Celebration Florida’s Fun Station Closes

The Family Fun Station, a Celebration Town Center business that has specialized in delivering family fun, has sadly decided to close its doors.  Mike and Pattie Gaw, well-respected and much admired Celebration residents, announced the closing with a December 30 posting on the Front Porch website.

According to their post, “We have made a decision to close the Family Fun Station at the end of the business day on December 31st. We have made this decision for several reasons. First, the business as currently structured cannot generate sufficient income to justify remaining open; second,we have not had success in any attempts for the addition of different activities that would generate revenue;and third, we no longer can afford to pay the rent, utilities and wages required to remain open. We are saddened by this set of circumstances, and the fact that our dream of providing a wholesome place for the community,young and old, to relax and have fun will not be realized. We fully accept the fact that we made a business decision to open the Family Fun Station in October 2007, but as it turns out like thousands of other small businesses the decision in retrospect was not timely. We had hoped that the economy would improve and business would be better, but we learned a lesson that I well knew from my military experience that hope is not a method. “

Mike and Pattie were among the first residents of Celebration, having had their name chosen during the original lottery held by Disney in November 1995.  A former army major general, Mike is one of the town entrepreneurs, and has served the community as a CROA board member.  Pattie is a successful real estate agent who plans to continue that business. 

The Gaws explained that they would be selling the contents of the Fun Station over the next few weeks, including games, vehicles, prizes and bikes.   That includes the popular Celebration Express train that has given thousands of passengers a mini-tour of Celebration around the immediate Town Center area.   Anything that is not liquidated would be donated to Give Kids the World, an organization that they have long supported.

Magnanimously, the Gawsacknowledged that many children have been saving redemption tickets and that they would do their best to redeem them for prizes, cash they can spend, or donations to a charity.

The Gaws can be contacted through the Front Porch posting thread or at the Fun Station while liquidation and clean-up proceeds.

Pattie and Mike concluded by noting, “We would like to sincerely thank each and every customer who has frequented the Family Fun Station, our long time immediate neighbors Kilwin’s Ice cream–the very best ice cream in the area, and our new neighbors the unique Spot Me Kids. We wish continued success to you both.”

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Update Your Skills with Adult Education Classes

Update Your Skills with Adult Education Classes in Central Florida

In this uncertain economic climate, it’s a good idea to consider ways that you can increase your value as an employee. You want to give your bosses lots of reasons to keep you around for a long, long time. You may have cause for concern if you don’t have the same qualifications as your colleagues. Having a degree that is directly related to your field is becoming more and more important. Practical experience definitely helps, but that’s not always enough. That’s why it’s a good idea to start checking into adult education classes in Central Florida right now.

Adult education classes are a great way to update your skills without completely disrupting your busy life. There are many options for taking courses for both personal enrichment and college credit, giving you even greater flexibility in terms of how you can proceed and expand your options not only at your current job, but in building your resume for the future.

One option is to take adult education classes at a nearby campus or even online. Central Florida has some of the best colleges in the nation.  Universities such as University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, Southeastern University, Florida Southern, and countless others offer college courses and even entire Bachelor’s degree programs designed for the working adult.  Take classes online, at night, or even on weekends at any of the local Central Florida universities or community colleges in Orlando, Lakeland, or even Tampa. 

Don’t get overwhelmed yet!  You don’t have to jump into thousands of dollars of dept and a four-year commitment.  Consider some local Celebration or online Associate degree programs.  Many Associate Degree programs are offered at local Central Florida community colleges for a fraction of the cost of the larger universities like University of Central Florida in Orlando.  Not to mention, as a Florida resident, it is a breeze to take you’re A.A. degree to an accredited Florida college or university and finish out your Bachelor’s degree at a later date.  The state of Florida encourages continuing education for its residents and there are many, many opportunities for scholarships and financial aid.

Maybe you’re not interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree.  Perhaps you would just like to go back for a while and learn more about your field or hone your skills with more recent pertinent information. Many Florida residents that go back to school attend adult education classes with this intent.  Enroll in a Florida college or Central Florida University adult education classes without pursuing a degree. For many, this route is far more economical than committing to a four-year degree program. By taking specific adult education classes that would help you on the job, you could earn a professional certificate instead of a degree. A certificate could still work to solidify your value to your company, as it would show that you are dedicated to professional development and continually striving to keep up on advancements in strategy and technology in your field.

