- 6 hours ago
Escape to Florida Season 1 Episode 2
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00Like, it's stunning.
00:01Who wouldn't want to live here like this?
00:03They've swapped drizzly winters and gas bills for new careers
00:06and seemingly endless fun in the sun.
00:09Cheers, Bigger's!
00:11It's our little piece of paradise.
00:13Get it right, and life in Florida can be like a dream come true.
00:16Every evening, do this with your glass of wine.
00:19But getting here and staying here takes hard work.
00:22I do pinch myself every day.
00:25Grit.
00:25We just lost the starboard motor.
00:27And determination.
00:28Good job.
00:29Well done.
00:30These are the Brits who've made their own Escape to Florida.
00:36Today on Escape to Florida,
00:38Martin is working hard to make the best of British pub a success.
00:42So we need to triple the revenue minimum to make it work.
00:45Martin's got an idea to draw the crowds in.
00:48How do you feel about us doing a signature crisp butty?
00:53Oh, boom!
00:55Yeah?
00:55Yeah.
00:56Donna is looking to build her US profile.
00:58I am making money, but I need to make more.
01:01With a TV appearance.
01:03The warm state.
01:04One more time, Gail.
01:05The warm state.
01:07It gets stressed.
01:08And realtor Denise doesn't miss much.
01:11It's a saltwater heated pool.
01:13You know all about the pool?
01:14Because I put it in.
01:15You put it in.
01:15But some things can slip through the net.
01:18I guess they're insured for that.
01:19Yeah.
01:20Hopefully.
01:21I didn't think of that at the time.
01:27In Claremont, Martin and Anne are busy working at the recently opened Best of British Pub.
01:37Thank you for coming down.
01:38It's going to set you up for the day, won't it?
01:41It's got brown sauce, ketchup, everything you need.
01:44And business is booming.
01:46We've had a really good start.
01:47The first ten days have been beyond my wildest expectations.
01:51Way above.
01:52I think we've probably done more than double what I thought we'd do.
01:55Martin and his wife, Bev, have poured their savings into the pub, so need it to be a success.
02:00We've put about a quarter of a million, a little bit more, into this new location.
02:04I'm hoping to stop spending on it very soon.
02:07Need to stop spending?
02:08I need to start bringing it in.
02:08Yeah.
02:09I need to start bringing it in now.
02:11But this isn't just a busy pub.
02:13It's also home to a shop filled with treats from the UK.
02:19The most important part is the back shelves where we have the British goods for sale, so crumpets, custard.
02:25All those little things that people miss when they're here, when you've lived here for a time
02:29and you just want that little taste of home.
02:31That's what we try to provide here.
02:33And then classic British bangers for sale, cherry baked wells, scones, which are one of the biggest things we do.
02:46And then British bacon.
02:51That's what everybody's looking for out here.
02:53You either love or hate American bacon.
02:56I'm kind of on the fence with it.
02:58The shop takes its name from the person in charge.
03:02We've named Anne's Corner Shop.
03:04I wanted to do it as a little bit of a nod to Anne.
03:06Anne is the matriarch for this place.
03:09Because she looks after it.
03:10She organises stuff.
03:11She tells me off.
03:13She makes sure it's stocked.
03:14So this is the door to the shop, but it actually isn't the door to the shop.
03:18Because you can't get in here.
03:19You've got to go through the pub.
03:21So hopefully they'll have something to eat and drink on their way at the shop.
03:24So they'll be here for thinking down there for dancing.
03:28The shop is busy and stock is flying off the shelves.
03:32I'm designing a bird.
03:38This is my Disney.
03:39This area is absolutely brilliant.
03:42It's known as Little Britain.
03:43All the expats live around here.
03:45They work at Disney.
03:46It's just the perfect place.
03:48They come in, they have a drink, they grab all their goodies.
03:50We've been here 20 years.
03:53One of the things, well, the major thing that I do miss is the English food.
03:56And every time we come here, they stock up on everything.
03:59They've got freezer food.
04:00We buy the pork pies.
04:02We buy the sausages.
04:03We go crazy.
04:05Hi, guys.
04:06Hi, love.
04:06Got all your goodies there?
04:07Yeah, we have.
04:09But this taste of home comes at a price.
04:12Everything is imported, you know?
04:14So something that's a pound at home can quite easily become $7 here.
04:18So if you're going to shop like you're in the UK, you know, you're going to bankrupt yourself within a
04:23month.
04:23Smoky bacon and chicken, they're the ones we always run out of.
04:27It takes a lot to keep the pub going, and the costs add up quickly.
04:32We're paying nearly $12,000 a month for our lease for the place.
04:35Before you start on electricity, costs and wages and ingredients, things add up into a huge monthly cost.
04:42So we need to triple the revenue minimum to make it work.
04:46To make the money to cover his bills, Martin is always thinking of new ways to bring in more income.
04:51So are you thinking of today doing an afternoon tea?
04:54Yeah, but later this afternoon.
04:55The plan for today, I've invited some ladies and a couple of gents today to come along and have an
05:03afternoon tea in the shop area, in that room.
