Create a Holiday Beverage Bar That Warms the Spirit
The holidays are a time for cozy gatherings, laughter, and plenty of delicious drinks to share. Whether you’re hosting a family get-together, a festive open house, or a quiet evening with friends at home at Enclave Crossroads, according to * The Idea Specialists™ a Holiday Beverage Bar can transform your home into a seasonal sanctuary of comfort and cheer. One timeless favorite — hot apple cider — makes the perfect centerpiece, easily customized for guests of all ages. Here’s how to create a beautiful, flavorful, and inviting setup that feels as magical as the season itself. Step 1: Start with the Star – The Hot Apple Cider At the heart of your beverage bar is a large simmering pot or slow cooker of apple cider, ready to serve warm and fragrant. Start with a high-quality cider and infuse it with whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange slices. Let it simmer for an hour before your guests arrive, so your home fills with that irresistible holiday aroma. For a spiked version, set out a small tray of spirits so guests can create their own twist: Bourbon for a deep, smoky sweetness Spiced rum for warmth and holiday spice Fireball or cinnamon whiskey for a festive kick Brandy or applejack for a traditional touch Be sure to label each bottle clearly and include small jiggers for easy measuring. A sign that reads “Make it merry — spike it if you like it!” adds a whimsical touch. For a family-friendly or non-alcoholic option, offer: A caramel drizzle station with whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkles Orange zest, cranberries, or apple slices for garnish A dash of ginger syrup or honey for added flavor Keep the non-alcoholic cider in a separate pot or clearly designated dispenser to make it easy for everyone to enjoy safely. Check out this recipe for Hot Apple Cider! There’s something especially comforting about gathering with friends over a steaming mug of hot apple cider. The sweet aroma of simmering apples, warm spices, and a hint of citrus has a way of slowing time, inviting everyone to settle in, relax, and savor the moment. Whether you’re hosting a cozy fall get-together or simply sharing a quiet evening with those you love, hot apple cider turns even the simplest gathering into something memorable.Here's a recipe from your friends at The Enclave at Crossroads in Raleigh for Hot Apple Cider– guaranteed to hit the spot! Step 2: Deck Out Your Beverage Bar with Holiday Charm A beautiful setup makes the experience even more memorable. Start with a themed table or sideboard — rustic wood, plaid linens, or a cozy winter color scheme (think deep reds, forest greens, and metallic accents). Add layers of decor that bring warmth and texture: Twinkling string lights or small tea candles in mason jars Pine branches, holly, or eucalyptus sprigs for natural greenery A chalkboard sign with the cider recipe or a festive quote like “Sip, Smile, & Be Merry” Holiday mugs or glassware arranged on a tiered tray For an extra personal touch, tie a bit of ribbon or twine around each mug handle — it’s a small detail that feels welcoming and thoughtful. Step 3: Add Garnishes That Sparkle and Delight The magic is in the details, and garnishes make your cider bar both Instagram-worthy and delicious. Offer bowls of: Cinnamon sticks and star anise pods Dehydrated orange wheels for a rustic, elegant look Cranberries or pomegranate seeds to float on top Whipped cream and caramel sauce for indulgence Encourage guests to mix and match their toppings — it becomes an experience rather than just a drink. Step 4: Pair with Festive Appetizers A great beverage deserves equally festive bites. Complement your cider bar with small plates that balance sweet and savory: Baked brie with cranberry chutney Apple and cheddar crostini Mini sausage rolls or puff pastry bites Cinnamon sugar donut holes or gingerbread cookies Display them on matching platters near the beverage setup for a cohesive, inviting spread. Step 5: Create Cozy Moments The goal of a holiday beverage bar is more than just serving drinks — it’s about creating memories. Set up a comfortable seating area nearby with soft blankets, a playlist of holiday classics, and maybe even a crackling fire. Encourage guests to linger, sip, and share stories. A Toast to the Season With the aroma of cinnamon and cider filling the air, laughter echoing, and glasses clinking, your Holiday Beverage Bar will become a beloved seasonal tradition. Whether spiked or not, each cup will warm hearts and bring joy — the true spirit of the holidays. *About The Idea Specialists™ The Idea Specialists™ is a division of Panorama Corporate Digital Communications, a business-lifestyle communications company serving the multifamily industry. We provide strategic communication solutions that enrich resident experience and strengthen community engagement.
