Mother’s Day has passed but when asked what did I want to do..my answer was simple: a Getaway! Fun in the Sun me please! So we decided to roadtrip to NC Coast- specifically Carolina Beach!
It took us just 2.5 hours to drive and arrive at our air bnb, a charming 2 bedroom cottage home conveniently located to the beach, boardwalk and lake. We settled in and were ready for the fun to begin! Take a look at these trip ideas that my #HeighPartyof3 enjoyed during our weekend stay:
We chose this local favorite not only because of its reputation for having the best burger, but it just opened in a new location which was convenient to the marina that we were leaving from for our sunset cruise. May is also #NationalBurgerMonth, so let’s celebrate with amazing eats shall we! I ordered the bacon cheeseburger and it what makes this burger extraordinary is the candied bacon! The burger is juicy, made to order and was so goooood!
A great way to explore the island is by water. I highly recommend booking a sunset cruise for beautiful views and relaxing vibes! Here’s what to bring:
· Photo ID required for all alcohol purchases. Yes, they have a full service bar!
· Sunglasses & Sunscreen
· Dancing Shoes because they have line dancing/upbeat music as well as relaxing music
If brunch is your favorite meal of the day, you are gonna want to check out the menu at Brunches. From Breakfast Tacos, Nutella French Toast to (my personal fave) Chicken & Waffles, they have something for everyone! Head to the rooftop bar for views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Beach and make sure to have one of their variety of Mimosas!
From now until September 7th, you can celebrate Carolina Beach turning 100! There are festive events and programs planned to honor both the past & present of Carolina Beach. Some of the ways we chose to celebrate:
• Snap a Pic with I ♥️ CB sculpture
• Take the Free, Self- Guided Then & Now Walking Tour
• Attend CB100 MuralFest, which features 16 local Artists and 2 schools to celebrate Carolina Beach & its 100th birthday through art. Artist will paint on 10′ x 4′ panels to be displayed on the Stingray Stage at the Lake throughout the Summer. Most of the work will be painted LIVE during the event weekend of May 17-18. The 18 panels will be auctioned off in September, with Artists keeping 50% of winning bid.
The weekend of May 17-18th also included Artist & Vendor Booths, Food Trucks, and other festivities. It was a fantastic way to support the art community. If you missed MuralFest, you can check out many of the murals around Carolina Beach as part of the “Art for wALL” mission by Carolina Beach Mural Project.
• Dine at one of the local restaurants that feature centennial-themed cocktails and dishes like Michael’s Seafood.
Michaels Seafood Restaurant is in institution in the Carolina Beach area. Known for its award-winning seafood chowder, this restaurant is family friendly and currently a part of the CB100 Centennial Food & Beverage program with Carolina Beach’s restaurants & bars.
Inspired by cocktails and menu items from the 1920’s, highlighted Centennial Menu Specials will be available at Michael’s Seafood, through Sept 7th.
I ordered both specials:
•The Century Spark Cocktail Special- (A French 75 inspired cocktail for CB’s 100th Birthday) made with Gin, Chambord, lemon and champagne
•Pearls and Prawns- (5) Oysters topped with our creamy spinach & bacon Rockefeller sauce, finished with toasted parmesan breadcrumbs, coupled with two jumbo old bay shrimp cocktail.
DINNER| Salt Fish Restaurant and Tiki Bar@cbsaltfish
If you want to ‘Dine Like a Local’, reservations are recommended at Salt Fish Restaurant and Tiki Bar. This hidden gem is known for its Tiki Cocktails and Caribbean/Polynesian inspired cuisine.
We tried the Aloha Pork Chop ~ a 10 oz bone-in chop served with Hawaiian sticky glaze, coconut collards, black beans, coconut rice. The Fresh Catch of the evening was Seabass and it was recommended to get it blackened. Both of our entrees satisfied our tastebuds and kept us wanting more!
From great food & cocktails to excellent service..we definitely would recommend making reservations for a memorable dinner.
A great way to get around like a local is by renting a bike from Pleasure Island Rentals. Open from 9am- 8pm, they have daily rates for bikes rentals, a variety of sizes/styles and every bike rental includes helmets, locks, and baskets FREE of charge! This was a fun way to be active, explore the area and celebrate #NationalBikeMonth by simply riding a bike! Carolina Beach has an Island Greenway system of off-street trails, parks and scenic areas which made it very safe and convenient for families. Along the way, stop and see the beautiful murals. Here’s a handy map courtesy of Carolina Beach Mural Project.