05:06And hopefully they'll spend a few quid at the end.
05:07You better get yourself off them, so we want bread, cottage cream.
05:11We have no crisps, so you need to get some crisps while you're there as well, because we're out of
05:16crisps.
05:17And it's an hour and what, to go over there and get them?
05:19And then an hour and something back?
05:21I've never doubted you before.
05:23First time for everything.
05:28Martin needs to get his skates on, because soon it'll be time for tea.
05:3625 miles away in downtown Orlando, born and bred Londoner Denise is pottering in her favourite place, the garden.
05:47These are my impatients that are very impatient, and I have to water every single day in this heat.
05:53Gardening isn't her day job. Denise works as a realtor, a.k.a. an estate agent.
05:59Can you hear them all saying thank you?
06:02I'm a realtor. I've been a realtor for about 30 years.
06:05I enjoy working. I enjoy showing houses.
06:08I don't like doing apartments or condos very much, because there's too many stairs.
06:14Tomorrow, Denise has a busy day of viewing, so today is all about family.
06:19I live here with my husband, Bert, who's escaped, gone to the golf course.
06:23My daughter, Justine, lives in the main house right here, across the pool.
06:28We call it across the pond, not across the pool.
06:31And we live in the back house on the ground level.
06:34Christian's upstairs, my grandson.
06:37Florida has been home to Denise and daughter, Justine, for a long time.
06:41I moved here at the beginning of 1980, been here ever since, so 45 years.
06:47Probably one of the original Brits that came out.
06:50Oh, it's flowering, look at that.
06:52Isn't that pretty?
06:52Yeah.
06:53I could never imagine moving back to the UK.
06:56I have nothing to go back to.
06:57My kids are here, my grandkids are here.
07:00It's lunchtime, and Justine's husband, Raja, is busy in the kitchen.
07:05All morning, I am here making food for lunch.
07:11Just another day in paradise.
07:13Seafood pasta.
07:14It's my favourite meal that Raja cooks.
07:16He did it especially because I asked him to today.
07:18It's really good.
07:20Grub, wine.
07:21Where's the wine, Justine?
07:22Oh, in the car.
07:25While Justine sorts the wine, grandson Chris is on table duty.
07:30I love living with my daughter and grandson and my son-in-law.
07:35I love Raja.
07:36He is the best thing that ever could have happened to our family.
07:39He's wonderful.
07:40Who can say that about their son-in-law, but I can.
07:43Bon appétit, everybody.
07:44Bon appétit.
07:45Cheers.
07:47Cheers, cheers, cheers.
07:50But everyone's getting ahead of themselves because Denise's husband is back from the golf course.
07:55Hello, Bert.
07:56I can't believe you're here.
07:56Bert is Denise's second husband.
07:58Oh, okay.
08:00How often does your wife move the furniture around?
08:03Once a week, I walk in the house, and I don't know where the chairs are.
08:06It's the truth.
08:07I'm sorry.
08:08I've always told him I have to change something, so if I can change furniture, I won't change him.
08:17It works, right?
08:18Sometimes I've seen a furniture that hasn't been moved in a couple of weeks.
08:23I know I might want to start packing my back.
08:27My first husband was an architect.
08:29We bought houses, did them up, and sold them.
08:32We did that a lot when we first came here.
08:34After he died, I decided I would get my real estate license, and that's what I've been doing ever since,
08:38and I love it.
08:39Absolutely love it.
08:41Both Justine and her son-Chris have followed Denise into real estate.
08:45None of my friends work with their grandmothers.
08:47There's our mothers for that case, but I seem to work with both, so it's quite a unique situation.
08:53And tomorrow, Denise is back out buying and selling houses.
08:57I don't think my grandmother would ever give up being a realtor.
09:00I do see some of my friends, their grandparents, they stop working.
09:04That's when you start to see them get old.
09:06With my grandma, she's very sharp.
09:08She still has all the energy in the world, and I do think it's because she keeps herself very busy.
09:25In the prosperous coastal resort of St. Pete Beach, it's the start of a busy day for Londoner Donna.
09:34Oh, look at the mess.
09:36She moved to Florida four years ago with husband Dan.
09:41Dan, where's your mug?
09:43And their two boys, 19-year-old Oliver and 14-year-old Billy.
09:47Morning.
09:49Morning, mate. You all right?
09:50Yeah.
09:50I can't believe this is the life that we live.
09:54I sometimes have to pinch myself and really reflect to remember how Billy's excelling at sports,
10:01how Oliver's excelling at his school, how Dan has reinvented himself as this realtor.
10:08London Dan.
10:11To qualify as a realtor in Florida, Dan needs to pass an exam.
10:16It was hard. No good this time.
10:21But I've got a feeling next time.
10:24While Dan is studying hard for his next attempt...
10:27Um, sorry. What are you doing? You're working.
10:30I've got work to do, believe it or not. You're not the only one.
10:33I know. Think of the dollars that it's going to bring in.
10:36Donna is the family's main earner.
10:39Love you.
10:40Love you.
10:41She's worked as a beauty editor and journalist for 25 years.
10:45In the UK, I worked for magazines and websites, and I also worked for a big high street brand.
10:52When I came over to America, I quickly learned that you are your brand,
10:58and Americans are very much all about their own self-branding.
11:02So that's something that I'm really working hard on.
11:07Life in Florida is expensive, so Donna needs to work to keep the family afloat.
11:12I am making money, but I need to make more, so I need to work hard in order to get
11:18the money.
11:20Donna has turned her hand to social media and even launched a podcast.
11:24She's working to build her brand and her following.
11:28I just want women to feel happier in themselves and also feel like when they hit menopause or when they
11:34hit their 50s or 60s, it's not the end.
11:37They've got so much more to give.
11:39And in fact, I feel more empowered and more confident than I ever have now, and I just want women
11:47to feel that way too.
11:49Today, it's Donna's confidence that will be tested when she appears as a guest on a television show.
11:55I'm just deciding what to wear on Bloom.
11:59The first time I went to the studio, I didn't realise that you sit on really high stools,
12:04so there's a risk that you can see up my dress.
12:08So I had to factor that into my dress decision, and this is obviously longer and the perfect length.
12:16A regular spot on the show could boost Donna's career.
12:21Bloom's really important to me because obviously anything that's going to increase my profile in the US is brilliant.
12:28So this is my analytics, and these are my followers.
12:32So at the moment on Instagram, I've got just over 26,000, and 80% of them are in the
12:38UK, and 12.2% are in the US.
12:41Which is great, obviously, but this is the number that I want to increase, 12.2% in the US.
12:48Expected to reach $105 billion this year, the US beauty industry is booming, and Donna wants in.
12:56All beauty brands, all lifestyle brands want to have the sales in America.
13:03You know, it's such a huge market.
13:06It's got great opportunities for all brands.
13:08So if I can increase my following here, that is going to make me more attractive to all brands, UK
13:17and global brands, to work with.
13:20While Donna's been on screen before, it's still outside her comfort zone.
13:24I always feel a little bit nervous before I do anything like this, because I think that's healthy and I
13:29think that's good,
13:30and I think I'd be more worried if I wasn't nervous.
13:37In downtown Orlando, realtor Denise has two big appointments on the books for tomorrow.
13:43So today, she's off to the nail salon with daughter Justine to make sure she's looking her best.
13:49All right, you ready for a penny?
13:51I'm ready for a penny.
13:52I'm more than ready for a penny.
13:54Justine and I are really best of friends.
13:57She's always been very, very easy.
13:59And as we've grown and got older, we've just got closer and closer.
14:04Denise's return to Orlando is a fairly recent one.
14:07She used to live on Florida's Gulf Coast in Tampa.
14:11For the past maybe 15 years, she lived about two hours away.
14:14She didn't come back often, and we didn't get over to her as often as I would like.
14:20So I spent a considerable amount of time pestering her to move back here.
14:24And so I finally won, and here she is.
14:26I love having my mom here.
14:28Get a penny.
14:29Goody-goody.
14:30At the nail salon.
14:33I think I'm doing that one right there.
14:36What number is it?
14:37231.
14:38Okay.
14:38What are you doing?
14:39I don't know, because you've got the colors.
14:41Oh.
14:42They can settle in.
14:44Oh, nice.
14:45Perfect.
14:46Feels good.
14:46Hot.
14:47And relax.
15:17We're in Florida.
15:17The doctor was diagnosed almost immediately.
15:21She died before Christmas.
15:23So it didn't even go eight months.
15:26It was very bad for a little while there, but time heals everything.
15:31We can think of her now and smile.
15:35Denise and Justine's careers have often moved side by side.
15:39We've worked together as well for years and years.
15:41We've worked together.
15:43Justine calls me Denise at work.
15:44I do call you Denise, yeah.
15:46One of my first jumps was working for one of my mom's best friends.
15:49Everybody knew my mom in tourism in Orlando at that time.
15:52So I used to call her Denise.
15:53Not like everybody didn't already know she was my mom.
15:56But I felt like it was more professional.
15:59They now both work in real estate.
16:01I work on referrals only now.
16:03I don't go out looking for work.
16:05But after doing it for 30 years, you still get enough business.
16:08Is it 30 years that you've been in real estate now?
16:10I have.
16:11Is it really?
16:11Yeah.
16:12Yeah.
16:13Yeah.
16:14I looked it up on my license the other day.
16:17Wow.
16:18That's incredible.
16:19Today, 19% of Americans over 65 remain in the workforce.
16:24And at 78, Denise is part of this growing trend.
16:28Eventually, she'll retire.
16:30But I hope not anytime soon.
16:32Because as long as she's full of life and she's happy and she's doing well,
16:37then I think it's good that she continues to work.
16:39Justine says, stop worrying, Mom.
16:41You don't look your age.
16:42So that makes me feel better.
16:45But I do think you shouldn't be going out when you're old and selling houses
16:50because maybe people are a bit shocked when they get an old lady come.
16:55But she puts me right and keeps saying, you're not an old lady.
