Have you ever had that moment where you are looking for the perfect outfit? Maybe you are going on a first date and you are wanting to make a good first impression. Maybe you have a wedding coming up and you cant't seem to find anything in your closet that fits or is in season. Or maybe it's game day at The Rock and you are ready to sport your black and gold to cheer on the App State Mountaineers (whoop whoop). Whatever your circumstance, we have all been in a place where we just need a little umph in our wardrobe....a little pep in our step. That is where Boone Belles steps in. About the Owners Established in May 2014, Hilary Carpenter and Leigh Anne Dwyer, joined by their parents, started this family owned business with the intention of bringing the latest trends in fashion apparel and accessories to each and every customer at an affordable price. As a frequent visitor to the high country growing up and then attending Appalachian State University for their undergraduate studies, Hilary and Leigh Ann knew there was a need for a boutique that provided patrons with a wide variety of clothing and accessories that would allow them to look and feel their best, but do so without breaking the bank. "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1 When the 2008 recession hit, Hilary and Leigh Ann found themselves finishing up their education degree while their father suffered from the collapse in the economy and unfortunately lost his job. Upon graduation, they moved to Winston Salem, NC where they started their teaching career, at which point their parents started their own small online business. For months, Hilary and Leigh Ann would work all day in the classroom and then help their parents on nights and weekends with their small business. It was a rough time for their family, but trusting in their faith and walking through that season together was the contributing factor that helped them get through such a hard time. One day, while Leigh Ann was in Boone for a visit, she noticed the 'For Rent' sign on the building where Boone Drug previously existed. She went back to her family and approached them with the idea of starting a boutique that carried clothing and accessories that would not only appeal to college students, but to women of all ages in the high country, to provide the latest trends and fashions at an affordable price. After much discussion and prayer, they opened their first store located on King Street. About Boone Belles When the store launched in May 2014, word of mouth quickly got around that this newfound boutique would meet anyone's needs. With a client base that consists of women of all ages, their store associates work hand-in-hand with the customers to help them find the perfect item. As a boutique that carries mainly clothing and accessories generally priced at $50 or less, Boone Belles also features popular brands such as Simply Southern, Girlie Girl Tees, Tervis Drinkware, Shiela Fajl, CC Beanies and Bridgewater Candles. Here are some of my favorite looks that have been featured on their direct Facebook & Instagram pages: Not only does Boone Belle's have their local roots planted on King Street in Boone, NC but they also recently opened a second location in Blowing Rock, NC as well as an online presence where customers can conveniently shop from the comfort of their own home. In addition to being true to their roots, Boone Belles also regularly donates to the local Boone community. With their background being in education, they love to host fundraising events that give back to local teachers and schools. In addition, they regularly partner with the Appalachian Panhellenic Council to raise money for their lovely neighbors, F.A.R.M. Cafe. It is no wonder they were voted ‘Best of the Best’ women’s boutique by the Watauga Democrat. Customer Reviews With over 17K followers on their Facebook and Instagram pages, it is no wonder that Boone Belles has become one of the go to boutiques of choice for customers that are seeking trendy and fashionable items at an affordable price. Here are just a few reviews from some very happy customers: “ I love this place! It was my first visit over the weekend. Employees are very helpful and friendly. I so like the jewelry here. It's so pretty and unique. Prices are reasonable too!” ~ Imani Bansal “Was in your store on Saturday for the first time. I will definitely be back and shopping online. Your clothes are trendy and affordable! The associates were helpful and the products were great! My mother even found a top she adored!” ~ Samantha Blevins “Favorite store in Boone I love walking through and finding new outfits for date night or a day out! Everyone that works there is so nice too!!” ~ Illyse Champaign GIVEAWAY!!! If I have not sold you on Boone Belles yet, I encourage you to visit them to check out their various apparel and accessory offerings. Even if you are not local to the high country, it is worth the trip to come meet with a sales associate and allow them to help you pick out your next outfit for that special event. As an added incentive, I am doing a giveaway for a FREE CC Beanie and one signature winter scarf ($32 value) from Boone Belles. Here is how it works to enter to win:
1. Follow me on Instagram at @mtnmommanc 2. Like this post on my Instagram page and/or my personal Facebook page 3. Tag as many friends as you want separately in the comments of my Instagram page and/or personal Facebook page to be entered into this raffle 4. Winner will be announced Friday November 16 Good Luck!
