As the founder of the @OutaboutNC social media community, I get asked a lot from people on where they should stay when visiting North Carolina. When I first started my blog in 2011, I had an entire feature devoted to hotels called a "Pack My Bags' feature. The invitation to visit the AC Hotel in Raleigh North Hills came at the perfect time in my life because I needed a hotel stay to renew me...

Updated: August 2019 It’s not whether your team wins or loses on the football field; it’s all about the tailgate. A great game-day dip will score some points. Need something quick and easy for your next tailgate? I’ve got just the party dip for you.  It’s so simple that you won’t believe something this natural tastes so good. You know I love to promote North Carolina on this...

Asheville, a gorgeous mountain city, nestled in North Carolina's Smoky Mountains, is a haven for vacationers. The reasons to visit this city are endless. When I was working on a magazine piece for a national publication this summer, I interviewed local business owners in Asheville. Jillian Kelly, a local Asheville beekeeper, and owner of the store, The Asheville Bee Charmer, told me, "You have...

2019 is my year to be fifty.  Some may consider that number to be a milestone. AARP certainly does. I've already received my second invitation to become a member. I still have kids on the younger side so I don't think of myself as fifty, honestly. I don't feel fifty. But yet, people who were born in my year are all fifty whether we like it or not. March 2019 at 50 Photo by Curious...

*This post contains affiliate links I'm not a beauty blogger and I certainly don't play one on the internet either. In fact, some people may compare me to an old-shoe because I get very brand loyal if I like a product and that is especially true with me when it comes to beauty and skincare lines. I don't switch it up if I like something. However, it may take a while to find the beauty product...

updated: August 2019 I had the honor of hosting WTVD Anchor/Reporter Julie Wilson and WTVD photographer, Shawn, in my home to talk about getting kids back into the groove on their sleep schedules as school begins. Working parents outside the home have probably stayed relatively consistent in their schedules, but I am not good at keeping a consistent sleep schedule during the summer months. We...