January 2012

Start your leap month off with the February issue of Cary Magazine. 

With love in the air this month, we decided there’s no better time to introduce a new We Love! feature in every issue that brings together some of the editors’ favorite things. For February, we’re talking weddings.

We are also getting ready for our sixth annual Elegant Weddings Gala on March 8, and we visited the beautiful Angus Barn Pavilion for this month’s Editor Video.

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Roses are red, indeed, but if you’re looking to supplement the sentiment this Valentine’s Day, you could put on a show.

Or five shows, while you’re at it.

It’s Showtime is a brand-new entertainment series hosted by the Garner Performing Arts Center and tickets are available now, for individual performances or for the season.

The series opens on March 17 with mentalist Craig Karges. Part magic, part psychology, his show is known to mystify audiences everywhere, as tables float, metal bends and more.

Next up, hear two bands on one ticket as the award-winning John Brown Quintet jazz group bops the house on April 13, along with The Groove Shop Band, performing Motown, swing and more.

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What do you do with a big fluffy white dress, a handsome new bridegroom and a little bit of a creative streak? If you’re like some fearless brides, you might consider a post-wedding “trash the dress” photo shoot. The edgy trend involves your wedding photographer taking creative photos of you in your wedding gown, which usually results in your dress getting dirty or destroyed. Of course, you’ll want to make sure to take these photos after the wedding.

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Contributed by Kenn Buckner, of Edward Jones

As an investor, you may sometimes wonder what on earth is going on in the financial world. One day, the stock market is down 200 points; the next day it's up 300. One day, a scandal rocks a company; the next, another firm declares a poor earnings report. Is there a completely smooth route for you to follow as you pursue a comfortable retirement and other key objectives?

Actually, there isn't. But you can help smooth out your journey by following a few basic rules of the road. Here are a few to consider:

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Letterpress
Give guests a luxe first impression with letterpress invitations. A revival of a classic technique, made modern with graphic elements and fresh typography.
Paperwhites Press
www.paperwhitespress.com

 

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How do the formalities and traditions associated with many Southern weddings blend with the Internet generation? Lots of couples these days don’t know which rules to hold sacred and which can be broken.

To help with this conundrum, we got opinions from several wedding and etiquette industry experts. Donna Parks, editor of Southern Bride & Groom bridal resource and wedding planning magazine; Randy Pologruto, owner/coordinator of wedding and event planning company All Oksion Events; and Amanita Thomas, etiquette consultant at Raleigh’s House of Etiquette, shared their opinions.

Is it acceptable to offer RSVP for wedding-related events online?

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Written by Lauren Brown and Alyse Leininger

Take a deep breath. Wedding planning can be crazy, stressful, and overwhelming at times. How are you supposed to know who’s going to be the best florist for your taste? What if your mother-in-law doesn’t like the flavor of cake you’ve chosen? Sometimes, you probably wish you could just close your eyes and fast-forward to the magical day itself.

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If you’re getting married soon, odds are you’ll get all your gal pals together for a night on the town to celebrate your departure from the single life. Even if wedding bells aren’t in the future, we’re sure you can find some excuse to pick up a new party-worthy ensemble.

Outfits that blend sassy, classy and fun are the key to celebrating in style. Whether you prefer a flirty feminine satin and lace dress or a pair of edgy leather leggings, get decked out and let loose!

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Middle school … hallway high-fives, the squeaks of rubber-soled tennis shoes, the metallic slams of locker doors.

But after school, life at East Garner Magnet Middle School also includes a voluntary weekly gathering of 10 students with local police officers.

“Raise your hand if you got in trouble this week, as in ISS (in-school suspension) or detention,” said Sgt. Mike McIver; four young hands slowly rise.

“You’re better than that,” McIver insisted. “I’m not going to give up on you, but I will be tough on you. I believe in every one of you, and as long as you try, you have a place here.”

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A man dons his pants one leg at a time, as the saying goes, no matter his age or station in life. But when that man has personally selected the fabric, style and fit of those pants, he’s in a league of his own.

Choice and control are what draw local men to “bespoke,” an old-fashioned term for the modern concept of custom-tailored clothes crafted to individual tastes and measurements.

