Blogger of the Week: Mommy's Diaper Dreams

Today's Featured blogger is Cameron from Mommy’s Diaper Dreams

How old is your blog or long have you been blogging? I started blogging on March 15th, so my blog is less than 3 months old

What made you choose the name of your blog? Quite honestly, because I often have very vivid dreams and lately there have been a lot of them about diapers… disposables, cloth, diaper sales, coupons, samples, sizes… you name it and I have dreamt it. The other morning my husband asked me if I had a dream about diapers the previous night. “Yes I did… why are you asking?” and he says it is because he woke from his sleep to hear me say “diapers”. So, what’s wrong with that???

Why do you blog and what do you love about blogging? At first, I started my blog because I kept reading blogs and wanted to enter contests to win cloth diapers (of course). But it turned into more than that, I love following others blogs and reading about their experiences and I hope that there are at least some people that enjoy following my blog too ☺ 

What are a few of your favorite posts on your blog?

-A Birthday Tradition

-Crazy Weekends… But Not This Time

-If only…

-He’s not too old… yet

Are you married? If so, how long? Come this July, my amazing husband and I will be married for 3 years.

Do you have children? If so, how many? We have one charming, funny, and adorable son. He is 14 months old and absolutely the best thing that has ever happened to us.

What is your favorite movie? Serendipity

Who is your favorite actor? Dean Cain and Julia Roberts

What is your favorite band or musician? Rod Stewart, Daughtry and OneRepublic

What is your favorite food? Prime Rib

What is your favorite candy? 3 Musketeers

What else should readers know about you? I am 28 years old and love spending time with my family. I also love baking, craft-making and scrapbooking. I know that every moment I have with the ones I love is so special and I try to appreciate and cherish each one of those moments. Life can sometimes be cut way too short, so it’s best to try to make the most of every single minute.

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Lindsay Brin's Shed 5 Fast

When I was pregnant with Jude I gain a ton of weight, not literally a ton but it was way more than I expected. I also expected that it would just go away after he was born... boy was I wrong. He's two years old and I still have an extra pesky 15lbs hanging around my mid-section.

For Christmas I got a membership to the YMCA, which I love, but I don't always get to go the the gym... and sometimes I just don't feel like leaving the house, so I like having workout DVDs at home so I can take advantage of nap times and workout.

I really like Lindsay Brin's Shed 5 Fast because she's a mom like me who is trying to lose the baby belly. The first time I tried the workout I didn't make it all the way through, mostly because Jude woke up from his nap but I wasn't sad to stop. After a few days of working the same routine I made it all the way through and it was awesome. I could certainly feel the effects of the workout the next day, which is always a good sign for me. I also love the interval levels so as I get stronger and leaner I can just switch up my routine to add a little more challenge and grow stronger. 

Get your body back with Moms Into Fitness DVDs!  Learn how to fire your core from the inside-out to create a flat stomach again.
Price: $15.99

If your goal is to lose weight you should download the FREE meal plan .

SAVE: 20% off your order.

Connect with Lindsay on Facebook
Follow Lindsay on Twitter

Watch as she get's her body back after baby #2  www.lindsaybrin.com

I received the feature product free of charge as a part of a Mama Bzz campaign. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced by the company.

 

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Mission Tortilla Menu Challenge

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Mission Foods. All opinions are 100% mine.

We love burritos. We eat them at least once a week. Joe actually has a killer bean burrito recipe that he's developed over the years. It's super simple and pretty much our go-to recipe when we the cabinets are looking bear and we don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. They are so good in fact that I am considering entering into the Mission Menus Challenge.

The recipe goes like this:
Mix together in a sauce pan Black Beans, Green Jalapeño Pepper Sauce, Cinnamon.
Make white rice according to directions.
Add Beans and Rice to Mission Tortillas then add Avocados, Grated Cheese and Your favorite salsa.
Eat!


I think the cinnamon and hot sauce offer a nice compliment to the black beans. (Tip: the long you let them cook the better they taste... unless, of course, you burn them.)



We love using Mission Tortillas when we make our burritos. It's pretty much a staple grocery item that I know I will be buying every week when I got to the store. Jude loves burritos, especially the Mission flour tortillas. Their tortillas are always fresh and soft, I don't have to worry about flaking or crumbling when I buy Mission.  I also love that Mission Flour Tortillas contain 0 grams Trans fat per serving and are cholesterol free. They are available in small (6"), medium (8") and large (10”) sizes in major grocery stores nationwide.

