My FAVORITE things page

Just like Oprah has her "Favorite Things" so do I!

If you look above there is a tab labeled "My Favorite Things". These are just a few of the things that I love, use, or have worked with.
 I was blessed to be a Girls on the Run coach this year to a fabulous group of middle school girls. It is a fabulous organization for mentoring girls. To find out more just go to my link and see what it is all about...maybe it will inspire you to start your own chapter or volunteer to be a coach like me.

The products I have listed are just a few for now to name a few. If you know me...I love to rave about things I find so check these products out and look for more update coming in the future :-)

Don't walk, but RUN on over to The Foot Landing

A few months ago, in August, I went to a training meeting to be a GOTR coach (Girls on the Run).  Before we started the training we all went around the room and introduced ourselves. I of course, introduced myself as a mom of 2 teens, active school volunteer, PTO board member for 12 yrs, and a crazy Run Disney fanatic runner.

Next, was the the girl next to me, Sherri Lennon. I knew she was a fellow Zoomers runner from our local running club but nothing more. What Sherri announced next is what made fireworks go off in our head!! She told us that she was opening a running store here in town soon called The Foot Landing. This was going to be great for all of us runners and our community. You see, the nearest store to buy true running shoes is about 45- 60 min away and even at that you are really on your own to figure out what kind of shoe is good for you.

The time to opening day grew closer and after months of anticipation... it was finally ribbon cutting day ~ YAY! 

The store was welcomed in by fellow friends, runners, and business-well wishers. There was food,drinks, & music to celebrate the opening. Where is it located you ask?  It's located at 117 Herald Court Suite 1112 in the downtown historic district in Punta Gorda. Florida.(click here for directions) If you drive down 41 North look to your left for the brick 2 story building and you will see it before you get to Marion Ave. The store is bright and cheery, just like the attitudes of Sherri, her husband Ralph, and fellow employees Sherry LaBree and Tina Ice. The store carries Brooks, New Balance, Mizuno, Saucony, Asics, and more. They have GU products, clothing, sandals, orthotics, and much more to come in the future. 

A field trip to the store...

So with weeks until my friend and I, Kim Requa, are to run in Disney's Princess Half Marathon on February 24,2013 we headed to The Foot Landing to get sized for some new running shoes and boy did we need them! The girls at the store mentioned to us that at about 300 miles you should think of retiring your shoes. We won't even mention how many miles we had on ours...lets just say that we trained for a half marathon a year ago, ran a 10 miler in September, and a few 5k's in between. No, we didn't need new running shoes did we?! 

Kim went first. Sherri, the store owner helped her first. Sherri knew just the right shoe to put Kim in with her flat feet. After a run on the treadmill, trying some other shoes on just for beauty....She bought a new Pair of Brooks Adrenaline, the one's Sherri recommended.

I went next but Sherry La Bree helped me.You see, I am a pain in the___. Yes,You can fill in the word-lol. I have small ankles with a wider toe span. I stand on my feet all day and I was looking for the impossible comfy shoe everyone dreams about running in. I tried on about 5 different shoes, ran on the treadmill, and after all that Sherry recommended keeping my newly bought Sauconys that I actually liked,but putting some orthotics in them. Well, what do you know~ It worked! 

Goodbye~

As we left the store I felt so bad. I must have driven them crazy! They certainly did give us service along with alot of running knowledge...with a smile! Check out the store on Facebook

On a SPECIAL side note~ 

 I would like to wish Sherry LaBree a special Disney send off as she runs the Goofy Challenge in Walt Disney World this weekend. On Saturday she will running the Donald, which is a half marathon and then on Sunday The 20th anniversary year of the Mickey Marathon, which is a full marathon. By doing both races this becomes the Goofy Challenge. By the end of all of the races she will have earned herself 3 shiny new medals to call her own! ( a picture of the medals are below)

Good Luck Sherry..You sure are Goofy to be doing it ;-)

Do you have the WORST Christmas gift of 2012?

Who wants to win a $10 iTunes gift card?

Do you think you have the worst Christmas gift of 2012?
Then we want to know what it is. Tell us your story below in the comments. Readers then it's up to you to pick our winner. The person with the most likes wins our giveaway... It's that easy!

10 Secret Santa Stocking Stuffer Giveaways Contest

Between now and Christmas Eve I'll be giving away "10 Secret Santa Stocking Stuffer Giveaways." 

Whew, what a tongue twister!

 10 winners will be named here on Christmas Day, each winning one of our 10 prizes.

What will they be? well..it's a secret, but they are all stocking stuffer sized.

How do you win? It's simple but you must do all 3 to be entered.

#1 In the comments below write:  If money was no object "I would wish  for____ this Christmas"

#2 Go to : www.facebook.com/travelgirlontherun and Like our page.

