I'm pretty passionate about this topic because I personally feel that food insecurity and hunger are the most embarrassing issues facing North Carolina right now. We aren't lacking food. (Thanks, farmers!) We aren't lacking the money, resources, and science to solve this problem. (Like cancer, etc.) This is a fixable issue facing hundreds of thousands of NC families, children, seniors and individuals.
This is literally the easiest food drive you've ever participated in. Simply pick up some extra canned items when you grocery shop this weekend or next week and just leave the extras at your mailbox. So plan on joining in on Saturday, Nay 9 - no matter where you live!
How easy is it?
Pack a bag of food and set it by your mailbox on Saturday, May 9! Your local letter carrier will do the rest.
What should I give?
Check this list of most needed items and take it with you on your grocery shopping trip! (No glass, please.)
Where does my food go?
Although this is a national food drive, all donations made within our region come to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC. Donated items are provided to the more than 651,000 children, families, and seniors in our 34 counties who are food insecure.
Friday, May 01, 2015
Do This Next Weekend: Stamp Out Hunger
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
SuperKids Capes
The MeFine Foundation is an NC non-profit that does a lot of good for children with serious illnesses. Check out how you can support this great program and their latest efforts below...
The Foundation has recently launched the SuperKids Cape program for children with critical illnesses. According to board member and all around good guy Richard Averitte, "The Me Fine Foundation wants to bring attention to these unbelievable little people and their superpowers by adorning them with garments fits for a superhero; so we provide them with SuperKids Capes."
Me Fine Cape in Action
The capes are hand-sewn by the Sewing Guild at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. They are customized capes that are awarded to a child after he/she undergoes a major procedure as part of their treatment, or upon discharge from the hospital. Me Fine is constantly in awe of the strength and determination of these kids, and the capes are a small way to recognize their inner superhero.
On Sunday, March 1st at the Oak City Comic Con Me Fine will have a table with information on the Foundation and the SuperKids Capes program. A donation of $20 will go to the purchase a cape for one of these brave children. In addition, the donor will have an opportunity to write a short message of encouragement on a MeFine card. Three cheers for Oak City Comic Con donating space during their inaugural event. On top of hosting an abundance of comic book professionals and the best local comic book stores and vendors from across the state, the Oak City Comic Con will be a great activity for family this weekend.
More details at http://www.mefinefoundation.org/events-posts/fine-takes-oak-city-comic-show-superkids-capes/. Be cool and share this Raleigh event with fellow cool people.
Saturday, December 06, 2014
The Point Launches 12 Days of Christmas Contest for Local News Readers
The Point, a weekday newsletter service that delivers a quick morning read of the things you need to know to get your day started in the Triangle (current events, politics, sports, weather and local entertainment), is kicking off a 12-day contest on Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, awarding readers with truly local gifts and experiences - and a new chance to win each day.
Contest prizes include local coffee shop gift cards, apparel from local brands and retailers, and even concert tickets. Prizes will be announced each weekday in the morning newsletter sent to subscribers and readers will have until 11:59 p.m. to register at the unique link provided to win.
To get in on the first day of reader giveaways - and to get a reminder for each of the following 11 prizes - register at http://www.ReadThePoint.com to receive The Point direct to your email inbox on Monday morning.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Brunch at Tazza Kitchen: No Syrup Needed
Johnnie Bud and I have been big fans of Tazza Kitchen since it opened in Cameron Village earlier this year. They've got a great cocktail menu and and a foodie menu made for sharing each other's plates, so of course we were excited to hear they were adding Sunday brunch to their tasty lineup.
We called ahead around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday and were thrilled to hear there was no wait to seat two, so we drove over to Cameron Village, sat at the bar, and quickly ordered a Sunday afternoon staple - mimosas, please! (Very happy to report that they used fresh squeezed orange juice and a very generous pour of prosecco at $6. Next time, we'll go for the $12 1/2 liter carafe option.)
The brunch menu wasn't super vegetarian-friendly, but still super appealing nonetheless.
- Johnnie Bud ordered the French Toast: house-made brioche, cashew praline butter, blueberry vincotto sauce, basil, whipped mascarpone - $9.5
- I chose the Broccoli Rabe & Smoke Mozzarella Sandwich: oven roasted tomatoes, smokey tomato mayo - $9.5
Neither disappointed, but Johnnie's choice was clearly the brunch champ this go around. The blueberries and praline butter made a great sweetener - no syrup required!
My sandwich was a good choice with the mayo on the side, but would have been a better breakfast item with a fried egg or egg over medium/well added in between the ciabatta slices.
