NC Eat & Play Magazine: To All Moms

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Food

Foodie Spotlight | Something Sweet & Mighty By Little Blue Bakehouse

Wye Hill Brewing Photo Recap Of Spring Hootenanny & Foodie Fest

Brunch Guide To The NC Triangle

NC-Made Spotlight | Country Water

Extra Bite | The Butcher’s Market Grilling Guide

Features

Carousel | Archives

Unconditional Love | Kelsey Wallace 14 20 22 25 26

My Mama’s NC Kitchen | Asian Turkey Sliders

Recap: Magazine Launch Party

Spotlight | Supporting Female Business Owners | Preeti Waas

Expert Guide | Arranging A Beautiful Floral Arrangement - Tips & Tricks | Zai McNiff Of Wendellful Blooms

To All Moms | Megan Nichols

Support Flower Farms

Support Garden Centers

Host An Amazing Backyard Soiree | Furnitureland South

Celebrating Nags Head Hammocks

The Guide To NC Eat & Play’s Spring Hootenanny & Foodie Fest

Megan Reads Extra Love | Pam Salamanca Things To Do | The Short List You Tried It!

NC Eat & Play Magazine

Proudly published by Llama House Partners LLC.

Editor-At-Large

Megan Nichols

Publisher Del Scheitler

Associate Publisher

Kimberly Scheitler

Editorial Assistant

Sophia Lin Manchester

Contributors

Pruter

Inserra

Prachumti

The Butcher’s Market, Linsley Schneider

Photography, Zai McNiff - Wendellful Blooms, Furnitureland South, AR Homes - Monterey Bay, Nags Head Hammocks

CAROUSEL ARCHIVE: Guide to Durham Bulls Park | Scan to see guide Take Me Out To A Ball Game

CAROUSEL ARCHIVE: Mama’s go-to French toast | Scan to see recipe The Only French Toast Recipe You’ll Ever Need

EDITOR’S NOTE

Megan Nichols, Founder & Editor-At-Large

Where has the time gone? It’s already time for a new issue. If there’s one thing that surprises me the most about publishing a magazine, it’s that the next one is always around the corner.

Af ter our launch in April, it’s been a whirlwind of meetings, celebrations, and ongoing location replenishments - all while trying to get used to having something of mine that people can take home and enjoy and keep.

Th e support for the magazine has been wonderful. Thank you to everyone that posted and tagged NC Eat & Play, sent messages, or congratulated me in person at stores, restaurants, and events.

He re are some of the best things I’ve heard and my reactions to them.

“T his is a gorgeous magazine.” Thank you, a lot of work went into how this magazine feels and flows. We’re very intentional about what we share and how we present it. Hopefully, it’s a great extension to how you interact with NC Eat & Play on social media. And I know with every issue, we will keep getting better.

May is also Mental Health Awareness Month. Since first sharing my story a couple of years ago, I’ve continued to connect with so many moms that identified with similar mental health concerns.

Of course, mental health is not a one-size-fits-all issue, and moms are not exclusive. But if re-sharing and updating my personal story helps others feel seen or motivated to seek their own professional help, then that’s truly a gift to me this Mother’s Day.

“I can’t believe this is free?” I love hearing this, and I really love telling everyone that it’s free thanks to our great partners that help to cover its cost. When you’re picking it up at The Butcher’s Market, it’s complimentary because they want to provide their customers a premium gift every month from NC Eat & Play. That’s pretty cool if you ask me.

“I t doesn’t feel like other magazines.” This may be the best comment of all. My team and I take pride in this conclusion, but that’s not to say we’re better than other magazines in the area. We’re just happy doing something different that feels 100% authentically me.

Th ere are wonderful local magazines that are filled with extraordinary content and visuals that help share our mutual love for the area, and I believe we’re a nice addition.

In the May issue, I’ve titled it ‘To All Moms,” and I re-share a deeply personal story about my own mental health. As we celebrate moms in May, I want to have a moment to exercise some bravery with this new magazine platform I’ve jumped on.

Th e magazine is also filled with lighter and more upbeat stories as well. We take a look back with photos on our events. We have a beautiful moment to share about Wendellful Blooms, who provided the stunning floral arrangement for our cover story.

I meet up with Preeti Waas and her daughters, Ellie and Amy, from Cheeni for a casual spotlight on motherhood and business. I head to Brown Mountain Beach Resort to share an impactful story about building your own version of family and life.

We celebrate 50 Years of Nags Head Hammocks. Yes, that’s one of their spectacular hammocks and stands on the cover. I’ve been living on it outdoors ever since Harrison put it together.

An d to get your grilling season fired up, we feature some craveworthy recipes and a pro-grill guide from The Butcher’s Market.

It ’s a great issue. I hope you enjoy. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and mother-figures out there!

FOODIE SPOTLIGHT

Something Sweet & Mighty by Little Blue Bakehouse

Little Blue Bakehouse is a kitchen incubator that’s larger than life when it comes to mixing up happiness with sweet treats and beverages.

Al lison Vick (pictured above with her business partner and husband Carl) is the Chef/Co-owner of Little Blue Macaron and Little Blue Bakehouse. In 2018, she and Carl moved back to North Carolina from Austin, TX after their son was born.

Al lison had previously worked as a Pastry Chef in Austin restaurants before creating Little Blue Macaron, where she popped up at local markets like the Downtown Cary Farmer’s Market for a few years before growing a wholesale base and private client list.

Sh e shares, “When we wanted to open a brick-and-mortar, my husband had the idea for the Bakehouse.”

Li ttle Blue Bakehouse houses a collection of small businesses offering varying delicacies including cupcakes, cookies, macarons, artisanal pastries, and even boozy baked goods.

In cluding:

• Little Blue Macaron

• Yellow Garden Bake Shop

• The Blue Ox Bakery

• Gryffin Bakeshop

• Boozie Bakes

Wh at inspired you to open Little Blue Bakehouse? After working in a commercial kitchen for over three years and seeing how it operated, we realized that there weren’t a lot of commissary spaces geared towards sweets makers.

Of ten, there are 60+ food based businesses - mostly food trucks and caterers - sharing stovetops and just a handful of ovens. There usually isn’t an option for folks to sell their products out of those kitchens; you have to run things out to the parking lot or focus on delivery only.

Ou r dream was for Little Blue Bakehouse to be a commercial kitchen space just for sweets makers, where everyone has enough access to the ovens and equipment they need, and we could easily share space if needed since most of us make similar products.

Mo st importantly, we wanted it to be a place where our members could retail their baked goods in the same place they make them and gather retail experience without having to commit to their own brick-and-mortar (which is a huge financial investment).

We want to be a stepping stone for small sweets businesses to grow and figure out which direction they’d like to take their operations.

What is it like working so closely with fellow bakers?

It’s really exciting and inspiring - I feel like we are constantly bouncing ideas off of each other and coming up with new products. We take each other’s advice on how best to market our items, how to take good photos, which markets are the best to participate in, etc. It feels a lot like a community where we all have each other’s backs (especially when you run out of brown sugar, or limes, or whatever else your neighbor might have that you immediately need!).

How has this concept been received by the community?

We’ve been overwhelmed with the support from our surrounding community. Carl and I live in the same neighborhood where LBB exists, so we’ve had a chance to meet a lot of our neighbors - who are now our regulars.

We really strive to be a community spot where our guests can come and hang out, work for a few hours, or stop by with the whole family just before hitting the Alamo Drafthouse movie theater.

We try our best to give back to our immediate community as often as we can, either with donated treats, gift cards for fundraising events, or any other way possible. We really want to make an impact here.

Wh at has been the most rewarding aspect of opening LBB?

Honestly just being able to talk to folks who stop in every day, tell them about our concept, talk about their favorite treats from all of our amazing bakers - it’s the best. When we were working out of a commercial kitchen with no retail outlet, especially during the pandemic, we really missed that human connection. Now we get to experience it almost every day, and it’s the best feeling.

Pl us, we get to work with some of Raleigh’s best sweet makers every day (and even get to sample their new products first) - that can’t be beat!

Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know?

Beyond being a kitchen incubator for small bakery businesses, we’re also a full scale coffee shop.

We would love for you to swing by for your beverage needs as well as for your sweet cravings.

How can they best support your business?

We’re truly a mom-and-pop operation here, and we cherish the support of our regular customers (and new visitors) more than you can imagine.

Un ique, independent businesses are the lifeblood of the Triangle. As the economic landscape constantly changes, we will all be relying on the folks in our communities to come by as often as they can, or spread the word to their friends and family.

Fi nd Little Blue Bakehouse: 2116-H New Bern Avenue, Raleigh, NC (next door to Alamo Drafthouse)

Fo llow on Instagram: @littlebluebakehousenc

PAID CAROUSEL: Cheerwine Festival | Scan to follow Timeless Sipping

PAID CAROUSEL: Cheerwine Festival | Scan to follow Fun For All

PAID CAROUSEL: Cheerwine Festival | Scan to follow Sweet Jams

Thank you to Hootenanny Fan Favorite, Wye Hill Brewing for serving up beers and cocktails. And sharing some beautiful images!

Photos provided by Wye Hill Brewing

Wye Hill Brewing delighted Hootenanny attendees with a lively Adult Beverage Corral serving up their popular brews and partnering with Cook’s Mill Whiskey for a refreshing Southern Sipping Cocktail. They even mixed in Cheerwine for a crowd pleaser. See more Hootenanny photos on page 76.

BRUNCH GUIDE

To the NC Triangle (Favorite Spots!)

Originally written for and continuously updated

Grabbing brunch with friends on the weekend is one of the finer experiences in life. It’s easy to argue that brunch is the best meal of the day and should always include both sweet and savory options.

