tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77609090406020751512024-03-18T05:48:54.619-04:00I Run For WineTampa Bay Food and Wine Blog, Recipes, Fitness Blog, Runner Blog, Half Marathon Blog, Run Disney Blog, Central Florida, Travel BlogUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1242125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-74220915424380063542020-03-10T12:12:00.000-04:002020-03-11T10:42:53.837-04:00Norwegian Breakaway Review, Girls Cruise 2020Two weeks ago, my best friend Keri and I returned home from our annual girls cruise on the <a href="https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/breakaway" target="_blank">Norwegian Breakaway</a>. I stalled on writing this recap, as the week we returned home, the first USA Coronavirus was recorded. This blog post is not about the Coronavirus, or my personal opinion on the current state of the travel industry. However, it didn't feel right writing a recap on the most amazing cruise I've been on without addressing what is going on. On Sunday night, the state department released a warning, urging US citizens not to travel by cruise ship. There are ships being denied access to port. I'm watching people on multiple Facebook groups freak out, or in reverse choose to book a cruise on a whim because rates are the lowest we will ever see. If you're wondering what side I am on, I am currently trying to figure out how many cruises I can book this year.<br />
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To date, I have been on 19 cruises, a mix of NCL, Carnival and Royal Caribbean. After being on NCL during the Coronavirus breakout, I can personally attest that they are taking every precaution for their guests, including not allowing guests to serve themselves in the buffet, or refill individual bottles of water. The <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/highest-lowest-scoring-cruise-ships-2020?fbclid=IwAR1ffmxka7u1Gn8gohbKOqzZXd74ju-o2ldHkj72FGyCGQsqyJFVLNbU1UA" target="_blank">NCL Breakaway just scored a 99 out of 100 from the CDC</a> for cleanliness.<br />
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Here are the current travel alerts & health updates for the cruise lines I've been on:<br />
<a href="https://www.ncl.com/travel-alert/coronavirus" target="_blank">NCL Coronavirus Travel Alert</a><br />
<a href="https://www.carnival.com/health-and-sailing-update" target="_blank">Carnival Travel and Health Update</a><br />
<a href="https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/itinerary-updates" target="_blank">RCL Travel Advisory Update</a><br />
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We did our annual sailing on the beautiful <a href="https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/breakaway" target="_blank">Norwegian Breakaway</a> out of Port Canaveral. This 7 night cruise visited the Caribbean and we had one of the best trips to date. This was my third sailing on a NCL ship but the Breakaway was a class of her own. I have never experienced such amazing customer service as we did on our week long sailing. The Breakaway's General Manager Joao, and his team was outstanding. The ships interior and exterior is jaw dropping gorgeous. Famed artist Peter Max designed the hull art, and his artwork was displayed throughout the ship.<br />
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One of the reasons we love NCL for our girls cruises is their <a href="https://www.ncl.com/why-cruise-norwegian" target="_blank">Freestyle Cruising</a>, which allows us customize our trip based on what we want to do. Freestyle Cruising is NCL's tiered upgrade program based on the level of room you book, which allows you to do a semi all inclusive trip. You can choose from specialty dining, drink package, wifi, shore excursion and at certain cruises includes air fair. We always book ocean view (or higher) which gives you at minimum two upgrades. We opted for specialty dining package and the drink package. Right now, NCL is offering a limited time promotion, allowing you to receive all upgrades for all state room categories. Meaning someone who books an interior room will receive the same perks as someone booking a suite. </div>
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The Breakaway was the first ship introduced from the Breakaway class. It is a massive ship, with so much to do onboard, you will never go bored. We didn't get a chance to experience everything we wanted to, even with 7 nights and 3 sea days. The 6th, 7th, and 8th floors are called 678 Ocean Place, where you will find all of the restaurants, bars, shops, entertainment and the casino, all connected by a spiral staircase.</div>
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The <a href="https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/breakaway/whats-on-board/specialty-dining" target="_blank">NCL Breakaway features 12 specialty dining options</a>. We dined at Cagney's Steakhouse, Teppanyaki Japanese Steakhouse, and Ocean Blue Seafood Restaurant (by celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian). Also onboard is Moderno Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse, The Raw Bar, Wasabi Sushi, American Diner (recently Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville), La Cucina Italian Restaurant, Le Bistro French Restaurant, Along with specialty dining, The Breakaway also has a wide array of <a href="https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/breakaway/whats-on-board/dining">complimentary dining</a>, including 3 dining rooms - The Manhattan Room, Taste and Savor. We had one meal at Manhattan Room and I was very impressed at the quality of the food, plus there was live entertainment. I did not once feel like we were in a dining room on a cruise ship. Savor was one of the sit down restaurants open for breakfast and lunch. We probably ate breakfast or lunch there 6 out of the 7 days we cruised.<br />
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You will never go thirsty with all the <a href="https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/breakaway/whats-on-board/bars-lounges" target="_blank">bars on NCL Breakaway</a>. Keri and I upgraded our drink package to <a href="https://www.ncl.com/sites/default/files/premium-beverage-package.pdf" target="_blank">Premium Plus Beverage Package</a>, which gave us dozens of wines by the bottle, including bottles of Moet (which we consumed daily), and pretty much any of the top shelf liquors we wanted. This is an upgrade from the standard Beverage Package which is included with Freestyle. If you like quality wines and liquors, I strongly suggest upgrading your drink package.<br />
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The Breakaway has the only SKYY Vodka Ice Bar at Sea, a Starbucks, Shakers martini bar, Maltings Whiskey Bar, O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar, and my favorite bar at sea, Syd Norman's Pour House. The Breakaway has a quarter-mile oceanfront promenade called The Waterfront, which has a boardwalk like feel, allowing you to check out the multiple restaurants and bars onboard in a casual setting. </div>
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<a href="https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/breakaway/whats-on-board/entertainment" target="_blank">Entertainment</a> was definitely something the Breakaway does not lack in. There was so much to do, and we would've needed 10 days to get everything in. We went to a Broadway show, saw Velvet (similar to a Cirque style show), watched Comedy shows, and spent tons of time at Howl at the Moon (dueling pianos).<br />
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One of my favorite parts of the Breakaway was the <a href="https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/breakaway/whats-on-board/activities" target="_blank">Vibe Beach Club</a>, a limited access area with two jaccuzi's, a private bar and tons of lounge chairs. Vibe is available only once you board the ship and is an extra cost. The extra charge is totally worth it, as you never have to fight for a lounge chair!<br />
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One day, we decided to be kids and give the <a href="https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/breakaway/whats-on-board/activities" target="_blank">Aqua Park</a> a whirl, which has five major water slides. One of the slides is a twin "free fall", where you stand inside a capsule and the bottom drops, then catapults you, surging straight down several stories before making an upside down loop). The slide is so serious, you couldn't wear any jewelry, not even studs. I got Keri to agree on going down this slide, only if I "walked the plank", an 8 foot ledge, that hung over the vessel's edge. Thankfully it was too windy on the days we were poolside so it was off limits (I got out of that one!).<br />
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We spent plenty of time at the Casino (and won!). Half of the Breakaways Casino is non-smoking!! This was such a nice change. The slot machines are spread around the 7th floor, with the center being the staircase of 678. It never felt overly crowded, even during the days at sea. Bliss night club is located right outside of the Casino, which was perfect for us - Keri could go check out the dance floor, while I gambled. I mentioned Syd Norman's Pour House, which was by far the coolest experience I have seen on a cruise. It was like being in a Hollywood Rock Club, 80's bar, while being part of an interactive live concert. We witnessed a 1980's cover band who took over Syd Norman's, and each night, the act changed up, but kept a continued a story line, ending with a 80's prom. Entertainment, Talent, and tons of fun.<br />
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Although we were scheduled to visit 4 ports, we ended up going to 3. We were unable to tender for Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas due to the weather. This made me very sad as I was looking forward to swimming with Pigs.<br />
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I will do a full post on our port days, but a quick recap:<br />
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<b>Ocho Rios Jamaica</b><br />
We purchased an all inclusive day pass at RIU Ocho Rios. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful resort. I would definitely suggest going there if you find yourself Jamaica.<br />
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<b>Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands</b><br />
We spent our day in the Cayman's hanging out with my former boss and friend Brad. He lives there now (truly living the dream!) and had a place on the beach. Cayman is one of my favorite ports, so it was awesome catching up with an old friend, while on our cruise!<br />
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<b>Cozumel, Mexico</b><br />
We have been to Cozumel more times than I can count. The last two trips, we've done the same excursion, a build your own private jeep tour. This gives us the flexibility of doing what we want, when we want, and having a private tour guide!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-91356998818096132362020-02-27T16:58:00.000-05:002020-02-27T16:58:05.973-05:00New Menu Offerings at The Rez Grill, Seminole Hard Rock TampaThe Rez Grill at <a href="https://www.seminolehardrocktampa.com/" target="_blank">Seminole Hard Rock Tampa</a> recently updated their menu offerings. Creative Culinary Director Frank Anderson and his team’s motivation for the new menu highlights southern influences. This is in addition to an the existing elevated comfort food dish offerings (get the Chicken and Waffles, trust me!).<br />
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One of the things I love about all of Seminole Hard Rock Tampa's restaurants is that they are always evolving and changing their menus. Below are a few of the things we tried during our last visit to The Rez Grill, our favorite item was the fried green tomatoes with jumbo lump crab.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fried Green Tomatoes with Jumbo Lump Crab</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hushpuppies with Pimento Cheese</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shrimp Po Boy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crispy Pork Shanks</td></tr>
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You can check out <a href="https://www.seminolehardrocktampa.com/-/media/seminole-gaming/properties/tampa/dining/menus/the-rez-grill/tampa-rez-grill-dinner-menu.pdf?la=en" target="_blank">The Rez Grill's dinner menu here</a>. Also, they have a great <a href="https://www.seminolehardrocktampa.com/-/media/seminole-gaming/properties/tampa/dining/menus/the-rez-grill/tampa-rez-grill-social-hour-menu.pdf?la=en" target="_blank">Social Hour</a> which takes place Wednesday - Saturday from 3-6, where you can get Happy Hour pricing on select small bites and drinks!<br />
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Here is a list of the entire new menu offerings at The Rez Grill.<br />
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<b>Salads</b><br />
Heirloom Tomato ($13) bacon, cornbread croutons, fried red onions, buttermilk dressing<br />
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<b>Starters</b><br />
Grilled Quail ($19) collard greens, bacon, caper brown butter<br />
Hushpuppies ($10) pimento cheese<br />
Fried Green Tomatoes ($19) jumbo lump crab, field greens, tomato vinaigrette<br />
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<b>Entrees</b><br />
Grilled Meat Loaf ($28) Yukon mash potatoes, mushroom gravy, crispy fried onions<br />
Shrimp Po’ Boy ($19) fried shrimp, remoulade, lettuce<br />
Red Snapper ($39) basmati rice, crawfish creole cream, scallion<br />
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<b>Desserts</b><br />
Smokin’ S’mores Jar ($12) brownie, marshmallow, graham cracker mousse, heath bar piecesUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-27083231944793005072019-12-23T13:42:00.002-05:002019-12-23T13:42:52.440-05:00Cipresso Italian Restaurant now open at Seminole Hard Rock TampaOver the last few years, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa has gone through a massive 700 million dollar renovation. My husband and I watched all the changes happen in front of our eyes. There are plenty of new restaurants and elevated experiences to check out while visiting Tampa's only Casino, but our new favorite is <a href="https://www.seminolehardrocktampa.com/dining/fine-dining/cipresso" target="_blank">Cipresso</a>, Hard Rock's brand new Italian restaurant featuring menu items inspired by old-world classics to new favorites.<br />
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While I love going to Hard Rock's Council Oak Steakhouse for one of the best steaks you can find in the state, most of the time a dish of homemade pasta or hand stretched pizza is all I want. Pair that with a glass or two of Italian red wine and I'm a happy girl. .<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margarita Pizza</td></tr>
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Since Cipresso opened a few months ago, it has quickly become our most frequented restaurant in the Bay area. It's elegant while affordable and always delicious. I strongly suggest the margarita pizza ($14), Cacio e Pepe ($19), assorted antipasta ($15-$21). If you go with a group of people, get a few things and share family style (their Lasagna is big enough to feed a small army).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squid Ink Pasta with Uni and Unit Butter</td></tr>
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Everything we've tried on the menu has been beyond impressive. Cipresso also has nightly specials which also worth checking out. We took my parents a few weeks ago and the pasta special was homemade squid ink pasta with uni and uni butter. It was one of the most incredible dishes I have ever consumed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Bone-In Ribeye)</td></tr>
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If you want to sit in the main dining room, I strongly suggest making reservations (regardless of what night of the week it is). There's always the option of sitting at the bar which offers full service.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxF7Fr4KbGuXaNEFElqO7snPFbPrf2qHCsaT5T6FghymwMklw4LaADJEj4nHFaJROxKOW4zMooWnrWn1mulL3CHzzR0K4PcomdPv9SmB7d6nYFTWORLFT0SDEXSFoPFbPuIhH7rgXkYI/s1600/Cipresso+Hard+Rock+Tampa+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxF7Fr4KbGuXaNEFElqO7snPFbPrf2qHCsaT5T6FghymwMklw4LaADJEj4nHFaJROxKOW4zMooWnrWn1mulL3CHzzR0K4PcomdPv9SmB7d6nYFTWORLFT0SDEXSFoPFbPuIhH7rgXkYI/s1600/Cipresso+Hard+Rock+Tampa+%25288%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nonna's Meatballs</td></tr>
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A few weeks ago, Cipresso's Bar started offering Social Hour, from 3pm-6pm. You will find select glasses of wine and craft cocktails along with pizzas and appetizers offered at a reduced price. On Sundays, they are going family style with <a href="https://www.seminolehardrocktampa.com/-/media/seminole-gaming/properties/tampa/dining/menus/cipresso/tampa-cipresso-sunday-supper-menu.pdf?la=en" target="_blank">Cipresso Sunday Supper</a> where for $45 a person, you will get a 3 course meal with wine pairings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGWKHZyubQczDIgWey24z5nUjigB0n6k3vCZbq05WobVtxIZpO3BrLeDCWI1gLq8eLNGMjcJIcwBVrqF1Ronu5DutSQL3Huxsjkz2WZTWYTyn8Agxc_0fhSfPx8RFjFS2Bc3n_1dgnco/s1600/Cipresso+Hard+Rock+Tampa+%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGWKHZyubQczDIgWey24z5nUjigB0n6k3vCZbq05WobVtxIZpO3BrLeDCWI1gLq8eLNGMjcJIcwBVrqF1Ronu5DutSQL3Huxsjkz2WZTWYTyn8Agxc_0fhSfPx8RFjFS2Bc3n_1dgnco/s1600/Cipresso+Hard+Rock+Tampa+%252811%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade Pasta with Fresh White Truflfes</td></tr>
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<b>Cipresso Hours:</b> Monday, Thursday & Sunday, 5pm-11pm and Friday & Saturday, 5pm-Midnight<br />
<b>Cipresso Bar Hours: </b>Monday, Thursday & Sunday, 3 pm-Midnight and Friday & Saturday, 3pm-1am (Social Hour 3pm-6pm)<br />
<i>Cipresso is closed Tuesday and Wednesday</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cannoli and Limoncello</td></tr>
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If you find yourself at Cipresso, I strongly encourage you to end your meal with a glass of homemade Limoncello and Cannolis. I would never usually be one to suggest a Cannoli for dessert, however Cipresso's are unlike any I've had in the past. Trust me!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFCB6bKtLiDabVPv8VPaLFEleFBK5WWfCcbJxJY_X2uCIi-H_dCPD56rt2DaTHBdQLBrrYuLRGK6f1wKXyQ5f_olvmhaVnHpXBB-3NpWrx4sAbksKspZn9_UuVPoaLNp2uIVQzB5hlU8/s1600/Cipresso+Hard+Rock+Tampa+%252813%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFCB6bKtLiDabVPv8VPaLFEleFBK5WWfCcbJxJY_X2uCIi-H_dCPD56rt2DaTHBdQLBrrYuLRGK6f1wKXyQ5f_olvmhaVnHpXBB-3NpWrx4sAbksKspZn9_UuVPoaLNp2uIVQzB5hlU8/s1600/Cipresso+Hard+Rock+Tampa+%252813%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade Tiramisu</td></tr>
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Be sure to follow Seminole Hard Rock Tampa online to be kept in the loop for all it's exciting <span style="font-family: inherit;">changes, live shows and special events!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Follow Seminole Hard Rock Tampa </span><a href="https://www.seminolehardrocktampa.com/" style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.5px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Online</a><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"> | </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/seminolehardrocktampa" style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.5px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"> | </span><a href="https://twitter.com/shrtampa" style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.5px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"> | </span><a href="http://instagram.com/hardrocktampa" style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.5px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-87146462964275397452019-12-22T14:29:00.000-05:002019-12-23T14:29:54.873-05:00Brunch at Haven, Tampa BayLast week, one of my best friends from Daytona came into town for the John Travolta & Olivia Newton John Grease Sing-a-Long in Tampa. After a late night out, we found ourselves Sunday morning with one goal - brunch and adult beverages. It's been quite a few years since Darlynn last visited Tampa and I knew exactly where to take her to Sunday Brunch - <a href="https://haventampa.com/" target="_blank">Haven</a> in South Tampa.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3zaGIZI0YPngP7CZgeSPIVK9q_s9QbEqExZohvoXnh8aLMcrI2D8Iepbi2OeqeKWgrMfR47X7XLrVFwbBdrVgv_pzSwx4EpzU6j__RLwcM1QIDfaC95gkqhT3Uv4jGHdMobwHLmJ_FE/s1600/Haven+Brunch+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3zaGIZI0YPngP7CZgeSPIVK9q_s9QbEqExZohvoXnh8aLMcrI2D8Iepbi2OeqeKWgrMfR47X7XLrVFwbBdrVgv_pzSwx4EpzU6j__RLwcM1QIDfaC95gkqhT3Uv4jGHdMobwHLmJ_FE/s1600/Haven+Brunch+%25282%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
A few months ago, <a href="https://haventampa.com/Eat/Sunday-Brunch" target="_blank">Haven introduced Sunday Brunch</a> and invited a few local influencers to check it out. As always, <a href="https://haventampa.com/Meet-the-Haven-Team/Chad-Johnson" target="_blank">Executive Chef Chad Johnson</a> knocked the brunch menu out of the park. Where else can you eat brunch with an offering of over 60 cheeses and drink a cocktail named after Kelly Kapowski (more on that below)?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foie Gras French Toast</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Cvz47QQZgq7oI5ijQFtU7bFOmgYT4qd-co5NMLJpao_dTt0tUTDNBYbE507zVr8nUS23Z-slN2UrnHFUUI1K9nKO2z6lt1T0izYZo6q49tAk3URHFiLb22BMrgrq6oXozxTnr5TM4Z0/s1600/Haven+Brunch+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Cvz47QQZgq7oI5ijQFtU7bFOmgYT4qd-co5NMLJpao_dTt0tUTDNBYbE507zVr8nUS23Z-slN2UrnHFUUI1K9nKO2z6lt1T0izYZo6q49tAk3URHFiLb22BMrgrq6oXozxTnr5TM4Z0/s1600/Haven+Brunch+%25284%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobster & Avocado Causa</td></tr>
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Haven's Brunch menu has a wide variety of unique options. Everything from Foie Gras French Toast to Hangover Fried Rice, I promise you that anyone will find something to kick off their Sunday Funday in spirit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeW4o3vu4sO6vQXhVhB41jyhVwqGM1uE0YCpfKIN8sPMo5XMJ4_R0UVJE-jcKMxib8S9x6AEovtg0nHJJwN9YJdvmCJF6SelcvXWAU8jDsJWKU8bKyEyspmJ9PQSFe4M5oeNhHAMvydg/s1600/Haven+Brunch+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeW4o3vu4sO6vQXhVhB41jyhVwqGM1uE0YCpfKIN8sPMo5XMJ4_R0UVJE-jcKMxib8S9x6AEovtg0nHJJwN9YJdvmCJF6SelcvXWAU8jDsJWKU8bKyEyspmJ9PQSFe4M5oeNhHAMvydg/s1600/Haven+Brunch+%25287%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tri Tip Steak and Eggs with Kimchi Hollandaise </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QUDX6D3mzbx4tyiTcKGkvrGJzDJx8s9gYkueko9SeK4rVaWgWE6o37Vbmn5Pl9MvkyWr7RH-dS0WrWBYz3KOrXQrXqP_ksbQGmz23WHKTV8ogqcWK68MmKH1XraXoTuhobb-YUnuswI/s1600/Haven+Brunch+%252814%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QUDX6D3mzbx4tyiTcKGkvrGJzDJx8s9gYkueko9SeK4rVaWgWE6o37Vbmn5Pl9MvkyWr7RH-dS0WrWBYz3KOrXQrXqP_ksbQGmz23WHKTV8ogqcWK68MmKH1XraXoTuhobb-YUnuswI/s1600/Haven+Brunch+%252814%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahi Tuna</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loco Moco</td></tr>
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One of the best dishes I tried was the Loco Moco, a dry aged ground beef served over sticky rice and a sunnyside egg.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglu8RS3Oi_zFef7sozJdwz1ORr81J4bwwTkZk1hb_UtyCr04Al1lJGPTbvWuhsTdkQzr0alwRlm7WFJ3okcFBN8Hf44KocEGn5j5tA4nUHC-kvEY4cq23oq4qgSTDnqxs00j7n00Y_zLc/s1600/Haven+Brunch+%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglu8RS3Oi_zFef7sozJdwz1ORr81J4bwwTkZk1hb_UtyCr04Al1lJGPTbvWuhsTdkQzr0alwRlm7WFJ3okcFBN8Hf44KocEGn5j5tA4nUHC-kvEY4cq23oq4qgSTDnqxs00j7n00Y_zLc/s1600/Haven+Brunch+%252811%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broiled Oysters</td></tr>
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There's an entire section of the menu dedicated to sausage and bacon. I'm talking to you Bacon eggrolls!
