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Top 9 Lessons from a Half Marathon to Make Someday a Reality

By Christina Thomas Leave a Comment

Top 9 Lessons from Half MarathonAre you ready to find out my top 9 lessons from a half marathon to make someday reality?

We need to revoke our membership in the Procrastinators of Pleasure Club once and for all! Stop putting off to tomorrow the things we find enjoyable today, ban the word “someday” from our vocabularies and make someday reality. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, check out The Procrastinators of Pleasure Club and Ban Someday from your Vocabulary.

Now, the question is how do we get there? How do we make “someday” happen?

I believe it’s important to learn from our past experiences and share this knowledge so below are the nine lessons I learned from the first activity I kept putting off to someday: Exercise.

I would often say I wanted to, no let me rephrase, I “needed” to work out but just didn’t have the time. Sound familiar? I overcame my exercise procrastination when I was challenged by my sister to run a half marathon even though I couldn’t even run for a full minute, let alone a mile. I am not one to back down from a challenge but thinking about 13.1 miles? Forget about it! Gasp for air! It was tough. I didn’t think I could do it. I didn’t think I would survive. Yes, I’m being a bit over-dramatic (cue the violins) but you see, these fears were like a nagging voice constantly prompting me to quit. We often listen to those voices that tell us that we don’t have time, that convince us there are more important priorities than our own happiness, the ones that continuously prompt us to postpone and delay our joy to that elusive “someday” that will never happen.

Well, I’m happy to say I didn’t listen to those voices. That first half marathon was four years ago. Exercise is now a part of my life and my normal routine. It is no longer something I say “I’m going to do that someday”. I teach boot camp, practice yoga and run 5Ks and half-marathons on a regular basis. I am not an expert and, as much as I do enjoy it, I’m not a fitness fanatic. There are days I would much rather sleep in than push myself out the door to go run. However, I was able to overcome the “I don’t have time” syndrome and incorporate exercise into my life, so I think these lessons will help me make someday a reality for the other joyful pursuits I have been so diligently putting off for years. This is how I will ban the word someday from my vocabulary, revoke my membership in the Procrastinators of Pleasure Club, and make someday happen. You can do it too!

My main focus is on reconnecting with friends, however, I think you can apply these lessons to almost anything fun that you have been putting off until someday. Give it a try!

TOP 9 LESSONS FROM A HALF MARATHON TO MAKE SOMEDAY REALITY

My First Half Marathon

My First Half Marathon

1.SCHEDULE IT:

Pick a date and put it on the calendar. I registered for a half marathon when I couldn’t even run for a full minute. I couldn’t back down (without a cost to my wallet and my pride!). I trained and ran my first half marathon even though I had every excuse in the book not to. I trained because I had that scheduled race coming up and I had two choices, finish or quit and the latter was not an option. I didn’t care how long it took me or how funny I looked shuffling my way to the finish. I only cared that I crossed the finish line and I did! Since then, it’s only gotten better. I don’t shuffle much anymore. So, the next time you say to a friend “we need to get together someday soon” or “we need to try that restaurant one of these days” pull out your calendar and set a date, even if it is months away. Make it happen.

Fun Run!

Fun Run!

2.MAKE IT FUN:

Instead of a vague “let’s get together soon”, plan on doing something fun and it is likely to happen. Kind of like “If you build it, they will come”. Plan a fun theme dinner or pick a fun restaurant or event to go to. It’s a lot harder to cancel when you have concrete plans for something fun coming up, especially if you have to buy tickets, make reservations or buy props for a theme party. I chose a fun race for my first half marathon, the Disney Princess. When my knees were hurting during training all I kept thinking was “Disney is the happiest place on earth, how bad could this race be?” (insert pitty laugh here!) I was looking forward to the race because Disney knows fun. What’s better than fireworks at the start line and lots of entertainment to distract from the actual running? So when you want to make someday happen and reconnect with your friends, look for fun events or festivals happening in your town, or pick that fun restaurant you’ve been dying to go to. With the date set, tickets bought or reservations made, it will happen.