16:58Their feet and nails pampered to perfection.
17:01Thank you very much.
17:02That was very fun.
17:03Thank you so much.
17:06Denise is ready to sell some houses.
17:15In Claremont, pub owner Martin is at the wholesalers, stocking up for a classic afternoon tea.
17:24We're lucky where we are today because one of the main suppliers who bring items into the US from the
17:30UK are actually not too far away from us.
17:32We're constantly having to import, refresh the shelves, things go out of stock, things come into stock.
17:37And then with currency fluctuations and shipping cost fluctuations and tariffs,
17:41it's actually a really difficult thing to constantly get right.
17:44But it's an important part of what we do.
17:47First on the list, jam.
17:48Before cream, of course, the proper Cornish way.
17:52The British jam, really important for the afternoon tea and especially the scones.
17:56It's something that you cannot buy in the US.
17:59Literally, this one place is clotted cream.
18:02Clotted cream is for our scones.
18:03We don't try to use other ingredients.
18:05We use the real thing.
18:06There are a few places in Florida who do afternoon teas.
18:10I look at some of the things that they put on afternoon teas and it's an American version.
18:13Ours is a purely British afternoon tea.
18:16We make our own scones, our own finger sandwiches, our own cakes.
18:19And it's just authentic.
18:21Martin heads through to the warehouse.
18:24Willie.
18:25Good morning, mate.
18:26Hey, how you doing?
18:27To take the next item off his afternoon tea supply list.
18:30The most important thing I need to get is the bread today.
18:33How many bread?
18:34I've got a big afternoon tea, so I'm going to need a pallet of it.
18:37Pallet.
18:38While he's here, Martin's topping up on the best-selling British classics for the shop.
18:42Two quavers, two monster munch, cheese and onion, prawn cocktail, smoky bacon, roast chicken, and the tomato ketchup, please, mate.
18:51All right, ready?
18:52Chris were one of the biggest sellers in the shop.
18:54They bring people in and they spend on other things.
18:56You know, crisps are something that the British really focus in on when they come in the pubs.
19:01They are so popular and we struggle buying British crisps over here.
19:03With everything almost packed.
19:06These are chocolate tea cakes.
19:09Ah, the all-important tea cakes.
19:11People love these things.
19:13They'll taste up home.
19:14We're ready to go.
19:15The next job is getting it all in the car.
19:18It's like a big game of Jenga every time we come here because crisps take up so much space.
19:26But we'll find a way somehow.
19:29And I can't actually fit these in anywhere.
19:32So we're going around the other side.
19:36There we go.
19:38We're fully loaded.
19:41We're ready to get back to the pub.
19:42Willy, thanks as usual.
19:44Take care.
19:46With the goods secured, Martin can head back to the pub.
19:51Where manager Anne is delegating jobs, starting with server Chris.
19:56We'll put them right down the middle.
19:57So pull those tables together.
19:59We've got some Union Jack flags.
20:01Let's get them on as tablecloths.
20:03All this fine china, see if we can match it up.
20:06We want 16-place settings.
20:07Just want it to look really nice.
20:09We've got napkins, the side plates.
20:11Do you want it more English-y or like afternoon tea in the summer, strawberries, that kind of thing?
20:18Proper, authentic afternoon tea.
20:20Like what you said about, the Isle of Wight?
20:22Yeah, yeah.
20:23I don't know, I've never been to the Isle of Wight, but yeah, we'll go with that one.
20:26OK.
20:27Chris and Anne's husband, Jimmy, are responsible for preparing the tables properly for the afternoon tea.
20:34Pull these together.
20:36We've got to get 16.
20:39I'd say 16 is 18.
20:40Afternoon tea in England, it's pomp and circumstance.
20:44You go to carriages or the Ritz or the Savoy, big hats, lots of desserts and fresh cream, real cream.
20:51In America, you have to really make it into a pantomime, all those days.
20:56Chris and Jimmy on the job and now needs to get the kitchen to start prepping.
21:15It's an early start in Orlando for realtor Denise.
21:20Let's go.
21:21All right.
21:22Oh, I'll drive.
21:23I'm not driving.
21:24I forgot that.
21:24That's why you're taking me, so I can drive.
21:28With daughter Justine behind the wheel, Denise has two property appointments lined up.
21:34I'm getting a bit nervous now that we are going to get there in time.
21:38What time do we...
21:39Are you supposed to be there?
21:3911 o'clock.
21:41We've still got 45 minutes to go at least.
21:44A two-hour journey takes them to one of Florida's hottest property markets on the Gulf Coast.
21:51Unfortunately, because I spent 12 years on the Gulf Coast, most of my business is on the Gulf Coast,
21:56so I find myself going backwards and forwards every two or three days.
22:01The first house is a familiar one for Denise.
22:04It was once her home.
22:06We bought that house 15 years ago, and we gutted and renovated it all.
22:13She is being met by the house's listing agent, Sarah.
22:17Hi, Sarah.
22:17How are you?
22:18Good.
22:19Come on in.
22:20Welcome.
22:20Denise is here to preview the property for clients who are interested in buying.
