I love supporting my local economy so whenever possible I try to buy from local businesses and use locally based services. Sometimes it can be a challenge to find a comprehensive list of local businesses that offer quality products and services. When I’m looking for anything local my first stop is Shop Local Raleigh. They…
Handmade jewelry is my weakness. I’m picky when it comes to buying jewelry but when it’s been thoughtfully crafted by hand, I’m sold. There are so many talented creative people that have the patience to craft beautiful jewelry. Below 14th Designs offers some of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry I’ve seen. I received a…
NC Musician Mark Mathis is celebrating the birth of his daughter by giving away all of his music. While you’re waiting for the music to download please say a prayer for his new little girl, Sparrow as she is undergoing heart surgery. Here is the note from Mark Mathis: Friends: Hello! My wife and I…
I think most women struggle with losing those last few post pregnancy pounds. Taking care of a little one take a lot of time and can be exhausting and to be honest making time to work out is not a top priority. Stroller Strides recognizes the challenge of balancing a healthy lifestyle and taking care…
Nothing quite says North Carolina summer like a concrete custard from Goodberry’s. Goodberry’s is probably our family’s most loved frozen dessert. If given a choice between Goodberry’s and any other ice cream or dessert location, Goodberry’s will almost always win. Ok, enough of my gushing. But seriously I do love some frozen custard. When we…
I love photography. When I was in high school I took a few photography classes and despite my enthusiasm for the art I just never got the hang of it. So I really love supporting great photographers and their art. I really love the work of NC photographer Hilary Mercer. Her pictures are not only…
I’m no baker by any stretch of the imagination but I do enjoy baking… and pretty things. So when I heard about Bake It Pretty I realized all my day dreams of hosting fabulous parties with the most gorgeous desserts ever seen could be possible despite my lack of decorating skills. I’m convinced if you…
If you enjoy American History you most certainly need to visit North Carolina, specifically Old Salem Museum and Gardens. Founded in 1766 by the Moravians, Salem offers you the chance to learn more about the life of Moravians and early Southerners living in the 18th and 19th centuries. I love learning about the what life…
It’s almost that time of year again, the first day of school. When I was in school I loved shopping for school supplies. Nothing beats freshly sharpened pencils and a brand new notebook. We usually got the standard, boring notepads that came were available everywhere but I always wanted something fun and fashionable. No one…
North Carolina is full of wonderful history, and one of the best ways to experience our history is to stay at the Washington Duke Inn. The Washington Duke Inn is named for the founder of Trinity College, which later became Duke University, confederate solider, industrialist, and philanthropist Washington Duke. The Washington Duke Inn & Golf…
When I was young I would spend my summer vacations with my grandparents. I have many fond memories of my summer days spent with Mema and Pepa, most of which involve food. In the afternoon we would snack on saltine crackers and cheese with a side of Mt. Olive Sweet Petite Pickles. To this day…