Hard Rock <3

I really want to go to this Three Doors Down benefit and I've never been to Biloxi, so I figure... why not?

As I was checking out Hard Rock's accommodations website, this caught my eye:

From the website: "Two select 'Pink Sheets' guestrooms at each hotel will be outfitted in special pink-hued Sleep Like A Rock bedding, with 25% of the nightly rate benefiting The Breast Cancer Research Foundation."Cool, huh? I think so. I'd so request the pink rooms. (Too bad they can't turn every room pink for the promo!)

Catch and Release

So my good friend JD just called to let me know that he's going to be on a little fishing expedition from November through February in Florida, then to Mexico, the Bahamas, St. Thomas, and on after that.

It's barely even turned cold here and I can't wait to get out of here and do something like this!

Click on the link above for a great 2 minute video... you won't be disappointed.

Costa Rica... here we come! (Hopefully...)

PS - Did I mention JD called from the boat (still in NC though)?

Update: Hot Sauce Festival

Remember my surprise (and enjoyment) at how NC event boasts a Hot Sauce Festival?

Triangle Brewing Company has a cool video on their blog with pictures from the event... take a look!

Looks like it was a beautiful day in Oxford for it - would've been nice to check it out in person!

You Stay Classy, Carter-Finley

Two thumbs up from me:

State Salutes the State
"When the Wolfpack football team ran out of the tunnel on Saturday, 'two Wolfpack players were given the honor of carrying onto the field the United States' flag and the flag of North Carolina,' writes our good friend James at Yet Another N.C. State Sports Blog.

'It was classy, respectful and mindful of who we are and what our role is as the Land Grant University of the state of North Carolina. We serve the state, first and foremost; this entrance echoes that mission.'"I like it.

Be sure to click through to find out how the players are selected to carry the flags on to the field.

Cherry Bounce

What a true Raleigh-kid tradition!

If you're not a big Downtowner, here's what you've missed the past few weeks (err... months) in the blogosphere:
Drink Cherry Bounce at Deep South (The Raleigh Connoisseur)
The drink that started it all (Raleigh Philosophical Society)

"Cherry" is alraedy a major part of my drink and dessert vocabularies... can't wait to give this a try at Deep South the Bar, soon! Here's a list of 6 different recipes for Cherry Bounce from cooks.com - be sure to report back if you give any a try!

Could be an interesting fall cocktail experiment for me to take on, as well...

11/10 Update: I've had the Deep South cocktail... it was yummy. (Skip the martini glass, ask for a rocks or pint glass. It's my own little trick to not spilling red drink all down a white top.)

Aaaaand Leo's back with his own success story - which includes another save-worthy recipe from a commenter!

Ok Triangle Ladies...

I expect to see you ALL here!

I hope that all of you Raleigh readers can come join this great event. I can't wait to meet you there, if you do make it!

Party with skirt! and Dress for Success

Update: We’ll be giving away some great prizes at our event! Tickets, jewelry, gift certificates...watch this space for more info!

The most awesome party ever happens this month, and you are so invited. skirt! has teamed up with the Triangle chapter of Dress for Success to hold our first-ever skirt! After Work event.

What is it? A skirt drive to benefit Dress for Success.

What should I bring? Skirts, of course! But we’ll also be accepting jewelry, scarves, belts, and other interview attire.

Where? The gorgeous, delicious 518 West Italian Café on Glenwood South.

When? 5:30 til 7:30pm. Tuesday, September 30.

Why? Because it’s a benefit for an amazing women’s cause, a chance to meet the skirt! team, as well as some of the men and women who have appeared in our issues. Oh, and did we mention we’ll be giving away prizes?

How much? It’s free to get in, and the signature skirtini will be $5 for those of you with donations. Other drinks will be regular price.

If you’re wondering what a skirtini is, this is where you come in. We’re currently running a recipe contest for the signature drink of skirt! Is the skirtini sassy, light, and fruity? Dry and witty? Or rich, elegant, and chocolate-y? You decide!

