Special Cigars for the Season

Celebrate the holidays in style with premium hand-rolled cigars from Corona Cigar Company. Stop by any of Corona‘s three superstores and see why it’s called “The Ultimate Cigar Experience.” Corona’s cigar experts will help you choose the perfect gift for the cigar-lovers on your list.

Corona Nicaraguan 10th Anniversary Cigars
More than 10 years ago Corona Cigar Company introduced Corona Nicaraguan Selection cigars. Since then, they have been Corona’s best-selling cigars. For the 10th anniversary, Corona enlisted the talents of Tabacalera Tropical, who selected a slightly stronger blend of first-choice Nicaraguan long filler tobaccos and a wrapper that’s the same as the original Corona Nicaraguan. The result is a cigar with a fantastic draw, solid white ash, and a slightly sweet flavor. The quality of this cigar makes it a steal at these prices.

Box of 20, available in a variety of sizes, $55-$59.

Corona Cigar Company

Heathrow: Colonial TownPark, 1130 TownPark Ave., Lake Mary 407.333.3453

Downtown: 121 S. Orange Ave., Orlando 407.404.5344

Dr. Phillips: Plaza Venezia, 7792 W. Sand Lake Rd., Orlando 407.248.1212

888.70.CIGAR
coronacigar.com

For the Wine-Lover
on Your List

The Vineyard Wine Company shop is the perfect place to find a gift for friends, relatives, clients or neighbors who enjoy wine. Select a special bottle from the more than 2,000 varieties in the wine cellar. Your choice of wine can be specially wrapped in a gift basket, or—for a unique presentation—the bottle can be dipped in fine chocolate. The shop also offers a selection of charming home-décor and wine accessories, including hand-painted wine glasses, fine stemware, and carafes.

Gift Baskets
For your wine gift, choose from a pre-made selection, or work with the expert staff to design a holiday gift basket personalized with your choice of wine, gourmet snacks, accessories, and colors and style. Price: Starting at $45.

Chocolate-dipped Wine
Two favorites together—wine plus chocolate—is a welcome treat. When the wine bottle is covered in chocolate, it’s a fabulous gift. Your wine choice is shrink-wrapped and hand-dipped in the finest dark, milk or white chocolate, then beautifully decorated and wrapped with your choice of colors. Price: $15 plus your wine choice.

The Vineyard Wine Company
1140 Town Park Ave., Lake Mary
407.883.WINE (9463)
thevineyardwinecompany.com

The Gift of Relaxation
 
Give someone you care about the ultimate gift—a little time away from it all at Massage Envy. With more than 6 million massages to its credit in 2009, Massage Envy is the nation’s foremost provider of therapeutic massage. Massage Envy’s top-quality therapists, comfortable clinics and affordable prices put an hour of paradise only moments away. Gift cards are available in any amount and can be applied toward massages (member and non-member rates) and gratuities. With almost 600 locations nationwide and clinics throughout greater Orlando, including Altamonte Springs and Lake Mary/Sanford, a Massage Envy gift card is perfect for family and friends near and far.

To purchase a gift card: 
407.339.3689 (Altamonte Springs) 
or 
407.333.9599 (Lake Mary/Sanford)
massageenvy.com

Trio of Unique
and Affordable Shops

Maya Books & Music in downtown Sanford next to the clock at First St. and Magnolia Square, is a community-oriented collaboration of three businesses. Maya owner Yvette Comeau moved her shop to a new, larger, corner location one door up, and has been joined by two friends with two compatible businesses: Kim Johnson’s Fringe Vintage Clothing; and Kenneth Dittmann Numismatist, Inc.

The businesses have much in common: all three feature unique “blasts from the past;” they buy, sell, trade and appraise; and they get new items in daily. Plus, the three owners are in business doing something they love; they’re friendly and fair; they live in downtown Sanford; and they’re concerned with Sanford’s preservation and evolution. Whether it’s books, coins or clothing, their respective knowledge and caring attitude shine through. All told, it’s what keeps their customers coming back.

