FAMILY TRAVEL | 3 Day STAY•EAT•PLAY Guide to San Francisco, CA

January 21, 2022SobeSavvy Leave a comment

San Francisco Family Travel Fun
By SobeSavvy.com

San Francisco is one of my favorite cities in the USA. There is a song that goes 🎶 I left my heart in San Francisco 🎶 but I now say I found my heart there because I love visiting. Our fondness for San Fran started in 2010 when my husband and I were working there as consultants and discovered we were pregnant! Our daughter is the heart we found and it was with great pleasure to take her for her first time back to the city where she so amusingly says “was stirred in the pot” ! 😅 Our 3 day itinerary took place over the MLK JR. Weekend and we planned an itinerary based on places we have explored before along with some new places to discover. We flew non-stop from RDU to SFO on United Airlines and was ready to roll after getting a rental car from Avis.

#HeighPartyof3 has arrived in SFO and we are ready to roll!

STAY | Le Méridien San Francisco

My husband chose Le Méridien San Francisco hotel not only because he is a Marriott Gold member but because of its central location. It’s located in the Financial District, which is not too touristy or crowded, especially on the weekends. Our one bedroom ‘City By The Bay’ suite offered a spacious, modern room with floor to ceiling windows & balcony views of the Bay Bridge & TransAmerica building, a comfortable sofa bed for our child and a separate king size bedroom for us. We utilized room service and also enjoyed bar bites/ handrafted cocktails from their on-site lounge, Bar 333. We could walk to many shopping and dining options as well as places like Chinatown, SOMA, and the Ferry Building, which is where we started on Day 1 to get something to eat.

EAT | Harborview Restaurant & Bar + more!

Dinner at Harborview Restaurant and Bar was a fantastic choice for delicious Dim Sum, Cocktails and Cantonese Cuisine with a view!

San Francisco is a foodie paradise because of the vast variety of choices. There is truly something for everyone but if you don’t have dim sum while in San Francisco, were you really there? We decided to try a place that we could walk to from our hotel and came highly recommended for its service and authentic Chinese cuisine. Feast your eyes on our wonderful dining experience at Harborview Restaurant & Bar ⤵️

BRUNCH-LUNCH-DINNER-DESSERT

Dungeness Crab, Clam Chowder, inside the Ferry Building, Pork Bun, Boba Tea

San Francisco is a place where you can let your foodie flag fly high and our tastebuds were ready for take off! Since we love seafood, we couldn’t help ourselves to have lots of it during our stay. Here are some of the places we enjoyed during our visit:

Ferry Building
Imperial Tea Court
Hog Island Oyster Co.
Good Luck Cafe & Deli
Fog Harbor Fish House
Biscoff Coffee Corner
Ghirardelli Square
Brioche Bakery & Cafe
Réveille Coffee Co.
The Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill ( Oakland )
House of NanKing

Dirty Chai Latte, Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bowl, Sweets in Ghirardelli Square, Sunday Brunch & Bread Pudding

PLAY | California Academy of Sciences & Madame Tussauds + more!

Welcome to the California Academy of Sciences

Adventure awaits at the California Academy of Sciences ! Here is where you and your family can experience 4 exhibits in one place. There’s an Aquarium, Rainforest, Natural History Museum, Planetarium as well as a cool Geology collection and Naturalist Center. No matter where you start, getting ready to learn, explore and leave like our kid did..with this smile!

#HeighPartyof3 at the Morrison Planetarium located in the California Academy of Sciences. We enjoyed this immersive experience!

Madame Tussauds San Francisco, located in Fisherman’s Wharf, is the place to go to see life like icons in wax. It’s remarkable to learn about the process and get information about the figures. My favorite thing to do is sing and dance with the musicians while my husband challenges us to a pose off with the celebrities. Our daughter loves taking selfies there and it’s a fun time for all! There are so many reasons why Madame Tussauds is the #worldsgreatestwaxmuseum, but you can get a glimpse here via my video.

