Deliciously handcrafted by Royal Palm Chocolates

One of the best parts about being a PR professional is getting to know a wonderful variety of people and discovering their passions along the way.  Over the past few weeks, I have devoted a lot of time to “new client immersion” with Royal Palm Chocolates of Naples, Fla., owners Philip and Stephanie Fincher and their strategic manager, Sam Hernandez.  How to describe this experience?  In a word: sweet!

To get educated on the world of fine Belgian chocolate and the artistry that goes into creating these confections, I spent some time last week with Philip Fincher who shared information about combining just the right amounts of specially imported ingredients, as well as the finer points of temperature and how it affects the final, scrumptious results. His demonstration revealed the perfect blend of precision and creativity as he spoke about innovative recipes and tantalizing flavors while measuring to the exact iota. Daughter Brittany pitched in, already an able apprentice on her way to becoming a fine chocolatier in her own right.

A former attorney, Philip, Stephanie and their family took a huge leap to fulfill his lifelong passion.  Once he decided to leave the practice of law, Philip attended the renowned Ewald Notter’s School of Pastry Arts where he graduated at the top of his class.  Next, Philip landed a coveted position in the pastry kitchen of the 5-Star and 5-Diamond Ritz Carlton Beach Resort in Naples. When the opportunity arose for the Finchers to open their own chocolate shop, Royal Palm Chocolates was born.

Since then, they have moved forward with a clear vision and an incredible passion for what they do.  In only two years, the company has garnered local and national acclaim for creativity, adventurous flavor combinations and “true” chocolate taste that comes through in every bite.  They have expanded from retail to include corporate gifting, the bridal industry and major special events.

A fabulous selection includes more than 23 gourmet flavors enhanced by fruity fillings, smooth liqueurs, exotic spices and more, with no added preservatives. One can also indulge in delicate chocolate wafer cookies or a delicious array of milk and dark chocolate bark. The entire staff has an impeccable eye for detail that extends from the distinctive chocolate creations to gorgeously designed jewel box packaging. To put it simply, they are doing everything right.

Royal Palm Chocolates...absolutely delicious and beautifully packaged!

One of the best aspects of my daily PR life is growing and nurturing client relationships with those who are so dedicated to quality and excellence in everything they do – their work inspires me to be better too.  And one or two chocolates along the way makes the experience even sweeter!

To continue the conversation, visit my site at pkecreative.com.

Every day is like a new gift!

Every day offers something exciting and new — I am constantly amazed  by the talented and passionate people I come across in my life as a PR professional. What other career would present the opportunity to meet with experts in environmentally friendly trash bin cleaning, olive oil and wild animals — all in the same week?  Here’s just a sampling of the inspiring, exciting goings on in my little realm….

American Bin Cleaning's wash container truck: eco-friendly & clean bins!

While it doesn’t sound sexy or glamorous, American Bin Cleaning has a whole new take on properly cleaning trash bins in Florida. We all know how unpleasant it can be when even after the trash is picked up, vile germs and odors remain. Well, this company has outfitted an automated truck that lifts trash bins and toters with a robotic arm, pressure washes the bin and puts it back in place.  The best part?  The water and cleaning agents are contained within the truck so they don’t upset the water table or drainage systems — the dirty water is taken to an approved location for disposal keeping the environment safe from bleaches or chemicals that could seep into the drainage systems.  It’s a great service that even if done only once a month makes a huge difference in keeping the neighborhood free from ecoli and other bacteria — and smells a whole lot better!

Naples Olive Oil Company offers more than 40 flavors of organic olive oil...fresh from the press!

Next, I had the lovely opportunity to meet Marie Heiland, olive oil purveyor and owner of the Naples Olive Oil Company in Naples, FL.  She awoke my taste buds to a whole new sensation — I had no idea that organically grown, extra virgin olive oil of the highest quality could be so completely different from the ordinary variety we usually have in our pantries.  I have now been introduced to a whole new world of culinary delights — infused olive oils and balsamics that have come to Naples straight from the presses in record time.  It’s important to note that the higher levels of antioxidants and polyphenols depend on the speed in which the olives are picked, pressed and transported — at Naples Olive Oil Company, one is assured of the freshest oils with the area’s highest levels of healthy antioxidants.  And the tastes are wonderful!  From blood orange infused (perfect for fish) to Tuscan herbal (great on pasta), there is something to please every palate.  Our mini-tasting reminded me of wine tasting….and I am excited to now be part of a whole new “foodie” world. Watch for Marie on an upcoming segment of Lifetime TV’s The Balancing Act in January!

You can discover exotic birds, rare reptiles & pink flamingoes at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, one of Florida's oldest attractions!

Finally, I learned that Sarasota Jungle Gardens’ 70th anniversary year is capping off with an extra special Holiday Lights event at the family-owned attraction.  Beautiful decorations, elaborate lights, musical entertainment and a truly cost saving menu enhance an adventurous walk through the gardens — what a setting to encounter alligators, snakes, exotic birds (including flamingoes), monkeys and more….kicking off a really “wild” holiday season!

So how’s that for variety?  It comes as no surprise that I am engaged and inspired by the people I meet each day. Learn more about my daily delights at www.pkecreative.com.

Also called Halotherapy (halos means salt in Greek), this natural treatment which is well-known and documented in Europe, takes place in a dry, sterile environment that recreates a natural microclimate identical to ancient salt caves and salt mines.  People who have turned to this natural solution have reported positive results. Very popular in Europe, Andrea says there are only three salt caves in the U.S. at this time.

Located on busy US 41 in North Naples, FL, once inside visitors enter a “cave” — a soothing, quiet environment created by Andrea, her sister and her husband.  Before opening, they imported and installed 20 tons of Himalayan dry rock salt. (Keep in mind this is very different from table salt which is nothing more than sodium chloride with additives.)

With our area’s only salt generator, the aerosolized microparticles are released, penetrating deep into the lungs, fighting pollutants and destroying bacteria.  The results?

People who undergo salt therapy have experienced improvement in ailments such as:

Asthma

Bronchitis

Pneumonia

Sinusitis

Hay Fever

Arthritis

Allergies

Smoker’s Cough

Stress & Exhaustion

Psoriasis and Eczema

The whole ambience and experience can make you feel better and breathe easier as soon as you walk in.  Special salt lamps and gemstone jewelry adorn the comfortable waiting area, and meeting Andrea is a special experience in itself.  She has in-depth knowledge of Halotherapy and is committed to helping others find natural alternatives to return to good health. Her concern is sincere and I am eager to know her better.

I am excited to get started on sharing more and writing about news and results from the Salt Cave, a very unique and fascinating holistic approach.

Check back for updates as we move forward or for more information on PR Solutions, visit me at www.pkecreative.com