House Warming………

DRINK & THINK HOUSE

SUNDAY, JUNE 12TH – 9 AM TO 12 NOON

Come out and introduce yourself.

(PLEASE MAKE SURE TO VISIT AND ADD A NOTE IN OUR BEAUTIFUL JOURNAL; THESE ARE SPECIAL HAND MADE JOURNALS SOLD IN OUR STORE)

We went through our final inspections SOOO EXCITED —we are ready to move forward !!!!

Sunday, June 12th from 9 am to 12 noon we will have a ‘House Warming’…. Stop by grab a cup of hot or cold coffee and a lite snack on us! We won’t be open for full service but rather looking to meet you:)

For the first few weeks we ask for your patience as we establish the level of quality and assurance we expect to offer to our guests. That being said we will gradually add days and times giving us the opportunity to reflect and improve on our flow and service.

Below is a schedule for June as well as the official schedule starting in July, 2022.

ONLY FOR JUNE, 2022

Sunday June 12th House Warming 9am – 12 noon

Thursday, June 16th 12 noon – 7pm

Sunday, June 19th 9 am – 12 noon

Wednesday, June 22nd 12 noon – 7pm

Thursday, June 23rd 12 noon – 7pm

Sunday, June 26th 9 am – 12 noon

Wednesday, June 29th 12 noon – 7pm

Thursday, June 30th 12 noon – 7pm

July 1st – starts our official schedule:

Monday and Tuesday CLOSED

Wednesday – Saturday 12 noon to 7pm

Sunday 9am – 12noon

Our goal is to provide that level of relaxation and comfort you seek along with quality service and product. We appreciate your support and look forward to meeting you all in person.

With love, faith and hope!

XOXOX

Family and Friends…..

DRINK & THINK HOUSE

Christmas Celebration with Family in Jersey 2019

I been so blessed to have family and friends come out to visit and see the store. All anxiously waiting for the opening. I was extremely happy last Friday 1 minute before the end of business —I filed my final application for inspections. It has been a long journey with loops, drops and unexpected highs and lows. One thing that has made this ride fun has been having my family and friends around to vent, cry and toast. As Bette Midler so graciously said “you are the wind beneath my wings.” They truly are!!!!

Christening Celebration with Family in Jersey 2018

I appreciate each and every one of them. As a little girl, I could understand the value of family so early on and as I grew up and began to branch out —-I valued my family even more. Along the way —I learned that people will enter into my life for many different reasons and part when their time is done but those that continue to be with me are my friends. For that I am as well very grateful. My friends are my second family and I value the joy they bring into my life.

When I am with them no matter how much time has gone by since our last time —we pick up right where we left off. Time feels like it has not passed.

Thanksgiving Celebration in Ft Myers 2020

As I count down to the start of a new adventure ——I am so blessed to share this with my family and friends. I recognize that every time we have gathered— whether for happy reasons or sad ones there has always been something constant ……..our enjoyment of a beverage which typically has been accompanied with something to eat big or small this is where my creation of Drink & Think House was born.

Thanksgiving Celebration with family in Miami 2017

See the beverage and snack is just the start —- the laughter, tears and memories are what makes the experience eternal. I always envisioned capturing that feeling in a place where people could come and feel like they are part of our family and welcomed in our home.

Family Vacation with my sister and her family in the Outer Banks, NC 2021

I believe that is what I have created here at Drink & Think House! A place that feels warm, comfortable, relaxing = the feeling of home. With the many pictures of my family and friends displayed through out you will get a sense of how important family and friends are to me.

Family Fun Day at the Jersey Shore, 2021

You will also see many books scattered througout the store along with fun family/friendly games to capture you for a longer stay in our home 🙂 I know that once you get to visit us —you will feel part of our family.

Keep checking in and finding out when our ‘House Warming’ will be.

With love, faith and hope

XOXO

Paula

Maddy my son’s girlfriend, John (my son), Graciela akaGracie and Josh her fiancé.

Getting Closer!

DRINK & THINK HOUSE

It has been an amazing ride these past few months learning and growing in so many areas. I celebrated my birthday recently and what a great surprise to have family and friends come and visit me!!! I also received my final pieces of equipment I needed in order to move forward with inspections. Woohoo!!!!!

My eighty-nine year old dad visiting me for my birthday and Mother’s Day.

