The Cultured Seafood Festival in New Bern, NC

*Posted on behalf of the Cultured Seafood Festival in New Bern, NC. I was not compensated for this post, but was offered a ticket to the event in exchange for sharing.*

On the evening of Friday, March 9, 2018, the North Carolina Aquaculture Development Conference (NCADC) is closing out their conference with the Cultured Seafood Festival in New Bern, North Carolina.

The event is a part of the NCADC's effort to educate the public about aquaculture species.

The Cultured Seafood Festival offers a fun, family-friendly environment with an abundance of delicious food crafted by Chef James “Smoke” Boyd.

Boyd is one of New Bern’s top chefs and owner of The Flame Catering and Banquet Centre. 

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Let's Talk About The Other F Word

* This is a sponsored post on behalf of The Other F Word. All expressed information is on behalf of the show, however, all opinions are completely my own. *

The Other F Word is a new series that you're going to want to look into.

Look at these ladies. Don't they look like instant fun?

So, let me tell you why you need to watch.

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November is Winding Down: Where I Am.

I'm not doing very well with NaBloPoMo this year.

My November has been filled with lack of inspiration, a need to read and catch up on some television, and not enough writing.

My fitspiration has been lacking some, as well.

I've gotten myself on track this past week, minimally. Baby steps. Let's just say my MOVEmber isn't a success. Dang it. But I thank my mom for supporting my efforts, anyway. The money goes to a great and important cause, ya know? And VISA Checkout matched my donation, which is kind of awesome. So I feel a little good about it. Not A LOT good, but a little.

Also - last week I had no Thankful Thursdays post. No guest post and I should have written my own post and instead I got lazy and that was that. Le sigh.

This post isn't exactly inspiring, is it?

I'll tell you the best thing to happen this week. Are you ready?

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Ten Things You Need to Know About Me.

My lovely friend Tia over at BecominNeurotic tagged me in a post on Friday with some questions. And because she is quite so lovely and a sweetheart and a half, I'm open to answering them.

Her friend asked her some questions, which she answered, and then she decided to ask me and some other fun peeps some questions, too.

It's old school blogging - and it's perfect - because I'm in need of a post prompt and this seems to be it!

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Snow DayS. Plural. DAYS.

Have you noticed I'm documenting more of my days this week? If you follow me on Instagram you definitely have. I think I've shared like 5 pictures a day, at least.

It's been inclement weather days here in the Triangle.

Check it ...

Fortunately the husband picked up an iced chai latte for me on Sunday. 

I was able to make it last for three days.

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Music Always Moves Me.

Looking for some beautiful music to listen to this Valentine's weekend?

I've got it for you. Here. Now. Go. Listen. Dance. Do both!

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Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? Mindy Kaling ~ book review

First of all, I want to be Mindy Kaling's new best friend.

As in IMMEDIATELY.

Her book was so good. I don't know why I waited so long to read it.

I loved it.

She's hilarious. She's real. She's raw. She's entertaining.

Can I give you more adjectives to explain how much I loved the book? Probably. But why bother, right? Just take what I've said so far and go grab yourself a copy. She's so cute.

But you can't be her bestie. That's my job.

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A Peek at My YouTube History.

Hey, all.

I'm "off" today, so I'm going to share some of my favorite songs and videos with you for my post.

So stay with me ... please?

I promise you're going to enjoy them. It's a nice easy way to spend the next few minutes, even if you just click on one of them.

So, what's first?

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Perspective.

Interesting word, isn't it?

Mine's changed.

My perspective.

I used to be someone who would overreact, or simply, REACT (capitals for emphasis) to certain things.

And I don't now. Not really.

I mean, sure, I have my emotions and my feelings and my anxieties. Those don't change or go away - they're a part of who I am.

But life is different now.

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New Solo Album: Genevieve Goings

* I am participating in this campaign via The Entertainment New Media Network. I am an influencer over at ENMN and will be compensated for this post. All expressed opinions are strictly my own. *

Genevieve Goings, star of Disney Junior's hit TV show Choo Choo Soul, is releasing her first solo album this June. The album, titled Do You Know? will be out on June 3rd, but the first single was released this week!

My Telephone Number Is is a fun song that teaches our little ones a fun way to memorize their phone number(s). Geared towards children aged 2-7, Goings has an entertaining beat running to encourage kids to sing along with their own phone numbers. I can guarantee that my own daughter will be singing the "doo doo doo" part instead for a bit. It's really catchy. And if I'm being honest ... it's kind of been running through my head since early this morning. But no matter - that's what a great kids' song does to a parent! * Let it go, anyone? * 

I have not been lucky enough to meet Genevieve yet, but several of my friends have (at a variety of blog conference events). And I'm pleased to report that word on the street says she's as genuine as she seems. A down to earth and real person? Entertaining our children? Sign me up!