Iron Girls

Iron Girls

3.TALK ABOUT IT:

The more you talk about the event before it happens, the less likely you will be to cancel. Build the excitement. Send a message, post on Facebook, hire a plane to write a message in the sky, whatever works for you but make it public. When my friends and I did the Fueled by Fine Wine Half Marathon in Oregon, we spent months planning our trip. Talking about it not only kept us excited but it ensured none of us backed out.

Fitness, Friendship and Vacation Combined

Fitness, Friendship and Vacation Combined

4.MULTI-TASK:

I’m all about efficiency and getting two birds with one stone. So here is the way I see it. Everyone loves food (some more than others) and all of us need to eat to survive. Combine a meal with getting together with friends. And voila! Two birds down. Sharing a meal, whether it’s at home or at a restaurant, is a great way to get together with friends. You don’t need much to make this happen. A bottle of wine and a block of cheese can be a meal, just ask the French. Who cares if the house is messy, after a bottle of wine or two no one will notice anyways. Plus, if you get together with a group of friends at the same time, then you have hit the jackpot! The Fueled by Fine Wine Race accomplished multiple goals that often get thrown out in the face of the “no-time” syndrome. We ran a half-marathon (exercise), we had a great time celebrating and sharing awesome wine at the conclusion (friendship), and we took a trip to a new city, well, not new for me as it was in my hometown, but new to my 8 friends that I convinced to go clear across the country from Florida to Oregon to run a race! (Did you know that vacation is the third thing that goes out the window when life gets in the way?)

Early Morning Training

Early Morning Training

5.SHARE THE WORK:

Who says you have to do it all by yourself? Remember the goal here is to make “someday” happen, and whatever that is, it likely involves other people in your life. You say you want to plan a fun get together? Good! The goal is to make it happen. It is not to look like Wonder Woman putting together the most lavish of events with perfect hair and makeup intact. That only causes more stress and we have plenty of it with work and family that friendship really should be the stress-free zone. I do have a disclaimer here. I am a perfectionist. I like to plan events full of fun details for my guests to “ooh and aah” and on many occasions I have stressed myself out over doing just what I am telling you not to do. I didn’t always ask for help. I learned you do need to share the work and go to the professionals for help. You may ask how I derived this lesson from my half marathon and exercise experiences? After all, someone else can’t actually exercise for you (whoever invents this will be a genius and filthy rich!) With exercise you do have to do the physical work yourself but you don’t have to do it alone. I have run my best and most fun races when running with friends instead of alone. A professional personal trainer held me accountable and taught me how to exercise properly. When working out with friends, we do share the work. The mental work, the accountability and the support. Getting up early in the morning for a run is work and you wouldn’t always do it unless someone is waiting for you at 5:30am. How do you share the work for a gathering with friends? In a nutshell: don’t do all the cooking yourself, don’t do all the planning yourself, don’t do all the cleaning yourself. If you don’t want to have it in your house, have it at their house and if they don’t want to have it at their house, then go out on the town! If you are tight on money, go to a food truck or a coffee house. We are eliminating excuses here people!

Excellent race through the vineyards

Excellent race through the vineyards

6.QUALITY BETTER THAN QUANTITY:

Fitness Trainers will tell you the amount of time you spend exercising is not nearly as important as the effort you put into it when you do. No, this doesn’t mean you can go out running once and then think you can run a half marathon in your best time but neither can you meet with a friend once and expect to have a close friendship. The quality of the time you spend together doing something memorable is more important. When you commit to a date make sure you are focused on making it the most special it can be.

There is no Try. You're either present or not!

There is no Try. You’re either present or not!

7.BE PRESENT:

I remember many times being at a friend’s house or out to dinner and constantly checking my phone for emails from work, taking phone calls or worse yet falling asleep in the middle of a conversation because I was so tired. Those were not memorable moments or ones that really strengthened my friendships. The same happens when you’re exercising and distracted. It’s hard to give 100% when part of you isn’t there. You need to be present in mind, body and soul to really make it count.

