Tampa Bay doesn’t get any snow, but the holiday spirit still shows up in big, joyful ways. We swap stories about the traditions that make December feel like home: sugar cookies baked with precision, a chaotic Christmas Eve Walmart run for secret stocking stuffers, and a pickup hockey morning that turns friends into family. Along the way we talk about blending cultures—Hanukkah with grandma, New Year’s memories from childhood, and the cozy sparkle of a Christmas tree—and how those layers create a season that feels rich and personal.

We also dig into what it means to rebuild rituals after military moves. When you’re far from relatives, traditions become portable anchors: a recipe card that crosses state lines, a running gag gift that resurfaces each year, or ice time rented so the kids can chase pucks while parents sip coffee and catch up. Tampa Bay’s an unlikely winter sports haven, and we celebrate the region’s thriving hockey scene, from busy rinks to youth programs that keep the game growing. It’s proof you can find winter magic in a sunshine city.

Most of all, we lean into joy over perfection. Opening stockings one at a time lets every laugh land. A casual skate reminds kids to love the game, not just train for it. And baking turns a crowded calendar into something warm and shared. Press play to pick up ideas you can borrow, adapt, or start fresh—then tell us your favorite tradition so we can try it next time. If the conversation warms your day, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more Tampa Bay neighbors find the show.

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!

A new teammate with a fighter pilot’s focus can change how you see real estate. We’re thrilled to introduce David Paolillo, a former Air Force pilot and current commercial aviator, whose years of military moves, overseas living, and DIY remodels shaped a practical playbook for buying smart, selling confidently, and turning “ugly duckling” houses into equity. His story starts with constant relocation and ends with choosing Florida on his own terms—no orders, just intention—and the mindset that makes those decisions stick.

We explore what most listings won’t show you: bones, neighborhoods, and budget-friendly upgrades that compound over time. David walks through the Phoenix property he almost skipped, how the right agent reframed its potential, and the step-by-step approach that doubled equity in four years. For Tampa Bay buyers and sellers, the takeaways are clear: prioritize structure and location, invest in high-impact updates, and use market context to make time work for you.

We also push back on persistent myths around VA loans. Far from slow or risky, VA buyers are often the most organized and motivated clients in the market. With accurate expectations and a lender who knows the process, VA financing can move fast and clean—great news for sellers chasing certainty. Add modern tools like high-definition video tours and live neighborhood walkthroughs, and long-distance or overseas purchases become not only possible but efficient.

Mindset is the throughline. From the cockpit to the closing table, staying ahead of the deal matters: prepare early, solve the closest problem first, and keep your cool when stakes run high. We share negotiation tips, inspection strategies, and ways to protect your pace, whether you’re relocating under pressure or choosing a forever home in Tampa Bay. If you’re ready to spot value others miss, this conversation gives you the frameworks to act with confidence.

If this episode sparks ideas or helps reframe your next move, follow the show, share it with a friend, and drop us a review with your biggest takeaway. Your feedback helps us bring more expert voices and sharper insights to your feed.

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!

Ever wonder what actually happens to your home, your care, and your savings if life throws a curveball before your will is even read? We brought in elder law attorney Jon Kinsella to walk us through the real world playbook: how to plan for long term care, keep control of your house, and avoid preventable court delays that drain time and money.

We start by drawing a clear line between traditional estate planning and elder law. Distribution after death matters, but so does the question few ask out loud: what if you outlive your money? Jon explains the Florida friendly tools that balance control with protection, including the enhanced life estate (Lady Bird) deed. You’ll hear why it lets an owner keep full authority to sell during life while ensuring the property transfers automatically at death, often bypassing probate and preserving homestead benefits when used correctly. For families juggling real estate decisions, that difference can be the gap between a smooth sale and months of costly limbo.

From there, we get tactical. Turning 18? You need a durable power of attorney and a health care surrogate with HIPAA authorization so someone you trust can act and access information if needed. Bought a home, moved states, or had kids? Review wills and trusts every two to four years so your documents match your life. We also tackle the hard numbers on nursing care—often $13–14k per month—and how lawful Medicaid planning can protect a healthy spouse at home while securing needed care. Along the way, John demystifies probate, why it’s sometimes helpful, and how trustees can stay out of trouble with simple prep like dedicated trust bank accounts and organized records.