Here's a peek at the video:

See how cute it is? And you can order the single now: My Telephone Number Is... - Single

Genevieve also has an app on iTunes called Sing with Genevieve and you can download it for free today!

You can also find Genevieve on all aspects of social media:

@ChooChooGirl on Twitter, and at GenevieveGoings on Facebook and Instagram.

* I am participating in this campaign via The Entertainment New Media Network. I am an influencer over at ENMN and will be compensated for this post. All expressed opinions are strictly my own. There are affiliate links throughout this post that might toss me a few pennies if you buy this music! *

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Sing into Spring with Disney Records!

* As an influencer of The Entertainment New Media Network I received these CDs to facilitate my review of them and was not compensated for this post in any way. Walt Disney Records will be providing both, a gift set of the four CDs I received along with a 4-pack of preschool CDs to two winners picked by me randomly. All expressed opinions are strictly my own (and that of my 7yo daughter!). There are affiliate links throughout this post. *

It's time to SING INTO SPRING with Walt Disney Records!!!

Join me today as I invite you to learn about the four CDs I received to review for you all. Take a look!

My daughter and I have been bopping around my kitchen to the soundtrack of Teen Beach Movie all morning. It helps that she has seen the movie a good handful of times and we have it on our DVR as I write this. I'm pretty sure we'll be watching it again tonight now that she's motivated into the mood with the music in the background of our day.

Our second CD in this gift-pack is Disney's Play It Loud. With music by Zendaya (of Shake It Up), Debby Ryan (Jessie) and China Anne McClain (ANT Farm), your kids are going to love this. Seriously. It might be on repeat wayyyy too many times - but hey, at least it's kid-friendly lyrics, right?

We've also got a copy of Austin and Ally: Turn it Up for you. With thirteen songs the cast kicks it up a notch and I have to admit, the music is pretty catchy. It's the kind you find yourself singing along with after a while and forget it's a "kids' CD" ... for a little while, at least.

And then of course, let's talk FROZEN.

I mean, what is there to say? If you haven't seen the movie yet - well - you really must. But if you haven't heard any of the songs yet, I must ask you - where have you been hiding?

This CD is one of the top selling CDs right now. The music won an Academy Award for goodness' sake. Or maybe two. Who knows? But really - if you and your kids don't know pretty much every song by heart you need to enter this giveaway. STAT.

I'm also lucky enough to give away the Preschool Sing into Spring 4-pack to one lucky reader. This bundle consists of the Doc McStuffins Soundtrack, Jake and the Neverland Pirates - Yo Ho Matey CD, DJ Shuffle (which I kind of want for myself because it's got a mix of Sofia the First, Jake, Doc, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and more) and last, but never least, FROZEN.

YES. This means that BOTH winners will be receiving a copy of the FROZEN soundtrack. What more could you want?

Click through my Rafflecopter below and find yourself a way to enter. I promise to make it as easy as possible for you.

And if you want to purchase any of these CDs on your own, I've got the links throughout the post for you to go shopping. Happy listening!

a Rafflecopter giveaway * As an influencer of The Entertainment New Media Network I received these CDs to facilitate my review of them and was not compensated for this post in any way. Walt Disney Records will be providing both, a gift set of the four CDs I received along with a 4-pack of preschool CDs to two winners picked by me randomly. All expressed opinions are strictly my own (and that of my 7yo daughter!). There are affiliate links throughout this post. *

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Zachary Levi needs our help! #IwantmyNerdHQ

Okay, so take a look at the adorable Zachary Levi. He's a nerd like me. And you. 

Don't pretend you're not one. We all know that most bloggers are ... at least a little bit. *wink*

Oh, don't get huffy now. It's a compliment. I promise.

Now - let's talk NerdHQ.

NerdHQ is an event that Zac (we're that close, I can call him that - fine, we're not but I will anyway!) is working to get off the ground again this year. He is trying to raise funds, get sponsors, do all the things that are required for an extremely large and exciting event such as NerdHQ.

I won't do it justice, but I'm happy to help promote this event because ALL OF THE PROCEEDS from the actual event will go to Operation Smile. So while the event is free to anyone attending, there will be things for sale and whatnot, and those proceeds will go towards supporting this incredible organization.

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Totally TMI. In a VIDEO.

Well, it's not THAT horrible as far as the content goes - it's just lonnnng.

This is the longest shortest post of all time, because my writing is super quick and my video is super long and so - well - there you have it.

I was tagged by Alissa Enders and Kelli of Momma Needs a Beer and so I figured it was about time I got this thing recorded and underway. Of course as soon as I sat down to do so I realized that my MacBook Air's camera is not functioning or recognizable or whatever and so I wound up recording myself upstairs on my iPad. And I promise any noises you hear aren't bodily functions, but are the iPad case ... honest.

So, if you're interested in finding out 50 things about me, click the video below and watch the 10 minutes or so to hear what I have to say. And if you're even more interested in things like this? Consider yourself tagged. I'm too out of focus to figure out who hasn't done this already and so I didn't specifically tag anyone. Just cause. Instead I'll tag all of you.



And if you don't watch it or participate - it's okay. No worries. I can handle it and still adore you. Personally I just wanted to get a post up and touch base with y'all before I head off to Type-A Bootcamp in Walt Disney World. Woot! Epcot here I come.

I asked my Facebook peeps what I should eat or drink while I'm there and have a huge list I need to keep on-hand while walking around the park. What about you? When was the last time you were at Epcot and what are your suggestions? Anything I absolutely cannot skip while I'm there?

Okay, that'll be all for today. I do have a book review to get done for you guys for tomorrow, so let me run off and finish that up, a'ight? Ciao for now!

p.s. I think I'm on Bloglovin now ... Check me out.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

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Dance with me!

Yesterday my daughter had her first school dance.

Not the kind of will you dance with me kind of dance we all remember loathing so much.

But the kind where parents attended and it was actually okay that they danced.

Ehem. WE danced.

I might have to admit that I danced more than my daughter did. My seven-year-old daughter. Have I mentioned yet that she's seven now? Probably not. I hold off on that sort of stuff these days.

Sometimes I look at her and see that face that's still the baby I held in my arms.

And then she puts scarves on us both and asks for her fancy shoes (with a request for high heels, but we're not there yet) and is ready to go to the "ball" at her school.

But then we get there and she's running around and sliding across the floor and laughing and crying over a ridiculous little plastic ball-pit type of ball.

It's amazing how she changes in the blink of an eye. Literally.

I know - that word - using that word - she's not really CHANGING as I blink my eyes. But at the dance? One blink meant she went from dancing next to me, all fancy-ish to running around like a little girl playing.  It was as close to literal as possible, so I'm going with it.

Anyway, it was so much fun. I lost track of what I was saying because I am sitting here listening to Pitbull and dancing in my chair. Honest. Dancing. In. My. Chair.

And this morning my daughter was singing about "$20 in my pocket ..." so it's all good.

Isn't it?

Because sometimes you just have to put the rest of your life on hold and DANCE.

Enjoy it. Feel it. Listen to the music. Sing along. Whatever it takes.

Just dance. Do it.

Even if you're sitting in your chair. It's all good.

Dance with me?*

*It's a video with the lyrics and no half-naked Ke$ha, promise. I needed it to be safe for my kiddo to watch with me when I show it to her later!



p.s. I'm linking up today with Tanya for her Small Victories Sunday link-up! Come on over and join me there.

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Sofia The First: Review and Giveaway

Sometimes as a blogger we get cool opportunities. This is one of them that I'm lucky enough to be a part of. Lucky for my daughter, who enjoyed the music so much she found a way to sneak out her bedtime CD and switch it with this one. Cute, right? Sneaky. But cute.

So, where was I? Right - - I'm lucky. And you could be, too. But you have to enter this giveaway first. SOFIA the FIRST, to be exact. *See what I did there?*

Let me tell you some more about Sofia the First: Songs from Enchancia.

I'm giving away not one. Not two. But THREE copies of this CD. And I'd love for you to win one for yourself and your lil one(s)! Why, you ask? Well - stay with me ...

Do you have yourself a little one who is a fan of Sofia The First? If so, you're going to want to check out this video. Definitely. And have your son or daughter watch it with you. As soon as you do you're going to end up with loads of "Mommy, I want that!" and "Can we get that? Can I watch it again?" because it's super cute.




Now for the hard work. It's not hard at all, promise.

All you have to do is enter my Rafflecopter giveaway below and you could win. Easy peasy.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you can't wait to win, you can purchase your own copy of this CD via Amazon or iTunes.

