Excited to share the updates on March 5, 2015 Rooftop Party

Thank You NIELSEN for being our Venue Sponsor so we can really make this a “Rooftop Party” with an Awesome View for all attendees!

Thank You SOUTHWEST AIRLINES for your Awesome Ticket Donation!

Thank You HOTEL FUSION in San Fran, CA for the Awesome Fly Away Prize!

Thank You HARBOUR GRAPHICS for your Awesome Talent in assisting in Event Logo and Event Posters which will be available in late December!   YES NEW FOREVER LOGO is coming – Thanks to Talented Lisa Collins of Harbour Graphics!

Keep your eyes watching here for more details as they will be posted here and Keep it REAL … REAL FUN that is!  Brenda 🙂

Just excited to get my Birthday gift early from the IRS and to share the NEWS … it is official o2b Fun, Inc is a Florida State and IRS approved not for profit Education Foundation formed and created in Less Than two months!

We will be providing through grants or scholarships assistance for every level of education to various students. A Countryside High and a Plant City High School student each will receive a scholarship cash grant to a Florida college of their choice. In addition we will award two Pinellas and two Hillsborough Middle School Students an Educational Summer Camp cash scholarship to a Florida Educational summer camp of their choice. Also we will be adopting from both Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties equal number of Elementary Schools through the Adopt A Class Program. Last we will benefit one Special Needs K-12 school with a cash grant and one already in college student with funds to return based upon needs during their initial four years of college.

Thanks so much to the Super Star Men with clout that have endorsed me, friends that supported me, Handsome Husband who helped me in editing IRS paperwork (he was a CPA so detailed information is his strong suit), and my four most professional board of directors who get the vision with me and allow me to get back to doing what I love which is all aspects of events and giving financially to help others.

Our Mission is
The advancement of education by creating and performing fundraising activities to provide funds for assisting the underprivileged based upon need and/or merit. To educate, equip and empower people on all educational levels without thought to nationality, creed, color, handicaps, and belief.

We will be changing this site with upcoming events, Sponsor links and so much more but I will still be blogging along the way so give me your input, thoughts, ideas and lets help Tampa Bay area while attending some events where I guarantee you will have FUN FUN FUN!

Excited to begin serving others while enjoying life, so keep it REAL … REAL FUN that is until next time! Brenda 🙂

So this week has marks three really fun times for our family …
First, this week the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Awareness and donations have gone so viral it makes me happy. Back on July 4 2014 it marked the 75th Anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech to baseball and All MLB teams did a short presentation prior to their Opening Day for ALS Awareness. ALS personally hits home for me as my Most Handsome Cousin in California has been fighting this battle for over four years now. So PROUD that Bobby Duffy is still with us today with us today and thanks to his Lovely Bride Karen Duffy for all the loving support.

So I was challenged on July 4 by my Tampa Bay Rays friend Rick and I literally took the Ice Bucket Challenge as well donated online. Well once this hit facebook I have received nine more challenges and opted out like a chicken to just donate online but Thank You to all those nominated, nominating and actually doing the challenge then posting your video for awareness. Just do not forget to donate to support research to find a cure.

GO TEAM BOBBY DUFFY and I hope this year they find a cure because we need to plan a trip to California to visit all my cousins and dance with Bobby like I did back in 1974 just for giggles like we did back then as Bobby is a soccer player not a dancer, great memories of the First and Only dance with this Handsome Cousin of mine!

Second, back in 1995 I created the Indoor Golf Tournament where awareness is brought to nine restaurants and nine businesses in a fun putt putt style indoor golf where the Prestigious Plaid Jacket is awarded to one male and one female with braggin rights for one year. So excited to see that this event has not missed even one year but still remains today as one of the best attended after hour’s mixer in the Oldsmar area. KUDO’S to Mark and all those who work hard on this night to ensure the continued success of this event!

Third, this Saturday night is our Geanakos Family house warming party and I cannot wait to show off our new condo as well all the fun food, games with awesome social time at our new place. The next Saturday is our Church Family house warming party so it will be a repeat of this Saturday but with a different group. WHY Two parties you ask well because we do not have room for 80 people inside or outside our house at one time besides I get to plan, decorate, cook, create fun take home things and prepare for two parties like the Events Person in me likes to do!

So enjoy the pics and thanks for letting me give a shout out to three of my fun activities this week, I hope your week is just as FUN or More FUN!!!

Until next time, keep it REAL … REAL FUN that is Brenda 🙂

Well the Hubs and I just enjoyed a great Stay-Cation at Shephard’s Beach Resort during their Grand Re-Opening on August 1 through August 3. Fun Fun Fun as we enjoyed all the New Amenities and Awesomeness in New Rooms.

