Author: midlifesnowbird

Books Connect Snowbirds to Community: Six Favorite Local Gulf Coast Books

I am honored to have two original maps published in “Florida’s Emerald Coast, A Pathway to Paradise” by Robert Reynolds Books Connect Snowbirds to Community Six Favorite Local and Regional Gulf Coast Books At the end of summer when the weather starts changing and there’s 

BeachFront, Ocean Front, Ocean View: What to Know

An example of prime beachfront property, the units are directly accessible to the sand at ground level. Miramar Beach, Northwest Florida. Beachfront, Ocean Front, Ocean View What to Know About the Nuances of Beach Rental Terminology Snowbirds looking for a place with “beachfront” in the 

Cook Like a Pro: The Basics

Beautiful and simple butternut squash pasta with freshly grated parmesan cheese
Beautiful and simple butternut squash pasta with freshly grated parmesan cheese

Cook Like a Pro

The basics of cooking like a professional chef


When it comes to cooking, I've found that snowbirds fall into two groups: the non-cooks and the foodies. I consider myself a foodie and am guessing the non-cooks focus on pre-made meals and food they can assemble, heat up or purchase from a drive-through, delivery service or carry out kind of place. I have many snowbird friends who fall into this category for one reason or another. 

I didn't start out as a foodie, although looking back it seems inevitable. From a young age, I was taught how to cook by my mother and grandmothers because it was a necessary survival skill. I learned to prepare and serve family meals every week starting at the age of 11 because my parents had full time jobs and their children were expected to contribute to the household by working in the kitchen. My experience was mostly based on learning a few basic skills to be able to follow hand-written recipe cards that were kept in a small file. On assigned cooking nights, my job was not only to plan, prepare and serve the meals on time, but to create meals that were nutritionally balanced, within budget with ingredients that we already had on hand and not a repeat of what someone else already recently served. It was a lot of responsibility, but I learned that eating well is rewarding and preparing food to enjoy with others is comforting and worthwhile.

As an adult, the evolution of television shows on networks dedicated entirely to food and cooking intrigued me. I became a huge fan of the shows that explained and cooking techniques plus so much more. Tantalizing new recipes were readily shared on the shows as well as flavor combinations and terminology that I didn't even realize existed. My vocabulary and knowledge of cuisine increased to the point that some family members, such as my dad, had no idea what I was talking about. As the years went by, I was inspired to take local cooking classes with a variety of talented professional chefs as well as food enthusiast instructors. The classes included techniques and recipes featuring hors d'oeuvres, soups, salads, mains, cocktails, desserts and foods of other cultures such as Cajun cuisine and the foods of India, South America, Italy, France, Thailand and Japanese sushi. The primary difference of watching a tv show vs. in-person classroom instruction is all about being able to taste the results. I truly enjoy my cooking classes and look forward to each of them. 

Below is an overview of the very basics to cook like a pro. Once you incorporate the basic techniques, you can build from there. The key is to follow the basics. Every. Single. Time. Bon appétit!


Recipe for Butternut Squash Pasta [Pictured above]

 


Fresh, Quality Ingredients

Start with fresh, quality ingredients whenever possible.

    1. Choose the freshest produce, fruit and perishables
    2. Fresh herbs make a difference
    3. If your budget permits, select better cuts of meat, such as ground chuck vs. ground beef for better flavor.
    4. Fresh fish is ideal when possible
    5. Properly store your ingredients until ready to use
    6. Frozen white fish is acceptable, but I've not had good results with frozen slabs of salmon
    7. Freeze ingredients that won't be used right away, such as meat

Know Your Flavor Combinations 

Tomato and basil; chocolate and peanut butter; sour cream and onion; olive oil with garlic or basil; apple and cinnamon; strawberries and bananas, salt and vinegar; lemon and lime are examples of popular flavor combinations. Lesser known combos include bacon and brown sugar; cream and nutmeg; chocolate and hazelnut or coffee; sea salt (fleur de sel) and caramel or chocolate; pineapple and coconut; blueberries and lemon; teriyaki and beef; bourbon and brown sugar; strawberries and balsamic vinegar for example. "The Flavor Bible: The Essential Guide to Culinary Creativity, Based on the Wisdom of America's Most Imaginative Chefs" is a best-selling book and respected source professional chefs turn to for more extensive flavor combinations and ideas.