The store continues to evolve and grow. I am working on finalizing the menu and have already begun ordering beverages. I am so excited to be able to offer Nespresso Coffee. As I mentioned before my family came to visit—we are big coffee drinkers. It was so pleasing to hear from my dad that he enjoyed his cappuccino….”its so smooth and easy to drink…its not bitter like other coffees that are served in other places.” My daughter who was also here visiting jumped in to add “I drink cold brew but mom this coffee is so smooth …I like it warm like this.”

I have always known that good tasting coffee is a delight to the tastebuds and to your senses. It creates a feeling of calmness and peace and that is what Nespresso does. Whether you prefer a shot of espresso or cappuccino or maybe you rather have a latte……..your tastebuds will thank you.

We are also extremely excited about our wine portfolio—from Winc’s Natural Merchants line —“clean” wine (pesticide-free, low in sulfites, made with organic grapes, vegan-friendly and contains no added sugar). Their vineyards produce clean, fresh superior wines that are both good for the earth and tantalizing for the palate. I love wine but my concern had always been the sulfites and the added sugars. I was so happy to connect with the representative of Winc Natural Wines and after sampling several of their wines—I was hooked. The taste of each of their wines is clean light and refreshing. As we grow my goal is to provide a large selection of these wines in our store.

Wines and coffee are not the only beverages we will offer….we have hard seltzers, ciders and craft beers. We will continue to grow our selection as we become more familiar with the likes our customers. We have other items that may tickle your fancy….from beautiful handmade journals, to custom fine jewelry or sweet snacks.

We hope to see you soon enjoying a beverage or snack ! Stay connected by following us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DrinkThinkHouse.

With love, faith and hope!

XOXO

Paula Guzman-Bell

Patience is Part of the Process

Drink & Think House

It has been two months since I took over the place and have been busy working towards opening. I went into this with a very open mind and with lots of patience. I knew that it would involve countless hours of commitment and work. And just as I imagined it —it has been just that.

Between equipment delays, paperwork filing, ordering supplies and merchandise my days have been spent in phone calls, organizing and learning. Hoping that I would open before the ‘Busy Season’ came to end but as it would be— I will not be ready before the season is over. But with each day I get closer to my new target date.

This time has been part of the process …..I have learned to take it in stride and to breath deeply knowing that everything arrives in its due time. Patience has been the key and I have learned to do things during this time to help with any stress or discomfort I may feel. Yoga, Pilates, painting and learning to play the guitar are some ways I have helped to strength my patience.

I look forward to the next couple of weeks as I get closer in celebrating my birthday, Mother’s Day and even more exciting my opening day.

With love, faith and hope!

XOXO

John H. Osorio Scholarship

In Loving Memory of John

One of my most recent highlights for me has been connecting with a local high school in the community of Ft. Myers to be able to share the scholarship I created a few years ago to honor my cousin John. John was a young man who loved to perform in his high school musicals. He enjoyed the singing and dancing and also played the trumpet in the school band. Clearly he had a love and appreciation for the performing arts.

Like many first generation born in this country —the arts whether performing or fine art it is not encouraged or supported. Immigrant parents typically view these as hobbies and reinforce the need to choose money making careers. John went off to study computers and landed a job right out of college working with IBM. Unfortunately, his time here on earth was short and he passed at the young age of 25.

I have made it my goal to honor his memory and love for the arts. By supporting high school seniors who are graduating and continuing their education in either the performing arts or fine arts with scholarships. This was always my dream to be able to honor his memory in a loving way. I started with one scholarship for $250 and this year I will be awarding 1 scholarship for $1,000 and 2 at $500 each. I am so thankful to God for the ability to do this for students who love and appreciate the arts.

With love, faith and hope

XOXOXO

Drink & Think House will be awarding these scholarships on 4/27/22. Stay tuned who the recipients are of these scholarships.

Drink & Think House….

Its been over a month that I began my journey in taking over the location and begin preparing the shop and filing for licenses/permits. It has been a roller coaster full of excitement meeting with vendors, designing the logo, choosing colors, cleaning the shop, ordering equipment, setting up furniture and decorations. All these things have not necessarily happened in a specific order but rather parallel to each other.

I think about the experience I have in working in education in and out of the classroom and most recently training educators—-without realizing it God was ordering my steps with these jobs. I learned to be organized, efficient with my time and patient with challenges and people. I learned the value of serving and balancing the work with enjoying the life.

