To Bee or Not To Bee    

SPREE! for Me! - The 28th Annual A Shopping SPREE! October 25-28

Some things (honey badgers, high school frenemies, Alec Baldwin's opinions) are better left on the Web. But shopping at the Junior League of Raleigh's A Shopping SPREE! means you need to get out of the house and head to the Raleigh Convention Center to enjoy actual shopping while interacting with real people and good friends.

On Thursday, October 25th through Sunday October 28th you'll have the chance to meet more than 160 regional and national exhibitors who will be showcasing the latest in fashions, home decor trends, unique gifts, accessories, food and holiday merchandise.  And 30% of the exhibitors will be new to the SPREE! this year.

Here's the schedule to mark your calendars and get prepared to enjoy a shopping extravaganza at A Shopping SPREE!

Preview Gala- Wednesday, October 24th at 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. - Presented by Bailey's Fine Jewelry.  This incredible event is not to be missed! Bring your friends and enjoy private shopping and hors d'oeuvres.  The menu features a variety of Southern favorites including the always popular Shrimp and Grits.  Take a break from shopping and dance the night away to The Rubber Band.  Make sure to bid on fabulous must-have items in the silent auction.  Cocktail attire requested.  Click Here for tickets.

Early Morning Shopping - Thursday, October 25th at 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. A SPREE! favorite private early morning shopping minus the crowds and strollers!  Shop until you drop during this exclusive morning shopping event open only to event ticket holders. Enjoy a light breakfast while getting a head start on your day. Don't forget to visit the Belk booth for a complimentary mini makeover by professional make-up consultants, featuring top designer make-up lines.   

Weekend Wake-Up - Saturday, October 27th at 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Get your Coffee Tumblers filled with a coffee-fueled shopping morning free of strollers and crowds.   

You're Invited Back Caf� - Thursday, October 25 - Sunday, October 28, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.  Take a break from shopping and dine in the You're Invited Back Caf� featuring menu selections from their very own Junior League of Raleigh cookbook.

A sneak peak at some of our favorite new vendors:

Bed Head - Pajamas Made in the USA! - Owner and designer Renee Claire designs the majority of the prints you'll see. They are unique to Bed Head, and therefore you will not see them used in other pajama lines.  Bed Head uses only the highest quality cotton available and prides itself in the fine craftsmanship of the garment. There is an addictive quality to the pajamas and people have been known to wear them all day long!

Under Wraps - Under Wraps gives you access to a world of gift wrap and gift wrapping accessories usually available only to businesses and the trade and at those awesome low prices.  For over 35 years, this company has sold an unparalleled line of papers, boxes and ribbons, at or below wholesale prices, directly to the public at thousands of trade shows around the country.

They present an incredible array of patterns and colors in both high quality gift wraps and gable style gift boxes along with an amazing selection of colors in tulle (netting), raffia ribbons and sheer (organza) ribbons.

Our favorite, 'Everyday Toile' Gift wrap, available in two lengths.  Heavy white parchment paper, with water based inks. Custom Printed in the USA!

Hen House Linens - As a native of North Carolina, this owner and designer was raised in a tradition of true southern hospitality.  Nothing defined that experience more than her family gathering around the table to share a simple meal.  We call it gracious living...

This was the inspiration of Hen House Linens.  It's all about making the people you welcome into your home feel comfortable and cared for. From napkins, place mats, pillows and aprons, we're sure you'll find several patterns you can't resist to take home with you.

Proceeds from A Shopping SPREE! Go to the Junior League of Raleigh and its programs.  General admission is $10 for a four-day pass.  There is no charge for children under five.

General Shopping Hours

Thursday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday 9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Dates: October 25-28, 2012 (Preview Gala on October 24) At the Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh, NC. Website

A Shopping SPREE! reality... you won't want to miss!  

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Fashion, Food & Fun

Wake Up Little Sushi - Sushi Gami Opens in Cameron Village

Hold on to your Chopsticks:  What do you name a restaurant that serves sushi and burgers under   one roof?  Chopped Steak? ... Cold Fusion? ... Cowfish? (actually, that one's already taken).  Perhaps you are better off distinguishing it from your typical strip mall sushi bar.  And that is just what the "Gami" in the name Sushi Gami stands for ... a high class, graceful choice.  Whether ordering fresh cuts of fish or beef, Sushi Gami  takes this culinary concept to a new level.  The taste, presentation, chopsticks (metal), and ambiance are upscale. Prices are moderate and the service is accommodating.  For a restaurant that just opened last week, we'd say they are on a roll (or bun).

Supplants Uncle Fatty's:  Sushi Gami is located in Cameron Village, Raleigh next door to Piccola Italia.  The former Uncle Fatty's diner space has been transformed into an attractive and comfortable dine and   bar spot.  Up front are the sushi chef stations which you pass on your way to booth or table seating.  Unlike some sushi joints, the menu is straight forward (split between sushi and burgers) and the wait staff is ready to explain and offer suggestions.  We ordered Edamame, Crab and Tuna Nigiri, and a Tuna Roll.  You could see and taste the quality.  Ala carte prices were in the $3 to $5 range.  We also ordered their "Original Burger" which comes with a side for just under $10.  The beef was definitely prime and was on par with Chuck's downtown.   Soon to be favorites are the special rolls (spicy tuna, spicy girl, nc state roll).  Lunch prices are lower with specials offered until 3pm.