RELAX at CAROLINA BEACH
Take some time to unwind at Carolina Beach, recognized as one of the “Prettiest Beach Towns in the South” by Southern Living. We headed to the sand with our own beach chairs, blanket and books in hand to enjoy some Vitamin Sea! No chairs, no problem- the same place we rented bikes from, also does beach chair/ umbrella rentals: Pleasure Island Rentals
SNACKS| The Veggie Wagon Carolina Beach @theveggiewaggon
Grab your beach day snacks from The Veggie Wagon, an island market featuring local produce, sandwiches, beer, coffee and their infamous milkshakes! Open from 8am-7pm Mon-Sun, this local favorite checks off all the boxes: you can shop small, support local and grab some goodness to go!
PLAY| Shipwreck Neon Mini Golf @shipwreckneonmini
If you are looking for some indoor fun, AC and a break from the sun … check out Shipwreck Neon Mini Golf. This indoor golf course has two different themes: Under the Sea and Pirate Adventures. Both sides were designed with good times in mind and fun for the whole family!
I enjoyed our weekend in the sun and having some family fun with my loved ones. Carolina Beach is always a good idea for a NC Beach getaway! I hope these ideas make it on your to do list to enjoy 😊.
Are you wondering What’s The 411 on Mary J. Blige: The For My Fans Tour featuring NE-YO and Mario …then you have come to the right place!
The For My Fans Tour, which made its second stop in Raleigh, NC on Friday, January 31,2025 at the Lenovo Center, is a celebration of the love she has for her life & fans but also an appreciation for good music. The DJ announced that it was sold out and did a good job playing old school jams to get us ready for a great night!
Speaking of music, she has a new album (her 15th) called “Gratitude “ and was also recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, so the atmosphere was filled with excitement and celebration.
Having both Ne-Yo and Mario on the tour to serenade the ladies and entertain the gents was a nice touch! I especially loved Ne-Yo‘s vocals and dazzling choreography paired so perfectly with his hits like “Miss Independent” , “Sexy Love”, “So Sick”. and “Champagne Life”. His set showcased his ballads, his features and what he called his turn up section. NE-YO is an amazing songwriter, producer, dancer, singer and a consumate professional. It was my first time seeing him live but it won’t be the last.
Baltimore, Maryland is my hometown, so I was routing for and happy to learn Mario would be on this tour. However, he only came out to the stage to sing one of my favorite songs “Let Me Love You” during Mary’s set at the end. This may have been due to the show starting two hours late. His vocals still wowed us all and it was worth the wait!
The moment we all were waiting for arrived! Mary J Blige came in hot and blazed the stage. Her entrance was grand and her set was designed for The Queen of Hip Hop Soul! She took us on a musical journey with hit after hit of old and new songs like “Take Me As I Am”, “Be Happy” , “The One”, “My Life and “Just Fine” to name a few. I especially loved her sharing the story of her father fighting in Vietnam and how music helped him. Earth, Wind and Fire’s “Keep Your Head” was the song that he played all the time and Mary J. Blige delivered a wonderful rendition of that classic!
The iconic Mary J Blige, was the background soundtrack to the life of every Gen X and older Millenials. However her fans were a mix of all age groups, genders and races. She did about 30 songs that we were all happy to sing along with and just vibe. From her aerial ride that took her over her adoring fans, along with her signature dance and of course fashion, the Queen of Hip Hop Soul gave us moments to remember and celebrate! Her concert ended up being like a karaoke party with thousands of friends reciting her song lyrics. It definitely was a “Family Affair”.
So now that you know that The #For MyFansTour celebrates Life, Love, Music, and More- get your tickets at MaryJBlige.com!
#GiftsByLeslie has the perfect gift for you (or someone who loves Football) this holiday season‼️ For $20 or 2/$35, order your beaded bracelet (or get a His/Hers) set and be ready to rep your favorite team 🏈
YES …. #GiftsByLeslie can customize one for your favorite football team. Our favorite team is the Baltimore Ravens and we love rocking our lucky ‘Black & Purple’ bracelets when we cheer them on! 🖤🏈💜
TO ORDER:
-Email 333LovelyLeslie@gmail.com the following
•Team /Team Colors
•Bracelet Type (His,Hers or both)
•Name and Address of Gift Recipient
We will reply with invoice/payment information
OR
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🖤Holiday Sale Price thru Dec 20, 2024 $20.00 or 2/$35 includes 🆓 domestic shipping
CashApp $giftsbyLeslie (Zelle and PayPal also accepted)
Treat yourself or someone else with a unique gift to enjoy this football (and holiday season!
Check out the IG story #GiftsByLeslie Highlights for other styles/inventory @333LovelyLeslie
#GiftsByLeslie
🤗Thank you in advance for those who have placed orders and for supporting this mom & daughter #smallbusiness
On ‘Nights Like This’, you can expect an eargasmic experience from KEHLANI at the CRASH WORLD TOUR with special guests FLO & ANYCIA!
The #CrashTour came to Raleigh, NC on OCTOBER 1, 2024 | TUESDAY 7:30 PM at RED HAT AMPHITHEATER. We were all ready for the kind of good ‘Distraction’ our soul needs by way of good music and good vibes. The concert opening acts, girl group FLO and rapper, Anyica both gave fantastic performances.
