Raleigh NC

Easy Tips for Hosting a Fiesta Happy Hour at Home Ft. @MoesTriangle @nothingbundt

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Easy Tips For Hosting a Fiesta Happy Hour At Home Ft. Moe’s Southwest Grill & Nothing Bundt Cakes

Let me tell you something about me…Cinco De Mayo is one of my favorite holidays. For me, it’s all about being with friends and celebrating the food, the drinks and the colorful culture of Mexico. This year, I took the opportunity to host a few Raleigh based blogger friends to a Cinco De Mayo Happy Hour in my home and wanted to share some of my easy tips for hosting your next FIESTA 🎊

THE INVITE

#SobeSavvyCelebrates INVITE

Canva is my go to for creating an invite to send to friends. It is easy to use and they have so many great templates to chose from. I sent my invite graphic via text but also made a Facebook event page to invite my guests, track RSVPs and send any updates.

SIPS

Happy Hour Margaritas & Tequila Shots | Photo Credit: SobeSavvy.com

Every Fiesta should have Margaritas & Tequila Shots at the top of their must sips list! My husband made a pitcher of Classic Margaritas using this easy shortcut: Simply Limeade + Tequila (we used Patron) . Have some simple syrup, salt and limes to customize to your guests liking. Want to make it spicy? Just add this Organic Jalepeno Limeade from Trader Joe’s!

Making Margaritas is as easy as 1-2-3 with these simple ingredients |Photo Credit: SobeSavvy.com

For refreshing non-alcoholic options, we served Jarritos (the all natural fruit flavored sodas from Mexico) and I made a pitcher of fruit infused water with strawberries, lemon and mint!

Non alcoholic Fiesta SIPS | Photo Credit: SobeSavvy.com

EATS by Moe’s Southwest Grill

Pick up a Nacho Kit from Moe’s Southwest Grill for your next FIESTA! | Photo Credit: SobeSavvy.com

Since I was hosting this FIESTA at home, I decided to make a simple menu consisting of semi-homemade food and ordered dessert. (I’ll share more of the sweet details about that next.) On the menu: Homemade Guacamole, Blue Corn Tortilla Chips, Mexican Fruit Cups (save time by getting the fresh cut of fruit spears from Aldi’s), Crunchy Beef Tacos, Shrimp Fajitas (use the fire roasted peppers found in the frozen food section at Trader Joe’s), Mexican Rice and Mexican Corn ( also from Trader Joe’s). I set it out on a long buffet table for guests to serve themselves.

For a fun customizable option, I also set up a Build Your Own Nacho Bar using a meal kit from Moe’s Southwest Grill! The Nacho Kit is a meal kit that comes in a box and feeds 4-6 people typically. It has everything you and your guests need to make the perfect plate of nachos. The kit includes: chips, your choice of 2 proteins, TWO bowls of queso, beans, pico de gallo, sour cream, jalapeños and salsa. Everything was so good and it definitely made things easy for me having it all ready to serve!

Build Your Own Nachos with a Nacho Kit from Moe’s! Location: 6679 Falls of Neuse Rd at Falls Village Raleigh, NC 27616

👀Watch it all come together here ⤵️:

SWEETS

Dessert Anyone? These Bundtinis from Nothing Bundt Cakes are so yummy!

Nothing Bundt Cakes offers an array of bundt cakes, which is why I had to have them for my guests for dessert. Their 🆕 Fiesta Bundtinis were festive, fun and delicious! You can choose different toppers to fit the occasion but these were perfect. I got an assorted dozen of vanilla, chocolate, white chocolate raspberry and red velvet. Nothing Bundt Cakes never disappoints in quality, flavor and presentation.

Nothing Bundt Cakes ‘Fiesta’ Bundtinis -6643 Falls of Neuse Rd- 27615 Raleigh NC -919 838-7270

Fiesta Fun

Hostess Leslie @SobeSavvy having some Fiesta photo fun w/Anna @annakhaddock

We had a nice warm day, which allowed for most of the Happy Hour to happen outdoors on our patio. However, upon arrival guests were greeted with a Welcome Drink/Margarita and asked to take a pic in our Fiesta photo area!

Say Fiesta🎊

Afterwards, guests were escorted out on the patio area where I found much of the decor at my local thrift store! After we ate, we played a Cactus Ring toss game ( which also doubled as a cooler for drinks..found at Target for $5.00), and my husband was a game show host for a trivia game based on facts about Mexico.

Congrats to Rada, _@sortakindafamous, for winning the trivia game!

Finally it was time for some pinata fun! I bought the pinata at Hobby Lobby for just $9.99 and filled it up with candies, confetti, as well as minature plastic bottles of liquor!

THANK YOU Gifts by Leslie

When it was time to for my Happy Hour to end, I was able to give hugs (yay for the Covid-19 vaccination), a coupon for a free bundles from Nothing Bundt Cakes, have some parting shots(with tequila of course) and gift everyone a party favor courtesy of Gifts By Leslie (my small business). Everyone got a mini bottle of Taijin Clasico Seasoning (found at Burlington Coat Factory).

Tajín Clássic Seasoning is a unique chili lime seasoning blend made with mild chili peppers, lime and sea salt. It’s the perfect ingredient to elevate the flavor of fruits, veggies, drinks and more.