Shephard’s has always been known as the FUN Beach Resort on Clearwater beach as they are grandfathered in for stage, live music, boat pull docking, three different bar areas with tons of new cooling water mists all around the property.

The new renovations are completed and include: 7000 sq foot pool deck with Soak bar; 11,000 sq ft Tiki Bar with Concert Stage; Salt room; huge parking garage and updated dining area! The new pool with food/bar service was enjoyed by us as well as the beach stage/bar area then I would be remised if I did not speak about the Saturday night Interactive Dining at Ocean Flame.

Sunday Brunch is next on their agenda to bring back into affect somewhere after September then they will be bringing back the Daily Breakfast Buffet later in the fall. If Tequila or Beer is your thing they even have a new side area called SALT that has over 500 beers on tap and over 200 Tequila beverages.

OK so you are questioning why I named this blog No Respecter well that would be because while there on our 3 night visit we supported another favorite Beach Resort of ours and ate Seafood Buffet at JIMMY’S FISH HOUSE part of the Holiday Inn Clearwater Beach again the usually expected Awesome Dinner.

In closing I would love to encourage everyone to take a Stay-Cation often in your local area to boost your own economy and enjoy the amenities that are at your fingertips … go make new friends and keep apprised of what is happening in your area whether it’s next door or 50 miles away. Also be sure to invite those besties of yours to come enjoy dinner with you one night … The Burgets’ are our #1 forever friends to do things and experience life with.

Until next time … keep it REAL … Real FUN that is … “Fun Fun Fun until Daddy takes the T-Bird away.” Hahahaha enjoy – Brenda 🙂

Tomorrow is not only July 4 2014 but it will mark the 75th Anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech to Yankees baseball. This personally hits home for me as my Most Handsome Cousin in California has been fighting this battle with ALS for over three years. So PROUD of Bobby Duffy his Awesome Wife Karen, their battle and the fact he is still here today with us to celebrate this monumental occasion.

In case you did not know, Major League Baseball is paying tribute to Lou Gehrig and the disease as it commemorates the 75th Anniversary of his “Luckiest Man” speech given by Lou Gehrig 75 years ago.

Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day turns out to be the most poignant and emotionally charged event in the history of New York sports, thanks largely to the 277 words the guest of honor spoke that day, deep and simple sentiments, straight from the heart of an immigrant’s son from Yorkville. Yankee legend’s strength and courage as he declares himself ‘the luckiest man on the face of this earth’ knowing he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), now best known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. I believe that sentiment is what we all can embrace this Friday as we come together to celebrate the Fourth of July, baseball, apple pie, Freedom and America while we increase awareness for ALS.

All MLB Clubs playing at home on Friday will conduct special on-field ceremony. Plus, MLB will unveil a special commemorative 75th Anniversary patch, shown above, which will be worn by all players, managers, coaches and umpires. In addition, a video will be played in all ballparks featuring one first baseman from Each MLB Club reciting a line from Gehrig’s speech.

The MLB Network will also air 75th Anniversary programming including “Pride of the Yankees,” the Academy Award-winning film about Gehrig’s life and career. The film will air on Sunday, July 6 so be sure to catch this show.

Last another shout out to Bobby Duffy my Handsome Cousin who Has always held a place in All Our Families heart from the first time he kicked a soccer ball to each day we celebrate His Life … here’s to 30 more Wonderful Years with you Bobby!

Until next time, keep it REAL … REAL FUN that is and don’t forget to catch the film … Brenda 🙂

Known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July Fourth has been a Federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution 1775-83. In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of Independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.

The tradition of patriotic celebration became even more widespread after the War of 1812, in which the United States again faced Great Britain. In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday in 1941, the provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees. Falling in mid-summer, the Fourth of July has since the late 19th century become a major focus of leisure activities and the most common symbol of the holiday is the American flag, and a common musical accompaniment is The Star-Spangled Banner, our national anthem for the United States.

Let us never forget the awesome men and women who have fought for us in the past and present day. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, barbecues, concerts, baseball games, family reunions to casual family or friends gathering chocked full of FUN.

However you and yours chose to celebrate here to Independence and the good ole USA, May God Bless America while we reconnect with our Constitution that is great country is founded on!

Until next year enjoy 2014 July Fourth and keep it REAL … Real FUN that is! Brenda 🙂

Double Hot News from This Very Day (6-24-2014) A hottie Friend know as Michael Lamando owner of Amicis Catered Cuisine in Oldsmar, Florida. So today I ran into Michael who is the only person I allow to call me Bren simply because he is such an awesome friend, business associate and has always supported me personally and is one of the few people in my life who has always apologized as quickly as he realized a mistake was made and that is very very rare today, anyways … I believe that covers all the hottie personal news.

