The Nutcracker

Tallahassee Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker”

Since my girls were young, we have made a date during the holidays to make “The Nutcracker” a part of our Christmas holiday. Both of my girls were dancers since age 4 and 5, and this is our celebration of those years and the “bigger” picture of the ballet at it’s finest! Tonight we will go again, take in the Tallahassee Ballet Orchestra accompanying the 2011 Cast in another great performance.

My oldest daughter is 26, and this is the 26th anniversary of the Nutcracker. This year’s production features Ivan Popov who danced the role of Prince in last spring’s “Cinderella.” Mr. Popov, a native of Russia, trained at the Moscow State Ballet Academy, and the Vaganova Ballet Academy. He’ll perform with his real-life fiancé, Mercedes Schindler. Both dancers are currently with Columbia Classical Ballet.

So, tonight we will visit the ballet, get wrapped up in Christmas and all things imaginative and wonderful. If you have never been to any of the Tallahassee Ballet’s productions check them out here: http://tallahasseeballet.org/ . Make the ballet a tradition!

Do your children like to dance? Here’s a List of Dance Studios in Tallahassee, Florida

Tallahassee Dance Academy -*Where my girls danced!

In Step Studio – Multi cultural Dance Studio, Tallahassee, Florida

Dance Electric

Sharon Davis School of Dance

Tallahassee Little Theater

The Dance Studio

Performing Arts Studio of Tallahassee

Hannah Bergstrom’s School of Dance

Killearn Perfoming Arts – Step Dancers

Southern Academy of Ballet

As a Realtor in Tallahassee, it is always fun for me to share with new customers and residents special features of our community. Do you need to know more about Tallahassee, FL? Are you considering a job transfer or relocation to Tallahassee, FL? I will be happy to share our relocation package with you and prepare you for your Tallahassee visit.

This Pool Home in Ox Bottom Is Very Cool

Enjoy the Pool Year Round In This Home

OverviewMaps Photos Neighborhood

$290,000 Single Family Home Main Features 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms Interior: 2077 sqft Lot: 0.50 acre(s) Location 6312 Mallard Trace Tallahassee, FL 32312 USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the “Like” button below:

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Debbie Kirkland Armor Realty of Tallahassee (850) 212-0440 dkirkland.realtor@gmail.com http://www.homesalesoftallahassee.com Listed by: Home Sales of Tallahassee at Armor Realty

Our recent listings Enjoy the Pool Year Round In This Home Enjoy the Pool Year Round Here Light and Bright Adorable Home Light and Bright Home in Town and Country Cottage Living   Subscribe to our listing feed

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Florida has a beautiful, preserved Capitol Building at the center of it’s newer House, Senate and Capitol Office complex. Thousands of people visit each year. School children, families and political history buffs will enjoy the tours of the Old Historic Florida Capitol and the newer  Capitol.

During legislative seasons in March and April, reservations for tours must be made in advance.

To Visit the Old Capitol, Check in at the First Floor Rotunda, fill out a short Vistor Evaluation Questionnaire. There is a video on 3 50″ TVs called Florida In the Balance, Tours of the House of Representative Chambers, and more! Plan your visit for your family, group or just by yourself It’s a beautifully preserved building with tons of history.

The newer Capitol, House and Senate Wings and the 22nd Floor ( top of the Capitol ) are great for tours as well. Check in near the Rear of the Capitol for tours and general information on the Capitol.  Prepare to wait and pass through scanners however, such is the protocol for any government building these days.

For guided Tours in Tallahassee walking or riding: http://www.toursintallahassee.com/

For more information on Tallahassee: http://www.visittallahassee.com/

Tallahassee Florida Capitol Parking Map

Have a budding geologist in the family? Like rocks, science, research, the arctic?

The Antarctic Marine Geology Research Facility is located on the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. It is a one story building addition on the west end of the Carraway Building referred to as the Carraway Annex.

The Facility is a national repository over 20,000 meters of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic marine geological core samples and 3000 meters of rotary cored geological material acquired by NSF supported drilling programs in the Antarctic. Replacement cost of this core inventory in terms of ship and ice-based drilling is conservatively estimated to be in the range of $150 to $200M.

