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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Friday Free Write: Good Eats

So. I know. It's another Friday. In case you haven't noticed, I've been working pretty hard around here. I finally got my new header live. I'm excited about this. I love it. It's got the look and feel I've wanted to have over on my site for a while. A lonnnnng while.

Unfortunately, the template/format isn't exactly the way I wanted, but I worked on it for a hot minute the other morning and pulled something together. It's not perfect, but it's going to be. Whenever I find my way back to perfection, or something.

Anyway, today's post is a free write about some good eats. Including pictures.

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Do I have anything in my teeth?

It's been a while since I headed over to Mama Kat's place to find myself one of her writing prompts, but today I so felt like getting prompted - does that even make sense? - and so I popped on by.

What a beautiful surprise to find out that the first prompt was inspired by the lovely Shell over at Things I Can't Say! #BONUS It's an inquiry of the top ten things that make you smile. Perfect! I love this idea!

And then I thought. And thought. And viola! Novel idea from me ... wait for it ...

So, you know how people (ehem, who? me?) tend to share pictures of what they are eating and/or cooking and/or want to be eating and/or drinking on all aspects of social media?

Well, I decided to do a culinary documentation here, and dig through Facebook and Instagram and find you some of my favorite culinary treats. Maybe it's because The Next Food Network Star is over and I'm feeling a hole in my life? Or something. But here goes!

Dad's Chicken Soup 

aka

Jewish Penicillin 

And you can't have chicken soup without ...

Matzo Balls!

Whoop whoop! From scratch! Go, me!

Fried Green Tomatoes

Hushpuppies

KALE!!

Kale chips with a little parmesan cheese. Ah! YUM!

Marinara sauce from scratch. 

It's a big deal, people. I used real garlic cloves. 

Real ones! Woo hoo!

Black and White Cookie.

New York City style. 

Trifles. 

Only I haven't made one yet. 

This one's pretty cute, though, right?

I'm gonna stop there. Because I know you won't follow me on Instagram anymore if I don't. Because I just don't have enough pictures to make a list of ten. Yeah. That must be it.

Anyway, I think this goes to show you for sure that I'm a Jewish Southern girl from New Yawk, all the way. Hushpuppies, fried green tomatoes and chicken soup with matzo balls and homemade marinara on the same list? That's me. In a nutshell.

Hope you enjoyed my masterpiece collection. Stick with me. I'm sure to have more to share in the coming months. I'm really working at cooking from scratch more often, so maybe next time ALL of my pictures will contain food made by me ... what? You didn't think I made that cookie, did you?

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AMF Summer Steals!

#ad: I am participating in the One2One Network's ad campaign for AMF Unplugged/Summer Pass programs again this year. I'm not being compensated in any way but am eligible to receive a prize. Honestly, I love this freebie so much I figured why not volunteer? I share the info every year and if it helps SOMEONE on one extremely hot day this summer? Well ... that'll be worth it. Honest. It's freakin' hot out there!

It's summertime, and you know what that means, right? 

AMF's Summer Unplugged and Summer Pass programs are up and running again!

Summer Unplugged is their awesome program where kids bowl free daily until 8pm. 

Yes. DAILY. 

TWO games. EVERY SINGLE DAY. 

If your kids are like mine and like to do the same thing over and over and over again? This is even more awesome for you, seriously. 

Bowling for free. This summer. Every day. Two games. Bring the kids. Get your friends to bring their kids. Give the lil ones a ball and let 'em roll. Seriously. Do it. 

It's so easy to register, too. Just head on over to the Summer Unplugged info page and you'll find quick and simple step-by-step instructions. You register, you'll get email info and you're good to go. 

The program is already underway and runs through early September, so you'll be set through the whole summer and finish up right as school starts (for some) or shortly thereafter. 

And they've tweaked their program this year so you don't have to print out new coupons or emails every week. All you need to do is have your membership card on-hand and be ready to go! AND ...

Find that two games aren't enough for your crew? 

Spend an extra $1.49 and you're covered for another game. It's their Stay and Play option, and for a few extra bucks it might be worth it to beat the heat. 

AMF also has a great deal on summer passes for adults right now that covers the same timeframe as their Unplugged program!

Spend $34.95 and you're covering two games for yourself (as the pass owner) and THREE GUESTS (age 16+)! What? That's crazy!!! I might have to consider that for myself this season!

