Between cookouts and hanging out at our pool at the apartment in Garner, NC, if you are looking for some ways to enjoy the Memorial Day weekend, here are some ideas:
Bennett Place State Historic Site in Durham will remember and honor American soldiers with a special free program from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday. The tribute is for all military personnel in history. Visitors will see period dress, weaponry and more. There also are nature trails and a picnic area on site.
It's a busy weekend at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary.
On Friday, the outdoor venue will screen the PG-13-rated "Crazy Stupid Love." Gates open at 7 p.m.
Saturday: the N.C. Symphony's Summerfest series opens at Booth with Play with the Pros. The concert features classic favorites such as Mussorgsky's "A Night on Bald Mountain;" Grieg's Suite from "Peer Gynt;" and Schubert's Symphony No. 9, "Great." Local musicians will play along with the professional musicians.
Gates open at 5 p.m. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday: the Triangle Wind Ensemble will perform An American Celebration. The 42-member adult ensemble will play a variety of patriotic pieces. Gates open at 5 p.m. The concerts starts at 7:30 p.m.
Other outdoor music series continue. They include Music on the Porch at Mordecai Historic Park in Raleigh on Friday; Fridays on the Front Porch on Friday at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill; and Six Sundays in Spring in Wake Forest on Sunday.
In Chapel Hill, Southern Village will kick off its Lumina Outdoor Movies series on Friday and Saturday. They'll screen "The Lorax," rated PG starting at dusk each night. At 6 p.m.
Sunday, the neighborhood will feature Magnolia Klezmer Band, Jewish party music from Bucharest to Broadway. The concert is free.
Ackland Art Museum will hold one of its free Family Days starting at 2 p.m., Sunday, with a family tour, followed by story time at 3 p.m. There are hands-on activities at a creation station and scavenger hunts in the galleries. Activities are best for kids ages 4 to 8.
Here are the holiday weekend hours for favorite family destinations:
Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh is open all weekend and on Monday. Hours are 9 to 5. Marbles will have plenty of activities this weekend, including one of its Family Fit series with Raleigh CrossFit from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, and a Science Solvers program about pond critters from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday. All day Monday, Marbles will salute Memorial Day with everything from a 21-soda geyser salute to patriotic pinwheels. At 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, they'll have a Bubble Blast with all kinds of bubbles.
The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences and its new Nature Research Center in Raleigh is open all weekend. The museum opened a new 3D theater last year.
The N.C. Museum of History is open all weekend.
Pullen Park's grounds are open from dawn to dusk all year. The carousel, boats and train at the Raleigh park are now open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week, including this long weekend. Down By Avalon, playing songs reminiscent of AM pop radio of the 1960s, will perform a special concert at 6 p.m., Sunday.
The N.C. Zoo in Asheboro is open seven days a week from 9 to 5. It recently opened a Dinosaurs exhibit.
Are you throwing a Memorial Day Party in your apartment in Garner, NC? If so, we have the perfect appetizer recipe for you. Remember, Memorial day is a day to celebrate and remember our fallen heroes. A patriotic theme for your menu is perfect.
Patriotic Taco Salad would be great as an appetizer or a main dish. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on the side. The American flag design is perfect for Memorial Day. It is a favorite of ours at Abberly Place.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1-1/2 cups water
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 envelope taco seasoning
6 cups tortilla or corn chips
4 to 5 cups shredded lettuce
9 to 10 pitted large olives, sliced lengthwise
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
Directions
1. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the water, tomato paste and taco seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
2. Place chips in an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. dish. Spread beef mixture evenly over the top. Cover with lettuce. For each star, arrange five olive slices together in the upper left corner. To form stripes, add cheese and tomatoes in alternating rows. Serve immediately.
In the American mind, renting has long symbolized striving rather than achieving. But as we climb our way out of the Great Recession, it seems something has changed. Americans are getting over the idea of owning the American dream; increasingly, they're OK with renting it.
Homeownership is on the decline, and renting is on the rise. But the trend isn't limited to the housing market. Across the board, Americans are increasingly acclimating to the idea of giving up the stability of being an owner for the flexibility of being a renter. This may sound like a decline in living standards. But the new realities of our increasingly mobile economy make it more likely that this transition from an Ownership Society to a Rentership Society.
