The Little Blog Dress: December 2014

2015 Mayor's Health and Fitness Challenge Kick Off!

The 2015 Mayor's Health & Fitness Challenge will be held from January 3, 2015 - March 28, 2015.

Join Mayor Kelley and your neighbors on a productive, purposeful 12-week wellness journey!

The Kick-Off Event will be held on January 3, 2015 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Nova Community Center. An Activities Calendar will be available at the Kick Off.

Every Challenger's Toolbox Includes:

*Biometrics: height & weight (BMI), body fat (beginning & ending)

*"Challenge STARTS Here" - 'how to' & 'what to' & 'when to' & 'why to' coaching!

*12 weeks filled with free classes at participating local fitness centers

*"Challenger Chums" = interest groups: lose weight, walk, bike, cook, etc.

* Remarkable Courage book AND Success Strategies coaching (internet)

*Special menu items at participating local restaurants +

*'Challenger-only' discounts

*Cooking/meal preparation sessions (followed by 'Eating Meeting')

*Fun email updates & announcements for special events

*Exclusive membership rates to participating fitness centers

*Access to "Chow Time", an online recipe depot for & by Challengers

*1-week free at YMCA (Ormond Beach)

*BBQ Feast, Mayor's Good Egg Hunt, & raffles at the Wrap-Up

*Cash & prizes for individual Challengers & Teams

*Health coaching and, of course, a great T-shirt & goodie bag!

*Challengers may choose to pay an additional fee for:

3-month YMCA Membership (Ormond Beach), $45: all equipment, classes & pool

Personal training: Individual & Small Group (4-5 people) w/preferred trainers at special rates! (List of trainers & rates will be available at the Kick-off)

********Registration************

View Mayor's Health and Fitness Challenge Registration Information, including information on registration policies, dates and fees. Participants can register in person, online or by mail.

*******Important Notes*********

To be eligible for some Achievement Awards, a Challenger must complete Beginning & Ending Biometric Screenings

Event updates/reminders will be posted here at www.ormondbeach.org/MayorsFitness, at the event facebook page, and emailed to participants.

For more information contact Christina Maguire, Risk Manager, at 386-676-3323.

Proudly sponsored by Little Blog Dress Media!

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Rosie's Cafe Is A Delight To The Ormond Mainstreet Landscape

Although I have been into Dunn's Attic and Auction House quite a few times, I have yet to have the opportunity to check out their darling little restaurant-Rosie's Cafe. What a treat! They have coffee and breakfast in the morning (featuring Biggby's Coffee!) and they have a great lunch on the weekdays. They serve beer and wine (and mimosas!) and has an old fashioned soda selection that would blow your mind right back to 1952. Oh, and in passing my husband mentions all you can eat pancakes for $5 on Saturdays...I think I will be quite the regular!

The lunch was great, nothing too fancy but who needs fancy when you have homemade soups and sandwiches. The grilled cheese, the tuna and the chicken salad were all delicious! It was a delight and I can't wait to go back!

Dunn's Attic and Auction House which includes Rosie's Cafe is on the web and Facebook !

Really fun soda display

Just a small selection of old fashioned sodas

Tuna salad with bean salad

Chicken Salad with Pasta Salad

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Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Circus Xtreme LIVE at the Amway Center #Giveaway

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents CIRCUS XTREME!

It’s time for your family to be amazed by all the X-TROADINARY things you know and love about America’s favorite live family entertainment experience and be astonished by UN-XPECTED circus spectacles you've never seen before and that can’t be seen anywhere else but at The Greatest Show On Earth®

Get ready for an X-HILLERATING adventure with XTRA-ORDINARY circus artists and magnificent X-OTIC animals!

It’s time to awaken the spirit of Children of all Ages and stir the imagination of your family! Ringling Bros.® Presents CIRCUS XTREME!

It’s time to have XTREME fun with your family! Get your tickets today!

Tickets are on sale NOW! $16, $23, $30, $40 & $75 | All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges.

I have a giveaway for a family four-pack of tickets to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents LEGENDS live at the Amway Center on January 8, 2015!

Enter here and Good Luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Ten Things I Couldn't Live Without in 2014!!

My beautiful friend Valerie asked me and a couple of her friends to put together a list of must haves for 2014. Products that we couldn't live without throughout this year. Hard to pick just ten, isn't it?!

