Traveling With Small Children Can Be Easier Than You Think

As most of you know over the weekend our little family ventured to Asheville, NC so I could attend the Type-A Mom Conference. I was excited to have my boys come along even though I knew I wouldn't see them much. Knowing Joe, I gave him a list of fun activities he could do with Jude while I was conferencing it up. Asheville has a wonderful downtown great for walking around, and we love going for family walks. However, Jude despises the umbrella stroller that we own. He loves riding in our jogging stroller but taking that with us was not an option, it's just too big. 

A while back I remembered hearing about companies that rent baby equipment and thought this would be the perfect opportunity to look into such a service. As luck would have it I found The Well Traveled Child in Asheville that rents just about any baby/child equipment you might need. Whoever thought up this idea was a genius. Baby's come with so much paraphernalia and traveling with all of it can be exhausting.

The Well Traveled Child offers everything from full-sized cribs and jogging strollers to buckets of toys and safety gates. Their site is easy to use. You just select the items you wish to rent, dates required and contact information then they contact you with all the details. The prices are very reasonable with daily and weekly rates plus they will deliver your rentals for a small fee. 

We rented a jogging stroller for the weekend and it was a real life saver. Anything that reduces the risk of tantrums is a winner in my book. Jude loved riding in the rental stroller and it was so nice to not worry with fitting all of our luggage and a big stroller in our trunk when traveling. 

If you plan on traveling to Asheville with your family leave all the big baby gear at home and rent from The Well Traveled Child! 

I received a free jogging stroller weekend rental in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced by the company.

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Oh the Pandemonium was Beautiful

Last night Joe and I had a fabulous time at the Pandemonium show in Raleigh. I've seen Stomp twice so I was super excited but Joe had no idea what to expect. I think the show started a little late because there was an ultra long line at will call but that's OK cause we were in that line. 

I'm sitting here trying to figure out how to describe the show to you and all I can really say is that you just have to see it for yourself. It's hilarious, amazing and beautiful. I particularly enjoyed trying to figure out how each instrument was made and which sound it produced. I think my favorite instruments were all the glass pieces, they have such a beautiful eerie sound. The composition of the pieces could match that of any famous composer just with unique instruments. 

After the show some of the cast came back on stage to answer questions from audience members. Most people had already left when they came out so a small crowd gather around the front to ask questions. The cast was funny and pleasant to interact with. I think it's wonderful how they engage the audience not only after the show but during. I got up the nerve to ask a question and learn that they actually write the music out on sheet music. 

Pandemonium will be in town for a few more days (until October 3rd) so if you get the chance I highly recommend attending the show. It is an experience you will not soon forget.

Buy Tickets

I received ticket to the featured performance courtesy of Broadway Series South. The opinions express in this post are my own and are no way influence by the company.

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Why Reviews and Giveaways Work

This weekend I went to the Type A Mom Conference. It was my a great conference and I learned so many great tips and tricks to help me become a better blogger. I agreed with about 95% of the advice and opinions but one comment really got me thinking. Some one said, "Reviews and Giveaways are dead. They don't work." I 100% disagree with this statement. I think if a review and giveaway is done properly it can be outrageously effective.

Here are few reasons why I think Reviews and Giveaways Work in the Blog Community:

Cost-Effective Marketing

I do a lot of review and giveaways particularly for small businesses that have a tiny or nonexistent marketing budget. For only the cost of product and shipping thousands of prospective customers are being introduced to their brand. As with most marketing repetition is key, companies that do a blogger campaign or establish a partnership with a few blogs often see better results.

Search Engine Optimization

Many of the companies I work with ask that I use specific keywords and links in my post. This is to help increase their web presence and build the number of specific links to their page. It helps companies get higher ranking in search engines hence more business.

Feedback

Reviews are a great opportunity for companies to get feedback about the quality, effectiveness and usability of their products. Assuming the reviewers are giving their unbiased opinions their interactions and thoughts about the product can be a valuable tool. Companies should use these reviews to help improve their products and services as needed.

Word of Mouth

I know several of the products I've won from giveaways have becoming some of my favorites. Even though I didn't purchase the product, if it is a good product, I am very likely to share my love for a product with my friends and encourage them to purchase the product. The same can be said for products I review, I have changed some of the products I buy because of my reviews. 