The unsentimental fact about the American dream is that Americans never really owned it in the first place. For the past three decades, especially, consumers haven't so much bought their quality of life as they've borrowed it from banks and credit card companies.
Now consumers are following the example of corporations, becoming more efficient. And it starts at home.
Housing is the biggest single component of consumption in the U.S. economy and the source of much of our present misery. The typical consumer spends about 32% of his or her budget on shelter. In the last decade, that generally meant borrowing a lot of money to take "ownership" of a home.
During the boom, the home ownership rate grew steadily, peaking at a record 69% in 2006.
Ownership-boosters failed to note that homes purchased in 2005 and 2006 with no-money-down, interest-only mortgages weren't really bought. They were simply rented until the "owner" flipped them or walked away from the mortgage.
In the post-bust climate, renting has emerged as a much more economically efficient way to pay for housing. A one-year lease represents a far less onerous financial obligation than a 30-year mortgage. It's difficult to get into too much financial trouble as a renter. The home ownership rate has fallen from its peak in 2006 to 65.4% today.
For an increasing number of Americans it makes more sense to rent. According to Moody's, by late 2011 it was cheaper to rent than to own in 72% of American metropolitan areas, (such as metro Raleigh) up from 54% a decade ago. And the more people who do it, the more socially acceptable and desirable it becomes. The decline in the ownership rate means that about three million more households rent today than did at the height of the bubble.
It's tempting to view the rise of renting as an economic step backward. But many would argue the rise of renting is a sign of a system adapting to new realities.
The U.S. economy needs the dynamism that renting enables as much as, or more than, it needs the stability that ownership engenders.
And the rising popularity of renting is hardly contained to the housing market.
Finally, perhaps, Americans are absorbing a piece of wisdom from Thoreau: "And when the farmer has got his house, he may not be the richer but the poorer for it, and it be the house that has got him."
If you are throwing a Cinco de Mayo party at your apartment in Garner, NC you need the right decorations, some perfect Mexican food and the right Margarita.
Well, at Abberly Place Apartments, we would like to share with you our favorite margarita recipe that will sure be the talk of the fiesta.
The Perfect Margarita
1 fluid ounce premium tequila
3/4 fluid ounce brandy-based orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier®)
3/4 fluid ounce cointreau
3/4 fluid ounce simple syrup
dash of raspberry flavored liqueur
1 lime, juiced
1/2 cup sweet and sour mix
Directions
Salt the rims of 2 large margarita glasses. To do so, pour salt onto a small plate, moisten the rims of the glasses on a damp towel and press them into the salt.
In a cocktail shaker 3/4 full of ice, combine tequila, Grand Marnier, cointreau, simple syrup, raspberry liqueur and lime juice. Pour in sweet and sour until ice is covered. Shake vigorously and strain into glass.
Enjoy, (and if you are going out to enjoy these margaritas, choose a designated driver)!
Low mortgage rates and more affordable home prices in the Raleigh area are creating an interest in homeownership by those who live in apartments. However, potential buyers who are unprepared for the true cost of owning a home may be shocked by the bite homeownership can take out of their wallet in addition to their mortgage payments.
Inspection and Appraisal Fees
Before you purchase a home you need to pay for a home inspection, and an appraisal, possible even inspections for pests or radon. The costs of these inspections are borne by buyers and are a necessary protection to avoid buying a flawed property or paying too much.
Closing Costs
Buyers need to be prepared with the cash for anywhere from 2% to 4% of the mortgage balance depending on your area.
Taxes
As a homeowner, you'll need to pay property taxes, which are generally part of the escrow you pay into each month. Remember, even if you have a fixed-rate home loan, your property taxes could go up and increase your monthly housing costs.
Insurance
Your lender will require home insurance, the cost of which depends on factors including the construction materials of your home and the location. Even if you have renter's insurance, you'll find that home insurance costs more because you are paying for the ability to rebuild your home in addition to replacing your personal possessions. Insurance costs will rise over time, and you will need supplemental insurance if you live in a flood zone.
