 I'm very excited to announce our first ever "Support Local" blog post for our new section on the blog, Support Local Businesses! Supporting local businesses has always been important to me, but during this last year I think it has really opened my eyes even more so. I have been trying as much as possible to support as many local businesses, local entrepreneurs, furloughed and laid off cast members, and more rather than the larger companies. Central Florida has SO much to offer, and my hope with these posts is to show you just that! And to start off our very FIRST post in this series, we have Yoga instructor Ashley McNairy and local Yoga Studio, Elevate Yoga Center.  What type of business do you offer? Elevate Yoga Center is a yoga studio that offers a wide variety of classes and services so there is truly something for everyone. Our studio offers traditional mat classes as well as aerial yoga and fitness. Both styles of classes are available in the studio or online.  What made you interested in Yoga? How long have you been practicing? Years ago when I first got into fitness programs I found that yoga day was always my favorite. I began watching videos, following instagrams and reading blogs that all revolved around yoga. I loved feeling that natural physical progression as I was slowly able to hold my balance in poses and achieve harder variations. Eventually, I started attending Elevate and began to learn the philosophy and roots of yoga. Before I knew it I had a regular yoga and meditation practice of my own which has truly helped me find balance and peace in my own life. What made you choose to take the leap and become a Yoga instructor? I’ve always had an interest in becoming a yoga instructor, and finally last year the timing seemed right. My studio was starting a yoga teacher training that was led by my favorite instructors and I felt I had to take that leap. COVID hit which was a rude awakening for all of us, but this training honestly saved me. It really helped keep me active (physically and mentally) as well as maintain my inner peace throughout the experience. The training was hybrid due to COVID, we started off virtually at home and eventually moved back to the studio. I learned so much more from this training than I ever expected to, it was one of the best experiences of my life.  Many who have not practiced yoga before have this idea that it will be too hard for them - too many difficult poses. Do you think this is true? Do you feel yoga is only for one type of person? As someone considered “overweight” I would definitely say NO! Yoga is for every body! Not to say that every single human would enjoy a yoga practice, but every single human body is capable. Yoga is more about connecting to your truest self than it is about handstands. There is no pre-requisite for a yoga class. In fact, when I first started I couldn’t even touch my toes (and I still can’t do a hand stand). Part of being a good yoga instructor is making sure to offer enough options so that every student in class can participate and feel comfortable. There is also many different styles of yoga. One of my favorites, Yin and Restorative, incorporates the use of pillows and blankets to reach maximum comfort. What made you choose to be an instructor at Elevate Yoga Center? I’ve attended this studio for years and really fell in love with the community there is here. All the teachers are wonderful and I’m honored to be teaching among them. I continue to learn from them every day and enjoy sharing what I’ve learned with my own students. What types of classes does Elevate Yoga Center offer? With COVID, are there any special classes that they offer or any changes that have been made? Most classes are offered with the option to attend from home and there is a large variety. From all-levels flow, yin, restorative, yin-yang, aerial, aerial fitness, aerial yin, BUTI and more. Check out our website to read the details of each style to determine which would fit your needs the best!  Is there anything else we should know? Any upcoming events, promotions, or more happening at Elevate Yoga Center? How can we help support YOU and Elevate Yoga Center? Yes! Elevate has events every month, sometimes every weekend! Whether you are looking for a glow in the dark yoga dance party or some quiet time to spend in reflection with guided meditation there is an event for you! Sound healing, nutritional education, manifestation and even astrology are some of the topics that are covered in the events.  Starting in April I will be hosting monthly workshop series titled “Yoga with the Stars” where you will learn the impact of the zodiac season on you as an individual, and enjoy a zodiac themed yoga practice for each sign. It is going to be so much fun, I can’t wait! As far as trainings, there is teacher trainings offered year around for both mat and aerial. I encourage you to join us for the next teacher training that begins in March, even if you are a yoga newbie it would be a great way to learn all the foundations of yoga and the philosophy behind it. You don’t have to become a teacher to enjoy or benefit from the program.  Where can we find out more and visit your classes? (include:website, phone, social, etc.) You should definitely check out our website: elevateyogacenter.com as well as follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more info! Download our app on your mobile device, searching for “elevate yoga center” to sign up for classes. Have questions? Feel free to follow me and reach out on Instagram as well. I’m always happy to answer and share the tools I’ve learned in my own self-healing journey. @lunar.yogini Elevate Yoga Center is located at: 3150 S Orange Ave. Orlando, FL 32806 Personal message from The Orlando Millennial: Michelle here! I personally have attended some of Ashley's (as well as some of the other instructors') classes via Zoom since the start of COVID and I can highly recommend this for those that are new to Yoga, as I was. I have not attended in person, but I have also recommended these classes to others that have since gone in person and even tried the aerial classes and they are in LOVE with them! I have done both yoga and meditation classes from home and its just a great way to feel connected to an actual local business while being in your home. I hope that you will give Elevate Yoga Center a chance and please be sure to tell them Orlando Millennial sent you!
