REAL Exclusive Magazine

Sulfate Free Hair Shampoo – Is It Good For My Hair?

By Sheila Venancia

Sulfates are often used as an active ingredient in shampoo. As with shampoo’s, many body washes and cleansers also contain one or more types of sulfate as an active ingredients, typically listed just after the first ingredient – water. Clearly, sulfates are a large component of these products.

Until recently, the long term side-effect of sulfate has not been talked about in the consumer community. Unless you are shopping for sulfate free shampoo or cleansers, you are nearly certain to see sulfates used. Placing emphasis on using natural ingredients over chemicals (i.e. Sulfate, Paraben), manufacturers started to market “Sulfate Free Shampoo”. There are too many choices now than ever and it can get quite confusing if you are not sure what you should look for. Nevertheless, most people don’t know what they are, how they work, and if they’re safe. Read More

Fall Fashion Preview

By Becca Smith

It’s time to FALL in love with the upcoming Fashions. In this REAL Style issue we preview the key pieces to buy for the season ahead. From the new shapes in jackets and skirts to the latest updates on trouser dressing, knits, and must-have shoes and bags. Let’s take look at eight Key pieces – essential wardrobe elements that will open doors this fall.

1. The coat – specifically, the textured one. Rich tapestry and embroidered. The scarlet coat is also red-hot. Bring a flash of fun to fall’s sophisticated neutrals. Whether you choose a classic slim silhouette or an edgier oversize cut, the right red topper is destined to become a wardrobe staple. It’s also an easy way to update leather pants, and adding gold jewelry never hurts. Read More

More International Buyers Coming To U.S.A.

By Patricia Tan

Recent Reports Show Significant Growth

I spend most of my time in Sarasota, where our real estate team lists and sells homes in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. A key factor that has contributed to our success over the years has been our focus on international buyers. Today, more than 70% of our business comes from transactions that involve someone from another country.

I also spend some of my time traveling around Florida, teaching other Realtors how to build their global business, and this means I have to understand the impact that international real estate activities have on our nation, state and local markets. To that end, I just reviewed two recent reports, and thought I would share some of the highlights with you. Read More

Do The Rays Employ Wall Street Techniques To Over Achieve?

By William Henry, PhD

Three decades ago after graduating from the University of Florida, I decided to return to grad school and study business administration. I had become enthralled with the career of my mentor John Portman, an architect/real estate developer in Atlanta who combined design ability with business acumen. This combination of innovative design coupled with market acceptance resulted in changed city skylines. It is a potent combination.

If the art of design excellence can be instilled with the “The Art of the Business Deal” as Donald Trump might say, much can be accomplished. Portman and Trump, along with Steve Wynn, have proven that they somehow understand what the public truly wants and the three are successful at delivering it. Steve Wynn of course is Mr. Las Vegas, the designer and owner of such casinos as the Mirage and the Wynn Hotels; and Trump’s work needs no description. Read More

Race Photos From The 92′ Lazzara Motor Yacht Algorythm

Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix

Photography by Ed Bertha

Our Position – Start/Finish Line.

Our Role – Have Fun!

Inset photo race winner Dan Lawrence The Hulk. Congrats Dan!

Of note we had 2.1′ of clearance below the props on the way out and 1.5′ of clearance on the way back in – New Pass. Tense.

Thank you Kelly Gotha!

Read More

Carrie Riley

A Splash Of Color

By Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa

Photography by Giovanni Lunardi

Layout by Christian Lunardi

A tenacious professional with energy to spare, Carrie Riley has made excellence a habit.

Growing up, Carrie was attracted to interior design. Her parents owned a large flooring and counter top company, and at a young age she eagerly accompanied them to job sites. “I used to play interior designer,” she recalls. “I’d spend hours with remnant materials, putting together countertops, wood floors and tile accents to create and recreate dream homes.”

By 16, Carrie had garnered a position as an assistant at the Interior Design Firm in Omaha, where she capitalized on every opportunity to build her knowledge and skills. The job only reinforced her resolve to make an impact within the industry. She went on to earn a partial scholarship to the University of Nebraska, where she earned a degree in Architectural Interior Design while also pursuing her passion for dance as a member of the prestigious Scarlets dance team and a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Read More

12552 Highfield Circle

Accent On The Details

By Ed Bertha

Photography by Detlev von Kessel

This fine property is located in Highfield, an enclave of estate homes in Lakewood Ranch’s The Country Club. Landscaped grounds and a circular drive are a fitting introduction to this luxury residence. If quality is important to you, then expect to be surrounded in it.

Live and entertain comfortably in this immaculate estate home. The well appointed designer gourmet Kitchen has it all, with 2 Walk-In Pantries, 2 Dishwashers, Sub Zero Refrigerator and Freezer, Warming Drawer and so much more.

Disappearing sliding glass doors open from the Family Room and Living Room to reveal an oasis onto the expansive Lanai and Outdoor Kitchen. The Master Suite and Bath are handsomely designed and built on a mastery scale showcasing a raised Sitting Room, Dressing Area, His and Her walk-in Closets and Vanities, and a raised Jacuzzi Tub adorned by columns. Read More

Lee Volpe

Erma Bombeck Meets Sex In The City

“Some know her as ‘The Volpe’, shrouded in mystery. Others know her as ‘Charlee’, the animal advocate. Friends know her as ‘Lee’, the caring, fun loving spirit. In this issue of REAL we fashion her fourth persona, ‘ReaLee?’, where her contributions interject some satire and witticism into our everyday lives.

