Artsplosure Raleigh 2009

Here's a fun event coming up this month of May...the annual Artsplosure Festival downtown. Lots to see and do. Its totally kid-friendly and if the weather is good, we love to just get a beer and walk around and look at the art, listen to some music and watch the kids do some crafts and activities. Definitely get out there and check it out...we plan to!! http://artsplosure.org/artsplosure2009/

Farmer's Market

I'm very excited to see all these new Farmer's Markets popping up around the Raleigh/Cary area but for anyone like me living in North Raleigh area, all of the good ones are still a hike to get to! So, I was pleased to see that EarthFare grocery is starting one on Saturdays in their parking lot from 11-5pm. And, they have an outdoor patio and live music. We will be checking that out this weekend and if its good...I look forward to some great produce at hopefully a good price!

http://www.earthfare.com/storeinfo/1200/events/3090

The Cupcake Shoppe

Here's a great new spot on Glenwood. The girls and I checked it out the other day. Stop by here and get an absolutely DELICIOUS cupcake. They are to die for! Get one with coffee for a treat or pick up some to go for any party or picnic outing. They would make a great gift for someone in need of a special sweet treat. http://www.thecupcakeshopperaleigh.com/

New Raleigh Hot Spots

As most of you know, I love discovering cool new local places to eat and drink in Raleigh. When I first moved here, they were a rare find. Now, there are new spots popping up all over downtown Raleigh! Here are a couple of recent finds:

http://www.boylanbridge.com/
Boylan Bridge Brew Pub - LOVE this place. Just in time for the Spring/Summer/Fall weather. This place is almost completely outside patio complete with patio tables, picnic benches and a cool low hanging wall just right for sitting on. The beer is fabulous and the view of Raleigh is really great, especially in the early evening. What I really like about this place is how you are not distracted by televised sports or loud music...you simply hang with your friends and converse! How amazing is that? Great spot for meeting up for drinks before dinner or going out on the town (or just simply quenching your thirst on a hot sunny day!) Check it out.

Another great new spot is http://busybeeraleigh.com/.
The Busy Bee Cafe is brand new on Wilmington Street in Raleigh. We came upon it a week or so ago when it was only about 9 days since it had opened. It was packed with young people...word was definitely getting out about this place. The beer on draft is fantastic...hard to find options like the ones they were offering in alot of other bars around town. The food that was coming out looked absolutely delicious. The cafe was a popular spot in Raleigh during the 1920's and they have done a great job with the renovations. http://www.newraleigh.com/articles/archive/the-busy-bee-returns-to-wilmington-street/. The first thing that I noticed when we were there was the stunning wood floors. I also love the way they expose the old brick walls while still keeping the bar fresh, modern and hip. There is a great patio area (although you have to grab a table early and there is not a bar outside which would be awesome). Still this is a great space. The Hive is the upstairs area with more seating and another bar and music. Very cool new spot!! Check it out soon.

Another Good Cheap Eat!

I was craving something easy, healthy and tasty that the whole family would enjoy. So, I tried out a variation on the Black Bean Salad tonight and served it with instant 90 second rice and a rotisserie chicken. Took no time at all and the kids ate every bite! I will probably put some of the leftovers of the salad into some quesadillas with some monterey jack cheese and I've already got an easy dinner for the kids tomorrow. I think this dish would be great for the summer picnics and BBQ's coming up soon as well!! Try it and let me know how you like it.

INGREDIENTS
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) cans whole kernel corn, drained
4 green onions, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 avocado - peeled, pitted, and diced (I added this as a side)
1 (4 ounce) jar pimentos
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
1 lime, juiced
1/2 cup Italian salad dressing
1/2 teaspoon sea salt


DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, combine the black beans, corn, green onions, bell pepper, pimentos, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, and Italian dressing. Season with garlic salt. Toss, and chill until serving.

Launch of new website business!

We are so excited to introduce the new brand BlakeDesignOnline.com. Christine and I have worked together for years now since I moved to Raleigh but we finally are making it official and are launching our new brand this Spring. Definitely spread the word if you need a new logo design, web design, brochures, business cards, etc. We offer fresh new clean designs at a very affordable price. Keep checking for new updates and interesting tidbits here often. Enjoy!

Time to shop!

Hey girls,
For anyone who loves to shop and find those unique gifts with style and an added personal touch, its time for the Jr League's annual Shopping Spree in Raleigh. Starting October 1-5, you can get your girlfriends together and get shopping! We are definitely making a girl's outing for this one! Check out the info at: Shopping Spree.