Last year we blogged about the Citrus Parade running through downtown Orlando, and earlier today we caught the annual parade–celebrating the Citrus Bowl–again. This year’s parade was awesome, featuring the bands and cheerleaders from combating teams LSU and Penn State, along with the first-ever WNBA player to slam dunk the ball, Lisa Leslie (she also has the record for most points).
Here are some of the photos we captured (great view):
UPDATE – 12/30,7:26AM: Thanks to reader @Curtis, we have information on the Amy Grant show on 1/21. She will be performing at Northland Church in Longwood, and you can find details here.
As you know klynn and I both are huge music buffs. We’ve written about and promoted concerts and live performances since this blog’s inception. So I was completely excited to start making plans for several concerts to kick off the new year!
LADY GAGA
She’s controversial and completely misunderstood (in my opinion), and Lady Gaga puts on one-heck-of-a-show…or so I’m told. A friend of mine snatched-up tickets for us when the show recently switched from Hard Rock Live to the UCF Arena, and I’m really stoked to see this performer live.
You’ve undoubtedly heard this song on the radio, here’s the video for her current single “Bad Romance” (from the recently released “The Fame Monster”). I think it’s an awesome Euro-goth-pop song, and is very different from other material on the US radio.
AMY GRANT
She’s long been one of my favorite artists; I grew-up listening to her all throughout my childhood. I’ve actually seen Amy Grant perform live several times, and she’s truly an amazing talent.
Like Lady Gaga, believe it or not Amy has been quite controversial throughout her career, too. With strong roots in Contemporary Christian music, Amy broke into the “secular” market in the late ’80s, and sent many of her Christian fans into a tizzy. Personally, I don’t care what type of music she’s singing…as long as she’s singing!
Amy’s website shows she’s coming to the Central Florida area on 1/21; however, no venue or ticket information has been released yet. If we find anything out we’ll be sure to post it here. Below is the video for her song “That’s What Love Is For,” one of my favorite songs from her Grammy-nominated “Heart In Motion” record:
PAUL OAKENFOLD
Paul Oakenfold is one of the world’s most famous DJs. He’s often been accused of being “a sellout” or too “mainstream” but I dig his music regardless.
He’ll be performing at downtown Orlando’s Club Firestone on Saturday, February 6th, although whether he’s performing his own original music or simply DJing a set has not yet been disclosed.
One of my favorite Oakenfold “pop” songs features the late Brittany Murphy (who knew she had such an amazing singing voice?) on a track from 2006′s release “A Lively Mind”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elac83wehSQ
If you plan on going to any of these shows drop by our Facebook Fan Page to let us know, and we’ll look for you at the show(s).
Remember a couple of “gems” (“Deja Vu” & “Artichoke Red”) we recently told you about, located on Antique Row just north of downtown Orlando? Well here’s another, but be warned – this one’s for adults only!
Some friends and I walked past the exterior of Blissful Lotus on Orange Avenue a couple of weeks ago, and of course we had to go in. I mean, if you saw this sign sitting on the street wouldn’t you want to take a peek inside?!
Now, this store is for couples who are looking to spice-up their lives with lingerie, books, art, scents, lotions, toys, and more! Or perhaps for the individual simply looking to expand their knowledge and education of the human body! Or even a nice gift for the bride-or-groom-to-be! Anything you’re looking for is certain to be found at Blissful Lotus.
While browsing around the shop and snapping-up photos, we had the opportunity to chat with owners Stacey and Sean–also a “couple of gems”–and even managed to get them into a photo themselves:
One of the great things we noticed about Blissful Lotus is they are constantly having events & classes that are open to the general public (like the “erotic poetry slam”)!
If you want to learn more about Blissful you’ll have to either give them a buzz or pop in the store. While their official website is still in the construction phase, you can become a friend on Facebook.
Vitals:
1810 North Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32804-6415
407.704.3357
If you stop into Blissful anytime soon be sure to mention you heard about them on “Pulse”!
As a College Park resident, I’m surprised I don’t spend more time at this fantastic neighborhood shop.
