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I am so frikkin excited because this is my first real post of NEW content here on this new website of mine and it just so happens to be my official 2015 Food and Wine Conference Recap!!! Friday 7/17/15 started happily enough with all smiles as my pal Letty and I hopped into her car for the quick drive to Orlando for the 2015 Food and Wine Conference. One stop at Cracker Barrel later and we had arrived here:

Yep, the beautiful Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel, Golf Course and Spa. Isn’t it grand? And huge! This place was HUGE! I’ve never stayed at a resort quite this large, but it was so nice! After getting settled into my room I went to check in for the conference and was pleasantly surprised that the conference organizers created a poster just for my initials of A G:

I just know they did this just for me! Thanks ya’ll for making me feel so special 🙂 Anywho, after checking in I was handed an awesome swag bag with these cool items:

Then, it was off to the Dixie Crystals Sugar Retreat where the other attendees and I got to make some fabulous sugar scrubs. After that we enjoyed some yummy Strawberry martinis, chocolates and popcorn from the Florida Strawberry Grower’s Association before heading to the Taste of Rosen Shingle Creek where I got to try the amazing Tequila and Grapes cocktail that knocked my socks off! The evening ended with me heading to Mi Casa Tequila with my girlfriend Letty so she could indulge in some guacamole and I could indulge in the largest margarita I’ve ever been given!

The next morning it was not easy getting up in part because of the drinking and eating from the night before, but also because of how comfortable that bed was. I felt like the mattress swallowed me and didn’t want to spit me back out!

Still, there was more eating and drinking to do so I got up and went off to breakfast, enjoyed a session about blogging my way to success with the amazing Liz Lathem of Hoosier Homemade and Stephanie Parker of Plain Chicken. Then, it was morning break time with Cabot Cheese and Pacari Chocolate. After this I felt a little off so I headed back to my room for a bit missing the other awesome sessions, but managed to get my ASH up in time for lunch.

At lunch I finally got to try what my Canadian Pals have been talking about for months…Poutine. Although after I posted images of it one of them told me that the conference was bastardizing it and another commented “So damn wrong! THis video was made to explain to americans. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFbQVUlK6pc“

It may not have been the correct Canadian style, but aside from it being pretty salty the poutine was damn tasty! our dessert was sponsored by the peeps over at Fields Auto who just so happened to be the sponsors I was assigned to as a brand ambassador for the weekend. I loved learning about their awesome vehicles and seeing their momma and baby BMWs and the desserts were pretty freaking awesome too!

Saturday night was the dinner every FWCon attendee is still talking about and salivating over. The Certified Angus Beef Dinner with Hess Wines. OH. EM. GEE!!! Talk about a yummy meal. May just have been the best steak and wine I ever put in my mouth!

 The next morning we were treated to a yummy brunch from Duda Farms, then we were driven by the kickASH cars of Fields Auto to the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality for some classes and a yummy lunch from Out of the Weeds. During lunch we learned just how versatile potatoes can be and then it was time for one more class before my 2015 Food and Wine Conference adventure came to an end so I could catch my ride back to Tampa.

Overall it was a whirlwind of a weekend and I honestly hope I get the chance to do it again next year. Next time I’ll make sure I have enough time and energy for what I hear was an epic unofficial after party!

To me there is so much in this recap post that I feel as though I didn’t really have space to share specifics about a number of things that happened, that I ate or that I saw over the weekend. So, stay tuned because over the coming weeks I’m going to dive deeper into all that I enjoyed and a few things I didn’t at the 2015 Food and Wine Conference!

I don’t know about you guys, but right now I’m so upset! Why? Well, because I missed one of my favoritest events EVER! Yep, I missed the Hottest Heroes show at the Ritz last Saturday because I’m the dumbASH that didn’t add the correct date to her frikkin calendar. GRRRRRRRR!!! Luckily, I’m friends with the gal who hosted the shindig and she sent me some sexy photos to go gaga over. mmmmmmmmmmm!