No Website For You! - Yet:  Sushi Gami is so new that it hasn't completed its website or facebook page.  It is open 7 days per week for lunch and dinner starting at 11am and closes at 10pm (Friday / Saturday 11pm).  Location: 427 Woodburn Road (Cameron Village), Raleigh:  Contact: (919) 833-8883.  Reservations and walk-ins welcome.

Tap On ... Tap Off - Yard House Opens in CAPTRUST Tower at North Hills

What's New at North Hills?  How about an upscale, casual eatery known for great food, classic rock     music, and 140 taps of imported, craft, and specialty ales and lagers.  Welcome to Yard House (aptly named after the British 3-foot-tall glass beverage containers).  This award winning chain (now in 14 states) offers an extensive menu of American fusion cuisine, a lively & colorful environment (kid friendly), and a center island bar with an endless fleet of tap handles.  Yard House is open daily for lunch, happy hour, dinner, and late-night.

Extensive Plumbing:  The glass-enclosed keg room is essentially the pulse of the operation and houses as much as 5,000 gallons of beer at a time. Three to five miles of individual beer lines stretch   overhead from the keg room to the island bar maintaining a constant temperature of 34-36 degrees keeping the beer consistently fresh and perfectly chilled for every pint.  Guests can sip their favorite draft /craft beer from the popular half-yard, traditional pint or six pack.  Beer Menu

Something For Everybody: The award-winning and extensive Yard House menu features more than 130 items including appetizers, salads, pastas, sandwiches, street tacos, grilled burgers, individual-size pizzas, seafood, steaks and ribs.  The Kids Klub menu includes fresh-to-order favorites including a selection of healthy items for the Yard House pint-size guest.  The lunch menu includes popular "half pairings".  Try executive chef Carlito Jocson's signature dishes: (mac+cheese)2, Kung Pao Calamari and Salted Caramel Butterscotch Pudding or under 600 calorie items including Pear & Gorgonzola Flatbreads, Smoked Gouda & Chicken and Mediterranean Seared Scallops.  Food Menu

Yard House:   North Hills at CAPTRUST Building, 4208 Six Forks Road, Raleigh; Hours: Open daily from 11am to 12:30am (1am Friday & Saturday); Contact: 919-881-2590; Website 

ANDERSON FOREST HOME FOR SALE ~ $520,000   

3221 Anderson Drive - Click Here for Details  

Renovated, 2523 SF, 4 BR's, 3 Full Baths, .26 acre

Please contact Jill C. Rekuc, Broker Owner - Olde Raleigh Real Estate

(919) 389-0555

CRS, CLHMS, LHMG Board Member

jillcrekuc@nc.rr.com

Worth NY Fall & Winter Trunk Show - Saturday, October 13th through Thursday, October 18th.  Call to make your appointment  with Peggy Fain 919-833-6833 or Ann Proctor 919-417-6455.  Trunk Show held at 1909 Reid St. Raleigh, 27608.  Emails: Pfain@worthnewyork.com and Aproctor@worthnewyork.com.  Website.  

Also... Please donate interview appropriate clothing to help with Dress for Success.      

The Insiders - Would you like to know the activity in your neighborhood, specific to your home?  Sign up for automated email reports of homes for sale in your neighborhood, prices of recently sold homes as well as overall market stats for homes comparable to your specific home.  This report includes interactive maps, charts and home details.  You can choose to receive the email every 2, 4, or 8 weeks, or just view it one time. Want to Get IN the Know for the real estate market in your neighborhood?  Sign up for your free report. Click Here 

Bailey's Fine Jewelry has planned some great events for fall that you won't want to miss.  Here's a list you'll want to put in your calendars and set up reminders.  We're wishing a Bailey Box for all!

Certain Things in Cameron Village says to come on in and get all wrapped up in Tolani scarves! You can never have too many... and they have plenty to pick from. Certain Things: 404 Daniels St., Raleigh, 27607, Phone: 919-828-5055, 

Hunt & Gather on Bernard Street holds a Save After Six Shopping Night on the third Thursdays of each month.  On the third Thursday of each month you will find great markdowns, refreshments, and friendly faces at Hunt & Gather, 1910 Bernard Street, Raleigh 27608.  

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 van help you with your Holiday Decor! It's not too early to begin planning.  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 again.  Website, Email, Phone: 305-793-8510. 

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.   

For More Bargain Buzz ... Click Here 

Queen Bee

Wedding Bells Ringing... Goering - Everett   

Emma Jane Everett and Captain Matthew Donald Franklin Goering were married on Saturday, October 13th at six o'clock in the evening at White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh.  A reception followed at the North Carolina State University Club.

After their honeymoon to Australia, they will reside in Moore, OK.  

Congratulations and best wishes to this lovely couple.