Blog Posts

4 Ways to Celebrate National Pancake Day-image

February 28 th is the official date for 2024’s National Pancake Day, and this delicious holiday should be on every breakfast lover’s radar.  Due to their simplicity, pancakes have been around longer than you may expect.  Some estimate that pancakes originated as far back as the Stone Age , and it was a dish enjoyed by Ancient Romans, Shakespeare, and more! Pancakes are loved by many and carry a lot of relevance in different cultures around the world. In fact, they’re so loved that IHOP carves out a separate day each year to celebrate – this means two chances each year to indulge in National Pancake Day activities!  There are so many ways to enjoy pancakes that everyone is sure to find a way to take part in this holiday.  Below are just a couple of ways to celebrate this year.  Find A Restaurant With Pancake Deals While IHOP won’t have their special discounts till their brand’s recognized Pancake Day, that doesn’t mean that other breakfast locations won’t have special deals.  Local breakfast spots in the Irving like Brigs and Creedmoor Café both have amazing pancakes on their menu.  It’s always great to shop local and celebrating National Pancake Day might create the perfect opportunity to try a new -or return to a local favorite- restaurant.    If you visit somewhere local, considering tagging them on your social media to drive some traffic to local favs.  Story shout outs will also bring this fun holiday to more people’s radar- sounds like a double win! Throw A Pancake Day Party From an extensive pancake bar, an adorable charcuterie board, or a simple get together, the opportunities are endless for a pancake party!  Get the kids, coworkers, or besties involved for a fun breakfast-themed meal.  With a theme as simple as pancakes, there is room for creativity, individuality, and collaboration.  Bring Your Own Pancake (BYOP) or Bring a Topping to Share are two easy ways to divide the labor and create a fun event! There’s an endless number of ways to spruce up pancakes, and their simple flavor makes them widely enjoyed. Party goers will be able to get as creative or stay as classic as they desire.  Enjoy An Alternative Pancake Option From protein-packed to Nutella-filled, the world of pancakes has never been so diverse.  Head to Pinterest or social media for inspiration and consider trying a brand-new take on the classic pancake.  For example, this cinnamon bun pancake recipe looks like a delicious way to try something different.  Pancakes can also be made to fit a variety of dietary restrictions - vegan, gluten free, keto, dairy free, allergen friendly, and more! There are easy ways to make sure no one is left out this holiday.  Try A New Way of Topping Your Pancake Syrup and butter might be a classic that can’t be beat, but there are a ton of different ways to top your pancake.  From covered in candy to savory, consider trying something new!  You may find a new favorite way to begin the day. It might even be educational to learn how countries around the world top their pancakes.  For example, Norwegian pancakes are often topped with jam and/or a sweet cheese called brunost.  This sounds like a delicious combo and a great educational activity! -  Ultimately, we hope you take some time out of your week to indulge in this fun holiday.  Pancakes may be simple at their core, but National Pancake Day can help you enjoy time with loved ones, reimagine a childhood classic, and learn more about cultures around the world.   

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3 Meaningful Ways to Give Back to Your Cary Community This MLK Day-image

Life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?" - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.   In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King’s contributions, the third Monday of January is celebrated as a "National Day of Service." This day serves as a reminder that we all play a role in creating a better world, whether through volunteering, raising funds or participating in small acts of kindness.  In Cary and at our Morguard communities, there are numerous opportunities to engage in meaningful service on MLK Day and year-round.   Finding Ways to Give Back Volunteer Websites Websites like VolunteerMatch allow you to search for volunteer opportunities based on location, cause, and skills. VolunteerMatch makes it easy to find projects that align with your interests and availability.     Connect directly with Local Nonprofits Many organizations welcome volunteers and can provide information about ongoing projects or specific needs on their websites.  Your workplace, school, or local community might have a non-profit partner that you could connect with.     Consider Participating in The Lodge at Crossroads'  Charitable Initiatives Our Morguard communities nationwide actively engage in initiatives such as holiday donation drives and fundraising for organizations like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Connect with our team or check out  our social page  to discover how residents can participate in these meaningful initiatives. Have fun with whatever you decide to do!  Consider getting your family, friends, or even coworkers involved, and you might be surprised with how much good you can do as a team.   Remember that every small action has the power to create a lasting impact in our neighborhoods. Together, we can continue to build a community that reflects the values that Dr. King advocated for throughout his life.

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