The Anchored Elm

Haunted Pub Crawl Happy Birthday

2013-09-02T20:40:00.002-04:00

What better way to celebrate my 26th birthday than with a friends on a Downtown Raleigh Haunted Pub Crawl? It is becoming a birthday tradition...

Simply Saturday

2013-07-27T09:36:00.000-04:00

Wedding Wednesday: 14 Things Jewish Brides Can’t Resist

2013-07-24T07:38:00.000-04:00

Inspired by 32 Things Jewish Girls Can't Resist on Buzzfeed.

1. Tiffany's

2. Watching Say Yes to the Dress Marathons

3. #jewishgirlproblems When Our Camp Friends Overflow Our Guest List

4. Filling up our Amazon Wedding Registry with Judaica

5. Serving a Bagels and Lox Spread at Our Bridal Shower

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6. A Rustic Birch Branch Huppah

7. A Paper Cut Ketubah

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8. Finding Discount Codes for Wedding Paper Divas

9. Themed Wedding Websites

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10. Playing Jewish Geography at Other Weddings

11. Teaching Traditions to Friends who Aren't Members of the Tribe

12. Personalized Color Coordinated Kippot in Bulk

13. Getting Wrapped up in the Moment

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14. Making this Face

Mazel!

Weekend Recap

2013-07-15T21:10:00.001-04:00

Saturday morning brought a lot of rain in Raleigh, but we didn't let that keep us inside. We drove a few minutes East to check out the Midtown Farmers Market at North Hills for the first time. Technically, it's the closest farmers market to our apartment, but it has taken us over a year to get over there! We were well rewarded with a tote bag of local produce and other goodies, and a petting zoo with a newborn baby lamb who was having the best time head butting bunnies!

We found a spot in the North Hills plaza with an awning for shelter from the rain while we enjoyed breakfast. I had a lemon blueberry scone and Aaron had a maple cinnamon roll. We brought home a basket of WNorth Carolina peaches to fill my beautiful jadeite bowl!

While we were at the farmers market we also picked up a box of fresh, handmade Cheddar & Onion Pierogi from Melina's. All of her pastas are handmade at her shop in Durham. We had never heard of Melina's Pasta before, but when I saw the booth, I couldn't resist!

Learning how to make fresh pasta is on my to-do list for the future, but cooking and eating fresh pasta is on my to-do-immediately list! I paired the pierogi with a cherry tomato (fresh from the market), basil and bocconcini salad. Yum!

On Sunday morning I went for a walk around Lake Lynn and then got back in the gym. It felt so good! After lunch Aaron and I ran a few errands and then we I went to see Monsters University (see previous post).

We ended our weekend with dinner at O'Malley's Pub and ice cream at Fresh with friends. I enjoyed a waffle cone with a scoop of mango sorbet topped with a scoop of lemon chiffon. It was the perfect combination for a warm summer night!

I hope you had a good weekend!

Cinema Sunday

2013-07-14T18:09:00.003-04:00

Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan are an inseparable pair, but that wasn't always the case. From the moment these two mismatched monsters met they couldn't stand each other. "Monsters University" unlocks the door to how Mike and Sulley overcame their differences and became the best of friends. Written by Disney/Pixar

This afternoon Aaron and I decided to escape the southern summer heat in our favorite way - we went to the movies! We have been excited about seeing Monsters University since we first heard that Pixar was working on it.

It is a classic underdog story set on every aspect of the campus is monster themed and it looked great! I really liked how the movie ended with a perfect set up to Monsters Inc. That's how a prequel should be done!

Did you escape the heat and see any movies this weekend?

Simply Saturday

2013-07-13T08:44:00.001-04:00

Favorite Things Thursday

2013-07-11T10:22:00.001-04:00

Happy Thursday! My favorite thing ~~today~~ this week is my new blog design! Over the past two months I have been working with Kelly Ann of Kelly Ann Creative to create an updated design for The Anchored Elm. Kelly Ann's self described approach to design includes a deep love for color, white space, and typography. Even though I haven't had the best relationship with my blog lately, I feel inspired by the new design and I can't wait to create new content!

Here is a peak at our correspondence about the design:

Let's talk blog design. What would your dream blog look like? Would it be colorful and crazy? Or clean, practical, with lots of white space? Somewhere in between? When a reader visits your blog, how would you want them to feel? (Energized? Peaceful? Refreshed? Inspired?)

