#BringItLiveTour takes #Raleigh on a ride @DECRaleigh @BringItLifetime #DD4L ! #soNCsavvy RECAP #bringit

July 14, 2016SobeSavvy 1 Comment

On July 13,2016 , Coach D and her Dancing Dolls of Lifetime’s Bring It! came to Raleigh, NC to show off and show out at Duke Energy Center for The Performing Arts as part of the “Bring It! Live” tour. SobeSavvy.com joined fans to see the Dance Team Grand Champions & TV stars, known for their high-kicks and hair-flips , on their first tour!

Whether you watch the Lifetime show, where Bring It! has aired for three seasons and counting, or have seen the Dancing Dolls compete across the country, anyone who goes to see these dancers on tour would enjoy their performances! Coach D told the Raleigh audience to strap in, buckle up and prepare ourselves for a rollercoaster ride because the Dancing Dolls came ready to thrill us!

Once the DJ dropped the beat and yelled DD4L , the crowd filled with young kids, teenagers, young adults and parents stood up on their feet to see the high-octane dance and athleticism that these dancers have brought to the hip-hop majorette world. The dance routines are filled with hip-shakes that could cause an earthquake, death drops, splits, and their own brand of power and energy, which has earned them more than 100 trophies!

This tour showcased their other dance styles as well, from ballet, jazz, to a moving contemporary dance piece paying tribute to the #BlackLivesMatter movement, as seen here:

We were reminded that a “Change is Gonna Come” and to not only be inspired but to be inspiring ! I believe the best is yet to come for Coach D and these women on their dance/life journey and encourage you to support and attend this tour coming to a city near you!

Details about the show can be found at bringitlivetour.com. Check out #BringItLiveTour to see what others have said about this amazing show! Here are a few photos /video of last night’s tour stop in Raleigh!

Fans Outside the beautiful Raleigh Memorial Auditorium,home to the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts.

A DJ inside the lobby gets the party started!

This group of family/friends show up in the Dancing Dolls team color :RED!

Fresh Empire was there providing a free and fun photo op with props with their important message to : Keep It Fresh, Live Tobacco Free

They even gave young teens the opportunity to spin to win free prizes! See more #FreshEvents @FreshEmpire

Bring It ! Live swag for sale

This little girl is warming up before the show, rocking her DD4L tee!

The DJ inside the auditorium is keeping the party going as fans are being seated before…..SHOWTIME !

Say it with me: DD4L !

https://www.instagram.com/p/BH0iLrkjcr0/

Photographs of The Grand Opening of the Bohemian Garden @Boheme_Durham #beergarden

July 11, 2016SobeSavvy Leave a comment

On Sunday July 10, 2016, SobeSavvy.com joined guests for the official grand opening of the Bohemian Garden courtyard at Boheme , Durham’s newest farm-to-table restaurant .

The event, which featured an all you can eat Luau BBQ and live music in a dog friendly environment, took place in its lush garden patio area. A casually stylish crowd showed up to enjoy a beautiful late afternoon in their zen like outdoor space.

Beer, wine, and liquor beverages were available for purchase as well. The bar also had tropical cocktails to go with the polynesian cuisine themed spread. A jazzy quartet kept the mood fun while all the guests and their four legged friends had fun. A true sanctuary and the perfect place to enjoy a warm summer evening as seen here in my video montage :

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHs_LuQjGfF/
Hope your enjoyed the photos and make sure Boheme and their garden patio are on your must to do list this summer !!

#GoodMusic & #GoodTimes @RedHatAmp ‘Cameo and The SOS Band’ #Raleigh #NC #Concert RECAP

July 10, 2016SobeSavvy Leave a comment

“Music is moonlight in the gloomy night of life” ~ George Santayana

With all the gloominess that is being felt in the world, it was nice to be unified last night by MUSIC. SobeSavvy.com joined live music lovers from Raleigh, Durham, and surrounding areas, to witness two legends of R&B and funk: Cameo and The SOS Band with special guest The Gravedigger on July 9, 2016 at The Red Hat Amphitheater !

Cameo, known for their funky musical style and in-your face, cutting-edge stage performances, took us on a stroll down memory lane. Led by their original frontman and lead singer Larry Blackmon, wearing his now iconic red cup,took us down memory lane while “Hangin’ Downtown” Raleigh, bringing us their hits like “Candy”, “Word Up!”, “Single Life” and much more. Here they are performing one of my faves, “Back and Forth” ! https://www.instagram.com/p/BHsK7H4DkC5/

Founded in 1974 as New York City Players, they had to change the name because of a conflict with the funk bank named The Ohio Players, they became Cameo. This group has stood the test of time the way few bands have. In the fickle business that music has always been, Cameo has pushed the envelope ,not only musically but visually. Their stunning music videos in 1980’s and 90’s are still examples of the best video artistry of their time. They did not dissapoint !!

