Category Archives: Uncategorized

12 Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List

Want to really bring joy to the world (or at least your loved ones) this holiday season? Slip these last-minute gifts into your basket the next time you’re grocery shopping. They’re perfect for holiday stockings, teacher and host gifts, coworker gift exchanges and everything in between:

1. Feelgoodz Slippers
A hygge holiday begins with a supremely cozy pair of patterned slippers. As a perfect “around the house” pair, they’re handmade by Vietnamese weavers and lined with warming faux sherpa or a recycled poly blend.

2. Pacha Froth Bombs
Spike your tub with deliciously scented bath bombs that froth up and soothe skin, available in Gingerbread Man, Holly and Berries, and Winter Birch. For those who prefer showers, whipped scrubs in Peppermint Twist or Vanilla Butter do the trick.

3. PBS Kids Aurora Plush Toys and EverEarth Wooden Toys

Kids don’t need Wi-Fi to build a castle or play make-believe. Give them timeless handheld trucks, trains or other wooden toys — or an exceptionally cuddly lion, tiger or narwhal. (All PVC- and phthalate-free. Oh, my!)

4. Paddywax Sweet Salutation Scented Candles

There’s no more flattering light than the flicker of a hand-poured soy candle. In unique fragrances like Mistletoe and Mint (Cheers!), Juniper Citrus (Celebrate!), and Balsam and Fir (Kindred Spirits), these create a festive vibe. Bonus: When the wax melts away, use the chic, faceted vessel to hold anything from fresh blooms to pencils.

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Free Make N Take

  • November 24, 2017
  • The Scrap Exchange
  • 2050 Chapel Hill Rd, Durham, NC 27707
  • 11am-1pm
  • FREE
  • (919) 213-1278

Make N Take is an eco-friendly creative arts activity. Use Scrap Exchange’s fascinating collection of materials to create anything you can imagine. They provide materials along with scissors, tape and staplers to create with. Creativity and imaginations are unleashed as students make rocket ships, costumes, robots, sculptures, and more. Participants keep whatever they make. This program is best for ages 5+.

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Wow Your Family With These 15 Fun Thanksgiving Facts

Busy day for plumbers

The day after Thanksgiving is the busiest day for plumbers, according to Roto-Rooter. Meal prep and cleanup can clog drains and garbage disposals, and guests requiring “additional clothes washing, showers, and toilet flushes put a strain on household plumbing,” the company says. It experiences a 21 percent increase in calls over the four-day weekend than any other Thursday to Sunday period in the year.

Big Bird is a…turkey?

Big Bird’s suit on Sesame Street consists of turkey feathers that have been dyed yellow. The American Plume & Fancy Feather company is responsible for making the suit, and Big Bird is its toughest customer, owner Anthony Trento told CNN in 2008. “His tremendous costume uses feathers from the rear end of a turkey, which are rarely clean. Sesame Street rejects nine out of ten feathers,” said Trento.

The first Thanksgiving Day parade looked a little different

Every year, millions watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person and on TV. Macy’s began the parade, then known as the Macy’s Christmas Parade, in 1924 to celebrate their expansion and new status as “world’s largest store.” People today would be familiar with most of the first parade’s contents; there were floats featuring nursery rhyme characters and Santa Claus in his sleigh. What might be out of place today were the animals—bears, elephants, camels, and monkeys loaned from the Central Park Zoo. Giant balloons debuted a few years later, in 1927, with Felix the Cat among the very first.

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Art in the Park: Fantastic Halloween

October 30 – November 1, 2017 (Recurring daily)

Do you like things that go bump in the night? Then join Historic Yates Mill in the park’s Finley Center any time during the day for some spooky crafts to celebrate your fantastic Halloween! Make your very own trick-or-treat bags, paper plate jack-o-lanterns and paper bag monster puppets! This event is for all ages (adult accompaniment is required for all children); registration is not required.

  • Times: 8:30am-5pm
  • Venue: Historic Yates Mill County Park
  • Address: 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh, NC 27603
  • Area: South Raleigh
  • Admission: Free
  • Phone: 919.856.6675

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Museum of Life + Science

The 84 acres that encompass the Museum of Life + Science are packed full of attractions designed to spark wonder and curiosity in guests. Popular exhibits include one of the largest butterfly houses on the East Coast, a dinosaur trail where guests can admire over a dozen life-size dinosaurs, and Hideaway Woods, a two-acre nature discovery environment featuring eight tree houses, a flowing stream, and fanciful nature sculptures.

With indoor and outdoor exhibits designed to accommodate a range of interests and abilities, a day at the museum means hands-on learning fun for science lovers of all ages!

The Museum of Life and Science is frequently ranked as one of the top family-friendly museums in the Southeast. Elements Museum Store and Coffee Bar offers unique solutions for holiday gift giving with a wide array of one-of-a-kind products for science lovers of all ages.

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2017 Triangle Parade of Homes is Just 1 Week Away!

