loan then you are eligible to refinance. You can not get back more than $250.00 at closing.

Consider a shorter term on your mortgage to pay off your loan faster and build equity. Rates on a 15 year mortgage are less than a 30 year term. If you have been paying on your mortgage for the past 3 years ask your servicer for a 27 year term instead of a 30 year term.

Whatever you do first check the two web sites above and then pick up the phone and call your current servicer and ask if they participate in the HARP 2 program and if they do get started. If your servicer does not offer the HARP 2 program then call me.

Call JoAnn Rooney today 727-787-2299 X 1
www.facebook.com/FLMortgageLady
www.twitter.com/FLMortgageLady

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, Business, March 2012 - South Tampa, March 2012 – Tampa Bay, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Borrowers, Business, Clearwater, Fannie Mae, Features, Florida, Freddie Mac, HAARP, HAARP 2, JoAnn Rooney, Lender, Mortgage, Mortgage Broker, New Port Richey, Palm Harbor, Real Estate, Realtor, Refinance, South Tampa, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Tampa Bay, Title Company

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