Come up with a recipe for the ultimate skirtini, and enter it here. The winning beverage will be christened The skirtini, and will be served at our skirt! After Work events every month, starting with Skirts for Success on September 30. See you there! And get mixing!Be there or be boring!

How Pretty is Google Today?!

Guess who will be doing a lot of Google-ing today?

Capital City Bikefest

Can't believe I almost missed this (not that Mom and Dad would've let that happened though)!

(Capital City Bikefest)

What: Capital City Bike Fest
When: Friday - September 26th (10am until 11pm) and Saturday - September 27th (10am until 11pm)
Where: Downtown!
Cost: Free Entrance
More Info: CapitalCityBikefest.com/Even if you're not a Harley-enthusiast, this is still a VERY cool event to head out to just to check out some of the amazing custom bikes (a huge draw if you have young boys - this actually is a very family-friendly event). There is lots of live music, entertainment, good food that can be purchased from vendors, merchandise for sale, BEER, and more.

See you there!

(As always, this event has been added to my "Raleigh & More" google calendar!)

PS - Sorry, can't find my pics from last year's event, but bonus points are up for grabs if you can spot my Uncle Bruce (should be an easy one for any bona fide Jeffries) in this video here! Hint: He's within the first 30 seconds.

Halloween in Wolfpack Country

I loooooove Halloween - and all that it entails: decorating, parties, costumes, and other devilishly fun stuff.

This is must-have for any Wolfpack household. ESPECIALLY the house divided so that the significant other never forgets which team is really tops. ;-)

(FootballFanatics.com)Thanks to CottonCandy from the NC State Fair blog for sharing this great pumpkin carving tool!

Chi Phi Thai

This funny little segment from this weekend's Good Morning America really makes me miss my sorority days - and want a Red Bull really bad, too.

Note: This took place at UNC, but all local letter-wearers can still support the awesome Greek system in the Triangle and our brothers and sisters in Carolina Blue. Well, that is... until November 22nd... then it's ON!

Click here (http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=5846165) to watch the UNC ADPi vs. Chi Phi cook-off on GMA since there's no embed code.

PS - Best tie-breaker, EVER. Watch the video!

Reminder: Southern Proper "Tailgate and Ties" Trunk Show

(original blog post)

Check out the facebook update from Southern Proper or the facebook event to RSVP for this great event!

Host: Southern Proper®
Date: Friday, September 19, 2008
Time: 12:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Varsity Men's Wear - Crabtree Valley Mall, Raleigh, NC

Contact Info
Phone: 9197822570
Email: reagan@southernproper.comBe sure to track down NCSU's Southern Proper "Belle" (and my little Pi Phi sister!) - Mary Lauren - and tell her how awesome of an event it is... because I know it will be!

Exciting News for Wolfpackers & V Foundation Supporters

Thanks for the email scoop to my favorite V Foundation volunteer, Aunt Deb!

Jimmy V Golf Classic returning to Triangle
from WRAL.com

"The Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic is returning to the Triangle in 2009, with the golf tournament being held at the new N.C. State course and other events designed to highlight the fundraiser.

The classic started in Cary in 1993 and has raised millions for cancer research, organizers said. It moved to Pinehurst in 2007 and 2008.

The event will be Aug. 12-16, 2009 and commemorates former N.C. State basketball coach Jim Valvano. Valvano’s final season at State was in 1990 and he died of cancer in 1993.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research will introduce several new events to coincide with the annual golf tournament and black tie gala, including a V Wine & Spirits Celebration, a concert, and a cancer symposium at the new Raleigh Convention Center, organizers announced.

'We felt it was important to return the Classic to the Triangle where it started,' said Nick Valvano, CEO of The V Foundation and brother of the late coach."Be sure to click through to read the full story with lots of great info.

While you're at it, visit the V Foundation's official website and sign-up to volunteer your time and talents with any of their great event throughout the year!

