When it came time to throw my in laws (who I adore by the way) a 50th Anniversary party, I knew what I had to do! Keep it simple, keep it beautiful and KEEP IT LOCAL! (Even if some of the most important family members were from out of town… giggle, snort!) When having a party of any sort there are several things you have to accomplish, but most important is that your guests feel welcomed and comfortable! What good is a party if everyone leaves thinking, “Boy, I am busy for the next 10 years if I get invited back there again!”?

Sooooo, I don’t feel the need to share my entire check list of things “To Do” (unless you so request an article about that too). I do feel the need to share with you, the Triad, where I got such cuteness, beauty and fun for the party we held at our house (saves a TON on rental fees). You can call me a lot of things, but cheap isn’t one of them! “We” (ie: me and the sis-in-laws) agreed it would be simple elegance to hold such a personal and meaningful engagement at home for family and friends to enjoy.

1. Use a local florist. I live in NW GSO, so I tried Oakridge Florist. (didn’t have to drive to far for pick-up and yes they deliver). Aren’t they beautiful? If you have time and live a bit closer, the local Farmers market would be an excellent choice as well! I did use my own vases to save a bit more and not clutter up my cabinets or recycles with more glass not needed!!!

2. Use local gifts/favors. I found these darling favor baskets at Michael’s (I know, I know… BIG chain, but I didn’t order on-line). I did however fill them with yummy yogurt covered party mix from Fresh Market. I forgot to take photos of the sweets, maybe Fresh Market will read this is do a Give*A*Way for our readers of the yummy goodness I filled the tiny boxes with. You don’t have to give party favors by any means, but I decided to add them as a festive touch to the white/cream color theme for decorations at each persons place setting. Also I found great paper goods at If it’s Paper on Battleground.

3. Use a local baker!!! Don’t get me wrong the grocery stores have delish cakes and cupcakes, but we ALL know what a personal touch you get from having your cakes custom made. I HAVE to share where I purchased this BEAUTIFUL cake, Parker’s Restaurant in Stokesdale!!! I also have to share with you that I saved 50% by having Cindy make my cake. I did go to a couple WELL KNOWN local bakers in town. When I thought I might want to give the “smaller” baker my business, I was SHOCKED by the savings!!! And the taste… it was PERFECTLY devoured and EVERYONE Oooohed & Ahhhhhd. Not a crumble left on a single plate.

4.Use a local home decor store. Yes, I said “home decor” and if you have not been to Total Bliss in Summerfield… it’s a MUST!!! Nancy and her store completely, 100%, live up to their name. All you have to do is tell Nancy your plans and she has something in the store you can use at a party, spruce up your house or just needing a simple gift for the “guests of the hour”. I found these darling place-card holders which I used as picture holder of the couple when they where younger.

5. Use a local caterer (or friend). I was fortunate enough to have a dear friend who happens to be Italian AND happens to have a portable brick oven to cook yummy, fresh to order pizzas!!! (Still trying to convince them to start a catering business for this SUPER FUN idea). We severed an incredible salad bar to go along with the pizza (thanks to my sis-in-law). What made this so nice? EVERYONE, young and old, got to have exactly what they wanted… on their pizza and their plate. Of course you can contact a number of incredible caterers to help with ALL your food and service needs for any size party… I was just fortunate to have such a contact!

6. And of course… a TERRIFIC local couple!!! Thanks Tom & Carole for showing us that 50 years is still obtainable, cherished and valued in this crazy world. You two are such a beautiful couple and I’m honored to be a part of this family!!!

I {MJ}discovered Consignments 1st about 2 years ago when it first opened. {located next to Big Lots on Battleground in Greensboro} I am always on a quest for something to tweak my home decor and I’m also on a budget. After several visits I realized I had found a spot that has been well worth frequent stops!

At Consignment 1st, they specialize in the resale of upscale furniture, home décor, antiques, collectibles, silver, porcelain and nostalgia from homes and businesses just like yours. They turnover rate is very good, which means there is always something new to look at on each visit.

Homeowners and designers constantly scour the aisles searching for ”palatial” to “practical” or “neon to neo-classical” treasures.  They also sell NEW market samples and closeouts from the furniture capital of the world…High Point, N.C.

Consignment 1st is not just about big pieces of furniture, they have great accessories too!  Purses, bags, frames, pillow, jewelry to name a few.