Not sure if there is an AMF location near you? Head on over to check out the AMF Centers info today and find out.

Reminder: I am participating in the One2One Network's ad campaign for AMF Unplugged/Summer Pass programs again this year. I'm not being compensated in any way but am eligible to receive a prize. I just like the program so much that I want to share the details. And I promise, it's worth it, even if you only use it once, what's it harm you to fill out the form and get this freebie? Nada. Nothing. No worries at all. So go on. Do it. And enjoy!

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Seven. It's coming.

I'm all over the map this morning.

Probably because my daughter woke up before I did. Before my husband did.

And last night when I told him I was going to wake her up earlier this AM to help her get to bed earlier I did not mean QUITE THIS EARLY.

I actually meant like right now early. (He's been gone over an hour. She was up before us both, playing in our room and traumatizing one of the dogs as she played with one of the cats. Oy.)

I've put a laundry in. Need to unload the dishwasher. And refill it again. Do these things EVER find themselves empty? No? No. I didn't think so.

So my daughter finished Kindergarten a few weeks ago. I'm not sure why I write it with a capital K. I just do. It's amazing that one year of school is down. It's amazing that her next birthday (granted, it's not until February, but still ...) she will turn seven.

Seven!

I got my ears pierced when I was seven. I've always said that *maybe* that would be a good time for her to get hers done, too.

But then when seven shows up - peeking through the windows and knocking down doors? - WHAT?

Where did my baby go?

I'm not truly feeling crazy with emotion about the end of K. Maybe because they didn't have a graduation or a stepping up ceremony or anything like that?

They did have a small K field day. Which is not to be confused with their full school field day(s). We (the husband and I) went to that for a few hours. The K-specific one. It was interesting. Confusing. And fun for the kids.

I'm not sure why I'm stuck in K mode right now. My mentality should have wrapped that up already, no? I've actually recapped it twice. I've stocked up on wine for the summer. And I've recapped with Kindergarten survival stories. And we're good. It's all good.

And the summer lays straight ahead. We're already off to a great start. Several boat rides under our belts, AND we got her her first belt! It's pretty and sparkly and she loves it. Me? I loathe belts. But she's excited, so I am, too. I went up a size. Or a something. So she would have it for a while. Why is it that moms hope they'll have things for years and yet we know they're going to grow bored or frustrated or not in the mood for it in the coming years anyway and we just say, it's okay, we want it to last? I'm not the only one who says/thinks stuff like that, right?

I feel like I'm not done with this post. I have so much more to say today, and yet my mind is either two steps behind me, or maybe ahead? I'm already writing something else. Already looking for words. Beauty. Emotions. Thoughts. Dreams.

My heart carries so much. Carries hers deep within itself.

I'm trying really hard to be a great mom this summer. I'm lacking in so many things. I'm not driving yet and the guilt is heavy on my soul. It's only the second week. There is so much more time ahead. So many plans. So much to do. To see. To be.

And I feel stuck already. Trying to hold onto the summer of six.

Because seven.

Seven.

It's coming.

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I let my mind race and I write.

Random factoids that are on my mind today.

* My nails are growing like crazy. I finally took my polish off and am letting them breathe. They're doing well. I probably just jinxed myself, but still. Growth is good.

* My very favorite ice cream place is now open for the summer and we went last night. I'm a huge vanilla fan, but I love love love their chocolate shakes. I had one, and it was in a red Solo cup.

* Which is a song I enjoy now and then.

* And makes me think of Glee.

* Which I am a few episodes behind in watching, but I will get there. Eventually. That's what summer is for, right? And the DVR.

* I'm a non-closeted pop-country song fan. I like some old school country, but the newer stuff? Yep.

* Blake Shelton, for one. I'm so excited to go see him in concert in August. Yahoo!

* I watched the tribute to Oklahoma the other night. Lots of country stuff. Hootie was on! He sang one of his new-ish country songs. And then yesterday I heard him on the radio and he was a blowfish again. And singing 'Let Her Cry,' which I love and flashed me back to when I saw them in concert, back in 1996, maybe ...? Wow. Long long time ago.

* American Pie is an earworm that will stick with you for a longggg time.

* As is Maroon 5's Payphone.

* Is factoid a word? It seems like it is or should be. I like it. So I'm using it.

