The Perfect Surfer
4/13/10 9:02 AM
At QuickTrainer, the QuickBooks consulting work I do allows me to meet a lot of different people; get to know their personalities as well as their business. I do love t his part of our business, as I am a " people" person.
In November of 2009, I had the privilege of meeting an outstanding couple who were soon to launch an outstanding and innovative training product for the surfer enthusiast. It's called... The Perfect Surfer Pop Up Trainer. Frank and Natosha Perry are the masterminds behind The Perfect Surfer. Working with them has been great as they are simply good people with a great attitude along with a vision and passion for their business. The Perry's have a 2-1/2 year-old daughter, Kiana, who is the cutest little girl and has that look of a future "Surfer Girl". What is The Perfect Surfer and what can it do for your surfing experience? The Perfect Surfer is a training device designed to help you improve your skills on the water. From the beginner to the weekend warrior, to the pro-level surfer who wants to teach their kids and others the art of surfing, The Perfect Surfer is your ideal training device. With it's rugged, durable construction, The Perfect Surfer allows you to simulate the water experience in the comfort of your home (or on beach sand if you like). The Perfect Surfer teaches you how to pop-up before you ever hit the waves. And let's face it; getting up (and then staying up) is the hardest part of surfing. Now here's the best part for you surfers... The Perfect Surfer website is live as of March 17th (St. Patrick's Day) and you too, can now own The Perfect Surfer. Check it out; it's totally rad dude! (ok, do people still say that?)
Jim Merritt
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Snow Blizzard of 1989
12/19/09 7:30 PM
 | 1989 Snow |
Do you remember what you were doing on Christmas Eve 1989? I do.
Jim and I were driving from our home in Atlanta, Georgia to his mom's home in Wilmington, North Carolina. We also had something else riding with us. We had a new puppy, a Yorkshire Terrier. Her name was Bridgette and she was only 8 weeks old. She was so tiny; she fit in the palm of my hand. (By the way, that's Jim in the photo on the right.)
Before we left Atlanta on Christmas Eve we heard reports that Wilmington was going to get some snow. But we really didn't believe it would happen---not Wilmington! So we got in our car and headed towards Wilmington.
As the sun was setting, we ran into, lo and behold, some snow. It was coming down! We were so excited! But we kept driving. We arrived at Jim's mom's home safely. The snow was still coming down.
The next morning we awoke to a lot of beautiful snow on the ground. I could not remember ever waking up to a white Christmas. It was my first.
We just had to get out in it. We took Bridgette out too. It was so cute seeing her try to run through the snow. I remember Jim's mom put her on top of this table they kept outside. Cute picture!
Fast forward to 2009. A couple of weeks ago, Shannan Bowen of the Star News posted on Twitter that Gareth McGrath, Senior Reporter at the Star, was looking for photos of the 1989 snow. I responded and sent him what I had. I didn't know what would happen to them until this evening. My nephew, Anthony, called me and said he saw our pictures on the Star website. You can see them too by clicking on the below link:
Snow Pictures
Click on 'comment' below and tell us what you're favorite memory is of that snow. If you weren't in Wilmington during that snow, tell us what you were doing Christmas Eve 1989.
Merry Christmas!
