Come celebrate the color children add to our lives at the first annual Black & White Bash, a benefit for Playspace Children’s Museum in downtown Raleigh. Hosted on Thursday, May 17th, from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at the Exploris Museum, the Black & White Bash features a live and silent auction with fabulous items up for bid, live jazz by Laura Ridgeway & Friends, catering by Lady Fingers, black and white attire and desserts by Hereghty heavenly delicious. Tickets are $45 per person for members, $50 for non-members, and can be purchased by calling Playspace at 919-832-2617, online at www.playspacemuseum.com/bash/ in person at Tookie’s Toys or Playspace Children’s Museum. Proceeds will support Playspace’s mission of advancing young children’s creative, social and emotional development through hands-on, interactive play – paving the way for success in school and later in life.

Names: Porter’s City Tavern & Frazier’s Bistro
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Ratings: 4 and 4.5 stars, respectively

I wouldn’t say I was devoted to the husband and wife team behind Porter’s and Frazier’s… but numbers don’t lie. Apparently, I’ve been to Frazier’s twice in the last year, and to Porter’s at least three times more. That’s a lot of dining dollars, and once you’ve had the opportunity to visit one of these establishments, you’ll understand why I’ve continued to return in the face of so many other dining options.

Kevin and Stacy Jennings started Frazier’s in 1998, and it has perpetually been on the list of local foodie haunts. Following their success, they opened Porter’s practically next-door in 2003. They recently left the comforts of Hillsborough street for North Hills with their new upscale-Italian establishment, Vivace, which I will review at a later date. Read the rest »

When Hiring a New Sitter…

Start with a Phone Interview

1. Have a short phone interview and question the sitter about the number of years of experience he or she has and the ages of the children he or she has babysat in the past. Make sure the potential sitter has experience with children the same age as your children!
2. Request at least two references of families he or she has worked for and contact them. Read the rest »