Hey Raleighs, What Are You Doing Friday Night?

One of my gal pals (and fellow local nightlife/restaurant/retail rockstars), Christina G., was kind enough to invite me to Yelp.com's second annual Open Party, so I thought I'd keep the kindness going and share it with you all, as well!



This year's theme is Athletes vs. Mathletes (ummm LOVE it) and from what I hear, Yelp's local events take good time a whole new level. So as you might imagine, I'm very excited to check out my first event with this group of locals.


Date: Friday, May 6th
Time: Public Party Starts at 8pm
Venue: Crabtree Tavern

Nick and I went to Crabtree Tavern once during football season to check out their offerings. I'm ashamed to say that I didn't get a chance to blog about it, so I don't really remember much about the experience - except that I was still working when we got there and I was really impressed when the hostess was able to quickly seat us at a table with a power outlet so I could keep working with my laptop plugged in. I'm a sucker for great service! I'm sure I had a salad, and I would have remembered if it wasn't good, so I'm looking forward to getting back there on Friday and giving them another try. I'll make sure to post a review on Yelp after (which will sign up in my blog sidebar here now, too), so I won't go so long that I forget how it was!

Do you yelp? If so, here I am. Help me get past the "0" yelp friends icon, please?! :-)

PS - Fullsteam Brewery and LoneRider are part of the Friday night shenanigans. If you're a local beer drinker, that's likely what I should have started with - because that's all you needed to hear, right?

PS #2 - You know I love a good cause! Make a donation to Southern Siberian Rescue while you're there for a chance to win great door prizes and to collect great Yelp swag. (I can attest to the fine quality of their swag, btw.)

Cheers!

(And last, no blog post is complete without a disclaimer these days. I was not contacted by Yelp to blog about this. But, I do know Christina and she did personally invite me out. Personal invitations don't count as spiffs... at least I don't think. ;-))

Royal Wedding?

Move over, William and Kate - this weekend is all about Drew and Brianne!

Another love of my life is marrying the love of her life this weekend and I'm so excited to be making my way to Ocean Isle Beach in just a few short hours (after a Friday morning full of work) for a weekend full of rehearsals, dinner, doing my girlfriend duty once more of lookin' good in a bridesmaid dress, a ceremony, and a rockin' coastal reception!



Congrats, Bri and Drew!!! I loooooove you two! :-*

(Yes, B*Money is one of the few people in this world that I'd miss the TBMF for - and yes, I do expect texts, calls, and pictures from those of you dancing on a cooler in a field in Garner on Saturday!)

2am Emails Between Friends...

To: Adrianne
From: Me
Subject Line: 2am Email

Because I can't sleep. Watching some renovation show on DIY.
This couple is renovating the kitchen in their rental, right?
Day 1 - drinking mimosas to start the day b/c they're hungover from the night before.

Tell me why I see this in our futures...

Adrianne's reply?

Lol. That's funny.

And yes, it's also our future...

Seriously though, I'm amazed we haven't filmed an episode of something for HGTV yet.

Job work, yard work, house work, friends' weddings, and cocktails. Rinse and repeat from age 25 until..

I'm Still Here... I'm Just "in a Southern State of Mind"

Sorry for disappearing on everyone! I spend so much time on my computer and online for work+work that I'm spending less and less of my personal time anywhere near either these days. I'm looking for a little more normalcy these days though, so hopefully I'll be back to some enjoyable blogging soon!

In the meantime, I had to share a snippet from my friend Nikki's new blog: Southern State of Mind.

Guess who is going to download this Darius Rucker song promptly? (Me!)

"You can see it in the clothes I wear you can hear it when I talk
Ball cap, boots, and jeans and a little southern drawl
I could be up in Ohio or back home in Caroline
No matter what state I'm in
I'm in a Southern state of mind"

And yes, I'm going to be a good blogging friend and encourage Nikki to not make her blog private so that way more of you fantastic readers can readily follow along with her posts. :-)

First Friday

Denise will likely wring my neck for posting that picture of her. Sorry, Grube! But this is pretty much how my Friday nights roll in some way, shape, or form - at least every First Friday.

And whatdya know, it's that time of the month again... FIRST FRIDAY!

Raleigh Folks: What's on your Friday Friday agenda?

Non-Locals: Does your town participate in anything fun like this? Share the details!

All Star Shenigans!

"The fact the All-Star Game is awarded to the Hurricanes is a testament to the strength of this franchise and, above all, the enthusiasm and fantastic support that you 'Caniacs have shown your team. When the Canes are home, you make RBC Center one of the loudest places in sports." - Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner

Nick and I headed down to the FREE headline 3 Doors Down concert last night at the (still fairly new) Downtown Raleigh Amphitheater (that you'd think has finally gotten approval to be called the Bud Light Ampitheater due to all the Bud Light signage displayed) and it did not disappoint! 3 Doors Down has been my favorite rock band for years and their most-recent Raleigh show was canceled when the lead singer was sick. Seeing them for free? Yep, I braved the cold for that! We had a nice view from the lawn, but many thanks go out to Marcie, Ellen, and Andrew for inviting us to join them at the media box for an even closer view... directly behind all the crowd surfers ;-)

There is SO much happening for free on Fayetteville Street and for $8.00 in the Convention center still today as part of the NHL All Star Wide Open weekend, so if you're in Raleigh and haven't made it to Downtown yet for the All Star shenanigans, you should do yourself a favor and put on some comfy shoes and make your way down!

