Features

New Year, New Adventures

It happens every year. We collectively flip our calendars from December to January and feel the need — or perhaps an obligation — to address our weaknesses by declaring New Year’s resolutions. While these well-intentioned decrees usually aspire toward broad-stroke benefits such as “lose weight,” “be more kind,” or “decrease screen time,” most tend to... Read More

Baking New Ground

Much has changed in the 25 years since Missy Vatinet and her husband, Lionel, opened the La Farm Bakery in Cary.

In 1999, they offered just seven breads and some cinnamon buns at their single location, taking only cash, check, or offering a pay-later option. Today, La Farm bakes more than 35 styles of artisan... Read More

Nonprofit Spotlight: Minds Matter Initiative

Arjun Bhonsle, the student founder and president of Minds Matter Initiative, the local teen chapter of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, often mentions a senior care home resident who, during MMI’s first volunteering event spent making origami doves, shared how much the small session meant to the residents who otherwise didn’t get to enjoy much... Read More

Top Dog

“He was Sweeney,” says Bob Petrovich when asked about how he and his wife Lori knew that the malnourished but “calm and laid-back” dog was the right match for them. The answer is the same when Bob describes how, a few years later, Sweeney sat patiently as a little girl launched herself at his neck... Read More

Food & Dining

Liquid Assets: It Girl

It Girl, a Munich-style Helles lager, exudes effortless charm and confidence. This polished lager combines a crisp malt backbone with a delicate floral hop finish, creating a flawlessly balanced and endlessly drinkable beer. Whether you’re at the taproom or grabbing cans to go, this crisp, refreshing lager is always the center of attention.

Raleigh... Read More

Liquid Assets: Crimson Orchard Fizz

Colletta strives to offer zero-proof cocktails that incorporate seasonal ingredients. Spiced apple shrub — a combination of apples, sugar, spices, and vinegar — provides cool-season flavors, while the hibiscus tea gives a nod to warmer weather.

¾ ounce spiced apple shrub 2 ounces hibiscus tea  ½ ounce lemon juice Fever Tree ginger beer

... Read More

Home & Garden

Garden Adventurer: Seeing Red

Seeing red is not exactly the best way to start off a brand new, hopeful New Year, but right now I just can’t help myself. No, I’m not angry, irritated, annoyed, or peeved — whatever that is. Instead, I’m thinking back to a photo session I did at the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh last... Read More

Garden Adventurer: The Ins and Outs of Amaryllis

The scramble to find perfect Christmas presents has begun, and for gardeners, the beautiful amaryllis (Hippeastrum sp.) is always a classic go-to gift. Whether as a bulb-in-a-box or a full-blown flowering plant, amaryllis can deliver much-needed cheer to comfort backyard growers through the winter blahs.

But when its flowers fade and warming temperatures entice you... Read More

On Trend

On Trend: Assisted Stretching

“We call it lazy yoga,” says owner Landon Cheviron of sessions at Stretch Zone Cary. “We do all the work, and they get all the benefit.”

A relative newcomer as an independent service, practitioner-assisted stretching joins other modalities that improve quality of life by increasing flexibility and mobility while reducing the likelihood of injuries in... Read More

On Trend: Caroling

Joy to the world — it’s caroling season! Which means that comfort, community, and celebration will once again be found in songs with themes of joy, goodwill, and togetherness. Caroling may have originated in the Middle Ages but, according to director of the American Caroling Company Jaclyn Brown, feels “both special and timeless.”

“Any time... Read More