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5 Tips to Eat Like a Food Blogger and stay fit

By Christina Thomas 7 Comments

How to eat like a blogger and stay fit with www.goepicurista.com

“How do you eat all that and not gain weight?”

I love food. I’m in a passionate love affair with food. The question I get most often is how does a food crazed enthusiast, chocoholic, ice cream fanatic, wine-loving blogger like me, who is frequently traveling and eating out, not gain a million pounds?

I’ve been reluctant to answer this question in print because I am not an expert. I don’t know what will work for you. Like most (all?) women, I have body issues and a permanent five pounds I want to lose. I don’t always exercise the way I know I should. I don’t always follow my own advice. I won’t sit here and preach about perfection. It doesn’t exist.

I’m not going to tell you “oh, I can eat whatever I want and not gain weight”. Seriously? Metabolism and age play a factor, but c’mon. Who is that blessed?

I’m also not going to tell you that I only take three bites and push the plate away. If you’re able to do that, my hat’s off to you. I, on the other hand, enjoy food too much to have such restraint. Plus, there’s no greater compliment for a chef than a diner truly enjoying the food they’ve meticulously prepared. I like to show the chef respect, a lot!

How do I eat like a food blogger and stay fit?

You will not like my answer.

It is not easy.

It is doable.

Here’s how.

1. Keep moving.


Maintaining your weight when you eat amazing restaurant meals that are well above your entire daily caloric requirement requires working out. There’s no way around that. You must keep moving. Think of it this way: the longer you stay still the longer those pounds will stick.

In the words of the wise Taylor Swift “Shake It Off”.

Find an activity you like and stick to it. Boot camp style workouts, running and yoga have worked for me. When I travel or when I can’t do a full workout I use a 7 minute workout app called Lolo7 which is quite fun. There are other similar ones out there.

If you want to eat whatever your heart desires, you have to burn more than you consume. Isn’t indulging in great food worth it?

I often say I run for food.

How to eat like a food blogger and stay fit with GoEpicurista.com

I run for wine at Fueled by Fine Wine Half Marathon in Oregon

2. Plan ahead.


When I have an event or restaurant outing, I fill up on lean protein, fruits and veggies for all other meals that day and save the calories for the big meal out. I don’t want to be the one skipping dessert and only eating celery at a party. No one wants to be that person.

It’s all about balance. Some say it’s eating a plant-based diet but I’m not that strict.

Oatmeal, hard-boiled egg, or smoothie, berry parfait and a three bean salad will satisfy during the day.

How to eat like a food blogger and stay fit with GoEpicurista.com

Then, you indulge on this!

How to eat like a food blogger and stay fit with GoEpicurista.com

Teak Ultimate Cronie

3. Pay attention.


To eat like a food blogger, it’s important to pay attention to the experience and the plate in front of you so you can describe it later. This ultimately slows down your dining experience. Try to identify ingredients, recall fond food memories and savor the flavors in each bite. Mindful, rather than mindless eating will make you feel fuller on less. It will also make your meal more memorable.

How would you describe this deliciously treat?

How to eat like a food blogger and stay fit with GoEpicurista.com

Peterbrooke Chocolatier WP Broissant

4. Share or save half.


Most restaurant portions in this country are ridiculously large. If you do nothing else, at least follow this rule: never finish your plate, unless you are eating at Canyon Ranch Resort or similar, where meals are properly portioned.

How to eat like a food blogger and stay fit with GoEpicurista.com

Canyon Ranch Creme Brulee a la Orange

5. Enjoy every bite without guilt.


This bears repeating. Truly enjoy what you are eating and be picky about quality. So many times I hear someone consume an entire plate and then afterwards say it wasn’t that good but they ate it anyway. Worse yet, it was great and they berate themselves over it.

    First, if you don’t think the food is phenomenal, don’t eat it.

    Second, no matter how decadent, never feel guilty about enjoying it.

    Third, make the calories count and choose higher quality foods.

Don’t eat a crappy king-size, mass-produced chocolate bar (i.e. the ones at the grocery store check-out line) when you can have a piece of the most delicious chocolate truffle instead. The truffle may cost a bit more at first but the chocolate bar will cost you much more later.