DBTT '08

LOVE that this never interferes with college football... genius I tell ya. Thanks Ashton!

From DowntownRaleigh.com:

Down By the Tracks SPCA Benefit sponsored by DowntownRaleigh.com
Sunday, September 21

On September 21, 2008, from 4-8pm...The Shops at Seaboard Station, a Gregory & Parker, Inc. Development, will host Down by the Tracks, VII, a fundraiser to benefit the SPCA of Wake County.

This popular event has become a significant tool for raising money and awareness for the many homeless animals at the SPCA. Last year over 1000 people and 350 dogs attended DBTT VI and helped us raise over $15,000 for the SPCA.

The outdoor block party is held at Seaboard Station in downtown Raleigh.

This year’s event will feature live music by Peace Street Band!

There will be a silent auction, free beer, food vendors, dance lessons, best dressed dog contest, caricaturist and much more. Kids and dogs (leashed) are welcome.

In order to raise more money for the SPCA, there will be a general admission charge of $5.00, children 12 and under free.

For more info about this event, visit www.spcawake.org/dbtt or to find out more about sponsorships, please contact Adeliade at Seaboard Imports

Seaboard Imports
121 Seaboard Avenue
Raleigh, NC
(919) 838-8244
seaimpor@bellsouth.netInfo about last year's even was one of my first posts as a blogger, and just so you know: Katie, Nick, Delta, Tank and I had a BLAST and will be making another appearance this year (sans Katie... heartbreaking!).

As always, I can't say enough good things about the SPCA.

Here are a few pics of my gang enjoying the event last year... enjoy! (Click here if it does not auto load for ya.)

Triangle Uncorked

Looks like a very promising event for wine lovers in the Triangle - thanks for the heads up Denise and Adrianne!

We'll have to see what time the Wolfpack plays at home against South Florida before I make my ticket purchase.

Triangle Uncorked

Date: Saturday - Sep. 27th
Time: 2pm until 4pm
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre at Regency Park, Cary
Cost: $25 in advance, $35 day of event. $75 for VIP.Benefitting the Frankie Lemmon Foundation (a Sigma Chi - NC State chapter - Derby Days favorite!) and The Rotary Club of North Raleigh!

Update: "Ask and you shall receive...". NCSU vs. South Florida game time is set for 7:30pm. How's a wine fest for an alternative tailgate?

Local Shoppers Take Note!

Two great events I posted about on my other blog that some of y'all might consider attending yourselves, or supporting by reposting, emailing to friends and family, or even just mentioning to others you think might enjoy the opportunity to support two great local organizations:

Thursday - Sep. 18th: A Pair to Remember

Sunday - Sep. 21st: Me Fine's 3rd Annual Southern Ladies Purse GalaEven if you don't buy anything at either of these events, just attending would be a great show of support!

3 Doors Down = Cancelled Completely

Local 3 Doors Down fans just can't catch a break this week:

Dear Live Nation Tickets Customer,

It was announced today that 3 Doors Down's performance at Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek - Raleigh, NC that was previously postponed has now been cancelled.

Refunds of the face value of the ticket[s] and the per ticket convenience charge[s] will automatically be processed to the credit card used at the time of purchase. This refund will appear on your next credit card statement depending upon billing cycle. There is no need to return any tickets you may have received in the mail.

The band hopes to reschedule performances in the region, so please keep checking the band's website as well as livenation.com.

If you have any questions, please contact Customer Support by replying to this email.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Regards,

Live Nation Tickets Customer SupportOut of all the shows I've seen at Walnut Creek (including each and every time they've returned), 3 Doors Down has always been my favorite - even over Kenny Chesney. What a let down.

Get well soon Brad - looking forward to rockin' in Raleigh again with you boys when that voice is back to normal!

What All You Well-Dressed Gentlemen Have Been Waiting For...

...and also for us southern girls who love a sharp-dressed man!