Maya Books & Music
Maya features 50,000+ gently used books in all subjects, vinyl records, CDs, posters, incense and more. Maya is intended as an escape, a respite from impersonal chain stores. Comeau calls it “a getaway place, where people can meet and find unusual and interesting items without the bright lights and noise.” Maya also hosts local authors’ book signings, lectures and poetry readings, and plans are being made to present independent films, art and music.

Kenneth Dittmann Numismatist, Inc.
Dittmann is a coin wholesaler who does volume sales of bullion, gold, silver and platinum. He’s also sells fine jewelry, antiques and collectibles, as well as handling complete estate liquidations. Dittmann is always buying as well as selling, and all transactions are confidential. Not just a quick, routine buy or sell, whether it’s coins, jewelry, antiques or vintage items, the key to his success is helping customers understand the item they have or want, and its true value.

Fringe Vintage Clothing
Located upstairs in a cute and cozy loft space, Fringe has a large selection of hip, fun, funky vintage and retro items, plus estate jewelry, hats, purses and more, as well as men’s items (mostly 1960s–’80s). Fringe buys, sells, trades and appraises. While most items are under $25, there are some high-end couture pieces and rare items from the 1910s to 1950s. Fringe also rents clothing for parties, photo shoots, plays, etc. Johnson has done fashion shows, private jewelry parties and “dress-up” birthday parties for kids, as well as wardrobe styling and personal shopping for customers.

Maya Books & Music
201 E. 1st St., Sanford; 407.321.6504

Fringe Vintage
201 E. 1st St., Sanford; 407.320.8016
fringevintage.com

Kenneth Dittmann Numismatist, Inc. 201 E. 1st St., Sanford; 407.321.2211 kenscoins.net

Walk on Water

Walk on Water is a one-stop destination for unique, fashionable clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories and gifts. Recently voted one of the top two boutiques in Central Florida by WESH 2 News viewers, Walk on Water has two locations: Lake Mary and Winter Park. This unique boutique carries a winning selection of Brighton, Vera Bradley, Pandora, and Yellow Box. The Lake Mary location also features Tommy Bahama and Quicksilver Edition.

The Brighton line has a defining detail—such as a love note engraved on a bracelet or a handbag adorned with a treasured photo—giving each piece special meaning.

Vera Bradley’s signature quilted bags and accessories, known for function and quality as well as style, have been in demand for more than 20 years, and customers look forward to the new fabrics and styles introduced each season.

For 25 years Pandora jewelry has been known for its high standards, craftsmanship and design. Pandora’s customizable charm bracelets are handcrafted from 14k gold and sterling silver, precious stones or brilliant-cut diamonds at a range of prices.

New items arrive daily, and the shop’s unique gift collections are handpicked to make special items that are “gifts from the heart.” And Walk on Water offers shipping and gift-wrapping services.

Open Daily 10:00am-9:00pm Fri & Sat 10:00am-10:00pm Sun 12:00-7:00pm
  
Colonial Town Park 1140 Town Park Rd., Lake Mary 407.805.0477                      

Winter Park Village 460 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park 407.539.2079

walkonwaterfl.com

Route 46: Great Gift Ahead

The best thing about a gift card to Route 46 Entertainment District is that it has so many options the recipients can choose from. With four restaurants, three bars and a variety of ambience and experiences, they can spend it the way they want to: barbeque at the Smokehouse, steak and seafood at Monroe’s, classic cocktails with chicken and beef skewers at the Saloon, or draft beer and sliders at the Garage Bar. It just depends on the mood they’re in.

Route 46 gift cards are ideal for holiday giving. They’re perfect as stocking stuffers, employee gifts, raffle prizes, and more. And each card comes in its own card-holder: no wrapping paper, bags or bows needed.