Nothing but Running Shoes Needed

Nothing but Running Shoes Needed

8.KEEP IT SIMPLE:

I don’t know about you but I’m the type that wants everything at once. If one is good, ten must be better right? This doesn’t always yield the best results and can sometimes be overwhelming. How did I overcome this? I focused on getting ready for one race. That’s it. I was going from the couch (or the office chair in my case) to a half marathon. That was no easy feat. I didn’t look beyond that one race and although cross training is important, I didn’t add any other exercises to my schedule. This would have made it easier to give up. As I look to reconnect with friends, as much as I want to get together with all my friends I’ve ever had since childhood, I have to be realistic and start one at a time for it to become part of my life routine. These friendships were not neglected overnight and they will not be rekindled in a day either.

Steady Pace Wins the Race

Steady Pace Wins the Race

9.STEADY PACE:

When running long races it’s important to keep pace and try to stay consistent. I haven’t always done that. I have started too fast only to lose steam in the end. The same applies to making “someday” happen. Making your dreams, your someday a reality is a race to maintain for life so remember slow and steady wins the race.

Celebration Half Marathon with the boys

Celebration Half Marathon with the boys

Why do I only have nine tips instead of ten? Because I don’t know everything and I’m sure that there is something I missed. Number ten is out there. Maybe you have a tip on how you overcame procrastination and made “someday” happen? Please share it, leave it in the comments and let’s chat.

goEpicurista.com is my platform to make someday a reality. To celebrate great food, wine and friends everywhere I go. My mission is to create experiences that will allow me to reconnect with my friends and that will inspire you to do the same with yours. Any day can be a celebration if you have great food, wine and friends. Friends being the most important ingredient. Join me on my journey and we can do this together. It will be much more fun that way.

Above I mentioned that you must share the work to make it happen. That’s where I come in. I want to help you plan your fun gatherings with friends so that you can still look like Wonder Woman and Superman without the stress. I will provide you with Entertaining ideas and all the planning tips to make it easy for you to make it happen at home. If you prefer to go out on the town, I have plenty of special outings ideas, reviews of great places, restaurants, and foodie events that provide the right experience for friends to get together and enjoy life. And for those that want to get out of town and travel, I have tons of travel ideas, tips and must see places for vacationing with friends.

Cheers to Making Someday a Reality

Cheers to Making Someday a Reality

Are you ready to join me and goEpicurista? If so, sign up on the handy box on the right side of the page!

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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!

