We had so many events scheduled in December that we found it hard to keep track of all the events happening in and around Solivita. We Enjoyed Scrooge the Musical at Osceola Playhouse. This was a fun event. Osceola Playhouse is in Kissimmee, only a short drive from Solivita, their website is osceolaarts.org. and it is worth a visit. The playhouse is a nice spot to see a show, take an art or pottery class, or volunteer and share your talents while learning some new ones. Osceola Arts always has something going on. You can buy a ticket for the season and see all their offerings or just purchase a ticket for one show.
We visited Gaylord Palms and experienced Christmas Around the World Ice Event, the Enchanting Light Show, the Cirque Unwrapped Show, and enjoyed the beautiful Christmas Trees at Gaylord. We visited the Alpine Village, took pleasure in sharing dinner with family, and ended our evening with Coffee by the Firepit. Gaylord Palms is only a few short miles from Solivita.
We took the children skating in Celebration and we watched the snowfall, Florida Style.
Solivita had a Great Holiday Kick Off to the Season with their Tree Lighting Celebration. Later we took a golf cart ride around our community to view our neighbors brightly decorated homes and enjoyed hot chocolate on Lemon Grove Drive.
New Year’s Eve is always fun in Solivita. We had cocktails, attended the dinner at Mosaics where we enjoyed the company of friends while listening to music. The Street Party was fun too, we danced the night away in the warmth of the Central Florida Weather. I think this may have been one of the warmest New Year’s Eves in years. Solivita poured Champagne, handed out horns and hats, dropped the ball, and began 2018 with a Great Fireworks Display. What a Pleasure, to have well planned events in our community; nice dinners, dancing, entertainment; all easy and fun since we just hop in our Golf Cart and Go. Which by the way, was decorated for New Year’s Eve.
To finish a month of Celebrations, this Saturday we are going to neighbors for their Annual New Year Brunch and on Sunday we are attending Casino Night. Oh, Monday is Trivia, the plans and events just keeps on coming. Better look at our calendar as I know we have more planned and we do not want to miss any of it. Come to Solivita and see for yourself how lovely life in Central Florida truly is. We Do Live Better Here for Less. Our neighbors and our neighborhood is active. You can be busy or not, it is all up to you. You can participate in planned activities or plan your own. Spend a day on the golf course, an afternoon at the pool, or an hour playing tennis, all in your own backyard surrounded by beauty and warm weather.
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It’s a New Year, It’s a New Start. Time to Take Action and Make 2018 The Year for YOUR New Start.
From the Peaceful Ponds teaming with fish and gators to the beautiful birds that live in our community, and the flocks of birds that winter with us. Sometimes, it seems that living in Florida is almost too perfect!
Driving to work this morning in Solivita I witnessed an eagle dive into the Lake on Shorehaven in search of breakfast, what a magnificent sight. Unfortunately, the fish got away, so not so magnificent for the eagle, but certainly a Wonderful Start to my day. That experience got me thinking back to the days when I lived up North and commuted to work in the Winter. The traffic, the pollution, the potholes, the ice, snow and slush, and the worst part for me, finding the time to wait while the car warmed up.
At the start of my working life it was all fun. I enjoyed long walks in the freshly fallen snow, building of snowmen, skating on the lake in the park; I did not even mind the snow shoveling so much. My favorite winter memories are of coming home, my cheeks rosy red and cold, and enjoying the warmth of an evening by the fire. Must admit, by the time I was rounding my late 30’s the charm of winter had worn off and Lee and I were happy to find our perfect place in the Sun.
Call or Email Us, and we will be happy to help you Find Your Perfect Place in the Sun.
We had cocktails with friends and colleagues the other evening while decorating the office for Christmas in preparation for the Fund Raiser for the Guardian Ad Litem Foster Child Program. We all shared some Holiday Memories and spoke about what this time of the year means to each of us. Some folks shared memories of special gifts received and given, a pair of GOGO Boots, a Hess Truck, a Special Rolling Stones Record Album, and some remembered family, food, and experiences. I thought it would be fun to share a few with you.