22:25So I can't wait to hear about your buyers.
22:28They're old buyers.
22:29I've shown the pictures of when we were in it, and they know that it's not actually on the water,
22:35but they know they have access to the water.
22:37So what we really need to know is what changes have been made.
22:41As the tour starts, the memories come flooding back.
22:44And then what do you think about the wall of cabinets?
22:47We had the same wall.
22:49Yeah.
22:49We had the same wall.
22:50I had a shelf up there with all my jars on.
22:52I know every square inch of that house.
22:55So it's really strange.
22:56It's good that I'm looking at it, because I've got all the answers.
22:59I don't need to ask any questions.
23:00It looks like the same vanity, but it's probably not the same one.
23:04They just put a similar one in.
23:05Correct.
23:05Yes, the vanity had to be...
23:07Both vanities were replaced.
23:08Right.
23:09Yeah, so that is a newer one.
23:11I remember it all.
23:13And some parts of the house hold bigger memories than others.
23:18And then, of course, the backyard paradise, right?
23:20That's really the dream.
23:22It's a saltwater heated pool.
23:24The heater is brand new.
23:25I know all about the pool because I put it in.
23:27You put it in.
23:27You put the pool in.
23:28Yes.
23:29How long did you live here?
23:31Five years.
23:32Wow.
23:32Yeah.
23:33And they had to get a crane and lift this pool over.
23:36Because this is fiberglass.
23:37It's fiberglass.
23:38Worst case scenario, I guess the pool drops on your home.
23:41I guess they're insured for that.
23:44Hopefully.
23:45I didn't think of that at the time.
23:47The viewing at an end.
23:48Thank you so much, Sarah.
23:50So appreciated.
23:51No problem.
23:51It's been my pleasure.
23:53What's Denise's verdict?
23:55This was a very good showing.
23:56I was very impressed with how they had redone the house.
24:00The first appointment is done, but Denise's day isn't.
24:02It's on to the next property.
24:12In Claremont, Martin, the owner of the Best of British Pub,
24:17is on his way back with supplies for an afternoon tea event.
24:21I have a sales background.
24:23I'm constantly trying to think of sometimes outlandish ways of doing things.
24:27But I also think that being where we are in Orlando lends itself to that.
24:32Um, the entertainment capital of the world.
24:35So things don't seem as crazy out here.
24:37We've got to try it.
24:38We've got to bring people through the door.
24:40Inspired by his shopping trip, he's had an idea.
24:44I just think having a little twist on it and having a crisp butter,
24:47which is something I love, a lot of people love,
24:49as an afternoon snack when you're growing up.
24:53Wait until I tell Anne.
24:54I don't think she's going to be too impressed, but we'll see what she says.
24:58Back at the pub, Jimmy's showing Chris how to properly set the table.
25:02No, I put them on the plate and then put the tea cup and saucer on top with a spoon
25:09and then put a spare one at the side on the right with a knife.
25:13The scones.
25:15OK.
25:16Don't put them straight.
25:17It's one hour down low.
25:20Finally, Martin has arrived back with his supplies.
25:24We have crisps, Jimmy.
25:26We have crisps.
25:27While Jimmy unloads the crisps, Martin springs his sandwich idea on Anne.
25:32You know you love my ideas.
25:34So, when I was in England last, everybody's trying to do a different spin on an afternoon tea
25:40and it might be little dainty cakes and stuff.
25:42How do you feel about us doing a signature crisp butty?
25:49Oh, boom!
25:51Yeah?
25:51Yeah.
25:51At the end of the day, we ain't the Savoy or the Ritz doing it for 90 quid, are we?
25:56No.
25:56It's $30 and it's authentic, but I think it's a real nice little twist on it.
26:00It is.
26:00I'm happy with that.
26:01Perfect.
26:03Anne, on board with the bussies, the shop has been transformed.
26:09While in the kitchen, the cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches are taking shape.
26:14Now, there's only the crisp butty flavours to sort out.
26:19Okay, smoky bacon.
26:20Oh, did you hear that crunch?
26:22That scent is so good.
26:23I'm loving this idea already.
26:24I think it's going to work.
26:26So, that's smoky bacon.
26:28My idea is we're going to make the crisp butties.
26:29We'll probably go for a traditional flavour of prawn cocktail, cheese and onion, salt and
26:33vinaigret, etc.
26:34And then me and Anne are going to sit down and taste them.
26:36And then, subject to that being okay, we'll launch on the afternoon tea today.
26:40Centuries of tradition going out the window.
26:45Oh, yeah.
26:45Oh, yeah.
26:47I think we've got a winner on our hearts.
26:49With the guests arriving soon, there's no time to waste getting the crisp butties ready.
26:55Get them to Julie.
26:56Tell her to make as many as she can in the next 20 minutes.
27:00The guests will be arriving.
27:01Okey-cokey.
27:02I'm on it.
27:03But there's a problem.
27:04They're cut wrong.
27:06Do you mean they're cut wrong?
27:07Cut in triangles.
27:08Yeah, triangles are good.
27:09Do they not?