* Disclaimer: I am a participating influencer at The Entertainment New Media Network. I have received free product for review and to give away to my readers. I was not compensated for this review in any way and all expressed opinions are strictly my own. Some links in this post are affiliate links. *

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Amazing Reads Gone Visual!

So this week's Amazing Reads has a switch to it. I'm slacking in the reading department this week, but I have loads of videos I've watched and loved to pieces.

So I figured I'd share some of them here.

It gives me an easy post, too. Heh.

What? It's the holiday season. I'm busy baking eating cookies and whatnot.

A friend shared this this morning and I was crying. Thank you, Conan. Warning, loads of language. NOT child-friendly OR safe for work.



I'm absolutely loving Kellie Pickler's new CD right now. Unfortunately the video has been removed ... ah, well!

Have you seen the WestJet video yet? If you haven't, please watch it. You'll believe in Santa Claus again if you do. Or at the very least in miracles.


Lastly, I shared this on Facebook earlier today. It touched me so. It's so beautiful. You don't have to understand a single word to appreciate it and find yourself moved.



* As I started wrapping up this post it reminded me of my friend Alissa over at Clever Compass who did something similar with her Best of YouTube posts this summer. So thanks, Alissa - for the inspiration to switch up from reads when you're not really reading... much.

Catch you all next week - and be sure to share your favorite reads with me - whether they're your own or someone else's - I love good content!

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Can you help one of your favorite childhood stars? #StartTheVox #ENMNetwork

I am participating in a campaign to promote this show as a representative of the Entertainment New Media Network. I am not being compensated in any way for this campaign, but have decided that it is something I would like to help promote on the actor's behalf. 

Question for you. Do you know who this is? Stick with me now ...

... I'm being totally serious. Do you?

Yeah - me, too. And if I show you his picture and/or say Sean Astin's name I know that the first thing you think of has NOTHING to do with politics.

Admittedly, it's not where my mind goes, either.

But that's where he's headed these days, and it's pretty awesome.

So, sure, Goonies rocked. Not a single football fan wouldn't scream RUDY if they saw him on the street. LOTR fans adore him. He's a well-known name, he's got characters that stick with you.

But he's got a lot more happening, as well.

Take a look ...



Sean's got a great political talk show happening and is working hard to get it funded. He could use your support. OUR support. If you can't contribute would you consider sharing? Think about how many friends you know who would love to help him reach his dream. Joining him on the ground floor of his mission? It sounds pretty cool, doesn't it?

I watched the clip and I'll tell you, I was pleasantly surprised. What did you think? You didn't watch -did you? Fine. Go back and watch now. I'll wait.

See? Professional. Political but NOT controversial. Focused on opening up the lines of communication. Between people of all parties and political affiliations. Sean actually WANTS to hear from people he disagrees with. Not so he can change their/your/our mind(s). But so the conversation can be worthy of so much more than one-sided blathering.

For more info on the Vox Populi Kickstarter Campaign, click through and check it out. There are some interesting perks worth looking into, as well. You can even scroll to the bottom of that page and ask questions directly to Sean and his team. So if the info I've provided isn't enough - head on over. It's worth a read, at least!

Check out what his mom has to say about his motivation and this incredible campaign here on Patty Duke's Facebook page. I often forget that she's his mom. What an awesome celebrity family. I love the pride and support shown there.

Have questions for me? Leave them in the comments. Want to join in on this campaign to share Sean's dreams? Let me know. You, too, can support him with your voice. I know he'd appreciate it. *Small disclaimer: No, I don't know him ... yet. But Entertainment New Media Network is going places. Join me for the ride. Maybe we'll meet him soon?

Thanks for your time, friends. Catch ya' on the flipside!

* I am a member of the Entertainment New Media Network and we help promote, sometimes for a fee, entertainment industry projects we find meaningful. I was provided with information on this fundraising campaign and celebrity show, and as always, all expressed opinions and personal input and information are strictly my own. For the network's full disclaimer head to http://www.ENMNetwork.com/disclaimer *

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Legend of Kung Fu Rabbit, DVD Review

* As a member of Entertainment New Media Network I was provided with a copy of Legend of Kung Fu Rabbit to facilitate my review. I received no other compensation for this post and all expressed opinions are completely my own. Or my daughter's. *

A new super cute movie is out for you - uhm - I mean your kids. Of course I mean your kids!

