I have a lot to say, but not that much at all.... Onwards! Let's Do This 2016!
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Bye Bye 2015, Wish I never knew you...
I am sorry I haven't written in a while. I am looking forward to turning the new year into something great.
I have a lot to say, but not that much at all.... Onwards! Let's Do This 2016!
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I have a lot to say, but not that much at all.... Onwards! Let's Do This 2016!
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JetBlue Airways Share to Win
Enter our “JetBlue Airways Share to Win” Contest for your chance to win 2 round trip travel certificates from Daytona Beach International Airport to NYC flying into JFK!
All you have to do is follow these 4 easy steps:
1) “Like” our Daytona Beach International Airport Facebook Page.
2) "Like" the contest photo.
3) “Share” this contest photo on your timeline publicly.
4) Comment below that you've completed steps 1-3.
The official rules can be found here and the post you need to share is here
Contest ends Thursday, Dec. 24 at 12 P.M. EST. The winner will be announced the Daytona Beach International Airport Facebook page and contacted via Facebook Messenger after the closing date.
You must complete all steps to be eligible to win.
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COUNTRY 500 “The Great American Music Fest at Daytona”
Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Willie Nelson and 40 More Stars To Rock Daytona International Speedway Memorial Day Weekend, May 27-29, 2016
Tickets on Sale and Complete Music Lineup to Be Released November 3
Sign up to be on the mailing list and get all the festival info as soon as it becomes available at
Country500.com; Country 500 on Facebook; @Country500 on Twitter
Daytona International Speedway, the “World Center of Racing,” will host the inaugural Country 500 music festival featuring Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Kid Rock, TBA, Lady Antebellum, Willie Nelson and dozens more over Memorial Day Weekend—May 27, 28 & 29, 2016. The complete Country 500 lineup, including the Friday night headliner, will be released on November 3 and tickets, camping and VIP packages will go on sale to the public the same day. Fans should plan to take advantage of the special early bird pricing ($199) for weekend general admission passes beginning on November 3.
Also called “The Great American Music Fest at Daytona,” the Country 500 festival will feature the biggest stars in country music spread over three days and nights, programmed on three huge performance stages—all specially designed and built for the festival. Country 500 will take place on the infield of the world-famous Daytona International Speedway, a historic first mega-music festival inside the hallowed grounds of one of the most iconic motorsports venues in America.
Just as it is for the great races at the Speedway, Country 500 will allow fans to actually camp out in the infield, literally inside the festival. A full-range of camping opportunities is available for virtually any budget, from pitching a tent to deluxe RV locations.
Special VIP packages called “Crew Chief VIP Experience” and “VIP Pit Pass” (see attached) allow for an exclusive upfront, golden-circle viewing area at the main stage with side stage access at the other performances areas plus access to comfortable hospitality areas, private cash bars and many other comforts and amenities. Visit Country500.com or call 1-844-500-FEST for VIP benefits, camping information and all the Country 500 details.
Fans at the festival will also have the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of their favorite country stars at artist meet-and-greets located throughout pit road and the garages. Numerous other features—a select festival menu sold from food booths and food trucks; carnival rides; arcade games; cooling water elements; country-and-western merchandise; fireworks; and more—will all be a part of the festival, as Country 500 transforms racing’s greatest venue into a festival-goer’s dream.
Visit Country500.com or call 1-844-500-FEST for tickets, camping, parking, and other festival information. Make sure to sign up on the Country 500 mailing list and get all the festival info including travel packages and hotel accommodations as soon as it becomes available.
“Luke Bryan closing out the Festival Sunday night; Kid Rock, Willie Nelson, and a homecoming celebration with Florida Georgia Line all on Saturday night; another superstar still to be announced to close Friday night; plus 40 more stars will be featured on the three stages over three days,” said Festival Producer Quint Davis. “The Country 500, like its older brother on the race track, will positively rock the one and only Daytona International Speedway. Be the first to get your favorite camping spot on the infield inside the Festival. Look for the full lineup and tickets on sale November 3.”
“We’re proud to develop this new partnership with AEG Live and Festival Productions, Inc. – New Orleans and bring the Country 500 music festival to Daytona International Speedway,” Track President Joie Chitwood III said. “Signature events such as the DAYTONA 500 and the Rolex 24 At Daytona have made DIS the ‘World Center of Racing’ but by securing this marquee music festival with an amazing lineup of artists, we will also be known as the ‘World Center of Entertainment.”
Stay connected with Country 500 on Facebook, Country500.com on the web and #Country500 on Twitter.
AEG Live and Festival Productions, Inc. – New Orleans are partnering with Daytona International Speedway to produce the Country 500.
Country 500 Weekend Festival Passes
3-DAY GENERAL ADMISSION WEEKEND PASS – ($199 early bird all-in pricing)
· 3-day general admission; passes are non-transferable
· Includes access to over 40 bands on three festival stages, a select menu of food and beverage offerings sold from food booths and food trucks, carnival rides, arcade games, country and western merchandise, official festival merchandise, a myriad of shade and water elements and much more
VIP PIT PASS - ($599 all-in pricing)
· 3-day admission; passes are non-transferable
· Access to the Pit, an exclusive upfront, golden circle viewing area at the Country 500 Stage and VIP viewing at the Daytona Stage and Bluebird Theater
· Access to the VIP Pit Stop, a private hospitality tent where guests can cool of in the shade with
access to exclusive beverage for purchase, private merchandise stand, cell phone charging stations
and more.
