Category: Local Round-Up

  • The Point Launches 12 Days of Christmas Contest for Local News Readers

    The Point, a weekday newsletter service that delivers a quick morning read of the things you need to know to get your day started in the Triangle (current events, politics, sports, weather and local entertainment), is kicking off a 12-day contest on Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, awarding readers with truly local gifts and experiences – and a new chance to win each day.

    Contest prizes include local coffee shop gift cards, apparel from local brands and retailers, and even concert tickets. Prizes will be announced each weekday in the morning newsletter sent to subscribers and readers will have until 11:59 p.m. to register at the unique link provided to win.

    To get in on the first day of reader giveaways – and to get a reminder for each of the following 11 prizes – register at http://www.ReadThePoint.com to receive The Point direct to your email inbox on Monday morning.

  • Raleigh People: Check out the Raleigh Beer Guide Launch Party on Thursday

    Consider this your official invitation from me!

    On Thursday evening, my WRAL Out & About team will be co-hosting the official launch party for the hot off the press Raleigh Beer Guide, which is a new print guide to be distributed throughout Wake County and across travel rest areas across NC, helping beer lovers find their way to the 16 Wake County craft breweries.

    The thing that I think is pretty cool about this event is that for the very first time I have working knowledge of, all 16 breweries will have a product on tap at the same place at the same time. So a big thank you goes out to the breweries, the gang from Raleigh Beer Guide, and the folks at Tyler’s Taproom in Raleigh’s Seaboard Station for making this happen.

    There will be some cool prizes up for grabs throughout the evening, so fast track your way through the welcome table when you RSVP in advance here: Eventbrite.com.

  • Taking Local Love to a New Level

    So this whole “concept” is something that Mandy and I have been talking up for a looooong time. And I am really pumped to finally be getting it out there. It’s not anywhere close to being as content-rich as it will be soon, but it’s at least a start.

    Right now, the biggest features are the email newsletter (bringing local style and retail directly to your inbox – but no, not like Express/Banana Republic/etc. style… I refuse to harass you all daily), Top Picks, and the feature appearances from local readers, too!

    If you have a few minutes, please stop by and check it out. Today our Black Friday content is still up, so you can check out what we liked for November… but tomorrow and over the next few days, December will be making its way in.

    And if you’re a local shopper, or just appreciate good style, please consider joining the email list, too 🙂

    And YES, I really DO want YOU to send me your tips, pictures, etc. I think this is going to be a lot of fun. A lot of work, of course – but most importantly… a lot of fun.

    www.iheartretail.com

  • Local Round-Up: The Remedy Diner

    Have I blogged about the The Remedy Diner before? Because I’ve sure tweeted/facebooked it.

    Seriously, if you are EVER so lucky as to be in Downtown Raleigh… you must try this place. Good food, good prices, good service.

    I don’t think I’ve ever ventured off the breakfast menu, since it’s served all day, but the BF has and has enjoyed it. Wait, I’ve probably had a BLT. That’s at least not totally breakfast.

    Not only do they have kick ass “mainstream” food, but they also are very impressive with their “alternative” offerings. Plus, I love a restaurant that’s confident enough with itself to refer to their vegetarian bacon as “fake bacon”.

    Veggie BLT
    Fake bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and chipotle mayonnaise on toasted wheat. 7.50 (sub Vegannise for .50)

    Anyways, go and get the Blueberry Cheese pie (empty plate – pictured at right).

    Why?

    The BF’s not a pie eater but these were the words out of his mouth – “I don’t really like pie, but that was gooooood.” All of the desserts are made by the owners mama. (Yes, I said “mama”, this is a Southern blog, after all.)

    The Remedy Diner
    137 E. Hargett Street
    Downtown Raleigh, NC
    919-835-3553
    www.TheRemedyDiner.com

    Don’t believe me? Then read the reviews. When I was Googling for this post, I noticed almost all of the reviews have 5 stars – excluding one by a man named “Jim”. That is darn near impossible in the restaurant biz.

  • Local Round-Up: North Raleigh

    For a DTR (Downtown Raleigh) and South Raleigh kid, trips to North Raleigh (especially North NORTH Raleigh) can often be a haul.

    Nick and I ventured out a few months ago after a laser appointment and really enjoyed stumbling upon a restaurant we’ll be sure to try again next time we’re out that way: Buffalo’s Southwest Cafe.

    Their website, Buffalos.com (wow – they did great to snatch that one up, but the logo is different, so who knows… they may have lost it), doesn’t really offer anything (other than “under construction”), but I was reminded of the restaurant when Sue Stock posted about a great deal on wings there today. Every Wednesday in August, they’re doing 10 wings for $1.60. For whatever reason, wings are not cheap, so that’s a great deal being offered by a restaurant (below what they’re paying for them, I’m sure).

    I had a wrap of some sort and chips and loved it. I can’t for the life of me remember what Nick had, but I do remember he also really enjoyed it. And it was less than $20.00 for the both of us, including drinks and tip.

    The main reason for this post? I also just finished a long write-up on my fashion blog about one of their neighbors: GiGi’s Boutique.

    So there you have it, the North Raleigh adventure in a nutshell.