Hot Business NEWS is Michael after the past two years of a very rough blow, we all have them but what is important is that we all support each other through any of these rough times!!! Michael is now back in the saddle even more tenacious that EVER and is expanding his business and is getting ready to open a new location at 205 Marlborough Street in Beautiful Oldsmar, Florida.

WHAT??? You have never heard of Amicis Catered Cuisine or Michael, shut the front door this cannot be true. Florida State Graduate with degree in hotel and restaurant management, Irish and Italian blood line Amicis is built on Michaels own personal ethics which is stellar! In 1983 Michael opened his business in a 900 sq ft deli then began his catering business which just blew up quickly into one of the Top Five Tampa Bay Catering businesses all of which I am proud to call him friend.

Michael catered our wedding plus has catered I know six weddings in the past three years from clients I have sent to him. Every one of the brides still to this day rave about Amicis and in fact one of my girls married then two years later her little sister married and their comment was Ms Brenda we are using your referral.

Professionalism, kindness, tenacity, talented staff, conscious, on time service, stay to the last minute, forward thinking and the best staff in the hospitality business. Michael and his staff CAN DO anything from lunch drop offs to elaborate dinners to casual parties to cocktail parties to mixers to themed events to dessert parties to fruit parties and if you want to create something unique My reference would be Michael. IN 2002 Michael catered an Honeymoon Island party for me as one of my Event Auction Items which Quality Thin Films of Oldsmar still talks about today to me! Awards are 2007/2008/2009 Best of Weddings The Knot; 1999/2001/2002/2006/2007 NACE Caterer of the Year; City of Oldsmar Business of year 2000; Florida Aquarium Nauti Night 2001/2002/2006 winner; and more but I want to keep this simply FUN!

SHEW … all that to say my hottie Friend and Professional Gourmet Catering company of choice is Michael or Amicis Catered Cuisine. Be watching for his grand opening or ribbon cutting coming soon the Beautiful Oldsmar and you will see me there.

Until next time … keep REAL … Real FUN that is! Brenda 🙂

In Celebration of Independence for the good ole USA and we owe a debt of thanks to those serving, have served and no longer here but served. I love sharing discounts or freebie so celebrate and be sure to thank a Military or Vet!

AMC Theatres
Watch White House Down for free for you and a guest on July 4th. Free ticket promo is on a first come, first serve basis, while tickets last. This offer is for Veterans, Retired Military and Active Duty Military. These movie theaters are also doing the same: Regal Entertainment Group, AMC Theatres, Cinemark Theatres, or Carmike Cinemas theater.

Bluestar Museums – Free Admission to over 1,800 museums
More than 1,800 museums across America offer free admission to active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day, May 27, to Labor Day, September 2.

Carowinds, Charlotte, NC
July 3-4 free park admission to any active, inactive or retired United States Service men and women with a valid military I.D.

Cedar Point, Sandusky, OH
Any active, retired or honorably-discharged member of the United States Armed Forces can receive one (1) free regular admission ticket to Cedar Point. Free ticket valid for one-day visit to Cedar Point July 4-7.
Free Admission – Many local places are providing free admission to active duty military and veterans this 4th of July. Call ahead to confirm but parks, zoos, aquariums, amusement parks, museums, concerts, events and much more are providing free admission and discounts to family member on Independence Day.

Home Depot 10 Percent Off
A 10 percent discount is offered to all military veterans on Memorial Day to all veterans up to a maximum of $500. A year round 10% discount is available at all U.S. locations to active duty personnel, reservists, retired or disabled veterans and their immediate families. Must present a valid military ID.

Hometown Buffet
Throughout the month of July active-duty and retired military families receive 15 percent off on meals and beverages up to a party of four with a valid military ID.

Houston Astros
1,000 tickets to active duty United States military and veterans for Military Day on Thursday, July 4 at Minute Maid Park.

King’s Dominion Free Admission, Doswell, VA
July 4-5 free park admission to any active, inactive or retired United States Service men and women with a valid military I.D.

King’s Island
All military members – active and retired — will receive free admission to King’s Island, and amusement and water park in Ohio July 3-6, 2014. They are also offering discounted tickets for family members.

Lowe’s 10% Discount
Lowe’s honors all Veterans on the Fourth of July with a 10 percent discount. The discount is extended to all veterans who served honorably and who present a valid Form DD214 or other proof of service.

Michigan’s Adventure, Muskegon, MI
On July 3rd and 4th military personnel of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard and Reserve get free admission. In addition, military personnel may purchase up to six additional tickets for family members at $21 each.

Military Star Card 10 Cents Off Per Gallon of Gas
July 1st through July 4th Military star card customers get 10 cents off per gallon at any Army or Air Force gas station. Any branch of service is eligible to receive this discount that has access to the installation gas station.