· Private air-conditioned flushable restrooms
· Exclusive festival merchandise item
· Express VIP entrance with re-entry all weekend
· Exclusive opportunity to purchase a VIP parking space
· On-site experience concierge
CREW CHIEF VIP EXPERIENCE – ($999 all-in pricing)
· 3-day admission; passes are non-transferable
· Access to the Pit, an exclusive upfront, golden circle viewing area at the Country 500 Stage and VIP
viewing at the Daytona Stage and Bluebird Theater
· Exclusive access to the Crew Chief Super VIP Deck at the Country 500 Stage featuring a covered
viewing platform with premium views of the main stage, private cash bar and air-conditioned
restrooms
· Exclusive access to the Country 500 VIP Club, a private indoor air-conditioned hospitality lounge
featuring cash bar, comfortable furnishings, private merchandise stand, complimentary light
snacks and refreshments, massages, Wi-Fi, charging stations and more
· Crew Chief VIP-only exclusive festival merchandise item
· Express VIP entrance with re-entry all weekend
· Exclusive opportunity to purchase a VIP parking space
· On-site experience concierge
· Plus a few surprises!
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Skinny and Clean: Baked Grits and Eggs
I've developed a late in life passion for grits. I never had grits in my life before one terrible hungover morning when Megan cheerfully forced them down my throat. Have some sludge, she chirped and just like that my late night discretions were gone...well the ones I could make go away were anyway...ha ha.
When that fateful day when Checkers STOPPED SERVING BREAKFAST....I kind of gave up on the whole grits thing altogether. That is till I have visited Savannah twice this year...now I am back on the grits train...but until now I have never attempted to make them. This recipe is from Martha Stewart, of course...because who else is gonna teach me?
serves 4 // active time: 10 min // total time: 30 min
Baby arugula adds nutrients and a peppery flavor to this dish.
olive oil, for brushing
3/4 cup instant grits
1 cup baby arugula
1/4 cup grated cheddar (2 ounces), divided
salt and pepper
4 large eggs
1 Preheat oven to 400°. Brush four 8-ounce ramekins or other small ovenproof dishes with oil. Prepare grits according to package instructions. Stir in arugula and 2 tablespoons cheddar, and cook until cheddar melts, about 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper.
2 Divide grits among dishes. Make a well in each, then crack an egg into each well; season. Bake on a rimmed baking sheet, until whites are set but yolks are still runny, about 20 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through. To serve, top grits with remaining 2 tablespoons cheddar and a sprinkle of pepper.
per serv: 210 cal; 8 g fat (3 g sat fat); 11 g protein; 24 g carb; 1 g fiber
WW Points: 6
Victoria Fine Foods comes to Florida!
Victoria Fine Foods is an authentic pasta sauce manufacturer based in Brooklyn, New York. As you know, this is the holy land of all that is Italian. The company uses a slow, kettle-cooked approach to making their sauces, and they use fresh, real food/non-GMO ingredients that provide an authentic homemade sauce in convenient, ready-to-eat form. I am so excited that to announce that they are now in Florida! For a location near you, click here!As a self-proclaimed official tomato sauce tasting expert, I couldn't wait to try this especially when the ingredients were so fresh and the cooking process was so unique. I decided to give my Seafood Fradiavolo a whirl with their sauce! This is a very easy recipe perfect for busy holiday weekend nights, the sauce needs absolutely nothing but to be added to your favorite seafood (I chose shrimp, but crabmeat is divine!) and pasta.
I got a great picture of the sauce so you can see how fresh the ingredients look!
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| Season your shrimp with garlic and salt |
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| Toss with your favorite pasta and Heaven! |
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You say it is your birthday, I say Mind Your Manners
This is a repost from December 2014 by popular request
So, I turn another year this week. I have always loved my birthday..even as the years tick on.
I am gonna try to write about this issue with the most PC I can muster. I am by no means the Emily Post of ANYTHING-not even social media...but I feel someone immediately has to address the common decorum of using social media that surrounds a holiday. This goes for birthdays, holidays, big announcements, etc. Because I have been sitting on this article for a while now and I have had about enough.
Some things to keep in mind when celebrating or being celebrated:
Holidays.
Do not multi-text "Happy Anything" to all the people in your address book-take that mess to Facebook. I had numbers all Thanksgiving long that I didn't recognize that I paid for them to send me a text message of a blanket "Happy Thanksgiving" More annoying is my closer friends that didn't have the time to pick up the phone to send me a well wish, but deemed me worthy of one of their 100 friends to send a Group MMS to.
It is just rude.
Birthdays
Days later, I am still shaking my head at how I had family members, and dear dear close friends think that it was good enough to send a text message Happy Birthday and be done with it. Let us remember what the initial use for texting is and that is the convenience of not actually talking to someone. A rule of thumb, if you are related or have ever bought a gift or attend their birthday celebrations, you are close enough for it to be horrifyingly rude to send a Happy Birthday text and let that serve as your well wish. Get on the damn phone. Shame on you.
In the same breathe, hee hee....if it is someone you are only acquainted with and want them to know that you care a little bit more than typing on their Facebook wall with their other six hundred friends...go ahead and send that text.
This is a black or white subject...either you are good enough friends to celebrate in full and pick up the phone or a good acquaintance to warmly remember that it is their day via text.