Route 46 Entertainment District
4316 W. SR 46 (at Elder Rd., next to BJ’s), Sanford; 407.268.4646 ext. 50
route-46.com

If Walls Could Talk:
A Frame Shop That Listens

Known for preserving historic buildings, Sanford is now home to a frame shop that can help preserve precious family memories. Karen Casey and Marian Barnard, owners of If Walls Could Talk, want to hear the stories behind the pieces they frame and learn about the things their customers find worthy of framing.

With 30 years’ combined experience between them and nine years working side by side, Casey and Barnard are pros who know what they’re doing. They’re detail-oriented framers who pride themselves on producing a quality product every time.

Whether a piece of art, Uncle Joe’s World War II medals, Aunt Emily’s letters to her GI Joe, or little Timmy’s baseball jersey, If Walls Could Talk will display it beautifully, and make sure it will last a lifetime. Awards, certificates, and shadow boxes—they love a display challenge. Although they can and do produce museum-quality framing, they also work with any budget, whether the job is simple or complicated.

After working in production-framing and craft stores, they saw the need for personalized service and specialty custom framing. Unlike those stores, at If Walls Could Talk, the only ones doing the actual framing are Casey and Barnard.

They also offer in-home design consultation, delivery service, and help with installation.

If Walls Could Talk
101 W. 1st St., Sanford; (at Park Ave., next to Michael’s Gourmet2Go)
407.268.3741
iwctframing.com

Interior Gifts with Style

Sanford is known as a city that blends the old with the new, and nowhere else do these elements come together as elegantly as at Interiors by Lawrence David. A full-service design studio with a full showroom located in Historic Downtown Sanford, this oasis of style is tucked away at the corner of 3rd St. and Palmetto Ave., two blocks south of 1st St.

Mickey Searcy, an allied ASID member, heads up Interiors by Lawrence David. One would never know that this beautiful, unique Manhattan-esque showroom was once home to a tire store—a testament to her creativity and design savvy.

Whether you’re a designer, decorator, home-dec aficionado or just an avid shopper, Interiors by Lawrence David has something to jazz up your surroundings. Take a look at the full, up-to-date selection of fabric, carpet, trim, wallpaper, and library of catalogs . . . the large selection of greenery and florals, including those by NDI . . . and furniture lines such as Lexington, American Drew, Fairfield, Bentley Churchill and many more.

Interiors by Lawrence David is also a great place to shop for holiday gifts. From a simple end table to a large hutch, the studio is home to unique gifts, accessories, furniture, custom draperies, bedding, mirrors, lamps, wall art and rugs. They also carry Alexander fragrance lamps. Select items are discounted 20 to 50 percent through December.

The knowledgeable staff can assist with your decorating and planning ideas. Stop in, or call to schedule a meeting with Searcy in the studio or an in-home consultation.

Interiors by Lawrence David
278 S. Palmetto Ave., Sanford
407.321.6560
interiorsbylawrencedavid.com

A Different Kind of Hobby Store
Most hobby stores specialize: they carry only model trains or radio-controlled vehicles, and they’re the go-to source for those hobbyists and collectors. But now there’s HobbyTownUSA in Sanford, a family-friendly store with something for everyone. The store carries toys for kids of all ages, plus games, puzzles, science kits and supplies. And, yes, they have model train equipment and RC cars, boats, planes and helicopters (they repair RC vehicles, as well). But they also carry wooden model ships and planes, and most of the major brands of models including the die-cast Forces of Valor line.

HobbyTownUSA also has many school-related educational supplies and products, such as the Scene-A+-Rama line for creating dioramas, landscapes and project displays. They have Pinewood derby products for Boy Scout events. And the digital slot-car table, where you can “try before you buy,” is a big draw.

Many hobby shops don’t make time for beginners, but that’s not the case here: HobbyTownUSA caters to newbies young and old (which adds to its family-friendliness). The staff can offer all the information a customer needs to make an informed choice and buy something that’s suited to age, interest and skill level.

