Smarty Mom: Whitney Buck

By Rachel H

I am happy to introduce a savvy, sassy, smarty mom to you today - Whitney Buck! Whitney has a fun and uplifting blog of her own called sassymomathome.com that you must check out! Whitney and her husband Tommy have two children, Olivia, 7 and Carly, 4. They have lived in Rockingham County for the past 4.5 years, and prior to that, they were in Guilford County for many years.

This past year, Whitney has been been a stay at home mom who volunteers at her daughter's school, serves as the secretary of the Women's league of Eden, and of course works on her blog. She loves to cook and entertain and says, "If I could have people over every night, I would! I love to eat out and am a 'foodie.' I love my family and hanging out with them, too."

Here's more about Whitney!

What inspired you to start your blog?
Well, I found myself always sharing recipes so I figured this was a great outlet to do so. I love to entertain and cook! I also have two small children and life in my house can be interesting. I like to tell stories about life as a mom and things I’ve found out to make things easier.

Tell us more about the types of blogs you write and your favorite thing to blog about.
I love food so a lot of my posts are about food and things I find delicious. I also post recipes and ideas that friends have sent me that I love. Of course, I’ll also tell a funny story here and there about my girls.

Since you love to entertain, tell us about your favorite gathering you have planned! My family members call me the “planner”. I’m the one who has my daughter’s birthday party planned 6 months out. If there is a reason for a party, bring it on. I’m “Holiday Whitney”. My hubbie is always rolling his eyes at me when I tell him it’s time to have people over but he’s a good sport about it thank goodness. My favorite get together is one with appetizers and cocktails.

I also LOVE to go out to eat! What are your top three restaurants that you would choose to dine out in the Triad?
Oh, this is a tough question for me because I like to think of myself as a professional diner. LOL. It’s not about being fancy for me, it’s about what tastes good. Bottom line. In no particular order I would say Carrabas ( I love the chicken marsala and the chocolate dream cake). I also am a huge fan of Mexican food so I’m gonna have to put a Mexican restaurant on this list. I love to eat at Monterreys (half the menu is my favorite). I’m also gonna half to say Brueggers. I crave the everything bagel with jalepeno cream cheese. I love spicy things so this hits the spot. I know it sounds simple but I love it! I could go on because there are many more!

What is a fun fact that people would be surprised to find out about you?
I was in the 1990 Miss Florida Teen Pageant and won Miss Photogenic and came in 5th place. I was a junior in high school. Funny huh?

What is the smartiest way you save money?
One of my favorite times is “super doubles” at Harris Teeter. My heart gets a pumping at the register when I get my receipt and I save more then I spend! There are several items I get for free if I plan right! My sis-in-law is an expert in saving money so she sends me links all the time with coupons!

What is your favorite family activity?
We live out in the country on 2 acres so we like to sit outside on our swing and let the girls ride their bikes or play on the swingset. Sometimes we put them in the wagon and walk up our street. We just enjoy being together.

Favorite “me-time” activity?
I love Facebook when I’m on the computer. I also like to read at night in bed, usually something off the NYT bestseller list. I also love to cook and wish I had more time to play with recipes. Of course, there are a few TV shows I like!

Favorite date night spot?
What’s a date? HeHe. We don’t go on many dates. We save our babysitters for emergencies. I let my hubbie do his things and I watch the girls and then I’ll go out and do my things while he watches the girls. But, to answer your question, when we do go out, it usually always “WineStyles” at Friendly Center. We love it there. We sit outside and listen to live music (another one of my favorite things) and order a bottle of wine (Hyatt Reisling). It’s a great atmosphere there.

SUV or Mini-van?
Mini-van baby!

Favorite book you have read?
Toughy! I’ll go with recent and say the Twilight books.

Favorite place to shop for children’s clothes?
Without a doubt…Gap Kids. My girls are thin built and I think those clothes are made for my girls. I love a good deal so I shop their sale section and can get real good buys there if you check in every once in a while.

What is the best birthday party you have attended?
My hubbie (who has a twin) turned 40 last summer so my sis-in-law and I threw a surprise party for them on the 4th of July. We invited everyone and we ate, drank, danced and had a blast. They were mad at us but only for a minute. It really stands out to me as a party where everyone had a good time. That’s what I look for in a party.

What is your favorite mom’s must have item for around the house?
The Sound Screen from Sharon Luggage. All of our bedrooms have one. It makes white noise and is the best sound to have when you are sleeping. We LOVE them!
Favorite park in the Triad? We love to feed the ducks at the Bog Garden.

Favorite or most helpful blog you have read on Triad Smarty Pants thus far?
Holiday Entertaining Smarty Style of course!

Best thing about raising a family in the Triad?
There are so many things to access like shopping and dining. It has the feel of a small town but has the amenities of a big city.

I could not live without my... beautiful family!

Thank you, Whitney, for a fun interview today! I hope others enjoy reading your blog as much as I do!

Posted by Triad Smarty Pants at 5:00 AM