The collections are maintained to process and store marine sediments. Most of the core storage area consists of a 500 square meter room kept at 2 degrees Celsius.

One of the core acquisitions was extracted from deep beneath the sea floor of Antarcticas western Ross Sea, the Earths largest floating ice body. The samples are segments of a drill core that measures more than 1,100 meters in length and it offers an extraordinary stratigraphic record of sedimentary rock from the Antarctic continental margin that documents key developments in the areas Cenozoic climatic and glacial history. This is critical for low-lying regions such as Florida that could be directly affected by the future behavior of the Antarctic Ice Sheets and any resulting sea-level changes

Visitors are requested to call in advance for a tour of the facility.

Antarctic Research Facility at Florida State University

3219 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, FL 32311-5203

850-644-2407

November, the beginning of the giving season. Times may be tough around Tallahassee, FL but the sense of community and the spirit of giving are ever present in this city.  Each year The Marine Corps raises money, collects gifts, repairs old bicycles to give to children at Christmas.  Let the smiling begin!

Here are a few events coming up where you can donate, AND where you can have fun.

Wednesday, November 10  – Wednesday Wine Tasting at the Wine Loft. 1240 Thomasville Road, Midtown, Tallahassee, Tallahassee, FL 32303

Saturday, November 20 – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Seminole RC Club in Conjunction with Hobby Town USA Presents Toys For “Tots Fly-In”.

Seminole RC Airfield
  AMA Membership Req’d.
$10.00 Landing Fee- Pilots only.
          Or $10 valued unwrapped toy.
Visitors Welcome- Free Admission
Concessions, Facilities

For information contact: Frank Bastos, HobbyTown 850-671-2030  fbastos@comcast.net or Michael Atkinson 850-656-2200 nexnbax1@comcast.net

Sunday, December 12 – Capital City Harley Davidson’s Toys for Tots Ride. Come on a Motorcycle or in a “cage” (car). Donation of one toy for Toys for Tots gets you a free lunch at Dave’s BBQ. Canned good donations go to Second Harvest Food Bank.

Know of a child in need?  Click Here to register.  REGISTRATION ENDS NOV 30th.

Toys for Tots success depends a great deal on local businesses and families like us, let’s make some children smile this year!

Don’t miss this event in September! Diane Dulcie, Chair-Elect for the FSU Family Connection Board of Directors, wrote a great article on Florida State University’s Dedman School of Hospitality, its history, purpose and reputation.  The Dedman School is hosting a special event in Tallahassee, FL beginning September 8th- 12th. Thanks Diane! Looking forward to you filling my seat as Chair of Family Connection at FSU this next year and more articles that will keep us in touch with great events at Florida State University!

The details on a Taste of FSU Hospitality ~ Dedman School’s “2010 Wine & Food Festival”. This event will surely be a crowd-pleaser and a great way to network with students and faculty of this wonderful school.

Here’s Diane Dulcie’s post:

A Taste of FSU Hospitality – Dedman School’s “2010 Wine & Food Festival”

By Diane Dulcie, Family Connection Advisory Council

Students at the Dedman School of Hospitality at the Florida State University are gearing up for their 2^nd annual “North Florida Wine & Food Festival” to be held September 8 ^th – 12^th at the University Center Club. Active preparations for this overwhelmingly popular student-led event have been in place for months. The noble efforts of these hard-working students to put on a first class event, provides funds to benefit the Dedman School programs. The week of hospitality will consist of dinner series, speakers, outings, and a grand wine and food tasting event showcasing more than 200 fine wines and delicacies from 25 area restaurants. It’s a ‘no miss’ event for anyone planning to be in the Tallahassee area in early September. For more information and to purchase advance tickets, visit www.winefoodfest.com

The Florida State University’s hospitality management program at the Dedman School of Hospitality was established in 1947 to meet the demand for hotel and restaurant industry executives. Students earn a highly versatile hospitality management degree through a rigorous and relevant curriculum. This curriculum is designed to meet high achievement standards in general education, and acquire not only the specialized knowledge needed for their hospitality industry careers, but also the basic functions, objectives, and management tools common to executive roles.