Engagements and Pregnancy Announcements
This one is tricky. I shudder at the thought of when I have to do it myself. You want to personalize and take the time to let them know this big news one on one...but what if your dim witted future brother in law posts on Facebook "Congrats on your Engagement" before your brother or your best friend has had the chance to call you back and then sees it there first. You are only one woman, damnit.
Again, this is just what I would do and hope that it would work. The paranoia in me and my distrust on other's lack of common sense wants me to tell you to temporarily disable your Facebook comments till you can at least get to family members and best friends. Call them, tell them to keep it off Facebook and pray that they listen. Then blowing all what I said above, send a Group Text to the people in your life that will be hurt if they see it on Facebook before you have a chance (or someone can on your behalf) to tell them personally. Your text can be simple: First make sure that you send the kind of text that lets people respond to you and you alone, not back to the 100 people you texted in the Group MMS (Google It). That would be annoying!!!!
A simple: Hi everyone! I apologize for this group text but there is no other way to share this exciting news with you that we are engaged/pregnant/etc. Please keep this announcement off Facebook till we have a chance to announce it ourselves and I cant wait to talk to you in person about this exciting day!
That should do it, and will politely take care of your acquaintances, coworkers and people that you cant get to in a timely manner.
People that you should absolutely speak to before you post your news on Facebook? Family members, best friends and people that would kill you otherwise. You have to physically talk to them unless they are completely unavailable via phone. Simply inexcusable to tell your best friend via text (sorry).
How to respond
One of my girlfriends wanted to take her birthday off Facebook because she wasn't going to have the time to personally take the time to answer each post. Good God, that would take a week. See that cute little LIKE button by their comment...click it and move on, perfectly acceptable.
I meant this less of a rant but more of a way to talk about things I have seen lately that are so blatantly obvious, I am surprised that they haven't really been addressed. Interested in your thoughts or experiences...I am sure there are some stories that would have Emily rolling over in her grave. Pin It
So, I turn another year this week. I have always loved my birthday..even as the years tick on.
I am gonna try to write about this issue with the most PC I can muster. I am by no means the Emily Post of ANYTHING-not even social media...but I feel someone immediately has to address the common decorum of using social media that surrounds a holiday. This goes for birthdays, holidays, big announcements, etc. Because I have been sitting on this article for a while now and I have had about enough.
Some things to keep in mind when celebrating or being celebrated:
Holidays.
Do not multi-text "Happy Anything" to all the people in your address book-take that mess to Facebook. I had numbers all Thanksgiving long that I didn't recognize that I paid for them to send me a text message of a blanket "Happy Thanksgiving" More annoying is my closer friends that didn't have the time to pick up the phone to send me a well wish, but deemed me worthy of one of their 100 friends to send a Group MMS to.
It is just rude.
Birthdays
Days later, I am still shaking my head at how I had family members, and dear dear close friends think that it was good enough to send a text message Happy Birthday and be done with it. Let us remember what the initial use for texting is and that is the convenience of not actually talking to someone. A rule of thumb, if you are related or have ever bought a gift or attend their birthday celebrations, you are close enough for it to be horrifyingly rude to send a Happy Birthday text and let that serve as your well wish. Get on the damn phone. Shame on you.
In the same breathe, hee hee....if it is someone you are only acquainted with and want them to know that you care a little bit more than typing on their Facebook wall with their other six hundred friends...go ahead and send that text.
This is a black or white subject...either you are good enough friends to celebrate in full and pick up the phone or a good acquaintance to warmly remember that it is their day via text.
Engagements and Pregnancy Announcements
This one is tricky. I shudder at the thought of when I have to do it myself. You want to personalize and take the time to let them know this big news one on one...but what if your dim witted future brother in law posts on Facebook "Congrats on your Engagement" before your brother or your best friend has had the chance to call you back and then sees it there first. You are only one woman, damnit.
Again, this is just what I would do and hope that it would work. The paranoia in me and my distrust on other's lack of common sense wants me to tell you to temporarily disable your Facebook comments till you can at least get to family members and best friends. Call them, tell them to keep it off Facebook and pray that they listen. Then blowing all what I said above, send a Group Text to the people in your life that will be hurt if they see it on Facebook before you have a chance (or someone can on your behalf) to tell them personally. Your text can be simple: First make sure that you send the kind of text that lets people respond to you and you alone, not back to the 100 people you texted in the Group MMS (Google It). That would be annoying!!!!
A simple: Hi everyone! I apologize for this group text but there is no other way to share this exciting news with you that we are engaged/pregnant/etc. Please keep this announcement off Facebook till we have a chance to announce it ourselves and I cant wait to talk to you in person about this exciting day!
That should do it, and will politely take care of your acquaintances, coworkers and people that you cant get to in a timely manner.
People that you should absolutely speak to before you post your news on Facebook? Family members, best friends and people that would kill you otherwise. You have to physically talk to them unless they are completely unavailable via phone. Simply inexcusable to tell your best friend via text (sorry).
How to respond
One of my girlfriends wanted to take her birthday off Facebook because she wasn't going to have the time to personally take the time to answer each post. Good God, that would take a week. See that cute little LIKE button by their comment...click it and move on, perfectly acceptable.
I meant this less of a rant but more of a way to talk about things I have seen lately that are so blatantly obvious, I am surprised that they haven't really been addressed. Interested in your thoughts or experiences...I am sure there are some stories that would have Emily rolling over in her grave. Pin It
Junior League Daytona Beach Thrift Store Restocking Sale
Our Famous Annual Re-Stocking Sale starts tomorrow at 10 AM! We will be replenishing the Store with great items so check it out frequently!
