Please Donate To Your Local Food Bank.

Of course you've seen the stories.

Local shopping cart filled to the top with toilet paper! Story at 11:00!

Chaos ensues at *fill in the blank store name* - hand sanitizer aisle completely EMPTY!

But what about the food?

What about all the groceries you've bought for you and your family, in case - in case you end up stuck at home like you're in a few inches of ice in North Carolina!

What about the food?

More importantly, what about the people who can't afford to stock up the way that you can?

Can you pick up a few extra boxes of pasta, bags of rice or beans, cans of soup or vegetables, and donate them to your local food bank?

Because food insecurity is a real thing.

And as district after district close schools across the states, we need to know that the children are being fed. And that their families are being fed, as well.

There are many items that could benefit a family or individual in need.

Consider the seniors in your area, those with new babies, and those unable to stock up on all of the paper products like you did.

This graphic below is from the Food Bank of Central and Eastern Carolina, which is my local food bank. I have been volunteering with them for several years as a social media ambassador, and am proud of the work that they do supporting those in need in our community. Take a look at these suggestions - grab a few - and then find a food bank near you.

And if even thinking about heading to the store is just too much? Or if getting to the food bank itself seems impossible? Consider making an online donation.  Whether you do so to Feeding America, the organization which supports food banks across the country, or to your local food bank, the money you contribute will help feed those in need. And there are so so many people who could use your help.

March is National Nutrition Month. What better time to help ensure that children, adults, families everywhere are supported in their journey towards healthy eating?

Please consider sharing and showing your support today.

Your community needs you.

Thanks, y'all.

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so•ca cocina latina

This was my drink. It was called Little Mendoza.
It was a pretty little cocktail with a way not little punch. 

This week was one of the longest weeks in creation.

Seriously.

So. Very. Long.

But fortunately for me, I had a night out with a friend at the delicious so•ca restaurant in Raleigh.

The food at so•ca was delicious. And the atmosphere was fantastic.

It was a weeknight, so it wasn't horribly crowded. And although the temperatures were mellowing out, we decided it would be more comfortable to eat inside.

Actually, I deferred to the host and he suggested inside. We agreed. Comfort over outdoor seating. North Carolina seems to have glossed over spring and it has to be much later in the evening to enjoy an outdoor meal. This is unfortunate, as I love the cooler temps.

Even last night on my way home from dinner (different meal) I opened the window in the Uber and enjoyed the breeze, then looked at the temperature and it was still 80 degrees. What on earth?

But back to so•ca.

We decided to start with a small plate, choosing the Colombian Pan de Yuca.

This picture doesn't do it justice. It was these buttery garlicky cheesy bread bursts with pickled onions. And I probably could have eaten several more servings of it - maybe they'll add an unlimited version to the menu just for me? (A girl can dream.)

I think that the next time I go I'll be ordering several little plates so I can leave room for dessert. Because the dessert options and beverages looked amazing, but I was too full to eat anything else just then.

I ordered the Pollo a la Brasa for dinner. It was beautiful. And delicious. Which matters more, certainly, but still. Look at how pretty it was plated.

The chicken was amazing. So well-cooked. And the avocado and tomatillos? Yum. I will let you know that the green stuff? Salsa verde. A little bit of an unexpected kick for me - the spice wimp - so if you order it and can't do spicy? Be warned. But get it anyway. I'm sure they'll help accommodate your taste needs.

so•ca offers a variety of options for your meal, and I've already decided that I really want to get back there for brunch sometime, because, omg, yum.

Have a look at these huevos rancheros from their Instagram feed? I mean, seriously.

Hello, so•ca brunch, here I come.

View this post on Instagram

Saturday! We are HERE for these huevos rancheros! #stafffavorite #saturdaybrunch

A post shared by so•ca raleigh (@socaraleigh) on May 18, 2019 at 9:31am PDT

So if you're looking for somewhere new to try and can't decide where to go? I highly recommend so•ca. I think you'll find whatever you're looking for and more. And I hope you enjoy it!

* This is not a sponsored post. I went to dinner at so•ca and thought I'd share some info about it with you. I had a wonderful experience and the staff is great, so why not spread the word, right? I hope you decide to go and do let me know how your meal goes. * 

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Morgan Street Food Hall - Raleigh, NC

I have been to Morgan Street Food Hall in Raleigh more than a handful of times.

It has quickly become one of my favorite places to eat.

Whether you're in the mood for empanadas, tacos, pizza, hummus, salad or lobster (yes, you're reading this correctly, I did say lobster), the food hall has you covered!

