"A Toast to Celebrate Community"!

I am a big fan of the North Carolina Community Foundation! I am learning how important this organization is to its community.  I am happy to share a fundraiser for the Futrell-Mauldin Community Foundation of Greater Rocky Mount!

If you are anywhere near one of my most favorite places tonight, Rose Hill, you should attend the ‎Tar River Wine Festival.   More than 30 restaurants and wineries from North Carolina and beyond donated food and wine to the festival!

2009 photo compliments Kelly Lee Joyner

Enjoy your Day, Carolina Style!

Jen Jen

Royal Rapture !

Being Southern has "Royal" similarities!  In the South, weddings are huge and the Royal Wedding is kicking off the wedding season here in the Carolina's! I know many Belles hosting Royal Wedding viewing parties on Friday before a full weekend of North Carolina wedding festivities! Viewing parties will be the most fun between wearing family jewels with Pj's and of course hats and crowns!

  I am sure we will also see ladies wearing the fascinating fascinator like the Bride and compliments of The Bag Lady!  If you are really lucky you might get invited to a party serving Eleni's New York cookies!

In honour of the Royal Wedding, The North Carolina Art Museum has placed their portrait of Queen Elizabeth on display, which at one time was thought to be the only portrait of the Queen in the United States. The portrait is in the Portrait Gallery in the new building for a short time. Winston-Salem artist Joe King was Commissioned in 1971 to paint the life portrait of Elizabeth II. 

Joseph Wallace King, Queen Elizabeth II, 1971, oil on canvas,

gift to the State of North Carolina

from the Burroughs-Wellcome Foundation, 1972

Enjoy your Day, Carolina Style!

Jen Jen

Beautiful Beaufort, Wine and Food!

When my husband and I dine out, Beaufort is our first choice!  We love time spent at several favorite spots on the waterfront!  Starting tomorrow, April 27th through May 1st, Beaufort is the place to be for wine, food and a fabulous time!

"Waterfront Wine"

Featured Artist Trisha Adam's

painting for the 2011 BWF posters.

Celebrity Chefs and incredible wine from around the world will be celebrated during the 7th  Beaufort Wine & Food Weekend!   I cannot think of a better place for cooking demonstrations and wine dinners!   I hope your plans include a visit to Beaufort, North Carolina!

Friday you can also enjoy Eastern NC BBQ at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Coastal Carolina, Beaufort Club!

Enjoy your Day, Carolina Style!

Jen Jen

He Is Risen!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter with Family and Friends!  If you have not already heard Carrie Underwood sing "How Great Thou Art" please see below.  As we celebrate the Resurrection, I hope you enjoy this video as much as I did.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16

Happy Easter!

Redneck Vino!

Mason jars are not just for canning, sweet tea or moonshine anymore! The shine has been replaced with wine!  I got the biggest kick out of these glasses when a friend posted a photo along with the Redneck Glasses website! These glasses and a bottle of Boones Farm are the perfect gag gift! We can order these at Mears!

My fun friend purchased her Redneck Glasses at NOFO at the Pig in Five Points, Raleigh. They were a gift and a huge hit!

Enjoy your Day, Carolina Style!

Jen Jen

Happy Earth Day!

The week before Easter and the week after, many students are on Spring Break enjoying Coastal Carolina! 

It is a wonderful time for families to get outside and appreciate our beautiful Earth, while learning how to preserve it as we borrow it from the future!  I love this James Taylor video reminding us of this incredible State and it's beauty!

  

 In honor of Earth Day, visit the Fort Macon State Park tomorrow for "Partnership for the Planet"  2nd Annual Crystal Coast Earth Day Festival!. The whole family will enjoy live music, hands on activities and local artwork from 10am until 2pm! 

Let's think Earth Day everyday! The promo created by Pitt County encouraging recycling is great!

If visiting Ashboro is in your Spring Break plan tomorrow, the North Carolina Zoo has many Earth Day activities planned as they host a "Party for the Planet"!

If you are in the Piedmont on Sunday, go enjoy the 2011 Durham Earth Day Festival with activities for everyone in the family! Kids can learn how "going green" is the cool thing to do!

Enjoy your Day, Carolina Style!

