A couple weeks ago, while having a drink at 310 Park South in Winter Park, I was lucky enough to catch Matt Shenk perform. I know what you’re thinking … typical bar performance with sub-par vocals and 3-chord guitar strumming. Nope. Not even close.

I’m a sucker for the male singer-songwriter (think John Mayer, DMB, Ray LaMontagne, Jason Mraz, etc.) so when Matt’s version of Dave Matthews Band’s “Typical Situation” was almost better than the original, I sat up and paid attention.

Do yourself a favor, head over to Matt’s website and catch his cover of “Mercy Mercy Me,” I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.  And, if you’re in Winter Park tomorrow night, you can catch him performing at 310.

For the past two weeks, I’ve been participating in the Chevy Girl on the Go program. I’ve said it in Tweets, in person, on Facebook, here on the blog and to anyone and everyone who’ll listen: it’s been a great experience. Not only have I had the opportunity to drive one of the most fun cars I’ve driven in years, but our “little blog that could” has gotten some terrific exposure.

Thanks to the Orlando Sentinel’s Sarah Lundy, we were featured on the front page of the Orlando Sentinel, and also on OrlandoSentinel.com.

Yep; that's the front page.

We started this blog more than 2 years ago so we could share our experiences in Central Florida and tell whoever would listen that there’s more to this town than Mickey (although we love them, too!) and we hope you’ll continue to come along for the ride. Thanks for reminding me (us) that Anything is Possible.

Q: If you’re familiar with our series, we always like to jump off having our features share something about themselves. What’s a fun fact we should be familiar with?
A: I used to believe I was healthy when I was eating Lean Cuisines, low-carb and low calorie foods, and “light” food products. After incorporating more fresh produce, whole grains, natural foods and lean meats into my diet, and taking the initiative to prepare my own meals rather than relying on something “lean” from the frozen foods section, I found myself feeling more energetic, and much, much more satisfied. I cannot tell you how filling a bowl of whole grain pasta, topped with a bunch of steamed broccoli, marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese is when compared to a rinky-dink tray of frozen food!

Q: You grew up in Chicago, we’ve read, so what brought you to Central Florida? And how long have you been a resident?
A: I moved to St. Pete with my family in June 2003 after I graduated high school because my dad changed jobs. I knew I wanted to go to college close to my family, so I chose UCF and moved downtown after I graduated in 2007 because I loved the area so much.

Q: Anyone who’s familiar with your blog “Peanut Butter Fingers” knows you’re very active in life, and eat healthy – definitely an inspiration to others. How would you encourage others to eat healthy and be active in their own lives?
A: The only way you’ll continue to live a healthy and active life is if you enjoy it! Find a form of exercise that you love (hiking, biking, swimming, group exercise classes) and make it a part of your daily routine.

When it comes to healthy eating, don’t be afraid to try foods you think you will hate! When I first started incorporating more vegetables into my diet, I would buy a veggie I had not tried in years and look up how to prepare it in a way that appealed to me. Tossing veggies like broccoli or cauliflower in olive oil and sprinkling them with garlic salt before roasting them in the oven at 400 degrees for 20 minutes is one of my favorite ways to prepare vegetables.

Also, keep in mind that a healthy life is a balanced life, so it’s 100 percent okay to indulge every once in a while!

Q: When I stumbled across your blog it was love at first sight! I always leave hungry after I’ve been there. Where do you find ideas for the food creations you make?
A: I have such a huge sweet tooth and am tempted by indulgent foods. Many of my creations are simply healthy takes on otherwise unhealthy foods. For example, when my fiancé ordered banana walnut-stuffed French toast at a restaurant once, I knew that was a recipe I could easily recreate in a much healthier way.

Q: How does your blog connect you with other culinary enthusiasts?
A: I think the people that enjoy reading my blog are normal people who have an interest in simple, healthy meals. The average, everyday person can recreate anything I post on my blog – often in less than 20 minutes! I am not one to make difficult meals that require tons of abnormal spices. I think people who don’t consider themselves a whiz in the kitchen may feel more confident tackling a recipe that requires only a couple of ingredients they already have on hand.

