Trivia Night is one of the most fun nights during the week in downtown Sanford. If you haven’t been you should definitely check it out. To give you a bit insight into Trivia Night I have put together this video. Enjoy

Trivia Night in Sanford:

Every first and third Thursday of the month at the Sanford Wine Company on Palmetto Avenue in Historic Sanford. The fun starts at 8pm, but stop by earlier for a good glass of wine, it’s a great place! Visit The Trivia Tart web site for hints and news…

I received an Email from a reader and thought this might be of interest for all you golfers

On November 13th, 2009 there will be the first annual golf tournament on the Timacuan golf course in Lake Mary. The event will benefit the Make a Wish Foundation. Timacuan Golf Club and Jersey Mike’s Sub have partnered up to help children’s wishes come true. If you need more information please Email Nancy directly at MCKay.N@hotmail.com or call her at 407-732-4401. You can also go to any Jersey Mike’s for an application.

BTW, you don’t have to be a professional golfer. You will be put in a foursome if you don’t have a group. Just tell them your skill level and you’ll be put in a great team.

The event starts at 7:30am and end around 4pm when the winners are announced. There will be a silent auction around 2pm.

The Timacuan Golf Club is actually one of the most famous ones in the Central Florida area. If you are new to the area take a look at it, it really is beautiful – and easily accessible. Just take Rinehart Street North (coming from Lake Mary Blvd) and make a right into the Timacuan subdivision. I am not a golfer but I have heard good things about this golf course. Visit their web site to check it out.

Orlando Sentinel Orbbies

Yes, today I have to ask for your help in form of your vote!

Sanford365 has been nominated for the Orbbies (Orlando’s Rockin’ Blogs) in 2 categories!

Click here to vote. First for best overall blog, then by category in Neighborhood and Photography.

Click here to vote for Sanford 365 in the Photography Category

Click here to vote for Sanford 365 in the Neighborhood Category

What is an Orbbie? Well, it is an award given out by the Orlando Sentinel to honor the best Blogs in the Central Florida area. OrlandoSentinel.com asks you to vote for your favorite blog in each category and then, for your favorite overall blog. So essentially the Orbbies are the Oscars among blogs, at least locally, here in the Central Florida area And as you may already guess, I would be more than honored to win this award! The goal is, of course, best overall blog, but I would be already super happy to win in one of the categories Sanford365 has been nominated in. Those categories are: Neighborhood and Photography.

More than anything else, this award would be an honor and make me proud of my work. Recognition IS important for any blogger – and motivating!

You can vote once a day, starting on November 2nd at 10 am (so, yes, the voting is open now!) until November 20th at 5pm. So if you like my blog and have been following me, please take the time and give me your (daily) vote!

Click here to vote. First for best overall blog, then by category in Neighborhood and Photography.

Thank you so much!!

Claudia

Boston Market in Lake Mary FL

So I just got back from Boston Market and can confirm: they are indeed serving a wonderful deal these days )

Boston Market Chicken

Until November 1st, 2009 you can enjoy a $1 Chicken Meal, consisting of either a quarter white chicken or 3-Piece Dark Chicken, both with Mashed Potatoes and Cornbread! As you can see, the size is definitely filling…

Here is the Boston Market $1 Meal Coupon with the details. Feel free to pass it along – and enjoy!

PS: This offer is good for all Boston Market locations nation wide, not only the one here in Lake Mary. In case you want to go to the Lake Mary location, here is their info:

Boston Market – 4335 W Lake Mary Blvd, Lake Mary – (407) 322-9699

Orlando Halloween Events 2009

Halloween 2009 is just around the corner and just like last year, I thought it might be good to see them all listed in one place!  I went through several sites and got some tips from friends about the hottest Orlando area Halloween events… Be prepared for a horror and fun filled weekend and remember that you will be able to enjoy and extra hour of horror on Saturday when clocks are turned back an hour at 2am.

