Community Blog

Labor Day Weekend is coming up and there is so much to do and so little time.  The biggest part of the holiday is the food, I mean it is not a celebration until you break bread and chow down.  There is nothing better then when you bite into a apple or peel an orange and realize just how fresh the product is.  Rather than trying to guesstimate when your groceries got to the grocery store, why not choose to shop at your local farmer’s market or open square where the food is fresh.

The city of Clermont, FL is very lucky to have one of the best open markets in the state!  Every Saturday there is something called Downtown Clermont Farmers Market where everything from food and plants are offered.  At the open market you will be able to witness the achievements of the farmers, examine the fresh produce, taste gourmet food creations and pick out the flower arrangement for the tables.  It is like a one stop shop for food.  You could have the whole meal taken care with one trip to the market.  This weekend I encourage you to venture out and gather all of your ingredients at the market instead of the grocery store in celebration of the holiday because the fresher the better in regards to food.  Trust me your family will taste the difference and you will be thankful that you went to the farmer’s market this year!

The market is only minutes from The Gardens at Citrus Tower, so keep it in mind when you do your holiday shopping!  The market is open from 10:00am until 3:00pm every Saturday!  The food and produce vary from week to week so I strongly suggest that you go back more than once because you never know what you will find the following week.

Downtown Clermont Farmers Market
Montrose Street
Clermont, FL 34711-2231

Photo By sushi♥ina

Sometimes going to the gym can get pretty repetitive, which makes you less inclined to want to go.  That is why you have to mix it up when it comes to exercise because repetition is not good for the body or the mind. Your muscles have a way of remembering things and if you continue to do the same thing over and over then you will not see the results you want.

During my normal workout routine I do the gym at least three days a week and then I change it up and do a different class the other three days.  It challenges me to use different parts of my body and therefore I can see a change much faster then if I spent the whole week in the gym.  One of the many classes that has done wonders for me is a local Yoga Class. Yoga allows for me to stretch out my muscles and become more flexible over time.  Don’t get me wrong it is just as hard as lifting weights or running on the treadmill, but it is a different kind of hard work.

This Thursday September 2, 2010 you could participate in a yoga class of your own.  The Cooper Memorial Library in Clermont is hosting a yoga class that will stretch your mind and body.  The instructor is well trained and has been teaching yoga for over 15 years.  The class is a beginners class so don’t worry, he will be teaching you the fundamentals of yoga as well as yoga practices.  The class begins at 12pm and last for an hour, which can fit right into your lunch hour.  So if you are willing to try something new and you are tired of the same old routine, then come out to the library this Thursday and enjoy the change!

Cooper Memorial Library
2525 Oakley Seaver Drive
Clermont, FL 34711

Photo By Olivier Lejade

There is so much to do during the day that it almost seems impossible to go through it without a little bit of a caffeine push.  I mean sometimes it just seems like 24 hours is not enough time to get everything done.  Most of the time we use coffee or tea to give us the energy to tackle all of our daily tasks, but now people are starting to turn to energy drinks.  Energy Drinks seem to be doing the job, but maybe we should be more concerned about what is going in our bodies as opposed to what it can do for our bodies.

A study was conducted on popular energy drinks to see what is really underneath the cap.  The study showed that one energy drink contains caffeine that is equivalent to drinking 15 cups of coffee.  Now I am all for adding a little caffeine to the diet to get through the day but I don’t know one person that can consume 15 cups of coffee in one day and be okay.  That amount of caffeine on a daily basis can be very damaging to your health and can end up hindering you as opposed to helping.  You have to remember that what goes up must come down.  Another disturbing fact is that children are starting to look at these energy drinks as sports drinks.  Trust me they are not the same thing, you can not switch out Gatorade for Red Bull. The contents that these drinks contain will in fact cause your children to become very dehydrated during their sports activities and end up not performing as well.

Don’t get me wrong I have indulged in a couple energy drinks before and they have not had an adverse affect on me yet, but I wouldn’t recommend making it a daily consumption.  If you need a little pick me up during the day I suggest a nice cup of herbal tea or cup of joe because what goes in our bodies is the most important thing!