One of the men in the group had a Grand Pa who would come over on Christmas Eve with a pocket full of silver dimes, of course this goes back to when the US minted coins with silver. He would ask each grandson to jump on the scale and would give each a silver dime for every pound they weighed – up to 100 pounds. He further went on to say, that prior to jumping on the scale he and his two brothers would consume as many Christmas Cookies and as much Hot Chocolate as they could hold to maximize their gift. Sweet Memory of a simple time.
Another of our friends, whose family did not celebrate Christmas, wanted Santa to come down her Chimney. She remembers asking her mom, If I write to Santa do you think he would visit me? Her mom said, if you never ask, you may never know. Sure enough, Christmas Morning, Santa had found his way down her chimney and left a gift for her on the fireplace mantel. A warm memory to be cherished.
Another friend remembers the Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes shared with Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Friends, and Neighbors from the block. As she remembers, all were welcome, and it was never a chore to add an extra plate, or two, to the table. The evening was not fancy, but rather fun, joyous, tasty, loud, the fish was fried and delicious, and the meal was always meatless. A meal, all looked forward to every year. As the cousins aged, the circle grew, and the Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes came to include more than just fish. She remembers the last time they all shared a Christmas Eve Meal. There was the traditional fish, but in addition the table included a baked ham, macaroni and cheese, rice, and fruit perogies for dessert. All delicious and Sweet Memories.
Another remembers the Cookie Christmas Tree his Great Grandmother “GG” used to make. He remembers she lived in a small house on the rail road tracks and although outside was cold in December, her house was always warm and scented with the sweet aroma of cinnamon. There were 16 grandchildren and GG would hang her homemade cookies from the tree in the dining room. Each of the grandchildren had their favorite cookie and when you kissed Grandma Goodbye she would hand you a tin baked especially for you filled with your favorite cookie. Truly a gift made and shared with love.
Whatever you Celebrate, Lee and I hope you celebrate with a full, happy heart, and truly enjoy the goodness of the great life we share. We wish you Joy, Good Health, and Most of All a Wonderful, Fulfilling Life.
It is Anniversary Time for Bella Verde. Although we have been selling real estate for over 30 years, we only opened our own Brokerage one year ago this month. Time flies when you are busy and having fun…..Thank you to each, and every friend, client, and neighbor who helped us along the way. We would not be celebrating this Anniversary without your support! We enjoy working with each of our clients; whether we are selling your home, helping you build a new home, or finding the home of your dreams. Thank you for placing your faith in us and allowing us to be such an important part of your life. We love introducing clients, friends, and family to the good life we share in Solivita, and we hope to continue this endeavor for many years to come.
The entire team at Bella Verde Wishes You Joy, Peace, Health, and A Beautiful Holiday Season!
The One Plus One Giving Program for Foster Children Was a Great Success. Our Clients, Neighbors, Friends, and Vendors purchased, delivered, and gave with all their hearts. Thank you for your Kindness and Generosity. Your gifts have been delivered to the Social Workers at Voices for Osceola’s Children and have been sorted by age, tagged, and wrapped for delivery to the Children. Together we delivered two Caravans loaded with gifts and gift cards. Each of You have helped to Brighten the Holidays for many Children in the Guardian ad Litem & Foster Children Program of Osceola County; THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS HOLIDAY BRIGHTER FOR THESE SPECIAL CHILDREN.
Disney Springs is a great spot to enjoy shopping, dining, bowling, the movies, music, live entertainment, and some good fun within a few short miles of Solivita. Lee and I always take guests to Disney Springs, it is an easy afternoon or evening, as there is so much to do. Disney Springs offers something for every age and provides entertainment in all kinds of weather. Just wandering around the Springs is fun. You can enjoy a pastry, a cup of tea, ice cream, candy, a light snack, a cocktail, or a great dinner. It is all up to you.
