We See Merry Men in Your Future - Divine Intervention 2013 Guys' Gift Guide, Made in NC 

You're the gifting oracle among your friends, but even you could use fresh ideas for your naughty-or-nice list. Surprise the dudes in your life with these solicitous solutions all made by North Carolinian's. Nothin' could be finer!

John Pugh, owner of The House of Swank Clothing Company, is based right here in Raleigh, with all products printed or made in the heart of downtown Raleigh. John grew up in the big city of Climax, NC, and is a stone-cold freak for all things Cackalack.

A Buzz favorite is The House of Swanks "Eastern or Western" NC BBQ t-shirt. Pugh says that "NC BBQ is the best damn BBQ in the entire universe". And we agree! Eastern or Western style, pick your side. (and his size) This shirt is perfect to wear to his next pig pickin.   

The House of Swank t-shirts are 50/50 blend ring spun cotton. They're super soft and semi-fashion fitted. Tees come in long and short sleeves. They also carry hoodies, sizes for men and women.  Website.

Mary Doherty is a fine art photographer and the owner of Mary Doherty Photography, LLC. Mary  is passionate about photography and finds inspiration in the light, the colors, the lines, shapes and textures that surround us everywhere. Her North Raleigh wet darkroom has been packed away and replaced with the wonders of digital processing opening up a whole new sense of excitement and creative expression. 

Specializing in portraits and creative fine art, Mary is an award-winning photographer whose work has been exhibited in local, regional and national juried events and has also been selected for publication in several magazines. 

Website. Check out here scenes taken of NC and SC. Breathtaking!    

Porch Fly Clothing was established in Raleigh in 2012 by Joshua Gruder and Bryant Szabo. After a late night kickin' it on the porch with a few friends, they both realized they love t-shirts but struggled to find quality shirts with interesting designs. Just like that, the dream was born! The porch is where life happens. People meet, ideas are shared and community is celebrated.

Porch Fly's designs came about organically - inspired by hanging out with friends over a cocktail or four.

Website. 

Scott Partridge of Charlotte, NC works in both traditional and digital imagery. His work is largely drawn from the natural world, with biomorphic shapes and living things predominant. Scott is influenced by Miro and the surrealists, as well as natural history illustrators such as John James Audubon and Charley Harper. His decorative works are designed primarily on a computer, although frequently a combination of methods finds its way into the final product. His aesthetic instincts are directed by cues from nature, geometry, the personalities of shape while gravitating towards what he finds beautiful, but also unsettling.

At the Cowfish restaurant in Raleigh, North Hills, Partridge was commissioned to do all of the wall art, which is part of their fun and wacky d�cor. Check it out the next time you're there. Partridge prints are for sale at DECO Raleigh.  

Website.

White Whale from Durham is creating Simple Craft Cocktails. Bitters? Syrups? Tonics? Bulgarian Voodoo Tinctures? Forget it. All it takes to make a delicious White Whale cocktail is a spirit and a garnish. Here are  three-mixer lineups just in time for the holidays. Your Older Brother (Just Add Vodka), The Filthy Liar (Just Add Gin), and Auntie's Old Fashioned (Just Add Bourbon)

In the heart of Durham, Dave Staples and Corey Mason embarked on a mission to create a unique line of cocktail mixers using only exotic juices and garden-fresh herbs. These mixers would make strong, spirit-forward cocktails that would delight both casual drinkers and cocktail connoisseurs. This ain't your mama's neon green corn syrup bomb of a cocktail mixer, my friend! Each White Whale Bold Mixer is a masterfully crafted blend of herbs and all-natural juices that are organic whenever possible.

Try this cocktail recipe developed by White Whale, called 'The Buffalo Hunter'.  

2 oz Buffalo Trace bourbon, 1 oz White Whale Auntie's Old Fashioned, Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters, and a splash of tonic water. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and shaved dark chocolate. Delish!

Every bottle of White Whale makes 8 cocktails that are always natural, always balanced, and never cloying. Click here to learn how to mix one up.  

White Whale may be found in Raleigh at, Nofo, Deco, and The Meat House. Website.   

Allison De Marco is the artisan behind JusticeStreetHouse. Allison loves North Carolina and her adopted hometown, Chapel Hill. She also loves architectural salvage and repurposing found materials.  While scouring Durham's Scrap Exchange she came across shelves of wood scraps and a cart filled with burlap coffee sacks. They were very cool and rustic-looking and she knew she needed to figure out a purpose for them. The wood blocks became canvasses wrapped in vintage-y scrap fabric and the sacks became throw pillows all hand-painted with a silhouette of North Carolina. She now sources wood from Longhammer Furniture and coffee sacks from Durham's Counter Culture Coffee in addition to the Scrap Exchange.

To Bee or Not to Bee

Holiday Spirit - Last Minute Gifts for Your Mixologist

They're the life of the party ... But, their liquor selection more closely resembles the bottom shelf. Upgrade his (or her) drinking inventory this holiday season with these top-tier liquors. You don't have to be Mad Men to enjoy these bottles and most are available at your neighborhood ABC store (regular or special order). Also, don't forget the stemware. Nothing says "rookie" like drinking single malt scotch from an old fashioned glass ... or a red solo cup. Mason jars are still appropriate for white lightning. Bottoms Up! 