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 Modified with enhanced health and safety measures and limited capacity, guests are in for a treat with new chef- and mixologist-crafted menus, live performances, and debut of the Seven Seas beer garden! SeaWorld is kicking off 2021 with a food festival that’s bigger, better and packed with more flavor than ever before! This year at Orlando’s largest theme park food festival, foodies and families alike can discover the widest variety of chef- and mixologist-curated tastes inspired by cultures from across the Seven Seas. After a year of limits on international travel, guests can plan a safe, limited-capacity visit to the park where they can roam the expansive open-air grounds and embark on an international flavor journey inspired by the tastes and smells of the Caribbean, Italy, Brazil, Asia and beyond. The event, which happens every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 5 through May 9 (and President’s Day on February 15!), will feature the park’s enhanced health and safety measures including increased cleaning and sanitation, temperature checks, and face covering requirements. With more than 50 fresh global cuisine tastings from around the globe, guests can taste everything from the most indulgent fare to the park’s all-new savory Vegan bites. In addition to the amazing food, this year’s festival includes SeaWorld’s most expansive beverage menu ever with more than 75 specially curated cocktails and wines, and more than 75 craft beers from Florida and beyond. Guests can discover the flavors of the globe at more than 26 festival marketplaces:
A complete menu of the Seven Seas Food Festival dishes and drinks can be found online at seaworld.com/orlando/events/seven-seas-food-festival/menus/  New this year! Seven Seas Beer Garden: Guests can relax and unwind as they sip on new favorite craft beverages in a lively setting. With physical distancing and limited capacity, the Seven Seas Beer Garden is an open-air, shaded space—the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the festival.  Move and groove to exclusive live performances: Along with the delicious eats, Seven Seas will once again feature an amazing line-up of top concerts so guests can enjoy a taste of rock, country, Latin or 90s throwback sounds—all included with theme park admission.
 Best Way to Savor and Sip: Discover boundless combinations of food and drink selections with a Seven Seas Food Festival Tasting Lanyard. Guests can embark on their culinary journey with a 10-sample lanyard starting at only $60 or take it up a notch and save over 30% with the fan favorite 15-sample lanyard for the best savings. SeaWorld Orlando pass members also get the VIP treatment with even more flavor and savings with their 3 free samples with the purchase of a 15-sample lanyard. https://seaworld.com/orlando/events/seven-seas-food-festival/ Best Way to Play: Guests can pay for a day and play all year with the new 2021 Fun Card! That means for the price of a single day’s admission, SeaWorld Fun Card holders can visit again and again throughout 2021. This offer is available only for a limited time as prices increase on February 1. For guests who enjoy additional discounts on like parking, guest tickets, and access to special VIP events, and more, upgrade to an Annual Pass and make memories with SeaWorld all year. Annual Passes start as low as $11.75/month with no down payment. Restrictions apply. For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com. Follow SeaWorld on Facebook, Instagram and the SeaWorld Orlando Blog for the latest Seven Seas Food Festival details and information. I am a Seaworld blogger ambassador. In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events. As always, all opinions are my own.  It’s the perfect season for a spooky movie under the stars at SeaWorld. Drive in for a safe, nostalgic experience that starts with enjoying locally sourced food trucks and ends with watching a classic Halloween feature (or two) from the comfort and safety of your car. Please Note: Per Orange County regulations, a face covering will be required if you are outside of your vehicle. WHEN: Reservations are available now for festivities taking place Saturdays Sept. 19 through Oct. 31 and Fridays Oct. 23 and 30. Family-friendly Halloween film: 7:45 p.m./ Fright-filled Halloween film: 10:30 p.m.