My dream blog would be practical, open and airy with a focus on content. I want readers to feel inspired and find the layout easy to navigate and read. I would like the anchor/nautical/mermaid theme represented as well as the Raleigh/acorn theme present in the design. I would like a color palate that uses jade, evergreen, mint and teal along with natural hues and black accents. I would like the content to move up towards the top of the page, not pushed down by a header.

During the process Kelly Ann suggested that I create a Pinterest board so I could share my ideas about the colors, mood and aesthetic feeling of the design. I found this to be really fun and I think it made the process run smoothly because I was able to provide visuals in addition of written description. I like discovering new ways to utilize social media platforms!

Kelly Ann is currently offering a 10% discount for blog designs to The Anchored Elm readers! Just send her an email at kellyann@flowerchilddwelling.com and mention my name (Elisha) in the message!

What are you loving this week?

Esty Favorites: Suite One Studio

2013-07-09T08:15:00.000-04:00

Oval Platter in Emerald

Suite One Studio Ceramics, based in Greensboro, NC, is a modern, handmade tableware line made by Lindsay Emery. Each piece of pottery is made by hand from start to finish without the use of molds, making each piece completely original. Simple and sophisticated, Suite One Studio pottery compliments simple dished or recipes, bringing handmade chic to every meal.

Thrown on the wheel and altered into subtly off-round forms these modern pots are paired with brightly colored handmade glazes. The interiors feature a wide range of glazes, which are also handmade in the studio from original glaze formulas. The surfaces of the glazes range in texture from satin matte to high gloss, which are paired with a range of clays to create a unique collection.

Follow Suite One Studio on Instagram and Twitter.

4th of July Weekend Recap

2013-07-08T18:42:00.001-04:00

The end of long weekends are Aaron was off for the 4th and I was able to work from home. We drove out to Rocky Mount, NC to meet my mom and dad (hi guys!), who were on their way home from their first ever trip to the Outer Banks. After lunch Aaron and I stopped at Sonic to celebrate our America and our Freedom to drink Peanut Butter and Bacon milkshakes. Oh yes, we did!

When we got home I hung the Star Spangled Bunting that I found in the Target dollar section last week. Look there is proof that I actually did decorate for the holiday! I know it's a crummy photo, the light in the main living area of our apartment is terrible 24hrs a day. The two bedrooms are the only rooms that get any good, natural light. When we start looking for houses next year, natural light will be close to the top of the wish list!

We didn't make it out for fireworks this year, but I did grill a few hot dogs to enjoy along with side salads and an icy cold Redd's Apple Ale or two.

On Friday it was back to work for me, but Aaron went with a group of our friends to go SKYDIVING! Whhhaaatt?! Yeah, he has always been interested in trying and the timing worked out perfectly, so he took a big jump! I really admire him for being so brave to do this, but I was totally nervous the whole time until he texted me that he was back on the ground! Maybe I will get him to share his story here on the blog.

On Saturday night we celebrated Aaron's 26th Birthday with a ride on the Trolley Pub! We peddled our way to a handful of downtown bars including: Isaac Hunters, Landmark Tavern, The Raleigh Times, and Tir Na Nog. We spent the rest of the night at The Ugly Monkey playing and having a great time! We made a late night pit stop to Snoopy's before heading home. We had a fantastic time with the Trolley Pub and would recommend it for a birthday party our just a fun night downtown!

Hope you had a good weekend!

Wedding Wednesday: A & J's NC Nuptials

2013-06-26T09:24:00.001-04:00

First of all, HAPPY (golden) BIRTHDAY to my amazing fiance! We have a few ~~days~~ weeks of birthday celebrations lined up and I can't wait to celebrate with you!

Now on to the wedding details. On Sunday Aaron and I were guests at the bride, A, was is one of Aaron's best friends from high school. The wedding was held at Heirloom Gardens, a 200-acre working family farm in Yanceyville, NC.

The ceremony was in a meadow outside of the farm house. Right before the ceremony there were big, dark clouds in the distance and a few rounds of rolling thunder, but thankfully, the big storm never arrived and everything went as planned. A and J exchanged vows, the rabbi shared Torah, family members recited the seven blessings, J stepped on the glass and they were married!

During the cocktail hour in the garden we had a chance to catch up with friends from AHA and I got to meet a few of Aaron's classmates. The reception was held in a greenhouse that was filled with gold and green accents, terrarium centerpieces and a photo booth. Dinner was catered by the venue and included veggies picked fresh from the farm that same day!