Q: Do you find the majority of people who are devoted to your blog are from Central Florida? Or do they come from all over?
A: At first my readers were my family and friends, so they were mostly Central Florida residents. Since I began blogging in September 2009, I’ve been fortunate to see my blog grow a bit and have now received comments from readers nationwide and overseas, which is really neat!

Q: What’s your take on the Central Florida culinary community (if there even is one)?
A: I wish I knew!  I am just an average girl who loves to cook, so I think most people who are culinary wizards would probably laugh at my recipes and obscure ideas!

Q: OK, since you love food we must ask: What’s your favorite restaurant in Central Florida?
A: Houston’s or Season’s 52. The hot fudge ice cream sundae from Houston’s is my favorite food of all time. Cold, creamy vanilla ice cream, topped with rich chocolate fudge and candied pecans… You can’t go wrong!

Q: You blog so frequently. Where do you find the time?
A: Time is probably my biggest obstacle. I work full-time and in order to blog, I wake up half an hour earlier than I otherwise would to blog about breakfast and my morning workout, and use my lunch break to blog about my lunch. I also write down my blog ideas as they come to me, so when I sit down to blog I generally have an idea of what I want to write, which makes creating a post much faster than sitting down to write without a specific direction in mind.

Q: Why did you start blogging?
A: I love to write and I love learning, writing and reading about health and fitness. I created my blog as an outlet to write about healthy living and to share my recipes and food ideas with my family and friends. I continue to blog because I honestly love it. The blogging community is so wonderfully supportive and I enjoy corresponding with readers, especially those who want to live a healthy life but aren’t quite sure how to get there. I am not an expert by any means, but I love learning and sharing what’s worked for me with regard to living a healthy and balanced life.

Q: Like you, I like to take pictures wherever I go. Do you get strange looks from people like I do?!
A: Definitely. Since I take pictures of almost all of my meals, I receive some strange looks from people when I snap photos of my meals in restaurants. At first I felt uncomfortable, but now I’m used to it.

Q: Your fiancé Ryan is featured pretty regularly on your blog. Is he cool with this public exposure? (He undoubtedly reaps the benefits of your hobby!)
A: Ryan is amazingly supportive. He calls me his “little tourist” because I snap pictures almost everywhere we go. I feel very lucky that he’s so open to trying all of my healthy recipes and provides me with honest feedback about what tastes good and what doesn’t. He’s often the source of a lot of my blogging ideas and is a great sport about everything.

Q: You’re obviously interested in athletic and outdoorsy activities. Where are some great places to do these types of things here in Central Florida?
A: One of my favorite places in Central Florida is Wekiwa Springs State Park (hey…we love it there, too!). Ryan and I love taking our dog Sadie hiking on the many trails and have seen deer, wild turkeys and other exciting wildlife while exploring the area!

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time—if you have any—in Central Florida?
A: I love taking our dog to Fleet Peeples dog park with Ryan, shopping at the Prime Outlets (the Banana Republic & J.Crew outlets are amazing!), walking around Lake Eola and visiting the Downtown Orlando farmer’s market on Sundays. These days much of my free time is also taken over by wedding planning!

Q: Are there any “secret treasures” in the Central Florida area, people should know about?
A: I’m not sure how “secret” these are, but here are a couple of little treasures I love:

• Raphsodic Cooperative Company (a delicious, eco-friendly bakery)
• All Fired Up (pottery painting)
• Jeremiah’s Italian Ice

Q: And in closing, what is one piece of advice you’d like to leave with our readers?
A: Living a healthy life is not black and white. Striving to be “mostly healthy” is a great goal. Balance your indulgences by fueling your life with healthy food and fitness most of the time but understand that treats are part of living a healthy life. Be sure to take time to relax and enjoy an ice cream cone every once in a while!

Jordin Sparks Returns to Orlando June 23!