When I am looking at furniture I like to see it not just for what it is, but what it could be.  This display cabinet is saying paint me white with a pretty blue inside!  The possibilities for what you can find in Consignment 1st are endless and affordable too!

What about these Vietri pottery accessories? There are plenty of name brand items to be found!

Outside or inside this bench would brighten up any area!

Do you have something in your own home that you are tired of? Come on in and ask for owner Eric. He knows his stuff and will help get it sold. You can then use the money to get yourself something new! What a great way to decorate without breaking your budget!

Whenever you need to SELL something or whenever you want to BUY something. In either case always think Consignment 1st®…FIRST!!

GIVE*A*WAY

Today we are giving away a $40 Consignment 1st gift certificate! To qualify you must do the following:

1. Join Consignment 1st Facebook “Like” Page. Leave a comment on Seek that you did for 1 entry
2. Leave a comment on SEEK about your thoughts on consignment shopping. do you don’t you? 1 entry
3. Talk about Consignment 1st on your Facebook Page. Leave a comment on Seek that you did for 1 entry.

Do you know about The Saltbox on State Street in Greensboro? We have discovered a great find in the Triad full of Folk Art, Furniture and Custom Lighting. This Greensboro store has been around for over 35 years!  Take a few minutes to drink in the fabulous pictures Trish took during our visit!  She was able to beautifully capture the textures and colors that surround you as you stroll through the Great American feel of the store!

The Saltbox carries the fine furniture of several American artists. These are highly skilled craftsman who meticulously craft these pieces.

These fun little corks can be thrown in a basket all on their own for decoration or better yet, owner Nancy can turn them into keychains! Just in time for Fathers Day!!!

Fun Facts

ALL the lighting sold in The Saltbox is HANDMADE by McLean Lighting Works, located right here in Greensboro! McLean Lighting works manufactures fine interior and exterior eighteenth century reproduction and custom lighting.

They also did the lighting for the scenes of the movie The Patriot!

All McLean Lighting Works lights are handcrafted of heavyweight brass, copper or tin and wrought in a manner to have the feel and look of antique pieces. The complete line includes lanterns, postlights, foyer lights, chandeliers, sconces, table lamps and custom lighting.

Another great Father’s Day gift idea…. recycled bottles that have been turned into fun drinking glasses!

Golden Rabbit Enamelware is like you perfect ALL in one dish-ware… it’s dishwasher safe, ovenproof, easy to clean, durable and best of all, NON-TOXIC!!! Great for all the outdoor cookouts and to take to covered dish suppers. Forget all that plastic stuff!!!

Don’t Miss This!

If you are ready to get over to State Street and check out The Saltbox it is the perfect time to go!  They are hosting a Ladies Night Out On State Street on June 19th from 4 until 7!

THE SALTBOX

2022 Golden Gate Drive
Greensboro NC 27405
336.273.8758

Have you shopped at The Saltbox?  What do you think….we love comment feedback!

We have always had a fondness for The Extra Ingredient.  That fondness has grown by twofold as we’ve gotten to know owners Art and Martha Nading.  They opened The Extra Ingredient in Greensboro in 1985. They are proud to say that after 25 years their store continues to be an independently owned and operated kitchen and gourmet store.  The only one of its kind in the Triad.  They are not only passionate for their business, but for the community they serve as well.

There is something for everyone in The Extra Ingredient! Aisles of pretty colors, gadgets galore, specialty foods, and the best smelling {and tasting!} coffee. Our favorites are Snickerdoodle and Blueberry Cinnamon! Not a coffee drinker? EI has you covered with tea too!

EI has the most delicious selection of Juliska Tableware. Rich with Juliska’s signature detail, this fine stoneware comes in six inviting colors, {We want them all!} with artfully layers scallop and round shapes. You can mix and match the colors and shapes! Think this stoneware is just for special occasions? You can use it everyday….it can ago straight from the freezer into the oven on 450 degrees – also guaranteed for microwave and dishwasher use. This vitrified ceramic is highly resistant to chipping and breaking.

Gift Registry @ The Extra Ingredient:

Do you have a special occasion coming up? EI has a full Gift Registry Service. Their service is interactive online and will provide you and your family and friends with online access to the list and online purchasing of gifts.

The Nading’s also put their hearts into a fabulous bi-monthly newsletter that is delivered via e-mail.  We love the newsletter because it is full of recipes, tips, upcoming events and specials!  This month they are talking about all types of greens and include some wonderful summer salad recipes. Get over to The Extra Ingredient website and submit your e-mail address so you too can receive this wonderful e-mail publication!

