Brandcation – Global Getaway

Archive for Brandcation – Global Getaway

Apr
22

Thanks to Brandy at StitchBlade Designs

by Katie

If you haven’t noticed, a couple of months ago my blog was transferred to WordPress from Blogger and redesigned. I didn’t do it. I just don’t have that kind of “technicality” or creativity in me. Brandy, at StitchBlade Designs did it for me.

I met Brandy on the Brandcation Media Event in November and we hit it off immediately and became fast friends. Too bad she lives on the other end of the US because I think we would have a blast hanging out.

(Lisa, Me, & Brandy at Brandcation)

Brandy is more than a WordPress Designer. She is a blogger herself and I have learned quite a bit from her. Check out her blog Not So Average Mama.

She is self taught, so that everything she has learned she worked hard for and I commend her on that. I don’t know if I would have the patience for that. She is also an AWESOME photographer ~ her photos are beautiful so if you live in the Lake Dallas, Texas area you should hit her up at Loudmouth Photography.

Some of Brandy’s beautiful photography:

But more than all of those wonderful things she is, she has also been a real, true friend to me and I cannot thank her enough. She is always there to listen to me if I need an ear or if I just need to vent.

I feel very fortunate to have Stitchblade Designs redesign my blog, and feel even more fortunate that Brandy is my friend.

Thanks Brandy!

Categories : Brandcation - Global Getaway, My Two Cents

Nov
17

Eversave at Brandcation

by Katie

We were lucky enough to have representatives from Eversave come visit us and give us a presentation on Friday during Brandcation!

What is Eversave?

“Our team works day and night to negotiate rock-bottom deals on the things you love to do and buy in your area. From spa treatments to restaurant discounts, ski packages to yoga classes – we find the best deals and deliver them to you – in the form of a Save.

Sign up for Daily Save emails and you’ll be the first to know when we have a great Save. Don’t want too many emails? Don’t worry. You’ll never get more than one Save per day. Like the Save? Click and buy. Not interested? No problem. Just wait for the next great Save to come along!

What makes Saves work so well is the “group buying” model. Every Save has a minimum number of buyers that must be met before that Save can be activated, so the more people who sign up, the more likely it is that the Save will get made. If you like one of our Saves, share it! Tweet it, Facebook it, email it or just shout it from the rooftops. But share the Save!”

They have “online” saves as well as different city saves everyday! You can get some great deals at Eversave!

For example, today online you can get 30.00 worth of mane-managing hair accessories from No Slippy Hair Clippy for 15.00! That is a 50% savings!!!

In Orlando you can get $17 for two movie tickets and a voucher for food and drinks at Aloma Cinema Grill ($35 value)! WOW~

Eversave also has a “Refer a Friend” program where if you refer a friend to Eversave and they buy their first Save, they’ll put $12 in your Save Rewards account. There’s no limit to how many friends you can refer or how many Save Rewards you can earn!

Thanks Eversave for telling us all about your program!

I want to thank Brandfluential for hosting the Brandcation event, as well as thank my personal sponsors GoodBoyRoy, ShoppeCharlotte.com, ExecutiveGiftShoppe, Caretta Caretta, A Touchy of Whimsy, Nuts About Granola.

Categories : Brandcation - Global Getaway, Coupons, Restaurant Coupons, Store Coupons

Nov
16

Arabian Nights – Brandcation

by Katie

WHOA! Will you ever see the fun end at Brandcation??? Saturday after Boggy Creek Airboat Rides and Gatorland we were off to see Arabian Nights!

This was a great night in that I was able to get to know so many more bloggers so well!

About Arabian Nights:

“Arabian Nights, the Most Honored Dinner Show in the World, is located in Orlando’s tourist heartland and close to Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Studios® Resort and the Sea World Adventure Park.

At the exciting Arabian Nights Dinner Attraction, guests enter the magical world of Scheherazade, a young girl with a bigger-than-life dream of becoming a beautiful Princess. Two magical Genies take Scheherazade and her guests on a thrilling and romantic adventure filled with music, lights and daring acts where anything can happen, from a square dance on horseback to chariots racing and Gypsies leaping, flipping and dancing on moving horses’ backs!

The large-scale theatrical production at Arabian Nights features riders and acrobats performing with more than 60 horses, including Walter Farley’s Black Stallion. The nightly performances, featuring delicious menu options, give guests the most incredible experience among Central Florida’s dinner shows.

The entire Arabian Nights performance and dinner show is hosted inside the Palace of Horses, the world’s largest indoor equestrian arena for a permanent show, where more than 14 different breeds of horses are trained and cared for by the dedicated staff of this amazing dinner theatre production.”