Jordin Sparks has embarked on her first solo tour and we’re super-excited to have had the opportunity to interview her for a very special edition of our People Pulse feature!

Q:   First, belated congratulations for winning Idol, and for the massive success of your first two albums. How has it been being out on tour as the main act and not the opener?

Jordin:  Thank you! It’s been so much fun! Being able to headline is a lot different than opening. Instead of warming up the crowd, I’m the main act. Instead of having 15-20 minutes on stage I have an hour. Instead of five songs I sing 15-17. I’m still getting used to having opening acts myself. Kate and Days Difference are super sweet and very talented. It’s a lot more to handle, I’ll tell you that!

Q:  We’ve read the awesome news about your upcoming Broadway debut. What do you think has prepared you for it more, Idol or touring?

Jordin:  Well I think all of it together, plus the time I spent in drama club and community theatre. I’m excited for a whole new experience in not only in my career, but in life as well. I ’ll be on my own for the first time when I head to NY. I’m so ready!

Q:  Do you ever feel like you’re competing against other successful Idol alums like Clay, Fantasia or Jennifer Hudson who’ve already made their Broadway debut?

Jordin:  No, it’s never been about competing against others in the industry. For me, it’s always been about topping myself. Plus, we all will have had different parts and characters to play. I’ve met them and they all are super talented people.

Q:  You’ve managed to do something so few artists your age can claim by staying out of negative headlines, what do you attribute that to?

Jordin:  I’m not sure. I guess it’s just because I would much rather stay in and read a book than have to get all dressed up and go out. Don’t get me wrong, I love to dance and have a good time but it’s usually just once in a while.

Q:  Speaking of headlines, two of Florida’s main highways were just ranked as some of the deadliest, so the fact that you’ve teamed up for the “X the TXT” campaign is particularly valuable to our community. How do you think you can keep this message out front after the tour is over?

Jordin:   I’m hoping that those who have taken the pledge will tell their friends and family and that they will do the same and tell others. It’s definitely a habit, so people have to be conscious that they are not paying attention to the road. But I’m going to do my best to keep talking about it. I was in a car [with a driver] who was taking me to the airport before the tour and he was texting! I told him, ‘can you please not do that?’ I don’t know if he’ll keep doing it, but all it takes is someone to speak up and make the driver realize they are risking not only their life, but the lives of those in the car with them.

Q:   We’re HUGE music lovers here at PulseofCentralFlorida.com, what’s on your iPod?

Jordin:   Oh man, everything ranging from Jason Derulo to P!nk to Michael Jackson to The Beatles to Nat King Cole to Christina to Mariah to Jonas Brothers and my stuff.

Q:   The last time you performed in Orlando, you were at Universal. Have you had time to explore the city at all or visit any of the other parks?

Jordin:  Well I’ve been to Disney World multiple times, once for the excitement and to chill and the other time to open the American Idol Experience. It was so much fun!

Tickets are still available for Jordin’s show at House of Blues June 23. We hope to see some of our readers there!

Last month, a friend of mine shared a link to a Facebook page for J’s Everyday Fashion Blog. And, although I wouldn’t consider myself a fashion junkie, something about what I was seeing was unique. “J” had an obvious eye for fashion and she did something even cooler … she posted photos and broke each outfit down piece-by-piece complete with store & price so you could find it, too. Oftentimes, she went a step further and included a link or mentioned that an item was available now.

Feedback to the page has been overwhelming and “J” a.k.a. Jeanette recently launched her own blog. I thought it would be fun to feature her, since she’s clearly well on her way to fashion icon status.

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Q: Our favorite way to start off is with a little-known fact about who we’re highlighting. Tell us something about you!

I wasn’t always fashionable. I went through a skater phase, a tomboy phase and I wore nothing but sneakers until college. No one in my family is really interested in fashion, so I basically taught myself by reading fashion magazines and a lot of trial-and-error over the past 7 years!

Well, we definitely think you’re onto something!

Q: You’ve only been in Central Florida for six months … where did you relocate from and what do you like best about the area so far?

