The Little Blog Dress

Tomoka Marathon #Giveaway

How exciting that we have such a big event right in our backyard. At the Chamber this meeting, the Hotel and Motel Association said they were overwhelmed with traffic for those who are coming in for this race. Want to be one of them? See below!

The Tomoka Marathon, a Boston Marathon Qualifier, will be a new and unique multi-distance running event for the area. This event will take place in Ormond Beach, FL beginning and finishing at the historic Casements. Its one-of-a-kind route will take runners through natural and historic Florida on a beautiful course including the Tomoka State Park and returning along the Intracoastal Waterway.

This route, affectionately known as “The Tomoka Loop”, has appeal for locals and travellers alike to enjoy some of the most diverse natural “Old Florida” scenery remaining. The views include unobstructed vistas of two rivers, inland creeks and marshes, barrier island dunes and beach, as well as historic sites. “The Tomoka Loop” is designated as one of Florida’s Scenic Highways and runners will quickly see why it earned this distinction as they experience this beautiful route from the start to the finish line.

This event will be hosted by The Casements, the historic former winter home of John D. Rockefeller. It will be held in conjunction with the The Casement’s Centennial Celebration.

For more information, see them on the web, and Facebook

How would you like to have an entry for this amazing race! Enter the giveaway below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Little Blog Dress Wins An American Advertising Award

I am having a really fun Sunday. Even though at 4p, I am now starting to feel normal, last night was an awesome night! I am a member of the Daytona Beach Advertising Federation and last night was our annual award ceremony called the American Advertising Awards (formerly the Addy's). This is the first time that I entered for my company. Last year, I thought about it but this year I thought, well why not. There are a bunch of categories but there is one specific to social media....I picked the Campaign portion and presented a Powerpoint on a campaign I did for Blue Sky Swimwear. As you can imagine, it was a tad challenging to correctly portray a social media campaign for a physical entry but I thought a PP was the best way.

Last night was the Awards Gala, and this holds special meaning for my husband and I (prob more for me, because I am a sap) but it was our first official date. Nine years ago. I'm laughing because really, where does the time go? Scary.

Addys 2005 and 2014

PS, it was a 20's themed event! So the awards started and the ceremony began, it was a lot of fun! But LOOK! I won a Silver Addy, and now it goes to district. I am really stoked. Maybe because this is me, all me, 100% solo effort. Maybe, because to be recognized in your field at any level is quite a good feeling. Sorry for the Shameless Self Indulgent Sunday Post, but I am really happy and wanted to share!

I think I am gonna order this award to remember this coup-what do you think?

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NASCAR Foundation's Poker Tournament Raises $150K For Speediatrics

The NASCAR Foundation’s 2014 High Speed Hold ‘Em Charity Poker Tournament presented by Halifax Health was a fun filled night of poker benefitting The NASCAR Foundation’s Speediatrics unit at Halifax Hospital. NASCAR and Poker makes for a great combination to bring high stakes and high speeds to benefit our local community. The event was held on February 19th at Embry Riddle.

Betty Jane France,

Speediatrics exists thanks to the vision of The NASCAR Foundation Chairperson and Speediatrics founder, Betty Jane France, to create a place where kids are not intimidated by the overwhelming experience of being in the hospital. Speediatrics is helping these kids to a speedy recovery through a unique combination of caring, commitment and kindness, all with a NASCAR theme

The NASCAR Foundation Chairwoman was joined by co-chairs Richard Childress and Rick Hendrick, and the evening featured a poker tournament with players from the local business and NASCAR community.Drivers in attendance Regan Smith, Alex Bowman, Dakoda Armstrong, Jamie Dick, Jimmy Weller, John Wes Townley and IMSA driver James Gue. The poker community was represented as well,2003 World Series of Poker celebrity player Chris Moneymaker who played and won first place in the tournament

The evening culminated with a $150,000 check presentation to the Speediatrics unit at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach.