Connecting Companies and Real People

This is just my personal opinion but I think highly of companies that are willing to work with bloggers. It shows me that they really want to engage their customers. Of course the return may not always be huge for them but I think it builds a strong base of loyal customers. 

There are probably many other benefits that businesses find in doing review and giveaways on blogs but these are just a few of the obvious one. Likewise, there are benefits for the blogger that does reviews and giveaways but I'll save that for another post.


If you own a business why or why not do you do blog reviews and giveaways?

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Wild Dunes Resort Giveaway Extended

I've decided to extend the end date for the Wild Dunes Resort giveaway. I typically run giveaways for 2 weeks and for some reason I didn't do that for this one. So I'm giving you a few extra days to get more entries. 

The giveaway will now end on 10/1

So Enter Away!

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Blogger of the Week: Voices of the Heart Broken

Today's featured blogger is Lucy from Voices of the Heart Broken.

How old is your blog or long have you been blogging?

I’ve been blogging since December 23rd of 2009 so that makes it less than a year so far. I’m hoping keep this going for years as something to look back on.

What made you choose the name of your blog?

“Voices of the Heart Broken” was chosen as my blog title because during the time I started my blog I was having difficulties in love. I didn’t know who to talk to and just turned to the internet. I found really nice people who knew exactly what I was going through. I’m not heartbroken anymore but I still blog. It’s become a precious place for me to not only share my feelings but share my love for creative writing.

Why do you blog and what do you love about blogging?

As mentioned above, I originally blogged because I was heartbroken but now I just blog because I love it so much. I love being able to express myself in the only way I’m proud of and happy that there are people on the other side of the world who like my writing.

What are a few of your favorite posts on your blog

I Love you.

3 years’ Unknowing: The Beginning.

Promised Place.

Such is Life. 

Are you married? If so, how long?

No. I’m too young to marry.

Do you have children? If so, how many?

None. But I would love to have children when I’m more mature enough for a family.

What is your favorite movie?

This is a hard one…. Maybe The Curious case of Benjamin Button?

Who is your favorite actor?

I don’t really have a favorite actor.

What is your favorite band or musician?

My favorite band has to be the Korean boy band: Big Bang

What is your favorite food?

I absolutely love sweets. I have a really big sweet tooth.

What is your favorite candy?

My favorite sweet has to be white chocolate from the confectionery company: Lindt.

What else should readers know about you?

My favorite color is sky blue and I adore the sound of the guitar. I can sit and listen to the guitar for hours on end. And my favorite author is Jodi Picoult. I aim to one day surpass her.

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The Perfect Evening Snack

I am a bit of chocoholic. (Joe would make some joke about me being addicted to Chocohol if I said this when he was around.) But seriously, I think my body requires a daily dose of chocolate, which while it tastes yummy isn't all that good for my body. That is why I love Jell-O puddings so much. They offer a variety of great tasting puddings that are low in sugar and calories yet still satisfy my chocolate cravings.

Instead of eating a big bowl of chocolate ice cream at night I just grab one of my Jell-O Mousse Temptations out of the fridge and savor the flavor.

About Jell-O Mousse Temptations

Mousse Tempations by Jell-O is an airy yet rich snack that's guaranteed to please. It is available in four delicious flavors: Dark Chocolate Decadence, Chocolate Indulgence, Caramel Creme and Chocolate Mint Sensation. The individual cups are sugar-free and only 60 decadent calories per serving.

The featured product was provided to me free of charge. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced by the company.

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Last Day to RSVP to the Blog Party

Friends, Bloggers, Business Folk and Strangers,

You are all invited to join me for an awesome party at The Mint to celebrate NC's awesome bloggers.

Today is the last day to RSVP. If you think you might even a little bit want to show up - RSVP. We just need to submit a head count to make sure they have enough food.

In addition to free yummy food and getting to hanging out with awesome folks several local businesses have donated items to the door prize. I don't want to giveaway too much but trust me, you'll want to win this.

So again, RSVP. Today. 

Hope to see you there!

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See the Rockettes Live in Your City

The stars of America's favorite holiday show, the Radio City Rockettes, are coming your way and want to teach you their moves!