Nick and I are heading out shortly to check out today's action on Fayetteville Street and maybe even spend a few bucks to head inside the Convention Center. See ya there!

The Hushpuppies are a Big Deal

I almost laughed out loud when I read this line from George Cox's review of Garner's (somewhat new) Shuck 'Em Shack:

Hushpuppies are not bad for a commercial product, though the Southerner in me cringes at paying $1.99 for a dozen.

I can remember going to Dockside at some point in college, one of the best locations in Wilmington for a great coastal view - paired with a bite to eat and a tasty drink. only to find out at that point they had decided to not offer hushpuppies at all. (Something about space for the fryer or it being the off-season... clearly I was in no mind for any excuses.) Everyone at our table heavily considered just leaving before ordering anything. What's a Po' Boy sandwich with a no hushpuppies? (The answer: not much.)

Same situation with the ill-fated Sunny Side Too, which also called Garner home. (I can name more than a handful of reasons this local restaurant didn't last, sadly. But I won't.)

My point is this: in Carolina, and much of the South, hushpuppies are expected. And we more often than not expect them to be yummy and a complimentary part of the Southern seafood meal.

You can read Greg's entire report on the Shuck 'Em Shack online at http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/01/14/917251/where-you-can-shuck-to-your-hearts.html.

Happy New Year!

Nick and I went to Nashville this past week/weekend for a few days, so I didn't get a chance to wish everyone a Happy New Year's Eve... or even New Year's Day. However, I don't believe January 2nd is too late to start the year off right!

We have dinner at my parents' house every Sunday, so of course tonight we had to have our traditional New Year's dinner: pork, greens, black-eyed peas, potatoes, and cake. Nom, nom, nom - it is by far my favorite meal of the year!

When Nick and I were driving back to Raleigh from Nashville yesterday, we were curious about the tradition behind the New Year's meal and found this great resource on Epicurious (thank you, Google), that I wanted to share: Lucky Foods for the New Year.

Greens and black-eyed peas (or legumes) are symbolic of economic good fortune or wealth, pork symbolizes progress, and so on. Next year, I'm adding wine to the menu since the article covers the superstition of grapes, too!

Welcome to 2011 and best wishes for a wonderful year, y'all!

Holiday Cheer from the RRAR Community Service Committee

(click to view video online)

On the third Tuesday of every month, I have the pleasure of having lunch and planning some great community service projects with one of the most talented, giving, and energized group of professionals in the Triangle: The Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors Community Service Committee.

If you are a local REALTOR(R) (or affiliated member of the RRAR - including mortgage firms, contractors, appraisers, etc.) and want to commit to something in 2011 that will allow you to give more than just a donation, but also your time and personal service to our local community, then please join us at our first meeting in January (Tuesday, January 18, 2011) at the RRAR to learn more about our group and getting involved.

Happy holidays, y'all!

Another Simple Holiday Wish List!

via email forwarded by Brandon (thanks, B!):

Dear Santa: We've Been Good All Year

While you are out doing your holiday shopping this year, please consider donating a gift to the dogs and cats at the Wake County Animal Center.

This year, the animals are asking Santa for:
--Pet shampoo and brushes
--Cat litter
--Puppy or kitten formula
--Paper towels and bleach
--Blankets and towels
--Cat and dog toys (dishwasher-safe)
--Monetary donations

How could you say "No" to that? I can't!

{Image: via Wake Co. Animal Center enews}

Breakfast with Santa for FIVE Great Causes!

Dr. Tinney Railey sent me an email this week asking me to help spread the word about this Saturday's fundraiser and how could I not with so many great organizations benefiting?

The Third Annual Charity Breakfast Buffet with Santa
Saturday - December 11, 2010, 8-11am
at Spice Street Restaurant in Chapel Hill

This event is organized by the resident physicians at UNC and this year we are supporting 5 charities: Ronald McDonald House, SECU Family House, NC Children's Hospital, NC Food Bank, and Toys for Tots. Last year we had a great event with over $1,000, 400 canned goods, and almost 500 toys donated. This year same great venue and price but we added an additional organization. We are also bringing awareness to Kayla’s Closet, an organization that provides formal dresses to ladies who could not otherwise afford them.

Kids can take pictures with Santa (skip the mall lines and prices), make ornaments, and enjoy face painting all while benefiting the community. Spice Street will make a monetary donation to be divided between the Ronald McDonald House, SECU Family House, and NC Children's Promise for every buffet purchased. We are asking people to bring canned goods or new toys. Adults $10 and kids $5 including tax and gratuity (cash, check and credit cards accepted)!