#3 Share this blog/post with your friends 

For some added fun and bonus points:

Every day we will put a clue to what that day's gift is on our FB page. Like it and get an added point

12.12.12 Concert, Bon Jovi, & New Jersey...perfect together!

Last night the most historical bands from around the world, comedians, and rockers from New York & New Jersey came together to support the relief efforts of hurricane Sandy in the 12.12.12 concert and it was AWESOME!

Every artist put on a great show but the highlight on the night had to be the Bruce "The Boss" Springsteen & the E Street band opening up the concert along with his fellow New Jerseyian, Jon Bon Jovi. When you think of New Jersey what comes to mind? Those 2 bands why of course and the Jersey shore!

 Watch as the beautiful blue eyed rocker talk about his home states destruction..

Growing up in New Jersey brings back great memories. Fairs, lightning bugs, bagels, great bakeries, pizza, and the Jersey Shore. Last night celebrities such as Jon Stewart, Brian Williams, and Jimmy Fallon amongst others reminisced about their memories of going down to the "shore" with their families and vacationing on Sea Bright Beach, Long Beach Island, & Seaside Heights Beach before there was a "Jersey Shore" TV show. The beaches opened on Memorial Day and closed on Labor Day weekend, the busiest weekends of the year where at any time you could go there and experience good clean fun! The boardwalk smelled of cheese steaks, pizza,and funnel cakes. As you walked down the boardwalk is was inevitable that one of your friends not looking where they were walking would trip on an uneven plank coming up and everyone would laugh out loud literally. The sounds of the carnival games going off and music filled the air..AH, what memories! 

But now it is time to Restore the Shore and bring new memories to our future families and last night's concert was the start.  Go to http://www.121212concert.org where you can still help the New York and New Jersey Sandy victims who still DO NOT have power, water, or a home. Unlike where I live now, Florida, New Jersey homes are not built to stand hurricanes, tornadoes, and storms such as this. Rebuilding will take a long time. It will take not just muscle strength to rebuild...It will be mentally draining, and yes hard on the families. I know, I went through Hurricane Charley on August 13, 2004. It destroyed my business, my children's schools, and partially our home we were building at the time. Going through something like that is a shock. There is no preparation for what you are about to endure over months..but it makes you appreciate the little things and you understand how important it is to give back to others that have given to you in hard times.

If you are not able to donate monetary donations...feel free to contact me and I can give you names of shelters, churches, and firehouses that you can send blankets, toiletries, or maybe just a warm sweater.

NEW JERSEY  STRONG ...Forever!

A Work in Progress

Well, after many days of trying to figure this all out again after going on a extended blog vacation~ It's up!
If you knew me you would know I am a perfectionist and nothing is ever done. So in the future I am sure you will see things moved around, added, and deleted but why? It is a work in progress!
There is a tabs button up ahead with "My favorite things". That page will have links to other websites, face book pages, and products I love...Consider it like "Oprah's Favorite Things" page :-) 
Maybe they'll even be some secret give a ways?
But for now, the question of the day is for my fellow bloggers..What is the most important thing you find important to your site? Good night for now...

Hello everyone! It's been a while...

Good morning everyone!

Well, yes it has been a while since I have blogged. My life has been an up and down the past year. Working full time, training for a half marathon last year, and the biggest ~ having teens! Oh my! 

I plan on getting back into this world I have so much to post but it will have to be little by little. 

So for now ...I hope everyone have a fabulous day!

Disney Deals

You can stay at a select Walt Disney World® Resort hotel and save up to 30%* for stays most night May 2- August 14 with special room-only rates.Just add Theme Park tickets to take advantage of all the summer fun, including the return of Main Street Electrical Parade, which is now more dazzling than ever.

Offer Details:
You can save 30% off the non-discounted price when you stay at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts for stays most nights May 2 – Aug. 14, 2010. Plus, there are more great savings at other resort categories.

We did it!

After going from the couch to the pavement in just 60 days...WE DID IT! My friend Kim and I ran "The Royal Family 5k" in Disney World, Florida on March 6, 2010.
The worst part was the cold weather (in the 40's) and early wake up time. For me it must have been the excitement because I don't know how I woke up at 4:45 AM that is!! Time to get on th bus by 5:45 and over to EPCOT no later than 6:15am.
Shot gun was at 7am prompt and off we went! We did it beating our best time by 10 min. to give a round about at 35 min. Whew!
Along the way we were greeted by characters ans volunteers that cheered us on. Seeing EPCOT with no one else but runners was so great and so refreshing.
It seemed to go by so fast and when they say " Take it all in" we tried and loved it!
So... we are going to go for another one in Animal Kingdom in June..we'll see how we do because this one is even harder. A 5k, and obstacle course, and a scavenger hunt all at night! Whoa.
http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/expedition-everest-challenge/
If anyone is going bog us or facebook me and let me know. We'd love to keep up with all of you.

Until then...See ya real  soon!

Disney's Royal Family 5k in March

 http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/events/eventDetail/detail?name=PrincessHalfMarathonDetailPage

Why not enjoy Disney in another way? Root on a friend, family member, or you can even volunteer to help at the race!