Check out www.missionmenus.com for examples of quick & easy, budget-friendly meals for $10 using Mission Flour Tortillas and to gain inspiration for your creative recipe submissions.

Mission Gives Back

Mission Foods is proud to support Share Our Strength, the leading national organization committed to ending childhood hunger in America. You can help by visiting www.MissionMenusChallenge.com and learning more about Mission Foods commitment to Share Our Strength in supporting this life-changing cause.

Mission Menu Challenge

Beginning June 28, 2010 Mission Foods is kicking off the summer with the Mission Menus Challenge.
 Chef Sara Moulton will encourage consumers to submit their budget-friendly recipes to Mission at www.MissionMenusChallenge.com for a chance to compete in a cook-off in Los Angeles and win a $10,000 dream kitchen makeover as well as a host of weekly prizes. The grand prize winner will win round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations for two to the Mission Menus Challenge Cook-off on September 10, 2010 at the Hard Rock Café in Los Angeles.

Recipes must be received by August 9th.

All recipes must:

• Must include Mission Flour Tortillas

• Be original

• Feed a family of five for $10 or less 

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photoglassworks promotion - win #iheartnc

I have a thing for unique, handcrafted jewelry, so of course I love all of the pieces from photoglassworks. They are simply stunning masterpieces that you can wear. Just look at these beautiful necklaces.

I've admired Tracy's work for awhile, first seeing her work at a local craft show, and now she has offered a special discount for my readers only! (see below)

About photoglassworks

Tracy's love for glass and metal started after taking many class over the span of 10 years. After getting the news that she was expecting her first child, she needed to stop using the soldering technique and I began experimenting with glass and wire, in search of a way of creating glass jewelry using cold connections. Tracy features her own photography in her jewelry, as well as collaborate with various talented artists. You will notice a reoccurring theme of birds and trees in her which to Tracy, is symbolic of freedom and strength. She works from her studio located in Downtown Raleigh, NC.

BUY: photoglassworks on etsy

SPECIAL DISCOUNT:

Save 20% off your entire purchase through the end of August. Use the code: "the B keeps us honest" in the comments box when checking out. The discount will be refunded after the payment is received. 

WIN: One customer that takes advantage of the discount above will receive an extra necklace. (purchase required)

Offer expires 8.31.10

I received no payment or product in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced by the company.

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Reviews Revisited plus Winner Testimonials

I've had the wonderful opportunity to review some great product here at The B Keeps Us Honest. I'd like to take a little time to revisit a few of the reviews and giveaways I've done. We'll talk to the giveaway winners to see if they love the product as much as I do and to see if the products are still great after a few months.

Review - Boy Store

My thoughts: As part of the 2nd Birthday Bash the Boy Store let me choose a few things for Jude. We got an adorable shirt which I still love and Jude wears about once a week. We also got a pair of shorts which while they were size 2 they were a bit big, however he'll grow into them... he just has a tiny butt.

The winner's thoughts: The winner was Josefine from Morristown, NJ she won a $25 Gift Card to the Boy Store. Her thoughts, "I have a nephew who is about to turn 3, so I was able to order him some very cute designer socks!"
Connect with Josefine: www.babycays.blogspot.com

Review - Kidorable

My Thoughts: While we haven't used the rain coat and boots much, mainly because it's so hot and hasnt' rained much here this summer, Jude LOVES this outfit. He wears it around the house for dress up.

Winner's Thoughts: The winner was Deborah from Wayland, MI way of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. "I won the Kidorable umbrella from you.  Which, did arrive last week!  Thank you.  My nephew is thrilled with it and is excited to take it with him to his first day of school.  He starts kindergarten this Fall."
Connect with Deborah: Homemaker Honey
Twitter:  Homemaker_Honey

Review - Daizy Daze

My thoughts: I do love the idea of this product and have used it a few times, however I have the smallest kitchen in the world with the tinest counter space so I don't leave it out which results in not using it as much as I would like. My hope is that one day I will have a grand glorious kitchen where the recipe holder will live and show off it's beauty to all.