One of our all-time favorite restaurants at Disney Springs is the Boathouse. We have never dined inside, but we do love to dine on the deck at the water’s edge. The lake is beautiful and from the Boathouse Deck you can catch a breeze while enjoying the parade of Vintage Amphicars, Glistening Italian Water Taxis and Ferry Boats sail by. Lee and I share a glass of wine, and just sit back and enjoy the perfection of Disney Dining, and the beauty of Central Florida. The fish is always fresh, the steaks are always cooked to order, and the wine list is extensive.
In the evening, nature provides a beautiful show as the sunset from this spot is spectacular, but since we are at Disney, the Boathouse also has live music, so if the sunset is not spectacular, the music and the wine usually is. Lee loves the fish tacos, but my favorite menu item is the Lump Crab and Avocado Cocktail, it is the perfect bite for lunch or dinner. We have dined here many times and have never been disappointed. Tourists travel from around the world travel to Central Florida, our home. Travel time from Solivita to Disney Springs is only about 30 minutes; close enough to enjoy this destination often. We are very lucky to live in the Beautiful Community of Solivita and have world class entertainment at our door.
Selling Your Home, Buying A Home, Building A Home; all life changing events that require a good Realtor and a Great Negotiator. When looking for a Realtor it is critical you choose the Right Realtor for you. Always ask around, a recommendation from a client is the best advertisement any realtor could ask for. If your neighbors, friends, or family have used a realtor that has found them the perfect home, or the perfect buyer for their home, obtained a great deal for them, made themselves available, and provided personalized good service, then this is the realtor for you. Bella Verde is that Realty Company, but if you have asked around, you already know us and our reputation.
A good realtor has the contacts to help you sell your home, knows your target audience, and can recommend a strategy that will work for you. A locally owned realtor understands the local market trends, and will provide you with the top-quality service you deserve.
The realtor you choose will know how to price your resale home correctly and how to attract buyers. The Agents at Bella Verde Realty are true professionals with a desire to help you find or sell your home at the right price to the right client.
When building a new home, our agents are experienced and here to help negotiate the best options for you at the best costs. We Will monitor the build, keep you updated as to the progress of your new home, and keep you abreast of any problems or changes that may occur during the building process. We are your eyes and ears, and can save you from encountering expensive, unpleasant issues that may result when you live in one area but build in another. The Realtors at Bella Verde Realty have solid relationships with the builders. Bella Verde Realty represents your best interests, and assures you that through our representation you will get the best home and the best deal possible.
Thanksgiving is one of our favorite holidays. A holiday that is just about being thankful for our blessings, sharing our bounty with others, and being thankful for the Beautiful Country we are lucky to reside in, and the freedom we all share. We love to cook, we love to entertain, and we love to eat and drink. I make this Chutney every year before Thanksgiving. It is a great addition to a cheese board. I spill this over the top of a wedge of cheddar, cream cheese, brie, or serve alongside creamy goat cheese. Lee and I also add this chutney to a slice of turkey, ham, chicken, or pork. Sometimes I slice and toast a baguette, I spread cheese on the baguette and top with Chutney. I know if you make this Chutney you will enjoy a tasty addition to any meal or snack. It is always a hit at our home, and made in advance, easy for you too. When you have this in the refrigerator you are ready for cocktails at a moment’s notice.
Cranberry, Apple, and Ginger Chutney
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup raisins
- ½ cup sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. minced fresh ginger root
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ cup Orange Juice and the zest of an orange
- ½ cup minced onion
- ½ cup chopped Granny Smith Apple
- ½ cup finely chopped celery
Combine the first 8 ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, simmer low heat until berries start to pop (about 5 minutes). Add the finely chopped onion, apple, and finely chopped celery, continue to cook, stir occasionally until mixture thickens, about 7 – 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool slightly. Refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to mature.
This recipe is tried and true, easy, yet delicious anytime, but especially delicious at the holidays. We wish you, your family, and friends a Beautiful Thanksgiving overflowing with Love, Good Health, Laughter, and Peace.