Eating quality foods, prepared with great ingredients will require fewer bites to satisfy you. If you need proof, visit Se7en Bites Bakery in Orlando, where owner Trina Gregory-Propst makes the most sinful baked goods and dishes that only require 7 bites to satisfy.

How to eat like a food blogger and stay fit with GoEpicurista.com

Se7en Bites Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Pecan Pie

I only had a small portion of this mini pie and was immediately in heaven. I can’t say the same for most mass-produced baked goods.

My tips are not revolutionary. You’ve probably heard them before. Other food bloggers I know and food critic Mark Bittman have a similar philosophy. That’s because it works for us. Hopefully, it will work for you too.

I am not a nutritionist or a doctor. You need to do what’s right for you. These are the guidelines I try to live by which have allowed me to maintain a healthy lifestyle and still enjoy the foods that bring me joy.

I go through the same pitfalls we all do. I gain weight when I’m not paying attention or when I slack off on my workouts. There are days I’m not as mindful. There are days where all I want is to sit in front of the TV with a big bowl of ice cream for dinner. On those days, I go to tip #5 and enjoy every bite without guilt. I accept the fact my soul needs that nourishment and that I may need to run an extra mile in the morning. This, by the way, I don’t consider punishment. If you do, then find some form of activity that does not. Enjoying food should never be a punishable offense.

Life is too short to be dieting and miserable.

There is joy in thoughtfully prepared food and especially in sharing it with family and friends.

I hope these tips will help you find pleasure in enjoying the foods you love guilt-free, eat like a food blogger and stay fit.

Do you have any tips to keep the weight off? I’d love to hear them. Please share in the comments below.

Cheers to a new year of joyful guilt-free eating!

GO Epicurista

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Filed Under: Epicurista Tips Tagged With: Canyon Ranch, eating tips, food blogger, healthy eating, healthy tips, Mark Bittman, Se7en Bites

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About Christina Thomas

I'm Christina, a hospitality consultant, freelance writer, food & travel enthusiast, brand cheerleader, ice cream fanatic, chocoholic, and eternal optimist on a mission to #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time. Celebrating life with great food, wine and friends throughout Central Florida and everywhere I GO! I want to inspire you to take time out of your busy schedule to do the same. GO celebrate life today, for someday may never come. Join me and GO Epicurista!

Comments

  1. MyLoan says

    01/12/2015 at 7:58 pm

    Love your tip on how not to gain weight as a food blogger. I was wondering how you did that, especially when you went overseas. I too love food and do not believe in diets (which are always temporary). Working out is the key. Sure miss those crab legs at Isleworth. ;0)

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      01/12/2015 at 9:57 pm

      Oh those crab legs at Isleworth! I do miss those! Thanks for stopping by Go Epicurista! Cheers to good eating!

      Reply
  2. Camilla says

    01/12/2015 at 9:12 am

    Thank you a lot for the inspiration, which I will use at my own blog. Eating well and being healthy at the same time can be challenging, but with your suggestions it helps a lot 🙂

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      01/12/2015 at 3:19 pm

      Yes it is definitely a challenge when blogging or wanting to indulge in great food all the time. I follow these tips 90% of the time and it works, hopefully it will work for you too. Thanks for stopping by Go Epicurista! Cheers!

      Reply
  3. Fida says

    01/10/2015 at 5:30 am

    It’s an ongoing struggle for me, and I am not even a food blogger:) Maybe I should take your advice and “run for the food” 🙂

    I especially love these three tips, and they are definitely doable:

    “First, if you don’t think the food is phenomenal, don’t eat it.
    Second, no matter how decadent, never feel guilty about enjoying it.
    Third, make the calories count and choose higher quality foods.”

    I try to keep the portions small, order “half a plate” because I hate to waste food – and the “never finish the plate” does not work for me. AND, I either decide to have a meal OR desert, but resist to have both.