RECAP

I had so much Fiesta fun hosting a Cinco De Mayo Happy Hour 🎊 for a few blogger friends. It was so good to see everyone in good spirits and in good health as we all try to manage our lives in the midst of Covid-19. I did my best at making guests feel comfortable, safe and at ease. I hope you find this post helpful and feel free to use along these easy tips for your next FIESTA! 🎊

👀Watch full #SobeSavvyCelebrates video recap here⤵️

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Leslie H. Founder of SobeSavvy.com

4 Places to Enjoy #NationalTakeAHikeDay in #RaleighNC @RaleighParks @WakeGovParks

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This year, National Take A Hike Day falls on November 17, 2020 and I am taking this opportunity to share with you some of our favorite places to take a hike! Why do we like to hike? The answer is simple, it’s a free, family-friendly activity that allows us to connect with nature in a fun way.We have always loved nature but 2020 has been a year that we have enjoyed this ideal social distancing activity so much more! Per Black People Who Hike, there is also health benefits to hiking. If you live in the Raleigh, NC area, here are 4 Places To Enjoy #NationalTakeAHikeDay !

Durant Nature Preserve

At 237 acres, Durant Nature Preserve is one of our favorite parks to enjoy the great outdoors. This massive, mostly undeveloped park has it all! A Butterfly garden, plentiful picnic areas and two lakes. We love taking a hike down to the fresh water stream to see all types of aquatic life in it’s original habitat. We have also spotted white tail deers! They have a multitude of mountain biking and hiking trails that are easy to moderate. If you like raw nature, then this park is for you.

Durant Nature Preserve
8305 Camp Durant Rd
Raleigh, NC 27614

Green Hills County Park

A park at a former landfill may sound weird but Wake County has made it work! Green Hills County Park is located off of Durant Rd near the recycle center. Wake County grassed over the mound and managed to have zero smelly emissions, so no worries for your senses. They built a 2 lane paved road that is 1 mile in diameter. One lane for walkers or bikers and the other lane (separated by a curb) for cars. The most unique aspect (besides building a park from a closed landfill) is visitors can hike up a steep gravel trail to THE top of the landfill, which also boasts the highest point in Wake County for a 360 degree view of ALL of Wake County. They have a few picnic tables and grassy area up there to spend some time. My husband likes to do some power jogs up and down the trail and so do others. This is indeed an awesome park to visit!

Green Hills County Park
9300 Deponie Drive

Raleigh, NC 27614

Falls Lake

Conviently located off of Falls Of Neuse Road, lies Falls Lake. This park is part of a 22 mile lake system that runs through northern Wake County. It is actually maintained by the state and US Army Corp Of Engineers, this man made lake is full of boaters, fisherman, paddle boarders and anything else you can do on the water. The Falls of Neuse entrance leads to the massive dam. You can hike various trails, paved and unpaved throughout this wonderful area. They have a great information center with maps that provide not only hiking but camping and boating information as well. We have hiked a portion of the famous NC “mountain to sea” trail which descends to the lake. Falls Lake is one of the most beautiful outdoor places to hike!

Falls Lake Visitor Assistance Center

11405 Falls of Neuse Rd

Raleigh, NC 27614

Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park

We love hiking and learning and there is no better place to do both than at Annie Louise Wilkerson,MD Nature Preserve. It’s namesak, Annie Louise Wilkerson was a pioneering doctor in the Raleigh area for 52 years who bequeathed the 157 acres to the city with the stipulation that the land remained undeveloped and be a place of learning. There is an education center, a whimsical “troll/fairy trail for kids (grown kids also) and a great perimeter pond trail that we love to hike around. Butterflies, grasshoppers, birds and ladybugs abound everywhere! The Pond Trail is mostly low cut grass so running while hiking is encouraged! This is just a special happy place for the whole family to enjoy.

Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preseve Park

5229 Awls Haven Dr.

Raleigh, NC 27614

For more informaton on the above listed parks or to discover somewhere new to explore nature, check out Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources | City of Raleigh and Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space. Thanks for reading and I hope you are inspired to enjoy the many ways to connect with nature on #NationalTakeAHikeDay (and everyday) in Raleigh,NC!

👀 Watch my YOUTUBE video which recaps some of our favorite moments/views at Durant Nature Preserve, Green County Hills Park, Falls Lake and Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park.

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Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day from National Pawn Shops @NationalPawnNC #ValentinesDayGifts

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Have you finished Valentine’s Day shopping yet? Save money and find the perfect valentines day gift for Him, Her and YOU at National Pawn & Jewelry.

National Pawn and Jewelry has been the premiere pawn destination in the Triangle since 1987. They have provided small cash loans in exchange for all sorts of property. Jewelry, electronics and everything in between can be found in one of their locations. I was invited to visit their flagship 📍6740 Fleetwood Dr., Raleigh, NC 27612, located off of Glenwood/70 to see what they had to offer. Being a few weeks from Valentine’s Day, I was seeking to find items that could be Valentine related (..think red, pink, heart shaped jewelry), but open to anything!

I was warmly greeted upon entering their bright and airy showroom. The stereotype of a dirty and dark pawnshop could not be the furthest thing from the truth. This store felt like a department store with friendly associates at every turn. They have a large jewelry department and customers are allowed to try on a few pieces. DID YOU KNOW… National Pawn and Jewelry are also the largest buyers of gold in the entire state?!

I continued to enjoy just browsing to see all the wonderful items in stock and actually decided to gift myself some love by getting a gold heart shaped ring and a red, Michael Kors tote bag! There were so many nice items, the decision was hard but shopping was fun. Here are some of my favorite finds for Valentine’s❣ :

Handbags

Depending on the day, you may find anything from vintage Louis Vuitton, to Coach, Michael Kors and more were available. All shapes, colors and sizes. What I liked most is that the handbag I selected was in mint condition.

