Just Say No!

So no flashbacks to the advertising campaign from the 80s! Really, I had a busy weekend that was spent primarily at the home, getting some projects completed indoors. What that means for you is no photos or reminiscing on my part. But what I did come across that I think is totally blog worthy is a fantastic article in the North Raleigh News, a section of the Sunday News and Observer that I have come to enjoy, that reviewed how you can say no to phone books! Seriously, how many times have you come home to find a pair of phone books on your front door step? And then thought, whaaat the heck do I with these things???? And what about the yellow pages - do people still use these? I know, they can have their function and place. But what this article, and subsequent links provide is that you can opt-out and then when you want or need a phone book, you can ask for a delivery. So SMART.

Most likely though, if you are reading this blog, you already search the web when you need a phone number or address. You get places by going to mapquest or you use Facebook to ask friends for a reference for a plumber or contractor. So why let these pile up - I had no idea -- the city helped to recycle over 96 TONS of telephone books last year.

Check out the article and then go to these sites: http://www.yellowpagesoptout.com/ and http://www.ecoyp.com/. I just went through a few online requests for opt-out and it wasn't painful. And really, LivingWell Raleigh is not only about the places and events we love IN Raleigh, but labout keeping OUR City clean, environmentally friendly and well, just keep costs down.

International Festival of Raleigh

For the 25th year, the International Festival of Raleigh demonstrates the diversity that we love about this area. A celebration of music, culture, and food, the Raleigh Convention Center was transformed this weekend into a forum for the Main Stage- home to ethnic performances, cultural exhibits, a world bazaar, sidewalk cafes, and demonstrations for food and arts. I've been attending the International Festival since it's early days at the former Civic Center and look forward to it every year- this year did not disappoint!

http://www.internationalfestival.org/

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?

Backyard Neighbor

One of my favorite recent Raleigh finds is one I passed at least 100 times before I stopped to check it out. A passing glance brings you back in time to a bygone era- and those in the know or with a spark of curiosity and a sense of adventure have found a Raleigh gem- The Vintage Village on Durant Road in North Raleigh. Since a recent move further away from downtown, the Flea Market at the State Fairgrounds is a little far for a weekly trip to fill my trash/treasure hunting hobby (that's a whole separate post!) The Vintage Village is a perfect smaller scale replacement. Fewer people to jockey around means your better luck finding that milk glass bowl you were searching for! I personally won't rest until I find an elusive factory cart to refurb into a coffee table.

Vintage Village from Durant Road

Nestled right across from Cafe Capistrano, this tucked away market treats you with several different vendors- Suzanna's Antiques, The Two Old Birds, Sam's Country Porch, and The Shack By The Track. I assume the nice gentleman I spoke to at Sam's Country Porch was Sam. He provided a story for every piece I asked about, 40's era table fans, an old spice cabinet, an entryway table, and he really really wanted me to buy the black and decker stove I was curious about. He was a spitting image of my Grandpa and he grew up in Cary in the '40s when it was a tiny town of just a few thousand people. 

The Two Old Birds have the tiniest two story building
I've ever been in- full of treasures!

These church windows would be perfect for the right house.
So many antique shutters to choose from!

Sam's Country Porch has fresh fruit and veggies every day
from a local farm.

Suzanna's Antiques

So much history!

I want one!

perfect for container gardening

Fishing Rods- a few of these would be a great addition to a lake house corner

Check out the chippendale design of the lawn furniture!

Adorable gardenscape

I think a birdhouse collection is in my future

I hope you enjoyed coming with me to the Vintage Village! Check it out sometime- you will thank us :-)

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: