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Reenie Sue custom watercolor portraits

10/30/2017

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When I first saw this artwork, I broke out into a huge grin. Then I imagined how it must feel for the mom and their child that the painting is actually of, and I totally got why people want Reenie Sue to do a custom watercolor of them. 

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So who is Reenie Sue?
It's SoDu mom and watercolor illustrator Maureen Bales. She specializes in custom whimsical, colorful portraits of families, pets, couples, children and childhood. 

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Maureen has such a fun, unique style, which she says was influenced by "playing with my daughter and watching her imagination grow. I love creating custom illustrations for my clients. These make great gifts and keepsakes for families, pet owners, newly weds, grandparents, teachers... you name it! The best way to get started on your commission is to contact me through email. From there we can discuss ideas and come up with a plan that works for you! If you have an idea, let me know, and I'm sure we can make it happen!"



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So how do you have a custom portrait done? Well thankfully you don't have to sit humorlessly for hours like the Mona Lisa. Reenie Sue portraits specialize in capturing the "true" you, so reference is key. When you contact Maureen, the first thing she'll need is reference photos and details you'd like me to include. Then you'll discuss what you're envisioning - the size of the painting, what setting or background, the colors, and more. I like that she says your reference photos don't need to be perfect, but they do need to be true to the person. You wouldn't want a portrait of your hippie cousin Frannie done from that photo of the one time he wore a suit, right? You can see how even though the photo on the left is necessarily frameable but it does give you a feeling of who they are. So pick some out that display the spirit of the subject (plus a full body pic would be helpful) and once you move forward she sends you a sketch and if you're happy with it, the painting starts! 

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Reenie Sue clients really love the paintings she's created, and sing their praises over on her facebook page:

"Maureen captures the essence of everything she paints. Just delightful." - Evelina

"Maureen's whimsical style perfectly captured our daughter's personality and her attention to detail left nothing wanting of these precious moments."
- Brianne
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"I am fortunate enough to have two pieces by Maureen and just cannot overstate how treasured they are! She was a dream to work with designing a portrait to use for my family's holiday card, showcasing our new home. I have never had so much feedback from a holiday card! I gladly recommended working with Maureen to everyone who asked where I had the card designed. I was also gifted a beautiful illustration of myself, my daughter, my mother and grandmother. Again using photographs, Maureen was able to combine four generations who were sadly unable to meet in real life. I can hardly look at it without smiling and crying simultaneously! I honestly cannot recommend working with Maureen enough and think her portraits are a perfect, unique gift for anyone for any occasion." - Krystyn

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So if you're looking for a one-of-a-kind gift
this holiday season,
Reenie Sue is your gal
​to capture that moment in tim
e. 
Whose unique spark do you want to see
​distilled in a beautiful watercolor painting?

FTC required disclosure: In exchange for a blog post, I was paid. Some of the content, such as the images, are provided by the pardner for my use. I give permission for this blog post to be used in perpetuity by the pardner as they wish. May seem silly, but legally I gotta say it. Congrats for reading the fine print!
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KidPower Workshops

10/24/2017

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Talking about dangerous situations can make children filled with worry but in this world we live in we can't bury our heads in the sand. So what to do? We need to approach children in a safe space and teach them what to do to protect themselves and how to do it in ways that are fun and interesting, and proven by years of research. Who can teach this? Kidpower International®, a "global non-profit leader dedicated to providing empowering and effective child protection, positive communication, and personal safety skills for all ages and abilities." They've been bringing their tested methodology to over 4 million kids, teens, and adults for almost 30 years. 

SoDu Parents Posse is proud to co-sponsor, along with Parkwood United Methodist Church, a Kidpower Workshop, where kids, ages 4-12, alongside their parents "practice age-appropriate social safety skills to have more fun and fewer problems with peers, family, strangers, and others at school, at home, online, out in the world – everywhere!" 

Our workshops will be held November 18th at Parkwood United Methodist Church,
one for younger children, ages 4-8 and the next for older children, ages 7-12.

Scroll down for more information on Kidpower in their video
​and for our registration forms below. Space is limited so sign up as soon as possible!
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​If you can't attend the workshop, please connect with me and maybe we can host one at a different time and place for your community. You can also access KidPower's free online library, or just start here, with this article about how to combat bullying, since October is Bullying Awareness Month. 