After attending a press event there and then going back repeatedly with my friend Kate of Life of a Ginger, she and I recently went back to the Food Hall to attended a hosted brunch event with our fellow Triangle bloggers and influencers.

But we were far from the star of the show at this event, y'all.

The vendors and businesses there were incredible. We had so many options to choose from, I likely won't get to spotlight them all, but I would love to introduce you to a few.

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Cantina 18 Raleigh

Cameron Village, a wonderful shopping center in Raleigh, NC is the perfect place for Cantina 18. And these beautiful summery nights are the perfect time to head over there and try out their delicious Southwestern fare with, as they describe it, a Southern drawl.

I had the opportunity to attend a hosted event there about a month ago and since I'm so delayed on all the things I haven't had the chance to get a detailed post up until - well - now.

We had an opportunity to try out some of the items on the Cantina 18 catering menu, and everything was delicious. The setting of the Cantina 18 restaurant is really perfect. I loved being upstairs with the wide open windows and view of the sky over across the parking lot. Sounds weird, I know, but it was a really pretty night. Now, before you ask what I was drinking in order to think the parking lot looked pretty - remember I said the SKY - and that I started off the evening with a refreshing beverage and switched to water soon after. But, looking for a place to say cheers with your friends? This is it.

Now, listen, I have no idea what sort of magic was in the queso, I only wish I'd discovered it sooner. I dove right in, even after enjoying their buffet of fajita deliciousness. I'd pretty much marry the queso if that was an option. In fact, I really wish I had some right now.

Oooh, this queso and the nachos from either Maverick's Smokehouse and Tap Room or Top Of The Hill - sigh, now I really want ALLLLL the nachos.

Anyway, the queso was incredible. All of the food was. I shared a few pics on Instagram to show y'all just how happy it made me. Each and every bite.

Oh - let me not forget that I really need to thank my girl Kate of Life of a Ginger for getting me out of the house! We went to enjoy this meal together and had, as always, a fantastic time.

A huge thanks to the team at Cantina 18 in Raleigh for hosting us. The food was incredible and I definitely plan on coming back - especially for more of that queso!

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Kanki Restaurant for Hibachi Entertainment

I recently had an opportunity to have dinner and drinks at Kanki Restaurant in Durham, and the meal was one of the best I've had in quite some time. Please note that while I was hosted by Kanki, my personal thoughts about the dining experience are what I've shared here with you.

I was invited to come on out and bring a friend, and so my friend Kate of Life of a Ginger and I spent several hours enjoying appetizers, drinks, dinner and a wonderful Hibachi chef (Shout out to Ricky!) perform for us as he diced and chopped and lit our veggies aflame!

Have a look at how deliciously entertaining this meal was by checking out my Facebook Live video:


The meal itself was delicious. We had our appetizers and drinks in the bar area, before heading to the Hibachi table (as shown above^). I had edamame - which is always a favorite. I also enjoyed one of their specialty drinks, while Kate tried sake for the first time with a fruit infused sake flight sampler. And I will admit that I had never tried flavored sake before and this may very well have changed my opinion of sake for good.

And I love the variety on Kanki's seasonal menu. I didn't see it before I ordered my appetizer and drink, or those flash friend Brussels sprouts and Godiva martini might have been the way to go for me.

I have learned that they've recently updated their seasonal menu - and are now offering amazing dishes like Korean Fried Chicken and Black Tiger Shrimp. I am pretty sure that I would try the chicken and that Kate would get the shrimp, but which one would you choose?

The staff at Kanki were welcoming and friendly, and, of course, entertaining. And the meal itself was one I won't soon forget. I've been already missing the Hibachi chicken and rice.

Along with this wonderful meal, the Kanki team has given me something for my local friends. Use coupon code GOODGIRLGONEREDNECK to receive a free appetizer with purchase of an entrée.

Want to find out more about what's offered at Kanki in Durham? My friend Tiffany of TheMrsTee has information about Kanki's business lunch over at her place. Stop by and tell her I sent you.

As indicated, this dinner was hosted by Kanki Restaurant. All expressed opinions are my own.

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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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Introducing Harvest Time Foods Gluten Free Products

* This post is brought to you by the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. All opinions are strictly my own. * 

Wishing you could enjoy a taste of home like you used to but finding that your dietary restrictions don't allow it?

I have some incredible news! Harvest Time Food has a gluten free line that you're going to devour, especially when it comes to those incredibly delicious Anne's dumplings. That's right - you can make yourself some chicken and dumplings and not worry about a thing.