I never imagined myself dining on a dish of oysters...
followed by Corned Beef & Potato Pierogies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfEiLxKq1Fk6Faq3p56YDk7Jd2wMjEW3PV9yZW1wV9hJkyivmfqGfTabUgv4J6tI8oTPlOCdvTDinHdnO9_teg8db706ArHH4tL5gemUrbXrQOjW8fEYNrhKWcMjk5sIRRGTrynrAJoE/s1600/Haven+Brunch+%252818%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfEiLxKq1Fk6Faq3p56YDk7Jd2wMjEW3PV9yZW1wV9hJkyivmfqGfTabUgv4J6tI8oTPlOCdvTDinHdnO9_teg8db706ArHH4tL5gemUrbXrQOjW8fEYNrhKWcMjk5sIRRGTrynrAJoE/s1600/Haven+Brunch+%252818%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
In terms of adult libations, this past trip, I stuck to bubbles (a glass of Ste Michelle champagne is only $6) but the quarterly drink menu was themed after Saved by the Bell!! My last visit - it was Sex and the City (Cocktails in the City). The Saved by the Brunch Cocktail menu includes all our friends - Kelly Kapowski (cucumber vodka, strawberry, fresh lemon), The Screech )Milagro Silver Tequila, Grand Marnier, Velvet Falernum, lime, prickly pear), Jessie Spano (Hendricks Gin, watermelon, lime, thyme, absinthe), A.C. Slater (Old Forester Bourbon, Averna, white peach, lemon, mint), Lisa Turtle (Champagne & white peach puree), Zack Morris (George Dickel bottled in bond 13yr, fresh pineapple, orange, coconut, lime, nutmeg).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXuQf2O54IBnIiFp-zJMZjZ03UZ1VMOpS9nQdKZlLowbizAQ854aK44etV4jOHA7FqSJwf3gLK5s7c8caSD-mI8WiE8k_vATGzJB1DvhtNuiRsuQM2ezN1pTgzVueShyphenhyphenmccKFjHZsHAI/s1600/Haven+Brunch+%252816%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXuQf2O54IBnIiFp-zJMZjZ03UZ1VMOpS9nQdKZlLowbizAQ854aK44etV4jOHA7FqSJwf3gLK5s7c8caSD-mI8WiE8k_vATGzJB1DvhtNuiRsuQM2ezN1pTgzVueShyphenhyphenmccKFjHZsHAI/s1600/Haven+Brunch+%252816%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bacon!</td></tr>
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Also worth noting, Haven was one of the first restaurants in the Tampa Bay area to be a certified Ocean Friendly restaurant!<br />
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You can find Haven in off Howard Ave: 2208 W Morrison Ave, Tampa<br />
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<i>Thank you Haven for hosting me for Brunch. As always, all opinions are my own.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-82919132696722196002019-12-05T12:09:00.000-05:002019-12-05T12:09:58.104-05:00New Social Hour Menu at Council Oak, Seminole Hard Rock TampaIf you haven't been to <a href="https://www.seminolehardrocktampa.com/" target="_blank">Seminole Hard Rock Tampa</a> over the last 2 months, you will be in for quite a surprise on your next visit. I can't say enough about the amazing job they did on their $700 million expansion. It's not quite complete though, as more stores and restaurants will be opening soon (Sugar Factory, I'm looking at you!).<br />
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Although a lot has changed at Hard Rock, including the Social Hour menu at <a href="https://www.seminolehardrocktampa.com/dining/fine-dining/council-oak-steaks-and-seafood" target="_blank">Council Oak Lounge</a>. Council Oak Lounge is one of our favorite places to grab dinner. While we love sitting down for a meal inside of Council Oak, it is more of an upscale experience where the lounge is a bit more relaxed. You can listen to live music and it's also the perfect location for people watching. Last year, Council Oak announced their first ever <a href="https://www.seminolehardrocktampa.com/-/media/seminole-gaming/properties/tampa/dining/menus/council-oak/tampa_counciloak_socialhour_menu.pdf?la=en" target="_blank">Social Hour</a>, their take on Happy Hour, and made it available 7 days a week. It's almost unheard of to find a Happy Hour over the weekend in Tampa, especially of Council Oaks caliber.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLafOC_e8WpRZqJd-TIa91cgV7kxcLNa45AZe-AywmzqI-BwfIg_URzKd1ZMQGVgkAR4Tib-h7ikwGJHTiKwgnZjInYjP8BhTkQ_AYcS57j7eTwUI9X2xbQ_nGq7QKDBa0OG4cpaYBq8/s1600/Council+Oak+Happy+Hour+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLafOC_e8WpRZqJd-TIa91cgV7kxcLNa45AZe-AywmzqI-BwfIg_URzKd1ZMQGVgkAR4Tib-h7ikwGJHTiKwgnZjInYjP8BhTkQ_AYcS57j7eTwUI9X2xbQ_nGq7QKDBa0OG4cpaYBq8/s1600/Council+Oak+Happy+Hour+%25283%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Years ago, before there was a Social Hour, Council Oak had a lounge menu. It wasn't publicized like a happy hour and it was almost a hidden secret. Social Hour took place of the lounge menu and although it was exciting to see a 7 day a week discounted menu, it removed most of the classics to introduce new flavors. When the new <a href="https://www.seminolehardrocktampa.com/-/media/seminole-gaming/properties/tampa/dining/menus/council-oak/tampa_counciloak_socialhour_menu.pdf?la=en" target="_blank">Social Hour Menu</a> was released, I think I jumped for joy, as the Council Oak Burger was brought back! There are some new stars such as Japanese Wagyu Carpaccio. You can also get a 8oz filet mignon with sides for $40, which is a great deal at Council Oak.<br />
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We had the opportunity to check out the new menu the other night. Council Oaks Social Hour menu is available 7 days a week from 3pm-6pm and you are able to use Seminole Wild Card Comp Dollars on the promotion.<br />
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<b>Social Hour Bites</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1zFKbaP30wlueq586MJZwC2ai5Y6w3LVQXYxxqEDb878LughlVnKtb8vTbSCyaqdrFXYEbnpowRuj-Se33c5-QE-fqv9zwEdEUQO2ZJGd_n0b9UbvWeNvhmjZF0kKCbDz6x8HA0XFbE/s1600/wagyu+carpaccio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1zFKbaP30wlueq586MJZwC2ai5Y6w3LVQXYxxqEDb878LughlVnKtb8vTbSCyaqdrFXYEbnpowRuj-Se33c5-QE-fqv9zwEdEUQO2ZJGd_n0b9UbvWeNvhmjZF0kKCbDz6x8HA0XFbE/s1600/wagyu+carpaccio.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wagyu Carpaccio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPx5xZ8Vu3uroVsqoT0KPtasFsMiXiYcdJk4-4qO78DhMmA3HktK3kUoHRBbmk4YfRoA6qKebrso44MlY8GY64_i-I2uPg0g-12Sxho9_qPDZpovEL_U1v_V-0Y4bXgXv639JHmKyr4I/s1600/ny+strip+sandwich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPx5xZ8Vu3uroVsqoT0KPtasFsMiXiYcdJk4-4qO78DhMmA3HktK3kUoHRBbmk4YfRoA6qKebrso44MlY8GY64_i-I2uPg0g-12Sxho9_qPDZpovEL_U1v_V-0Y4bXgXv639JHmKyr4I/s1600/ny+strip+sandwich.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">N.Y. Strip Sandwich and Truffle Fries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Council Oak Bacon $14 </b>(Frisée & Green Apple Salad, Balsamic Reduction)<br />
<b>Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail $21 </b>(Horseradish Cocktail Sauce)<br />
<b>Japanese Wagyu Carpaccio $15 </b>(Black Peppercorn-Champagne Vinaigrette, Grated Manchego, Maldon Salt)<br />
<b>Tuna Tartare $15</b> (Avocado, Lemon, Cucumber-Radish Salad, Grilled Ciabatta)<br />
<b>Caesar Salad $11</b> (Caesar Dressing, Shredded Parmesan, White Anchovies, Croutons)<br />
<b>Council Oak House Salad $11</b> (Salami, Prosciutto, Bacon, Tomatoes, Egg, Mozzarella, House Dressing)<br />
<b>Council Oak Prime Burger $22</b> (8 oz. Dry-Aged Prime Beef, Fried Egg, Truffle Parmesan Steak Fries)<br />
<b>N.Y. Strip Steak Sandwich $25 </b>(Sautéed Mushrooms & Onions, Brioche Bun, Truffle Parmesan Steak Fries)<br />
<b>Beef Tenderloin $40</b> (8 oz, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus)<br />
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<b>Social Hour Drinks</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoe3NGAcnHgYEW5-kAI6MVfAFMutq-vqreopDKRzxD9C-sbd5hWvzN-8zGHgiuE_Tguh2g2W11iIfohbbA51xixit-pBH5cTgzeVMj6v-OUzl_Ttqes307cEHQxHbovvEF5hgxV9dxzZw/s1600/manhattan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoe3NGAcnHgYEW5-kAI6MVfAFMutq-vqreopDKRzxD9C-sbd5hWvzN-8zGHgiuE_Tguh2g2W11iIfohbbA51xixit-pBH5cTgzeVMj6v-OUzl_Ttqes307cEHQxHbovvEF5hgxV9dxzZw/s1600/manhattan.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Improved Manhattan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Vanilla Paloma $10 </b>(Camarena Tequila, Velvet Falernum, Vanilla, Lime Juice, Grapefruit Juice)<br />
<b>Improved Manhattan $10 (</b>Bulleit Rye, Sweet Vermouth, Tawny Port, Walnut and Chocolate Bitters)<br />
<b>Council Oak Oak Rum Runner $10 </b>(Monkey Spiced Rum, Monkey Coconut Rum, Banana Liqueur, Guava Nectar, Pineapple Juice, House-Made Sour)<br />
<b>Red Sangria $10 </b>(Orange Vodka, Orange Liqueur, Guava and Peach Nectar, Pineapple and Lime Juice)<br />
<b>Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc $10 </b>(Marlborough, New Zealand 2018)<br />
<b>Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay $10</b> (Monterey, Santa Barbara, Sonoma, California 2017)<br />
<b>Meiomi Pinot Noir $12 </b>(Monterey, Santa Barbara, Somoma, California 2017)<br />
<b>Vina Cobos Felino Malbec $12</b> (Mendoza, Argentina 2017)<br />
<b>J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon $12</b> (Paso Robles, California 2016)<br />
<b>Cigar City Brewing Jai Alai IPA</b> $5<br />
<b>Stella Artois $5</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>Thank you Seminole Hard Rock Tampa for hosting Gabe and I to experience the updated Social Hour menu at Council Oak. As always, all opinions are my own.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-80001267839509500922019-11-26T15:29:00.003-05:002019-11-26T15:29:47.912-05:00 The 46th Annual Daytona Turkey RunThe 46th running of the Daytona Turkey Run is returning to my hometown on Thanksgiving! I spent all of my teenage years working this event with my best friend Keri (we sold coffee and donuts to the vendors). The Turkey Run will always be big piece of my Thanksgiving childhood memories.<br />
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Here is what you can expect in 2019:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqgsP0cSVxaUvvjWPWPIqGd1padVGB6T6t6tlPVdyEXpYsSdosHR_jGUQVEI8gEubnDfL_h713NS9Hij_mBb5EA8jJGzmSAcnoitjCW-9ITMuR88nRMi6I2Wm2lKMpZqUnqX5p4OK9cQ/s1600/rick+and+kelly+dale.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqgsP0cSVxaUvvjWPWPIqGd1padVGB6T6t6tlPVdyEXpYsSdosHR_jGUQVEI8gEubnDfL_h713NS9Hij_mBb5EA8jJGzmSAcnoitjCW-9ITMuR88nRMi6I2Wm2lKMpZqUnqX5p4OK9cQ/s1600/rick+and+kelly+dale.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
Meet Rick & Kelly Dale from “American Restoration” on the History Channel. Stop by to say hello and get an autograph on Friday, Nov 29th & Sat, Nov 30th from 10am-2pm.<br />
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Meet Butch Patrick, Eddie Munster from iconic show “The Munsters.” Check out the Munster Koach & Dragula Tribute Hot Rod Display on Thursday, Nov 28th - Sunday, Dec 1st, during normal show hours.<br />
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Enjoying the Hops & Hoods Craft Beer Festival. Keep the party going and sample more than 120 different craft beers from 48 different breweries. Saturday, Nov. 30th from 12pm-4pm. Samples are 4 for $5 or 10 for $10 and can be purchased in advance at <a href="http://www.turkeyrun.com/">www.turkeyrun.com</a> or inside the show. Must be 21 years of age.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7qN0h7LKbr-b90wXqm1TudybQ91f2M8YiyvHgewW2FHxfJjpSq5et8WMy7IgWBBm9K3W59e9OTxoY9B3X1URvkxLMemjsFFy09cHKrLQk8uU2zTITPr4UXzCyNJtMZwr0jRrcdcMea4/s1600/mecum+mobile.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7qN0h7LKbr-b90wXqm1TudybQ91f2M8YiyvHgewW2FHxfJjpSq5et8WMy7IgWBBm9K3W59e9OTxoY9B3X1URvkxLMemjsFFy09cHKrLQk8uU2zTITPr4UXzCyNJtMZwr0jRrcdcMea4/s1600/mecum+mobile.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
The Mecum Auctions Mobile Experience. Experience first-hand what it feels like to be in the middle of a fast-paced Mecum auction through simulations and hands on activities!<br />
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The Little Gobbler’s Play Zone. Kids will have a blast in bounce houses, an obstacle course, inflatable games and more. All Play Zone activities are free of charge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKKDxnlVs7CwLJuuWwgI-Pgu8qhJ6qSr5uH0Ni0ZYmn98jPbsTimGr0oJIaXPqos_e6MuGDLo1vD4WODSZ7nS4ltSmPfELS-QmUJxr_azrdiqWQvfM-B1-FFccACU5lZz5xe5JLw5CBA/s1600/2018+Turkey+Rod+Run+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKKDxnlVs7CwLJuuWwgI-Pgu8qhJ6qSr5uH0Ni0ZYmn98jPbsTimGr0oJIaXPqos_e6MuGDLo1vD4WODSZ7nS4ltSmPfELS-QmUJxr_azrdiqWQvfM-B1-FFccACU5lZz5xe5JLw5CBA/s1600/2018+Turkey+Rod+Run+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The Daytona Turkey Run is the largest combined swap meet and car show in the US. It is open to the public and features more than 6,000 vintage, classic and custom, muscle cars, race cars and trucks on display and for sale, as well as a massive swap meet in which vendors sell and trade hard-to-find auto parts and accessories. There is also an Artisan Alley with fashion and art and a full midway of delicious food vendors. More
than 150,000 people attended the 45th Daytona Turkey Run.<br />
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Hours and Ticket Prices:<br />
Thursday 11/28 Admission $15 hours 8am-4pm
Friday 11/29 Admission $15 hours 8am-4pm
Saturday 11/30 Admission $10 hours 8am-4pm
Sunday 11/31 Admission $10 hours 8am-2pm<br />
Daytona Turkey Run offers FREE parking during the event and Children under 11 are free!<br />
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For more information, visit <a href="http://www.turkeyrun.com/">www.TurkeyRun.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-92092641062902611262019-10-15T13:36:00.002-04:002019-10-15T13:36:36.998-04:00How to visit Aruba Flamingo Beach while on a Cruise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMC7L1qwfblf4rKxjX5DyeI5Min5OmoI938NRcLIdZV1lnUOTZxrgrzSW03JgsI7_Nj0pFYZz13J81tYw5L3l37LjjvtUmZewF4D9vH6eqNdW8Ejy6lsT1fR0j_rt3vfYbqD3X7Kgssk/s1600/Aruba+Flamingo+Beach+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMC7L1qwfblf4rKxjX5DyeI5Min5OmoI938NRcLIdZV1lnUOTZxrgrzSW03JgsI7_Nj0pFYZz13J81tYw5L3l37LjjvtUmZewF4D9vH6eqNdW8Ejy6lsT1fR0j_rt3vfYbqD3X7Kgssk/s1600/Aruba+Flamingo+Beach+%25285%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I crossed another item off my bucket list! While on our five year anniversary cruise aboard the <a href="http://www.irunforwine.net/2019/09/carnival-horizon-8-night-southern.html" target="_blank">Carnival Horizon</a>, we visited Aruba! I've wanted to go to Aruba for a very long time, especially ever since I heard about <a href="http://www.arubaprivateisland.com/renaissance-aruba-private-island-auabr/Flamingo-Beach-16.html" target="_blank">Renaissance Aruba Flamingo Beach</a>. This 40-acre tropical paradise is Aruba’s only private beach and is home to Flamingos, Iguanas and the most beautiful beach I have ever seen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiei3rZu71uL4fp314H4KBfFahOGYOFv5OSdZUUf1o5JJoP_ZBHl1B9tAshOqnGXeOXCyX5UIboIb530iek5Gj-UwyRISnIhNE91n9agwwQMVclNaYjOH-OkTuZZs1FIH-njq_zEBC5e-g/s1600/Aruba+Flamingo+Beach+%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiei3rZu71uL4fp314H4KBfFahOGYOFv5OSdZUUf1o5JJoP_ZBHl1B9tAshOqnGXeOXCyX5UIboIb530iek5Gj-UwyRISnIhNE91n9agwwQMVclNaYjOH-OkTuZZs1FIH-njq_zEBC5e-g/s1600/Aruba+Flamingo+Beach+%25289%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.arubaprivateisland.com/renaissance-aruba-private-island-auabr/Flamingo-Beach-16.html" target="_blank">Flamingo Beach</a> is a private island owned by Renaissance. You have to have a room key to get onto the water taxi which will take you to and from the island. Once off the water taxi, you are almost blinded by beauty. I don't know how to explain what we saw and even photos don't describe the post-card like setting. It's truly an oasis.<br />
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On the island, you will find two private beaches, <a href="http://www.arubaprivateisland.com/renaissance-aruba-private-island-auabr/Flamingo-Beach-16.html">Flamingo Beach</a> and <a href="http://www.arubaprivateisland.com/renaissance-aruba-private-island-auabr/Iguana-Beach-17.html">Iguana Beach</a>. Flamingo Beach is adults-only and Iguana Beach is for families. If you have little ones who want to see the Flamingos, they can feed them at 10am. After taking quite a few pics of the Flamingos, we spent the majority of our time on Iguana Beach. The family side of the Island was a little less busy without everyone trying to get the perfect instagram shot with a Flamingo.<br />
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In between the two beaches is a store and rental booth, where you can get complimentary towels, floats, snorkel sets, paddleboards, kayaks and more. Plus each beach is supplied with tons of complimentary chaise lounges.<br />
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If you find yourself in Aruba while on a cruise, I would 100% suggest finding a way to visit Renaissance Aruba Flamingo Beach. It was the best part of our 8 night cruise and we are trying to figure out when to go back to Aruba for a longer stay.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Here are three ways you can get visit Aruba Flamingo Beach while on a cruise </b></div>
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<b>Getting to Aruba Flamingo Beach Option 1: Book a room at <a href="http://www.renaissancearubaresortandcasino.com/resort-accommodations/ocean-king-,marina-hotel_viewItem_32-en.html" target="_blank">Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino</a></b><br />
This is what Gabe and I did. I had enough Marriott points to cover a one night stay, which if I paid cash for, would have set us back roughly $250. Being a guest of the resort gave us all the perks including the complimentary water taxi to the Island. Obviously we didn't use the room, but it was nice to take a shower and freshen up off prior to getting back on the boat. With my Marriott Bonvoy status, I also received $25 free play in their Casino, 10% off all food and drinks at the Private Island, and a few other perks. Even if we didn't have the points, I would have still booked a room paying cash as it was the most affordable option while we were visiting.<br />
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<b>Getting to Aruba Flamingo Beach Option 2: Book a Spa Cove Treatment at <a href="http://www.arubaprivateisland.com/renaissance-aruba-private-island-auabr/Flamingo-Beach-16.html" target="_blank">Renaissance Aruba Flamingo Beach</a></b><br />
Booking a treatment at Spa Cove will give you guest access to Flamingo Beach. However, your whole party will need to book a treatment and each person will have $25 added to their treatment for the water taxi. When we inquired, a 50 minute couples massage would have set us back $290 (per couple), then the taxi fee and tax would have been $357.40. Sometimes Aruba Resort does have a 2 night minimum so if this were the case when we went, the Spa option would have been the better option.<br />
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<b>Getting to Aruba Flamingo Beach Option 3: Buy a <a href="http://www.arubaprivateisland.com/renaissance-aruba-private-island-auabr/Flamingo-Beach-16.html" target="_blank">Renaissance Aruba Flamingo Beach</a> Day Pass</b><br />
This is not a guaranteed option and I would only suggest this if you were staying in Aruba vs. going on a cruise. Renaissance Aruba Flaming Beach Day passes are available for purchase only on days that the hotel is not above 80% occupancy. You can only call a day prior to visiting to secure your pass, so if you are on a cruise ship, this will be rather difficult. If we weren't using Bonvoy points, a day pass for two people is the most affordable option. We would have spent $250 which included a meal and a drink. However, not having the guarantee of visiting crossed this off as an option.<br />
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<i>Special thanks to Carnival for hosting me on this sailing. I was not required to write this post and all opinions are my own.