Then Kehlani came to the stage and started singing “Next 2 You” and from that moment you knew it was going to be a magical night! The crowd was mesmerized by the presence of Kehlani. One fan shared with me that many of the songs helped her get through some tough moments in her life. The setlist consisted of old hits, new faves and at the Raleigh show there was even a proposal to “Marry You”.
‘Can I’ just tell you that the whole show was beyond amazing! The Band, The Dancers and of course Kehlani is an incredibly beautiful & talented performer who really knows how to connect to the audience. We all truly wanted to stay ‘After Hours’, because even with the light rain no one wanted to leave. Such high energy!
If you enjoy live music with lyrics that make you feel and sends chills thru your whole being, then you must get your ticket >>https://www.kehlani.com/ Produced by Live Nation, the 31-city tour (which goes until November 2nd, 2024) was highly anticipated following the release of Kehlani’s new album, CRASH. The songs on the album have a beautiful sound and stories that we all can relate to.
Check out some of my favorite moments from the concert and if you were there I’d love to hear what you thought of the show (or your fave Kehlani song) in the comments below! ⬇️
I attended both Friday August 2nd & Saturday August 3rd sessions (see IG reel: here & here) and it was a great 2️⃣ days of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbeque eatin’. It’s a fun event that everyone should add to their go-to list!
Back for its 16th year, this event is held at the Koka Booth Amphitheater , which is a lovely outside venue with beautiful lake views and plenty of space to sit on the grass if you choose. No matter if it rains or shines, they still go on with the event! Guests received:
🍺 A Souvenir Glass to enjoy All You Care To Taste Beer and Bourbon Tastings as you stroll from table to table.
♨️ BBQ Galore! A great barbeque selection from the various vendors onsite – pulled pork from whole hogs, ribs, brisket, chickens, sausages and all the fixins’ you can imagine! (I recommend going VIP on Friday, which includes a BBQ Dinner plate)
🐖 The SHRINE OF SWINE is back! Enjoy whole hogs during each session.
🥃 Enjoy seminars in the Tasting Theater with Master Distillers & Brewmasters
😃 GAME IT: The Cochon Carnival is loaded with fun activities and games to keep everyone challenged. Connect four, giant jenga, cornhole, and more……
💃🏻 DANCE: Listen To Live Rock & Blues Music and great Bluegrass on The Main Stage.
🛍️ SHOP: Browse Cool Exhibits of Brewerania, Hot sauces, BBQ accessories, cookware and more!
Plus, what makes this event better each year is that there are always a few surprises!
I had a good time and it was the perfect way to kickoff my birthday month 🎉 enjoying good food, good drinks and good times! Be sure to check out Drink Eat Relax to see what fun festivals are coming up!
Disney’s THE LION KING has returned to The Triangle on Thursday, May 16 And Play for Four Weeks Through Sunday, June 9th at DPAC !
I attended the media night of the long-awaited return engagement of Disney’s THE LION KING on Thursday, May 17th at 7:30 p.m. The show’s four-week premiere engagement in 2011 & five-week in 2016 played a sold-out run at DPAC, so I was excited to experience this beloved Broadway Hit again but this time with our 12 year old daughter!
The movie is a family fave, and to see the story of Simba, Mufasa’s noble son come to life is quite amazing! The music, the costumes, the creativity used to make the audience apart of the circle of life is why THE LION KING remains ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. See a preview and get a peek of the show below:
Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, more than 100 million people have experienced the phenomenon of Disney’s THE LION KING ane now you can too! Tony Award winning director Julie Taymor brings THE LION KING story to life with an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals with one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway
THE LION KING is the winner of six Tony Awards®: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting Design, Best Choreography and Best Direction of a Musical. The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from The Lion King animated film along with new songs and additional musical material. The resulting sound of THE LION KING is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award®-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” to the haunting ballad “Shadowland.”
DPAC is such a wonderful venue to watch THE LION KING musical. You will leave feeling like you’ve just visited an African savanah! So get your passport, I mean tickets to experience this musical. With so much authenticity and appeal, this show is a sight to see!
For Ticket Information, go Online at DPACnc.com
· DPAC Ticket Center: 919.680.2787
123 Vivian Street, Durham, NC
**GREAT NEWS !! The digital lottery is now open for Disney’s The Lion King.
On stage, May 15 thru June 9.
A limited number of tickets for $30 + Tax & Fees will be sold to the winners of DPAC’s official lottery.
The lottery will be open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM the day prior to each performance. Winners will be notified via email within minutes after closing if they have won and have one hour to purchase their tickets. Winning seat locations vary per performance and may be filled as single seats. This offer is online only.
