Thanks to YOU, my amazing readers + community, we won the 2016 Lifestyle Blogger of the Year for Clearwater Beach Uncorked! And I could not have done it with out you! Honestly, not just for your support during the campaign but for your continued support here on the blog, on Facebook, on Instagram and at In-Person Events. You give me energy and motivate me to keep creating and inspiring others everyday.
Congratulations to all the winners of this years Clearwater Beach Uncorked Blogger Contest. They are stars in their categories and I am honored to be among them!
Beer Blogger of the Year ::
Crystal Hamilton of Thrifty and Frugal Living
Food Blogger of the Year ::
Billie Jo Grassinger of Tampa Bay Afternoon Delight
Luxury Lifestyle Blogger of the Year ::
Krayl Funch of An Appealing Plan by Krayl Funch
Travel Blogger of the Year ::
Jennifer Greene of Journeys with Jenn
Wine Blogger of the Year ::
Megan Copello of I Run for Wine
As part of the winning prize pack we all were invited to attend the event as VIP guests and treated to a daily VIP Brunch featuring Chandon Champagne in a variety of flavors all served ice-cold. Each guest as offered a souvenir glass as well as your garnish of choice – grapefruit, mint or cucumber. Naturally I tried one of each. Tell me you wouldn’t do the same…
Although the weather was not ideal – rainy and cold – we stayed warm by huddling together and toasting friends with our fancy new drinkware.
{Side Note :: Please do not judge on the hair… like I said it was rainy and although my hair started out straight with a slight curl, mother nature took over and I soon moved to the trusty ponytail and signature Hunter boots to give into the weather.}
Once we entered the main tent the food sponsors were diverse and ready for the crowds. Chobani offered two options on their Greek Yogurt – both incredible – Jicama + Corn and Toasted Coconut + Pineapple. As a visual person I have to say it was the prettiest booth under the tent.
Just outside the tent SUJA Organic Juices took the prize for the prettiest display on the beach. Who could resist the rainbow of goodness here! I could not. Their Twilight Protein with Almond Milk, Strawberry and Vanilla was 20 times tastier than expected and has me thinking I need to schedule a one-day renewal cleanse asap.
As if the 50 or so vendor serving up their best morsels wasn’t enough the Publix Kitchen Theatre featured an on the hour line up of Publix Apron Chef’s whipping up appetizer size portions of hearty dishes to tempt you to stay in your seat the remainder of the day!
And what would a foodie event be without my favorite celebrity chef and friend, Emily Ellyn!
As usual, Emily had the crowd smiling the entire time and anxious to head right to their home kitchens to try out the RAD Brew B-Q recipe – Beach Blonde Crafted Carnitas Tacos with Bimini Twist Cilantro Slaw featuring Florida local Three Daughters Brewing.
She even put my husband Pete to work serving tasting portions of the Bimini twist – there is a chance he taste tested more than he served but luckily Three Daughters was on hand with a few extra cans to pass out.
Other favorites in the crowd included the super sweet owner Leah of SOCIAL Enjoyment Sake Sparkling Wine. Not only is the owner sweet and cute but so is the packaging and debatably as important the flavor. The two varieties include Hibiscus Cucumber and Coconut – I preferred the Cucumber as it was a tad less sweet and I could totally see us drinking it at a beach party. But try both and decide for yourself.
After a refreshing beverage what are you craving… something with a little more substance so I headed to the end of the tent to visit my friends at the Florida Beef Council who were serving up a tasty goodness to a long line of beef lovers! Who doesn’t love #BeefOnTheBeach? Just sayin’.
Our stay at the Hyatt Clearwater host hotel was nothing short of fantastic. Although chilly the beach view was spectacular and I dream of heading back to the pool bar for sunset or to the roof top deck for a dip in the hot tub. Fingers crossed for the 2017 win as well!
Last but not least, thank you to the Clearwater Beach Uncorked Founder, Tammy Gail, for welcoming us all and showing off her hostess skills during this food, wine, beer and fun weekend in Clearwater! See you next year!