Winner's Thoughts: The winner was Shar from Noblesville, Indiana.
"My Daisy Daze product is so cute! The prize arrived very quickly too! I would not change a thing about the product as it is creative, fun and unique.  It would be a fun gift for someone too.
Connect with Shar: Twitter account at hjkllkjh 

Double Review: FuzziBunz and Crazy Dog T-shirt:

My thought on FuzziBunz: I was super excited to get this diaper, I've heard great things about FuzziBunz but to be honest I was a little disappointed. It is a great diaper and one of my favorites but the snaps are a little difficult to stay together and the insert is too short. 

My thoughts on Crazy Dog T-shirt: We love Crazy Dog. My husband has 4 shirts from Crazy Dog, I bought him a few for Christmas. He loves witty, pop culture reference t-shirts so Crazy Dog T-shirts are perfect for him.

Winner's thoughts on both: Vanessa won twice. "I won a shirt from Crazy Dog and a Fuzzi Bunz diaper. I let my husband choose a shirt and he LOVES it. The diaper gets used a few times a week and it was a great addition to our stash."

Connect with Vanessa: momlovesdeals.blogspot.com 

Review - Paulina Carcach

My Thoughts: I was super excited to win this bag but I don't use it much. I like the idea of being trendy but most often I use my diaper bag as a purse. I know, it's sad. Looking back I wish I would have choose a bag that works a little better with my lifestyle. I like the look of this bag it's just hard to give up my diaper bag. 

Winner's Thoughts: The winner was Helena. "I wanted to e-mail you anyway!  I just barely received my bag from Paulina Carcach.  It took awhile for me to get it, but it is absolutely gorgeous!  I had to e-mail the company twice to get the ball rolling.  Finally it came and it's everything I hoped it would be.  Thanks so much for letting me win this great bag.  I hope that I will be able to enter more of your giveaways."  

Connect with Helena: A Gal Needs at Least Two Blogs

Review - Gazillion Bubbles Machine

My Thought: Jude still loves this bubble machine soo much, so much that we have to hide it or all he wants to do is bubbles. I haven't had any issues with the batteries or power but I do wish there was a way to easily close or drain the soap reservoir.

Winner's Thoughts: The winner was Kimberly from Irving, TX. "I don't know yet how it meets my expectations because I'm giving it to my granddaughter for her birthday next month.  I've read reviews that say that the battery compartment gets wet really easily and causes the machine to stop working.  I'm hoping that we won't have that problem since I know up front that it is an issue and we can keep an eye on it.  I think she's going to love it!"

If you've ever won a giveaway here at The B Keeps Us Honest, email me. I'd love to hear how you like your prize.

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Calling Winners at The B Keeps Us Honest.

If you've ever won any of my giveaways here on The B Keeps Us Honest please email me. I'm putting together a giveaway testimonial post and want to include as many winners as possible.

I'll send you a few questions like:

What did you win?

Are you satisfied with your prize?

Do you have a blog or twitter you'd like to link to?

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Conspiracies, Lies and Rubicon

One of my favorite movies of all time is Wag the Dog. Here's the basic plot...

President caught in a sex scandal before the election

To divert attention away the scandal his "spin" doctor fabricates a war

They go to elaborate measures to produce all the key components to build up national pride and regain the American people's trust in the commander in chief.

It's a black comedy about the fine line between government and media. While it's humorous to watch it makes you wonder if things like this happen in real life. I mean all of the resources are available and there are people brilliant and deceptive enough to actually pull this stuff off. The same can be said for watching Rubicon, while's not a comedy it really makes you think about the perceptions we have about the world around us.

There has been a lot of talk in the news lately about Russians and spies and suspicious activities that you have to believe there is more to the story than we actually know.... but how much more?

It also makes you wonder how many movies and televisions show are based on actual event or maybe how many ideas Hollywood has given to the government.

AMC’s newest original drama series “Rubicon” debuts on Sunday, August 1 with a special two-hour premiere from 8–10pm ET. Learn more about Rubicon and watch the season premier online at AMC.

This post is written as a part of WB Word or Mouth. SP

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Thad Cockrell - To Be Loved Free Download

Starting today for the next 2 weeks Thad Cockrell's album To Be Loved is available for FREE download.