Recently my #HeighPartyof3 returned to the city of Wilmington, NC …one of our favorite roadtrips from Raleigh, NC (ICYMI …Check out past blog posts>>here << of our travels to Wilmington NC and Island Beaches). The reason for this visit was to celebrate the diversity, history, beauty, and culture of Asian American and Pacific Islanders during AAPI Heritage Month in May.
South Asians began to arrive in Wilmington sometime in the 1970s and hence they have a relatively short history of living in this area. Over the past three decades their presence has grown. Many of Wilmington’s earliest South Asian residents are physicians in different specialties, ranging from cardiology to geriatrics to dentistry. ( Source: UNCW associate professor Venkat Dhulipala dhulipalav@uncw.edu)
Here are the places we visited during our #SundayFunday Day Trip to Wilmington NC for AAPI Heritage Month:
The work of AAPI artists has long been part of CAM’s history and integral to our permanent collection from the early days of the museum
~Matt Budd, Director of Marketing CAM
Cameron Art Museum is one of the many gems of Wilmington. Built on the grounds of the decisive Civil War Battle Of Forks Road, this facility perfectly balances the past, present and future. My family and I try to visit here once or twice a year as they always have some new exhibit of interest.
May being AAPI Heritage Month meant we visited to see the art on display featuring AAPI artists. Permanently on view on their museum grounds are two site specific art works by two well-known AAPI artists: Mel Chin’sThe Structure of Things Given and Held which is installed near the CAM café courtyard and Hiroshi Sueyoshi’s Harmony which is visible from 17th street.
ABOUT | Mel Chin (American, b. 1951). The Structure of Things Given and Held, 2008-2009 Bronze
Made of bronze and standing over 18 feet tall, the piece is onlyeighteen inches wide and has an airiness about it. It includes two girls, one girl with her hand open (“given”) and the other girl with her handclosed (“held”), balancing a partially erased house on their heads.The artist intended this work as “a meditation on the illusiveness of memory.” The artist asked twin sisters Mary Anne Massey and AllenWright (both share their maiden name Keith) to sketch the house they grew up in and incorporated the similarities and differences intheir memory. Mel Chin is a recipient of the prestigious MacArthurFellowship (“genius grant”) and currently lives in Yancey County, NC near Tennessee.
ABOUT | Hiroshi Sueyoshi
(American, b. Japan 1946) “Harmony”
Hiroshi Sueyoshi moved from Tokyo, Japan to Asheboro/Seagrove, North Carolina in 1971 before moving to Wilmington in 1978. He is one of Wilmington, NC’s most accomplished artists and was awarded theNC Living Treasure Award by UNCW in 2006.Harmony is a 17-foot sculpture of red, yellow andblue panels, interlocking steel figures that areabstractions of a man, woman and child. Eachfigure depends on the other structurally and isperhaps an artistic choice that is symbolic of theemotional bonds of a family. The artist createdthe piece for a design competition for David Swain of Wilmingtondevelopers Swain and Associates. It stood at The Forum ShoppingCenter in Wilmington NC from 2000- 2020, until it found a permanenthome at Cameron Art Museum in 2020. He served as artistin residence at Cameron Art Museum from 2006- 2015.
Located just near CAM, this restaurant is a personal art gallery of Mrs Niki (who also owns Indochine) where you can enjoy all the flavors of the East! In the mood for some Chinese or maybe Thai or maybe some Vietnamese? Well you are in luck for all of the above in one spot. That spot is called Cafe Chinois in Wilmington.
Asian fusion is what they do and I am here to attest, they do it all well. We dined here for Sunday brunch and it was delightful! Unbelievable Asian inspired decor and ambiance. Stellar service and the food was great. Dumplings, fried rice and some of the best steak I have ever had melted in my mouth. Inventive cocktail menu and great wine choices were also available. Never have to choose between different genres of Asian restaurants again because Cafe Chinois does it all!
New Hanover County Arboretum features a Japanese Garden with a Japanese tea house, koi pond, statues, trees and plants indigenous to Japan that grow well in Wilmington’s similar climate.
Did you know? …There are two traditional-style Japanese teahouses in southeastern North Carolina: one at Ashs Japanese Maple Nursery in Hampstead and the other at the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Arboretum in Wilmington. The design plans were sent back and forth to Japan to ensure accuracy.
Throughout the county there are fine examples of Asian foliage to include Japanese maples, Japanese camellias, Chinese Jasmine, Japanese Plum and persimmon trees, Chinese chestnut trees, Asian pear trees..just to name a few. Visit this attraction for FREE and experience its beauty!
📍New Hanover County Arboretum
6206 Oleander Dr
Wilmington, NC 28403
Explore|Wilmington, NC
Thanks to Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, there is always helpful information on their website to gather before we visit. Here’s some information and places to explore before your next visit!
