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.
Those Little Special Somethings
One Change To Make In Each Room To Make Your Life Better In 2025 Bedroom Magic The bright and airy bedrooms at The Enclave at Crossroads Apartment Homes in Raleigh are just brimming with design potential! One way to maximize the natural light from their windows is with a large mirror to reflect that gorgeous North Carolina sunshine and get your day off to a pleasant start. Like magic, it will make the already spacious rooms seem even larger! The *Idea Specialists™* love the idea of leaning an oversized arched mirror against a wall (no nail holes!!). From ornate to Midcentury Modern the styles abound, but you really can’t go wrong with classic black (available from Amazon). Bathroom Beautiful Tired of reaching for your toothpaste only to knock over your deodorant and lotion because your bathroom vanity has gotten so cluttered? It’s easy to get organized and beautify your surroundings with all of the container options available now, especially if you follow some of the tips in this House Beautiful piece! Some faves: Don’t double up! Buy cleaning supplies when you need them, instead of stockpiling. And keep them in a convenient caddy! Declutter once a season. Do you really wear the same lipstick in June that you do in November? No. So store stuff accordingly. And speaking of lipstick, check out this groovy rotating cosmetics display case! Kitchen Confidential You can instantly liven up your space, add warmth, and protect the floors in your kitchen by adding a colorful or patterned area rug or runner. The great thing about this change is that it’s almost the ultimate in temporary decoration—you can rotate rugs with the seasons without spending very much money so your culinary space stays fresh. (Like your vegetables, we hope!) Ruggable has unbeatable selections, easy-to-swap styles, and—best of all—their products are machine-washable! Good Housekeeping has everything you need to know before you buy in this post. Den Delights When it comes to choosing lamps for your den, the options can seem endless. Before you make a decision, think about how you’re using the various spaces in the room. Do you need task lighting for an area you’ve dedicated as a work space? A table lamp by the couch for reading? Once you know, then consider your color and style options. The Idea Specialists™ recently found this great combination floor lamp and end table. And, if you, too, are not a fan of visible cords, you can take your pick of colors with these affordable decorative covers. The Idea Specialists™ recently discovered Furnish on Glenwood Avenue off I-40 East, an easy drive from The Enclave at Crossroads, and could spend just hours talking with their team about decorating options (including delightful lighting, of course!). Field trip time! Balcony Bonus One of the great things about living at The Enclave at Crossroads is the option of having a private patio or balcony. Whichever you choose, one easy way to bring color and comfort to the space is by adding greenery with potted plants, hanging planters, or even faux plants for a touch of nature. Artificial plant bonus: No worries about watering or changes in the weather! The Idea Specialists™ recently used a luxe combo of pots of trailing variegated String Of Hearts from Pottery Barn and traditional ferns by House of Silk Flowers (from Bed Bath & Beyond) to soften corners and enliven a balcony. For other ideas, check out great tips on selecting faux plants from The Spruce. Community Calendar Looking to get out and about to shake off the winter blues? The Raleigh-Cary area doesn’t ever disappoint. Check out these sites for all your options: – Visit Raleigh – INDY – Triangle on the Cheap * 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.
Festive Holiday Cooking & Entertaining: Big Cheer for Clever Entertaining at the Enclave Crossroads Apartment Homes, Raleigh, NC
Who says you need to be a pro to host a holiday bash? With fun recipes and clever decorating tricks, even YOU can transform your home into a festive wonderland this holiday season. We asked the Idea Specialists© for their recommendations for high-impact low-effort entertaining and here is what they said… Let’s start with the food. Easy Recipes for the Star Host Glazed Maple Dijon Salmon Swap the classic roast for something sleek and simple. Brush salmon fillets with maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a splash of soy sauce. Bake for 15 minutes and serve with pre-steamed green beans. It’s elegant, delicious, and practically effortless. Holiday Charcuterie Cups Skip the giant grazing boards and opt for individual charcuterie cups. Fill small glasses or paper cones with cheese cubes, nuts, cured meats, and festive touches like rosemary sprigs or cranberries. They’re portable, Instagram-worthy, and perfect for mingling. Mini Yule Log Brownies Bake brownie batter in a loaf pan, then slice and roll pieces into mini logs. Frost with chocolate ganache, dust with powdered sugar, and top with candy holly. These bite-sized treats are as show-stopping as they are easy to make. Decor That Wows in Small Spaces Twinkle with Lights: String fairy lights along bookshelves, doorframes, or around a mirror to create a warm, inviting glow. Bonus: they double as mood lighting. Mini Centerpieces: Fill mason jars with ornaments, cranberries, or pinecones. Top with a tea light for an affordable and chic decoration. Maximize Vertical Space: Hang wreaths or garlands on walls or doors to add holiday cheer without taking up floor space. Pro Tips for Stress-Free Hosting Make It Interactive: Let guests garnish their drinks with cranberries, citrus slices, or candy canes at a DIY holiday drink station. Or serve up a pitcher of White Chocolate Christmas Margaritas and garnish with cranberries and rosemary. Here’s the recipe: https://charmingcocktails.com/white-christmas-margarita/ Prep Ahead: Choose recipes that can be made the day before so you can enjoy the party too. Small Touches, Big Impact: Personalized place cards or festive napkins add an elegant touch without much effort. Apartment living doesn’t mean you have to downsize your holiday dreams. With these easy recipes, clever décor ideas, and hosting hacks, you’ll be the toast of the season. So, crank up the holiday playlist, pour some spiced cider, and get ready to entertain like a pro!