Rings

I tried in a variety of rings. Some with diamonds, or stones, in gold and silver. I had fun finding and trying on all the heart-shaped rings in the store!

Necklaces

There were plenty of necklaces with and without pendants to buy. You could also find just the pendant to purchase. I saw quite a few heart shaped as well as a necklace that said ” LOVE”.

Bracelets

Who doesn’t like a little arm candy?! I think bracelets are the perfect gift if you are not sure of the size of ring or kind of jewelry your Valentine likes. There was a gold bracelet that had elephants and hearts and I thought to myself…”I know some Deltas who would love this one”. ❤

Earrings

Here are some of the pierced heart earrings found in the store on this day. Aren’t they darling? Remember, inventory changes, so if you see something you like, get there as soon as possible!

Pandora Charms

Did you know..National Pawn & Jewelry has Pandora Bracelet Charms in store for a fraction of the cost that you would pay at a Pandora retail store. I was surprised by the selection and thrilled to learn this!

Musical Instruments

Here’s a gift idea for HIM: Ladies, maybe your guy has been dreaming of playing the guitar or has been talking about learning a new hobby. Or maybe you want to serenade him on Valentine’s Day with an original song, dressed in heels to match this shiny red guitar! I also saw keyboards and other instruments just in case you and your Valentine want to start a band. They also had electronics, such as cameras, tablets, laptops and more.

Unique Finds

Look at this heart-shaped pocket watch! Isn’t it cool? The manager I spoke with said he has seen everything under the sun brought into the store by all sorts of customers like rare coins, precious gems and stones, and expensive watches.

Great Service

This location is huge, clean, has great inventory and provides excellent service. Any questions that I had or any concerns were answered by an associate. On this day, LaKayla was there as well as the store manager to offer us any assistance needed. If you are looking for jewelry especially, they have affordable ‘outlet’ bargain prices and you are allowed to negotiate.

SobeSavvy Tip: If you see something you really want but just don’t have the funds for it that day, it’s ok..ask National Pawn about their layaway program!

For more information, follow National Pawn & Jewelry at:

Website: https://www.nationalpawnshops.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalpawnraleigh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalpawnshops/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NationalPawnNC

HAVE YOU SHOPPED AT A PAWN SHOP BEFORE? WHICH ITEM WOULD YOU GET FOR YOU OR YOUR VALENTINE?

Thank you for reading and I hope you are inspired to shop at any of the 19 locations of National Pawn & Jewelry for your next gift find! ❤

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Where to Eat in Raleigh for Triangle Restaurant Week|41Hundred @41hundredlounge @TriRestWeek @VisitNorthHills

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41Hundred Dinner Menu for Triangle Restaurant Week Jan 2020

Foodies get ready! Triangle Restaurant Week is here, beginning Monday (Jan. 20-26, 2020) and we get to enjoy menu deals for lunch and dinner at some of our favorite restaurants. This is a good time to make your reservations at places you’ve always wanted to try. Or perhaps return to a restaurant you may have been to before but can now try something new and different from the menu. Since there are so many premier places to choose from, I thought I would help by giving you a my review of the special menu from one of my favorite restaurants, 41Hundred.

About 41Hundred |Located at 4100 Main at North Hills St. in Raleigh, 41Hundred is the new concept inside of the Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel. 41Hundred offers simply sophisticated, international cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Kevin Smith and team.

DINNER MENU

Known for their memorable food and drink selections, 41Hundred is all about using fresh, local high quality ingredients in their dishes. You can expect food that is simple, yet beautifully prepared and full of flavor. Triangle Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to experience 41Hundred‘s culinary chops at a great value. For $30 p/p, here is what is offered on their special dinner menu:

• First Course

Although my guest, the beautiful Anna Haddock, & I had dined at 41Hundred before, we were both excited to try what was on the menu. Our server was helpful and ready to answer any questions for us. The Seafood Gumbo was the perfect start for both of us on this winter evening. Not only did it warm my heart but left an impression on my soul! It had a nice amount of flavor and was chock full of shrimp, crab, sausage, baby scallops & okra. One Word: AMAZING

• Second Course

No matter if you are doing Whole 30, Paleo, Keto, or you are a meat-lover, a seafoodie or vegetarian, you’ll find something you’ll like on this menu. I ordered the Sea Bass, not only because I love seafood but the candied bacon listed as one of the ingredients used in this dish was calling my name! It was served with smoked fontina grits, king trumpet mushrooms and pomodoro. Each bite was better than the last. One Word: INCREDIBLE

If you love a nice tender piece of meat that falls of its bone, order the Osso Buco. It is prepared with a saffron sweet pea risotto, roasted baby vegetables and love. We were both impressed by the portion size and how tasty it was! One Word: SATISFYING

• Third Course

Whatever you do remember the following Four Words: SAVE👏 ROOM👏 FOR👏 DESSERT. 41Hundred has two options on their TRW menu, one of them I recognized from their regular menu: The Blueberry Cobbler Cheesecake. The berry compote added a nice tart freshness to the sweet and creamy cheesecake. We loved it!

The second dessert option was created by the sous chef and is called The Impossible Cake. It is a chocolate cake layered with a caramel custard, similar to a flan on top. It comes with caramel sauce, whipped cream and bourbon pecans. We both enjoyed the combination of flavors.

