Training a puppy can be difficult, but with these tips you can save a lot of headache.

Have you found pet-friendly apartments in Raleigh NC, but want your new dog to be apartment-friendly? Here are five tips to help train your new dog.

• Do Research – Learn your dog’s activity level and nutritional needs. A lot of behavioral problems are caused by an unhealthy diet or lack of exercise.
• Keep it Simple – Dogs, especially puppies, can be overwhelmed if you try to teach them too much too fast. Keep commands simple, and make sure your dog understands what you’re teaching before you move on to something else.
• Stay Consistent – If you allow your dog to misbehave sometimes, he won’t understand when you want him to stop later. Once you teach your dog something, enforce it consistently.
• Socialize – Puppies that are exposed to different situations, people, and other animals will be better adjusted when they grow up. Take your dog to the park and for plenty of walks to make new experiences less overwhelming.
• Be Patient – If you or your dog are getting distracted, tired, or overwhelmed, take a break. Never train your dog when you’re angry or frustrated.

Start training your new dog to happily live in pet-friendly apartments in Raleigh NC today!

Image via Flickr

All proceeds will go to benefit the Wounded Warrior Foundation.

Memorial Day is not only a great time to get together with friends and enjoy a day off from work. It’s also a time to remember and celebrate the lives of those who have served in the Armed Forces. These people have made our country the home of the free and we ought to salute them!

In honor of Memorial Day, we will be hosting a fundraising  dinner event here at The Enclave at Crossroads! The dinner will take place May 18th at 5pm-8Pm and will be $8 per plate.  Stop by anytime to eat in or to take home. A plate includes a full course meal (even dessert!). All of the proceeds will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Foundation.

This will be a great way to socialize with your friends and neighbors, eat some great food, and help out a great cause!  We need to Remember those who served and Support those who continue to serve our great nation.

For more information, be sure to stay tuned to our Facebook page!

Photo credit: woundedwarriorproject.org

Explore your creative side at Artspace.

People living in the affordable apartments in Raleigh, NC like to do some of the activities that are offered in the neighborhood. Some of the activities are free, while others are not. Visiting Lake Johnson Parkis a good way to spend some leisure time. You could take a book to read while you sit on a park bench and enjoy the scenery.Some people like to visit Artspace where you can enjoy the exhibits or perhaps even take a class.You may also purchase some artwork if you like. This is a free venue but make sure to check their hours of operation.

Bass Lake and Park Retreat offers Raleigh residents a conference room and education center as well as many outdoor activities that include hiking, fishing or even boating. There is also a nature library for you to enjoy.

BugFest – Music and entertainment are offered here on Saturday, September 15, along with some dishes featuring (ahem) bugs that are served for you to try.

These are just a few of the free things that those in the affordable apartments in Raleigh, NC like to take part in.

Photo credit: artspacenc.org

Enjoy fine, flavorful dishes at Triangle Restaurant Week!

What better way to delve into the local dining scene than by making a few reservations for Triangle Restaurant Week. This culinary celebration takes place June 4-10, 2012, and foodies can enjoy a yummy feast for a fraction of the price at top dining establishments throughout Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and nearby areas.So here’s the scoop on this delicious deal. Participating restaurants are offering a special prix-fixe three-course meal featuring an appetizer, entree and dessert. Lunch is $15, while dinner varies from $20 to $30–not inclusive of tax, gratuity and drinks. Reservations are highly recommended.

Here’s a sneak peak of what to expect during Triangle Restaurant Week. If you like Indian, head to Azitra, a.k.a. “Curry Nirvana.” Those who prefer Italian have 604 at West Village in Durham and lovers of French fare should head to Vin Rouge. Contemporary American is the specialty of Zest Cafe & Home Art and Irregardless Cafe, while it’s all about Southern home cooking at Lucky 32.

Enjoy the night out at these fine restaurants in the Triangle!

Photo credit: blvd.tv/trw

Recipe: Veal Meatballs in Red Wine Sauce

When it comes to pairing wine with food, I don’t know that there’s a pair I like much better than a big plate of pasta with red wine sauce and tender, aromatic homemade meatballs — paired with a bold and delicious Chianti, of course. It’s a classic setup, a staple of Italian-American restaurants, and comfort food extraordinaire. Here’s the recipe for the meatballs I cook when I want to make certain members of my family extra, extra happy — and a tangy tomato and red wine sauce too. More

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Spring Entertaining: How to Make a Better Bouquet

There’s enough to think about when entertaining. In our house, the one thing that often gets the back burner are flowers. And it’s ironic because I love fresh flowers, but it’s the one thing that starts to seem overwhelming in the midst of planning a meal and picking up wine. More

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Sipping Scotch Doesn’t Have to Be So Serious: Pig’s Nose Blended Scotch Whisky10 Minute Happy Hour

The idea of Scotch may be intimidating to those who like their drinks pink and bubbly, but you just never know where your taste buds will take you. Believe it or not you may grow out of your gin and tonics, and one day that Cosmo just might not cut it as your go-to cocktail. Perhaps you’ve already been sniffing around for something new to sip. More

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Source: Eventful
Performer: Esperanza Spalding
Venue: The Carolina Theatre
Date: 2012-05-09
Address: 309 West Morgan Street Durham, NC

Link: Full Eventful Details

Source: Eventful
Performer: Mike Cross Live at the Carolina Theatre-Downtown Durham
Venue: The Carolina Theatre
Date: 2012-05-05
Address: 309 West Morgan Street Durham, NC

Description: North Carolinaʼs own Mike Cross, singer, songwriter, storyteller, guitar and fiddle player extraordinaire will perform in concert at the newly renovated Carolina Theatre in downtown Durham on Saturday, May 5th, at 8pm., and at the historic Carolina Theatre in Greensboro on April 21st.