Getting the party started, The S.O.S Band took the stage performing classic hit after hit songs like “Take Your Time (Do It Right)”, “Just Be Good To Me” , and “Weekend Girl”. The band thanked the crowd for being apart of their musical journey for the past 37 years! That truly proves good music is timeless! Here is a video clip of them singing one of their many smash hits “Tell Me If You Still Care” ! https://www.instagram.com/p/BHqRL1Xh01r/

..and the crowd singing and dancing along to “No One’s Gonna Love You” https://www.instagram.com/p/BHqTe5YDcXk/

In my opinion Red Hat is one of the best venues we have in the Triangle! The lawn is small but it’s way close to the stage, you can see all the performers no problem! To stay in the loop of who is “Bringin’ the get down to Downtown Raleigh” be sure to follow on Twitter @RedHatAmp / Instagram @redhatamphitheater / Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RedHatAmphitheater/ 
Enjoy these photos taken last night at Red Hat Amphitheater !

The Light in the Piazza Shines Bright @NCartmuseum #NCMA presented by @TheatreRaleigh thru 7/14

July 8, 2016SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Last night I had the pleasure of seeing performing arts amongst art as Theatre Raleigh partnered with NCMA to present “The Light in the Piazza”.

Based on Chapel Hill resident Elizabeth Spencer’s novella, the Tony Award–winning musical centers on a chance meeting between Clara, a childlike young woman who travels from Winston-Salem to the “land of naked marble boys” aka Italy with her mother, and Fabrizio, a handsome Florentine. The Light in the Piazza takes place in Italy in the summer of 1953. Margaret Johnson (Judy McLane), the wife of an American businessman, is touring the Tuscan countryside with her daughter, Clara (Hilary Maiberger). While sightseeing, Clara, a beautiful, surprisingly childish young woman, loses her hat in a sudden gust. As if guided by an unseen hand, the hat lands at the feet of Fabrizio Naccarelli (Conor Ryan), a handsome Florentine, who returns it to Clara. This brief episode, charged with coincidence and fate, sparks an immediate and intense romance between Clara and Fabrizio. Margaret, extremely protective of her daughter, attempts to keep Clara and Fabrizio apart. As The Light in the Piazza unfolds, a secret is revealed: in addition to the cultural differences between the young lovers, Clara is not quite all that she appears. Unable to suppress the truth about her daughter, Margaret is forced to reconsider not only Clara’s future, but her own hopes as well.

Bravissimo! to Eric Woodall, Director and the cast/crew for doing an amazing job of transporting the audience to Italy by way of stories, statues and stellar performances! Theatre Raleigh is known for its intimate and invigorating presentations, so partnering with NCMA to bring this musical love story to life and staging it amid the beautiful Italian and ancient Roman sculpture in the Museum’s Classical Court was brilliant!

If you are in RALEIGH, NC, this show is a must see! July 6-10 (all performances sold out *as of 7/6/16 , a few seats have been released and on the day of each performance, just 10 standing room tickets will be made available on Theatre Raleigh’s website for just $20) and July 11-14 (the 14th is sold out). Tickets are $32.50 adults and $30.50 senior/student/military. NCMA members $27.50- $30 adults and $28 senior/student/military and are available at http://www.theatreraleigh.com. Group rates available by calling the box office – 919-832-9997. Be sure to check out Theatre Raleigh 2016 Hot Summer Night Series to see what other performances are happening this summer before it sells out!

Here are a few pictures captured prior to the performance/during intermission ..enjoy!

#Raleigh, Win Tix to @CompDiningNC #GotToBeNC #CompDiningNC July 12 Battle

July 5, 2016SobeSavvy 1 Comment

The Got to Be NC Competition Dining Series, highlighting the best of the state’s food, agriculture and culinary talent, is back in Raleigh this July and SobeSavvy.com wants to send you and a guest for a foodie fun night out!

Win tickets to see a dinner battle consisting of two All-Star Dream Teams made up of regional chefs competing to move on in the single-elimination tournament. At each dinner, held at 214 Martin Street in Raleigh, guests enjoy and vote on six courses without knowing which chef team prepared them. The menu must be created around “Featured” North Carolina ingredients. The ingredients are revealed to the chefs the morning of their battle and they must be used in each of their three courses. For more information on the “Got To Be NC” Competition Dining Series, please visit CompetitionDining.com.