“The worst thing that can happen is that a child gets a model or project that’s above their skill level, and they get frustrated with it,” says owner Jim Howerton. The shop carries models in skill levels 1 through 5, and Howerton and his staff can guide to buyer the right level for the child’s ability.

Howerton has 19 years in the hobby business, 16 of them in Ormond Beach. He moved the business to Sanford in November 2008. His expertise and passion: model railroads. “Model railroads are what got me into the business, and that’s what I enjoy the most,” he says. “The most fun I have in the store is when I’m back there on Saturdays with the public, building the model railroads.”

HobbyTownUSA holds a free model railroad-building class on Saturdays from 10:00am-4:00pm. Right now the class is building a 6x3-foot, N-scale model railroad layout on a platform toward the back of the store. Anyone can participate, or just come and watch. There’s also a modeling contest twice a year. The Sanford store’s winners compete against other HobbyTown stores for a chance at the Nationals.

HobbyTownUSA is on N. Entrance Rd. near Books-a-Million, just north of Seminole Towne Center Mall. Store hours are Mon.-Fri. 10:00am–8:00pm, Sat. 10:00am–6:00pm, and Sun. noon–5:00pm.

HobbyTownUSA
300 N. Entrance Rd., Sanford
407.321.4003
hobbytown.com/flsan

Scale New Heights of Adventure
 
The holidays are all about spending time with the people you love, so why not give a gift everyone can enjoy? Whether for a family, a group of young people sharing an apartment, or a set of good friends, the Aiguille Family Fun Pass for five is a gift of adventure they’ll long remember.

This special pass covers the cost of climbing, instruction, and rental gear for up to five people. Aiguille welcomes everyone age 4 and up, and at all ability levels. No experience or prior knowledge needed. So make some memories this holiday season. Give the gift of challenge, the gift of adventure, the gift of a Family Fun Pass from Aiguille Rock Climbing Center.

Aiguille Rock Climbing Center
999 Charles St., Longwood
407.332.1430
aiguille.com

Center Court Tennis: Sweet Spot for Gear

Whether you’re a beginner or practically a pro, you’ll find everything you need at Center Court Tennis in Longwood. Open since January, Center Court carries a wide selection of apparel and equipment for women, men and juniors from top lines such as Fila, Gamma, Yonex, Bolle and Jerdog. The shop also has hats, visors, sunglasses, socks, bags, grips and more, plus a complete line of tennis gifts and party goods.

Center Court Tennis is owned by Stephanie and Don Bagley. “We felt there was a need for a nice, convenient location in this area to purchase tennis equipment,” says Stephanie Bagley. “So we opened this business to fill a void that we saw in the market.”

Customers also benefit from the staff’s tennis experience and depth of knowledge. Bagley and Andrea Dolce, her friend and teammate, are there to help along with Michelle Smith. Expertise with equipment reaches a new level with Master Racquet Technician Matt Steverson. One of the first people certified by the US Racquet Stringers Association, Steverson has been stringing racquets since 1986, and can customize or restring any racquet (including racquetball racquets), completing most jobs are in 24 to 48 hours.

Center Court makes gearing up fun and easy. And with the Demo Program, you can try before you buy. For $2 a day, you can use a racquet for up to three days, with the “rental” fee applied to the purchase.

Custom embroidery and gift certificates are available. And special orders are never a problem. Center Court also offers discounts on team orders.

Visit the shop’s Web site to sign up for special e-mail updates and in-store promotions. The site also has links to local tennis events and league information.

Center Court Tennis
Springs Plaza, 2401 W. SR 434, Ste. 157, Longwood 407.772.0177
centercourt-tennis.com

‘Tis the Season for Fruit

Edible Arrangements creates fresh “fruit bouquets” hand-sculpted to look like flowers. Available in a variety of styles and sizes, including holiday arrangements, these robust bouquets become the center of attention at any occasion. And they’re guaranteed fresh.