Tricks & Treats & Travis & Taylor—It’s Time for Some Halloween Fun!
Whether you’re planning a party with friends and neighbors at your amenity-rich and pet-friendly Enclave at Crossroads apartment home in Raleigh, North Carolina, or making the Triangle scene, Halloween season offers all kinds of opportunities for fun! Either way, this month’s blog offers all kinds of suggestions for some seasonal fun! Including and especially the info on some of this year’s most popular costumes (yes, of course we’re talking about getting’ your Tay-tay showgirl and Trav-trav Chiefs uniforms on!) For The Littles Marbles Kids Museum is putting out the call all to all ghouls and goblins, Travis Kelces and Taylor Swifts, KPop Demon Hunters, Wednesdays, and Capybaras!! Their Kooky Spooky Halloween Party will be Friday, October 24, this year, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dress your littles in their spooky and sparkly best and get ready for some friendly frights and monstrous fun—Mad Scientist Experiments, Frankentoys, Kooky Creations, and more, including light snacks. For The Bigs—A Halloween Bar Crawl Are you sure you are even remotely ready for this year’s Official Halloween Bar Crawl on Glenwood Avenue? Pick from one of three dates—Saturday, October 25; Friday, October 31; or Saturday, November 1—and get your costume together. Then plan to hit the hottest bars in the city for an unforgettable night of drinks, dancing, and spooky fun! The costume contests will award prizes for just about any and everything, from scariest to funniest to most creative, and there will be Halloween-themed cocktails and delicious bites at every venue. Not in the mood to decorate yourself? No worries! A black shirt will do the trick. Just consider this evening out one big Halloween party that will give you the chance to hang with your squad _and_ meet new people. For Everyone—Phillips Haunted Farm! Once again the Haunted Farm will rise up at Phillips Farm of Cary, NC—and the experience always proves to be well-worth the relatively short drive over there! But before you and yours venture into one of the scary spaces or houses (and who knows if you’ll even make it out of the Field of Lost Souls?), you can have an awful lot of family-friendly fun during the daylight hours. From cow trains and giant pillows to the always-popular corn pit, there is so much to do! Which, of course, means so many fun photo opportunities! Plan to pick your own pumpkins from the vine, feed farm animals, play some mini-golf, and take a wagon ride. Scary-Good Party Ideas Brew up some sinister mock- and cocktails, prepare some frightful finger foods, and decorate with seasonal black and orange abandon—it’s time to have your very own howling good Halloween party! Both inside and out on your private patio or balcony, your Enclave at Crossroads apartment home is the perfect setting both for feting—and frightening!—friends and family. We asked * the Idea Specialists™ * for some tips and tricks to be the hosts with most. They pointed us to HGTV, which has some great ideas for decorating. One of their—and our—favorites is to use your fireplace as a focal point. Use a mix of mums and candles (unlit, for safety!) around it, and fill it full of pumpkins and gourds. So fun! As are these battery-powered holiday candles from Walmart, which come complete with their own remote control. For goodies for gobblin’ (see what we did there? 😎😎), the site comes through again with snack ideas like Hairy Eyeballs (polenta poppers topped with corn silk and a few dribbles of blood marinara sauce), Poisoned Candy Apples (get out the black food coloring!) and more. The Food Network isn’t any slouch, either, when it comes to yikes and yummies. You can make drawing “legs” with chocolate on the Scary Peanut Butter Spider Cookies a family affair, whip up a No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Brain in next to no time, and—of course—there’s no forgetting that all-time classic, a Dirt Cake topped with gummy worms! One More—VERY IMPORTANT—Thing! Did you know you can join 45,000+ other Raleigh fanatics and receive information on things to do direct to your email inbox, bi-monthly, by signing up for visitRaleigh, a FREE magazine from the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau? Here’s the link: https://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/sign-up-for-the-e-magazine/ Happy Halloween! * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the multifamily industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more. They do not receive any sort of product or financial incentives for their recommendations in posts such as these.
The Tried & True—And Something New!