27:10Do they have an afternoon tea?
27:11No, they don't.
27:12They don't have to go, triangles.
27:13Triangles.
27:14That's why I'm in here and you're not.
27:16No.
27:17I'm in there.
27:18They don't go any fingers and not go any tracks.
27:21I can't get the stuff.
27:23Anne may have lost the etiquette debate, but Martin's got one last detail to add before
27:28where the team greets their guests.
27:30Is that the front or the back?
27:32Bonnets?
27:32So my plan is now, we're going to get this on social media today.
27:36Again, we've come back to trying to be authentic.
27:38So it's just trying to evolve memories for people.
27:41Came to me in a moment of inspiration.
27:44This will really make me want to come in, won't it?
27:46And we're going to get everyone seeing just how amazing you three look.
28:00In St. Pete Beach, beauty editor Donna is hitting the road.
28:08I'm off to Loon TV this morning to record a segment of the local lifestyle programme that
28:16is filmed in Tampa, which is about a half an hour drive from our house.
28:22On the show, the topic is a personal one for Donna.
28:25I'm talking about my sobriety because drinking is a big part of everyone's lives.
28:30But when you get to a certain age, and I've since learned this because of my work in the
28:35menopause space that I've been doing, you know, you can't tolerate alcohol like you used to.
28:42And when you have all the symptoms of menopause, they just exacerbate it like anxiety, sleeplessness.
28:48And it's just like a vicious circle.
28:49I feel like so many women don't realise that what's going on in their body and how it can
28:56impact every part of your life.
29:01I definitely want to go on Bloom more because it's a great way of me reaching my target audience
29:07because I know those women are watching.
29:11So it's a brilliant opportunity for me.
29:14Hi.
29:15We are in the green room at Bloom TV.
29:19See, this is behind-the-scenes access.
29:21So I just wait here until the producer comes to get me and then, yeah, go into the studio.
29:29Donna doesn't have to wait too long.
29:32Hi, Donna.
29:33Hi.
29:33It's good to see you.
29:34Hi, Sarah.
29:36And Sarah, the show's producer, doesn't waste any time in getting down to business.
29:40So I'm excited to hear about your sober and menopause journey.
29:43I was watching all the videos that you sent me.
29:45Yeah.
29:45It looks like it's really catching steam on social media.
29:48It really is.
29:49So many women are resonating with my story.
29:52Honesty is really important to me and I really care about what women think of me and what they think
30:01of themselves.
30:01So I want them to trust me and it's just something that's really important to me.
30:05I've always tried to build other women up and feel good within themselves.
30:10That's why when I get messages from my followers,
30:17and they say, oh, you've made me feel so much better.
30:21You know, it really touches me.
30:23It really, really does.
30:27What happens if I start crying?
30:28Oh, my God.
30:29Because it's quite emotional.
30:30That's okay.
30:31People want to see that emotion.
30:32Okay.
30:32That honestly resonates with the audience.
30:34Okay.
30:34People want to feel that.
30:35They want to understand and be able to step into your shoes.
30:38Okay.
30:39I mean, now I've said that, I might not cry because now I've said it.
30:42But there's a possibility that I might because I am quite an emotional person, especially when talking about it.
30:47That's okay.
30:48I don't think you should feel like you have to minimize that.
30:50Okay.
30:51Briefing over.
30:53We're ready for everyone.
30:54The studio awaits.
30:56You ready to do this?
30:57Yeah, I'm ready.
30:58A little bit nervous talking about something so personal.
31:01Right.
31:01But I'm sure I'll be fine.
31:04Yeah.
31:05The previous guest has still been interviewed.
31:09I think when everything's really good, it makes you feel good.
31:14So I don't know if I'm just going to be able to do it.
31:16I don't know if I'm going to be able to do it.
31:19I don't know if I'm going to be able to do it.
31:20At least I don't know if I'm going to be able to do it.
31:22I don't know if I'm going to be able to do it.
31:25I don't know if I'm going to be as good as she can.
31:28But there are technical problems on set.
31:30Yeah, I don't think it worked.
31:31It just completely dropped out.
31:34I mean, I just wasn't going to get any cues up to plug in.
31:37All right, guys.
32:02This was meant to be a step forward for Donna and her brand in the U.S.
32:06but she's still stuck behind the scenes.
32:24In Tampa, realtor Denise is en route to her second house of the day.
32:29And so the people that are selling their brits, right?
32:32Brits, yes.
32:34This time her role has been reversed.
32:36She's selling the house.
32:40In the past, I have sold mainly to brits.
32:43Brits are very quiet now, so not so many.
32:46I'm rather selling their properties now rather than them buying.
32:50If the viewing is successful, Denise could be in the money.
32:54The listing agent negotiates with the seller.
32:57Traditionally, the seller pays all the commission.
33:00Once that's agreed, the listing agent splits that.
33:03Normally half and half, but it can be different.
33:07Denise's commission for a sale on this $825,000 house would be over $20,000.
33:14And my buyers are here.
33:16The potential buyers and their realtor, Cookie, have arrived.