Fresh off their 5th anniversary in business in College Park, Infusion Tea is much more than a little coffee tea shop.
In addition to a vast assortment of teas, they also serve a menu of delicious food including crepes, pizza, organic wraps and more! And if that wasn’t enough to get you to stop in, they have a great little Co-op store full of unique gifts from local artists.
I’m told it’s also an excellent place to host a bridal or baby shower–what a neat idea!!
Brrr…would someone please turn the heat on? No, wait – that would melt everything!
I have been wanting to experience the Gaylord Palms Hotel’s ICE! since the first year they brought the exhibit to Central Florida but I’ve just never taken the time…until now! (Of course, I’d take any opportunity to visit the Gaylord Palms property because it’s one of the finest in the area.) Not familiar with ICE!? Well, after this post you will be, and you’ll want to jump in your car and head to Kissimmee right away!
Currently showing now through January 3rd of next year, here’s mine and klynn’s experience at ICE!
THE INTRODUCTION
Guests are immediately introduced to ICE! when pulling-up to the resort. The decorations are gorgeous, and even viewable from the Interstate.
SUITING-UP
Yes, that sign above reads nine degrees! Holy cold! So you’d better be sure a heavy coat is in order (provided by Gaylord Palms).
SOUVENIRS
Any Orlando attraction would be incomplete without a souvenir shop. So if you want to take a piece of ICE! home with you, you have your pick!
For our complete photo library of the exhibit view the gallery below or visit our Flickr set.
Overall an awesome experience, and definitely something I would do again in the future!
Here are a few tips–from my perspective–that will help you have an enjoyable experience when you visit ICE! at Gaylord Palms Hotel:
Visit during the week, Monday through Thursday.
Bring a pair of gloves with you. If you don’t have any, BUY SOME! (My hands were painfully cold by the time I was finished walking through the exhibit.)
Be aware there is a parking fee of $12.
Walk around the hotel when you’ve finished touring ICE! The Gaylord Palms Hotel is gorgeously decorated during the holiday season.
There are various ticket packages, including online discounts, packages that include parking, and season passes. You can find out more about these by clicking here
One thing I did not have the opportunity to experience because of time constraints, is a new show tied to ICE! called Luminescence. It’s a Cirque-type show and free to all guests visiting the Gaylord Palms Hotel. I’ll definitely be heading back out to watch this show before the holidays are over.
PLEASE NOTE: While this is not a sponsored post, “Pulse” was provided two complimentary tickets to experience the ICE! exhibit. Many thanks to the Gaylord Palms Hotel team for offering-up an opportunity to visit.
A few months ago you might remember a post Erin published on the Habitat for Humanity’s “Green” Community here in Central Florida. Well, Erin, a couple of friends, and I were given the opportunity to go to the Community a couple of weeks ago for a more in-depth look at this fantastic charitable service/site. We were even lucky enough to tour the model, which contains eco-friendly paint, recycled carpet, and energy-efficient appliances. Amazing!
This effort truly is an awesome thing, not only providing amazing homes to those in need, but also giving some love to the planet! I’m going to leave the nuts-and-bolts to Erin since the “green scene” is really her thing, but in true fashion I took many photos on our tour, and wanted to post them here to share.
If you’ve ever visited this site or have volunteered for Habitat, we’d love to hear about it!
Hip Hop fans listen-up! The ultimate hip hop fest is happening right here in Central Florida this coming weekend, December 11th & 12th, at ROXY Night Club (near Fashion Square Mall)!
Outbreak 5 is internationally recognized, featuring world class b-boy battles, and attendees from all over the globe. In addition to the battles the festival also features a graffiti art exhibition showcasing some of Florida’s most talented artists, along with a live concert featuring local bans FUSIK, ArtOfficial, and ¡MAYDAY!.
Here’s a glimpse of what to expect:
Outbreak 5 offers several ticket package options so visit their online store to find the one that best suites you. (Be aware there are no video cameras allowed on the second day of the event.)
For complete event information–including talent, times, and directions–you can check their website at www.thebboyspot.com.
I don’t think klynn or I will be able to make this particular event but if any of our readers attend we’d love to hear all about it!
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