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Raise A Glass To TOPO Organic Distillery

* This event was coordinated by the NCSocial Facebook group (run by me and Kate Kelly of Life of a Ginger) and TOPO Organic Distillery. The distillery tour was hosted, as was much of the meal. All attendees purchased their own dinner entrées. *

I live in Durham, so I'm not over in Chapel Hill very often. That said - I absolutely must remedy that. Because after my tour of the TOPO Distillery and dinner at Top of the Hill? I need to go back. As in, really, really, really need to go back. 

The drink was lovely. Quality liquor without a horrible aftertaste or a rubbing alcohol smell to it. 

The food? Incredible. I could live off of the appetizers, certainly, and the Moonshine Mule I got to drink? Yeah. Dangerous. Tasted like Sprite. So good. So so good. 

And my dinner was amazing. So, as I said, I need to go back. And I'm quite certain that you need to go there, too. 

Let me talk about the distillery first. 

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Today Is A New Day

Or at least, that's what I tell myself.

Because I have to. As a mom. As a woman. I have to tell myself that today is a new day and things will be very much the same, and very different, all at the same time.

No?

Don't you agree?

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Help Support the 24th Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive!

It's that time again!

Saturday, May 14, 2016 is the 24th annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive run by the National Association of Letter Carriers. Which means that the easiest way to donate food happens right at your door. Or mailbox. Or both - pretty much however you want to look at it, you get the opportunity to do good - and all it takes is leaving a bag of nonperishables for your letter carrier to pick up as a part of this incredible campaign.

I am a social media ambassador for my local food bank in North Carolina, and a part of my role is to spread awareness about the importance of food donations to our community food banks. There are so many people in need of assistance and YOUR HELP can be what ensures that they have food on the table for their families in the coming months.

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It's North Carolina Beer Month. Let's Talk Beer.

Over the last month or so my husband has jumped full steam ahead into a new hobby.

Home-brewing. Is that one word, or two? Home brewing. Brewing beer at home.

Making his own beer.

Did you know that April is North Carolina Beer Month? Yeah, I didn't either. Until - well - beer. Being brewed in my home. It's kind of stinky when it gets started and I've banned him from doing that stinky step inside the house for future brews. Outside he goes. And yes, there will be future brews.

Honestly? I think it's much easier to head out about town and find yourself a good brew or two to sip thoughtfully while watching the game or hanging with friends. But for now it's a part of our family's busy schedule. Beer brewing and bottling and the like.

So when the opportunity to introduce you (and myself) to Charlotte Craft Beer came along through the NC Blogger Network, I decided I absolutely needed to participate. Because craft beer? And my husband's new past-time? Perfect together.

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Whisk: Quality Kitchenware and Classes in Cary, NC

* This is a review post. My daughter attended a cooking class at Whisk recently for me to review. I am not receiving compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are either mine or my daughter's. *

About a week or so before Easter my daughter and I went over to Whisk to attend a class for kids in which they'd be preparing holiday treats. Initially I thought that I was supposed to stay with her for the session and work with her. But when I arrived I learned that this was a totally parent-free class. Score!

This particular class was more like a workshop and included arts and crafts activities for the attendees along with the food prep. Whisk referred to the class as their first mini-camp, which ran longer than their usual two hour kids' classes do.

Whisk has a variety of classes on their calendar for this spring and summer. They have parent-child combination classes, along with adults-only classes, including some on Friday evenings that are geared towards those in search of a date night or girls' night out.

Their schedule includes demonstration classes for those who prefer to learn visually, or perhaps find cooking entertaining and would rather watch. Then there are the hands-on courses where skill development is the primary goal. And lastly are the participation courses where you'll be cooking and prepping along with your instructors. And then, of course, eating!

Now, back to my daughter's hard work that Saturday morning. She barely knew I was leaving after she sat down at the Whisk counter. Take a look ...

This class was so much fun for my daughter and she absolutely wants to return to Whisk to attend another lesson. It's fun, laid back and non-stressful for the kids. AND the parents. My kiddo came home with a variety of fun treats for the family to share (1. an edible arrangement, 2. purple deviled eggs, 4. bunny cake) and a really cute craft (image 3, a lamb flower pot).

And of course, before leaving I decided to walk around some. That was probably a mistake, as I didn't leave there without a purchase. I bought my first cast iron skillet! (Sssh, don't tell anyone I haven't used it yet. I'm slightly intimidated!)

