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Fashion, Food & Fun 

Ciao Down!  Brunch at Mia Francesca  

Force of Habit ... Biting your nails, chewing loudly (says who?), and picking the same loser of a boyfriend.  And when it comes to picking a brunch spot ... let's just say it's typically the ritual of the habitual as we migrate to the same old breakfast bar.  Every once in a while, however, something new comes along that snaps you out of your routine.   For us, it was the new Saturday and Sunday brunch at Mia Francesca Trattoria in Midtown (North Hills, Raleigh).   Located adjacent to The Renaissance Hotel, Mia Francesca's lunch and dinner menu features the zesty cuisine of Rome, Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio.  Their new brunch menu also kicks breakfast enjoyment up several flavor notches ... and that's even before the $1 Mimosas and $1 Bellinis are served.  

Familiar Fare with Flair:  This well kept secret won't last long.  Mia Francesca just started serving Saturday and Sunday brunch from 10am - 3pm.  The early start time is great for those with full schedules and no time to wait for the typical 11:30am start time.  Inside, the atmosphere is comfortable rustic with plenty of seating and an extremely helpful wait staff.  Covered patio seating is also available.

To Bee or Not to Bee     

Back to the Lab....

Nature Research Center -  NC Museum of Natural Sciences  

No need to be a lab geek or a know-it-all in order to partake in the 24 hour grand opening of the Nature Research Center wing to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

Statement of the Problem: Subject suffering from underestimating Mother Nature's power to rip through populated areas destroying anything in her path.

Hypothesis: The touring of the new Nature Research Center with state-of-the-art laboratories, research opportunities, interactive exhibits and live presentations given by top scientists.  The Nature Research Center will make science a tangible and enjoyable experience and help visitors understand the practical applications of science in their daily lives.

Materials: The Nature Research Center will house four state-of-the-art research laboratories in which scientists will engage in research while visitors can observe "science in action" through floor-to-ceiling glass walls.  Adjacent public Investigate Labs will allow visitors to participate in real scientific research and other hands-on activities.  Interactive, multimedia exhibits will engage visitors in a wide variety of cutting edge research from Dinosaurs to DNA, to Weather, to Meteorites to Space and Deep Sea Explorations. 

Procedures: All of Raleigh is gearing up for the 24-hour opening of the new wing, beginning April 20th, at 5pm and ending at 5pm on Saturday, April 21st. Event planners are expecting as many as 50,000 people to converge on the streets surrounding the museum during that 24-hour time period. A full slate of concerts, exhibits, food and other surprises plus the wonder of the museum itself will add to the festivities.

A dazzling display of lights, roving street performers, musicians, aerialists and internationally-known scientists will greet visitors as the doors open to the Nature Research Center.  Unlocking how we know what we know, the public will discover science in a whole new dimension.

Results: Subject knowledgeable from immersed interactive science and technology exhibits and having the opportunity to perform science activities in investigative labs, and explore research collections in a high-tech Naturalist Center.

Conclusion: Problem solved...You don't have to be a lab rat to realize that the NC Museum of Natural Sciences encourages visitors to explore this natural world before we croak.

NC Museum of Natural Sciences: Website. Location: 11 West Jones St.  Raleigh, NC 27601.  Hours: Mon-Sat: 9 am-5 pm., Sun: 12 pm-5 pm.  Phone: 919.733.7450. Free Admission.   

Worth New York Summer Trunk Show - Now through Wednesday, April 11th:  Summer's Unexpected Pleasures... Modern...Luxurious...Alluring...Sophisticated

Call or email for a personal appointment.  Location: 1909 Reid Street ~ Raleigh, 27608.

Contact Peggy Fain 919.833.6833,  pfain@worthcollection.com or Ann Proctor 919.417.6455,   aproctor@worthcollection.com.  

An Added Bonus: Join Peggy Fain and Ann Proctor in supporting DRESS FOR SUCCESS during their Worth Summer Trunk Show.  They will be collecting interview appropriate clothing and accessories to support the mission of DRESS FOR SUCCESS Triangle, NC by promoting economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.  Website.   

Save the dates for Bookmarked! 2012 - Staff, board members, volunteers, and friends of the Lucy Daniels Center are developing an exciting calendar of events for Bookmarked! 2012, a ten-day festival for young children and their families that celebrates the special joys of reading with children. The festivities are scheduled for April 27 - May 6, 2012. Website.   

Classes by Marlowe K Earl: Draw Like a Kid Again...Fearless and Fun! Each session last 6 weeks, $270 per session.  Materials included in all classes. Each 90 minute class is individualized to meet your needs. Family Special: Come and draw with your kid and get a 20% Family Discount. Two Student Minimum for all classes. Custom Class Times available for all classes. NC Public School Certified K-12 Art Teacher. Call Marlowe K Earl at 919-397-8023, or Email Mordecai Neighborhood.  Twenty plus years public and private school experience, successful students are her specialty! 

Meet the BeeHive Girls! The Behive Girls stationery and gift line is a fun colorful way to celebrate the power of girlfriends! These girls each have a special personality, with a humorous and positive message to share with all the amazing women in your life. 

Kenna Custom Painting, Inc.  is available to tackle your residential painting needs.  With their great crews that perform very professional jobs on residential homes, you won't believe how quiet and unobtrusive they are.  So if you have that "itch" to freshen up your home, interior or exterior before springtime, contact them now.  Call 919-855-0082 or Email: kennapaint@bellsouth.net.  Website. 

Join My Blog Simply-Refined:  I am an Interior Designer that can inspire and help you with your designs and decorating needs.  Call  Zaytoun Interiors if you're finally ready to decorate or re-decorate your home or office.  What's your style?  If you're not sure, I can help you tap into your inner self and find what makes you want to come home.  Website, Email, Phone: 305-793-8510. 

Price Reduced $599,000: 2748 St. Mary's St. Raleigh, 27609. Ideal Location! Walk to great schools, greenway and North Hills! Renovated in 1995. New paint/ refinished floors. DR w/FP, LR/Sunroom & large FR. Large White Kitchen w/granite & subway tile backsplash. 5 bedrooms. Private quaint backyard -wooden play equip, greenhouse, climbing trees, Covered Carport, & 1car garage, 2 decks, fully landscaped.  Contact: Jill Rekuc, Olde Raleigh Real Estate at 919-389-0555.  Website. 

Mia Francesca Trattoria, which opened its doors in North Hills this past October, is introducing 'Eat and Earn', a unique program established to support local non-profit organizations. Through this initiative, participating non-profits looking to raise funds can organize pre-set nights for their respective groups to dine at the restaurant, and Mia Francesca will, in turn, donate 15 percent of the dinner bill to the organization.  For more info call 919-278-1525. Website.

Did You Know?  For every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $68 stays in the local economy compared to only $43 if spent at a national chain. Please support our local business!  This is what The Beltline Buzz is all about.   

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