Hi Raleigh Lover!

So, it seems Snowmageddon decided to tease us with a disappointing dusting—big surprise, right? But hey, there are whispers of a second attempt later this week. Fingers crossed we get more than a flurry! Meanwhile, our cats are absolutely thrilled about the extra excuse to snooze in front of our crackling fire. Cozy vibes, anyone? It’s officially their favorite find of the past week. (If only we could all be so easily satisfied!)

As for us, our favorite finds are a little sparse—hibernation mode activated in protest of this chilly weather! But I’ve been diving into something equally cozy: researching the best spots for afternoon tea in our area. I’ve uncovered a few gems, and I can’t wait to share them with you in a few days. Stay tuned for your next tea date inspiration!

Big news alert: Remember in our last email, I mentioned our daughter Kalyra’s application to UNCW? Well, yesterday we got THE email… She’s in!!! 🎉 That means our future is either filled with plenty of beach days at Wrightsville or road trips to Chapel Hill. Either way, we’re excited for this next chapter. (And maybe a little emotional—time flies!)

Speaking of dreaming big... In true alignment with my shoot-for-the-moon mindset, I officially added “Buy a house at Wrightsville Beach” to my bucket list, completely ignoring the voice in my head of my bank manager that said, “Pfft! You’re dreaming.’

It all starts with a dream, Sir!! No back off and stop interrupting me.

Here’s my philosophy: the path may not be clear, others might scoff, and the numbers may not add up today, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible tomorrow. So why not write it down, hold the vision, and take one small step forward? Dreaming big doesn’t cost a thing—but the possibilities it creates are priceless.

Following this philosophy has taken me on endless adventures around the world - despite the bank manager scoffing at the limited funds. My life has continually affirmed that anything is possible, don’t give up believing in it. So beach house it is!

Now, I’m curious: What big, bold, possibly outrageous dream are you holding onto? I’d love to hear about it—reply to this email and let me know!

Stay warm, keep dreaming, and I’ll catch you next time with some exciting local finds and updates. Here’s to making Raleigh feel more like home every day. 💫

Cheers,
Caroline

P.S. It’s a holiday weekend. Enjoy the extra day and take time to remember and honor Dr Martin Luther King Jnr, his legacy and his dreams. May it inspire and remind you to be the expression of his legacy in your daily life.

💖 FAVORITE FINDS

• Budget Blinds Showroom - we had fun filming there this week, running into sturdy sun room shades and getting to know the team - Really nice people an quality product More coming soon…

• My dentist at Zen Triangle Dentistry - I had the most effortless filling this week - no needles, no pain, out in 30 minutes.

• Hawaiian Punch pizza from Lilys Pizza in Five Points - loved the ricotta on it! (content coming soon)

• Drone views of Five Points

⭐DID YOU HEAR?

• Mac’s Speed Shop at Five Points in Raleigh has $2 Burger Nights every Monday from 5-10 p.m., Wow! We love Mac’s! Perfect for Monday' night’s game.

• The House of Art has a Go Fund Me campaign to help raise funds to rebuild this iconic artistic venue in downtown Raleigh.

• The new State of Beer on W Morgan St is close to opening. We’ll be having a sneak preview on the weekend. Follow our Instagram to see it.

• Raleigh, NC, ranks as the best-performing large metropolitan area in the country, according to a report from just released 2025 report from the Milken Institute.

• There is a new coffee shop, Willow House Coffee opened in Downtown Raleigh. Looking forward to trying it out.

• The 2024-25 College Football Playoff National Championship Game between Notre Dame and Ohio State on Monday. Since there are two Aussie kickers who are Buckeyes, you know who I’m going for! Here is a list of places to watch college football games. The Brickhouse on Hillsborough St is home of the Buckeyes! Notre Dame has watch parties at Trali Irish Pub & Restaurant in northwest Raleigh.
  

🖋 ON THE BLOG

📆THIS WEEKEND

You may like…

1. 2025 Dreamfest Cultural Celebration: “Stronger Together: Cultivating a Community of Compassion!” in Downtown Cary

2.  NC Vintage Bazaar at NC State Fairgrounds

3. Tet Festival Dorton Arena, NC State Fairgrounds

4. Lunar New Year Family Day at Artspace

🗣JOIN THE CONVERSATION

The social posts that have everyone talking (click image to join)

👍ON THE GRAM

• LISTENING: How to manifest abundance part 2 with David Ghiyam and Lewis Howes

• READING My blogging friend Amanda wrote an excellent piece sharing what Google and AI have done recently to wipe out independent voices like ours, especially in the travel blogging industry, of which we are a part of her. Her stats on AI’s consumption on natural resources is frightening. .

• WATCHING: Presumed Innocent

• DOING: watching our daughter play basketball, Craig will be in NYC for a travel industry event, creating content.