The horses were just BEAUTIFUL! And the little girl sitting next to me, who was about 8 or 9 just loved the show! She was “oohing” and “awwing” during the entire show!

Thank You Arabian Nights!

Categories : Brandcation - Global Getaway

Nov
16

Gatorland – Brandcation

by Katie

Really, you are going to guess at what Gatorland is? Well..hmm..let’s see…it is a land full of gators possibly??? I wish so badly the last time I took my kids to Orlando that I had taken them to Gatorland - I LOVED this place!!!

On our second day at Brandcation after the Boggy Creek Airboat Rides we ventured off to Gatorland. Gatorland is situated on 110 acres with thousands – no I am not joking – thousands of alligators and crocodiles to see, an aviary, breeding marsh, petting zoo, and shows which includes the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumperoo, and the Up Close Encounters Show.

I LOVED this place! We walked in as a group and Donny was our Guide for the day and guiding 35 women around a bunch of alligators is not an easy task! He was so fun and entertaining and completely knowledgeable about Gatorland and it’s residents!

When you first walk in, there is no mistaking this for Disneyworld. You are literally surrounded by Alligators! In my opinion, alligators are pretty scary creatures, yet they are beautiful at the same time. I was amazed looking at them during my time at Gatorland!

But it did not just stop with looking at them!!! NO! Donny led us on the adventure of a lifetime – we were able to FEED THE ALLIGATORS with nothing between us but a stick. It was AMAZING!

After we fed the Alligators we headed over to the Gator Wrestlin’ show and that was the funniest show I have seen in a long time! Did you know if you roll a gator on it’s back and rub it’s belly you can put it to sleep? And if you tickle it’s belly you can wake it up??? After the show the audience was allowed to have a picture taken sitting on an Alligator!

When you are in Orlando Florida, do not miss the chance to visit Gatorland! I know the next time I visit Orlando, Gatorland will definitely be on my list of places to take my kids! Thank you Gatorland for help sponsoring Brandcation!

Categories : Brandcation - Global Getaway

Nov
15

Sponsors Brandcation – Global Getaway

by Katie

Wow…Look at the awesome sponsors of Brandcation – Global Getaway. Without the sponsors the trip would not have been possible for any of us.

The ULTIMATE Sponsor:

Global Resort Homes

Event Sponsors:

Brandcation Swag Bag Sponsors:

Food Should Taste Good – Facebook
Cleavitz - Facebook
Candy Wrapper Store – Twitter – Facebook
Zondervan - Twitter - Facebook
BitDefender – Twitter
Ikea – Facebook
BAZI – Twitter – Facebook
Blunders
Shawne TV- Twitter - Facebook
Proforma Green Marketing – Twitter- Facebook
Bumble Bee –Facebook
Uncle Ben’s
Journey Bars – Facebook
Carolina Pad- Twitter – Facebook
Backyard Safari Outfitters – Facebook
Maple Leaf Farms – Facebook - Twitter
Shoe Wallet - Twitter
Cherb Chronicles – Twitter – Facebook
Canine Colors- Twitter - Facebook
ShaToBu’ – Facebook -Twitter
National Association for Moms In Business – Facebook - Twitter
Bringing Out The Best In Others
25 Best Time Management Tools & Techniques
Homeless for the Holidays DVD- Facebook
Really Wooly Kids- Twitter – Facebook
Mandie and the Cherokee Treasure DVD- Facebook
No Limit Kids DVD
YouCast
Deans Dip – Facebook – Twitter
Save The Children- Facebook – Twitter
Become An Ex- Twitter
TNT- Twitter
YumYum Dish- Twitter
Swappers by ANNETTE -Twitter- Facebook

Snack Sponsors:

Giveaway Sponsors:

Other Amazing Sponsors:

Global Resort Homes
http://www.globalresorthomes.com/
Global Resort Homes is your connection for Orlando vacation home rentals, just minutes from Walt Disney World. Choose from unique townhomes, luxurious condos and spacious vacation homes in Orlando, Florida, located within six distinctive resort communities – Windsor Hills Resort, Windsor Palms Resort, Glenbrook Resort, Oakwater Resort, Cypress Pointe and Vista Cay Resort. Enjoy beautiful Orlando vacation rentals boasting private screened pools and spas, conveniently located near SeaWorld, Universal Studios, the Orlando Convention Center and other top destination attractions. Each resort community offers a family-friendly atmosphere and a variety of recreational activities to suit all ages.