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Meet your Chief Epicurista

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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From the classic Spanish-Cuban dishes which boast recipes created over a hundred years ago, to the artwork on the walls, and the many stories the staff has to share, there’s history in every bite. The sister location in Celebration opened in 1997, and is still managed by the Hernandez / Gonzmart family for 5 generations.⠀
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Leisurely share a refreshing pitcher of sangria - classic red, white and rose available but I recommend the sparkling cava for a year-round taste of summer. Start with Columbia’s Original “1905” Salad® and don’t fill up on the bread that comes to the table although you will be tempted to keep breaking off bites of the crispy Cuban loaf from equally iconic @lasegundabakery which also opened in 1905 in Ybor City and has been Columbia’s bread purveyor ever since.⠀
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For your entree, choose the traditional prepared Paella “a la Valenciana” brimming with an assortment of clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, calamares, chicken and pork, baked with the highest quality La Bomba Spanish rice from Spain. ⠀
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Save room for the utterly decadent White Chocolate Bread Pudding. It gives that delightful La Segunda Cuban bread new life baked with crispy edges and gooey soft center, a scrumptious white chocolate and rich Bacardi rum sauce. It was love at first bite! Pair it with a perfectly brewed cafecito Cubano or cafe con leche.⠀
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You can read all about my favorite date night spots in Kissimmee including Columbia Restaurant for @experiencekissimmee on experiencekissimmee.com/blog/top-date-night-restaurants-kissimmee⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #PaellaDay
"Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred min "Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes. Five hundred twenty-five thousand moments so dear. How do you measure, Measure a year? How about love? Measure in love...Remember the love..." 🎶- Rent⠀
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525,600 minutes we'll never forget. I'm a little late posting my "I can't believe it's been a year since the pandemic began" post but time has been rather fluid this year, hasn't it? A year full of sadness, isolation, and loved ones lost. But also a year that's shown us how resilient we can be. ⠀
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I'm choosing to remember the love. Remember the moments when we slowed down and appreciated the simpler things.  Remember how we grew closer with loved ones despite the physical distancing. ⠀
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I'll never forget our last dinner before everything fully shutdown in Orlando. The opening of @sixtyvineswinterpark enjoying a fabulous wood-fired Butcher pizza and Tonnarelli Shrimp pasta with a nice glass of wine and friends. ⠀
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I'm looking forward to getting vaccinated and having a big dinner with family and friends and giving them all big hugs! ⠀
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Did you hear the OCCC site will open for vaccination appointments for 40+ year olds on Monday 3/22 at 9am? 🤞🏼⠀
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Remember the love 💕⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #LoveOrlando
“The best things in life are the people we love, “The best things in life are the people we love, the places we have been and the memories we have made along the way.” - Irish saying 🇮🇪⠀
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Happy St. Patrick's Day! ☘️ I can't believe it's been 2 years since I last celebrated this day at my favorite Irish pub in Orlando @raglanroadpub We've had loads of fun there with friends over the years! ⠀
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They always put on the best festivals, and this year with safety in mind, The Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival goes Unplugged. It will be a bit different but still promises to bring the "craic." It's more subdued, more intimate rather than boisterous, more acoustic than electric. ⠀
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Great live entertainment with bands imported from Ireland plus the Raglan Road dancers perform all day starting at 11am. Of course phenomenal food and drinks are a must! Crafted signature cocktails, exclusive local craft beers, Irish whiskies and authentic Irish fare with a modern twist. ⠀
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Raglan Road opens at 10 a.m. with a $10 cover charge for guests.  Reservations are required due to limited capacity and guests can book a two-hour slot to enjoy the festivities. Visit @RaglanRoadPub for more details and entertainment schedule. ⠀
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Celebrate safely my friends! Slainte!☘️⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #RaglanRoadPub #StPatricksDay #disneysprings
"Those who don't believe in magic will never find "Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." - Roald Dahl (gifted)⠀
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Magic to me is found in a perfectly baked macaron. It's magic you can taste!⠀