1. Pacifica Island Vanilla Super Hydrating Hand Cream-This smells so good and it is so nourishing! Inspired by the unique magic of Tahitian vanilla, this sensual blend sets sweet and sultry vanilla absolute, with honey-jasmine notes and a touch of fruitiness, against a deep and beautiful base of tea. A Portion of proceeds from all Island Vanilla sales goes to the Ocean Futures Society, a non profit marine conservation organization. 100% vegan.

2. Smoothie King Dark Chocolate

I love Smoothie King, because it is great for the go...and for anyone who loves chocolate like I do-this Fall they released dark chocolate smoothies in three flavors! Made with 100% Ghirardelli® Cocoa, it really gives me a healthier option for weight watching. They taste rich, but are low in calories!
The three new smoothies in this product line include: Dark Chocolate Strawberry, Dark Chocolate Orange and Dark Chocolate Mint.

3. CoverAge by Jerome Alexander Concealer and Roller Ball Sometimes I look in the mirror and realize that indeed the holidays are catching up with me. I love this new concealer and its rollerball friend, that makes for a quick two step process. The center core of the concealer contains a blend of skin care ingredients surrounded by a rich moisturizing formula that easily glides on. Plus, you get the Bonus Coverage RollerBall that contains the same unique blend of clinical level, anti-aging active ingredients as the under eye concealer but with no tint. Its a double whammy of coverage and I love it!

4. Spark by Advocare I decided earlier this month to sign up as an Advocare distributor...I have NO time to pursue this properly, but I wanted the opportunity to get some of my favorite products at a discount. One of the things that I love is their line of Spark products. There are many flavors to choose from and Steve and I love the fruit punch the best. In January, I will be taking the 24 challenge which includes a much needed gentle Herbal Cleanse. Let me know if you want to join me!

5. Shanti Aromatherapy Oils and Gift Sets. Do you know how lucky I am to have a friend who has her own line of essential oils? I don't know what I would do without her blends in my life. As I suffer from massive headaches and sometimes nerves galore, my two favorite are her Peppermint and Lavender. Nothing makes me feel better than these! Her blends also cure all, and I love her bath salts! These make great gifts, and ladies she is local!

6. Revlon Colorburst Balm Stain Introduced to me by the fabulous Nada, for less than $10, these are good to have in every color....and I do...I love how they stay on and are never sticky or crumbly.

7. David's Tea Everything Just really love David's Tea...its my favorite! For my birthday, I got the glass tumbler which makes a great cup of tea...you know how some tea infusers aren't fine enough, and the loose tea goes everywhere...not this one!

8. Rhonda Allison Pumpkin Cleanser Disclosure, I am a terrible washer of the face..I know, I just never make time for anything elaborate, just quick in the shower...this stuff (and its oil companion) smells so delicious...I think I turned over a new leaf.

9. Josie Moran Argan Oil and Makeup Last year I sat across my friend Julie and was like WHAT are you doing to your skin? She turned me on to Josie's color match foundation, which is awesome and the argan oil...which makes your skin GLOW.

10. Bliss Lemon and Sage Line-this just smells so so so so so good. Its a body wash and bubble bath! I can see a theme here, all good smelling stuff!

Happy Holidays!

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Kid Rock to Perform at the Daytona 500

I am sorry because I am a professional, I can not get up on my chair and scream KID CUSSWORD CUSSWORD ROCKKKKKKKKKK IS CUSSWORD COMING TO THE DAYTONA 500.

Ok...the thing is, you guys is that I have known Kid Rock since he was a little baby band that played for me in Daytona in 1998. He has a memory like an elephant, when I saw him a couple of years later and was bigger than all that is BIG...he remembered me with detail. That's impressive, being that I was around and a pertinent part for the rise of many a band in the 90's and once they hit the big time they forgot their meager roots quite quickly...I am looking at you...Rob Thomas.

Anyways, my bestie Ally-CRRR loves Kid Rock and as much as she is a goddess of all of rock and roll....she used to turn to cement upon his presence. Very very funny to watch.

What is also kind of funny, after seeing him thirty five times in the 2000's, the last time I saw him play was at the Homestead Race in 2012. Time flies when you are having fun, darlings. Now if you must excuse me, I have a date with Spotify for some Devil without a Cause singing...how do I know every single word after this time, when I couldn't tell you what I wore yesterday?