</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-79146460149844830112019-09-30T01:00:00.000-04:002019-09-30T01:00:03.157-04:00Carnival Horizon 8 night Southern Caribbean ReviewMy husband Gabe and I just returned from the <a href="https://www.carnival.com/cruise-ships/carnival-horizon.aspx" target="_blank">Carnival Horizon 8 night Southern Caribbean Cruise</a> where we celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary. I have so many amazing things to say about our experience. I'll be posting each of our ports and some of the activities we did on our Fun Day's at Sea so stay tuned!.<br />
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I have sailed on the Horizon's sister ship, the Vista when in 2017. Although the two ships nearly mirror one another, my experience on the Horizon blew away all pre-conceived notions I had prior to getting onboard. Also, I was a little apprehensive about 8 nights at sea, as the longest cruise I had done until this was 7 nights and I felt that was a bit too long. Now that I am home, I wish we had more time. I cannot say enough about the staff on the Horizon and this was my favorite cruise to date.<br />
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A bit about the staff: Our Cruise Director, Cookie, was the assistant Cruise Director when I sailed the Vista in 2017. I knew already he would be a blast, but I wasn't expecting to leave feeling like I made a new friend, and that was exactly the impression Cookie left. He's good people. Our room steward I-Made was one of the best I've ever had on any ship. That side of the staff does not get the credit they deserve and I appreciate all the hard work they put in to make our vacation enjoyable. Then there were the bartenders on the ship. I yet again ran into a bartender I have met on another ship, Annamaria from Alchemy Bar. She has always been able to entertain a large group while making crazy amounts of delicious drinks. The entire group at Alchemy was a blast. We also really enjoyed hanging out at Farenheit 555 bar with Ivan, with thousands of guests, he always remembered our names and what we liked to drink. We never met a rude staff member and everyone went out of their way for all the guests.<br />
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<b>Our Carnival Horizon 8 night Southern Caribbean Itinerary </b></h3>
Our itinerary on the Carnival Horizon 8 night Southern Caribbean gave us a chance to experience 4 brand new ports to us, along with giving us 3 days to relax at sea and explore the beautiful ship. I can tell you that 3 days at sea was not enough time to conquer everything we wanted to do and I now fully understand why people do transatlantic cruises. Prior to sailing on the Horizon, days at sea were not something I looked forward to. This has since changed. Also, this was the first time I've sailed knowing I had aggressive reoccurring stage 1 melanoma, so this entire experience was different to me. I couldn't spend hours at time in the sun, which forced me to do other activities on board.<br />
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I will do a full review on each of our ports but wanted to share what a little on what did on each day.<br />
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<b>Day 1: Sailing Day</b><br />
I wasn't feeling 100% on the first day of the cruise and we had already booked a reservation at <a href="https://www.carnival.com/cruise-food/steakhouse" target="_blank">Fahrenheit 555</a>, the ships steakhouse. I got to the point that I couldn't even drink the amazing bottle of Silver Oak we purchased for half off (huge perk of booking Steakhouse on night one). We called it an early night and watched a movie on demand in our room. Carnival offers a ton of movies for free (and some for a small charge) and there are huge flat screen TV's in the rooms. Lame, I know... but I knew we had a long few days ahead of us and I didn't want to overdo it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IMAX at Sea</td></tr>
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<b>Day 2: Fun Day at Sea</b><br />
On our first day at sea, Gabe and I spent the earlier part of the day at the pool, hit up a few shows, spent some time in the Casino and consumed one too many adult beverages. Due to that - he somehow convinced me to go see IT Chapter 2 at the <a href="https://www.carnival.com/onboard/imax" target="_blank">ships IMAX theater</a>. I've been on a few ships with full theaters before, but never wanted to spend my time at sea watching a movie. Tickets were cheap for an IMAX, $12.95 an adult. Each sailing offers 2 new releases along with a variety of other movies in their Thrill Theater for much less. The other new release movie playing during our sailing was ad astra. Truth be told, I would much rather see Brad Pitt in IMAX than Pennywise the Clown, but IT 2 was way better than I expected. I strongly suggest seeing an IMAX new release while at sea if you find yourself on a ship that offers this add-on. That night we ate at <a href="https://www.carnival.com/cruise-food/ji-ji-asian-kitchen-dinner" target="_blank">Ji Ji Asian Kitchen</a> and I was pleasantly surprised how great Carnival worked with my Soy Allergy, and how many options I had to choose from.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topher the Doodle of Jacks Shack</td></tr>
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<b>Day 3: Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos</b><br />
We asked around for suggestions on the ports we stopped in and everyone I know said not to do an excursion while at Grand Turk - instead walk 5 minutes on the beach down to <a href="https://www.jacksshack.tc/" target="_blank">Jacks Shack</a>, where we could get free beach chairs, drink some local beers and play with Topher the Doodle. This is exactly what we did. That night we at at <a href="https://www.carnival.com/cruise-food/guys-pig-anchor-bbq" target="_blank">Guys Pig and Anchor BBQ Smokehouse</a>, where we would find ourselves on many other occasions.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hilton La Romana</td></tr>
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<b>Day 4: La Romana, Dominican Republic</b><br />
Not going to sugar coat this - I did NOT want to go back to the Dominican Republic. We went earlier in the year and didn't have a wonderful experience and this was prior to all the news coverage. Thank you Carnival for changing my mind about the D.R. We went to <a href="https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/dominican-republic/hilton-la-romana-an-all-inclusive-family-resort-LRMFMHH/index.html?SEO_id=GMB-HI-LRMFMHH" target="_blank">Hilton La Romana</a>, which Hilton purchased 4 months ago from Dreams Resort. They are in the process of remodeling the property and you could tell they are going to make sure this resort will give you the experience you want. We would go back here if we find ourselves back in La Romana. That night for dinner - you guessed it, we went back to Guy's Smokehouse.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caracao</td></tr>
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<b>Day 5: Caracao</b><br />
Our day in Caracao started later than most ports. We got off the ship around 1:30 and boy was it HOT. I live in FL but this was brutal. We strolled around their gorgeous downtown, embraced the history and learned about authentic Caracao, a blue liquor I thought I didn't like prior to this trip. I want to go back to Caracao and check out the beaches! For dinner that night, we went to <a href="https://www.carnival.com/cruise-food/bonsai-teppanyaki" target="_blank">Bonsai Teppanyaki</a>, a Japanese steakhouse at sea! It was delicious and entertaining.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flamingo Beach, Aruba</td></tr>
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<b>Day 6: Aruba</b><br />
I cannot wait to write my blog post on Aruba, a place we will absolutely go back and do a proper vacation. When I heard about Flamingo Beach, a private island owned by <a href="https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/auabr-renaissance-aruba-resort-and-casino/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2" target="_blank">Renaissance Aruba Resort</a>, I knew that's what we were going to do. I quickly learned it wasn't a cheap option. Lucky for me, I am a loyal Marriott girl and rack my points up through the year. I had more than enough Bonvoy points to secure me a room for free which have us an opportunity to see this luxurious property. Stay tuned for that experience and other options to get to this island if you aren't booking a room!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floating Mushroom at Chefs Table</td></tr>
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<b>Day 7: Fun Day at Sea</b><br />
On our 6th day at sea was our 5 year wedding anniversary. We spent some time at Serenity, the adults only deck, and ate dinner at <a href="https://www.carnival.com/cruise-food/chefs-table" target="_blank">Chef's Table</a>, the gastronomic experience at sea. We took it easy and although we had intentions of seeing a comedy show that night, we opted to make it an early night and watch one of the many movies on demand.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horizon Tides Pool</td></tr>
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<b>Day 8: Fun Day at Sea</b><br />
I should call this - the day I almost hit my 15 drink limit on the Cheers program but that's another story for another day. We spent our last day at Sea at the Tides Pool, which is located on the back of the ship. We both enjoyed this pool over any other on the Horizon. It also made us curious to book a Havana room on our next sailing, knowing they have a private pool during the day for those staying on the deck. We watched College football in the sports bar and played a round of putt putt golf at sea. It was the perfect day!<br />
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I would 100% suggest the Horizon to anyone looking to book a Carnival Cruise. The only thing I would warn you on - if you aren't OK with taking the stairs, you may want to inquire about their elevator situation before booking. They have smart elevators, which were a little too smart. Instead of pushing a button, you told it which floor you wanted to go to, and it told you what letter car to ride up or down. Sometimes it was slower than I prefer so we did a lot of walking. According to my health app, we climbed over 150 flights of stairs over our 8 nights (I am OK with this - allows for more food and drink!!). You can find future sailings on <a href="http://carnival.com/">Carnival.com</a> or by calling 1.800.764.7419. While you're on Carnival's website, be sure to check out the <a href="https://www.carnival.com/cruise-ships/mardi-gras.aspx?icid=icp_ccl_content_md_072319_hm_faq">Carnival Mardi Gras</a>, who will make her premier in 2020 out of Port Canaveral!<br />
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<i>Special thanks to Carnival for hosting me on this sailing. I was not required to write this post and all opinions are my own.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-22722497532276797672019-09-16T11:46:00.002-04:002019-09-16T11:46:43.953-04:00Busch Gardens Howl o Scream 2019My favorite time of year is here! Both my husband and I are obsessed with everything Halloween. This will be our 9th Halloween in Tampa and as always, we are excited for Busch Gardens Howl-o-Scream to kick off the season on Friday night! Be sure to follow along with my instagram stories as I will be sharing live videos and photos all night <a href="http://instagram.com/irun4wine">instagram.com/irun4wine</a>. Howl-o-Scream will take place on 22 select nights, from September 20-November 2. Ahead of our visit, I wanted to share what you can expect at the <a href="https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/" target="_blank">2019 Busch Gardens Howl-o-Scream</a>, ticket options and all the upgrades to enhance your experience.<br />
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But first - let's talk about Death Water Bayou. Five years ago we had a destination wedding in New Orleans. Gabe proposed to me in 2013, which happened to be the inaugural year for Death Water Bayou, a haunted house based in the swamps of New Orleans, haunted by the Voodoo Queen. All throughout the house were nods to the Big Easy. I did what any Halloween obsessed blogger who was about to get married in NOLA would would naturally do - pitched them for a Haunted House engagement shoot. <a href="http://www.irunforwine.net/2013/10/wedding-wednesday-busch-gardens-howl-o.html" target="_blank">You can check out the Halloween Engagement Shoot here</a>. It was one of the coolest photo shoots I have done and will always be grateful that Busch Gardens gave us those memories. I am excited to say that Death Water Bayou is returning this year.<br />
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<a href="https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/haunted-houses/death-water-bayou/"><b>DEATH WATER BAYOU: WRATH OF THE QUEEN</b></a><br />
VOODOO MAGIC HAS RETURNED THE QUEEN TO HER SWAMP - DESCEND INTO THE SWAMPS IF YOU DARE...<br />
Just when you thought she was gone for good, the Queen of the Shadows has been lifted from the dead by Voodoo’s dark magic and is seeking revenge upon the living. Armed with her devilish devotees, all who dare to enter the swamp are subject to curses around every corner.<br />
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<a href="https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/haunted-houses/the-residence/"><b>THE RESIDENCE</b></a><br />
NOT ALL IS THAT IT APPEARS TO BE - DISCOVER THE DOMESTIC DEMONS WITHIN THIS SUBURBAN HOME<br />
Enter the pristine home of the picture perfect suburban Clark Family, but beware of unseen horrors – once you’re invited in, you may never make your way out. Don’t let yourself become the next sacrifice in their sinister devotion.<br />
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<a href="https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/haunted-houses/insomnia/"><b>INSOMNIA - PATIENTS' REVENGE</b></a><br />
PATIENTS AND DOCTORS CLASH - EVERY DOOR IN THIS HAUNTED ASYLUM LEADS TO YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE<br />
Years of cruel treatments at this sleep institute have warped the minds of the tortured and imprisoned patients. Now rising against the demented doctors, the inmates have taken over the ward to seek sick revenge to torture their evil caretakers.<br />
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<a href="https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/haunted-houses/motel-hell/"><b>MOTEL HELL: INFESTATION</b></a><br />
ESCAPE FROM THE TORMENTED MOTEL - THE EXTERMINATOR HAS TURNED HIS NOXIOUS ATTACKS ON YOU<br />
Hordes of oozing, wriggling insects have infested Motel Shellburn and the exterminator is determined to extinguish all signs of life, including the guests. Every room in this motel from hell brings new skin-crawling horrors as you try to escape his noxious attacks and check out alive.<br />
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<a href="https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/haunted-houses/the-black-spot/"><b>THE BLACK SPOT: BLOODSHED</b></a><br />
ESCAPE FROM SAW TOOTH SILAS’S MURDEROUS HIDEAWAY - AN INFAMOUS PIRATE HAS YOU MARKED FOR DEATH AND HE HAS YOU RIGHT WHERE HE WANTS YOU<br />
Dare to enter the underbelly of Captain Saw-Tooth Silas’ pirate ship. Try not to fall victim to what this macabre labyrinth has in store for you, the trick lies within the dimly lit corners of this mysterious hideaway- holding the secret to escape… or demise.<br />
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<b><a href="https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/haunted-houses/simons-slaughterhouse/">SIMON'S SLAUGHTER HOUSE</a></b><br />
TRY TO MAKE IT THROUGH SIMON'S HORROR-FILLED HOUSE - STEPPING INTO SIMON’S HOUSE LEADS TO A GRUESOME GAME OF SLAUGHTER<br />
Watch where you step in Simon’s house, as every twisted turn corrals you from one sickening scene to the next. Don’t get caged in or you might be the next one up on Simon’s butcher block.<br />
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<b>TICKETS AND UPGRADES</b><br />
One thing I will suggest, if you are going to Busch Gardens Howl-o-Scream, invest in one of the front of the line upgrades. This will allow you to get the most of your experience, able to enjoy all the houses and rides you want. You can select from a variety of different options - everything from one time haunted houses to unlimited front of the line for the entire season. Plus this year, Busch Gardens is offering an unlimited admission ticket giving you access for all 22 nights! This is huge if you are looking to go more than once this year. Details and pricing are below!<br />
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<a href="https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/tickets/" target="_blank">HOWL-O-SCREAM 2019 SINGLE-NIGHT TICKET</a> starting at $39.99<br />
Brave 1 visit to Howl-O-Scream 2019, select nights Sept. 20 - Nov. 2, 2019 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Buy your tickets now and lock in your price.<br />
<a href="https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/tickets/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/tickets/" target="_blank">HOWL-O-SCREAM 2019 UNLIMITED ADMISSION TICKET</a> $79.99<br />
Valid for unlimited visits to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Howl-O-Scream 2019 for one consecutive weekend (Thursday – Sunday) Scream your way through all 22 nights of Howl-O-Scream, select dates Sept. 20 - Nov. 2, 2019 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.<br />
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<a href="https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/tickets/" target="_blank">HOWL-O-SCREAM 2019 WILD & WICKED WEEKEND TICKET</a> $109.99<br />
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Howl-O-Scream Wild and Wicked Weekend Tickets<br />
Enjoy a weekend full of visits to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay during the day and Howl-O-Scream at night, weekends Sept. 20-Nov. 2, 2019.<br />
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<a href="https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/upgrades/front-line-fear/">FRONT OF LINE FEAR PASS</a> starting at $35<br />
Skip the Lines with Front Line Fear during Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Why wait! Get front-of-the-line access to 6 haunted houses of your choice.<br />
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<a href="https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/upgrades/front-line-fear/" target="_blank">FRONT LINE FEAR EXTREME</a> starting at $45<br />
Skip the Lines with Front Line Fear Extreme during Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Enjoy front-of-the-line access at 6 haunted houses and 7 major thrill rides of your choice.<br />
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<a href="https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/upgrades/front-line-fear/" target="_blank">ALL HOWL-O-SCREAM FRONT LINE FEAR UPGRADE</a> starting at $149.99<br />
Why wait! Get front-of-the-line access to all haunted houses and thrill rides of your choice for all 22 nights. Howl-O-Scream admission is required but not included.<br />
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<b>SCARE ZONES</b><br />
There are 9 scare zones this year at Howl-O-Scream. Included in the scare zone is First Fear, all of the horrors of the last 20 years of Busch Gardens.<br />
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<b>FIRST FEAR: </b>The horrors of Howl-O-Scream’s haunted past are the first frights to greet you, rising from the dead and bringing 20 years of fear back to life.<br />
<b>LITTLE NIGHTMARES: </b>Take a creepy walk down memory lane to the bygone era of papier-mâché masks and homemade costumes sure to stir up the nightmares of your childhood.<br />
<b>CARPE NOCTEM: </b>The eerie quiet of this gothic Romanian cemetery is shattered by the triumphant screams of vampires and the sobbing moans of their victims. Climb into a coffin but your photo may be all that comes out.<br />
<b>CAMP DOA: </b>Rising from the murky swamp waters, murderous mutants have taken over a seemingly peaceful campground. Campers are snatched from their idyllic dreams to become ghostly stars of living nightmares.<br />