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Need a vacation, but don’t have the time, budget or energy to go very far? Visit Houston Blair and Cheryl Conrad.

The husband and wife team opened their five-room bed and breakfast, 458 West, named after its Pittsboro street address, after departing their respective careers in manufacturing and computer software. They spent years renovating the historical home, and now share it with guests from far and near.

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Much more than a typical strip-mall situated pizza joint, Georgina’s Pizzeria & Restaurant is a full-service Italian eatery that has plenty to offer when it comes to charm, service and cuisine.
The restaurant’s owners, gregarious husband and wife duo Tom and Roe DeMattia, relocated from Queens, N.Y., in 2005 and quickly fashioned their own niche in the Morrisville dining scene. What began as a straightforward pizzeria some five years ago has evolved into a warm, inviting bistro-style spot named after the proprietors’ middle child.

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As winter's deepest chill reaches into my garden, it hesitates momentarily, for there is a dragon lurking. No, not the fire-breathing monster found in popular fiction both present and past, but rather a shrub that is both a beauty and a beast — Poncirus trifoliata ‘Flying Dragon’.

At this time of year, it is a beauty of a plant — if you adore thorns. This botanical beast is a distorted, twisted creation with claw-like, curved, 1- to 2-inch, emerald green barbs that rake at the frigid winter air. Also called hardy contorted orange, this introduction from the Far East is closely related to the citrus trees commonly grown outdoors in tropical climates, but it will readily survive in the garden in typical winters of our region.

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Stephanie and Jonathan met when she was in middle school and he in high school in Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools. They dated for more than seven years, overcoming periods of long distance when attending different colleges. Jonathan, a timber buyer for Timbco LLC, proposed to Stephanie in the fall of 2010 at Lake Johnson. The day before he popped the question, Jonathan carved “Will you marry me?” into a tree at the lake. He marked the spot with a GPS and had Stephanie follow the directions to the tree’s location where he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.

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Don’t miss your final weekend to see The Towne Players of Garner’s production of the award-winning classic Driving Miss Daisy, in four shows set for Jan. 26-28.

Winner of the 1988 Pulitzer Prize, Driving Miss Daisy is a funny, heartwarming portrayal of an unlikely friendship between a cantankerous Southern white woman and the proud, gentle black man who works as her driver. The play is by Alfred Uhry.

Reprising their roles in a previous Towne Players’ production of the play in 1999 are cast members Holmes Morrison, Frances Stanley and Tim Upchurch. Director of the award-winning community theater troupe is Beth Honeycutt.

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"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt," according to Peanuts creator Charles Schultz.

Throw a little champagne in the mix and you’ve got a recipe for a fun evening.

Join the N.C. Museum of Art Contemporaries, a group of young Triangle professionals who promote the NCMA and sponsor local social events, for a taste of both.

The Chocolate + Champagne event will be held Thursday, Feb. 2, from 7:00–9:30 p.m. at the 606 Lounge on Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh. Triangle chocolatiers and bakeries will show off their best sweet sides. Participating locations include Miel Bon Bons, Videri Chocolate Factory, Blue Moon Bakery and many others.

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Cary will get a taste of Olympic glory in early February as the host for its first-ever Olympic trials in table tennis. The U.S. Olympic Trials will be held February 9-12, with 39 registered qualifiers competing.

The top eight finishers (four men and four women) will be invited back to Cary for the North American Olympic Trials on April 20-22. The U.S. competitors at those trials will face off against the Canadian table tennis representatives, and the winners will head to London for the summer 2012 Olympics.

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Live chefs … local celebrities … and a community focused on boosting education.

The nonprofit Garner Educational Foundation will hold its second annual Cooks for Books fundraiser on Tuesday, Jan. 31, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., at Garner TV & Appliance on US 70 West, offering a star-studded night of fun and fine cuisine.

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Katie Godfrey lost her grandmother to cancer. Megan Gravley's mother is battling the disease. Sydney Snedeker lost a dear friend. To honor their memory, and their struggle, they set out to host the Peak City Gala of Hope, benefiting the Jimmy V Foundation.