Happy holidays, y'all!

Make a Difference this Holiday Season

Seriously y'all, it takes very little effort to do good things. And hey, you might even get to attend a party and see some folks you love in the process!

Tonight - Thursday, December 2nd, 7:00pm (like head there in the next hour) ;-)
4th Annual Downtown Santa Ball
The Downtowner Magazine is proud to sponsor our Downtown Santa Ball on Thursday, December 2nd, from 7-10pm in order to help children in need and to provide what might be the only gift they receive this holiday season. We’re pleased to have MeetandCompete.com as a co-sponsor for our fourth year. 100% of proceeds and all gifts will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Wake County. The event will be held at the Union Tavern located in the Depot building of the Warehouse District (directions below). Just bring a gift and enjoy amazing Downtown Raleigh and free beer and wine. Support the Union by purchasing other spirits!

Thursday, December 9th, 6:30pm
Jingle Ball 2010
Get your holly on at this year's Jingle Ball... and be sure to get there early. Suz and I got there last year as the food was finished and the open bars dry. So we donated, mingled, and headed over to Landmark for a few drinks. Couldn't complain though, because I was stoked to see the turnout continue to increase for yet another year! I would say that was a mighty successful Thursday night!

Thru December 18th
Donate at ANY local Toys for Tots collection point... get the local details at http://raleigh-nc.toysfortots.org/ or find your own local Toys for Tots details (for all of you non-Raleigh folks) online at toysfortots.org!

All December
Need stocking stuffers or gifts? For just $13.95 you can get a terrific gift and help Soroptimist International of Raleigh, NC with local service projects that benefit women and girls. Auto Bell Car Wash will donate 50% of each Full Service Car Wash coupon purchased. The coupons have NO expiration date and are honored at all 61 locations around the Triangle and the Southeast. To purchase, contact Joyce Rothchild at 919-518-1093 or by email at jrothchild@soroptimistraleigh.org.

Got more locally awesome ideas for me to share? Send 'em on and I'll list in a jiff! Email: ncsulilwolf@gmail.com.

A Top 10 Southern List

Roger Elmore, the main writer for HospitalityManagementSchools.com, dropped me a nice email to let me know about a Top 10 list his site had just posted that he thought I, as well as you readers, might enjoy.

http://www.hospitalitymanagementschools.net/blog/2010/10-ways-to-know-youre-a-true-southerner/

How many did you check off? Although I'm not a hunting fan and don't find myself in church on an extremely regular basis, I'd say that the list, for the most part, fit the bill!

And although I love my "not from the South, but I got here as fast as I could" friends, I had to laugh at the end of number 10: "Although you welcome them to visit, you wish they’d stop moving to the region."

Thanks for reading and for the email, Roger!

Put the Boys to Work... at Hardly Working

I realize Thanksgiving has just come and gone, but Christmas dinner is right around the corner. I love Andrea Weigl's suggestion of putting the boys to work!

Thursday when I serve Thanksgiving dinner to a small group of friends, everyone will contribute. I will bake a pecan pie and a pumpkin cheesecake. My husband will cook leg of lamb on the smoker. (One tip for holiday sanity is cooking the meat outside on the grill, in the smoker or in the deep-fryer. Luckily, many men who like to cook don't mind spending the day outside, drinking a beer and minding the meat.) A friend will make stuffed acorn squash and the homemade noodles that are his family's tradition. A third will clear the table.

She's right - it's not at all an up-hill battle to suggest that the man (and his buddies) hang around outside with beer, a fried turkey, and perhaps even a fire pit.

Country for Kids Concert on Thursday Night!

Thursday night... be there! Only $25.00 - proceeds to visit this amazing place: http://www.ncchildrenshospital.org/

Buy tickets online at http://www.dpacnc.com/default.asp?dpac=19&objId=371.

Details:

Country for Kids concert at DPAC to benefit N.C. Children’s Hospital

Curtis Media Group announced the addition of a charity concert, dubbed ’Country for Kids,” to the ninth annual N.C. Children’s Promise Radiothon/Telethon with proceeds benefiting North Carolina Children’s Hospital.

Presented by 94.7 WQDR, Country for Kids will feature live performances from four artists, Rodney Atkins, James Otto, Clay Walker and North Carolina’s very own Jason Michael Carroll. The concert event will be the celebratory culminations of a day full of miraculous stories being broadcast live from the N.C. Children’s Hospital lobby on nearly 20 Curtis Media Group radio stations and Time Warner Cable’s News 14 Carolina as part of the N.C. Children’s Promise Radiothon/Telethon, UNC Health Care’s largest fundraising event each year.

PS: Jason Michael Carroll also has a new five song holiday album out from his very own label - Stray Records. Download it on iTunes today! (I can certainly approve the playing of his holiday music prior to Thanksgiving. ;-))

PS #2: Jason is the Grand Marshall at this year's Raleigh Christmas Parade taking place on Saturday. Get excited!

{Image: http://www.dpacnc.com/default.asp?dpac=19&objId=371}