Made with natural ingredients (no preservatives or sweeteners are ever used), Edible Arrangements are welcome gifts for birthdays, clients, employee appreciation, house gifts and more. Gifts start at $25. They’re also perfect for holiday entertaining.

The perfect holiday gift, the Starry Sleighride is a holiday bouquet that’s overflowing with chocolate-dipped pineapple daisies and stars, grapes, cantaloupe, honeydew, plus strawberries, half of which are hand-dipped in gourmet chocolate. In a keepsake sleigh container.

Place orders for delivery or pick-up at the Lake Mary store by phone or online, in advance or same-day. And no need to worry about keeping the bouquet fresh when you take it with you: Edible Arrangements has coolers for rent or purchase. Catering is also available.

Edible Arrangements 3859 Lake Emma Rd., Lake Mary 407.833.9393 ediblearrangements.com

Children’s Orchard:
Top Brands, Lower Prices

If you’re trying to outfit your children on an ever-tightening budget, Children’s Orchard in Altamonte Springs is worth a visit. It’s a fresh, clean, well-organized resale boutique that features quality name brands in gently used and new clothing (NB to 14) such as Lilly Pulitzer, Phat, Quicksilver, Gap, Gymboree and Children’s Place, as well as toys, furniture, book (all screened to comply with CPSC guidelines), and things for new moms.

Children’s Orchard offers several ways to save. First, 80 percent of the clothing is priced at $4.99 or less. Then there’s the MOMS (Members Only Money-Savers) Club, which includes $5 store credit and Children’s Birthday gifts. Every Tuesday is Grandparent’s Day: Grandparents get an additional 10 percent discount. And there’s a special for foster parents.

Anyone interested in selling their kids’ outgrown things can call for information and an appointment. If Children’s Orchard doesn’t buy what you bring in, they can donate it for you and give you the receipt for your taxes. In this way, the shop supports local charities such as domestic violence centers, Apopka Pregnancy Center, and local churches.

Children’s Orchard
955 W. SR 436 (in the Kohl’s plaza next to Home Goods)
Altamonte Springs; 407.331.2800
altamontespringschildorch.com

A Year of
Family Fun
at OSC

In these hectic times, people are looking for gifts the family can enjoy together. Not only is quality time still important, spending quality time on quality experiences has become more of a concern to parents. For just such an experience, thousands of families look to an Orlando Science Center annual membership.

Membership to the Science Center provides a year of unlimited access to exhibits, movies and events that the entire family can do together.

With so much to do and see, Science Center membership provides a full year of fun and exciting activities designed to inspire curiosity and engage a child’s intellect. And 2010 promises to be another exciting year for members, as the Science Center welcomes new exhibits such as Science in Toyland and Frogs, as well as new movies such as Amazon shown on the eight-story Dr. Phillips CineDome screen. Combined with a full calendar of activities and events, members never lack for something to do.

This holiday season, consider an annual membership: $125 a year of unforgettable experiences and countless memories for the whole family.

More Membership Benefits
In addition to free admission, members enjoy:
• Free guest passes
• Free parking
• 10% discount in the Science Store and Elements Café
• Free subscription to Scope magazine
• Discounts on camps, programs, birthday parties and more
• Free admission to member special events, such as astronomical viewings and new exhibit openings
• Free or discounted admission to more than 250 ASTC science and technology centers worldwide

Orlando Science Center 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando; 407.514.2000; osc.org.

From Starters to Steinways

There’s a Steinway-designed piano that’s perfect for every family and every budget. The entire family of Steinway-designed pianos is on display at Steinway Piano Galleries in the Renaissance Center in Altamonte Springs. As one of only 21 licensed Steinway Galleries in the United States, Steinway Piano Galleries provides a level of selection and service unavailable elsewhere in the area.