#ilm
Denise Merritt
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Frosty da Bon Bon
11/20/09 8:22 PM
 | Frosty da Bon Bon |
Do you have that special someone in your life who you have a hard time finding an excellent Christmas Gift for? I know I do. However, last year I found the perfect gift...Bon Bons. That's right Bon-Bons. Not just any Bon Bons though. When my family orders Bon Bons, they must be the absolute best Bon Bons you can find. And guess what? We know where they can be found! South'nFrance, located in Wilmington, NC, not only has the best Bon Bons I have ever tasted, but there's more. The Bon Bon's from South'nFrance are made right here in Wilmington (or dare I say, BonBonVille?) and they are made fresh. Fresh with the best chocolates and other ingredients you could ever ask for. But hold on...wait for it...their presentation options are superb. For Christmas, you can choose from a nice oversize 21oz coffee mug, to holiday tins which you (or your gift recipient) will no doubt, use over and over again. When it comes to Bon Bon varieties, you won't be disappointed (believe me, I've tried them all): Fudge Brownie, Peanut Buttah (my personal favorite), Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Coconut, Pistachio, Cookies'nCream, Cafe au Lait (another personal favorite). Take it from someone who has sent many of Bon Bons to our clients, this is a GREAT gift; a great way of saying, "we appreciate you"! And, no need to wait for Christmas. Order your Bon Bon's now in time for the Thanksgiving and let your family and friends try them. They will not be dissappointed and you will be a hero as you help your family and friends solve their gift giving ideas. Indulge! And when placing your orders, tell Charlene or Pascal that you found South'nFrance through The QTi Blog!Joyeux Noël à vous! #ilm
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Baby Animals
11/19/09 1:11 PM
These are just beautiful! They are great pictures of some of God's creatures. My favorite is the sixth one---elephant babies with their mommies. I think baby elephants are so cute. Thank you, Aaron Alexander, for sharing these with me on twitter! Baby Animals#ilm
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Bowling with Class
8/17/09 7:21 PM
Being QuickBooks Consultants in the Wilmington, NC and surrounding
areas, Denise and I get to see numerous types of businesses. Some old;
some new. Some unique; some typical. Some which are run well; others
who need a lot of help. On Friday, August 14th, I had the privilege of
visiting a new client in Leland, NC; Thunder Alley.
This business is fairly new (TA opened in January 2009), unique and run
well. Located in the Magnolia Greens area of Leland, Thunder Alley is
the place to go for family fun. What can make a bowling alley unique you might ask? I observed several unique qualities about Thunder Alley as I pulled up to this place of business. First, the place was immaculate. Second, I could not smell any signs of smoke or beer as I entered. Third, there is a true sense of pride of ownership and customer service which was better than I have ever witnessed in a bowling alley. Owners Rick and Ginger Roberts are the people responsible for making Thunder Alley a reality. I spent a good portion of my day at Thunder Alley working with Ricky. He and I were working to properly configure his Point of Sale (POS) software to communicate with QuickBooks. As Ricky and I hung around each other during this day, a sense of common values quickly emerged. Ricky is simply a "likable" kind of guy with high morals, standards and values. I found him easy to get to know (and like). When I asked, "how did you get into the bowling business?", Ricky explained, "Thunder Alley has been a childhood dream of mine which became a reality in January 2009." As you enter the doors of Thunder Alley, you will notice a fabulous arcade area to your right. Again, very clean and safe. This 2,500 sq. ft. arcade alone will keeps kids (and kids at heart) entertained for hours. Second, to your left is a dining area full of clean tables and chairs so you can enjoy the next thing on your left; a coffee shop and grill. I was treated to wings and rings and they were very tasty indeed. To your right and past the arcade are 12 open lanes of bowling. These lanes are pristine with a look-n-feel which call out to you, "bowl on me". If that's not enough, hanging over the various lanes are multiple big screens. So, if you want to bowl while watching Tiger Woods win another tournament, or the Atlanta Braves play baseball, or the Chicago Bulls against LA, you can have the best of both worlds. But wait; there's more! Turn the lights down low and fire up some very cool looking black light overlays. Various overlays are superimposed on each of the 12 lanes. Very cool. But wait; there's even more. If you own a small business and want to conduct some team building, Thunder Alley has a special space just for you. A corporate meeting room with...get this...two private lanes of bowling. And if you want additional privacy in your space, all it takes is a push of a button for the the clear windows, looking out at the other lanes, to become completely frosted. I have never been impressed with a bowling alley before in my life. Thunder Alley is certainly a tremendous exception. And if all of the above is not enough to pique your curiosity, there's one more thing which got my attention early on during my visit. Remember above, I mentioned there was no smell of smoke or alcohol? There's a great reason for this...Thunder Alley is smoke and alcohol free. WOW! Check out Thunder Alley for an excellent family and fun filled adventure into bowling, arcades, good Java and good food. #ilm
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History of Mother’s Day
5/9/09 11:46 AM
Did you know the history of Mother’s Day dates back to 1870?