Homestead 2012

Kid Rock to Headline the DAYTONA 500 Budweiser Pre-Race Show

Multi-platinum award-winning, American rock star Kid Rock will perform the DAYTONA 500 Budweiser Pre-Race Show, the prelude to the 57th annual “Great American Race” on Sunday, Feb. 22 (1 p.m. – FOX, FOX Deportes, MRN Radio and SiriusXM Radio.)

Kid Rock will perform several of his hits, including his brand new single “First Kiss,” on pit road of the “World Center of Racing” prior to the start of the DAYTONA 500, the prestigious season-opening event of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. All race fans that purchase a Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE access pass for the DAYTONA 500 can enjoy Kid Rock’s DAYTONA 500 Budweiser Pre-Race Show up close, along with driver introductions.

“We’re thrilled to have Kid Rock entertain the thousands of race fans in attendance and the millions more watching on FOX,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “Kid Rock is an avid NASCAR fan and will provide race fans with a spectacular performance leading up to the start of the much anticipated DAYTONA 500.

Following his performance, Kid Rock will release his latest studio album First Kiss on Tuesday, Feb. 24. Fans can pre-order the album now at participating retailers and at KidRock.com. Kid Rock, whose musical style ranges from hip hop and rock to heavy metal and country, has sold more than 26 million albums worldwide.

Kid Rock joins a long list of past performers of the DAYTONA 500 Budweiser Pre-Race Show including Luke Bryan, Zac Brown Band, Lenny Kravitz, Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban and Bon Jovi.

In addition to his concert, a special ticket package designed around Kid Rock has been created that includes a DAYTONA 500 grandstand ticket, Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE access and VIP area access to Kid Rock’s performance. Packages start at $169. Fans who have already purchased DAYTONA 500 tickets can add Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE access along with VIP area access for just $104.

For more information on tickets for the 57th annual DAYTONA 500 and Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race access, race fans can visit http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.

Fans can follow NASCAR on Twitter and stay up to speed on the latest news by using hashtag #DAYTONA500 and #SPEEDWEEKS.

Fans can also stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest for the latest news all season long. Fans can follow the latest on DAYTONA Rising, the $400 million frontstretch renovation at the “World Center of Racing” by using #DAYTONARising on Twitter or visiting www.daytonarising.com.

For more information on Kid Rock, visit www.kidrock.com.

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Shop Local for Holiday Cocktails with Bungalow 23 Mixers

As much as I love my wine, when I have to start looking to setting down and stop carbing like a crazy person, I turn to my other sister from another mista-vodka! Yeah! But what to mix with vodka? So many options, but I recently was introduced by Megan and the Hyatt Regency Orlando something that is going on my shelf, ASAP. Bonus, its locally owned!

Rick Ferrone and Chris Henderson, two entrepreneurs out of Orlando, recently launched a line of craft cocktail mixers called Bungalow 23, "The cocktail mixer hand crafted for premium spirits". These mixers make it simple to enjoy a hand crafted cocktail at home. What sets these mixers apart from all the others is the word fresh. No concentrates and nothing artificial found here. Bungalow 23 is made from fresh fruit purees, real fruit juices, and homemade extracts using fresh cut herbs.

Bungalow 23 currently has three flavors on the market; Prickly Pear Margarita, Blueberry Lemon Drop and the holy grail- Pear Ginger Martini.

Hyatt Regency Orlando now featured Bungalow 23 mixers and has a great craft cocktail menu to pear with them...get it?

We tried two delicious concoctions with Ginger Pear Martini and Lemon Sapphire (we cheated and swapped out vodka...no one wants to see us on gin, trust us!)

You can find Bungalow 23: Online | Facebook | Instagram | In stores

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A Piece of Heaven at The Spa at Hyatt Regency Orlando

I had a nice little birthday treat with Megan yesterday! Massages at The Spa at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Hotel. Located on the Pool level of the Regency Tower, a visit to The Spa was just what this girl needed for some relaxing.

I chose the 80 minute Relaxation Massage, because usually my massages are sadly medicinal...to fix this or that. I truly wanted a chance to relax! Well, relax to the best of my ability. The Spa is open seven days a week, 365 days a year....when I lamented how it must not be that great to work on the holidays, my massage therapist Kym thoughtfully explained that massage therapy is a gift and therapists think of it as such. Good Point!