Here are the best Halloween Events of the Central Florida Area, starting with the ones in the Sanford area – of course

Sanford FL and Area Halloween Events (Seminole County):

Colonial Town Park Halloween Block Party Lake Mary

Colonial Town Park Halloween Block Party

The hottest nightlife event in the Sanford area is definitely the long awaited block party of Liam Fitzpatricks and Carlos&Charlies at Colonial Town Park in Lake Mary. Starting at 9pm the road in front of these two nightlife spots will be turned into a fun Halloween party location with drink specials and lots of music. The best costume will be awarded $500.

Dexters at Colonial Town Park Halloween Party

Dexters will have its own Halloween Party featuring a live band, drinks specials and a costume contest. Also located at Colonial Town Park in Lake Mary.

Captian’s Cove Halloween Party – October 31 starting at 7pm

This cover charge free Halloween party takes place at my favorite poolside bar in Sanford. Celebrate Halloween out by the sparkling pool at the annual Pirate and Wench Party. Drink specials all night and of course a prize for the best dressed pirates!

For more info call 407-322-7575 or visit http://www.captainscovegrill.com
Captain’s Cove Restaurant & Poolside Bar – 4380 Carraway Place – Sanford, FL 32771

Halloween Bash at Route 46 in Sanford, 8pm-2am

Come hang out with Buckley from Q96 and wear your tackiest, scariest sexiest costume and rock the night away!

Sin City and Skin Deep in a tribute to AC/DC, Costume Contest, Q96 FM on-air personality Buckley. VIP Zone – Exclusive VIP Zone, food, booze, prizes and private room.

Doors open at 7:30pm – Concert begins at 8:pm – Costume contest 11:00pm

General Admission = $10 – VIP Zone = $50 – Tickets available at the gate the night of the event.

Black Swan’s The Bluehemiens Halloween Party in Downtown Sanford, October 31

Stop by the Black Swan for a fun cover charge free Halloween Party with lots of music, drink specials and a costume contest.

Central Florida Zoo Boo Bash

Come out to the Sanford Zoo on Halloween (10/31/09) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets to the party are free with your paid admission. Activities include the Pumpkin Patch, haunted hayride around the zoo, trick-or-treating and face painting. For more info call (407) 323-4450 ext. 116.

Trick or Treat in Downtown Sanford – October 31, 6pm-8pm

Come out to Magnolia Square in downtown Sanford on Halloween at 6pm. This free event for the whole family is always a big success. Kids under the age of 12 can go trick-or-treating at the booths of various merchants. Also offered: Carnival Games, Prizes & lot of Surprises. The will be costume contests by age groups starting at 7pm & 7:30pm. Call 407.688.5120 for more info.

Spooktacular Halloween Fun at Seminole Towne Center, October 31 6pm-8pm

Kids 12 and under are invited to attend the annual Trick-or-Treat in the Seminole Town Center Mall at participating stores. Special Note: No toy weapons permitted, costumes should be worn only during event hours and masks are allowed only on children 12 years old and younger.

Halloween on the Town, October 31, 4pm-6pm

Colonial Town Park also offers an event for trick-or-treating loving kids. The event starts at 4pm and will last approximately until 6pm. Here’s what awaits you: Trick or Treat around the Town, Seasonal Music and Fun from Fun Factory Entertainment, Mime/Juggler & Balloon Artist, and a Mini Webkinz Plush Animal from Timmy’s Toy Chest for the first 50 children!

Halloween at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs – October 31, 5pm-9pm

This popular free event is sponsored by the City of Altamonte Springs. Thousands of kids are expected to this fun annual Halloween event featuring candy and trinket handouts by local businesses in their booths. There will be costume contests for all ages, inflatable games and lots of live entertainment. Come on out but leave pets and coolers at home!

A Petrified Forest (Formerly: Fear in the Forest) in Altamonte Springs

Dare the scary walk through a haunted forest… 1306 SR 436, 1/4 mile West of 17-92 in Altamonte Springs, FL 32701. This event promises to be be bigger and better than last year so don’t miss it!

