Life's Little Luxuries

A Room with a View

I feel lucky enough to have many luxuries and indulgences, but the one I could not do without is the luxury of being able to walk out onto my balcony or lanai and have an unobstructed view of the Gulf of Mexico. Day or night, it has been a source of peace or excitement, solitude or sharing, hopefulness or thankfulness. Even after all these years of living in Southwest Florida, my husband and I always make time to sit outside and watch the sun set into the Gulf, hoping for that elusive Green Flash. (We've seen it just once!)

-Denise Cobb

Rare Convertibles

There's a saying about boys and their toys, and I admit to one that I enjoy: the unusual and hard-to-get convertible. Not usually the most expensive one, but the one with the really long waiting list.

I remember the car I had to have not very long ago: a racy little number, the Lotus Elise. It definitely turned heads. Trouble was, after settling into our seats with some difficulty, it was next to impossible for me and Bridget to alight from this car with dignity.

Our daughters share most of our hobbies, so I wasn't surprised when Courtney called last March with news of a car she'd found for me: the Pontiac Solstice, General Motors' 2006 entry into the two-seater sports convertible market. I ordered it immediately.

As usual, the waiting list was long, but I proudly took possession of my new indulgence last November. Getting in and out is still a little challenging, but at least it's manageable. If my feelings for this car aren't love, exactly, they're at least something very close to strong affection.

-Bruce Yamron

Here's the Rub

My life would be meaningless (OK, that's a little strong, but it would definitely be less enjoyable) without massages from Adrian Kostner at Top It Off Salon & Spa. When I get stressed from work or from life as the mother of a toddler, an hour of pure joy is only a phone call away. A little meditation music, some candles and scented oil, and a hot rock massage make me forget everything else in the world.

-Kellie Burns-Garvey

Tennis Anyone?

I feel very blessed that my golden years have given me good health and the financial resources to enjoy extra luxuries and indulgences. One of these is my participation on two tennis teams within our community, allowing me not only to enjoy a competitive sport but to make many new friends as we travel from club to club.

-Frank Haskell

Spa Soothing

Spa treatments at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club.

-Kim Long

Gone Fishing

I can't go more than a few weeks without spending a peaceful fishing trip catching tailing redfish or snook in the early morning, way back in the Everglades, away from telephones, automobiles and the day-to-day noise of business.

-Todd Gates

Mario's Loaves

The long italian bread at Mario's Meat Market and Deli in Fort Myers is to die for. A large piece of the loaf somehow magically disappears as I drive the three miles home. Also try the chicken sausage-it's amazing.

-Robert Cacioppo

Morning Glories

In the morning, after exercise, a Starbucks mocha and The New York Times.

-Joe Cox

Kiss of Life

Kissing my wife, getting a massage and putting the top down on my convertible.

-Elliott Singer

Contributors are members of Gulfshore Life's Community Advisory Board.