Arriving back in Florida for the second time in only two weeks, I was prepared for the weather, the people, and the hair show I was about to work. Well, at least I thought I was...
When I arrived in Orlando on May 30th, I was ready to hit the warm, humid air that waited for me as I stepped off the plane. Unfortunately, I wasn't prepared for the record heat that we had during my stay. Each day got progressively hotter, until it neared the 100 mark on my last full day in town. Couple that with the humidity and I was one miserable Californian. I was definitely missing my own climate back home.
The hotel I stayed at more then made up for the miserable weather. The JW Marriott, Grande Lakes, is one of the nicest hotels I've stayed at in a long time. I was impressed with some of the other places I've stayed for both business and personal reasons, but the JW Marriott is definitely up there in status. Having earned 4 Diamonds on the AAA meter, I could see why with their level of service and standards. The official definition of a 4 Diamond hotel is "(The) properties reflect an exceptional degree of hospitality, service, and attention to detail, while offering upscale facilities and a variety of amenities." It certainly did just that.
Of course, no trip to any city can be done without work, so I headed over to the Orange County Convention Center for the Premiere Orlando Beauty Show. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, as my only other exposure to a hair show was NYC (and that wasn't very good), but this one blew me away. The different booths, the outrageous hairstyles, the loud dance music. Everything was turned up to an 11 for this one, folks. Our booth did very well at this show, and I'm certain we'll be back for it next June.
On the tourist front, due to the courtesy of my mom, I found a little place called Steve & Barry's. It reminds me of an Old Navy, but with a better selection of clothes. They carry exclusive lines for Sarah Jessica Parker (CARRIE!!!), Venus Williams & Amanda Bynes, along with an extensive selection of mens clothing. Perhaps the best part of the store? Everything was $8.98! No kidding. Everything. I found that there's one here in the LA area, so I'm making another trip next time I need a wardrobe change.
A new favorite food stop of mine is Buffalo Wild Wings on International Drive. The servers are very friendly and extremely helpful, the atmosphere is laid back, and the prices are quite reasonable. The boneless wings are worth checking out, and the hotter you can handle them, the better. I attempted the Mango Habanero, but could only get through 4 of them. A bit too hot for my taste buds.
If you're looking to take a trip back in time, head on over to the Festival Bay mall a little further up I-Drive. As Taryn (a good friend) and I stepped inside, we instantly felt like we were back in the early 90s. An odd feeling, but one confirmed as we noticed the types of stores inside...well, at least the stores that were actually open. Out of the entire mall (nearly 200 spaces), only 25-30 of them were being used. Their website says 80 stores, but I'm guessing that's a typo. Most of the stores were closed, and nearly all of them had no shoppers inside. The only reason Taryn and I were there was for Steve & Barry's, and I have a feeling that's what's keeping that mall alive at this point. Is it an old mall on the way out? Is it a new mall that's struggling to get stores in? The world may never know...
The visit with my mom was great to enjoy again. The fact that my job affords me to visit with my mom twice in two weeks is a great perk. I hadn't seen her in the 3 years prior, so it was great to catch up face-to-face again. I'll be back in Orlando in early October, so another visit will be waiting for me. At least now, I know the best places to visit and eat, and I know the best places to avoid.
My photos of Orlando are in the photo album over on Google. Stop by to check them out, and now that I have a few weeks rest, I'll be gearing up for Las Vegas at the end of the month. I'm told the Vegas show is the biggest one of the year, and I'm excited about it!
Jarrod gets to join me for the first time on a work trip, and I'm so happy to not have to travel without him for the next few shows. He'll be joining me in Vegas (June), Long Beach (August), and New York (September). Having traveled alone so often, I'll be glad to have him next to me each time. It won't make me miss home so much!
Until next time, I'm resting up and planning out my strategy for the bright lights (and desert heat) of Las Vegas. Come back again soon!