They partnered with the Apex Rotary Foundation to host the event, which will be held Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at Peak United Methodist Church, while in their senior year of high school at Apex High.

“We hope that our young age is not seen as a limitation, but an inspiration to all who participate alongside us,” they insist.

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Garner’s newest restaurant is full of familiar faces — and that’s just the way owner Angie Mikus likes it.

Angie’s Restaurant is the fulfillment of a dream held by Mikus throughout her 20 years of waiting tables at various Garner establishments. Now, the locals who have loyally followed her career are dining on Southern fare at Angie’s very own tables, complete with red-checkered tablecloths and extra-mile service.

“I had an idea, of how I think people should be treated,” Mikus said, “a place where people could sit and talk, and stay all day if they want to. And I’ve always wanted my own place, to have control of my own destiny.”

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The winners are in!

 

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The January issue of Cary Magazine marks our first single-month issue. We hope you like the change!

Has this cold weather chilled you to the bone? Learn where to get a savory soup that will warm you from head to toe in this month's restaurant feature.

If you're working on your diet as a New Year's resolution, take a peek at our Nutritious New Year online extra. We talked with a top WakeMed dietitian to get the skinny on four popular diet programs.

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Companies from throughout the Triangle contributed their supplies, funds and labor to renovate the McLean family's Raleigh home during a three-day weekend in November. The following is a complete list of the businesses.

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Love what you do, pay good things forward, and leave the world a better place than you found it — that’s the meaning of success, say the 2011 Women of Western Wake.

Click here to see photos from the 2011 luncheon!

Recognized for their significant achievements at home, at work and in the community, these honorees shared their insights and experiences with a record crowd of attendees at Cary Magazine’s fourth annual Women of Western Wake Luncheon, held Oct. 14 at The Umstead Hotel & Spa.

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One town plus one town equals … Fuquay-Varina.

In Wake County’s most interesting tale of two cities, Fuquay-Varina boasts two historic business districts just minutes apart, and a unique heritage built on railroads, tobacco and a mineral spring discovered in 1858, which drew people from near and far with its promise of healing waters.

Meanwhile, pen pal correspondence between a young Civil War soldier and his “Varina” would lead to their marriage and the establishment of Varina Station, at the crossroads of two timber rail lines.

Today Fuquay-Varina is among the fastest-growing communities in the state. In the midst of that progress, residents preserve its 100-plus-year history and celebrate its special charm.

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Live chefs … local celebrities … and a community focused on boosting education.

The nonprofit Garner Educational Foundation will hold its second annual Cooks for Books fundraiser on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at Garner TV & Appliance, offering a star-studded night of fun and fine cuisine.

“Celebrity chef Elise Johnson, the 2011 Cooks for Books champion and star of Cooking With Elise, and other noted chefs will work in Garner TV’s fabulous show kitchens,” said event chair Amy White. “We’ll match the chefs with local media personalities Ken Smith of WRAL-TV, meteorologist Don Swenneker of ABC11 and more.

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Resolutions abound this time of year — but how many of yours are fun?

Yes, exercise, weight loss and cleaning out the garage are all smart goals. But a brand new year is also the perfect time to dust off your secret wish list and experience something you’ve always wanted to try.

Go ahead. We dare you!

Try one or all of these pastime ideas, or chase a dream of your own, to add a spark to your day, boost your confidence and put you in the path of new friends.

Because resolving to have fun is great any time of the year.

COOL CONFIDENCE

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Nothing epitomizes winter comfort food quite like soup. When just the right ingredients coalesce in a bowl, it nourishes the body and warms the soul. That’s why we sought out local restaurants that serve up hot portions of distinctive, savory goodness. Get ready for more than a spoonful of satisfying soup at these five stellar spots.

Neomonde Baking Company, Morrisville
Must-Try Soup: Foul Mudammas

Mediterranean eatery Neomonde is renowned for its house-made breads and pastries, which are baked fresh daily. It also features an extensive market filled with superb imported foods and spices.

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So … how are you doing with those New Year’s resolutions?

If the gym turns out not to be your thing, don’t worry — you can dance your way to fitness!

Convinced you have no rhythm? Worried about looking awkward?


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