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      01/10/2015 at 10:20 am

      Running for food works! As I said, it is not easy but it is doable. Pick the strategy that works for you and try to stick to it most of the time. Allow yourself to slack off and don’t feel guilty about it. Just get back to it. Food is joy and there’s no reason to deny ourselves that joy. Thanks for checking out Go Epicurista!

      Reply

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I'm Christina, a hospitality consultant, freelance writer, food & travel enthusiast, brand cheerleader, ice cream fanatic, chocoholic, and eternal optimist on a mission to #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time. Celebrating life with great food, wine and friends throughout Central Florida and everywhere I GO! I want to inspire you to take time out of your busy schedule to do the same. GO celebrate life today, for someday may never come. Join me and GO Epicurista! Find out more...

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In a year that will never be forgotten, there's still so much I'm grateful for. ⠀
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💫  Life. We made it this far! ⠀
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💕  Love. There will never be a day I'm not most grateful for my husband, my family and my dear friends. If you're reading this - I'm grateful for YOU!⠀
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🥂  Fun. Yes! Despite the challenges of this pandemic. We adapted. And we searched for joy in every turn. ⠀
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✨  We got creative in the kitchen⠀
✨  We enjoyed the outdoors & went for more walks than ever before⠀
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✨  We watched a lot of TV! (Schitt’s Creek, Ted Lasso, Killing Eve, The Queen’s Gambit, Mandalorian & even Tiger King got us thru it!)⠀
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✨  We had our eyes opened to the harsh inequalities that exist and the importance of speaking out ⠀
✨  We appreciated quality experiences over quantity and became much more selective of where we went when we left the house⠀
✨  Staycations did wonders for our mental health. Thank you @wyndhamgrandorl and @waldorforlando for epic "getaways"! ⠀
✨  In the year of "Take Out" we were awed by epic "At Home Experiences" Thank you @newstandardwp & @tavernaopaorl (Read about them on GoEpicurista.com) ⠀
✨  We were inspired by the tenacity & creativity of small business owners, restaurateurs & food'preneurs who worked so hard to survive & thrive (so many to mention!)⠀
✨  We were encouraged for the future of our hospitality industry by new openings like Knife & Spoon @ritzcarltonorlando & revamps like Henry Moso's @kabooki_orlando 2.0 - The Most Epic Meals of 2020!⠀
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There were so many things on my “To Do List” that didn't get checked off. But for today, I'm choosing simply to be grateful for this moment. ⠀
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Wishing you loads of abundance & joy. Happy New Year 2021!⠀
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#MakeSomedayHappen
“No matter how hard the past, you can always beg “No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again.” — Buddha (hosted)

Hope for a better new year. Hope is all we can hang on to. That and a glass of champagne! 😉🥂

As I reflect back on this difficult year, there's still so much to be grateful for. I'm mostly grateful for the friendships that have sustained me and the continued partnerships with my favorite local businesses that have inspired me to keep GoEpicurista going. And, while we didn't travel or dine out much in 2020, we did manage to enjoy a few fabulous staycations and epic meals in Orlando that truly made our spirits bright. More than ever I appreciate now, it's about "Quality vs. Quantity."

Our dinners at Bull & Bear at @waldorforlando and La Luce at @bonnetcreek were epic! I'm still dreaming of that beef carpaccio and the pasta explosion and the perfectly cooked filet and.... all the perfectly paired wines. 

If you haven't dined at Bull & Bear and La Luce or if its been a while, add them to your list and make it a point to GO! 2021 needs all the goodness you can bring! 

Make any day a celebration. Seriously, life is too short. #MakeSomedayHappen

🎉 If you don't have plans for New Year's Eve, La Luce and Bull & Bear are serving fabulous multi course menus to help you say “Hello 2021” in style! 

👉🏼 Check out GoEpicurista.com for a full list of all the festive ways to celebrate in Orlando on 12/31.