Unfortunately, brunch is also rather elusive. It can be tricky to know which restaurants in the Raleigh area offer brunch.

Here are some favorite brunch spots in the Triangle, as well as a few options based on followers’ suggestions.

As a reminder, NC Eat & Play showcases recommendations for every budgetincluding indulgent options for special occasions.

Tag us in your foodie pic, and get reshared to help support these local businesses.

St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar

A New-Orleans inspired eatery in Downtown Raleigh with a warm atmosphere and menu that is full of surprises.

From the best beignets you’ll ever taste to crawfish hushpuppies to coconut curry shrimp & grits, this restaurant is a one-ofa-kind dining experience.

Taverna Agora

If there was ever a patio that was made for brunching, it’s the one here. This Greek restaurant has a charming rooftop garden patio that feels like it was made for movies. Are you on the set of Mamma Mia or in the heart of Raleigh? Order some baklava sticky buns while you try to figure it out.

Coquette

No one brunches better than the French. They’ve perfected the art of late morning pastries and eggs. The atmosphere takes you straight to the streets of Paris and a menu of classic French breakfast favorites like quiche and croque monsieur.

Salt & Lime Cabo Grill (pictured above)

A Baja take on classic favorites, their brunch menu is bursting with unique flavor.

STIR

A modern restaurant in North Hills that offers upscale seafood and cocktails - great for seafood brunch. Their shrimp and white cheddar grits are fabulous.

Simply Crepes

Located in Lafayette Village, the menu is filled with unique options outside of just their popular delicious crepes.

Big Ed’s Restaurant

For the most part, this guide focused on true brunch menus rather than breakfast restaurants. However, this iconic Downtown Raleigh restaurant must be mentioned. The pancakes are bigger than your head and are some of the best tasting ones around.

Dame’s Chicken and Waffles (pictured right)

Located in Durham and Cary, it’s best known for comfort food. Try one of their signature creations, or build your own chicken and waffle platter using unique ingredients like a gingerbread waffle or orange honeycomb shmear.

a’Verde Cocina + Tequila Library

An upscale Mexican restaurant serving modern dishes that impress. Their brunch is a fabulous blend of Latin flavors and vibrant ingredients. Don’t miss the churro French Toast dusted with Fruity Pebbles or the chicken enchiladas. For the kids, surprise them with the Nutella nachos!

Beyu Caffè

With two locations in Downtown Durham and Boxyard RTP, this cafe is a local institution and haven for locals seeking a soulful dining experience. Known for their quality coffee, brunch menu, and live jazz music, they’ve created a truly special establishment.

La Mala

A stunning Mexican restaurant in Downtown Durham. The atmosphere is gorgeous. Brunch stands out as a real showstopper. Try the Tres Leches French Toast and Chilaquiles.

Plates Neighborhood Kitchen

A great choice for farm-fresh food and a chef-driven menu. The seasonal ingredients are always changing, but you can count on delicious flavors every time. Big plus: One of the few restaurants that serves a brunch menu on weekdays!

NC MADE SPOTLIGHT

COUNTRY WATER

If there’s one thing we might not have known we needed in our lives, it just might be good ol’ Southern wine in a can. That’s right, wine in a can.

Th at’s what Tana Cowin, the Founder and CEO of Country Water (pictured with her pink boots next to her husband Cody), thought as she embarked on solving this problem. Backed by her years of sales and marketing experience in the wine industry, she launched North Carolina’s only womanowned canned wine company. Country Water can be found at select wine shops and food markets throughout the Triangle, including The Butcher’s Market. This year, she also launched online purchasing and shipping at drinkcountrywater.com.

Ta na states, “I love North Carolina wine. And I’m not just sippin’ on the sweet varietals the state’s known for and sometimes scrutinized about.”

“I ’ve worked hard sourcing the finest wine makers in the state to craft a flavor profile worthy of any casually adorable wine drinker that enjoys being outdoors.”

In fact, Tana’s on a mission to make wine fun again - or at least not taking it so seriously if you want it to easily travel with you. She adds, “When you’re outdoors at a soccer park or tailgating with friends and you don’t want a beer, enjoying a can of good chilled wine makes for a perfect day of adult drinking.”

Eat & Play has already proclaimed that Country Water will be the next big iconic North Carolina brand.

Ou r Spring Hootenanny & Foodie Fest and last year’s Country Water Celebration are evidence of its growing popularity.

Ca nned wine seekers can scan to find Country Water at local markets or buy online directly for refreshing varietals and fun names:

• Bless Your Heart Blueberry

• Strawberry As All Get Out

• Honky Tonk Vital Blanc

• Roll In The Hay Rosé

EXTRA BITE GRILLING GUIDE

Here’s an EXTRA BITE of knowledge from the experts at The Butcher’s Market: Grilling Guide

Whether you’re looking for a weekday meal, weekend get-together, or your next tailgating idea, this Grilling Guide looks to provide just a few ideas on what your next trip out to the grill could look like.

T he first choice you have to make is whether you’re using a charcoal or gas grill. Yes, these days you do have pellet smokers and grills like the Traeger, but for simplicity’s sake, stick with gas and charcoal.

Sh ort and simple, here’s what to think about when grilling with both options.

Ti me to Prepare:

Charcoal grills, on average, take around 15-20 minutes to reach proper cooking temperature. This also doesn’t include preparation of charcoal and using your preferred lighting method.

Ga s grills are always ready to go, as long as your propane tank isn’t empty, and only takes around 8-10 minutes to reach proper cooking temperature.

Fl avor and Max Temperature:

Charcoal grills, for many, are the only way for people to cook their proteins. The higher temperatures that charcoal grills can achieve (easily reaching 700 degrees with a proper bed of coals), delivers that smoky, flavor-packed yumminess that many prefer. Though many gas grills can achieve those higher temps, you’ll find that higher-end choices are needed.

Cl ean Up:

By far, a gas grill will be less of a headache when cleaning up after a night of grilling. Dealing with old coals and cleaning the grates can be a much larger hassle than just cranking the temp on a gas grill and hitting

it with a grill brush. For many, however, the longer clean-up and prep time is worth the flavor achieved from charcoal.

Co nclusion:

With everything considered, go with what works best for you and how familiar you are grilling. A grill can be just as much a conversation piece as that brand new outdoor furniture set sitting on your deck, so pick what best suits your needs and style of cooking. Honestly, most butchers love both.

Picking Your Protein:

For many, the go-to, end all be all for grilling is a ribeye steak. With its exceptional marbling, fat content, and spinalis, the ribeye is packed full of flavor to please any red meat eater. However, it often overshadows plenty of other worthwhile options to try on your next trip out back.

He re are a few notable options:

• Strip Steak / New York Strip

• Chicken Breast

• Filet Mignon

• Chicken Thighs

• Pichana / Brisket / Burgers

• Tri Tip T-Bone / Porterhouse

• Skirt Steak / Petite Sirloin

Pro Tip On Cooking Temperatures for Beef

• Rare: 125 °F

• Medium Rare: 135 °F

• Medium: 145 °F

• Medium Well: 150 °F

Cooking Temperature for Chicken

• 165+ °F

Cooking Temperature for Pork

• Medium Well: 140 °F

• Well: 145+ °F

Wh en grilling, remember to pull your steak 5 degrees prior to preferred internal temperature, allowing it to rest for 10-15 minutes. This will allow it to continue cooking for that final 5 degrees, as well as locking in those delicious juices.

Wh en deciding what protein to choose, never be afraid to ask your butcher any questions you may have. Whether it be beef grades, grilling techniques, best rubs and finishing sauces, or just their favorite cut to grill.

RECIPE

Great for Grilling Season

Here’s a fresh recipe from My Mama’s NC Kitchen, the channel where Megan and her mom, Kristin, share meal ideas to inspire more foodie experiences at home.

Th is one may just have you indulging on it outside since it’s one of their favorite grilling recipes. It’s a great twist on a traditional slider using ground turkey and Asian seasonings. And don’t forget the slaw, y’all!

Ingredients: Turkey Sliders

• 1 pound 94% ground turkey

• 1⁄4 cup red onion

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp. minced ginger

• 1 tsp. soy sauce

• 1 tbsp. hoisin sauce

• 1⁄4 tsp. salt and pepper

• 1 egg white (to help bind ingredients)

• 10 slider buns

Directions

1. Add all ingredients, except the buns, in a bowl. Using a spoon or your hands, combine until ingredients are mixed well.

2. Form about 10 2 oz. patties using wet hands. I used a 2 oz. cookie scoop to keep them about the same size.

3. Put patties on a parchment lined cookie sheet and place in the freezer for 20 min. This step is important since these sliders will be harder to handle. These could be made the night before and kept in the refrigerator until ready to grill.

4. Preheat grill to med-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and spray them with non-stick spray. Cook patties for 3 mins. and then flip and cook for another 2-3 mins. It will take longer if your burgers are more than 2 oz.

5. Toast the buns, then place a patty on each one. Spread with the spicy mayo and top with the slaw.

Ingredients: Tangy Slaw

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage

• 1 cup shredded green cabbage

• 2 green onion sliced thin

• 3 tbsp. seasoned rice vinegar

• 1 tsp. toasted sesame oil

• 1 tbsp. olive or vegetable oil

• 1⁄4 tsp. salt and pepper

• 1⁄4 cup. cilantro

Directions

Combine all ingredients and toss.

Ingredients: Spicy Mayo

• 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp. sriracha sauce

Directions

Add mayo and sriracha to a small bowl and combine until thoroughly mixed.

SCAN TO SEE THIS INDULGENT SHRIMP & GRITS DISH FROM MY MAMA’S NC KITCHEN

NC Eat & Play Magazine Launch Party

A week into the debut of NC Eat & Play Magazine in April, The Jim Allen Group hosted a special launch celebration at a premier Raleigh property by AR Homes.