May 8, 2009
The Mother’s Day holiday falls on
May 10 this year. That’s 95 years from the time that Mother’s Day was
officially declared by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914, as an official
day of National Observance of Mother’s Day in the U.S. and declaring
that it should always be on the second Sunday in May.
It was Julia
Ward Howe, writer of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” who first
planted the seed for a day for mothers to come together. It was about
12 years after she wrote that song that she instigated the first
Mother’s Day Peace Proclamation in 1870.
The peace proclamation was in
protest to the devastation that the nation had experienced during the
American Civil War. She wanted mothers everywhere to protest the
killing of their sons through war and June 2 was designated as the day
to celebrate peace and motherhood.
She funded much of the protest
gatherings with this intent and in 1873, the day was designated as
Mother’s Peace Day in 18 north American states.
When Howe stopped funding the
celebrated events, most of the peace and motherhood gatherings stopped
except in Boston, Mass., where it was continued for some time. It was
Anna Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia who picked up the thought with
Mother’s Friendship Day so that families and neighbors would reunite
after being divided by Union vs. Confederate sides of the war.
Then on May 10, 1908, after much
lobbying to the churches, her daughter, Anna M. Jarvis, was successful
in having the first Mother’s Day event at St. Andrews Methodist Church
in Grafton, W. Va., and in a church in Philadelphia, Pa. Jarvis handed
out white carnations to all of the mothers in attendance.
The National Restaurant
Association says it is the most popular dine-out day, the flower
industries, greeting cards, pampered treatments, such as spas and
others and the jewelry businesses, have their own numbers to match the
popularity of the day.
Are there any florists, restaurants, spas or specialty shops out
there that are in need of a QuickBooks Expert? Did you Know…We are
experts at QuickBooks Point of Sale too?
#ilm
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In Search of Wilmington’s Finest Philly Cheesesteak
4/25/09 11:44 AM
What does a Philly Cheesesteak have to do with QuickBooks? Besides
the fact that if you enjoy a philly and wish to expense it, you would
post it to “Meals”; otherwise nothing. Then why I am writing about
Philly Cheesesteaks? We, at QuickTrainer, are not simply some
accounting nerds or geeks without a personality. We are fun loving
people and we want people to see all sides of us. So, you never know
what we might be writing about. Today, it’s about my being in search of
THE best Philly Cheesesteak to be found in the Wilmington area.
Now, let me be clear. This whole cheesesteak “thingy” was
not my idea. I first learned about it recently on my Twitter (@QTi).
One of the many Twitterers I follow is Star News Online
(@starnewsonline). They keep me informed about what’s happening in our
area of the world. On Tuesday, April 21st, SNO twittered about their
search for…
After reading about this quest on Tuesday, I immediately began
craving a Philly Cheesesteak. Having grown up in Wilmington, I knew
were to turn for fulfillment of said craving; J. Michael’s Philly Deli.
It was scrump-delicious; just like I remember them from my youth. I
posted within the Star News Online article that J. Michael’s Philly
Deli was still my choice.
However, being the open-minded person I am, I continue to pay attention to the places where other’s are casting their votes. Big D’s
is killing the other votes with a margin of 3:1 to the nearest
front-runner (J. Michael’s). It is my understanding this clear
front-runner is somewhat new to the area. In fact, the previous link is
to a Google Map, as I was not able to find a website for Bigs D’s.