Old Country Buffet
July 1st to July 31st active-duty and retired military, spouses and children receive a 15% discount on all meals and beverages. Must present valid military I.D.

Outback Steakhouse
10% off discount from May 27th to July 4th to Military Personnel who have one of the following forms of identification: U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW), DD214 Certificate, Veteran Identification Card (VIC), Photograph in U.S. Uniform or wearing U.S. Uniform.

Parker’s on Ponce, Decatur, GA
20 percent off the entire check for all veterans, retired and active duty military personnel July 1 to 7 (closed July 4th).

Philadelphia Phillies
All active members of the military as well as veterans, their families and friends receive a special ticket discount to cheer on the Phillies.

Ryan’s
July 1 to July 31 15 percent discount to active-duty and retired military families for all meals and beverages. A valid military ID is required.

CRUISE – Vacations to Go has 50 to 80 percent off travel like this one leaving from Miami to Grand Bahamas, Nassau, Cay (all Bahamas) back to Miami for $169 Per Person with Military ID. Leaves June 30 back July 4 NOW this is a deal you can’t miss, just fact!

Michigan’s Adventure
Michigan’s Adventure is offering military personnel of the Armed Forces, National Guard and Reserve a free admission on July 3-4, 2014. In addition, military personnel may purchase up to six additional tickets for family members at a discounted price.

Naples Zoo
The Naples Zoo in Florida is offering free admission to all active and prior service personnel July 4-7. Plus, adult and child guests can also purchase tickets at $2 off regular Zoo admission during the weekend.

Valleyfair
Valleyfair amusement park in Minnesota is offering free admission during their Military Appreciation Days July 3, 4, 5 and 6. This includes both active duty personnel and veterans, and discounted tickets are available for immediate family members.

Thank you to those serving now, those that have served and those who are gone way too early who have served. Keep it REAL, Real FUN that is until next time! REAL FUN, Brenda 🙂

ICON FUN … we all use them in Social Media and emails but alot of these I personally did not know how to create so when I ran across this I had to share here in my blog for everyone. If you already knew these you are younger than me and smarter than me which is a Good Thing! Those who may not know here you go and enjoy making your notes, posts and texts fun for your family and friends.

Yes that is all for now just making sure every one know how to make it fun so … until next time Keep it REAL, Real FUN that is 🙂 Brenda

Hummm, good topic as appearances are just that. Above is a Pic of my Brother In Law, Joe opening his birthday gift from me (roll of birthday paper with one dollar bills taped together that rolled out as he pulled a string) it appeared there was a lot of giving here but if you would count the actual ones then you would see it is appearances. We all at times in our lives let things appear different than we think so the people in our lives will see what we want them to see. I wanted to share this thought first then I promise to talk about my fun plans.

The past months things in my life have not been as I thought they should be, but today in my time of devotion something smacked me right in the face about appearances and I need to share, so please hear me out as I RARELY share my belief this bluntly in my blog.

Abram and Lot (Abrams brothers son) left their home following God when strife broke out between Lot’s herdsmen and Abram’s herdsmen so they decided to part ways. Now Abram (in my eyes being the most humble and stronger Christian) took Lot to a high mountain that overlooked the area and OFFERED … yes let him have first pick, offered him the area to chose for his future homeland. Lot chose the prime property and left Abram with the desert area, now talk about appearances if this were me I would have probably said how about throwing me a bone here Lot just one acre of that prime property. But Not Abram he said he did not want any more strife so he is willing to let Lot have the best without argument or harsh feelings. Now that slapped me in the face big time … let’s say big time! Then in Genesis 13 verses 14 to 16 this is where God promises good to Abram. I call these little things God Winks or God Hugs and believe my things will be transitioned by God for me just like promises to each of His Kids in Jeremiah 29 verse 11.

Appearances are not always like they seem to us even when we look at our friends, families or co workers we need to rethink this whole thing by not judging simply loving and I needed this lesson so thanks to my Joyce Meyer Thoughts devotional book.

Fun plans next week include a Bridal Shower for Crystal with the never ending scroll of Shower money tree as they head to Maryland for her wedding with family. Crystal is a very discerning and strong Christian lady to which I always wish the best in all she does so I can’t wait to attend the shower and share love on Her Princess Days ahead, after all IT IS the Brides day and everything should be as the Bride wants for once in her life. So on her day all the way through the wedding and I wish all things perfect like she wants for this her day!

Next I am helping honor some folks with their 60 Wedding Anniversary and since they are AVID facebook followers I will have to share the scoop here AFTER May 6, 2014. So Excited to share this and to Publically Thanks Jacqueline, Vickie and Gram for all their hard work in preparation for this event to honor our FLORIDA PARENTS, Marilyn and Babe Antici from Countryside Christian Center.

Until next time … keep it REAL … REAL FUN that is! 🙂 Brenda