<b>HELL ON WHEELS: </b>In a post-apocalypse world, the surly survivors will stop at nothing for food and supplies, destroying all who stand in their way. Can you run the gauntlet of a murderous crazed biker gang to make it out alive?<br />
<b>DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS: </b>Honoring the souls and spirits of those who have gone before us, guests can dance the night away in this festive zone; featuring face painters, traditional tastes of Mexico, spectacle of performers, and a one-of-a-kind photo with an icon of La Catrina.<br />
<b>MANIAC MIDWAY: </b>Go backstage at “scariest show on earth” with Sparky and his terrifying carnie-crew as they take over Pantopia and make the midway their own stage of torture creating a frenzy of fear.<br />
<b>DEADLY TOYS: </b>You can run but you cannot hide as giant toys spring to life in a murderous rampage with you in their sights. Childhood memories will be destroyed when these toys turn a play date into a slay date.<br />
<b>MEAT MARKET: </b>Howl-O-Scream’s most fear-inducing zone places you in the center of a nauseating assault by cannibal creatures gorging on their monster menu of human hors d'oeuvres.<br />
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<b><a href="https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/dining-shopping/" target="_blank">FOOD, DRINKS, AND HAPPY HOUR!</a></b><br />
As much as I love Halloween, I am a big baby. I am petrified of clowns and I cannot go to any haunting event without having liquid courage. There are tons of bars within Howl-o-Scream and below is where you can find cocktails, beers, wine, shot girls, and more. Be sure to visit Serengeti Overlook Pub between 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. for pre-event / Happy Hour drink specials!<br />
Carnibar in Pantopia<br />
Dragon Fire Grill Entrance<br />
Serengeti Overlook Pub<br />
Stanleyville<br />
Meat Market Bar<br />
Nairobi Walkway<br />
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<b><a href="https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/upgrades/fright-feast/" target="_blank">FRIGHT FEAST</a> </b>starting at $29.99<br />
Devour monstrous main courses and desserts at this delicious dinner. Then, be the first to brave the dark with a half-hour of early access to the haunted houses and front-of-the-line privileges until 8:30 p.m.<br />
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<b><a href="https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/upgrades/fright-feast/" target="_blank">FRIGHT FEAST & BEVERAGE PACKAGE</a></b> starting at $49.99<br />
Enjoy all the exclusive benefits of Fright Feast mentioned above, plus the choice of any three beverages throughout the night including beer, wine, cocktails, soda and water.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-27418493925886647752019-08-19T15:14:00.002-04:002019-08-19T15:14:12.292-04:00Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Bier Fest #thrillsontapThis weekend I checked out <a href="https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/bier-fest/" target="_blank">Busch Gardens Bier Fest</a> in Tampa Bay. The annual beer festival will take place on weekends through September 8th and will give attendees the opportunity to explore over 40 craft beers from around the world! This includes 20+ Florida Craft Breweries and the beers will change throughout the festival.<br />
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Tampa has an incredible craft beer scene so this festival makes perfect sense! Along with 40+ beers, there are multiple food tents and live entertainment. My in-laws were in town so we brought them along and had a great afternoon trying out multiple brews and bites.<br />
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I was excited to see my favorite beer, Abita Strawberry there! This beer used to be seasonal and was just made available year-round. If you go to the festival, give this beer a try. You'll thank me later.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/bier-fest/beer-list/" target="_blank">BIER FEST BREWS</a></span></b></div>
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<b>FLORIDA BREWERIES</b><br />
3 Daughters Brewing, Barrel of Monks Brewing, Big Storm Brewing Co., Big Top Brewing Co., Brew Hub, Central 28 Beer Co., Cigar City Cider & Mead, Coppertail Brewing Co., Crooked Thumb Brewery, Dunedin House of Beer, Escape Brewing Co., Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Fort Myers Brewing Co., Green Bench Brewing Co., J Wakefield Brewing, MIA Beer Co., Orange Blossom Brewing Co., Pierced Ciderworks, Sailfish Brewing Co., Tampa Bay Brewing Co., Two Henrys Brewing Co., Veza Sur Brewing Co., Walking Tree Brewery<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjeB-s47v0lnbfinaow240vxKGh51PXNRCYnYzXIF_Ai_ec4OORYiRAqj1y8zKQIPsOUN2pqMZbw44lmLAPzSxuVsQmn4HZtHyWgaaJTi50M4q2hduo-RD0JwAnRgBwlF44ZrXD2I_GI/s1600/Busch+Gardens+Bier+Fest+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjeB-s47v0lnbfinaow240vxKGh51PXNRCYnYzXIF_Ai_ec4OORYiRAqj1y8zKQIPsOUN2pqMZbw44lmLAPzSxuVsQmn4HZtHyWgaaJTi50M4q2hduo-RD0JwAnRgBwlF44ZrXD2I_GI/s1600/Busch+Gardens+Bier+Fest+%25283%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Mimosa, CiderBoys</td></tr>
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<b>DOMESTIC BREWERIES</b><br />
21st Amendment Brewery, Abita Brewing Co., Bell’s Brewery, Boston Beer Co., CiderBoys, Dogfish Head Brewery, Goose Island Beer Co., Lagunitas Brewing Co., New Belgium Brewing Co., Oskar Blues Brewery, Sea Dog Brewing Co., Short’s Brewing Co., Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Stone Brewing, Terrapin Beer Co., The Bruery<br />
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<b>INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES</b><br />
Hofbrauhaus, Paulaner Brewery, Peroni, Samuel Smith Brewery, Stella, Wittekerke<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/bier-fest/cabins/" target="_blank">BIER FEST BITES</a></span></b></div>
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<b>BEST BITES</b><br />
We tried the Reuben Croquettes and the Deep Fried Cheese Curds. Both were exceptional and I would order them again. We paired them up with the Sweet & Hot Mustard and the Maple-Bacon Honey Mustard.<br />
<ul>
<li>Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites</li>
<li>Reuben Croquettes</li>
<li>Deep Fried Cheese Curds</li>
<li>Dipping Sauces: Basil Parmesan Mayo, Sweet & Hot Mustard, Maple-Bacon Honey Mustard</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep Fried Cheese Curds and Reuben Croquettes</td></tr>
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<b>SIP 'N SLIDERS</b><br />
The two sliders we tried were the Schnitzelwich Slider and the Bratwurst Slider. I preferred the Bratwurst Slider with the Pretzel Roll, it was perfect with the braised red cabbage.<br />
<ul>
<li>Bison Slider: Grilled Bison Slider on a Pretzel Roll with Provolone Cheese, Bacon & Onion Marmalade</li>
<li>Schnitzelwich Slider: Schnitzel on a Pretzel Roll with Swiss Cheese & Maple-Bacon Honey Mustard</li>
<li>Bratwurst Slider: Split Bratwurst on a Pretzel Roll with Braised Red Cabbage & Horseradish Mustard</li>
<li>Flourless Chocolate Torte: Served with Guinness-Infused Whipped Cream</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bratwurst Slider</td></tr>
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<b>MELTED MUNCHIES</b><br />
The groups favorite bite of the day was the Impossible Burger Slider. We didn't tell my in-laws that it was a veggie burger and they raved about it being one of the best burgers they've had. I agree. If I am going to return to the festival this year, I would buy a full sized version of one of these sandwiches. I hope Busch Gardens puts it on their menu permanently. We also tried the Short Rib & Brie Melt. It was good, just wish there was a little more short rib on the sandwich we got!<br />
<ul>
<li>Short Rib & Brie Melt: Short Rib, Brie & Caramelized Onions served on a Toasted Roll with Creamy Horseradish Sauce</li>
<li>ImpossibleTM Burger Melt: Impossible Burger on Texas Toast with Provolone & Red Onion Jam</li>
<li>Griddled Cheesecake Melt: Sweet Cream Cheese Filling on Pound Cake, Grilled & served with Guava Sauce</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZgrXN_o3q0ubchzW-QflpZNUksQweNJW256FMNiKUvyCd6qVEicVX44K7ujoDEEYiWwIAqaSQpxnyrfZK9mXMh7V4KRnZmGCucCK0SqcqfyV5R7uvyyj4Ic5IqtV3OqKW9-fSWS2Kss/s1600/Busch+Gardens+Bier+Fest+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZgrXN_o3q0ubchzW-QflpZNUksQweNJW256FMNiKUvyCd6qVEicVX44K7ujoDEEYiWwIAqaSQpxnyrfZK9mXMh7V4KRnZmGCucCK0SqcqfyV5R7uvyyj4Ic5IqtV3OqKW9-fSWS2Kss/s1600/Busch+Gardens+Bier+Fest+%25281%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Impossible Burger Patty Melt</td></tr>
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<b>PUB GRUB</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Fried Chicken Wings tossed in your choice of Spicy Mango Sauce, Blood Orange Sesame Glaze, or Korean BBQ sauce</li>
<li>Sweet Potato Fries served with Toasted Marshmallow Dipping Sauce</li>
<li>Deep Fried Pretzel Sticks with Beer Cheese Dipping Sauce</li>
</ul>
<b>TACOS ON TAP</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Shrimp Taco: Beer-Battered Shrimp, Flour Tortilla, Shredded Cabbage, Queso Fresco & Sweet Ginger Pickled Onions on a Flour Tortilla</li>
<li>Smoked Brisket Taco: Smoked Brisket, Corn Tortilla, Citrus Chipotle BBQ Sauce, Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese & Crispy Jalapeno Strips on a Corn Tortilla</li>
<li>Jerk Chicken Taco: Grilled Jerk Chicken, Flour Tortilla, Shredded Cabbage, Smoked Pineapple Salsa & Queso Fresco on a Flour Tortilla</li>
<li>Portobello Mushroom Taco: Portobello Mushrooms Sautéed with Peppers, Onions & Corn served on a Corn Tortilla with Shredded Cabbage & Pico De Gallo</li>
</ul>
<b>FLOATS</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Adult Root Beer Float with a shot of your choice</li>
<li>Hard Coffee Float: Pabst Blue Ribbon Hard Coffee served over Chocolate Soft Serve Ice Cream</li>
<li>Rosé Float: Astoria Sparkling Rosé Moscato served over Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream</li>
<li>Maduro Float: Cigar City Brewing Maduro Brown Ale served over Vanilla & Chocolate Swirled Soft Serve Ice Cream</li>
</ul>
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<b><a href="https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/bier-fest/upgrades/" target="_blank">FOOD & BEVERAGE SAMPLER PACKAGES</a></b><br />
One of the things I really appreciate about Busch Gardens festivals is that you can purchase a tasting lanyard. This is great if you're going with a group of people as you can evenly split the cost, and won't be sticker shocked at the end of the day. Our group of Four split two 10 packs and it was more than enough for us. There are multiple samplers in a variety of price points. The way it works, each food and drink sample equals one hole punch. If you want a full sized beer (or wine), you can use two hole punches. Pass Members save 15% off samplers and have the access to purchase an exclusive 12 item sampler.<br />
5-ITEM SAMPLER: $29.99 ($25.49 w/ Pass Member discount)<br />
10-ITEM SAMPLER: $49.99 ($42.99 w/ Pass Member discount) <br />
12-ITEM PASS MEMBER EXCLUSIVE SAMPLER: $49.99 (must be an annual pass member to purchase this lanyard)<br />
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You can check out more details and hours of the festival on <a href="https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/bier-fest/" target="_blank">buschgardens.com </a><br />
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<i>Thank you to Busch Gardens for providing us with two tickets and tasting samplers. I was not required to write this post and all opinions are my own.</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-47336135951881548712019-07-31T17:30:00.001-04:002019-07-31T22:06:48.287-04:00Isla Mujeres MexicoOh Isla Mujeres... you captured my heart. I will be doing a few posts on this amazing small island located just off Cancun. 😍<br />
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A few years ago, my best friend Keri and I started talking about where we would plan our 40th birthday trip. We met in 2nd grade and our birthdays are 11 days apart. At the time, we started throwing around having a girls trip in Napa.<br />
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As time went on, as wonderful as a girls trip in Napa sounded, I really couldn't imagine spending my 40th without my husband and this trip quickly turned into a couples trip with some of our closest friends. We did <b><u>a lot</u></b> of research and ended up selecting a tiny island in Mexico called Isla Mujeres.<br />
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Keri learned about Isla Mujeres from a show on HGTV. This 5 mile long island is known for calm turquoise waters and pure white powdery sand. We quickly realized this is exactly where we want to be. It's a quaint and safe beach town with tons of local shops and restaurants. Depending on where you stay on the island, you can walk to a lot of places, or rent a golf cart. After choosing where we would have our trip, Isla Mujeres was named one of the top <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches-cTop-g1" target="_blank">10 most beautiful beaches in the world by Trip Advisor in 2019</a>.<br />
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<b>Getting to and around Isla Mujeres:</b><br />
We flew into Cancun Airport direct from Fort Lauderdale. Once you get out of Customs (ours was a breeze in Terminal 4 - we had zero wait), you will need to take a taxi or car service to the Isla Mujeres Ferry. We pre-booked door to door transportation through <a href="http://luxuryvantransportation.com/" target="_blank">Luxury Van Transportation Cancun.</a> This included our ferry tickets and the taxis picked up the groups from the hotels on our different departure dates. While this was a little more expensive, it was a great peace of mind for everyone who traveled. They were extremely professional and I would suggest them in a heartbeat!<br />
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I strongly suggest renting your golf cart ahead of time. We booked ours 60+ days in advance and more than half of the companies we reached out to were already sold out. We booked 3 golf carts, all 4 seat carts. You cannot have more than 4 people on a golf cart (it's illegal and you will get ticketed). We booked through <a href="http://www.islamujeresgolfcartrentals.com/" target="_blank">Isla Mujeres Golf Cart Rentals</a>. Note - they will need to keep 1 drivers license on file for every cart rented. You won't need your license while on the island but it is worth noting.<br />
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<b>Where to stay on Isla Mujeres</b><br />
Although less than 5 miles long, there are many areas to stay on Isla Mujeres. We personally wanted to be able to walk out of our door onto a white sandy beach. We ended up in Playa Norte - or North Beach. Our group rented condo's at <a href="https://www.ixchelbeachhotel.com/" target="_blank">Ixchel Beach Hotel</a>. Keri and I shared a 2 bedroom penthouse and everyone else got individual single rooms. All rooms had a balcony overlooking beautiful clear waters. It had all of the amenities you would find in a major resort. I had multiple $30 massages overlooking the gorgeous waters. We were able to stroll down the market streets, where a ton of restaurants, bars and shops were located all within walking distance - some of which allowed us to put our tab to our room charge. This experience was exactly what we were looking for and more. I loved having a full kitchen, making our own drinks and enjoying life at island pace.<br />
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<b>What to do on Isla Mujeres</b><br />
With June birthdays, that put us on Isla Mujeres during Whale Shark Season and we were able to dive with these beautiful gentle creatures. I will do a full post on this experience that left us in awe, but if you find yourself there during season, do this! We also went snorkeling, zip-lining and had a lot of beach days. This was meant to be a chill trip, and for the most part, that is exactly what we got!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-53773485097622812402019-07-23T12:09:00.000-04:002019-07-31T12:11:52.267-04:00Cozumel Custom Private Jeep Excursion<div>
What if I told you there was a way to drive a jeep around Cozumel, creating a custom experience based on what you wanted to do, including lunch - for under $70 a person? This such thing exists and I am here to share our experience on a <a href="https://www.shoreexcursioneer.com/cozumel/private-jeep.html" target="_blank">Cozumel Custom Private Jeep Excursion</a>. </div>
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One of the many reasons I love cruising is being able to visit multiple destinations during one trip and Cozumel is one of my favorite ports to stop at. It's gorgeous, the locals are friendly, the food is great and the Tequila is amazing. Plus it's an amazing port to take a good photo of your cruise ship! Quick back story on our history with Cozumel - around 5 years ago, my best friend Keri and I were on our annual girls cruise and had to do a last minute excursion switch due to heavy rain. We booked <a href="https://www.ncl.com/shore-excursions/CZM_59/Salsa-Salsa?destination=Caribbean+Cruises&port=CZM&sort=searchWeight&sortOrder=asc&perPage=12&startingRecord=36" target="_blank">Salsa & Salsa</a>, where we learned how to make authentic Mexican margaritas and guacamole. This began our love affair with margaritas and on the excursion I am writing about today, I will tell you how we were introduced to our new love, Extra Anejo Tequila.<br />
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In January we went on the <a href="https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/pearl" target="_blank">Norwegian Pearl</a> on our <a href="http://www.irunforwine.net/2019/01/girls-cruise-on-norwegian-pearl.html" target="_blank">annual girls cruise</a>. Our 5 night cruise stopped for a day in Cozumel Mexico. We wanted to do something different and heard good things about a <a href="https://www.shoreexcursioneer.com/cozumel/private-jeep.html" target="_blank">Cozumel Private Jeep Tour</a>. We booked through Shore Excursioneer being this tour wasn't available through NCL.<br />
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We met up with our tour guide when we got off the ship. He informed us that he would be sitting in the backseat and were given a variety of activities we could do throughout the day. This was our custom tailored tour, and we were able to go at our own pace. The variety was great and allowed us to see another side of Cozumel than we've been accustom to. Some of the things we could do were: Snorkeling<br />
Tequila Factory & Tasting<br />
Punta Sur Ecological Park & Lighthouse<br />
Chocolate Factory<br />
Beach Club<br />
San Gervasio Mayan Ruins<br />
Horseback Riding<br />
ATV<br />
Parasailing<br />
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In full transparency, I had wayyyy too much tequila the night before. There was no way possible I could drive a car - so Keri drove all day while I slept from location to location. I knew Keri really wanted to go to the <a href="http://cozumelmexico.net/Tequila_factory/" target="_blank">Tequila factory</a> and that had to be our fist stop due to it's location - so I pulled myself together (the best I could) for our first stop. Mind you, it was at 10am.<br />
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We learned about agave and how it is cropped, pulped, fermented and distilled. Extra Anejo tequila is aged a full 5 years - this particular factory uses retired Jack Daniel bourbon barrels for the aging process. The entire process from crop to bottle takes 12 years - and this my friends is why Extra Anejo is so expensive.<br />
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We were able to try some of the factories award winning tequila including their 12 year old Extra Anejo. The label is Regalo de Dios Tequila and it is not available for purchase in stores or online. We sipped on some Blanco, Repasado, Anejo and Extra Anejo. The Anejo's were the smoothest tequila we have ever tried. It didn't burn and you could easily drink it without lime juice. Knowing we couldn't find it anywhere else, we were sold. I agreed to split a half case of Extra Anejo tequila with Keri. This set us each back nearly $300 and I quickly had buyers remorse the rest of the cruise. I will say now - I wish we bought our own half case because when this stuff runs out, I will be a very sad person.<br />