September 30-October 1, October 6-8, October 13-15
Noon – 5 pm
www.TriangleParadeofHomes.com
More than 250 new homes will be open and available for viewing in the Triangle area, including 58 in Durham, Orange & Chatham counties.

Pick up your FREE Durham, Orange & Chatham Tour Guide beginning September 26 at these locations. In the meantime, here is a printable list of entries.

Not sure how the Parade of Homes works? Check out the below FAQs. We look forward to seeing you on the Parade of Homes!

Parade of Homes FAQ
Do I need to sign up?
No need to sign up; this is a self-guided tour. Use the website, app, or tour magazine to determine your route and visit the homes you want to see.
Does the Parade of Homes cost money?
No. The Parade of Homes is FREE!
How many homes can I see in a day?
This depends on which homes you choose to see and their geographical location. Typically, you will spend 15-30 minutes in each home.
Will there be someone there to ask questions?
Yes, a knowledgeable sales team member will be in each home and ready to answer any and all of your questions.
Are there Green Certified Homes on the Parade of Homes?
Yes, if a home is being certified through NGBS (National Green Building Services – Home Innovations), they will have a logo on their entry. There are other green certification programs available and the builders have indicated if they are participating in their marketing statements on their entry.
An address of a Parade entry is not showing up in my GPS. What do I do?
Many of these communities are new and may not work with GPS systems. Each entry includes written directions to the home which can be found on the website, mobile app and Tour Magazine. Also look for the Parade of Homes directional signs!
Where can I find a Parade Tour Magazine?
Durham, Orange & Chatham Tour Magazines may be picked up at Harris Teeter & Kroger locations in the 3 counties. Magazines are also available at larger real estate offices, chambers of commerce and REALTOR Association offices in the 3 counties. If you are having trouble finding a book, call 919.493.8899.
What are some tips to make my experience as pleasurable as possible?
Wear comfortable shoes that slip on and off easily as many homes request you remove shoes before entering. Some homes may provide complimentary refreshments, but pack snacks and water in case you need.

Santa Claus Visits The Brightleaf Club

brightleaf-blog-1
Smiling facing and carefully crafted wish lists! Santa Claus made a special visit to the Brightleaf Club to greet more than 100 children who were gleefully anticipating a special meeting with St. Nick!

“It’s nice to do something for members in the off-season and everyone loves Santa,” says Brightleaf Club General Manager Steven Boston.

Brightleaf at the Park

Everyone does love Santa and Santa loved seeing so many of children who live in the Brightleaf community. Some were dressed in festive holiday pajamas, while others were decked out in their Christmas best.

Brightleaf at the Park

Some even came dressed as Santa’s helpers. Love the elf ears!

All were given a special Christmas book…a personal gift from St. Nick.

Brightleaf at the Park

And of course you cannot welcome Santa without milk, hot cocoa, and cookies. The kids loved this part as well! Look at that smile.

Brightleaf at the Park

The Brightleaf Club offers a membership at Brightleaf’s resort style clubhouse for local homeowners. Those amenities include a Jr. Olympic size pool, zero-entry pool, kiddie pool, lighted tennis courts, 24-hour fitness center and playground.
But Boston says, the biggest event in the off-season is of course welcoming Santa!

A treat for all ages! Happy Holidays!

2016 Parade Home Can Be Your Dream Home, Brightleaf at the Park

Brightleaf at the Park

This brand new home is so spectacular, expert builders, Level Homes, chose it as their 2016 Parade Home in Brightleaf at the Park in Durham. The new floor plan, the Montgomery, boasts five spacious bedrooms, including a first floor guest suite, three full bathrooms, and a large bonus room!

Not only is this sizable 2,759 square foot home gorgeous throughout, but it is also set in the family-friendly community of Brightleaf at the Park. Residents here are afforded the luxury of membership at Brightleaf’s resort style clubhouse. The amenities include a Jr. Olympic size pool, zero-entry pool, kiddie pool, lighted tennis courts, 24-hour fitness center and playground.

Brightleaf at the Park

The most popular room in any home is the kitchen, and 1039 Laredo Lane delivers! Featuring a stunning gourmet kitchen, this new home consists of stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, a sleek tile backsplash, and a large center island for prep work or homework!

Brightleaf at the Park

With pristine hardwoods running throughout the main living areas, this lovely home is ideal for family gatherings and entertaining. The living room is completely open to the kitchen and breakfast nook. This bright and sunny living area, featuring a cozy marble fireplace, also has direct access to a much sought-after screened in porch.

Brightleaf at the Park

Just walk out the back door and enjoy your screened-in porch with ceiling fan and fenced-in backyard! Your family and friends will love it!

The outdoor living space also highlights Brightleaf’s appreciation of nature with an abundance of green space and nature trails throughout the community. 1039 Laredo Lane is listed at $329,900. We welcome you to come for a tour and visit the Brightleaf community.