My days begin at 5 am and typically go till about 10pm —but the feeling of joy and excitement is amazing. I continue to work training educators and focused on opening the shop. I know that for some the idea of working two jobs is unimaginable but a long time ago someone told me if you find something you are passionate and you get the blessing to do it —you will never work again. I love education and I love coffee so I have found my passions and everyday I am doing something for either or both —I enjoy every minute.

It does not mean I don’t get tired because I do but I feel like I am preparing for the arrival of another child. This dream of owning my own business has been one that has been in me for about the past 12 years—but as life would be —-I had to learn to be patient and navigate in the life of what was happening at the time. I knew that I would get here with God’s love and my focus of never loosing sight of what he had placed in my heart.

I hope that you will continue to join me as I get closer to opening up my shop. Keep checking in and reading my blog.

With love, faith and hope!

Paula

My Forever Gem….Tuckerton

I love seeking unique, affordable and fun places, people and things to do ………and with Tuckerton in mind the creation of my app was inspired by this truly hidden gem.  I realized that not many people really know much about our area or why it is such a special place to live or visit.

We are ideally located not too far off from Exit 58 and nicely nestled between the Jersey coastline and the robust pine barrens.  Time has gently moved in this area always maintaining the integrity of simple times.  Providing a unique feel of the earlier Jersey shore town where you knew that whether you visited for a few hours or a weekend —-you enjoyed ‘relaxation’ away from the hustle and bustle of everyday living.

Whether you are an avid angler or hunter enthusiast this area has something for you.  With miles and miles of water to fish, crab or simply enjoy —Tuckerton offers everyone something to do.  With several marinas and a sporting center you have endless possibilities.  Whether you prefer a walk with your dog down the end of South Green street or maybe bike riding with friends to several of the local pubs —-this area entices you to let go and simply enjoy life in the most of simplest ways.  There are no time lines or agendas to meet—the care of the day is to have fun!

And fun is what the local residents provide…..the people in this area are as much of a joy as the area.  Grown with kindness and love for their hometown—-the local people never shy from having fun with friends.  Pride for their hometown and country are at the top of the list and once you experience this sense of love for hometown and country you realize you have stepped into a forgotten time.  A time when life was simple and easier ….a time when your word meant something and when your neighbors looked out for you and your kids.

Tuckerton is the pearl of the Jersey shore —- classic, timeless and basking in natural beauty.  

Although we would love to keep this hidden —the reality is that we can benefit from seasonal tourism.  For the short period of three months —tourism can provide financial gains that can carry our local businesses through the harsh and quieter winter months.  Before we dismiss those folks visiting our area —remember that we are very blessed to live all year round in such a beautiful place and by sharing this gem with others we can continue to help our town and our property values.  More money that rolls into to our town can have a domino effect with people wanting to own a piece of this gem.

So, instead of wishing less traffic or for these visiting folks to leave—- offer them ways to spend more money….. share where they can rent a boat for the day, where they can crab or eat a great meal with cool beverage, invite them to donate to our local charities or summer fundraisers and most important help them feel welcome in our town.

We are an amazing community with an attribute unlike in any other area—–we love to enjoy life, friends, a good time —–so let them experience it!

With love, faith, and hope!
XOXO

PS – After living and raising my children—I sold my home in Tuckerton Beach this past spring, 2021. It will always be a gem to my children and me.

La Isla del Encanto…Puerto Rico!

My first experience with Puerto Rico was when I was about 11 years old then I returned when I was in my 20’s but both times never really soaking up all that this island has to offer.  This time in my more seasoned age — I have really had the opportunity to experience what this beautiful Caribbean island has to offer.

Yes, the beaches, the sun and the warm tropical weather is outstanding however, that’s not all!Three things that stood out to me during this trip….the people,  the artistic flavor and the relaxed atmosphere.

I have been very fortunate to travel through out many different places but I found that the people in Puerto Rico are by far the kindest and warmest people I have had the pleasure of meeting. They are courteous and respectful.  Their calm and relaxed demeanor is a refreshing experience.  They are very friendly and it almost a bit shocking for me to see people greet you as you walk down the street or in the elevator.  

They are genuinely kind with strangers as well with each other.  It’s evident even in their driving—having taken Uber around we noticed that even when the traffic was thick or drivers were being cut-off —no one shout out curses or gave any hand gestures.  They seemed to take it all in stride—being patient and then moving right along as if nothing happened.