Team Owner Rick Hendrick

Chris Moneymaker

About The NASCAR Foundation
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing Inc., (NASCAR) launched The NASCAR Foundation in January 2006. The NASCAR Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit entity that embodies the compassion of the NASCAR family and its commitment to serving communities. The NASCAR Foundation seeks to raise funds and increase volunteerism to support nonprofit charities and charitable causes throughout the nation with an emphasis placed on initiatives that affect the ability of children to live, learn and play. For more information on The NASCAR Foundation, please visit the website: NASCAR.COM/foundation. Also on Facebook and Twitter

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Putting The Trust In Your Social Media Professional-Part Two

Yesterday, I blogged about establishing the trust in paying someone to do your social media marketing. Here is Part Two:

How do you know you picked the right social media marketer?

1.You trust them explicitly and heed their recommendations

2. You start sending them information to them and they get it out in a timely manner.

3. They spell correctly

4. They engage with the customer and they answer questions and address complaints immediately.

5. They post short, not lengthy status updates about your business that aren't always about your lunch specials.

6. They aren't annoying and talk about dinner plates at 9am on a Sunday, a legal issue at 11p at night on a Wednesday or Ask you to come for Bicirdi Happy Hour (note: the typo is theirs not mine).

Social Media Responsibilities For You And Your Employees

Once you have established trust in your professional, what if you or your employees still want to partake in the social media process? Know that even though you have hired someone, you can post at any time, but this should be taken off your list of things to worry about. Just like you wouldn't stand behind your lawyer and whisper closing arguments to him in your case, why not just send them the information over and trust the process of what you are paying is taking place?

Once you have made this hire, talk to your employees or managers and make sure they follow the process suggested by the social media professional.

I am not trying to be a control freak, I promise..I am so thankful for the inside help/additional posting by my clients, I am only one person! I just hope your social media professional takes time with them, and go over their preferences and expectations when working together. The end goal is mutual for all parties: using social media properly and feeling comfortable that your money is being well spent by hiring a professional.

I have had some wonderful relations with employees and clients co-posting, and some really bad ones. I had a GM tell me if he waned to post on Facebook for the shop, he could just do it and then proceeded to ask the owner for the amount of money that they were paying me monthly because he clearly had it under control and the company could just pay him. Ha Ha!

How Much Should Your Social Media Cost To Outsource?

Speaking of money, the trust of your social media professional should come at a price that is comfortable for the both of you. You should expect to pay less for a simple, even blanket of social media presence, someone who has his eye on the streets for any online chatter about your business and does all the things described above. Not the bare minimum by any means but you can cross off having a social media presence off your list of things to do at this level, Expect to pay a little more if your social media includes more of the creative process.

Think about if you treat your creative professionals in your life and ask if you treat them like you should. Is it because they need the hand holding? Let them prove themselves to you before meddling and you will be surprised how much more productive your business can be.

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Putting The Trust In Your Social Media Professional-Part One

This week, our air broke. I hired our A/C technician and patiently waited for him to come. When he arrived, I answered the door, put on my tool belt and stood behind him and inputted his every move, and when he wasn't looking did some duct work of my own. Then I paid for his services.

Then, my brakes went bad....rough week, right? I pulled into the auto repair shop, changed my clothes and met my mechanic in the bay. When the mechanic received a phone call, I jacked up the car and got to work, going in behind the mechanic and changing his every move. Then I paid the bill and went on my merry way.

None of these examples are true, obviously. Who in their right mind would waste the money hiring someone to do a service and then go in and do it themselves with no formal training?

If the situations above sound ridiculous, why are some people meddling in the same manner if they pay for a creative service like social media? If you have the good sense to hire someone for your social media, or any creative job...graphic design, email marketing, etc. I would like you to think about giving them the respect to do what you are paying them to do.

At the risk of being unkind, when it comes to social media-just because you have a Facebook account to update your daily status, a social media marketer you do not make.

Here is my philosophy for hiring someone to do the social media for your business. First, congrats for having the kind sense to know that you need this form of new media to stay relevant in 2012.

How To Choose The Right Social Media Marketing Company

It is blind faith to hire someone for this new marketing process but I bet you did for one of the following reasons:

1. You know you need to have social media for your business but do not have the time to do it consistently, all the while constantly looking for new trends that would improve your business using social media.

2. Your competition uses social media and you have no interest in being on the computer other than to check a seldom email.