The form for younger children, ages 4-8
The form for older children, ages 7-12
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Soothing Soles Reflexology

10/18/2017

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Have you ever had a massage that was transformative? Made your whole week? If you've never been lucky enough, now is the time to try the best kind of massage -  reflexology work by Soothing Soles, especially with their buy one session, get one free fall special! Reflexology massages are restorative, giving you instant relaxation and leaving you feeling rejuvenated. The woman with the healing touch is Oriana Galardi-Este at her calming space in Hillsborough. Oriana says that her "hope in creating Soothing Soles is to offer you a peaceful and healing sanctuary, where for 60 or 90 minutes, you can let go of all your worries and stress, and relinquish all control in a most safe and loving environment. May you return home feeling loved, nurtured and completely rejuvenated. If you're looking for relaxation, relief from chronic pain, or bliss - you've come to the right place."

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So what is reflexology and what sets it apart from a regular massage? Soothing Soles tells us that "reflexology is a healing modality based on the principle that there are areas and points on the feet, hands, and ears that connect, via the nervous system, to corresponding parts of the body. When pressure is applied to these areas and points it stimulates the movement of energy along the nerve channels, and helps to restore homeostasis (balance) in the whole body." Addressing pressure points is key, and unique to reflexology, that's what makes it better than a regular foot massage. 

Reflexology can also be tailored to specific needs of clients, whether you're a runner putting your feet through the rigors of a workout, or a woman dealing with menopause or endometriosis. Pregnant women can find lots of relief through reflexology - I can clearly remember how much my feet hurt during my pregnancies and how a pressure point massage would have made a huge difference in my journey towards children. 

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Healing comes naturally to Oriani - her hope is to "share my expert and loving hands with you to help you find your way back to a happy, healthy, and nourishing existence... Soothing Soles is the vessel through which I nurture, love and guide others on their journey to wellness."

Oriana wants to help ensure that her clients' bodies are getting "the proper care and love they require" and so she obtained her certification in Integrative Reflexology by famed massage therapist Claire Marie Miller to further her mission.

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Oriana's passion for healing clearly translates into results for her clients. Here are but a few of her many testimonials:

"I can't say enough good things about my reflexology sessions with Oriana. You will not be disappointed! (And for those of you who think that you are too sensitive, or you don't like your feet touched, or have any other hesitations, I can only say: Give it a try. You will be SO glad you did!"  - AJ, North Carolina

"Oriana is an amazing healer... Of course I won't turn down a nice foot rub, but foot reflexology is so much more. The footwork results in an amazing full body sensation and relaxation. My muscles in my upper neck and upper back were finally relieved. More importantly, I was finally able to empty my mind of the zillion thoughts and stresses that I deal with on a day to day basis. All I was able to focus on was the full body tingles!"  - HC, North Carolina

​"Oriana is an amazing woman and gifted healer. Her sessions have started to alleviate chronic pain that I've had for years- when I stopped going regularly, the difference became apparent. She also has a vast knowledge of health and wellness and is happy to share her knowledge and resources. She's fantastic and i recommend her reflexology to everyone! I doubt they'll be disappointed."  - ED, North Carolina

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Aren't you relaxed just reading about Oriana and reflexology? Now is the time to "walk in, float out" at Soothing Soles because right now she is offering a special where if you buy one session you get one free this October. And reflexology makes a wonderful gift for anyone in your life - Oriana offers gift certificates too. So give her a call and find yourself in her trusting hands!

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Fairy Hair Flare

10/2/2017

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So I know you've seen it around, a friend with sparkling hair, colorful strands that glowed and twinkled in the sun? If you're in the dark, you're missing out on fairy hair! I've been getting fairy hair for years and get so many compliments on my sparkle.

My friend, SoDu Mom Leslie and her partner in style and sparkle, Syntheia, give the gift of magic as Fairy Hair Flare. Leslie and Syntheia use only Finklepott's Original Fairy Hair (which isn't sold in stores or even used in salons). It's a strong, sparkly strand that comes in dozens of colors. They tie it to one strand of hair, painlessly. It 10-15 minutes for them to place the typically requested amount of Finklepott strands. Each fairy hair  lasts until that individual strand falls out, so it can last months or a day...when you lose that hair, who can say?