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Cessna Skinner Round-Up Returns to Daytona Beach
I really love this event. Megan and I went each year and I am so glad that it isnt during testing any more. The weather is gonna be so much better! Some of my favorite pics from years gone by (wow, we look young)
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| Boris Said |
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| NASCAR Mike Helton |
Mike and Angie Skinner to Host Two-Day Cessna Skinner Round-Up Benefitting the Council on Aging of Volusia County on October 28-29, 2015
The Cessna Skinner Round-Up is back in Daytona Beach, Florida! After taking a brief hiatus the two-day charity event returns to Volusia County on October 28-29, 2015 to benefit the Council on Aging of Volusia County. This year's event will kick off with a party in the infield at Daytona International Speedway with the Hoedown Bash on Wednesday, October 28 at 7 p.m. ET. Registration for the Cessna Skinner Round-Up Golf Tournament presented by Halifax Health at Spruce Creek Country Club will open on Thursday, October 29 at 10 a.m. ET.
"After moving to North Carolina for a few years, Angie and I really missed our neighbors in Volusia County and the Daytona Beach community," Mike Skinner said. "We knew it was time for us to come back home, and we were excited to reintegrate ourselves in the community once we arrived through events like the Skinner Round-Up. We're so excited to bring this event back to Daytona Beach. We have some great partners involved in this year's event-Cessna, Hard Rock Seminole, Halifax Health, Suntrust Bank, Oral-B, Toyota, and so many others. I can't wait to see the impact we're able to make within Volusia County."
Countless sponsors have joined the effort to make the Cessna Skinner Round-Up possible in 2015. Debuting a new relationship for the Skinner Round-Up, the two-day event will be presented by Cessna. One of the headline events at Wednesday's Hoedown Bash will be the Hard Rock Seminole concert by Stacy Mitchhart on the Management Resource Systems Stage. Meanwhile, Thursday's golf tournament at Spruce Creek Country Club will be presented by Halifax Health. Additional partners supporting the Skinner Round-Up include American Auto, Bad Boy Buggies, Devine Family Foundation, E-Z-GO, Fanatics, Froggy's Saloon, Germain Racing, Molto Bella Boutique, National Wild Turkey Federation, Oral-B, Richard Childress Racing, Skip's Boots, Suntrust Bank, Toyota, Volusia Top Gun and Yuengling.
Since the inception of the Cessna Skinner Round-Up, the event has always benefitted non-profit organizations in Volusia County, keeping all funds raised within Daytona Beach and surrounding communities. In 2015, the Cessna Skinner Round-Up will benefit the Council on Aging of Volusia County. In partnership with the community, the Council on Aging promotes healthy, independent living through caring and compassionate services. The Council on Aging of Volusia County serves thousands of clients every year through meals programs, non-medical health services and senior activities.
"After participating in countless charity golf events, Mike and I started the Skinner Round-Up nearly 10 years ago as a way to benefit our local community," Angie Skinner said. "A friend of ours works with the Concerned Citizens for Animal Welfare here in Daytona Beach, and needed help to feed the animals. We realized that if we started a charity event to focus on organizations based in and around Daytona Beach, that we would actually be able to make an impact on our local community. All of the money that we've ever raised has stayed within Volusia County, which is really important to us. This year, our event will benefit the Council on Aging of Volusia County, an organization that I became involved with after we moved back to Florida. Taking care of the elderly isn't glamorous, it's a job that's often overlooked, which is just one of the reasons why we wanted to partner with them for the 2015 Cessna Skinner Round-Up."
The Cessna Skinner Round-Up will take place rain or shine. Tickets for the Skinner Round-Up Hoedown Bash will be sold at the gate beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 28. Attendees should enter through the Williamson Boulevard entrance of Daytona International Speedway. Tickets for adults are just $10, while children ages 12 and under will be admitted free of charge. Golfers are still able to register for the Skinner Round-Up Golf Tournament presented by Halifax Health. The tournament costs $150 per player, and will take place at the Spruce Creek Country Club in Port Orange, Fla. on Thursday, October 29.
For additional information on the two-day Cessna Skinner Round-Up charity event, please visit MikeSkinner.com/RoundUpForCharity, or follow @SkinnerRoundUp on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
About Cessna Skinner Round-Up:
The Cessna Skinner Round-Up is back in Daytona Beach! Returning to Volusia County after a three-year hiatus, Mike and Angie Skinner started the two-day charity event in 2005 as a way to give back to their local community. Benefitting the Council on Aging of Volusia County with two days of events, this year's Cessna Skinner Round-Up will take place October 28-29, 2015. It will be a party in the infield on Wednesday, October 28 with the Hoedown Bash at Daytona International Speedway!
The event will feature the Hard Rock Seminole Concert by Nashville Blues Doctor Stacy Mitchhart, games for all ages, the largest silent auction in Volusia County, and an all-you-can-eat Taste of Daytona event. Tickets for the Hoedown Bash are just $10 for adults, with children ages 12 and under admitted free. The party moves to Spruce Creek Country Club on Thursday, October 29 for the Skinner Round-Up Golf Tournament presented by Halifax Health. Players will take on the 18-hole par 72 course, which was named one of the 'Top 5 Best Golf Courses in the Daytona Beach area' by Golf Digest. Players are still able to register for the event, with an individual player fee costing just $150.