Get the recipe for this salad from the EI Newsletter!

The famous Extra Ingredient Sidewalk Sale is taking place on June 26th at their store located at 801-D Friendly Center Road at the Friendly Center. Get discounts of at least 50% during the sale between 9 am and 6 pm.

GIVE~A~WAY

The Extra Ingredient wants to give back to you too! In the spirit of summer they are graciously donating a Cuisinart 1 1/2 Quart Frozen Ice Cream/Yogurt Maker to one of our readers. To qualify you must do the following: {Do all 3 and you get 3 chances to win!}

Win a Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt/Ice Cream Maker!

1. Join The Extra Ingredient Facebook “Like” Page and leave a comment that you did here on SEEK
2. Sign up for The Extra Ingredient E Newsletter and leave a comment that you did this here on SEEK
3. Share this article on your Facebook page and leave a comment that you did this here on SEEK

Hello Triad! I am thrilled to be joining SEEK to start sharing all the great green finds throughout the Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point! Don’t forget to join my Facebook Page to keep up with my regular updates and green tips! And I Twitter too @GreenSamaritan!

As I look back on my years growing up in Greensboro, I guess there was always a bit of an interest in nature and being kind to our environment. I loved to spend time at a nearby creek catching crayfish and tadpoles, I completed an internship with the Natural Science Center when I was a senior in high school and then chaired the Junior League’s Environmental Issues Committee years later. Last year I started a little blog called The Green Samaritan and most recently attended the Audubon’s Women In Conservation Rachel Carson Awards Luncheon. I also contribute to Greenopolis.com and ModernHippieMag.com. So as the desire to improve my eco-awareness continues, coupled with a passion to share what’s available right here in our own backyard, Seek The Triad is a perfect forum for me to do so.

We are very fortunate to live in an area where we can easily recycle much through the city and county recycling programs. But I often hear from people, “What about this? What do I do with yogurts cups, eyewear, packing materials, etc.?”

So in an effort to lend a hand, here is a quick initial hit list for those other items you’re just not sure what to do with:

Yogurt cups and other #5 plastic: Most local recycling programs don’t seem to take #5 plastic, so what’s a struggling recycler to do? Through Preserve’s Gimme5 program, a partnership with Stoneybrook and Organic Valley, you can drop off those containers at any Whole Foods location. Preserve then recycles and turns into products like razors, toothbrushes and tableware.

Bottle caps: Aveda haircare has launched their Recycle Caps program which encourages individuals and schools to take bottle caps, shampoo caps, ketchup caps or any type of threaded cap to an Aveda location and they will repurpose into new caps and containers.

Makeup containers: Through Origins, you can bring old makeup tubes, jars and bottles (any brand) to an Origins counter (Belk’s for instance) and they will recycle or use for energy recovery. Plus most times you will get a little sample of lotion for doing so.

Eyeglasses: With over 250 million people suffering from poor vision worldwide, you can donate your old eyewear to OneSight. Search for a drop-off location such as Sunglasses Hut, or Sears Optical in your neighborhood and they’ll make sure it gets to someone in need.

Plastic Wraps: These include bread wraps, cereal liners, ziplocks, toiler paper and diaper wrapping, dry cleaning bags and produce bags. Major retailers like Barnes & Noble, Whole Foods and Wal-Mart as well as many local grocery stores have collection bins for these types of plastic bags and wraps.

Packing Peanuts: To help us out, the Plastic Loose Fill Council offer a search box for drop-off sites accepting peanuts for reuse. Also, any Kinko’s Fed Ex, UPS Stores or other pack and ship locations are good places to recycle.

Though this may involve an additional trip, plan your drop off’s when you will be in the area and you’ll feel great about doing this, I promise. Luckily right here in Greensboro, we have an Aveda, Origins, Barnes & Noble and Sears Optical and Sunglasses Hut all in close proximity around Friendly Shopping Center.

What else gives you trouble? Let me hear from you and I’ll keep adding to this list.

Here at Seek the Triad, we are kicking off “Fun Find Friday”, just in time for Father’s Day! Our goal this summer is to bring you simple, “Fun Finds” in the Triad with just a quick picture or three and their locations.