3. You have a million things more to do than sit on Facebook and Yelp all day (like your business)

Think twice about hiring companies that offer more than social media if you just need this presence. There is a lot to be said for being good at just one thing. I am wary of these "PR firms" who do PR, web design, custom email news letters, graphics and logos, press releases, social media, your landscaping,your laundry- you name it. An all in one isn't very effective if they have spread themselves so thin that they are just a little good at all of these services instead of being really proficient in one of the fields.

A reminder: Do you not gage the success on your social media professional by your numbers. Social Media is used for branding NOT selling! Go buy some radio or consult an agency for a creative campaign if you need to sell something! Social means just that...social, non-invasive, act of the subconscious marketing.

Stay Tuned for Part Two Tomorrow!

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5 on Friday

I'm excited to participate in this link up for the first time! Only five things huh? Here we go!

ONE
I am SO sick of being sick! I haven't been sick in so long! I credit not really having much interaction with anyone working from home, but this has taken me down...two weeks on Monday! Last night, I woke up in a sitting position with my husband patting my back, uncontrollably hacking. Going through all this IUI awesomeness...Tylenol is really all that is suggested, and my body is like...yeah, what is this Pez candy you are trying So I went to the doctor and they assured me that a Z-pack would not affect this 2WW.

TWO
Oh EM GEE, our offer was accepted on a new house. I am so nervous on the financial credit part but I am thinking positively. It is THREE times the size of this house! THREE times!! So back to pre-wedding time from a year ago where no penny shall be spent inappropriately. That is SO hard!! But, we can do it! Cross your fingers for us?

THREE
This week I fired a client who got a little wordy with me. I have, and think no one should have any, ZERO tolerance for this type of behavior. It is ok to say no thank you when you peace of mind is sacrificed!

FOUR
I am looking forward to having a nice relaxing weekend with no agenda. It has rained non stop here for couple of days, been bitter cold..and it is supposed to be 80 degrees this weekend. I mean, is the world ending and no one is telling me?

FIVE
Saved you the best for last. I AM GOING TO THE TODAY SHOW. Yes, my lifelong bucket list dream is that much shorter as I will be accompanying my girlfriend Tara and her twin sister JJ were featured briefly on the Today Show as part of a Shark Tank feature. After screeching endlessly at this awesome news, she texted me this week and said they were invited for another feature and WOULD I WANT TO COME? WOULD I?? Can you hear me screaming? I pray I won't faint. vomit or pee when I go...or all of the above!! Check out their feature here!

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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Grant Preparation Full Day Workshop comes to UCF Daytona Incubator

Over $2 billion in SBIR grants will be awarded to innovative small and start up companies that propose developing innovative new products and services. The purpose of this full day event is to offer an overview of both the SBIR and STTR programs, and to lead attendees through a four-step process for developing a competitive Phase 1 proposal to any of the participating agencies.

This workshop is presented by Jim Greenwood of Greenwood Consulting Group, Jim Greenwood and his wife Gail have been active in SBIR/STTR since the programs’ inception, making firms aware of the opportunity, and teaching them how to write competitive technical and cost proposals for funding.

They have now taught thousands of entrepreneurs in 48 states and Puerto Rico . Sponsors of these workshops include Federal Laboratories, Universities and Colleges, and Small Business Development Centers . They also are regular instructors of Phase I and Phase II proposal preparation workshops at national and regional conferences.

An evaluation of the effectiveness of their training showed that over 90 percent of the workshop attendees indicated that the Greenwoods had improved their ability to compete for SBIR and STTR awards. One region surveyed its SBIR/STTR competitors after the Greenwoods had offered multiple workshops there, and learned that the SBIR/STTR proposal success rate was almost 50% (compared to about 17% nationally for Phase 1 proposers). Additionally, the Greenwoods have critiqued hundreds of SBIR and STTR proposals for firms throughout the United States.

Date: February 7, 2014 8:30-4:40p

Location: UCF Business Incubator Daytona International Airport 601 Innovation Way, Daytona Beach

RSVP Janice Stewart-janice.stewart@ucf.edu

Cost-$25 Incubator Clients, $50 All Others Breakfast and Lunch included.