Orlando Theme Park Halloween Events:

It’s Orlando, so how could I ever miss out those theme parks…

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios, daily until beginning of November

I visited Halloween Horror Night last year, below is my little video to give you a taste of what expects you… Of course, every year there’s a different scary theme. If you live in Orlando you have to visit this scary Halloween event at least one time, it is quite entertaining! Chucky, The Wolfman and Saw are the 3 themes selected for the 2009 Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando. The theme park will be turned into into a labyrinth full of haunted houses, scare zones and hundreds of monsters and ghosts. Tickets can be purchased online on the Halloween Horror Nights website.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party for Halloween 2009, select days until November 1

Then there is the less scary event at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, definitely a great idea for kids. At Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party children can go trick-or-treating, watch a Halloween themed parade, and see themed fireworks. Everyone is encouraged to dress up for this event that takes place from 7p.m. to midnight on select days in October. This event is not included with park admission. Visit Disneyworld.go.com for more information.

SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular, select days until October 31

Seaworld has its own little Halloween event dubbed Spooktacular. Visit Shamu and go trick-or-treating on select days, starting at 12pm. This event is included with park admission. Visit SeaworldSpooktacular.com for more info.

Halloween Night Life/ Parties:

And here are some more Halloween Parties in the Orlando area, all highly recommended!

Guys with Ties Philantrophy, 4th Annual Costumes for a Cause, Friday October 30, 2009
We have been to this event in the past and it is always great fun. This year this event will benefit the Conductive Education Center of Orlando and Gliding Stars of Central Florida. Starting at 8:30pm at LYRICA (former location of Cairo night club) with complimentary drinks from 8:30-10:30pm you will experience great music and lots of great costumes. Remember though: costumes are required! There will also be a costume contest. Tickets are $20 and can be ordered at http://www.guyswithties.org/orlando/events

Velvet Sessions at Orlando Hard Rock Hotel, October 29th, 2009

As part of their monthly after work rock’n roll cocktail party (last Thursday of each month) the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando presents a Halloween themed event and costume contest. Twisted Sister will perform their hits “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” “I Wanna Rock,” “The Price,” “Stay Hungry” and more.

A $40 ticket for Halloween Velvet Sessions includes: FREE specialty drinks, finger foods and warm-up tunes from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Cash bars and live band from 8:30 p.m. onward. Parking is complimentary for those attending Velvet Sessions. More info at http://www.velvetsessions.com/

“Life After Death” Halloween Party, October 31, 9pm-2am

The Backstage Lounge at the Rosen Plaza on International Drive presents a very creative theme for a Halloween Party this year: Recording artists who have passed away will be featured all night long by the DJ. Those will include Michael Jackson, Jam-Master Jay, Stevie Ray Vaughan, TLC, John Lennon, James Morrison, Beatles, Tupac Shakur, Aaliyah, Elvis Presley Notorious B.I.G., James Brow, Jimi Hendrix, and many more. Guest with costume enter with no cover charge (those without  costume will pay $5). Best costumes will win a $25 bar tab, so be creative! There will be drink specials all night including $2 Miller Lite bottles.
Rosen Plaza: 9700 International Drive Orlando, FL

Zombie Dance, October 30, 7pm-12am

BackBooth in Downtown Orlando invites to the Zombie Dance. There will be makeup artist in the club who will “zombify” you. This party has a $10 cover charge.

DC’s Black Lantern is the theme for this year’s ghoulish gala presented by A Comic Shop. Then, get up on the stage for the costume contest where the winner walks (or shambles) away with $100. That can buy you a lot of dancing fuel, which you’re gonna need. Local bands Social Ghost, Awestruck and Megaphone will keep you “re-animated” throughout the night. Comics, music, and zombies, oh my!

More info at 407-999-2570 or http://www.acomicshop.com/
BackBooth – 37 W. Pine Street – Orlando, FL 32801

Plazaween, October 31, 8pm-2am

Always a favorite is Plazaween, Wall Streets popular block party in Downtown Orlando. For a $10 cover charge you will be able to attend one the wildest Halloween Parties in Orlando in its 9th year. There will be live bands on 2 stages, 8 bars and a costume contest with the desirable prize of free drinks for an entire year!