Annual Events that celebrate Asian culture include:
UNCW’s Intercultural Festival (usually in October)
For authentic Indian food, you can’t go wrong with Tandoori Bites for lunch or dinner! We came for an early dinner and ordered the following from the menu:
Garlic Naan
Butter Chicken
Chicken Tikka Masala
Tandoori Lamb Chops
Everything was perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. Order wine or a Rupee beer, which paired well with all the delicious dishes and make a toast to #AAPI #AAPIHeritageMonth!
📍Tandoori Bites
1620 College Rd
Wilmington, NC 28403
Thank you for reading and I hope this inspires you to visit Wilmington NC in May or anytime to celebrate and support #AAPI businesses ❤️
Raleigh, NC came ready to sing, dance and praise at the One Hallelujah Tour, a worship event celebrating some of gospel music’s greatest voices and a chance for everyone to come and witness One Sound | One Worship | One Hallelujah!
This highly anticipated concert features the amazing gospel music of Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Jonathan McReynolds, Erica Campbell, Israel Houghton, and Jekalyn Carr! Here’s how the wonderful idea came together:
Produced by Live Nation, the 25-city tour kicked off on March 6 at MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston making stops across the U.S. in New York, Atlanta, Nashville, New Orleans, Houston, and more before wrapping up in San Francisco at YouTube Theater on April 21. I attended the concert on Wed Mar 13 — Raleigh, NC — Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts …and was blown away by the musical arrangements, the singing or as we say “sanging” , the community, the fellowship and overall powerful performances given by each artist.
Get Ready for One Hallelujah Tour 2024
TOUR DATES + TIX INFO
You don’t wanna miss when the ONE HALLELUJAH TOUR 2024 comes to a city near you, so here are the DATES:
Wed Mar 06 — Boston, MA — MGM Music Hall at Fenway Thu Mar 07 — Philadelphia, PA — The Met Fri Mar 08 — Brooklyn, NY — Kings Theatre Sat Mar 09 — Washington, D.C. — The Theater at MGM National Harbor Tue Mar 12 — Charlotte, NC — Ovens Auditorium Wed Mar 13 — Raleigh, NC — Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts Fri Mar 15 — Miami, FL — James L. Knight Center Sun Mar 17 — Jacksonville, FL — Moran Theater Thu Mar 21 — Indianapolis, IN — Murat Theatre at Old National Center Fri Mar 22 — St. Louis, MO — Stifel Theatre Sat Mar 23 — Memphis, TN — Orpheum Theatre Sun Mar 24 — Cincinnati, OH — The Andrew J Brady Music Center Thu Mar 28 — Evans, GA — Columbia County Performing Arts Center Fri Mar 29 — Atlanta, GA — Coca-Cola Roxy Sat Mar 30 — Birmingham, AL — BJCC Concert Hall Thu Apr 04 — Chicago, IL — Chicago Auditorium Theatre Fri Apr 05 — Detroit, MI — Fisher Theatre Sat Apr 06 — Columbus, OH — Mershon Auditorium Sun Apr 07 — Nashville, TN — Opry House Tue Apr 09 — New Orleans, LA — Saenger Theatre Wed Apr 10 — Houston, TX — Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land Thu Apr 11 — Dallas, TX — The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory Fri Apr 19 — Phoenix, AZ — Arizona Financial Theatre Sat Apr 20 — Los Angeles, CA — YouTube Theater Sun Apr 21 — San Francisco, CA — The Masonic
Hailed as the Top Gospel Artist of the Decade by Billboard, Tasha Cobbs Leonard has built her career on larger-than-life performances and powerhouse vocals that will get everyone dancing on their feet. On her new album, HYMNS, Leonard goes bigger and bolder than ever before, reimagining classic hymns of love and grace with a series of sweeping, ambitious arrangements that draw on everything from worship and gospel to country, pop, and R&B.
Jonathan McReynolds has maintained an incredible voice and a beautifully honest approach to songwriting. He made his way from dorm room performances to Christian music’s biggest stages.
Erica Campbell is an American Gospel singer, songwriter, talk show host, and First Lady. Specializing in the urban contemporary gospel , Christian R&B, and contemporary R&B genres, she started her music career in 1998 with her younger sister, Tina Campbell, as part of the group Mary Mary.
Israel Houghton is a GRAMMY award-winning American Christian music recording artist, songwriter, producer, composer, worship leader, and multi-instrumentalist who formed Israel & New Breed, a music group and ministry organization that has produced gold-selling albums. ***I first saw him live with Kirk Franklin on The Reunion Tour (In case you missed it, check out my review of that concert >>>>>here.)
THE MUSIC
It’s really hard to pick one favorite gospel song or moment from the One Hallelujah Tour because everyone did such an amazing job! However, I’m sure you’ll leave the concert happy to have heard your favorite songs and excited to discover some new ones. Get ready for the overflow of music that’s not only good for the soul but from the soul and from the source. This music will grow your faith and are truly love songs for the Lord.