Bring along the little ones as The Rockettes® will show them how to perform those eye-high kicks, provide a glimpse of the history of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular® and tell them what it takes to become a world-famous Rockette. They'll even get to join in a mini-performance and receive an “Honorary Rockette” certificate!

Following the Dance with the Rockettes experience, snag a photo and meet with the stars of the world's most precision dance troupe while they're in your town!

While you're in store, be sure to register to win a VIP Meet and Greet with the Radio City Rockettes and four tickets to your local Radio City Christmas Spectacular show!

Rockettes at Macy's (all events begin at 2:00PM)
9/22 - Palmdale - Los Angeles, CA
9/25 - Oak Park - Kansas City, KS
10/2 - Cherry Hill - Philadelphia Metro
10/2 - Edison Mall - Ft. Myers, FL
10/16 - Bridgewater - Bridgewater, NJ
11/6 - Burlington - Boston/Burlington, MA
11/6 - Providence - Providence, RI

 

I wish they were coming closer to Raleigh because I would soooo be there. Go check them out if they are coming to your town.

 

I received compensation in the form of a gift card in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced by the company.

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Who is in your Entourage?

If you were rich and famous, who would you pick to be in your entourage? 

Obviously, you'd want smart, loyal people that you can trust. 

If I were rich and famous I would most certainly hire some of my family and friends. You know, the people that have been there for you through thick and thin. First, I'd hire my mom as my account. I mean she does own her own accounting company and is a lot better with numbers than I am. Then I'd get my friends Talitha and Vasti to be my managers and agents. They both have great personalities and can get just about anyone to do just about anything. They have charm. Then I'd hire my friends Kim and Andrea to be my assistants/child care help. They have kids and really it'd be like I was paying them to hang out with me and for our kids to play together. I think that's about the extent of my entourage. I would pay them all very well and maybe even buy them nice cars, their choice.

Like Vince, in "Entourage", I think hiring your friend and family can sometimes be a good choice. But I would worry that money and fame might put strain on our relationships. So I would ensure that my accountant mom would take care of the money and if at any time my friends wanted out it would be A. OK.

You can now watch "Entourage" five nights a week!  Check your local listings here:  http://www.entourageweeknights.com/

I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for 'Entourage'.

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Pandemonium Giveaway UPDATE

Please note that if you have entered the Pandemonium Giveaway the Performance date has changed. The Tuesday show has been canceled so the giveaway tickets are for Wednesday, September 29th. 

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Walkers Shortbread Goes Above and Beyond

So here is a completely awesome and true story.

My great grandfather LOVES Walkers Shortbread cookies. He grew up in Scotland which is where Walkers originated. He also just celebrated his 100th birthday.

Now my aunt works as a call center representative for an online retailer. Recently, she was taking an order and learned that the caller worked for Walkers Shortbread Canada.  My aunt shared about my great grandfather's love for Walkers. 

Walkers Canada was delighted to learn of such a long time fan that they sent my Great Grandfather a few samples for his personal consumption and a large assortment of cookies for the entire nursing home in which he lives.

How awesome is that? 

Thanks Walkers Shortbread Canada for being so awesome and sending cookies to my Great Grandfather.

I received no product or compensation in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced by the company. It's just a really cool story about an awesome company and my family.

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Do you TiVo?

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

There are a lot of really great shows coming out this fall and it's going to be hard keeping up. Life gets busy and I know I can't plan my life around when a TV show is on. There is no doubt I could use a Tivo. We typically end up waiting until a show is available on DVD because life with a toddler is completely unpredictable. I think most moms can relate to busy days filled with events and trying to keep they kids happy and fed. So at the end of the day you just want to sit back, relax and watch your favorite show.

The Tivo Premier is much more than a DVR, you can connect to the internet to browse your favorite shows and videos on Netflix, Blockbuster On Demand, You Tube and much more. The TiVo Slide remote is pretty awesome, it slides open similar to a cell phone to reveal a fully functional QWERTY keyboard that makes entering text quick and easy. You can use the search tool to find out what new projects your favorite actors have going right now. I really love that the TiVo Premier lets you find a show your interested and watch the previous season before the new fall season starts. Now you don't have to wonder what's going on.

I am particularly excited about this upcoming Fall TV season. There are so many shows I DO NOT want to miss like, Modern Family, House, The Mentalist and of course The Simpsons. What shows are you excited about this upcoming fall.

