Clearwater | Panache Vue' Magazine

Ask Andrew Ashton… LaPosh Salon

April 18, 2013 By Andrew Ashton Leave a Comment

Andrew Ashton - La Posh Salon

Dear Andrew Ashton,

My daughter’s hair is very long and she is interested in donating it to “Locks For Love.” What are the requirements from donating hair to that organization?

Linda, Oldsmar

Dear Linda,

That’s wonderful that your daughter would like to donate her hair to “Locks For Love!” In order for her donation to be used for a youth-specific wig, your daughter will need to provide 10 inches of non-bleached hair. The hair may be color treated but cannot be bleached. Hair can also be donated if it is less than 10 inches in length, but this hair will be used toward the creation of an adult wig. Please come by LaPosh Salon as we would be happy to help your daughter with sending off her generous donation.

Dear Andrew Ashton,

I am stuck in a hair rut! With warm weather arriving, I would love some ideas of ways I could wear my hair up and still be on trend. Hair help now!

Alicia, Tampa

Dear Alicia,

If your hair is very straight, you may want to give you hair a little bit of ‘bend’ with a curling iron or velcro/hot rollers. One simple and stylish look is a take on the basic ponytail. Here’s how you can achieve it: Put some back combing (or teasing) in the crown of your head, then pull the hair back into a low pony tail. If you want a part in the front, put that in first then pull everything back into the low pony tail. The pony tail can be off to one side or centered, but the key is to keep it low. Take the pony tail and loosely wrap it around itself. Don’t worry about how organized it is – just that it is balanced and secure with bobby pins. For a bit more youthful look, pull out a section of hair in the front before securing in the pony tail. Braid this section and then secure back into the finished bun. Remember, the key to this look is to ensure its not perfect so have fun with it!

Filed Under: 2013, April 2013, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Andrew Ashton, Beauty, Clearwater, Hair, La Posh Salon, Makeup, Style, Tampa, Tampa Bay

Pilates for Golf

April 18, 2013 By Patricia Massey Welter Leave a Comment

Hit the ball farther, straighter and more accurately with less chance of injury…

Suncoast Pilates - Palm Harbor, Florida

Whether twisting the body on a drive, squatting down to measure a putt or leaning over to pick up a ball, golfers are constantly torquing their bodies. Golf requires repeating the same essential movements. As a result some muscles become overused and others weaken, causing an imbalance. For a golfer, muscle imbalances can affect the legs, hips, arms, shoulders, and the lower back. It can also affect one’s game, particularly for those over the age of 50. Drives may be shorter and less accurate, stamina may decrease, and the potential for debilitating strains, pulls and tears becomes much higher. Many golfers – from weekend warriors to the game’s elite like Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam have turned to Pilates as an essential training tool that keeps the body in balance and actually improves performance.

Why Pilates?

Pilates is based on movement from the center of the body, as are most shots in golf. It strengthens the center of the body, also known as the core (the trunk, shoulder girdle and pelvis). Core strength can improve hip rotation, range of motion in the shoulders and back stability, leading to more powerful and accurate golf shots. Pilates is a full body exercise that works all muscles and is easy on the joints. The end result is a flexible, symmetrically muscled body that is strengthened from the inside out.

Pilates helps you:

Build up the back muscles evenly
Elongate and align the spine for better stability
Strengthen the abdominals
Increase overall flexibility, strength, and balance
Increase range of motion in hips and shoulders
Enhance concentration through focused breathing

A stronger and more stable core helps golfers:

Attain an optimal backswing and follow-through with increased range of motion in shoulders
Get more distance and power because of added hip and torso flexibility
Have a stronger and bigger hip turn for greater power through rotation
Create a smoother and more powerful swing due to evenly conditioned back muscles
Maximize balance and alignment while rotating
Decrease fatigue because of less strain on the body
Hold a body position long enough to play through a shot
Play without pain!

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: 2013, April 2013, Health, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Clearwater, Fitness, Health, Palm Harbor, Patricia Welter, Personal Trainer, Pilates, Pinellas County, Training

Ask Andrew Ashton – LaPosh Salon

March 20, 2013 By Andrew Ashton Leave a Comment

Andrew Ashton - La Posh Salon

Dear Andrew Ashton,

Are bangs in or out? I’ve been hearing both sides on this topic. I haven’t had bangs in a long time and I’m considering it, but a little apprehensive especially if they are not “in style.” And, how do I know if full bangs or side swept bangs are right for me?

Thanks,
Nancy in Tampa

Dear Nancy,

Some sort of bang or fringe is always in style. Deciding on bangs is an individual decision and fortunately, they typically look good at any age. If you are going for a more youthful look, bangs can shape up your current style and further define the face. A few things to consider as you choose a style of bangs: Hair type is important as correctly cutting a bang on fine hair can actually give the illusion of thickness. Hair texture also comes into play as straighter hair or that with a soft bend is easier to cut bangs on versus that of naturally curly hair. (As many of you may know!) Finally, bangs should be cut to enhance your face shape. For example, if you would like to enhance your eyes, bangs should be cut just to the brow line. Cutting bangs too thick and long can actually enhance your nose, so you’ll want to keep that in mind if its not a feature in which you want to draw attention. Oval face shapes tend to be able to wear any type of bang while round faces for instance, look best with a soft layered bang that gently sits on the cheek area. This method can enhance cheek bones and take away from the roundness of the face shape. For those with a square face shape, a longer side-swept bang that forms in toward the jaw to soften the squareness of the face and jawline is ideal. A bang is a great way to change up your current look without any drastic changes. Good luck and have fun with your new look for spring!