Photo By Simon le nippon

The Downtown Orlando Citrus Club is putting on one of the biggest tailgating parties of the year.  Who ever said giving can’t be fun was completely mistaken.  This Friday August 27, 2010 the Citrus Club is hosting a charity event downtown in order to raise money for The Muscular Dystrophy Association, ClubCorp’s Employee Partners Care Foundation and the Child Rescue Network.  The event will be the talk of the town and you will not want to miss out!

The night will be filled with spectacular festivities and great food.  For just $35 you can enjoy amazing food, drinks, a silent auction and live entertainment.  You can wear your favorite colors and team up to participate in Wii contests and games for a very good cause.  The party will be the event to end all events and why not mix a little business with pleasure.  The event will began promptly at 5:00pm and will wrap up around 9:00pm.  There are not many things that we spend our money on that will make you feel as good as when you donate those funds towards a great cause, so come out this Friday to support the Citrus Club and all of their admirable efforts.  If you want to participate in the festivities please visit the Downtown Orlando website to RSVP.

Citrus Club of Orlando
255 S. Orange Ave 18th Fl.
Orlando, FL

Photo By Jason Hutchens

Normally I am stuck in my ways when it comes to music, but a couple years ago my friend introduced me to this guy named Jack Johnson and it was over after that.  After hearing one song I became a huge fan and now there is not a day that goes by that I don’t listen to at least one of his CD’s. If you or anyone you know is as big of a fan as I am, then you will be excited to know that Jack Johnson is here in Orlando for one day only!

Jack Johnson is in town today August 24th, 2010 on tour at Amway Arena.  Jack Johnson is a singer/songwriter that made it big in 2001 after the release of his debut album Brushfire Fairytales.  His music doesn’t perfectly fit into one category, more like four.  His music is categorized as being soft rock, pop rock, acoustic and alternative rock.  He has released four more albums and is really making a name for himself in the music industry.  He has acted in a few surfer films and contributed many songs for well-known soundtracks.  He has surprised many and has a growing fan-base all over the world.

His world tour began earlier this year and has landed him in Orlando today.  Don’t panic if you don’t have your tickets already because you can still get your hands on some if you visit TicketsNow and place your order.  The concert is going to be insane, so if I was you I would stop making excuses and purchase those tickets.

Amway Arena
600 W. Amelia St.
Orlando, FL 32801

Photo By José Goulão

Blue is not just the color of the ocean anymore.  The color has invaded the town of Orlando now.  You might be asking yourself what am I talking about?  Well I am talking about the Blue Man Group.  The Blue Man Group has invaded the town with their three man act and have taken the words Performance Art to a whole new level.  The blue man group is an artistic performance that consist of three enigmatic bald and blue men who involve the audience in their travels through a multi-sensory experience that combines theatre, percussive music, art, science and vaudeville into a night of pure entertainment.  The act has been going on for years and has become increasingly popular over the years.  I have been to the show in Boston and let me tell you, I have never been so entertained in my life!  If you are planning on going and sitting in the front row, I only have one piece of advice for you…don’t wear the good clothes.  You will be subject to the splatters of blue paint if you dare to sit in the front rows, but who ever said art isn’t messy.

I definitely recommend you get a ticket if you haven’t experienced the show already, because there is nothing else like it.  The audience gets involved and there is not a dull moment in the show.  So gather up the family and your friends and take them down to the Sharp AQUOS Theatre in Orlando, you won’t regret it!

Sharp AQUOS Theatre
Universal CityWalk
Orlando, FL 32819

Photo By cliff1066™

Time to loosen up those vocal cords.  Time to get over the stage fright and pick up the microphone.  If you are trying to figure out what I am talking about I have one word for you…Karaoke! If you have tried karaoke before forget about that experience because you haven’t really experienced the world of Karaoke until you have performed at Frogger’s.