Let’s Talk Turkey …And Dressing!
The Idea Specialists™ at The Enclave at Crossroads in Raleigh, North Carolina, are already getting excited about Thanksgiving! They’re once again having the great “stuffing vs dressing” debate, researching all things cranberry, and making sure they’ve signed up for the annual Turkey Trot. And this year, they’re also going to try something new to them—tandoori turkey! Veterans Day But before Thanksgiving comes Veterans Day, which honors U.S. veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. The Austin Veterans Day Parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday, November 11, 2024, at Congress Avenue and end at the Texas Capitol with a 10:50 a.m. wreath-laying ceremony with bell tolling, a 21-gun salute, and the playing of Taps to honor those who have served. This year, the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is once again encouraging businesses and residents to turn their outside lights green in support of veterans—a way to shine a light on their service. More Upcoming Events Even before Thanksgiving there is plenty of fun to be had in and around Raleigh. Don’t take our word for it—check out Walter Magazine’s article on things to do in November, some of them FREE! One of those is the annual Christmas tree lighting at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts at Litchtin Plaza. The extravaganza starts at 5:30 p.m. Friday, November 22, 2024. You can watch as the tree comes to light and shines cheer across the city, get free pictures with Santa Claus, start shopping for presents at the large vendor market, enjoy performances by local artists, and so much more. Then, the next day (Saturday, November 23, 2024), attend the 80th ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade downtown on Fayetteville, with festivities kicking off at 9:30 a.m. The Thanksgiving Holiday So, dressing or stuffing? What’s the difference? The Enclave at Crossroads Idea Specialists™ will let you in on a secret—they actually like both! And there’s no way they’re going to try to settle the great debate about what the difference is…..they’ll let certain culinary experts do that. Instead, knowing full well that everybody thinks their grandma’s recipe is best, they’re sharing two they like: Southern Living’s Cornbread Dressing and Food & Wine’s Mushroom-and-Chestnut Stuffing with Giblets. Either would go great with tandoori turkey, a culinary delight that combines the best of East Indian flavors with that perennial American favorite roasted bird. Cranberry Creations Another perennial American favorite at Thanksgiving is cranberry sauce. Some people swear by homemade, others prefer it right out of that familiar comforting can. Another popular spin is cranberry chutney, a sweet, spicy, and tangy blend of cranberries cooked with a mix of spices like cumin, coriander, and a touch of cayenne. Yep, you guessed it—it pairs beautifully with tandoori turkey! This is also the time to try out some different cranberry juice mock- and cocktails while gathering in your luxe The Enclave at Crossroads apartment home. The Ginger Shandy (another name for a Cranberry Mule) is a perfect mix of sweet, zest, and effervescence that nicely balances out the heavy holiday foods (we’re looking at you, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potato casserole!). Gobble, Gobble, Fun! Connect with the community, enjoy the outdoors, and kick off Thanksgiving with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie when you and the fam all take part in a Triangle area favorite—the Raleigh Turkey Trot at Ridgewood! This year’s event benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Race day check-in is from 6:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. Thursday, November 28, 2024. You’ll be making memories—and a difference!
Live & Local, Fall & Football!
