Welcome to my first-ever Josie Maida Best of the Month! Happy 2023! I cannot believe this first month has passed us by SO quickly! Believe it or now, we’re already done with one of the twelve chapters of 2023! This year, one of my biggest goals was to take some time to get back to writing for me – and YOU!
When I started this website many moons ago, it was a personal blog. As my career has evolved, this website has evolved with me. Now, I share a little bit of everything from my published pieces to my portfolio, and even a virtual media kit! Even though I write now more than ever before, I missed writing things that made me feel connected directly to my online community.
An out-of-this-world journey
My best trip of the month was truly other-worldly. Right in my own backyard at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT, I jumped on a stellarvator and traveled 220 miles from Earth for dinner aboard the Centauri Space Station. It was extra special because my family was in town and was able to join us on our journey to space!
At Space 220, my family and I each enjoyed a three-course meal – each more decadent than the last. This trip marks my third trip to dine in space, and each time has been a blast! 🚀 I highly suggest the Starry Calimari – which is always fresh. I love that all the way up in space, their calamari is made Rhode Island style. Close to my heart since my time in the smallest state back in college!
Other cannot miss dishes include the Big Bang Burrata, the 8oz filet mignon, and the carrot cake! We tried every dessert on the menu during this trip to space, and nothing beats that plant-based carrot cake!
A rooftop review
LIPA by Akira Black is one of the latest restaurants to join the Orlando foodie scene. Located on the rooftop of the ette hotel, a luxury hotel with two dining experiences and a focus on health, wellness, and serenity.
This media dinner was hosted, but Rene and I couldn’t have been more excited to try out LIPA. We still rave about the second Akira Black restaurant in the hotel, Salt & The Cellar, so we knew we would enjoy this latest experience.
Our served started us with an over-the-top sashimi and nigiri platter, followed up by a sushi roll with lobster, marinated beef skewers over hot coals, and two decadent desserts.
Joining Salt & The Cellar and Four Flamingos on my Best of Orlando list, LIPA is a great spot for date night or GNO!
We bought a house!
YES! How insane is that? After years of saving and months of looking, we bought a house! While getting to the house was a large enough endeavor on its own – we’re starting from scratch to fill it!
In these monthly updates, I plan to share my household favorites – affordable finds that are great quality – to make life just a little more simple!
This plate set comes with four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four bowls! I am obsessed! What I love the most are the deep walls on the plates. They’re cute and functional. Plus, the bowls are super deep and perfect for eating, cooking, and serving!
These drawer organizers have helped us SO MUCH in the big move. I have them under the sink in our bathroom. I’ve used them to tidy the junk drawer in the kitchen. These little bins are even holding our cutlery until we find something better.
This pack comes with a great array of sizes, so you can store whatever you need! Also, they’re easily stackable and have little feet on the bottom, so they stay in place when the drawer is shut.
Favorite Disney Day Gear
No Josie Maida’s Best of the Month would be complete without a little something from Spinning Carousel Co.! This limited-release necklace from my small shop celebrates the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. It’s been my go-to on park days recently! While designing this Centennial Celebration necklace, it was important to me that it was easy to wear daily. No tarnishing, no issues with water or sweat. We’re almost sold out of this design. Launching only 100 necklaces for 100 years, they’ve gone quickly! Now that the Disney100 celebration has officially begun, it’s the perfect time to buy!
More Josie Maida’s Best of the Month to come!
It’s been quite some time since I’ve wanted to make a little monthly round-up of my favorite things. This is just the beginning! Throughout 2023, I hope to share my favorite food, travel, and moments from each month!
Looking for more of my suggestions and reviews? Check out my other articles here at josiemaida.com, or feel free to check out my pages on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube!
*Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that I may get a portion of the price paid for the item shared when purchased using these links*
Tracy Trumble
February 1, 2023 at 4:20 pmSo happy to read your blog, and to see that we have the EXACT same taste! ❤️