Fun Times at Madame Tussauds San Francisco

Sightseeing Must Do’s

San Francisco is a vibe and a feast for the eyes! So scenic, so artsy, so eclectic and unique. You can get a taste of city and coastal life all in one visit. My husband loves the architecture of the city, while my daughter enjoyed seeing the Pacific Ocean for the first time. We did so much on Day 2 & Day 3 of the trip but here are some of the sights we enjoyed during our visit:

Ferry Building/Bay Bridge
Chinatown
Yerba Buena Gardens
No Ceilings Mural
Embarcadero Center #ArtofEC
TransAmerica Building
Golden Gate Park
Pier 39/Sea Lions
Fisherman’s Wharf
Golden Gate Bridge
Visit Sausalito
Japantown
Lombard St
Hayes St
Painted Ladies/Alamo Square
Visit Oakland
Ocean Beach/ Pacific Ocean

We had an amazing time during our 3 day stay. The weather was great and hugging family/friends was a bonus! San Francisco owes us nothing. Fond memories were mad and fun was had by all. Until next time, enjoy this recap video of our trip and I hope you are inspired San Francisco soon!

See the Magic of Broadway and Celebrate the Music, History and Journey of The Temptations @DPAC @AINTTOPROUD musical Now Showing Dec 7th – 12th in Durham NC

December 11, 2021SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Last night, I had a chance to witness the magic of Broadway at DPAC in Durham, NC. AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS tells the unforgettable story of the legendary quintet that Billboard Magazine named the greatest R&B group of all time. The audience got to discover what it took for them to get to theat number one spot. It took talent, sacrifice, perseverance, love, some funk and a whole lot of soul!

From the music to the choreography, which won the 2019 Tony Award for Best Choreography, this musical depicts The Temptations’ extraordinary journey. Their brotherhood set the foundation for every musical group that has come after them. The original members may be gone but the music lasts forever. Ain’t Too Proud is a must see production that tells history like you’ve never seen before to an amazing musical score!

I was in awe of the actors as they sang, danced (I lost count of how many splits David Ruffin did) and relived some of the many highlights of The Temptations life and treasured hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and so many more.

Every member of the original group played a role in their success. However, I left with a new found respect for Otis Williams, his ambition and his tenacity to keep the group stronger together. Like Aristotle said “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts“.

The show is here until Dec 12th, so get your tickets now at dpacnc.com

Recap | Atlanta Food & Wine Festival 2021 ~ Bites, Sips & Sights #AFWF2021 @ATLFoodandWine

September 13, 2021SobeSavvy 1 Comment

Atlanta Food and Wine Festival – Saturday Tasting Tents Recap by SobeSavvy.com

Atlanta Food and Wine Festival IS BACK! Sept. 9th-12th and I couldn’t be more happier to indulge and celebrate southern cuisine. The Atlanta Food and Wine Festival featured 250 restaurants, artisans, chefs and producers. Located in Midtown in the Historic Fourth Ward Park, the outdoor festival included unlimited food, cocktails, all-day entertainment and Yelp curators. Saturday/Sunday’s Tasting Tents started with VIP access from 1 – 2 p.m., followed by general admission from 2- 5 p.m. SobeSavvy.com attended Saturday’s event and here are some of my favorite highlights:

Grab your tasting cup and map and let the foodie fun begin!

BITES

There were endless food bite choices throughout the park. Truly a foodie heaven on earth! We tried pork belly, shrimp & grits, and sea scallops just to name a few! Saturday’s Tasting featured the festival’s first ever Barbecue Battle competition, where top chefs competed for the ‘Best Barbecue Bite’. This one was my fave because it had amazing flavor and it was melt in your mouth good!

SIPS

Sip, Sip,, Hooray for Unlimited Wine, Beer and Spirits available for sampling at the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival. My favorite rosé wine by Jean Luc Colombo was on tap and the Aperol Spritz definitely was the most colorful cocktail of the day. It literally was bright orange and also quite refreshing. Coca Cola was also onsite promoting their new zero sugar soda by using it in a few unique cocktails. White and Red Wine were available also by a number of wineries. Stella Artois had a great set up where guests were given a engraved classic beer glass. Black Owned Gladys Wine was on site promoting their delicious white wines from Hungary. Bourbon lovers enjoyed the Makers Mark Stand where they were making a signature cocktail called the “Gold Rush”. I plan to recreate the recipe as seen here at home!

Cocktail Recipe ~ Maker’s Mark Gold Rush. I tried it at the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival and enjoyed it!