Follow Thad on Twitter

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NC Blogger: Adventuroo

Meet NC Blogger Melissa from Adventuroo.
I love reading Melissa's blog, it's filled with adventure, humor, and amazing photography.


Follow Melissa on Twitter: Adventuroo

Tell readers more about you –

I’m a mama to two boys born on the same day exactly three years apart! Big Roo is 3 and Little Roo is 4.5 months. I’ve been married to the hubs since 2000... yep, our TEN year anniversary is coming up in September. I’m an adventurer by nature-- traveling, hiking, camping, trying new things, you name it. One of the most adventurous things I ever did was move from South Carolina to Phoenix, Arizona with nothing but my hubby, two old cars and some hand-me-down furniture. Although we loved it there, we decided to move back to the Carolinas five years later. This time we moved with a bit more to our name-- a labrador retriever, two new cars, a house full of IKEA stuff and a kid!

What are a few of your favorite posts on your blog?

Call Me for a Good Time

100 Things I Learned about Blogging (this was my 100th post)

I Am the Bag Lady, Goo Goo G’Joob

Little Roo Goes Hiking (& A Lesson Learned)

Little Roo’s Birth Story (Part 1 & Part 2)

Why I Almost Lost It Over a Pink Lovey

Where in NC are you located? Raleigh

How long have you lived in NC? I’ve only lived in NC for 2 years. Before that we were in Phoenix, Arizona for five years. My hubby and I grew up in South Carolina though so we’re definitely no stranger to the Carolinas. I’m a sucker for sweet tea.

Do you blog about NC or local events/places?

When we visit somewhere in North Carolina, I like to blog about it. Of course, I’ve been pregnant and with a new baby since my blog started so we haven’t gone as many places as I’ve liked. Nevertheless, we HAVE left the house and so here are some of my North Carolina posts:

Critterific! Birthday Party at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences

Saturdays in Saxapahaw

Trail Review: Falls Lake Trail (near Falls Lake Dam)

Hill Ridge Farms (& Corn Spa?)

What is your favorite local place to eat?

We’ve become big fans of Goodberry’s. I know that isn’t a “real” meal but can you really argue with a “concrete”?

Who is your favorite local attraction?

We’re a big fan of Marbles Kids Museum and any of the local parks.

What is your favorite NC vacation spot?

I’m a big fan of Asheville. It’s such a gorgeous place!

What advice would you give someone visiting your town? To be sure to visit the museums downtown and then grab a bite to eat around Moore Square.

What else should readers know about you, your blog or NC? Soon, I’ll be starting a new feature every Monday on my blog. With 10 years in marketing communications. I have a lot of tips to share about writing, marketing and putting together a blog. I’ve seriously got about 10-15 post ideas already. And more keep popping in my head every day. I can’t wait to get them onto “paper"!

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New Music: Kyle Andrews - FREE MP3 Download

I love introducing new music to you guys. We love music in our house so I feel like I'm sharing a little something special with you guys when we talk about music. Today I want to share with you Kyle Andrews, I think he offers music your whole family will love. So check it out.

About Kyle Andrews

Nashville-based Kyle Andrews' single "You Always Make Me Smile" has become the song of the summer via the charming "Stay You" Holiday Inn commercial, which has enjoyed national coverage on television and online. The successful licensing placement and addictive melody of the track has led to an abundance of interest about both the song and the artist behind it.  

Kyle Andrews will follow up the release of the single with a six-song EP entitled KANGAROO, which will be released this fall via Elephant Lady Records. Like all of Kyle's work, KANGAROO is catchy, with measured doses of synths and beats, but it belies a sweetness that endears Kyle to anyone who listens.  KANGAROO will feature a remix of the track "Sushi" as well as the aforementioned "You Always Make Me Smile."

Kyle Andrews will hit the road this fall in support of KANGAROO and has shared the stage with The Submarines, The Morning Benders, Josh Rouse and Peter Bjorn and John in the past. His live show is full of energy and not to be missed - full dates will be announced soon. 

KANGAROO EP Tracklisting:
1. You Always Make Me Smile
2. Kangaroo
3. Sushi (Slow Dancing At The Prom Mix)
4. Lov3r
5. Don't Feel Left Out
6. You Always Make Me Smile (Remix!)  