33:20Hi, Denise.
33:21Hi, Cookie.
33:21How are you?
33:22I'm good.
33:22How are you?
33:23I'll let you come in.
33:24Can we start in the kitchen?
33:26Yes.
33:26The buyers are a couple, Diane and Francis.
33:29I've known Denise a while.
33:31She's one of the great agents in the area.
33:33If I see it's her on the other end, I love it.
33:36She's very easy to work with, very knowledgeable, great realtor.
33:40As is usual in the USA, Cookie will take her clients around, while Denise waits on hand to answer any
33:46questions.
33:47And the stove, I'm sure, is original, and I'm sure the dishwasher is original.
33:52I don't get nervous anymore.
33:54You know, it goes or it doesn't go.
33:56If it doesn't go today, it'll go the next time.
33:59Friend, did you want to come in and check it out?
34:02Oh, double six.
34:03I like that.
34:04Best case is they love it.
34:05Worst case is they don't.
34:07It's very straightforward.
34:09I love the pool.
34:10Look, it gets sun from morning to...
34:11Yep.
34:12And that water's warm.
34:13And I love a house that faces the south and the back.
34:15Yes.
34:17And being Florida, there's also a floating dock to moor the boat.
34:21Direct access right out there.
34:23Within five minutes, you're in the Gulf.
34:25That's the main thing.
34:26Yeah.
34:27Direct access.
34:27Yep.
34:28Has the viewing convinced Diane and Francis that this is their new home?
34:33We really enjoyed seeing this property.
34:36It has many of the features that we're looking for, especially the size of it.
34:41Okay.
34:42Thank you so much, Cookie.
34:43Really appreciate it.
34:44Thank you so much, Denise.
34:46This is great to meet you.
34:47Thank you, Fran.
34:47We really do appreciate it.
34:49We're always looking.
34:50That's the problem.
34:52You know, we've looked at other properties, so we have to kind of see what we think is best for
34:57us.
34:57Diane and Francis decided not to put an offer in.
35:00Bye.
35:00Bye, Denise.
35:02But that won't slow Denise down.
35:06I'm going to work as long as I can.
35:09I love my job so much that keeps me going.
35:12I'm very happy with my life, very happy with my family, very happy where I am right now.
35:18I've had good and bad parts of my life, but right now I'm really happy.
35:31In Tampa, beauty editor Donna is at the TV studio waiting to go on air.
35:40And now it's her moment to shine.
35:43Hello.
35:44Hi, how are you?
35:45I'm good.
35:46How are you?
35:47We've got pink on.
35:47I know.
35:48I love it.
35:48We're matchy-matchy.
35:49I love your dress.
35:50It's so pretty.
35:50Oh, thank you.
35:52And you always look gorgeous.
35:54You're so sweet.
35:56Host Gail Guayardo has been the presenter of Bloom for two and a half years.
36:03So do you know what sound?
36:04Can you hear what I hear now?
36:06So we're doing, I wake up feeling this, wake up.
36:09Oh, yeah, where I'm kind of lying down, Sarah said, yeah.
36:13That was quite a powerful one, but yeah.
36:15Okay.
36:15Sometimes when you first walk up in those situations, because they're on time constraints, they can be a little bit,
36:21right, let's just get on with it.
36:22Gal is easy to talk to.
36:25She made me feel comfortable.
36:27With no more delays, it's showtime.
36:32And three, two.
36:35Welcome back to Bloom.
36:36From foggy to focus, our next guest decided to ditch drinking alcohol during her perimenopause journey.
36:42Joining us now to share how quitting alcohol actually really helped is award-winning beauty editor Donna Francis.
36:49Donna, it's so great to see you.
36:51Thank you so much for having me.
36:52So very powerful social media post.
36:55How did people react to it?
36:56Women, you know, they don't realize how much it can impact them during their perimenopause and menopause.
37:05I was noticing how I just couldn't tolerate it the same way and process it like it used to when
37:12you were younger.
37:12This is not right.
37:13I need to look after myself because it started affecting my mental health.
37:18I'm a beauty editor, so everything should be glossy and perfect.
37:22It's hard, I think, as well.
37:24A lot of women, it's about showing your vulnerability and owning your vulnerability and actually feeling empowered that you're not
37:34perfect.
37:35Because that's what empowers other women as well.
37:38That's what makes them feel seen.
37:40Donna, it's always such a pleasure to see you.
37:41Thank you so much, Gail.
37:43Before Donna leaves, she grabs a quick check-in with Sarah, the producer.
37:47Great job, great segment.
37:49Very American.
37:50Good job, I love that.
37:52That was a great segment.
37:53Yeah, I really enjoyed it.
37:54Donna did incredible.
37:56She's always great.
37:57We always love having her on.
37:58We'll definitely have Donna back on in the future.
38:00Having an accent is just an extra part.
38:04Sarah's happy with her work, so it's all positive news.
38:06But Donna's not so sure.
38:09My gut says it went well, but you never know until you see the edit what it's going to come
38:14across like.
38:15So hopefully my gut instinct is right.