**SobeSavvy Tip: Did you know you can stop in for lunch at 41Hundred during Triangle Restaurant Week and enjoy 3 courses for just $15 p/p?! Take a look at this fantastic menu ⤵️

Overall our dining experience was a great one filled with new foodie memories! Not only did we enjoy the service, but the 3 course meal from 41Hundred left a lasting good impression! **What dish is calling you in to dine at 41Hundred for TRIANGLE RESTAURANT WEEK? Let me know in the comments below and thanks for reading!

**Also, be sure to follow me on social media and stay tuned all week to see more of SobeSavvy.com’s Triangle Restaurant Week options. Up Next: STIR Raleigh
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📍41Hundred

4100 Main at North Hills Street

Raleigh, NC 27609

Connect with 41Hundred on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Top 3 Restaurants To Try This Fall In NC @koan_cary @Il_Palio @DriftwoodRDU

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Top 3 Restaurants To Try This Fall In NC | Cary * Chapel Hill * Raleigh

Hello November! ‘Tis the season to indulge in some good eats and treat yourself to memorable dining out experiences. I recently got to try 3 different restaurants and each one while different in cuisine share the same passion of bringing you an array of flavors on their new Fall menus. Take a look and discover where to eat in the Triangle at these TOP 3 RESTAURANTS TO TRY THIS FALL!

kō•än | Cary, NC

Photo Credit | Tabletop Media Group

🆕️ Restaurant Alert! The most exciting place for food right now is kō•än in Cary,NC, which opened November 1, 2019 with great anticipation! I got a chance to experience the restaurant and its menu at a media preview dinner and enjoyed everything from its innovative cocktails to their delicious small/large plates meant for sharing!

The new restaurant, located at 2800 Renaissance Park Pl, Cary, NC 27513, brings Executive Chef Drew Smith’s [ formerly of Raleigh’s bu•ku and so•ca, and winner of 2019’s Cooking for a Classic dining competition] vision of Southeast Asian cuisine in a zen-like atmosphere. Check out my Facebook post>>here for a look at some of the tasty menu.

For more info on kō•än, follow #koancary @koan_cary on Instagram and Twitter or visit www.koancary.com

Il Palio|Chapel Hill

Photo Credit | Tabletop Media Group

Transport your mind, body and tastebuds to Italy when you experience world-class dining at Il Palio, located in The Siena Hotel at 1505 East Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, NC. Chef Adam Rose and his team uses the best local and Italian ingredients to prepare fresh, homemade pastas like this signature Butternut Squash Ravioli! *[see here for recipe]

If you enjoy Italian cuisine along with a lovely wine selection, and amazing culinary artisanship, then you will savor the fantastic dishes served in a warm and inviting Tuscan villa atmosphere at Il Palio!

For more information, follow @thesienahotel #TheSienaHotel on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Follow @il_palio #IlPalio on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Driftwood Kitchen & Bar | Raleigh, NC

Photo Credit | Tabletop Media Group

All my lovers of chicken and waffles [….and really good comfort food] make your way to DRIFTWOOD KITCHEN AND BAR (formerly known as Driftwood Southern Kitchen), located in Lafayette Village at 8460 Honeycutt Road, Suite 112, Raleigh, NC 27615 for a taste of the 🆕️ delicious menu revamped by Chef Nunzio which also includes tacos, meatloaf with tasso ham gravy, pulled short ribs, and chicken & biscuits (made from scratch), plus great craft cocktails, like the “Black -Eyed Rye made with Sagamore Spirit Rye Whiskey.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Xpkhdn6x8/?igshid=1da5v9qpvvhc

Invited Raleigh influencers got to experience the new flavors and take a tour of the refreshed restaurant space including a brand new, communal style private dining room for events and parties. The restaurant’s unique open kitchen concept and scratch made menu showcases the best ingredients from as many regional and local farmers and producers when possible. Feast your eyes on some of the highlights from our media tasting experience on my Facebook page>>here.

For more info, follow Driftwood Kitchen & Bar #DriftwoodRaleigh, @driftwoodraleigh on Instagram and Facebook

Thanks for reading! I hope this post has made you hungry and ready to make reservations. Any of these restaurants would make a great dining out date option or a place to meet friends for small bites and cocktails! Cheers!

Have you dined at any of these restaurants? If not, which one are you checking out first?

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Here Is Why You Should Get Your Next Eye Exam & Eyewear At MyEyeDr.

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Here Is Why You Should Get Your Next Eye Exam & Eyewear At MyEyeDr.

Here Is Why You Should Get Your Next Eye Exam & Eyewear At MyEyeDr. | By SobeSavvy.com

*Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by MyEyeDr. ALL opinions and reviews expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

Hi, my name is Leslie. I am a 46 year old mom and wife, who shares the savvy of life here on my lifestyle blog, SobeSavvy.com. One thing I love to do is share with you savvy tips as well as real life experiences that can help you too. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the Grand Opening of MyEyeDr. located in the Midtown East shopping center near the new Wegmans Food Market in Raleigh.

It had been too long since I had my last eye exam, so I decided to have one at MyEyeDr. after learning that location accepts walk-in appointments. Overall, it was a truly wonderful visit and the best experience I have ever had at an optometry and eye care center! Here Is Why You Should Get Your Next Eye Exam & Eyewear At MyEyeDr.