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If you want to know the difference between a macaron and a macaroon, Executive Pastry Chef Franck Riffaud at Waldorf Astoria Orlando (@waldorforlando) and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek (@bonnetcreek) will not only tell you, he'll show you!⠀
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The desserts, pastries, and breads are one of the top reasons why all foodies love to visit this gorgeous resort complex near Walt Disney World. Truly world-class delicious magic! ⠀
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Over the course of his 27+ year career, Chef Riffaud has mastered the magic of bringing happiness and smiles in the smallest, most gorgeous bites. He’s worked in one, two and three-star Michelin restaurants all over the world, so to indulge in his creations is a MUST DO in Orlando!⠀
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And what's the difference between macaron and macaroon? The words may look the same but macarons' (with one “O”) main ingredient is almond meal and macaroons' is shredded coconut. Macarons are colorful and airy and macaroons are textured, chewy coconut and usually dipped in chocolate. Which one is your favorite? ⠀
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Thank you Chef Franck for this sweet surprise! 💕⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #LiveUnforgettable #LoveOrlando
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” - Albert Einstein⠀
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It’s 3.14 #NationalPiDay, the second day pie lovers love to celebrate!⠀
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My question today is: ⠀
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Lemon Meringue or Key Lime Pie? ⠀
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What’s your favorite pie? ⠀
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I’ve already shared how much I love @sisterhoneys but I’ll say it again, owner Evette Rahman makes the best pies. And if all the awards and blue ribbons on her wall don’t convince you, your taste buds definitively will!⠀
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I have a tough time deciding between the sweet tart key lime pie or the lemon meringue with that dreamy fluffy topping. So I get a slice of both! ⠀
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👉🏼 You can read more about Evette and other inspiring women chefs and entrepreneurs on GoEpicurista and keep celebrating #WomensHistoryMonth⠀
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How do you celebrate Pi Day? ⠀
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Some do with dessert pies, or savory pies and others with pizza pies. But did you know the origin of this national celebration began in 1988 with fruit pies and tea served at 1:59pm (the next 3 digits of pi) at the Exploratorium in San Francisco? Physicist Larry Shaw thought it would be a fun celebration for the staff. A few years later, after Larry’s daughter, Sara, remarked that the special date was also the birthday of Albert Einstein, they started celebrating the life of the world-famous scientist. In 2009 US Congress declared it a National Holiday. ⠀
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Happy Pi Day! ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #LoveOrlando #PieDay #PiDay
“You can’t ZOOM a vacation.” - Phil Brown, C “You can’t ZOOM a vacation.” - Phil Brown, CEO Greater Orlando Airport Authority ⠀
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We're craving a return to travel and safe getaways because as Phil says, we can't zoom a vacation. Since Hawaii is at the top of my US travel bucket list (my "someday list") I'm so excited to share @hawaiianairlines now has non-stop flights from Orlando International Airport (@flyMCO) & Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) ⠀
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Great reason to cheer so I'm celebrating their inaugural flight today with the most Hawaiian cocktail of all time: The Mai Tai! ⠀
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Yesterday I got the chance to tour the roomy Airbus A330 aircraft during a media visit with Jeff Helfrick, Hawaiian Airlines Vice President of airport operations & Phil Brown, CEO of MCO ⠀
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✈️ Non-stop flights to Hawaii offered twice a week (Tue & Sat) increasing to 3 flights this summer⠀
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😷 Extensive safety precautions in place including electrostatic spraying aircraft & face mask required. ⠀
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😷 Hawaii requires negative state-approved Covid test prior to departure or 10-day quarantine upon arrival. Hawaiian makes it easy to start your vacation right away with Vault-At Home Testing kits with expedited results in 24 hours. Check website & @gohawaii ⠀
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✈️ Hawaiian’s Airbus A330 offers comfortable design with 18 fully flat Premium Cabin leather seats arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration, 68 Extra Comfort seats with more legroom and enhanced amenities & 192 Main Cabin seats. ⠀
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🌸 Experience Hawaiian hospitality the minute you step inside with a friendly “Aloha” from the Hawaii-based crew. ⠀
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🍹Sip signature Hawaiian cocktails by @otrcocktails @cruzanrum Mai Tai, Moloka'i Mule & Tropical Landing complimentary for First Class & Business, for purchase in Main Cabin⠀
