Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Personal Coaching = RESULTS! by David Gibas

Have you been working hard at the gym or going to fitness classes to lose weight or feel better? How's that going for you? If you answered "not too good", maybe it's time to boost your fitness routine with a new results-oriented fitness program.

Statistics from several studies on exercise adherence indicate that approximately 50% of individuals who start a self-monitored exercise program will drop out of that program within six months. The reason is that we tend to have unrealistic expectations. We drift away from our resolution when we do not experience the results we want soon enough.

A realistic goal that is specific measurable is a critical stop in your commitment to get fit. Once your goal is in place, you will need to stay motivated and accountable to keeping up with your workouts. A fitness plan is simple by design but difficult by nature. Human behavior is complex and changing that behavior is difficult.

The Ranch Fitness Center & Spa is here to help! The Ranch now offers a premium fitness membership, which includes personal coaching. Personal coaching was designed to combat the obstacles that keep most people from achieving the results they want. Your personal coach provided goal setting and program design but, most importantly, keeps you motivated and accountable to get the results you want! The personal coaching schedule is flexible with morning, evening and weekend options. Visit The Ranch for more details...it's time to get the results for which you're looking!

David Gibas is the Facility Director at The Ranch Fitness Center & Spa

Friday, January 27, 2012

Willie Nelson & Family Will Make Tour Stop at Circle Square Cultural Center in Ocala

Music icon and winner of 25 Grammy, CMA & American Music Awards Willie Nelson comes to the Circle Square Cultural Center! Willie’s popular hits such as “Mama Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys”, “On The Road Again”, “Always On My Mind” and many more classics are ageless songs that span generations. With his brilliant 6 decade career that speaks volumes of his music’s relevance and performance power, the 75 year old Willie Nelson continues to sell out venues all over the world!

This tour is called Willie Nelson & Family for good reason...his family is in the band! His sister Bobbie will be on the piano, his daughter Amy has been known to sing backup and his very talented 23 year old son Lukas will play the guitar and sing alongside his father.

In addition to the aforementioned songs, Willie has been known to include "Good-Hearted Woman", "Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground", "Move it On Over", "Healing Hands of Time" and "Georgia On My Mind" to his concert play list.

Don’t miss the legendary Willie Nelson live in concert on Saturday, February 4 at 7pm at the Circle Square Cultural Center, located at 8395 SW 80th Street. For more information on the 2012 entertainment line-up including times, dates and tickets, visit the website at www.CSCulturalCenter.com or call 352-854-3670.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Ocala Area - Dining Out

Eating out rather than cooking at home is quite a trend, and in Ocala, you will find many options for doing just that. Offering American dishes, BBQ, buffet-style, Asian cuisine, Italian fare, fine dining, coffee, dessert and so much more, from national chains to locally owned establishments, Ocala has what you’re looking for.


Some of Your National Favorites
Ocala has some of your favorite national chain restaurants where you can enjoy a meal with family and friends: Chili’s, Bob Evans, Bonefish, IHOP, Carrabba’s, Panera Bread, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Starbucks, Golden Corral, Sonny’s BBQ, Outback Steakhouse, Quiznos, Applebee’s, Hooters, Boston Market, Ruby Tuesday, El Toreo Mexican Restaurant, Cracker Barrel, Zaxby’s, Coldstone Creamery, Olive Garden and many more. And, as Ocala continues to grow you can expect to see new establishments coming to the area...


Locally Owned Restaurants with a Lot to Offer
Ocala has many locally owned restaurants as well. It could take months to sample them all, but what a fun and “tasty” way to get to know the area.