Free Download: "You Always Make Me Smile" Remix

Buy: "You Always Make Me Smile" is available now on iTunes via Stay U Music.

Connect: Visit Kyle Andrews online at:
Facebook | Myspace | Twitter | Website  

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Blogger of the Week: Stretching the One Income Dollar

Today's featured blogger is Monique from Stretching the One Income Dollar

How old is your blog or long have you been blogging? It will be 1 year this August!

What made you choose the name of your blog? I wrote a book of the same name. It's based on me- living on one income and that it can be done.

Why do you blog and what do you love about blogging? I love blogging to share money saving tips, and hear from others who do the same. I love doing product reviews and hosting giveaways.

What are a few of your favorite posts on your blog? Maybe the first posts I did are my favorites.They were more personal Now I have guest posters, spend alot of time with reviews and giveaways and need to go back to adding more personal posts.

Are you married? If so, how long? Divorced about 5 years. Living in a common law relationship for the last 4.

Do you have children? Yes. If so, how many? 2 girls over 18.

What is your favorite movie? Titanic

Who is your favorite actor? Mark Walberg

What is your favorite band or musician? Love George Straight's music

What is your favorite food? Pizza,( although I do have "food issues right now" and it at be lactose intolerance.)

What is your favorite candy? Chocolate-when I can have it...

What else should readers know about you? Would love for everyone that reads this to drop by my site and take a look around. I'm sure you'll find many useful tips!

Grab this button

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Did I tell you about the time I lost my bathing suit top at the pool?

Probably not, because it just happen this morning. So here's the story of how I almost flashed the entire city pool.

Jude and I attended a pool party this morning. He had a great time running around and swimming with other kids. His favorite thing to do was to walk the perimeter of the pool and ensure that all toys were IN the pool. It was fun to watch until he decided to throw in toys that other kids were still playing with. I told him NO to which he protested by throwing himself on the ground. I picked him up to remove him from the situation and he decided to throw a tantrum. During his tantrum he pulled on my suit top untying the strap around my neck. Luckily, since I was holding him to my chest everything stayed in place. Andrea was kind enough to retie my straps. (A true friend!)

I should have taken that as my cue to leave but we stayed a bit longer which resulted in a complete melt down as we were trying to leave. I blame the three worst enemies of any toddler: HEAT, HUNGER and TIREDNESS.

LESSON: Wear an well fitting hard to remove bathing suit while swimming with a toddler.

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zpizza tour pictures

On Tuesday Jude and I took a fun little trip to Cary, NC for the zpizza tour. We met Brandi from zpizza and she told us all about what make zpizza so fabulous. We also met some other great local mom bloggers like Beth from I'm Heading Towards My Destiny.

Jude enjoyed playing with the blocks and other various toys they had available for kids.

We tried 3 different pizzas; the gluten free cheese (not pictured), pear and Gorgonzola rustica and Tuscan pizzas. Jude loved every single one of them.

The tour table

samples

It was a wonderful evening with lots of fun and food. I'm super excited for the opening of the downtown Raleigh location of zpizza. 

Oh, Andrea from lilkidthings and I made it on the zpizza facebook page, check it out.

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What are your Superstitions? - AMC's new drama series Rubicon

Walk under a ladder and get bad luck. Find a four leaf clover and get good luck. We all know the superstitions and part of us know they are silly but we still follow them. I don't consider myself to be particularly superstitious but I still walk around ladders and look for four leaf clovers. I think there is something fun about believing that such a small and seemingly insignificant object or act can drastically change our fate. 

In AMC's new drama series "Rubicon" the character, David, has many superstitions which he follows very strictly, so much so that if any change in his behavior alerts his friends that something may be wrong. Joe and I watch the full trailer online the other night and I can tell you this is going to be a highly addictive show. Rubicon is filled with conspiracies and riddles which so many of us believe to be very true and real.

You should definitely watch AMC’s newest original drama series “Rubicon” which debuts on Sunday, August 1 with a special two-hour premiere from 8–10pm ET.

This post is written as a part of WB Word or Mouth. SP

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I have a confessions to make.... I'm a crock pot addict.