My husband and I moved here from Boston. It’s cliché, but my favorite thing about Central Florida is the weather. Six months out of the year in Boston is spent dressing for survival. I’m very much enjoying the freedom of not having to wear boots and coats all the time. I feel much more creative here!

Q: I initially saw your Page on Facebook, but now you have an actual blog hosted on blogspot. Congratulations on starting that—can you tell us what inspired you to start them?

About a month ago I started posting pictures of my outfits on Facebook for fun. A friend suggested that I start a dedicated fashion page. I was blown away by the response to the page! And I found that I really enjoyed helping people with their fashion questions and discussing outfits with girls on the site. That led to another friend suggesting that I expand to Blogspot and the rest, as they say, is history!

Q: Well, you are definitely a fashionista! Do you always dress so fashionable, or are there days when you just schlep around in a T-shirt and jeans?

I actually laugh sometimes when I’m walking the dog, thinking about what my readers would think if they saw me. My daily uniform for that is anything but fashionable. And I’m really lazy about doing my hair.

Q: One of my favorite things about your blog is that you find trends and show us how to mimic them. Are there some trends you just won’t wear?

I won’t wear clogs (don’t even get me started), ballet flats (unflattering to my big feet), tights (too uncomfortable) or leggings (maybe if I’m pregnant). I’m pretty much game for anything else.

Q: Orlando’s not really known as a high-fashion destination, but what are some of your favorite places to shop in town?

I’m still getting to know the area, but I like the Florida Mall for its endless selection and the H&M/Forever 21/Zara section. I also love hanging out on Park Ave but mostly just to window shop.

Q: Besides Fashion, what else interests you?

I have a full-time job in marketing, I just ran my first half marathon in March, I like trying new restaurants, I have an adorable dog and husband, and of course, I love to shop!

Q: Besides following your blog, what would you like to leave our readers with who aspire to be as fashionable as you? Any tips? Suggestions?

Have fun with clothes! It’s a fabulous way to express yourself. And it’s well worth the effort – because when you look great, you feel great too!

Check out Jeanette’s Blog: http://www.jseverydayfashion.blogspot.com/

A few months ago I stumbled upon an awesome food blog called Aggie’s Kitchen. In doing some research, I was thrilled to find out the author lives right here in Central Florida. So what did I do? I e-mailed Aggie to see if she’d like to be featured in our “People Pulse” series!

Before starting the interview, let me just say…seriously, this blog is awesome. Every time I read a new post my tummy growls with envy. I can assure you once you’ve learned more about AggiesKitchen.com you’ll feel the same way.

The Site

The Woman Behind the Site

Q: So we always like to start out this series with a little known fact about the person we’re highlighting. What’s yours?
A: I am a bit obsessed with collecting seashells, hot sauces and vacuuming.

Q: Are you a Central Florida native? If not, how long have you been a resident?
A: I moved to Central Florida in 1999, shortly after graduating from the University of Florida.

Q: What do you enjoy most about Central Florida?
A: Sunshine, sunshine, sunshine….as well as our great location to all things Florida.

Q: You have an awesome food blog called “Aggie’s Kitchen”, that’s been around for about two years. It seems you have quite a history with food, so was a food blog a no-brainer?
A: I had no idea what a blog was until the week I started my blog. I randomly came across a few while searching for a recipe online, I was immediately intrigued! I couldn’t believe they were written by actual “people” cooking at home! After some encouragement from my niece Sarah, I finally started my own. So glad I did.

Q: How does your blog connect you with other culinary enthusiasts?
A: The food blogging community is full of the nicest and most supportive people. It’s really unique. I’ve connected and developed relationships with so many people that I have never met in “real life”. We share ideas and inspire each other daily.

Q: I imagine you have readers from all over, not just Central Florida?
A: It’s pretty cool to see where your readers come from. I have regular readers from all over the US, even some in Canada, Australia and Japan!

Q: Where do you get your ideas for content?
A: I write about what I’m cooking at home so it isn’t much to think about….I’m inspired by so many things when it comes to food…cookbooks, magazines, bloggers, a great meal I had out…plus if my kids or husband happen to request something special I’m all over that!