#GoEpicOrlando #WAOFoodie #HBCFoodie #WaldorfOrlando #HiltonBonnetCreek
“The bad news is time flies. The good news is yo “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot. — Micheal Altshuler⠀
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Everyone’s asking “Are you ready for 2021?” And as much as I want to say YES and put this crazy year in the rear view mirror, I also have a long "To Do List" to get done before the year is over. 😩  Where does the time go? Am I the only one who feels like the days are just flying by? ⠀
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Speaking of blink and you miss it moments, I couldn’t believe when I heard @seitobp is celebrating their 20th Anniversary! It's one of my favorite sushi spots in town and I'm sad to say it's been a while since my last visit. This lobster claw sushi is a throwback of a most epic dinner there! ⠀
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If you haven't been to Seito in Baldwin Park, now's the time to visit or re-visit. They're celebrating with over $2K in giveaways! (Follow on social for details!) Plus featuring a fantastic special multi-course menu of old favorites and new flavors this week. ⠀
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Congratulations to Jason and Sue Chin, the talented "pilots" of the Good Salt Restaurant Group. They've filled Orlando's culinary scene with loads of flavor with Seito, @theospreyorlando and @reyesmezcaleria with a 4th restaurant @themonroeorlando coming to give more to look forward to in 2021! ⠀
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Cheers to local restaurants doing good! 🥂⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #SeitoBaldwinPark
“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to c “Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, ‘It will be happier.'” — Alfred Lord Tennyson (hosted)⠀
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It’s the last Monday of 2020! 🎉 How about ushering 2021 with a little sweetness and lots of hope? These gorgeous @sweetbyholly mini cupcakes are the perfect treat for your NYE party safe at home. ⠀
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The New Year’s Eve 6 Pack is only $6, available for pick up on 12/30 & 12/31⠀
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👉🏼 Quantities are limited so it’s best to Pre-Order,  online or by phone.⠀
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Good Riddance 2020! Cheers to a happier and sweeter 2021! 🥂🧁⠀
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How are you celebrating this New Year’s Eve? Please stay safe & celebrate responsibly so we can all enjoy a happier 2021. 😷 ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #SweetByHolly #NewYearsEve
"I don't know if there'll be snow, but have a cup "I don't know if there'll be snow, but have a cup of cheer." 🎶 —Johnny Marks and Burl Ives⠀
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What festive cocktail will be in your cup of cheer this New Year’s Eve? ⠀
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I loved this gorgeous sangria at Capa in @fsorlando 🍹 The bartenders at the posh resort’s restaurants are some of the best in town, and a great place to welcome 2021, whether you’re craving a Spanish feast at  Capa with a fab Gin Tonic or sangria, Ravello’s Italian cuisine with a Lavender Sgroppino Prosecco cocktail or Cranberry Old Fashioned (recipes below!), Plancha’s mojitos, PB&G indulgent Chocolate Peppermint Martini, or The Lobby Bar’s “Be Gone 2020” - You know there’s plenty of cheer! ⠀
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👉🏼 SAVE THIS POST! ⠀
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👍🏼 Check out GoEpicurista.com for my fun festive and safe ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Orlando including Four Seasons Resort!⠀
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Here’s 2 fun cocktail recipes for a delightful Four Seasons Orlando experience at home.⠀
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🥃 Cranberry Old Fashioned⠀
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1 oz “Cranberry Simple”: fresh cranberries, water, and sugar. Simmer one cup of cranberries with sugar (about ¼ cup or to preferred sweetness) and 2 cups of water in a pan on medium heat, and then reduce to low heat. Once cranberries are tender, strain out the cranberries, and the remainder serves as the cranberry simple syrup.⠀
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1 oz Bourbon⠀
3 Drops Cranberry Bitters⠀
1 Dash Angostura⠀
1 Lemon Wedge⠀
Sprig of thyme⠀
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Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and stir. Strain into a rocks glass over an ice sphere. Squeeze in and add the lemon wedge. Garnish with a sprig of thyme. Enjoy!⠀
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🍾 Lavender Sgroppino⠀
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3 oz Lemon Sorbet⠀
2 oz Prosecco⠀
.5 oz Lavender Infused Vodka⠀
Sprig of rosemary⠀
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Scoop the lemon sorbet into a Champagne flute, and then add the vodka. Top with Prosecco. Garnish with rosemary. ⠀
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Cheers!⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #FSConnectsAtHome #FSOrlando
"The party's on, the feeling's here that only come "The party's on, the feeling's here that only comes this time of year." —Paul McCartney⠀