SeaWorld Orlando Annual Pass members receive a 20% discount on the event! Purchase tickets and check back each week for upcoming shows at: https://.seaworld.com/orlando/events/drive-in-movie/ SAFETY: SeaWorld Orlando is committed to the health and safety of our guests, employees, and the animals in our care. The park has worked diligently with state and local health officials, outside consultants and attraction industry leaders to enhance our already strict health, safety and cleanliness standards. These protocols and guidelines will be modified based on evolving industry standards and methodologies, public health, and governmental directives, and advancing scientific knowledge on the transmissibility of COVID-19. SeaWorld Orlando is excited to continue to provide our guests with fun, inspiring and memorable experiences, while addressing important health and safety needs during this time. For detailed information about the measures that guests can expect when visiting the resort, including key operational changes, visit Seaworld.com/orlando/safety. I am a SeaWorld Orlando blogger ambassador. In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events. As always, all opinions are my own.
 Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista, the seventh of eight Rosen Hotels & Resorts to now bear the Rosen name. On May 15, 1987, renowned Orlando hotelier and philanthropist Harris Rosen opened his fourth hotel in the now eight-hotel Rosen Hotels & Resorts collection in Orlando. The then 320-room Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista (now 640 guestrooms and the Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista) opened and maintained an unheard of 100 percent occupancy for five straight years. The secret? “We simply deployed a flashing billboard along Interstate 4 reading ‘Best Rates in Town,’” said Rosen. Guests flocked to the property just a few miles from Walt Disney World Resort. The hotel reached maximum capacity on opening night. Rosen himself stood in the parking lot re-directing overflow guests to his three other Rosen hotels – the now Rosen Inn International, Rosen Inn closest to Universal and the Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando, all on International Drive.  Harris Rosen in 1987 in front of his new Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista. “That property ran at 100 percent occupancy for five consecutive years,” said Rosen. “It is one of my proudest accomplishments as a hotelier.” And just one of the many reasons why Rosen’s hospitality acumen is revered world-wide. The Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista quickly expanded to 640 guestrooms and became the Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista on Dec. 10, 2009. And now, is ready to stand on its own within the Rosen brand as the Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista. “I am grateful for the Comfort Inn and Clarion Inn names and the brand awareness they afforded me as I grew my collection of Central Florida hotels,” said Rosen. “Despite the recent pandemic, we have been planning this rebranding for close to two years. And do not want to wait any longer to unveil another Rosen Inn hotel as we reopen amidst the current pandemic.  With an ideal location just minutes to Walt Disney World Resorts, the Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista puts families first with plenty of outdoor water fun including Ozzie's Splash Zone. “The Rosen Inn brand is built on family,” said Rosen. “It is the culmination of a lifelong dream to have all of my hotels under one umbrella where families – from our guests to our own Rosen family of associates – are paramount. While we have combined the best practices culled through years in the industry to create the best accommodations’ experience in Orlando, we are most proud of the heart of our company and our valued associates who are dedicated to welcoming our guests to a true home away from home. I’m most certain this is why we enjoy seeing so many of the same smiling faces from all over the country and the world returning each year to our humble properties.” With six of Rosen’s hotels on International Drive, with the 1501-room Rosen Shingle Creek luxury hotel with 524,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space on Universal Blvd. less than two miles away, the property within Lake Buena Vista has always been the “lone ranger.” “I purchased this hotel so that I would have one within my collection that accommodated the Walt Disney World guest and the many families looking for affordable accommodations during their Disney stays,” said Rosen, who was director of hotel planning when Walt Disney World opened in 1971 and was instrumental in the pre-opening design and success of Disney’s Contemporary and Polynesian resorts. As a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel, when the rebranded Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista reopens on Oct. 1, 2020, it will continue to offer the identical exemplary opportunities such as free parking and free Wi-fi in guestrooms, while never a resort fee. And plenty of room to roam among its 23 acres that offers water features throughout, including a children’s splash zone play area and covered lakeside picnic area.  