Andrew Ashton
LaPosh Salon
727.726.1600
2566D McMullen Booth Rd.
Clearwater

Filed Under: 2013, March 2013, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Andrew Ashton, Beauty, Clearwater, Hair, La Posh Salon, Makeup, Style, Tampa Bay

Suncoast Pilates – Home for Pilates in the Tampa Bay Area

March 17, 2013 By Patricia Massey Welter Leave a Comment

Serving the area since 1997, Suncoast Pilates has provided thousands of clients throughout the years with Pilates instruction through client engagements, weddings, births, birthdays, children grow up, anniversaries, special moments, special events. Clients come in with special goals, specific needs, post-rehabilitation requirements or come for professional athletic conditioning. As short time needs are met, clients may leave or move, seek other exercise disciplines or have to stop for a while. Pilates WORKS – so a large number of our clients return, finding Pilates yields the best results over a long term basis. When clients return to Suncoast Pilates, in a sense they feel they are coming home, where one knows that Pilates exercise is safe, yet challenging and efficient and provides results.

Suncoast Pilates - Palm Harbor, Florida

Throughout the years, the studio has gone through it’s own “Home Improvement” increasing from 1000 square feet to 2000 square feet, adding a Mat / CoreAlign room in addition to the equipment training room, a private training room and each year adding equipment. The studio revamped their website and added online booking in 2009. The staff is our own family, growing to seven talented Pilates instructors, providing appointments from early morning to late evening.

Serving Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor for over sixteen years, Suncoast Pilates is renown for offering the best in Pilates instruction in the Tampa Bay area. Suncoast has some of the most experienced, highly trained and Certified Pilates instructors in the area and is a Balanced Body Pilates instructor training facility. Suncoast is a fully equipped Pilates studio, offering one-on-one, duet / trio and group Pilates equipment sessions and Pilates Mat classes. CoreAlign® training is offered in private, duo and trio sessions. The studio recently launched an expanded Ballet Barre class schedule; no dance experience required. Suncoast Pilates Barre classes provide an all encompassing full body workout utilizing the ballet barre as the main prop to reinforce ideal positioning of the exercises. Barre classes increase strength, endurance and flexibility, while challenging the core from a vertical position, providing a cardiovascular workout, slimming the buttock, thighs, hips and stomach.

Never done Pilates? Have not been in the studio in a while? Come home to Suncoast Pilates. Why trust your body to anyone less than the best? Train where Pilates instructors train!

Patricia Massey Welter

Filed Under: 2013, Health, March 2013, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Clearwater, Fitness, Health, Joseph Pilates, Palm Harbor, Patricia Welter, Personal Trainer, Pilates, Pinellas, Suncoast Pilates, Training

A Match Made in Heaven

February 10, 2013 By Nina Stanley 9 Comments

Art and Diane Whitney - Photo: Don Shepherd XOPIXO

Art and Diane Whitney, owners of A-1 Custom Cabinets is truly a unique couple. Art is a rare bird as he is a lifelong resident of Pinellas County. His cabinet career started in 1976 at a small cabinet shop. The name of that shop was A-1 Custom Cabinets. After two years of perfecting the fundamentals, he went on to work in other high end cabinet shops, followed by working directly for building contractors in custom homes.

In 1980 he sought fame and fortune moonlighting as the drummer for “The Fanatics”, with a huge following throughout Florida. As the flame of fame began to dim, he again followed his passion for construction and worked as project manager for a local builder. Never one to be still, he entered the competitive world of off-road motorcycle sports earning class champion status. His competitive spirit fueled his desire to be his own boss, and there was no question as to what business he would pursue.

In 1994, he returned to A-1 Custom cabinets with a silent partner and an offer to buy out the company. His destiny seemed fulfilled once he bought the company where he started his career. However, there was a new buyer on the horizon, a not- so- silent partner who sparked a whole new fire within him. Two years later his partner became his wife and he never looked back.

Diane grew up in the small town of West Milton, Ohio. After graduating high school, she went to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where she majored in Interior Design. Upon graduation she promptly got married and followed her husband to New York. There she worked as an Interior Designer in a major furniture store. Realizing that marriage and the bitter cold were not for her, she migrated to Florida like so many Midwesterners do. Upon her arrival, she took a position in an area interior design studio before seeking her fortune in sales. Diane worked for 7 years as a regional manager for an automotive marketing company, after which she ignited her creative flair as a freelance designer. About this time, she was overseeing a major project when she happened upon a dashing cabinet maker named Art Whitney. Apparently she was so desperate for a date that she bought into his company. The two hit it off splendidly and within two years they were married. The rest is history!

As a husband and wife team, they bring both masterful cabinet making and exquisite design together under one roof. The original A-1 Cabinets was a small cabinet shop that built mostly laminate cabinets. Art and Diane moved the shop to a new location, four times the original size, upgraded to automated machinery, and dramatically increased the volume of business. They now focus primarily on wood cabinetry with intricate detailing. Their focus is building credibility of A-1 Custom Cabinets so that their name is synonymous with life-long quality. Art and Diane want to create a legacy. A-1 Custom Cabinets provides top quality workmanship to both residential and commercial markets, wood and laminate, indoor and outdoor. They always extend personal service and strive to exceed their clients’ expectations, each and every time. Their clients can choose from hundreds of styles and finishes, and have much more versatility in their design than other companies. A-1 also offers full remodeling services such as lighting, wall coverings, flooring, furniture, accessories and more!

Their goal is to be the premier remodeling resource center in Tampa Bay! When not working, Art and Diane devote much of their time to local organizations as sponsors and contributors; they have a very strong belief in giving back and are Members of NARI and an Allied Member of A.S.I.D. They both love the outdoors; are loving parents to their 24 year old daughter Ryan, their dog Roxie and cats Sam and Gato. Both feel they owe a large part of their success to their parents who were inspirations for them and always believed in them. They taught them the value of hard work, honesty, integrity and a belief in God. Without their constant guidance and support, they WOULDN’T be the people they are today! Art is fun-loving, compassionate and discriminating while Diane is intelligent, focused and very, very classy. Truly, a match Made in Heaven!