    Buffalo’s
    7504 Creedmoor Road
    Raleigh, NC
    ‎

    Phone: (919) 676-0332‎

    {Image: Taking Stock blog}

  • Calling All Local Readers with a Cause or Two

    Here’s a quick PSA, because I like to pay it forward and I know that lots of my local readers have some great causes to share! 🙂

    Last year, the Swagger Gifts Holiday Open House Preview Party raised over $1,500 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma society, and now your very own favorite cause could be featured this year!

    If you are involved in a worthy organization, cause, or non-profit, please tell my friends at Swagger about it!

    Email Mandy (at) SwaggerGifts (dot) com with the story behind your cause and why you think it would benefit from being featured as this year’s Holiday Open House Preview Party charity!

    Nominations will be accepted until August 1, 2009.
    Swagger will choose and let everyone know in August who has been selected.

    The 2009 Holiday Open House Preview Party (possibly benefiting YOUR favorite charity) will be held on November 5th, 2009.
    The 2009 Holiday Open House will be held on Sunday, November 8th, 2009.

    PS – If you do email a suggestion to Mandy, please drop me a comment or an email to let me know! I’d love to hear that one of my reader’s suggestions was selected and have the chance to support you and your favorite cause at the annual party.

    {Image: SwaggerGifts.com}

  • Local Rave: Alter Ego Salon

    I’m in love.

    A second story Downtown location (with a view that many would kill for) and prices that make it possible to keep you looking good without having to take out a loan.

    Alter Ego Salon – Mary-Taylor did my recent cut and rocked it out.

    Video courtesy of the Triangle Blvd boys:

    Sign up for their email newsletter (just create an account on their site), that’s how I found out about their January special which snagged me a free manicure with my haircut.

    One of my favorite things about this salon may not have been the cut at all but the fact that they emailed me an appointment reminder that also included my upcoming scheduled events, including bridal updos for a friends wedding. Apparently, they speak my language (email-based and organized) 🙂

  • Great Giveaway for You Southern Chefs

    I received some delicious responses to yesterday’s post about Natty Light Chicken and cooking with beer.

    In honor of that, I’m posting a fantastic giveaway that everyone would be crazy not to enter themselves into!

    My favorite local gift and decorative accessories boutique, Swagger Gifts, has been hosting a Facebook Friday of the Week (see former giveaway items here) for a few months now where each Friday something special in the store will be given away to one (sometimes even two) lucky commenters who are fans of Swagger Gifts’ page on facebook. The winner is randomly selected and then posted to Swagger’s blog (which also, is SO worth following).

    This week’s giveaway is a monogrammed “Big Wood Board” cutting board. They are PHENOMENAL.

    All you have to do to be entered to win is leave a comment directly on the photo on facebook. It’s THAT simple.

    While you’re on Swagger’s page, you should obviously click on “Become a Fan” so that you get an update every week when Swagger offers up a new great giveaway.

    Biased much? Sure. But when you win a kick butt gift, I bet you’ll be thankful for my bias. 🙂

    PS – Regina and Randall, I’m formerly calling you girls out to enter to win because the sample photo has a “R” on it… how much more appropriate could it get?

  • {Double Post} The Shop with a Conscience

    I can’t believe this is another thing I’ve never remember to blog about, because it’s one of my Cameron Village favorites – Beleza: A Fair Trade Boutique.

    Described on their website as a place where:…you will find unique and extraordinary textiles and hats, jewelry and art that catch your eye and touch your heart.

    Beyond offering beautiful things, Beleza exists to provide hard working people from countries around the world – and here in the US – essential support to provide daily necessities for their families.

    While the store is fair trade, the major emphasis of Beleza is to treat people as they should be treated, and assist in global economic development.

    Beleza is owned and operated by two of the most wonderful people I know: P. Dail and his wife Sara.

    I received the following email today from Sara about a new addition coming to their store that I am really excited about:

    Recently we met Audias from Honduras. Born without arms, he paints with his feet. We will have his work in the store very soon and encourage you to come see this work. Audias has no other means of support. We plan to host a special event for you to meet him.I’ll be sure to update when I hear more details!

    In the mean time, go check out Beleza and become an addict of their amazing selection of goods with a heart, too.

  • I’ve Never Mentioned Brian Davis Before?

    Really? My apologies!

    For folks in the Triangle, there’s a good chance you already know the name Brian Davis – or Brian Davis Live. For those of you in the other parts of the country, take any opportunity you get to see Brian near your own town… you WON’T be disappointed.

    For all of you current fans looking for any last minute holiday gifts, be sure to check out Brian’s merchandise… I just got an email from Cole (Brian’s marketing manager) today who says:

    “We are trying to clear out as much merch as possible to get ready for a brand new 2009 line up. For a limited time order any Brian Davis t-shirt or CD and receive a free koozie AND a free exclusive full-length MP3 off his yet to be titled fourth studio album!! Visit the store now and do a little shopping!!”You heard the man!

    PS – Be on the lookout for Brian’s 4th studio album coming in January 2009!

    This new record will feature 12-15 brand new tracks including “When Hank Comes Back”, “Summer Back”, “Thank God She’s a Country Girl”. There will be an album release party at City Limits Saloon in Raleigh.PS #2 – I will NOT be missing the farm party in ’09. Not a second of it.