Teacup of Kindness - Randomness #15-13

It is exciting to know that I am halfway through my year of challenges and random acts. In July I had mentioned in a previous post that I hit a few bumps in the road, but August has really refreshed my desire to keep the ball rolling!

#15- In July I put together little gift bags to give away to people as I passed through town. These bags consisted of crackers, sunglasses, rain poncho, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc. I also packed a big cooler bag full of water, and headed out to town. Andrew and I had brunch in the city, and then proceeded to walk from one end of the harbor to the other. I was hoping to hand the gift bags out to people who were in need, and if I saw workers out and about hand them water (police directing traffic etc). Low and behold we did not come across a single person. I was a little upset, but thought I'll do this another day (Andrew brought up a very good point that were not any events going on for there to be people out and about like I was expecting). I put the items in my car and drove around for a week hoping to give them out when I was stopped at a light. I'm pretty sure either every road I travel, or the times I am driving, people were avoiding me. I think it's just been poor planning on my part. I have since left the items in my car and given out a few bottles of water to people that I passed. I was not going to count the bags and the few bottles I've given out because it has been so few. But I think as long as I keep them in car, and distribute to those that need them, my goal has been achieved.

#14- I made myself a cheerleader this month for a local race. Andrew and I went to Centennial Park at 7AM one morning and cheered on those that were participating in the Iron Girl. We had two friends that were running, and I thought it would be fun to go early to cheer on everyone as they came through the finish. When we first got to the event we watched the racers come out of the water and run to their bikes. Then we watched some of the racers take off on their bikes and head to the road. After a bit we walked over to the finish line, and stood pretty close to the finish. As racers began to come through, we cheered for each one as they came through and clapped. A few of the ladies as we cheered held up their hands and cheered back as they ran through the finish. We screamed extra hard when our friends came through the finish line as well. When we were walking back to our car we continued to cheer on the bikers as we passed, and some even waved back. Every race I run I always feel more motivated when people are rooting for me to finish strong. I am glad I was able to return the favor to some awesome ladies!

#13- I did something I labeled "quarter-bombing". While we were on vacation a few weeks ago I left quarters in the pressed penny machines, and the binocular machines. As we were eating lunch by the lake I was able to watch a few kids walk up to the machine and get super excited when they could see to the other side of the lake! In addition I left quarters in the soda machines at work, and in the fish food machines around the lake. I thought this one was really fun because I imagine the people who came to the machines got a really nice surprise, and hopefully it brightened their day.

Teacup of Trendy: Foodie Review

Restaurant: The Pit

For this little ditty I thought I'd make note of a really good restaurant in the south. We first went to Raleigh, NC two years ago for my boyfriend's godson's birthday. This was our first time in Raleigh, NC and we were trying to find a good place to try BBQ. So what does anyone do when they are in a new town? Check out the Man vs. Food and the Diners, Drive-ins, and Dive websites for dining choices of course!

In fact, it was so good, I went back again this year when I was in Raleigh, NC.

The restaurant is tucked away in the southern part of the city on Davies Street. When you first arrive you have the option of valet parking or finding metered parking on the street. The first time we went we parked on the side of the street in a metered spot, the second time we did valet. Either way it is pretty easy to find parking at this restaurant.

When you walk in the decor and atmosphere are really one of a kind. It is upscale classy mixed with warm colors and down-home cooking. You have the option of hanging out in the bar, or sitting in the dining area. A neat feature of their restaurant is their wine cellar in the middle of the restaurant that you can look through to view their selections. It looks very high tech, but I'm sure it involves a step ladder.

All of the staff that I have encountered are very friendly, and knowledgeable about the area. Our server was very attentive, and gave us just enough space that she didn't feel like she hovering (which is one of my biggest pet peeves). Each time that I went we were able to be seated immediately, didn't have a wait. I imagine on the weekends the wait time is pretty long, but it is well worth it to enjoy the food.


The first time I went we shared a plate of fried green tomatoes, which did not disappoint. For my main course I enjoyed the chopped pit turkey with sides of mac n cheese and sweet potato fries. I do like my carbs. This was probably some of the best BBQ I have had in a long time.

The second time I visited we shared the pumpkin skillet cornbread. If you go, please order this, it is delicious. For the entree I got the fried chicken with sweet potato fries and mac n cheese. These two sides were so good I had to get them twice. The fried chicken was so fresh, and the skin was very crispy. Both dishes I have ordered from here were not rushed, and tasted as if thought was put into them.

Most of the time when we go to new cities I like to try new restaurants, but we will be going back here again. This is a restaurant that provides a new experience each time you go!

Rating: FULL CUP OF TEA

Teacup of Fun - #6b Food Fight!

I think my favorite thing about Livingsocial or Groupon is that they always have a great list of fun things to do. I wish I could buy them all up, but I do have to be picky. That is where I stumbled upon this little gem... Tomato Bash. This is a giant tomato food fight at the Frederick Fairgrounds where you literally turn yourself into a giant ketchup packet.

My boyfriend and I got tickets to this event, and I found out that a few of my high school friends were going. Super fun time full speed ahead!

We got there a few hours before the event started to enjoy the pre-fight festivities. I'm pretty sure we could have just walked in without paying as no one was regulating the gate, but I am glad I could contribute to the tomato purchase for the day. There was a DJ playing music, a costume costume (and there were some pretty hilarious costumes), a beer garden, and of course a foam machine. It rained the entire time we were there, and luckily it stopped right before the fight started.

We got into the arena a few minutes after the tomato fight began and it seemed like all of the tomatoes were already gone. It was basically scooping up chunks of tomato or tomato sauce and throwing it at people near you. Because the tarps on the ground were so slippery they were turned into a slip n slide. I tried going down them a few times but ended up doing a belly flop the first time, and then only slide a few feet the second time losing my shoes in the process.

This was an awesome event, and I was able to check something off my bucket list... participate in a giant food fight!