Click to Enlarge

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Taste of 24 Recap

I don't want to make you jealous but you missed a great night if you were in Daytona for the Rolex 24 and didn't attend the Taste of the 24! The Taste of the 24 was once again a great night out, with good food, great company and all the while supporting a wonderful cause.

This event supported the NASCAR Foundation's new scholarship program benefitting Volusia County (Fla.) high school seniors who plan to enroll full time in a two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school in Florida during the 2014-2015 academic school year.

Students who are interested can access application materials at www.NASCAR.com/Foundation. Only the first 200 submissions will be accepted, and they must be postmarked no later than Feb. 20, 2014. Scholarship recipients will be selected based on factors including academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors and awards, work experience and financial need. The NASCAR Foundation will announce a minimum of 10 winners, who will each receive a one-time $2,500 scholarship, in May 2014.

This all-new scholarship program is driven by The NASCAR Foundation’s commitment to serving communities in which children live, learn and play. Through its fundraising efforts and events like Taste of the 24, The NASCAR Foundation has contributed more than $17 million in charitable support to initiatives that further this mission.

Some highlights:

Bahama Breeze

Could you die? Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding

Sinatra playing on the Piano (you had to drag me away)

The Flank Steak at SoNapa rocked!

Fireworks were awesome!

What's up next for the Nascar Foundation?? Only a Hold Em Tournament! The 3rd Annual High Speed Hold ‘Em Charity Poker Tournament is just around the corner! Its a new location for the event this year - - the Henderson Center at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

Team Owners Rick Hendrick and Richard Childress will be serving as Honorary Co-Chairs. The Foundation has raised more than $300,000 for the Speediatrics unit here in Daytona through the High Speed Hold ‘Em Charity Poker Tournament. This year their goal is to raise an additional $150,000 for the unit.

Since 2006 The NASCAR Foundation has helped achieve the goal of improving the delivery of medical care to more than 27,000 children annually at Speediatrics units at Halifax Health in Daytona and Homestead Hospital in Homestead. And the need for quality healthcare continues to grow, especially in our area.

2013 Event

Should you have any questions regarding the event, please feel free to contact mweiss@nascar.com or by phone at 386-310-5744.

.

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Jolly VoxBox Review

This was my first VoxBox and it was like Christmas all over again! Check out all my goodies!

1| Skinny Cow Chocolates

How can you not love everything about Skinny Cow? Sweet Non Guilt Awesomeness!

On Facebook

On Twitter at @TheSkinnyCow

2| Puffs tissues

I have been ill, ill and ill...I love these Puffs, it gives me a sigh of relief every time I use them!

On Facebook

On Twitter at @Puffs

3| Rimmel USA lip lacquer

I have never tried Rimmel before, but the texture and the color made me an instant fan!

On Facebook

On Twitter at @RimmelLondonUS

4| This NYC HD color trio

I was so excited to open this and find the colors were perfect for me! I love browns of all kind and these are beautiful!

On Facebook

On Twitter at @NYCNewYorkColor

5) Mini Ducklings

This is perfect for my visual journalling. I used to date someone that said duck tape makes the world go round...although that relationship is dead and buried...the mindset stays the same.

On Facebook

On Twitter at @TheDuckBrand

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

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All Fur Love- Molto Bella | Pawsibilities Fundraiser

When: Friday, February 7, 2014

Time: 11:00am until 2:00pm

You are invited to our "All Fur Love" Valentine Pawty at Molto Bella Boutique!! We will have pets looking to be your furrever Valentine,photos by Lauri Andrews Photography, raffles, give-aways, best Valentine costume contest. Stop by to say hello and shop for a one of a kind gift for your valentine while you are here!!

This benefits Pawsibilties Rescue Group, one of my favorite animal charities.

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Fondue and Red Wine Cure Cold Weather Blues

It is no lie at one time, I had three fondue makers...clearly a hoarder in my own right, I make good use of it when the weather turns cold. Its very easy and really delicious!