As Lee fondly shares ‘If it’s going to happen, it will happen to me!’ And it…

MMMPH!”

“…If you want to know, ask the source. Read More

Porsche, Poodles, And Pliner’s

By Lee Volpe

realee?

Photography By Chad Spencer

Lee Volpe headshot by H photography

Porsche. It’s a little too small to get laid IN, but you get laid the minute you get OUT.

In 1990, Dudley Moore and Daryl Hannah starred in a comedy film, Crazy People, where Moore’s character, an advertising executive, experiences a nervous breakdown. Designing a series of “truthful” advertisements, blunt and bawdy, he finds his career thriving after spending time in a mental hospital and turning his fellow patient’s into advertising execs. A couple of the ads have remained with me to this day; Porsche was one, the other was Jamaica. If I have you wondering about Jamaica, let’s just say if they were to use an ad like that, tourism would be skyrocketing.

I’m a straight shooter, telling it like it is, so I appreciate honesty. I had the privilege to attend the Suncoast Porsche Macan Launch, on behalf of REAL Exclusive Magazine. Not being a part of the “Porsche Club”, I’m more of a Jaguar / Bugatti girl, but drive a Sonata, I didn’t know what to expect. To be candid, I assumed the “Club” consisted of middle aged men, having mid-life crisis’, what do I know? I kept saying, “PORSH” most the night! For all you Sonata drivers out there, it’s Porsh-UH. It was explained to me that Porsche is a family name, therefore you wouldn’t shorten it. Read More

RE/MAX Fine Properties

Innovative Real Estate for Sarasota and Manatee’s Most Discerning Clientele

By Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa

Photography by Brian Breecher

Click HERE to download the story

As one of the world’s best-known real estate firms, RE/MAX has cultivated a reputation as an organization built by accomplished and experienced sales professionals with a focus on providing exceptional customer care. Founder and Broker Shaun Peens has taken this concept to a new level, creating a brokerage that has emerged as an innovative and exciting presence in the marketplace. RE/MAX Fine Properties offers an upscale experience for agents and consumers alike.

“We’ve set new standards,” says Peens of his high-end brokerage. “By incorporating a café-style atmosphere into the business, we have cultivated an environment that fosters creative, solution-oriented business with an emphasis on exceeding expectations at every turn.” REAL’s publisher Ed Bertha shares, “When I first walked into the office I had to stop and do a double take. The environment Shaun created is nothing like I have seen before in the real estate world. It portrays the ‘Wow’ factor.” Read More

Get Intimate With LaBella

Hosted By:

LaBella Intimates & Boutique

Featuring:
Boys & Girls Clubs

Click HERE to download event collage. Slideshow below. Read More

Say “Bye-Bye” to Your Blow Dryer

By Sheila Venancia

Japanese Hair Straightening is a very innovative technique that originated in Japan to make frizzy, curly, or wavy hair poker-straight while preserving the health of your hair. The process was created by Japanese hair expert Yoko Yamashita and was granted a patent in its home country in 1995. Japanese Hair Straightening quickly became popular once photos were shown of frizzy, coarse or unruly locks miraculously turned smooth with this process. Soon the method spread to other parts of the world eventually making its way to Hollywood.

With Japanese Hair Straightening, human hair is permanently smoothed and straightened at a molecular level. The smooth closed hair shaft reflects light, giving your hair an appearance of silk-like gloss. This is the end goal, along with absolute-straight yet flexible hair. Read More

Sizziling Styles For Summer

By Becca Smith

With summer approaching for many a fashionista, we’re all eager to hit the beach in REAL style. But whether you’re soaking up the sun on Florida’s most beautiful beaches, the most important decision won’t be the SPF of your suntan lotion, but which swimwear pieces you’ll be wearing.

In this REAL Style issue I bring you swimwear styles that are trending this summer, and how to pick a style to flatter your figure. It’s always worth knowing what styles will fit you well with spring/summer 2014 fashion trends. To make a bold statement or simply take your style credentials to the waterside this summer, update your swimwear selection. It will make the hot sizzling summer all the more exciting and enjoyable. Read More

International Real Estate – A Risky Business?

By Patricia Tan

I recently returned from a series of meetings in Washington D.C. While I was there, I was asked to present to a group of experienced international agents about ways in which they could manage risk in their business, and provide a better experience for their customers.

Let’s consider those real estate transactions where an American buys or sells property in another country. Such transactions are most certainly prone to greater risks in a number of areas, and buyers, sellers and real estate agents should exercise caution. Read More

The Conflict: New Urbanistic Vs. ‘Pseudo Urbanistic’

By William Henry, PhD

The Conflict Between ‘The New Urbanistic Approach Embraced By Government Urban Planners Vs. The ‘Pseudo Urbanistic’–Market Rate Approach Implemented By The Private Sector

Consumers and casual observers will note that the various urban plans currently being fostered by government officials and private commercial developer/builders vary greatly in both the substance and style of the plans. The differences are significant! As may be expected, government seems of late to be enamored with the creation of a ‘new urbanism’ with mixed zoning uses all clustered together creating ‘mixed use urban centers’. Unlike single use zoning districts—typical of post World War ll suburbia-these plans and resulting urban environments reflect the idea that home life, work, play, education and retail shopping activities can and no longer should be separated into sometimes sterile residential tracts and business areas. Read More