About Council on Aging of Volusia County:
Councils on Aging were established under the Older Americans Act by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services in 1965. For almost 50 years, COA has been the authority on Aging Services in Volusia County, and is one of the largest service agencies in northeast Florida. We serve thousands of clients every year, through our meals programs, non-medical health services and senior activities. COA is a licensed 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. In addition to some Federal and State Funding, COA offers Fee for Service options and raises funds through events and donations to better help serve clients who do not have the means to pay for care.
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The ChickenLivers Needs Your Help!
My sister in law has a fun project that I hope you will support! She has worked tremendously hard at this new endeavor and it has a great meaning in time for Christmas. I hope you will take some time, watch her adorable video and donate what you can!
Help The Chickenlivers get started! Their goal is to guide children's discovery of the true meaning of Christmas through unique story books, matching coloring books and plush toys.
Click here to help fund The Chickenlivers!
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Help The Chickenlivers get started! Their goal is to guide children's discovery of the true meaning of Christmas through unique story books, matching coloring books and plush toys.
Click here to help fund The Chickenlivers!
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Back to the Shake Life with Nutri Ninja® Auto-IQ™ with Smooth Boost™
Hi I am Darlynn and I am addicted to Ninja projects. I am SO in love with my latest toy! We have been really trying to be on the right path to get healthy and not comfort eat! It isn't easy but one of the worst things I do to myself is skip breakfast and just rely on my delicious coffee (even if it is from my Ninja coffee maker!) But really it is all about balance and I have been incorporating shakes from Herbalife and juices made fresh to my daily routine.
I am not gonna lie to you I had a DREADFUL experience with a kale smoothie a while ago, I was terrified to ever again to try this at home, but I was curious to see if my new Nutri Ninja® Auto-IQ™ with Smooth Boost™ has the power to make that memory go away. I am happy to tell you that this was the best green experience I have ever had. Thanks to the Smooth Boost™ Technology, my Ninja allows me to truly customize your drink-making experience whether you’re using Nutrient Extraction* or High Performance Blending.
I can choose whether I want deliciously drinkable nutrient juices or whip up an ultra-creamy frozen smoothie all at the touch of a button. With Nutri Ninja® Auto-IQ™ with Smooth Boost™ you can see, feel, and taste the difference.
The coolest thing, like with some of my Ninja devices is the Nutri Ninja Auto-iQ Compact System is that it is multiple devices in one. It's a food processor, chopper, grinder, blender and more. The precision processing offers even chopping, smooth purees, and perfect dough consistencies. It has been getting a LOT of use in my house!
Another cool feature is that the system includes a double-walled stainless steel blender cup that keeps my shake cold for up to 4 hours.
Parts Included:
1100-Watt Motor Base
24 oz. Nutri Ninja® Cup
24 oz. Double-walled
Stainless Steel Cup
48 oz. Capacity Jar
(2) Sip & Seal® Lids
Nutrient and Vitamin Extraction:
Nutri Ninja® Cups can blend whole fruits, vegetables, greens, seeds & stems into nutrient-rich beverages in seconds! Traditional juicers provide little juice and remove the pulp which contains the healthy fiber, whereas the Nutri Ninja™ Cups provides complete juicing with the benefits of entire fruits and vegetables, not just the juice. These juices are bursting with health-boosting vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, trace elements and plant nutrients!
Smooth Boost Technology:
Smooth Boost™ Technology is next level Auto-iQ&trade Technology - you can step up your smoothness with high performance blending and nutrient extraction for even smoother texture and consistency.
Auto IQ Technology:
Auto-iQ™ Technology is One-Touch Intelligence - Programs designed specifically for each jar attachment. These intelligent programs combine unique, timed pulsing, blending and pausing patterns that do the work for you! Great results every time with no guesswork required!
Retail value of the Nutri Ninja Auto-iQ Compact System is $119 and available nationwide. I received this product for review. As always, all opinions are my own.
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Hambingo with The High Heel Coalition
When I am not wrangling hens at the Junior League, running my business , driving my husband crazy and binge watching Scandal-I started a new foundation! The High Heel Coalition is my new baby and I have been holding fun events to raise money like this one and this one for non-profits. This one is for the Junior League! White gloves, pearls and drag queens, should be a great night! I hope you can come!
What is “HamBingo Mary’s?”
What is “HamBingo Mary’s?”
HamBINGO Mary’s is a weekly charity event held in Hamburger Mary’s! Hosted by some of Daytona's most fabulous drag queens, this is not your typical “church basement bingo!”
The show can get a little risqué, so enjoy the drink specials and leave the kids at home. It’s all about having fun while supporting local Volusia County charities. There’s a different local charity beneficiary every week!
Our Hambingo will benefit the Junior League of Daytona Beach!
How Do You Play?
Guests are asked to make a $5donation to play all night (total of 10 games). You can get additional Bingo sheets by making an additional donation. The money collected for the Bingo cards goes directly to that night’s charity!
Let's “eat, drink, and be… MARY! while supporting a great cause!
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Dean Davidson Trunk Show
Stop by and meet Dean, browse his gorgeous jewelry line while sipping champagne and enjoying dessert. He is creating a few one of a kind pieces just for Molto Bella customers! Free $190 necklace with qualifying purchase. (only 15 available)
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19th Annual Adams, Cameron & Co. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Luncheon
Did you know I am an honorary Adams child? How I wish! Come support my favorite family at this great fundraiser!