PATIENT-FOCUSED

As a blogger, content creator and someone who uses the computer daily working remotely as a medical coder, I must admit I spend a whole lot of time in front of a screen. At MyEyeDr., their whole patient centric approach allowed me to talk about my lifestyle. Learning my daily uses for glasses and contacts helped them determine my needs as well as wants. That was refreshing in a world where usually “the experts” do all the talking! MyEyeDr. asks the question to each patient ..”What do your eyes need to do today?” and then provides the solution based on your answer!

QUALITY EYECARE SERVICE

MyEyeDr. utilized amazing technology during my comprehensive eye exam, however a doctor will still perform a thorough exam just to make sure all is well plus fine tune your prescription as needed. But before seeing the doctor, you will be seen by a technician who will perform various diagnostic and sight testing. They will also ask about any medical conditions or medications. This is very important since so many different conditions can affect eye health and eye sight. I was very comfortable during my exam so much so that I felt like I was getting a pampering service for my eyes!

Part of the cutting edge technology that MyEyeDr. uses to obtain the best and most accurate data to determine eye health is their digital Retinal Screening. This allows the doctor to actually see the veins and blood flow in the eye and cornea. It is like something from a Sci-Fi movie! To actually see my eyeball like never before had me in awe.

STYLISH EYEWEAR BRANDS

As soon as you walk into this bright and airy office, frame choices galore adorn most of the walls with all the trendy and recognizable brands but they also have a wide range of exclusive frames for those seeking more high end eyewear.

This new MyEyeDr. location differs from the other locations in the Triangle because it is the first Raleigh luxury office! This means they have an expanded selection of designer eyewear collections by Michael Kors, Burberry, Tiffany, Versace and more! They even have a new exciting line of eyewear called Draper James, an eyewear brand that is the brainchild of actress Reese Witherspoon. Stop by to get a peek of her new Fall 2019 collection. So many cute styles but I have my eye on pair with pearl details.

With so many stylish frames, I was happy to have MyEyeDr.’s Eyewear Consultants available to provide a one-on-one styling session. They helped me decide on the best frames for my lens size and face shape. It was so much fun being apart of my very own eyewear fashion show!

CONVENIENT,AFFORDABLE

MyEyeDr. has eye doctors in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Midwest United States. They offer personalized service and care for patients of all ages and they ACCEPT ALL INSURANCES. Since eye care is an ongoing need (the doctor reminded me an eye exam is needed once every year) they also accept Care Credit, which is a healthcare personal credit card that allows you to make monthly payments as you would on any other credit card. MyEyeDr. also offers a special Contact Lens Reward Program. Free Shipping of new contact lenses and free replacement of torn/lost contact lenses are just a few of the perks.

Although I wear contacts more frequently, I can not wait to get my new eyeglasses next week. I did a fun poll on my Instagram page and asked viewers to select their favorite frames for me. Which is your fave for me …A…B..or C?

My experience with MyEyeDr. was such a pleasure and everyone I encountered was not only kind to me and my family but passionate about eyecare. No matter your style and budget, MyEyeDr. is the name you can count on for all of your vision health needs. I won’t neglect my eyes again and neither should you. Book your appointment>>here TODAY!

Have you tried MyEyeDr.? Share your experience in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

MyEyeDr.

1105 Mercantile Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609

Contact phone number:

Spring Break Staycation Family Fun Ideas For Raleigh,NC |#Travel #Raleigh #NC #FamilyFun

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It’s Spring Break for my 2nd Grader and we are kicking it off by playing tourist in our own backyard! Our staycation in Raleigh,NC ..where ALL ARE WELCOME..will be filled with simple pleasures, plus mother and daughter bonding time. We’ll be having fun while hanging in Downtown Raleigh in the Glenwood South neighborhood, and some other favorite ‘Random Raleigh‘ spots. I am excited to share these Spring Break Staycation Family Fun Ideas For Raleigh,NC with you! Enjoy!

Downtown Raleigh/Glenwood South

Raleigh,NC consistently ranks in the top 5 in quality of life index of American Cities and since living here for the last 4 years, it is easy to see why! There is access to so much and the cost of living is pretty good. Downtown Raleigh puts locals and visitors in the center of it all. One of Raleigh’s Downtown neighborhoods, Glenwood South, is known locally as the premier entertainment district where restaurants of every budget and cuisine coexist with nightclubs. However if you arrive on a Sunday like we did, you’ll find a quieter side of Glenwood South with locals walking their dogs and offerings for the entire family. Check out my photo gallery from our stay in Downtown Raleigh/Glenwood South full photo gallery >>here.

EAT | La Santa Modern Mexican Food

My idea of a great staycation involves having time to siesta, fiesta and enjoy good food! We found that we could do all that just blocks away from our hotel at La Santa Modern Mexican Food, located at 222 Glenwood Avenue #107. From their house made guacomole, tasty dishes created using recipes from the owner’s mother, margaritas featuring fresh juices and craft cocktails, everything here is done so deliciously! The décor is eclectic with a laid back upscale cantina vibe. Their carnitas tacos are incredible and they have a great ninos {kids} menu also. Great service, fresh food and amazing drinks is why families would enjoy dining at La Santa.

STAY | Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh Downtown

In a previous post about Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh Downtown, located at 600 Glenwood Ave, I shared a list of my favorite features about this hotel property, which included convenient location, clean and spacious rooms, free breakfast, fitness center/pool. During that stay with my husband, we did not get a chance to use the pool due to maintanence. However, I learned that the indoor pool was heated and getting new patio furniture for the Spring. So here we are back with our daughter, who came ready to to get her mermaid on! The pool area was clean, intimate, and relaxing enough for me to sit poolside and read while they had fun in the pool! This hotel is ideal for families looking to enjoy some poolside fun no matter what season it is!