SIGHTS

Atlanta being one of the most diverse cities in America, made for great people watching. The Publix Demo Stage doubled as a shady respite from the sun and heat. For the first time in this event’s history, the live demos were included with admission. Guests watched some of their favorite chefs show their expertise and talent on the elevated stage. There were yard games like jenga and cornhole to play as well as selfie / Instagram worthy moments thanks to the beautiful lounge setups and creative backdrops by Boxwood Event Rentals. Check out this shot by yours truly:

We had a great time and encourage you to mark your calendars for next year’s event happening June 2-5,2022. For more information, go to atlfoodandwinefestival.com

#FamilyTravel | 2 Day Itinerary of Kid-Friendly Family Fun In Key West, Florida

August 24, 2021SobeSavvy 2 Comments

2 Day Itinerary of Kid-Friendly Family Fun In Key West, Florida | SobeSavvy.com

The Continental United States literally runs out of land at Key West. Mile Marker Zero. The End. Perhaps that kind of geographic location is why this tiny island paradise has an anything goes attitude in a good way. Pirates, rum runners and those seeking to disappear off the grid have always called this 4×2 mile spot of land home. Today however, Key West has become a special destination for those seeking flip flop casual luxury, watersport fun, bars, restaurants or nature lovers.

I was there with family and friends celebrating my birthday, which we kicked off in Miami. (ICYMI..check out my previous blog post featuring My Top 5 Miami Family Vacation Must Do’s.) Living in Miami for 18 years allowed me countless visits to Key West but it had been over 7 years since my last visit here. So much has changed and thankfully much has stayed the same. Before going, I highly recommend the following websites to help build your itinerary: https://fla-keys.com/key-west/ & https://keywestattractions.org/ & https://www.historictours.com/keywest/

If you didn’t take a photo of a rooster while in Key West, were you really there?!

Day One

The 3 to 4 hour drive down from mainland Miami is part of the fun. US1 South aka Overseas Highway is a gem. Shimmering Atlantic Ocean on one side and the famed Gulf Of Mexico opposite is amazing. Most of the drive is just one lane each way and that forces you to slow down and enjoy the simplicity of it all. The seven mile bridge is one of the most unique experiences anywhere in the world! Upon arrival at our hotel, we dropped of our bags, grabbed a drink by the pool and hit those iconic Key West Streets.

We enjoyed a comfortable 2 night stay at the Hampton Inn Key West on Roosevelt Blvd.

Since this day was my actual birthday, I thought why not do one of the signature Sunset Sails! My #HeighPartyof3 and 2 good friends took a 2 hour sunset sail with Sebago Watersports. Sebago offers a multitude of cruises, watersports and tours. Departing from The Historic Key West Seaport, this was truly a grand way to celebrate another trip around the sun! Open bar, delicious hors d’ouevres and live music set the festive atmosphere. The crew went out of their way to check on its passengers and we had a blast celebrating! We thanked Sebago Watersports for making a great memory for my family and friends.

Fantastic Sunset Sail Memories made while cruising with Sebago Watersports

SobeSavvy Tip: We enjoyed a great happy hour at Onlywood Grill prior to our sunset cruise. They are located right near the Historic Key West Harbor, so we simply walked over after happy hour in plenty of time to check in for the sunset cruise. If your kid loves pizza like ours, then definitely check out this spot!

Happy Hour deliciousness at Onlywood Grill

Day Two

We awoke to a brilliant sunrise and were ready to seize an entire Key West day. Aqua Yoga at the Southernmost Resort was a wonderful way to begin my day. I met up with my girlfriend and we enjoyed an hour of peace in their pool led by an awesome yoga instructor. How unique!

Namaste by the pool for Aqua Yoga in Key West!

While I enjoyed yoga, my husband and daughter went to The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. They had an amazing time seeing dozens of varieties of butterflies, flamingos and birds. It has a education room and also a delightful gift shop. It is a must do for visitors looking to enjoy something different and beautiful!

A visit to The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a Family Fun MUST!

Afterwards, it was time to eat breakfast. Our favorite is Blue Heaven in Bahama Village. This iconic spot has been everything from a bordello to hosting boxing matches refereed by Ernest Hemingway! Luckily since 1992, it has been a restaurant which serves a great breakfast. As always my husband ordered the banana pancakes, I went with a lobster benedict and my now 10 yr old enjoyed a simple but yummy pancake. Resident roosters just make the atmosphere a classic Key West experience. Be sure to save room for their infamous Key Lime Pie!

Who has Key Lime Pie for breakfast?! We do at Blue Heaven

Afterwards, we all made our way to Harry Truman’s Little White House. President Truman spent 11 working vacations here, starting in 1946. He loved the warm winter climate and outdoor activities he could do here. The home still has many of the original furnishings and floorings. It was spacious and airy. Although not yet air conditioned, the design and famous Key West shutters made it bearable indoors during that time. One of his fully restored Presidential Limo’s is also on the property. A great place to tour and so informative. No photos are allowed inside for security reasons but you can purchase some cool souvenirs in the gift shop to remember your visit!