Located right off Falls of Neuse, this unbelievable home recently sold for over 5 million dollars. The spacious property welcomed invited guests for a fabulous evening to celebrate the magazine’s successful debut.

Brian Strombotne, with AR Homes - Monterey Bay, was a perfect host for the evening providing tours and entertaining guests with insights on every design and structural feature of the property.

Joined by family and friends - which included several of NC Eat & Play’s ongoing partners and sponsors - it was an emotional night for Megan.

In her speech, she summed up the guest list perfectly, “I’ve never done this before. It’s my first time launching a magazine and so I would just ask my Brand Manager and Publisher, Del Scheitler if it would be okay to invite this person or that person. And he would just say, do you love them? If so, invite them. So I guess I’d say if you’re here, it’s because I love you and thank you for supporting me through the years.”

1- Megan Nichols, Editor-At-Large, 2- Megan’s parents, Russell and Kristin Hill, 3- Aerial shot of the launch party, 4- NC Eat & Play’s Mary Pruter, Kim Scheitler, Sophia Lin Manchester, 5- Megan and mom, Kristin

6- Allison Vick and KeAshia McQueen of Little Blue Bakehouse, 7- Tana Cowin of Country Water, Cody Cowin of A&M Premier Roofing & Construction, and Brian Strombotne of AR Homes - Monterey Bay, 8- Linsley Schneider of Linsley Schneider Photography, 9- Victoria Schenck and guest 10- Jeremiah Leggett of Haven Farm of Knightdale and Del Scheitler, Publisher, 11- NC Eat & Play’s Ploy Prachumti and Kim Scheitler, 12- Andia and George Xouris of Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream, 13- Greg Nelson and Shannon Brien of Iyla’s Southern Kitchen, Mark and Meghan Hansen of Southern Craft Sandwiches, 14- Sivys Almeida of A&M Premier Roofing & Construction, MiMi K. Melvin of WRAL, and Kim Scheitler, 15- NC Eat & Play’s Harrison Nichols and Del Scheitler

EVENT CAROUSEL: Magazine launch party | AR Homes - Monterey Bay Most Talked About Raleigh Home

EVENT CAROUSEL: Magazine launch party | AR Homes - Monterey Bay Stunning Entrance

EVENT CAROUSEL: Magazine launch party | AR Homes - Monterey Bay Made For Entertaining

EVENT CAROUSEL: Magazine launch party | AR Homes - Monterey Bay As Good As It Gets

You didn’t think we would forget about the food did you?

The event was catered by longtime NC Eat & Play partner, Salt & Lime Cabo Grill.

Ch ef DJ and team did an outstanding job serving guests with signature Baja bites and cocktails.

Sal t & Lime’s Catering Director, Kathy, won the crowd over showcasing the restaurants catering expertise and service.

Thank you, Salt & Lime Cabo Grill, for a memorable night. Make sure to add Salt & Lime Cabo Grill to your catering list, and join them for lunch or dinner at their two Raleigh locations.

SPOTLIGHT

Supporting Female Business Leaders

Preeti Waas

Mom, Business Owner, and Award-Winning Chef of Cheeni

James Beard Semifinalist - Best Chef Southeast 2023 & 2024

“All I ever wanted to be was a wife and mother. I enjoyed my time at home with my daughters immensely, but felt very isolated and lacked a community.

To put it very bluntly, when people complimented the food or baked goods I made, it made me feel seen and validated in a way that I was hungry for, so to speak.

Cheeni came about because of a series of coincidences, which when I look back don’t seem so coincidental at all. But truly, people started paying attention only when I went back to my roots.” - Preeti

Preeti with her daughters, Ellie & Amy

From Her Daughters First

I can still remember being asked to choose my favorite out of all my mother’s baked goods by a local reporter when I was five years old growing up in Oklahoma with my mum’s first restaurant. It was the most difficult question I had ever been asked because I loved them all.

Now, I regularly describe my favorite dishes of hers to patrons at Cheeni. My mother has taught me how to be passionate - and slightly snobbish - about food. She has a special connection to those she feeds and takes care of like her own, whether they’re a longtime friend or complete stranger. Every person gets a smile, an attentive gaze, and the genuine warm appreciation of a mother getting to do what she loves.

Choosing to come back to Cheeni and seeing that passion return in both my sister and myself has been a special experience as we all proudly connect to our heritage together.

Most of all, my mother has taught me how to keep going when you don’t know how you could possibly work another day: “One step at a time.” - Ellie

“I can confidently say that my mum has always been my role model. Personally and professionally, I wouldn’t be half the person I am without her guidance, comfort, nourishment, and complete commitment to being a mother—an amazing one—to me and my sister.

I was lucky enough to grow up working with my mum, but at this stage in our lives, I think I am incredibly fortunate to have so much time to learn and grow with her guidance once again.

It’s been a beautiful, special thing to watch the life she has always wanted, one in which she has a community, a place to call her own, and the closeness of family (both biological and chosen), finally become more of a reality to her.” - Amy

When NC Eat & Play Magazine’s EditorAt-Large, Megan Nichols, began working on the May issue which highlights moms, it was the perfect opportunity to spotlight Preeti Waas, the award-winning chef and owner of Cheeni in Durham.

Fo r Megan, it wasn’t only because of the beautiful businesses Preeti created that foodies and the culinary elite praise her for. It’s much simpler than that.

Pr eeti is a mom with two wonderful daughters that she adores. This comes through if you’re following her social media and have the opportunity to meet them in person.

It may not be a surprise that a talented chef known for comforting and loving dishes from her native land would be so motherly, but that’s exactly why Megan wanted to spotlight Preeti.

Wh en Megan met up with Preeti and her daughters, Ellie and Amy, for the photoshoot, the Waas family bond was immediately felt.

Mo re importantly, the daughters’ admiration for their mom couldn’t be contained. It’s moments like this that Megan loves sharing.

Th e Waas family loves what they do and they love doing it together.

In Her Words

I know you started as a business owner in Tulsa, OK, where you made American baked goods before shifting back to your culinary roots. What brought you to the Triangle?

We moved to the area in September 2011. It felt like we had outgrown Tulsa, and my husband had better opportunities here in the tech sector.

Wh at do you love most about the area? I love that the Triangle feels like the largest little small town. This was especially true eleven years ago when we moved. The lush greenery, proximity to both the beach and the mountains, some of the finest universities, etc.

Pe rsonally, I was heartened to find that the population here was more metropolitan, welltraveled, and hungry for new experiences. That gave me the courage to venture into foodservice again, because Tulsa was not a good experience in that way for me.

Wh at is it like to be a woman in business here?

I’ve learned to keep my circle close and not to be naive enough to think that everyone has your best interests at heart. It’s important to be strong enough to stand up for your convictions and be willing to accept constructive criticism.

Tel l us about being a mom and a successful business owner.

Being a successful business owner means different things to different people. For some, it’s ‘looking’ successful. For others, it is having the time to pick their children up from school. For yet others, it means relying on a partner to take care of the household and children, so they can provide financially.

De cide for your yourself what success looks like and work towards that. For me, success is working with my daughters, in a space that we have worked hard to create as a (hopefully) sustainable model for all our staff.

Wha t’s the biggest impact your children have had on your life?

My children have taught me the value that I bring to this world. And that there is no fiercer love.

Wh at advice would you give to moms navigating motherhood for the first time? Babies don’t come with manuals, but mothers do develop very powerful instincts - trust them. Cultivate your community of mothers, the women that you trust with your children, and lean on them. Provide them with the same support in return. This will reap invaluable

benefits for all of you and your children.

Now, let’s talk about Cheeni. How did this become your gift to the world?

With Cheeni, I finally felt confident and comfortable enough with myself as an immigrant woman to cook the cuisine of my homeland. It felt too personal and nerveracking before that.

Why did you choose your location?

The D urham location was serendipitous - I never imagined myself in Durham, but being offered that prime spot - fully equipped! - was something too good to pass up. Plus, it offered what North Raleigh lacks, which is visibility and foot traffic.

Wh at makes Cheeni unique?

Cheeni is unique because it is not ‘Indian cuisine’ treated as a monolith, but cuisine from various regions of India, based on my personal experiences and upbringing. All cooked from scratch and in small batches, with noncommodity ingredients, which is unusual.

Wh en guests come to Cheeni, they can expect to feel like they are in someone’s home, being taken care of accordingly and served food cooked with care and intention.

How is the business going and what are your hopes for it in the near future and beyond?

Business is not following any known patterns and that is something even seasoned restaurant operators are saying to me. Which of course makes it much harder to staff, prep, etc. But, we are doing the best we can. The most hurtful part of this entire endeavor is to work so goshdarned hard and still get eviscerated online from people who have no idea what it takes.

Wh at’s next?

My motto is, ‘never say never’ - there might be opportunities around the bend too good to pass up, who knows. In the near future, my hope is to sustain this model for a restaurant - where nobody works more than 8-10 hour shifts, everybody makes at least $16.00 per hour, everybody’s meals are on the house, nobody clocks out for breaks or lunch, and most of all, there is dignity and respect in the workplace.

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EXPERT GUIDE

Arranging a Beautiful Floral Arrangement Tips & Tricks by Zai McNiff

Meet The Expert

Hello, I’m Zai - the owner of Wendellful Blooms! I’m originally from the Philippines, but my husband and I planted roots in Wendell in 2017 to raise our three wonderful kids. Shortly after settling in, I put my green thumb to work and established a garden in our backyard, which became the foundation of my business. What began as a simple baby changing table upcycled into a neighborhood pop-up flower cart has now evolved into a thriving community-focused business, providing flowers for occasions ranging from birthdays to weddings to everything in between.

