Durham Biz: Parker+Otis

Remember that handy-dandy list I've been making for you about why to love Durham, North Carolina? Well, whip it out and grab a pen, because I have yet another lovely reason to tack on: Parker + Otis! If you haven't dropped in on this lovely Durham establishment, plain and simple: you're missing out. Nestled between Duke Street and Gregson Street, P+O is the perfect spot to grab breakfast or lunch, do your vino shopping AND grab a coffee all in the same adorable place! It's a melting pot of many culinary delights with a bakery, deli, and coffee+tea bar!

But wait, there's more! On top of some of the most fantastic drinks, paninis, salads and sweets galore, P+O is a beautiful market where you can find bags, cookware, marinades, stationery, seasonal decor - I could go on! Did I also mention they have a fantastic beer and wine section? I know what you're thinking. It's everything you could possibly ever need, right?

Bonus time! Yes. There's more...big, covered deck for long lunches or short chats with hot tea? Check. Friendly and helpful staff? Check. Gift wrap available? Check. Plenty of indoor seating to accommodate those high-traffic lunch hours? Check. By "lunch" they mean open til 7 or 8 pm? Check.

Images via {here}

It sounds too good to be true - I promise you, it's real! Check it out for yourself! While you're there, grab a lemon sugar cookie. They are to die for!

xoxo,
Kat

alivia's

Tonight was a prime example of why I not only love living in North Carolina, but more so why I love living in Durham, North Carolina. My parents, my boyfriend, Eric and myself were at a loss for where to head to dinner. It's about 70's degrees outside, a few clouds, but nothing threatening. And a very important detail: the humidity is low. We decide we want to eat outside.

My parents home is in the dead center between downtown Durham and downtown Chapel Hill. My dad instinctively turned right onto Erwin Road headed toward the Bull City. We ended up parking in the Brightleaf Square lot next to Fishmonger's thinking we'd have plenty of options. We spotted a few tables open in the outdoor patio at Alivia's and gravitated in that direction. I had never eaten there before and was excited to try something new.

We started with a light crab cake appetizer. The cakes were small, but flavorful. I sipped on a Leinenkugel Sunset Wheat (a Chicago favorite) draft. For my dinner I had the ahi tuna with cream caper sauce and fresh veggies. Very light, very tasty. Dish of the night goes to my dad, pork tenderloin with sweet chutney and mashed sweet potatoes. Those potatoes melted in your mouth. We had great, attentive service. I'm not sure if the environment made my food taste better but it certainly didn't hurt.

Downtown Durham was buzzing with people. An opening band was revving up their amps over the wall at James Joyce. The cross walks stayed busy with pedestrians. Alivia's was steady throughout our 2-hour stint on the patio. It was refreshing to see my hometown alive. 

I heart Durham.

xoxo

Katherine

happy birthday to me

I've celebrated my 24th birthday recently and it was a good one. I admit I was not looking forward to this birthday. Of course I am much too young to start the typical habit of women wanting to reverse their age. Honestly, I wasn't excited because I had just gotten used to telling people I was 23. I don't want to have to reteach myself. Again. I suppose I'll get over that tiny, insignificant detail.

On the upside, I did have a really great birthday! First of all, I had the day off from work. Which is a weight off the shoulders. My sister surprised me with a very creative birthday card consisting of a lot of post-it notes on our bathroom mirror. What a fun way to start my day!

My parents and my brother took me out to lunch. We went to Watts Grocery on Broad Street in Durham. (Sidenote: for all of the people who hate on Durham all the time, you're sadly mistaken my friends. Durham rocks my socks! Especially its delightful selection of restaurants.) I had the most delicious Ruben sandwich, ever. We also nibbled on some cheese hush puppies with basil mayo dip (yum-o!) and pralines and cream ice cream sandwich! Overall, an amazing experience.

Then my brother surprised me with a Holly Aiken clutch that I've been stalking online for about two months now. It was like he read my mind! It is truly a beautiful piece of artwork that happens to be a handbag. Phenomenal combination if you ask me :)

Then my parents surprised me with a card! In the card they told me they were going to help me buy a new computer! I cried I was so happy (slightly embarassing, but totally unavoidable). My ThinkPad no longer thinks, I believe it's gone into a coma of sorts. It turns on, but it makes this really weird noise like it's about to take off. Needless to say, it's time for an upgrade!

So my technologically savvy big brother took me computer shopping! Typically, he won't shop with me, but this is right up his alley. No dressing rooms or opinions on color - just geeky computer stuff. (Plus he's shopping for a computer too). We went to the Mac store at Southpoint (which is open from it's fabulous renovations - FYI!). We talked to one of the guys there and he helped me figure out which computer would be the best fit for my needs and wallet. Then we ventured to Best Buy to check out options for a PC. Within a few hours, I felt I knew more about computers than I'd ever thought possible. After a lot of consideration I've decided to go with a Mac Book laptop! I don't think it's possible to be more excited! :)

After a fun afternoon with the brother, my boyfriend picked me up for a special dinner. I love it when he dresses up :) He took me to a restaurant called Nana's (another phenomenal Durham eatery). We had the most delectable risotto appetizer. I would kill for that recipe!

By the time I got home, I was exhausted, but it was an amazing day with a lot of people I love so much!

Not to mention all the awesome phone calls, emails and facebook shout outs! I have the coolest friends ever! I even received a few birthday gifts today! My lovely friend Ashley sent me a red hydrangea in memory of our awesome summer in Chi-town last year - hopefully I'll keep this plant in better shape than the Chicago one. And my amazing friend Alex sent me tickets to see Zac Brown Band in Raleigh! WOOT! I'm so incredibly lucky to have awesome people in my life!

So overall, turning 24 hasn't been so bad. In fact, it may just be the best birthday yet!