Join the Tivo Facebook Fan Page

Enter to Win a TiVo Slide in the "30 Slides in 30 Days" Sweepstakes (ends 9/22/10)

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Wholesale Keychain Review

Joe works in the IT industry and does a lot of hands on repair work.  So he always carries a small flashlight with him at work. But rather than risking losing the flashlight he can use the LED Flashlight Keychain from Wholesale Keychain.

The LED Flashlight Keychain is just what he needed. He loves have his flashlight accessible whenever he needs it. He hooked to his work keys and badge which attaches to his belt. The Flashlight also has a laser pointer in case he needs to point to something far away. This is really the perfect keychain for anyone that does a lot of hands on work repairing objects.

About Wholesale Keychain

Wholesale Keychain sells the best quality keychains and keyrings online. They offer automotive, sports, picture, entertainment and game theme keychains so just about anyone could find a keychain that suits them best.

This Product Was a Free Giveaway

I received the featured product in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced by the company.

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Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare Review

I don't know how or why but Jude is obsessed with all things Halloween. He's only 2 years old and I doubt he remembers last Halloween but all he talks about is trick-or-treat, pumpkins and spooky ghosts. So when Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare came out I thought Jude would love it. He loves dogs and he loves spooky stories. Sure enough, I was right. He loves Scooby-Doo!

I love watching Jude watch Scooby-Doo. He pulls his shirt up over his head like Shaggy does when he's scared and quotes the lines from the movie. Honestly, I thought he might be a little too young to appreciate Scooby-Doo but he totally gets it. I remember loving Scoob-Doo when I was young and it's so nice to be able to share some of my childhood favorites with Jude.

About Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare

The creepiest campfire ghost stories come to life on the all-new, must-have, animated Scooby-Doo original movie Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare, is now available in retail outlets. Viewers will want to join in the high-jinks with that lovable Great Dane and the rest of the Mystery Inc. gang as they explore some mysterious goings-on at a haunted summer camp. Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare will retail for $19.98 SRP. Scooby-Doo!

I will the featured product in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced by the company.

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Hi Dada. Hi Good Morning.

Mama. It seems simple enough. Two syllables. It's usually the first word for most babies. 

Not Jude. He prefers to call me "Good Morning". That's right "Good Morning" is my name. Joe and I walk in the door and Jude proclaims "Hi Dada. Hi Good Morning." We've tried teaching him that he can call me "Mama" but he just laughs. 

Honestly, I think this kid has a hilarious sense of humor. He knows he's being silly but he keeps the joke going. I mean it's been months since he started calling me Good Morning and he keeps it going with a straight face. 

I love this kid. He can call me "Good Morning" until he's in college... actually, that might be kind of weird.

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Meal Planning Monday

It's been too long since I planned a week of meals so here's to be getting my stuff together...

Monday -Beef Tacos

Tuesday - Crock Pot Pork Chops, Sweet Potatoes + Peas

Wednesday - Rotisserie Chicken, Rice + Green Beans

Thursday - Pizza

Friday - TYPE-A

Saturday - TYPE-A

Sunday - TYPE-A

I guess I got off easy this week since I'll be in Asheville for 3 days. 

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NC Blogger of the Week: I'm Heading Towards My Destiny #iheartnc

I met today's NC Blogger, Beth from I'm Heading Toward My Destiny at the zpizza tour in Cary.

Tell readers more about you: 

I’m a happily married SAHM who lives on a farm. We may live on a farm, but we are located within the CITY LIMITS – smack dab in the middle of suburbia. My husband and I have a daughter who just turned 5 and are very busy with our Corn Maze Season!

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

Washington DC Comes to Town

Where in NC are you located? Cary, NC

How long have you lived in NC? I am one of the few natives in this area.

What is your favorite local place to eat? We love STEAK in our home – so we LOVE The Angus Barn and The Long Horn Steakhouse. Our daughter loves Red Robin – yummmmm.

What is your favorite local attraction? Green Acres Farm

What is your favorite NC vacation spot? I can’t pick just one. We love the mountains and the beach!

What advice would you give someone visiting your town? Cary has everything you could ever want. Great restaurants, shops, and parks at your fingertips!

What else should readers know about you, your blog or NC? I love Jesus and often write about my own trials and journey with Christ.