Q: Do you find inspiration in Central Florida’s culinary scene?
A: I love when I visit a local restaurant and immediately want to come home and recreate the meal. Recently I have found inspiration at the Lake Mary Farmer’s Market…if you start talking to people while you’re browsing, it’s great to hear what they tell you! One guy told me about how he enjoys the local spring onions in a salad…and another woman shared with me her favorite way to cook sauce using fresh tomatoes and red peppers.

Q: Is there a big food community in Central Florida?
A: Well, since I’ve started blogging about food, it seems to come up in lots of conversations with people I meet in the area. Everyone enjoys a good meal. I love learning about what people are eating….especially if its something I’m not familiar with.

Q: We have to ask: What’s your favorite restaurant in Central Florida?
A: That is a hard question to answer. I have a lot of “favorites” in my little part of Central Florida…for pizza – Cafe Positano, Lake Mary…for Chinese – Imperial Dynasty, Longwood…for Cuban – Oasis, Longwood…and I always can count on a great meal at Dexter’s in Heathrow. I really enjoy eating at “mom and pop” places and try to stay away from big chains…though I do love Seasons 52!

Q: According to your blog you have two children. Do you feel Central Florida is a good place to raise a family?
A: I love the area that I live in. Seminole County is so family friendly…lots of parks, good schools, good people. It’s a great place to raise a family.

Q: In terms of growth & development, what would you like to see for Central Florida?
A: I would love to see more frequent farmer’s markets and community gardens.

Q: Is there something on the horizon you’re really looking forward to for Central Florida?
A: The new Orlando Magic arena! Go Magic!

Q: You’re very interested in athletic and outdoorsy activities, aren’t you? Where are some great places to do these types of things here in Central Florida?
A: Well, the kids and I like to make our rounds of the local parks. That’s how they get their exercise! The Cross Seminole Trail is great for running, cycling or even roller blading. It covers a lot of area so you can easily change up your route to keep things interesting. I’ve swam in a couple of local lakes while training for a couple of triathlons, not sure if I would do that for recreation though! What I really love is that we live only 30 minutes away from the ocean, the beach is my favorite place in the world so to have easy access to it is wonderful.

Q: What do you and your family do for entertainment in Orlando?
A: I always say how lucky our kids are to be living right down the road from all of the coolest places….Sea World, Disney, Universal etc. We have definitely taken advantage of the great yearly pass deal at Sea World the last few years. It’s such a nice treat. Normally though, we stick closer to home. We like to get together with other families, with young ones its always easier that way. I love to entertain at our house, cook up a great meal and let the kids run free!

Q: Are there any “secret treasures” in the Central Florida area, that people should know about?
A: Strawberry picking at Oak Haven Farm in Sorrento! It’s a great place to bring the kids and spend the afternoon. They have a hay ride, a fire pit to roast hot dogs and a playground. And the best part is you go home with strawberries you picked yourself!

Q: Besides your blog, are you active in other channels of social media?
A: I will admit I have an addiction to Facebook. I have a Twitter account but to be honest feel that it’s a bit too much to keep up with. Facebook is great for connecting with old friends. I recently started an Aggie’s Kitchen page and love keeping up with my readers on a more personal basis. I like to post questions daily, or share something simple I made for lunch. There’s lots of discussion on the wall and it’s great because someone is always learning something new, including myself!

Q: And in closing, what is one thing you would like to leave with our readers?
A: Although it’s pretty obvious that I love to cook, I don’t consider myself gourmet or an expert in anyway. My main passion for cooking stems from my roots…how my parents and grandparents cooked for me. We always had a huge garden, eating vegetables was not a scary thing for me as a child. I love all things food and love to talk food with others (how obvious is that!). If there is anything I want to accomplish with my blog it’s to inspire more people to use their kitchens and treat themselves to a healthy home cooked meal!