If you enjoy live music that rocks and rolls, thrills and sends chills to your soul, then you must experience Godsmack • Vibez Tour, an intimate evening of acoustic/electric performances + untold stories from Godsmack with special guest Bastian da Cruz!
On Friday, March 08, 2024, fans came to see the band perform at Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC), located in Durham, NC for a memorable, magical and miraculous night of music. For almost 30 years, Godsmack has an amazing way of connecting with fans on what they are going through in life and how we all can have our spirits lifted up with their songs. This is a very unique concert experience unlike I’ve experienced from the moment you step in the venue, the “Vibez” were set:
How Godsmack sets the mood on Vibez Tour
In continued support of their latest studio album Lighting Up The Sky, multi-platinum Grammy-nominated hard rock band GODSMACK is transforming their thunderous pyro-filled amphitheater rock show into a more intimate experience. The band is set to deliver a series of intimate evenings featuring acoustic/electric performances and untold stories in theatres across North America.
With over 20 years of chart-topping success, GODSMACK have cemented themselves as 21st-century hard rock titans. To date, they’ve accomplished a staggering 11 #1 singles at mainstream rock radio and have achieved 20 Top 10 hits at the format (the most of any act since February 1999). Additionally, they’ve enjoyed four Grammy nominations and were named Billboard Music Award’s Rock Artist of the Year in 2001. Selling over 20 million records worldwide, the band has released eight studio albums; Godsmack (1998), Awake (2000), Faceless(2003), IV (2006), The Oracle (2010), 1000hp(2014), When Legends Rise (2018), and Lighting Up the Sky (2023).
GODSMACK is Sully Erna (vocals, guitar), Tony Rombola (guitar), Robbie Merrill (bass), and Shannon Larkin (drums). Sully Erna’s voice is as fantastic as ever and leaves an impact on the souls of the audience. Equally, Shannon, Tony and Robbie pour their hearts into their performances creating powerful music!
Here’s the setlist (and playlist of their hits!
1. Time
2. Love-Hate-Sex-Pain
3. Voodoo
4. Turning to Stone
5. Spiral
6. One Rainy Day
7. No Quarter
8. Nothing Else Matters
9. Serenity
10. Touché
11. Truth
12. Growing Old
13. Lighting Up the Sky
14. Under Your Scars
15. Bulletproof
16. Long Train Runnin’
SobeSavvy.com Recap Highlights #VibezTour
Columbia, SC you’re up next on March 10th! Get ready for an exciting night of live music from Godsmack. Get Tickets from LiveNation >>For more Tour Info, visit Godsmack.com >> Donate to scarsfoundation.org to support those who suffer from depression, PTSD , mental illness,etc
Check out some of my favorite moments from the concert and of you were there I’d love to hear what you thought of the show (or your fave Godsmack song) in the comments below! ⬇️
March is Women’s History Month and this year I’d like to recommend some books written by women authors. Each of these reads are meant to motivate, empower and inspire readers.
Recently, I hosted a #GalentineBookSwap and introduced my guests to these amazing books. Watch Event Recap Reel here:
I was able to giveaway a few of the reads to them but I have a *Book Bundle to giveaway to one lucky winner! Book titles listed below showing an (*) are part of the giveaway. But first let’s get into these recommendations:
🩷 Wisdom of Wildly Creative Women
Real Stories from Inspirational, Artistic, and Empowered Women (True Life Stories, Beautiful Photography)
Angela LoMenzo combines stunning photography and powerful real stories documented from interviews with a diverse group of accomplished women that encourages us to dig deep into our own creative lives!
Women from all walks of life. Artists, musicians, authors, fashion designers, entrepreneurs, and others from a multitude of creative careers share their experiences with depression, bullying, infertility, cancer, assault, loss of loved ones, drug addiction, and many other issues women often do not have a safe space to talk about. These stories show you just how real life is.
Powerful affirmations and true-life stories to empower you. This book is packed with words of wisdom from women who have both overcome adversity and achieved an authentic life honoring their individuality and freedom of personal expression. Their real stories illustrate that it is possible to live the life you have always desired now.
Inside, you’ll find:
Words of wisdom and beautiful photography of wildly creative women
Raw and authentic interviews featuring stories by women redefining the role of a woman
And much more!
If you’re looking for unique gifts for women who have everything you need to read Wisdom of Wildly Creative Women!
This floriography guide is a gorgeous and inspired combination of vintage Victorian flower meanings, quotes, and lore perfectly entwined with a contemporary toolbox for creating stunning flower arrangements and bouquets.
For those who want to create beautiful bouquets and flower arrangements with history. Blooming with inspirational lifestyle photography by Jess Buttermore of Cedar House Living, The Love Language of Flowers will blow you away with an intriguing history of flowers alongside step-by-step instructions for creating 25 tasteful, meaningful arrangements.