Sound like a foodie fun night to remember right? Enter today for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the July 12 dinner battle at 6pm by filling out the rafflecopter form below. This contest ends Wednesday, July 7 when a randomly chosen winner will be announced.

Good luck!

Enter Rafflecopter Giveaway HERE ! *Contest has ended and einner has been notified*

* Be sure to check back here for my recap of the July 18th battle as Scratch Mavericks takes on Orange Crush in Battle 4 of Raleigh’s “Got To Be NC” Competition Dining Series!

#FoodieFriday spotlight on #Brunch in #Baltimore at @Bar_Clavel ! #CLAVEL #mezcaleria #taqueria

July 1, 2016SobeSavvy Leave a comment

As food days goes, some days during the week are for happy hour, others call for a long dinner but Sunday is THE day for brunch. When we got the brunch itch last Sunday in Baltimore we wanted to try something different, something new. We opted for a mexican brunch. Mexican brunch you say ? Si, Mexico has a very rich Desayuno {breakfast} tradition. Most Americans are not familiar with TRUE Mexican breakfast. I now know where to send them ..Go to Clavel mezcaleria and taqueria . They are located in the Remington neighborhood in Baltimore.

Every Sunday between 10am -2:30pm they offer their special brunch menu.

This restaurant is set in a simple space with outdoor communal seating available for those wanting to eat al fresco.

The star here is the food and the people who create and serve it. Awesome vibe of friendliness and warmth permeated our entire experience there. We opted to sit outside on such a beautiful morning and tried a few dishes and drinks.

Executive chef and Clavel partner Carlos Raba grew up in capital of Sinaloa, Culiacan. He is passionate about serving up these classic dishes. He told us these recipes have their foundation in recipes passed down by his great-grandmother and grandmother. Simple and fresh.

We started with a Mimosa and a Sangre De Kahlo. The word “Clavel” means carnation in Spanish ,so naturally the Sangre De Kahlo is topped with one !!

This is the Buenas Dias, which is a trifecta of fresh fruit, housemade Conchita Bread and a small carafe of juice. The bread disappeared in a few minutes courtesy of my daughter !! It had a semi sweetened crust on the outside but soft on the inside. Usually good bread bodes well for the rest of a meal and I am happy to report this was accurate in this case.

Next, we enjoyed ‘Volcan De Cochinita’, which is served warm in a cast iron skillet. The picked onion was a great touch to a tasty dish !

Clavel prides itself on using local sources for their food when available. Their eggs are from Little Gunpowder Farms http://littlegunpowderfarm.civicworks.com/, which is a local farm that according to their website ,”providing high-quality vegetables at an affordable price, while prioritizing environmental stewardship of the land.

The Huevos Rancheros were a delicious dish. Two eggs over Fresh Tostadas W/Salsa Ranchero Crèma and queso fresca. It was mouth watering good with subtle flavors.

This was a fantastic and different take on brunch that we won’t soon forget. We can’t wait to do it all over again next time !

My July 4th ‘Red Bottom’ #Cupcakes Recipe @DixieCrystals #BLU16 #SweetandSouthern #TastyThursday

June 30, 2016SobeSavvy Leave a comment

This weekend we celebrate America’s Birthday and I wanted to share my favorite Sweet and Southern Dessert Recipe which would be a hit at any BBQ you may plan to throw or attend!
‘Red Bottom Cupcakes‘-Inspired by the name of those infamous shoes, is a semi homemade recipe that combines 2 favorites of mine: Red Velvet Cupcakes with a Black Bottom Cream Cheese Filling.

Nothing says southern desserts like Red Velvet but this non traditional cupcake offers a bit of a surprise in the middle under my almond cream cheese frosting! That ooey goey center of cream cheese and chocolate chips will elevate your red velvet cupcake for a truly unique dessert!

Here’s my recipe:

Cupcakes -1 box of Red Velvet Cake mix (I use Duncan Hines) Follow directions to make 12 cupcakes- fill baking cups half way with mix. Then add a dollap of black bottom filling before baking in the oven.

Black Bottom filling-Mix together 1 pkg,8oz of cream cheese- 1 egg- pinch of salt- 1/2 cup of sugar (I use Dixie Crystals)-Fold in 1 cup of semi sweet chocolate chips into the cream ceese mixture. Then using a spoon,place a dollap of this in center of red velvet cupcakes mix, now it’s ready to bake.

Bake for 20 mins. Once cupcakes are completely cooled its time for the frosting. Here’s what it looks like before:

Almond cream cheese frosting– add 1 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to any store bought cream cheese frosting found in the cake aisle. It gives it a unique taste!

What sweet and southern dessert do you look forward to having this July 4th weekend. Please share below!