Ale-Infused Cheese Fondue

Serves 4

Cheese Sauce
8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
8 oz. shredded Swiss cheese
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, halved
1 ½ cups light beer
1 dash hot pepper sauce

For Dipping
Bread and cooked meat, cut into pieces

Directions
Combine cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, flour, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Rub cut side of garlic clove around bottom and sides of fondue pot. Pour beer into fondue pot and slowly bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, about 5 minutes. Gradually add cheese while stirring, until cheese is melted and blended (for about 10 to 15 minutes). Add hot pepper sauce and stir. Serve with bread or meat pieces.

So that is the first part of this warm your heart meal...it is a must that you pair your fondue with a delicious bottle (or two) of wine.
I especially like my new favorite Deadbolt Red from California-

This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Syrah, among others. Deep ruby with a glint of purple. Bold red fruit. Hint of oak. Black cherry, brown spice, mocha. All you'd want in a glass of red. Smooth, full, and satisfying. (thanks to Total Wine for this dead on description, pun intended!) Dead Bolt has a real cool presence on social media too!

Find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

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Ten Things To Not Say To Someone Undergoing Infertility Treatments

Seriously, I swear the fertility Gods have to be boys. No women in their right mind would allow any medicine for fertility to give you a bloated belly, hot flashes and mood swings like this. Oh, and a new thing I get to do today-stick a needle in my belly. But, I'm trying not to focus on it 24/7...Because that is what I have been told. Repeatedly.

Here are some other fun words of wisdoms told to the TTC community-

1. Wait, how old are you? I can't tell you how many people have correlated my age in a wise and thoughtful manner as the only factor of infertility. A reminder that although it would be great to be 20, age (and personally, my AMH test was through the roof, thank you very much) are not always the factor.

2. When you get pregnant, you will be bloated anyway-So, when you take this poison it makes your belly extra swollen...thankfully not much else, but belly fat indeed. It makes you feel self conscious, ugly and bloated. So, yes I realize I will gain weight when I am pregnant...but I. Am. Not. Pregnant. Yet.

3. Just relax, don't worry about it and it will happen. I would like to drink the koolaid of this la la land way of thinking and I just can't believe that people actually believe this statement. Oh my god! Just relax!! Who would have thought, this would have saved me hundreds of dollars!! This thought process will break many a medical barrier!

4. I know a girl who....I know that this is supposed to pacify me, but I really don't care about your next door neighbor's aunt's daughter who tried for years, adopted and WHAMMY got pregnant right after. I think you are lying anyway.

5. Just have a ton of sex and it will happen. This is about as delusional as one can get...maybe a good story to tell your sixteen year old, but if it was that easy, it would be that easy right! Bonus for the junior high secret "brown chicken, brown cow" looks while saying this. Hope you don't mind that I am not high fiving you anytime soon.

6. Maybe you are just trying too hard These actually are words coming out of people's mouth. How can one try too hard?

7. There is always next month. Right, and time will just stop and stand still and wait, (see #1). This makes any girl who has a body full of medicine, emotions and false hopes feel amazing.

8. Oh my god, you aren't drinking...are you pregnant? This really works best if you scream it and everyone looks and runs over and asks you whyever aren't you drinking!! Its awesome for your morale when you have to explain what you have been going through, and then when the IUI fails you look like a moron.

9. If (insert symptom here) that's when I knew I was pregnant . In other news that God is a boy...all PMS symptoms mirror exactly to the tee pregnancy symptoms. Plus if you poke your boobs hard enough, they will hurt...and they will be really really sore from the poking not the false hope that this is the right month.

10. Any news? This works especially well if you run over and grab my belly. I know that waiting the 12 weeks before you say anything goes a little irie when you are pursuing fertility treatment, but I am certain there is a better way to inquire.

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Sunday Social

It’s Sunday time to link up with Ashley and Neely for Sunday Social! This week, talking about our blogs and getting to know each other.

Happy Sunday Social!

This Weeks Questions:

1. What is the name of your blog? How long have you been blogging? The Little Blog Dress and I have been blogging on this blog for over three years, my old blog Racing Fashionistas started 7 years ago (but is sadly defunct).

2. Why do you blog? I love my blog, it gives me an opportunity to connect to like minded individuals and a platform to write and a place to talk about things inside my head that you should see.

3. What is the first blog you ever followed? Probably Kimberly Wilson, I have been following her as long as I can remember. She is quite the inspiration!