* We went out on the lake every day of the weekend. Friday evening, Saturday, and today. Today was a daytime cruise. We had breakfast on the boat. Yesterday we had some friends join us and the kiddo loved hanging with one of her best buds.

* Sunscreen needs to be applied on the backs of one shoulders, especially near the edges of tank tops.

* Pringles makes a honey mustard chip. It's interestingly yummy.

* We went for BBQ today, but I just realized that they didn't have hush puppies. They did have awesome mac-n-cheese, though. And I got fried okra, but dang, it was salty.

* I started reading Inferno yesterday. Dan Brown's latest. I hope I find myself sucked into it. I need that kind of read right now.

* I owe you all a bunch of reviews. I'm trying to catch up but I do this to myself every year at this time. It's that pre-summer I want to read ALL.THE.BOOKS and then I start trying to and it just sneaks up on me and I'm not done with all I want to be done!

* I'm addicted to taking pictures. Did you not guess that already? I took a bunch out on the lake this weekend, trying to capture that perfect moment ... or two ... or ten.

* Here are a few of what I got so far. We'll see how the summer goes. I've got plenty of time.

* Getting outside is critical. It exhausts you in a way that not many people get otherwise. It even works on six-year-olds. Kinda' sorta'.

* And Vitamin D is a good thing. For you. Your kids. Your spouse. Everyone. Just be sure to use your sunscreen.

* It's amazing how beautiful Mother Nature can be, and yet, how terrifying. We got home the other night after the most still and peaceful boat ride and I turned on the TV to find out about pending tornadoes on Oklahoma. Again. I wish for safer days for those in the area, and wish for Mama Nature to go take a nap. A good one. A calm one. An uninterrupted one.

I hope your weekend was a great one, my friends. And I'll catch you later in the week. Hopefully with one or two of those book reviews ...

Off to figure out if we actually need to eat dinner or if our late lunch was enough. Hey - there's always Pringles!

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Taking pictures w. the #BlackberryZ10 #VZWA

* I have received a BlackberryZ10 phone and service to use for three months as provided to me by Verizon Wireless. This post reflects my personal experiences while using the phone and its features as a Verizon Wireless ambassador. I am not further compensated for this post. It is an honest review of the Z10's camera features. *

I went to the zoo with my daughter's kindergarten class the other day.

Pause. Take a moment to let that sink in, would you? I. Went to the zoo. On a field trip. With 20-something kindergarteners. AND three other K classes.

Yes.

I did it.

And I survived!

And I brought my BlackberryZ10 phone with me. See it? *Look down!*

It's as sleek as ever, easy to use, and my absolute favorite feature is the camera. It seriously might be giving the Samsung Galaxy S3 camera a run for its money!

One of the best things about the Z10's camera is the instant touch to take a picture. You don't have to find the camera "shutter" when you want to take your shot, you just tap the screen and the picture is yours. Capture the moment immediately!

This is especially beneficial when taking pictures of children. And, as you'll see in a moment, animals.

Getting my 6-year-old to stay still for a few shots to be sure I've caught the right one is never easy. But with the Blackberry Z10 I'm in luck. I'm actually able to take a handful of pictures before she blinks. Tap - tap - tap! No fumbling for the small circle on your screen. Just hit it anywhere. I've taken pictures of myself and friends using my knuckle on the screen. Seriously. It worked!

And look at how crisp and sharp these pictures turned out:

Excuse my giant head, I was kind of close to the camera, going for the "There's an elephant right behind you!" kind of shot. And hey - it worked!

These images have only been edited to include my @goodgirlgoneredneck watermark-tag. I have not filtered or touched them up in any way. They're awesome. If I do say so myself. Keep looking ...

Do I not seem as though I am right next to the animals? I mean, if you're going by these shots, I could reach out and touch them, right? Obviously that's not true - but this camera made me really happy. I didn't even bring my regular digital camera with me. I stuck with the phone and was glad I saved myself from having to carry something extra.

I did tweak the following picture a bit because I wanted to blur out my daughter's classmates, but I love how the camera caught her looking into the water - a beautiful glow and pretty shot - as she looked for the seals, or maybe something else? I forget!

SO, if you're looking for a new phone and a great camera is a critical characteristic, I can tell you that so far the Z10 is a huge hit with me.