*Also wish me luck as I plan to enter this recipe in the Sweet and Southern Desserts Recipe Contest for Blog Life University Conference in Atlanta!
Dixie Crystals is Giving Away the ULTIMATE Conference Package Giveaway! PLUS, winning recipe will be recreated by Chef Eddy Van Damme, professionally photographed, and featured on the Dixie Crystals website….with attribution to the winner!

Happy 4th of July everyone! Make it Sweet!

My Fit+ Fitness Festival Recap @harboreast #fitplus #harboreast #zumba #baltimore

June 29, 2016SobeSavvy Leave a comment

On Saturday, June 25th, 2016, Baltimoreans were invited to Get Out. Work Out. At the 4th Annual Fit+ Outdoor Fitness Festival.

FIT+ is a free festival that brings your workout to the streets of Harbor East. What better way to start a morning than with free fitness instruction from lululemon athletica, Maryland Athletic Club and Under Armour Brand House!

So I registered via eventbrite and joined my sister and friend last Saturday for a day of fitness and fun . Each session showcased a unique fitness offering – from yoga to boot camp and beyond – perfectly timed so guests can sample multiple disciplines. We all discovered our favorite way to sweat! Take a look at the variety of classes offered :

Schedule:

9AM-9:30AM – THE MAC RUN GROUP

FIT+ kicks off with a run along our beautiful waterfront. Tom Casper and Stephen Penwell from The MAC’s Run Group will be leading an easy 30-minute run to warm everyone up!

9:40AM-10:10AM – MAC ATTACK

Focus on boot camp-style drills and strength challenges with one of MAC’s top personal trainers, Wayne McFadden. This high-energy session has been a FIT+ favorite year after year!

10:20AM-10:50AM – VINYASA FLOW WITH LULULEMON ATHLETICA

Inspired vinyasa yoga with lululemon athletica – If you’re looking to add a little spice to your typical vinyasa flow, this 30 minute mindful vinyasa yoga practice with Ciara Desmond will leave you feeling strong and open for the summer! Please note this class is BYOM – bring your own mat.

11:00AM-11:30AM – THE MAC HOSTS ZUMBA

Enjoy this Latin-inspired dance and exercise class that fuses fitness and dance into a fun and exhilarating workout with The MAC’s Tisha Guthrie.

11:40AM-12:10PM – LULULEMON ATHLETICA HOSTS BOOT CAMP

November Project may just be the most social workout you’ve ever experienced. This 30 minute workout combines cardio and body weight exercises with a good amount of what we call “that Recess vibe” (remember when you were 12 and class let out for recess…yeah, that feeling). At November Project we’re all about using community to help us push our limits and having as much fun as possible while doing it. We promise, the workout won’t be easy but you’re going to feel great about it when you’re done. It’s not a boot camp, it’s November Project.

12:20PM-12:50PM – “I WILL” BOXING WITH UNDER ARMOUR BRAND HOUSE

Have fun learning boxing basics with Team USA boxer and 2015 National Champion Franchon Crews. Use your will & skill while bobbing & weaving with an awesome “old school” classic boxing workout.

This was not your average health expo, FIT+ took our exercise routine to the next level with a DJ, health food & drinks from Whole Foods Harbor East, a photo booth, giveaways, and so much more! Proudly supporting the American Heart Association.

Check out some of my photos from this year’s FIT+ Festival!

*no more free socks or swag bag but we scored free selfies sticks courtesy of Harbor East !

*w/MAC Zumba Instructor, Tisha Guthrie

#WellnessWednesday spotlight on @MassageLiving ! #massage #ashiastsu in #Cary #NC @townofcary

June 29, 2016SobeSavvy 1 Comment

I am a stay at home mom of a 4..soon to be 5 year old, and while sahm life often has me focused on her needs, I must never forget to take care of me. Mothers ..women..everyone should make time for “me time” with a massage because it addresses so many issues that any ‘body’ could benefit from.
I was referred to Dre Vasquez of Massage & Healthy Living and was excited to book an appointment ASAP!

Dre greeted me with a friendly smile and offered me some water or tea. I love tea and was immediately impressed by the variety of herbal teas offered.
I filled out the paperwork required in the comfortable sitting area and noticed how feng shui the decor was. The massage studio is inside WellPath Acupuncture & Healing Arts and Dre shared that the bamboo artwork behind the front desk was recently added by Renee who is the Director.

I was then escorted to the very clean and serene treatment room where Dre and I discussed what I had hoped to get out of today’s maasage . My answer is always the same. What do all moms want, say it with me “RELAXTION” ! He explained he will be using coconut oil and would recommened I try Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy. I learned that Massage & Healthy Living is the only place in Cary, NC to offer this therapy and wanted to experience something new to help me reach my optimal health and wellness goals.
Let me just say my experience with Ashiatsu was AMAZING!