With fall comes football, and with football comes tailgating! Whether you’re going to an NFL game or watching ESPN and rooting for your college alma mater out of the weather and in the sumptuous comfort of your apartment home at The Enclave at Crossroads in Raleigh, North Carolina, you’ll want to make sure to have plenty of tasty treats on hand to satisfy family and friends. And yourself, of course! But before we get to dishing the goods on tailgate goodies, let’s talk about having some non-football fun. (It can be done, we promise! LOL) LOOKING AHEAD TO SOMETHING LIVE & LOCAL The annual Fall Arts Fair at Fred Fletcher Park will run Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can get an early start on your holiday shopping during the day, which will feature the works of over 60 local artist vendors, live music, food trucks, and hands-on arts activities and demonstrations. Hosted by Pullen and Sertoma Arts Centers, this family-friendly event is FREE to all! And go ahead mark your calendars now for Raleigh’s International Wine Festival, set for Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is FREE to this downtown event, which will showcase a global selection of wines from 40 wineries. Cheers! NOW LET’S TALK ABOUT POPULAR GAMEDAY GOODIES Google for gameday goodies and you’ll find that pickles are really hot this fall—especially when you serve them cold in this Duke’s Mayo Pickle Dip. The Enclave at Crossroads Idea Specialists™ love the idea of putting this on burgers and hot dogs, using it for a different kind of chicken nugget sauce, and of course just eating it on some chips or crackers. Check out more sweet and sour food for thought in Delish’s 53 Pickle Recipes You Never Knew You Needed. The Idea Specialists™ know that you can never go wrong with this particular Southern Living Fire Cracker recipe. But they want to up their cracker game this fall, so they’re going to give the Bacon Bow Tie Crackers recipe a go, too. COOLER CONCOCTIONS Beers, spritzers, soft drinks, and water are all cooler staples. Treat your guests to a little something extra with a special tailgate cocktail like the Lunchbox, which you can make ahead in a large lidded pitcher or non-glass beverage dispenser for easy transport. If the combo of orange juice, beer, Southern Comfort, and amaretto doesn’t sound like your cup of fun, Mix that Drink has several more fun recipes to choose from! BBQ FOR YOU No time to get in your well-appointed Enclave at Crossroads kitchen before the next get-together? No worries! Raleigh is flat-out blessed with some barbecue joints, from Clyde Cooper’s to Sam Jones to The BBQ Lab and so many more in between. Whether you’re craving some Brunswick stew to go along with your chopped chicken and beef brisket, want some pork rinds and pimento cheese, or don’t think your day would be complete without special slaw, you are covered. Don’t forget the banana pudding! Yummers! GAMEDAY MUST-HAVE The Enclave at Crossroads Idea Specialists™ know from experience that while it’s all fun and games on the field, collegiate and pro stadiums don’t play around when it comes to fan do’s and don’ts. One of the biggies is making sure that any bag you take in with you meets guidelines. These days you can go to Amazon and spend about as much or as little as you’d like on a bag. The ET website has the skinny; the Specialists are going with the imminently practical LOXOMU crossbody bag. (But this acrylic WJCD bag that comes in SO many colors and has a removable chain looks like so much fun! Maybe both?) Go Team!
Spend the Last Days of Your Summer Staycationing in Luxury at The Enclave at Crossroads–and Exploring the Raliegh Area!
Before you get geared up for the return of back-to-school and other fall routines, make plans to spend the last days of your summer staycationing in luxury at The Enclave at Crossroads and taking a new look at what the Raleigh, North Carolina, area has to offer! The American Automobile Association (AAA) says the key to a good staycation is remembering that you’re on vacation, which can be hard to do when you’re staying home. They offer a few tips for planning: Stop daily chores and routines. Focus on activities you wouldn’t normally do. Select activities that relax you and bring you joy. Have a plan, even if it’s a loose one. Set a budget and stick to it. Of course the loose plan The Enclave at Crossroads Idea Specialists™ have come up with involves hanging (with some bottles of Aperol Spritz) at the convenient community pool. And not only is it convenient, it and the sun deck and all of the landscaping and common areas are always so gorgeous and clean! We owe this to the exceptional work of our service team members, which is why we’re going the extra mile to honor them by declaring August as Maintenance Appreciation Month. Both AAA and Apartments.com have some great ideas about ways to spend your staycation. One suggestion is to cook a fancy meal. And sure, that’s always easy to do in your well-appointed apartment home kitchen, but the Idea Specialists™ have been amusing themselves lately by watching TikToks on private chefs in the Hamptons, which gave them an idea… YOUR OWN PERSONAL CHEF Why not hire a personal chef for your staycation? The Raleigh Salted Chef offers a wide array of meal options to choose from (if you don’t have your own ideas), including vegan and gluten-free. Their chefs arrive at your home, prepare one or multiple meal(s) in your kitchen, and clean up, so you can get back to spending time and energy on more important things in life! FROM THE KITCHEN OF THE SALTED CHEF And if you’re going to enjoy lovely meals, why not splurge a little and get some lovely new linens to freshen up your dining table? ELLE Decor has turned the The Enclave at Crossroads Idea Specialists™ on to the Ridhi brand of boho-inspired linens (handmade!) in all manner of summery patterns and prints. According to the site, “You can score a set of printed cloth napkins for just $26, tablecloths starting at $53, and placemats for under $40 (all on Amazon), allowing you to create the colorful tablescape of your dreams without breaking the bank.” FAMILY SUMMER MOVIE MARATHON Another good idea for an August staycation is a family summer movie marathon. A google search (the Idea Specialists™ do so love to search!) shows that the Pioneer Woman has a popular post up: “30 Best Summer Movies for Kids That Are Almost as Fun as Being Outside”. One of those is that all-time classic The Karate Kid, starring Ralph Macchio. It doesn’t matter whether your gang is caught up on all six series of Cobra Kai or not, it’s still worth the watch—or re-watch! EXPLORING THE RALEIGH AREA Visit Raleigh, part of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, has a list of 30 of the top things to do you can start working through during your staycation, or any other time, for that matter. From hiking and biking to art and history, there’s something for everybody to enjoy—including your good doggo! Visit Raleigh also has a list of 40 FREE things you can do and see pretty much any time, and Life in Raleigh has its own August 2024 list of FREE activities, including a special “anime edition” of Geek and Grub Market at Fred Fletcher Park Saturday, August 17, 2024, and a Back to School Jamboree at John Chavis Memorial Park Saturday, August 17, 2024. Given that The Enclave at Crossroads is a pet-friendly community, the Idea Specialists™ love that the city of Raleigh has a webpage dedicated to all of its dog parks. They plan to check out the Jaycee Dog Run soon. And If you haven’t been already, now might be the time to spend a day at Laurel Hill Park on Edwards Mill Road. Its Sassafras All Children’s Playground, carefully designed for the enjoyment of children of all physical capabilities, offers an elaborate wooden play structure of tunnels, bridges, towers, swings and rings built over soft sand. BACK TO SCHOOL Playgrounds make the Idea Specialists™ think of school, which seems to start earlier and earlier every year, doesn’t it? These days getting the kids ready to go back to class means familiarizing yourself with their different schools’ websites. The Enclave at Crossroads is located in Wake County Public School System, which has a central website that links to all schools in the area. Getting ready also means scoping out those sometimes wicked drop-off and pick-up lines, and making sure everybody has got the supplies they need. And want. According to the National Retail Federation’s Annual 2024 Back-to-School Survey, families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $874.68 on clothing, shoes, school supplies, and electronics. The NRF’s survey said they expect $38.8 billion to be spent on school supplies in the United States—the second-highest figure on record. Hot items for teens for fall semester 2024 are North Face backpacks and Vera Bradley lunch bags. (Students at schools that require clear backpacks can still have some fun with colors if they go with a Vorspack.) HIGH SCHOOL DOESN’T HAVE TO BE HORRIBLE Got somebody about to start their freshman year of high school? Here’s some guidance for them, from a teenage neighbor of one of the Idea Specialists™. “For classes keep on track with your work and make sure you have all the supplies you need. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t know something. Most people are nice and will talk to you if you talk to them. For things to wear be casual, don’t dress up crazy for school. Lastly, keep in mind that learning is important but that’s not what school is all about, have fun and make friends.” Oh, and: “With girls Nike,
Packing for Perfection: Your Ultimate Picnic Essentials Guide
As the warm breeze beckons and the sun smiles brightly, it’s the perfect time to indulge in one of life’s simple pleasures: a picnic. Whether heading to a nearby park, a lakeside spot, or a scenic hilltop, packing essentials can elevate your picnic from ordinary to extraordinary. The Picnic Basket: Choose a sturdy, spacious basket or a comfortable backpack to carry all your goodies. It should have compartments for organization and be easy to transport. Blanket or Picnic Mat: A soft, waterproof blanket is essential for creating a cozy seating area. Opt for one large enough to accommodate your group comfortably. Food and Drinks: Pack various finger foods that are easy to eat outdoors, such as sandwiches, salads in jars, cheese and crackers, fresh fruits, and nuts. Don’t forget refreshing beverages like lemonade, iced tea, or even a bottle of wine (if permitted). Utensils and Plates: Bring reusable or biodegradable plates, cups, utensils, and napkins to minimize waste. Consider packing a small cutting board and a knife for preparing fresh ingredients on-site. Comfort Items: Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a portable first aid kit can ensure everyone stays comfortable and safe throughout the picnic. Entertainment: Pack a frisbee, a ball, a book, or a deck of cards for some leisurely activities to enjoy after the meal. Trash Bags: Always carry extra bags for collecting trash and recyclables, keeping your picnic spot pristine. Optional Extras: Depending on the location and your preferences, you might want to include a portable speaker for music, a portable grill for cooking, or even a picnic umbrella for shade. Remember, the perfect picnic is not just about the food; it’s about creating lasting memories with loved ones in the great outdoors. So, pack thoughtfully, embrace spontaneity, and savor every moment of your picnic adventure. Happy picnicking!