Living in Central Florida, you will not have any trouble finding quality, affordable adult education classes that will help you in your career pursuits.  Thanks to the Internet and your relative proximity to many different college campuses and unlimited online degree programs, you shouldn’t have any trouble adding to your worth as an employee.

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Career Planning in Central Florida

Career planning in Central Florida

Sometimes, careers fall in your lap. You take a job, do well, you’re promoted, and before you realize it, you’ve been working in the field for twenty years. You may not have had any fondness for the field when you started, but were just happy to get work. Nonetheless, you might have done well in the field simply because you have all the abilities and personality characteristics that tend to produce good work. You may have even taken classes in the field to keep your job. On the up side, through those classes, you gained the knowledge to assume greater responsibilities and get promotions. This is how a career may have just ‘settled’ on you. In the middle of your career, when you begin to ask if you’re really happy in your work, you may well just shrug your shoulders and tell yourself it doesn’t matter now, it’s just too late to change. Some of us never do career planning. To some of us, careers just come.

Others, starting young, although age is not a determinate, intentionally choose the work we’ll be doing for the rest of our life, and engage in career planning to map our way to our highest hopes, potential and ambitions. Our selection of the field we’ll work in will first be motivated by the work we enjoy, the work that would allow us to realize our potential. We may choose the field because the abilities and personality characteristics of a worker in that field matches ours, and, through that field we are able to do what we do best. Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher, said a person should do what they do best, for then what they do will be done well and the good work will be rewarded as we expect. Whatever field you choose, choose one for which you have some love.

Once you’ve chosen your field, research your prospects thoroughly. Learn what jobs are available in the field and what skills, training, and education are required for each. Which jobs lead to higher jobs, jobs with more pay and responsibility? When career planning, you should try to get some direct observation of the work and the workers in your chosen field. Ask the workers how long they’ve been doing it and ask yourself if you’d truly be happy that far down the road. Know what you’re getting into before you begin your career planning.

Career planning is planning for your success, but what you consider success is not necessarily reaching the top position in the field. Vice President of Information Technology may be the top position in the Information Technology field, but if you’re a programmer who loves programming, you’re not going to be very happy dealing with the administrative matters all V.P.s must tolerate. Perhaps shooting for Chief Software Engineer will be your greatest possible fulfillment as a programmer and you’re happy to go with that career for the rest of your life.

Career planning is not fantasizing, but serious business. Your career planning will result in what you may be doing for the rest of your life.

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Orlando Flooring Contractor – Creativa Construction

Orlando Flooring Experts: Creative Construction

Creativa Construction in Orlando is one of Central Florida’s leading experts in residential and commercial flooring as well as kitchen and bathroom remodeling. Creativa Construction has worked on projects for Hilton Hotels Ruby Lakes, the UCF Arena, Soho Coffee Shop in Orlando and many others.

Creativa Construction’s industry experience and unparalleled customer service has aided them in their pursuit of becoming Central Florida’s premier flooring contractor company. Creativa Construction will exceed your expectations. The professional crew at Creativa Construction also speaks both Portuguese and Spanish and are experts in the areas of ceramic tile, vinyl, carpet, hard wood, laminate, stone, and wall tile. Owner Lucas Vasconcelos and his professional crew offer free consultations and will work to ensure you are completely satisfied with your flooring choices.

 

For more information on flooring or remodeling, or to schedule a free consultation, visit www.creativaconstruction.com or email Lucas at lucas@creativaconstruction.com.

Creativa Construction
Narcoosee Rd
Orlando, Florida 32832
(407) 467-1648

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Legitimate Ways to Work Online and Make Money from Home

 Are you one of the many Americans that are currently unemployed?  With so many people seeking employment in Central Florida, perhaps you should consider a career online. 

Many people in Central Florida make money online through web stores, or eBay.  These are great sources of supplemental income but, in most cases, will not supply you with the regular and dependable income that you need.  However, there are many businesses and companies that allow employees to work online and make money from home.  Telecommuting is huge these days; the trick is finding a good fit for you.

You first want to take an inventory of your skills.  Those that work from home typically have great computer skills such as programming or code translation.  These types of jobs are easily done via the Internet because everything is web-based. If you don’t have these skills, there are numerous opportunities to take classes or obtain training through the many colleges and Universities in Central Florida that offer online education.  However,

Perhaps you don’t have many advanced computer skills and simply don’t have the time or money to spend on continuing education or further training, there are many other options for you.  Fortunately, there are other computer-related jobs that can be picked up with just minimal training such as: data entry, medical billing, medical transcription, and bookkeeping.  There are many opportunities for jobs such as these and most do not require experience. 
Teaching is another way to work online and make money. In addition to hundreds of degree programs online, many colleges and universities in Central Florida now offer non-credit classes on the Internet, and they need experts in all kinds of fields to either develop whole courses from scratch or teach existing ones. Since these are non-credit offerings, no real teaching certification is required. Candidates just have to demonstrate computer proficiency, excellent writing skills, and expertise in a certain field. Expertise is needed in many areas, from grant writing to photography, foreign languages, parenting and childcare, GED test preparation, and more.

These options are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to legitimate ways to work online and make money.  Although this current economy is changing the face of our workforce, it is allowing for new avenues of creativity and perhaps opportunity to discover new, and not to mention, more convenient passions.

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Practical Steps to Get Out of Debt, Even in a Bad Economy

During better times, most of us racked up substantial amounts of debt which are coming back to haunt us now. The average American is sitting on about $9,000 in credit card debt alone! The dire statistics on home mortgage foreclosures speaks to the state of the current economy. While most of us never intended to get in debt over our heads, just about everyone is now focusing on how to make ends meet and then to get out of debt. A formidable challenge, indeed!

 

However, if you’re prepared to batten down the hatches and get serious, there are ways to get out of debt. Dealing with finances is not everyone’s favorite task, but when times get tough, you’ve got to accept that your former lifestyle needs a good dose of downsizing. This is not to say that getting out of debt needs to be an excruciatingly painful process of complete deprivation. As the old saying goes, “when you’ve got a lemon, make lemonade.”  In order to get out of debt, you need to re-prioritize your needs versus desires. Let’s take a look at how you can restructure your lifestyle and expectations and start getting rid of debt.

 

First, you’ll want to work up a spreadsheet that reflects your current expenditures. Save every receipt for every purchase and payment you make each month. If you’re behind on a payment, analyze those receipts and see where every dollar went. Go over that spreadsheet and be brutal in assessing each expense. I can guarantee that you’ll find plenty of items you paid for that were not necessities.

 

Magazines are a good example. This entertaining reading material has become an extravagance, some sporting prices of $10 for a single issue! If this is one of your indulgences, you really don’t need to give up the entertainment – read online. Most magazines have websites where you can get all the entertainment you want for free.

 

If you buy just one magazine per month, let that $10 go towards a credit card payment or the utility bill. If you subscribe to a satellite TV service, examine the bill. Do you really watch all 200 channels? Cutting back to a more modest package – and price – can easily save you $20 a month. How about your cell phone plan; can you trim some of that cost? Probably. When you are trying to get out of debt, every dollar counts. The $75 pair of shoes – do you really need them or is this a luxury you might do without? Just these three examples of those little incidentals add up to $105 a month.

 

The trick to taming your budget is to identify what constitutes a luxury. As you’re perusing your spreadsheet, remember that food, shelter, required insurance, and utilities must come first. Everything else is beyond survival. Have a family sit-down and brainstorm how you can cut expenses. This can almost become a sort of game, a reverse of  Who wants to be a Millionaire?”  This game is called “How much money can I not spend?”

 

Put that money you’ve cut from the budget to paying down a credit card instead. You’ll find you get far more satisfaction by whittling down that credit card debt than enjoying these few luxuries. You’ll actually feel happier as you see your debt creep down. Credit card debt is one of the most insidious types of debt instruments. The interest never quits and if you’re late on a payment, you’re fined a substantial penalty and suffer an increased APR as well. Each time you make more than the minimum payment, on time, you’re one step closer to getting out of debt.