Per my friend Google, here is a good explanation of What Ashiatsu is: Positioned above the client and balancing on parallel bars attached to the ceiling, the therapist uses their feet instead of their hands to combat deep tension. Therapists are quick to point out that they’re not stepping on people so much as using the bars overhead to vary the amount of pressure and weight they’re putting on a client’s body. It almost looks like they’re dancing (while working out their biceps).

I’ll be honest when I saw the bar overhead and he explained that he would be using his feet which provides a deep tissue massage I thought what is this 50 Shades of Massage ?! LOL But after talking with him I trusted that he was very knowledgeable and attentive. I learned that he taught yoga for years and just felt comfortable that this massage would be therapy not just for my body but mind. He also used his hands during my massage and offers Swedish, Sports, Pre-Natal, Deep Tissue and More!

I would recommend making a sixty minute session for yourself and/or loved one who needs a thorough massage to eliminate any “knots” or “kinks” you may not even know you had! I am giving this place a 5 star *****review because it pleased all 5 of my senses: sight (clean and serene decor), smell (aromas-I loved the blends of oils used such as eucalyptus/frankincense), touch (great pressure and healing), sound (music/no outside disturbances ), taste (refreshing beverages available, assorted tea/water). I now see why since 2001, Massage & Healthy Living is the go-to therapeutic massage studio for the Triangle, NC!

Follow Massage & Healthy Living:

Instagram @massageandhealthyliving

Twitter @massageliving

Facebook.com/lmbtnc

Savvy Deal Alert: Book Now because everyone gets 30% Off the 1st 60 minute massage! Valued at $70 for only $49.00!
Celebrate #wellnesswednesday by making an appointment today!

Photos of the 3rd Annual Chesapeake #Crab & #BeerFestival #MDCRABFEST @drinkeatrelax #RashField #InnerHarbor #Baltimore @jospicecompany

June 26, 2016SobeSavvy 2 Comments

Summer’s here and it is a Baltimore tradition to celebrate the season with friends/family, crabs and beer!

SobeSavvy.Com joined other crab lovers at the Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival for the Baltimore’s Largest Crab Feast June 25, 2015 at Rash Field – Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD.

Guests chose between either SESSION ONE: 11am – 3pm or SESSION TWO: 5pm – 9pm to join this Maryland Tradition! The festival is an ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTE extravaganza complete with over 30,000 crabs, lots of beer, arts & crafts, live music, family fun and so much more! Here is what over 22,000 people have come to enjoy:

• LOTS OF SUMMERTIME FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
• ALL YOU CARE TO TASTE Over 50 beers and wines and a few spirits. All of your favorite craft beers and some great wines were served to highlight the summer afternoon on-hand.
• ALL YOU CARE TO TASTE CRABS. Enjoy all the crabs you can handle during the four hours of the show. The crabs vary in size and was offered at 6 crabs at a time, per person.
• OTHER GREAT FOOD. There are Crabs and MORE CRABS and MORE CRABS and even MORE CRABS – but there was other great food options as well available for purchase. There are no vegetarian options available. Unless outlined – all food is sold ala carte.
• ALA CARTE CRABS OPTION WILL BE SOLD 6 CRABS (1/2 dozen) AT A TIME PER PERSON FOR $35 – CASH ONLY. (WHILE SUPPLIES LASTS)
• LIVE MUSIC. Enjoy fun summer sounds from area bands.
• THOUSANDS OF TABLES AND CHAIRS AND HUGE TENTS for crackin’ to your heart’s content. They even ordered enough crab paper to stretch all the way across Inner Harbor and back.

All SHOW FEATURES are covered, so rain or shine – we were all fine!

Many options were offered to enjoy this experience but the best option was the VIP CRAB & BEER TICKET: For $89 Advance This option offerered guests an ALL YOU CARE TO TASTE experience. Guests enjoyed a souvenir mug and mallet, unlimited tastes of the beer and wine on-site. This included ALL YOU CARE TO TASTE Crabs, Corn on the Cob, Cole Slaw and Potato Chips.* Ticket purchasers are GUARANTEED communal seating under a tent.

Be sure to Follow on Facebook and Twitter to get information @DrinkEatRelax. And you can also follow on Snapchat!

We had a crackin’ good time at the festival. As a native of Baltimore, it gets no better than crabs in the summertime! Here are some of my fun event photos from the 2nd session (5pm-9pm) of #mdcrabfest! Enjoy!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHGnybaheYy/