NC Blogger: Pretty Swell

I’m thrilled to introduce to you NC Blogger, Suzanne from pretty*swell
Not only is her blog beautiful but so are her posts; filled with humor, honesty and inspiration. I love this blog and I think you will too.

Tell us more about yourself –

I’m mom to an awesome toddler, a PPD survivor and lover of things handmade. Also: I’m a sucker for burritos, lip balm, celebrity “news,” sweet tea, naps, British accents, really bad TV, really good books, and of course, bacon. I laugh loudly and often. Ridiculously gullible. Hopelessly optimistic. I love my family and feel like one seriously lucky duck.

What are a few of your favorite posts on your blog –

Me and Dolly P

Just me

Deep-fried dream

Where in NC are you located?

Raleigh

How long have you lived in NC?

Born and raised!

Do you blog about NC or local events/places?

All the time! I especially love to photograph Small Fry about town.

Here we are at the NC Museum of Life and Science

Our adventure at NC State’s Farm Animal Days

At an event on the NC Museum of Art lawn

On a cold, rainy (but still awesome) day at the State Fair

At the Handmade Market downtown

What is your favorite local place to eat?

Does Bojangles count? No, I’m kidding. My dream Raleigh meal would be: the beet bruschetta appetizer at Busy Bee Café, stella salad and whole-wheat fettucini at 518 West, and the chocolate torte topped with caramel and bacon from J. Betski’s. YUM.

Who is your favorite local attraction?

Marbles Kids Museum because Small Fry always has a blast there. I also love the North Carolina Museum of Art, especially the summer concert and movie series on the lawn.

What is your favorite local shop or retailer?

SO many to choose from! Some favorites are Cat Banjo for funky earrings, Zest and NOFO, for gifts, Stitch for clever handmade bags, the State Farmer’s Market for good eats and I’ve been meaning forever to check out the IndieNC First Friday Handmade Market downtown.

What is your favorite NC vacation spot?

The beach! ANY of them!!

What advice would you give someone visiting your town?

Get local. Tour the Museum of Art, hike Umstead State Park, catch a show at the new outdoor ampitheater downtown, grab breakfast at Big Ed’s in City Market, shop Cameron Village, cruise the flea market at the state fairgrounds. And if you have the time, hop in the car for a day trip to the beach OR the mountains. We’re so lucky that both are just a short drive away.

What else should readers know about you, your blog or NC?

I love living here! I’m a big believer in local goods, so you’ll see them often on pretty*swell. Also, a little nugget from me to you: Barbeque Lodge has the best ‘cue in town. What they lack in ambience they make up for in taste. Promise.