Southern Proper "Tailgates and Ties" Trunk Show
Preppy and Football...It's What We Do.

Date: Friday, September 19, 2008
Time: 12:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Varsity Men's Wear, Crabtree Valley Mall

Stop by Varsity Friday before the NCSU vs ECU football game to get all your tailgating essentials, bowties, neckties, Proper Polos, and more! There may even be a free gift with purhase like croakies and koozies!

Ladies, come by and pick something up to surprise your beau!

Also, get the chance to meet the original belles of the business. Emmie and Reagan will be visiting from Atlanta for this special event.

Feel free to invite all your friends!Kisses to my lovely little Pi Phi - and fellow NCSU COT girl - Mary Lauren for sending me the scoop!

Nooooooo!

Major bummer:

Dear Live Nation Tickets Customer,

We have been informed by Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek that 3 DOORS DOWN on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 has been postponed. At this time, no new date has been scheduled. When the new date is scheduled, we will notify you and you can expect that the tickets you have in your possession will be honored on the new date. At that time, you will also be given an opportunity to request a refund if you are unable to attend the new date.Heartbreaking.

I was SO looking forward to it. Hopefully it'll be rescheduled for a very, very soon date... I don't do cold unless it's on the side of a mountain with lots of layers made of Under Armour and North Face (or you know - into Lake Raleigh in a Pi Phi shirt for a great cause).

Just TRY and Give Me an Excuse...

Country Cares for St. Jude Kids - thanks Rachel!

When: Thursday, September 11, 2008, 5am – 5:30pm
Friday, September 12, 2008, 5am – 7pm

Where: Clear Channel Radio
3100 Smoketree Court, Suite 700
Raleigh, NC 27604

What: 106.1 The Rooster (WRDU) will hold a local Country Cares for St. Jude Kids® radiothon to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, the world-renown center dedicated to finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

The Country Cares for St. Jude Kids program began in 1989, after Randy Owen, lead singer of the music group ALABAMA, met St. Jude founder Danny Thomas. Since its inception, Country Cares has grown to be one of the most successful radio fundraising events in the nation with more than 200 radio station partners raising more than $315 million in pledges.
Wolfpack National Service DayWhen: Saturday, Oct. 11, at 9 a.m.

Where: Habitat ReStore, 2420 Raleigh Blvd., Raleigh, 27604

What: Help the NC State Alumni Club make a difference in the Wake County community by participating in Wolfpack National Service Day. We plan to clean, unpack, sort and arrange building materials at Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

RSVP: Register online.
Just a few great ways to do one little thing... that will help so many others along the way.

A Noon Game?! Seriously?!

NCSU vs. ECU... arguably one of the finest tailgates in all of North Carolina. No matter how wonderful or how poorly the Wolfpack and Pirates may be performing in the stadium... rest assured that no tailgate in the history of this meeting has ever been anything short of masterfully executed.



A noon gametime for September 20th? GEEEEZ.

I know that my dear NCSU is always looking for the ESPN or ESPN 2 pick-up but that makes for one sleepy tailgate. Not that I'm opposed to the "keg and eggs" spread, but that really should take place no more than once or twice per season... and never for when our real tailgating opponents are visiting. How am I supposed to function as a gracious tailgate hostess when I've only had a nap the evening before (because we'll obviously start the pre-game at the bar on Friday evening).

It's like the BF said: ECU has been whoopin' up on teams in the daytime - the Wolfpack should probably have aimed to switch it up on them with an evening/night game in Wolfpack territory if we hope to have any chance of emerging from the game victoriously.

I'll bring the FireFly's Sweet Tea Vodka... who'll sign up to bring the mimosas and bloody marys? (Adrianne and Laura... this is your official call-out. ;-))

I'm Not a Condo Girl...

...but Matt Robinson's photography (and the best brokers in the world - Ann-Cabel and Ashton) can sure make a Raleigh girl drool!

Check out the sneak peak of West at North - you won't be sorry.