38:18Once it goes on TV, I will try and get the boys to sit down with me and watch it.
38:24They'll probably roll their eyes behind my back.
38:27But they are proud of me.
38:28I know they are.
38:31Two days later, the whole family are gathered to watch the show.
38:35Come on, let's watch this.
38:38Right, everyone, you've got to watch this.
38:40Our next guest decided to ditch drinking alcohol during her perimenopause drink.
38:45I think for me, I'm obviously from the UK.
38:49And when I moved over to Florida, it was the same time that I was in perimenopause.
38:53The verdict is in.
38:55Well done.
38:56And up next, I'm catching up with the host of...
38:59Well done, hon.
39:00I know you've done it before.
39:01Something that's so close to you is having so vulnerable.
39:04It makes you vulnerable as well.
39:05Yeah, it does.
39:06And I'm just really proud.
39:07I mean, that's tough getting up there.
39:10So I think it was a success.
39:12It was good, wasn't it?
39:14Very good.
39:15I was pleased.
39:16And, you know, this is why I do it.
39:18I do it for you guys.
39:20Her US profile is on the up.
39:22It's clear this move was the right call for Donna and her family.
39:25I'm proud of myself.
39:27If the doors start opening, they start opening.
39:29If they don't, then you know you've tried.
39:31If you don't do it, you'll always say,
39:34what would have happened if I would have moved to Florida?
39:39And now I know what happened.
39:41The dream came true.
39:43And I've got to keep that dream alive.
39:54In Claremont, pub owner Martin has organised an afternoon tea party.
40:01Come on, girls.
40:02Our ladies are waiting.
40:03Come on.
40:04And the guests have arrived.
40:07Look at Anne.
40:07She's got dressed up for you, Maria.
40:09La-la!
40:11Knowing the ladies that are coming tonight, I just want to evoke a few memories for them.
40:15So I think it'll really work.
40:17Maria, we're going to bring you all through to the afternoon tea now.
40:20If you'd like to follow Chris in his bonnet.
40:22Just like Cody lots.
40:24Chris used to work on the cruise ships.
40:26He's a great character.
40:27He's perfect for hosting afternoon teas.
40:29And I know the ladies and gents are going to love him.
40:31Wherever you like.
40:32With the guests comfortable, service can commence.
40:37There's some tea to start with.
40:40Give it a good stir before you wait.
40:43Here we go.
40:44Here's the milk.
40:46Here you go, my darling.
40:48This is the cheese savoury.
40:51Some egg mayo.
40:53There you go.
40:55Time to find out how the crisp bussies are going down.
40:58OK, here we go.
41:00There's plenty more on the way.
41:02So we have some lovely finger sandwiches.
41:03I've cut the crust off.
41:06Are they a stroke of genius?
41:08You have a British mama.
41:12Can we have a crisp sandwich, please?
41:14Of course.
41:15Just one left.
41:17There's one left, but I'm going to go and get more.
41:22The crisp sandwich.
41:26It is delicious, and the bread is so thin.
41:30I love it.
41:31And the flavour of the crisps, delightful.
41:35The crisp sandwiches have gone down a treat.
41:38Next up, scones and cakes take centre stage.
41:43A little afternoon tea.
41:45Dive in here.
41:46We've got more coming.
41:47We've just whipped it up.
41:50It's not just how you eat a scone, scone, whatever.
41:52It's how you say it.
41:54It's definitely a scone, not a scone.
41:56And you've got to put your jam first on before you put your clotted green on.
41:59And it looks delicious.
42:02The afternoon tea is winding down.
42:04Are the ladies going to dish out five-star reviews?
42:07They do beautiful teas.
42:10I'm from England.
42:11I've lived here about 40 years.
42:13And I really miss being home at the afternoon tea, specifically.
42:19This is my very first tea.
42:21I've seen it enough on soap operas that I've been watching, and I thought it was great.
42:25I had some food that I'd never eaten before.
42:27This great little sandwich was called a crisp.
42:30Oh, my God, it was so good.
42:32I'm definitely happy to buy this stuff to make it now.
42:34I did enjoy everything.
42:36And the service in it was awesome.
42:39It looks like Martin's afternoon tea idea has hit a sweet spot.
42:44I'm delighted.
42:45One of the American ladies who came today absolutely fell in love with the crisp beauty idea.
42:49She even bought the butter we used.
42:50So for me, that's a win-win.
42:52That's the idea of promoting the shop today.
42:54She's going to go away, hopefully tell her friends and family.
42:57And that's hopefully out of the word spread.
42:59So, big win.
43:00Guys, thank you so much for coming today.
43:02You know we appreciate each and every one of you.
43:04I think he's going absolutely brilliantly.
43:06You know, I always throw ideas at these guys.
43:09And every single time they come through, I'm so proud of them.
43:13With all his savings tied up in the pub, Martin needs it to succeed.
43:17And this event has delivered.
43:19We're getting loads of bookings in for afternoon teas as well.
43:22Off the back of it.
43:23Yeah, off the back of it.
43:24No, it's been win-win.
43:25It's been an absolutely great day.
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