Take a historic tour of Florida’s only Presidential Museum at Harry S. Truman Little White House

If you want an educational overview of Key West, I highly recommend The Old Town Trolley Tour. They offer a 13 stop, Hop on-Hop Off daily tour, which conveniently included a stop at our hotel! We could hop off at a particular stop to explore and once done, simply go back to the trolley stop. This is an awesome way to see the island while leaving your car parked. It is also fully narrated by one of their expert conductors.

Enjoy sightseeing via an Old Town Trolley Tour and learn more about Key West!

Opened in 1934, the Key West Aquarium is a small gem that should not be overlooked. Located adjacent to Mallory Square, this aquarium was one of the first and largest open air aquariums in the nation. Alligators, sharks and a hands on touch tank are all here. Make sure you go for their outdoor tank feeding time. They narrate as you watch HUGE fish battle it out for their lunch being tossed in the water. Great fun for adults and kids alike.

We enjoyed our visit to the Key West Aquarium, an interactive Key West family attraction!

I hope our itinerary gives you some aid in planning your next family vacation to Key West. We can’t wait to return and when we do we will be utilizing the complimentary hospitality support services of OurKeyWest! We had the opportunity to meet Sarah and learned how they provide free concierge services with a locals perspective. We can’t wait to return to see what fun ways we can enjoy more of Key West!

Get your questions answered and find out how to live like a local from OurKeyWest Conceirge

SobeSavvy Tip: Make sure you stop at Bahia Honda State Park on your way back to the mainland. It is a natural wonder. Literally a real life snorkel aquarium in flat crystal clear water. Our daughter LOVED this place. We laid out a blanket and umbrella and frolicked. Perfect way to end our Florida Keys stay.

Fun in the sun at Bahia Honda State Park

We left Key West with fun family memories of sunsets, cruises and food. As always, we will be back!

👀WATCH my YOUTUBE video recap for more highlights from our family visit to Key West!

2 Day Itinerary of Kid-Friendly Family Fun In Key West, Florida

Featuring Key West attractions that are fun for the whole family!

My Top 5 Miami Beach Family Vacation Must Do’s

August 18, 2021SobeSavvy 1 Comment

After a year and a half of staying close to home, we decided to take a well deserved vacation to our second home, Miami. We took a 2 hr direct flight from RDU to FLL via Delta Airlines, and before you know it, we were back in the sunshine state! Since moving away in 2015 (and my last solo trip in 2018>>read about that visit here.) much had changed but luckily alot stayed the same. We visited some of our favorite places in the 48 hours we were there before driving down to Key West (I’ll share more about that in my next blog post). Here are My Top 5 Miami Beach Family Vacation Must Do’s!

1. Stay at the Residence Inn Miami Beach South Beach

Location, Location is why we choose this hotel for our family stay whenever we visit Miami Beach. Besides being right across the street from one of my favorite stores, Trader Joe’s, you can walk (or utilize their free shuttle) to get to South Beach. A one bedroom suite suits my #HeighPartyof3 well as it includes a sofa bed in their spacious living room plus a kitchen. It’s also quiet because it is more on the local side of South Beach, so our stay at the Residence Inn Miami Beach South Beach has always been pretty relaxing.

My favorite feature at the hotel is the rooftop pool

Make sure to use your hotel amenities! I enjoyed taking a FREE yoga class offsite at Green Monkey Yoga

2. Explore the artsy side of Miami in Wynwood

Miami is known for many things: parties, beaches, latin food and culture. Miami in 2021 is also known for its street art scene. The Miami neighborhood of Wynwood is the center of this art scene. What started as grafitti artists tagging buildings has turned the area into a outdoor museum of murals, artist studios and unique eateries and shops. We spent a few fun hours there enjoying the scene and checked out an exhibit called the Womanish Experience, now showing thru August 29. See more about my experience here⤵️

Love street art and murals? There are so many Instagram worthy photo ops in Wynwood

3. Shop & Dine on Lincoln Road Mall

Living 5 blocks away, Lincoln Road was the backdrop of my daily life as a resident. It consists of almost a mile of restaurants, shops, a movie theater and more. There is even a church there in case you need a moment. We met up with a friend at Doraku, a restaurant known for it’s sushi/Asian cuisine. They have a great happy hour in a laid back stylish atmosphere. I suggest everyone spend time just strolling on Lincoln Road and see what catches your interest!

Lincoln Road Mall, a great place to shop, dine and spend some time. Check out Doraku for a great Happy Hour menu!

