Will and I packed our bags and got away from the kids this month.  Hallelujah! Our destination was romantic Siena, Italy.  We're not really in Italy, but it feels like it.  Nah, not really, but it certainly seemed like we were in Siena, Italy.  We only traveled about 30 minutes from home and checked into the Siena Hotel in Chapel Hill for a night. ...

UPDATED with new Information LaFarm Bakery Location Information: October 10, 2018 Ooh La La! Yes, sometimes I tell my daughter that every restaurant with a play place is closed because I would rather step inside a North Carolina French bakery.  I love to order a Pain Au Chocolat pastry, and coffee at LaFarm Bakery in Cary, N.C.  This Cary bakery brings the taste of France to...

I am a firm believer in the arts.  In fact, I was just a few hours short of having a drama minor in college. I also spent a lot of my "single, before marriage, and kid years" participating in community theatre. I loved it.  I've been in "Annie Get Your Gun", "Grease", "The Wizard of Oz", and a few comedies, too.  I believe the arts are an important part of a child's education, and...

I was browsing through my hometown's real estate listings this week, and I had to share with you an unusual find.  Yes, I avoid laundry-folding, dishwasher unloading, and even writing by looking at real estate, even when I'm not in the market for a home. It's another time-consuming hobby for me. I came across this castle. This Cary, N.C. home has five bedrooms, six baths, and two half -baths. Yes,...

When my son was 3, I was 40, pregnant, and exhausted.  Being pregnant says a lot, but my son also didn’t sleep a full night when he was three, either. We had night wakings, night terror. You name it.  We had it. Fast forward four years, and I have a 3-year-old again. This time, I’m not pregnant.  Thank god! But I’m still exhausted mentally, if not physically. Knock on wood; we haven’t...

Spring is around the corner, and I know many of you are planning vacations. A good friend of mine is going to Hawaii. I'm very jealous, of course. We plan her trip over coffee so Hawaii is on my mind. As a result,  I have a perfect guest post  from world-traveler Kendra Thornton  for those who want to know a little more about Honolulu.  And be sure to visit Skimbaco Lifestyle...

Tucked away on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is a little taste of romantic Italy.  My Fabulous Friday Pick this week is the award-winning restaurant, Il Palio. Il Palio is located in The Siena Hotel in Chapel Hill, NC. Il Palio Exudes Romance The atmosphere at Il Palio exudes romance, and the chef prepares every dish with passion. Under the leadership of Executive...

Bruegger’s Bagels Executive Chef Philip Smith strolled into Raleigh last week to kick off Bruegger’s 30th anniversary media tour.  The Surry, England, native, who has been with Bruegger’s for over 10 years, is passionate about keeping the company’s signature bagels uncomplicated. “Our bagels are true to our artisan roots.  We keep our ingredients simple, just like artisan bread...