A-1 Custom Cabinets can be reached at 727.447.6815 or visit their website at www.A-1CustomCabinets.com. Showroom hours are by appointment.

Filed Under: 2013, Entrepreneur, February 2013, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Bathrooms, Business, Cabinets, Clearwater, Entrepreneur, Features, Green Living, Health, Home, Home Organization, Kitchens, Palm Harbor, Remodeling, South Tampa, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Tampa Bay

Kitchen Design Trends for 2013

February 10, 2013 By Diane Whitney Leave a Comment

Art and Diane Whitney

Kitchen designs are, by far, the slowest changing trends in home décor. This is due to the fact that they are expensive, time consuming and so invasive to the homeowner. But at A-1 Custom Cabinets, we are seeing a gradual upheaval in the way we specify the kitchen space. Here are some our top recommendations for 2013:

Move Toward Modern

In 2012 the National Kitchen and Bath Association ranked the “Transitional Style” over “Traditional” for the first time ever in the history of their ranking system. This means more simplified lines and big, open spaces made with gathering in mind. Traditional woods (cherry and maple) are being replaced by Alder, Birch, Walnut and Bamboo.

Natural Color Schemes

Kitchen design trends are showing a rise in neutral colors with a twist. New natural colors build around greys and greens with a variety of wood finishes. Classic white and black are making a comeback as well. Bright colors are prevalent, but should be reserved for accents. Another trend is to mix wood cabinet finishes and painted finishes, which give an eclectic yet cohesive look.
Hideaway Appliances

Most people know that stainless steel appliances are a must-have for kitchen remodels, but there’s also a push toward unusual appliances. Not only does this include ones fronted with the same material as the cabinets, but also an emphasis on hidden appliances. Certain refrigerators, microwaves and dishwashers can be integrated into drawers for a seamless look.

All-Over Lighting

Good kitchen lighting has become more important over the years. Because the kitchen is the epicenter of the home, lighting should be layered combining general lighting, task lighting and ambient lighting. There is also a big push toward the inclusion of LED’s, which are already popular for under-cabinet lighting.

Super Stylish Components

2013 trends will move away from conventional range vents and include a variety of decorative hoods. Ones with built in LED lights can even couple as an island chandelier. Also, don’t overlook the kitchen sink. They are becoming a focal point in updated kitchens. Stainless steel sinks will remain popular, many with new modern designs, but there will also be a variety of stone composite, copper or fireclay sinks to offer smooth, non-porous options that won’t show wear and tear.

Glass Backsplashes

Luminous, reflective finishes abound in the modern kitchen, and nowhere is this more beautiful than on backsplash walls. Single-sheet, back painted glass with no seams, no grout, and easy maintenance wins on all counts. Its reflective quality gives a polished finish to the kitchen. This could also be achieved with glass tiles, which are a quick and inexpensive way to update your kitchen.

Call A-1 Custom Cabinets today for more information, or to schedule your free in-home consultation. 727-447-6815.

Filed Under: 2013, Green Living, Home, March 2013, Tampa Bay Tagged With: A-1 Custom Cabinets, Art Whitney, Bamboo, Bathrooms, Business, Cabinets, Clearwater, Diane Whitney, Green, Green Living, Home, Home Organization, Kitchens, Lyptus, Organization, Outdoor Kitchens, Pinellas County, Recycled, Recycled Glass, Remodeling, Space Organization

Get a Body to Love with Pilates

February 10, 2013 By Patricia Massey Welter Leave a Comment

February brings a celebration of love. Traditionally sweethearts, partners, or spouses honor their love / affection / relationship on Valentine’s Day. Gifts are a rite of passage – flowers, candy, jewelry, dinner, romantic evenings, spa treatments, and / or a card.

How about taking the time to honor oneself? It has been a short time since the holiday season ended. During the holiday season it is easy to fall off one’s exercise routine and tempting to eat less healthy. The New Year is traditionally the time to get back on track with both an exercise routine and better eating game plan. Finding it hard to get back on track? Bored with the same old exercise? Tired of beating yourself up with a workout that makes you unable to sit, walk, or move the next day? Pilates is a proven exercise system that leaves you feeling worked out, stretched, strengthened, lengthened, energized and yet improves posture, balance, and coordination. Pilates practiced consistently yields a trimmer, more toned physique, with leaner waist, hips and thighs.

Suncoast Pilates - Palm Harbor, Florida

Suncoast Pilates, a fully equipped Pilates studio, specializes in Pilates equipment training in one-on-one sessions. Private sessions yield the maximum benefits with the Pilates instructor developing a specific program to fit the client’s needs, utilizing all pieces of Pilates equipment (Reformer, Tower, Cadillac, Ladder Barrel, Ped-o-Pull, Barrels, and Chair). Private sessions are offered six days a week, with availability from 7 am till 8 pm most days. To fit client needs and budgets, the studio also offers Group Pilates Equipment sessions and group Pilates Mat classes at select times weekly. Find a friend, partner, spouse or co-worker and schedule a duo or trio at a time of your convenience. Never tried Pilates? Suncoast Pilates offers a onetime reduced fee private Introductory Session.

What could say “I love you” more than the gift of health with a Pilates gift certificate? Times it by two and bring your Valentine in for a duet. Come in and get your Pilates Body today a body you will love!