4. Get a relaxing spa treatment at exhale Spa

I learned that exhale Spa in Miami/South Beach offered Kiddie services and wanted to make an appointment for my daughter and I to have a mani/pedi date. However, because of my limited time, I decided to have a mommy break and enjoy a bit of self-care. The Power Facial was just what I needed to get my outer glow and inner glow aligned. Not only was it a relaxing treatment but the quality of the products used and service provided was stellar! See more about my lovely experience here ⤵️

Give the gift of wellness via a gift card or make a purchase at the boutique. For 15% percent off, follow exhale_southbeach on IG

5. Play in the sand and soak up the sun on South Beach

While I enjoy living in NC, I do miss the ability to walk 8 blocks to the ocean. We decided to frolick in the South Beach surf in the late afternoon. The ocean is bath water warm in August but still cooler than the air temps, so it was a relief from the heat! I did some daily yoga poses while hubby gave our 10 yr old piggyback rides in the water as the cruise ships went by. It was a beautiful day at the beach!

Spending some time on the South Beach sand is a great way to enjoy some family fun!

We enjoyed our 2 night stay in Miami Beach and being ex-locals made it easy. Seeing our friends and visiting old stomping grounds was a great start to our extended Florida stay. Next up… the Florida Keys and Key West! Stay tuned for more about our family fun in Key West coming soon on the blog, SobeSavvy.com!

We will always love Miami! Until next time😘

My Top 5 Miami Beach Family Vacation Must Do’s

Featuring My Favorite Places to Stay, Explore, Shop, Spa and Play

Experience Family Fun at Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Charlotte #VangoghCLT @Blumenthalarts @goghCLT

July 9, 2021SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Vincent Van Gogh is without question one of the top 5 most well known artists to ever have lived. A failure during his short lifetime, only to be celebrated the world over in death. That celebration has now culminated in a multi media experience called “Immersive Van Gogh”. This exhibit is currently in numerous major cities in The U.S. and opening in even more this fall.

Per their website”, You will be immersed in Van Gogh’s works – from his sunny landscapes and night scenes to his portraits and still life paintings. The installation includes the Mangeurs de pommes de terre (The Potato Eaters, 1885), the Nuit étoilée (Starry Night, 1889), Les Tournesols (Sunflowers, 1888), and La Chambre à coucher (The Bedroom, 1889), and so much more.“

https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ37bZPHt1c/?utm_medium=copy_link

We had the pleasure of experiencing this unique creation of a event at their Charlotte location in the Camp North End section of the city. This location, which is a fast growing creative artist hub was the perfect fit for Immersive Van Gogh.

The setting was actually a former Ford Model T factory! It was expansive with high ceilings and never seemed crowded.

It opened on June 17,2021 and is slated to run at least until September 12. Think giant digital installations projecting some of Van Gogh’s most famous paintings. My soon to be 10 year old remembered some of his works from her art class in kindergarten and first grade. She was so excited to see of his works literally come to life and like all guests become “immersed” in the art.

Some folks sat on the floor, while others opted for a bench or chair seat. Since we had VIP tickets, a cute Van Gogh seat pad was included with our ticket. My daughter commented that Dad seems to be meditating on the floor while enjoying the experience. The music was curated with each scene/painting and went together perfectly.

What we loved is that the whole shows ran on a loop, since we came in mid-show we ended up not missing a thing. Guests can stay as long or as short as they please.

Afterwards we browsed their rather large gift shop area that had everything Van Gogh you could imagine. Selfie and picture opportunities were everywhere. So much though went into all the art pieces sprinkled throughout the venue. From giant sunflowers to an oversized faux paint bucket and brush!

They also have a coffee and snack shop on premise. From the moment we entered until we left, we were truly immersed in Van Gogh. Get your tickets now as they are timed and are filling up quickly.

Purchase Tickets for Charlotte, NC exhibit >>>https://vangoghclt.com/

For more info Follow on Social Media @VanGoghCLT👀Watch my YOUTUBE video recap of our family fun experiencing at Immersive Van Gogh Exhbit Charlotte!

https://youtu.be/TO4BT6vC5mk

Tips for a Self-Care Staycation in Raleigh, NC ft. @achotelraleigh @level7roofbar and more in @visitnorthhills + GIVEAWAY 🎉

June 16, 2021SobeSavvy 14 Comments

Tips for a Staycation in Raleigh, NC | Photo Credit: @SobeSavvy for SobeSavvy.com