I thrive in my garden, where the hot North Carolina summers remind me of my childhood in the Philippines. Getting my hands dirty and putting in the hard work is immensely rewarding, knowing it means beautiful flowers to share with others. Before Wendellful Blooms, my family and I had limited connections within the community beyond a few neighbors. Now, I’m grateful to have expanded my circle to include many new friends across Wendell and Eastern Wake County. What an incredible journey it has been!

I love the connection between nature and artistry that floral design offers, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to share it with all of you. I hope my love for flowers inspires you to craft your own floral masterpieces at home!

Reach out and follow:

Web: wendellfulblooms.com

Facebook: facebook.com/WendellFULBlooms

Instagram: instagram.com/wendellfulblooms

Email: zai@wendellfulblooms.com

A Flowery Note:

NC Eat & Play Magazine’s May cover and title article, To All Moms, features a gorgeous bouquet by Wendellful Blooms. To see the flowers in person at the photoshoot took everyone’s breath away.

Flowers naturally evoke good feelings, and when arranged with Zai’s genuine spirit of happiness, you can’t help but feel loved when you receive or give one of her creations.

Del Scheitler, Publisher of NC Eat & Play Magazine and owner of Llama House Partners who leads NC Eat & Play’s brand management, found Wendellful Blooms on (you guessed it) Instagram. He immediately sent it to Megan and the team to reach out.

He said, “This is gorgeous! We need to tell this story and get the word out about her amazing creations. The fact the she’s a small business in Wendell is all the more reason to put a spotlight on it. These are the kinds of arrangements I would buy for my wife and the kind of businesses we need to share.”

He adds, “This is the focus and energy the magazine needs to have at all times - sharing stories that expand beyond social media and into the pages of NC Eat & Play Magazine every month.”

With this in mind, Zai is sharing her expert tips and tricks for arranging beautiful floral arrangements. This is a perfect time to gear up with florals for celebrations like Mother’s Day and other special moments.

Plus, shifting into spring and summer entertaining, it’s a great time to create captivating arrangements for your home.

Photos by Halifax Hill Studios & Wendellful Blooms

Tips For Creating A Floral Arrangement

Floral arranging can sometimes be overwhelming. It’s hard to know where to start or what options to choose. I hope my tips can help you be more confident in creating an elevated arrangement!

1. Pick flowers that haven’t yet fully opened. This gives them time to bloom and extends their time in the vase. Make sure to also check the flowers for freshness. Avoid flowers that are browning, wilting, or have signs of mold.

2. Variety is your friend. Bloom sizes, shapes, textures, and color can all have a great impact on the overall design, even if your design is monochromatic.

3. Choose a color palette. Varying shades of the same hue complement each other well.

4. The right sized vase is key. You should choose the size of your vase depending on the scale of the arrangement you’re trying to achieve. The bigger the vase, the more flowers needed. The smaller the vase, the bigger your arrangement will look while using a smaller quantity of flowers. My recommendation? A 5” diameter vase. Solid vases are also better than clear glass vases to better conceal murky water and floral mechanics.

5. Use the proper floral mechanics for a better display. You can use floral tape, chicken wire, or a pin frog to hold stems in place while arranging.

6. Remember to freshen up your flowers. Give your stems a fresh cut and replace the water and flower food every few days to extend the flowers’ vase life. Flower food is optional, but it provides sugar and citric acid, which keeps the bacteria low in the water.

How To Prep & Arrange Your Flowers

• Prepare your tools, like a pair of shears, and make sure they are clean before using.

• Start with a clean vase, water, and flower food.

• Choose floral tape, chicken wire, or a pin frog to hold your flowers in place.

• Prep your stems by stripping the leaves off. Foliage in water creates bacteria quickly, which will cause your flowers to wither faster. So keep all your stems extremely clean if you want them to last!

• Remove outer petals that are browning and showing signs of rot to prevent them from spreading all through the blooms.

• Start with the design in mind. What do you want the shape of the arrangement to look like? Round, structural, whimsical? It is important to have an idea so you don’t get lost in the process.

• My recommendation for beginners - try a simple circular shape. Use big base flowers like hydrangeas and cut them to be proportionate to the size of the vase.

• Next, add in the accent flowers! Spread them throughout the arrangement. Roses are a great choice.

Always buy what is in season and local!

Spring

• Tulips, Iceland Poppies, Astilbe, Larkspur, Ranunculus, Hellebores, Hyacinth, Anemones, Ranunculus, Daffodils, Stock, Strawflower, Peonies, Scabiosa, Campanula, Poppies, Sweet Pea, Lilac, Iris, Orlaya, Freesia, Nigella, Lisianthus, Phlox Summer

• Zinnias, Yarrow, Snapdragons, Stock, Delphinium, Strawflower, Coneflower, Lisianthus, Celosia, Orlaya, Amaranth, Dahlias Fall

• Sunflowers, Zinnias, Heather, Dahlias, Freesia, Magnolia, Queen Anne’s Lace, Statice, Gladiolus, Celosia, Amaranth, Snapdragons, Lisianthus Winter

• Tulips, Amaryllis, Juniper Berry, Heather, Holly Berry, Pepperberry, Phlox, Queen Anne’s Lace, Statice, Magnolia, Paperwhites

Year-Round

• Roses, Lilies, Daisies, Mums, Carnations, Hydrangea, Alstroemeria, Calla Lilies, Hypericum Berries

• Allow some space between blooms (this may be more of a personal style!). You don’t want your arrangement to look like they are pressed into each other.

• Choose another type of accent flower to add. Cut the stems in varying heights to create dimension and space them out, but make sure to also keep the balance. The weight of your flowers should be even to your design.

• Fill in the arrangement with filler flowers like baby’s breath, wax flower, or solidago. These can be added into the gaps to fill out the design. If you’re using greenery, you can add this at the beginning or the end.

• Lastly, step back and admire your creation!

EXTRA TIP: Not all roses are created equal! Some roses bloom right away, while some stay tight and closed until they wilt. That’s just the nature of different varieties.

SUPPORT FLOWER FARMS

Picking a fresh arrangement of flowers is a great way to appreciate the beauty of nature. It can be calming and peaceful, bringing relaxation and stress relief. Just make sure you do it somewhere that allows it, such as these places.

Dogwood Farms

8096 Belews Creek Rd, Belews Creek, NC 27009 dogwoodfarmsbelewscreek.com IG: @dogwoodfarmsupick

Fernrock Farm

4500 Orange Grove Rd, Hillsborough, NC 27278 fernrockfarm.com

IG: @fernrockfarm (919) 644-0654

Fi refly Farm

4911 Hunt Rd, Hillsborough, NC 27278 fireflyfarmnc.com

IG: @farmfirefly (919) 780-4732

Lavender Oaks Farm

3833 Millard Whitley Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 lavenderoaks.farm

IG: @lavenderoaks (919) 909-7417

The Never Ending Flower Farm

152 Tom Harris Trl, Barnardsville, NC 28709 theneverendingflowerfarm.com

IG: @theneverendingflowerfarm (828) 713-4046

Pin nacle Farms

2900 Old Balsam Rd, Waynesville, NC 28786 pinnaclefarmsnc.com IG: @pinnaclefarmsnc

Tai lgate Farm

2610 Olive Branch Rd, Durham, NC 27703

tailgatefarmnc.com

IG: @tailgatefarm (919) 724-7901

SUPPORT GARDEN CENTERS

Whether you are a seasoned pro or a first time gardener, your local garden center can help you! Their staff can share their expertise and provide information on plant care. They’ll happily share advice on local soil conditions, insects in the region, and anything else that you may run into.

Atlantic Gardening

5217 Atlantic Ave, Raleigh, NC 27616

atlanticgardening.com

IG: @atlanticgardening (919) 878-8877

For Garden’s Sake 9197 NC-751, Durham, NC 27713

fgsdurham.com

IG: fgsdurham (919) 484-9759

Haven Farm Shoppe 8521 Buffaloe Rd, Knightdale, NC 27545

havenofknightdale.com

Home wood Nursery & Garden Center

10809 Honeycutt Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614

homewoodnursery.com

IG: @homewoodnursery (919) 847-0117

Log an’s Garden Shop 707 Semart Dr, Raleigh, NC 27604

logantrd.com

IG: @logantrd (919) 828-5337

Taylo r’s Nursery

3705 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27610

To All Moms

As May brings on brighter and warmer North Carolina weather, it’s also a key time to honor moms for Mother’s Day. This holiday could be considered a retail-driven initiative, but just know I’m all for it.

Why not? Moms go through a lot and if the world wants to make things pretty and festive for us so we feel just a bit more special, I say bring it on. And I’m including anyone that’s a mother figure. I’ve learned as I’ve gotten older that the word “mom or mother” has so many beautiful and colorful variations.

It’s also important for me to recognize that May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and as a mom who’s openly shared about mental health struggles, I’d like to re-share parts of an original website blog I wrote a couple of years ago.

To this day, I still receive messages from other moms and young women (and some men) who connected with my journey for improved mental health. It’s a mom’s story, but it could be anyone’s story.

Before I begin, please know I share openly and fearlessly, but I’m in no way an expert. My only desire is to normalize this kind of conversation - especially for moms or anyone that feels alone in their struggles.

This is my story.

I’ve had anxiety and a form of OCD (obsessive–compulsive disorder) for as long as I can remember, though I didn’t always recognize it for what it was. I called those stomachaches I got every day on the way to school my “morning nerves.” I figured the intrusive thoughts that plagued my mind were completely normal.

People always joked about the sudden, almost silly, urges they experienced while being able to laugh and shake it off. They didn’t joke about unwelcome images that were so frighteningly vivid and repetitive, it haunted them. But, that must have been normal too, I thought.