In any case, I decided today that I would give Big D’s a try. So I
set out in search of 6648 Gordon Road. Wait a minute, that’s the
Kangaroo Gas Mart. Yep, that’s right. Located at the right-hand portion
of the Kangaroo, you will find Big D’s. Very little signage, so you got
to know where you’re going.
What was my take-away? If we are only to judge on the sandwich
itself, it was good. I would put it dead-even with J. Michael’s. But
when I go out to eat, I also want to enjoy the environment I’m in. To
that end, let me say these things:
- The help was friendly enough, though lacking some people skills.
- The environment itself appeared clean, though worn (which makes it look dingey). It could use some work.
- They serve Diet-Mt. Dew; always a thumbs up for me.
- The FF’s were very good.
- The one thing which annoyed me the most? The two flies wanting my food.
Big D’s, in my opinion, has a good product which can get better.
What will help Big D’s even more is if they can attract good people who
are going to deliver great service with a smile. Another help would be
to give their environment some character. Maybe it’s just me; perhaps
I’m the only one who cares about the surrounding environment I’m eating
in. I recall years ago a man saying to me, “you can’t eat atmosphere”.
He’s right. But I can certainly enjoy the atmosphere while I enjoy my
meal.
For now, J. Michael’s Philly Deli (Hanover Center) is still the
place for the best Philly Cheesesteak in Wilmington, NC. But I’m not
done. I will likely try Pine Valley Market
next, as I live in the vicinity and I am already familiar with their
excellent chili. Additionally, I suspect the Copper Penny’s Cheesesteak
might be the “sleeper” in all of these. I also plan on trying A Taste
of Italy, and Parchie’s soon.
Finally, share your opinions with me. Where am I right and where am I wrong? And, don’t forget to cast your vote in search of the best Philly Cheesesteak to be found in the Wilmington area.
#ilm
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Strawberry Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette
4/24/09 11:41 AM
I found this wonderful recipe and thought I’d share with you. It is strawberry season after all!
Package of mixed greens
1 cup sliced strawberries
1/2 cup halved grapes
1 cup mandarin oranges
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
1/4 cup feta cheese crumbles
2 tablespoons diced pecans or slivered almonds
1/4 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup sugar or Splenda
2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
For the salad, mix the greens, strawberries, grapes, oranges, dried cranberries, feta, nuts and carrots in a large salad bowl.
For the dressing, mix the olive oil, sugar/Splenda, raspberry vinegar and celery salt in a sealed container and shake well.
Just before serving pour the dressing over the salad.
Enjoy! Let me know if you’re going to try it or if you have tried it. Post a comment!
#ilm
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Poplar Grove Farmers Market
4/23/09 11:41 AM
During Spring Break, I was invited by Tina Shropshire to attend opening day of the Poplar Grove Farmers Market. Since our children were out of school we thought they might enjoy going too.
We all had a lot of fun. There was something there for each of us to enjoy. We all loved the strawberries!
Sweet Carolina Farms - Strawberries, Blueberries
15538 Hwy 210, Rocky Point, NC 28457. Phone: (910) 675-9971. Other
Phone: (910) 395-6406. Open Sunday - Saturday 8 am-6 pm. Typical
harvest dates: Strawberries , in-season Blueberries - late June-early
August. Directions: From I-40, take Exit 408, turn onto Hwy 210 toward
Rocky Point, go 1/4 mile, farm on right.
We saw beautiful orchids. They reminded me of my mom. She loved orchids! These orchids were from OrchidScapes. You can learn more about them at their website.
Beautiful!
Gorgeous!
The children loved this llama. 
He was drawing quite a bit of attention of young and old alike.
I gave Jackie, our youngest
daughter, $10 to spend however she wanted. She chose two small
strawberry plants and a bag of chocolate, caramel popcorn. (That’s
Jackie on the left and Sarah, Tina’s daughter, on the right.)