Mazel tov to the bride, the groom, the families, and everyone involved. You did it!

Weekend Recap

2013-06-25T18:02:00.003-04:00

It is officially Summer!

That means road trips, sleeveless dresses, sweet North Carolina corn on the cob, fresh watermelon, family visits, ice cream runs, summer concerts, birthdays, and only one more season until our wedding day!

Okay, so I didn't get to posting the weekend recap yesterday, but there is no better time than now! On Friday evening, Aaron and I and made a Target run for my short list which originally only included Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Therapy, mascara and greeting cards, but of course I forgot to add on the mint green lace dress that wanted to be on my shopping list. On the way home we picked up hibachi from my new favorite Japanese to go restaurant for dinner.

Saturday took us all around the Triangle. We went suit shopping in Briar Creek and then in Durham. After lunch we attended a couples wedding shower over by Shelly Lake. We enjoyed frozen cosmos, screwdriver and margarita cocktails, more creatively named shotcicles or poptails, haha, they were really good! We played a round of Celebrity Catch Phrase and then everyone headed outside to learn how to play croquette.

On Sunday we spent a relaxed morning getting all spiffy for a friends wedding in Yancyville, NC. It was our first wedding of the year and one that we had been looking forward to (we look forward to all of them...) It was beautiful and so much fun! I will post more about the wedding tomorrow for Wedding Wednesday.

Hope you had a good weekend (and Monday!)

Simply Saturday

2013-06-22T07:09:00.001-04:00

Favorite Things Thursday

2013-06-20T12:15:00.003-04:00

Stained Glass Fairytales by Mandie Manzano

Mermaids Lagoon | The Mermaids Song

These beautiful, vibrantly colored art prints inspired by fairytale characters and pop culture are amazing! These are my top two favorites, but there are so many more in Manzano's portfolio on Society6. I haven't bought anything from here yet, but I think it might be a good go-to for sourcing art when we have more wall space in the future.

Favorite new show of the summer so far, Family Tree on HBO. The show is written and created by Christopher Guest and Jim Piddock. It's a single-camera, documentary-style show that follows Tom Chadwick, played by Chris O'Dowd, who begins exploring his family heritage after inheriting a mysterious box from a great aunt he never met. Unsure of his identity, he uncovers a world of unusual stories and characters as well as a growing sense of who he and his real family are. It's so funny!

"Set the foundation with the powdered ashes of Susan B. Anthony." - @tadelesmith

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I am still getting used to the "share", "reblog", and "heart" buttons being at the bottom of each after being being relocated there by, I am assuming Yahoo's people. It makes so much sense, but after years of tumbling and scrolling back up to the top to like a post, my scrolling finger just seems to be stuck in it's old ways... Is it just me or does anyone else have this ~~problem~~ quirk?

To end this FTF post, I have big, exciting news to share! I have a blog re-design in the works! It is inspired by my passions, including mermaids, jadeite and Raleigh. I wanted to share a sneak peak before the whole new layout goes live, hopefully soon!

I hope you have a lovely Thursday!

Wedding Wednesday: A Bridal Shower

2013-06-19T10:29:00.001-04:00

Earlier this month Aaron and I drove up to MD for the weekend for my bridal shower! My amazing sister, Dana, along with my aunts and other family members had been planning this party for months.

Even though we decided to call it a "Bridal Shower" I knew that I wanted to invite men and women and have it be more of a couples shower. There are plenty of ladies who enjoy the traditional women only Bridal Shower with girly decor, a fancy sit down brunch, and toilet paper wedding dresses games, but I'm just not one of them! I wanted to be able to invite all of my friends and family to celebrate while we were in town.

The shower was held at my aunt and uncle's beautiful house in Annapolis. They were amazing hosts and were so kind to open up their entire home for the shower. We had lunch set up in the kitchen, a delicious dessert table in the dining room, a slideshow of photos of each of us growing up, and drinks on the deck, including a signature "Manassa Punch" created by my aunts.

After lunch we played a round of "Who Said It?" with ginger mustache (for Aaron) and hot pink lip (for me) props, and then we opened gifts. After the shower "ended" friends and family stuck around to hang out on the deck until the evening.

Thank you to everyone who helped plan our shower and to everyone who joined us in Annapolis to celebrate! We cherish the moments that we spend together and always look forward to the next party!

From the Archives: Jadite Glassware in Movies

2013-06-18T08:23:00.000-04:00

How about a little blast from the past? Here is one of my favorite posts from the archives, not of this blog, but of my blogging history. You never know what might pop up! Jadeite lovers unite!