I lived a normal childhood. I had friends, received good grades, had special memories with my family, and attended church regularly. My anxiety and OCD were simply inconveniences—until 9th grade.

My freshman year of high school brought on a complete deconstruction of everything I knew about myself.

Those “morning nerves” stomachaches started to stick around all day and became unbearable. I began having episodes where I struggled to breathe (moments I now understand were panic attacks). I lost too much weight, something I was reminded of often by my peers, and almost flunked out of school, something I was reminded of often by my teachers.

I saw doctor after doctor, received countless tests that delivered negative results, and started to lose hope in finding answers to the very tangible physical pain I was in.

A doctor finally sat me down and told me he thought I had anxiety and that although it’s a mental illness, it can have very real physical manifestations.

No. No. No. That couldn’t be it. My own mind is attacking itself? Nothing had ever felt so invalidating. It was a hard pill to swallow.

I now had the understanding that I had anxiety, but I didn’t know what to do about it. It felt like I was constantly underwater, swimming against a never-ending current, and I kind of got used to it.

As a devout Christian, I was under the impression that I just needed to lean more on Christ in order to have peace in my life. As is the case with many Christians, I was often taught at church that happiness is a choice. In both direct and indirect teachings, I was taught that worry comes from Satan and peace comes from Christ.

As I matured, I learned more about mental illness and chose to study it further in college where I earned a bachelor’s degree in marriage and family therapy. I became a big advocate for mental health awareness and believed fully in the benefits of both medicine and therapy.

In fact, I worked for a mental health organization after graduating and received multiple trainings on therapy.

Despit e these milestones, I never looked into therapy or medication for myself. I’d seek help one day after I’ve tried everything I can to rely on Christ first, I told myself. I’d need to improve my prayers, study the scriptures, exercise more, eat healthier, and a laundry list of other chores that would surely bring peace to my life.

Then motherhood brought on a severe internal struggle.

WARNING: The following excerpts describe graphic imagery that may be sensitive and disturbing to some.

Fast forward to 2018. I was in the hospital after having just given birth to my oldest son, Dean. Bringing a child into the world with my husband by my side was one of the most spiritual experiences of my life. I had never felt closer to God and I felt His love immensely as I held my perfect, innocent baby.

Lat er, a nurse gently reminded me to not fall asleep holding him because I might drop him and said “it has happened here before.”

Fr om that moment and all through the night, I had reoccurring, horrific images play on a loop in my mind. I saw my precious, tiny 6 lb baby boy drop to the ground over and over again. I heard the sound of him hitting the floor. The more I tried to make it go away, the more vivid it became.

The most empoweringly spiritual 24 hours of my life were also the most terrifying and anxiety-ridden. I somehow felt closer to the Savior than ever before while simultaneously experiencing the most severe intrusive thoughts I’d ever had.

This experience was a direct contradiction to what I had often been taught. Maybe Christ alone isn’t always enough, I thought.

From that first day and every day of my son’s life moving forward, I suffered with debilitating intrusive thoughts. They were gruesome, frightening, extremely vivid, and always centered around my baby boy. If I boiled water, images of it scalding him played on a loop in my mind. Every time I carried him down the stairs, I saw myself accidentally drop him. Every time I went on a stroller walk, my mind showed me him being devoured by stray dogs.

I know this is hard to read, and I appreciate you sticking with me here. It’s hard for me to write, but not nearly as hard as it was to see my baby die in my head multiple times a day, every day, for 10 months.

I feel strongly that it’s important to share these tough details without sugarcoating them, because it’s the best way for us to support one another. It took me so long to seek help because I never saw anyone else talk about these symptoms. If even one person reads this and relates to it, that’s important.

I was used to intrusive thoughts, but not the beast that awakened when my son was born. They made me nervous, uncomfortable, and constantly on edge. My general anxiety morphed into a stronger postpartum anxiety that was fueled by unbalanced hormones and new motherhood.

I became fixated on Dean’s sleeping schedule and spent hours researching sleep every day.

Even though I was utterly exhausted and sleep-deprived, I struggled with insomnia as I dreaded when he would wake me up again.

Writ ing this out makes it seem like I must have been miserable but that’s the thing: I wasn’t. I adored my baby and still felt happy with my life. Postpartum depression seemed to be on the forefront of maternal mental health initiatives, and my doctors only ever asked me about that.

Do you struggle with feeling connected to your baby? No.

Are you unhappy? No.

But if the answer to all of these questions was no, what was wrong with me? I felt deeply connected to my child and happy with my life. If I didn’t have postpartum depression, these other symptoms must just be what motherhood is.

So I lived with it. For ten months, I lived with daily intrusive thoughts and anxiety until I finally sought help.

Wha t finally pushed me to reach out? My husband, Harrison. He pleaded with me to see a therapist and start medication, just to see if it helped.

Tha t may seem like the obvious solution to someone on the outside looking in but as an anxious person, the thought of getting help seemed scary. I lived with these symptoms for so long, they stopped feeling like symptoms and started to feel like… me.

The y were who I was as a person. I feared that medication would remove my anxiety and take me with it too. I feared I would be an empty shell of a person who didn’t worry enough, which would then put my baby in danger. In short, I had anxiety about NOT having anxiety. Go figure, right?

I f inally made an appointment with a local therapist and started medication, both of which have changed my life.

The rapy provided clarity I couldn’t have found on my own.

My therapist diagnosed me with the obvious (anxiety) but surprised me with a diagnosis I had never heard of, but instantly made me feel validated and safe. She told me I was suffering with a form of obsessive compulsive disorder known as “Pure O.”

Pur e O is a form of OCD that typically doesn’t include compulsions, but manifests purely as the obsession. The relief I felt in that moment is indescribable.

My fixation on the intrusive thoughts was horrible, but without that physical compulsive manifestation, I never knew it was a form of OCD, something that was always portrayed to me as involving aggressive rituals like counting and organizing.

It i s not a widely known form of OCD, something that I’ve been on a personal mission to change with my openness about it. I would have never come to that conclusion on my own. I needed my therapist’s knowledge and expertise to find my answers.

At the same time I started seeing my therapist, I began taking medication.

Almos t immediately, I received the most relief I had felt in years from my intrusive thoughts. I would walk down the stairs and realize at the bottom that I didn’t see Dean fall this time. I’ve been on it ever since, with zero shame.

I’m no longer underwater.

Therapy coupled with medication has made life easier to live and enjoy. Did it drown the real me like I feared it would? Far from it. Instead, it gave me the tools I needed to escape the devastating current which dragged me farther and farther from the light.

I was finally able to swim to the surface and feel the sun on my face once again.

Year s later, I’m still in therapy and taking medication. I’ve been able to start a business and build a future with my family, which includes my son, Cameron, who joined us 3 years ago.

Like most moms, I juggle family and work. My oldest son Dean is the sweetest most gentle soul that relies on me to be strong when he’s his most sensitive, while Cameron pushes all kinds of limits with never-ending energy that keeps me on my toes.

Eve ry day, Harrison and I find our groove to whatever is thrown our way. I’m truly blessed and I’m proud of myself for taking the necessary steps to get help for myself - which in turn helped my marriage and my family.

My wish for everyone this May is to celebrate moms and to make sure we’re talking about mental health.

Happy Mother's Day, Megan!

From Harrison & the boys

A mother’s impact is hard to put into words, especially for a woman as amazing as Meg. I am going to try my best to do her greatness justice.

Lo ng before she even had children, I knew the kind of mother she would be, because I knew the kind of woman she is. The kind of woman who puts others before herself, who looks for those who are in need and never hesitates to lend a helping hand. One who is hardworking and fiercely passionate about the things she cares about.

Al l of these traits have translated wonderfully into being a wife, mother, and eventually the creator of NC Eat & Play.

Th e inception of NC Eat & Play was actually a result of Megan looking for a way to best help our family.

At the time, I was a recent college graduate and sole financial provider. I found myself in a corporate job I had no passion for. This quickly led to deep anxiety and depression that I had never before dealt with. I was forced to quit my job, as I tackled this new challenge in my life.

Lu ckily, I was never left to face it alone and Megan was my biggest supporter. She stood by me when I was at my lowest, and for that I am forever grateful.

Th anks to her support, I was able to find a job that was a better fit, but we knew it was not a career path that could support a family. During this time she created an Instagram page that would highlight our families adventures as well as all of the things we loved about our home state of North Carolina. Neither of us thought it would become anything besides a fun hobby, but as it quickly gained popularity, she rose to the occasion. Soon after, we met Del and his team at Llama House Partners, who helped turn our hobby into an operating business.

Me gan labored day and night as I was still working full time. She juggled being a mom to our toddler, giving birth to our second son, and navigating a pandemic all while getting NC Eat & Play up and running. This allowed me to eventually quit my job and join the team. While balancing the demands of living somewhat online and on the go, Meg has done an amazing job creating adventures for our boys that I hope they will cherish forever.

We laugh when followers refer to her as “NC Eat & Play” not her actual name, Megan. While she is so much more than this brand, I also know how much she cares about it and how much work she has put in. She is the face, heart, and soul of NC Eat & Play for a reason.

Sh e also is the heart and soul of the Nichols family. And for that, I’ll love you forever, Meg.

Unconditional Love

by Kelsey Wallace

Editor comment: NC Eat & Play first met Kelsey when it partnered with Caldwell County in 2023 for a tourism campaign. Kelsey was serving on the board/committee. She and her husband, Jeremy, are the proud owners of Brown Mountain Beach Resort, a place they developed to help keep one of the region’s most beautiful natural escapes from commercial overdevelopment. But this isn’t a spotlight on their treasured resort. Meeting Kelsey means getting to know her deeply personal journey of being a mom. This is her story in her words.

