Autumn in North Carolina

Fall in North Carolina is gorgeous...We hope you got a chance to see the leaves, but just in case you didn't here are some shots I took while visiting.

   

 The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

 Cabin Fever...

High Cotton!

until next time,

~Country Boy

all photography by MDK Global Design Studios

Small Business Saturday

Hey Y'all!  I know everyone is excited about Black Friday deals and going out at midnight to find the best bargains.  But, on Saturday, I think we should all pledge to Shop Small.  Shop your local businesses- your favorite cupcake spot, your local boutique, that cute little gift shop on Main St.  

Amex has teamed up with local businesses to offer discounts and incentives to Shop Small- to support the Small business owners and grow the economy.  We need to support each other.  We need to support the small guy, not just the big box stores.  

I grew up in a household of small business owners.  

My grandfather owned a General Store for over 50 years.  

 My Aunt and Uncle have owned their own gift shop and toy store on Main Street for over 20 years.

 Something Special and Monkey Business on Main St. Midland.

So, remember the little guy on Saturday.  Just one purchase can make all the difference in their livelihood. 

For those of you in NYC, how about going to Butter Lane cupcakes on Saturday! 

Where will you be shopping on Saturday?  

~City Belle

Something Special

11846 Hwy 601
Midland, NC 28107

(704) 888-3115

We are Thankful

Williams Sonoma

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!  

We are so thankful for each other, our family, our friends, our readers, and all of the blessings we have received.  We have so much to be Thankful for. 

We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and we hope you realize all that you are thankful for today. 

Gobble, Gobble, 

~Country Boy & City Belle 

Autumn in New York

Fishing in Central Park?  You betcha! It's Autumn in Manhattan and it's absolutely gorgeous...Not as pretty as North Carolina...but this is a City, so what do you expect?

 It's our favorite time of year again when the leaves are changing colors and the late afternoons are perfect for being outside.  Here a father and daughter share a loving embrace as they enjoy the scenery surrounding Central Park. 

 Fall is a fallin'

Fall has fell....

 I love turtles....don't know why I just do and I found these guys just hanging out...

 Apparently this shutter bug liked the turtles too...I caught her snapping a shot.

This lil' guy was NOT afraid of a Country Boy one bit.  He stood his ground as I got down on my hands and knees to get the perfect shot.

A horse and carriage stroll along while an old man plays a fiddle.

until next time,

Country Boy

all photography courtesy of MDK Global Design Studios

Napkin Know-How

Onekingslane.com

Have you ever wondered how to fold a napkin like you see in the magazines or dress a table that looks like that of your favorite restaurant?  Well, since Thanksgiving is in a couple of days, I thought I would share this tid-bit of Napkin Know-How from One Kings Lane. 

I am definitely saving this tutorial for when I can entertain somewhere with a real dinner table instead of our ottoman in our tiny NYC apartment.  

Until then, Happy Entertaining!

~City Belle

All photos from One Kings Lane

Cha Cha Chocolate

Hey Y'all!  Sorry it's been awhile.  We have been busy enjoying the unseasonably warm weather in NYC before it gets bitter cold outside.  Can you believe Thanksgiving is in 3 days?  Wow!  Time really flies.  

Country Boy surprised me with a treat the other night. He had started his Christmas shopping and came home with this...  

A box of Cha Cha Chocolate from KateSpade and MarieBelle chocolates.
You know how much I love both Kate Spade and Chocolate!

In usual Kate Spade fashion, the packaging was amazing. 

80% Charming, 20% Rebellious

There were 3 of each flavor-Chocolate Caramel, Fleur de Sel Caramel and Coffee Caramel.

Look at those gorgeous painted chocolates

Country Boy did a good job!

As you can see, we really enjoyed it 

 Ha!  Chocolate doesn't last long in this household! 

Happy Monday, 

~City Belle

The Burger Joint

 It was gorgeous this weekend-clear skies and a little chilly.  So, Country Boy and I decided to venture over to the west side to try another great top-rated burger spot in the city.  See here when we tried PJ Clarke's.  This time we wanted to try a different joint. 

The famous hidden Burger Joint at Le Parker Meridien. 

Flickr

 When we got to the posh hotel, this was the scene.  A line marked with rope near the large curtain.  The Burger Joint is hidden behind that curtain.  There is no sign, only a neon burger sign in the corner to distinguish "this is it."   It's a dive type place in a fancy hotel.  Yep! 

Instagram City Belle

This is what lies behind that curtain.  Behind the fancy lobby is a true dive joint with writing on the wall, vintage posters, old grandma like chandeliers, and a 1970s TV secured to the wall.  The place probably seats around 20 people max.  It looks like a "greasy spoon" or side-of-the-road diner back in NC.   But no, this is in a fancy boutique hotel off of 6th Ave.  Ha!

Instagram City Belle

You wait in line to order your burger. The menu is extremely basic and written in magic marker that has smudged over the years.  NO fancy extras here y'all.  Just a burger and fries and a beer or soda.  

Le Parker Meridien

This place is so famous that they even have menu cards in other languages (Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, and French) so that foreigners can circle what they want instead of trying to explain it in English.  We got 2 Cheeseburgers (well done) with the works and an order of fries.  It was delicious.  Just like we like it.  Not pretentious.  Just a good classic.  

We can mark it off the list.  

If you are in town and don't mind waiting in line, check it out. 

Until next time, 

~City Belle