Patricia Massey Welter

Filed Under: 2013, February 2013, Health, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Clearwater, Fitness, Health, Joseph Pilates, Palm Harbor, Patricia Welter, Personal Trainer, Pilates, Pinellas, Suncoast Pilates, Training

Facts and Figures About Florida

February 10, 2013 By JoAnn Rooney Leave a Comment

Here are some facts and figures about Florida, some of which you will already know and some that will surprise you.

1. The United States city with the highest rate of lightning strikes per capita is Clearwater.

2. Gatorade was named for the University of Florida Gators where the drink was first developed.

3. The St. Johns River is one of the few rivers that flows north rather than south.

4. The longest lake in Florida is Lake Okeechobee.

5. The Pinellas Trail is a 47 mile hiking/biking trail that connects St. Petersburg with Central and North Pinellas County. It is the longest urban trail in the eastern United States.

6. Orlando attracts more visitors than any other amusement park destination in the United States.

7. St. Augustine is the oldest European settlement in North America.

8. Florida has over 1300 miles of coastline and 800 miles of beaches!

9. Florida covers 54,560 square miles of area, of which 4,424 square miles are water! It is roughly the size of England and Wales.

10. The Florida Everglades are the only place where alligators and crocodiles coexist.

11. Jacksonville is the most populous city in Florida.

12. Florida means “feast of flowers” in Spanish.

13. Florida has over 40 million visitors per year!

If you need any mortgage advice to see if refinancing your existing mortgage will save you money, or to see if you qualify for a HARP loan please call me. Rates are now at an all-time low. I have many clients that refinanced their current mortgage from a 30 year term to a 15 year term and the payment did not change much. I just closed one where the payment was actually lower and we shaved 10 years off the term of their loan. 727-787-2299 X 1

JoAnn Rooney is President of Your Mortgage Source, Inc. JoAnn is also a member of Dunedin Rotary North, a Paul Harris recipient, a 2007 Leadership Pinellas Graduate, a Member of the Mortgage Bankers Association, serves on the board of the Pinellas County Economic Development Council, a member of the Florida Association of Mortgage Brokers, as well as the National Association of Mortgage Brokers. Your MortgageSource, Inc. is located at 29399 US 19N, Ste. 365 Clearwater, Florida 33761. JoAnn can be reached at ex. 1 727-787-2299 or email jorooney@urmortgagesource.com.

Also visit
YourMortgageSourceInc.com
www.facebook.com/FLMortgageLady and follow on www.twitter.com/FLMortgageLady
NMLS#150917
Company NMLS # 150934

Filed Under: 2013, Business, February 2013, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Business, Clearwater, Features, Florida, JoAnn Rooney, Lender, Mortgage, Mortgage Broker, Real Estate, Refinance, Tampa Bay

Here’s to a New You – Get a Pilates Body

December 17, 2012 By Patricia Massey Welter Leave a Comment

The holiday season will soon be over and the New Year is just around the corner. Did you take time to gift yourself? What better time to give yourself a gift that keeps on giving, a healthy and strong body. Want to shape up, improve your stamina and endurance, manage your stress and lose a few inches? It is time to get your body into shape with a Pilates body.

Is your current exercise regimen not giving you the results you want? Pilates exercise, created by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900’s, is a proven exercise regimen that will yield a sleeker, slimmer, toned physique while strengthening and stretching the entire body. Not exercised in a long time or having a hard time getting started? Pilates is for everybody – the beginner exerciser or the seasoned athlete. Pilates can be performed on the mat (floor) exercises or specialized equipment, providing both assistance and resistance. Exercises on the equipment can be performed lying, kneeling, sitting or standing.

Suncoast Pilates - Palm Harbor, Florida

Tired of feeling beat up after your workout? While extremely challenging, Pilates leaves you feeling energized, relieves stress yet able to move, sit and stand the next day. Bored with the same old fitness routines with only so many ways to do a bicep curl? Pilates equipment provides hundreds of exercises and variations. Each workout can be tailored with no session seeming the same, yet all body parts are worked simultaneously. Resistance training, the essence of Pilates, has been proven to create lean muscle and rev up your metabolism to burn calories all day long.

How to get started? Find a Certified Pilates Instructor to assist in developing a program to fit your needs. Pilates exercise should be practiced two – three times weekly to achieve maximum results, whether in the home, studio or gym. Suncoast Pilates specializes in Pilates private equipment sessions. With services to fit everyone’s budget the studio also offers duet and group Pilates equipment classes and Pilates Mat (floor) classes. Come in and get your Pilates body today!

Patricia Massey Welter

Filed Under: 2012, December 2012 / January 2013, Health, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Clearwater, Fitness, Health, Joseph Pilates, Palm Harbor, Patricia Welter, Personal Trainer, Pilates, Pinellas, Suncoast Pilates, Training

Simple Ways to a New You

December 16, 2012 By Diane Whitney Leave a Comment

Art and Diane Whitney

It starts with excess clutter and loose receipts, builds through the holidays and by the time the New Year rolls around it’s everywhere! It’s clutter, and chances are, it’s driving you crazy. However, A-1 Custom Cabinets has a few secrets to get it under control, so you can focus on more important things—like tackling that extra holiday weight!

#1—Do a paper purge in your office. What—no office? Find a nook where you can install a custom desk to create your “command central.” New file drawers help find homes for organizing important contracts, personal documents, receipts and product warranties.

#2—Divide and conquer your kitchen. There’s one pot you need for dinner, but reaching into the back of the cabinet triggers a culinary avalanche. With a couple extra shelves and drawer pullouts, we can help you take advantage of the space between shelves. Tiered organizers make it easier to see and reach the items at the back of a shelf.