We got plate envy watching the Huevos Rancheros (corn tostadas, chorizo, sofritto, baked eggs*, salsa verde, pico de gallo, crema, cranberry beans, hash browns - $10.5) and Breakfast Pizza (béchamel, bacon, mozzarella, grana padano, baked local eggs - $13) being delivered to nearby tables, so you can bet we'll be back in the coming weekends to try those options A.S.A.P.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Sometimes the easiest way to help is by just showing up
My colleague Kathy (@Raleighwood) told me about this event earlier, but the thought of exercising for two hours was a little more than I was mentally prepared to commit to on that day. I must have been tired at the time, because when I read her post about tomorrow's event, I was totally re-energized to be a part. So I emailed my girls and was surprised to hear so many had friends and family affected by MS.
So, if you're so inclined to spend two hours and $10.00 to work out and help out, then email and call YOUR pals and join us tomorrow. Here's the scoop from Kathy's blog post:
"My favorite Zumba teacher, Giannina Scattolin, and her crew will be teaching a two-hour Zumba dance party on Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Longbranch of Raleigh, 608 Creekside Dr., in Raleigh. The fun is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Eastern North Carolina chapter of the National MS Society. Kids under 12 get in free."
According to the National MS Society website, "multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another".
Monday, May 02, 2011
Hey Raleighs, What Are You Doing Friday Night?
One of my gal pals (and fellow local nightlife/restaurant/retail rockstars), Christina G., was kind enough to invite me to Yelp.com's second annual Open Party, so I thought I'd keep the kindness going and share it with you all, as well!
This year's theme is Athletes vs. Mathletes (ummm LOVE it) and from what I hear, Yelp's local events take good time a whole new level. So as you might imagine, I'm very excited to check out my first event with this group of locals.
Date: Friday, May 6th
Time: Public Party Starts at 8pm
Venue: Crabtree Tavern
Nick and I went to Crabtree Tavern once during football season to check out their offerings. I'm ashamed to say that I didn't get a chance to blog about it, so I don't really remember much about the experience - except that I was still working when we got there and I was really impressed when the hostess was able to quickly seat us at a table with a power outlet so I could keep working with my laptop plugged in. I'm a sucker for great service! I'm sure I had a salad, and I would have remembered if it wasn't good, so I'm looking forward to getting back there on Friday and giving them another try. I'll make sure to post a review on Yelp after (which will sign up in my blog sidebar here now, too), so I won't go so long that I forget how it was!
Do you yelp? If so, here I am. Help me get past the "0" yelp friends icon, please?! :-)
PS - Fullsteam Brewery and LoneRider are part of the Friday night shenanigans. If you're a local beer drinker, that's likely what I should have started with - because that's all you needed to hear, right?
PS #2 - You know I love a good cause! Make a donation to Southern Siberian Rescue while you're there for a chance to win great door prizes and to collect great Yelp swag. (I can attest to the fine quality of their swag, btw.)
Cheers!
(And last, no blog post is complete without a disclaimer these days. I was not contacted by Yelp to blog about this. But, I do know Christina and she did personally invite me out. Personal invitations don't count as spiffs... at least I don't think. ;-))
Friday, May 07, 2010
Happy First Friday, Everyone!
I love First Friday in Downtown Raleigh - it's a shame I'm usually busiest on Fridays and don't get to participate in the fun more often.
I am tonight however!
On my list:
Half-price menu at Sauced Pizza from 4:30pm until 6:30pm and $5.00 Three Olives cocktails (this happens every Friday, by the way).
Rhapsody art show at CityGate from 6:00pm until 8:00pm (don't you just love the dog paintings?).
Cupcake Shoppe for sure after.
And adding vino into that mixture somewhere :-) I haven't been to Mosaic or Amra's in ages... maybe those will be the wine destinations!
{Images: Rhapsody image via Pizer Fine Art, Cupcake Shoppe image via LusterStudios}
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
My Durham Friends Just Got Real Lucky!
If you've been around for a while, then you've certainly read a post or two from me about one of my Raleigh favorites... Tobacco Road.
Well guess what Durham kids... you just got reaaaaaal lucky!
From an American Tobacco Campus facebook update:
And if you're a Durham Bulls fan who has no taste for stadium food (like myself), then you will certainly enjoy being able to catch the games right from the Tobacco Road patio overlooking the Durham Bulls field!
Maybe Nick and I will "catch" dinner there tomorrow afternoon or Thursday - we already have plans for trivia and $0.25 wings at Sauced Pizza tonight in Raleigh with the gang!