If you want clarity instead of a crisis when a decision can’t wait, this conversation gives you the vocabulary and next steps to act with confidence. Share this with someone caring for aging parents, a new homeowner, or any 18 year old heading to college. Subscribe for more Tampa Bay stories and practical guides, and leave a review to tell us what planning topic you want us to cover next.

For more information and resources related to this episode, visit hkhelderlaw.com to meet all your elder law needs. You can also contact them at (727) 240-2350 to schedule a free consultation!

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!

The season feels different when you build it on purpose. We open the door to our Thanksgiving world—where a birthday-first rule delays the decorations, a kid flies home to hang familiar ornaments, and a fragile century-old heirloom claims the center of the tree. It’s memory as décor, a weekend where rituals do the real work of slowing life down.

From there, we pass plates and swap stories. We talk about growing up with packed houses and football rivalries humming in the background, and how retail years rewired our calendars, pushing us toward earlier lights and simpler expectations. The kitchen becomes a family archive: grandmother’s stuffing from scratch, sweet potatoes crowned with marshmallows, brisket joining the lineup, and cinnamon rolls warming parade morning while the Rockettes kick off the day. Friends blend into family at our table—people with holiday birthdays, neighbors who became regulars—reminding us that hospitality is less about perfect menus and more about open chairs.

We also share what this season taught us: skip the stampede, keep your patience, and choose grace for the people working the busiest shifts. And yes, we tackle the most passionate debate on the table—cranberry sauce with the can’s iconic lines or the bright pop of homemade, sometimes with orange or a hint of heat. Our take: let both exist. Traditions evolve when life changes, and that’s the beauty of them. Press play for a warm, practical guide to crafting meaning over noise, and then tell us the one ritual you won’t skip this year.

If this conversation made you smile or sparked a new idea for your own traditions, subscribe, share with a friend who loves the holidays, and leave a quick review—what’s the dish or ritual that says “home” to you?

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!

What if the hardest part of helping an aging parent wasn’t the stuff, but the stress? We sit down with Caring Transitions owners Billy and Jeff to unpack a smarter, kinder way to handle downsizing, estate cleanouts, and senior moves in the greater Tampa Bay area. From turning a “hoarder’s dream” into a market-ready listing to recovering value through online auctions, this conversation maps the steps families can take to save time, reduce costs, and protect what matters.

We dig into the full-service approach: space planning that reimagines life in a 500–700 square foot apartment, digital inventories that strengthen insurance claims and simplify estates, and coordinated teams who clean, catalog, sell, donate, and prepare the home for photography without endless weekend trips or hotel stays. Billy and Jeff share how CTBids auctions can fund the process, how donations support local nonprofits and families in transition, and why even small items—like half-used cleaners—can make a real difference when placed in the right hands.

You’ll also hear how a national franchise network creates continuity when loved ones live in different states, offering trusted referrals and a single point of contact from start to finish. In a world where scams increasingly target seniors, working with licensed, insured, background-checked professionals is more than convenience—it’s protection. If the holidays open a window for hard conversations, use this guide to talk about what to keep, what to sell, what to donate, and how to plan a move that preserves dignity and reduces friction for everyone involved.

If you’re ready to simplify the transition and ensure a smooth process for your family, reach out to Billy or Jeff with Caring Transitions for personalized assistance:

• Contact Billy: wsigmund@caringtransitions.com | (813) 295-2950
• Contact Jeff: jnewcomb@caringtransitions.com | (727)458-5826

Get started today!

Subscribe for more Tampa Bay stories that blend real estate, community resources, and practical support. Share this episode with someone facing a transition, and leave a review to help others find the help they need.

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!

Waterfront vibes without the beach drive. We take you inside Tampa Bay’s lagoon communities to show how crystal-clear, seven-acre lagoons, cabanas, bars, slides, and event calendars are changing the way families live, play, and connect. From golf cart parades and movie nights to football Sundays and teen hangouts, the amenities feel like a resort layered onto everyday life—especially for those who want the water without the crowds, parking hassles, or wildlife worries.

We map the major stops: Epperson in Wesley Chapel, Mirada in San Antonio with its Connected City backroads and 55-plus options, Angeline in Land O’ Lakes near the Veterans corridor, Southshore Bay Lagoon in Wimauma, and Seaire in Parrish where construction is surging ahead of the lagoon’s debut. Along the way, we talk builders and budgets, from mid-300s townhomes to luxury WestBay homes north of a million, and why proximity to schools and new retail often accelerates demand when a lagoon opens.