In June of 2009, the Dedman School began to operate as its own program through an organizational re-structuring. It is now an independent, industry-specific school. While still administered by the College of Business, it operates independently with its own funding, admission criteria, curriculum and graduation requirements.  This change was imperative in order for the Dedman School to double its enrollment, thereby generating sufficient tuition revenues to become self-sustaining in light of severe budget cuts it faced. This now allows more students to earn a hospitality degree from one of the best programs in the country!

The Dedman School of Hospitality is nationally and internationally recognized as one of the best, with an innovative, world-renowned faculty and nationally ranked facilities. It is located in University Center-B, where resources provide for the specialized academic/training objectives established. In addition to classrooms, this state-of-the-art facility provides teaching kitchens, a technology center, a publication resource center, and a placement center. The building also contains an affiliated 35,000 square-foot, professionally managed city club that provides students with real-world food and beverage experience in elegant surroundings. One of the most rewarding benefits of an education in hospitality management at the Florida State University is a personal, intimate, congenial climate where students can develop to their fullest potential. This has remained a chief attraction throughout the years. All of the school’s energies and resources are devoted exclusively to preparing each student for a professional career. The requirement of practical, on-the-job experience, where the student applies classroom knowledge to the workplace, prepares the graduate for the operational challenges of industry.

With a plethora of industry partners based in Florida, the nation’s No. 1 spot for tourism and hospitality, Dedman students receive training and guidance from industry professionals with unparalleled tourism and corporate experience. Many firms visit the Dedman school each year to interview students for entry-level management positions. The school boasts a nearly 100% placement rate, and graduates enjoy top managerial and ownership positions in hotels, resorts, restaurants, clubs, and other facets of the hospitality, tourism and golf industries.

For more information about the hospitality management major, contact the Dedman School, UCB 4100, (850) 644-4787, or visit www.cob.fsu.edu/dsh

For More Information on the FSU Family Connection visit: http://family.fsu.edu/

Artopia – An Art Auction and event with a purpose. Big Bend Cares Charity Auction 2010

Big Bend Cares is the primary AIDS service organization providing HIV/AIDS education in this mainly rural region in and around Tallahassee, Florida. Big Bend Cares exists to provide education and comprehensive support to people infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. My friend Kevin Hattaway, has been involved as a sponsor and fundraiser for years with Big Bend Cares and I have been to several events and fundraisers over the years. Having lost a loved one to HIV/Aids, Kevin is dedicated to the support of education and awareness that Big Bend Cares provides.

What impresses me most is the attitudes and generosity of  the caring, cooperative volunteers and people involved in Big Bend Cares. Some have lost loved ones, others struggle with HIV/Aids even now. It’s an ongoing battle and it’s why the fight to educate must continue. Big Bend Cares has many events throughout the year equally as fun.

My daughter and I are still reeling from this great art show and auction! I did not win any of my bids, however, she walked away with four pieces that I am still envious of! In my opinion, she was the winner of the deal of the century. A local artist,  Shea Murphy’s, first piece, which he donated to charity. It took over a year and a half to produce and when he is famous, which I am sure he will soon be, she will have in her possession a work of art that is even more meaningful and valuable!

Shea Murphy is a quiet soul, a giving soul. That much we learned when we talked to him after the auction. Shea works for Home Depot and is a contractor and loves hosting the “how-to” sessions for kids. He also has a passion for introducing art to kids. He works with handicapped children, introducing not just the how-to of art, but the vision that anything is possible. Children with severe physical handicaps learn from Shea that anything is possible and that art comes from within. I can’t wait to learn more about Shea. I am sure  that my daughter and I will be keeping in touch with this wonderful man.

Watch for next year’s show. You really don’t want to miss this great opportunity to purchase art from local artisans, to mingle with the artists and hear their stories and passions and to share your love of art and Tallahassee’s wonderful Big Bend Cares volunteers with friends in Tallahassee, FL.

Artopia 2010 Gallery: View it on Facebook or join the Facebook Community and become a “fan” of Big Bend Cares for future postings and events! If someone you know and love has been affected by HIV/AIDS consider making a  Donation to Big Bend Cares.

