A Crunchy Snack Favorite

Sometimes I need a crunchy snack, but after 5 months of intense dieting I get nervous about eating chips and cookies. One thing I have found that satisfies but doesn't botch my diet is the Fiber One ceral. It's only 80 calories for 3/4 cup of the Honey Squares flavor. Love this stuff!

What do you eat that satisfies your cravings when you still want to be healthy?

Cop Texting and Driving?

This morning at a red light I snapped this pic. If I didn't know any better this cop was either texting and driving or attempting to read a report and driving. He was going 5 to 10 miles under the speed limit for 10 minutes. Cars were seemingly afraid to pass him but I opted to do so anyway and accelerated up to the speed limit.

Have you ever passed a slow cop? Just curious...

Cosmos with the Girls for Crafy Night

Cosmos and crafting? Yes, please!!! I love craft night!!! The craft tonight? We are making message boards!!!

Gates are Supposed to be Under Water! Right???

I guess you could say I was getting cabin fever so I decided to leave the comfort of my apartment and explore. Seeing gates under water, docks submerged and cloudy skies make me wonder if I should have just stayed in another day. How then can I see what there is to see?!? I will walk another 30 mins or so...maybe I'll find something awesome floating like cash or gift cards. A girl can dream...stranger things have definitely happened.

The Wrath of Debby Continues

The dock at Lake Carlton Arms is under water. Guess I won't walk it during my workout. Wow!

Recycling-I Had a Bad Experience!

So...this morning I had an interesting experience. I decided to recycle all of the newspapers and bottles I had at home and accidentally threw my keys in the recycle bin. O. M. G.!!! Worst part? The recycle bin was emptied yesterday meaning my keys were 8 yards down!!! Ugh! What an experience! Finally got my keys but I Am not sure I want to go back to the recycle bin anytime soon!

Need Good Vibes for an Award!!

I was nominated for the Tampa Bay Business Journal 2012 Business Woman of the Year award for media. Turning in my entry packet today. Need some good vibes to make it to the finals so please send them my way! Thanks :)

The Awesome Speakers of Spark & Hustle

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

BRANDING

 

Danny Nardo, co-founder of Nardo’s Natural

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 Starr, Reg. Dev. Dir. Constant Contact

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, founder of PostcardMania

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

 

Mollee Bauer, founder of Pregnancy.org

*This speaker was selected by LifetimeMoms.com

• 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 Baggett, founder of LB&Smith

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

 

Andrea Waltz and Richard Fenton, founders of Go for No!

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

 

Wendy Krepak, creator of the Card Cubby

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

 

Jenn Lee, www.coachjennlee.com

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, founder of Lindsay Phillips LLC

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

What I Learned at Spark & Hustle Tampa 6/19/12

Tuesday I had the extreme privilege of attending Tory Johnson's Spark and Hustle Tampa event with my good pal Angelina Clarke.(Angelina is competing in something called Social Madness by the way- please head to her facebook page and "LIKE" her now!!)

Here's what I learned at Spark and Hustle:

1. I need to know my numbers. It's imperative that I know the exact amount of money that I need to earn to have the lifestyle that I want.
2. There are a few things in my business I should highly think about trademarking.
3. I need to embrace the word no as lovingly as I do the word yes.
4. Hope is NOT a strategy and neither is "Post and Pray"
5. People don't think about you nearly as much as you think that they do. Out of sight really does equal out of mind and if I don't regular stay in people's mind's they will forget about me.
6. I need a content calendar for all of my websites to organize my stuff.

I learned a lot more than this, but these are the big things that really stuck with me!! I hope to implement everything I learned to actually become the rock star I pretend to be in real life! I will fake it until I make it!!!

My new mission: Get one million page views on http://www.tampabayfreebies.com/ , http://www.thefamousashleygrant.com/ , and http://tampa.about.com/ by the end of 2012!!! Feel free to help me make it happen =)

If you want to read about the AWESOME speakers that were at the Spark and Hustle Conference click HERE

 

Does This Mean I Have Good Credit?

So...these two bags are filled with shredded credit card offers I have received over the past 6 months. Does this mean I have good credit? LoL

My New Favorite Snack: Balance Bar

Dear Cookie Dough Balance Bar,

Just wanted to write a public letter to tell you how much I love you. Not only are you delicious, you are nurtritious! When I am hungry you satisfy; when I need something sweet and salty you are there! I keep you in my purse to devour when I need you and cry big crocodile tears when the box of you is empty.