Express yourself and show others you care. With stunning photographs of different types of flowers, a detailed list of floral arranging tools and supplies, and fascinating Victorian flower meanings, The Love Language of Flowers provides you with an elegant way to express your feelings or bring your self-care to the next level.
Inside The Love Language of Flowers, find:
A visual glossary of flowers and their Victorian meanings
Simple step-by-step instructions for creating twenty-five gorgeous floral arrangements
Suggestions for introducing contemporary plants and other interesting elements to bring a fresh look to classic bouquets
If you like botanical books illustrated with stunning photography and floral design, you’ll love The Love Language of Flowers.
Embracing Inner Beauty and Ancestral Power (African American Home Remedies, Gift for Young Professional Women)
By Elizabeth Leiba
Synopsis:
From navigating hostile work environments and healing from trauma to exploring African American home remedies and promoting holistic well-being, Protecting My Peace is a comprehensive guide for black women seeking to prioritize their mental, emotional, and physical health.
Reclaim your peace.Protecting My Peace: Embracing Inner Beauty and Ancestral Power focuses on transforming self-perception, recreating ancestral traditions, and channeling the spiritual power of the African feminine divine. Delve into transformative self-care practices and go beyond traditional approaches to physical and mental well-being. Find strategies to connect with ancestral roots, embrace spirituality, and foster personal growth. Prioritize your mental, emotional, and physical health with practical advice on African American home remedies, how to be healthy, and overcoming trauma.
Rediscover your inner strength. Enter a transformative journey toward self-acceptance and belonging. Learn to perceive physical beauty through a fresh lens, embrace your whole self, and let your spirit radiate with the essence of your African ancestry.
A must-read for black women seeking to reclaim their power and well-being. Understand the philosophy of the African feminine divine. Find empowerment in the idea that places women of the African diaspora at the heart of their cultures. Learn how embracing this power can improve self-confidence, self-esteem, mental health, and emotional well-being.
Inside, you’ll find:
An exploration of the perception of physical beauty
The sense of peace that comes with fully embracing our ancestral traditions
An introduction to the philosophy of the African feminine divine
If you like Self-Care books, you’ll love Protecting My Peace.
A 52-Card Wisdom Deck with Handbook (Oracle Deck, Inspirational Cards, Mental Healer)
By Andrea Menard
Synopsis:
Create new rituals and self-care habits with this oracle deck. These sacred inspirational cards inspired by land-based practises of the Métis people serve as a daily mental healer.
Re-energize and connect to the Métis culture. These oracle cards are the perfect way to help you slow down and awaken to the energy around and inside you. Andrea Menard writes beautifully while invoking connections to the land and indigenous teachings. Use these cards as friendly reminders to dive into your divine feminine energy. Andrea Menard is a Métis woman whose Michif ancestry originates from St. Laurent, Manitoba, Canada. She is deeply influenced by Sacred Elements and guided by the teachings of her ancestral Grandmothers.
Enjoy colorful and beautifully layered art. These unique images bring emotional healing and a deep awakening to divine feminine energy. Sacred women, men, and gender-fluid individuals will find wisdom on every card. Enjoy 52 cards with beautiful images of original artwork by Métis painter, Leah Marie Dorion. Leah is an interdisciplinary Metis artist raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, who views her Metis heritage as a unique bridge connecting all people to a greater knowledge.
Inside, you’ll find:
Ancient wisdom and teachings from Andrea Menard set to transform you
Beautifully layered art from Leah Marie Dorion on a deck of cards set to awaken you
A handbook guide set to spark your divine feminine energy
If you need a gift for the sacred woman in your life, you’ll love Seeds of the Sacred Feminine.
Badass Affirmations is full of positive affirmations, profiles of powerful real-life heroines, and inspirational quotes for women. Packed with just the right amount of sass, this book is the perfect women empowerment gift for you and all your fabulous BFFs.
Even a badass needs positive affirmations. No one leaps out of bed knowing they’re amazing and about to have an incredible day. We find ourselves rushing around, working hard to please others—and often we find ourselves making everyone happy but our own damn selves. Badass Affirmations is here to stop the negativity with positive quotes and affirmations from powerful women.
Discover strong women quotes and encouraging self-affirmations. In Badass Affirmations, positive living and affirmation queen Becca Anderson reminds you that you are pretty darn great. Inside this motivational quotes and affirmations book, you’ll be fired up by inspirational quotes for women, by women. Alongside these women empowerment quotes, you’ll gain new knowledge of the badass ladies who have left their mark on the world with a mix of short bios and longer profiles. And when you’re done learning from other fierce females, you can work on affirming yourself with uplifting journal prompts.
Read Badass Affirmations and:
Learn the habit of affirming yourself daily
Empower yourself and strengthen your self-esteem
Be encouraged by words of wit and wisdom
Readers of affirmations books and positive quote books for women will love the inspirational quotes for women in Badass Affirmations.