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Calling all dessert lovers!! Does your mouth water at the sight of that delectable cookie, cake or pastry? Do you have a dangerous sweet tooth? Than you are sure to LOVE this month's FeatureFriday as I highlight one of my FAVORITE local bakeries here in the mountains of North Carolina ~ Whisk Bakery. About the Baker Owned and Operated by head baker, Chelsea Johnston, Whisk's mission is to create the best and most tasty decadent dessert for each and every one of their customers. Established in 2016, Chelsea started baking for friends and family just as a hobby. Baking was something she learned she was passionate about and thoroughly enjoyed. When she and her husband Robert, welcomed their son Camden in April 2017, Chelsea decided to pursue Whisk Bakery full time. As a full service bakery, Chelsea works directly from her in-home professional kitchen to create cupcakes, cakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls, pastries, gluten free items and other assorted treats. With each order that comes in, Chelsea uses the highest quality ingredients and carefully sculpts each treat to create a savory experience that is sure to satisfy everyone who tastes her work. The Work Since Chelsea launched Whisk Bakery and committed to making delicacies full time, she has experienced a tremendous growth in her business. Customers come from all over North Carolina to experience one of her delicious cakes or desserts. While special occasion cakes (made with her very own homemade icing) are her favorite to create, she has recently enjoyed experimenting with other appetizing treats such as macaroons (her husbands favorite :)) . On top of that, she has also enjoyed making scones, pies and gluten free items. With many of her customers having a gluten intolerance, she is able to produce many desserts that are not only delicious, but also meet the clients health restrictions. In addition, while many of her clients will place custom orders via her website or social media, Chelsea also works directly with two local restaurants to provide desserts for their dining patrons. You can find her desserts at Vidalia Restaurant and Cobo Sushi. Here are some of her other most recent desserts she has made: More photos of her delicious creations can be found here. What customers are saying Not only has Whisk Bakery become one of the most favored bakeries in the high country; but I can attest from personal experience that Whisk has some of the most delicious desserts I have ever tasted (and I have tasted alot :)). My personal favorite is her old fashioned six layer caramel cake. Here are some reviews from a few other very happy customers: Ordered some Salted Caramel Brownie Truffles for a team meeting - sweet, rich, & savory - absolutely amazing! ~ Vicki Stevens Delicious!!! This is one of the best cakes I've ever had. ~ Christy Haynes Lentz Words cannot express how perfect the cupcakes looked and tasted! My fiancé and I were able to have these treats to taste for our future wedding cake---carrot cake and marble. We cannot wait for Whisk Bakery to make our wedding cake because Chelsea's creativity is amazing! ~ Trisha Caviness Bliss Best cupcake ever eaten!! Creative, unique and delicious! ~ Donna Denier If I have not sold you on Whisk Bakery yet, I encourage you to contact them to learn more about their various offerings. Even if you are not local to the high country, they are willing to travel so do not miss the opportunity to have them create your next special occasion dessert. As an added incentive, I am doing a giveaway for a FREE 6 layer caramel cake or gluten free flourless chocolate torte & 25% off the winners next order ($50 value) from Whisk Bakery. Here is how it works to enter to win:
1. Follow me on Instagram at @mtnmommanc 2. Like this post on my Instagram page and/or my personal Facebook page 3. Tag 3 friends in the comments of my Instagram page and/or personal Facebook page 4. Winner will be announced Friday October 12 Good Luck! It is FeatureFriday time again and this month I will be highlighting one of my FAVORITE local photographers here in the mountains of North Carolina --> Hope + Union Photography. Established in 2016, Hope & Union's passion is to capture their client's story in a beautiful, honest and compelling way that will be cherished for years to come. Owned and operated by the gal behind the camera, Jamie Sherar, Hope & Union Photography is dedicated to not only collaborating with their clients to ensure their photography needs are met, but they also provide suggestions and advice to help articulate a beautiful memory into a perfect picture. About Jamie Jamie's passion for photography was instilled when she and her husband Paul, welcomed their first daughter Lucy in March of 2015. From the time Lucy was born, Jamie found herself wanting to capture every beautiful moment in her daughters life. From her first bath, to her first beach trip, to her candid playful experiences, to the moment she met her baby sister Ava, Jamie was there to snap those occasions which would translate into beautiful memories that she would cherish forever. What started out as an interest soon turned into a passion and with some coaching and photography lessons from Paul, shortly after, Hope & Union was established. The Work Since the creation of Hope & Union, Jamie has been all but slow. Word of mouth, social media and regular updates to her blog have kept her busy (even with the recent addition of baby Ava). While Jamie specializes in portrait sessions, she is also widely talented when it comes to weddings, engagements, family sessions, maternity, newborn sessions and travel. With her unique style, she loves to experiment when it comes to taking pictures. It is not uncommon to find her balancing on a chair, lying on the ground, you name it.......just to get the right angle....the right photo. Here are a few favorites highlighting some of her work: Reviews