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Back in our jeep, we decided not to go snorkeling. We live in FL and have snorkeled quite a few times in our lives. Plus the water was a bit choppy and I didn't want to feed the fish, if you know what I mean. We headed over to the opposite side of the island, an area of Cozumel we had not been introduced to yet. We stopped at a beach, grabbed a few pics and headed off to our next destination.<br />
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Our next stop was Punta Sur Ecological Park & Lighthouse. While this was an amazing experience, please take this subtle piece of advice - do not climb a lighthouse if you are hungover. Walking up these steps reminded me of being at mile 23 in a marathon. I wanted to quit. My legs hated me. I questioned life. However the views are amazing!<br />
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At this point in the trip, we could have continued on to one of the other experiences, but I was done with a capitol D. Lunch was included so we went ahead and took advantage of that. I ate one bite of my food and put my head down on the table and that's when the tears started flowing. I was very upset that I not only wasted and ruined my own day, but I impacted Keri's experience as well. Repeat after me - I will not take 5 shots of Patron in one night (on top of everything else).<br />
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We got back to the boat and unloaded our tequila. I took some medicine and forced myself to eat a granola bar. With a few hours left at port, we decided to head down to our favorite spot to have a margarita in Cozumel, Panchos Backyard, a restaurant and bar located within the port of Cozumel. Our server remembered us from our last trip. He excitedly said "I remember you girls, how many times have you been here?" we equally excitedly responded "Five". Next thing you know, we have a full mariachi entourage in front of us - singing, clapping, and a sign that shows off our number of visits. I was very happy I pulled myself together!<br />
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We will do this tour again, with me in the drivers seat next time! You can book this tour through <a href="https://www.shoreexcursioneer.com/cozumel/private-jeep.html" target="_blank">Shore Excursioneer</a> or check with your cruise line to see if they offer something similar. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-40035689404951563302019-07-18T11:10:00.001-04:002019-07-18T11:10:49.234-04:00The Mighty Mule Party Ticket GiveawayAround 7 years ago, I was introduced to a delicious spicy ginger cocktail called the Moscow Mule. It was my drink of choice and I turned many friends onto this beverage, typically served in a copper mug. It was only a matter of time before there was a festival celebrating this cocktail and it is coming to Tampa next week!<br />
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<a href="https://www.tampamuleparty.com/" target="_blank">The Mighty Mule Party</a> is an indoor festival that will take place on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at The RITZ Ybor. The Mighty Mule Party will feature unlimited samples from local Tampa restaurants and some of your favorite Vodka brands along with a food tasting. Each guest will receive unlimited samples of Moscow Mules from 12+ vendors and you will get to take home your very own official Mighty Mule Party copper mug.<br />
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<a href="https://www.eventliveus.com/purchase/event/1161598" target="_blank">Click here to buy tickets to The Mighty Mule Party</a><br />
<b>General Admission Tickets $35:</b> General Admission ticket holders will all receive entry into the event, one Mighty Mule Party copper mug to to fill with unlimited Mule samples at any of the participating Mule stations, and complimentary bites from local Tampa Bay restaurants and caterers.<br />
<b>VIP Tickets $75: </b>VIP Experience ticket holders will all receive one-hour early admission into the event, a VIP-only entrance, one Mighty Mule Party copper mug to fill with unlimited Mule samples at any of the participating Mule stations, one drink ticket for a full-sized Mule at any bar, complimentary bites from Tampa Bay restaurants and caterers, a VIP swag bag, and access to the VIP-only areas.<br />
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<b>Mule Tasting</b><br />
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Enjoy unlimited Mule samples in your very own Mighty Mule Party copper mug: EFFEN® Vodka, Tito's Handmade Vodka, 7th + Grove (Grove Mule), The Bricks, Ella's Folk Art Café, Garrison Tavern, Hiro Sake, The Lure, Osteria Bar + Kitchen, Summer of Rum Festival (The Perfect Storm), Zukku Sushi (SOTO Sake Mule), MORE to be announced!<br />
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<b>Food Tasting</b><br />
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Taste delicious bites provided by Tampa Bay's favorite restaurants and catering companies: 7th + Grove (Afro-Cuban sandwiches), Anise Global GastroBar (Candied Bacon + Caramel Popcorn), Garrison Tavern, New York New York Pizza, Zukku Sushi (Mini Poke Bowls), MORE to be announced!<br />
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<b>General Admission Ticket Giveaway!</b><br />
Head over to my Instagram account to enter to win a pair of General Admission tickets to the Mighty Mule Party. Look for this picture and leave a comment letting me know what your favorite drink is!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-19307706216265352472019-07-16T12:45:00.002-04:002019-07-18T10:36:48.533-04:00Melanoma Update and what Melanoma looks likeThis post is an update from one I did in <a href="http://www.irunforwine.net/2019/02/health-updates.html" target="_blank">January</a> regarding Skin Cancer and what I am currently going through. Over the past few months, I have been diagnosed with multiple location Melanoma and want to share my story (which is no where close to being over). Let's just say I won't be running for wine anytime soon (but will continue to drink it)! This is a long read, but I hope it will help educate others about Skin Cancer and what to look for.<br />
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Seven months ago, I received my first phone call from Pathology regarding a few biopsies I had taken in early December. I was told one of my 3 biopsies came back as <a href="https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma" target="_blank">Basal Cell Carcinoma</a> Skin Cancer and I needed to come in for an excision. I was really upset and most people said "at least it's not <a href="https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma" target="_blank">Melanoma</a>"...<br />
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The day after Christmas I had the Basal Cell removed by a different APRN than I originally saw in early December. The guy who did my first round of biopsies had a family emergency so I went to the next available location as I wanted the Basal Cell excision done prior to January 1st for insurance reasons. Prior to removing the Basal Cell, my new APRN did a routine skin check and made a statement that will be eternally burned in my memory "I don't like the look of that spot at all, I want to take it now" and proceeded to take 3 more biopsies. I was thrown off as I just had biopsies done 2 weeks prior and these were not new spots.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtyKlUVRjfP9nt3rvNB8D27KZwgdhbfPyzeZIjw355mYElWBDdBHFdZ9p-Wza9B5X3A5A2b8Di-JOoxh3L3VMGCowqYrRtj0JzSXmsUyzrnwj0V2odsKoHqrwTM7xcaKVCvvfS6vybPmM/s1600/Basal+Cell+Removal+Before+and+After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtyKlUVRjfP9nt3rvNB8D27KZwgdhbfPyzeZIjw355mYElWBDdBHFdZ9p-Wza9B5X3A5A2b8Di-JOoxh3L3VMGCowqYrRtj0JzSXmsUyzrnwj0V2odsKoHqrwTM7xcaKVCvvfS6vybPmM/s1600/Basal+Cell+Removal+Before+and+After.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basal Cell Carcinoma right thigh - before, healing and scar</td></tr>
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Two weeks later, I received my second call from Pathology. This call happened a few days before I was going on my annual girls cruise with my best friend Keri. The results made my world stand still. Two of the spots removed on December 26th came back as Melanoma, Stage 1 and atypical severe and was told they both needed to be surgically removed. Hearing those words crushed me. I sat and stared at the wall in my living room for over an hour. How could I go from being petrified of Basal Cell to having <a href="https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/the-stages-of-melanoma" target="_blank">Stage 1 Melanoma</a> within a matter of 2 weeks? I thank god everyday that my APRN was switched.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhai9zbI3q4X2W3kx1MTaYhQeolgg734FcAEIUJpzQEl3SjkVXDsbZxet0mQiPROpaXBXhrCnkCLiPUKVmtLzERYmpxxp917kREmzFniJjROuh6tG0lso8_3oM9OB3Pk46vv7hU5U6NE-s/s1600/basal+cell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhai9zbI3q4X2W3kx1MTaYhQeolgg734FcAEIUJpzQEl3SjkVXDsbZxet0mQiPROpaXBXhrCnkCLiPUKVmtLzERYmpxxp917kREmzFniJjROuh6tG0lso8_3oM9OB3Pk46vv7hU5U6NE-s/s1600/basal+cell.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last time I wore a short dress</td></tr>
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Being I was about to leave for a cruise to the Caribbean, my <a href="https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/melanoma-treatments" target="_blank">Melanoma excision</a> was scheduled for when I returned home. I stressed out the entire cruise but made sure all of my spots were covered from the sun by wearing waterproof bandages and wearing SPF 50. In the photo above, you can see a white bandage peeking out on my right thigh, covering the Basal Cell removal. If you look closely at my left shin, you can see the small bandage which was where one of my yet to be removed Melanomas were. On the cruise, a few strangers made comments about my bandages, one even asked if I recently learned how to shave. That was the start of me becoming very self conscious about all my marks. Little did I know what was in store for me. My stage 1 Melanoma looked like a freckle. It wasn't raised so I never thought anything about it - but looking back at the before picture, you can see discoloration. Here are a before and after of the stage 1.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAC0v9FdC9uaQlRYevKB_fq1NbRB3KUQTmbe0YKCC5mN3KRIbVtH-0XOm0jaKs_KVmLeTL8xORAjXezyczsTVDDlc8Sff_zau9p7uleL2hGbCcrSmUMuCfkGNwHquUkkMdL7jR1FOGZI/s1600/Melanoma+Removal+Before+and+After+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAC0v9FdC9uaQlRYevKB_fq1NbRB3KUQTmbe0YKCC5mN3KRIbVtH-0XOm0jaKs_KVmLeTL8xORAjXezyczsTVDDlc8Sff_zau9p7uleL2hGbCcrSmUMuCfkGNwHquUkkMdL7jR1FOGZI/s1600/Melanoma+Removal+Before+and+After+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stage 1 Melanoma left shin - before, healing and scar</td></tr>
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It was decided I would start coming in for full body scans every 2-3 months. I went back on Valentines Day and they took 10 more biopsies. Two weeks later, pathology called to report 1 of the 10 was early stage Melanoma on my left abdomen. It had positive cancer cells but was caught early enough that we could wait to have it re-scooped during my next body scan. I needed to heal from the other excisions and biopsies. If you catch Melanoma early enough, you may not need a full excision - they will scoop out more skin, removing the surrounding areas. This is why it is very important to get checked annually (or more often if you have a family history of skin cancer).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmRarvsEfFhVi2hk98MKow94Y81F5q9u2geO_eoIp1Kx-Z8_G8ldrfaYZ2pooo4mXDWSF0QGz4Afl6-b2z45GUY_0eFNlr2pCDEtFTcVTL_WOa8MK8Qm5V3KxBridPaZ-GAvc2wlo0Xo/s1600/IMG_4590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmRarvsEfFhVi2hk98MKow94Y81F5q9u2geO_eoIp1Kx-Z8_G8ldrfaYZ2pooo4mXDWSF0QGz4Afl6-b2z45GUY_0eFNlr2pCDEtFTcVTL_WOa8MK8Qm5V3KxBridPaZ-GAvc2wlo0Xo/s1600/IMG_4590.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 biopsies, February 14th</td></tr>
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My next body scan was scheduled for May 1st. Along with my Melanoma re-scoop, I had 13 additional biopsies taken. That's 14 spots I had to take care of. I will tell you, if you know anyone going through this, skin biopsies are awful. They're painful open wounds that take forever to heal. Also, I am allergic to adhesive, latex and most medicated ointments - It's been a fun 7 months 😔.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjAP7gdIn8AKS9gNvqtqit-n3rd8hY4mHWwMcg09Ygmq2TbE2X5prLVcGawouRSDwDuxx-YMseJvtdlnJAB9itgWR9Am4lH4JT1dZk02x2OCGTm5JpxgPAKTjAX6Q4JjLbEpqbBltNY4/s1600/IMG_4589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjAP7gdIn8AKS9gNvqtqit-n3rd8hY4mHWwMcg09Ygmq2TbE2X5prLVcGawouRSDwDuxx-YMseJvtdlnJAB9itgWR9Am4lH4JT1dZk02x2OCGTm5JpxgPAKTjAX6Q4JjLbEpqbBltNY4/s1600/IMG_4589.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">13 biopsies + 1 melanoma re-scoop, May 1st</td></tr>
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I went to Scottsdale on May 16th for a work trip. That date put me slightly over the 2 week mark of the 13 biopsies. Pathology calls with bad results within 2 weeks and for once, I was feeling positive that I was clear. When we landed I saw a voicemail pop up from Pathology. I didn't want to call them back until I got off the plane and we were stuck on the tarmac for an hour. It was the longest hour of my life. Finally, I found a quite place in the Phoenix Airport and returned the call to learn I had 4 new Melanoma's. FOUR. I had to sit down because everything started spinning. Being I was on a work trip, I was alone in a strange place with no family or friends. However, I met the most fantastic group of women who gave me strength. One gave me a bracelet - which has a hidden scripture on the underside (now my motto). Receiving that phone call in Scottsdale was meant to be. I was in a situation where I couldn't dwell and I had to do as the bracelet says...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIX3fuX4QLlfxws5PXLCB4FoQxVRV9EC-bt_V9CzTCP6ytCjwHyJZk8Kl6Ismh5HGDYOgOfrbaXLurRF-I2FKxYwExC-mBXqN01BwQxK9wR4l0qOqwOuvlx6P9y9NnFj0-VzQeaQ_YiE/s1600/IMG_4621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIX3fuX4QLlfxws5PXLCB4FoQxVRV9EC-bt_V9CzTCP6ytCjwHyJZk8Kl6Ismh5HGDYOgOfrbaXLurRF-I2FKxYwExC-mBXqN01BwQxK9wR4l0qOqwOuvlx6P9y9NnFj0-VzQeaQ_YiE/s1600/IMG_4621.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The 4 results were: Stage 1 Melanoma on my right thigh along with 3 positive Melanoma cells: right abdomen, left thigh and right inner thigh. I made an appt to have the stage 1 removed and abruptly cancelled our Memorial Day plans as we were supposed to go to our friends Lake House.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic85Bk4ON_6MLlNUq_jhG79wscBbMmuerUJ4n0LwQUW_mfDVKlU27ovK1vxxxcPx_VpF65fGfFFmtesEsZF3mqwDp1DP0fNSocxCx2iG9UkLAYKkNGrpkBojFaRPVfNKP2kXh7826pW7E/s1600/Melanoma+Removal+Before+and+After+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic85Bk4ON_6MLlNUq_jhG79wscBbMmuerUJ4n0LwQUW_mfDVKlU27ovK1vxxxcPx_VpF65fGfFFmtesEsZF3mqwDp1DP0fNSocxCx2iG9UkLAYKkNGrpkBojFaRPVfNKP2kXh7826pW7E/s1600/Melanoma+Removal+Before+and+After+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stage 1 Melanoma right upper thigh - before, healing and scar</td></tr>
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July 2nd was my next full body scan, 2 months following May's scan. I went in thinking that I would have less taken this time, being I just had 13 removed 2 months prior. Not the case... 12 biopsies were taken and I was left dumbfounded, angry, sad and oddly - somewhat amused. I was not expecting 12 more. My APRN didn't want to take more than 10. Her medical assistant alerted her when she hit 10, but there were 2 more she wanted. I clearly remember when she circled the 12th spot, a freckle I have been closely watching on my right inner shin. Over the last few weeks it started growing and changing color.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg650GSR3YP48P67VwK-zLbSXB1AK-JxjriP9YNsefSu-KwQHXBRqKInbtlQPlQ-ZPW2DV5OXnaGTPxiYJFsNfq38DtvNoYbXVW9PkgwJVFj2XkaacQJFXRBUv6zLfohfQ0F8dFZAwVUI/s1600/IMG_4072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg650GSR3YP48P67VwK-zLbSXB1AK-JxjriP9YNsefSu-KwQHXBRqKInbtlQPlQ-ZPW2DV5OXnaGTPxiYJFsNfq38DtvNoYbXVW9PkgwJVFj2XkaacQJFXRBUv6zLfohfQ0F8dFZAwVUI/s1600/IMG_4072.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">12 Biopsies, July 2nd</td></tr>
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For the past 2 weeks, I have been waiting for Pathology to call. Unfortunately, I've become far too accustom and I've come to a point where I expect a call. Well, they called me yesterday. One of those 12 biopsies came back as Melanoma and I go in next week to have it removed. Guess which one - the right shin. I don't have a photo of it yet but will add a before during and after to this post once I've healed.<br />
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I am using my blog and social media as a platform to educate others and as an outlet for myself. I've learned one thing through all this - Melanoma is not text book. It can look like anything. It can be a discolored mole or an innocent spot the size of a freckle. It can kill you. If you told me a few months ago that I would have 40 biopsies taken within 7 months, I would have never believed you. If you told me of those 40, 9 would come back cancerous, I would have thought you were crazy.<br />
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I get a lot of questions and comments from people around <a href="https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/melanoma-causes-and-risk-factors" target="_blank">Melanoma causes and risk factors</a>. Most assume I am going through this because I am a redheaded native Floridian. That isn't the case. Melanoma is genetic and my Mom had Melanoma once in 1999. Hers was successfully removed and she never had it again. My cousin who is the same age as me also had Melanoma in the same spot as one of mine, hers also successfully removed and never returned. I have a few uncles on my Mom's side who had Melanoma as well. While UV exposure is a major factor to Melanoma, it's not my main issue as I tested positive for the genetic mutation. I can stay out of the sun for the rest of my life and still end up with positive cells. Like any other chronic illness, I will have to deal with this the rest of my life.<br />
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I urge everyone who reads this to please make an appointment to get your skin check and keep up with it annually. If I was more pro-active with mine, I may not be going through this right now but I will say how thankful I am that we caught this at Stage 1.<br />
