NONA LAKE NONA SOCIAL MAGAZINE | VOLUME 4 ISSUE 6
WELCOME
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER Get ready for an exhilarating January! Transform your health with our Green Juice Detox, kickstart weight loss in 6 steps, meet “Me” Lake Nona Social's owner, savor Thai Red Fish Curry, explore Smart Greenhouses, and dive into the pulse of local events. Your journey to a vibrant 2024 starts here!
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dive into 2024 with easy steps to a healthier you, a delightful chat with Lake Nona Social's owner, and relish Thai Red Fish Curry, discover this year’s new gardening technology “Smart Greenhouses”, and gear up for this month’s local events. Cheers to a vibrant start!
CONTRIBUTORS: D.H Warren Mendes
lakenonasocial.com/magazine @lakenonasocial @nona_magazine @nona_tv @eatlakenona @sociallatino @thebridge.social LAKENONASOCIAL.COM NONA MAGAZINE | PG 2
CONTENTS
IN
4 8
14
THIS
ISSUE
People of Lake Nona Meet Omar, owner of Lake Nona Social and heartbeat of the community.
6
Culinary Corner Get back on track fro the Holidays with a delicious detox drink!
Health & Fitness Tips to help jump start your health journey.
12
Home & Garden
Sart Greenhouses! Using technology to grow fresh produce for your family.
Culinary Corner
A quick and delicious Thai Red Fish Curry Noodle dish your family will love!
16
Around Lake Nona Raising Canes opening in Lake Nona!
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PEOPLE OF LAKE NONA | MEET OMAR
“Community binds diverse individuals, fostering shared bonds, support, and growth in a collective environment, enriching lives collectively”.
People of LAKE NONA By: D.H
Omar Hickman, the vibrant force behind Lake Nona Social, is not just a resident of this dynamic community for over 14 years; he's its heartbeat. Relocating from Windermere, Omar's journey to Lake Nona was a deliberate quest for a place that offered not just a home but a vision for the future. His meticulous research on communities, schools, and growth potential led him to discover Lake Nona's unparalleled charm. Armed with 15 years of marketing and SEO expertise, Omar observed a transformative shift in how people sought information in his new community. Thus, Lake Nona Social was born – initially a Facebook page, a beacon of local insights on everything from new homes to thriving businesses.
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PEOPLE OF LAKE NONA | MEET OMAR
expanding the brand
PHOTO: JOSH BEST PHOTOGRAPHY
What began as a digital hub quickly blossomed into a multifaceted brand. Lake Nona Social now boasts media ventures, curated events, a magazine, and an exclusive members group, creating a comprehensive platform for community engagement. The brand's influence extends internationally and locally, with expansions reaching Winter Park.
Despite his sharp business acumen, Omar understands the importance of work-life balance. Married for 23 years, he values travel and quality time with his family, ensuring that his pursuits aren't just professional triumphs but also personal joys. Lake Nona Social isn't just a brand; it's a testament to Omar's dedication to fostering a thriving and connected community.
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CULINARY CORNER | DETOX JUICE
DETOX JUICE
9
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LIFESTYLE
COMMERCIAL
CORPRATE
CONTENT CREATION
aubreyjphotography.com
HEALTH & FITNESS A BETTER WAY TO A BETTER YOU
A BETTER WAY
TO A BETTER YOU
Embark on your Weight Loss Journey in the New Year: Tools and Tips By: D.H
As we welcome the dawn of a new year, it's the perfect time to embark on a transformative weight loss journey. Embrace the excitement of change with these upbeat tools and tips: 1. Nutrition Tracking Apps: Kick off your journey by leveraging the power of technology. Nutrition tracking apps like MyFitnessPal or Lose It! make it easy to log meals, count calories, and gain insights into your dietary habits. This awareness lays the foundation for mindful eating. 2. Meal Prep Mastery: Take control of your nutrition by planning and prepping meals in advance. Design a weekly menu filled with colorful, nutrient-rich foods. Not only does this save time, but it also minimizes the temptation of reaching for less healthy options. 3. Fitness Tracker Fun: Transform exercise into an exciting adventure with a fitness tracker. Whether it's counting steps, monitoring heart rate, or tracking sleep patterns, these gadgets turn your daily activities into a motivating game. Set achievable goals and watch as you surpass them, one step at a time. 4. Hydration Happiness: Proper hydration is often overlooked but is essential for weight loss. Stay on top of your water intake with hydration reminder apps. These apps send friendly nudges to ensure you are consistently replenishing and energizing your body.