Just click here: DONATE

Owned and Operated by Tallahassee Women! You gotta love these ladies who provide entertainment and know how to run a business as well!

Executives, professionals, moms by day and terror on skates by night!

“The Tallahassee RollerGirls is a group of women ranging in age from 20 to 50 years old from a variety of backgrounds each possessing a unique set of talents. These ladies utilize and integrate these talents to successfully run the business that is The Tallahassee RollerGirls. These women are not paid for the time and commitment involved, but do so for the love of the sport. Business aside, the women vigorously train while living and breathing skill and strategy to not only bring the full-contact, fast-paced sport of Roller Derby to Tallahassee and North Florida, but to bring the area a team to be proud of.” from Tallahassee Roller Girls Website

Today, June 5th is their Fan Appreciation Carnival from 3 – 6, followed by a “RollBot Attack” bout with the “Jailbreak Betties” at 7pm at the Leon County Fairgrounds.

For more about the Tallahassee Roller Girls, check out their calendar.

I’m heading there with some friends.. will post some pictures later for sure!

One of my real estate customers, and another friend are on this team and I can’t wait to see them in action ~ Off for my first Tallahassee Roller Girl experience!

Tallahassee Roller Girls on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/tallyrollergirls

Tallahassee Roller Girls on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=info&gid=39982058194

Tallahassee Roller Girls on Twitter: http://twitter.com/tallyrg

It’s that time again! Every spring new things blossom in Tallahassee, including shiny, stately, spacious new construction homes.

Ever wonder what granite counter-tops would look like with dark maple cabinets, or a white kitchen with tile accents would look like?  Do you want to know what a “green-built” home looks like or what features might be in an affordable family home in the NW,  or NE?  In the Tallahassee Parade of Homes, there are homes ranging from $159,000 to $1.8 million.  Want to envision your dream home? Want information on new construction costs and time-lines?  Now is your chance to ask those questions and see the latest in building and design in these beautiful new homes.

The Tallahassee Builder’s Association is holding the 2010 Tallahassee Parade of Homes May 8th-9th and 15th-16th.

New construction homes and homes which have undergone major renovations will be featured on the tour. The public is invited to tour these homes. In case you missed getting your copy of the Parade of Homes Guide, here it is just for you! Click the arrow along the right and flip through the pages of the magazine or blow up to full screen!

New construction is my specialty. If you have a plan in mind, and need a buildable lot, a builder referral, an interview for a builder that will work best with your family, give me a call today for a FREE consultation. I will guide you through the process of new construction right up to closing! contact me today for your custom home construction appointment. For all your real estate needs, Debbie Kirkland 850-212-0440

Tonight is the Carrie Underwood concert and my daughter is thrilled! Tallahassee has a wide variety of music venues, but tonight it’s happening at the Leon County Civic Center!

The Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center is home for many music venues including some of which we may cover at later dates. Click for a schedule of events. You can even find the Civic Center on Facebook.

The Tallahassee-Leon county Civic Center offers facilities for a variety of venues including conventions, entertainment, sporting events, community events and even weddings and proms! During 2008-2009  the Civic Center Facilities hosted 656 events for a total of 772 event days. The fiscal year 2008-09 attendance was 470,315 patrons.

Here’s a few facts about the Civic  Center from 2008=2009:

The Civic Center:

• served 66,013 meals
• hosted 177,230 patrons at sporting events
• hosted 13,080 patrons at theatrical events
• hosted 17,740 patrons at trade shows
• hosted 43,939 patrons at musical concerts
• hosted 5,788 patrons at lectures
• hosted 12,311 conventioneers or meeting attendees
• hosted 2,500 patrons at religious events
• hosted 14,500 patrons at comedy events
• hosted 31,600 patrons at family shows
• hosted 73,300 guests at graduation ceremonies
• hosted 830 guests at theme parties
• hosted 300 patrons at retail sales events
• hosted 11,184 at dances

via the Civic Center website

There’s always activity and  things to do in Tallahassee at the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center. Now for a little Carrie Underwood…

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Tallahassee Moms out there!
So, what was your favorite concert at the Civic center?