Hi..my name is Leslie. I am a 47 year old mother to a lovely daughter age 9 and married to a wonderful husband for all most 22 years. And while I love them dearly, after us all being at home together for work, school and everything in between, this mama NEEDED a self-care break. I knew just the place where I could relax, recharge and reward myself! I headed to North Hills in Raleigh,NC where there are plenty of options to STAY, EAT, PLAY for a nice getaway! I want to share some tips on planning your next self-care getaway, PLUS giveaway some 2 gift cards to 2 lucky readers/followers to use for their staycation/vacation/momcation/solocation/daycation or whatever you want to call it..remember, you deserve it! Details in how to enter to follow, but first here are some tips:

STAY

AC Hotel Raleigh North Hills

Part of self-care for me is taking time out for oneself, getting good sleep, being in a clean environment and having personal space to be creative. AC Hotel Raleigh provides all of that along with being convenient to everything North Hills has to offer. After my one night stay, I woke up renewed and ready to seize the day! Check out my IG post/photos to get an inside look of the King w/sofa bed guest room:

You can literally walk out of the hotel doors to many options for dining and entertainment or opt to stay in and head up to their Level7 rooftop bar! They offer good drinks, good food and good vibes making it the perfect hangout spot!

Take a look at my IG reel to get a feel of what Level7 is like on a Sunday night:

I made sure before checking out to utilize their fantastic fitness center and I may have stayed in their waterfall shower much longer than I would at home. I loved the green tea/lemongrass shower gel which smelled so good!

EAT

STIR Raleigh

Across the street from the AC Hotel Raleigh is one of my favorite restaurants in North Hills, named STIR Raleigh. From the creative cocktails, to the flavorful food along with the beautiful decor and great staff, I love dining there. Sit inside or outside and just treat your tastebuds to something amazing from their menu.

Here are some other nearby dining suggestions that I enjoyed during my staycation in North Hills.

For breakfast: Another Broken Egg

For Lunch/Dinner: bartaco

PLAY

Kings Dining & Entertainment

Right next to the AC Hotel Raleigh is KINGS Dining and Entertainment. I actually went there prior to check in to past the time as well as enjoy a bit of Sunday Funday! They offered a couple of drink specials and I ordered the Tequila Sunrise, which was just $4! I paired it with some wings and played a few games. Families were bowling, friends were shooting pool and I saw some few couples on a date! If you want some fun on your staycation agenda, I recommend going to KINGS in North Hills.

PLAY

#NorthHillsArt

Tour public art for free during your stay in North Hills by taking an Art Walk >>click here for full listing! One of the perks of being a hotel guest at AC HOTEL Raleigh is the use of a free bicycle during your stay. I had so much fun riding around and exploring North Hills!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CQHVXO3nVet/?utm_medium=copy_link

GIVEAWAY

As you can see, North Hills is “The Place To Be” in Raleigh, NC and the perfect place to enjoy a Self-Care Staycation! I hope this blog post has inspired you take some time for yourself and delight in a change of scenery. Use my tips and discover some places to enjoy on your own in North Hills. They have plenty of shopping options as well to enjoy some retail therapy and I’d like to giveaway a giftcard for 1 lucky winner to do just that!

Thank you for reading and I hope a staycation/vacation is in your future! Until next time….

Leslie Heigh , Founder of SobeSavvy.com kicks of her Raleigh, NC Staycation in front of the Wish You Were Here Art Mural in North Hills | photo credit: SobeSavvy.com, @sobesavvy

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

May 7, 2021SobeSavvy Leave a comment

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⤵️

Spring Family Travel Guide | STAY, EAT, SHOP & PLAY in Fairfax, VA @MosaicDistrict @VisitFairfax

April 6, 2021SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Did you and your family stay home or travel for Spring Break? Since the pandemic, many of us have not travelled. My family has not left the state of NC for the past year! But since our daughter is out of virtual home school for her spring break, it was the perfect time to plan for a quick getaway.

We took a road trip from Raleigh, NC to Fairfax, VA. It took us approximately 4 hours and was an easy drive especially since we arrived on a Wednesday. The staff greeted us warmly at check in and we were ready for our mini family vacay to begin!

STAY | Hyatt House Falls Church /Merrifield

Looking to visit Fairfax,VA soon? My #HeighPartyof3 enjoyed a two night stay at Hyatt House Falls Church. It was comfortable, clean and convenient to everything in the Mosaic District.