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HEALTH & FITNESS A BETTER WAY TO A BETTER YOU
5. Buddy Up for Success: Share the journey with a friend, family member, or join a local fitness group. A supportive community offers encouragement, shared experiences, and accountability. Celebrate victories together and lift each other up during challenging times.
6. Mindful Moments: Cultivate a positive mindset by practicing mindfulness. Take a few moments each day for reflection, gratitude, or meditation. A balanced mental state is a powerful ally on your weight loss adventure. Remember, the key is progress, not perfection. Celebrate every small victory, stay optimistic, and savor the joy of transforming into a healthier, happier you in the coming year!
"EMBRACE THE POWER OF SMALL STEPS; EVERY POSITIVE CHANGE BEGINS WITH A SINGLE, COURAGEOUS DECISION."
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WINTER WONDERLAND + FOOD FESTIVAL
HOME & GARDEN | SMART GREENHOUSES
“SMART GREENHOUSES” Innovative Structures Combines with Technology! By: D.H
In 2024, one standout Home & Garden trend is the rise of "Smart Greenhouses." These innovative structures combine technology and sustainability to redefine home gardening. Equipped with automated climate control, irrigation, and nutrient systems, these smart havens make gardening accessible to everyone, regardless of expertise. Controlled through smartphone apps, users can monitor and adjust conditions with ease. Smart Greenhouses not only optimize plant growth ,but also promote eco-conscious living by minimizing water waste and energy consumption.
LAKENONASOCIAL.COM NONA MAGAZINE | PG 12
HOME & GARDEN | SMART GREENHOUSES
Embracing this trend ensures a bountiful harvest while fostering a seamless blend of modern technology and the timeless joy of nurturing a green space at home.
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CULINARY CORNER | THAI RED FISH CURRY WITH NOODLES
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CULINARY CORNER | THAI RED FISH CURRY WITH NOODLES INGREDIENTS: 7 oz Pad Thai rice noodles 1/4 cup peanut oil 21 oz firm boneless white fish fillets, cut into 2cm thick slices 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1/2 bunch spring onions, chopped, separate tops and white parts 1 bunch coriander, chopped 1/4 cup Thai red curry paste 1 tablespoon fish sauce 5 oz sugar snap peas 2/3 cup coconut cream 1/2 cup chopped peanuts Bean sprouts, tand limee wedges to serve
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Soak noodles in hot water for 10 minutes or until soft, then
drain. Set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok over high heat and season the fish. Stir-fry half the fish for 2 minutes or until slightly golden, then transfer to a plate. Repeat with another 1 tbs oil and remaining fish. 3. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in the pan, then and add the garlic, white spring onion and coriander root. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until softened. Add the curry paste and stir-fry for a further 2 minutes or until fragrant, then add the fish sauce, sugar snap peas, 1/4 cup water and cook for a further 2 minutes or until sauce is slightly reduced. Return the fish to the wok with coconut cream and remaining spring onion, then toss to combine and warm through. 4. Divide the noodles among 4 bowls and top with the fish curry. Serve immediately with coriander leaves, peanuts, bean sprouts and lime wedges.
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OPENING JANUARY 10TH 12040 PIONEERS WAY ORLANDO, FL 32832
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ON TTHE SCENCE | OH WHAT FUN
ON THE SCENE | OH WHAT FUN
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ON THE SCENCE | LATIN FIESTA BRUNCH
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LIVE MUSIC • WELLNESS • FOOD • SHOPPING