Gin and Vodka
"A man must defend his home, his wife, his children, and his martini." - Jackie Gleason. Whether you are a gin or vodka drinker, nothing says enjoyment like pouring a clear one. Here are a few favorites (in no   particular order). Just make sure they are "shaken, not stirred". 

• Gin: Plymouth, Hendrick's, Anchor Distilling Company "Genevieve" Genever Style, G' Vine Nouaison, Bombay Sapphire 
• Vodka: Russian Standard, 42 Below, Karlsson's Batch 2009, elit by Stolichnaya, Kauffman Luxury Vintage, Reyka

Whisky and Whiskey
The difference between whisky and whiskey is simple but important: whisky usually denotes Scotch whisky and Scotch-inspired liquors, and whiskey denotes the Irish and American liquors. Think single malt (Rat Pack) vs. bourbon (Hank Williams). Whether your drink it neat, with a splash, or on the rocks ... it goes perfectly with   Coltrane, Metallica, and all things in between. So pick your poison. 

• Scotch: (single malt): Aberlour a'bunadh, Lagavulin 16, Talisker 10 & 18, GlenDronach 18Y, Highland Park 18 
• Bourbon: (small batch): Booker's, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester 2013 Birthday Bourbon, Black Maple Hill 16-Year-Old Small Batch, Jefferson's Ocean Aged, Maker's 46
• Irish Whiskey: Redbreast 12 Cask Strength, Concannon Irish Whiskey, Knappogue Castle, 14 Year Twin Wood Single Malt, Jameson, Bushmills 16 Year Single Malt

Tequila (makes your clothes fall off!)
"One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor" - George Carlin. When life gives you lemons, it is time to  reach for the tequila. Long considered the favorite beverage of outlaws, it has now taken on a new sophistication (i.e. it is now cool to take life with a grain of salt.)  Jose Cuervo ... here we come! 

• Tequila: Avion Silver, Maestro Dobel, Herradura Reserva 2012 - Port Cask Finish, Partida Tequila Elegante, Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia

 "TEQUILA!"

Cameron Clothing Co. - the Amy Kahn Russell jewelry Trunk Show now till Christmas.  

Amy Kahn Russell was the first important designer in the naturalistic trend in jewelry design. Her distinctive pieces incorporate fossils, natural minerals, pearls, and semi-precious stones with sterling silver. Amy painstakingly designs every piece herself, often using rare and unusual materials which make duplication impossible.

Cameron Clothing Co.  4351-111 The Circle at North Hills, Raleigh, 27609, Phone: (919) 420-0411, Hours: Mon. - Sat. 10am - 6pm. Website. 

Three Homes For Sale In Olde Raleigh

3800 City of Oaks Wynd: $599,900

4308 Johnston Busbee Wynd: $1.195 or Executive Rental @

$5000/mo.

7,214 SF, Transitional w/ All Hardwoods, Gracious Formals, Keeping Room, Master Wing w/Gentleman's Office, 6 bdrs/5.5 baths, Children's Study, Fin. 3rd Floor, 3-garage, .57 Acre. (photo right)

4101 John S. Raboteau Wynd: $699,000

4,012 SF, Large Living Areas, Sunroom,4 bdrs/3.5 baths, Bonus,.52 Acre. (photo left)

Olde Raleigh features three beautiful lakes with centerpiece fountains, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, clubhouse, veranda and two tennis courts. 

Contact: Jill Rekuc, Owner-Olde Raleigh Real Estate

Website: www.olderaleighrealestate.com

Email: Jill@olderaleighrealestate.com

The Knitty Gritty at Certain Things - Fall and Winter Sweaters galore! Come see the variety of sweaters in all weights, colors and sizes. Pair them up with slenderizing jeans, leggings, and skirts to make that cute holiday outfit for work, parties or play.  

Certain Things of Cameron Village - 404 Daniels St. Raleigh, NC 27605, (919) 828-5055Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 1-5pm.  Website.

CT Weekends - Looking for a great fitting jean? Look no further. Jag and Liverpool jeans are available in many colors and sizes at CT Weekends in Cameron Village. Liverpool Jeans are now on Sale for only $50!  

New Holiday Hours Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sunday, Dec 15th Noon - 4pm, and Sunday Dec 22nd Noon - 4pm. 

To accommodate your shopping needs CT Weekends is available by appointment for additional hours. Call for an appointment: 919-787-9073 or email ctweekends@aol.com. Website. 

Core Results - Personal Training is teaching people from all over the Raleigh, Cary and Triangle area how to meet their fitness goals. From kettlebells to TRX, everything is top of the line and brand new at the private Core Results studio. Call and make your first appointment for a Complimentary Session!

Core Results: 1330 St. Mary's Street, Suite A00, Raleigh, 27605, Phone: (919) 946-1737, Email:info@coreresults.net, Website.   

Kenna Custom Painting 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.

How to Decorate When You're Starting Out or Starting Over

A Young Entrepreneur - Please Support! 

Car Wash Service