To Bee or Not to Bee

It's Legal to Seed - Watermelons Officially Proclaimed Lawful in NC 

No matter the answer, here's proof: Watermelons are enjoyed by millions of consumers every day, and the North Carolina watermelon industry generates an estimate of $34.8 million in farm income according to the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  

We quote: "Therefore: WHEREAS, the watermelon industry is yet another part of the total diversification of agriculture in North Carolina; and WHEREAS, the industry also provides employment for many of our state's citizens and provides supplemental income for a number of rural families who farm on a part-time basis; and WHEREAS, watermelons provide consumers a most versatile and nutritious commodity that is truly a symbol of goodness; NOW, THEREFORE, PAT McCRORY, Governor of the State of North Carolina, hereby proclaimed July 2013 as "WATERMELON MONTH" in North Carolina, and commends its observance to all citizens."

Which means NC citizens are lawful to eat watermelon starting today!  Since we must rightfully obey this proclamation we thought to help out with some various watermelon tips.

Pickin-and-Thumpin: The first thing you need to know is how to properly select a watermelon. Look for a melon with a full, symmetrical shape that is firm and doesn't have any bruises, cuts or dents. You also want to find a watermelon that is heavy for its size because that will guarantee that it's juicy! Thump the melon, and make sure you hear a dull, hollow sound. Lastly, look for a pale, yellow patch on the underside of the melon- this means that the melon sat on the ground and naturally ripened in the sun. Follow these tips and you are sure to find yourself a satisfying watermelon!

Eating or Drinking: Half-moon slabs of watermelon, with chilled juice dripping down your elbows, promise sweet relief in the heat of summer. But the succulent fruit doesn't have to be relegated to picnics and seed-spitting contests. It's also a versatile ingredient for the lighter fare we crave as the mercury rises.

Arugula Watermelon Feta Salad: It's the perfect marriage of savory and sweet. The surprising combination of peppery arugula and salty feta with sweet watermelon rounds out the flavors of this wonderful summer salad. Mix it with a citrus vinaigrette. Its gorgeous colors and sweet and savory taste is a perfect summer salad to serve guests or family.  Recipe 

Watermelon Feta Bruschetta: This recipe is as easy to make as it is fun to say. Use fresh Italian or French bread sliced and serve as a fun appetizer. Your guests will love them!  Recipe  

Frozen Watermelon Daiquiri: Every summer event must have a signature fun drink to start the party off on the right foot. Try this delicious daiquiri for your July get together and your guest will be singing 'America the Beautiful' a cappella! Recipe. For the underage drinkers try this Chunky Watermelon Lemonade. Recipe   

Creamy Watermelon Sherbet: You've had gelato and home-made ice cream, but if you've never had this creamy watermelon sherbet you're missing out on a tasty dessert that you'll want to keep stocked in your freezer. This is a light ending to a lovely dinner or a tasty treat on a hot summer day. Recipe

Carvings or Cravings: Although you crave the sweet taste of watermelon, you still may enjoy serving them displayed as the focal point of your party or family gathering.

Cut them into triangular wedge shapes, (about � to 1" thick) and insert a popsicle stick into the rind. This makes clean up a breeze and kids love it! You can also freeze the slice popsicles for a chilly, refreshing treat.

Photo to the right: This Beach Bucket looks a lot harder than it is. Did you know Watermelons are easier to carve than pumpkins? Try it and let your imagination go. You'll be surprised how well they'll turn out. Click Here for directions in carving the Beach Bucket.  

Since Governor McCrory proclaimed we eat watermelons... seeds or seedless. Then show your NC pride and good citizenship and start thumpin, spitin and eatin our sweet, juicey legal fruit!  

New Sports Lounge at Bailey's - Cameron Village

Bailey's Fine Jewelry and 99.9 The Fan ESPN Radio have teamed up to bring patrons a new place to watch the big game with the introduction of the 99.9 The Fan Sports Lounge in the Bailey's Cameron Village store.  

The Lounge, equipped with high-definition flat screen televisions, snacks, drinks and collegiate merchandise, is the perfect place to watch the game while catching up on shopping. Or is it catching up on the game while shopping? Whatever the case, multi-tasking is inevitable. Or perhaps one may use the Lounge while waiting for ones better half as she shops.