Jen Jen

Bzzzzzzz!!!!

Tomorrow is Earth Day which makes me think of my favorite all Natural North Carolina company, Burt's Bees! 

I am thankful winter has come and gone and thanks to Burt's Bees my skin survived!  I like to blame my dry skin on the weather instead of my age!  We are now approaching the Carolina Coast flip flop season and I want to share with you my most favorite Burt's Bees products!  The Naturally Nourishing Milk and Honey Body Lotion and the Coconut Foot Cream are the BEST!

I am often teased by my friends for my love of "Goo"! Yes, it is true, I have used eye cream since I was sixteen, but hey, there are no crows feet walking across this face!  I also must point out when I love a product, I am loyal!  I also keep Baby Bee on hand for visits from my sweet niece! I am sure she will also love "Goo"!

The Burt's Bees video about the ever so popular tinted lip balm is naturally happy!

I think it is awesome that Burt's Bees supports the NC 10 Percent Campaign, encouraging North Carolina residents to pledge to spend 10% of their grocery dollars on locally grown foods!

Enjoy your Day, Carolina Style!

Jen Jen

The Good Samaritan

It was amazing to drive through many Eastern North Carolina counties today and see the product of the unusual weather Saturday. The devastation is shocking to communities where tornado's are uncommon.  I remember the last tornado's of major destruction in the 80's. It is always wonderful to hear many stories of Good Samartans during the aftermath.  My thoughts and prayers are with all who have suffered a loss in the path of the storm.

"A member of the Sanford Fire Department walks past damaged Lowe's Home Improvement store after tornado in Sanford" photo Fox 8 News

 I am thankful for Samaritan's Purse from the Western part of North Carolina. They have trained emergency workers based in four NC counties, along with three Disaster Relief Units. Franklin Graham is the President and CEO of Samaritan's Purse and the oldest son of Billy and Ruth Graham.

Their Mission Statement:
Samaritan's Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan's Purse has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God's love through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Volunteers can sign up to help by going to thier volunteer network website.  Click here to help provide resources to help families whose homes have been damaged or destroyed. 

The story of the Good Samaritan
(Luke 10:30-37)

Enjoy your Day, Carolina Style!

Jen Jen

"Carolina Style" Grocer!

 When stocking up on "Carolina Style" holiday must haves, Southern Hospitality leads me to Smith's!  Smith's Red and White in Dorches NC is no secret! It is the only grocery store I have ever been to where there are more patrons with coolers than carts!  Known for their sausage but special for the entire experience!  

Shopping at Smith's is like stepping back in time! Music playing on juke box is from the 50's and the "Olde Fashion Candy Shoppe" is a huge hit for all ages!  My family also loves their Carolina Peach preserves and Sweet Potato Butter. 

Everything is as homemade as if your Grandmother was in the kitchen!  Once you pack your cooler with sausage and whatever else you can fit fresh from the deli, go straight for the Tastee Creations Bakery! Believe me, caramel cake is not easy to make! My Aunt Peggy would be impressed! 

 I love their paintings from the very beginning!  They have grown throughout the years without changing what most people long for in their local grocer!  We all need to love and support family owned and operated!

Enjoy your Day, Carolina Style!

Jen Jen

Best for Business and Pleasure!

It is always fun to mix business and pleasure during trips to Greenville! I grew up having lots of fun in Greenville!  Many trips to hear Chairman of the Board many years ago!  The painting below by Jeff Pittman, originally from Greenville brings back downtown memories!

My Mom and I never miss an opportunity to visit Coffman's while in Greenville!

Father's Day is just around the corner and they are ready! Coffman's has been dressing Eastern NC men for business and pleasure since 1956!  

 You have to check out their Tips and Trends, Dressing the Man You Love, Tie One On and Dressing for All Occasions!  I love their southern charm from head to toe and their southern hospitality as soon as you walk through the door!  As my Grandmother used to say, they are just wonderful people!

Of course don't miss a trip to B's Barbecue! 

Just don't spill barbecue sauce on your new Coffman's suit!

Enjoy your Day, Carolina Style!

Jen Jen

Harbor of Hospitality!