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I'm Going to #TypeAMom

It's official, I'm 100% going to Type-A!

Thanks to Alpha Accounting I have my ticket. 

And thanks to my In-Laws we have a Hotel. 

Both Joe and Jude will be accompanying me to Asheville. While I'm conferencing it up the boys will hang out in Asheville doing the things that boys do. I'm so glad that we are all going as a family. My father-in-law booked us a suite in nice hotel which will be great for putting Jude to bed early. 

I'm super excited about Type-A as this is my first blog conference ever. I think the size will be perfect and since it in North Carolina I can count on some of my local blog friends to be there. 

I am really blessed to have such a great family. And I want to thank them again for their support. My parents (Alpha Accounting) for the tickets. Joe's parents for the hotel. And Joe for encouraging and accompanying me to my first conference.

If you are going to Type-A let me know, I would love to meet you in person.

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Blogger of the Week: Esavingsblog

Today's featured blogger is Kari from Esavingsblog

How old is your blog or long have you been blogging? I created my blog in April of 2009

What made you choose the name of your blog? My Blog is about saving money so esavingsblog seemed to fit.

Why do you blog and what do you love about blogging? I am addicted to blogging, I blog because its fun and its an easy way to share deals!

What are a few of your favorite posts on your blog? Preparing for Christmas, Auto Insurance & of course all my Giveaways because I love to give back to my readers!

Are you married? If so, how long? No

Do you have children? If so, how many? No Children

What is your favorite movie? Hmm This is a hard one because I love movies....um I loved The Notebook

Who is your favorite actor? Another hard one but I love Nicolas Cage.

What is your favorite band or musician? Wow didn’t think I would have a hard time filling this out but I LOVE music and have all kinds of favorites! It wouldn’t be fair to pick just one!

What is your favorite food? Pizza

What is your favorite candy? Dark Chocolate

What else should readers know about you? I love to blog, I love to share my favorite deals and host reviews and giveaways with my readers and I appreciate each and every person who visits my blog!

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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Casa Di Bertacchi Meatballs - 101 Things to do with Meatballs Review

To me the only think you can do with meatballs is put them on top of spaghetti all covered with cheese! I honestly never thought someone could write a cookbook solely around cooking with Meatballs. Well, there I go assuming again because New York Times101 Things To Do With Meatballs.  best-selling author Stephanie Ashcraft wrote

"101 Things to do with Meatballs" includes some creative and delicious looking recipes featuring Casa Di Bertacchi© fully cooked meatballs. Like the Ginger Ale Meatballs.

About Casa Di Bertacchi

Whether you're making dinner or throwing a party, Casa Di Bertacchi Meatballs naturally bring people together. You'll find great taste in every bite because they've been making them the same way for decades—with quality beef and real Italian ingredients. Plus, they're fully cooked for faster, easier entertaining.

I received the featured book in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced by the company.

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Rich's Review

I love baking and nothing completes a warm piece of pie like whipped topping. And nothing completes a hot cup of coffee like a smooth creamer like Rich's. Since I don't drink coffee I was really hoping to find Rich's Whipped Topping in a store near me but I didn't have much luck. I did find their creamers in several of my local stores and bought a carton to give to my mother. (Joe likes his coffee black.) 

I really like that Rich's offers creamers for every dietary need. 

• Cholesterol free
• Lactose free
• 100% milk free
• Gluten free
• Vegan (no animal-derived ingredients)
• Kosher pareve
• Low in sodium and saturated fats

About Rich's

Since 1945, Rich’s has been known for high-quality food products. From coffee creamer in your morning cup to whipped topping on your dessert, it’s their goal to provide you rich and creamy products that you’ll always enjoy.  It’s these little “extras” that make your food and drinks the best they can be!

I received the featured product in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced by the company.

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SeaPak Review

Did you know that eating seafood twice a week is recommended as a part of a healthy diet. But finding quality seafood inland is often hard to find. That's when I turn to frozen specialty seafood like SeaPak. 

I love popcorn shrimp but had never been able to add it to my weekly meal plan since finding fresh shrimp locally is difficult and pricey. We tried SeaPak's Popcorn Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese recipe and it was divine. I so happy to have found a great tasting and cost effective solution to my seafood deficiency.