Do you know of a fun find here in the Triad??? E-mail Trish Naylor at trish@seekthetriad.com and maybe we can feature yours too!!! {please send 1-3 pictures, where to purchase and a couple sentence about the find}

“Fun Find Father’s Day”…

These incredible blocks are not just fun, they are custom made with your pictures and personal quotes to boot. And the BEST thing of all… they are VERY affordable, starting at $8 for the small blocks!!! {Yes, you read it right and the BIG blocks are an easy $20}

To get one for the Father in your life or for ANY other needs for a personal unique gift (ie: Graduation, Teachers, BFF), head to Total Bliss in Summerfield to get your order in today!!!

Everyone has a closet or drawer they keep closed while company is visiting. Some of us even have an entire house that needs help! That’s where Stephanie Marshall, founder of In the Clear Organizing, can help!  Stephanie says, “I am passionate about living an organized lifestyle and helping others achieve the same goal. Being organized has helped me in every aspect of my life and I am confident I can help you too!”

In the Clear offers a FREE one-hour assessment. Call today (336) 688-8184, or visit the website at www.intheclearorganizing.com.

CLEAR THE CLUTTER tip by Stephanie:

Summer is right around the corner. The kids will be home all day long which means there will be plenty of time for messing up your house! There is a way to help you corale all those toys and maintain your sanity. The answer is simple – make cleanup fun and easy! Make a game out of putting things away. Set a kitchen timer and see who can put things away the fastest. Offer a reward – in my house, it’s M&M Cookies! Remember to create a system that is easy for your kids to understand and maneuver. If it’s too hard – they won’t do it. Use storage that is low to the ground and use labels with pictures.

picture and recipe found at sweetestkitchen.com

www.intheclearorganizing.com

Art Class with Katie Wall Podracky

Join the fun at The Art House located on Church St. in Greensboro , for summer art classes sure to thrill all emerging artists! Professional artist, Katie Wall Podracky will lead weekly projects for students age 5 to 13. She has a summer full of fun ideas for your budding artist and even has some things up her sleeve for special needs children as well!!! (please call for more details on class projects for the dates below)

Tuesday afternoons 4:30 – 6 p.m.

Art Enrichment (age 10-13)
June 8 & June 22
July 6 & July 20
August 3

Art Enrichment class is for kids who love art and want to expand their skills. Each class will introduce an art project along with a mini-lesson and demonstration geared towards the needs and interests of the students. We’ll learn about drawing, painting, sculpting, color use, shading, and secrets that artists use everyday! Possible project ideas include Chuck Close portraits, “Seurat and the dot” drawings, tessellation design, masterpiece copies, pet portraiture and individually directed art projects.

The Little Van Goghs (age 5-9)
June 15 & June 29
July 27
August 10

Come experiment with drawing, painting, sculpting, collage and even paper art! Activities will include kite-making, pet portraits, pop-up cards, stained-glass drawings, mosaics, crayon etchings and more!

Katie & a friend!

Cost:
$25.00 per class, all supplies included or
$112.50 for a punch card of 5 summer classes paid in advance of June 1 for a
10% discount.

To register contact Katie Wall Podracky
912.704.3637 or
Katie.Elane.Wall@gmail.com.
www.katiewallart.com

*Please make checks payable to “Katie Wall Art” and either bring them to class or mail them in
advance to:
Katie Wall
3315-1B Horsepen Creek Rd.
Greensboro, NC 27410.
{Pre-registration is required!}

Sample from one class project...Arrrrrt!!!

And now for the GIVE*A*WAY!!!:

Do you remember art projects from your childhood? What was your favorite art memory? The best answer will win a free Tuesday afternoon art lesson for their little one!

Article by Katie Wall Podracky, local artist. Find more of her musings at www.katiewallart.com.

Today we have some serious eye candy for you! We are thrilled that our very favorite local photographer, Andrea Halsey, is one of our sponsors this month!

Andrea Halsey Photography has the cutest little Boutique Studio in the Triad! Located on State Street in Greensboro.   This studio is all about capturing every milestone in a child’s life through gorgeous photos!

Andrea's Studio

Andrea specializes in Newborn and Children’s photographs. She has created some wonderful Baby Plan’s designed to capture your child’s entire first year of life. Wow! Can you imagine having these gorgeous photo’s to represent each milestone of your childs life?  {I’m almost ready to have another baby just so I can…ha ha!}

Newborn Sessions not only make an incredible baby shower gift for a special loved one, but they also include a package of 25 Designer Birth Announcements that they create and design in-house.