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🍽 Exec. Chefs Wade Ueoka & Michelle Karr-Ueoka of Honolulu’s MW Restaurant oversee meal program featuring Island-inspired meals, complimentary for all passengers. First Class menus by award-winning local guest chefs. Currently Robynne Maii, Owner/Chef at @FêteHawaii ⠀
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🌸In-flight amenities by @kealopiko are fantastic!
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Ready for Hawaii? #MakeSomedayHappen⠀
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Thanks @TasteCookSip for my photos! #GOepicOrlando #GoHawaii
"I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I w "I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden." - Ruth Stout⠀
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Spring in the garden is the best place to be! Would you love to enjoy great food and drinks in a beautiful garden setting? ⠀
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Edible Education Experience @EdibleEdExp at the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Kitchen House & Culinary Garden in College Park is launching a new event series called "IN THE GARDEN" and you don't want to miss it! ⠀
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Each event will give us a tour of different food cultures around the world in a safe setting. The first event on Sunday 3/21, "IN GIARDINO" is all about Italy! ⠀
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Hosted in collaboration with award-winning Chef Kevin Fonzo of La Tavola, the event will feature a distinguished group of local chefs and artisan vendors, each preparing Italian regional specialties which you can learn more about as they prepare your dish. ⠀
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Here's a bit of what will be available for purchase at the event:⠀
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🌱 @cheffonzo scrumptious Porchetta Sandwich⠀
🌱 @itsthepizzaslut famous pizzas made with fresh ingredients from the EEE garden ⠀
🌱 @chefjasonwolfe PASTA! and goodies from @tornatorespizzeriaorlando Shop to take home.⠀
🌱 Chef Erica Asti's fresh Mushroom and Celery Salad ⠀
🌱 @mhulbert22 Michelle, Maker of Sweet Things - Traditional desserts including cannoli and tiramisu⠀
🌱 @palatecouture Charcuterie and Cheese boards! ⠀
🌱 @cuisiniers Beer and Wine ⠀
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Admission ticket is only $5 per person and all food and drink items are affordably priced a la carte to be purchased at each vendor. ⠀
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Event is expected to sell out so get your tickets ASAP! Two event times offered: 12pm-3pm or 3pm-6pm⠀
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Visit www.edibleed.org/payforclass to purchase. ⠀
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Future events will focus on a different country, so whether it's “sa hardin” (Philipines), “bageeche mein” (India), or “bageeche mein” (Germany) - we will get a chance to embrace different cultures in the garden! ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #EdibleEducationExperience #LoveOrlando
“I wish that more women realized that helping an “I wish that more women realized that helping another woman win, cheering her on, praying for her, or sharing a resource with her does not take away from the blessings coming to them. In fact, the more you give, the more you receive. Empowering women doesn’t come from selfishness but rather from selflessness.” – Selene Kinder⠀
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Cheers to all the strong and powerful women whom I've had the privilege to know. Those who've cheered me on and those who've inspired me with their wisdom and passion. ⠀
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This year, I've turned to women entrepreneurs and chefs for inspiration and I've been so lucky to share their stories on GoEpicurista.com ⠀
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👉🏼 Check out "Women Chefs Who Rock Orlando’s Food Scene" post and read all about some of the amazing women led restaurants, bakeries and food shops in town. The list is far from complete though! I would love to get your recommendations on who I should feature next.⠀
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P.S. This photo is in one of my favorite Spanish restaurants in town, @tapatoroorlando which is local owned and led by the talented Katerina Coumbaros and her husband Vassilis. ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #IWD2021 #WomenSupportingWomen #WomensDay #LoveOrlando
“The soul becomes dyed with the color of its tho “The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.” - Marcus Aurelius⠀
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It’s #NationalCerealDay and time for colorful treats and happy thoughts! 😃⠀
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What was your favorite cereal as a kid? ⠀
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I still remember sitting in front of the TV watching Saturday morning cartoons with a bowl of Fruit Loops, Frosted Flakes or Cinnamon Toast Crunch. It was a weekend treat!⠀
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Nowadays, I get my breakfast cereal fix as a topping on donuts and pastries. No spoon required. Here’s a few fun ones: ⠀
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🥄 @dochi.fl in @eastendmkt Taro Pebbles donut is light and airy with a taro glaze. Yum! ⠀
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🥄 @everglazed_fl in @disneysprings Fruity Pebbles donut or Cinnamon Toast Crunch are both yummy. Pair it with cereal milk! Sweeeet! ⠀