{Image: http://www.tobaccoroadsportscafe.com/atmosphere/index.html}
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Last New Project of 2009... Promise!
You know, unless I just HAVE to do something on December 30th.
It seems like just yesterday I was announcing the launch of IHeartRetail.com. (Big "Thank You!"s to everyone who has visited, by the way!)
Well, if you know me, you know that I also heart restaurants, bars, and going out... especially in my favorite city - RALEIGHWOOD!
I am constantly getting asked "how did you know about (fill in the blank)", etc. So, my pal Evan and I decided to compile our cumulative knowledge of websites and New Year's Eve happenings in Raleigh and this was born: RaleighNYE.com.
I'll personally be at Tobacco Road (and then late-night at Sauced Pizza) and would LOVE to see any of you who will be out and about! Just stop in either location (no cover) and say "Hi"!
Friday, December 04, 2009
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...
...but I still don't turn on the holiday music until closer to Christmas, though ;-)
There is a lot of small town and big city stuff to do this weekend - all starting today. I wish they didn't all fall on the same day/time though, because I want to do it all, of course!
TONIGHT - Friday, December 4th
Downtown Garner - Tree Lighting
This year, the department has expanded the traditional ceremony to include even more entertainment, activities and food, including Dance Explosion, Poplar Springs Church choir, the Garner Senior Center Dancers and carolers from True North Church. A highlight of the evening will be the reading of the classic poem, “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
Activities for the kids will begin at 6 p.m. inside Santa’s workshop, which is located inside the Sunny Side II Oyster Bar building. Children will get to make holiday crafts and meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.
During this event, Main Street will be closed to through traffic between Emory and Purvis Streets. Plenty of public parking is available along parts of Main Street, in the Garner Baseball parking lot, along Pearl Street and at the Pearl Street Building, at Garner Recreational Park and the Garner Senior Center.
Downtown Raleigh - Winterfest Kickoff
Thanks for the video, Tyler! (Click through if you can't see it, blog readers!)
Tomorrow - Saturday, December 5th
Garner Christmas Parade
This year’s parade theme is “Inside Santa’s Workshop.” Tisha Powell, of ABC 11 News, will serve as the parade’s grand marshal. More than 70 participants will take part in the parade and will include area marching bands, floats, emergency vehicles, local merchants and Santa Claus.
This year, the parade will follow a slightly different parade route than that of before. It will begin on Broughton Street and will travel across Garner Road, down Hwy 50 to the corner of Main Street, where it will turn left and proceed until its ends at New Rand Road. This route is somewhat shorter but should allow easier access to and from the area to those viewing the parade.
Garner news and event details are from my friends at GarnerCitizen.com - a great, local paper!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Taking Local Love to a New Level
So this whole "concept" is something that Mandy and I have been talking up for a looooong time. And I am really pumped to finally be getting it out there. It's not anywhere close to being as content-rich as it will be soon, but it's at least a start.
Right now, the biggest features are the email newsletter (bringing local style and retail directly to your inbox - but no, not like Express/Banana Republic/etc. style... I refuse to harass you all daily), Top Picks, and the feature appearances from local readers, too!
If you have a few minutes, please stop by and check it out. Today our Black Friday content is still up, so you can check out what we liked for November... but tomorrow and over the next few days, December will be making its way in.
And if you're a local shopper, or just appreciate good style, please consider joining the email list, too :-)
And YES, I really DO want YOU to send me your tips, pictures, etc. I think this is going to be a lot of fun. A lot of work, of course - but most importantly... a lot of fun.
www.iheartretail.com
Monday, November 02, 2009
16th Annual Jingle Ball
I am SO pumped about going to my first Jingle Ball this year! It's just so fabulous, in so many ways. The local young professionals who are organizing this have put together an amazing event... how very inspiring!
Details via facebook/and an email from my friends at DowntownRaleigh.com:
Come eat, drink, dance and be merry for a good cause! Dress for this event is cocktail/party attire. Please join us and help bring brighter holidays to Wake County children.
Gifts are considered tickets for this event and are your donated gift to the Salvation Army. Each participant will be granted entrance to the 2009 16th Annual Jingle Ball by bringing a new unwrapped toy valued at $20 or more or donating $30 cash or check with all proceeds going directly to the Salvation Army of Wake County.
And a little more from the website, JingleBall.org:
The Jingle Ball's success hinges both on corporate sponsorships and on each attendee's contribution of a toy (or clothing, books, games, etc) of $20 or greater value for admission. Our organization is comprised entirely of volunteers who help with the financing, planning, and executing of the Jingle Ball. All monetary proceeds go toward the event expenses, and all of the toys are distributed to Wake County children.