Oh Cookie Dough Balance Bar, I hope you will be in production always because I just can't imagine life without you now that we have met. To discontinue you would be to crush my world.

Come to think of it, my world is in need of a snack right now. I shall reach into my purse and grab one of you now to eat and enjoy.

If you ever want to replenish my stock feel free to hop in my mailbox @ PO Box 340237, Tampa, FL, 33694 cough cough, wink wink, hint hint Cookie Dough Balance Bar manufacturers ;)

Love always,
The Famous Ashley Grant

Pinspired! 101 in 1001 (aaaaannd GO!)

 The Famous Ashley Grant and Evan Longoria

I've become quite obsessed with Pinterest and have found lots of blogs that I'm really enjoying thanks to the site. One such blog is called Love From Home. Run by a gal with my name (Ashley- pay attention!), Love From Home is basically about her journey with her fiance's first deployment. One post she had that I fell hard for is entitled "35 in 365" and it's a list of 35 things Ashley wants to do in the roughly 365 of her fiance's deployment to keep herself busy. Her inspiration for this was by "whoever created 101 in 1001."

Because I am not dealing with a deployment but do have a crap ton of goals, I decided to revert back to the original numbers of 101 in 1001. So, below is a list of 101 things I want to accomplish in the next 1001 days. As of today I have 1001 days to make the 101 items in this list a reality. My deadline is March 12, 2015 and as I mark things off this list I'll update it. Maybe I'll even pin some of the stuff as I accomplish it ;)

My rules for accomplishing these goals are simple- they don't have to be done in order and they can be done on behalf of work or just for fun. The #1 rule? To get it all done by March 12, 2015...This gives me almost 3 years...and off we go!

Here is my list in alphabetical order (don't judge me LOL):
1    Apply for graduate school and begin
2    Attend a Bucs Game
3    Be IN a Fashion Show
4    Begin contributing to a 401k/ira/retirement account again and commit to it this time!
5    Buy coffee or something of similar cost for a stranger
6    Catalog every article I've written into a spreadsheet
7    Catalog every article I've written onto my website
8    Complete a FULL round of P90X- 90 days of P90X…and for every time I don't make it through the 90 days I have to start OVER
9    Cook an entire week's worth of food with Pinterest recipes
10    Cook something for dinner for a friend to give them the night off
11    Create 50 videos of how to make different crafts
12    Create a stockpile of food that would last me and my husband an entire month by using coupons to fill our pantry and freezer
13    Do 150 Craft Projects - Pinspired or otherwise…
14    Do a 30 day photo challenge
15    Do the Bank of America Stair Climb/ or at least be able to go up 42 flights of stairs at one time
16    Eat at Armani's
17    Eat at Cassis
18    Eat at Maestro's and then catch a Broadway show at the Straz Center in the same night
19    Eat at Malio's
20    Eat at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse for steak! (ate in the bar with a girlfriend- had tuna tar tar so that doesn't count!!!)
21    Eat at Shula's Steakhouse
22    Eat at the Columbia
23    Eat at the Lobster Pot Bistro
24    Eat at The Wine Exchange
25    Enter a writing contest for short stories
26    Find a scavenger hunt online and do it for fun with friends
27    Get a million page views on my About.com Page
28    Get a million page views on my website We Are Full of Bull
29    Get a million page views on Tampa Bay Freebies
30    Get a million page views on The Famous Ashley Grant
31    Get a second car
32    Get an article in a national "glossy" publication
33    Get and train a dog
34    Get some kind of spa treatment at Safety Harbor Spa
35    Get to my goal weight!
36    Go an entire month without eating out
37    Go an entire month without watching television (I know this one will be rough!)
38    Go on an impromptu weekend getaway without any plans, plotted course or luggage
39    Go to a live taping of a popular show on TV
40    Hand make everything for Christmas one year. Cards, gifts, everything-even the wrapping paper. I have three Christmases to do this!
41    Have a picnic at a park I've never been to
42    Learn EVERY setting on my camera- yes, I've been a photographer for 5 years and there are still some things that trip me up!
43    Make Jell-O Shots
44    Make vodka gummy bears
45    Meet and have my picture taken with 10 celebrities I've not yet met ;) The one in the top of this post does not count! Everything must be done after this list has gone live!
46    Meet Tim Ferriss - long shot, but hey it's my list and I'll add to it what I want!
47    Move to a different apartment, house or condo
48    Organize my Bathroom
49    Organize my Bedroom
50    Organize my Closet
51    Organize my Kitchen
52    Organize my Living Room
53    Pay my parent's back the money they've loaned me
54    Pay off credit cards
55    Pay off student loans
56    Plan a Cross Country Road Trip (plan it to take in the future- perhaps for a second 101 in 1001 list)
57    Read 100 books/ebooks
58    Ride 10 miles on a bicycle
59    Run/jog/walk a 1k
60    Run/jog/walk a 5k
61    Setup an Etsy Account with crafts for sale
62    Shoot 18 weddings or more!
63    Sleep at Shephard's Clearwater Beach
64    Sleep at the Vinoy
65    Snorkle at Ginnie Springs
66    Take 100,000 images
67    Take a Ballroom Dance Class
68    Take a Belly Dance Class
69    Take a Cooking Class
70    Take ebook 1 once it is written and get it onto Amazon for sale!
71    Take ebook 2 once it is written and get it onto Amazon for sale!
72    Take ebook 3 once it is written and get it onto Amazon for sale!
73    Try a week of being a vegetarian
74    Visit Alaska
75    Visit Amsterdam
76    Visit Austria
77    Visit Belgium
78    Visit Canada
79    Visit England
80    Visit France
81    Visit Germany
82    Visit Greece
83    Visit Hawaii
84    Visit Ireland
85    Visit Italy
86    Visit Key West for a weekend trip
87    Visit Lego Land
88    Visit Napa Valley
89    Visit Norway
90    Visit Primetime Outlets Ellenton and buy 3-4 outfits!
91    Visit Scotland
92    Visit Spain
93    Visit Sweden
94    Visit Switzerland
95    Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
96    Watch 100 movies in theater or on DVD
97    Write 500 articles
98    Write a book of poems - 50 to 100 of them
99    Write a second ebook
100    Write a third ebook (after all this list is almost 3 years in the making)
101    Write an ebook