Photo credit for the droolworthy shot above: This hunky piece of yum is Jared Goldman and the lucky chick that took his pic is Taya Fagan. Kudos Taya. He looks just as yummy as Matt Bomer in Magic Mike. #SWOON!

Okay, okay, I know why you are really here…You want to see more of what we both missed. Check out these pics and eat your heart out! (all pics below by that lucky chick Taya!)

Rollie Cabrera

Kyle Rowley

Niko Valdes

Alright girls, if I’m still living in Tampa, Florida when this awesome event comes around again let’s make a pact to go together! Oh, and the kick ASH sexy bitch that put on this drool worthy affair?
The stunning Lisa (McCorkle) Hast  of Dream Makers Events. Show her some love by visiting her website HERE!

“Don’t settle! Screw the Nine to Five” Those words have echoed in my ears in one way or another for years, but a real live voice finally came to those words when I stumbled onto this nifty site called Screw the Nine to Five approximately two years ago…or was it 2 and a half. Definitely more than one year. Who knows? I can’t math good…but I digress.. The speaker of those words I’ve muttered in some way, shape or form to myself for as long as I can remember was none other than Josh Stanton. a.k.a. the hunky Aussie married to the stunningly gorgeous Jill Stanton.

Since stumbling onto their website I’ve read many of their blog posts, I’ve listened to nearly every podcast they have produced and have even purchased three of their programs. These two have screwed the nine to five in the most awesome way possible and thanks to their teachings I’m learning not only how to avoid ever having to go back to a nine to five again, but also that there is an amazing group of entrepreneurs just as like-minded as me ready and willing to chat and boost each other up. I’ve learned loads from this amazing couple, but for the sake of your limited attention span (fine! my limited attention span) here are just 5 things I’ve learned from Josh and Jill Stanton:

1. Sell what you know. The easiest way to make money is to sell what you already know. Even if it’s not necessarily your passion you could at least start a business based on what you know so that maybe later you could afford trying to turn your passion into a business or at least have the money to fund your passion as a hobby.

2. Just focus on one thing. Multitasking does no one any good. You get more done when you just do one thing at a time, cross it off your list and then move on to the next thing on the list.

3. There is more than one way to make money online. Okay, so technically I already knew this one, but they did open my mind up to ways to make money I hadn’t thought of.

4.Communicating about money even when it’s tight is crucial for success as a couple. It’s not easy to talk about money for a lot of people, but you have to get comfortable with communication for your own sanity and to keep your relationship in a happy place.

5. Haters gonna hate, but that’s okay. Alright, I know this lesson isn’t new to anyone, but for some reason hearing them say it made me believe it’s okay to have haters. Not everyone is going to get me or my mission, but that doesn’t matter. Only I can shape my destiny and so only my opinion of what I’m doing matters!

Alright peeps! That’s the end of my list of 5 things. You should seriously check out Screw The Nine to Five. By the way- Jill is totally known for SHOWING HER TIPS on her podcast!!!

These were the AWESOME speakers of Spark & Hustle Tampa (Descriptions pulled from the Spark & Hustle Tampa website. See all about Spark & Hustle HERE)

BRANDING

The story begins a few years ago when the four Nardo’s brothers
discovered the health benefits of coconut oil for the skin. The brothers
were inspired to formulate a responsible skin care line with
ingredients derived from nature. A few months later, Nardo’s Natural
developed their first moisturizer in their kitchen. The family business
has since introduced a variety of organic products and continues to
grow everyday.

• Almost threw in the towel when…: “I was offered a job with a
  marketing firm. It was the early stages of our skin care line and I
  juggled the concept between a secured paycheck and a gamble on our
  business start-up.”
• Daring decision:  “Swim with 15-foot Great White Sharks. Ironic that
  I swam with ‘Sharks’ on ABC’s Shark Tank, but yes, I also swam with
  Great White’s during my travels in South Africa. “

@nardosnatural

ENGAGEMENT MARKETING

Pamela is a business expert with more than 20 years of experience in marketing and new business development.  Prior to joining Constant Contact,
she owned a marketing service that helped professionals secure more
clients and build their repeat and referral business.  Today, she uses
her marketing and business development acumen to help small businesses
in Central Florida maximize the power of relationship marketing.