More on the phone's other features soon ... just stay with me and check out the #VZWA and #VZWVoices hashtags for more discussions.

* Reminder: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless ambassador program at this time. Verizon Wireless has provided me with a phone and three months of service in exchange for my honest review of the product. #VZWA #VZWVoices *

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Have you seen my pictures lately? #VZWA

I'm totally addicted to Instagram. Have you been following me on there lately?

If you're a new friend, you may not have noticed the increase in my Instagram photography, but I can guarantee I'm even more addicted than before since I've had the Samsung Galaxy S3 to play around with.

You can look to the upper righthand side of the page here for a small sampling of my Instagram shots. Almost all of them (likely all, but just in case!) were taken with this phone. And they pretty much rock.

I mentioned in my previous post (see below for link) that I am in love with the camera on this phone. For the most part that remains true. A few quirks I'll get to later and we'll see what you think when I weigh out the exceptional pros and the occasional con.

So, let's begin!

I received my phone before heading to New York for vacation and was happy to test out my camera with some scenic shots.

A beautiful Brooklyn sky:

It's really pretty, right? Captures the blue sky, the red and orange tons of the sun as it is setting, the crispness of the contrast between the clouds and the sky. I sound all corny, but I like taking pictures, as if you couldn't guess.

And then we went to see the in-laws in Maine. They live off a pond and it was a perfect opportunity to test out the camera.

Quiet moment on the pond:

No filter has been added to either of those images, I've only watermarked them with a property of notation.

So those are still shots, which are obviously easy to capture, but the quality of the camera is pretty impressive for a cell phone, at least any cell phone I've ever used for photo-taking purposes.

 I used the phone the other night at a baseball game. I even took some shots of the fireworks display. A few of them came out well, and a few of them came out blurry. I did want to share a night shot, to show that with the flash I was able to capture the kids in the darkness, even though I could barely see where they were standing myself!

Watching in awe:

Again, no filter and a still object, but nighttime and pretty dark (they were facing the fireworks so you can see there were none in the air at the time of this shot) and it still came out pretty well.

So those are some of my positives about the camera in the Galaxy S3. I'm a fan so far. Even with the negatives I've experienced. The camera does tend to crash, or simply close on me, when I'm setting myself up to take a picture. I don't know if I happen to hit a button, or I set something off or what, exactly. But it is super sensitive.

Sometimes I get really blurry shots. It's easy to find yourself chasing down your kid or your pet and wind up with part of the shot showing up clearly and the rest of it in a whir of motion. No different than my camera, which may not say much for my camera, but I am noticing that it captures more of the shot than my regular cell does. Or I should say did, as I'm rarely using that camera now that I have this one.

And as you can say for most things, there are certainly more positives and negatives to discuss, so weighing the pros and cons is what I'll continue to do as I use both, the phone and the camera. I'll be sharing all of it here with you, so stay tuned for more posts with my honest feedback.

* I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Ambassador Program and have been provided with a wireless device and three months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.

For more information on my experience with this phone, see: New Apps and my Galaxy S3

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Behind ... I am so.

I'm so behind.

I've been meaning to write about my fitness revolution, or whatever you want to call it, but lately I've been slack. I'm getting back on track, though. Last week I walked for 50+ minutes three times. Me and a friend. Which was excellent.

This week I've done one walk so far, and it was also over 50 minutes, so that's good, but I need to get back on track. The long weekend threw me off but is no excuse.

I did, however, go swimming twice over the weekend. Not hugely long windows of swim, but we were at the lake and did some water time after anchoring the new boat. It was refreshing, slightly awesome, somewhat freaky (water shoes are a must - even if you're not remotely close to touching the bottom!) and a serious workout.

Cause holy crap! Fighting to stay close to the boat against the current of the lake, and the waves/wakes caused by passing boats? Tis NO JOKE.

My arms were definitely feeling it.

Have I mentioned before that I have like NO upper body strength? As in AT ALL. No. Seriously. None.

Anyway, last week my weigh in had me at a little over a pound down, which made me happy. Showed me I'm getting back on track. Or trying to.

And then - yesterday I kind of lost my mind. For a hot minute. Literally. Hot.

I bought a deal for Bikram Yoga classes on Living Social. Five of them. FIVE.

What the WHA?

Yeah, I'm not sure what I was smokin', but I decided to just go ahead and do it.