"Sports are a huge part of the culture here in the Triangle and play an important role in the lives of our patrons," said Trey Bailey, director of operations for Bailey's Fine Jewelry. "We're excited to be able to incorporate sports into the Bailey's shopping experience with our new Sports Lounge and partnership with 99.9 The Fan."   For more information, click here .

Certain Things....Your Home for Cute Clothes

Summer's here....too cool!

Lu and Pat are ready....are you?

Certain Things of Cameron Village, 404 Daniels St. Raleigh, NC 27605

Phone: (919) 828-5055

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 12noon-4pm. Website 

Go Fish Art Camp in Minnesott Beach, NC -  August 8, 9, 10, 11, For Students ages 8-12.  Spend 4 days on the Neuse River drawing and painting seascapes, learning about and practicing fishing & crabbing.  Each student will take home a painting that they have painted, matted, framed and ready to hang as well as enjoy the pleasures that young fishermen seek on the waterfront.

Terry McManus will be the Art instructor and chief cook (she has taught art for over 30 years).  Her brother Joe McManus will teach the children to crab and fish off the 70' dock.  They will learn how to spot a flounder in shallow water and to look for sharks teeth along the sandy shoreline.

Contact Terry McManus at 919-280-9059, email: tmcmanus@wcpss.net

To learn more about Go Fish Art Camp Click Here.

Two Lots for Sale

Journey's End Cottage for Rent

Need a place to unwind and escape your day-to-day routines?  Journey's End Cottage on the Neuse River is calling your name!  It's well maintained and well stocked with everything you'd want for a home away from home.   The Neuse River provides a panoramic setting for watching dolphins and stunning sunsets.

It's conveniently located between Camps Seagull and Seafarer, and only 10 minutes away from Oriental, NC.  Beaufort, Morehead City, and the world-renowned beaches of the Crystal Coast are just a short ferry ride away.  

This comfy cottage features a knotty-pine interior with three bedrooms, 1full bath, a  large open living space, a fully-stocked kitchen, a custom built outside shower, and a new 70' concrete dock.  A sleeping porch with expansive river views and continuous breezes will be the perfect beginning to your Journey's End.   

Journey's End Cottage comfortably accommodates eight, and rents from Saturday to Saturday.  Long-term renting available.   Click Here for photos, more detail and availability.  Or Contact Terry at 919-280-9059. Email.  Website.  

CT Weekends: Summer has arrived and so have these cool stripes from Michael Stars!

Exclusively at C.T. Weekends Cameron Village, 437 Daniels Street, Raleigh, NC 27605.
Phone (919) 787-9073, Hours: Monday - Saturday10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Sunday: By Appointment Only. C.T. Weekends. Website

Core Results - Personal Training is teaching people from all over the Raleigh, Cary andTriangle area how to meet their fitness goals. From kettlebells to TRX, everything is top of the line and brand new at the private Core Results studio. Call and make your first appointment for a Complimentary Session!

Core Results: 1330 St. Mary's Street, Suite A00, Raleigh, 27605, Phone: (919) 946-1737, Email:info@coreresults.net, Website. 

Kenna Custom Painting is available to tackle your residential painting needs.  With their great crews that perform very professional jobs on residential homes, you won't believe how quiet and unobtrusive they are.  So if you have that "itch" to freshen up your home, interior or exterior before springtime, contact them now.  Call 919-855-0082 or Email: kennapaint@bellsouth.net.  Website.

Join My Blog Simply-Refined: We are an Interior Design team that can inspire and help you with your designs and decorating needs.  We have been designing and decorating homes for over 20 years.  Please call for a consultation. We can serve with a whole design package, or just consulting only...no job is too small.    

Call Zaytoun Interiors if you're finally ready to decorate or re-decorate your home or office.  What's your style?  If you're not sure, we can help you tap into your inner self and find what makes you want to come home again.  Website, Email, Phone: 305-793-8510. 

Did You Know?  For every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $68 stays in the local economy compared to only $43 if spent at a national chain. Please support our local businesses!  This is what the Beltline Buzz is all about.