I love my crock pot. It was one of the items on my wedding registry that I was SUPER excited to receive. Now I use it about once a week, which I thought was pretty hard-core until I discovered, A Year of Slow Cooking. In 2008, Stephanie decided to use her crock pot every-single-day for a whole year. Now THAT is hard core.

This is my crock pot and I love it!

Now I don't plan on using my crock pot every single day for a year but I do hope to increase my crock pot usage drastically. I mean it's such a great tool, especially for moms. 

So here is my meal plan for the next two week. (Notice the number of slow cooker meals!)

Monday - Potluck Beans for our weekly Bible Study potluck dinner. (crock pot)

Tuesday - Chicken Curry (crock pot)

Wednesday - Spaghetti

Thursday - Chicken Tacos (crock pot)

Friday - Pizza Night

Saturday - Burgers

Sunday - BBQ Pork (crock pot)

Monday - TBD

Tuesday - Chicken with Apricots and Dates (crock pot) 

Wednesday - Enchiladas

Thursday - Pork Chops (crock pot)

Friday - Pizza Night

Saturday - Black Bean Burritos

Sunday - Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken and Sweet Potatoes (crock pot)

I have an empty spot for next Monday. If you have any great crock pot recipes let me know. I would usually make Ropa Veija in the crock pot but I think I want something different and new.

I will be posting the details of each of my crock pot adventures over the next two weeks so stay tuned.

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z pizza review + summer tour Cary, NC

Friday night the family and I went to z pizza in Cary, NC. I'd heard of z pizza but never actually had the opportunity to eat there until this weekend. We love pizza and eat it about once a week. Joe in particular loves California style pizza so we were very excited to try

We created our own pizza, although many of the specialty pizzas looked delicious. Our pizza consisted of a basil pesto sauce, mozzarella and ricotta cheese, artichoke hearts, roasted eggplants, and lime chicken. Jude absolutely loved the pizza, artichoke hearts and all.

z pizza has a great family friendly atmosphere which makes dining with a toddler super easy and comfortable. I love that z pizza uses natural and organic ingredients. You can really taste a difference when you eat fresh and healthy products to make a pizza.

About z pizza

zpizza was founded in the art colony of Laguna Beach, California, where creativity and craftsmanship have flourished for almost a century. So it comes as no surprise that their pizza is critically acclaimed.

Their dough is made from 100% certified organic wheat prepared fresh every day, hand thrown and fire baked until uniquely crisp. They combine select ingredients such as Wisconsin skim mozzarella, 100% certified organic tomato sauce, MSG free pepperoni, and additive free sausage. Even their fresh produce sets them apart. Exotic delights like Cremini and Shitaki mushrooms, roasted eggplant, pili pili and truffle oil, pine nuts, Greek olives, roasted bell peppers and caramelized onions assure you’ll never experience a bland, boring, blasé pizza. The same holds true for their gourmet salads and sandwiches.

z pizza Summer Tour

When: Tuesday, July 20th 4-7pm

Where: zpizza Cary, NC

Why: free samples, changes to win prizes

Ask: zpizza staff on-hand to answer questions about ingredients and special diets.

Online: Participate online as well all day on 7/20 on Twitter and Facebook

Save: Join ztribe and save $5 off your next purchase at zpizza.

The featured product was provided (a $10 GC to zpizza) to me free of charge. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced by the company.

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NC Blogger: Pretty Swell

I'm thrilled to introduce to you NC Blogger, Suzanne from pretty*swell
Not only is her blog beautiful but so are her posts; filled with humor, honesty and inspiration. I love this blog and I think you will too.

Tell us more about yourself -

I’m mom to an awesome toddler, a PPD survivor and lover of things handmade. Also: I'm a sucker for burritos, lip balm, celebrity "news," sweet tea, naps, British accents, really bad TV, really good books, and of course, bacon. I laugh loudly and often. Ridiculously gullible. Hopelessly optimistic. I love my family and feel like one seriously lucky duck.

What are a few of your favorite posts on your blog -

Me and Dolly P

Just me

Deep-fried dream

Where in NC are you located?

Raleigh

How long have you lived in NC?

Born and raised!

Do you blog about NC or local events/places?

All the time! I especially love to photograph Small Fry about town.

