Ms. International World and Ms. Latin International underway in Orlando

Ms. International World 2014 - Jennifer Rosario

 

There has been much controversy going on whether Miss USA and Miss Universe will go on as planned. But that isn't hindering other pageants to continue. As for the Ms. International World and Ms. Latina International, the two pageants will go on as planned in Orlando, Fla. from August 13 through the 17th at the Walt Disney World Resort Holiday Inn.

 

The Ms. International World Organization empowers the contestants in modeling, education and entertainment through a crown. To Angela Posillico, founder and CEO the Ms. International World and Ms. Latina International are more than pageants and beauty. They are a "Way of Life" for young women. Posillico's first pageant was held in 2004 at the Deauville Hotel in Miami.

 

The candidates will be judged on swimwear, evening gown and of course on interviews. The winners win a major talent contract with MM Model Management in New York, advance to international pageants, professional photo shoots and a cruise to the Bahamas.

 

Thus far planned for the four day pageant the organization has partnered with the American Cancer Society/Go Pink in which all proceeds from the Women’s Empowerment luncheon will benefit the organization and make women of all ages aware of the warning signs of breast cancer. Furthermore, world class designer of KalaXpress, Sumita Bhojwani, will design the candidate’s attire for this year’s opening of the pageant in honor of the American Cancer Society.

 

As for entertainment, Alexis Salgado will make her way to Orlando from her west coast tour to sing her newest release "Take me to Paradise." National recording artist, actress and author, Shayne Leighton Machova also joins the pageant to present her latest release "Invincible."

 

There is still time to enter the pageants and model competition as the deadline is July 23, 2015. The requirements for Ms. Latina International and Teen Latina International are: Latina women with a 25% Hispanic background, ages 14 to 19 for the teen division and ages 20 to 30 for the Ms. division. As for Ms. International World, it is open to women of all nationalities ages 20 to 30. There is also a supermodel division for adult females and teen females that is open to all nationalities, adult candidates must be 5' 6" or taller to enter.

 

Additional information about the pageant can be obtained at Ms. Latina International website.

At least 110 businesses joining the new Tampa Premium Outlets this fall

Tampa Bay residents and visitors no longer have to drive to Orlando or Ellenton to shop at outlets. In a few months, residents will have one right in their backyard as Tampa Premium Outlets is going as planned. 

The 110 or so outlet is being developed northwest of I75 and State Road 56 in the Wesley Chapel/Pasco area with plans to open October 2015.

Here is a preliminary list of businesses joining the Tampa Premium Outlets.

Stores:

• Adidas
• American Eagle Outfitter
• Ann Taylor
• Asics
• Banana Republic
• Brooks Brothers
• Calvin Klein
• Carters
• Christopher Banks
• Clarks Bostonian
• Coach
• Cole Haan
• Columbia Sportswear
• Comb
• Converse
• Disney Store
• DKNY
• Easy Spirit
• Ecco Shoes
• Express
• Famous Footwear
• Fossil
• Fragrance Outlet
• G.H. Bass & Company
• Gap
• Godiva Chocolates
• Guess
• Gymboree
• Hanes Brands
• Haggar
• Hartstrings
• Helzberg Diamonds
• Hurley
• J. Crew
• Janie and Jack
• Jockey
• Kay Jewelers
• Levi’s
• Lucky Brand Jeans
• Luggage Factory
• Michael Kors
• Motherhood Maternity
• Naturalizer
• Nautica
• New Balance
• New York & Company
• Nike
• Nine West
• OshKosh B’gosh
• O’Neils
• PacSun
• Papaya
• Perfumania Perfumes-4-U
• Polo
• Puma
• Rack Room Shoes
• Ralph Lauren
• Reebok
• Robert Wayne Footwear
• Saks Off 5th
• Samsonite
• Seiko
• Signature Perfume
• Skechers
• Sperry
• Top-Sider
• Sunglass Hut
• Swarovski
• Talbots
• The Loft
• Tommy Hilfiger
• Tumi
• Under Armour
• Van Heusen
• Vera Bradley
• Wilson’s Leather

Food Court:

• Auntie Anne’s
• Asian Chao
• Green Leafs Banana
• Haagen Dazs
• Johnny Rockets
• South Philly Steak & Fries
• Starbucks
• Villa Italian Kitchen

Road trip to Sarasota's The Mall at University Town Center

Photo courtesy of The Mall at University Town Center

So I decided to take a short road trip to visit a new mall in Sarasota, Fla. Although it was opened October 14, 2014, I still consider it new since I hadn't been there yet. It's about an hour or so drive from Tampa. I didn't mind the drive since Ellenton Premium Outlets was only 15 minutes away and the beaches were close by.



Photo credit Doris Irizarry

But anyways back to the new mall, The Mall at University Town Center. It is situated right off of I-75 on University Parkway. But the mall wasn't alone, as the intersection is fully developed with loads of stores, business and restaurants all around.


Photo credit Doris Irizarry

The Mall at University Town Center depicts Florida's beautiful architecture throughout the 880,000 sq. ft. mall on 73 acres. The two-level mall features about 125 businesses that include renowned stores to classy styled boutiques: Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Vera Bradley, Vince Camuto, Michael Kors, TINA Stephans, Jackie Z Style Co., Francesca’s among many others.

Photo credit Doris Irizarry

And while shopping when hunger strikes don't expect the typical food court. Instead enjoy a fine or casual restaurant setting that even includes YO! Sushi - a Japanese ‘kaiten’ sushi bar that delivers freshly prepared food via a conveyor belt. I opted out on the sushi since I'm not crazy for it but settled for oriental food instead at Mandarin Express. Although the food was warm just how I prefer it, my choice of noodles over rice wasn't such a good choice (noodles were sort of 'greasy' and not tasteful which I sort of resolved with a few packs of soy sauce). If it’s a simple snack or a quick eat your taste palette desires than your choices range from ice cream, baked goods to pizza.

Photo credit Doris Irizarry

And one last advice upon your arrival, stop by the Customer Service desk located on the lower level near Grand Court for a "Passport to Shopping." It is full of discounts and special offers from select retailers.

Photo credit Doris Irizarry

Click here to get additional information about The Mall at University Town Center.

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The Mall at University Town Center

140 University Town Center Drive

Sarasota, FL 34243

941-552-7000

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Additional Photos



Photo credits Doris Irizarry