One of the great things about living in the luxury Enclave at Crossroads Apartment Homes community is all the tried and true places that make Raleigh, North Carolina, such a wonderful place—and the many new shops, restaurants, and venues that always seem to be opening! The Tried We asked * The Idea Specialists™ * to give Raleigh fave Lilly’s Pizza (on Glenwood Avenue) a try and report back in. They said it’s no wonder this restaurant has been in business for more than 30 years—the pies are worth every penny and then some! (At least we think that’s what they said…..they were talking with their mouths full, LOL.) The fresh, organic, all-natural ingredients and unique flavor combinations of their signature salads and pizzas make Lilly’s a must if you’re in the mood for kid-friendly casual dining. The True For 50 years, Fairview Garden Center has provided exceptionally gorgeous and healthy plants and flowers to the Triangle area. Located on Holly Springs Road, it boasts two acres of greenhouse space used for growing annual flowers, houseplants, herbs, vegetables, and seasonal favorites like poinsettias. No green thumb? No worries! Fairview’s seasoned gardeners are always happy to share their insights on the plants and flowers that they think will work best with your space, whether it’s your Enclave at Crossroads Apartment Homes den or sunroom. The staff has extensive knowledge on choosing flowers for containers, deciding on the perfect houseplant, and more. The New The Idea Specialists™ are huge fans of the Raleigh Downtown City Guide, and follow them on Insta to keep up with what’s trending in the city. They—and we!—were so excited when Inka Grill opened earlier this summer on Martin Street in what used to be Capital Club 16. If you have never had Peruvian food and beverages, boy oh boy are you in for a treat when you make your first visit to this South American gem! We guarantee it won’t be your list. OH! And don’t forget to get a selfie with the llama. 😎😎 There’s No Shame In Our Dinner Game! We decided it just wouldn’t be a good blog post if we didn’t also say something about food to eat in the comfort of your cozy (and pet-friendly!) Enclave at Crossroads Apartment Homes home, so we asked the Idea Specialists™ to suggest something fast and simple to get on the table now that school is back in serious swing. They immediately suggested taking advantage of the Little Big Meal at The Fresh Market on Woodburn Road. Options change regularly, but all include a main course and at least one side and are meant to feed four for only $25. Enjoy! One More Thing Are your kids as obsessed as ours with MrBeast? If so, then you probably already know that the dude (aka Jimmy Donaldson) has 423 million subscribers on YouTube and a wildly popular unscripted show on Prime Video (Beast Games). But did you (and they) know that he and popular science YouTuber Mark Rober are now co-leading the new initiative #TeamWater, a crowdfunding campaign to change millions of lives around the world through access to clean water? Powered by the biggest team of content creators on the internet, the campaign has a goal of raising $40 million to provide 2 million people with life-changing access to clean water for decades. Something to talk about at supper for sure! * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more. They do not receive any sort of product or financial incentives for their recommendations in posts such as these.
It’s Almost Time for Back to School, Book Lovers Day—and Maintenance Appreciation Month!
It’s almost back-to-school time in the metro Raleigh, North Carolina, area, home to the upscale and pet-friendly Enclave at Crossroads apartment community (not to mention the fantastic Marbles Kid’s Museum!). But before we get to that part of the blog, the Enclave at Crossroads team wants to give a huge shout-out to some certain special people…. August Is Maintenance Appreciation Month August is indeed Maintenance Appreciation Month at Arlington Properties’ The Enclave at Crossroads. That’s right, we want to acknowledge the hard work of everyone who helps keep our apartment home community looking beautiful and operating smoothly. Yes, we know that National Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day is March 7 every year, but we figure they deserve an entire month!! Be sure to give these folks an extra smile and wave as they work through the Dog Days of Summer. National Book Lovers Day Is August 9 While there’s no bad day to love a book, you’ll be in good company if you celebrate this particular passion with fellow bibliophiles on National Book Lovers Day Saturday, August 9, 2005. And, yes, all kinds of books count—traditional, audio, manga, ebooks—all of them! The Enclave at Crossroads team asked the * Idea Specialists™ * for some of their thoughts on other ways to mark the occasion. Of course their first suggestion was checking out the Athens Drive Community Library, one of many branches of the Wake County Public Library. They also reminded us that book clubs are a great way to get to know your neighbors. The clubhouse lounge would be a great place to meet if the group gets big enough, while you might enjoy hosting something smaller in your stylish Enclave at Crossroads living room. Or, maybe you prefer to read with a group but not “with” a group. In that case, you can always read something from a national book club, like the ones of Reese Witherspoon, Jenna Bush Hager, and the reader who started it all—Oprah Winfrey! Back To School: Pimples, Pencils & Patience The Idea Specialists™ asked some of the young people in their lives to tell them the most important things teens and their parents need to have as they get ready to go back to school. First suggestion: A bottle of Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, because for most kids, pimples are just a fact of life at some point. A 1-ounce bottle goes a looooooong way! Next, a box of BIC ReVolution Xtra Life Mechanical Pencils. Yep, the members of Generation Z still use pencils at a school! “It’s mainly for math,” says one 16-year-old. Finally? Patience. Patience, patience, patience. Because teens are going through a lot, and it really is hard for them to imagine that the adults in their lives were once young. As Parenting Teens & Tweens puts it, “It’s a tough time for everyone, but it is also a time when your teen really needs you to keep it together. So much of their behavior results from the push and pull they feel between holding onto their childhood while at the same time wanting to move toward adulthood.” Their guidance, in a nutshell? Listen more/talk less. Don’t take things too personally. Identify specific triggers. Set boundaries. Also, the Center for Parent and Tenn Communication has a good article about helping teens develop patience. Hey ChatGPT, Do My Homework! No matter if the kids in your life attend public, private, or parochial school—or if they’re home schooled—chances are they’ve already used some form of what is called “generative AI (artificial intelligence)” to help them with an in-class assignment or their homework. In a nutshell, teens and college students are turning to tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity, as well as Otter.ai for note-taking and Grammarly for writing assistance. (How do we know? We asked Google AI, LOL.) We also asked Google AI to explain “humanizers” to us, because—according to several teenagers we know—it’s best to use something like ChatGPT along with technology that will make, say, the ChatGPT essay on The Constitution of the United States, sound more like it was written by a human being than a machine. Some examples are QuillBot, Writesonic, , Ahrefs, Prepostseo, and Decopy AI. The Center for Digital Thriving has some great questions to ask for starting conversations with your kids about AI, including: What kinds of uses do you think should be allowed in school, and, has your school or any of your teachers set any rules about using it? Communication is key! * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
July Means Friends, Family & Fireworks at The Enclave at Crossroads
Fantastic fireworks and good food shared with family and friends are two key ingredients for a successful Fourth of July, and the Enclave at Crossroads team in Raleigh, North Carolina, is here with the recipe! Big Changes To Fireworks Show This Year! Once again the City of Raleigh will be lighting up the sky on the Fourth of July, but this year, instead of having the show at Dorothea Dix Park, the event is being relocated to the area surrounding the Lenovo Center and Carter-Finley Stadium. CBS17 reported that a city spokesperson said they moved the location to improve the experience for guests. Organizers say they believe this will make things easier for people because they won’t have to take shuttles like they did at Dix Park. The celebration will be all about the sparkling show in the sky, with no stage, vendors, or festival activities. Gates will open at 6 p.m. Friday, July 4, 2025, and the fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. Check out Triangle on the Cheap to find out about other ways to celebrate the holiday, including festivals, celebrations, and parades! The Perfect Picnic The Enclave at Crossroads team asked * the Idea Specialists™ * what they would pack for the perfect picnic to take to on a July outing. They said they’re big fans of the Real Simple Picnic Checklist, which includes everything from reminders to take bug spray and a portable speaker to suggestions for food and beverages. The best advice from Real Simple? “Picnic fare is all about food that will taste great whether you eat it now or two hours from now. It should be easy to eat and clean up. And the less utensils needed, the better.” Amen to that! And, the Idea Specialists™ are in agreement that every picnic basket should contain something sweet and something savory. Small portions are better than large—easier to manage on a plate, or, even better on a skewer, like these fun—and patriotic!