• “When the going gets tough, I double down.”
• Daring decision: “Quitting a corporate job and starting my own business.”
• Little known fact: “I used to be a ballet dancer.”

@constantcontact

MUSCLE MARKETING

Joy Gendusa is the owner and CEO of direct mail marketing firm, PostcardMania.
Joy began PostcardMania in 1998, with nothing but a phone and a
computer, never taking a dime of investment capital. Joy originally
started PostcardMania as a full-service postcard marketing company
helping clients create turn-key marketing campaigns with graphic design,
printing, mailing list acquisition and mailing services. Since then,
PostcardMania has expanded to offer its clients more services including
website and landing page design and development, email marketing and
full marketing evaluations — all while continuing to educate clients
with free marketing advice.

• Ever threw in the towel?: “I have ridiculous junk yard dog skills.
  Once I get my teeth into something that’s it. Have I been discouraged?
  Of course, but I really know the value of persistence.
”
• Little known fact: “I’m a grandma and love it.”

@postcardmania

• Ever throw in the towel?: “While I might have come close to throwing
  in the towel on an occasion or two, my mission and passion for what I
  do always brought me back into focus. Like most women, I’ve faced lots
  of interesting challenges. One challenge that was draining emotionally
  was when the online advertising display revenues started to decline in
  2008. The drop in monthly revenue left the business hurting and resulted
  in my having to lay off my staff. However, with perseverance, some
  elbow grease and a positive attitude, I was determined to fix the
  situation. With the help of key friends and business colleagues,
  Pregnancy.org is here today and my staff is back in place.”

@pregnancyorg

HOW TO BE A LOCAL HERO

Laurie is the founder and owner of LB&Smith, a small
business/practice development firm. She first received national
attention for her “It” Factor Job Club as part of the Good Morning
America Job Club Initiative. Forever a Texan at Heart, Laurie channels
her passion and energy into being a catalyst for both businesses and
individuals looking to reach their potential, and beyond. “It’s not
bragging, if it’s true,” is the Lone Star State axiom Laurie proudly
applies to the personal, highly specific work she does both discovering
and promoting the best talent around.
@LaurieBaggett

SALES AND SCALE

Founded by professional trainers Richard Fenton & Andrea Waltz, Courage Crafters
is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations overcome
self-imposed limitations and achieve breakthrough performance. They are
the creators of the highly sought after book and program, Go for No!®

• “When the going gets tough, we…: “Pout and then dig in our heels and get really focused on the mission.”
• Daring decision:  “Quit our corporate jobs with basically no safety net or concrete plan.”

@GoforNo

Tired of losing cards and money, Wendy Krepak created the Card Cubby
out of her need to organize all her gift, loyalty and frequent
buyer cards. Card Cubby was introduced at the Atlanta Gift Show in 2009
and went on to be highlighted by People Magazine, The Today Show and Good Morning America
to name a few. In 2011 sales topped $1 million and the company
continues to grow with new additions to its line of “Save in Style”
products. Card Cubby is currently sold in approximately 1,400 stores in
the U.S and Canada, online and on QVC.

• Little known fact: “I am not a college graduate.”

@cardcubby

OVERCOMING FEARS AND BUILDING CONFIDENCE

National speaker, small business advisor, media correspondent and life coach, Jenn Lee
isn’t letting anyone or anything stop her from helping Americans shift
their thinking, boldly move forward and bring sanity back into their
everyday lives! Right to the point with a good dose of humor, Jenn’s
authentically honest approach and down to earth tips quickly landed her a
regular spot on Orlando’s FOX Morning show, BLOG talk radio shows and
as an on-line contributor for Working Mother Media.