Costs matter, so we unpack the one-time lagoon buy-in at closing, monthly HOA dues, guest access, and the Florida-specific CDD that funds infrastructure and appears on your tax bill. We compare how CDDs differ when counties vs HOAs maintain roads, why some neighborhoods show higher taxes but lower HOAs, and how to evaluate long-term value and resale. If you’re moving to Tampa Bay—or just rethinking your ZIP code—this tour helps you find the right fit for your lifestyle, whether you crave a social hub, quick commutes, or a quieter pocket near the water.

If this helped you see Tampa Bay living in a new light, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a quick review so more locals can find it.

If you are looking for more information, please fill out this form HERE and we will be in touch shortly.

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!

Unlock the secrets to a magical Walt Disney World Christmas with our ultimate guide to festive fun and unforgettable experiences, many of which are free or budget-friendly. We lay out a step-by-step plan for savoring Walt Disney World at Christmas, from the big-ticket thrills of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party to a resort-hopping strategy that trades lines for lights, gingerbread, and unforgettable photo spots. If you’ve ever wondered how to watch Magic Kingdom fireworks for free or where the most jaw-dropping decorations live, this guide turns curiosity into a ready-to-run plan.

We start with the essentials: select 2025 dates for the Very Merry party, what makes the parade and Minnie’s fireworks worth the splurge, and how to time your night so you actually enjoy treats and rides. Then we pivot to the real superpower—moving around property like a local. Park at Disney Springs, bus to Magic Kingdom, and ride the monorail through the Contemporary and Polynesian before gliding to more resorts. Even with the Grand Floridian lobby under refurbishment this year, there’s no shortage of wonder: the Beach Club’s motorized gingerbread carousel, richly themed trees at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and meticulously crafted displays that match each resort’s story.

Food lovers get more than cocoa. Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays stacks cultural traditions with tasting portions, so you can sample seasonal plates and festive drinks around the World Showcase without falling into decision fatigue. At Disney Springs, the Christmas Tree Stroll becomes a cheerful scavenger hunt—grab a map, match themed stickers to trees, and discover a few clever hides in shop windows. Cap the night with a lounge stop at the Contemporary and slip outside for a perfect view of fireworks, no park ticket required.

Whether you’re planning a once-a-year splurge or building a free-and-festive evening, these routes, dates, and tips help you do more with less. Subscribe for more smart travel playbooks, share this with your Disney crew, and leave a review with your best holiday hack—we might feature it next.

To see all the happenings at Walt Disney World during the holiday season, click here.

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!

What do grape-stained feet, a fashion sketchbook, small-business consulting and a cleanly negotiated contract have in common? For Candace, they’re all chapters of the same story: learning to see clearly, move decisively, and put people first. We hand her the mic to trace the path from Oregon’s boutique wineries to a real estate practice built on trust, taste, and relentless follow-through.

Candace opens up about harvest days in the Willamette Valley, where she experienced doing everything from pouring flights for guests to standing waist-deep in fermenting grapes. That grit shaped her process mindset: prepare carefully, adapt quickly, and protect quality end to end. Pair that with fashion design training and you get a rare talent in showings—someone who can help clients visualize how a space might live, not just how it looks today. Black walls stop being a problem; they become a plan. Small changes unlock big potential.

We also dig into the reality of career change and exam anxiety. Candace shares how disciplined study and a willingness to face discomfort gave her a new lane, and how that rigor now benefits buyers and sellers under pressure. Her sales background isn’t about scripts; it’s about consultative listening, smart questions, and principled negotiation that defends client outcomes without the pushy vibe people dread.

A powerful through-line is her service to military families. With a Navy veteran husband and deep community ties, Candace understands PCS moves, compressed timelines, and the emotional load of relocating every two to three years. She leverages VA expertise and a trusted referral network to match families with the right neighborhoods, schools, and support systems, whether they’re arriving or shipping out. It’s more than a purchase; it’s a landing.

If you care about thoughtful real estate, military-friendly guidance, and practical design vision, you’ll feel at home here. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s facing a move, and leave a review to tell us what topics you want next. Your feedback shapes where we go.

For more information about Winderlea Vineyard & Winery, where Candace previously worked and is mentioned in this episode, visit their website at winderlea.com.

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!