HOA and Condo Fees
If you buy a home within a homeowners' association or a condominium association, you'll be required to pay a monthly or quarterly fee. These fees can rise, or your association may need to charge a special assessment for projects such as repaving the parking lot or repairing a roof.
Utility Bills
Depending on where you live, your costs for electricity, gas and water could be higher when you move into your own home than when you live in an apartment in Garner, NC. You may also need to pay for garbage collection along with your Internet, cable and phone bill.
Furniture
While this is essentially a discretionary expense, most people who move from an apartment to a larger home need to buy at least some new furniture.
Lawn Care
Whether you handle your yard work yourself or hire a professional, you will have to pay something to keep your landscaping in check. Lawn equipment can be costly and you may need a leaf blower and other yard equipment, too.
Maintenance
Home maintenance costs time and money. While you may be able to change your furnace filters, clean your gutters and keep your appliances running smoothly yourself, you may also need to hire a contractor to clean and inspect your chimney and to keep your heating and air conditioning system in top shape.
Repairs
While maintenance tasks can be predictable, the most costly part of home ownership typically comes with unexpected repairs such as replacing or repairing the roof, removing a tree, or paying for mold mitigation in a damp basement. The list of possibilities is endless, so homeowners should set aside savings for an emergency. Experts suggest budgeting for 1% or 2% of your mortgage balance as a yearly maintenance and repair fund.
The Bottom Line
Buying a home costs more than you think. If you don’t expect to stay in your home for at least seven to 10 years, contact Abberly Place Apartment Homes.
If you live in an apartment in Garner, NC there is a fun 24 hour event this weekend. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences will celebrate the grand opening of its new wing with a 24-hour opening of the Nature Research Center in Raleigh.
The event begins at 4 p.m. Friday with music from the Shaw University Jazz Band. At 4:30 p.m., dancers from the African-American Dance Ensemble will be among those participating in a procession from the Governor's Mansion.
The opening ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. Friday at the 80,000-square-foot center. Actor Ira David Wood III and Chuck Davis, founder of the African-American Dance Ensemble, will officiate. After the opening ceremony, the center will be open for tours around the clock until 4 p.m. Saturday.
The event ends at 5 p.m. Saturday with an invitation to citizens to personally engage with science.
If you live in our apartments in Garner, NC you should know we have a Susan G. Komen Walk/Run Team. If you haven’t signed up yet, there is still time! The Susan G. Komen foundation raises significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrates breast cancer survivorship, and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease.
Who are you walking or running for? Are you doing this for your mother, your sister, your grandmother, or your friend? Whoever is your inspiration, the Abberly Place Susan G. Komen Walk/Run for Breast Cancer awareness team welcomes you to the movement that will end breast cancer forever. If you have signed up already, thank you. If not, there is still time, the walk is on June 9th in Raleigh.
Do you need more information about the walk or do you need to register? Please go to the website, www.komen.org/race.
Don’t forget, if you sign up as part of the Abberly Place Team, you will receive the T–shirt from the Susan g. Komen organization as well as an Abberly Place Team T–shirt. The fee is only $25, and that money helps raise awareness for this important cause. Not to mention the fun we will all have!
Raleigh is host to an array of authentic and eclectic restaurants serving hearty, delicious eats. If you live in an apartment in Garner, NC you certainly have your fair share of choices to dine. Where can you go to find a meal as described above? Well there are certainly plenty of places to visit, but here are some restaurants that have caught the eyes of Raleigh locals.
Busy Bee Café
In the heart of downtown, you’ll find a place that offers good food, good beer and good times. Known for its impressive selection of assorted craft beers and distinctive burgers, Busy Bee Café is, “the neighborhood bar that your friends come to.”
“The intent of our food that we serve is meant to be casual dishes that compliment the beers we serve. Our menu is primarily based off of the beer,” the owner, Lockwood said. Apart from its food and distinguished label as the connoisseur of beers, Busy Bee Café offers a welcoming and diverse environment. It’s a place where you can enjoy good times with a good meal and a great drink.