The beautiful Lakeside Pavilion at the Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista is a favorite locale for special events and celebrations. A new “VIP Perks Program” offers guests, including those on the Choice Hotels’ points program, an opportunity to receive plenty of savings at the newly-branded property. Guests also can book the new Fun-Cation getaway with rates starting at just $59 a night, plus tax, that includes exclusive buy-one-get-one free offers at area attractions.* Walkable to much of the area’s shopping, dining and sights, the pristine hotel also is home to Bella Vista, a Rosen venue ballroom and local favorite for intimate weddings and celebrations, small meetings and more. “We are so honored to be part of the Central Florida hotel landscape and cannot wait to welcome our guests back to the hotel as a Rosen Inn when we reopen on Oct. 1,” said General Manager Bob Coletti, a twenty-plus-year Rosen associate. “While our dedication to an exemplary guest experience has never wavered, we are excited to now be part of the Rosen brand and to welcome guests who will readily recognize the attributes the Rosen name provides.” Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista guests can enjoy their stay with peace of mind with Rosen’s Total Commitment™, a guest and associate safety and well-being initiative implementing the highest standards of cleanliness and security. Jointly developed with the healthcare professionals at the Rosen Medical Center, the hotel’s general manager and department heads and the corporate risk management team, the program has transformed the consistently spotless properties at every level with new measures, vetted and tested for the utmost effectiveness in line with the CDC requirements for COVID-19. New measures include social distancing parameters and easily-accessible hand sanitizers found throughout the hotel. Hospital-grade disinfectants designed to kill viruses will be administered through touchless electrostatic sprayers to continuously and thoroughly sanitize each guestroom. Temperatures will be taken at guest and associate entrances for swift and effortless coronavirus screening. For additional measures and program details, visit Rosen's Total Commitment. The Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista is located at 8442 Palm Parkway, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32836. For more information, please visit RosenInnLBV.com or call 407-996-7343. *To book, call 866-33-ROSEN (76736) or visit RosenLBV.com/Fun-Cation. Package is available now through Nov. 15, 2020. I am a Rosen Hotels blogger Ambassador. In exchange for my postings and reviews sometimes I am offered admission to events. However, all opinions are my own.
 Ever been interested in visiting the hidden little tropical paradise in Central Florida named Discovery Cove? Now is your chance to do so at a great rate! I personally went a few years ago and it was like a private all-inclusive beach day! WHAT: Guests can save between 20% - 40% on both Discovery Cove’s Day Resort and Signature Dolphin Experience all-inclusive packages. In addition to enhanced health and safety measures, capacity at Discovery Cove will be further limited to create an even more exclusive experience and for guests to enjoy the all-inclusive resort with even more open space. WHEN: Reservations can be booked now through August 2 for visitation through December 24, 2020. Advanced Reservations are required and limited, guests are encouraged to reserve early. DETAILS: Guests who make their reservation before August 2 can save between 20% and 40% on reservations! Discounts range by day for available dates through December 24, 2020. Visit DiscoveryCove.com or call 407-513-4600 for details and to book a reservation today for an amazing getaway close to home. SAFETY: Discovery Cove is committed to the health and safety or our guests, employees, and the animals in our care. The resort worked diligently with state and local health officials, outside consultants and attraction industry leaders to enhance our already strict health, safety and cleanliness standards. These protocols and guidelines will be modified based on evolving industry standards and methodologies, public health and governmental directives, and advancing scientific knowledge on the transmissibility of COVID-19. Discovery Cove is excited to continue to provide our guests with fun, inspiring and memorable experiences, while addressing important health and safety needs during this time. For detailed information about the measures that guests can expect when visiting the resort, including key operational changes, visit Discoverycove.com/orlando/park-info/park-safety/  I am a SeaWorld Orlando/Discovery Cove blogger ambassador. In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events. As always, all opinions are my own.
