Being animal lovers ourselves, Rob and I wanted to plug the Gulf Coast Humane Society this year for the holidays, hoping that a few of you locally may be thinking about a pet in your future and will head over and “make some dog or cat’s day” by giving them a loving home!

The Humane Society (located at 2010 Arcadia St in Ft. Myers) does such a great job of taking care of lost or abandoned pets and preparing them for adoption, that someone just needs to do a shout-out to them and thank them for their caring efforts…

Right now, their website showcases 44 adorable dogs of all sizes, shapes and breeds, as well as 9 cuddly cats… all just waiting to meet YOU!

So, make someone’s day and at least go have a look… a new best friend and companion could be in your future…

Have a great weekend,

Sandy and Rob

p.s. If you’re buying or selling property on Sanibel or Captiva, be sure to give us a shout or visit us at Sanibel Beach Homes!

Photo courtesy of AdventureInParadiseInc.com

Goin’ 26 years strong, Sanibel and Captiva Islands continue to delight locals and tourists alike, with one of the most anticipated events of the year – The Annual Luminary Festival!

Starting at dusk this Friday evening, Dec. 3rd, on Sanibel Island (specifically Periwinkle Way), this family-friendly, trail of lights “joyfest” will kick off… with a repeat performance the following evening, Dec. 4th, on Captiva Island (specifically in The Village).

The purpose of this great event has evolved over the years… starting out in the late ’80s as a way to keep the islands in the forefront of peoples’ minds as a “true holiday destination” in between the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday dates, when it tended to get pretty quiet on the islands and local businesses’ coffers got pretty low.

As the years went by, the festival evolved and expanded into a full-blown “excuse” for tourists to plan to be there in order to experience the beauty of the islands all lit up and glowing, in addition to taking part in a real “tight community” atmosphere that personifies locals supporting local businesses and the truest sense of comradery.  The islands shine with personality during this festival and show anyone lucky enough to be there, exactly how great it is to live on and be a part of the Sanibel and Captiva “family”.

Three miles of paper lanterns will light the way to beautiful storefronts, live music and great food!  Don’t miss out because it really is a once-a-year festivity well worth the wait!

If you’re interested (as I was) in the history of this unique event, you can read more about it right here:  History of the Sanibel-Captiva Island Luminary Festival

We will see you there, no doubt…

Have a great week,

Sandy and Rob

p.s.  Home sales ARE happening… check out Sanibel Beach Homes

Hi all!

I cannot believe that Thanksgiving is only a week and a half away, can you?

Well, I thought it would be fun to track down and compile some easy, fast Thanksgiving recipes that you can prepare prior to the big day and not feel so rushed as the turkey is cooking!

So, take a peek below at what I found by clicking here:  Fun, Fast Thanksgiving Recipes — YUUUM!  (You can even download the entire thing by clicking the download button at the top, above the document)

Oops, the only thing I forgot to do is include the name of each recipe on top of the ingredients, so the list below shows what recipes are in the booklet that I complied:

1. Rosemary Pecans
2. Goat Cheese Spread
3. Cannellini Bean, Scallion, and Prosciutto Dip
4. Tender Greens with Champagne Vinaigrette
5. Lettuce, Orange and Pecan Salad
6. Cranberry and Orange Relish
7. Chilled Pineapple-Cranberry Relish
8. Cranberry Sauce
9. Green Bean Salad with Walnuts, Fennel and Goat Cheese
10. Autumn Cabbage Slaw
11. Fennel and Apricot Stuffing
12. Baked Spinach and Gruyere
13. Spiced Sweet Potato Wedges
14. Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Golden Raisins
15. Cider-Roasted Vegetables
16. Mashed Sour Cream and Scallion Potatoes
17. Roast Butternut Squash Puree
18. Pumpkin Cheesecake
19. Sweet Potato Pie
20. Pressed-Crust Pear Tart
21. Pumpkin Bread
22. Chocolate Silk Pie
23. Gingersnap Pear Cheesecake
24. Citrus Pound Cake with Cranberry Syrup

A HUGE thanks to the folks over at RealSimple.com who have the originals of these recipes and you can click their link as well!!

Ok, you enjoy yourselves and we’ll see you next week,

Sandy and Rob

p.s. Sanibel Beach Homes still available

Photo Courtesy of www.dingdarlingsociety.org

Yep, it’s that time of year again… when we get to experience all of the wonder and awe of our beautiful J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge!

So, start planning ahead as to which events you will attend with the family because the fun begins on Sunday, October 17th with “Family Day” and runs through Saturday, October 23rd.

There are so many things to do with the kids, including wildlife shows of the many different reptiles and even bald eagles.  There will be a “touch tank” and a “butterfly house” and even a conservation cartoon drawing contest.  Lots of opportunities to create cool nature hand crafts and face painting.

You can take a tram tour through the refuge or go on a cruise around it.  More hands-on would be to take a guided kayak tour and get up close and personal with the wildlife!

Just about anything you could ask for during this action-packed week…

Hope to see you there!

Have a great weekend,

Sandy and Rob

p.s. Sanibel Beach Homes

Are you a biker? Do you enjoy longer bike trips that take you all day to get through?

If so, then there are plenty of opportunities for you in and around Sanibel and Captiva.

We have some of the most beautiful trails that wind through lovely wildlife reserves, as well as over bridges and sand dunes, all with spectacular views.

Even outside of Sanibel and Captiva, over on the mainland, there are amazing trails that will take you through mangrove orchards and sabal palm trees.  One such place is the Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park where you can easily spend the day enjoying the different trails and lookout points over the water.

One couple moved to Florida recently and shares their experience, which I thought was a nice way to introduce people outside of Florida to this low-maintenance outdoor activity with plenty of high-impact nature and wildlife.

You can read all about it here:  Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

Ok, that’s it for this week, hope you can get out and enjoy the trails this weekend!

Have a good one,

Sandy and Rob

p.s.  Sanibel Beach Homes

Who doesn’t love the Easter weekend and especially a beautiful Easter brunch?

It’s one of the only times of the year where you have the perfect excuse to go out and indulge yourself in all of the yummy breakfast-y type foods with no huilt whatsoever… Hallelluyah!  :)

So, where are you going to brunch?

The Thistle Lodge at  Casa Ybel always puts on a beautiful spread, as well as the Island Cow for a more casual affair…

But don’t rule out the amazing Old Captiva House on Captiva Island… it’s incredible as well!

So, wherever you decide to go, do enjoy the long weekend and we here at SanCap One Source Realty wish you a very very Happy Easter!

See you next week,

Sandy and Rob