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<b>The ABCDE's of Melanoma and what to look for</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">from <a href="http://skincancer.org/">skincancer.org</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6xuiKzKl9QJbz3rlJiN1I8tqTslC-jBMIqOY2_ezguF9roNH3Ugy8wazEN88SBSt133JjqHemx66YOKcTcq5TKyionz-gwCaEaFvFBMuVoPdznF-yxYNn99GfVYCfLxet93DCEZPD9k/s1600/asymmetry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="117" data-original-width="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6xuiKzKl9QJbz3rlJiN1I8tqTslC-jBMIqOY2_ezguF9roNH3Ugy8wazEN88SBSt133JjqHemx66YOKcTcq5TKyionz-gwCaEaFvFBMuVoPdznF-yxYNn99GfVYCfLxet93DCEZPD9k/s1600/asymmetry.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>A: Asymmetry</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">The benign mole, left, is not asymmetrical. If you draw a line through the middle, the two sides will match, meaning it is </span><strong style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">symmetrical</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">. If you draw a line through the mole on the right, the two halves will not match, meaning it is </span><strong style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">asymmetrical</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">, a warning sign for melanoma.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLTe6FRZSM_N6WMd_2ibHi-b7GGBATCwInY0LOvQUcbY4Av53q1s4CPA9qDw1PdLqq7vG9YzcjNgYwMXgScWRha7OzvQ4PjDz-atHPSNgh2RmuAcpjjkj9xggaZjMsmOOmPOezP5nj3s/s1600/border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLTe6FRZSM_N6WMd_2ibHi-b7GGBATCwInY0LOvQUcbY4Av53q1s4CPA9qDw1PdLqq7vG9YzcjNgYwMXgScWRha7OzvQ4PjDz-atHPSNgh2RmuAcpjjkj9xggaZjMsmOOmPOezP5nj3s/s1600/border.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">B: Border</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">A benign mole has smooth, even </span><strong style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">borders</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">, unlike melanomas. The </span><strong style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">borders</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> of an early melanoma tend to be uneven. The edges may be scalloped or notched.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJGTvHBn4wOF9dabuBN4RPhsqVWJnCD-df5a5yHVt_Rw_3MMuO1dtxiElu44_qGiOAJgDJyKnCDYa5IKSdOiCgTiDmNUxuckrq00ZhAIhC_ZRS3D4f24ouotjpzGI0jg2C3E8mQyPwCk/s1600/color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="111" data-original-width="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJGTvHBn4wOF9dabuBN4RPhsqVWJnCD-df5a5yHVt_Rw_3MMuO1dtxiElu44_qGiOAJgDJyKnCDYa5IKSdOiCgTiDmNUxuckrq00ZhAIhC_ZRS3D4f24ouotjpzGI0jg2C3E8mQyPwCk/s1600/color.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b>C: Color</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Most benign moles are all one </span><strong style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">color</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> — often a single shade of brown. Having a variety of </span><strong style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">colors</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> is another warning signal. A number of different shades of brown, tan or black could appear. A melanoma may also become red, white or blue.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzLT2UQG9XejBNzlpZHQ6WBEGs3hY3w0cHkMQq6HOGsVPE3rPIlE-ufn5WUtt9P31nPHuGPLcIFU32hLSrFMMeGM7ryBvqWF_kv59Vdd03uNtzTZGs3E60cHWC6KmCcHAiapaD4vAM6c/s1600/diameter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzLT2UQG9XejBNzlpZHQ6WBEGs3hY3w0cHkMQq6HOGsVPE3rPIlE-ufn5WUtt9P31nPHuGPLcIFU32hLSrFMMeGM7ryBvqWF_kv59Vdd03uNtzTZGs3E60cHWC6KmCcHAiapaD4vAM6c/s1600/diameter.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>D: Diameter</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Benign moles usually have a </span><strong style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">smaller diameter</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> than malignant ones. Melanomas usually are larger in </span><strong style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">diameter</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> than the eraser on your pencil tip (¼ inch or 6mm), but they may sometimes be smaller when first detected.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiynSkDg8Dl4i6ouUD-lQ1_TVsGt_fGOljlgZOlDmw750YewCfwZjVoKeouypZatKJMY-gU11xxL3h6S-icYEgOEd7SUmK2pNJBW1zi4UsFZ_WMRPuRNQOYYUa_5ucW_mRrOk1nu0Muvs/s1600/evolving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiynSkDg8Dl4i6ouUD-lQ1_TVsGt_fGOljlgZOlDmw750YewCfwZjVoKeouypZatKJMY-gU11xxL3h6S-icYEgOEd7SUmK2pNJBW1zi4UsFZ_WMRPuRNQOYYUa_5ucW_mRrOk1nu0Muvs/s1600/evolving.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b>E: Evolving</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Common, benign moles </span><strong style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">look the same</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> over time. Be on the alert when a mole starts to </span><strong style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">evolve or change</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> in any way. When a mole is </span><strong style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">evolving</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">, see a doctor. Any change — in size, shape, color, elevation, or another trait, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching or crusting — points to danger.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-62038839100969363942019-07-15T14:20:00.001-04:002019-07-15T14:20:29.983-04:00Buccaneers and Tradewinds Island Resorts Beach Bash with Billy Ray Cyrus The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and <a href="https://www.tradewindsresort.com/index" target="_blank">TradeWinds Island Resorts</a> announced today a multi-year partnership agreement that features a wide variety of collaborative marketing initiatives focused on enhancing the in-game stadium experience for Buccaneers fans at Raymond James Stadium. A featured element of the new agreement is the Bucs Beach Bash, a family-friendly, beach-themed, music and entertainment event that will be held at the resort’s St. Pete Beach location on Saturday, September 21, 2019. The inaugural event, which will be headlined by music and entertainment icon Billy Ray Cyrus and feature platinum-selling group Parmalee, will be free of charge to the general public as part of the NFL 100 Fantennial celebration.<br />
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“TradeWinds Island Resorts is the quintessential beach resort destination that embodies all the great aspects of living in the Tampa Bay region that so many of our fans love,” said Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford. “We are excited about this new partnership, as well as the inaugural Bucs Beach Bash this upcoming September, and look forward to working with TradeWinds on additional ways to enhance the in-game experience for our fans at Raymond James Stadium.”<br />
Other new partnership elements include integrated programs such as Family Pack ticket offers and multiple fan activation locations at Buccaneers home games, as well as the installation of TradeWinds Island Resorts brand signage and a tropical-themed RumFish Grill food location at Raymond James Stadium beginning with the 2019 season.<br />
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“The beach and football are two favorite pastimes of Floridians,” said Keith Overton, president of TradeWinds Island Resorts. “We’re thrilled to put the two together for fans with the upcoming Bucs Beach Bash, but also through this ongoing partnership with the Bucs that will bring many fun and exciting experiences all year long, including hotel discounts, family-friendly events and more.”<br />
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Bucs Beach Bash will begin at 11 a.m. with a variety of local bands kicking off Saturday’s activities, which include: DJs, trivia, unique partner activations, Buccaneers/NFL 100-themed contests with prizes, the Jr. Bucs Kids Zone, Street Team (including Madden gaming stations), Cheerleaders, Captain Fear, pirates and former players.<br />
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The highlight of the daylong event will be the free concert featuring multi-platinum selling recording artist Billy Ray Cyrus, who recently paired with Lil Nas X to perform the hit song Old Town Road. The single currently stands at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the 14th consecutive week, tied for the third-longest reign in the chart’s 60-year history. Cyrus, perhaps best known for his chart-topping hit “Achy Breaky Heart,” will take the stage at approximately 8 p.m.<br />
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Parmalee, whose 2013 breakout hit Carolina shot to No. 1 in Country Airplay, will precede Cyrus, beginning at approximately 5:30 p.m. In between the two acts, the show will pause for a Sunset Celebration to allow partygoers the opportunity to watch the breathtaking view over St. Pete Beach, annually rated as one of America’s top beaches. The night sky will light up with fireworks as the concert concludes and the RumFish Grill After Party will keep the celebration going into the early morning hours.<br />
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In addition to Saturday’s festivities, TradeWinds will also host a Friday evening country-rock concert featuring music from Pirate Flag Band, a renowned tribute band featuring the music of country star Kenny Chesney.<br />
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The TradeWinds is offering special two-night VIP experience packages for two with rates as low as $368 per package and including various extras such as stage front viewing for Friday and Saturday, exclusive restrooms, sophisticated lounge seating area and 20% off all food and beverage purchases. The package also includes the daily resort amenity fee, which includes unlimited rides on the High Tide slide, a hooded beach cabana, paddleboats, tennis court play, fitness center, self-parking, wireless Internet access and more. For reservations, please call (888) 345-9930 or visit <a href="http://www.justletgo.com/BeachBash">www.JustLetGo.com/BeachBash</a>. Buccaneers fans may also purchase VIP, hotel and concert packages via <a href="http://www.buccaneers.com/beachbash">www.Buccaneers.com/beachbash</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-79451678650657899042019-07-10T14:11:00.000-04:002019-07-12T14:37:39.742-04:00The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical at Straz Center TampaOn Tuesday night, Gabe and I headed over to Staz Center in Tampa to see <a href="https://www.strazcenter.org/Events/Straz/Shows/1819_BroadwayAddOn/The-Lightning-Thief-The-Percy-Jackson-Musical" target="_blank">The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical</a> off-Broadway. The adaption of the best-selling Disney-Hyperion novel by Rick Riordan, celebrates being different and urges kids to find the strength in themselves. Both children and adults can learn from this messaging. <br />
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I was not personally familiar with the story prior to attending the off-Broadway musical at Straz. It's a story about a teenager named Percy who was kicked out of his fifth school. He quickly finds out his troubles have stemmed from teh fact that he is a half-blood - the son of Poseidon, god of the sea and a mortal mother. Reminded me a bit of Harry Potter!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyI-y36lbnbZb6ibw47SGAGYD845Bs-YZxc5QTtkUS1zpsT_NpHnYWZt5NWvKtzeuoIv5onwIBrGVaLUCfxaMpq7qk0YgrIdZnN4EQT-RbN-03lAt4ZDCZuBeea3nkZ3lf4N0hP4NDFR4/s1600/TheLightingThief_showpage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="665" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyI-y36lbnbZb6ibw47SGAGYD845Bs-YZxc5QTtkUS1zpsT_NpHnYWZt5NWvKtzeuoIv5onwIBrGVaLUCfxaMpq7qk0YgrIdZnN4EQT-RbN-03lAt4ZDCZuBeea3nkZ3lf4N0hP4NDFR4/s1600/TheLightingThief_showpage1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Throughout the show, various mythical monsters try to kill Percy and he is sent off to Camp Half-Blood, a summer refuge for kids like him. Annabeth, the daughter of Athena; Gover, the satyr; and Luke, son of Hermes.<br />
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Percy was blamed for stealing Zeus' lightning bolt and along with the other Half-Bloods, he went off on a quest to clear his name and preventing a war between the gods.<br />
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<a href="https://www.strazcenter.org/Events/Straz/Shows/1819_BroadwayAddOn/The-Lightning-Thief-The-Percy-Jackson-Musical" target="_blank">The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical</a> will conduct a pre-show lottery beginning two and a half hours prior to each performance.<br />
<b>Lottery details:</b><br />
• 20 tickets available at $20 per performance<br />
• Entries will be accepted at the Ticket Sales Office beginning two and a half hours prior to each performance.<br />
• A Straz representative will distribute entry cards; entrants print name and number of tickets (1 or 2) on card and return to rep who will then place it in the box.<br />
• Two hours before curtain, names will be drawn at random for a limited number of tickets.<br />
• Only one entry is allowed per person and two tickets per winner. Cards are checked for duplication prior to drawing.<br />
• Winners must be present at the time of the drawing and show valid ID to purchase tickets.<br />
• Tickets are subject to availability.<br />
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Showtimes for The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical at Straz Center Florida are as follows:<br />
<a href="https://www.strazcenter.org/Events/Straz/Shows/1819_BroadwayAddOn/The-Lightning-Thief-The-Percy-Jackson-Musical">Click here to buy tickets</a><br />
July 10 7:30pm<br />
July 11 7:30pm<br />
July 12 8pm<br />
July 13 2pm & 8pm<br />
July 14 1pm & 1:30pmUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-72373116821443498012019-07-09T12:24:00.003-04:002019-07-09T12:31:01.139-04:00Seminole Hard Rock Tampa East Wing Hotel and Construction Update This weekend, Gabe and I had the amazing opportunity to be one of the first people to stay in the brand <a href="https://www.seminolehardrocktampa.com/" target="_blank">new hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa</a>. The new East Wing is part of a combined $2.2 billion expansion between Seminole Hard Rock Tampa and Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. Over the past two years, we've witnessed all of the changes first-hand and it is exciting to see the final touches coming together. Tampa's expansion will be completed this summer with a grand opening date scheduled for October 3rd.<br />
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While we've spent quite a bit of time at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa over the years, we've only stayed overnight once before. I have to be honest, we were both blown away by the new tower. We stayed in a deluxe queen room and it was massive in size. I can't imagine what the suites are going to look like when they're completed! The bedding was amazing and I need to find out how to get those sheets at home. I spend a lot of time in hotels due to my day job and I can honestly say, this was one of the more comfortable rooms I've been in. Everything was spacious and very elegantly designed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEAAeZjF4XIoLDEvEg3IWqUPmOcMorZNn55A7Sz27-nIovccHWj0FzYRms_RCAjeP77yxM_Bf7Q6xYOh-UFm-OAk1TUYJSj15fHqqNoUcD1GcOGSFNR6csv2GDg51Jn49Hxv4qV_EJ20/s1600/Exterior-Aerial-1024x619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1024" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEAAeZjF4XIoLDEvEg3IWqUPmOcMorZNn55A7Sz27-nIovccHWj0FzYRms_RCAjeP77yxM_Bf7Q6xYOh-UFm-OAk1TUYJSj15fHqqNoUcD1GcOGSFNR6csv2GDg51Jn49Hxv4qV_EJ20/s1600/Exterior-Aerial-1024x619.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Rendering</td></tr>
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The East Wing hotel will be 14 stories when completed which will include 562 new hotel rooms and suites. Once the expansion is complete, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Hotel will offer approximately 800 guestrooms (including 86 suites).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOq9guD3aQF1EU0VLH9VyyP4qiM5O4SoD__8kgwKJTl_NYKsuokkREGVUcPXQvF_II9XCGiAjcM8802GJBXVcdh68UE5CA0aNGdNAvKoSq0UmgAGhujgx7GEz0L_n5tKnmCu6RCzsOlg/s1600/IMG_4311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOq9guD3aQF1EU0VLH9VyyP4qiM5O4SoD__8kgwKJTl_NYKsuokkREGVUcPXQvF_II9XCGiAjcM8802GJBXVcdh68UE5CA0aNGdNAvKoSq0UmgAGhujgx7GEz0L_n5tKnmCu6RCzsOlg/s1600/IMG_4311.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wallflowers</td></tr>
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While at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa, we were able to catch a concert at Hard Rock Cafe by the popular 90's band, The Wallflowers. Both Gabe and I are fans of the band and have seen them live in the past.<br />
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We loved being able to see a live band, then step out the doors to hit the slot machines! When the expansion is complete, there will be an event center with over 60 major entertainment acts each year and you can find <a href="https://www.seminolehardrocktampa.com/events-calendar.aspx" target="_blank">upcoming concerts and acts on Seminole Hard Rock Tampa's website</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjI2FltQ9BM-2R8aOv9UEVJBm1OYtiTFiyM5my2CQn-58eLcSUiPLbiYeTu2IRQA2haUO2K2wCEdfrO9a-RvlvcRlxeflADfLd8rqeojQySTWYqWtMNcBS46ylPZlZ1FUtvN3wMlB_Po/s1600/IMG_4405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjI2FltQ9BM-2R8aOv9UEVJBm1OYtiTFiyM5my2CQn-58eLcSUiPLbiYeTu2IRQA2haUO2K2wCEdfrO9a-RvlvcRlxeflADfLd8rqeojQySTWYqWtMNcBS46ylPZlZ1FUtvN3wMlB_Po/s1600/IMG_4405.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
One of the really unique features about Seminole Hard Rock Hotel is focused around... music. You can take a <a href="https://www.seminolehardrocktampa.com/files/1634/Memorabilia-Tour-Rock-Walk.pdf" target="_blank">self-guided memorabilia rock walk tour</a>, finding apparel, accessories and musical instruments from some of your favorite past-time and present-day acts. The jacket worn by Lady Gaga during the 2017 Super Bowl is now showcased in the new hotel lobby. You can find memorabilia from Elvis Presley to Jimi Hendrix and to Britney Spears. Memorabilia is not where the music experience ends - those staying at Hard Rock Hotel can experience <i><a href="https://www.seminolehardrocktampa.com/sound-of-your-stay.htm" target="_blank">The Sound of Your Stay®</a></i> inroom music amenity program which allows guests to customize their music experience. There are three offerings named: tracks®, picks®, and wax®. We received a card for picks® when our room was turned down which included a guitar pic, telling us to either rock out to an air guitar or dial 0 to have a Fender® guitar delivered to our room. As much as I wanted to press 0 - Gabe said tequila and Fenders are not a good combo!<br />
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<b>tracks® </b>– During their stay, guests have the chance to experience Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa through the lens of favorite artists and tastemakers. With the tracks® amenity, guests download curated music playlists to amplify their stay, listening to artists they know and love, while experiencing upcoming musicians on
the cutting edge.<br />
<b>picks® </b>– In true rock star style, guests of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa channel their inner Santana or Clapton by reserving a Fender® guitar to be delivered to their room, including legendary Stratocasters, classic Telecasters and bass guitars for those looking to throw down a funky bassline. Guitars come complete with a
Fender® Mustang floor amp and headphones to ensure maximum sound (and zero noise complaints!) during jam sessions.<br />
<b>wax®</b> – The latest addition to the Hard Rock music amenity program, wax® offers guests the opportunity to tune into the magic of vinyl and experience music as it was intended to be heard. Partnering with Crosley, Hard Rock turns up the in-room listening experience with a carefully curated collection of iconic records chosen by Hard Rock’s
team of music experts. A Crosley turntable will keep the records spinning as guests find their groove at their leisure.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_FtPW2T0pK0wFXElNMGWAxEzD6z4BW_SQVliJXbPG8m2p8l8nOnBF_s6BZLOluzzshpw_sbTn3HLGuBEPda6gtVikZgzfOWUNvn9P_UmPlTKFGTuj8by7UKU19izWYdpLkrD6JjMNsw/s1600/bathroom+at+SHR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_FtPW2T0pK0wFXElNMGWAxEzD6z4BW_SQVliJXbPG8m2p8l8nOnBF_s6BZLOluzzshpw_sbTn3HLGuBEPda6gtVikZgzfOWUNvn9P_UmPlTKFGTuj8by7UKU19izWYdpLkrD6JjMNsw/s1600/bathroom+at+SHR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bathrooms in East Wing standard room</td></tr>
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I fell in love with the shower inside of our hotel room. We are in the final stages of completing our third bathroom remodel in our house. The only negative thing about our stay is Gabe now wants to redo our master shower again to resemble Hard Rock Hotel's.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSil9Lyaiu2BJ2BIlR-qLvzgk2OFxdAwiGtGZK33qnPEl0D4nptxWnjq3xMQf23WDxlb-0fXozxljwI9pXa1V85A_ESp7U_L2TcObSYlez7kR2HcWdsacoGCWu2-SOM2mtmkNC5zB6XU/s1600/Grand-Entrance-1024x819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1024" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSil9Lyaiu2BJ2BIlR-qLvzgk2OFxdAwiGtGZK33qnPEl0D4nptxWnjq3xMQf23WDxlb-0fXozxljwI9pXa1V85A_ESp7U_L2TcObSYlez7kR2HcWdsacoGCWu2-SOM2mtmkNC5zB6XU/s1600/Grand-Entrance-1024x819.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Entrance</td></tr>
