Central Florida Suburbs

A Festive Friday at Food Truck Bazaar in Casselberry

Every second Friday of the month, Food Truck Bazaar makes its way over to Casselberry. Given that this Orlando suburb is my lifelong home, one would think that I would be a "regular". In reality, I have now only visited twice. It is not for lack of want or lack of interest. It is simply… Continue reading A Festive Friday at Food Truck Bazaar in Casselberry

Orlando, Small towns in Florida

An Evening of Warmth in Winter Garden with Encore

Truth be told, I have not been to Winter Garden since before I was of age to really remember anything. I put my best Disney pal in charge of the dining arrangements and she didn't disappoint. As Blue Jean Baby and I pulled onto Plant Street, into downtown Winter Garden, my eyes grew to the… Continue reading An Evening of Warmth in Winter Garden with Encore

Florida Life

Do Dreams Come True in Orlando?

There are many times I fall in love with living in Orlando all over again. But, there are times when being an Orlando Native means challenge and heartbreak.  The most emotionally challenging aspect of being an Orlando Native is the comings and goings of people. Much like New York City, Nashville, Miami, or Hollywood, Orlando attracts… Continue reading Do Dreams Come True in Orlando?

My Second Homes

Back on Florida Ground After a Disneyland Christmas

The idea of visiting the original Happiest Place on Earth during the holidays grew larger each year, like a snowball being rolled down a hill. After our mind blowing visit to Disneyland last June, while still riding the high of seeing Cars Land and Buena Vista Street before opening to the public, my husband booked… Continue reading Back on Florida Ground After a Disneyland Christmas

The Beach

Journey to a Private Christmas Island

The cold, crisp air cut through us as we pulled out of the Cedar Key Marina and into open water. The shores of Cedar Key, FL slowly drifted away to our right side while the neighboring islands waited on the nearby horizon. There are few places where you can spend Thanksgiving weekend heading for your… Continue reading Journey to a Private Christmas Island

Florida Life

Home for the Holidays – Part Two: Staying Home

There is such comfort I feel when driving around my neighborhood, seeing all the places I spent time as a child. Yesterday, as I worked to tackle my pre-Thanksgiving to do list, I made it a point to take the back roads and drive around my hometown. Neighbors who have known me since I was… Continue reading Home for the Holidays – Part Two: Staying Home

Orlando

Home for the Holidays – Part One: Local Love

During this time of year my heart is filled with gratitude. There is no other time that makes me more thankful to be a native Orlando-ian than the holiday season. To me, there are only three places in the world more magical than Orlando at Christmastime: Paris, New York City, and the North Pole. Now,… Continue reading Home for the Holidays – Part One: Local Love

Florida Life

A Forest of Fantasy: the Festival of Trees

For many Central Floridians, myself included, the Festival of Trees is the best way to kick off the holiday season. This week long event is held at the beautiful Orlando Museum of Art. The museum becomes a veritable enchanted forest full of custom decorated trees donated by organizations throughout Central Florida. These trees are extremely… Continue reading A Forest of Fantasy: the Festival of Trees

Orlando

All Alone in New Fantasyland {Practically}

Every day presents an opportunity for dreams to come true, even small ones. Sometimes you have to be willing to take risks. Husband and I were all set for our second visit to New Fantasyland. We had heard tell that if you arrive early you can get into New Fantasyland before your scheduled preview time.… Continue reading All Alone in New Fantasyland {Practically}

Florida Life

Rocco’s Tacos Rocks!

Rocco's Tacos is a Florida original. It's fresh, it's vibrant, it totally rocks! Having found much success in South Florida, with four very popular locations including West Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale, owner Rocco Mangel set his sights on Orlando. I am so very glad he did. High Class Hacienda On the night of my… Continue reading Rocco’s Tacos Rocks!