In addition to the gallery, owners Gary and Kathy Grimes—strong supporters of local music and arts—founded the Steinway Society of Central Florida in 2007 to provide second-life pianos to children who wanted but couldn’t afford a piano. More than 70 pianos have been donated by people throughout the community for “Gifting” by the Society. The next “Gifting”—by Santa Claus this time—will be on December 6th at Steinway Hall at the Altamonte location. In addition, free piano lessons are available to qualifying students in Sanford, Orlando’s Parramore section, and Winter Park.

For more information about Steinways, Roland digital pianos, or The Steinway Society of Central Florida, visit steinwayorlando.com.

Steinway Piano Galleries
303 E. Altamonte Dr. (next to Baer’s Furniture) Altamonte Springs 407.339.3771 steinwayorlando.com

David Maus:
Car Spa and Service Specials

If you need a shine on your Scion (or any model car) or a tune-up for your Toyota, David Maus Toyota/Scion in Sanford has you covered. And now with service specials and Car Spa gift certificates, you can share their car care with co-workers and friends.

The David Maus Car Spa is a professional cleaning service that will significantly improve the appearance of your car inside and out. Maus offers a wide range of services to keep your car looking great (and protect your investment). Car Spa gift certificates make great gifts or stocking-stuffers.

David Maus Toyota also has an award-winning Service Dept., as well as parts (even custom parts) for anyone who wants to revamp their own vehicle. With 60 bays and 36 techs, services at David Maus Toyota are quick and reliable. An oil change typically takes 30 minutes and comes with a free “World Class Inspection.” Right now, the Service Dept. is offering an oil change and tire rotation special for $36.95 (regularly $49.95).

David Maus Toyota/Scion
1160 Rinehart Rd., Sanford 407.831.9788
davidmaustoyota.com
davidmauscarspa.com

Forever Trim:
The Skinny on Staying Trim

While it may be true that giving is better than receiving, when it comes to battling a bit of excess weight, losing is definitely better than gaining. That’s where Zerona LipoLaser comes in.

Zerona LipoLaser is a body-sculpting procedure that removes fat and contours the body without surgery. Not for the obese or seriously overweight, Zerona LipoLaser, which is FDA-cleared to remove inches, is for people who understand the value of diet and exercise but need help losing fat in their “trouble” zones.

It works by means of a low-level laser that penetrates the skin safely. There’s no surgery, no needles, and no downtime. And results are guaranteed in writing.

The LipoTrim treatment process begins with an evaluation of the client’s health history and goals, and the program is customized to each client. Results—lost inches—begin after the first visit, with the loss of one to three inches. Women drop one or two dress sizes in as little as four weeks.

There’s never been a better time to try Forever Trim. Right now, by mentioning this article, new clients who schedule an appointment will get 15% off their first visit. And anyone can get 15% off a Gift Card purchase for themselves or someone else.

Forever Trim Body Sculpting Center
450 Crown Oak Center Dr., Longwood
407.830.8746
beforevertrim.com

Decorating for Less

Decorate Your Home offers furniture and home décor at direct outlet prices. The facility—a 48,000-sq.-ft. warehouse on Bennett Dr. (near UPS) in Longwood—is a distribution center for a national manufacturer serving designers, furniture stores and gift shops nationwide for more than ten years. The wholesale home furnishings outlet center is a no-frills warehouse atmosphere where you can casually browse unique home furnishings at surprising bargain prices.

In addition to the many unique furniture and home accessory items, you can also get help with referrals by browsing the DYH Registry. It has information on interior decorators, workrooms, and design companies that use the store’s resource center.

During November and December, the “Pardon Our Construction Sale” offers furniture and home décor at 25% off the wholesale outlet prices while the store is building an interior showroom addition to showcase fabrics, blinds and upholstery.

So if you’re looking for furniture and home décor that can’t be found anywhere else, or for gift ideas for the holidays, Decorate Your Home wholesale home furnishings outlet center offers an exceptional bargain-hunting experience.
 
Decorate Your Home 1356 Bennett Dr., Longwood FL 32750 407.339.4768
decorateyourhome.org