Caffé Luna
This is one of downtown Raleigh’s authentic Italian restaurants—Caffé Luna can simply be described as a slice of Italy. Utilizing fresh and true ingredients alongside the culinary skills of an Italian chef, the restaurant creates dishes that you could only find and taste within the heart of Italy.
One of its most popular and original items on the menu is lasagna. An old Italian favorite, Caffé Luna’s lasagna is a filling dish staying true to its traditional roots. For the vegetarian and vegan crowd out there, a hot-selling dish is the portobello ripieno, consisting of portobello mushrooms stuffed with gorgonzola cheese and tomatoes.
Lilly’s Pizza
For some seasoned pizza-lovers, Raleigh has got a place to please your hankering for a creative pizza experience. Located within the Five Points neighborhood is a little venue called Lilly’s Pizza.
Whether customers prefer a simple, traditional cheese pizza or are a bit more daring, Lilly’s has a pie for everyone. For all the vegetarians, vegans and celiacs out there, don’t feel left out, because there are plenty of options to choose from.
If customers feel that none of Lilly’s pies appeal to their desires, the menu allows them to get creative and construct their own. “We evolve within our own dynamic with simple goals of being fresh and whole-foods oriented and also to ensure a fun experience,” Jon Garrison, owner of Lilly’s Pizza, said. “Our customers appreciate this; the lines on weekends will attest.”
After this guide to downtown Raleigh restaurants, anyone should be ready to ravish all that local dining has to offer.
You have felt the pain at the pump. You also probably know that gas prices may get as high as $5.00/gallon as we approach summer! If you live in an apartment in Garner, NC and you like to drive in and around Raleigh on your summer weekend, gas mileage is very important.
You can improve your car’s gas mileage. If you do them all, you can increase your gas mileage by 50%. When you bought your car you had a specified number of miles per gallon, but you may not be seeing that mileage today. Why?
Don’t neglect regular car maintenance. If it has been awhile since you have had a tune up on your car, schedule one! Be sure to keep up on your car’s regular maintenance. Regularly maintained cars get the best gas mileage. You will be pleasantly surprised.
Check your tire air pressure. Your tires can directly affect your gas mileage. As the temperature changes, so does the pressure in your tires. Regularly check that your tires have the required PSI. When the pressure in your tires is too low, your tires no longer work efficiently, they work like water balloons. With too much surface on the road, there is too much friction causing your car to work harder. Your gas mileage can be dramatically affected by poor tire pressure.
Believe it or not, changing your driving habits can affect your gas mileage. The way you drive affects how much gas you burn. Not planning to stop, revving up and slowing down and driving over the speed limit all use too much gas. By changing your behavior behind the wheel, you can increase the gas mileage in your car.
Enjoy the summer and enjoy the ride. Keep money in your pocket as gas prices rise, follow these tips to increase your gas mileage.
Don’t spend St. Patricks Day in your apartment in Garner. it is on Saturday, so head to downtown Raleigh for the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 17 at noon! It is the largest parade in North Carolina.
When the Parade is over the Wearin’ of the Green Festival Begins! The Festival is held on Moore Square in downtown Raleigh, the end of the Parade route from 10:00am to 9:00pm. There will be live music and dancing and a wide variety of vendor booths: Irish Organizations, Irish jewelry, food vendors, children's games and activities; lots of food, beverages, entertainment and fun for all ages. Also, Carbon Leaf will take the Shamrock n roll stage at 7pm.
Remember, any extra funds go back to charities in the community. Happy St. Patrick's Day from Abberly Place Apartments.
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Between cookouts and hanging out at our pool at the apartment in Garner, NC, if you are looking for some ways to enjoy the Memorial Day weekend, here are some ideas:
Are you throwing a Memorial Day Party in your 
In the American mind, renting has long symbolized striving rather than achieving. But as we climb our way out of the Great Recession, it seems something has changed. Americans are getting over the idea of owning the American dream; increasingly, they're OK with 
The Perfect Margarita
Low mortgage rates and more affordable home prices in the 
If you live in our 
You have felt the pain at the pump. You also probably know that gas prices may get as high as $5.00/gallon as we approach summer! If you live in an 
Don’t spend St. Patricks Day in your 