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We're all anxiously looking forward for 2020 to end and a more hopeful 2021 to arrive.  Aren't we? How will you celebrate on New Year's Eve this year? ⠀
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I'm happy as long as I have a glass of bubbles in my hand. I plan to order takeout and welcome the new year in my PJs at home. The 2020 way! LOL! 🥂⠀
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👉🏼 Check out GoEpicurista.com for my extensive list of options for festive ways to celebrate New Year's Eve in Orlando - whether you're looking for a multi-course dinner prepared by a talented chef, a theme party, to be entertained at an outdoor concert, or like me, to order a holiday feast to go. ⠀
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One of my favorite restaurants in Orlando, @reelfishcoastal is bringing back their 1.5 lb Maine lobster special for only $39 in addition to their fantastic full menu including the best selection of fresh oysters in town to ring in the new year! Best part is you can order it all to go! ⠀
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Of course, if you choose to dine in, they’re following all safety protocols. ⠀
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Enjoy "GET REEL" Happy Hour from 4-7p, Bottomless Champagne for only $20.21 starting at 4pm, Live DJ from 7:30pm until late and complimentary champagne toast when the clock strikes 12midnight! Make reservations as space is limited. Call (407) 543-3474 or visit: ReelFishCoastal.com ⠀
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Cheers to 2021! We can't wait! ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #ReelFishCoastal #NewYearsEve
“Will you please tell Santa that instead of pres “Will you please tell Santa that instead of presents this year, I just want my family back.” – Kevin, Home Alone ⠀
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Merry Christmas Everyone🎄 Kevin may have wanted a cheese pizza but he wanted his family more. I know the feeling. Today I got both!⠀
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There’s no better present than spending time with family, even if that means having a pizza party on Zoom. ⠀
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So many of us are missing our families this year and so we’ve gotten creative. We may have even started a new Xmas tradition. ⠀
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From Portland, Oregon to Orlando, Florida. Dominican Republic to Chicago. We all gathered on Zoom, made pizza, played trivia games, did a scavenger hunt and had an amazing time! ⠀
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For our pizzas, I used @bredinbk ready made crust and topped with roasted peppers, prosciutto, roasted garlic, arugula and my favorite, local Orlando made, family owned Dicuru @freshmozzarellausa. Vladimir and his nephew Jorge are the nicest guys and their Burrata and mozzarella is by far the best in town! ⠀
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👉🏼 Look for Dicuru in your grocery store or order direct from them. I love supporting family owned and run small businesses like them. ⠀
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The holidays are all about family. I’m grateful to be able to spend it with mine even if it’s virtually. While some are no longer with us, their memories will always remain in our hearts. ⠀
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Scroll to see my family Xmas pizza party. The best present was the last video. 💕 😊 🍕🎄⠀
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Merry Christmas! ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #DicuruMozzarella #ChristmasonZoom
“From what we get, we can make a living; what we “From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.” - Arthur Ashe⠀
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Thank you for following my @GoEpicurista journey. I’m so grateful for each one of you who reads, comments and shares my posts. You inspire me! Together we #MakeSomedayHappen 💕 ⠀
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It’s Christmas Eve and I have some yummy cupcakes for YOU! ⠀
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But this isn’t your traditional #GIVEAWAY...⠀
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@sweetbyholly was so kind to give me gift certificates for their fab mini cupcakes and I would love to pay it forward and give them to YOU or anyone who needs a little cheer this time of year.⠀
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The holidays can be tough, this year more than ever. If you or someone you know needs some sweetness in their life, please leave a comment below. 😊⠀
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Maybe you know a front line health care worker, first responder, teacher or delivery driver, restaurant staff or anyone who’s had a really tough year. Tag them in the comments and let them know you care. ⠀
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I know these are just cupcakes. They won’t change the world. But I guarantee they will bring a smile to their face. Sometimes that can make a world of difference. 😄⠀
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This is not your typical GIVEAWAY. ⠀
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I’m not asking you to FOLLOW @GoEpicurista or @sweetbyholly or LIKE this post to win - although it would be nice 😊⠀
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👉🏼 Simply leave a comment & TAG the person you want to bring a little cheer to. ⠀