Practice "Mise en Plas" 

Prep Ingredients Bourbon Chocolate Nut Pie Midlife Snowbird
Prep your ingredients for Bourbon Chocolate Nut Pie: clockwise from the bottom: Kosher salt, vanilla, brown sugar, sugar, eggs, corn starch and bourbon (center)

A French term that literally means "setting in place," Mies en plas (pronounced MEEZ ahn plahs) is a technique of gathering all of your ingredients, tools and equipment prior to beginning the food prep. Professional chefs do this to easily identify if all ingredients are acceptable and accounted for and thus they can assemble meals more efficiently and quickly. Pans, mixing bowls, knives and other tools and equipment are readied first and ingredients are peeled, cut, sliced, grated and measured.


Consistent Cuts, Slices, Dices  

Professional chefs go to great lengths to make consistent cuts, slices and dices. Use an appropriate good quality knife with sharp blades. If you don't already own a variety of serrated knives, a chef's knife and paring knife, it's a good investment for the home chef. You don't have to have amazing knife skills, but it does help. When preparing food to be heated, the pieces need to be similar in size so they cook evenly. If prepping salad or soup ingredients, the pieces need to be smaller than the fork or spoon so they don't flop over the sides of the utensil as it traverses into one's mouth.


Recipe for Bourbon Chocolate Nut Pie


Properly Heat Your Oven and Equipment

By properly heating your oven and equipment, it saves time but it doesn't save electricity and that's OK.

  1. Preheat your oven in advance of starting the food prep so the oven is waiting on you, not the other way around
  2. Preheat your stovetop skillets and pans
  3. When the pans/skillets are adequately hot, add the water, butter or oil and adequately heat it prior to adding any other ingredients

Season Every Layer, Check and Recheck Seasonings

Seasoning every layer makes a distinct difference. One of my favorite chef instructors admitted that in the past, he didn't realize how much of an impact it has until he accepted a challenge to try it both ways. Now he religiously seasons every layer. Think of it like adding lotion directly to your skin vs. through a sweater. Absurd yes, but the point is made. When the food is warm, it will "grab" the flavor more than when cold, so it's important to add the seasonings before chilling the meat or food. If you plan to season, then chill the food, the seasoning will become more intense with time and colder temps. Always taste and adjust the seasonings to cook like a pro. Properly seasoned food does not need added salt or seasonings by your guests, it should be adequately flavorful when served.


Presentation, Presentation, Presentation

We eat with our eyes prior to the first bite. Restaurant chefs go to great lengths to make the food look appealing and use all kinds of methods to enhance the presentation. Presentation can make the difference of someone being willing to try an entree or passing it by even if it has the most amazing flavor. Until recently, I didn't realize foods such as sushi are prepared with presentation, rather than flavor as the overall objective. It never occurred to me that presentation could be more important than flavor. I prefer both, but to each their own. Thanks to the internet and social media, there are endless opportunities to enhance your presentation skills. Have fun, be creative and don't forget to use enhancements such as knotted bamboo picks, garnishes, tiny paper umbrellas and other flair for your beautiful, picture-perfect presentations.


 

"You don't have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces -- just good food from fresh ingredients.”

-- Julia Child, American Cooking Instructor, Author, and Television Personality


DISCLAIMER

The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from or in connection with, the use of this website.

Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Midlife Snowbird. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links or advertisements does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.

Where to Shop to Furnish Your Vacation Rental

Where to Shop Where to shop to furnish your vacation rental or second home Personally, I’m not a shopper. I’d rather do almost anything else than run to the store for something. Professionally, I’ve become adept at finding everything needed to furnish our vacation rental 

Flying Snowbirds

Cosmo is an international flying snowdog who lives in Germany and has made seven round trips to NW Florida since he was a pup Flying Snowbirds Are you a good candidate to fly to your warm weather destination? Flying snowbirds are a bit of an 

How to Book Direct With Owners

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How to Book Direct With Owners

Where to Find Rental Owners and Avoid Extra Fees


One common question I encounter from snowbirds is how and where to find rental owners and property managers. It's a great question and with some diligence, it can be done. Rental properties, whether for vacation rentals or snowbirds are typically listed with more than one source. Properties want you to find them one way or another: their goal is to book dates. For snowbirds who typically stay weeks or months at a time, the costs can rapidly add up and every opportunity to cut fees is appreciated.

Third party sites such as Vrbo, Airbnb, HomeAway, BringFido plus others exist to quickly and conveniently match properties with guests, but that comes with additional costs, not only for the hosts, but the clients. Snowbirds who directly connect with the owner and/or property manager have the advantage of obtaining the very best rates without added fees. Keep in mind, many owners contract with property managers to run the day-to-day operations of the rental, so if you find that you're dealing with a property manager, that's essentially the same as dealing with the owner. If you find an owner who also manages their property, that's as good as it gets regarding negotiating the best rates.  Following are three excellent strategies for directly booking your snowbird rental property. 


