The Experience Insider

This months Spa Tip is provided by Spa Manager Edyta Chylinski at WCI’s Westshore Bay Club in Tampa, FL.

Age Gracefully With Proper Skincare

Here are some healthful aging tips to help ward off the signs of aging:

Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen daily with an SPF of 15 or higher:

The most important thing you can do for your skin is to consistently use sunscreen. Whether you are planning on being on the beach all day, just walking to your car or even if it is cloudy outside-sunscreen should be a part of your daily routine.  Sun damage is the number one cause of premature aging.  Ladies may want to consider buying make-up with sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher to ensure constant protection. Remember to use a chemical free sunscreen as chemicals in most over-the-counter sunscreens can damage the skin and may pose a risk to your health.

Keep skin hydrated:

Some people do not give enough credence to moisturizer, but it is a critical piece of the skincare puzzle. It keeps the skin moist, healthy and keeps our natural moisture barrier intact. Try not to purchase the least expensive moisturizer products as they can be rich in chemicals and do not give you a targeted treatment. You also want to make sure you are using a proper cleanser and an alcohol-free toner to balance PH.  This will round out a balanced, simple and yet effective daily skincare plan.

Do not be harsh on your skin:

In an effort to keep skin squeaky clean, most people overdo various skincare regimens. You should exfoliate once a week with no harsh scrubbing, as this can cause microscopic tears in the skin which allow bacteria to infiltrate. Avoid harsh chemical skincare ingredients. The rule of thumb is if you can’t pronounce the ingredients, don’t use the product!  If you are kind to your skin, it will be kind back!

Make sure to visit a skin care professional regularly:

Talking to a skincare professional will help establish a good base of knowledge about how to care for your skin. Skincare professionals can also help spot changes in your skin and prescribe the right treatments! Receiving regular facials in combination with the right skincare products can be the answer to keeping your skin healthy and beautiful!

This month’s Fitness Tip is provided by Fitness Coordinator Julie Haskett at WCI’s Club Renaissance in Sun City Center, FL.

Cross Training: Rev up your exercise program with variety!

Cross-training is an easy way to add variety to your exercise program. Here’s how it works and how to get started.

Cross-training combines two or more types of physical activity. If it sounds intense, don’t worry. Cross-training is an easy way to add variety to your exercise program, whether you want to live a healthier lifestyle or you’re an advanced athlete who wants a more varied training regimen. Click to continue reading »

This months tennis tip is provided by USPTA Director of Tennis Mary Fink at WCI’s The Colony Golf & Country Club in Bonita Springs, FL.

The Benefits of Proper Hip and Trunk Rotation for the Forehand Groundstroke

Many tennis players make the mistake of attempting to hit the ball using only their arm.  By doing this, not only is the chance for injury increased, but both control and power will be greatly diminished. Click to continue reading »

This recipe is provided by Executive Chef Desmond Maguire at WCI’s Hammock Bay Golf & Country Club in Naples, FL.

With summer comes mornings on the golf course and afternoons lounging at the pool.  Here’s a summer favorite for you to enjoy at home or to impress your guests! This has been a favorite of our membership at Hammock Bay and Chef Desmond is happy to pass on the recipe  for your enjoyment.  Happy cooking!

Fococcia with Steamed Mussels

Fococcia

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon white sugar

1 tablespoon active dry yeast

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1 pinch ground black pepper

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 cup water

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup mozzarella

Stir  the flour, salt, sugar, yeast, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, basil and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix in the vegetable oil and water.

When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl, and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Punch dough down; place on greased baking sheet. Pat into a 1/2 inch thick rectangle. Brush top with olive oil. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.

Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm

Steamed Mussels

4-5 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 onion diced or shallots
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
4-5 lbs. mussels, cleaned and de-bearded
1 cup white wine
couple pinches of pepper
couple pinches of salt

Heat a sauce pan over medium-high heat. Add oil. Add the onions when oil starts to smoke and. Sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add garlic, mussels, wine, parsley, salt and pepper. Cover pan immediately.

Give pan a good shake, and let steam for about 2 minutes. Check to see if the mussels have opened; if not, let steam for another minute.

If some mussels have not opened, discard them. Don’t cook any longer than 3 minutes because mussels are very easy to overcook and  become rubbery.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

This month’s featured wine was selected by Assistant Director of Food and Beverage Jessica Cruttenden at WCI’s Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, FL.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is a terrific summertime white wine.  It is dry, crisp and refreshing; best served chilled to 42-48 degrees that pairs well with many cuisines.  Many good bottles are available from each of the main Sauvignon Blanc-producing regions of France (Bordeaux & Loire), California, New Zealand, Chile & South Africa. Click to continue reading »

This months Golf Tip is provided by PGA Member and Head Golf Professional Chris Souchak from WCI’s Venetian Golf and River Club in Venice, FL.

Play from the Rough

Playing from the rough can be tough for any golfer.  Here are a few tips on how to make a tough shot easier.

Click to continue reading »

As an avid golfer, you know that you don’t always get to play in perfect weather. When the wind is blowing in harsh gusts, it will do some crazy things with your golf ball after it leaves your club. The following steps will help keep your score down during these windy conditions: Click to continue reading »

During the next month, I am offering a special facial called Fire & Ice, which provides a deep exfoliation (especially good for acne-prone skin), while also hydrating the skin. It finishes off with a cooling sensation to leave your skin glowing and looking healthier than ever. This is one hot facial you won’t want to shy away from.

What is your favorite spa treatment indulgence?

Chipping like a pro is easier to accomplish than you think if you follow these simple tips.

Utilize your chipping iron like a putter by raising it on its toe, thus lining up the clubface through the top edge of the club. Eliminate the wrist flip error from your chipping motion or you will inadvertently add loft to the club during your swing. Remember to move close enough to the ball so the club head is standing on its toe with the club shaft as vertical as possible. By doing this, you will eliminate any angle in your left wrist so that your club head won’t drop any lower through impact than it was at the initial ball address.

Place your weight on your left side so you will easily produce the proper angle of attack - a naturally descending motion. Drop your left foot back from the target line and let your weight settle naturally into your left hip. Remember your weight should start, stay and finish into your left side.

Remember that the fringe of the green is unpredictable. Bad bounces can destroy the line, soft turf can slow the ball down and hard turf can speed it up too much. Remember to select a spot at least one yard on the green where you want your chip to land.

Wow - did we have a seafood extravaganza at The Bay Club! We recently introduced few new member events at the Club, with our Bubba Gump Shrimp Night kicking off the fun-filled calendar of events. Next up, we have our annual Member Tree Trimming Party. This year we are also having our Marina Members deck their boats with lights to share in the holiday spirit. It should be quite a spectacular spectacle out on the bay and in the Club. We are also looking forward to other themed dinner, fun activities including our themed New Year’s Eve Party.

What memorable event comes to mind that you are looking forward to attending this holiday season?