Also? I signed up for the Heart Walk in my area. To support my friend Jenni. She's one of my besties and she totally rocks. If you want to check out her 'hood, please do here.

I'm planning to walk to support the Ronald McDonald House of Durham, too. Charity walks are important to me, and this is the first year I'm not doing Race for the Cure - it's had too much political crap going on behind-the-scenes and I decided to skip it until I could feel better about doing it again. Maybe 2013 will have me back. I'll think on it.

Anyway - that's that. I'm hoping I'm back on track for real. And next week I have my 3 month check-up at the doc's and hope to see some downward movement on the scale. We shall see.

So - what's up with you? Are you with me? Stay motivated! Stay focused! Go fit-n-fab!

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Wordless Wednesday: On the water

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You could bowl for free! #Giveaway

Hey, all - remember my post about AMF Bowling and their Summer Unplugged program?

No? That's okay - go take a look.

See how amazing they are?

Well, they're about to get even better.

They've offered me an incredible giveaway for my readers.

Yep. I mean it. It's so cool.

And so simple. Seriously. I promise. The only reason I'm using Rafflecopter again is because they do everything FOR me. And it's almost summer. So I'm lazy - er - uh - lazier than usual.

I'm giving away a Pizza Bowl Certificate to one lucky reader. This includes the following:

* 2 hours of bowling (for up to SIX people)
* Shoe rental
* 1 topping pizza
* pitcher of soda

This has a value of about $70!!!

Pretty cool, right?

One catch: you have to live NEAR an AMF location, or know someone who does you can give this to ... or you won't benefit from the prize pack at all. So check out their location info to know for sure.

Anyway, please enter below using Rafflecopter and the winner will be chosen by next Friday. Whatever date that actually is ...

And Happy Bowling!

Disclaimer: AMF and One2One Network provided me with one Pizza Bowl Certificate in conjunction with hosting this giveaway. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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It's us! #wordlesswednesday

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I'm a little bit country ...

Let's face it, by now I'm a lot more country than anyone would ever imagine me being.

Let me walk you through my day yesterday.

We got up fairly early and left the house. Hubby stayed home from work as we were headed to test ride a boat that we have had our eye on.

Longish drive. Boat is good. Kiddo shouted "woo hoo" and "wheeee!" the entire 10 minute ride. Or so.

Prior to heading out we stopped at Sheetz to pick up breakfast. It's a gas station. Seriously.

We don't go there that often, but enough in the last week or so that my daughter looked up and read the signage: SHEETZ. When the time is right we'll explain to her that bed sheets have an S and not a Z at the end.

So, let's continue.

Driving along towards the marina, later in the day, and I hear my daughter shouting from the back seat.

"Go! Go! Go! Run! Go!!!!"

I turn from where I was looking just in time to watch a turkey cross the road.

What the WHA? A TURKEY! That gives a whole new spin to her favorite chicken-cross-the-road jokes.

Now, I can't remember if it was before or after the turkey, but hubby pulled down a certain dirt road and we watched a batch of birds fly off. All except one. Hubs hit the brakes and that little fecker DID NOT MOVE. For real. We started backing up and he eventually flew away. It was a he. I mean, I just know that much has to be true. (A girl would have gotten her behind OUT of there.)

A while later, leaving the marina? Off to the side of the road I find myself gasping as I see two deer running. Fortunately in the other direction. Whew.

Now, where does that leave us? I talk to my brother and explain the boat. He defines me as a country bumpkin. In the nicest possible way.

I don't tell him it's our most recent mission to try all of the pickle chips available in North Carolina. That's a whole 'nother story!

I laugh, and our girls get into a Why did the turkey cross the road discussion. This can last for hours if we don't intervene. Seriously. City child. Country-ish child. Doesn't matter. Five-year-olds will make the joke their own for hours. HOURS.

Lookie how cute mine looks at the Got to be NC fest this past weekend? Feeding the animals at the farm? Yeah. She's ALL country. Born here and NC-blooded!

Let's wrap up the day with a 50+ minute walk around the 'hood with a friend.

I spy a bunny rabbit running (hopping?) across the street like wildfire in the darkness of the night.

She points to what I thought was a shadow of a leaf and we pause in our tracks as a toad jumps off out of our way.

I don't live in the boonies. I don't. I just live far enough away from the world of my youth that this city girl is turning a little bit more country by the day!