I love the "Legend of the Rosebuddies" in Elizabeth City!  The tradition is a great example of friendship!  Two Buddies, Fred Fearing and Joe Kramer figured out a way to show good old fashioned hospitality in the town they loved and their spirit lives on today!  I ran across this old Tarheel Traveler and want to share it with you!  It is inspiring to think of ways to put a smile on the face of others! 

The Fred Fearing scrapbook is online as well!  Visit the site for a photo tour through history from an original Rose Buddy, before your visit downtown Elizabeth City for the big Festival on the Waterfront!

Enjoy your Day, Carolina Style!

Jen Jen

Back in the Tarheel State!

It is fun to get a change of scenery, but always great to be back home in the Tarheel State!  We had a blast in Georgia, another sister southern state, I love!!   When I visit, I am always reminded why it is called HOT-lanta!  Yes folks, if you look closely the temp was 97 in April!

I love Spring in North Carolina,  except for the yellow present we receive this time of year!  The azalea's are blooming and the high is in the 70's all week!  It is perfect weather all over the State! 

Visitnc.com is a great resource for Gardens from the Mountains to the Coast!

The North Carolina Governor's Mansion four acres of flower and vegetable gardens will be open Saturday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for free tours! 

Enjoy your Day, Carolina Style!

Jen Jen

I have stepped out of this beautiful State, but not out of the South!!  I will resume daily post next week!  I am gathering fun topics as I get off the interstate to take photos of some of my favorite North Carolina stops along the way!

Enjoy your Day, Carolina Style!

Jen Jen

Bunnies and Easter Baskets!

 I am getting so excited as Spring and Easter merchandise is unpacked at Mears Etc Etc!  I love Big Easter Baskets and Easter Egg Hunts!  The Easter Celebration at the Grove Park Inn looks like so much fun if you would like to get away with your family for Easter! 

 There are many hunts all over this wonderful State!  Easter Egg Hunts and Event.org is a great site to find out where the Hunt is taking place in NC near you! Everything is special through the eyes of Children!

 

As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus I love the Cross to share with loved ones as a reminder everyday! Easter keepsakes are precious!  If you are in Morehead City, visit the Knowledge of Christ Bookstore!  I love the Gigi, Gods Little Princess Books! 



Mears Etc Etc

Enjoy your Day, Carolina Style!

Jen Jen

Easter Sunday Brunch!

I love Easter Sunday with my family! As always, Southern Living makes the menu exciting with all their suggestions on how to spruce up old family recipes or add these wonderful salads to your traditional Easter Brunch menu ! 

Shrimp Salad stuffed artichoke!

Lemon Dill Chicken Salad stuffed eggs!

Pear Apple salad with

Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

Hot Cross Buns are always a great addition to Easter Sunday Brunch!  I love the photos from a friend's backyard brunch! The hat cookies are perfect and reminiscent of the days when all southern ladies wore hats, especially Easter Sunday!

Enjoy your Day, Carolina Style!

Jen Jen

 

Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy!

I am so excited tickets are now on sale for The Summer Jam with the Tams! This event is a blast! Atlantic Beach is where everyone wants to be the week of July 4th!  Friday night, July 8th, the place to be is The Coral Bay Club! Check out the 3rd Annual Summer Jam with The Tams!!

The Summer Jam with the Tams

No other band puts on a show like

The Tams!!

They are getting ready to break it down!

ALL proceeds go to the

Enjoy your Day, Carolina Style!
Jen Jen

"Peace, Love and Beer!" MEB

This summer while you are traveling to and from the Carolina Coast for your vacation, don't miss the wonderful Eastern NC stops along the way!  If you are anywhere near Mother Earth Brewery make sure you stop in and check out their incredible operation! 

We had a late lunch in Kinston and visited several shops Saturday before taste testing in the MEB tap room! We had a great time learning more about how going "GREEN" was important to the owners, Stephen Hill and Trent Mooring as they took an unsightly old building and converted it into the pride of their community! 

Mother Earth Brewery  recently released exciting news of two new beers! Sunny Haze and Second Wind are the first to be available in a can!  Both beers should be available just in time to fill your boat coolers this summer!

Mark your calender for the 30th Annual BBQ Festival on the Neuse, May 4, 2011 - May 7!

Enjoy your Day, Carolina Style!

Jen Jen