The inventory at Whisk is phenomenal. Their products are of the highest quality. They carry brand names such as LE CREUSET, Lodge, Cuisinart, Kenwood and more. And yet one of the cool things about Whisk is that they're a local shop and Dan and Diana Saklad truly care about your shopping experience. They love cooking and they want you, their potential customer, to love it, too. Dan stood and spoke with me for a while as I waffled back and forth between skillets and eventually had my husband come in to help me decide which to buy. As a cast iron novice I was totally confused. He had loads of details and information to share, and so did his on-the-money staff.

Overall our experience at Whisk was a fantastic one. I would definitely recommend a kids' cooking class to anyone whose child is interested in fun food prep and I'm hoping to get there to take one for myself one of these days.

Also - I liked the store so much my husband and daughter popped in and got me a gift card for Mother's Day! Looks like I'll be back and shopping again soon. Hope to run into you there!


* This is a review post. My daughter attended a cooking class at Whisk recently for me to review. I am not receiving compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are either mine or my daughter's. *

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Listen to THESE Mothers. #LTYM

* One of the incredible mommas participating in this year's Listen To Your Mother show has connected with me to help me give away these two tickets for this event. I am not being compensated in any way for it, I just want to help support the show and the incredible cause, AND help someone attend who might not have had the chance to! *

If you know any woman who is a mom and is a blogger and are Facebook friends with them you've probably heard of Listen To Your Mother. In fact, I'm almost sure of it.

My Facebook feed has been blowing up these last few weeks with these incredible women (and some men, too, by the way!) as they prepare, attend, share and open up for the 2014 Listen To Your Mother events. This year the show hits 32 cities, and I'm lucky enough to share that the "Triangle" is one of them again.

If you haven't yet had a chance to read about the show, please take a few minutes to do just that. Listen To Your Mother is an opportunity for the participants to share their own personal stories about motherhood. Whether they relate to their own experiences as moms, their relationships with their own mothers, pretty much any spin you can think about putting together with your stories of moms make up the show.

I'll tell you my own small personal story and share that I auditioned for Listen to Your Mother last year. It was a moving and powerful experience - just doing that alone. I *may* have cried a little. I wasn't chosen to participate so I didn't wind up attending (transportation difficulties), but I have watched many clips of various readings across the board and found myself moved in different ways each time. So many emotional and touching moments. Stories shared that you just won't want to miss out on.

This year's event has partnered with SAFEchild, a local organization whose mission statement shares that they are committed to eliminating child abuse in Wake County by helping adults and children create nurturing environments free from abuse and neglect.

And lucky for you ... I've got two tickets to give away!

The show in Raleigh will take place on Thursday, May 8th at 7:30pm and I've got two seats with your name on them. The show will take place at the Kenan Auditorium at William Peace University.

All you need to do to enter is share a small memory of motherhood with me. Whether it's about your own journey as a mom, your own mom or grandmother, your mother-in-law ... just give me a few lines and you could be the winner. And you'll thank me - I promise.

And if you can't wait a few days to see if you've won you can purchase your own LTYM tickets.

The stories you'll hear that evening will make you laugh, cry and everything in between. So enter now. And thanks. For supporting the women who will brave the stage that night. AND for remembering moms everywhere as you sit back and join them.

* This is not a sponsored post. I'm a fan of the Listen to Your Mother concept and love that there are so many cities participating this year. I hope that each of my readers can get to a show near them, and I'm thrilled to have an opportunity to offer two tickets to someone in my area for the Raleigh-Durham show. I have not been compensated in any way for this post, nor will I be. I'm sharing this information and this giveaway because I want to. Thanks to my friend Stephanie of Scattermom.com for providing me with the tickets for this event!* 

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Run Like a Mother®

Today was the first day in AGES that I got myself outside and actually went for a walk/run. I often call it that but who am I kidding? It's almost always a walk. But I actually threw some jogging into the mix today, and guess what? I not only survived - but I liked it!

I did a weird pattern of walk 5 minutes, jog 5 minutes, repeated and then walked a final 15 minutes. It's totally not what the training people at Run Like a Mother recommend for novices like me, but sometimes you have to give yourself a little boost to remind yourself you CAN do it.

And so I did.

I'm lucky enough to be among a handful of bloggers participating in the annual Run Like a Mother event this year on Mother's Day in the Raleigh, NC area.

I'm actually supposed to be participating in the training program, but of course, my schedule is completely out of whack. I haven't made it to any of the training events - but I'm trying to follow along with the details they gave us when I made my training materials choice.