Vic’s Corn Popper
1616 Shipyard Blvd.
Wilmington, NC 28412
vicscornpopper@bellsouth.net
910.452.2869
Tina fell in love with these hanging
baskets that were full of purple petunias. They were huge!!! She just
had to buy one. She was concerned she wouldn’t be able to take care of
it. (Is it still living, Tina?)
Purple petunias
Overall, it was a good time spent
with great friends. Oh, you’re probably wondering what I bought. I got
a rosemary plant and two strawberry plants (to go with Jackie’s) from
Shelton Herb Farm. Then my last purchase of the day was from Natures Way Farm & Seafood. I bought some cheeses: feta and goat. Yum! Yum!
Tell me, have you been to the Poplar
Grove Farmers Market? What did you buy? What was your favorite vendor?
Will you go back again?
Post your answers in our comments section. It’s easy!
Denise
#ilm
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Aboard the Peacemaker
3/15/09 11:35 AM
While Denise is away in Myrtle Beach for the weekend, the girls, along with two of Jackie’s friends made a trip
The Girl's aboard the Peacemaker
downtown Saturday evening to set foot aboard the Peacemaker, a 150 foot sailboat, currently docked along the Wilmington, NC Riverfront.
The vessel arrived in Wilmington on Saturday, March 7th and is expected to leave shortly after the conclusion of Wilmington’s 2009 Azalea Festival, held April 1 - 5.
While touring this massive boat I was struck by all of the gorgeous
teak and oak aboard and how well kept everything is. The girls were
awed (and concerned) by how high above the waters we were when aboard.
They also “oohed and awwed” inside the pilot’s quarters, especially
when viewing the massive wheel which steers this boat.
Of course, no trip downtown would be complete without making a stop at Kilwin’s Ice-Cream Shop.
#ilm
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New Year’s Eve with our Daughters
1/1/09 11:20 AM
Our two daughters, 13 and 10, told us yesterday that they wanted to
have a New Year’s Eve party. Jim and I had been planning on ringing in
the New Year in our sleep! We told them we didn’t want to do anything
(since we’d been working long hours in the business). So they jumped up
and said they would take care of everything! We relented and let them
take the reins.
They started last night by making a list of people to invite—mostly
their friends and a couple of friend’s parents. They also planned the
food, games and their grocery list. This morning they were up and ready
around 9AM.
As they were heading out the door, I asked where they were going.
They said they were riding their bikes to WalMart to buy the stuff for
the party. You must know that I am a very protective mom. Jim has to
almost force me to let them out of my sight and this was only the
second time they’ve ridden their bikes to WalMart. I worry about them
the whole time they’re gone. I make them take my cell phone and I call
them several times during the hour they are gone…very protective, I
tell you.Long story short, they get back home all in one piece. Thank
you, Lord!
They got busy inviting friends and decorating. There was some creative decorating.
Well as it turned out, only one of the 10 year old’s friends could
attend, Kenzie. But it turned out to be a fun evening. They cooked hot
dogs, made a fruit plate, served chips and dip, and had the candy in
the pinata for dessert. Any kid would love that meal!
After dinner, we all went outside for a game of ‘Pin the Tail on Baby New Year’. It was a lot of fun.
Denise pinning a hat on Baby New Year
Baby New Year with all his hats.
Following that was getting three swings each at the 2009 pinata.
You’ll never guess (wink, wink) who finally got the pinata to bust open.
Hit it hard Denise!
Jim will bust it wide open!
2009 is busted up!
Late in the evening, one of Makayla’s friends,
Kori, joined us and we watched the Miley Cyrus Surprise New Year’s Eve
show on TV until the ball dropped. Some of us dozed off a little too.
Thank you Makayla and Jackie for a very fun New Year’s Eve!
Love, Mom (Denise)
QuickTrainer, Inc.
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Merry Christmas 2008 To All
12/24/08 11:16 AM
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord
came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and
they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for,
behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all
people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall
find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And
suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
peace, good will toward men.”
Luke 2:8-14
May God bless you all!
The Team of QuickTrainer
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