—peanut butter and jelly skewers from Weelicious. You could do this with just about any kind of sandwich. Heck, you could even do a skewer alternating bites of your favorite brownies and chocolate chip cookies with fruit. (Which of course you should pick up at the North Carolina State Farmers Market on Agriculture Street.) Now, everybody thinks they’ve got the best recipe for chocolate chip cookies in the world. We’re not going to argue, because so do we! But we are going to suggest that everyone give Ovenly’s Secretly Vegan Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies a try. Oh my heavens at the melty goodness! Ooey-Gooey Cheesy Goodness And speaking of recipes and goodness, everybody also has their favorite macaroni and cheese, right? Just like grandma used to make—unless your grandma preferred that box of instant with the powdered orange stuff in it. Not that we’re judging. We listen, and we don’t judge. We’re talking about macaroni and cheese now not because it’s a great picnic food (cold macaroni salad works better for that), but because Monday, July 14, 2025, is…..drum roll, please…..National Mac and Cheese Day! Yep, America’s classic comfort food has its own day. Nobody’s sure quite how or why, but you can read about the history of the dish and its connection to U.S. President Thomas Jefferson. And then you can take advantage of your upscale Enclave at Crossroads kitchen to make Southern Living’s Best-Ever Homemade Macaroni and Cheese. Cheers! You can’t have a picnic, whether at the Fourth of July celebration or on the sun deck by our luxury apartment home community’s gorgeous resort-style pool, without something to quench your thirst. If you want more than just a plain Coke and a smile, try the popular Kalimotxo cocktail—a mix of Coca-Cola and red wine. Men’s Journal says the drink got its start in the Basque region of Spain, and now there are multiple variations on the theme. Remember, whatever you drink, don’t bring glass to the pool! And while there’s nothing wrong with a classic red SOLO 18-ounce party cup, why not treat yourself to some fun tumblers like these 24-ounce reusable thick plastic sunflower cups from Amazon? They come complete with straw and lid, perfect for sipping without spilling! Be safe, have fun! * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
It’s All About Dad in June at the Enclave at Crossroads
No matter what you call your father—baba or tata, papa or pita, daddy or dad—it’s all about him come Father’s Day! So the Enclave at Crossroads team in Raleigh, North Carolina, asked * the Idea Specialists™ * for some ways to show the father figures in our lives a little extra love on Sunday, June 15, this year. First on the list? An ice cream outing! Fun For The Entire Family Going out for frozen treats is a way the entire gang can celebrate the occasion. And where better than Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream, with a variety of locations in the Triangle area. The Idea Specialists™ swear by the Torched S’more Monster Shake, with deep, rich, Blue Ribbon-winning Double Dark Chocolate ice cream shake in a crushed graham rimmed jar—topped with whipped topping, freshly-torched marshmallows, and a drizzle of Hershey’s chocolate syrup. And, because The Enclave at Crossroads is such a pet-friendly upscale apartment complex, we love that Andia’s believes that dogs deserve award-winning ice cream, too. Their “pup cup” is a 1-ounce scoop of their French Vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream (or peanut butter sauce at their bus location), and a Milk-Bone. Sweet! Guilt-Free Golf For some dads, the best gift would be time spent with them watching the U.S. Open Golf Championship, the final round of which is traditionally played on the third Sunday in June (always falling on Father’s Day). Pile up on the couch in your comfy The Enclave at Crossroads living room and turn the TV to NBC or the Golf Channel to see if PGA Championship winner Scottie Scheffler walks away with another one. In keeping with the golf theme, the Idea Specialists™ can vouch that Golfballs.com does a great job on customized balls, tees, and towels, with excellent customer service and a fast turnaround time. Listen Up Google for Father’s Day gift ideas and one of your first results will be the Oprah Daily list of “50 Best Gifts for Dads Who Say They Don’t Want Anything.” One of everybody’s top picks is the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, which provide high-quality sound—and mean that the wearer can take calls and play music while staying aware of his surroundings. Safety and convenience! Unlimited Auto Love The Idea Specialists™ are also big fans of practical gifts. That’s why they’re going to take advantage of the Unlimited Wash Club offered by American Pride Xpress Carwash at all of its area locations—as a treat for both themselves and their dads. At the same time, don’t forget the upscale Enclave at Crossroads apartment home community has its own car care center. Cheers To Dad! Whether your pops prefers beer or brown liquor, there’s something on the menu at The Oak Scratch Kitchen and Bourbon Bar on Lake Boone Trail that will quench his thirst (and some tasty treats on the food menu, too!). Did You Know? According to History.com, the nation’s first Father’s Day was celebrated June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington. But it wasn’t until 1972—58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official—that the day honoring fathers became a nationwide holiday in the United States. That’s when then-President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation making it so. Economists estimate that Americans now spend more than $1 billion each year on Father’s Day gifts. * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
Moms & Memories, Pets & Pampering—It’s the Merry Month of May at the Enclave at Crossroads!