1. Search Via Third Party Web Sites, Then Book Direct Via the Owner or Property Manager's Site

First, let's clarify what "Book direct" actually means. Literally, it means you will reserve your rental directly through the owner and/or property manager. No third party "middle" entities will be involved. With every layer, whether a third party web site or booking type of service, fees are typically added.

Online Travel Agencies, also known as OTA's, are great resources for broadly looking for rental properties. It's my number one recommendation of where to start. Thousands of properties are listed by availability, price, geographical region, view, amenities, features and whether or not they accept pets, plus many other ways to filter the results.

Looking is one thing, booking through the OTA's is not necessary. Therefore, use the OTA sites as a resource tool until you find a property you want to book and then seek the owner or property manager's direct web site.

Examples of well known and reputable OTA's are Vrbo and Airbnb. To be listed on the web sites, properties pay an annual fee, plus additional fees with each booking that comes via the site. Guests do too. Examples of fees that guests pay include line items that show any of the following: "Service fee," "Booking Fee," "Host Fee" and more variations of these terms. Cleaning fees and damage waiver fees may be part of the "Host Fee" and therefore are usually charged no matter how or where you book your rental. To be sure, look at each line item of what the fees are for. Often, the nightly rates are higher on the OTA sites than the owner or property manager's sites.

Property managers typically have their own web site and some, but not all owners do too. It should be fairly easy to identify if a web site is that of an owner or property manager because it will say, "Hosted by XYZ" or "Managed by XYZ." If you aren't entirely sure, contact the phone number to inquire. If there's no phone number, be cautious, that's a red flag.

If a specific property name is given, such as "Maravilla Resort #2411 in Miramar Beach Florida" it's fairly easy to look up the property address and additional web sites may also show the same property.

If a property is not easily identified because the exact location isn't revealed until you book the property via an OTA, use the description and photos to find the same property elsewhere online. As an example, if the property is named something distinctive such as, "Lakeside Hills Hideaway," "Flip Flop Paradise," "Fireside Mountain Lodge," "Pink Dolphin by the Bay" and the city and state are shown, then use those terms to search for it online. The property name, photos and description should match what you already located on an OTA site.

Once you're confident you've found the property via various web sites, carefully compare the nightly or monthly rates and fees before booking your reservation. Line item by line item, the fees and rates should be disclosed prior to reserving. Taxes, including state, local and lodging taxes are also disclosed before booking a rental. It's better to thoroughly research in advance than to try to cancel and seek a refund so you can re-book direct.


2. Join Dedicated Online Rental Groups for Your Geographical Area

Many vacationers and snowbirds utilize specialty online groups dedicated to matching rental properties with travelers. This is a win-win for both, although be very careful and aware of scammers posing as managers of rental properties who infiltrate the groups.

Examples of specialty groups on Facebook include names such as "Your Area Vacation Rentals" or "Your City Condo Rentals" or "Your State Snowbird Renters and Rentals" -- you get the idea. Some of the groups are public, others are private and the number of members are listed. Private groups require hosts and guests to seek and obtain approval to join the group.

Once you join the group, you can make a post such as "Seeking a pet friendly, 1 BR, 1 BA pet friendly condo for two adults for January and February of 2024. A lake view is preferred, but not essential. Max budget is $5,000, including all fees and taxes." If anyone in the group sees your post and has availability within your criteria, they will respond to your post with a direct link to their property and tell you an overview of why they believe their property is a good match. From there, you can see if there's anything you like or post again at a later time, perhaps with a different message or budget.


3. Ask to Have Your Request Added to an Owner's Group

I've met many snowbirds who are renting at a particular condo complex that they like and want to stay within the same complex, but want to move to a different unit for various reasons. I always encourage them to request an owner post on their behalf in the private owner's group for the complex. The owner's group may be on Facebook, through a management company or some other online platform. Not every place will have an owner's group, but it's worth asking. If they do have a network, give a description of what is desired, the specific dates and budget. Owners like to help other owners, especially if they have repeat guests with a good reputation. Many times it is reciprocated, so it's beneficial for owners and guests to directly seek each other via owner's platforms.

If you cannot connect with an owner's group, there are dedicated web sites such as "Emerald Coast by Owner" that list rental properties. Dedicated owner's web sites often don't charge direct service fees to the travelers, however, it is prudent to compare the nightly rates and fees with the owner's web site just to be sure you are getting the very best rate.

No matter where you find and book your rental, always do your homework so you are well informed of the exact fees, terms/ conditions of sale and cancellation fees prior to making your reservation.


 

"All the world is a laboratory to the inquiring mind.”