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🥄 At @choulalapastries in Park Avenue and 436, Winter Park the Fruity Pebbles chou cream puff is delightful. @chefstephsteph also added a Lucky Charms chou just for March! Classy & gorgeous! ⠀
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Did you know Fruity Pebbles cereal rolled out nationwide in 1971? It turns 50 this year! ⠀
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Have a colorful day. You deserve it! ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #CerealDay #FruityPebbles #LoveOrlando
“I want adventure in the great wide somewhere! I “I want adventure in the great wide somewhere! I want it more than I can tell!” - Belle, Beauty & The Beast ⠀
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I’m craving adventure and my favorite giant chocolate macaron lollipop from EPCOT France pavilion. How about you? ⠀
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The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival kicked off this week! All the Outdoor Kitchens and beautiful topiaries are back! Some new as well as returning favorites. Sadly I no longer have my Disney Annual Pass so I haven’t had a chance to go check it out, but since the festival runs thru July 5th, I’m hoping to go for a day. ⠀
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I’m so happy this “Macaron au Chocolat en Sucette” is back at @artisandesglace and all the gardens are in bloom! It’s such a beautiful festival which last year was abruptly cut short due to the pandemic. ⠀
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This photo is a throwback from those carefree pre-pandemic days when we took so much for granted. I can’t believe it’s been a year already. Don’t forget if you plan to go that Disney is still restricting capacity, reservation is required and you must wear a mask at all times, except when stationary while eating and drinking. ⠀
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Will you be going to Epcot for Flower & Garden this year? What’s your favorite dish and topiary? ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #FreshEpcot #GOepicDisney #LoveOrlando
"Your mission: Be so busy loving your life you hav "Your mission: Be so busy loving your life you have no time for hate, regret or fear." - Karen Salmansohn (hosted)⠀
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"Busy Busy Busy" - Story of my life! But I'm so grateful and it's important to take time out to enjoy it. Couldn't think of a better way to do that than with these gorgeous sweet treats from @choulalapastries . ⠀
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The coffee lover in me wanted the Tiramisu entremet made of fluffy mascarpone mousse with a creamy mocha coffee center, dark chocolate crisp pearls, and an espresso-soaked ladyfinger cake dusted with cocoa powder. Dreamy!⠀
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The caramel lover in me wanted Crème brûlée chou puff. And of course, one must always get macarons. The Perfect Trio!⠀
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Don't forget to take a break from your busy schedule and treat yourself today. What tasty treat do you crave for the perfect coffee break? ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #ChoulalaPastries #LoveOrlando #WinterParkFL
“If you are cold, tea will warm you; if you are “If you are cold, tea will warm you; if you are too heated, it will cool you; If you are depressed, it will cheer you; If you are excited, it will calm you.” - William E. Gladstone (hosted)⠀
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Hello March! Happy Monday! 😃 I feel like I need all the caffeine today and while I tend to go for lattes, I love all different kinds of teas. If you do too, you’ll love the article Lisa Wilk and I wrote for HistoricDowntownSanford.com featuring all the best places to get caffeinated in this charming town. ⠀
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Stop by @rosieleeteaco, the quaint shop with an old fashioned European feel on South Park Avenue is known as Historic Downtown Sanford’s tea lover’s utopia! A vast selection of over 100 teas from around the world are showcased in the fragrant tea bar to enjoy there, at home or gift to the tea lover in your life. ⠀
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Try the “Rosie Love” Iced Tea, the perfect sipper for a warm day of #sanfording around @historicdowntownsanford ⠀
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It has a subtle blend of strawberries, cherry and roses. When you order it iced, they add a dash of rose & strawberry syrup and a splash of lemonade. So refreshing! ⠀
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If you prefer your tea hot, order a soothing classic London Fog Latte with Earl Grey Creme tea. It was perfect to enjoy while sitting in their funky high back chairs. ⠀
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If coffee is your thing, you’ll love they now feature local artisan @wavelengthcoffee and don’t miss getting some sweet treats from my favorite @choulalapastries ⠀
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👉🏼 Check out the article! I’ll add the link in my stories. ⠀
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“Come, let us have some tea and continue to talk about happy things.” - Chaim Potok⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #HistoricDowntownSanford #CoffeeandTea #RosieLeeTea
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