Mo t herhood is such a special part of my story because my kids grew through a piece of paper signed on a dotted line, not in my belly.

My process to motherhood did not start when I handed my husband a pregnancy test, scared and trembling. My journey of motherhood came with different fears, such as wondering if my child is still going to be with me this afternoon. Should I keep a plate warmed and ready for them because their story ended abruptly with me and will go back to the person who carried them in their belly?

O n most nights, my mothering journey has me laying awake, not knowing the hurts my child has gone through, why those scars are there, or why she is scared. There is a lot of wonder in foster care. I was not there for some of my children’s first steps and first words. I did not teach them to ride a bike or kiss their boo boo when they first skinned their knee - and to be honest, I don’t know if anyone was there, which could possibly be even more heart wrenching than me not being there.

I had to learn their deepest secrets, their favorite foods, how they laugh or put their head down and twiddle their toes when they are nervous or a bad memory pops in their head. This is something I did not expect - learning who my child is, who she was, and how to break this vicious cycle as to why she is in my arms.

Ou r first child was Ruth. On a Wednesday in November, my phone rang. I didn’t know the number, but it was DSS (Division of Social Services). I quickly brushed the soil off my hands (I was harvesting our fall garden at the time), and I heard on the line, “There is a little girl who is 5 days old, coming from detox and needs a home.” I rushed to find my husband, Jeremy, who was working on the other end of the farm. I said, “There’s a baby!”

Je remy quickly stated, “No, you didn’t want a baby. You wanted an older kid, one you didn’t have to change diapers.”... “But it’s a baby, and she needs a home.” I asked the social worker, “How long do we have to decide?” She said... “an hour.” So with every ounce of fear in my body and after a full hour of prayer, I called her back and shyly said, “Yes, where do we pick her up?”

“I am bringing her from the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) to DSS. I will meet you around back at 7:00 pm,” she said. Good, just enough time to run to Walmart and get some baby things, I thought. I quickly texted all of my mom friends and said, “Give me five things I need for a baby to get through the night.” I got lists. The moms-squad united!

Two carts later, we headed to DSS to pick up a baby. I learned how to hold a baby and strap a car seat in front of four social workers who had read through my case file and adoption book and knew everything about me, but I knew nothing of them.

Qu ite intimidating, but their love for these children is tough and deep so they helped, laughed, and encouraged me as I got my first opportunity to meet sweet little Ruth (who at the time had a different name), 5 lbs on the dot and malnourished. We had no knowledge of her future, family, where she needed to be, or where she would go next. All we knew was we had her now, and we would make sure she is loved and safe until it was time to give her back to her mom. Ruth ended up staying.

Two months later, my phone rang. This time, I knew the number. It was DSS again. “There’s a little girl. She’s nine. She needs a home.”

It was Wednesday again, but this time, we would pick her up on Friday. Great, I thought. A couple of days to make our guest room look like a little girl’s room.

He re I go to Walmart again. This was at 1:30 pm. At 2:30 pm, right in the middle of looking at fluffy slippers to go by her bedside, my phone rings again. “Emergency placement for this child. I am bringing her now. I will be at your house at 5:30.”

A quick pick up of spaghetti and cookie brownies and off I went to change the sheets and do a crash course on Paw Patrol and Trolls, the movie.

A knock on the door. “Hi, I’m Lexi!” a little girl with some stained clothes said, as she handed me her garbage bag of all her belongings. “Do you take this?” I replied in the most trembling way, “Uhhhh yes, I can take those.”

Sh e said, “Great, it has all my medicines and my stuff in it. What are we having for dinner?”

We quickly got acquainted and toured the farm and then it was time for dinner. She ate with her hands and stood up. (It kind of reminded me of Animal from the Muppets, food flinging everywhere and lots of noises). This was my kinda girl: feral, wild, and full of spunk. She was to be my child. Even if she didn’t come from my belly, we were kindred spirits. Lexi stayed. She was to be a Wallace.

Th en we found out Lexi has a sister, Jocelyn, 14 at the time, and needed a home. She was in a foster home, but the match was not good. She was unhealthy and to be honest, depressed. Covid hit. Sibling visits stopped. Lexi did not see her siblings.

Wh ile she and Ruth grew closer, I knew not having that sibling connection would be something she’d miss when she was older.

How do I get them together, and also try to help her older sister in her situation? Coffee dates turned into sleepovers at our house and time on the river together. We began to be a family of five.

Even though Jocelyn had to go to the house she was in each night, our family became connected. At this time, I began to truly realize the foster home Jocelyn was in did not supply her needs emotionally or physically, and I had enough.

Ri ng. Ring. But this time, I am calling the social worker. “I am taking Jocelyn in,” I said. At this time, she had another name. When she was adopted, she chose Jocelyn as her new name to symbolize the beginning of a new forever.

Th e social worker replied, “Kelsey, you have your hands full. A teen is a lot.” I knew having Jo and Lexi together would be good for healing their souls, and she was a part of our family. I wanted my child.

Di d I mention we were also remodeling a house to live in at this time? So that night, I began laying the hardwood floor to Jo’s room. I knew it would be hers, even if DSS had not approved it yet.

On her 15th birthday, surrounded by our friends and family and a big cookie cake, Jo blew out her candles and we let her know this was her forever home and she was a Wallace. Our family was completethree girls, and Jeremy and I!

Al l in one and a half years, we had a 1 year old, a 10 year old and a 15 year old. I can do this!

Ou r family settled down, building our house together, picking out couches, beds, wall colors, and new bikes. We were the Wallaces. Life had slowed down and adoption papers had been signed for all three.

My phone rings again. I knew the number by heart. My heart dropped again. “Hi friend!” I said to the social worker, “I don’t know why you are calling me. My kids are adopted, you can’t take them,” I said jokingly. She laughed back and said, “I don’t call to take kids, silly. I call to give kids.”

“A bsolutely not! We are full. Our house is full - I don’t have a room. We are settled down!”

Si lence. “Ruth has a brother. He is two days old and needs a home. He has a broken skull.”

Si lence again. “And now a boy? I don’t even know what to do with that,” I said. I had to find my husband first. I suppose he needed to know. There he was, on a track hoe out on the farm. I stared at him shaking. He laughed slightly and said, “What?” I calmly said, “There’s a baby.” “No! Absolutely not!” “It’s Ruth’s brother.”

“Wh ere do we pick him up,” he sighed and shook his head. But wait, we have to get the girls out of school. We need to get more car seats and baby bottles. Two under two. Four with trauma. Bless our life, I thought. It is going to be a wild ride. On e thing about foster care is that you will find yourself on your knees more than you ever had. So we prayed, told the girls, and

off we went to DSS to meet our son and brother.

Th is time, God knew the prayers. God knew my fears. The community came together to quickly provide things we needed for a baby with physical needs. We walked into DSS to see a wide eyed 5 lb baby and that is when we all fell in love with Caleb. Our last and final Wallace (maybe).

It has been four years since we have all been together, and I would not change how we became a family for anything in the world.

Mo thering children through foster care is different. It brings out every ounce of anger, hurt, triggering response, and loss of hope in this world, but, and there is always a but. It teaches you to be selfless, to open your doors always, to open your heart knowing it will be broken and knowing this little girl might leave one day. It teaches you patience because triggers do not always come in forms of textbook screaming and long chats. They can come in forms of violence or even worse, silence. And above all, it teaches you bravery and love.

Un conditional love not only to the child, but to the person who gave your child life. Because while decisions were made and hurt was done, there is always hope of reunification and healing for all sides of the family. Foster care is not about breaking a family apart, it is about healing and adding to a family - growing from all sides, biological and adopted.

I hear it a lot. “I just couldn’t do that. I couldn’t let my heart get broken. I couldn’t open up my home knowing it will get torn down.” But you see, it’s not about me and you. Not even a little bit. It is about a little boy or girl who has been dealt a horrible hand in life. It is about breaking a cycle that has been brewing for generations. It is about them.

Fo r that, I can get my heart broken. It is worth it. And if you think about it, if you don’t open your heart and doors and let that little child see unconditional love, then my question is: Will they ever get to see it? If you don’t love them, then who will?

Wh ile my journey through motherhood is unconventional and for a lack of better words, chaotic, my family is a testimony to a broken cycle, to love beyond blood, and to show grace in all areas. I think all mothers’ journeys can give that testimony.

HOST AN AMAZING BACKYARD SOIREE WITH FURNITURELAND SOUTH

Essential Design Ingredients For Outdoor-Worthy Grill Spaces

Contributed by an NC Eat & Play Partner: Furnitureland South

Summer is just around the corner and with it comes outdoor grilling and entertaining. It’s the perfect time for festive soirees (a fancy way of saying “backyard barbecues” - because in North Carolina that’s a meal not an event.)

Getting the best out of your outdoor space worthy of your grilling talents can be daunting if you’re not an expert or familiar with timeless designer ingredients (rules) that enhance your entertainment goals.

The Design Experts at Furnitureland South are happy to share their recipe for creating an inviting outdoor setting, but the grilling is up to you.

Ingredient One: Seating options are a must

To make guests feel welcome, it's important to provide a range of seating choices. Whether it's for relaxing, dining, or chatting, having distinct areas for each creates a more welcoming atmosphere.

Look for furniture that can serve multiple purposes.

Stools, for example, can be used as seating and can double as plant stands or drink tables.

Four Hands (pictured on right) mixes in a pair of earthy woven ottomans for extra table space, but could easily be used for additional seating.

Ingredient Two: Set the mood with lighting

As the sun sets, let the gentle flicker of candlelight and the soft glow of string lights transform your outdoor space. With the presence of fireflies, you will have a magical setting for any backyard gathering.