It’s the merry, merry month of May at the upscale Enclave at Crossroads apartment home community in Raleigh, North Carolina, which means Mother’s Day, National Pet Month, and more! And by more, of course we mean Star Wars Day Sunday, May 4, 2025: “May the Fourth be with you.” (If you haven’t seen the LEGO Star Wars sets, then maybe this is the year!) Quickly followed by Cinco de Mayo, which isn’t really that big a deal in Mexico. But, hey, who are we to argue about going out for some tacos and tequila this Monday, May 5? A Corsage For Your Mama The Enclave at Crossroads team asked *the Idea Specialists™* to fill us in on the background of Mother’s Day, which is always celebrated on the second Sunday of May (May 11 of this year). They turned to the venerable Smithsonian for the goods: “The credit belongs to Anna Jarvis, who organized the first official Mother’s Day services on the morning of May 10, 1908, in her hometown of Grafton, West Virginia, and later in the afternoon in her adopted hometown of Philadelphia.” U.S. President Woodrow Wilson gave the holiday federal recognition in 1914. It’s also because of Anna Jarvis that one of the gifts we give our mamas this month is flowers. She specifically selected her own late mother’s favorite flower, the white carnation, as the holiday’s official emblem. At many churches, particularly in the South, it became a tradition to give each female in the congregation a corsage on Mother’s Day, and not just of carnations. What mattered was the color—red or pink if your mother was still alive, and white if what remained were memories of her. Let’s Support Our Local Merchants! The Enclave at Crossroads loves being a part of the community, and always wants to support our local businesses when we can. That’s why we loved the idea of finding that perfect arrangement for mom this year at Fallon’s Flowers on St. Mary’s Street—a Raleigh area institution since 1926! They have some breathtaking designs, and deliver, of course. Or, if you’re in the market for something that will last a little longer, Voda in North Hills has everything from socks to jewelry. (The Idea Specialists™ plan to indulge in a little DedCool laundry detergent for their finer fabrics.) Mummy Yummies! And whose mom wouldn’t want to go out to eat on her special day? If she hasn’t had the brunch at St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar on South Wilmington Street, she is in for a treat! Beignets and Carolina Calabash, so good! Triangle on the Cheap has some other ideas—dine in and carry out. We’re A Pet-Friendly Luxury Apartment Home Community Because we’re such a pet-friendly luxury apartment home community, of course we love celebrating National Pet Month! It was founded by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 1981 to recognize the bonds we develop with our beloved pets and promote responsible pet care through education and awareness. And, it’s anchored by National Pet Week the first full week of May. There are an estimated 1 billion pets worldwide, and we want to pet all of them! (Well, OK, maybe not the iguanas so much.) But we do love our fur-babies, so much so that we have a leash-free pet park. The Month’s End Brings Memorial Day Memorial Day honors those who died or suffered injuries in battle, as compared to Veterans Day on November 11, which honors all who served in the military, whether they served in peace or wartime. This year, Monday, May 26, 2025, is the date of this U.S. Federal holiday; government offices will be closed. *The Idea Specialists™* The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
April Appreciations—Easter, National Library Week, The Masters & RPM Careers Week!
