Panty Raid...

Wikipedia: Panty raids were the first college craze after World War II, following the 1930s crazes of goldfish swallowing or seeing how many could fit in a phone booth.

Now that I have your attention...stay with me. I recently visited Urban Durham Ministries  and was able to leave some Go Gives Back money and coats that were collected. Did you know that Go Realty gave $37,400.00+ to charities in The Triangle during 2012? Curious of how that works? Read my previous blog Go Realty+Agents=Happy Community and support me as an agent.

During my visit I asked what Urban Ministries needed and was told women's underwear. So once again I'm asking for your support on their behalf. Call me and I will pick up you donations and deliver them for you. No excuses and in this case gently used is not acceptable. 

I LOVE Durham!

Welcome to Go Durham's New Space!

I LOVE Durham! If we have met or if you follow this blog you probably already know this but I can't imagine living anywhere else. Take a look at the link below on how Downtown Durham Grew in 2012! We know that there were other Spectacular things that happened in 2012 because our new office didn't make the list. We love Downtown but are proud to be located in Southwest Durham! We did make the TOP 10 Real Estate Companies List in Durham after only being opened a short time. How cool is that? Stay tuned because we are just getting started. Let me know if you want a piece of the action in 2013. I promise your experience will be memorable and the Focus will be on You!

Downtown Durham 2012 Year in Review!

Rise and shine!

There is a new breakfast place in Durham and it is awesome!  

Rise, just opened a month ago in the Renaissance Village shopping center beside the Super Target near South Point Mall.
  
Don't be daunted by the long line.  Just take a number and wait.  It is totally worth it!

They specialize in biscuits and donuts and even offer a gluten-free donut (it is fried in the same oil though).  The biscuits are just the right combo of fluffy, cheesy, and crispy.  Yum!  The combinations are perfect and even include pimento cheese.

The donuts are unique and decadent.  I tried the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, The Maple Bacon Roll, The Pineapple Glaze, and the Gluten-free Chocolate Pistachio.  My favorite was the Pineapple Glaze which is filled with basil whip cream and topped with pistachios and a light pineapple glaze, then the Maple Bacon Roll which was topped with a maple glaze and a large slice of bacon, yum!

I love that the place was packed and feels more suited for the downtown area.  But I am thankful that south Durham gets to experience the unique flavor of Rise.  

Follow Rise on Facebook:  Rise Biscuits Donuts

Contributed by guest blogger, Danner C.

     

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Are you familiar with the Triangle Christmas Tree Challenge? The Triangle Christmas Tree Challenge is back for a third year of holly, jolly prize awarding fun for nonprofits and the companies that support them! Be sure to visit it in person and VOTE daily for your favorite charity.

Do you have a favorite tree? Let me know and I will share it on our Facebook Page. Please share more pictures with us. Enjoy!

For more details about the fun:  Triangle Tree Challenge

Flying off the Bucket List?

What is better than checking off your Bucket List? Well, I think it is helping someone check off a dream on their own Bucket List. I recently had the opportunity to watch my Mama experience a life long dream of flying a plane. All of my life I have heard my Mom mention that she wish she could fly a plane. Now her dream was to fly a F-14 and I'm not exactly sure when or where this desire started. My Mom has always liked speed and we have laughed through the years about her knowing most state patrol officers by name. As you know,  life is about compromise and I was not able to swing a F-14 without taking her to Russia and paying around $25K for an adventure.  Do I think she was disappointed? NO! NOT AT ALL! When we were driving to the airport she said she was excited and anxious. I on the other hand was nervous and said a prayer while watching her from the ground. Mama's excitement was contagious and she continues to talk about the experience. She seemed to be equally impressed with her instructor from Burlington Aviation.

I'm still not sure who got the most pleasure from this adventure but I do know where I get my courage, perseverance, sense of adventure, creativity, work ethic, passion and determination from and I give all that credit to my Mama. I also know that you are never to young or old to make dreams come true! So always BELIEVE!

Is it PEE-CAN or PA-KAWN?

The holidays are always a time to share love, good memories and good food! The smell of pecans cooking is something that everyone should experience. I remember my Mom toasting nuts in butter for pies, dips, dressing and main dishes. I can smell them now just thinking about it.

Today, I just learned a helpful tip to prevent odors when cooking Collards, Turnips and Mustard (I actually like the scent but many complain). Place a pecan in the pot to absorb the odor and then discard the nut before serving. I was so excited to hear this little tip that I had to share it.

I hope your Thanksgiving will be full of whatever you need! I'm thankful for you being in my life and supporting my efforts to blog about things that I'm passionate about all year long. 

 

Jamaica Me Happy!

This was my favorite spot to read and I did indulge in a massage here.

This was my view for the last week in Jamaica. I'm very blessed to have friends that make things happen in my life and see when I need a break. Trust me... I gave every excuse possible as to why I could not and should not go on this trip. It has been over 3+ years since I have taken a vacation. I've learned so much about myself, friendship, business and the Jamaican culture during my stay. I will be blogging a series of my reflections and I hope you will join me on this journey.

When I woke up in Durham this morning this is the1st thing I heard and it made me smile. I'm going to try really hard to slow down, savor every moment and be present. Don't worry,  I didn't smoke any Ganja or start praying to Bob Marley but I was reminded of spiritual peace while having a technology detox. I encourage everyone to take time for themselves whether you think you deserve it or not. I promise you will feel better and have more to offer others.