Cross’s one-man, turbocharged stage show serves up a collection of humorous songs, sensitive ballads, Will Rogers-like tales, Delta blues, and fiery Celtic and Appalachian fiddle tunes.

His music is a unique blend of folk, blues, rock, country, and Irish, spiced with a good dose of wonderfully warped wit, which “crosses” all musical boundaries and defies categorization.

Mike’s Greensboro appearance coincides with the release of “Crossin Carolina,” his fourteenth CD, produced by his son Patrick Cross, guitarist for the internationally acclaimed Michael Jackson tribute band, “Who’s Bad.”

“I really enjoyed doing this new recording because it gave me a chance to work with Patrick, who was able to take some time from his rigorous touring schedule to be the producer. To make it even sweeter, he also did some great guitar work on the project.” Cross said.

Mike’s first album, “Child Prodigy,” recorded thirty-seven years ago in 1975, will also be released in CD format at the Durham concert. It features the original recordings of “Leon McDuff,” which was performed by the Dirt Band for the first Farm Aid Concert, “Elma Turl,” as well as a song Mike wrote in 1973 called “The Scotsman,” which gained notoriety as the theme song for Dr. Demento Radio Show.

Mike’s return to the Carolina Theatre is part of his 2012 “Crossin’ Carolina Tour,” with concerts across the state including Charlotte, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Morehead City and Wilmington.

Get you tickets early for an evening of music and laughter you will never forget!

“As energetic as he is versatile, Cross keeps up two hours of nonstop patter, songs and stories, and holds listeners throughout . . . A comparison to Steve Goodman is natural, given the high energy level of this Southern-accented, witty, folk-blues performance…
-Variety

“On stage Mike Cross is a one man tour de force, a high-energy humorist, folksinger and guitar and virtuoso.”
The Advocate & Greenwich Time

“He is such a natural performer I couldn’t believe it.”
Nancy Weisinger, Taylor Guitars

“In a word, Mike Cross is the consummate entertainer…”
Richmond Times Dispatch

“People who like rock . . . folk, jazz and country like Mike Cross!”
WQDR Radio, Raleigh, NC

“Only rarely does a performer come along whose music transcends the barriers of age and trend. Mike Cross is such a performer — he offers pure, untamed entertainment.”
The Daily Tar Heel UNC, Chapel Hill

Link: Full Eventful Details

Source: Eventful
Performer: Beats Antique
Venue: Cat’s Cradle
Date: 2012-05-04
Address: 300 East Main Street Carrboro, NC

Link: Full Eventful Details

Source: Eventful
Performer: New Edition
Venue: RBC Centre
Date: 2012-05-13
Address: 1400 Edwards Mill Rd Raleigh, NC

Description: New Edition is set to embark on their 30th anniversary tour! The highly influential R&B crooners are back at it, this time with all six members — Bobby, Johnny, Ricky, Mike, Ronnie and Ralph. All the songs you remember, from “Candy Girl” to “Can You Stand the Rain” plus the jams that launched their solo careers “My Prerogative” (Bobby Brown), “My My My” (Johnny Gill), “Sensitivity” (Ralph Tresvant”), and “Poison” (Bell BivDeVoe).

Dates & Times:
Sunday, May 17, 7pm

FOR MORE INFO
URL:Website

Link: Full Eventful Details

Source: Eventful
Performer: Every Avenue – Follow Your Hero – Sovereign Soldiers – Phone Calls From Home – THE EARLY NOVEMBER, AS CITIES BURN, THE READY SET, FOREVER THE SICKEST KIDS, WE ARE THE IN CROWD, EVERY AVENUE – Alesana – The Early November – The Composure – As Cities Burn – The Ready Set – Forever the Sickest Kids – Taylor Thrash – Young Statues – Sent by Ravens – Harp and Lyre
Venue: Raleigh Convention Center
Date: 2012-05-05
Address: 500 Fayetteville Street Mall Raleigh, NC

Link: Full Eventful Details

Source: Eventful
Performer: Spiritualized
Venue: Cat’s Cradle
Date: 2012-05-12
Address: 300 East Main Street Carrboro, NC

Link: Full Eventful Details

Source: Eventful
Performer: Zac Brown Band
Venue: Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek
Date: 2012-05-11
Address: 3801 Rock Quarry Road Raleigh, NC

Link: Full Eventful Details

Source: Eventful
Performer: Beach House
Venue: Cat’s Cradle
Date: 2012-05-05
Address: 300 East Main Street Carrboro, NC

Description: Beach House wtih Zomes Doors: 8:00pm | Show: 9:00pm $20

Link: Full Eventful Details

Source: Eventful
Performer: Madeleine Peyroux
Venue: The Carolina Theatre
Date: 2012-05-15
Address: 309 West Morgan Street Durham, NC

Link: Full Eventful Details

Source: Eventful
Performer: Drake
Venue: Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek
Date: 2012-05-22
Address: 3801 Rock Quarry Road Raleigh, NC

Link: Full Eventful Details

Enjoy a fresh, hot sandwich at Anvil's in Raleigh.