 

Another quite effective technique you can use to get out of debt is to make use of credit counseling services. Get online and check out the services with a ‘.org’ suffix to the url. These organizations charge nominal fees and can assess your specific financial picture, negotiate lower interest rates, and put together a payment plan that helps you get out of debt in the least amount of time.

 

Doing the weekly food shopping can be a shocking and depressing experience. If you want to get out of debt, do yourself a favor by planning menus that coincide with the weekly sales. Use coupons and rain checks. Never shop when you’re hungry. If beef is on sale, stock up and spend a Saturday morning making several meatloaves, portioning out burger patties and frying up some taco-seasoned beef and meatballs. Freeze whatever you won’t use immediately and pencil these meals in to your meal calendar. Shop the grocery outlet stores for big savings on canned goods and other non-perishable staples. The truly diligent shopper can realize 40-50% savings on food costs. Now that’s a mouthful for your budget!

 

If you want to get out of debt, you’ve got to redefine for the times. Identify the expenses that are necessary and start slashing those which are not. Realize that every dollar you save is a dollar earned. Right down to paper towels – besides saving a tree, buying microfiber, re-washable cloths is an eco-friendly and budget friendly alternative. You have a handy wipe and help the environment too.

 

To get out of debt, be practical.  Correctly identify your necessities and put every excess dollar towards your debt. If you employ all of these strategies, you’re on your way to financial freedom.

 

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J’adore My Pet – Central Florida Pet Store

J’adore My Pet is on online community and online pet store for animal lovers whose approach to pet ownership is an entire lifestyle.  Those at J’adore My Pet know that it’s not enough to just own a pet; you must provide him or her with a balanced diet, exercise, clothing and accessories.  Whether you’re uptown girls or sports enthusiasts, J’adore My Pet will provide you with everything you need for all your pets.

J’adore My Pet was created out of a childhood dream to work with, and for pets.  J’adore My Pet’s online community provides you with the most recent updates in pet news and new trends in pampering your pet.  Additionally, J’adore My Pet’s online store is loaded with the trendiest pet clothes, pet accessories, pet carriers, and any other knick-knacks and gadgets you many need for you pet.  Any style or size of leash, collar, or clothing item can be found through J’adore My Pet’s online store.  If the item you desire is not there, don’t worry!  They will custom-order any item that you need, ensuring that you always get exactly what you want.  J’adore My Pet also ships anywhere in the United States and offers express shipping as well!

Visit J’adore My Pet today!  Not only is shopping for your pet fun for you, but it shows your best friend just how much you care.  Our pets show us unconditional love everyday.  Pampering your pet is just one way we can say “I love you, too.”

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The Truth about Debt Consolidation Mortgage Loans

The economists and experts claim that the recession is turning around, but let’s face it, we, in Florida, still a long way to go. Unfortunately, many people in Central Florida have done all of the “weathering” they can, and are getting more and more desperate for help. Perhaps you do not want a bailout or handout. I totally understand. However, you may want to consider debt consolidation mortgage loans.

These debt consolidation mortgage loans are not a bailout or charity. Instead, they might be just what you need to survive the last of this recession economy, and help you get your personal finances back on track.

In Florida, debt consolidation mortgage loans are simple. Let’s say that right now you are having trouble making some ends meet. Perhaps there is a growing stack of credit card and medical bills piling up. Money is not coming in as much as it used to, but you believe that in a short while, things will turn around for you, if you can just get through the next year or less. If so, debt consolidation mortgage loans may be perfect for you.

Debt consolidation mortgage loans give you the ability to take out a loan from a third-party lender and pay off all of your credit card debt and other loans all at once! How? This third-party lender will float you a loan for the amount you own, and consolidate interest rates and principals so that you only have one monthly payment to make each month. Not only is this much easier to keep straight, but in some cases, you can be saving yourself some money in the long run with more attractive interest rates.

Debt consolidation mortgage loans work because many of them are secured loans. This means that you put down a certain amount of collateral to help insure this debt consolidator that you can make good on your loan. In most cases, this collateral comes from home equity, hence the name: debt consolidation mortgage loans. If you don’t have equity, you may get an unsecured loan, but with less favorable rates.