Universal Furniture (pictured left) captures a dreamy dining experience at sunset.

The combination of these lights creates a cozy, romantic atmosphere, perfect for warm nights spent with loved ones.

Ingredient Three: Be prepared for messes

Be ready for spills and messes with durable furniture and fabrics. Their high-quality pieces are designed to withstand the challenges of any outdoor party, with weather-resistant and nonfading fabrics that are easy to clean, ensuring your outdoor space remains inviting and ready to enjoy.

What are Performance Fabrics?

For outdoor gatherings, performance fabrics are a game-changer. They’re designed to withstand the challenges of outdoor use, such as spills, stains, and the elements. Furnitureland South offers a variety of performance fabric options, ensuring that your outdoor furniture not only looks amazing but also stays looking great, even after the messiest of gatherings.

Pro Tip: Cleaning up BBQ sauce (or popsicle) spills

• Brush off loose dirt or debris and blot (don’t rub) liquid spills with a clean, dry cloth.

• Mix 1 teaspoon (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid with 1 cup (250 ml) of lukewarm water.

• Spray the solution evenly over the stained area.

• Use a soft bristle brush to clean, allowing the cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.

• Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.

• Allow fabric to air dry.

Outdoor space by Sunbrella - known world-wide for amazing outdoor and indoor performance fabrics.

Ingredient Four: Pillows make it pop

Add a pop of color and comfort to your outdoor space with pillows. These versatile accessories come in various designs and hues, allowing you to personalize your outdoor oasis. Whether you prefer bold colors or soothing tones, pillows can help you create a cozy and stylish space effortlessly.

Ingredient Five: Add accessories

Enhance your outdoor space with accessories like fire pits, planters, and outdoor centerpieces.

Fire pits create a cozy gathering spot, perfect for roasting marshmallows or enjoying a cool evening. Planters add greenery and color, brightening up your space.

Outdoor centerpieces can be a focal point, adding style and personality to your patio or deck. Don’t forget about baskets to keep umbrellas, beach balls, or blankets handy for your guests.

Ingredient Six: Keep cool in the shade

A common challenge when hosting outdoor soirees is protecting guests from the heat of a hot sun. You can easily address this by adding umbrellas or pergolas to your setup.

Umbrellas offer convenient and versatile shade, while pergolas provide a stylish, permanent option.

Time to fire up the grill

With these ingredients for creating a perfect outdoor entertaining space, you’re all set to fire up the grill.

Furnitureland South has everything from enchanting outdoor lighting to set the mood, to fire pits perfect for warm gatherings, to performance fabrics that combine style and practicality. These are the essential ingredients to cooking up a great outdoor party.

Book a free design consultation with one of their experts to create your dream outdoor space.

Looking for design help?

Book a free design consultation with an expert to create your dream outdoor space.

PAID CAROUSEL: Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream | Now open at Raleigh Iron Works Everyday Is Like A Birthday

Did you hear the sweet news about this local, multi-awardwinning, family-run ice cream company?

Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream is now open at Raleigh Iron Works. Recognized by local and national food experts for having the best ice cream in various forms and flavors, Andia’s ships nationwide. Visit their shops in Southwest Cary, West Cary, and now Raleigh.

PAID CAROUSEL: Nags Head Hammocks | Made in North Carolina Crafted Comfort, Outer Banks Style

More Than Just Hammocks: A Haven for Outdoor Relaxation

Nags Head Hammocks wants you to unwind in style. That’s been their mission since 1974. They’re not just selling relaxation; they’re sharing a piece of the Outer Banks’ laid-back charm, one handcrafted hammock at a time. Using industry leading materials, proven techniques, and nearly 50 years of experience, Nags Head Hammocks produces the most comfortable and durable products anywhere.

Nags Head Hammocks Celebrates 50 Years Of Crafting Excellence

If there is one iconic image of North Carolina’s coastal living, it has to be a well-made hammock.

Th e craftsmen at Nags Head Hammocks definitely agree. The iconic company has been manufacturing and selling their hand-woven hammocks and outdoor furnishings for 50 years.

Ed itor-At-Large Megan Nichols and her family visited the Outer Banks right before spring arrived, and stopped into their Duck location - which she highly recommends for any trip to the Outer Banks.

Sh e got to meet the amazing folks behind these quality hammocks and was blown away by their dedication to the craft. She says, “There’s a reason their hammocks, swings, and outdoor furniture are in backyards across the country!”

To learn more about the company’s 50th anniversary, she met with Ryan Williams, the General Manager, and Todd Nifong, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing. (pictured below left to right)

Nags Head Hammocks is committed to quality craftsmanship. Todd, VP of Sales and Marketing, shares, “From the very beginning of Nags Head Hammocks, the core foundation of everything we do is creating products that will outstand and outlast everything you see on the Outer Banks - which could be used anywhere in the United States.”

He continues, “We talk about how the Wright Brothers were the first in flight down here in the Outer Banks. We are the first in relaxation. And we try to continue that to this day.”

It ’s easy to witness the dedication to quality work when you visit one of their locations. Both the Kill Devil Hills and Duck stores host experienced weavers proudly displaying this living art form. Visitors are encouraged to try their hand at hammock making.

Ry an, The General Manager of the Duck location, suggests people should put the stores on their list of things to do in the Outer Banks. “It’s right in the heart of a beautiful town. It’s really unique. Our store shows the best of the Outer Banks and Duck, North Carolina. We have this big beautiful deck that overlooks the sound. We have a great team of people here who love to teach about our brands. We love having families in and showing them how we make our products.”

Th e Outer Banks is one of the most traveled destinations in the world, and because of this, Nags Head Hammocks is proud to have customers from far and wide.

To dd adds, “Through our website and people visiting our stores, we have customers from all over the world. We have people that have been visiting our stores for years and years (for over 30 to 40 years). They go back home and want to take that memory with them (some as far as New Zealand). They want to have the same kind of relaxation in their backyard.”

Ry an recalls, “We ship internationally. We’ve shipped our products to Belgium, London, and Scotland already this year.” The shopping experience in stores has proven to be a key factor of their success. Ryan says, “We keep the stores looking like it would have looked twenty years ago. There’s nostalgia. That’s why people like the Outer Banks. People love to come down here and remember coming here as a kid - staying in the same house every summer.”

It ’s these kinds of Outer Banks vibes, along with their dedication to manufacturing products with the finest weather-resistant materials, that makes Nags Heads Hammocks a must visit.

In celebration of their 50th anniversary, make sure to plan a store visit when you’re in the Outer Banks.

The re are several 50th anniversary limited edition products available like this gorgeous hammock and stand that Megan’s husband, Harrison, enjoys.

Se veral events are being planned to celebrate the anniversary throughout the summer. Check out nagsheadhammocks. com for the latest specials, new releases, and event information.

Whenever I get a chance, I’ll snag some time to read. I find myself heading to appointments a little bit earlier so I can read a few pages before going in.

There are few things I enjoy more than reading and sharing my thoughts on books with others.

MEGAN READS

My favorite books with strong female leads!

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass has my favorite female main character I’ve ever read about. She is a fierce assassin with a sassy sense of humor and heart of gold. The 8 book fantasy series follows her as she comes to terms with her heritage and past trauma to reach her destiny.

Les sons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Elizabeth Zott is a brilliant chemist attempting to navigate a male-dominated field in the 1960s. When life takes her in a direction she never planned on, she makes the most of it and inspires other women to follow their dreams. She is funny, witty, and fearless.

Kin dred by Octavia E. Butler

This science fiction novel follows Dana, a Black writer in the 1970’s who mysteriously keeps getting transported back in time to the antebellum south where she meets some of her ancestors. She faces slavery, violence, and sexism while remaining true to the values she holds dear.

Bonus: The author, Octavia E. Butler was one of the first Black science fiction authors. She herself is a pioneer in equality and strength!

Circ e by Madeline Miller

This reimagining of the Greek goddess, Circe, is an inspiring tale of a woman who longs to be accepted. As a lesser nymph born into a royal family of Gods, Circe exists in the shadow of her siblings. This book begins with her believing the lies and insults thrown at her, but she slowly learns to look within for true strength.

The Women by Kristin Hannah

This book is a gorgeous coming of age story set during the Vietnam War. It tells the story of the often overlooked and underappreciated women who impacted the war efforts. The main character, Frankie, serves as a nurse in the army and navigates devastating loss, bravery, and love during a tumultuous war.

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

The Four Winds takes place in Texas during the Dust Bowl era of The Great Depression. It follows Elsa, a woman who has to make unbearable decisions to keep herself and her family alive. I learned so much about this time period and felt inspired by Elsa’s determination to overcome her circumstances.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

This is the fictional, but realistic story of two women’s endurance in Afghanistan under Taliban’s rule. As they find their bravery in a world that attempts to diminish it, you can’t help but feel empowered yourself.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

When Violet, a studying scribe with small stature and brittle bones, is ordered to attend a war college for dragon riders, all odds are against her. However, she uses her wit to outsmart and outfight her rivals. Plus, there are dragons. Who doesn’t love dragons?

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

This is possibly the most beautiful book I’ve ever read. It’s a historical fiction about the bravery of two sisters living in France during the Nazi invasion. Each sister, while very different from one another, plays a vital role as they utilize their individual strengths to survive and protect their loved ones.

EXTRA

Finding Balance

Good friend and long-time NC Eat & Play partner Pamela Salamanca shares her mother’s impact on her life and how she’s balancing motherhood and work.

In her words.

Hello. I am Pam. I am the owner of Dos Taquitos, which my parents opened in 1991, and my husband and I took over in 2015.

