Photo courtesy of Nick Chill Photography

Turn off your cell phones, and plan a camping trip full of great food, games, and outdoor activity. Remember, “safety first” when it comes to camping. Be sure you are prepared for the worst, and rest easy knowing you have everything you need for a safe, and fun camping trip Near Raleigh.

Here are some suggestions from campinginfo.com:

I would not suggest taking them all, rather take the ones that suit the amount of space you have available/danger inherent in your trip.

• Multi tool device e.g Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman
• SAS Survival Guide
• Emergency/Survival Blanket
• First Aid Kit
• Waterproof Poncho
• Hi-energy cereal bars
• Map
• Drink receptacle
• Iodine tablets
• Compass
• Light, preferably wind-up
• Waterproof matches/lighter/fire starter
• Torch
• Whistle
• Extra clothes
• If it is hot, take a plastic sheet to enable you to collect water through condensation

With everything moving so fast these days, it is hard to sit down and share some quality time with family and friends. A camping trip can be one of the best ways to bring a family or a group of friends together for a great time. It is time to ditch all of that digital entertainment to go enjoy the beautiful weather and explore the great outdoors. Whatever you do, make sure you bring ingredients for s’mores!

When you return, share your photos, stories, and suggestions with us by commenting to this post on our Facebook page.

Photo courtesy of photojock

Many people will mistakenly dismiss an art gallery as a fun place to take a date because of a common misconception that art shows are for professional elitists or artist networking. Though, there are plenty of private, invitation-only art shows that support that type of atmosphere, Raleigh provides many smaller galleries that are a great place to meet interesting people, and enjoy a romantic evening full of insightful, and thought provoking art pieces.

Taking a date to an art show is a great way to initiate some creative conversations. Check out these great art galleries in Raleigh:

1. Lump Gallery- 505 S Blount St Raleigh, NC 27601- (919) 821-9999
2. Flander’s Art Gallery- 302 S West St. Raleigh, NC 27603 (919)- 834-5044
3. The Collectors Gallery- 443 Fayetteville Street Raleigh, NC 27601- (919) 828-6500
4. Litmus Gallery & Studios- 312 W Cabarrus St Raleigh, NC 27601- (919) 571-3605
5. Little Art Gallery & Craft Collection- 432 Daniels St Raleigh, NC 27605- (919) 890-4111

Let us know how your date went by commenting to this post on our Facebook page.

Photo Courtesy of wallyir

What are you doing to honor our fallen and wounded soldiers and veterans of war?

There will be plenty of ways to celebrate memorial day in Raleigh, but keep in mind the meaning of this commemorative holiday. Let your children know the  importance behind Memorial Day by attending one of these educational events during your Memorial Day weekend:

Memorial Day Service

Where: Oakwood Cemetery  Located at 701 Oakwood Avenue, call 919-832-6077.

When: Monday, May 28 from 4:00-5:00pm on

Description:  Tribute ceremony for the veterans of the past and today

Wreath Laying Ceremony

Where: North Carolina State Capitol building at Union Square in Raleigh

When: Monday, May 28 from 10:00am – 1:00pm. Call 919-449-8799.

Description: Wreath laying ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial with the Marine Corps, although the tribute is for all branches of the armed forces.

American Celebration

Where: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, located at 8003 Regency Parkway in Cary.When: May 27 at 7:30pm.

Description: Celebration of American music with the Triangle Wind Ensemble

The soldiers who have dedicated their lives and services to our great country can be remembered in many different ways, and Raleigh offers some great events and services that can be fun for the whole family. Share your Memorial Day experiences with us by commenting to this post on our Facebook page.

Photo courtesy of Lisafannuchi

Let your Mother know how much you care this year by creating a theme to her gifts so that they are memorable and heartfelt. The best gifts are the ones that evoke happy feelings that are derived from memories with your mother. Since our mothers are so special to us we want to get them a gift that reflects our gratitude for all that they do, and sometimes finding the right Mother’s day gift can be a challenge. No matter what the cost or size of the gift, make sure it is meaningful.

Just in case you have run out of ideas and need some inspiration, here are some sources for creative ways to show your gratitude to your mother on her special day in Raleigh, NC:

1. Crafts from the Heart
2. Mother’s day on a Budget
3. Mother’s day from the Kids
4. Mother’s day recipes
5. Flowers! Flowers! Flowers!