#3—Find a home for all your clothes. Who needs a leopard print dress when your closet is a jungle? A-1 Custom Cabinets can organize your hanging space, add shelves for sweaters and shoes, a pullout bar for dry cleaning, and a home for your hamper. Sorting “like” items together makes the whole space easier on the eyes.

#4—Harness hidden space in your bathroom. Rummaging to find your favorite body butter while getting ready in the morning is not the way to start your day. A-1 has an assortment of drawer organizers that help maximize storage space. We can even create additional storage under the sink.

Call A-1 Custom Cabinets today for your free consultation. We’ll address notoriously difficult clutter issues for your first step towards a whole New You.

Filed Under: 2012, December 2012 / January 2013, Green Living, Home, Tampa Bay Tagged With: A-1 Custom Cabinets, Art Whitney, Bamboo, Bathrooms, Business, Cabinets, Clearwater, Diane Whitney, Green, Green Living, Home, Home Organization, Kitchens, Lyptus, Organization, Outdoor Kitchens, Pinellas County, Recycled, Recycled Glass, Remodeling, Space Organization

Things I Learned in 2012

December 16, 2012 By JoAnn Rooney Leave a Comment

JoAnn Rooney

Buying or refinancing a home was not easy. Short sales and foreclosures had title issues, leaky roofs and black pools. Appraisals came in short and sellers took it out on buyers and buyers blamed realtors. Contract dates meant nothing to lenders as rate locks expired and underwriters asked for more and more paperwork. I have worked for fifteen years in this industry and this year was the most challenging by far.

Buying a home in 2012 was like going to Bush Gardens and riding a roller coaster. Finding your dream home is the first part of the ride and after that comes the ups and downs. If all parties involved in your real estate sale transaction (buyer, seller, Title Company, realtors, mortgage broker, lender) keep their heads and work well together, your roller coaster ride will have a happy ending.

There are still incredible buys available on homes in the Tampa Bay area. In 2012, we saw rates at their lowest levels in 40 years. If you are in a position to buy a home to own, a second home or an investment property, 2013 may be your year.

If you read the headlines in the paper or listen to the news, you will hear that you need a 20% down payment to purchase a home, but if you look beyond the headlines, you will find that very few lenders are requiring a 20% down payment. The majority of first-time home buyers used a loan from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) which allows a 3.5% down payment and is NOT just for first time homebuyers. There are plenty of lenders offering 95% financing and the Veterans Administration offers 100% financing for Veterans.

Even in a tough economy, people continue to graduate from college, marry, have babies, and buy homes. While potential homebuyers remain cautious, the abundance of affordable housing combined with historical low rates will draw more buyers to the closing table in 2013.

Remember that in the midst of turmoil, uncertainty and change….lies opportunity…

Here’s to a great 2013!

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

Filed Under: 2012, Business, December 2012 / January 2013, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Business, Clearwater, Features, Florida, JoAnn Rooney, Lender, Mortgage, Mortgage Broker, Real Estate, Refinance, Tampa Bay

Give the Gift of Health

November 18, 2012 By Patricia Massey Welter Leave a Comment

What says I love you more than a gift that promotes health and well-being? Regular exercise has been shown to help prevent weight gain and / or help maintain weight loss, reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol profile, reduce stress, reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, help prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns and increase energy. Pilates can help one achieve a number of health benefits plus improve balance and posture, improve flexibility, improve or prevent back pain and improve core strength. Consider giving a friend, spouse, partner, co-worker a gift certificate of health via Pilates exercise. Many options are available at various price points including introductory sessions, Mat classes, private session packages or tools to use for a workout at home (the Magic Circle, balls, bands, arcs and videos). Pilates can be done on the floor (called Mat work) or on specially designed equipment. Pilates is for beginners, the seasoned athlete, the weekend warrior, men and women, highly conditioned or de-conditioned, young and old.

Suncoast Pilates - Palm Harbor, Florida

Have you considered a gift for yourself? Already stressed with the holidays? Fallen off your normal exercise routine? Fallen into the typical holiday food temptations? Lacking energy? The best gift one can give oneself is a gift of Pilates exercise before, during or after the holidays.

Suncoast Pilates, the area’s first Pilates studio, a fully equipped Pilates center open since 1997. The studio offers Mat (floor) classes and private and semi-private Pilates equipment sessions with experienced, Certified Pilates instructors with appointments ranging from 7am to 8pm Monday through Thursday, 7am to 5pm Friday, and Saturday and Sunday availability. Suncoast is additionally a Pilates instructor teaching facility and offers Pilates workshops.

What is holding you back from getting on track now? Get into exercise, get into Pilates today. Come in and meet the incredible staff at Suncoast Pilates and get your energy back!

Patricia Massey Welter

Filed Under: 2012, Health, November 2012 - Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Clearwater, Fitness, Health, Joseph Pilates, Palm Harbor, Patricia Welter, Personal Trainer, Pilates, Pinellas, Suncoast Pilates, Training

Hair and Makeup from Daytime to Event Time

November 18, 2012 By Andrew Ashton Leave a Comment

Andrew Ashton - La Posh Salon

The holiday season is upon us again and parties, planning and cooking are all on the agenda. We get so busy that we tend to stick to our daily hair and make-up regimen simply because we’re short on time. Let this be the time of year that you allow yourself to try something different and experiment with new looks for holiday functions. Don’t allow the stress that comes along with the holidays add up — have some fun with your style! There are a variety of looks in hair and makeup that can be perfect for a get-together and easier than you think. Many of the events we attend are more formal and therefore our look needs to transition from daytime to evening. This can be simple and stress-free if you plan ahead. For example, if you wear your hair straight on most days, add volume and waves as this is a popular look for the coming season. Big hair is back! Incorporating those waves involves using a big-barrel curling iron or hot rollers. And, for those on-the-go ladies, you don’t even have to wash your hair that evening as the natural oils and products from that morning will give curls more bounce and make them last longer. Also, don’t be afraid to pull out that teasing comb and add some volume to the crown to create additional height. Tease into the first inch of you roots and then smooth the section in front of it to cover the teasing. If you have finer hair and teasing doesn’t always stay, spray the teased area with a bit of hairspray, then smooth over. The key with teasing is not to overdo it.