About Seapak

The SeaPak Shrimp Company is the #1 retail brand within the frozen specialty seafood category. For 60 years, they've provided the highest quality, best-tasting shrimp. Quite simply, they're the shrimp experts. The SeaPak Shrimp Co. is known for its care and attention in choosing only the best shrimp for its retail and foodservice products

Buy SeaPak at various grocers around the country.

I received the featured product in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced by the company.

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Feeding America Virtual Canned Food Drive

Libby’s Fruits & Vegetables is officially kicking off the second year of their Feeding America Virtual Canned Food Drive.

This online food drive encourages families and friends to form teams and engage their communities to support them. Teams that raise $1,500 or more for Feeding America will get their pantries stocked with a year’s supply of canned vegetables from Libby’s.

Libby’s Fruits & Vegetables will match up to $40,000 of donations raised between now and December 13th, 2010, which will help provide 525,000 meals for families in need! As a thank you, Libby’s will give every person who contributes to the Virtual Canned Food Drive a coupon for 50 cents off two cans of Libby’s Vegetables.

You can donate my Drive Page. My goal is to raise $150 by December 13th.

Or go here to create your own profile.

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Year 3 - An Anniversary Date

Last night Joe and I celebrated out 3rd wedding anniversary with a fabulous date night. We love sushi but rarely get to eat it since 1. It's expensive and 2. Jude hasn't developed a taste for it. So we decided to indulge ourselves and get some good sushi. My mom watched Jude and we headed to Sono. We'd heard great things about Sono but had never dined there. Luckily, a few weeks prior I purchased a 1/2 price gift certificate on ZSpotlight so we were able to really enjoy our meal without the worry of money. 

Before

From L to R: Maryland Roll, Piano Roll, Rainbow Roll, Vegetable Tempura Roll and the Sashimi Sampler

After

We ended the evening at on the roof of The Busy Bee, The Hive. He got coffee, I got tea and we split the most amazing dessert.

Dessert - some sort of tiramisu cake

It was the perfect evening of eating, walking around downtown Raleigh and just catching up on life. We laughed a lot and talked about deep issues... all the things you do with your best friend.

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Vivabox Travalo Review

I love to travel. I may be one of the few people that actually enjoy flying. When flying I typically try to avoid checking my bag or at least carry on essentials in case I get stuck without my bag. With all the new liquid restrictions this usually means I don't take anything but the necessities, this excludes perfume. But the Tavalo portable perfume atomizer allows me to take my favorite fragrance with me, even on the plane.

Here are few reasons why I love the Travalo:

• Approved for carry-on luggage on board flights
• Eco-friendly (98% recyclable)
• Holds over 50 sprays of perfume
• Features a clear window to gauge level of perfume
• Made from light and sturdy aircraft grade aluminum
• Suitable for men or women

About Vivabox
Vivabox history traces back to Belgium where entrepreneurs created a product that has the tangibility and immediate pleasure of a traditional gift, while retaining the flexibility of a gift card. This two layered gift can be the answer to all of your gift giving dilemmas.  The first layer is a gift inside the box that is intended to familiarize the recipient with the product.  The second layer is the gift card that can be redeemed for their gift selection from a menu of choices. 

I received the featured product in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced by the company.

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Giveaway Entries - #iheartnc

I've given you the option to "enter any of my other current giveaways" to earn extra entries. 

I also have region specific giveaways on my blog.

So, please do not enter a giveaway if you do not think you will be able to use it just to gain another entry in a giveaway. It's not fair to people that are actually interested in winning the region specific giveaway. I've had several occasions where I've had to redraw winners for this very reason. It's not a hard an fast rule but it is just a common courtesy to other readers.

Thanks!

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3 Years Ago Today!

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Your Story Could be Worth $10,000

Comcast Presents the FAMILY Moments that Matter Giveaway

Do you have a funny back-to-school tale? A heartwarming story about your family pet? A great family vacation memory? Tell Comcast about your favorite moment for a chance to win! Comcast is giving away $10,000 and over 100 instant win prizes. It's easy. Enter today by CLICKING HERE (insert URL below) . Plus, get great tips for TV viewing. Check out the “What to Watch” section for categories including Just for Moms, Family Time Viewing, and Watch with Kids. Click on the show, and the TV show starts playing! Also check out the Tips & Tools tab for busy parents – learn about parental controls for your TV as well as internet safety tips. You can enter every day. Deadline for entry is November 10, 2010.  Go ahead and enter today!

http://www.momentsgiveaway.com/?cid=NET_130_13

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Pirate Brands Potato Flyers Review

My boys love chips. So I knew Pirate Brands new Potato Flyers would be a hit.  We love Pirate's Booty and could probably eat an entire bag in one sitting so it's no surprise that Potato Flyers are just as awesome. 

