Ever wonder how and why I do what I do? 2018 was the year I ditched a 9-5 to pursue not a job, but a CAREER in food blogging and marketing. Anyone else have the rug ripped out from under them this year, or take a GIANT leap of faith? Don’t forget that with large risks comes large rewards. Your entire life can change in a single day.
Yep that’s right, one day I woke up and thought I am too creative to be doing what I am right now, forever. Happiness is not feeling underutilized in your role. Desperately seeking for an avenue to showcase my passion and strengths, I found myself in an internal struggle yearning for more… and of course eating my feelings.
From the get go I have always been an artist. (A starving artist at that, ha) A writer. An out of the box thinker. A photographer. An observer. Itching to create. Always down to eat. Juggling projects and ideas. Craving to collaborate and bring things to fruition.
Truth is I actually had been taking photographs of my meals… and just about everything else since elementary school. Journals upon journals.
Canvases, notebooks, you name it. Expression is everything.
Circa 1997
But while this passion did not happen overnight, my decision to create a dedicated platform for myself did. “KATIE EATZ” began in January 2018 – after talking myself in and out of it for who knows how long.
After having some phone issues, I had to restore it and came across some earlier food photos that had gone unseen for awhile.*Turns off Food Network* Decides to create a dedicated Instagram and blog but that is not where it ends.
Social media is only where it begins. Read that again.
Like I have previously said, It is not just #EatingForTheInsta.
Before the full time foodie life I thought this, but there is more.
Follows, likes, yes all of that is great. Validation is awesome, I appreciate all of the support I truly do. But at the end of the day, the content and recommendations I provide are only half the story. The connections you make with people are everything.
Through media events and Instagram I have met dozens of local foodies. I feel super blessed to have developed some great friendships and get to explore the delicious cuisines in the greater Orlando area together.
The past six months have been pivotal in my overall growth as a person and with that so many things have changed. Happy to say for the better! Wanted to give those who do not know me a little peek into my life, and for those who do just a quick life update.
THANK YOU as always my Foodie Fam for following along with me on adventures, & subscribing to all of my social media channels and blog. My goal will forever be to spread positive vibes and recommendations for delicious eats. Always like to get feedback and suggestions from you guys, I live for those messages. As I get to know all of you, you will get to know all of me…our relationship will be like an onion. Layers peeling back slowly. (If you thought Shrek instantly ILY) But really.
Happy to celebrate 5K followers, as this was a goal I set for myself day 1. Cannot wait to continue learning, growing, and connecting with more of you. This year has been one for the books, and I plan to end it just like I started… #Eating of course! Wishing you a HAPPY NEW YEAR! Blessings, Love, and TONS of carbs in 2019! And another bowl win for my Knights at the UCFiesta #ChargeOn
NEW YEARS EVE EVENTS
Bradenton
Old Main Street – Downtown Bradenton
200 Gulf Drive North, Bradenton Beach Fireworks
Clearwater
Light it Up! NYE Fireworks on Clearwater Beach
Wyndham Grand Clearwater – live music poolside
Shephard’s – Salt Tequila Bar – live music
Jimmy’s on the Edge
Destin
Tailfin’s – No Cover
Destin on the water – sunset cruises
Ft. Lauderdale
The Balcony – Masquerade Party – food and open bar
Blush Luxury – Wine Tasting and Dance Party
Jacksonville
Marlin & Barrel Masquerade
Myth Night Club
Lake Mary
Liam FitzPatricks Block Party
Miami
W Miami
The Wharf
Wynwood Brewery
Bayfront Park
Orlando
The Melting Pot
Graffiti Junktion Thorton Park Block Party
WOB – Great Gatsby
Howl At the Moon – International Drive
Blue Martini – Pointe Orlando
Church Street Block Party – Ball Drop
Ormond Beach
31 Supper Club – Ball Drop
Oviedo
Black Hammock – Lazy Gator Bar
Rock & Brew’s – Live Music
Pensacola
Rosie O’Grady’s
Kazoo’s Rockin’ Eve – Blue Wahoos Stadium
Pensacola Beach – Fireworks
O’Riley’s Irish Pub
Menu Tasting – Union Public House
Sanford
Wop’s Hops Brewing Company
Buster’s Bistro
Hollerbach’s Willow Tree
Sarasota
Marina Jack Dinner and Dancing Fireworks Celebration Cruise
Pineapple Drop – corner of Lemon Avenue and Main Street
Sharky’s Beach Bash
Fisherman’s Village
St. Augustine
Beach Blast Off, St. Johns County Pier
Salt Life Food Shack – rooftop dinner
Sunset Grille
Scarlett O’Hara’s – Live Music
Prohibition Kitchen – “Saved by the Bell” 90’s themed party
St. Pete
“Toast by the Coast”
Downtown Block Party
Tampa
Gala at Armature Works
Aloft Downtown
The Attic on Kennedy
Club Prana – rooftop Skybar
Winter Garden
Plant Street Block Party
Winter Park
The Alfond Inn – Rollins
Orlando Museum of Art