4. What is your favorite post you wrote in 2013? Anything to do with our wedding!

5. What are your blogging goals for 2014? Really be dedicated to be consistent and be conscious of the flow of my content (who wants to read one campaign after another?) I also need to get back to writing about social media and common practices. Also, I really need to work on networking more, going to more conferences and contributing to bigger sources! Lots of goals, huh!

6. Top 3 favorite blogs to follow? Good Gravy, just three? Of course, my best girl Megan-irunforwine.net, Lyz Lenz who makes me giggle to my core, and Jen Lancaster's blog Jennsylvania which is a good fix between her books.

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2014 Taste of 24 Event Races Into Daytona

Do you hear me cheering? Its a faint YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY! Only because that January is the start of the New Year, but more importantly the NASCAR season will soon be underway. Testing just completed at the Daytona International Speedway and the DIS folks are hard at work making improvements and expansions for the January Rolex 24 Hour Race and February Speed Weeks.

Pretty sure I have mentioned this before, but when I was growing up the 24 Hour Race has a totally different meaning as a high school senior...it was one of our first taste of no parent freedom! For some reason, every parent had no problem letting their high school senior spend the night with boys in the infield of our glorious track. Lets just say in today's day the 24 Hour Race means a different Taste altogether! (See what I did there!!)

Although, it is a ton of fun to get dirty and smell like a campfire for hours on end while watching and hearing the Rolex 24 go round and round, I would MUCH rather have you come join me at a wonderful charity event-Taste of the 24 presented by Halifax Health.

This year the Taste of the 24 is scheduled to be held on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, at Daytona International Speedway. It is held during the running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway, and it offers Central Florida residents and racing fans a unique dining experience in the corporate suites high atop the backstretch grandstands. More importantly, this year, all money raised from the Taste of the 24 event will fund a brand-new scholarship program specifically for high school seniors in Volusia County who plan to enroll full time in a two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school in Florida during the 2014-2015 academic school year.

Your view of the race from the Taste of 24
Credit:Ken Hayes

Through February 20th, local Volusia County students can apply for this scholarship who will be selected based on factors including academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors and awards, work experience and financial need. The NASCAR Foundation will announce a minimum of 10 winners, who will each receive a one-time $2,500 scholarship, in May 2014.

This all-new scholarship program is driven by The NASCAR Foundation’s commitment to serving communities in which children live, learn and play. Through its fundraising efforts and events like Taste of the 24, The NASCAR Foundation has contributed more than $17 million in charitable support to initiatives that further this mission.

Ok, so now you know why we will be going to this awesome event...here are some of the event details-

This year’s event will feature 23 of Central Florida’s finest restaurants showcasing their best menu items. Restaurants include Amber’s Jewel Catering; Backyard Boys Bar-B-Que; Bahama Breeze; Blue Grotto; Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.; Café Heavenly; Chart House; Cornerstone Café; Daytona Taproom; Dimitri’s Bar Deck & Grill; Heavenly Cheesecakes & Chocolates, Inc.; Hidden Treasure Rum Bar & Grille; Joe’s Crab Shack; Lost Lagoon Wings & Grill; Mai Tai Bar; Malcolm’s at LPGA; Outriggers Tiki Bar and Grille; Panheads Pizzeria; Sinatra’s L’Aldila Ristoranté; Sloppy Joe’s Daytona Beach; SoNapa Grille; Stonewood Grill & Tavern; and Sweet Marlays’ Coffee.

For me, it was an unique opportunities to see the race from the suites and be surrounded by yummy food and restaurants. When you get your ticket, you also get your passport and a listing of which restaurant is in which suite. Each suite is decorated to the restaurant's liking and they have a sampling of their food or drink. I also want to mention that is a great networking opportunity...the area's movers and shakers are always in attendance!

Why don't you be one of them? I am here to tell you that this event will and always has sold out! So now is your chance to get your tickets, support and great cause, get a great view of ~~Patrick Dempsey~~...the 24 Hour race (for the whole weekend!) and get a Taste of the area's best faire!