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​Lots of people wonder - does it effect how you normally style your hair? Nope! You can wash it, brush it, comb it,  curl it,  flat iron it (up to 450°!), color it,  straighten it,  perm it, blow it dry, get your haircut, etc. Find out more about what Fairy Hair is made of and why it works so wonderfully here: finklepotts.com. So style away, or go natural. Mostly, enjoy your fairy hair! And the price is really reasonable for such a great addition to your already fantastic hair.
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Check out these friends on the right, and how much the fairy hair tickles them! One quick note the ladies wanted me to pass on about children and fairy hair: children naturally shed more hair and shed it faster than adults. Your child simply will NOT retain fairy hair as long as an adult, so they do focus mostly on adults although getting fairy hair is fun for anyone. 

While the Fairy Hair ladies can't predict how long your strands will last, they always say that when the magic of your fairy strand ends and it falls out to make a wish! (Don't be surprised if you wish for more fairy hair because by then you'll be longing for it!)







Here's another amazing example -
you gotta click on the
​slow-mo video on the left.
Fairy Hair Flare gave Amber 100 strands
of the delightfully delicious
"pumpkin spice" color!
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Please take a moment to read Fairy Hair Flare's testimonials, browse photos and videos,  and keep up to date with their public appearances at www.fairyhairflare.com. So what if you can't come to one of their public appearances? Don't worry, they'll come to you! Whichever you choose,  a private session or a Fairy Hair Flare Party... we invite you to call  Syntheia or Leslie  to schedule! 
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You can reach Leslie in Durham 919-381-8781 and Syntheia in Raleigh 516-779-2447. Simply connect with them to ask about specific pricing for any event, be it a private sparkle session in their home salon or a gathering at your house. Fairy hair recipients generally get between $25-$65 worth of fairy hair in a sitting. They can do it in curly or straight hair, for the young (or young at heart). Usually it lasts weeks to months, some people lose it sooner and others are long retainers. Our record is 2 years! ​I personally have one strand that is over a year old!

And if you know someone that would love Fairy Hair they have gift certificates available. What a unique gift that would be!

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So where can you get this fantastic and magical fairy hair? Lucky for you and yours, they're all over the state for the rest of 2017!

OCTOBER

Sunday Oct 8th 
ASHEBORO

Vintage Cottage
 
150 Sunset Ave Asheboro for the Fall Festival. Allow extra time for parking. 
Please text Leslie (919)381-8781 or Syntheia (516)779-2447 for the sign up genius link to make your appt.

Friday Oct 13th
WINSTON SALEM

Simply Sterling & Company
12pm-5pm. Please call the store for your appt. If we're full, I can extend hours! (336)896-0077
5275 Robinhood Village Dr
Winston-Salem


​Saturday Oct 14th 
GREENSBORO

Cotton Blossom Boutique Sip and Shop. 10am-5pm 
2939 Battleground Ave Greensboro. 
Please call the shop for your appt. (336)617-4981
AND  ALSO
Saturday Oct 14th 
WINSTON SALEM

Mainstream Boutique of Winston Salem, NC 10-6pm 
Please text Syntheia (516)779-2447 for the sign up link to make your appt!

TRAVELING FAIRY ALERT!!!!!!!
Saturday Oct 20th 
FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA

12pm-7:30pm please text Leslie for the sign up link to this event!

Sat Oct 21st 
DURHAM
COME TO THE GRAND OPENING OF FAIRY LESLIE'S SHARED OFFICE SPACE
OPEN HOUSE
at Restoring Balance Integrative Health at Straw Valley
5420 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd 
Durham, NC 27707
3pm-7pm. There will be free strands of fairy hair, chair massages, acupuncture, music and great company.


Thursday Oct. 26th
HOLLY SPRINGS

Gifted Boutique & Wrappery
1000 Kentworth Drive Holly Springs
2:30-6pm 
Please call the store for your appt! (919) 762-7785

Friday Oct. 27th
APEX

Witches on Salem St. 
122 North Salem St. #210 
@moment of peace massage (Suite #201)
4pm-9pm 
Please text Leslie (919)381-8781 for the sign up genius for this event

Saturday Oct 28th 
PITTSBORO

11am-5pm Pittsboro Street Fair Location TBD 
Please text Leslie for the sign up genius for this event (919)381-8781​


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NOVEMBER

Thursday November 2nd
RALEIGH

Violets Raleigh 2-6pm Please Call the store for your appt!
(919) 846-0024
8480 Honeycutt Rd Raleigh, NC (Lafayette Village)