Oh ... and stay tuned for more on that boat!

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This Magic Moment ...

... so different and so new.

Please tell me I'm not the only person in bloggy-land to know this song?

Have you checked over at Shell's place yet? She's got another incredible linky going on, and I'm definitely jumping in to play. It's about magic moments. Could you tell?

Here are a few of mine:

~ New love ~

~ First time at the beach ~

~ Strawberry Picking ~

~ First MLB game ~

~ A perfect kick ~

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Strawberry Pickin' Recap ... in pictures!

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Chick-fil-A for breakfast ... or Happy Mother's Day!

Chick-fil-A on a Sunday - you ask? Why, yes, lucky me!

I planned ahead yesterday. We went to the mall food court for dinner, and daughter ate almost all of my nuggets, so I picked up another batch. And - tah dah! Mother's Day breakfast. Not quite "in bed," but I'll take it.

So yesterday we had quite a busy day. We grabbed breakfast out at Sunny's Diner (the eatery formerly known as Huddle House) and they gave me a delicious grilled cheese with tomato sandwich that made me want to cry with joy. Sound ridiculous? Sure. But I probably haven't had one like this (read = diner-style) in four years.

Then we went strawberry picking at Page Farms. This was my first time EVER, and although hubby apparently has traumatic memories of working in the strawberry fields growing up, he enjoyed it, as well. Then we went to the Museum of Life and Science in Durham. We decided to purchase a family membership this time, as at 3-yo the child is now able to truly enjoy the experience, so we plan to use it frequently throughout the coming year.

It was a long and exhausting day that was a lot of fun. After (well, during, as the wee one was napping) a nice JEEP ride, we hit SHEETZ so I could try out their new frozen iced chai fancy-schmancy drink. Yum.

Then we were going to go to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner, but I told hubby it'd be too crazy, and he called and they said it was a 75 minute wait. ACK! So we hit the food court (Chick-fil-A = yummy) and I even got to stop at LUSH for some treats for me.

Have you never been to a LUSH store? The first time I went was a lifetime ago when I was in London with my ex-boyfriend. Why I'm adding that to the story, no idea, just figured I'd tell it like it was. Anyway, they essentially have a salad bar of bath and body products available, and it's delightful, delicious and so-o-o-o yum. I bought some bath bombs, and they're the first to make them, so consider any other brands imposters, OK? And they were kind enough to give me some shampoo/conditioner samples, and a free slice of soap. Yes, slice. Lemony goodness. Ah, yum. OK, I just looked up the name of the soap, and it's called Sexy Peel! How cool is that?

After a nice hot shower this morning my hair looks and feels so soft. I used the Curly Wurly shampoo, which is apparently great for even non-curly hair. And I got to shower alone, although our oldest cat did break into the bathroom, as he tends to do. Had some time to dry my hair while reading a book I received for review (read = free = Yay!) and now I'm posting after finishing my Chick-fil-A for breakfast. What more can one ask for on Mother's Day weekend?

Wishing you and all the women in your life a Happy Mother's Day. Because whether you're momma to a child or a pet, trying to be a mom, or just hoping you'll be called one someday, you deserve a beautiful day. Consider it my Chick-fil-A breakfast on a Sunday wish for all of you!

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This Year's Bash

A big thanks (again!) to Sarah Null for her incredible pictures of my little one at this year's birthday bash for TriangleMommies!

I posted her pic from last year's bash here!

And here's a link to her website if you're a Triangle NC peep, or if you have peeps in the Triangle area: Sarah Null Photography

Just take a look at these candid shots and you'll see why I couldn't wait for Wordless Wednesday to share them with you all!




Especially the first one ... I love it so much it almost makes me cry when I look at it.

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Pumpkin fun!

On Sunday we went to get some pumpkins at a "kind of" pumpkin patch. Basically they bring all the pumpkins in, spread them out and create a fun atmosphere to pick your pumpkins. Not an actual farm or anything, we did the bootleg version this year. Which was all the same to our little one. And cheaper! No entry fee, bigger pumpkins and earlier that afternoon we participated in the Triangle Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome, which the fees went entirely to the charity, so despite leaving before the walk started, we had a great time playing on the inflatables, riding a kid-sized firetruck, and playing with a K-9 puppy! All in all it was a great day!

Here are a few snapshots:

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