Pulse: Before we get started, we think it’s fun to hear a fun story or fact about our “people.” What’s yours?
Jorge: Ohhh, well when I was younger, I was dating a couple girls at a time … and one day one of the girls came to my house and actually kicked the door down. It was pretty crazy.

Pulse: Wow. Okay, I won’t ask anymore details about that, but it sounds like you had your hands full!

Pulse: You’re originally from Venezuela; what brought you to the States?
Jorge: I graduated from high school when I was 16 and I got a scholarship to come play tennis here in Florida.

Pulse: We know each other because you’ve been kicking my butt on the tennis court for the past few months. When did you know that you’d be a great tennis player and coach?
Jorge: Well, I didn’t like school, but I was always really good at sports. I played soccer really well, baseball and tennis … I was just athletic. But, I knew if I was going to be serious about one of them, I had to make a choice … the girls might of been part of it too.

Pulse: As a tennis coach, is it fair to say you’re doing what you love for a living?
Jorge: I’d rather be doing nothing else.

Pulse: So, what’s the best way for someone to get started if they’ve barely picked up a racquet?
Jorge: Private lessons are great. There are a lot of intricacies to the game, so taking some one-on-one lessons for 3 to 6 months is a good way to start. After that some group lessons, playing with friends … basically just practice, practice, practice.

Pulse: Okay, enough about tennis for now. When you’re not whipping people into shape on the courts, what sort of stuff do you like to do here in Central Florida?
Jorge: I love going to the beaches here in Central Florida. It’s actually a big part of my recovery after a hard day on the courts. The beach is a great way to rest, relax and stay healthy.

Pulse: You lived in Miami before moving to Orlando; how does Orlando compare to Miami and which city do you like better?
Jorge: Miami is great when you’re young and single, but for a tennis player it was not a good lifestyle…there were just too many distractions. So I used to come to Orlando a lot to get away … I’d go to the parks, watch the tourists and just hang out. It’s a great place to focus on you, it’s family-oriented and not nearly as materialistic as Miami. I love it here.

Pulse: We love Central Florida too, so it’s nice to hear you say that!

Pulse: So, what’s next for you? Will you still be teaching in five years? Ten?
Jorge: I really hope so. If not, it’s because I’m underground [laughs].

Pulse: Before we wrap up, how can people schedule a lesson with you?
Jorge: My home base is at the Lake Cane Tennis Center, managed by MG Tennis, but I teach all over. I teach lessons on the local courts, in private residences, you name it.

If you’re interested in lessons, give me a call at (407) 233-5150 or e-mail me at jorgenanco@gmail.com or jorge@mgtennis and we’ll set it up!

Cause

While this isn’t completely Central Florida-centric in nature, it does relate to two very special Central Floridians. I also told a friend of mine who is friends with said Central Floridians I’d help promote the cause, so here we go….

This actually is a pretty amazing thing if you read into it. Founded in 2003 by Anup Patel and his fiance Rina Patel while at the University of Florida, Cents of Relief is an organization that brings attention & awareness to, what I understand, is a common yet taboo topic: women and children trafficked into prostitution. Here is their mission statement, as found on their website:

MISSION:
Cents of Relief endeavors to allow vulnerable populations, particularly women in prostitution and their children, access to healthcare and prevention from human trafficking. Our projects are dedicated towards providing educational opportunities, improving healthcare, and stopping human trafficking in hopes of permitting these individuals to enjoy the basic necessities of life.”

How You Can Help

If you happen to be in the NYC area next week, on Thursday, March 11th, please consider attending this party for Cents of Relief. I would love to go but…obviously, I live in Orlando. Tickets to the event are very affordable and are donated for the cause. Event details are included in the flier below.

If you’re not going to be in the New York City area later this month but would like to learn more about Cents of Relief, including how you can donate and get involved, please visit their website. And give a big shout-out to Anup and Rina for bringing awareness to this important topic.

Good wishes to Cents of Relief with their event!

Q: Before getting started, we always enjoy hearing one fun fact about our “people.” What’s yours?
A: Ahhhh something that always shocks people is that I have been to over 500 live concerts over the years =) It’s a wonder I still have my hearing.