Join us as we run the Disney's 5k for Families in March. I know I will be there running for the first time with a friend of mine.
There will aslo be the Princess 1/2 Marathon for ALL women!

Good Luck 2 All!

I volunteered with Disney's Give A Day, Get A Day!

Happy New Year !

Simple said...

I am wishing everyone a VERY Happy New Year in 2010!!!

Your Travel Girl... Jen

Spice it up for the holidays... Try something NEW!

When it comes to the holidays do you like to stay home? Go to other family/friend home? Or Do you like to get out and travel?


I think when the kids are small it is nice to enjoy Santa and the expierence of them opening presents and the "WOW" factor comes into play. Then they get older... Do they really need all of the frills and gifts that will be played with and worn for a while? Wouldn't it be fun to get away and go somewhere and make a memory? I do!
You know people always tell me "oh you're kids won't remember anything when they get older" Well, I disagree. So far they can tell me of vacations they took when they were little to their first cruise experience years ago.  I think material things come and go and I would like to hope that memories last a lifetime!
So when coming up with holiday traditions and activies, why not spice it up a bit and try something new...You all may like it! 

P.S..
Holiday cruises are on sale! Why not try something new & have a no fuss holiday! They'll cook, they'll clean, & they'll even do the decorating!

Can't wait for the new album!!!

IT'S OFFICIAL- I'm a "Carnival Funologist"

Support your local merchants this fall!

Fall time is a great time to venture out and see places you haven't seen before. Look through your local papers and see if there are any festivals, antique sales, maybe even farmers markets!

Support your local merchants. I know the "superstores" sometimes can save time, but not always money. Think of the families that put their pride &t joy into growing their own vegatables, making their own crafts for enjoyment, and are simply just trying to a make a living.

Maybe in venturing out you might network with someone and make a connection you never would have by going to a "superstore".

Get out...Smell some fresh clean air...&  Have a great weekend!

The Travel Channel- You need a new show & host! ME!

When you think of the "Travel Channel" what do you think of? Places to travel & all types of travel...NO?
Ok,well I do. 1st let me start by saying I L-O-V-E the show "Man vs. Food" well, done! The places he visits are close to my heart especially when he goes to NJ (I'm an original Jersey Girl) Philly, NYC, and yes...my home now~ Florida.
Mr. Bourdain, god love 'em! How he goes to those places and can eat some of that food after seeing where it came from 2 seconds before! Now Samantha Brown, yes, I WANT her job!
However, to me The Travel Channel should highlight places I want to "travel" to or cruise to, and see what I'm really missing if I don't go there. Disney, of course is always my favorite to watch. If you've read the rest of my blog you'll know I am a Disney lover. I wish I could be buried there! But have they really run out of ideas at the Travel Channel? Have they found NO ONE that wants to visit different places or do different things while there? What about going to Europe, the islands of the Caribbean, Alaska,? Really..no one? No one wants to see the things like Niagra Falls, Washington D.C, or Mrytle Beach? I guess they haven't met pretty ole' me! Pick me. Pick me. I'll do it- I'd be the Giada of the travel channel! For God's sake we could name it where in the world is the Travel Girl! :-)

Using Tripology

Has anyone heard of Tripology?


I guess some have. It's a travel website that you the consumer can punch in what you want in a vacation/ cruise/tour, etc.. and  up to 3 travel agents that are a matched to your trip can contact you back with suggestions and maybe a match will be made.

Sometimes it reminds me of some of those dating services!
Is it a match? Or not? Are you looking to see what's out there for giggles? Or are you really serious about making the connection?


Well,  I am an agent on there and I seem to think that it's not real. I have paid my dues, linked in with them, set up my profile, and I never have any luck. Are there really any serious clients out there? I don't know. I still think word of mouth goes a long way!
But if you are serious and looking for a vacation that works...check out one of the trips I have uploaded for the spring and if you like it come along with us!


http://www.tripology.com/service-upload/carnival-cruise-to-the-caribbean-for-4-nights-in-april-1028-s/

How do you find/decide on your vacation?

When it comes down to choosing a vacation how do you do it?

Do you:

1-  Look at different websites?

2-  Use a search engine and hope you find something good?

3-  Call a friend and ask what/where have they gone?

4-  Call a travel agent?

5-  If you see an interesting flyer or a vacation advertised -call about it.

6-  Something else

I'd like to know. Send me a comment.

October is National Vacation month...

Did you know that October is National Vacation month?

Did you also know that on Oct. 14th you can SAVE BIG on cruises lines!

Check out a special website made just for this sale:

http://wlcn.cruising.org/travelgirl

Onboard credits, cash back, onboard stateroom gifts, upfront savings, and more! But you won't get them unless you call. They are for certain CLIA certified travel agents...like me!

So pull out your datebooks and call me before the sale is over.

We will set sail without you!