I am Ready for My Million Dollar Payday!!

Attn: Bank of the Universe
Re: My Million Dollar Payday

I have mentioned my desire for a million dollars many times in the past. Everyone knows a million dollars is not that much money so producing it for me should be easy. Therefore, I am writing this to the powers that be so that you will know I am ready and willing to accept my million dollar payday right away. Feel free to give it to me now. Thank you.

I am thankful and grateful for my speedy acquisition of one million dollars!!!!!!

Why No Web Series Yet?

Well, last month I reported I had a web series in development...why has nothing been posted yet? First, I was all caught up in thinking I should do it a certain way with lights and a backdrop and all that crap and then after driving myself crazy attempting to create the perfect set I realized it's just a vlog for now and doing a video with my webcam is just fine until I see if I even like the series thing...so...why didn't I film something right away after coming to this conclusion???

If you must nose...it's this frikkin zit that I've named Bob that will not get off my nose!!! Bob needs to go! I've tried everything I can think of short of putting Windex on it as was recommended in the flick My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Bob just won't leave my face!!! What's worse is that Bob makes my nose itch so I keep scratching and of course that makes him mad so he gets even by sticking around! Darn you Bob! GET OFF MY FACE!!! Once Bob leaves, I'll film something and put it up for your enjoyment or for you to just make fun of...but hey- page views are page views and those make me HAPPY! Have a happy Friday!

Just $1 Million

I just want $1 million. That's not much to ask for and I can live off of it the rest of my life so I want the universe to give me one million dollars!

Thankful for Awesome Nights!!!

Tonight I am thankful for amazing nights!! I had a pretty depressing day but was grateful to be hired to shoot an event filled with celebrities in the evening for a decent chunk of change.

The evening got off to a bumpy start but then (thankfully) turned around when I was offered more money to stick around! Then, after work was over I got a chance to mingle at a great restaurant with the folks that hired me for the evening and some pals of theirs.

Needless to say my dull day turned into an amazing night and I am so grateful and thankful to have had as awesome of a time as I did. Thank you for an amazing time :)