All-inclusive admission to the Taste of the 24 includes one weekend pass to the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Sprint FANZONE access, Budweiser Party Porch access, free premier parking and a chance to win a Rolex watch. Event tickets are limited and are $95 for adults and $24 for children 12 and younger and can be purchased at www.NASCAR.com/Foundation.

2013 Taste of the 24 with Johanna (l) and Melinda (r)

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Carrabba's First Tastes Menu

Another wonderful opportunity to taste some new (and this time some oldie but goodies) menu items at one of my favorite restaurants! I will say that this is really becoming one of my favorite things to do! This time we were also lucky enough to have the event right at our Daytona Location.

The set up was like a huge dinner table which was kind of neat, but I am now officially spoiled by the Sanford lighting and set-up. So my pictures are a tad dark, but I rather show you my awesome experience first hand.

The Amici Club is pretty great and the people that were at our event were definitely the Cheers of the place. Carrabba's for me, has always been that way...if you go as a regular, people know you by name. The set-up was intimate enough to have some conversations along the way.

This launches Carrabba's the Festa di Carrabba's menu...starting at just $15 you can get an app or a desert, a cup of their yummy soup or salad and one of these entrees:

$15

Pan-seared shrimp and scallops with mushrooms and roasted red peppers tossed with linguine in our champagne cream sauce. This was probably one of my favorites, the pasta was cooked perfectly and the sauce was delicious!

Sautéed chicken breast coated with freshly grated parmesan cheese and housemade bread crumbs. Served with your choice of side, This was a really good take on the traditional parm. The side of baby carrots were delicious and I really loved the sauce that went with it, it made the dish.

Wood-grilled sirloin, red onion and tomato skewers topped with our Chianti wine sauce. Served with your choice of side. I think everyone strives to make skewers but its work intensive. Its nice to have Carrabba's do the work for you with yummy results.

$18

Boneless beef short rib slow-cooked for hours until you can cut it with a fork. Topped with our rich red wine vegetable sauce and served over risotto Hands down my favorite! Oh! I could have eaten this all day! Also, as someone who sits over her risotto for an hour stirring constantly, how they pull it off with ease is beyond me.

Cavatappi corkscrew pasta with lobster, pancetta and four cheeses, topped with toasted breadcrumbs. I was most looking forward to this and it was good, but I would have liked the sauce to be a little thicker. I liked that it had a little kick!

Flaky whitefish with a crispy potato coating, cooked to golden brown perfection and topped with our light mustard cream sauce and fresh diced tomatoes. Served with your choice of side. Really loved the mustard sauce, it was a nice compliment to the whitefish.

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Daytona Beach Half Marathon #Giveaway

Even though I live within steps of the World's Most Famous Beach, and I am most proud of the fact that this area is known to be the Birthplace of Speed and the home of NASCAR. I have been going to the Daytona 500 in some capacity as long as I can remember...as a fan in the Winston/Sprint/Nextel Tower seats, as an beer/cigarette/liquor promotional model, radio station promo etc. The last decade I have been very lucky to have a more intimate view, as I have some great friends who work in the sport. I always love the concept of Daytona Beach Half Marathon, now in its sixth year because it combines two of my loves: racing and running.

This is a cool race for any enthusiast of racing or running. You actually get to run on the Track the Sunday before the Daytona 500. A chance to experience Budweiser Speedweeks just like the drivers, on the track at the Daytona International Speedway. This year, not only do they have the Half, but a Lap the Track fun run, and a chance to bring along the little drivers along for the Kids Race.

The Half route is one of the most unique half marathon courses in the world, runners start on Pit Road at the Daytona International Speedway, and run the first 2 miles around the track. Runners then head out to Daytona Beach, running 2 tenths of a mile on the hard packed sands of the World’s Most Famous Beach before heading back to the Speedway to get the checkered flag at the Speedway’s finish line.

Another bonus, for participating in the race, you also get two tickets to the 500 Qualifying which is one of my favorite days at the track during Speedweeks! Oh, and lets not forget some of your favorite NASCAR drivers like Michael Waltrip, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne and Aric Almirola have run this race in the past. Who will run this year?

How about if that was you? On me and the Central Florida Sports Commission?! I am giving away two entries to the Daytona Half Marathon and you can enter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Daytona Half Marathon Info You Need To Know!