With a continually growing client base, it is no wonder that Hope & Union Photography has become one of the most favored photographers in the high country. Jamie works hard to give all of her clients a quality product that will last a lifetime. Here are few reviews from some very happy customers: "Jamie, you were an amazing photographer. You were so nice to have around and so pleasant and professional. Thank you for being there on our special day!" ~ Olivia Vallecilo-Miller "Thank you Jamie for such beautiful photos! Brandon and I thought you did an incredible job! We really enjoyed how relaxed the shoot was and how you encouraged us to have fun. I appreciated how much we were able to move and how you were so quick to offer advice. ALSO, I loved how quickly I received the photos! You were so fast at editing them!! Thank you so much for working with us! I look forward to doing it again in the future!" ~ Cory Eva Gutierrez Bettis "Jamie is absolutely amazing! We have had her photograph two different family sessions and we were completely blown away by her talent and professionalism. For both shoots we included our puppy and she perfectly handled his rambunctiousness, which is no easy task. She has captured some beautiful moments in our lives and we will forever cherish these photos and will continue to book her for all of our photo needs!" ~ Leann Waldron I can also speak from personal experience and affirm that when it comes to professionalism and receiving a quality product, Jamie is the BEST. We have worked with her for many of our holiday and portrait sessions and have been overly satisfied each time. If I have not sold you on Hope & Union Photography yet, I encourage you to contact them to learn more about their various offerings. Even if you are not local to the high country, they are willing to travel so do not miss the opportunity to have them photograph your next memory. As an added incentive, I am doing a giveaway for a FREE one hour portrait session ($350 value) from Hope & Union Photography. Here is how it works to enter to win:
Let me give it to you straight.....this is the first of what I hope to be many FeatureFridays where I highlight local businesses and some of the wonderful services and products that they offer to our awesome community. This is a great way to learn more about companies that are either right here in our beautiful high country mountain town or somewhere you have never been but are eager to visit. For my first FeatureFriday, I am highlighting a company that is one of my local favorites - Mountain Mystic Spray Tanning, a high definition sunless spray system. Now, let me preface by saying that while I do love my Arbonne liquid sunshine, sometimes you need a glow that is done by a professional. Sometimes my right out of the shower, slap it on sunshine just isn't going to cut it. That's when Breanna steps in. Breanna Shockley is the founder and owner of @Mountain Mystic Spray Tanning. Upon graduating from college in 2011, Breanna headed down the mountain to Lake Norman, NC where she pursued her passion for fashion merchandising and apparel. Breanna and I were living in my condo in Cornelius, NC at the time and about once a week (late in the evening usually), she would head out the door to patron her favorite mystic salon. About 40 minutes later, she would return with this flawless glow. It was not too soon later that she realized her love for the mystic tan and decided to venture back up the blue ridge mountains and start her own mystic tanning salon. Made by Sunless Inc., Mountain Mystic Spray Tanning Solution is an all-natural, 100% vegan, paraben free and gluten free product. Customers can select from color variations of light, medium or dark. In addition, they can select from various additives such as bronzers, accelerators and scents. With a 5 star rating and a client base of over 2000 customers, it is no wonder Mountain Mystic serves as one of the go-to sunless tanning facilities in the high country. Customers always have positive reviews and continually comment about how helpful Breanna is from the time you step foot in the door to the post-care requirements after your spray tan is complete. For first time clients, Breanna provides a new client page which provides steps and videos to prepare for a spray tan. Upon arrival, she walks each new client through the positions so they are comfortable before stepping into the booth. Here are a few before and after pictures of some very happy clients: If I have not sold you on Mountain Mystic yet, I encourage you to call to make an appointment or drop in to give it a try. As an added incentive, if you are a prospective new client or already a faithful follower, I am doing a giveaway for one free spray tan ($20 value) from Mountain Mystic. Here is how it works to enter to win:
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I am a wife and momma to a sweet boy named Rhett. I live in the mountains of North Carolina and am saved by grace. I believe in all things family, all things food and all things fun. Archives
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