Potato Flyers are different than most chips in that they are not only baked but baked with pressure which makes them crispy and light. We tried all 3 flavors and I think my favorite flavor would have to be the Homestyle Barbeque but then again I do love Barbeque chips. I feel great about feeding my boys Potato Flyers because they fulfill their love of chips and my desire to keep our family eating healthy.

About Potato Flyers

Potato Flyers are deliciously baked potato chips that have half the fat and a quarter less calories than the leading potato chip brand.  Unlike other baked chips, which can be cardboard-like and lacking flavor, Potato Flyers are baked with pressure, which makes them crisp and tasty, proving that you don’t have to “snackrifice” taste and fun for health when it comes to your potato chip.  Like all Pirate Brands snacks, Potato Flyers are all-natural, trans-fat and gluten free and provide a first-class crunch.  Plus, the chips are only 120 calories for a one ounce serving.  Potato Flyers come in Original, Sour Cream & Onion, Homestyle Barbeque and Sea Salt & Vinegar flavors.

Buy: Potato Flyers are available online or at select retailers.

 

This post was written for Family Review Network & Pirate Brands who provided the complimentary product in exchange for my honest reviwew

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The Rich and Famous Me - Entourage

We all have dreams of being rich and famous. But as we all know from the tabloids that fame and fortune aren't always so glamorous. But imagine with me if you will what your dream celebrity life might look like.

Me. I'd  prefer to be a famous movie producer. A little less fame and a decent amount of fortune. I'm a behind the scenes kind of gal but would still love to have my name at the top of the credits so I think producer would be a great job. I'd spend my days working long hours on the sets of box office movies and spend my free time traveling around the world with my family. We'd have a modest home but would be able to enjoy all the luxuries of the Hollywood dream. I'd get invited to vacation with famous celebrities and attend fabulous parties and charity events. I'd find that perfect balance between work and family. And the only person in my Entourage would be my personal assistant who would make sure I was where I needed to be when I needed to be there.

About "Entourage"

“Entourage” depicts the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle of Vincent Chase, a sexy young movie star whose career is just taking off,  and his entourage. Vince and the boys have Los Angeles at their fingertips, and they frequently endulge in all the the spoils that come with celebrity. Their life is hard work and ultimate play!

Watch "Entourage" five nights a week!  Check your local listings here:  http://www.entourageweeknights.com/

I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for 'Entourage.'

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Breakfast with Sue Stock

If you live in the Raleigh/Durham area and keep up with shopping, deals and coupons you probably know of Sue Stock. Sue Stock is the retail columnist for the Raleigh News and Observer. She also has a wonderful blog called, Taking Stock where she posts all latest deals and information on coupons.

This morning I had the pleasure of eating breakfast with Sue Stock at the Flying Biscuit in Cameron Village. I won a personal coupon session with Sue via her Twitter giveaway to celebrate her 1 year anniversary on Twitter. Needless to say I was totally stoked but I was also a little nervous. What would we talk about? I consider myself to be pretty coupon savvy so I didn't have too many coupon related questions. But since she is a fellow blogger and professional journalist we talked a lot about blogging, her journalism history, deals we've found and just generally nerdy coupons stuff. It was awesome!

Two years ago I attended one of Sue's coupon classes and like the hundred or so other thrifty women (and men) in attendance I soaked up all of her money saving tips. Since taking her class I have saved literally hundreds of dollars on not only my grocery bill but pretty much anything I buy. I highly recommend taking her class in November if you want to learn all the tips and tricks to saving money. There is a small fee to attend the 3-hour class but it primarily covers the cost of renting the space to host the event. But in my book it's totally worth spending a few dollars to learn how to save hundreds.

Oh and if you're wondering, yes she did use a coupon for breakfast!

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