What's really cool about this event is that it's just for women. And the mission of Run Like a Mother is geared towards women.

The mission of Run Like a Mother® is to fuel a woman’s journey toward health and wellness. 

Empower with education and training programs. Inspire with communities, events and races. 

Enable through programs and partnerships. Run Like a Mother® Isn’t Just a Race, It’s Our Way of Life. 

Contact us at info@runlikeamother.com.

Run Like A Mother® is an inspiring, celebratory event involving the entire family that engages women at 

every stage of a woman’s life.  We are a community of women joined together by the power of running 

who share a desire to live healthy, balanced lives.  We offer support, motivation, inspiration and education.  

The people over at Run Like a Mother have given me a t-shirt and a tote bag to give away to one of my readers. The bag is super cute - says this bag-aholic individual. Take a look ...

The tee is nice, too, but I don't have one yet as the one I got was too tiny. So if you're lucky, you might be a local mama and I might pass along the extra t-shirt I have to one of you!

Just let me know what your running goals are for 2014. Or your fitness goals, if running isn't a part of them. And don't forget to check out the Run Like a Mother race and training programs over on their website. 

There's a coupon live right now for a discount on race registration - but hurry! - it's going to expire soon. And you don't have to live in my area to participate. There are several events across the country for you to look into and consider attending. Each event will also have a 1-mile fun run for the kids!

To find out more about Run Like a Mother you can head over to the Run Like a Mother Facebook page or check them out on Twitter @Rlamrace.

* I was provided with access to the Run Like a Mother training program and registration for the Raleigh, NC race on Mother's Day, 2014 for writing this post. I was also provided with a tote bag and t-shirt to give away to one of my readers. All expressed opinions are strictly my own. *

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Shop A Small Business Today!

Recently on facebook I asked my friends to share their personal business websites so I could share them with all of you. So I'm figuring on sharing some of my favorites with you all, and I plan on including a few that I've only just learned about, too.

I recently found out that Natasha is a crafty mama. This woman sews like nobody's business. And I'll tell you how I know... because I saw this on Instagram and decided I had to have it. And so now I do.

Isn't it cute? It's really well made and I love it. You can get one for yourself, or for someone else, or check out her other items over at Houseful Of Stitches.

Moving on to another talented mama that I've met through the world of blogging, let me introduce you to A'Driane. Goodness, talk about an ability to create. She's got a beautiful display of her work at her shop, and is actually running an incredible sale right now, too. Save 30% on one of her paintings for the next week or two - but don't miss out - they're sure to sell fast. Check them out at abstractionsByaddyeB.

One of my favorite shops can be found at Christine & Co. Design. I absolutely love the jewelry that she makes, and I bought myself a necklace from her a while back because I was completely drawn to it. Her work is beautiful but you're going to have to check it out for yourself.

Another of my favorite creative people is Robin Plemmons of  Lemons with a Pea. Her creations will leave you laughing, but will also leave you wanting some piece of her creativity for your very own. While her sense of humor shows in her work, so does her heart. Trust me, you're gonna love this chick.

And speaking of chicks, one of my bestest friends in the whole wide universe has just launched her own Etsy shop, and I'd love it if you'd take a look. One Loopy Chick is busting her b-- well, her fingers off to earn enough money to get her incredible son a special needs stroller. Her crafty little critter are too cute, and a perfect gift for the person who has everything else you can think of. Click through to her profile for more on her story, if you would.

Jodi of Jodi's Cards has such beautiful ideas. She'll even send your holiday cards out FOR you with her special holiday card service. Look into it, because handmade cards rock, AND having someone handle all that extra for you? omg, why wouldn't you want that? For an example of her talent, just take a look at her gallery.

And if you happen to be local or anywhere in the North Carolina area, and you're looking for a photographer for ... say ... your holiday cards, or your upcoming family event, look no further than Red Bridge Photography. Annie and Rebecca are beyond talented. They're absolutely amazing. The way they engage with their clients, the moments they capture for you? There are no words. Go look at their website. Email them. Reach out and find out if they can come to where you are. You'll thank me later. I promise.

And since I mentioned it, let's talk travel. Are you looking to take a trip to Disney? Let my friend Crystal help you do that. She also works with various businesses to help you plan your cruise vacation, and can probably help you figure out a lot of the really important details you'll never think of when you're making your plans! Crystal can be found over at Magical Vacations by Crystal and not a single person I know has ever been steered wrong by this magical mama!