One day when I was doing a word association exercise with the list of words that I keep in my notebook for blog inspiration, I had a light bulb moment! I thought, "I should combine two of my favorite things that I usually post about separately, into one post!" From this brain blast, the post about Jadite glassware seen in movies was born!

Jadite, or sometimes Jadeite, was manufactured by several companies such as Fenton, McKee, and Anchor Hocking between 1942 to the mid 1970's. The Fire King line (my personal favorite) came in four main designs called, "Restaurant Ware", "Alice", "Jane Ray" and "Charm".

I have a small but growing collection of Jadite pieces. I have been steadily collecting Jadite since I was in high school and I truly love every piece that I have. I have cups, chili bowls, a batter bowl, and a pair of McKee shakers that I use everyday. Every now and then I spot a key piece of Jadite used as a prop in a movie.

The Birdcage

Director: Mike Nichols

Starring: Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, & Hank Azaria
Pieces Featured: Galaxy Swirl Mixing Bowl / Dinner Plate

Secretariat

Director: Randall Wallace

Starring: Diane Lane, Margo Martindale & John Malkovich

Pieces Featured: Fire King D Handle Restaurantware Mugs

Far From Heaven

Director: Todd Haynes

Starring: Julianne Moore & Denis Quaid

Featured Piece: Fire King D Handle Restaurantware Mug

Big Fish

Director: Tim Burton

Starring: Ewan MacGregor, Steve Buscemi, Albert Finney, & Billy Crudup

Featured Piece: Fire King D Handle Mug / Salad Plate

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X-men - First Class

Director: Matthew Vaughn

Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Kevin Bacon & January Jones

Featured Pieces: Jane Ray Dessert Bowl / Jane Ray Oatmeal & Cereal Bowl

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Spanglish

Director: James L. Brooks

Starring: Adam Sandler, Tea Leoni, Paz Vega & Cloris Leachman

Pieces Featured: Restaurantware Mug / Jane Ray Salad Plate

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Zodiac

Director: David Fincher

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo & Robert Downey Jr.

Piece Featured: Fire King D Handle Restaurantware Mug

How I Met Your Mother

Episode: Season 7, Episode 7: Noretta

Pieces Featured: Salt and Pepper Shakers with Stand / Sugar Bowl

Okay, okay, I know this on isn't a movie, but I couldn't resist! Aaron spotted the featured Jadite in this past Monday's episode of HIMYM!

I had so much fun doing the research for this post! I would like to send heartfelt thank yous to Kate of Jadite Kate and to King Jeff from the Fire King Flickr group for pointing me in the right direction.

Do you know of any other movies that feature Jadite pieces? Let me know!

What do you collect?

Weekend/Life Recap

2013-06-17T20:08:00.000-04:00

Hi there! I have been on a bit of a blogging break recently because... I started a new job! I am the new News In Education Manager at The News & Observer! The News & Observer is the oldest newspaper in Raleigh and is central to our city. This position is a perfect combination of working in education and technology. Its challenging, but I like it so far!

Making the adjustment from working 20 hours a week back to 40 hours a week hit me harder than I thought it would. Since I started at the beginning of June it seems that I have been trying to find time to fit everything in. Even though blogging has been one of my favorite hobbies for the past 13 or so years, there are times when it's not easy. It can be hard to find the time to dedicate to blogging when I am also trying to find time to work 9-5, keep the apt tidy, cook dinner almost every night, get to the gym, keep in touch with my family, keep in touch with my friends, making time to play with our very energetic kitten, plan a wedding, organize parties, and keep up with current events and industry news. Whew!

So many good things going on, but there is only so much time in each day!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

On Friday evening Aaron and I went to see This is the End with a few friends in Cary. It was so much more than it promised to be! If you are a fan of apocalyptic humor, Seth Rogan and his friends, Pineapple Express, or seeing the downfall of celebrities, then this movie is for you!

On Saturday we were in full on wedding planning mode! (less than 4 months to go!) We were crossing items off of our To Do list like wedding planning ninjas!

On Sunday we ran a few errands then made time to video chat with our families for Father's Day. Even though I just got to see my family last weekend and they are coming to visit next weekend, I can never get enough of them!

So, as I try to find the time to dedicate to blogging, I ask that you please be patient with me, and know that I won't forget to write!

I hope you had a good weekend!

