POSITIVELY!

I am now affiliated with Sand Castle Realty Group, Inc., Naples, FL and have started two new blogs and websites. You can find me there http://www.danasdays.com/ . Also: http://www.westof41.wordpress.com/ . My official company website with all of the property search information is: http://www.sandcastlepros.com/

While Iam a REALTOR, I am trying to incorporate some of the same information that I've had on this blogspot, into my new sites. And I continue to have my interests such as Home Decor and Design, Found Object Art, and also working with a Non-Profit.

People don't just move , they need (I think!) to know, the entire atmosphere of an area, the lifestyle, etc....so I will continue to write about Places To Visit, Where to Eat, What To Do, and Local Items of Interest in the SW Florida area, from Sanibel Island to Naples, including Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs and place my articles on the new sites.

Certain past blogs may disappear from this site, as I move them to the new sites, so what remains on this blogspot site and any content that I add here in the future, will be related to travel and places outside of SW Florida, and my artsy leanings.

2220-2 Venetian Ct., Naples, FL 34109

Great Restaurants of Fort Myers, Florida

Ft. Myers does have it's share of great places to eat; I have discovered a few more interesting places. OPA!, Mediterranean Gourmet, specializing in Greek and Mediterranean Cuisine. On the corner of Winkler and Metro Parkway in a small shopping center. The GYROS are out of this world and they also have other homemade specialties, many delicious vegetarian dishes. This is a MUST STOP if you are anywhere in this area. I discovered OPA! because it is right down the road from the Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach REALTOR Association building, of which I am a member. I'm not finding a website for Opa! OPA! 2950 Winkler Ave. #201 Fort Myers, FL 33916 239-936-2901 AUSTRIAN-GERMAN PAVILION RESTAURANT I discovered this restaurant secreted in the middle of the courtyard of the Royal Palm Square, while attending additional real estate classes at a real estate school there. As they say: "Helmut and Helga welcome you to a pleasurable dining experience." Eat indoors or out, under the umbrellas, in the European style. Hungarian goulash or schnitzel anyone? You must park and walk inside the inner courtyard where there are flowing fountains and streams; you cannot see the restaurant from Colonial Blvd. Austrian-German 1400 Colonial Blvd. #33 Fort Myers, FL 33907 239-936-8118

http://www.austrian-german-restaurant-ftm.com/

While I'm in the neighborhood, wandering around the Royal Palm Square shopping center courtyard, I run across this charming little shop, A Swedish Affair, the finest in Scandinavian handicraft. Lots of handmade goods, signs, cards, Norway goods, aprons, blown glass, wood, etc...Found an adorable little scottie dog crafted from "brushes". Anyway. Worth a look if you love Scandanavian goods or just simply a charming shop. You cannot see the shop from Colonial Blvd. You must park and walk inside the courtyard. But, that's okay as there are little waterfalls and of course the cafe described above.

A Swedish Affair

Royal Palm Square

1400 Colonial Blvd.

Fort Myers, FL 33907

239-275-8004

http://www.swedensfinest.com/

SALSA I have often had a quick peek at this building and sign as I was flying down 41 from Fort Myers to Bonita. But, one day, I happened to be hungry for what I thought would be Mexican food, so I took a quick right into the parking lot. (Actual entrance is off of Boy Scout Rd.). What a nice surprise. Don't let the not exciting exterior fool you, or the not exciting interior deter you, once you walk in the doors. This is great food! And, it's a mix of Cuban, Mexican and Puerto Rican dishes, all seemingly freshly prepared from scratch. We sampled the whole fried fish (excellent), the garlic roasted chicken with rice and black beans and plantains, also delicious. Next time, I'm going for their $5.00 Cuban sandwich. They also light up at night with live music and dancing and even one night with Salsa lessons, thus the name. SALSA 1920 Boy Scout Dr. Fort Myers, FL 33907 239 277-0166

http://www.salsaftmyers.com/

Mimi's Cafe I am not a chain restaurant sort of person, however, Mimi's is not your typical chain. 1) It's French Countryside style 2) It's a very small chain and 3) it retains it's charming decor and delicious food and baked goods. Was treated to a wonderful breakfast of Crab Cake Florentine and Benedict. Loved to look at all of their memoribilia on the walls including old photographs from France. If you only drive down 41 from Naples to Fort Myers you will not see Mimi's Cafe. You must turn into the Bell Towers Shopping Center at the corner of Daniel's Parkway and 41. Go to the Daniels side of the Bell Towers shops. Mimi's Cafe 5070 Bell Towers Shops Ave. Fort Myers, FL 33907 239 561-0073 http://www.mimiscafe.com/ Remember, if you are out and about in SW Florida and decide that you need to buy (or sell) a home here, I'm Dana Carrera, I know the area well and am a licensed REALTOR. See contact information to have me assist with your next property.

Staging a House For Sale BEFORE and AFTER photos

Staging a house for sale, on a budget, can be challenging. Whether you are a homeowner or a realtor, the most important thing to first do is declutter by removing anything that is not decorative or functional. Then, CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN.

Use the best of what you have on hand. In the photos above, the homeowner already had the beds. As the stager I added fresh and new bedding and some inexpensive mirrors as wall decor.

In the living room, I pulled a switcheroo. The outdated living room furniture got moved to the den and garage and the more contemporary white leather furniture was moved from the den into the living room. As the stager I supplied the lamps and the artwork adding touches of fresh Florida colors. Just from looking at the photos, which house would you be more interested in? The BEFORE or AFTER?