There were more friends who shared their businesses with me, but I just don't have the room to share everybody. I might have to do a second post. And a third. And I'll just keep 'em coming if you're interested.

And on that note, it's ONE O'CLOCK. IN THE MORNING. I MUST GO TO SLEEP!

Please shop small. It's a person you're supporting when you do. And more often than not, it's a friend of someone you know. And that? Alone? Totally ROCKS.

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PPD Story + Mega Mom Support!

I'd like to introduce you to my friend Jodi. Jodi is sharing her PPD experience to help promote awareness and to help support a local organization, Moms Supporting Moms, a part of Postpartum Education and Support.

I had my breakdown a year ago next month. It was a Monday morning, still very clear in my mind, and I was 8 weeks postpartum with my second child. My son was sick, again, and I was crying so hard I could barely text my mom to have her come over immediately. I waited anxiously at the door with a screaming, ill child and greeted her by handing over my son, saying, “I can’t do this anymore.” She had me call my doctor that morning, and I can’t thank her enough for starting me on the road to accepting and recovering from PPD.

The anxiety and depression were both new to me, and I only experienced mild baby blues with my daughter. N was a huge Christmas morning surprise to my husband and me (two pink lines? What?) and nine months later my cute little boy was born, unaware of the challenges that awaited him. He had a very bumpy first three months and was sick often: N had everything from harlequin color change to dairy intolerance. All of this weighed me down, spending countless hours at doctor appointments, pharmacies, and “researching” on the internet. I was overwhelmed. I felt guilty, exhausted, constantly sick to my stomach, and I cried many, many times a day. I didn’t want to show any sign of weakness.

My anxiety came in the form of the clock; it was my worst enemy. I would time N’s feedings with a stopwatch, starting the timer before getting him latched on just to add a few extra seconds. I couldn’t help myself, and I knew it was silly, but it’s just what I HAD to do. I had alarms on when to feed him, when to wake him, when I should wake, when I should sleep, and I was basically driving myself over the edge. I didn’t sleep much, and the insomnia was becoming dangerous: I vividly remember driving alone one night and seriously considering crashing my car just so I could get some rest in a hospital.

My depression surfaced during those long, lonely hours at night. I dreaded the sun going down, because I felt so ALONE, and was I left with my fears and guilt. My husband was fantastic and caring, my parents were helpful, but I just couldn’t shake the darkness that enveloped my life. I felt like I was living in a deep black hole and struggling not to sink deeper. I was scared to be alone with both children, scared to leave the house, and scared to admit that I needed help and wasn’t as strong as I thought.

Through an online moms forum, TriangleMommies.com, I read about Moms Supporting Moms and was willing to give it a chance. After sobbing my way through my introduction and hearing others talk, I felt so comforted knowing that I wasn’t crazy and that there were moms there that *got* my feelings of guilt, anxiety, and depression. If it weren’t for the caring and understanding moms I met through MSM, along with my wonderful family, I wouldn’t have been able to heal like I have. It’s been a long road, but light and happiness now fill my life, and I say yes, I can beat PPD. So can you.

If you live in the Triangle area and you'd like to participate in a walk to support PES and postpartum depression/anxiety awareness, please look here for more details on their upcoming Strollerthon!

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Would YOU like to attend the Southern Women's Show?

If you're in the Triangle area, or anywhere near it, I've got a great deal for you ...

I'm pairing up with the Southern Women's Show in Raleigh to give away tickets!

And yes, it is this weekend, but don't worry - they'll hold the tickets at will call for you if you happen to enter and win here with me.

And it's so super crazy easy to do.

First, let me tell you a little bit about the event!

The Southern Women's Show is going to be held at the NC State Fairgrounds on Friday, April 8th through Sunday, April 10th.

Address for the Fairgrounds: 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607

You'll line up with people like this:

And then you'll walk through crowds like this:

And you'll find yourself searching through incredible options like these!

There are loads of exhibitor coupons on the website here, and you'll save on deals at vendors such as:

~ River Expeditions
~ Passion Parties by Patty
~ Scentsy
~ Judy's Gifts & Jewelry, LLC
~ Harvest Time Foods, Inc.

And many more.

So in order to enter just leave me a comment here and let me know how many tickets you would like and who you'd bring with you to the Southern Women's Show this year if you win.

And for an extra entry, follow me on GFC.

** I have not been compensated in any way for this post. The Southern Women's Show is going to grant my readers free tickets in exchange for my posting this information! I'm not even 100% sure I'm going to make it to the event, myself. I hope my winners have a blast. Thanks so much! **

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