Event Planning + Services

Upscale Events Productions

Magical and Memorable Guest Experiences! Article by Cecilia Wheeler         Upscale Event Productions creates more than just an event, they create memories. They are called “the party people” for good reason! Upscale Event Productions, owned by Bill and Cecilia Wheeler, are your St. Augustine event specialists. They can handle any size, style or type of event. It all started with their own epic parties filled with fun activities, décor and more. Upscale Event Productions is your one...

April 2020

Finance + Legal Services

Family Tree Financial Group

Why An IRA Might Be The Right Move For You, Especially Right Now! Article by Jeff Sedlitz IRA’s can be a powerful tool for long-term financial goals. Growth from interest compounds year-over-year with the taxes deferred. So, you don’t have to pay tax on interest earned each year! Over an extended period of time, this tax-deferred compounding, can make significant difference in overall retirement savings. And, depending on which kind of IRA you choose, you can defer taxes on money going in now...

April 2020

Food + Beverage

Deliciously Loaded Carrot Cake

The Perfect Dessert to Serve for Easter.... or Any Other Day of the Year! Article and Photography by Yes! Veggies can make a delicious dessert! Follow this recipe to create your own springtime classic that will impress all of your holiday guests. INGREDIENTS CARROT CAKE 2 1/2 cups flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups sugar 4 large eggs 1 cup vegetable oil  1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups...

April 2020

Local Services

Lower Your Carbon Footprint

How your Local Lifestyle Can Have a Positive Global Impact Article by Chrissy Das “Going Green” does not have to mean giving up a fun and active lifestyle. St. Augustine is a beautiful city with a rich variety of things to do; if you can reduce your carbon footprint while doing what you enjoy, it’s a win-win. When is the last time you got your bicycle out of the garage? Seeing the city from a bike is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Anastasia Island has some great bike trails where you...

April 2020

Travel

Anastasia State Park

1600 Acres of a Nature Lover's Dream Article by Crystal Paige-Hubacheck | Photography by William James and Saw Photography Located near historic downtown on Anastasia Island, these pristine beaches, ancient dunes, marshes and coastal scrubs are rich habitats for indigenous wildlife.  Dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, fish and more than 195 species of birds can be observed from this stunning natural setting. Open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year, sightseers can spend any day exploring...

April 2020

Local Services

Hopefull Handbags

Never Underestimate the Power of Hope Article by Cathlene Miner Sometimes, we all need to be reminded that we are limitless.  Sometimes, we all just need a little twinge of hope to get us over the hump. Sometimes, we just need to know someone is thinking of us.  Those moments are the driving force behind Hopefull Handbags, a 501(c)3 that gives hope with donated once-loved handbags. Before reaching the woman in need, they are filled with necessities and things to make each woman feel amazing...

March 2020

Food + Beverage

The Perfect Pour

An Experience With The Perfect Pour Ensures that Your Next Event Will be a Success! Article by Kristen Cumiskey and Alicia Lane | Photography by Melissa McGarry We can all agree that planning a wedding is no easy task. While planning their own weddings, Alicia Lane and Kristen Cumiskey discovered that something was missing from the wedding vendors in St. Johns County — professional bar service — arguably the most important part of the wedding! In 2014, Alicia and Kristen took the leap to...

March 2020

Local Services

And The Crowd Goes Green!

How the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Ended its Long-Term Relationship With Single-Use Plastic Cups. Article by Dianya Markovitz Pop quiz:  If the St. Augustine Amphitheatre holds 4,800 people and each person orders one drink per show, how many single-use cups are served during an event? Well, that’s easy - 4,800 cups.   Now, take 4,800 cups per show and multiple it by 68 events a year. How many cups is that?  Answer: 326,400 cups. And that’s approximately how many single-use plastic cups were...

March 2020

Auto + Marine

Highline Auto Brings Family Values

Local Business Helps St. Augustine Residents Buy and Sell Cars Article and Photography by Kelly and Rick Gates  Highline Auto is known for their high ethics and standards in an industry often marred by dishonest salespeople. Family-owned and operated by Kelly and Rick Gates, this couple prides themselves on setting a stellar example for their children by involving them in the business from a young age.  Highline’s Best Car Sales Girl is Lake, age 11. She stars in the business commercials on...

March 2020

Home Services

Spring Cleaning Rituals

Unexpected Tips to Clear the Clutter and Organize Your Home Article by Joanne Esch from JoannesSimpleSolutions.com Don’t Add More Don’t buy storage containers before you start cleaning. As fun as it is to buy bins and baskets, hold off. Until you declutter, you won’t fully understand your storage container needs. Use the right tools and start with what you have. Get essential decluttering tools ready, such as trash bags and boxes labeled Move, Recycle, and Trash. A professional doesn’t...

March 2020