PLAY | North Carolina Museum of History

Did you know that Raleigh is often called the “Smithsonian of The South”? We have world class museums downtown, one of them being the North Carolina Museum Of History, located at 5 E. Edenton St.! Admission is FREE and it offers so much for the entire family to enjoy! Our favorites were the special art exhibition by Durham, NC native Ernie Barnes and a gallery dedicated to children that allows them to have interactive fun learning and listening from the oral history of North Carolinians.There were also lots of hands on areas so my daughter could actually touch some things in a normally hands off kind of place! We even made a souvenir penny in the shape of North Carolina.

EAT | Demo’s Pizzeria and Deli

Strolling the shops of Glenwood Ave can work up an appetite and we knew just the place to stop for a casual bite! DeMos Pizzeria and Deli, located at 222 Glenwood #121, offers NY style thin crust pizza and also a full service deli offering Boars Head Products. My husband/daughter shared a cheese pizza [read my full review of DeMo’s >>here] and I had a specialty sandwich called the San Fran, made with turkey, avocado, bacon, tomato and pepper jack cheese. It was so good! Great family-friendly environment and attentive staff makes DeMo’s Pizzeria and Deli one of our local favorites.

Random Raleigh

The City of Raleigh has earned the reputation of being one of the best places to live in the USA. There is a celebrated food scene, we have the largest research park [RTP] in the nation, and the diversity of culture and art that I can expose my child to is why we are happy to be here in the state capital. During Spring Break, we had the opportunity to visit a dairy farm…

and enjoyed admiring art around town, like the Raleigh ArtBeats Sidewalk Murals

..plus, had fun discovering many of the IG worthy murals we have in Raleigh!

Our main goal for this Spring Break Staycation was to simply have family fun with each other outdoors and teach our girl how to ride her bike without training wheels. Mission complete! We have many biking trails and beautiful parks here. We utilized Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department as a guide for fun and free things to do like the Pop-Up Studio Free Art for Kids Program and where to go for outdoor recreation like bike riding or simply blowing bubbles in the park!

I hope you enjoyed reading my Spring Break Staycation Family Fun Ideas For Raleigh,NC and will consider visiting if you are a tourist or revisiting some places like a tourist if you are a local. Whether your kid is on Spring Break, Track Out or you are curious what to do on a weekend, take the time this Spring to get outside and explore Raleigh, NC ….where all are welcome!

Concert Review |7 Fave Moments That Happened at #TheMillenniumTour #PNCArena #RaleighNC

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The Year 2000 was memorable for 2 reasons. Unfounded Y2K fears and awesome music. If indeed 1999 was going to be the end, it was going to end on a high musical note. R&B music had alot of fresh new artists who topped the charts over and over again. These artists have now joined forces for The Millennium Tour! All of my favorites from back in the day were on stage at the PNC Arena here in Raleigh,NC on Friday, 3/29/19.

B2K, Mario, Lloyd, The Ying Yang Twins, Pretty Ricky, Bobby Valentine and Chingy owned the music charts during that time. So many of us was excited to see them all and relive some good music memories. The arena was packed and the energy was on 10! Overall, I thought the concert was incredible and here are 7 Fave Moments That Happened At The Millennium Tour:

1. Doing The “Chickenhead” Dance When Chingy Performed ‘Right Thurr’


Chingy got the party started as the first act that hit the stage at The Millennium Tour. In addition to performing his classic hits like ‘One Call Away’, ‘Balla Baby’ and ‘Holidae Inn’, fans in the audience got a special visual treat when they showed thw videos from back in the day that go with the songs. What really got the crowd hyped was his hit “Right Thurr”. Raise your 🙋🏽‍♀️ if you used to do the ‘chickenhead’ dance!

2. Seeing The Romantic Side Of Bobby V

Bobby V or you may remember him as Bobby Valentino came ready to sing and remind us all to “Slow Down” and enjoy some good R&B music. You could tell he is still very passionate about performing and his voice, songwriting and piano skills is missed. The ladies got a special treat at the end of his set with a romantic gesture of roses given to some of the women in the audience. Awww 🌹🌹 so sweet of you Bobby V!

3. Singing A Duet Of ‘You’ With Lloyd From My Seat

Hi, my name is Leslie and I ❤ Lloyd.  Recently I watched him on the TV show “Unsung” and learned even more about this artist, so I was hyped to see him perform live! He made his appearance to the stage from the audience which made for a nice entrance! He not only sang his hits like  “Southside”, “Get It Shawty” but he also played the guitar while singing his latest song “Caramel”. But my favorite song to sing along with him as a duet (in my head) is “You”. So when that jam came on, me and everyone else was happy to sing right along with him.

4. Getting Crunk With The Ying Yang Twins

The Ying Yang Twins brought some energy (and laughter) to the stage. You can just tell they were ready to move the crowd and have a good time. Nobody was scared to “shake it like a salt shaker” and everybody kept the party going from “the windows to the wall”! The Ying Yang Twins surprised us with the remix version of “Right Thurr” and brought Chingy back out to the stage. They showed up and showed out and reminded us Ying Yang in this thang!