Looking for something new to do in Central Florida? No Prob-Lama - Visit LunaSea Alpaca Farm7/9/2020  If you are like me, you are always looking for something new and exciting to do around Central Florida. Don’t get me wrong, I love the theme parks, but I also like discovering new places to visit. Staying indoors during this COVID pandemic has really been tough for me too, because I get so antsy doing nothing, but like most people, that is what I’ve been doing. So I finally decided to take a step outside and go somewhere that has been on my bucket list for the last year - LunaSea Alpaca Farm. LunaSea Alpaca Farm is located in Clermont, not far from Lakeridge Winery (so maybe next time add it to your plans before a day of wine tasting!). The farm is family owned with mainly alpacas and a few llamas. They offer tours, which you reserve in advance, for a donation of $10 each person. The tours are limited to a small number of guests and right now during the pandemic you can feel safe to keep your distance and wear your mask (although at the time attended not required - not sure if county rules have changed since visiting). The tour (led by King) was informative, interactive, and unlike anything I had ever experienced. Although you don’t really walk very far, you are up close and personal with the Alpacas like nowhere I have ever been in my life. We got to be in their areas, pet them, feed them treats, and just be with them while they roam free.
It was interesting to learn that alpacas do not have top teeth, so although you see these huge teeth protruding from their mouth, they cannot bite you. This made me feel a lot safer around them and made the experience a lot more enjoyable. The babies of course were the highlight. They were so cute and just wanted to "chew" on everything - the chair, my purse, etc.
The tour lasted probably about an hour total and it was so much fun! I honestly cannot wait to go back and take others with me so they can experience what I did, as I feel it is something very unique that is being offered here in Central Florida. Something new that LunaSea Alpaca Farm is starting to offer is “alpaca yoga” where you actually get to do yoga with the alpaca’s roaming around and then play with the babies afterwards. This is something I may consider trying out in the future now that I have been getting into yoga. For more information on LunaSea Alpaca Farm: Visit their website: www.lunaseaalpacafarm.com Facebook page: www.facebook.com/LunaSeaAlpacaFarm Give them a call to book a tour: 352-223-9459 Now... for more adorable photos... Me after she took a treat from my mouth...  A short video...  For the first time in the park’s history, guests can enjoy movies and fireworks under the stars from July 10-12! WHAT: SeaWorld is announcing a NEW event for one weekend only! Experience the fun, nostalgia, and magic of movies under the stars with SeaWorld’s park-and-view drive-in movie theatre! In addition to locally sourced food trucks offering plenty of snack options, back by popular demand, the park’s spectacular fireworks display “Light up the Sky” will be shown Friday (July 10) and Saturday (July 11) night for both park guests and movie goers to enjoy. “Light up the Sky” will also take place Sunday (July 12) evening for those guests attending “Flicks & Fireworks.” WHEN: Reservations are available for booking now for festivities taking place July 10-12. Each evening, food truck service will begin at 7:45 p.m. with movies immediately following the 9:00 p.m. fireworks display. Movies or "Flicks" include:
Access to SeaWorld Orlando’s “Flicks & Fireworks” requires a separate guest reservation in addition to the regular reservation required for park access via guest ticket or pass. "Flicks & Fireworks" is $50 per vehicle and includes a reserved guest parking spot in an exclusive lot with access to locally sourced food trucks and perfect viewing of SeaWorld’s fireworks display, all from the comfort of the guest’s personal vehicle. For guests who do not wish to visit SeaWorld during the day, Flicks & Fireworks is also available for purchase without park admission and requires a separate reservation. Purchase Here: https://seaworld.com/orlando/events/flicks-and-fireworks/ SeaWorld Orlando Annual Pass members receive a 20% discount on the event. SAFETY: SeaWorld Orlando is committed to the health and safety of our guests, employees, and the animals in our care. The park has worked diligently with state and local health officials, outside consultants and attraction industry leaders to enhance our already strict health, safety and cleanliness standards. These protocols and guidelines will be modified based on evolving industry standards and methodologies, public health, and governmental directives, and advancing scientific knowledge on the transmissibility of COVID-19. SeaWorld Orlando is excited to continue to provide our guests with fun, inspiring and memorable experiences, while addressing important health and safety needs during this time. For detailed information about the measures that guests can expect when visiting the resort, including key operational changes, visit Seaworld.com/orlando/safety Follow SeaWorld on Facebook, Instagram and the SeaWorld Orlando Blog for the latest news from SeaWorld. I am a SeaWorld Orlando blogger ambassador. In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events. As always, all opinions are my own.