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A large part of the $700 million expansion at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa has been completed, some of the new updates include<br />
<b>Mezzanine Level Casino </b>A smoke-free Mezzanine level casino and gaming room<br />
<b>L Bar</b> This bar is located between the property’s two hotel towers, has live music and a vast menu with craft cocktails, more than 30 different selections of bourbon, local and imported beer, wine and champagne. <br />
<b>The Center Bar </b>Seating for 90 people in the center of the casino floor featuring 12 TV's and Hard Rock memorabilia from notable music icons such as Beyonce, David Bowie, Alicia Keys and Dean Martin.<br />
<b>Rise Kitchen & Deli</b> Rise has a new home in the Mezzanine Level Casino. The newly remodeled hour restaurant features breakfast 24 hours a day along with classic and contemporary comfort foods.<br />
<b>New arrival experience</b> The check-in and concierge has been moved to the East Wing side of the hotel. Guests will get a prime view of Elvis Presley's 24-karat gold leaf grand piano.<br />
<b>Hard Rock retail store</b> There is a new retail store located adjacent to the new arrival and check-in experience.<br />
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<b>Coming Soon:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHHGnKTPI51KOaAXcg0inVu2RATB7Nrt0oq5x479YV0Y03UWuovnAMB4JSRKOFZD1DlYRRpTAonJhY1UCMnrc_LmDLWAtP4zLitB_9IOSRX4r67d3HPgEPonsu2hPOeLPdkOV-T1AUG8/s1600/Salon-1024x846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1024" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHHGnKTPI51KOaAXcg0inVu2RATB7Nrt0oq5x479YV0Y03UWuovnAMB4JSRKOFZD1DlYRRpTAonJhY1UCMnrc_LmDLWAtP4zLitB_9IOSRX4r67d3HPgEPonsu2hPOeLPdkOV-T1AUG8/s1600/Salon-1024x846.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock Spa Renderingg</td></tr>
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<b>Rock Spa</b> The expanded, 26,000-square-foot Rock Spa® & Salon will feature 13 treatment rooms – including a Rhythm & Motion room, Hammam, and two VIP suites – a hair and nail salon, barber shop, and co-ed aqua lounge. New signature treatments include HydraFacial and Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial, as well as a Hammam body treatment, Zemits Bionexis rapid body slimming treatment and LightStim light therapy. Hotel guests will also have complimentary access to a fitness center, which features complimentary weights, treadmills, stationary bicycles, elliptical trainers, flat screen televisions and a mirrored wall.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmQNHgq3OcTRDViV9q_l67K0PRZmISboxvHahx179m7gs89ltcwm91g4dlFMeP5AzVBgwbrjKXtJlbE28HR3IoCC2FWS7E8OMFW7ERDw0Gi4ZHycAytNuJsoBTzbb4kUIFsNakZcra7Q/s1600/Pool-2-1024x613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="1024" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmQNHgq3OcTRDViV9q_l67K0PRZmISboxvHahx179m7gs89ltcwm91g4dlFMeP5AzVBgwbrjKXtJlbE28HR3IoCC2FWS7E8OMFW7ERDw0Gi4ZHycAytNuJsoBTzbb4kUIFsNakZcra7Q/s1600/Pool-2-1024x613.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pool Complex Rendering</td></tr>
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<b>Pool Complex </b>Seminole Hard Rock Tampa will be home to three new outdoor swimming pools: one private, one adult-only and one for families. The new 60,000 pool complex will be located on the second level of the hotel and casino complex and will feature 20 cabanas, 600 lounges and daybeds, two DJ booths and more. There will also be a new full-service pool bar and grill on the pool deck.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ye39cjKLRa4Cd7sO1Oh_8qLgSx7jKIJ_joeWNxd1ODnqaKTVXgKwa-S04-tLkj-MBOJbQcXUKm_82_accSbLki_1BHKJMW_gXKVse245Srh2RCE_ZKTSUhRZGf9xgd9AvCoMI_XgOoE/s1600/Constant-Grind-1024x722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="1024" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ye39cjKLRa4Cd7sO1Oh_8qLgSx7jKIJ_joeWNxd1ODnqaKTVXgKwa-S04-tLkj-MBOJbQcXUKm_82_accSbLki_1BHKJMW_gXKVse245Srh2RCE_ZKTSUhRZGf9xgd9AvCoMI_XgOoE/s1600/Constant-Grind-1024x722.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Constant Grind Rendering</td></tr>
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<b>Constant Grind</b> There will be a new grab and go coffee shop which will offer gelato, pastries, sandwiches and artisanal chocolates.<br />
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<b>Italian Fine Dining</b> Joining Seminole Hard Rock Tampa's restaurant scene will be a brand new elegant Italian restaurant opening this fall which will be an elevated Italian dining experience at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa. <br />
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<b>More games</b> An additional 1,000 slots and 41 game tables will be revealed throughout the gaming spaces, joining the current 4,000+ slots, 138 table games and the state-of-the-art poker room with 46 poker tables.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMfVbzYwMuBjQsgMPe_LBAk1lU0o3EJsS4UPm1A08i2DgpQN0VPyPWtUqZ3DVSh7oiIbLB6ZrKzJG1n9Kfrm3yTy1kcsPbMjwLlNmuhB1hXWIhgPFSsIheRrkzKb4S-7PC3wTaeFnqvY/s1600/Hard-Rock-Event-Center-1024x615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1024" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMfVbzYwMuBjQsgMPe_LBAk1lU0o3EJsS4UPm1A08i2DgpQN0VPyPWtUqZ3DVSh7oiIbLB6ZrKzJG1n9Kfrm3yTy1kcsPbMjwLlNmuhB1hXWIhgPFSsIheRrkzKb4S-7PC3wTaeFnqvY/s1600/Hard-Rock-Event-Center-1024x615.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Event Center Rendering</td></tr>
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<b>Event Center </b><br />
Hard Rock Event Center will have seating for 2,000 guests and will be located on the second level of the casino complex. A companion 17,000-square-foot grand ballroom will host conventions, trade shows, private events, large-scale poker tournaments and concerts, including 60 major entertainment acts each year.
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The new East Wing of Seminole Hard Rock Tampa is currently available to book in the future, which you can reserve by <a href="https://www.seminolehardrocktampa.com/rooms-and-suites.htm" target="_blank">clicking here</a>. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel offers all guests staying overnight:<br />
• Property-wide, Hi-Speed Wireless Internet<br />
• 24-Hour Rockin’ response service<br />
• 24-Hour In-Room Dining<br />
• Signature Hard Rock custom “Sleep Like a Rock” bedding with Egyptian cotton linen<br />
• Sweetgrass Body Products<br />
• Self or valet parking options<br />
• Pet-friendly<br />
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<i>A special thanks to Hard Rock for giving us an opportunity to check out the new hotel before anyone else! I was not required to write this post - we're just very excited to share the expansion updates with everyone. As always, all opinions are my own.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-51552120342094595212019-07-03T15:59:00.003-04:002019-07-03T15:59:51.907-04:00This is 40Two weeks ago I turned 40 years old. 40! When my parents turned 40, I remember the house being decorated with over the hill balloons and tombstones. It's honestly surreal. I don't feel 40 and I surely don't act it - but my birth certificate states otherwise. My best friend Keri and I are 11 days apart and celebrated our big day together (at a wine bar of course) along close friends and family.<br />
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When I turned 30 (which feels like yesterday by the way) I remember sitting on Keri's floor, crying my eyes out. I was disappointed at where my life was and felt like a failure. I had just gone through a major break-up. Most of my friends were married and had kids. A few months after I turned 30, I lost the first house I purchased thanks to the real estate market crash of 2007. The company I worked for from 2003-2009 had just closed it's door and I found myself over qualified and unemployable in the midst of a recession. I was lost.</div>
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In January of 2010 (six months into my 30th year), everything turned around, a full 180. On the 18th of January, I started a new (temporary) job AND had a first date that night with my now husband. A year later, that temp job ended up introducing me to the company I currently work for. The last 10 years of my life were a whirlwind. We moved across the state so my husband could go to grad school. My company had an office in Tampa at the time so it was a perfect transition. Over the years, I moved up the corporate ladder and my husband now has a great job at a hospital. We bought a house and are still remodeling it (3 years later). We travel as much as life allows us to, trying to live each day to it's fullest. I assumed by now that we would be parents, but life doesn't always end up like you expect it to.</div>
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I sit here at age 40 and can honestly say I've been through a lot. I've learned a few things over the years and life tragedies and accomplishments have helped build who I am today. Everyone says life flies by and to enjoy your youth while you can. This is 100% the truth. Life can and will change at the blink of an eye. You will likely experience many things you never thought were possible, both positive and negative. Heartbreak and health are two H words that go together more often than not. It's impossible to prepare yourself for the things you will go through in life... you've just got to know how to hold on.</div>
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While my life at 40 is completely different than I envisioned, I wouldn't change anything. I've been blessed with an amazing husband, family and friends. I can truly say I love my job and not many people can honestly say that. We take each experience, learn from it and grow from it.</div>
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So cheers to you 40 - I hope this next 10 years are my best yet. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-41015158900007004202019-06-12T12:31:00.001-04:002019-06-12T12:31:20.369-04:00Rock of Ages - Straz Center TampaThe Sunset Strip has arrived in Tampa Bay. Broadway's best party <a href="https://www.strazcenter.org/Events/Straz/Shows/1819_BroadwayAddOn/Rock-of-Ages" target="_blank">Rock of Ages</a> is celebrating it's 10th anniversary on tour and we got to see it last night at Straz Center. From the beginning, I knew we were in for a great time.<br />
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This was the perfect Broadway show to see for the last week of my 30's. I grew up with this music and sang along to songs such as “Every Rose Has It's Thorn,” “I Wanna Know What Love Is,” “Here I Go Again,” “Don't Stop Believin’,” and more! I promise this - the tenth anniversary production will have you ready to rock!<br />
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Rock of Ages has been nominated for five Tony Awards® and was quick to jump into my top 5 Broadway shows we've seen.. There were times where I forgot I was watching Broadway and thought I was at a concert.<br />
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The musical follows the story of a small-town girl who left home to be an actress and a city boy who has dreams of becoming a famous singer. The love story with some drama along the way features a group of rockers who work together to save a local bar - and save the music. There was a ton of laughter and singing from the audience along the way. <br />
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You can see Rock of Ages at the Straz through Saturday and tickets start at only $25! <a href="https://www.strazcenter.org/Events/Straz/Shows/1819_BroadwayAddOn/Rock-of-Ages" target="_blank">Click here</a> to purchase tickets.<br />
June 13 7:30<br />
June 14 8:00<br />
June 15 2:00 and 8:00<br />
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<i>I received tickets to Rock of Ages through my partnership with Tampa Bay Bloggers. All opinions are my own.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-21498949095420144292019-06-12T11:56:00.001-04:002019-06-12T11:59:32.413-04:00Just Let Go at Tradewinds Island Resorts on St. Pete BeachI had the opportunity to check out <a href="https://www.tradewindsresort.com/" target="_blank">TradeWinds Island Resorts</a> in St. Pete Beach. There are two properties that make up this grand 31-acre beachfront playground, <a href="https://www.tradewindsresort.com/our-resorts/tradewinds-island-grand" target="_blank">Tradewinds Island Grand</a> and <a href="https://www.tradewindsresort.com/our-resorts/rumfish-beach-resort" target="_blank">RumFish Beach Resort by TradeWinds</a>. Both were created with fun in mind and there are so many things for kids and adults of ages to do, there is no way anyone would ever get bored while visiting here. Upon walking into the resort, I noticed right away that their slogan is <i><b>Just Let Go</b></i> and for a few hours, I was able to do just that.<br />
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My friend Becca joined me at TradeWinds for a much needed girls day. Fun story with us, we met 10 years ago while we were both living in Daytona through a group of friends. We became "facebook friends" but didn't stay in touch, until I posted 2 years later that I was moving to Tampa. She had just moved over here with her boyfriend (now husband) and we became fast friends. A few months later, my Mom went to her High School Reunion and reconnected with one of her best friends, whose daughter had also just moved to Tampa. They tried to set us up on a friend date - well guess who her daughter is... Becca. Small world!!<br />
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We enjoyed our day relaxing in a covered Cabana and catching up. It was just what we both needed. The covered cabana is a perfect place to stay safe in the sun while enjoying the beautiful beach.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZAdO5X_j_BRXGsKFvgTUPlpVUc5STlBuKDmC6v9C0HJN2PVQLV1l3iy0y6h75eoSUtgP55R1k9_ABiLF5g0cppPZpHfljxim1KOPMziN5zekPWIOFtmtJMFPHHyTrpcedqT8oCFRfP8/s1600/tradewinds+st+pete+cabana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZAdO5X_j_BRXGsKFvgTUPlpVUc5STlBuKDmC6v9C0HJN2PVQLV1l3iy0y6h75eoSUtgP55R1k9_ABiLF5g0cppPZpHfljxim1KOPMziN5zekPWIOFtmtJMFPHHyTrpcedqT8oCFRfP8/s1600/tradewinds+st+pete+cabana.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There are <a href="https://www.tradewindsresort.com/eat-drink" target="_blank">14 eateries at TradeWinds Islands Resorts</a> including casual and fine dining. We enjoyed a few adult beverages while hanging in our cabana. This is a 22oz margarita that I ordered from Salty's Tiki Bar and Beach Lounge. You are allowed to drink on the beach at TradeWinds and they have a beach buggy that goes around refreshing your beverages.<br />
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If the weather had cooperated with us, we would have experienced the <a href="https://www.tradewindsresort.com/resort-activities" target="_blank">20,000-square-foot water park</a> that is floating in the Gulf of Mexico! The water park offers more than 11 fun-filled features – from jumping and climbing, to relaxing and sunning - they have floating cabanas which is a dream come true.<br />
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Becca did take a ride on Bucky the Shark, a mechanical shark (like a mechanical bull). I was very impressed with her skills.<br />
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Right by Bucky, there is also a three-story High Tide Slide on the beach which was very popular throughout the day - I sat that one out but everyone looked like they were having a blast!<br />
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Becca has two kids and instantly stated she was going to bring them over for a staycation being there are some <a href="https://www.tradewindsresort.com/packages/special-offers" target="_blank">amazing deals this summer at TradeWinds Island Resorts</a> (especially during the week), rates start as low as $243. The property has seven heated pools, stand up paddleboarding, hammocks, paddleboats, mini golf, trampoline park and a surf simulator. You can also purchase a <a href="https://www.justletgoshop.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=100" target="_blank">day pass at TradeWinds</a> to enjoy all the amenities.<br />
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My few hours at Tradewinds was just what I needed. A few months ago, laying out and going to the beach/pool was my happy place. However, when I got diagnosed with multiple location melanoma, I have not spent time outdoors and I am extremely self conscious about the melanoma scars all over my legs. I spoke with my Doctor about sun exposure and was told to live my life normally, just smarter. Although my cancer is genetic, I am fair skinned which puts me at higher risk for cell growth. I lathered up in dual spectrum SPF 50 and stayed under the covered cabana - I enjoyed myself and for a few hours, and was able to forget about everything going on... It’s time for me to take back my life and <i>Just Let Go</i>.<br />
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<i>Special thanks to TradeWinds for inviting me out for a beach day. I was not required to write this post and all opinions are my own.</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-68642912752645357112019-03-19T11:50:00.001-04:002019-03-19T11:50:55.493-04:00Carnival Craft Beer now available Fleetwide Cruising craft beer lovers rejoice! On Sunday, my husband Gabe and I headed down to Miami for a special announcement from <a href="https://www.carnival.com/" target="_blank">Carnival Cruise Line</a> on board the Carnival Magic regarding their craft beer line.<br />
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In 2016, the Carnival Vista was named the first cruise ship to have a <a href="https://www.carnival.com/fun-activities/redfrog-pub-brewery" target="_blank">RedFrog Brewery & Pub</a> on board (her sister ship the Horizon also has one). This is a full working brewery where they brew their beer while at sea. When I sailed the Vista in 2017, I had the opportunity to visit the brewery and try their delicious brews firsthand.<br />
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Although I am a wine drinker, there is nothing better than a frosty glass of beer on a hot day and while on a week long Vista sailing, I found myself at RedFrog Pub & Brewery daily and even bought a growler of beer! Carnivals craft beers became famous among cruising craft beer lovers. However, when you went on a ship that didn't have a <a href="https://www.carnival.com/fun-activities/redfrog-pub" target="_blank">RedFrog</a> brewery on board, you weren't able to indulge in their delicious brews.<br />
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So what does the RedFrog Pub & Brewery have to do with the announcement made on the Magic? On Sunday March 17th, Carnivals three most popular craft beers will be available fleet-wide, on all 26 ships! This includes the Parched Pig Toasted Amber Ale, Parched Pig West Coast IPA and Thirsty Frog Caribbean Wheat Ale.<br />
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<a href="http://www.irunforwine.net/2018/01/carnival-cruise-lines-announces-four.html" target="_blank">Read more about Carnival's craft beers here</a></div>
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Not only was Carnival the first cruise line to have a brewery on board, it is also the first cruise line to keg and can their own craft beers. If you are familiar with the Florida craft brew scene, you know who <a href="http://brewhub.com/" target="_blank">Brew Hub</a> is. The Lakeland facility will be handling the production of canning and kegging the three beers for Carnival!</div>
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So next time you are on a Carnival Cruise Line, be sure to order yourself a Parched Pig or Thirsty Frog craft beer (I am a huge fan of both the Toasted Amber and the Caribbean Wheat)! Cheers!</div>