Sat November 4th 
GREENSBORO

Cotton Blossom Boutique Sip and Shop. 10am-4pm 
2939 Battleground Ave Greensboro. 
Please call the shop for your appt. (336)617-4981

Sunday Nov. 5th 
DURHAM

Happy Daylight Savings!!!! 
Food Truck Rodeo 12-4pm Art Market at Vega Metals 214 Hunt St. Durham
Please text Leslie for the sign up genius link. (919)381-8781

Thurs November 9th
RALEIGH

Galatea 3-7pm Please call the store for your appt

Fri Nov 10th and Sat Nov. 11th 
PITTSBORO

The Carolina Women's Show! 
Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center
Come see us with Enchanted Smiles Family Dentistry! 
Text Syntheia for the link to make an appt. (516)779-2447
***Friday evening is a VIP event (there is an entrance fee) 
***Saturday cover fee is $5 at the door

Saturday Nov 11th 
GREENSBORO

Baby Belly Bazaar and Dance Project. Come celebrate pregnancy and see beautiful painted pregnant bellies and get some fairy hair. There will be other vendors there too including Henna.
Greensboro Cultural Center 
11am-3pm Text Leslie for your appt (919)381-8781

Weds November 15th
CARY

Violets - Raleigh/Cary
Colonades Way Waverly Place Cary
12-6pm Please call the store for your appt
(919) 703-0705

Weds November 16th 
WAKE FOREST/RALEIGH AREA

SuzAnna's Antiques Special Holiday event! 5-9pm 
9300 Durant Road Raleigh, NC 27614
Please text Leslie or Syntheia for the sign up genius for this event
Patient walk ins welcome.

Friday November 17th
WINSTON SALEM

@Merlot and VanGogh 1130 Burke St. Winston Salem 5:30-8:30pm 
Paint a Fairy inspired painting on canvas in a 2 hour art teacher instructed class AND get 10 strands of fairy hair ($35). Look at Merlot and VanGogh FB site for more info. 
Walk-ins welcome without painting are welcome without painting (between 2:30 & 5) 
If you'd like to paint and get fairy hair, or be a walk in, please call 
(336)655-3492

Saturday Nov. 18th 
WINSTON SALEM

Whimsical Women Sale at 
The Children's Home 10am-3pm. 
Fantastically Creative handmade art and gifts (once a year event in it's new location for 2017) Text Leslie (919)381-8781 or Syntheia (516)779-2447 for the sign up link for this event. Walk ins welcome!

Thursday Nov 30th
HOLLY SPRINGS

Gifted Boutique & Wrappery
1000 Kentworth Drive Holly Springs
2:30-6pm 
Please call the store for your appt! (919) 762-7785

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DECEMBER

Friday Dec 1st
WINSTON SALEM

Simply Sterling & Company
12p-5pm. Please call the store for your appt. If we're full, I can extend hours! (336)896-0077
5275 Robinhood Village Dr, Winston-Salem

Saturday Dec. 2nd
RALEIGH

NoFo @ The Pig in Raleigh 
10am-3pm Please call the store for your appt. (919)821-1240


​
Sunday Dec. 3rd
PITTSBORO

Mead Day Open House at Starrlight Mead
1-5pm 
If you've never been to Starrlight Mead and had a taste of their honey wine, 
this is your lucky chance! Mead makes a great holiday gift! 
Please text Leslie for the sign up genius to this event (919)381-8781

Friday 12/8
PITTSBORO

@Joyful Jewel 44 Hillsboro St. Pittsboro, NC 27312
11am-5pm 
Both Fairies will be in attendance! 
Please text Leslie for the sign up for this event (919)381-8781

Friday December 15th
CARY

Violets - Raleigh/Cary
Colonades Way Waverly Place Cary
12-6pm Please call the store for your appt
(919) 703-0705

Sunday December 17th
RALEIGH

Violets Raleigh 2-6pm Please Call the store for your appt!
(919) 846-0024
8480 Honeycutt Rd Raleigh, NC (Lafayette Village)

Don't forget to find out more about Fairy Hair Flare at fairyhairflare.com 
or on Facebook at ​facebook.com/FairyHairFlare/.
​Once you get your fairy hair, you'll wonder what took you so long!

4 Comments

    About us

    SoDu Parents Posse was created in 2012 to build a community of families in Durham.

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