The people’s appreciation for each other is not the only thing you will notice…..they have a love for art.  Art is expressed in their music, sculptures and murals through out the island.  Although for many graffiti would not be considered art—they have embraced it and it is evident on many of the buildings we saw as we toured the island.

Music is such a part of the Puerto Rican Culture that whether you are on the street waiting to cross or visiting a local bar —-Music is always being played.  Many musicians are beating the Bongos, shaking the Maracas or playing the Guiro which is a percussion instrument of an open-ended hollowed-gourd cut on one side. The sound that this instrument makes is as unique as the people of Puerto Rico.

The music is in the people’s blood — from the very young children who you will notice moving their shoulders and feet to the rhythm of the music to the very seasoned elders who will get up from the rocking chair to dance and live life through their music.

Whether it is the balmy air, the warm and shining sun or the festive environment —–the Puerto Rican people are very relaxed and thus making the island and very relaxing atmosphere.  This is a place where time is not the focus but rather “Vivir La Vida” as Marc Anthony has so eloquently put it.

You forget the cares of the world and simply be—-you become present and nothing else matters.  This is an island in which life is meant to be enjoyed in its most simplest manner.  No need for the expensive materials or gourmet meals.  It is about enjoying your family, friends and all the things that this island has to offer.

We learned to appreciate the love they put into each meal they make….ordering our meals did not mean we would come out at the same time.  Whether it was my meal or David’s —-one of us would be waiting a little longer for our meal to come out.  Not a bad thing but just different from back home—which means patience and appreciation for the love and care they put into each meal they prepare.  Once you bite into that meal –you will soon realize why it takes longer than home.

Overall this experience has been one amazing time!  We learned so much from visiting Puerto Rico and look forward to returning with friends and family again so they may experience heaven on earth 🙂

With love, faith, and hope.
XOXO

Heaven on Earth….The Keys!

November, 2017

One of the beauties of the Keys is that no matter how many times you visit this area –you always see new beauty that you did not see the last time! This time we traveled to the Keys we found a hidden gem.  It is truly one of a kind!  It embodies the feel and vibe of the untouched mystique of the Florida Keys.

It is located right on Rt. 1 It is roughly about 12 miles south of Isla Morada right before the Dante B Fascell Bridge.  If you are too busy enjoying all the picturesque views of the area you ill miss this ‘HIDDEN GEM’.  It is called the Edgewater Lodge which has about 15 cottages/efficiency studios.  It has been owned by the same owner for 37 years and who continues to put the love the back into the place.

It was hit by Hurricane Irma and the workers along with the owner worked endlessly to get it up and running in three weeks.

The average room goes for $179 a night and it includes two full size beds, shower bathroom, kitchen with complete fridge, stove, and dishes and silverware.  It also includes the use of kayaks, fishing poles, and paddle boards—and if you bring your boat you can park in it one of their slips.  All this plus great views for $179 a night plus tax.

It is a great place with a great staff.  I will remind you that it is the Keys and staff tend to be on island chill time…LOL!!!  It is worth making this one of your stops when you are in the Keys.

Take the trip to the Layton, Florida Key  — you will enjoy your stay at the Edgewater Lodge!
With love, faith, and hope!
XOXO

Miami…..The Fountain of Youth!

February, 2020

Miami is full of laughter, love, color and undeniably a large group of Latin American people.  Speaking Spanish is more of a requirement than an option………..everywhere you turn there are different Latin American restaurants with their own twist to traditional foods.

You can hear the music and feel the vibe in the people.  The color is not only in the clothing the people wear or their homes but in their soul.  The people are lively, festive and appreciative of life.  They work hard and enjoy life.

I have noticed that roosters and chickens in the streets of Miami are common—-schools located in strip malls are not unusual and their highways and streets are constantly expanding.  Miami-Dade County houses the many communities…………you don’t realize how big Miami-Dade County is until you actually begin to travel with in it.

The city like any other city is burdened with traffic and congestion so you have to leave plenty of time open for traveling from one place to the other —–but since the area embodies Latin America you may be ok because anyone who has ever been invited to a Latin American event —you know that it never starts on time………everyone usually arrives about 1/2 hour to an hour later than the invitation said.

I love the experience and enjoy my time in this amazing county and city.  I have noticed how much it grew from 23 years ago and how its growing even more.  This is a city that if you have not experienced ….you should add it to your travel list.  Once you come, visit and meet the people and feel the vibe —you will never be the same.

With ‘Sabor’ love, faith and hope!

XOXO

Paula