Every once in a while I’ll get an inexplicable craving for something very specific and I can’t stop thinking about it until I have it. One example is a cheesesteak sub. The freshly sliced and grilled steak along with peppers and onions, with melted cheese and stuffed in a fresh baked roll and served California style with lettuce and tomato is the absolute best.

If all this talk has got you craving one too, you’re in luck because Anvil Cheesesteaks is located at 2893 Jones Franklin Road, Raleigh, NC, which is less than a mile from our community at The Enclave at Crossroads. Anvil’s has every variation of cheesesteak from the Pepper Steak sub which comes with steak, sweet or hot pepper, cheese and onions, and even chicken, roast pork, and portobello mushroom hoagies. Their prices range from $5.75 to $7 for a sandwich and they come with sides like Italian pasta salad, red potato salad, or Utz potato chips.

Have you ever hand a sandwich from Anvil’s? What was your experience?

Photo credit: Ron W. on Yelp.com

Enjoy a refreshing dip at our swimming pool!

Now that our sparkling pool at The Enclave at Crossroads is open for the season and the warmer temperatures are prime for a pool day, we’d like to highlight some basic skin protection tips that you should use when sunbathing or swimming by our pool. Although being in the warm sun feels great, it can also cause harmful UV radiation to our skin, which is why we should practice skin safety whenever we’re outside.

• Apply sunscreen with a skin protection factor (SPF) of 15 or 30 or higher. If you’re going to be directly in the sun for an extended period of time, opt for a higher SPF, in between 85 and 100. Be sure to apply sunscreen to any areas that will see the sun including areas you may not think of like your face, neck, ears, and hairline.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV protective sunglasses for optimum protection for your scalp and face and eyes.
• The peak UV hours are between 10am and 3pm so try to sit in the shade if you’re out during those hours.

Enjoy your day at the pool and remember to be safe when it comes to sun protection!

Source: Yelp
Name: Uniquities
Location: 450 Daniels St Raleigh, NC 27605
Reviews: 5

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
Cute cameron village boutique with interesting clothing, bags, etc. I really just wanted to browse the store but felt pressured by the sales girl to try…Read More…

I love Uniquities, but lately the sales staff here, with the exception of one red haired girl, have all come off snobby and rude and “too good” for working…Read More…

I absolutely love this store. Wish I had more money or it was cheaper then it would be perfect. I have shopped here mostly when I was looking for a dress or…Read More…

Uniquities

Source: Yelp
Name: ivy & leo
Location: Cameron Village – 1900 Cameron St Raleigh, NC 27605
Reviews: 3

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
Maybe I was having an off shopping day, but I stepped into this location to score a new dress that would be affordable, family appropriate and cute– too…Read More…

Hello affordable fashion!

When my eyes bug out at price tags, and it’s because the numbers AREN’T large – we have a winner. ivy & leo hasn’t been open…Read More…

Another women’s apparel boutique — just what Cameron Village needs, right? Cut the snark! Because ivy & leo does fill a nice niche on the CV shopping…Read More…

ivy & leo

Source: Yelp
Name: fabrik
Location: 2039 Cameron St Raleigh, NC 27605
Reviews: 5

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
I really only found one piece I really liked in this store, but I liked it enough to buy it – so I guess I’m a fan!

This little shop was cute enough – lots…Read More…

I discovered this store by accident, and I’m so glad! They have super cute and unique clothing and almost every item is (well) under $100 – totally…Read More…

I hesitate to write a review about this little gem, because I am so helplessly in love with this boutique. If I buy one more thing from this store, I should…Read More…

fabrik

Jog along the scenic trails and boardwalk at Lake Johnson Park.

Living at The Enclave at Crossroads is great not only because of our controlled access entry, sparkling outdoor swimming pool, and on-site laundry facility, but also because of our close proximity to many of Raleigh’s great attractions.

One of these attractions that is within walking distance of our apartment community is Lake Johnson Park, which is located at 4601 Avent Ferry Road, Raleigh, NC 27606.

If the warmer weather has got you ready to head outdoors and start getting active, this park is a great place to start. This park has 3.5 miles of paved greenway trails as well as 1.9 miles of unpaved trails for you to walk or jog along. There are also a number of picnic areas, recreational activities, and even classes for you to take like yoga, fitness boot camps, drum circles, stand-up paddleboarding on the lake and more.

Have you been to Lake Johnson Park? Leave us a comment and tell us what your experience was!

Photo credit: raleighnc.gov