Friday October 16 at 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Anderson-Price Memorial Library Building
42 N Beach St, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174
$7.00 Suggested Donation Please bring a dish to share in a disposal container, want your company to be represented please bring a raffle prize!
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Influential and A Reader's Choice-Sounds like a Good Week for Me!
This month, my company Little Blog Dress was recognized for the fifth year in a row (every year we have been eligible) as the Reader's Choice for Best in Social Media and I (me!) was recognized as an Influential Women in Business from the Daytona Beach News Journal. It is an honor to be noticed among your peers and kind of gives your hard days of work a little head nod that it was worth it!
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Happy Fall! Happy Red Wine Season.
If we are being honest, I don't really need an excuse to drink red wine, but fall and winter just makes so much more sense to pull up in a cozy sweater and a large glass of red wine. Wait, I live in Florida where cold never happens...How about some a delicious Chard, really because Fall is also the time when Columbia Crest releases some great fall wines including some tasty whites! You see how I can talk you or myself into anything?Columbia Crest recently released their second vintage Limited Release “Gold” Red Wine Blend. The Columbia Crest 2013 Limited Release Gold Red Wine (10,000 cases produced) combines artisan wine making with the best vineyards in the Columbia Valley to deliver a world-class wine of outstanding quality and value. Each year Columbia Crest winemakers put aside a few barrels of wine that represent the “Gold” standard of the Columbia Valley.
Columbia Crest 2013 Limited Release Gold Red Wine (10,000 cases produced)
Tasting Notes: “Dark and rich with a silky palate and flavors of fresh raspberries and salted dark chocolate, this Cabernet Franc-based red wine is a great option to pair with grilled meats and vegetables.” Juan Munoz Oca, Winemaker
New Columbia Crest Grand Estate Releases:
Columbia Crest 2013 Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley
Tasting Notes: “This bold style Cabernet Sauvignon displays great complexity and structure. There are aromas of dark berry fruits and plum on the nose with chocolate and vanilla on the palate. This wine pairs well with beef tenderloin or hearty pasta.” Juan Munoz Oca, Winemaker
Columbia Crest 2014 Grand Estates Pinot Gris Columbia Valley
Tasting Notes: “This light and lively Pinot Gris opens with vibrant lime-citrus and pineapple aromas. Following are vivid peach, pear and tropical fruit flavors joined by subtle nutty and spicy nuances, all balanced by crisp acidity.” Juan Munoz Oca, Winemaker
Columbia Crest 2013 Grand Estates Chardonnay Columbia Valley
Tasting Notes: “The Grand Estates Chardonnay opens with intense aromas of apples and melons, joined by signature characters of crème brulee, caramelized sugar and butterscotch. Ripe orchard fruit flavors are joined by creamy, buttery notes and balanced by lively acidity, creating a rich yet fresh wine.” Juan Munoz Oca, Winemaker
Columbia Crest 2013 Grand Estates Unoaked Chardonnay Columbia Valley
Tasting Notes: “Fermented only in stainless steel, the Grand Estates Unoaked Chardonnay is a light-bodied wine that reveals a pure expression of the varietal. The wine opens with aromas of lemon seed, green mangoes and orange blossoms. On the palate, layers of citrus fruit flavors combine with lively acidity, creating a refreshing style of Chardonnay." Juan Munoz Oca, Winemaker
Columbia Crest 2013 Grand Estates Merlot Columbia Valley
Tasting Notes: “This Merlot has a rich aromatic profile with notes of chocolate and dark cherries. The complex fruit flavors are followed by a smooth, velvety finish. Pair this wine with blue cheese, duck, beef, veal and dark chocolate.” Juan Munoz Oca, Winemaker
Columbia Crest 2012 Grand Estates Red Blend Columbia Valley
Tasting Notes: “This complex red blend marries together a variety of characteristics and layers that complement each other, including lively flavors of red and black fruit punctuated with layers of spice and caramel on the finish.” Juan Munoz Oca, Winemaker
Columbia Crest 2013 Grand Estates Syrah Columbia Valley
“Elegant smoky tones lead to notes of currant, dried herbs and hints of pepper. The supple texture is complemented by flavors of cedar and dark fruits.” Juan Munoz Oca, Winemaker
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Non-Profit Diaper Bank Receives Donation of 380,000 Diapers
I cant tell you how happy I am to lead this organization!! This is awesome news!
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Diaper Need Awareness Week, celebrated each year during the last week of September, is an initiative of the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN), created to mobilize efforts to help make a difference in the lives of the nearly 5.3 million babies in the U.S. aged three and younger who live in poor or low-income families.
The Junior League of Daytona Beach, which is beginning its second year running the only Diaper Bank in Volusia and Flagler Counties has recently received the largest donation since its inception. Domtar of Fort Mill, SC, a pulp, paper and personal care manufacturer whose clients include Captial Office Products of Daytona Beach has donated 380,000 diapers of various sizes to the Junior League of Daytona Beach Diaper Bank. The donation was coordinated locally by Junior League member Amie Story, who works at Capital Office Products.
Tom and Heather Patton, owners of Capital Office Products, donated warehouse staff time and storage space for the diapers. "Capital appreciates the partnership we have with Domtar / Enterprise group. Their generosity with a truck load of diapers will truly help support a variety of local charity needs." says owner Heather Patton.