Here we are at the NC Museum of Life and Science

Our adventure at NC State’s Farm Animal Days

At an event on the NC Museum of Art lawn

On a cold, rainy (but still awesome) day at the State Fair

At the Handmade Market downtown

What is your favorite local place to eat?

Does Bojangles count? No, I’m kidding. My dream Raleigh meal would be: the beet bruschetta appetizer at Busy Bee Café, stella salad and whole-wheat fettucini at 518 West, and the chocolate torte topped with caramel and bacon from J. Betski’s. YUM.

Who is your favorite local attraction?

Marbles Kids Museum because Small Fry always has a blast there. I also love the North Carolina Museum of Art, especially the summer concert and movie series on the lawn.

What is your favorite local shop or retailer?

SO many to choose from! Some favorites are Cat Banjo for funky earrings, Zest and NOFO, for gifts, Stitch for clever handmade bags, the State Farmer’s Market for good eats and I’ve been meaning forever to check out the IndieNC First Friday Handmade Market downtown.

What is your favorite NC vacation spot?

The beach! ANY of them!!

What advice would you give someone visiting your town?

Get local. Tour the Museum of Art, hike Umstead State Park, catch a show at the new outdoor ampitheater downtown, grab breakfast at Big Ed’s in City Market, shop Cameron Village, cruise the flea market at the state fairgrounds. And if you have the time, hop in the car for a day trip to the beach OR the mountains. We’re so lucky that both are just a short drive away.

What else should readers know about you, your blog or NC?

I love living here! I’m a big believer in local goods, so you’ll see them often on pretty*swell. Also, a little nugget from me to you: Barbeque Lodge has the best ‘cue in town. What they lack in ambience they make up for in taste. Promise.

Follow Pretty Swell on Twitter

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Two Shall Become One

Today I finally closed the door on my old blog, We3Liebs. I spend most of my time here at The B and since I've decided to blog more about everyday life (which I will eventually start doing on a regular basis) I figured I might as well move everything to one place. So I imported all of my post from We3Liebs into The B Keeps Us Honest. 

So if you have a little time and want to know what I was doing 2 years ago take a look. 

Here are a few of my favorite posts:

Our Baby Moon Trip

We're in a Band with Singing and Stuff

Jude's Home Birth Story

One Year Ago Today

Saturdays are Back

Thoughts on Stretch Marks

There are a whole lot more but I figure I'll let your browse at your leisure. 

Now if I can only figure out how to export my Xanga blog.

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Blogger of the Week: Freebies and Much More

Today's featured blogger is Chris from Freebies and Much More

How old is your blog or long have you been blogging? My blog is 1 ½ yrs young…I’m always learning something new which keeps it fresh.

What made you choose the name of your blog? I have always had a passion for finding free things online and bargain shopping at garage sales, flea markets, and grocery stores.

Why do you blog and what do you love about blogging? I blog because I feel privileged to help out my family and friends. It all started to help my friends get the freebies and deals I found…then it grew to the rest of the WWW. I love all of the positive feedback in the posts and in my email each morning. I feel like I’m making a difference in someone’s life.

What are a few of your favorite posts on your blog?

(1) My very first book review

(2) My very first ‘real’ giveaway

Are you married? If so, how long? Marriage is bliss. We just celebrated our 3 year anniversary on May 16th. I’m proud to say we’re still newlyweds!

Do you have children? If so, how many? Those that know me best tell me I have too many!

What is your favorite movie? I have two. They would be “When Harry Met Sally” and “You’ve Got Mail”. As you can tell by my ‘are you married’ question, I’m a sucker for romance!

Who is your favorite actor? I’d have to say Tom Hanks. I love almost every movie of his.

What is your favorite band or musician? Tough one…but I’ll go with John Mayer. I would have put Johnny Mathis as my first but all the young bloggers wouldn’t have any idea who he is.

What is your favorite food? Definitely anything homemade…soups, pizza, casseroles…it’s all about that personal touch! And anyways, there’s always another notch on a belt. =-)

What is your favorite candy? Now you’re making me blush. It’s chocolate. I love chocolate anything!

What else should readers know about you? I’d like the readers to know that I love them all. Seriously! They make Freebies and Much More what it is and I do it all for them. Thanks everyone!

The B Keeps Us Honest will feature a new Blogger of The Week each Saturday. If you would like to be featured please contact me.

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