 This time of social distancing can be difficult, especially with grocery stores being low in stock, or perhaps you just want something different to eat. Well Ace Cafe Orlando is offering a NEW free home delivery + curbside pick-up menu during this time:  I am an Ace Cafe Orlando blogger ambassador. I have been asked to share this information with my followers. As always, all comments and opinionså are my own.  Want to see A QUIET PLACE PART II before it officially hits theaters on March 20th? The Orlando Millennial has 15 RESERVED SEATS for the advanced screening on March 16, 2020 at 7:30pm at AMC Disney Springs! Get your name on the list here: https://forms.gle/ztPsFunpp2AhMx3YA *Please do NOT RSVP unless you will be able to attend! ABOUT: Following the deadly events at home, the Abbott family (Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe) must now face the terrors of the outside world as they continue their fight survival in silence. Forced to venture into the unknown, they quickly realize that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats that lurk beyond the sand path. WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY John Krasinski STARRING Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe, Djimon Hounsou #AQUIETPLACE I am a blogger partner for Allied Global Marketing and in exchange for sharing information about upcoming movies and advance screenings, I am provided with tickets to advanced screenings on occasion. As always, all comments and opinions are my own.
 Popular Preschool Card returns for year-round fun in 2020 SeaWorld offers an ocean of experiences that are perfect for pint-sized guests. The 2020 Preschool Card is now available for registration exclusively for Florida Residents. SeaWorld and Aquatica Orlando will offer kids ages 5 and younger a FREE Preschool Card valid for unlimited visits to SeaWorld and Aquatica Orlando through December 31, 2020. Advance registration must be completed online for the Preschool Card by February 3, 2020 and guests must redeem their ticket by March 31, 2020. The 2020 Preschool Fun Card includes popular, family friendly SeaWorld events including Inside Look, Elmo’s Birthday Celebration, Sesame Street Kids’ Weekend, Seven Seas Food Festival, Electric Ocean and the kid-favorite Spooktacular. To learn more and to register for the Preschool Card, Florida Residents can visit: https://seaworld.com/orlando/tickets/preschool-free-admission/. For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit www.SeaWorldOrlando.com. Follow SeaWorld on Facebook and Instagram for the latest details and information. Disclaimer: I am a SeaWorld Blogger Ambassador and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending events and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, upcoming events, news, and more, Seaworld has provided me with exclusive opportunities. As always, my opinion is my own.
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Hey Ya'll!
Hi all! I'm Michelle and I have been a lifestyle blogger since 2017. I used to host fun networking events around Orlando and now I've decided to take a step back and continue to focus on my favorite part - bringing you all the fun happenings around Central Florida, plus filling you in on my travels, life, and more! I'm a foodie, selfie-taking Millennial that loves spending time at the theme parks, traveling, and spending time with her dog, and trying new wine. I hope you enjoy reading my blog!
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