Simply Saturday

2013-06-08T06:55:00.002-04:00

Oak City Style

2013-06-05T19:16:00.001-04:00

Raleigh Hot Dog Shirt | Oak City Collective

Last month at the Morning Times First Friday Market, my friend Kelly and I spotted a collection of amazing Raleigh inspired screen printed t-shirts created by Fouryou Designs. I wanted to buy one that night, but the seller had sold out of the design in the color and size that I wanted. Darn! I should have thought more about shopping earlier on and less about drinking, oops!

Anyway, I snagged a business card and looked them up over the weekend. I discovered that they had even more designs then we saw displayed in their booth. Inspired, I did as I always do, and spent a little time searching around the Internet and Etsy for other Raleigh/Oak City inspired designs. Here are a few of my favorite designs that I found.

Raleigh Summer Trees Track T | Ahpeele

The Raleigh Acorn Factory | She Calls Me Todd

Drink Local | Oak City Collective

Official Acorn | Fouryou Designs

Even though we won't be able to go to First Friday this month since we will be traveling, I will keep these in mind and hopefully add one or two to my collection soon! How do you represent your love for your city?

Taking a Deep Breath

2013-06-03T19:31:00.000-04:00

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It's the first week of June. Whaaat? Didn't I just get off of a cruise boat in the Caribbean? For our family the month of June is the starting line for the rest of 2013, and we are ready to go!

From this month until the end of the year we are going to be busy, even more busy than we usually are, starting new jobs, going on business trips, celebrating birthdays, traveling around the state and the East coast for friends weddings, attending conferences, enjoying summer concert season, traveling to visit family, hosting family and entertaining them here in Raleigh, and really getting our butts in gear for the final 4 months before out wedding!

Amidst all of the it's nice to be able to sit in front of the door with a kitten and watch a summer thunderstorm. (note - kitten in photograph does not belong to me, mine was too squirmy for me to get a cute shot <3)

Simply Saturday

2013-06-01T11:17:00.000-04:00

5 Things To Try This Weekend in the Triangle

2013-05-31T10:59:00.001-04:00

Food Truck Shabbat

Celebrate the end of the work week while you meet new friends and enjoy dinner from Mama Dukes and Big City Sandwiches. This event will also feature frozen yogurt, music followed by Shabbat services at TBO.

When: Friday, May 31, 5:30pm
Where: Temple Beth Or, Raleigh
Social: Facebook | Twitter

Durham Bulls vs. Buffalo Bisons

Cheer on the home team with friends and then visit the American Tobacco Campus for post-game drinks.

When: Friday, May 31, 7pm
Where: Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Info: www.durhambulls.com
Social: Facebook | Twitter

Happymess Art Studio's First Annual Hoedown

Help raise funds for an art outreach project at fun filled night in Durham. Ride a mechanical bull, play in a corn hole tournament, and party like a cowboy or cowgirl!

When: Friday May 31, 7pm
Where: Shooters II, Durham
Info: www.happymessart.com
Social: Facebook | Twitter

NC Symphony Summerfest: At the Movies

Enjoy a special performance of Oscar-winning music from some of the greatest movies of all time, including the James Bond films, “Out of Africa,” “Indiana Jones,” “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Gone With The Wind.” Wear an outfit inspired by your favorite movie character for your chance to win prizes.

When: Saturday, June 1, 7:30pm
Where: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary
Info: www.ncsymphony.org
Social: Facebook | Twitter

Fuquay-Varina Celebration of the Arts

Support your local economy by shopping this town-wide arts festival. The festival features artists and craftsmen producing original work including jewelry, basketry, ceramics, soaps, candles, decorative paintings, fine art painting, garden art, metal work, furniture, drawings, and folk art.

When: June 1, 10am - 4pm
Where: Downtown Fuquay-Varina, 108 Raleigh St.
Info: www.fuquay-varinadowntown.com
Social: Facebook | Twitter

If you have a chance to try any of these this weekend let me know! Share a tweet or photo by using the hashtag #5thingstriangle on Twitter and Instagram!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Wedding Wednesday

2013-05-29T10:54:00.003-04:00

We are so close to finishing our "big ticket items" wedding to-do list! We booked our wedding DJ over the weekend, so now there are only a few more big decisions to make before our big day! Don't get me wrong, there is still a lot of planning and work to be done, but it's mostly working on the details that will make our day special. Here is a collection of images that I have found inspiring while we work on planning out the details.