Fo rtunately for us, my parents still help us out a lot. My mom and I work together in the mornings. She is in charge of the prep employees, and ordering everything for the restaurant. We also cater lunches to private schools in the mornings, so I get to spend a lot of time with her. I love to work with my mom because I get someone’s honest perspective on things. I know she will always have my and the restaurant’s best interest at heart, as well as helping filter my Spanish.

I became a boss at a very young age and learned everything as I worked through it. This created some rough hiccups, but having my mom here allows me to lean on someone that has been through it before. She isn’t scared to let me know how things really are, or if I am doing something wrong. You can definitely say she keeps me in check.

Wh en my husband and I took over in 2015, our daughter was two. It was very hard at first for us to balance life, being parents, being married, and owning a restaurant - especially at such a young age. We went through a really rough patch and almost got divorced. It is hard when working with your spouse to leave work at the workplace and not take it home with you. I felt a similar situation with my daughter.

I felt the need to work all the time and make as much money as possible in order to buy her things so she would be happy. I wanted her to be proud of who her parents were. It was not until the pandemic that I realized that life and success is not just measured by how much money is in the bank. You must create a balance and have time to live life and know that life is not just about working all the time.

Now, I make sure to have the time to take my daughter to her after school activities,

have her friends over, and be able to help her with her homework. As a family, we also make sure to be all together at least one afternoon a week.

Life is definitely not perfect, but I want my daughter to remember her parents being present during her childhood. I never want her to miss out on something because I was working.

I want to believe that putting my family first has also made me a better boss. I approve of my staff requesting days off for family and school whenever needed. We also close for a whole week, once a year, so that everyone can take a break. We pay all of our employees this week of vacation so that no one is concerned about their finances and truly takes the time to spend it with their loved ones.

Cu stomers always ask us to open more Dos Taquitos locations but the reality is, it wouldn’t be the same.

We would not be the same.

Even though every night at Dos Taquitos is festive and lively, make sure to join Pam and her team for their annual Cinco de Mayo Weekend Block Party starting Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 5, 2024. Ma ke reservations online at dostaquitosraleigh.com

Pam with her mom and daughter on a recent trip to New York City.

THINGS TO DO

TRIANGLE EVENTS

Kick off May with a festive Cinco de Mayo weekend of celebrations at Dos Taquitos.

THE SHORT LIST

Meet in the Street Festival

May 4 in Downtown Wake Forest | Free chambermaster.wakeforestchamber.org/events

43rd Annual Apex PeakFest

May 4 in Downtown Apex | Free apexpeakfest.com

Got to be NC Festival

May 17-19 at the NC State Fairgrounds | Free gottobencfestival.com

NC Eat & Play’s Peace, Love, & Haven - A Retro Festival

May 19 at Haven of Knightdale | $15 (Free for kids 12 and under) nceatandplay.com/retro

Ar tsplosure

May 18-19 in Downtown Raleigh | Free raleighartsfestival.com

Animazement

May 24-26 at the Raleigh Convention Center | $65 animazement.com

MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCE

EVENTS

NC State Capitol | May 27 11am-12pm at 1 E Edenton St. | Free downtownraleigh.org/do

Veterans Freedom Park | May 27 from 2:30pm-3:30pm at 1517 N. Harrison Ave. Cary, NC | Free

Historic Oakwood Cemetery | May 27 4pm-5pm at 701 Oakwood Ave. Raleigh, NC | Free historicoakwoodcemetery.org

Downtown Service Memorial | May 27 9am-11am Apex (corner of Salem St and Saunders St) | Free apexnc.org

For all events, please check the event organizer’s website for the latest and most accurate details before heading out.

This is me and my son Cameron the morning after our huge Spring Hootenanny & Foodie Fest presented by Cheerwine and hosted at Haven Of Knightdale.

Th anks to MattressGrove, not only did I sleep wonderfully on a well-crafted mattress from them, but as one of our Hometown Sponsors, we’re taking a look back at some of the fun we had. It feels like I’m still dreaming about all the happy faces, delicious food, and great entertainment.

If you’re looking for a great night of sleep after a fun event or a long day of working and parenting, I strongly recommend you check out MattressGrove.com.

Th is family-owned Greensboro mattress manufacturer not only makes the best mattresses, but they’re made in the USA right here in North Carolina and expertly sourced and crafted with local materials.

NC

&

SPRING HOOTENANNY & FOODIE FEST

PRESENTED BY CHEERWINE

Thank you to our food and drink sponsors: The Butcher’s Market (Main Bite), Smith’s Smokehouse and Smoothies (Kids’ Main Bite), Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream (Kids’ Dessert), Country Water, Cook’s Mill Whiskey, Wye Hill Brewing, and of course, Cheerwine.

NC EAT & PLAY’S SPRING HOOTENANNY & FOODIE FEST

PRESENTED BY CHEERWINE

Thank

you to our food vendors:

to

And special thanks to Hometown Sponsor,

Thank

1in6 Snacks, Alpaca Peruvian Chicken, Biggby Coffee, Curry In A Hurry, Granchio, Iyla’s Southern Kitchen, Koki, Little Blue Bakehouse, Mama’s Salsa, Michael’s English Muffins, Miso Ramen Bar, NC Bulkogi, Salt & Lime Cabo Grill, and Sassool.

you

our entertainment talent: Colin Cutler & Friends, DJ Damu, Little Bounce Company, Triangle Twirl, Party Like a Princess, and Haven of Knightdale.

A&M Premier Roofing and Construction.

NC EAT & PLAY’S SPRING HOOTENANNY & FOODIE FEST PRESENTED BY CHEERWINE

We’ve said it before, and we’ll keep saying (and showing) it, “You can’t have a southern celebration without Cheerwine.”

At tendees of NC Eat & Play’s Spring Hootenanny & Foodie Fest sipped on the iconic beverage during a busy festival filled with delicious southern and worldly bites from the area’s best restaurants and food vendors.

Th e beloved brand handed out swag to fans and created more sweet smiles with a bounce house for the little ones.

What started out as a torturously windy day, turned out to be one of the most fun Hootenannies and Foodie Fests ever held.

Th ank you to Cheerwine for always supporting fun celebrations and being a part of moments like this.

Th ank you to Haven of Knightdale for being our host venue and helping to get everyone parked and ready for fun.

Bi g thank you to A&M Premier Roofing and Construction for all the set up hours in addition to being our Hometown Sponsor presenting a lively Adult Beverage Corral.

Sp eaking of adult beverages, thank you to the excellence of Wye Hill Brewing and Country Water for handling one of our biggest crowds ever like pros.

Th ank you to Colin Cutler & Friends and DJ Damu for entertaining us. And Party Like A Princess, Triangle Twirl, and Little Bounce Company for bringing the fun!

Th ank you to all the wonderful

and dedicated restaurants and food vendors. Having you spend the day with us away from your restaurants and normal operations takes courage and flexibility. Every bite was delicious and crowd pleasing. We are confident that with each event, we’ll collectively keep getting better.

Th ank you to our Main Bite Sponsor, The Butcher’s Market, for crushing it again this year.

Th ank you Smith’s Smokehouse and Smoothies and Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream for being our Kids’ Bite and Kids’ Dessert.

An d thank you to all the attendees. We hope you had a great time and indulged on some delicious food and fun. We’ll see you again for our Fall Hootenanny & Foodie Fest in October.

Go t FOMO? Check out more bites online.

SHAMELESS PLUG

Interested in working with NC Eat & Play?

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A LITTLE ABOUT US

Every day, close to 500,000+ highly motivated locals and popular consumer brands seek out NC Eat & Play for its engaging information sharing, scrumptious visuals, and captivating storytelling - making it one of the most talked-about and fastestgrowing “influence media” brands in North Carolina.

We love North Carolina and love working with brands and business owners that do too.

And by we, we mean our team of crazy talented big idea-makers that were born for this.

WE DO

• Social media engagement & storytelling campaigns

• Travel stories

• Creative contesting

ABOUT YOU

• Web articles & guides

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• Magazine (print & digital)

• Events

You want to partner with an influence media brand that is backed by a team of marketing professionals and creative talents to get the best exposure and results for your business.

You want to be a part of a social ecosystem that authentically connects with followers without feeling like you’re just another quick post for likes.

In fact, you want more than just likes and followers, you want real, not artificial or superficial, engagement.

The truth is you want more than just social media, you want a new way of marketing that uses influence like never before.

YOU TRIED IT!

On social media, NC Eat & Play is tagged in foodie and adventure pics that are highlighted on the page as “You tried it!”

He re’s a recap of this magazine’s various topics, spotlights, guides, features, and more that are worthy of you trying. Please use this checklist as a reminder to try something new or again if it’s been a while.

Enjoyed a nice meal at Cheeni in Durham.

Those shrimp and grits from My Mama’s NC Kitchen looked so good. Made it at home.

A new fan and follower of Country Water.

We nt to Dos Taquitos with friends.

We nt to Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewery.

Co uldn’t resist going to pick up ice cream from Andia’s.

Picked up a magazine for foodie recommendations. Thanks @nceatandplay, love Andia’s Ice Cream!

Ad ded Nags Head Hammocks to the list of things to do in the Outer Banks this summer.

Ha d another Cheerwine, duh.

Tag @nceatandplay

Gr illed up a couple of great steaks from The Butcher’s Market.

Ha d a fabulous Mother’s Day brunch at Salt & Lime.

Scheduled a design appointment with Furnitureland South for my outdoor space.

Go t a free roof inspection with A&M Premier Roofing and Construction.

Po pped over to Little Blue Bakehouse for a sweet treat and coffee.

Go t a ticket to Peace, Love, & Haven and can’t wait to get groovy with locals.

RETRO FESTIVAL

HOSTED

SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2024, FROM 11AM TO 5PM