Q: You’re originally from the North. What brought you to Central Florida, and how long have you been a resident?
A: I have been in Central Florida for the past 10 years and I love it. What brought me to this Sunshine State was exactly that, sunshine! I adore the weather; it keeps my energy up and a smile on my face. It’s so hard to frown on a sunny day!

Q: What do you enjoy most about Central Florida?
A: The big city feel in a small community. We are so spread out and have so much to offer all over the Central Florida area but our community is so tightly knit and is truly a driving force.

Q: In terms of growth & development, what would you like to see for Central Florida?
A: I would like to see Downtown continue to flourish. In my 10 years, I have seen this city go from a central street downtown to a true up-and-coming urban city. We still have a long way to go but I have a great feeling about the next couple of years. The addition of the long awaited Amway Center is going to shock people and really bring an energy that our downtown area has been lacking as far as entertainment.

Q: You are the new Community Manager for Yelp!, a site about local businesses that relies heavily on user-submitted content. What does Yelp have to offer Central Florida?
A: Let’s put it this way, I have actively been using Yelp since Sept ’09 and I have uncovered over 100 local establishments, businesses and restaurants that are bookmarked “to try!” That is out of control. What have I been doing these past 10 years?

Yelp allows people to connect on various levels:

• They can trust their local communities to point them in the direction of great local businesses.
• They can share their opinions and experiences and allow others to benefit from their opinions.
• They can connect with locals online as well as offline and extend their personal networks.
• On the local business side, owners can get out into the community and see what their customers are saying about their business. They can help to improve their business as well as reach out and connect to consumers in order to extend their local reach.

Q: Why should residents Yelp? What incentive do they have?
A: Yelp offers locals so many levels of benefit. Find a great recommendation when searching for a locksmith; you want to trust who is handling the locks on your home, right? Find a great apartment community to live in; you want to hear about the experiences that others have had before you sign a year lease, right? Find a restaurant that allows dogs to their establishments; you don’t want to travel and sit down just to get turned away, right?

Yelp because it’s local. Yelp because it’s easy and trusted. Yelp because you want to read and share relevant information.

Q: How does Yelp connect people?
A: Yelp is a community built on experiences and conversations. It is a lively online community that offers various outlets to turn those connections online into offline connections. There is a section dedicated to local events with the ability to see who is attending so that you can meet up with other local yelpers. You can utilize the Talk section to organize a meet up with other yelpers.

Also, there is the Yelp Elite Squad. Part of my role as the Community Manager is to throw monthly events for my community which is an awesome way for people to connect offline in a meaningful way, as well as meet great local businesses – and of course enjoy a drink or two!


Read More…

It’s been some time since we’ve published a “People Pulse” feature, but the recipient of this particular piece is one awesome dude! If you’re not addicted to this guy’s enthusiasm after learning a little about him then you’re crazy!

Q: Before getting started, what’s one fun fact about yourself you’d like people to know?
A: I regularly write letters to my 93 year old great aunt Dotty and she handwrites me a note for every letter I send. I cherish the love and the insights in those letters. They are inspiration, family history and wisdom all in five pages of chicken scratched notes. It’s an amazing correspondence that has brought good things into my life.

Also….the proper way to spell my name is B-O-B. Please note that there is only one “O”

Q: How long have you lived in the Central Florida area?
A: 28 years. I moved to Central Florida in 1981 to attend UCF I graduated in 1984 (U Can Finish…in three years with a Business (Marketing) major, and a Computer Science minor – Woo Hoo!) I have been here ever since.

Q: What do you enjoy most about Central Florida?
A:  Central Florida has so many amazing possibilities. I love the arts community here. We have some AMAZING visual and performing artists in this community. In addition to their artistic gifts, so many of these people are very fun and kind folks. Thankfully, we are discovering more and more ways to incorporate the arts into the fabric of our communities. With all these brilliant people wandering around, it always feels like we are on the verge of something great.