Twitter @tasalinas
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Friday
Florida EcoSafaries
Florida EcoSafaris, an Eco-Attraction with a Cause: 30% of all Safari revenues go to support the Allen Broussard Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the fragile ecosystems of Florida’s native wilderness. Thank you for helping us save wild Florida!

Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida
Web: www.FloridaEcoSafaris.com
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Eversave Presentation
Kim Hine
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/eversavedeals
Twitter: @eversave
The Best For less! Save 50% – 90% at the best places to shop, eat, see and do in your own neighborhood. New places featured every day. Try it today!
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Sleuths Mystery Dinner
Web: http://www.sleuths.com/
Twitter: @Sleuthsorlando
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Orlando-FL/Sleuths-Mystery-Dinner-Theatre-Inc/77951018664
Bring your investigative skills, your appetite, and be prepared to laugh your way through the evening at Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows, Orlando, Florida. You’ll be kept on the edge of your seat as you enjoy a delicious dinner and dessert with unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks. Our nightly performances feature one of our thirteen original comedy mysteries!
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Sat Events
Boggy Creek Airboat Rides
Glide through the wetlands on a beautiful Florida wildlife tour. Our airboat tours start with a leisure idle down a natural canal viewing exotic birds, turtles and the Florida alligator in their own natural environment. Then you will fly like the wind into the swamps experiencing the awesome feel of an airboat ride traveling up to 45 miles per hour.

Web: www.bcairboats.com
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Gatorland
www.gatorland.com
Gatorland® is a one-of-a-kind, protected habitat for man and beast where adventures lurk around every corner! Internationally known as the Alligator Capital of the World, Gatorland�s 110-acre theme park and nature conservatory is located in Central Florida at the head of the Florida Everglades.
Twitter: @gatorland
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Arabian Nights
http://www.arabian-nights.com/
Arabian Nights, the Most Honored Dinner Show in the World, is located in Orlando’s tourist heartland and close to Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Studios® Resort and the Sea World Adventure Park. The large-scale theatrical production at Arabian Nights features riders and acrobats performing with more than 60 horses, including Walter Farley’s Black Stallion. The nightly performances, featuring delicious menu options, give guests the most incredible experience among Central Florida’s dinner shows.
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Sunday
Disney World
www.Disney.com
LeAnn
@DisneyParks

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Planning Thankyous also go to:
Kissimmee Guest Services
Kissimmee Guest Services is the most trusted name in the industry for attraction tickets. We have been in business for over 10 years and located in Disney’s Town of Celebration. We offer a Low Price Guarantee on all of our tickets including Walt Disney World ® Resort, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Arabian Nights, Pirates Dinner Adventure, Medieval Times and other Central Florida area attractions.

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Kissimmee Visitors Bureau
Kissimmee puts within easy reach all different types of activities and attractions — fun and excitement that create endless possibilities to make vacation memories. A day that starts in Kissimmee can become anything you want it to be. The area’s authentic small-town charm evolves into theme park thrills, outdoor adventures, challenging golf, tranquil beach landscapes, and any other vacation escape you dream of.
It’s all right here and it’s all waiting for you. Kissimmee … the heart of Florida.
407-742-8261 / Fax: 407-742-8262

VisitKissimmee.com

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Food and snacks provided in houses by:
Sam’s Club
http://www.samsclub.com
Twitter: @samsclub
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/samsclub
Quality, name-brand merchandise at exceptional prices: It sounds simple enough, but at Sam’s Club, it’s a concept we take to a higher level. Our nearly 600 locations are not only terrific places to save money, but also destinations for solutions that can help ease a busy schedule. Whether stocking a pantry or a business, selecting new electronics or getting ready for a party, our Members count on Sam’s Club as their source for the products and services they need to keep things running smoothly.

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Karoake machine provided in houses by:
Sounds For Fun Karaoke Store
http://www.soundsforfun.com/
(407) 380-9889
The Sounds For Fun
Karaoke Store is fast becoming one of the most respected karaoke retailers in the USA. We are your source for karaoke players, karaoke systems, and karaoke music, including Latin karaoke music. We also rent karaoke machines and systems. We have karaoke hosts available for one night special events, corporate events, home karaoke parties and local venues who need a karaoke host on a weekly schedule for bars and restaurants.
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Lei’s and grass skirts provided by:
Anytime Costumes
Web: www.anytimecostumes.com
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Eversave

Gift basket in each house provided by Eversave
Web: http://www.eversave.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/eversavedeals
Twitter: @eversave
The Best For less! Save 50% – 90% at the best places to shop, eat, see and do in your own neighborhood. New places featured every day. Try it today!
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Event Banner Provided by
UPrinting
www.Uprinting.com

For over 25 years, UPrinting has been a trusted leader in online printing, featuring its signature easy-to-use website and the famous Free File Review, a complimentary proofing service which requires no upfront payment. UPrinting offers convenient marketing support services such as design, lists, and direct mailing to help grow small and medium-size businesses nationwide.