Andrew Ashton - La Posh Salon - Ad

As far as make-up for a holiday evening goes, play up your eyes by adding a bit more shadow. If you prefer a more natural or nude look on the eyes, play up the lips by adding a pop of color. Choose a deep berry or red shade for a more dramatic evening look. Don’t be afraid of color, this is the time of year to stand out and find colors to compliment your skin tones. For more tips on new holiday styles or to transition your look from day to evening, schedule an appointment with one of our many talented stylists and makeup artists. Wishing all of you an enjoyable and happy holiday season and hope to see you at La Posh Salon soon! 727-726-1600.

Filed Under: 2012, November 2012 - Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Andrew Ashton, Beauty, Clearwater, Hair, La Posh Salon, Makeup, rePair, Style, Tampa Bay

The Holidays

November 14, 2012 By Diane Whitney Leave a Comment

Art and Diane Whitney

It is hard not to be nostalgic around the holidays. To me, celebrations center on family and close friends. As everyone gathers together to enjoy good food and good times, the kitchen inevitably becomes the hub for activity. It really is the heart of the home. It is no wonder that builders, realtors and prospective home owners focus on the kitchen.

Take a good look at your kitchen. Does it reflect current trends in addition to your personal style? Do your cabinets maximize storage space and assist in organization? Are they designed in such a way that they facilitate work flow and entertaining? Are you proud to show them off to your family and friends? If you answered “no” to any of these questions, it’s time that you call A-1 Custom Cabinets for a free in-home consultation. We can show you ways to update your cabinetry or completely overhaul your kitchen for transforming results.

Because I am blessed to be married to a talented cabinet maker, I thankfully answered “yes” to all the above questions. I’m looking forward to sharing the joy of the holidays with those I hold dear and having my kitchen overflow with love. While others are out shopping till they drop, I’ll be dropping to my knees to thank God for all His wonderful blessings.

To all our great friends, wonderful customers, and customers yet to be, A-1 Custom Cabinets offers our sincerest gratitude and extends warmest wishes for a happy holiday season.

Filed Under: 2012, Green Living, Home, November 2012 - Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Tagged With: A-1 Custom Cabinets, Art Whitney, Bamboo, Bathrooms, Business, Cabinets, Clearwater, Diane Whitney, Green, Green Living, Home, Home Organization, Kitchens, Lyptus, Organization, Outdoor Kitchens, Pinellas County, Recycled, Recycled Glass, Remodeling, Space Organization

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

November 14, 2012 By JoAnn Rooney Leave a Comment

JoAnn Rooney

In the spirit of Thanksgiving I’m taking a moment to remind myself of all the things I have to be thankful for

Politics. I am really thankful the election is over. My home phone has finally stopped ringing. I am tired of being insulted by people feeling the need to tell me how to think…and vote.

Family. We have our ups and downs, but they really are my foundation.

Work. Low interest rates and wonderful clients that I get to work with and be there for one of the happiest moments of their life

My Staff… Debbie and Candice and Lucy… I could not do this without you

Laughter. There is little better in the world than the laugh-so-hard-you-cry feeling.

Generosity. One of those things that’s just as great to give as it is to get.

Encouragement. So many friends have supported me in my life and I’m so lucky to have them.

Patience. I don’t have very much of it yet, but I’m getting better at it every day!

Honesty. It really is the best policy.

Passion. One of the best things: seeing someone passionate about what they do or who they love.

Positivity. Look for the good in everything and you will find it.

Kindness. Even the smallest act or word can change a day around…

Good News. We all know there’s a lot of bad news out there, so it’s great to hear the good stuff.
Enthusiasm. If you can’t get into it, get out of it!

When you sit down with your loved ones for Thanksgiving dinner, be thankful for everyone and everything that makes it possible. Look your family and friends in the eye tell them how grateful you are that they are there for this day to share this wonderful time together.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!

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

Filed Under: 2012, Business, November 2012 - Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Business, Clearwater, Features, Florida, JoAnn Rooney, Lender, Mortgage, Mortgage Broker, Real Estate, Refinance, Tampa Bay

Fall Back into Fitness and Roll into Pilates

October 19, 2012 By Patricia Massey Welter Leave a Comment

Out of your fitness routine? Never exercised? Have not exercised in a while? Bored with your exercise regimen? Need a new challenge? Fall back into shape with Pilates! Pilates exercise, created in the 1920’s by a man named Joseph Pilates, is no fitness fad, and is here to stay because it works. Among the many benefits of Pilates exercise is that it can be adjusted to fit the needs and interests of all kinds of people. Pilates is for men, women, elite athletes, seniors, pregnant women, yoga enthusiasts, people with back pain, and everyone in between.

To get in shape with Pilates is to embark on an amazing journey of not just physical fitness, but as Joseph Pilates said “a complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit”. Everyone likes to talk about the flat abs Pilates gives you or the long, lean muscles, even weight loss. If one commits to Pilates training those are among the benefits you can enjoy. In doing Pilates the goal is “a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure.” (Joseph Pilates).