Candler Hills Restaurant

Only one word is needed to describe this personable and beautifully located restaurant...variety. Candler Hills Restaurant is located on On Top of the World property and gives an abundance of delectable choices from cobb salad, quesadillas and deli sandwiches to paninis, pasta dishes and steak. The restaurant also has a full bar and delicious homemade desserts. Dine inside or out on the patio that overlooks the 18th green at Candler Hills Golf Club. The restaurant is open 7 days a week and is open to the public. www.candlerhillsrestaurant.com


Pi on Broadway
This quaint yet upscale establishment serves tapas and wood-burning oven-cooked pizzas. On the second level you will find an outdoor overlook of downtown Ocala where you can enjoy music on weekends and the ambiance of tiki torches. www.pionbroadway.com


Stumpknockers on the River
Located on the Withlacoochee River, this restaurant offers seafood lovers a little bit of heaven: fried catfish, stuffed flounder, frog legs, sea scallops, Florida gator, steaks and much more. www.stumpknockers.net


Ipanema
This Brazilian Steakhouse presents a unique dining experience where servers parade a variety of freshly grilled meat through the restaurant and slice a piece (or more) for you tableside in a style of service called rodizio. www.ipanemaocala.com


SKY Asian Fusion Cuisine
Located on the top floor of the Holiday Inn, SKY, and the hotel, are anything but typical. Surrounding you with Asian-inspired decor, SKY serves up exotic Pacific cuisine including vegetarian lettuce wraps, curry shrimp, steamed lobster dumplings, Mongolian beef, crispy calamari salad, pad thai, and much more. www.ocalasky.com


Little Joey’s Pizza
All the Italian you could want can be found at Little Joey’s Italian diner, just one mile from On Top of the World. Little Joey’s offers hot and cold subs, calzones, salads, pasta, soups, and of course, pizzas. The four cheese pizza with sliced tomatoes comes highly recommended. Finish your meal with some homemade zeppolis or tiramisu.


Eating Out at Home
Doing Dinner
Want restaurant quality meals without actually going out or spending hours in the kitchen? Doing Dinner has the solution. By preparing and freezing meals that you pre-order, Doing Dinner does the work for you. All you do is thaw, cook and enjoy. Regular entrees are designed to feed three average adults and single serve meals which you can mix and match to please everyone at the table. Each month new items are featured in addition to the over 20 regular items. www.doingdinner.com

Monday, January 23, 2012

Get To Know: Chef Todd Rowell

In just the few short months since Chef Todd Rowell joined the Hospitality Division at Ocala’s On Top of the World Communities, he has taken the kitchens of both Candler Hills Restaurant and the resident only Pub in successful directions. His efforts have been well received and much appreciated. From his Friday and Saturday night dinner features to an overall change in the quality, consistency and presentation of the dishes, he has brought a new vision to hospitality in the community.

Before Chef Todd joined the hospitality team, he managed kitchens at Dunnellon’s Juliette Falls and Rainbow Springs Golf & Country Club as well as at Citrus Hills Country Club in Hernando, FL. Todd is a classically trained French chef and was mentored and trained by other classically trained chefs. In addition, he was the Executive Chef for wrestling superstar Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea in Tampa. Chef Todd believes in bold flavors and visually striking presentations.

He is a husband and father of a young child and lives in the Dunnellon area. Chef Todd was born in St. Petersburg, FL and is a life long resident of the Sunshine State. On Top of the World Communities is looking forward to a long and successful relationship with Chef Todd. Welcome aboard!!

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Resident Club Showcase: Travel Toppers

Since 1991, Travel Toppers has planned and executed trips for Ocala's On Top of the World Communities residents at the best possible cost. During this 20-year period, Travel Toppers has arranged over 500 trips including day trips, overnight tours and cruises with more than 30,000 seats being filled! All Travel Toppers officers, coordinators and hosts/hostesses are volunteers of the organization.

In 2011, On Top of the World residents enjoyed a Caribbean cruise, a theatre production of the Church Basement Ladies and day trips to Kennedy Space Center, Millenia Mall and the Dali & Chihuly Museum…and those are just highlights of the year!

This year’s variety of trips promises to be just as exciting and fun as those of the previous 20 years! Travel Toppers has already planned on visits to Branson, Missouri, the Strawberry Festival in Plant City, FL, as well as Tampa Bay Downs Racetrack in Tampa, FL and cruises to Hawaii, Panama Canal and Alaska….to name just a few.

On Top of the World residents are encouraged to make trip recommendations to the club for a possible future event! Yes, Travel Toppers is one of the communities' more popular clubs...simply for creating memories, providing good times and making travel dreams come true!