5. Seeing The Freaky Side Of Pretty Ricky

Warning! Parental Discretion should be advised when Pretty Ricky hits the stage. Fellas get ready to take notes and Ladies make sure you have something cold to drink for this part of the concert because things are about to get hoooootttttt🔥!  When Pretty Ricky and their dancers came on stage and performed “Grind With Me” you knew this part of the show was for the Grown and Freaky and I loved every bit of it! Took me back to when I lived in Miami, Fl from 1996-2015 and every club, radio station would play “Your Body”, “On the Hotline” and of course “Grind On Me”.

*******SobeSavvy Tip: Pretty Ricky Fans can have the opportunity to enjoy a VIP Meet & Greet in select cities during the tour. Here are the dates:

6. Witnessing the Evolution of Mario

Like Mario, I was born and raised in Baltimore, so I am always routing for the hometeam! Moving to Miami at the age of 23 did not make me forget where I came from but just gave me two places to love. To hear Mario perform and see his career evolve from singer to being in the live production remake of “Rent” and his current acting role on the popular tv show, “Empire”  is a proud Baltimorean moment for me!
His sharp stage presence, and precise dance moves, along with his amazing dance moves gave his show a polished feel. He obviously hits the gym very often and it showed when he “lost” his shirt to the delight of all the women in attendance. When he sang his biggest hit “Let Me Love You”, so many of us women screamed to take him up on his offer to be more than “Just A Friend”.

7. The Reunion of B2K

What we all had been waiting for but never thought we would see….the reunion of all of the original B2K members! For a 3 year stretch, this popular boy band group was hot on the charts, they filmed a movie and won lots of awards. Their music videos, style and dance moves had millions of people on their journey to a successful and long career. After 15 years, Raz-B, (Lil)Fizz, (J)Boog, and Omarion came back to “Bump,Bump,Bump” like they never left!

Fans got served at The Millennium Tour with amazing vocals, and choreography from B2K as well as solo performance from Omarion, who had a string of hits like “Touch”, “Ice Box” and “Supposed to Be” as a solo artist.  I was not familiar with the song “Distance” by Omarion and have now added that tune to my Afro/ Tribal beats playlist. Nothing like going to a live concert and discovering new music to enjoy. If you haven’t heard it..get into it y’all! And definitely get your tickets to see history remade with the reunion of B2K!
*******SobeSavvy Tip: Fans can get a chance to enjoy #B2KVIPExperience during The Millennium Tour! Check it out>>> here!

*******👀 WATCH my YouTube Video >>here
and check out #TheMillenniumTour hashtag to see more favorite moments from the concert!

Have you seen the tour or do you plan to go in your city? Let me know in the comments below what was your favorite moment of the concert or favorite memory of any of these performers and their music when you were growing up!

*******For more tour information, visit www.gsquaredevents.com

#FamilyFun | 5 Reasons To See UniverSoul Circus @UniverSoulCirc | March 20-31,2019 in #RaleighNC

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Disclosure: I received complimentary tickets to attend opening night as a blogger in the Raleigh/Durham area. All opinions are 100% my own.

Hey Raleigh, NC, Get ready for the triumphant return of America’s No. 1 Circus! Universoul Circus is back, now in its 26th year, to give you live family entertainment extravaganza! If you have never been before, or maybe you are a returning fan like me, I am here to share 5 Reasons To See Universoul Circus with your family and friends!

1. DIVERSITY

FACT: There are 13+ Countries Represented at UniverSoul Circus! Enjoy one-of-a-kind performances from around the world – all coming together as one under a single ring big top. Led by Ringmaster Lucky from South Africa and his long time Sidekick Zeke, the 2019 edition of UniverSoul Circus features contortionists from Guinea, Skaters from Cuba, Daredevil Motorcyclists from the United States, a High Wire Act from Colombia and Gabon, Trampoline Acrobats from Cuba and Ethiopia, Teeterboard Drillers from Mongolia, Solo Trapeze from Brazil, Trick Rescue Pooches from Colombia and Russia, a Cossack Horse Act from Kazakhstan, Cuba, Guinea and Mexico, Fresh the Clownsss from the United States, and many more surprises!

Teeterboard Drillers from Mongolia | Photo Credit: UniverSoul Circus

2. SIGHTS

UniverSoul Circus is rated as one of the top two circuses in America along with Cirque du Soleil and one of the reasons is because of all the exciting and electrifying acts! This once in a lifetime thrill-a-minute spectacle comes at you like a high-speed rollercoaster! If you like thrills and live entertainment, UniverSoul Circus has all of that!

Daredevil Motorcyclists from the United States | Photo Credit: UniverSoul Circus

3. SOUNDS

Celebrating 26 amazing years in 2019, UniverSoul Circus is a highly interactive combination of circus arts, theater, and music that spans genres including Pop, Classic R&B, Latin, Hip Hop, Jazz and Gospel. It embraces and celebrates the unique and familiar aspects of pop culture globally by bringing them center stage with a cast of international performers. FACT: There are over 11+ Performing Acts!

Photo Credit | UniverSoul Circus

4. SOUL

Celebrated around the world for spreading a soulful dose of unity, inclusion and diversity under its red and yellow striped big top, UniverSoul Circus was created in 1994 by a man named Cedric Walker who had a vision of creating a circus with an inclusive, jovial and soulful atmosphere. Participants are immersed into a global dimension, drawing multicultural, multinational, and multigenerational bonding through performance art for all people to enjoy and be entertained.

5. FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN

The last time my family and I attended was the Summer of 2017 and we had so much fun! [You can read my 2017 recap>>>here]. UniverSoul’s fresh approach to family friendly live entertainment has garnered it a coveted spot as one of Ticketmaster’s top ten most requested family events. When people ask me how is it? I simply say it’s a good time for all ages and encourage them to see for themselves why UniverSoul Circus is the #BestCircusEver!

Me and my family at UniverSoul Circus, 2017

*SobeSavvyGiveaway: I hosted a flash giveaway on Instagram and the winner(s) are…drum roll..Congrats to Meka H. and Kiara R. of Raleigh,NC

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvNP0Y_HKe3/

GET TICKETS on sale now via: www.ticketmaster.com

CONNECT:

@universoulcircus (Instagram)

@universoulcirc (Twitter)

www.facebook.com/universoulcir

www.youtube.com/universoulcircus

*Be sure to visit website to signup and become an insider and get updates for your city tour stop/dates at: www.universoulcircus.com

FOLLOW my highlights from opening night on Instagram @SobeSavvy and check out my video recap on YouTube! >> https://youtu.be/iZ_6pQQdtkU

RALEIGH:

Wednesday, March 20 thru Sunday March 31, 2019

Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

3801 Rock Quarry Rd

Raleigh, NC 27610

* Next City >>Newark,NJ on 4/3/19

HAVE YOU BEEN TO UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS BEFORE? WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT? Let me know in the comments below! See you under the Big Top!🎪

❤ Make a Heart Healthy Dinner at Home for your Valentine with Ungraded Produce @ungradedproduce

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Disclaimer: I received a complimentary box of goodness from Ungraded Produce in exchange for my honest review.

Did you know that February is Heart Healthy Month? Time to focus on keeping our hearts healthy through exercise and healthy eating habits. You know the saying..Happy Wife,Happy Life. Well this month, we’ve remixed that saying to ..A Healthy Husband and Wife leads to a Happier & Healthier Life. So I’ve partnered with Ungraded Produce to share a healthy husband and wife meal idea just in time for Valentine’s Day! ❤

■ Ungraded Produce…Who Are They?

They are a produce delivery service that provides customers with an easy way to fight against food waste. Fact: 1.2 million tons of food go to waste in NC each year! Founded in June 2015 by Courtney Bell, Ungraded Produce saw an opportunity to connect consumers with a supply of delicious but imperfect looking produce at 30-50% cheaper than supermarket alternatives!

■ What Do They Do?

Fact: 20% of the produce grown in the US gets left in the field or tossed for being “ugly”.

Ungraded Produce is working to fight these statistics by rescuing produce, packing/delivering it to the customer’s door and making an edible impact against food waste!

■ How Does It Work?

Fact: 40+ million Americans lack access to a convenient and affordable source of fresh produce.

With Ungraded Produce you get farm to door service when you get a subscription. Boxes ranges from 5-15 pounds and you have the option of weekly or biweekly delivery options. At any time you can cancel,pause or change products at any time!

*SobeSavvy Tip: New Customers SAVE $5 on your first box with promo code (HEALTHYNC)

Register at www.ungradedproduce.com

With your subscription, you are joining in the fight against food waste! Note: They deliver to most towns that border Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill only.

■ Why Should You Subscribe?

Make your health your wealth and priority this year. Treat yourself and family to affordable, easy, sustainable fresh fruits and vegetables. It is also very convenient to receive this special delivery right to my door! In my Large Mixed Produce Box, I received 15 lbs of FRUIT|honeydew melon, apples, tangerine mandarin oranges, bosc pears + VEGETABLEs|vidalia onions, spaghetti squash, poblano peppers, carrots, brocolli, tomatillios

■ How do I plan to use my box?

So far, I have made fresh juice from carrots and oranges in the morning!

My husband has entertained us with his Ungraded Produce juggling pre-dinner show…

…and together we have made a romantic dinner at home using all the unbelievable goodness from Ungraded Produce. Want to make a heart healthy dinner for your Valentine? ❤ Check out what we made using Ungraded Produce.

SANGRIA | Red wine in moderation is healthy right?! I added pears,apples,honeydew melon and voila..you are ready to raise a glass and toast to your Valentine.

DINNER | With the help of my friend Google, I mashed up a couple of recipes and came up with a delicious and healthy entreé to serve for our romantic dinner at home. First the sauce…

ITALIAN GREEN TOMATO SAUCE..inspired by this recipe>>here. After roasting the tomatillos, I added them to a blender to make a sauce to use for my spaghetti squash pasta.

SPAGHETTI SQUASH PRIMAVERA inspired by this recipe>>here. First let me say thank you to whomever came up with idea to put the directions on how to make spaghetti squash in the microwave right on the label! Such a time saver.

After washing, dicing, slicing, sauteing, seasoning the veggies, it was time to add the green tomato sauce, the parmesean cheese, the spaghetti squash and L-O-V-E ❤!

The table was set for a night and meal he’ll never forget. I took a cue from Johnny Gill and ..🎶 put on my red dress, slipped on some high heels, and some of that sweet perfume 🎶..and My, My, My our meal was so good tonight! We enjoyed our romantic dinner at home made with Ungraded Produce. I hope you are inspired to subscribe and make something healthy and special for your Valentine too! ❤

■ Do you plan to dine in or out for Valentine’s Day?

■ Have you used Ungraded Produce service before?

Let me know in the comments below. Thanks for reading! ❤