It seems like everyone’s calendars get crazier than usual when spring rolls around, and this April at The Enclave at Crossroads in Raleigh, North Carolina, is no exception! Easter, the Masters Tournament at Augusta National, National Library Week, and more—there’s something for almost everybody to celebrate and appreciate! Let’s Hop Right Into Easter An “eggcellent” way to celebrate will be to take your little bunnies to one of the many Easter events in the area. Triangle on the Cheap has written about several of the Easter Egg Hunts and bunny visits on the calendar, including the super-easy option of stopping by a location of Bass Pro Shops to get your family pic with the Big Hopper himself! These activities are taking place before the actual holiday because it’s late this year—Sunday, April 20, 2025 (Passover begins Saturday, April 12). Which gives you plenty of time to lay in supplies and have the fun of making your own charcuterie Easter basket! If you’re not feeling particularly creative, * The Idea Specialists™ * recommend a quick google search for the kind of goodies you want to share with family and friends. They found lots great boxes and baskets at Harry & David, as well as full holiday dinners! Locally, On Board Charcuterie & Catering on Glenwood Avenue is an excellent option! Our Local Library When you’re making plans to commemorate National Library Week April 6-12, put checking out the Athens Drive Community Library (one of many locations of the Wake County Public Library) first on your list! This year’s theme for National Library Week is “Drawn to the Library,” and that’s because libraries have something that draws everyone in: books, magazines, computer stations, story time for kids, DVDS, online resources, and more. Teed Up Next—The Masters It just wouldn’t be spring in the South without the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, now would it? If you’re lucky enough to have the chance to attend—even if only for a practice round—take it! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Most of us, though, will get to enjoy the lovely azaleas and admire the prowess of professional athletes like betting favorites Rory McIllroy and Scottie Scheffler from the comfort of our Enclave at Crossroads living rooms. Here’s the guide for watching at home. We asked The Idea Specialists™ for some suggestions on how to throw a Masters party, and of course they came through! Egg salad sandwiches, pimento sandwiches, and Mini MoonPies are musts!! Don’t have time to make your own sammies in your custom-appointed kitchen? Not to worry—you can feast on tradition with the Taste of the Masters hosting kit! The world-famous classic concessions items, including pork bar-b-que, are delivered to your door, enabling you to recreate the patron experience. Another way to do that is to make an Azalea Cocktail, the beloved drink of golfers and fans alike. (Pro Tip: This pretty pink concoction goes well with most Easter menus, too!) RPM Careers Week Our final focus for this month’s blog is Residential Property Management (RPM) Careers Week April 14-18, 2025, because where we would be without the people who make it so easy to call our beautiful luxury apartment community home? Support services teams, maintenance/service professionals, suppliers, and leadership—everyone works together, and we’re especially fortunate because they all have a good time at the same time! Residential property management offers career opportunities for passionate, creative, and driven people from all walks of life, professional levels, and skillsets. Check out the National Apartment Association site for more info. Stop in any time to help us celebrate! * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
March Madness & ALDI Fun Finds–Both Slam Dunks for The Enclave at Crossroads
Just like everybody’s a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, everybody’s got a bracket when March Madness rolls around. That’s why The Enclave at Crossroads in Raleigh, North Carolina, asked *the Idea Specialists™* for some slam-dunk suggestions on how to celebrate both this month. Fellowship, Food & Fun Finds! From shamrocks to the Sweet Sixteen, and whether it’s green beer and corned beef or “Courtside Punch” and chicken wings, the things all good March parties have in common are fellowship and food. The Idea Specialists™ plan to take their shopping lists to one of the four ALDIs in Raleigh to stock up on staples and sweets. They have learned about so many good frozen foods and specialty items and gotten so many great recipe ideas from being members of the ALDI Aisle of Shame Community on Facebook! And of course there’s nothing “shameful” about it! The name really refers to the area in the center of the store that is packed with what the grocer refers to as “ALDI Finds,” a rotating stock of limited-edition, often seasonally themed items. It’s also a prime spot to score dupes of popular name-brand products, at a fraction of the price. Who wouldn’t cheer for that? Gameday Gatherings When it comes to watching the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, this year, you might want to enjoy the home court advantage that comes with having some of the First and Second Round games played at Lenovo Center (NC State is hosting). You also can plan to have a few folks over to enjoy the roundball action in the comfort of your luxury apartment home, or