More info at 407-849-9904 or http://www.wallstplaza.net/

Black and Orange Ball at Rix Lounge, October 30, 9pm-3am

If you can’t wait until Halloween, here is another party for Friday. For $10 tickets (advance) or $15 (door) you can attend another great costume party in Orlando. Costume alternative is a black-orange outfit. Jayde from XL 106.7 will host the costume contest with cash prizes and there will be a Thriller mixology presented at midnight.

More info at 407-939-3806 or http://www.rixlounge.com
Rix Lounge – 1000 W. Buena Vista Drive – Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Pumpkin Ball at Ceviche, October 31, 9pm

A pricier event at $25 to $50 but it will benefit the All Children’s Hospital.

On top of that this promises to be a spectacular party with four floors of entertainment, bands and DJs, live freak shows, big giveaways and sexy contests.

Get into the “spirit” with Grim Reaper Shots from “The Vampires Ice Luge” or visit the “Vampire Bar” Downstairs for shots of “Jagermeister” or “3 AM Vodka”. If you prefer a more exclusive experience and table and bottle service, be sure to ask about the “VIP Chill Lounge” with its “Purgatory VIP Bar” made only of ice and Private Glow Dancers and of course no Halloween party is complete without a Costume Contest.

The Pumpkin Ball has four Contests; the Best, Best Couple, Scariest, and of course the Sexiest Costume Contest! Prizes are valued at over a $5,000.00 for the Winners!

More info at (941)952-1036 or http://thepumpkinball.com
Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant, 125 W. Church Street, Orlando, FL 32801 – Phone: 321-281-8140

More Orlando Area Halloween Events:

Pumpkin Harvest at Green Meadows Farm, Kissimmee

Not so much into the commercial side of Halloween? Check out the Green Meadows Petting Farm in Kissimmee for a traditional Fall celebration. There will be a pumpkin patch and horse & tractor riding throughout the farm. You can also help picking pumpkins or take a tour of the farm to see lots of animals and birds.
Green Meadows Farm – 1368 South Poinciana Boulevard – Kissimmee, FL
Call (407) 846-0770 for more info.

Fantasy of Flight’s “Haunted Hangar” Walking Tour, daily until October 31

Fantasy of Flights, the popular aviation themed attraction, offers a spooky walking tour, daily from 10am to 5pm. Free with Fantasy of Flight General Admission.
For more information: 863-984-3500 or at http://www.fantasyofflight.com/

Broken Speech Dead Poets Slam, October 30, 2009

This free event at Stardust Video and Coffee in Winter Park invites you to a Broken Speech Dead Poets Slam. Dress up as your favorite dead poet (some ideas: Poe, Yeats, Dickinson, etc.) and read their works.

More info at 407-623-3393 or http://www.brokenspeech.com or slam@brokenspeech.com
Stardust Video & Coffee – 1842 E. Winter Park Road – Orlando, FL 32803

The LeVene Family Trail of Nightmares, Oct 29, 30 and 31, 7:30pm

The Lakeside at Celebration will become a scary walk through. Admission is $12.

More info at 407-566-1200
Lakeside Park, 631 Sycamore Street, Celebration, FL 34747, 407-566-1698

H&M Orlando FL

YAY! H&M is here! I was super excited when I got my invitation to the VIP opening party at the Florida Mall. So yesterday was the big night! At 7pm H&M opened their doors to Orlando’s fashionistas and we got to shop amazing fashion at a 25% discount before everyone else gets their chance at the official opening on October 15th. That day H&M will open this fantastic 2 story store to the public – and they will have some great giveaways. The first 300 shoppers will receive random shopping gift certificates from H&M, so it might be worth waiting in line!

Inside H&M at the Florida Mall Orlando FL

Those of you who have followed my blog for a while now know what a great H&M fan I am. I have to say, I was impressed with this store and the great selection it offers. The first floor will be devoted to women fashion and some men fashion, the second floor for children fashion (very cute stuff!). H&M is definitely a trend setter among fashion stores and I am sure you will find something to your taste here. From business clothing, to hip young and trendy wear, H&M has it!

Check out the H&M Fashion studio where you can get inspired and combine your own look with their clothing. (BTW, the store offers a lot more clothing than you see on their web site!)

The store at the Seminole Towne Center in Sanford will most likely also open on October 15th, 2009, I will be sure to check it out and confirm here.

For now, take a look at some scenes captured during last night’s shopping party that featured great music by DJ Kiss and excellent food and drinks. The atmosphere was peaceful (I was honestly afraid of shopping wars) and you could tell by the sparkling eyes of most shoppers what a happy night it was for them. The lines at the fitting rooms formed early and many had to wait for up to 40 minutes – but it was worth it in the end for most of them and the prospect of some hot deals combined with free drinks kept everyone entertained …

Seminole High School

This is for all Seminole High School Almuni out there:

Seminole High is holding a Multi Class Reunion this weekend (October 9/10, 2009). The reunion actually already starts at tonight’s (10/08/09) Alive After Five with a casual meet and greet (some tables have been reserved by some groups at the outside patio of 2 Blondes and a Shrimp on First Street) and then continues throughout the weekend with a get together at Captain’s Cove (at the Boat Tree Marina at the old Port of Sanford just west of I-4 off Orange Blvd. – see day 171 for more info about this poolside bar/restaurant) on Friday, the official night, starting at 6:30pm. Reservations have been made for about 150 people and more are expected so it is recommended that you arrive early. Saturday is still wide open, perfect to meet up again and talk about those good old times )

If you are a Seminole High alumni, try to make it tonight to Alive After Five or tomorrow to Captain’s Cove. Sounds like a lot of fun to me!!

Munich Oktoberfest 2009

Just a reminder that tonight, 10/08/2009, is Sanford’s Alive After Five biggest event of the year: Oktoberfest!

I have just returned from my 3 week trip to Europe and attended the real Oktoberfest in Munich (see picture). When I’m done catching up at work I will post some of the best pictures I took during my trip, but for now I encourage everyone to come out tonight and experience some Bavarian culture in Sanford!

The event starts at 5pm on First Street in Downtown Sanford and will end around 9pm. Be sure to stop y the Willow Tree Cafe to grab a fresh Pretzel and an Oktoberfest beer – they are delicious and refreshing (just right with these high temperatures) and you won’t have to drink a whole liter if you prefer to just have a taste of it

Cheers, or better “Ein Prosit der Gemuetlichkeit!”

Home Sweet Home

…Ingolstadt! My home town in Germany, that’s where the trip went ;o) The picture shows my parents’ home. So my old home is the setting for the end of the 365 challenge about Sanford, FL (my new home). I can’t think of a better ending…

I am enjoying my family and friends and the short time I am spending here. Therefore, not much more at this point.

Yay, I did it, the challenge is complete, 365 days felt short and long at the same time. When I look at some posts they seem to be ages old, but when I think about the start of the project it feels like just yesterday. It has been a very time consuming project but it was totally worth it. Along the way I have met some great people. Thank you also for all the encouraging words you have posted here, those really kept me going. I hope this blog has made you curious about Sanford and given you a good impression of  life in Sanford and its surrounding areas (sure, with exception of my excursions…).

Counting every day has also made me aware of how precious every day is. “Carpe Diem” – don’t postpone things to the next day. Many times the challenge has given me the extra energy to do things. Things that I might not have done hadn’t it been for my daily picture and a good story – things that I would regret to have missed. I am hoping to keep this energy and will continue to be open for new things and places to explore.

I have enjoyed this challenge very much, have obviously learned a lot about Sanford and the surrounding areas and I will continue this blog – just not every day. I will post whenever I find a new spot in Sanford or the Orlando area that could add to this blog. Looking forward to maintaining it for many years to come ;o)

So I am sitting here at MCO (Orlando International Airport) waiting for my plane. Yay, I’m looking forward to this trip so much! It’s kind of funny that this challenge will not end in Sanford but in … [to be continued. ..Wait for tomorrow's post]