Categories : Brandcation - Global Getaway

Nov
15

Boggy Creek Airboat Rides – Brandcation

by Katie

Saturday morning found us off again to another sponsored event at Brandcation. This time we were off to Boggy Creek Airboat Rides. Now, let me preface this post by saying it was COLD that day and WINDY. It was probably 45 degrees and if I were to guess, I am going to say the winds were probably blowing 10 – 15 mph….BRRRRRR!!! There were even whitecaps on the water!!!

Oh guess what? Surprise Surprise! I am not a boat person either, but I am a SPEED person. So I knew I was going to LOVE the Airboat ride at Boggy Creek! And believe me, an airboat is NOTHING like any other kind of boat!

It was cold and windy and the folks at Boggy Creek really tried to take care of us! I was part of the second group to go and Boggy Creek provided us with sleeping bags to cover ourselves with – Yes – It was THAT COLD! Our driver even told us that he was going to “take it easy” on us because he knew just how cold we actually were. But, WOW – What an experience! After we had our sleeping bags on, we put our earphones on and off we went. When the airboat started, it was loud, but Boggy Creek provided us with earphones so it was no big deal.

Even though it was really cold, I loved it! It was like skimming the top of the water at high speeds. And I was so bummed because I really wanted it to go FASTER! Because of the weather we did not get to see any alligators up close and personal, we did see lots of birds including wild turkeys, an Egret, and a Bald Eagle! These airboats maneuver like a swivel so you can turn at really sharp angles and it is really smooth! I loved it and I can’t wait to go back!

Boggy Creek Airboat Rides started in 1994 with one six passenger airboat and now has over eight 17-passenger airboats and a four 6-passenger private airboat! Just a short distance from Orlando’s other attractions, Boggy Creek Airboat Rides shows you the natural beauty of Floridas Wetlands! When visiting Orlando, you really shouldn’t miss this – It was awesome!! I know the next time I visit Orlando, Boggy Creek Airboat Rides will definitely be on my list of things to do!

*Check out the video – No judging on my video skills – My hands were frozen!!

Find out more about Boggy Creek Airboat Rides.

Find Boggy Creek on Facebook.

As a side note, check out Boggy Creek Motorsports!

Categories : Brandcation - Global Getaway

Nov
13

Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner Show – Brandcation

by Katie

Friday night, after our excursion to Florida EcoSafari, a presentation by Eversave and a presentation by Global Resort Homes we rushed to our cars to make it to Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner Show in Orlando.

This time I was able to sit with yet another group of bloggers – I met so many this weekend! Anyway, when we first arrived we were greeted at the door and then sent in the “Main” room to take our seats.

Our show was “Holidaze” – “Mayor Rockwell and the citizens of Hillendale invite you to their quaint Americana town to celebrate their Annual Holiday Pageant and compete for fame and fortune on TV’s #1 reality show. The contestants will do anything to win even if it means taking out the competition!”

For dinner our choices were Lasagna or Cornish Hen. Dinner consists of salad, rolls, the Main Course, dessert and of course drinks! All drinks are included in the price!

Prior to the show even starting, the characters were running around the to the different tables introducing themselves. “Mayor Rockwell” was quite cheery and Maggie, the blue dress wearing Momma was hysterical. He/she had the audience laughing non stop.

The different courses were delivered to us during different parts of the show and the show was so funny, it was hard to pay attention to the food. Once the “murder” took place it was then up to the audience to figure out “who done it” so one of the actors engaged one person from each table, had them stand up and interrogate the characters. I loved this part! The audience had a chance to interact with the actors and the questions some of the audience came up with was hysterical. Well, what do you expect with 35 bloggers in the room!

I would absolutely visit Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner again! The show we saw may not be appropriate for all ages, but for the most part it was kid friendly. They even had a little girl from the audience up on stage helping them out at one point!

Sleuth’s offers 13 different shows with shows every night of the week – so when you are there visiting or you just live there, you will definitely have a choice!

Thank you so much for sponsoring Brandcation Sleuths! I am so glad I had the opportunity to visit you – It definitely made me want to come back!

Learn more about Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner.

Find Sleuth’s on Facebook.

Follow Sleuth’s on Twitter