Debt consolidation mortgage loans are not for everyone. Consult a trusted lender in Central Florida or your mortgage broker in Orlando for advice on whether or not this is a good idea for you. They might also refer you to a great consolidation company. Who knows, they might even be able to consolidate your debt for you, getting you back in the black in no time at all!

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Join the Central Florida Craft Show Circuit

Most families could do with a little extra income these days. This is easier said than done, as many of us know. However, there are still a few realistic avenues left to explore. With the job market so tight, it’s time to think outside the box. Why not create your own small business? Work right from the comfort of your own home, making your own hours!

One such opportunity exists in the Central Florida craft show and craft fair circuits. In a depressed economy, people are still looking for outings and entertainment. In fact, in a bad economic climate, people are looking for inexpensive ways to have some fun and buy hand made items that are both creative and don’t bust the budget. If you’re the artistic or crafty type, take a look at how you might use the tight economy to your advantage, making some extra income and have a lot of fun yourself. 

Perhaps you have a hobby, that you’ve practiced for years, making gifts for family and friends. Do you knit or crochet? Raise bonsai plants? Make jewelry? Are you an amateur photographer? Maybe you’re a garage sale fanatic, shopping the weekend sales for great bargains. Any of these hobbies can become a personal business, bringing in some income to offset rising expenses.

There are frequent craft fairs and craft shows in the Orlando and Central Florida area.  Bucklers Craft fair, for example, draws in painters, artists, cooks, and sculptors from all over the state of Florida.  Whether you live in Lakeland or Orlando, Celebration or Winter Haven, there are craft shows in abundance, year around. The cost of renting a booth is nominal, usually no more than $25 for a weekend craft show. No matter what your talent, you can build up an inventory of product in your spare time at very little cost. If you follow the craft show circuits in your area, chances are good that you can sell out at each event. Your overhead is about as minimal as it can get, requiring a small investment in materials, work that you enjoy and a few weekends of selling throughout the year.

People who are artistically inclined are apt to be able to diversify their skills. For example, during the Christmas season, you can make decorations and wreaths. Crocheted or knitted caps and mittens sell well during this time. How about flower arrangements for Mother’s Day? Jewelry sells well all year long. With an eye to the retro market, your garage sale finds can turn a profit. You are certainly not taking advantage of anyone. You’ve invested your time and savvy eye to finding what people want. The craft shows and craft fairs provide a venue that brings your talent to a wide audience, looking for something just a little bit different.

If you’re looking for an extra source of ongoing income, put on your thinking cap and see how you might put your artistic talent to work for you. The rewards of participating in craft shows around Central Florida might just fill the bill!

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Galloway’s Flooring Warehouse in Lakeland

At Galloway’s Flooring Warehouse you can find laminate flooring, hardwood flooring, tile, and a wide variety of carpet and area rugs, Galloway’s Flooring Warehouse in Lakeland is Central Florida’s choice for quality flooring and installation. 

Want to remodel your space but don’t know where to begin? Galloway Flooring Warehouse can help you start from the ground up. Galloway’s has 26 years of friendly hometown service and provides expert installation along with national buying power to provide you with the largest selection at the best prices in Central Florida.

Galloway’s offers a comprehensive line of carpet, ceramic and porcelain tile, laminate, and hardwood from the world’s leading manufactures such as Shaw, Mohawk, Stainmaster, Pergo, and more. Their 10,000 sq ft showroom consists of over 300 rolls of carpet and 600 area rugs in stock, as well as a large variety of Pergo and Formica laminate, Shaw and Mohawk ceramic tile, Domco Vinyl, and more. Whether for your home, office, or patio, Galloway’s will meet all your flooring needs. Galloway Flooring Warehouse is second to none in its supply and sale of area rugs offering thousands of choices in every color, shape, size and style. Many of their in-stock rugs are shipped same-day and all rugs are sold with a 30-day money back guarantee.

Galloway Flooring Warehouse
2145 E. Edgewood Drive
Lakeland, FL  33803
(863) 665-5900.

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