take advantage of the wonderful spaces in The Enclave at Crossroads clubhouse to cheer on your faves with your neighbors and friends. Decorate your drinks and spear your appetizers (served in hoop-designed snack cups!) with these fun basketball-themed cocktail picks the Idea Specialists™ found. Build Your Bracket It always adds an extra level of excitement when you’re competing against friends, so get yourself a bracket going! There doesn’t have to be any money on the line—it can be all about the bragging rights! You can also play around with non-sports brackets to get the non-fans involved—movies, music, and more, the list goes on and on. Check out this post for more ideas. The Wearing Of The Green While once thought of as primarily a day of Catholic religious observance to honor Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, in modern times St. Patrick’s Day is more about the wearing of green clothing and celebrating all things Irish! Faith and begorrah! This year the Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be Saturday, March 15, starting at 10 a.m. at Hillsborough Street and Salisbury Street, on the west side of the State Capitol Building. The Enclave at Crossroads Idea Specialists™ for sure will be there, looking for gold at the pot of the end o’ the rainbow! And they’ll have their puppies in tow, because the parade is pet-friendly, just like our upscale apartment community! Woof! * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
Sweet Valentine’s Dreams are Made of This
True love and romance is worth celebrating at all of its stages—from initial spark to hot flame, brightly burning fire to softly glowing embers. That’s why The Enclave at Crossroads luxury apartment home community in Raleigh, North Carolina, asked the *Idea Specialists™* for suggestions on making this Valentine’s Day a memorable one. Champagne & Caviar The first thing they said is that they’ve never had a bad experience at Crawford and Son in historic Oakwood. This year the restaurant’s special Valentine’s Day menu includes such offerings as black truffle risotto, Wagyu short rib Wellington, and of course, caviar. You have the option of wine pairings. And dessert will be divine….Black Forest Entremet (dark chocolate mousse, Luxardo cherry, and chocolate streusel). Mignon at Margaux’s Margaux’s Restaurant, the lively fine dining establishment in Brennan Station, is another establishment with a special prix fixe Valentine’s Day weekend menu. Quite frankly, the Idea Specialists™ would be pretty happy if they could just get one of everything listed as an option for the first course—who can choose between oysters on the half shell (always perfect with champagne!) and Korean lamb skewers with green mango-cucumber salad and Doenjang dipping sauce? Then there’s the paella option for the entrée, and the desserts—oh, man, the desserts! Can you say banana pudding crème puff? We can! Fusion, Energy, Music & Fun! Band Capricio is going to make the Raleigh scene Friday, February 14, 2025, at Lincoln Theatre, and the Idea Specialists™ don’t want to miss out! This first-ever Telugu regional musical band from Hyderabad is known for their fusion of genres and energetic stage presence, so this is one electrifying experience you’ll definitely want to have! Desi Day is putting on the show. Other Ideas For other ideas about how to celebrate in the city, check out Visit Raleigh. And The Knot has a fun list—95 Romantic, Unique and Spicy Valentine’s Day Ideas for Every Couple. Sweets For Your Sweetie And speaking of chocolate….. Oh, my, but did the Idea Specialists™ come through for The Enclave at Crossroads with suggestions on this front! They hit the jackpot when they found this Food Network post on best buys for Valentine’s Day. Favorites? First up is the Salts of the World Chocolate Collection; each of these chocolates celebrates a different country and features salt, ingredients, and a wildflower all native to that country. So cool! Then there’s the Belgian Chocolate Covered Mini Doughnut Bouquet. Flowers are nice, but could anything really beat a beautifully packaged bouquet of chocolate-covered mini doughnuts? Then, for the vegan Valentines out there, the Idea Specialists™ recommend that you go with the Berry Bouquet Vegan Chocolate Box from Compartés. It is packed with raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, goji berries, cranberries and cherries, all dipped in absurdly good vegan dark chocolate. Kids & Puppies The Idea Specialists™ also gave The Enclave at Crossroads team a cute suggestion on how to celebrate the little lovies in your life—a cute mini-waffle maker! You can make kid-sized waffles in a heart shape perfect for Valentine’s Day morning—or as a dessert treat with ice cream and hot fudge! (Pro Tip: Add a little pink or red food coloring to the batter for that extra flair.) And because they know that The Enclave at Crossroads is a very pet-friendly apartment community, complete with a leash-free pet park, the Idea Specialists™ made it a point to share some info on animal safety. Each year the experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) see a rise in cases around February 14, many involving chocolate or lilies. Valentine’s Day can be as much fun for pets as it is for humans—as long as dangerous items are kept out of paws’ reach! * The Idea Specialists™* The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