"Thanks to the generosity and donation of diapers and space from Domtar and Capital Office Products, the Junior League of Daytona Beach will be able to help so many more women and children in Volusia County than ever thought possible. This donation truly gives our Diaper Bank an opportunity to work on other areas to make this project an even bigger charitable success." commented Darlynn Tacinelli, President of the Junior League of Daytona Beach.
The Junior League of Daytona Beach Diaper Bank is beginning its second year serving low income parents in the Daytona Beach area. One in three families struggle to purchase diapers which can cost up to $100 per child per month. This cost can be more than double when diapers are purchased from convenience stores, a common scenario for those lacking transportation to discount retailers.
In its first year of operation, the Junior League of Daytona Beach Diaper Bank collected 32,102 diapers. League members work with local community agencies to reach low income parents for monthly diaper distributions.
Photos from the donation may be viewed on Dropbox
For more information about the Junior League of Daytona Beach Diaper Bank, please contact 386-253-1756 or juniorleaguedbnews@gmail.com
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Celebrate National Coffee Day with the new Ninja Coffee Bar™
How else would you celebrate National Coffee Day with the celebration of the Ninja Coffee Bar™?!
The great thing of the Ninja Coffee Bar™ is that it gives you plenty of options. Want a cup of coffee? Done, A travel mug? OK! Half Carafe or Full Carafe all easily achieved.
In addition, you get to pick what kind of coffee strength you want especially helpful when you are looking for iced coffee. It also comes with a cute milk frother that makes top of the line, coffee house quality latte and cappuccino. I feel like my own personal barista!
This came in the mail, and my husband, a non coffee drinker said "oh, maybe I will drink coffee now." DROP MIC. Seriously, the world is ending.
Not to mention, the stunning Emmy-nominated actress, Sofia Vergara have partnered with this venture!
The Ninja Coffee Bar™ features revolutionary Thermal Flavor Extraction™ technology, which delivers a variety of sizes and coffee styles, from hot to iced to specialty, while achieving the perfect brew richness level every time.
Created with passionate coffee-lovers like Sofia in mind, the Ninja Coffee Bar™ completely reinvents the traditional drip coffee maker by unlocking coffee grounds’ full flavor potential and providing smooth, rich and well-balanced coffee.
Ninja Coffee Bar™
· Thermal Flavor Extraction™ technology, which delivers a variety of sizes and styles while achieving the perfect brew richness level every time.
· Auto-iQ™ One Touch Intelligence Technology delivers customizable options for smooth, rich coffee in a cup, travel mug or carafe.
· Makes refreshing iced coffee by allowing users to dial up the richness of their coffee to offset the dilution caused by melting ice.
· Offers a variety of brewing options including Classic Brew, Rich Brew, Over Ice Brew and Specialty Brew.
Available at major retailers nationwide now, starting at $139.99 MSRP
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What is Wrong With The World Today-The Pope Edition
Disclaimer: This is very ranty!
I will first say that I embrace religious freedom. I understand that you are free to worship any spirit, God, etc. But I wonder if you agree, that no matter what religion you are, having Pope Francis visit the United States is kind of a big deal, Pope Francis’ visit will be the tenth time a pope has made an apostolic journey to the United States and it has been 7 years since we have had such visit.
Although, admittedly I haven't set foot in a physical mass in quite some time, this visit has really renewed the faith in a lot of us. My friend Joe put it like this: "Perfect view of 5th and 56th yesterday for the arrival of his holiness. Energy and vibe in the city ( for the most part ) was unlike anything I have felt there in a really long time . Absolutely a VERY special day for the best city in the world !"
Even the New York Post is on board.
I am really bummed at our millennials that just don't get it. There was a lot of negative chatter and political rhetoric on social media that was disrespectful, and would have my Italian grandmother come out of the grave and choke you with her rosary. I am sad that people aren't taking the time to tell their children the importance of these people and the respect that must be given. Not so much the Pope, but the Dali Lama and other personal heroes. It is completely lost on today's society. Even the President of the United States....no, he shares none of my beliefs but he is the leader of my free world and I should respect that. People wonder why there is no respect for authority or law enforcement. It starts somewhere, and it is at home. Enjoy Scandal, you little twit.
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Multi-Platinum Country Duo Florida Georgia Line to Perform DAYTONA 500 Pre-Race Show
Really excited for these guy's amazing success, although seriously one of the greatest things about the Florida Georgia line is that Brian's dad is our mayor Ormond Beach's Ed Kelley-he is awesome. Very cool announcement.
~ Special Ticket Package with VIP Concert Access Available Sept. 28 ~
Award-winning country music duo Florida Georgia Line, comprised of Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, will perform the DAYTONA 500 Pre-Race Show prior to the start of the 58th annual DAYTONA 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 21 (FOX, FOX Deportes, MRN Radio and SiriusXM Radio), the first ever “Great American Race” to be held at Daytona International Speedway following the completion of the $400 million DAYTONA Rising frontstretch redevelopment project.
All race fans who purchase Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race access for the DAYTONA 500 will be able to view Florida Georgia Line’s DAYTONA 500 Pre-Race Show, as well as driver introductions, from the grass tri-oval area. A limited number of DAYTONA 500 Pre-Race Concert ticket packages, available starting at $235, have been designed around Florida Georgia Line and include a DAYTONA 500 ticket, Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race access and VIP area access to the performance. Race fans who have already purchased DAYTONA 500 tickets can add Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race access and VIP area access for $110. All VIP ticket packages will be available beginning at 9 a.m. on Sept. 28.
For Kelley, performing at the “World Center of Racing” will be a homecoming having grown up in the neighboring city of Ormond Beach. Kelley attended Seabreeze High School and Daytona State College and his father, Ed Kelley, has been the mayor of Ormond Beach since 2010.
"It's a dream come true to play in the city where I was born, went to high school in and now have the honor of being a part of one of my family’s favorite sporting events, the DAYTONA 500,“ Kelley said. “Performing at the 500 feels full circle to me as I grew up working the 500 as a fundraiser for our baseball team and was in awe then and still am.”
“We're extremely thankful for the opportunity to be part of such a huge day for NASCAR and our fans. We can’t wait to bring the biggest party the DAYTONA 500 has ever seen,” Hubbard said
Florida Georgia Line fueled with three scorching consecutive #1 hits – GOLD-certified “Sippin’ On Fire” and “Sun Daze” and 2X PLATINUM-certified “Dirt” – and the recently-released title track, Florida Georgia Line radiates with the GOLD-certified sophomore album ANYTHING GOES (Republic Nashville). Their latest album soared to a #1 debut on the all-genre Billboard 200 and Billboard Top Country Albums charts with music critics and fans alike embracing the superstar duo’s fresh sound. FGL has skyrocketed to stardom becoming the only artist in history to join Brooks & Dunn in achieving four back-to-back, multi-week #1 singles; breaking the record for longest #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and selling over 21 million tracks worldwide of their 2X PLATINUM debut HERE’S TO THE GOOD TIMES and ANYTHING GOES.
Taking their undeniable songwriting skills to the next level and discovering new talent, FGL recently formed publishing company Tree Vibez Music, whose moniker was aptly inspired by Kelley’s custom treetop recording studio built by Pete Nelson for the hit show Treehouse Masters. In addition to collaborating across genres with sensations like Nelly and Jason Derulo, FGL has racked up a plethora industry awards, closing out an epic 2014 topping four of Billboard’s year-end charts and leading Forbes “30 Under 30” list. The accolades continue to pour in: FGL brought home two ACM Awards – their second consecutive Vocal Duo of the Year title and Vocal Event of the Year (“This Is How We Roll” featuring Luke Bryan) – a CMT Music Award for Duo Video of the Year (“Dirt”) and tallied four Billboard Music Awards nominations. They are currently on tour through October 17.
Those wishing to attend the 58th annual DAYTONA 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race will need to act quickly as there will be a limited number of tickets available due to the reduced seating capacity in the new stadium. Fans should also note:
· Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or visiting www.DAYTONA500.com.
· Hospitality and premium seat packages, including the Trioval Club, the Rolex 24 Lounge and Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race wristbands are also available.
· For all other Speedweeks events, children 12 and under are $10 in reserved grandstands and free in general admission areas and in the Sprint FANZONE.
· Fans can also visit PrimeSport.com, the new official ticket exchange and travel package provider of Daytona International Speedway. Offering multiple options for tickets, lodging and hospitality, https://www.primesport.com/d/daytona-500-tickets is ideal for fans looking for the ultimate racing experience.
About Daytona International Speedway
Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube for the latest news throughout the season. Fans also 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.
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Farewell Summer, You Were Terrible
I can't really decide if these posts are therapeutic, narcissistic or just completely self serving. So many things have happened the last couple of months, I am a little terrified, that the Lifetime movie that is my life will lose some of its emotion and I will forget the intimate details and how I truly felt at this time. On the upside, when we do finally become parents yes, these feelings will go far far away. Though, a little part of me wants to keep this empty feeling as close to me as possible so I will never forget and it will keep me strong (and maybe a little bit of a better writer).
So here we are three months later, and today a new season began. If you have no idea why I would like the summer of 2015 to sod off, please see here. With each new season brings new beginnings and maybe the fact that Fall is my favorite will bring us some luck. We are still on our journey, with some hopefuls, followed by astonishing shitshow chain of events with each one more crazy than the other. Have I mentioned the system is completely flawed? But undaunted we push on and dodge the bombs that have been thrown our way over these last three months.
This week has been interesting. Not that I think that everything is all about me, but there are people out there that suck at math way more than I could ever could. I said we were due in June. It is the end of September. Anyone see a baby? So why are you asking me how said child is? Three different times this week. I know I am being a little mean, but seriously, its a lot to smile brightly and tell the three sentence story. My favorite one was my mail lady, full of good intention saw me cleaning the garage and asked how my nesting was coming along? Not much longer now, she said, huh! I guess she saw the Enfamil samples in the mailbox and forgot the golden rule of assumption. Its full of innocence but it certainly doesn't hurt any less. I also think that is illegal for her to remember what it is in my mail, ha ha!
Thanks to Bealls, Target and Macys for letting me take back newborn girl clothes (twice), then toddler and infant clothes and then newborn boy clothes back with no questions. That back room that still remains shut, now resembles one hell of a pop up store. Sadly, I am in no mood to be philanthropic and donate what I have because instead of being gifted, I picked every thing out myself, love it all very much and hold on to hope that when this happens, I will be so so ready!
Thanks to my gorgeous loving friends. God I love them so much. They have been such a great source of strength for me.
Bring it Fall! We are ready!
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