-- Martin H. Fischer, German-American Physician and Writer


DISCLAIMER

The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from or in connection with, the use of this website.

Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Midlife Snowbird. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links or advertisements does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.

Candid Conversations with Snowbirds: An Insider’s Perspective

Candid Conversations with Snowbirds What Snowbirds Are Talking About from an Insider’s Perspective Every snowbird is different, yet there’s many common threads of conversations that all relate to core issues: the overall value and cost of housing, location, friendships/connections, community and appreciation. As a seasoned 

Housing Case Study: Not All That Glitters is Gold

Balancing a great view with cost isn’t an easy decision [Pictured: Maravilla Resort, Miramar Beach, FL, a condo complex with 188 units] Not All That Glitters Is Gold Snowbird Housing Case Study My twist of William Shakespeare’s famous quote, “All that glitters is not gold” 

Snowbird Road Trip Essentials Checklist

Autumn fall foliage leaves and winding road in rural Indiana
Be prepared for planned and unplanned situations such as the loss of cell service in rural areas. Don't forget to take photos to document the beautiful scenery.

Snowbird Checklist: Road Trip Essentials

Organize for a Successful Snowbird Road Trip


Now that Thanksgiving, the Christmas crush and December holidays are winding down, many snowbirds are prepping to depart for their warm weather homes. Staging and packing consumes a lot of time and packing checklists help prevent overlooking travel essentials. Bring the basics and think of each of your five senses when prepping for your road trip as well as everything you'll want to have when spending 6 - 8 or more hours per day in your vehicle.

Travel-sized products are a good investment wherever possible. Often just a small spritz of fragrance, a couple of eye drops and a breath mint can be the refreshing pick-me-up for road-weary travelers.

Our southern destination includes planned rural travel through small towns and remote areas that may or may not have cell service, which is why an atlas is a smart item to tuck into a seat pocket. Other times, we've diverted off the interstate due to major traffic accidents, detours and to avoid long traffic delays, which means a super charger for our phones is absolutely necessary.

Whether in transit before or after the holidays, Snowbird Road Trip Essentials Checklist is a follow-up to How to Pack Your Vehicle. It's an easy road trip checklist by category for the items many snowbirds bring to their southern destination when travelling by SUV or car.  Safe travels! 


Related Posts:

How to Pack Your Vehicle

Countdown to Departure

Countdown to Departure, Pet Prep

What to Pack, What Not To


Checklist of Road Trip Essentials


Basics

Atlas

Cash

Driver's license

Garage door opener

Insurance card

Keys

Registration card

Umbrellas

Vehicle manual

 

Emergency Preparedness

AAA membership card

Blanket/s

Boots

Coat/s

First aid kit

Flashlight

Gloves

Hat/s

Jumper cables

Purse / wallet

Tire gauge

 

Toll Roads

Cash / coins

Credit cards

Toll passes: Riverlink, SunPass and E-Z electronic passes

 

Electronic Equipment

Camera/s and equipment

Navigation equipment

Phone/s

Portable chargers

 

Personal Items

Aspirin

Breath mints

Contact case

Cosmetic bag

Eye drops

Glasses

Hand sanitizer

Lens cloth

Lip balm

Lotion

Make-up

Magazines / books

Mouthwash

Pens / paper

Perfume

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Tweezers

 

Food / Snacks / Beverages

Beverages

Bottled water

Cooler

Dish cloths / towels

Paper napkins / paper towels

Plastic bags in various sizes

Plastic containers with lids

Snacks: Sweet, salty, granola / protein bars, wrapped snacks, chips, etc

Trash bags

Travel cups / mugs

 

Travel Comforts

Beach towel/s

CD's, books on tape, etc

Eye mask

Music ear buds

Throw-style blanket/s

Slip-on shoes / slippers

Travel pillow/s

 

Pet/s

Bed

Bowls and/or plastic containers for ice / water / food

Cage/s

Cover/sheet for the pet's bed

Food / water / snacks

Plastic bags

Travel bag with all of the pet's essentials

Ramp

Related Post:

Pet Prep Countdown

 


 

"No wise pilot, no matter how great his talent and experience, fails to use his checklist.”

-- Charlie Munger, American billionaire investor, businessman, attorney


DISCLAIMER

The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from or in connection with, the use of this website.

Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Midlife Snowbird. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links or advertisements does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.

How to Pack Your Vehicle

How to Pack Your Vehicle Strategic Organization for a Successful Snowbird Road Trip The first season we became snowbirds, I made a huge mistake. I did not get involved in packing the vehicle, only the stuff that goes in the vehicle. I was naively happy