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Currently

2013-05-28T20:14:00.001-04:00

I hope that you had a relaxing Memorial Day weekend! Aaron and I booked our wedding DJ, saw Star Trek Into Darkness with friends, enjoyed fresh grilled kabobs at home and traveled to Greensboro to celebrate with the class of 2013! Since I didn't really have a post scheduled for today, I decided to type up a "Currently" style post since I haven't done one in awhile!

Watching: Mad Men! The Crash has been one of the best episodes this season. Watching the two ad agencies go through a merger, seeing sad (always so sad) Don Draper go through trippy life realizations and Sally Draper getting her sassy face on has been good, but I still wish there was more Joan!

Listening To: "Thinking of You" by Ke$ha from her new album Warrior. Yep. Favorite album of the summer so far. I can't help it. Her music makes me feel so good! We have been watching her show, My Crazy, Beautiful Life on MTV and it makes me love her even more. My amazing fiance bought me concert tickets to see her show here in Downtown Raleigh as a WAY early birthday present. I can't wait!

Reading: I have just started reading Chesapeake Blue by Nora Roberts. It is the 4th title in the Chesapeake Bay Saga, a series about the Quinn family who live in St. Christopher, MD.

Making Me Happy: Thinking about our trip to Greensboro yesterday. We were lucky enough to be able to drive out to Gate City for the day to attend the graduation ceremony for the class of 2013. We reconnected with so many students, staff, and friends who we were close with when we worked there. After graduation we had lunch on campus and then went to enjoy a few drinks out on the patio at Natty Green's overlooking Elm St. in downtown Greensboro. I can't wait to go back!

Looking Forward To: So many things! For this week I am looking forward to attending the Food Truck Shabbat at Temple Beth Or. This is an event organized by The Raleigh Tribe, which is the local organization for young Jewish professionals and graduate students in their 20s and 30s who are interested in meeting new people, exploring Raleigh and getting involved in the community. There will be a food truck dinner featuring Mama Dukes and Big City Sandwiches followed by evening Shabbat services. Word on the street is that Mama Duke's falafel tots are legendary.

What did you do to celebrate this weekend?

Simply Saturday

2013-05-25T08:36:00.000-04:00

5 Things To Try This Weekend in the Triangle

2013-05-24T12:29:00.005-04:00

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Animazement

Animazement is an annual convention in Raleigh, NC that celebrates the world of Japanese visual culture through anime, manga, video games, J-rock, martial arts, traditional crafts, and more! Live tweet a Guest or Fan Panel Session from the convention and collect as many autographs as you can from your favorite Cosplayers!

When: May 23 - May 26
Where: Raleigh Convention Center
Info: animazement.org

Social: Facebook | Twitter

Glenwood South Monthly Market

Get involved in supporting your local economy by shopping local Triangle businesses at the Glenwood South Monthly Market. The markets will feature 40 vendors set up along North Street and will be held on the last Saturday of each month until October.

When: Saturday, May 25, 2013 10am - 3pm
Where: Downtown Raleigh, Near Hibernian Pub on North St.

Info: legacyeventplanners.org/monthly-markets
Social: Facebook | Twitter

Motley Tones at the Downtown Cary Farmers Market

With their unique blend of classical and folk harmonies and off-kilter sense of humor, The Motley Tones have emerged as a popular local street show. Join in and sign a sea shanty and then take a picture with a pirate! Bonus: It's also Cooking Sample Day!

When: Saturday, May 25, 8:00am - 12:30pm
Where: Downtown Cary - Park & Academy St.
Info: www.caryfarmersmarket.com
Social: Facebook | Twitter

Summerfest Opening Night

Wear your summer whites, pack up a picnic with friends and celebrate the beauty of North Carolina and music at this outdoor summer kick off event. Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre offers a dramatic backdrop for music that is out of this world – as well as costume contests, instrument zoos, picnics, games, prizes and so much more.

When: Saturday, May 25, Gates Open at 5pm, Show Starts at 7:30pm
Where: Koka Booth Amphitheatre - 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC
Info: www.boothamphitheatre.com
Social: Facebook | Twitter

Cocktail Taste Test Party
Throw a Memorial Day backyard cookout or pool party and test out a few cocktail recipes like the Oak City Summer or the Franklin Street Fizz using locally brewed Slingshot Coffee.

Info: slingshotcoffeecompany.com
Social: Facebook | Twitter

If you have a chance to try any of these this weekend let me know! Share a tweet or photo by using the hashtag #5thingstriangle on Twitter and Instagram!

Have a great weekend!