Photo Courtesy of Zach Rolen

Throw your own Cinco de Mayo party this year! There are plenty of things to do on May 5, but the warm weather in Raleigh this spring definitely encourages a party by your apartment community pool! Gather your friends and family for some Mexican-inspired food off the grill. Start planning and get out early if you are hosting a party that requires a grill so that others in the community can use them as well.

The Apartments at Oberlin Court have plenty of great amenities to take advantage of for holiday parties, and the pool is a wonderful place to gather your friends and family for some socializing. Make sure you follow safety rules, be courteous to your neighbors, and most of all, have fun!

If you are planning a party at The Apartments of Oberlin Court, share your plans with your neighbors by posting a comment on our Facebook Page.

Here are some quick tips for a healthy and safe picnic in Raleigh:

1. Keep food safety in mind, and make sure you are packing non-perishable items.
2. Do not forget that comfortable old blanket, or, better yet, a fold out table set.
3. Keep the hot food hot, and the cold food cold to avoid any harmful bacteria.
4. If eating takout, make sure you do not wait more than 2 hours to eat the food.
5. Since running water is usually unavailable, bring some sort of anti-bacterial wipes or lotion.
6. Bring plenty of sunscreen!

Enjoy your day in the shade, and let us know your favorite picnic locations by commenting to this post on our Facebook page.

Photo courtesy of Advertisingelyse

A great way to get the kids to help clean your home is to offer them a prize for all their hard work. You could also reward them with a surprise visit instead! There is nothing like the look on your children’s faces when they are jumping out of their skin with excitement, so take advantage of the theme park family specials offered this spring in Raleigh:

Adventure Landing- batting cages · birthday parties · group outings · putt putt golf · family entertainment

Gobananaz- pirate ship · arcade games · toddler zone · bumper cars · inflatable slides

TK’s Jungle- indoor inflatable · open play · play place · event production · field trips

Frankie’s- spider web · drop zone · batting cages

Pullen Park- paddle boats · aquatic center · picnic areas · baseball fields · picnic shelters

Be prepared, and do not for get to pack plenty of sunscreen, snacks, water, towels,extra clothes, a camera and a first aid kit! If you have any recommendations, pictures, or reviews to share please leave a comment on our Facebook page.

Photo courtesy of Baqir Ali

*Earth Day 2012 is April 22!

As residents of this Earth, we have an incredible responsibility to maintain a healthy, sustainable environment for future generations. Here are some great resources to get you started as an environmental activist in Littleton:

• The History of Earth Day
• Your Ecological Footprint
• Earth Day Activities for Kids
• Campaign for Communities
• Become an Activist

Get involved in Earth Day 2012, and be a positive influence, and resource of information for your friends and family so that they all have the knowledge and opportunity to contribute to a healthy future for our environment. Communities around the world come together to celebrate Earth Day by contributing whatever they can to saving and protecting the environment. Spread the good word, and become an activist in your own community! Happy Earth Day 2012!

Image courtesy of Katrin Ray

• The easiest workout is to get in the water! Simply treading water vigorously can zap 11 calories a minute, same as a six-mile-per-hour run.

• Standing in shallow end of pool, simultaneously sit back into water, treading with hands by sides, and lift both legs together so that you fold at the hips (like a jackknife) and your body forms a wide V, with head and toes just above surface. Maintaining V position, move cupped hands in small circles by hips to tread water and propel yourself forward (sculling) down length of pool for 30 seconds.

• In the deep end, tread water, making small circles with cupped hands, and lift right leg straight in front of you at hip level while reaching toes of left leg toward bottom of pool. Hold for 5 seconds. Switch legs quickly, bringing right leg down as you raise left leg, and hold for 5 seconds. Continue for 30 seconds, alternating sides.

Information courteous of Fitnessmagazine.com

Remember to be courteous of others, and follow the property’s pool safety rules. Wear plenty of sunscreen, and enjoy your workout at the pool!

Photo courteous of Facebook.com/The AptsAtOberlinCourt

This family friendly event will fill the museum (as well as 2 city blocks outside) with exhibitors, fun outdoor learning displays, and even live entertainment. Inside the new wing, guests will discover the opportunity to experience science activities in the museum’s new investigate labs, explore research collections in the high-tech Naturalist Center and more.

And best of all, this fun event is free!

The 24-Hour Grand Opening will take place from 5 pm on Friday, April 20, 2012 until 5 pm on Saturday April 21, 2012. The NC Museum of Natural Sciences is located at 11 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC, which is only about 6 minutes away from your Raleigh apartment! For more information, please visit the 24-Hour Grand Opening at the Nature Research Center.

Are you excited about attending the grand opening? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Museum of Nature Sciences