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👉🏼 Tag as many people as you want by leaving separate comments. ⠀
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👉🏼 The winner does have to live in Orlando area to pick up their cupcakes.⠀
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👍🏼 4 winners will be selected at random on 12/25 and each will receive (1) six pack of awesome mini cupcakes from Sweet By Holly. ⠀
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Winners will be notified by DM. This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Instagram. ⠀
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🧁 If you’re interested in bringing some cheer to your loved ones this season, pick up a HollyDay Dozen TODAY! Scroll to see how pretty!⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #SweetByHolly #merrychristmaseveryone🎄
“OK, what about the gift situation then? Because “OK, what about the gift situation then? Because everything on my list requires pre-order." — David Rose, #SchittsCreek⠀
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Looking for last minute local gift ideas for the #OrlandoFoodie in your life? ⠀
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Treat your friends and family to something they can look forward to using! You know they’ll love their favorite dish or cocktail at their favorite restaurant, like this festive “Christmas in Singapour” at @eathawkers. ⠀
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Restaurant gift cards always come in handy. And they help support our local restaurants, which need it more than ever. Plus they’re great for those of us who are last minute shoppers. 🙈⠀
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Many restaurants like Hawkers are offering bonuses! ⠀
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#Hawkerdays gift card promotion is going on now through 12/31. The more you spend, the more you receive! You get $5 bonus gift card for every $25 gift card purchased, and no one has to know if you keep the bonus! 😉 ⠀
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Have you finished your Xmas shopping?⠀
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Happy Holidays! 🎄 ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #HolidayGifts #SaveRestaurants
“Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather a “Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather and dance — each beautiful, unique, and gone too soon.” —Deborah Whipp⠀
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This year has certainly made us cherish the memories of great times spent with loved ones sharing yummy food, laughing and living life. They are such fleeting moments, gone too soon. ⠀
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I'll tell you what else goes fast, and that's these gorgeous @dgdoughnuts 💕 ⠀
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I didn't know they were named the best donut in the State of Florida on Yelp but I can see why! ⠀
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They're so creative, made in small batch, hand rolled, hand cut and hand decorated daily with inventive flavors that change weekly. They sell out quickly so if there's a flavor you want, be sure to get there early or order ahead. Definitely a Must Eat!⠀
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These are "Fancy Pants" Donuts! ⠀
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And if you want a boozy treat to celebrate the season, check out the ones with a pipette shot! ⠀
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The "Coquito" filled with sweet coconut custard, topped with a pipette of @bacardi  limited edition Coquito cream rum and Jack Daniels Caramel Winter Apple filled with spiced apple filling topped with dulce de leche rosettes and a pipette of of @jackdaniels Winter Jack Tennessee Whiskey are sure to make a fun celebration! ⠀
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#SupportLocal #EatLocal this holiday season! Forget the calories. Indulge! It's 2020 after all! ⠀
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Thank you @bebefehr for sharing! #GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #dgdoughnuts
"The best time for ice cream is always." — Unkno "The best time for ice cream is always." — Unknown⠀
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Just because it’s the #wintersolstice doesn’t mean you can’t have ice cream! Do you like frozen treats even if it’s cold outside? I do! 🍦 Especially when it’s a festive cone like this one at @peterbrookewp in Winter Park. ⠀
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If you’re looking for some delicious gifts this holiday season, don’t forget to support our local small businesses. ⠀
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Peterbrooke has some amazing chocolate treats for everyone on your list and while you’re there you might as well treat yourself to some gelato too! ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #SupportLocal #SupportSmallBusinesses
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What is Go Epicurista?

Your source for inspiration to take time out of your busy schedule and celebrate great food and wine experiences with friends everywhere you go! Let’s talk about Restaurants, Unique Events and Travel Experiences that belong on your “someday list.”

Don’t put off enjoying life with friends until someday. #MakeSomedayHappen Go Epicurista!

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