Birth Announcements

“Photos don’t belong in a drawer or packed away in a closet, and never ever are meant to lay dormant on a disc under a pile of papers. Photographs from Andrea’s studio are meant to be experienced, shown off, touched, and loved over and over again as a part of your home. Andrea creates designer pieces that fit with the decor of your home with custom framed wall pieces or custom designed albums“. ~Andrea

Clients of Andrea Halsey Photography receive top notch designer service directly from Andrea where she customizes the experience for each client from the photo shoot to wall displays, albums, framed prints, and more!

In addition to the custom work she does, she also hosts monthly Petite Sessions where clients all over can book an all-inclusive session, located at a specialty location, at a nominal price. These specialty sessions include all digital negatives from the photo shoot, as well as an 8×10 Artist’s Choice print. She is booking for June 5th and July 8th right now, so check her out as soon as possible to see if there are spots available for you!

Here are some images taken from both Premium and Petite Sessions:

Trish here:
I just had to add a photo from two years ago of my two boys! I originally chose Andrea due to her vibrant color photographs and her ability to capture children’s spirits. With my youngest son Drake, who is special-needs, photos don’t come easy. I said to her, ” I have trouble getting my photos to show what I see in my children, especially Drake. He is non-verble and has trouble holding his head up. My photos NEVER come out right.” Andrea not only saw what I saw in Drake, she captured a moment between two brothers that I only see in my dreams. She was not afraid to take pictures from different angles and worked with Drakes abilities… not his disabilities!!!

Grant & Drake

Andrea’s elaborate portfolio also includes families, weddings, high school portraits and maternity portraits. For more mouth watering pictures you must go to her website pronto and take it all in!

You can call Andrea and set up a complimentary design consultation to plan out your photo shoot and finished pieces, and to find out more information about booking a session.

www.andreahalsey.com
andrea@andreahalsey.com
336-280-4625

So, Triad are you over the moon for Andrea and her amazing talent?  SEEK and Andrea would love to know what you think!

Abstract art can be a little scary. After all, the rules change. One plus two does not necessarily add up to three in this realm. Instead, the art is all about self-expression. The swirl of a blue line against an orange blob can be more than the sum of its parts. Together, the marks can offer a color vibration or suggest a mood —Maybe they recall the way you felt last August as you watched the summer sun melt into the ocean at sunset. You have to be able to let go of reason to fully experience abstract art and to appreciate it. Sometimes that’s downright terrifying for the right-brainers among us.

To learn more about abstract art, I caught up with local artist, Kris Hohn. Kris is a painter, sculptor, jewelry-maker and an art teacher at New Garden Friend’s School in Greensboro. When she teaches her students about abstract art, Kris puts on some music and asks everyone to close their eyes and draw the way that they feel. “It gives them permission to take it where they want to take it,” she said. “It also teaches them that abstract art isn’t just scribble. It’s about how the marks make you feel—and it’s very liberating.”

Kris’s own painting often begins as an emotional release. “It’s how I work through things,” she said. “I wait for something inside of me to tell me where to take the art. The forms shape in my mind and then I paint them. You can’t force it—it gets too tight and frustrating. You have to let it evolve.”

Many artists throughout history have used similar techniques. Michelangelo would look at his block of marble and wait for the stone to tell him what it wanted to be. He once said, “Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.” This idea of listening to an inner voice is where you can start when enjoying any piece of art—whether it is abstract or realistic.

Kris earned a double major in art and psychology from Guilford College. She currently has a studio at Lyndon Street Artworks, and she exhibits frequently at art markets and festivals in the area. Kris will be at the Glenwood Multicultural Festival on the corner of Grove St. and Glenwood Ave. Saturday, May 16th from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The next time you have a problem at your desk, try this: Close your eyes. Put on your headphones, and just start doodling with a pen and paper. Focus on clearing your mind—visualize letting go of the issue at hand or visualize a successful solution. Draw the way that you feel. When you’re finished, open your eyes and enjoy your doodle. Do you see any forms in the drawing that intrigue you? Are there patterns or repetitions that surprise you? What happened when you tried this?

Your doodle may or may not look like anything realistic and that’s fine. Abstract art is all about the feeling… so congratulate yourself on a job well done and tell us about your abstract experience!

Article by Katie Wall Podracky, a Greensboro artist known for her vivid landscape paintings. Find more of Katie’s musings at www.katiewallart.com.