Q: You’re an awesome artist! Have you always been creative in this format?
A: Thanks for the kind words. I love them. I have been an artist since I was a child. Picasso says that all children are artists; the problem is keeping the artist in them as they grow up. I agree with him.

I am into two kinds of art right now…drawing and photomontage collage. I love scratchboard and charcoal and pencil and ink. I love powerful images and love the challenge of taking something very cool and giving it a whole new meaning by surrounding it with new a visual context or story

Q: Where do you find inspiration for your art?
A: Everywhere. There’s a Calvin and Hobbes title that best describes my view of creative inspiration…”Treasure, Treasure Everywhere” I wrote a column for a national magazine called “The Quest for Creative Inspiration” and learned from people who are far more creative than I am, that there are a billion ways to find your inspiration and to stoke your creative spark. I’m in the process of trying them all.

There are themes that tend to permeate the art that I have created so far: People, religion, hope, beauty, love, war and wonder. I also love contrasts and paradoxes. That makes me sound deeper than I am. But it’s true.

Q: Is your artwork available for purchase?
A: Yes…I’m not currently showing at any galleries or art festivals, but I have been selling a bit of art this year…which is great. I do it for love and the money seems to show up. That’s beautiful reinforcement…but not why I do it. Of people want to buy my art they can e-mail me at bob@flightofideas.net.

Q: In addition to your artwork, you’re also an actor. How did you get started acting?
A: My first public performance was on stage as the letter “w”. With my brother and three of my sisters we spelled out the word “Amway”. Mom and Dad were very successful (Diamond) direct distributors in the Amway Corporation…back in the very early days of the company. They didn’t hesitate to get the kids involved. We were the Osmonds of the Amway Corporation. My only line was “W is for work, which is not for me!” It killed.

I acted in a few plays in high school. Fun fact: The girl I married was an usherette at my last high school performance.

I didn’t act again (other than on the business stage) until 1999 when I enrolled in an improv class at SAK Comedy Lab in Orlando. After a couple of years of classes, I began performing improv with SAK’s Lab Rats and I currently perform with SAK’s Gen S and Ensemble Troupes as a performer and a host. It is great fun and a great challenge to my brain (and my courage) to jump on stage without an agenda and work with my playmates to take whatever the audience offers as inspiration and weave it into a funny, often poignant, scene.

This stuff is also great training for thinking on your feet in business and in life.

Q: Do you perform regularly in the Central Florida area?
A: I perform every week, often multiple times a week. It’s an addiction. But I intend to eventually get on the improv methadone program.

Q: Is there a creative platform you enjoy more than others?
A: Improv is my performing love. Street Painting (watercolor pastel), drawing in pencil, charcoal and ink and photomontage collage are my visual arts loves.

I also love film as a medium and intend to see what I can do with that powerful communication tool.

Q: Are there any “movers & shakers” in the arts Community we should be familiar with other than yourself?
A: Oh there are many…people like Beth Marshall the maven of the Orlando Fringe Festival, Anna McCambridge who champions Visual Fringe every year and is an amazing artist herself, Margot Knight who runs United Arts of Central Florida so deftly and Dave RussellTerry Olson two of the Founding Fathers of SAK Comedy lab. Dave is now the Artistic and Managing Director of SAK and Terry is the head of Orange County Arts and Cultural Affairs. andI love so many of the artists at McCrae Studios: Dina Mack, Larry Moore and the Whipples (John and Lynn) are among of my favorites. Jeff Wirth is constantly stretching the boundaries of interactive performance, and you should see Jessica Mariko and the gang at DRIP dance and speak with their performances. Mark Baratelli is emerging as a force for the arts with his Taco Truck and Mobile Art Show and his City Arts Blog. And have you seen any of Thomas Thorspecken‘s illustrations? He drew every day in 2009…amazing details. Finally, I also love Lee Jones who is the president of the Florida Chalk Artist’s Association. She helps artists break into the medium of street painting. You don’t have to travel very far to find wonderful advocates for the arts.

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