If you are regular readers of our newsletter, you already know that we love to Garden. If you are new to our Newsletter, welcome, and FYI we Love to Garden. Recently we were at BOK TOWER GARDENS in Lake Wales for a class and took an inspirational walk through the gardens. The gardens are extensive and even after a hot summer and a hurricane, they still look quite lovely. BOK TOWER GARDENS sits atop one of the highest peaks in Central Florida. In fact, the gardens are perched on the only hill we see for miles. BOK TOWER is not only famous for their gardens but for their Singing Tower Carillion as well. The tower plays twice daily and floods the garden with a lovely sound. A perfect backdrop for a picnic, a walk or quiet contemplation. The gardens are beautiful and in the middle of summer, on top of the hill, you can even catch a breeze.
This year, we again will be enjoying the sounds of the season as the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra performs their Holiday Concert. We pack our lawn chairs, a small table and tablecloth, a good bottle of wine, a few glasses, some bread and cheese, and pick our spot on the lawn to enjoy the sounds of the evening. It is always fun and is a great start to the Holiday Season.
BOK TOWER is only about 30 minutes from Solivita and provides Central Florida and Solivita Residents a great opportunity to learn about gardening in Florida, and enjoy the bounty that each season offers. We have taken cooking classes, gardening classes, we have just signed up for a print making class, and now I see BOK TOWER is offering Meditation Classes too. Although we did not sign up for Meditation Class this season, it is a consideration for next season.
Anytime is beautiful at BOK but Sunrise is especially beautiful. The gardens are lovely, the Carillion Tower is all tuned up and singing, and this is a great time to visit, take a tour, take a class, or just bring a book and enjoy a quiet afternoon in the garden.
The end of Summer is near; although our temperatures have not dropped; a look at the calendar tells me Fall is on the way. I love the fall colors, the crisp air, the sweet memories of apple picking at Ticer’s Farm, the aroma (and the taste) of cider donuts, and long walks in the fallen leaves. Growing up in New Jersey, the fall and winter air was usually brisk, and in my Mom and Dad’s kitchen there was always a pot of hot, delicious soup bubbling on the stove. We are expecting the cousins to come for a short visit and it is time to get the soup pot out. I would like to share my recipe for what I think is a Perfect Fall Soup. This soup is easy, flavorful, and is always a hit. This soup is especially easy now that you can purchase squash already cleaned and cut in our local Market. This week, I saw butternut squash in the freezer section of Publix, and I don’t see why you can’t use that as well. Please, let me know how it turns out if you try it.
4 ½ Pounds of Peeled and Cubed Butternut Squash
2 Medium Onions Chopped
3 Cloves Garlic, Peeled and chopped.
Optional: For the spice lovers (add 1 finely chopped jalapeno chili and ¼ tsp cayenne with the garlic). OR
Optional: For the Ginger Lover – Add 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger and 1 tsp ground ginger along with the garlic. OR
Optional: For the Fall Flavor Lover – Add a combo of ¼ tsp each ground cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, ground ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper.
3 Tbsp. Butter or Vegetable Oil
½ tsp sea salt (plus more to taste)
8 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
½ cup Cream (Optional)
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the butter or oil and saute the chopped onion. Sprinkle with the ½ tsp sea salt. Stir until the Onion is soft (about 3 minutes).
Add the garlic cook for another minute. If you are adding any of the optional spices add them to this step.
Add the squash and the broth. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer. Cook until the squash is very tender. About 35 minutes.
Blend soup till smooth. I use a Handheld Immersion Blender. Add ½ cup cream. Warm soup through. This soup is good without the cream, but in our opinion better with it. Taste for salt and serve.
I also make this soup with sugar pumpkin or acorn squash. When I have time, I sometimes roast the squash or pumpkin in the oven with some olive oil for about 30 to 40 minutes at 400 degrees. This extra step will add depth of flavor to the soup. I serve this soup with hot crusty bread and a garden salad and it is dinner done.