As our primary goal is to collect toys at the door rather than money, we cannot depend upon the minimal door receipts we collect to finance the event. Therefore, the Capital City Clauses need corporate support to help offset the costs of hosting this event and to ensure its continued success.
Put it on your calendar - hope to see some of you local readers there!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Local Round-Up: Downtown Raleigh Happenings
If you're not a regular reader of some of my favorite Raleigh blogs (RalCon, BeRaleighBlog, NewRaleigh.com, GoGoRaleigh.com, etc.) then some of this just might be new to you!
First up, we're getting an outdoor ice skating rink!
"This year, December 4th will not only mark the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree, but will also welcome the opening of a downtown outdoor skating rink as part of “Winter Fest”.
The rink is going to be part of the new City Plaza, and will be nestled between the Bank of America building and where the delayed Charter Square will go.
Tickets will be a very reasonable $6, which includes skate rentals."
www.RaleighWinterfest.com
Wow - I'm absolutely wow-ed by this. Can't wait to check it out! Here's hoping NEB (the loving nickname given to Nick by my sorority sisters, for "No Expression Boy" - they consider it a feat to capture him smiling on camera) doesn't need stitches in his chin after... like the last time we went ice skating!
Next, we're also getting WiFi!
"As speculated last week and promised back in March, Downtown Raleigh will indeed be getting Free Wireless Internet access on October 23rd, just in time for Raleigh Wide Open and Cherry Bounce."
Woohoo! Say hello to working via laptop on your favorite patio (or rooftop) come spring!
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Raleigh Kid Post
I want to go here soon!
The details:
Address: Located in the historic Briggs Building at 220 Fayetteville Street in Raleigh, N.C. 27601
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4pm | Saturday 1pm to 4pm | Open First Fridays 6pm-9pm | Closed Sunday & Monday
The best part?
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The Pink Heals Tour
Hot on the "heels" of my "Fight Like a Girl" post from earlier this month, here is another very cool event I couldn't wait to share with readers. Many thanks to Ashton for passing it along!
Via a Raleigh Fire Department email:
The Pink Heals Tour is a nonprofit organization founded in Phoenix, Arizona by firefighter Dave Graybill that drives Pink Fire Trucks across the United States to support women in their fight against cancer and inspire men to get involved. This year’s tour includes three pink fire trucks and the sculpted Ribbon of Hope. It is a unique opportunity to dress in the Tours pink turnout gear and helmets and sign the fire trucks in memory or honor of loved ones.
The Raleigh Fire Department is hosting this year’s event with The Pink Heals Tour to raise cancer awareness at Triangle Towne Center between Dillard’s and Macaroni Grille from the hours of 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm. We extend an invite to your department to be a part of this community event. Please spread the word to your family and friends and come join the fun for this very important cause.
For more information about the Pink Heals Tour visit www.pinkheals.org. We look forward to seeing you there.
Please feel free to re-post - hope to see some of you there! If you're not local, I hope there's an opportunity for you to experience this in your own area.
You can Become a Fan on facebook, follow on twitter, and shop for really cute merchandise to support the group!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Local Legends: Don't Give Up. Don't Ever Give Up.
Raleighites, those who appreciate a good cause, cancer-haters, and college basketball fans... I invite you to enjoy Dana's definitive 2009 Jimmy V Tourney post to get the low down on the legendary (locally and nationally) event coming back home to Raleigh this weekend!
The GoGoRaleigh.com author does a fantastic job of putting together the full details, so I won't even bother paraphrasing the great post.
And remember:
Don't give up. Don't ever give up.
{Image: GolfClassic.org}
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
It's Time to Paaaaaarty!
I hope everyone (well, at least those of you locals who it's feasible for) will come celebrate the opening of Sauced Pizza with me tomorrow!
This is another of the many distractions that's kept me from blogging much lately, but boy it's a delicious one. Between the pizza by the slice, the caprese salads, and the Hayes Barton Dessertery desserts... you're going to be lookin' at one chubby girl here before too long. (Not because any of it is particularly bad on its own, but it's the fact that I have no desire to go anywhere other than Sauced Pizza, lately. Hah!)
The New York-style pizza restaurant / NC pub has been open for about a week now (benefiting from working out some of the early opening kinks - a "soft opening"), but tomorrow is the official grand opening party. Come anytime, it's open until 3am on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights... so the party will go on as long as folks want to stay!
Here's a few ways to keep updated on Sauced Pizza as I try not to blog about clients too much!
Website: http://www.SaucedPizza.com
twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SaucedPizza
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SaucedPizza
eNews: http://www.SaucedPizza.com/email
PS - Big "thanks!" to Barefoot in the Park for the Sauced Pizza love on her blog today... totally unsolicited (and authentic!), but very much appreciated. :-*
Monday, July 20, 2009
A Different Breed of Fundraising
As many of you long-time readers know, I'm already a big fan of Amra's and their other establishment, Tobacco Road. This is SUCH a very cool event they're hosting this week.
I have some other commitments on Thursday (that post coming soon), but if I'm able to do both, this is totally making my to-do list:
The charity organization called Wine to Water, as seen on Larry King, raises funds through wine tastings to be able to help 3rd world countries find healthy clean drinking water sources for their villages.
On Thursday July 23, come to Amra's after work or around 6:30 to help support this awesome and worthy cause!
• There will be free wine. (Yes, a full tasting and free full glasses, too.)
• There will be free light appetizers.
• There is no cover charge, no ticket price and no suggested donation.
• There may be a silent auction.
• There will be friends new and old.
• The event will last 2 or 3 hours.
• Stay as long as you'd like.
• And feel free to bring people with you!
Wine To Water is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit aid organization focused on providing clean water to needy people around the world. Over 1 billion people in the world today lack access to adequate water and sanitation. We are devoted to fighting this epidemic.Wine symbolizes fortune in our society. Our goal is to give the fortunate population an opportunity to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.
Amra's
106 Glenwood Avenue
Raleigh, NC
(919) 828-8488
PS - I was reading up on the Wine to Water bio webpage, and the founder is a former Raleigh, NC bartender who came up with this concept. DOUBLE awesome.
{Image: Wine to Water official website.}
Saturday, June 13, 2009
FYI: Our Beautiful Green State Gets Greener
From the City of Raleigh's eNewsletter:
NEW STATE LAW PROMOTES RECYCLING OF PLASTIC BOTTLES
A new state law will ban plastic bottles from trash cans beginning Oct. 1. The intent of the law is to encourage people to recycle the plastic bottles.
“This is a wonderful piece of legislation,” Linda Leighton, waste reduction specialist for the City of Raleigh Solid Waste Services Department, said of the new law. “A great number of our residents would willingly comply and keep plastic bottles out of the landfill, if we make them aware of the new law.”
Ms. Leighton pointed out that since 1991 it has been illegal to put aluminum cans in the trash.
Currently the average Raleigh resident recycles 321 pounds each year. The goal of the City’s Solid Waste Department is to increase that number to 451 pounds per year by 2012, Ms. Leighton said. The ban on placing plastic bottles in the trash should help.
In addition to plastic bottles, the City of Raleigh’s curbside recycling program collects:
* magazines and catalogs;
* white paper, including junk mail;
* corrugated cardboard;
* paperboard, chipboard and paper tubes;
* steel food cans;
* aluminum beverage cans;
* aluminum foil and trays that are free of food debris;
* plastic beverage rings;
* glass food and beverage containers;
* gable top cartons; and,
* aseptic (drink) boxes.
These items -- along with ink jet and toner cartridges and cell phones without accessories -- can also be taken to any of the City’s seven recycling drop-off centers. Unless otherwise noted, the drop-off centers are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The recycling drop-off centers in Raleigh are located at:
* Jaycee Park, 2405 Wade Ave,;
* Mini City Shopping Center, 4510 Capital Blvd, behind the Taco Bell and adjacent to Food Lion;
* Solid Waste Services Administrative Office at 400 W. Peace St. (7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday only);
* Brennan Station Shopping Center at the intersection of Creedmoor and Strickland roads. The drop-off center is located behind the shopping center off of Brennan Drive. Follow the large white water tower;
* City of Raleigh Yard Waste Center, 900 N. New Hope Road (open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. only);
* Sam’s Wholesale Club, 2537 S. Saunders St.; and,
* Habitat Wake ReStore at 2420 Raleigh Blvd (open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Sundays and Mondays).
For more information about the City of Raleigh’s recycling programs, including how to obtain a recycling bin or order an additional bin, contact the City’s Solid Waste Services Department at 996-6890 or visit the City’s website at www.raleighnc.gov/recycling.
Monday, April 27, 2009
You Hungry?
I bet you will be after checking out all of the great happenings for Triangle Restaurant Week 2009!
It is no secret that I love going out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's not that I'm not a bad cook - I'm actually pretty good when I have time, but there are so many great restaurants around here, plus... I just love the whole experience since it's usually a group affair.
May 11th - 17th, 2009. Mark your calendars! See you there :-)
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