Frogger’s Grill and Bar in Oviedo, FL host a karaoke event every Friday for all of those who are brave enough to grace the stage with their talent.  The event is held for anyone who is interested in singing in front of a live audience and wants to have fun.  The singer with the most applause will win an amazing $50 cash prize, but the competition must contain at least 15 people in order for the show to go on.  This means it is time for you to gather as many of your friends as possible and persuade them to get up on stage and belt out the first song that comes to mind.  Karaoke night at Frogger’s is an equal opportunity experience, meaning anyone who wants to sing will be able to sing and no one will get booed.

So this Friday get some friends and come on out to Frogger’s to show them what you are really made of!  The night will be filled with singing, friendly chatter and a chance to win $50 if you are up for the challenge!

Frogger’s
27 Alafaya Woods Blvd
Oviedo, FL 32765

Photo By permanently scatterbrained

If there are kids in the room, don’t go anywhere because there is a treat for you!  I know it has been out for over a month but who says you can’t enjoy a movie more than once.  That’s right I am talking about Despicable Me!  Despicable Me came out last month but I haven’t had the pleasure of going to see it yet. But from what I have seen and heard I need to go and see the movie ASAP.  I am sure that I am not the only one who still has to see it, and if you are one of those that fall into that category then I encourage you to see it this weekend!

Despicable Me is about a criminal mastermind who has stolen one of the Egyptian Pyramids, which in turn makes an evil genius by the name of Gru very jealous.  Gru hasn’t been in the news in months and is looking for his next big swipe.  Ever since he was a young lad, Gru has dreamed of making it out into space and visiting the moon.  So all he needs to do is to build a rocket and get his evil hands on a sink-ray he can pull off the biggest heist in history.  He ultimately wants to steal the Earth’s satellite.

So come out to the nearest movie theater to The Gardens at Citrus Tower and watch as the story unfolds.  See if Gru can really live up to the evil genius  persona that he is trying to portray.  This is a great film for the entire family to go see, you could even invite the neighbors and make it a night of fun and excitement!

Epic Theatres of Clermont
2405 S. Hwy 27,
Clermont, FL 34711

West Orange 5
1575 Maguire Road,
Ocoee, FL 34761

Photo By joanna8555

When I was a kid I used to think I was going to grow up to be an explorer.  I was always looking for clues around the house and claiming that there were treasures buried under the house.  Unfortunately I grew up and lost my will to explore.  But if you have children that love to explore around and claim to find treasures, then Orlando is the perfect place to take them this weekend.

This Saturday August 14, 2010 the Heritage Square is hosting the Camp-In: The Hunt for National Treasure event from 7:00pm until 11:30pm.  The event is for children from ages 5 to 11 who love the idea of finding treasure.  Time to pack the sleeping bag, flashlight and compass because they will be going on an adventure of a lifetime.  They will be searching for the national treasure from 7 to 8 and then there will be evening snacks and breakfast served for the little ones.  The prices for members are $25 per child and then $35 for each child for non-members.

This is your childrens chance to put all of that training to work!  I am sure this will have them talking for months, so if your kids meet this criteria sign them up for a night of exploration and fun!  If you are interested you can call (407)836-8580 to register.

Heritage Square
65 East Central Blvd.
Orlando, FL

Photo By cogdogblog

Any new mothers in the house?  Feeling overwhelmed or as if you are alone in all of this?  No need to worry anymore because this feeling is completely normal.  If you are having trouble finding a little bit of support or someone to relate to, look no further because your prayers will finally be answered.  This Wednesday August 11, 2010 the South Lake Hospital is having a Mother’s Morning Out event.  You can bring your newborns up to six months old and join other moms for a casual, fun support group.  There you will be able to share parenting tips, stories and concerns.

Parenting can be extremely overwhelming and stressful, so it is nice to know that you are not alone.  This support group is there to put you at ease and introduce to moms who feel the same way.  So if you feel like you need some support, come out to Mom’s Morning Out.  The meeting begins at 10am and is not too far from The Gardens at Citrus Tower complex.

South Lake Hospital
1099 Citrus Tower Boulevard
Clermont, FL 34711

Photo By San Jose Library

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