My Adventures at the Downtown Raleigh Home Show
I am a Social Ambassador for the Downtown Raleigh Home Show.
If you are looking for a family-friendly event to attend this weekend and you will be in or near Downtown Raleigh, then head on over to the Convention Center. While you are there, check out the Downtown Raleigh Home Show. Yesterday I, along with my friend Emily, had the chance to attend as one of their social media ambassadors. If you are a fan of HGTV’s home improvement shows than this is right up your alley.
But I will warn you, there is a lot of walking involved at the home show, and you probably need to set a budget for how much you can spend before you go. Because I promise whether it is home improvement items, essential oils, yard art, air fresheners, home decor, or food, you will find something to buy.
Last year I came home with the fish pictured above. He still sits in the Blog Cabin, but where he sits is everchanging, and I think every few months, I move my office around a little. Right now, he is sitting on the floor beside my printer. And believe it or not, besides some nuts from Farrell Farms, which is local to Goldsboro, that was the only thing that I bought last year.
When I set out Friday morning, I hoped that the vendor that I bought the fish from would be there again, because I wanted to add another piece to my collection. Sadly, they weren’t there, but don’t worry, I didn’t go home empty-handed. In fact, I went home loaded. 😉
Yes, I did get another metal work of art, but from a different person. This time I added this adorable puppy planter to my collection. My husband used to be able to make stuff like this at his job when he had free time, but since he changed jobs over a year ago, free time is not something he has. So this puppy was something I knew I wanted to add to my collection. I will admit that it took me several minutes to think about buying it. I just sat there and stared at it and went back and forth. And I almost bought another cheaper dog, but this particular puppy caught my eye because it looked like my Allie. I am happy to say that it now sits near the entrance of the Blog Cabin and I can’t wait until Spring and Summer when I can plant some Portulaca in it and 😉 Just like I do my pig.
If you are wondering what I am talking about when I say Pig, go to my Instagram and see. Isn’t she too cute? Can you believe she was made out of a muffler?
I wasn’t the only one who bought something from the Colonial Wagon & Wheel booth Emily ended up carrying a frog and a crab home with her. I love the use of silverware on these items. I mean, there were even flowers made from spoons.
Oh, and speaking of puppies, you will want to go by the Sit Means Sit Obedience booth and give this cutie some love.
I also came home with one of those upside-down umbrellas. This was a need, not a want. I carry an umbrella in my car at all times. But purchasing a new umbrella, allowed me to give Gracie the smaller one for her car. She just mentioned this week that she needed an umbrella for her car. She has a long walk from where she parks her car in the school parking lot to the front entrance. ( I know you are probably thinking, why didn’t I give her the new one? )The new one is bigger, and Gracie wanted a small one that would be easy to close up and put in her purse if she needed it.
I also got some ideas for upgrades to the Blog Cabin. I would love to replace the windows I have now and put in storm windows. But don’t you think that window boxes like the ones pictured above would look cute on it?
Of course, there were a few other things that I got like this cute Scentsy flower. The scent was so fresh and clean. I have to be careful about what I use because of those pesky migraines. But I still want the Blog cabin to smell nice.
I will admit I totally drooled over all the decor that was showcased. As usual, The Design Haus out of Clayton had some fantastic pieces. And Nomadic Trading Co has some farmhouse tables and ottomans to die for. I mean seriously look at this table can’t you imagine having dinner with all your family around it.
And of course, I had to get my nut fix in and stopped by Farrell Farms again. This time I got four bags as they are having a show special 4 bags for $20.
Also, I do want to give you a few more tips if you are planning on attending the Downtown Raleigh Home Show. Parking in the lot at the North Carolina Association of Educators is only $5 for the whole day. It is a lot about two blocks from the Convention Center. This is the lot to go if you don’t like parking garages, and the attendants there are super friendly.
After we walked back to put our purchases in Emily’s truck, we decided since we were in downtown Raleigh, to walk to go get something to eat. One of the parking attendants suggested The Mecca Restaurant, which is on Martin Street. It is just a few blocks away and totally within walking distance. So we went, and OMG was it ever delicious. Look for a blog post about this restaurant soon.
So tell me, what is your favorite thing to do on the weekend? Hop on over to this post on Instagram and let me know.