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Help make Newlywed and Broke a reality! #spon

Disclaimer: I am a member of the Entertainment New Media Network, and we help promote, sometimes for a promotional fee, entertainment industry projects we find meaningful. As always all opinions are my own. For a full disclaimer, visit www.ENMNetwork.com/disclaimer

How many of us have found ourselves counting our pennies before we could order food for dinner? Saving our quarters for the laundromat? Scraping by on Ramen Noodles and Spaghetti-Os? Heading home to mom's to do laundry so you could save money to hit the bar after class or work?

Oh, so you're telling me that I'M the only one who has done that?

Yeah. I don't buy it. You've been there, too, haven't you?

/If you haven't? WHO ARE YOU?/

And if you have? I've got a show for you. Hopefully by the time you get married, if you're not already, you'll be past this point. But in today's economy? Who knows?

My husband and I were married 11 years ago in New York. He worked full time, I worked part time, went to school AND had an internship. Somehow I managed to do all of that in a week of five days. I worked 21 hours, went to school two lonnnggg nights each week AND interned three days a week. Stay with me, I know the math doesn't add up. Somehow we made it work. We budgeted while I balanced all three responsibilities. He traveled every other week for work and I stayed home, making meals of pasta and sauce and some cheese. I love that, don't get me wrong, but when you have to have it? To save your pennies? Yeah - it loses its *essence* - shall we say?

Now, imagine a series of episodes where you can completely relate to a couple struggling to make ends meet, but who still stay connected and strong enough to find the joy and laughter in their day-to-day.

Newlywed and Broke that new single-camera comedy series that is working hard at raising funds to get itself made. Well, the comedy isn't working - YET -  but the creators are!

Primary creators and "characters" Reko and Kat have high hopes that their web series will get underway and they'll find themselves able to pitch to the big stations, like ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX. Then Newlywed and Broke will find themselves on your television sets, and not just your laptops and tablets.

Currently the team is encouraging friends like you to look into contributing "broke tips" via the Newlywed and Broke facebook page, or over at Indiegogo, where you can bid to have one of your tips turned into an episode. Watch the video below for more info on that, and what the goals are for this project!

What do you think? Does it make you laugh? Interest you at all? Then head on over to check out the available perks. Some of them seem a bit quirkily described, but dig in. You'll surely find that you have a single dollar to donate to receive a video from the Newlywed and Broke team via email and feel that you've been a part of something big!

Find the rest of the information about this project and make a donation today over at Indiegogo's Newlywed and Broke campaign page. 

Oh! A huge positive about this campaign you'll want to know?

The project is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non­-profit arts service organization. And contributions are tax­ deductible to the extent permitted by law.

So, to sum it up, make an easy donation, support a fun series, AND get a tax deduction? How could you possibly lose? Check it out today! Newlywed and Broke. The series you won't want to miss.

** Disclaimer: As previously stated, I am a member of the Entertainment New Media Network. I am participating in a campaign to help promote Newlywed and Broke and I am receiving compensation for this post. All opinions and experiences discussed here are strictly my own. Information on Newlywed and Broke has been provided to me by the Entertainment New Media Network to help facilitate this post. 

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Imagination Movers #BackinBlue

* I am writing this post as on behalf of the Entertainment New Media Network. I am not receiving any form of compensation for this post but am a participating member of ENMN and working with them to help share this information. 

If you have a child under the age of - say eight, maybe? - you're sure to know who the Imagination Movers are. I mean, as soon as I mention them the theme song starts running through my head.

Imagination Movers, you got to think about it.
Imagination Movers, you got to talk about it.

Imagination Movers, you got to sing about it.
I think what this situation needs is some imagination!

Between that and Warehouse Mouse, I'm stuck in Movers land straight away. 

And there's good news ... the Imagination Movers have just released a new CD! They're back with Back in Blue. And they (and we) are jumping for joy! 

Back in Blue is available right now, so head on over to get yourself a copy!

Back in Blue on iTunes!

Back in Blue on Amazon!

This new album consists of 26 songs from season three (last season) of the Imagination Movers series as seen on The Disney Channel. These amazing and entertaining guys have written all of the songs and are so excited to get back into the entertainment scene for our kids! (Personally, I miss Nina. I would really like to be friends with her, too!)

If you'd like to hear more music from the Movers and find your kiddos entertained by them for years to come, please spread the word about their new CD. Download it today! Share it with your friends! Head onto your social media channels and offer them whatever support you can. The Movers are back and can't wait to head to your town to entertain you (and your kids ... of course your KIDS!). Enjoy!

* Disclaimer reminder: This is a NON-PAID POST. I am writing this post as on behalf of the Entertainment New Media Network. I am not receiving any form of compensation for this post but am a participating member of ENMN and working with them to help share this information. 

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