• Ever almost throw in the towel?: “Four months after I launched my
  business, my dream job presented itself and was there for the taking. I
  had a difficult choice to make: my business was brand new and I wasn’t
  making a lot of money. I had a choice—to take the easy road and big
  paycheck, or reconfirm my commitment to myself and continue on with my
  business and my dream. I turned down the job offer and have never looked
  back or thought about throwing in the towel since.”
• Little known fact: “I escaped a two-year physically abusive
  relationship and went into hiding for several months for my safety. I
  credit this part of my life as the ultimate training ground for helping
  others to see the value of their lives and to stop allowing their past
  to dictate their future. “

@coachjennlee

MIND FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS

Lindsay Phillips is the energetic inspiration and founding force behind SwitchFlops.
Her footwear concept evolved from a high school art project—amazed by
the response, Lindsay began designing functional flops with colorful
straps, each adorned by a unique button. Her idea evolved when she
realized that by using hook-and-loop fasteners she could create one shoe
with many straps–unlimited choices with minimal effort. This simple,
yet brilliant innovation was the birth of SwitchFlops.

• Almost threw in the towel when…: “We got our first shipment of
  straps for the shoes and all of the buttons were loose. My mom and I had
  to individually re-sew all the adornments on to make them saleable. As
  an entrepreneur you have to learn from your mistakes, laugh, and move
  forward with a smile.”

@switchflops

Have you heard of Addicted to Saving? It is the latest craze in Tampa and if you are not visiting this page you are losing money!

The website is http://www.addictedtosaving.com/

The coolest part about the website? She is doing a giveaway right now for Universal Studios tickets.

You want in on this? visit here: http://www.addictedtosaving.com/2010/03/04/universal-studios-orlando-ticket-giveaway/

DO IT NOW!!!

So…Apparently as I’m reading people’s blogs I am finding that there is a rule about Full Disclosure. In order to make sure I am not harassed at a later date after I become hugely famous online for being such an amazing blogger-let’s get the Full Disclosure out of the way!

The Following FTC Disclosure holds true for all of my blogs and websites including but not limited to:

The Famous Ashley Grant and Famous Ashley Grant 2.0

Living the Secret

First, My Amazon Associates Disclosure:

Famous Ashley Grant is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, audible.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

And now, for the rest of my disclosure – The Full Monty

This blog and the other blogs I’m working on are not primarily financially driven, but I hope that they lead me to becoming a millionaire. How’s that for honesty? I began blogging in 2008 for several reasons- to have a place to write how I feel, to show people where to find my articles and links to photographs I have taken, to voice reactions and opinions (goes back to how I feel), to teach people things and hopefully learn things too and to establish a little more credibility for myself as a journalist.

That said, beginning December 1, 2009, the FTC requires bloggers to provide disclosures whenever there could be hidden interests or unspoken biases related to recommendations.

First, the obvious: I am a content creator. Essentially I will write and/or take pictures for anyone that will pay me and if they don’t pay me I get some form of compensation whether it be in advertising and promotion, food, products or services.

Second, the less obvious: Per the FTC rules, if I interview someone and they grab the bill for lunch, I would need to specify this. Ditto if I use an Amazon link that gets me 8 cents instead of an Amazon link that gets me 0 cents. If someone gives me a comfy t-shirt with a logo and I wear it in a photo, same deal.

Disclaimers all over the place.

This would be tedious for me and a continual eye sore for readers. But rules is rules.

To cover my ass and preserve your reading experience, please assume that, for every recommendation, link, and product I use, the following all hold true:

This post including the images was copied from the blog of Tim Ferriss and changes were made to the post where necessary. Per his statement on his blog this post was used with permission “Please feel free to use the text and images on this page with proper attribution. There is no reason why each blogger should have to reinvent the wheel.”

Please check out Tim Ferriss and his book The 4-Hour Workweek!