I would recommend this property because of all of it’s wonderful offerings like:
• SPACIOUS one bedroom suites with full kitchen (upgrade to a room with a balcony!)
• FREE grab n go breakfast • AMENITIES: fitness center
• ACCESS to all of the Mosaic District’s shops, restaurants, services and more right outside of the hotel doors!

EAT | bartaco & more!

We loved having so many dining options withing walking distance of the hotel. In fact, one of the reasons we chose the Mosaic District was to be near one of our favorite restaurants: bartaco! With their new/ improved app, ordering online for pickup or delivery was so easy and convenient. We ordered all our fave scratch made tacos and sides and even got their ‘reviver’ cocktail to go! We also tried the 🆕 #bartacosecret taco: chile-lime shrimp taco,which launched on 4/1 and available through 5/5. It’s the perfect combo of spicy + tangy! With plenty of space in our hotel to dine in our room, we were able to enjoy #bartacoathome away from home!

SHOP | Mosaic District

The Mosaic District is described as an urban district with curated boutiques, restaurants and Angelika Film Center. For us, it was a one stop shopping district, where we could enjoy a short vacay with so many conveniences near our hotel stay! From Target, to boutiques & everything in between, there are plenty of places to shop in the Mosaic District.

PLAY | Muse Paint Bar & more !

When we checked in on our first night, I encouraged my husband to do something he has never done before ( attend a sip/paint by himself )! Muse Paintbar was the perfect place for him to sip wine, paint, play and enjoy some alone time because parents need a Spring Break too! He had fun painting ‘Bob Marley’ and creating this unique souvenir from our getaway!

Although our visit was short and sweet, I am “Super Grateful” to have spent this time with family exploring Fairfax, Va’s Mosaic District. There is more to explore, so I know we will be back to stay in this area especially when the temps warm up and as things get back to normal! Until next time, keep wearing your masks, social distancing, washing yours hand and staying grateful! Peace Out!

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#SobeSavvyPresents ..Gifts By Leslie! Find your fave #selfcare #love #gifts here 🎁 #giftsbyLeslie

March 5, 2021SobeSavvy 2 Comments

“Gifting” is a love language and while the many online quizzes have shown me that gifting is not my primary love language, I have always liked creating “Thank You” gifts for friends/family. Combining my love for making gifts for others as well as treating myself to some self care love is how “Gifts By Leslie” came to be!

I launched in February 2021, just in time for Valentine’s Day to remind others to not only show some love to others but also to themselves! Take a look at what I am offering as of March 2021:

Self-Care Love Gifts by Leslie

♥️ Made With Love to Inspire Self-Care ♥️

“Self-care is the fuel that allows your light to shine brightly.” -Unknown

Treat yourself or someone else with a unique gift basket filled with items to enjoy while practicing self-care! ♥️

•Tea Lovers Basket: includes chamomile tea, a mug, a mini scented candle, and a sweet treat

💲10.00

•A Bin of Zen: includes a mini soy candle, 100% Himilayan Bath Salt (lavender scented), Buddha art, meditation mood stone, incense holder 💲15.00

Here’s some BTS..behind the scenes of how I make the Rose/Lavender Infused Bath Salt:

•Candle Gift Mini Box- includes mini scented candle in a decorative keepsake box 💲5.00

•Paint Night Basket: includes canvas, display easel holder, apron, paint, 2+brushes, brush holder, chocolate candy kisses 💲18.00

• Zen Garden Gift Set: includes Zen Garden Kit & mini Healing Stone candle 💲8.00

~currently out of stock (ask to be added to Wait List or request substitute items)

..but don’t worry, we have 🆕 Gifts By Leslie items added to the shop every month‼️ Here’s what’s new for March 2021:

• I Love Paris Gift Set: includes 2 Stemless ( clear or smoke) “I Love Paris” Wine Glasses, 4 chocolate truffles, Fleurs & Jardin (which is French for Flowers & Garden) metal bin 💲20.00

***All gifts include a FREE Self Care Bingo printable to remind you of some ways to practice self-care!

Get ready to feel the love and place your order today! 🥰 Follow along with #giftsbyLeslie #selfcarelovegifts!

Sharing is caring..so don’t forget to tell a friend 🗣️

Effective March 23rd, I’ve added Easter Baskets! Take a look:

🆕 APRIL 2021 Inventory

• Zen Spa Basket, perfect gift for Administrative Professionals Day 4/21, Mother’s Day or anytime for yourself!