Date: February 16, 2014 (Sunday before DAYTONA 500)
Website: www.DaytonaBeachHalf.com

Half Registration: Currently $95
Lap the Track Registration: Currently $40

Half Runner Perks:
- Track themed finisher medal
- Race themed tech shirt
- 2 Tickets to the DAYTONA 500 Qualifying presented by Kroger (takes place the same day)

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And we're BAAAACCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

Holy Cow! A two week hiatus! I feel so so so freaking guilty! Hope everyone had an amazing holiday and New Year! It has been an interesting couple of weeks to say the least...full of WAY ups and that dark dirty terrible oh, goody the IUI failed again blues...

Some ups...I had an amazing Christmas! I was very well gifted especially by my husband. I kept yelling this is our First Christmas together!! Which is really dumb because it is actually our ninth. or if you want to be really technical I brought in 1991 with my husband....sure we were dating each others friends but whatever!

My wonderful friend celebrated her first birthday with her son Crosby! This whole story of how he came to be makes me a believer that everything works out in the end, in any situation. I just have to keep telling myself that over and over.

I am in the process in my head to really get organized and set some goals for 2014 professionally and personally. I need to blog more, take time with my visual journal (which makes me so calm) and just breathe through all the stress.

Was reminded of something today:

Wherever you go, go with all your heart.

Hope that helps you like it does me

Happy 2014!!

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Bringing in the holidays with Smirnoff Vodka

Like the rest of you, I have been incredibly crazy busy...running from this holiday event to the next and I am actually hosting one plus Christmas Eve dinner! Its madness but fun! The one thing to keep you in check is some sort of plan of where you are going with all this nonsense...before you lose your holiday mind!!

Baby it’s cold outside and the jingle bells are ringing, but the night is far from silent because this time of year brings the most festive parties of the season.

Whatever the occasion, the key to a good party is knowing how to whip up THE perfect cocktail of the season. And if you’re looking for the perfect host gift, we’ve provided three thoughtful, yet simple options from SMIRNOFF and Sterling Vineyards that won’t break the bank and will satisfy any palate.

Below, two of SMIRNOFF’s winter cocktails that will make your holiday celebration the best of the year.

SMIRNOFF Wish You Were Here

· 1 oz. SMIRNOFF Wild Honey Flavored Vodka

· 2 oz. Dry white wine (such as Once Upon a Vine Sauvignon Blanc)

· 3 oz. Lemon-lime soda

Glassware: Martini glass or Collins glass

Preparation: Add ingredients to an ice-filled stemmed glass.

Garnish: Lemon and lime wheels.

Ginger Twist

· 1 oz. SMIRNOFF No. 21 Celebration-Edition Vodka

· 0.5 oz. STIRRINGS Ginger Flavored Liqueur

· 4 oz. Lemonade

Glassware: Collins Glass

Preparation: In an iced filled shaker combine all the ingredients. Shake vigorously. Strain into an ice filled collins glass.

Garnish: Lemon wheel

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Oh Hi There!

Good lord! It's been a week! But what a week it has been! I turned 40! And I only cried once..good reason, I always miss my dad terribly during my birthday...no reason really but I get a little weepy.

Thanks to social media, I was thought of by many many many! Almost every single person that matters to me reached out in some way to send me a well wish! A few select didn't, but I guess that's on them.

My friend Knuckles said oh you are one of those girls who celebrates for a week...well, kind of..why the hell not? Ill tell you why the hell not ( that is a snl reference, one of the best skits ever with Garth Brooks). I've always had this birthday mantra-No matter what age you are, if you can't celebrate yourself, what kind of girl are you?

I'm writing you in the car on the way to the airport! My husband and I are going to nyc for the rest of the week. I can't wait for some serious downtime. We are gonna do this and that and live in an apartment in the West Village that I rented from AirBNB. I'm so stoked! I think I am gonna visit my Instagram/ Twitter friends from Flour NYC...what would you do in the city? Always looking for ideas!

Some prayers for us would be appreciated... We did IUI #2 a week ago..wouldn't that be the greatest gift of all?

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At the risk of being unkind, when it comes to social media-just because you have a Facebook account to update your daily status, a social media marketer you do not make.