Suncoast Pilates - Palm Harbor

In order for the Pilates method to work its magic, the exercises should be done with certain principles in mind. Pilates principles include: centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, flow and whole body development. These ideas are integral to achieving the dramatic results for which Pilates is known; a body that is strong, flexible, and able to gracefully accommodate the movement demands of one’s life. If consistent in Pilates training, one’s fitness level will continue to improve. As one progresses, the pace of a workout picks up as do the strength and stability challenges.

Pilates can be done on the floor (called Mat exercises) or on specialized equipment, including the Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Ladder Barrel or other small apparatus. To embark on a Pilates program tailored to the individual, seek out a Certified, experienced Pilates instructor.

Patricia Massey Welter

Filed Under: 2012, Health, October 2012 - Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Clearwater, Fitness, Health, Joseph Pilates, Palm Harbor, Patricia Welter, Personal Trainer, Pilates, Pinellas, Suncoast Pilates, Training

Finest in Pilates Instructor Training and Workshops

September 21, 2012 By Patricia Massey Welter Leave a Comment

Suncoast Pilates, teaching Pilates exercise to area clients since 1997, also offers both Pilates teacher training and Pilates workshops for Pilates instructors, clients and the Pilates enthusiasts. The fully equipped Pilates studio, with seven Reformers, six Towers, a Cadillac, ladder barrel and Ped-O-Pull, step barrel, baby arc, six Pilates Arcs®, three CoreAligns® and assorted small equipment, is honored to be an approved Balanced Body Pilates Instructor Facility. Suncoast Pilates is listed under the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) Registry of Schools. The studio has two Balanced Body Faculty members, owner Patricia and co-faculty Carol. Patricia has further graduated from a two year program with Distinguished Pilates Elder Lolita San Miguel, with Carol is currently undergoing the same two year study.

Suncoast Pilates - Palm Harbor

Balanced Body is the largest provider of Pilates equipment and education in the world, with faculty members around the world. Suncoast Pilates teaches the full Pilates instructor curriculum in modular format. The Pilates instructor candidate has the choice of becoming a Pilates Mat Instructor, a Pilates Reformer Instructor or a comprehensively trained Pilates instructor. The studio also offers PMA® and ACE® continuing education credits.

October 6, the studio is offering two special workshops for the Pilates enthusiast or Pilates instructor – working on the foam roller “Rolling for Length, Rolling for Strength” or working with the elastic bands “Resist and Reform with Elastic Bands”. Participants may register for one or both workshops.

Suncoast Pilates has invited some of the instructor candidates to join the staff as Apprentice Instructors while working toward full certification. The studio currently offers both private sessions on the Pilates equipment and Mat classes with our Apprentice Instructors at slightly reduced fees while honing their skills as a trainee.

Check out the studio website, call or email the studio to find out about booking a session with one of the studio’s Certified, highly experienced staff or with one of the Apprentice Instructors, information regarding Pilates instructor training or register for an upcoming Pilates workshop.

Patricia Massey Welter

Filed Under: 2012, Health, September 2012 – Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Athlete, Athletes, Clearwater, Fitness, Health, Palm Harbor, Patricia Welter, Personal Trainer, Pilates, Pinellas, Suncoast Pilates, Training

Honest, Current, Visionary

September 19, 2012 By Nina Stanley 1,184 Comments

Jennifer and Kevin Richards

Location, location, location is the cardinal rule of real estate, but in today’s tricky market, location, timing and talent are what define this successful real estate team. Kevin and Jennifer Richards are the visionaries behind Homefront Realty.

They met in 1991 in St. Louis, MO. and married in 2004. Both sharing a common interest in real estate, they decided to purchase a few apartment buildings as investment properties. Using their knowledge from maintaining these buildings, they then decided to purchase and renovate a house in need of some TLC…and the rest, as they say, is history.

The satisfaction of transforming a run-down property into a home that a new family would love and grow in was extremely motivating.
They decided to quit their jobs in 1995 and went full time into real estate as investors.

Kevin and Jennifer would purchase the worst house on a street. They invested time and money and applied some good old fashioned elbow grease. Hearing gratitude and appreciation from so many neighbors while they were renovating these homes, made it even more rewarding. They knew they were making a difference in the community. They have bought and sold countless houses over the years.

When Kevin’s Dad learned he had lung cancer, this prompted them to sell everything and settle in Dunedin Florida in 2001.

During the major decline in the housing market, they saw a lot of their colleagues getting out of the profession. Knowing only the strongest and experienced realtors remained, they saw this as an opportunity to recruit them to their team by starting their own real estate brokerage firm. Homefront Realty is now a thriving local business currently offering professional agents multiple revenue options.

Homefront Realty offers realtors something that is unheard of with other brokerages… In addition to extensive training and warm leads for all “traditional” real estate, they have an in house bank negotiation company dedicated to handling all the time consuming bank contacts for their short sale listings.

There’s no charge to the agent or their clients for this service. Agents receive their FULL commission. This means the brokerage will handle all the “dirty work” and agents don’t have to be afraid of accepting short sale listings any longer. Kevin and Jennifer don’t want their agents bogged down on the phones with banks when they could be out building their own personal businesses.

Kevin and Jennifer “get transactions closed and help clients in a most beneficial way.” Clients appreciate the fact that they never give up and successfully tackle even the most challenging situations. Another philosophy followed by Kevin and Jennifer is that they always place the homeowners’ and agents’ best interest ahead of their own. They truly care about the individuals they serve and leaving a positive impact on the community. Homefront Realty strives to keep on the cutting edge of technology and a number one priority is to keep up with the constant changes that occur in the real estate industry. They fight for their clients and realtors when they get in to a challenging situation.

One story from Kevin and Jennifer that seemed to sum things up was a situation regarding an abandoned house in terrible condition in their neighborhood. Kevin contacted the owner and she said she fell behind on payments not knowing what to do. The bank would not work with her. Their in-house company ended up negotiating a complete satisfaction with her lender allowing them to sell it at today’s market value. Within 1 month they were able to sell the house to a person that fixed it up to be one of the nicest houses on the street.