Includes Buddha Tealight Candle Holder, Lime/Coconut Tealight Candle, Citrus Loofah Soap, Rose/Lavender Pink Himalayan Bath Salt, Tropical Shower Cap, Face Mask Sponges, & Faux Succulent Arrangement, in a Straw Basket wrapped with love 💲22.00 ‼️

🆕Gifts By Leslie ~ Now Selling..
• Abundance of Hope Basket: includes Abundance Soy Blend Scented Candle, Bloom where you are Planted Mug, Hope to Live By collection of quotes Book, Peppermint Tea in a Green Straw Basket wrapped with love 💲15.00 ‼️ *Add on Taurus Astrology Book for additional $3.00
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I have added this #giftbasket to the #GiftsByLeslie April 2021 inventory just in time for #Taurusseason ♉, National #AdminProfessionalsDay, #NationalTeaDay, #GirlScoutLeaderDay, #HairstylistAppreciationDay, or anytime!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CN7bx8EHLUG/?igshid=7535ck0ag41g

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• Customized Baskets/ Personal Shopping / Party Favors

🆕 MAY 2021 Inventory

Gifts By Leslie has Mother’s Day gifts starting at💲15.00‼️

☕❤️☕❤️☕❤️☕❤️☕❤️☕❤️☕❤️☕

Here are 2️⃣ options made with Mom in mind:

• Coffee Lovers Basket…..includes ‘Mom Life Is The Best Life’ Mug, Hazelnut Coffee Creamer, ‘A Mother’s Love’ (Chicken Soup For The Soul Book), bag of Biscotti (an excellent compliment to coffee), wrapped with love in a straw basket. 💲15.00 ‼️
**Add on a bag of ground or whole coffee bean and/or Starbucks or Dunkin gift card for an additional 💲10.00 ‼️

🛁💜🛁💜🛁💜🛁💜🛁💜🛁💜🛁💜🛁

• Pamper Me Purse Lavender gift set.. size medium (💲18.00) size large (💲22.00) ‼️
..includes Lavender Aromatherapy Travel size products: body scrub, body wash gel, hand moisturizer, 30 ct facial wipes, & I Love You compact mirror, wrapped in a purse gift box.

** Large includes body butter & hand sanitizer

Since May is filled with lots of celebrations:
May 4- Teacher Appreciation Day
May 6- National Nurses Day
May 9- Mother’s Day

I am offering 1️⃣0️⃣ % off thru May 10th on any Gifts By Leslie purchases‼️ See full inventory available at SobeSavvy.com

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YES..we can customize your gift request, add on any type of gift card and SHIP anywhere❗ I can also arrange pickup or delivery within the Triangle area.

DM to place order/prepay via Paypal, Zelle
CashApp $giftsbyLeslie

Contact Leslie: sobesavvy@gmail.com, IG @sobesavvy
#giftsbyLeslie #selfcarelovegifts

🍬🍫🍭💗🍬🍫🍭💗🍬🍫🍭💗🍬🍫🍭

Give someone a sweet treat 🍬 🆕Gifts By Leslie ~ Now Selling..

• I 💗 Candy Jar: includes glass jar, assorted candies (which can be customized to your liking), wrapped with love 💲8.00 ‼️
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🍷🎁🍷🍷🍷🎁🍷🍷🍷🎁🍷🎁🍷🎁🍷

Gifts By Leslie has #NationalWineDay gifts starting at💲20.00Here are 2️⃣ options made with #winelovers in mind:
• I Love Paris Wine Glass Gift Set: includes 2 Stemless ( clear or smoke) “I Love Paris” Wine Glasses, 4 chocolate truffles, Fleurs & Jardin (which is French for Flowers & Garden) metal bin 💲20.00

• Rosé All Day Wine Tote Gift Set: includes 2 Stemless “Rosé All Day” Wine Glasses, rose gold round platter, faux floral arrangement/glass vase, tote bag 💲25.00

*Want to just purchase the glass by itself? Available for $6.00 with gift box

Since May/June is filled with lots of #wine holidays such as Chardonnay Day, Rosé Wine Day…. let #GiftsByLeslie help you celebrate! 👀 Watch my #instastories Gifts By Leslie highlights for a look at full inventory. Details also available at SobeSavvy.com **(Link in Bio)
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YES..we can customize your gift request, add on any type of gift card ( ex: Total Wine, Target) and I can SHIP anywhere❗ I can also arrange pickup or delivery within the Triangle area.

DM to place order/prepay via Paypal, Zelle
CashApp $giftsbyLeslie

Contact Leslie: sobesavvy@gmail.com
IG @sobesavvy
#giftsbyLeslie #selfcarelovegifts