J'Adore

If you haven't been in to Coquette in North Hills, then you are missing out! Once again, we were in Coquette for Sunday brunch and they did not disappoint. The crepes are delish, the oeufs are perfection (even my husband gives their poached eggs a thumbs up - which is rare!) and the service is attentive. Besides the menu items that I could rave on and on about, I also love taking in the ambiance and decor. The ivory, black and tan really make an impression on me. It just feels lovely. And I will admit to all of you that quite a while back, while on our 1st visit to Coquette, that I took pictures of the tiled floor with my phone. I just fell in love with the pattern and decided to snap the pics so I could use it as a reference one day for ... not sure. But anyway, the decor really lends to the open and catered to feeling you get while dining.

One part of the ambiance that I love is the windows/doors that open so you can dine al fresco. With the sunny crisp days of Fall upon us, this just makes my day. I also love this in the Spring when you start to get the hint of warmth coming in. Nothing can make me smile more.

My phone camera photos did not do the restaurant any justice, so I went on over to the Coquette website and snagged a few - so please visit here for more images and info! Bon Appetit!

A Driving Tour

How many of you just love to take a certain road on your way downtown or to the store so you can see a little eye candy. As my favorite time of year approaches, when dusk comes upon us earlier so that while I am on my way home at night I can still spy my way into a beautiful home. I love getting out for an evening jog as people are arriving home and I can see the lights turning on, the the family settling in for the night, and peak a glimpse into the beautiful bay windows at what lies within.

So I did a little driving tour for myself and for you. I have some favorites streets to meandor down, especially when I am escorting guests around town. I remember coming home from a dinner downtown with my outta town family and so I took my favorite St. Mary's to Lassiter Mill route to make our way home. As we approached North Hills, my mom commented, "Thank you SO much for that lovely tour." So I wonder, do I get my I spy from her??

So first up, one of my favorites on St. Mary's:


I haven't stepped foot in the house but I can already see the kids playing on the front lawn. The sunroom is calling my name for a Sunday morning coffee and N&O. 


Now we head down Anderson. Too much eye candy to take in. I don't have a snazzy SLR so my slim pics(ins) will have to do. Can you get an idea of some of the styles I love?

And now off to darling North Raleigh. To some homes I love in quiet neighborhoods. I drove through one night and just loved seeing the garage doors open and people getting home from work. A few kids darting through to a friends house. So I couldn't snap too many pics... but I will need to show these to my realtor as inspiration....

This house SCREAMS unassuming as you make your way home. I Love IT.

Give me a rocker and a cup of tea and I will be your BFF forever on this porch!

Yes, the glossy black door and shutters make my heart skip a beat.

And my absolute favorite house EVER. Drive north on Six Forks and  you will pass this quaint bungalow. I couldn't get a great shot so it is so worth the effort. Heading north, its on the right between the light at Sawmill and Strickland.

Darling meadow to the right and sweet country barn to the back. This blog needs to give me the confidence to knock on doors and then take pics! I adore this home - check out the front porch bench.

What are you favorite roads and neighborhoods to drive down? Any other favorites of LWR readers?

Finding Your Inner Athlete at Shelley Lake

It’s officially time now to start the Fall training. You all know what I am talking about – training for your Fall race and getting back out to enjoy the crisp cool outdoors. I know in Raleigh we could have more a few more weeks of air conditioning, but the morning and evening temperatures are quickly becoming more bearable to be outdoors. The gym is no longer my first option.

Nothing makes me happier than seeing this:

So it made me start thinking about running routes. Where do you get out in the morning or after work? Are you a solo runner or do you head out with your friends?

I have long loved the Shelley Lake greenway path. I have two places for parking, depending upon my preferred chosen course, and of course the Sertoma Arts Center is an excellent locale to meet up with running friends. (And you know you have back up rest rooms and water fountains for that just in case…)



I adore seeing other people out and about on the pathway – walking, jogging, playing with their kids… and also having the mile markers on the trail for a bit of help and motivation. Well, at least before the Garmin days….

So I ask – as I take my good ole time signing up for this race, but I am out pounding the pavement to prepare, Tell us! !What are your favorite running routes? And do you have your Fall race picked out yet? Do tell!

And here are some other great images of Shelley Lake greenway path:

Big City Bagels & Cafe

Like so many Raleigh dwellers, my husband and I love to head out on weekends for breakfast. We are always on the hunt for a place that is low-key and makes fresh and tasty dishes. As a native of another state, one that is known for bagels, I am always searching for the perfect egg or salt bagel. I can be demanding with my precise love of the perfect 'toast'. So recently my husband and I ventured into Big City Bagels & Cafe in Celebration at Six Forks. I was skeptical ....... and then became so pleasantly surprised by the casual ambiance and the choices of quick breakfast plates. The two guys that greeted us were super Raleigh friendly and were ready to serve us and meet our needs. Now, I am no professional photographer, so please remember that while I was enjoying my toasted egg bagel with cream cheese spread lightly ... I was snapping away. And the hubby, well, mr i am quite picky too, also enjoyed his fluffy 3 egg omelet and hash browns.

So head on in and give these guys a boost. LWR is about supporting the local businesses in town. I know my husband and I will be back. I am WAITING for the salt bagels to become a part of their offerings - so please, please please ask them to add salt bagels to the menu. And take some time to chat with the owners (is it terrible that I never asked their names???) and get to know them. Supporting new businesses is a part of living well in Raleigh.

So let us know - how did you enjoy your visit to Big City Bagels and Cafe? What is your favorite omelet type or bagel while living well in Raleigh?

LWR at The Poppyseed Market

We've been living well in Raleigh for years, and loving it. Realizing with each change in the season that there is more to this capital city than we ever knew about. We love downtown, the new midtown, and of course, north Raleigh. There are so many great neighborhoods, events and shops - that provide quality time with family and friends, give great service and so many memorable experiences. So as we discover more about the city and neighborhoods we love, we will pass on to you - as we want you to know, living well in Raleigh is what we love.

So pass this blog along, as well as this email: livingwell.raleigh@gmail.com (send in suggestions!) and hopefully, someday, everyone will know why we all just live well in Raleigh.

Our first living well post is about eating well - at The Poppyseed Market.

Where living well came to life between two friends. This down-to-earth deli and cafe is nestled in the heart of north Raleigh at the Harvest Oaks Plaza. Owner and Chef Julia McGovern can be found greeting customers, taking your order and sharing her pep and spirit with all that come to the cafe.

Food is fresh and delish. The wait staff is kind and attentive. What more can you ask for time after time?? Visit this family friendly deli or head out with the girls for a monthly wine tasting. And as the Fall season comes our way, as who isn't dreaming of a cool, crisp Fall evening ... head out to Poppyseed Market for some al fresco dining and good company.

And let us know - where do you love to eat well and eat local?