In this step-by-step guide, Tory Archbold, powerhouse host of the Powerful Stories podcast, shares her proven principles for success in building entrepreneurial empires. This powerful book for women leaders demonstrates how trusting your intuition and stepping into your power can break you free of judgment, ignite self-belief, and finally attract the richness you deserve!
Staggering success starts within. Are you in a career you never wanted? Are you disconnected from yourself? Are you at a crossroads in life and feeling unsure? Self-Belief is Your Superpower is the book for you. Combining entrepreneurial and personal development, spiritual self-help, and self-esteem for women, this book takes a holistic approach to success, ensuring readers emerge as truly powerful women. Books this impactful are hard to come by so grab your copy today!
Changing to thrive—from success to success.Author Tory Archbold is one of the most powerful and connected women in Australia, but she wasn’t always. With hustle, instincts, heart, and kinship, she found her life purpose and success at home and work—and under her guide, you can, too. This guide is filled with helpful and impactful principles for success and balance as you navigate your new journey.
Inside, discover how to:
Create a happy heart and attract the life you truly deserve
Find your life purpose with these principles for success
Use self-belief to break free of judgment and give yourself permission to shine
If you enjoy professional development books or books for powerful women, you’ll love Self-Belief Is Your Superpower.
A Guide to Self Growth, Self Care, and Becoming the Best Version of You (Women Empowerment Book, Self-Esteem)
By Elicia Goguen
Synopsis: Glow Up Into A New, Empowered You
Find a deep understanding of how to have a glow up and what that truly means for women. Empowerment books like this are hard to find—become the best version of yourself today.
How to have a glow up—made easy. Author Elicia Goguen, creator of The Glow Up Secrets YouTube channel, shares her personal glow-up journey and how to have a glow up yourself, giving tips on changing thoughts of self-hate or sabotage into self improvement for real women. No more indulging in body shaming or unhealthy diet culture while focusing on your outer appearance with this women’s empowerment book.
Glow up from within. This shadow work book guides women back to their unique selves, healing their inner child along the way. Break unhealthy habits and relationships by connecting with your authentic self. Women can glow up with this self growth book for lasting change. It’s your time to start creating your story from a place of self acceptance and self love.
In The Ultimate Glow Up Guide, discover:
Ways to stop self hate, self criticism, and self limiting beliefs in this self confidence book
An inner child healing book full of self care for women
How to have a glow up on your way to achieving your dream life
If you liked books for women and empowerment books, you will love The Ultimate Glow Up Guide!
*📙 This Is What You’re Really Hungry For: Six Simple Rules to Transform Your Relationship with Food to Become Your Healthiest Self
Book by Kim Shapira, MS, RD
Synopsis:
Quit your on-again, off-again relationship with dieting for good—and become healthier and happier than ever.
You’ve tried to eat only vegetables. You’ve tried to eat only meat. You’ve gone gluten-free, dairy-free, satisfaction-free—but you shouldn’t have to. In fact, you don’t have to.
It’s time to stop restricting yourself and learn to make your relationship with food healthy—without forcing yourself to eat “healthy.”
Dietitian Kim Shapira has developed six simple rules that will change your relationship with food forever. In This Is What You’re Really Hungry For, she breaks down the science to get your brain and your body on board; replaces fad diets that do not last with a sustainable method that encourages you to eat what you love; and empowers you to be the authority in your own body.
Kim’s refreshing approach will help you:
Lose weight—or maintain your current weight
Resolve blood pressure issues
Improve your energy levels
Reframe your beliefs about food and why you eat
Identify foods that don’t love you back
Manage your emotions in authentic, healthy ways
Food should be a source of joy and nourishment in your life—not stress—and This Is What You’re Really Hungry For will help you get there. Featuring a foreword by Kaley Cuoco, this will be the last “diet” book you ever need—without ever asking you to go on a diet.
*📘 She Thinks Big: The Entrepreneurial Woman’s Guide to Moving Past the Messy Middle and Into the Extraordinary
By Andrea Liebross
Synopsis:
You’re stuck … and you’re frustrated.
You want growth, but the next step isn’t clear. Your inner voice nudges you to do more, but you aren’t sure what or how. Or maybe your priorities constantly fight for your attention, and you always feel behind.
The thing you want most is movement — toward more time, money, energy, brain power, or simply the enjoyment that’s supposed to come from having your own business. You’ve tried everything, but nothing seems to work.
Andrea Liebross has discovered that the secret to getting unstuck iswhat you think, not what you do.
It’s time to stop playing small and start Thinking Big.
In this book, Andrea helps you:
Get to the heart of your “stuck stress” and move forward with ease.
Create a plan, a new mindset, and improved systems that support all your priorities.
Embrace the challenges that come from your success.
If you’re ready to take charge of the mess and move forward in your entrepreneurial adventure, this book is for you.
SobeSavvy 