My Relaxation Massage, described as the classic of massage therapy – a variety of pressure, speed and stimulation encourages muscle relaxation and renews a sense of wellbeing....was heavenly. The rooms were spacious, the massage table was high tech (it reminded me of my zero gravity bed) and the experience was just divine. All of the massages that The Spa offers are listed on their website here.

Some massage tips I think are helpful:

1. Be on time, do whatever you can to not come rushing in at the last minute. You don't need the extra stress and this cuts into your time!

2. Eat light before you come. It will make for a better experience.

3. Drink water. Lots and lots of water. I mean, a TON of water...wanna feel like you have the flu? Disregard this tip. No, really...drink drink drink!

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"Weddings of Honor"-Florida community honors military couple with wedding they never had

Little Blog Dress Media is very proud to partner with this project to help promote its wonderful story.

In 1998, Sergeant First Class Garry White met the girl he was going to marry, Linda and they began navigating the complexities of Army life while the dream wedding they had planned turned into the "barely had time for a civil wedding ceremony" in 2000 before he had to report for duty overseas. Fifteen years and 5 tours of duty later, their "dream wedding" is coming true. They will enjoy the wedding of their dreams on Sunday, December 14. In fact, they will enjoy an entire wedding day with all the memories and none of the costs – thanks to Port Orange businesses.

"We revere our veterans and public safety professionals and wanted to do something to recognize the fact that they dedicate their careers and risk their lives for us," said Craig Gittner, Owner of The Estate on the Halifax, an historic local wedding and event site, just a stone's throw from Daytona Beach. "We decided to provide our venue for a real wedding free of charge." Other local businesses were eager to join us in this Wedding of Honor so everything is being donated.

"We extended an invitation for couples and we reviewed their stories as the basis for selecting our honorees," said Gittner. "We found a wonderful military couple right here in our community. Garry is a Military Science Instructor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, whose military resume includes the 3 Bronze Stars and The Purple Heart," said Linda Cheatham of The Estate on the Halifax, which will be the site of the entire event. "His wife, Linda is a dedicated Army wife and mother of two who has supported her husband and shares her husband's love of the military.

"We have been married fifteen years, have two children and have had a wonderful life together," said SFC White. "We hoped someday we would renew our vows in a wedding celebration, but wondered if it would really happen." Linda agreed. "We are blessed to do so and we will be mindful of others who may have had to forego a ceremony wedding, and hope they someday will experience one."

About: Estate on the Halifax, a private ten-acre estate bordering the Halifax River in Port Orange. www.estateonthehalifax.com.

For information: Linda Cheatham

386.763.2285 Linda@tavernandchapel.com

http://www.estateonthehalifax.com

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HOme for the HOlidays Christmas Parade Ormond Beach

The HOme for the HOlidays Nighttime Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Division Avenue and U.S. 1. It will head north to Granada Boulevard, turn east on Granada Boulevard to Beach Street and turn south on Beach Street in front of City Hall.

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Kebabji Daytona Beach, An Asset to the Downtown

I am so passionate about our downtown in Daytona Beach. For years, we have had great restaurants and entertainment opportunities, like Cinematique and the News Journal Center and it is always exciting to see when new faire comes on Beach Street.

I had the pleasure to be invited to the new restaurant Kebabji on 200 South Beach, it was really nice of the management to invite me to come out and try a lunch on them. I took my girl Kaylee and we met on a sadly very rainy, nasty day. But really, what better to eat on a day then the great comfort of Mediterranean cuisine?

~~Borrowing~~, well stealing this from their website, Kebabji's menu mixes authentic Middle Eastern dishes with modern Mediterranean influences to create a culinary journey for the palate and senses. As Kaylee exclaimed, it like the Greek Festival on crack...but really so much more. It's one of those places where you could go a bunch of times and never have the same thing.

The space that Kebabji resides in, is massive. It would be great for any occasion and they have plans to do some official private dining events. This is a great addition to the downtown and to Volusia County in general, and I can't wait to go back.

I am gonna be honest with you, I cant tell you what I liked more and I am already planning my next meal for the next time I go. Everything was top notch and you should go straight-away!! Check out their menu here.

Find them on Facebook and Google Plus