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<i>Thank you to Carnival for hosting us in Miami for this press announcement. I was not required to write this post and all opinions are my own.</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-32650787723445773782019-03-18T12:29:00.000-04:002019-03-20T16:25:33.353-04:00This weekend - 30th Spring Daytona Turkey Run and Dock Dogs competitionWhen you think about Spring Break in Daytona Beach, a lot comes to mind (especially if you grew up in the 90's like me - hello mtv!). This weekend, things will go back in time full of classic cars and doo wop music at the 30th running of the Spring Daytona <a href="https://www.blogger.com/www.turkeyrun.com">Turkey Run</a>. This is the Spring version of their famous Fall Turkey Run.<br />
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I am sending my nieces this year so they can see the Dock Dogs, a fun new feature taking place at the Spring Turkey Run. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/www.dockdogs.com">Dock Dogs</a>, is the world's premier aquatic canine competition. Yes you read that right! More information on these talented pups below!<br />
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Aside from talented canines, the headline of this event is classic custom cars, a massive swap
meet, arts and crafts, delicious food, a beer festival and live music.<br />
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The family friendly Spring Daytona Turkey Run takes place at Daytona International Speedway from March 22nd - March 24th and is presented by White Diamond, sponsored in part by Spectrum. Admission is $10 Friday and Saturday and $5 on Sunday with free parking ((children under 11 are free). Visit <a href="http://www.turkeyrun.com/">www.turkeyrun.com</a> for a full schedule.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/www.dockdogs.com">Dock Dogs</a>®</b><br />
Kids and adults alike will have a blast at the world’s premiere aquatic
canine competition. Set up inside the infield of the Daytona Speedway, dogs of all
sizes will jump from a 40’ dock into a 40’ pool and compete in Big Air®, Extreme
Vertical, & Speed Retrieve® competitions. Competition dates are March 23rd and
March 24th.<br />
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<b>Hops and Hoods Beer Festival</b><br />
Taste test local, craft and domestic beers on
Saturday, March 23rd from 12PM-4PM! Beer tasting tickets are $5 for 4 samples and
$10 for 10 samples. Tickets can be purchased in advance or onsite. Advanced
tickets include special Hops and Hoods parking.<br />
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<b>Take a Kid to a Car Show</b><br />
Spending quality time with a kid is the greatest gift we
can give them. And sharing our appreciation for collector cars is a great way to
nurture their interest in a hobby that can be enjoyed together for many years to
come. The first 500 kids to enter will get a special Turkey Run gift. There will also be a Play Zone at no additional charge, including bouncy houses, an obstacle course, carnival games and more!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8Ejm2CsqwK6OJcNCPzfFow_kNhchEZSmmlkcfBX2bxk3aTZ0rRYeSREE4U9wBvdvpUizyGVl3-kbuOI0uzzJpHlqP00-S1qICEGEYO-PdqHoumcv3krL0TgzbXZN0S2GPCxQZmqnMu8/s1600/parade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8Ejm2CsqwK6OJcNCPzfFow_kNhchEZSmmlkcfBX2bxk3aTZ0rRYeSREE4U9wBvdvpUizyGVl3-kbuOI0uzzJpHlqP00-S1qICEGEYO-PdqHoumcv3krL0TgzbXZN0S2GPCxQZmqnMu8/s1600/parade.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b>Annual classic car parade lap around the track</b><br />
Registered show cars will enjoy a
fun lap around the iconic Daytona International Speedway track on Sunday,
March 24th at 2pm.<br />
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<i>This was a sponsored post by Turkey Run. All opinions are my own.</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-41194382994159675932019-03-01T11:40:00.000-05:002019-07-30T15:49:46.895-04:00Norwegian Cruise Line Premium Plus Beverage Package When my best friend Keri and I went on our annual girls cruise earlier in the year on the <a href="http://www.irunforwine.net/2019/01/girls-cruise-on-norwegian-pearl.html" target="_blank">Norwegian Pearl</a>, our sailing happened to be the first ship to offer a new upgraded unlimited beverage package called <a href="https://www.ncl.com/onboard-packages/beverage-packages" target="_blank">Premium Plus</a>. This package offers essentially everything on board and select bottles of wine at dinner. Being our sailing was the first one to offer this package - and we were the first people on the ship to upgrade, we were likely the first people fleetwide to have the Premium Plus Package. I deserve a trophy!<br />
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Some asked why one would spend additional to upgrade a package when we already had a decent drink package included... well the <a href="https://www.ncl.com/sites/default/files/premium-plus-beverage-package.pdf" target="_blank">NCL Premium Plus Package</a> is a taking it up a few notches. If you enjoy a good glass of wine, good tequila or fine bourbon, this is the package you want. Since we had the Premium Package already included, it was $30 extra a day to upgrade and it went on our sail account. First we hesitated as a lot was included in our original package. When we learned Veuve Clicquot was included on the Premium Plus upgrade, we signed away. Unlimited Veuve for the duration of our cruise? Hello lover!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErR8r2CjEqf84dIulAsDz_sqvVKHTy6CCu4RN8wmX0W1XTmvnw61pUtQcK5_o3kaAYLxfDYMHDE7XkJSfHcHzVFK2brt8P-7xb6bKvXyFGiRSm-neyIFTMHClOuGn5Pa65wsg-gNpWzQ/s1600/IMG_7273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErR8r2CjEqf84dIulAsDz_sqvVKHTy6CCu4RN8wmX0W1XTmvnw61pUtQcK5_o3kaAYLxfDYMHDE7XkJSfHcHzVFK2brt8P-7xb6bKvXyFGiRSm-neyIFTMHClOuGn5Pa65wsg-gNpWzQ/s1600/IMG_7273.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Fisting... Veuve</td></tr>
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Aside from unlimited Veuve - here is what you need to know about the <a href="https://www.ncl.com/onboard-packages/beverage-packages" target="_blank">Norwegian Cruise Line Premium Plus Beverage Package</a> - and why we decided to upgrade.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIR91QiCRbf6PW2E9q4HiOmBAYa252Cv0Jgn6BoCXnwVC3jQgJedVBC11pityloAd1gu3cpnVfO5e-IIt3A0LvswU-h5Fdb1AKaV6Lq9ni0q-808Hh57oFpFQ32YjVWdez2M6ADMo8pOU/s1600/IMG_7247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIR91QiCRbf6PW2E9q4HiOmBAYa252Cv0Jgn6BoCXnwVC3jQgJedVBC11pityloAd1gu3cpnVfO5e-IIt3A0LvswU-h5Fdb1AKaV6Lq9ni0q-808Hh57oFpFQ32YjVWdez2M6ADMo8pOU/s1600/IMG_7247.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey Goose and Cointreau Cosmo</td></tr>
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<b>Liquor Options</b><br />
Keri and I are both extremely picky when it comes to our alcohol. One of the reasons we upgraded was with the Premium Package, you couldn't order a drink that was valued over $15 - so if you're looking to have a margarita with Patron & Cointreau or a Espresso Martini with h Grey Goose & real Espresso, it isn't happening without an upcharge. It sounds trivial, but Cointreau makes all drinks better and neither of us can do triple sec. With the Premium Plus Package, you can have all of this along with Patron Anejo and Don Julio Reposadoo. The list of upgrades is quite impressive. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0xhDiftFYOSX5eMHVszY8SSL7QZfRBlZPyh-V3C07F1RAhi125SxJvgbV1bZP65szAx10QQl-m5Z54dNEJ2tfod1H1sSHuzeJhwNYefTMqIwcHEWIcETGuFO6bxDL7iWS4wUst4y2bw/s1600/IMG_7266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0xhDiftFYOSX5eMHVszY8SSL7QZfRBlZPyh-V3C07F1RAhi125SxJvgbV1bZP65szAx10QQl-m5Z54dNEJ2tfod1H1sSHuzeJhwNYefTMqIwcHEWIcETGuFO6bxDL7iWS4wUst4y2bw/s1600/IMG_7266.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unlimited Veuve!</td></tr>
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<b>Wine & Champagne by the Glass</b><br />
Far more wines and champagnes are offered by the glass with the Premium Plus Package, including Veuve Clicquot. This was a huge selling point for us. Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.ncl.com/sites/default/files/premium-beverage-package-2019.pdf" target="_blank">Premium Beverage Package</a> offered 20 wines by the glass and from my recollection, only one sparkling wine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHCPzeGIoRAuPHziw0ITzPpZ4CNKtdBrGcfoZ1aSn_ug-64H706YXwXNeaVtIvrqilBNolm3Rxk40km2oxyJNPqu4y_RVUGU5H6IqJejV4FSN9DH3zOyzqWokp4QGKXykOzlJd_FhpM0/s1600/wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="1055" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHCPzeGIoRAuPHziw0ITzPpZ4CNKtdBrGcfoZ1aSn_ug-64H706YXwXNeaVtIvrqilBNolm3Rxk40km2oxyJNPqu4y_RVUGU5H6IqJejV4FSN9DH3zOyzqWokp4QGKXykOzlJd_FhpM0/s1600/wine.jpg" width="532" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NCL Wine Aerator</td></tr>
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<b>Bottles of Wine</b><br />
The Premium Plus Beverage Package offered a large variety of wines by the bottle at dinner. On our sailing, they would allow us to take a bottle back to our room (this may vary ship by ship). We found a Malbec we fell in love with while dining at Cagney's Steakhouse and were able to continue drinking that after dinner. If you get a bottle of wine there, you will get it presented with this awesome wine aerator, which you can purchase. It made a really cool gift!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2S3DuoIfx3MflExA0nOTJ9Y63EGWd9xIASrT5pJ7uCFLx6EeO44DnABOcfzfXpNdJcEm7xKYOJxD9zxauPXhg_ScsNwOYBTNTlydcf5tr7SFlV2Qe93dQHdHyWBEOaOHQF6jegJuN04/s1600/IMG_7419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2S3DuoIfx3MflExA0nOTJ9Y63EGWd9xIASrT5pJ7uCFLx6EeO44DnABOcfzfXpNdJcEm7xKYOJxD9zxauPXhg_ScsNwOYBTNTlydcf5tr7SFlV2Qe93dQHdHyWBEOaOHQF6jegJuN04/s1600/IMG_7419.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not water - could be energy?</td></tr>
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<b>Bottles of Water & Energy drinks</b><br />
Bottles of still and sparkling water are included with the Premium Plus Package but not the Premium Beverage Package. We pre-purchased a case of water to be delivered to our room prior to knowing about the upgrade option. It was $28 for 12 1 liter bottles. We did get refunded for this when we upgraded our drink package. Also included in the Premium Plus Package are soda's and energy drinks which are at an addition to the Premium Package<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksNsHExTkuir814t-LUfQGzX7JmQufpfkSXkm-Pkn3JLjGPZ2RQtgJhQdbUI-DSUhL-voMAyoUvsg5NyuNR5pRYhjvNWphpJlCH9bKAHjNs779tv0FS1cPQpakh0cbfdT_NyKKlvUR5Y/s1600/IMG_7590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksNsHExTkuir814t-LUfQGzX7JmQufpfkSXkm-Pkn3JLjGPZ2RQtgJhQdbUI-DSUhL-voMAyoUvsg5NyuNR5pRYhjvNWphpJlCH9bKAHjNs779tv0FS1cPQpakh0cbfdT_NyKKlvUR5Y/s1600/IMG_7590.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey Goose Espresso Martini</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Coffee Drinks</b><br />
Specialty Coffee drinks are included in the Premium Plus Package. I drink espresso on a daily basis so having my morning pick me up is a must. Also as mentioned above, you can get a liquor drink with espresso in it with the Premium Plus package!<br />
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You can compare the two drink packages on Norwegians website. If you are going to get the Premium Plus Beverage Package, I would strongly suggest getting the Premium Beverage Package as a free perk when booking and upgrading to the Premium Plus Package when on the ship. As of right now, you are unable to book the Premium Plus package ahead of sailing and can only do it on the first day of your sailing.<br />
<a href="https://www.ncl.com/sites/default/files/premium-plus-beverage-package.pdf" target="_blank">Norwegian Premium Plus Beverage Package</a><br />
<a href="https://www.ncl.com/sites/default/files/premium-beverage-package-2019.pdf" target="_blank">Norwegian Premium Beverage Package</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-28110461442922197862019-02-13T14:59:00.002-05:002019-02-13T14:59:20.344-05:00Health UpdatesTo say 2018 was a whirlwind when it comes to health is an understatement. I started the year with over $6k in my Health Savings Account. I rarely went to the Doctor and considered myself a healthy person.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoir07Mz9sFeCpAh1_1_JVvLbnGLWEAAheFUVsmc4KSsAcQUfgkTpzbk-Gf0qPnPekZkLPv-GvHO8lijiaSCtHjyXMJFDnEkGCZAn7iAxCdN3BczKj_OzGBHgnvwKlA8wQc8W7Gq7Vct0/s1600/thailand+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoir07Mz9sFeCpAh1_1_JVvLbnGLWEAAheFUVsmc4KSsAcQUfgkTpzbk-Gf0qPnPekZkLPv-GvHO8lijiaSCtHjyXMJFDnEkGCZAn7iAxCdN3BczKj_OzGBHgnvwKlA8wQc8W7Gq7Vct0/s1600/thailand+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2018 in Thailand before everything went crazy</td></tr>
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In March 2018, I had my first experience with Acid Reflux which resulted in an incorrect diagnosis of GERD. I was treated for this for months, taking two daily rx that weren't working. Then the testing began. Testing is still going on to identify exactly what is happening but it is esophagus related.<br />
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In November, I worked an event in Minneapolis. I fractured my foot in a freak accident. Although I am out of my boot, I can't run until June. I was really upset and that accident combined with my esophagus issues pushed me over my out of pocket deductible.<br />
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Knowing I could see any Doctor for free through the end of December, I made multiple calls, including a long overdue Dermatologist appointment. With my high deductible plan, if you go to the Dermatologist and if any biopsies come back clear, you are charged 100% as it is seen cosmetic. Being I have a billion moles and freckles, there has never been a time when I didn't have 5+ biopsies removed.<br />
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I asked for the Nurse Practitioner to take anything and everything he saw as a warning (nothing out of pocket, why not). He took 5 spots. I got a call 2 weeks later letting me know one of them was <a href="https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma" target="_blank">Basal Cell Carcinoma skin cancer</a>. This is the most common type of skin cancer, caused by sun exposure. I have a lot of family members who have had many Basal Cells removed. Every single person said "At least it isn't Melanoma".<br />
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I had the Basal Cell removed the day after Christmas and saw a different Nurse Practitioner for this procedure. She looked at my left leg and instantly asked why two spots weren't removed. "I don't like the looks of these at all". I said, take them! I got a call on January 4th from Pathology.....<br />
<br />
Stage One <a href="https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma" target="_blank">Melanoma Skin Cancer</a>. Caused from genetic mutation, not sun exposure.<br />
<br />
While Melanoma is common, it can be deadly. I caught it at stage one so luckily it is early. However when the Doctor went in to take them out, he saw multiple other spots that are within the melanoma line which is dangerous. I go tomorrow to get 10 more spots removed. My biggest regret is not getting every mole & spot taken off me on the 26th of December when I had the chance. Now everything is out of pocket until I hit my max again. Which will be soon.....<br />
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Up until mid-January, I didn't talk about this on my social media channels. I decided to post on my personal facebook as a PSA to my friends being I live in FL and we are frequently in the sun. I had multiple comments, some of which were uneducated. One person even said "Melanoma isn't a big deal but I will be praying for you". I ignored him.....<br />
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After posting on facebook, many of my colleagues and friends let me know that they made Dermo appt's right away. I'm trying to stay positive through all this and if anything, become an Advocate, encouraging others to make appointments. While my Basal Cell looked suspicious, my Melanoma spots looked normal! While I was writing this post, one of my closest friends growing up wrote me. I haven't talked to her much over the past few years. She wrote me to let me know she was diagnosed today with Melanoma on her left leg.<br />
<br />
I will post my update after the next round of biopsies results come in. I keep saying, if it wasn't for fracturing my foot, I would have never known.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760909040602075151.post-21280142629347146242019-02-01T09:40:00.003-05:002019-02-01T09:40:34.270-05:00A Bronx Tale on Broadway - Straz Center TampaOn Tuesday night, my husband Gabe and I went to see <a href="https://www.strazcenter.org/Events/Straz/Shows/1819_Broadway/A-Bronx-Tale" target="_blank">A Bronx Tale on Broadway at Straz Center in Tampa</a>. It was a much needed date night out as I've been dealing with some health things that I will write about soon - along both of us being crazy busy at work. Having National Broadway shows less than 30 minutes from us is one of the things we love most about living in Tampa Bay.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCn0uy2f8P4Whyv0xFv9bwUyKgoPX8pQuA7wGPV1kX_i6m3t0mVF3qzcbntLfBIphIAn0T4nmRU6aNJzf6DdELg2oXm8edLk9Wics4DjeZFZNKGt3qIt7A81NrB3afHaUbOoNcEadmevY/s1600/Bronx+Tale+Tampa+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1159" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCn0uy2f8P4Whyv0xFv9bwUyKgoPX8pQuA7wGPV1kX_i6m3t0mVF3qzcbntLfBIphIAn0T4nmRU6aNJzf6DdELg2oXm8edLk9Wics4DjeZFZNKGt3qIt7A81NrB3afHaUbOoNcEadmevY/s1600/Bronx+Tale+Tampa+%25281%2529.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
A few of my co-workers raved about A Bronx Tale so we were excited to see it. Especially being it's called "Jersey Boys meets West Side Story". The second the show began, Gabe looked over at me and said "this is the intro of Jersey Boys" (we've seen Jersey Boys twice on Broadway).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmAO3xoPRIdXVr3rEI9yPES5C2OeGv0ez4RRSehSv9kNjm44uVrfQFhrASuNPiGIoaEDoM6gCoGsaFVG1jERvKsUVgmL7JRh3Xwmgj-wTBgKrWrSv7bKuxqKssixx5SBUpVIzqrdvxb0/s1600/Bronx+Tale+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmAO3xoPRIdXVr3rEI9yPES5C2OeGv0ez4RRSehSv9kNjm44uVrfQFhrASuNPiGIoaEDoM6gCoGsaFVG1jERvKsUVgmL7JRh3Xwmgj-wTBgKrWrSv7bKuxqKssixx5SBUpVIzqrdvxb0/s1600/Bronx+Tale+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Something I didn't realize ahead of seeing the show was that there was a movie adapted from the original play. A Bronx Tale was written in 1989 and during the original Off Broadway, Robert De Niro came to see the show, he took it to the big screen in 1993, where he starred in and directed the movie. A Bronx Tale was his film directorial debut and he is now the Director of this Broadway hit.<br />
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The musical takes place in the 60's, when everything was in the Bronx was all about Joe DiMaggio and Babe Ruth. A Bronx Tale story is about a young boy named Calogero (also known as C), who gets taken under the wing by Sonny, the neighborhood mob boss.<br />
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The story follows C as he grows up to be a teenager, having to choose the life he wanted, between his straight-arrow father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. The story took a Westside Story twist when he fell for his African-American classmate, Jane. A Bronx Tale is an unforgettable story of loyalty and family.<br />
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Academy Award® winner Robert De Niro and Tony® winner Jerry Zaks direct this streetwise musical – based on Academy Award nominee Chazz Palminteri’s story that The New York Times hails as “A Critics’ Pick! The kind of tale that makes you laugh and cry.”<br />
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A Bronx Tale will be in Tampa through this Sunday, February 2nd. <a href="https://www.strazcenter.org/Events/Straz/Shows/1819_Broadway/A-Bronx-Tale" target="_blank">Click here for tickets</a>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0