Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Fiji New Years Update: Day 3

December 30, 2009: There was a boat ride to what has now been coined "Crazy Island". The actually name is Nanuku Island (or Storm Island). We decided to sit this one out, but you apparently can walk around the entire island in under 10 minutes and it is truly untouched paradise.


We had dinner delivered to all of us in our villa and was by far the best meal yet...a few different curry dishes and delicious fried bread. Two of our villa mates, Brett and Laurel, got engaged earlier in the day, so we celebrated with them.


More to come!

Fiji New Years Update: Day 2

First things first. We wanted to get some staples for our stay and heard about a little market place right up the road. The area is called 'Pacific Harbour Cultural Centre and Marketplace' and has a grocery store, a hand full of of clothing and souvenir shops and restaurants. Very convenient if you need anything during your stay.

We got back to the resort and headed to the second pool in our villa area. Taunovo Bay is divided up into 13 villas (about 5 more are currently under construction) that each accommodate 10-12 people. There are 5 private rooms for everyone and there is a shared house with a full state of the art kitchen, living and dining room and rockin' sound system.





Finally it was time to check out the beach. Fiji was hit by a cyclone a few weeks ago and they are still clearing the beached of all the debris, however, the water is just perfect temperature wise. John and I took a walk on Taunovo's privately owned beach to see the sights...




We went to another resort late in the afternoon called Uprising. Had a great time and heard some killer beats.




More tomorrow!

Fiji New Years Update: Day 1

We're here!! After a flight from Phoenix to LA and a 9 hour layover, we departed LA at 9:30 pm on Saturday, Dec 26th for a 10 hour flight and arrived in Nadi at 5:30am safe and sound on Monday, Dec 28th. We crossed the international date line and completely lost the 27th. After a quick stop at the Duty Free shop, we embarked on a 3 hour scenic bus ride of the coast, drinks already in our hands, to Taunovo Bay. Here are some shots from the bus ride and pit stops...

Our gracious and hospitable host Tony Alfaro...


Shots from the bus ride...




We were greeted with friendly faces and cold smoothie fruit drinks by the hotel staff, who were more than accommodating upon our arrival. It was raining on and off, but being from Arizona, that was OK by me! We were given our keys and escorted to our rooms, which are just as impressive as the pictures from the website.

Living area and bed (and John)...


Bathroom and closet area...



Our own private pool...


After a nap and getting settled, we of course had to take time to enjoy our first sunset in paradise from one of the many hammocks on the property...



More tomorrow!

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Chistmas!!

Blooming Footprint would like to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas! No matter what you celebrate this holiday season, enjoy time with your friends and family.

This is a nutcracker a friend of mine owns. We are both huge Les Claypool fans and this little guy happens to look remarkably like Les...had to share!



Our next post will be from Taunovo Bay Resort and Spa, located in the town of Nadi, on the western side of Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji. The Fiji New Years kick off party is Monday at HEAVEN Sky Bar. Stay tuned!!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Amy's AZ Visit 2009

Amy and I had the luxury of being in the same city for once and took the time to be as productive as possible. Not only did we work on our website, potential partnerships and get a game plan ready to hit the ground running in 2010, but we also took as much free time as we could hiking.

I live about 5 minutes from the South Mountain Park and Preserve in Tempe, AZ. At over 16,000 acres, South Mountain is often referred to as the largest municipal park in the country. There are about 51 miles of trails for all sorts of activities...hiking, mountain biking and even horseback riding.

Over the 10 days Amy was here we hiked over 26 miles...and so did our dogs! Here are Jackson (black) and China (brindle) resting post hike...


We hit Ridgeline (3 times), Javelina (2 times), Pima Wash, Desert Classic, National, Mormon, Beverly Cannon and a few other connecting trails. Here is a picture from the top of Ridgeline...


I've been hiking at South Mountain for about 9 years now, but if you want to check it out and need some guidance, check out Cosmic Ray's Guide to Arizona Trails. Each one page trail description contains a rating, description and mileage log (where to turn at mile five, what you’ll encounter at mile six, etc.). Each trail is also paired with a hand-drawn map and elevation chart. Great for any outdoor enthusiast!

We also got to see Grace Potter and the Nocturnals and Brett Dennen at the Marquee Theater in Tempe. We work with Ben Erickson of the Elysian Artist Group, who is also Grace's tour manager. Ben hooked us up with tickets, along with a peek inside the tour bus and a paella dinner, courtesy of Grace herself!

Ben and I post show...

Grace serving up paella...


Much more to come as I am headed to Fiji for FijiNewYears.com (a client of ours) and Amy will be spending the first part of 2010 in Australia. Happy holidays!!!

Friday, December 18, 2009

Welcome to Blooming Footprint!


***REPOST FROM JUNE 2009: NEW BLOG SITE!***
Amy & Katie have joined forces to create a cutting-edge, comprehensive, brand management firm. After working hand-in-hand on the marketing and PR for the band BLVD, they instantly recognized their like-mindedness and complimentary skill-sets. It became evident that brands, businesses and bands could all benefit from their combined talents and contacts both on & off-line. They had no choice but to jump in feet first!

OK, enough of talking about ourselves in the third person!!

'So what is this all about?' you might be asking yourself. Well, a FOOTPRINT is everything an organization creates both on and off-line that is available for the public to view...logos, websites, social networks, blogs and even messaging. Through the use of dynamic content, social media strategies, campaigns and untraditional outreach, we are able to help any FOOTPRINT BLOOM based on the businesses individual needs and goals.

For more info and even a picture for you visual folks, please check out our official website and our comprehensive list of services. You'll notice a few "Coming Soons", so please check back often. You know Katie is already out there networking, so please become a fan of Blooming Footprint on Facebook and of course, follow us on Twitter...you never know when Amy might make an appearance ; ) We are just rolling all this out today and could use the love!

We want to thank all of you out there for your support of our new endeavor and of course your referrals are always welcome.

Here's to making YOUR footprint bloom!!!
Amy & Katie