The result; The homeowner avoided having a foreclosure on her credit and the potential for the bank to pursue her for any amount in the future. The person that purchased the house got a great deal on a fixer upper.

All realtors received their full commission.The community now has a beautiful home in their subdivision with a tax paying citizen maintaining it. This helps increase property values for the neighborhood.

When Kevin and Jennifer have some down time, they spend their time with friends in their Dunedin community. They found a lot of great friends in their neighborhood, sharing common interests. “Our friends have pretty much been our family over the years.”

Jennifer enjoys everything about cooking, and Kevin…well…likes everything about eating her cooking.
Kevin’s also likes playing music and collecting / restoring pinball games.

Kevin and Jennifer owe their success to the people they’ve surrounded themselves with: their outstanding staff. We also owe a good amount of gratitude to our happy home sellers, buyers & attorneys for their continued referrals.

You can hear some of their testimonials on their YouTube channel.. www.YouTube.com/HomefrontRealty

For additional information, go to www.HomfrontRealty.net or call 727-641-4444. The office is located at 29901 US Highway 19 North in Clearwater.

Filed Under: 2012, Entrepreneur, September 2012 – Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Business, Clearwater, Credit Report, Credit Score, Entrepreneur, Features, Florida, Forclosure, Homefront Realty, Jennifer Richards, Kevin Richards, Palm Harbor, Real Estate, Realtor, Short Sale, South Tampa, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Tampa Bay

Create the Kitchen of Her Dreams

September 18, 2012 By Diane Whitney Leave a Comment

Art and Diane Whitney

How better to pamper “her” than to create the kitchen of her dreams. While the primary function of a kitchen may be cooking, storage plays an essential role in how well a kitchen functions. No matter how large or small the room, if it’s not well organized and efficiently arranged, it will undermine the space as well as her sanity.

At A-1 Custom Cabinets, we recommend incorporating some key storage elements when designing a new kitchen or remodeling. Roll-out shelves for base and pantry cabinets help maximize your space and eliminate unnecessary straining to reach items in the back of the cabinet. The same is true for swing-outs or lazy-susans in corner cabinets. We also encourage the use of spice racks, back-of-door storage, drawer dividers, cutlery inserts, and dual trash/recycling pullouts to keep the kitchen looking tidy. We represent companies like Rev-A-Shelf and Hafele who offer a wide range of terrific cabinet accessories, in addition to beautiful rail systems for backsplash storage.

Also, because we design and build our own cabinets, we can customize storage in clever ways. The toekick beneath cabinets is completely wasted space, but add a shallow drawer and it becomes a great place for large platters and trays. Or we can add extra depth to cabinets to increase their capacity. For example, a standard upper cabinet at 12” deep can be increased to 16” without much added cost, yet it allows an extra row of glassware or food items. We often sneak shallow base cabinets on the back side of an island or peninsula, perfect for small appliances and cookbooks.

Working with the design professionals at A-1 Custom Cabinets is your first step towards creating a beautiful, creative kitchen that can be life changing. As I often tell my husband: “Happy wife, happy life.” Put yourself on that path to happiness, call today for your free consultation.

Filed Under: 2012, Green Living, Home, September 2012 – Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Tagged With: A-1 Custom Cabinets, Art Whitney, Bamboo, Bathrooms, Business, Cabinets, Clearwater, Diane Whitney, Green, Green Living, Home, Home Organization, Kitchens, Lyptus, Organization, Outdoor Kitchens, Pinellas County, Recycled, Recycled Glass, Remodeling, Space Organization

Blockbuster Home Selling 2012

September 18, 2012 By Jennifer and Kevin Richards Leave a Comment

Broker Owner Jennifer and Owner Kevin Richards

Hunger Games or Hope Springs

Selling a Home in Today’s Market can seem to have as many emotions and plots as the latest blockbuster movies! As a seller, you may be feeling like your home is “Expendable” or like you’re living “The Hunger Games”. And, it is natural to desire the leading role in “The Avengers”. But, “Hope Springs” is the best mindset for home sellers in the Tampa Bay real estate market as long as it’s accompanied by a laser focus on the critical factors that will bring positive results. There is hope and here’s why!

The real estate market experienced a huge negative shift in 2008 that Floridians have been feeling for the past 4 years. Because of this, selling a home requires different marketing tactics and outstanding agent skills in order to get the best outcome for sellers. That’s why we, at Homefront Realty, designed our brokerage with the client and agent in mind. In every sphere, there are fewer transactions, less equity in homes, and more difficult “ropes” for buyers to climb to get loans (not to mention buyers looking for the best bargains around!). Considering all of these factors, we knew that in order to serve our community and offer the best full service brokerage, we had to do some real “cutting-edge” things to create a win/win for all of us in the housing market. By creating excellent marketing, lead generation and systems for Buyers, Sellers and Realtors; we have been able to serve everyone no matter what their “unique” situation may be. Hope springs eternal!

If you are a home seller or a realtor and would like more information on how our programs and systems are getting phenomenal results, please call for your FREE, confidential consultation. We look forward to serving you!

visit our website at www.HomefrontRealty.net to search homes for sale and to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Homefront Realty – Palm Harbor/Clearwater – 727-641-4444

Filed Under: 2012, Business, September 2012 – Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Business, Clearwater, Credit Report, Credit Score, Features, Florida, Forclosure, Homefront Realty, Jennifer Richards, Kevin Richards, Palm Harbor, Real Estate, Realtor, Short Sale, South Tampa, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Tampa Bay

PanacheVue' May 2013