Mondays, amiright? While we all dread the end of the weekend (hey, Sunday scaries)—there’s a new trend emerging for all the corporate babes attempting to avoid burnout. Enter “Bare Minimum Mondays”—essentially putting personal well-being over work (what a concept!). Think going for a run, reading a book or getting your nails done rather than hopping right to your email inbox bright and early on a Monday morn.
From the mind of self-employed digital creator Marisa Jo Meyes, the concept of #BareMinimumMondays leans into fielding some of the stress away from the start of the workweek and setting boundaries with the powers that be a la office culture—see also quiet quitting and “The Great Resignation.”
So is it slacking or self-care? You be the judge. … While stress is no joke—studies from the American Institute of Stress have revealed 94% of people report feeling stress at work, with two-thirds suffering related sleep-loss and ~1 million Americans missing work each day due to stress—only time’ll tell if the bare minimum beats the grind. Will procrastinating the source of your anxiety amp it up or mellow out what’s got your mind in a muddle from 9–5… and at 3am? #MentalHealthMonday or bust!
Hey, yolks! Raise a toast with us to our morning meal picks.
Some say breakfast is the most important meal of the day—and there’s a celeb out there chomping on cornflakes with orange juice for her breakfast/brain food. Here, what we are (or aren’t) munchin’ on in the morn.
“When I have time, I love having an egg and avocado on top of Trader Joe’s GF Norwegian Crispbread. But when I have to dash out of the house I grab a Kind protein bar. And always coffee!”
“I almost always have the following three things: coffee, banana, peanut butter. Either in a smoothie form or PB/banana on toast with a side of coffee. 😊”
Cheetie Kumar and Paul Siler bringing bold Middle Eastern eats to Five Points.
Photos by Baxter Miller
Bring on the next delicious chapter! Slated to open this spring—and bringing a culinary respite to the Five Points district—is Ajja (the Hindi/Urdu word for “come over”), the newest concept from star chef Cheetie Kumar and partner Paul Siler. Located adjacent to Anisette Sweet Shop and feat. a sprawling covered patio and outdoor bar with DTR views for days, Ajja will serve up equal parts inviting atmosphere and mouthwatering Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare.
Raleigh Magazine chatted with Kumar about the resto, the inspo and what might be next for that Garland space.
What inspired you to make the move to Five Points?
Our operation at Martin Street was three spaces with three businesses Paul and I operated—two of which have finally reopened for the first time since the pandemic in the last few months. Neptunes is being operated by Martin and Erin Wheeler, and we are excited to pass the baton to them. It’s also been so amazing to see Kings evolving into a community space with several stewards guiding its next steps. With Garland, we needed a new start.
Any plans for the OG Garland space?
Once things are more settled, we will figure out what’s next for that space. We still hold the lease on the building. (Stay tuned!)
Why the leap to Middle Eastern/Mediterranean cuisine?
Garland explored many regions of Asia, including the Middle East. With Ajja, we are excited to focus on just the region of West Asia and beyond. That part of the world has a rich story to tell about spices and the migration of foodways. With Ajja’s menu, we will continue to work with NC growers, farmers and purveyors in a vibrant indoor/outdoor neighborhood restaurant.
Why Five Points?
Five Points provided a great real estate opportunity that revealed itself early during the pandemic and we had to take it.
The inspo for Ajja?
Like many of my chef peers, I draw inspiration from all restaurants and great dining experiences.
How is your new spot upping the ante on the Raleigh restaurant scene?
Ajja’s intimate building footprint, paired with an expansive outdoor seating area, will be a surprise and delight. The outdoor space will have a great impact on the restaurant itself and help inform the vibe of the overall experience. And people might not realize that the outdoor space offers an amazing view of Downtown—we are less than 2 miles away with a clear shot of the skyline.
Earth to Raleigh… here’s a slew of ways to show our planet it rocks this Earth Day.
Our world revolves around Earth Day—and we hear going green is in this season! So for what it’s Earth, here’s where to relish in Mother Nature and show our planet some love April 22 (and every other day too!).
Lake days for the win! Grab your paddle for a foray out on the water; lace those sneaks up for a stroll; or grab a seat at one of the park’s picnic tables. … We lake that a lot!
Water you doing this Earth Day? Take a trip to this NC State gem hidden away on the university’s centennial campus for an open-air meal spot, a paddle or a jog along the greenway trail.
Calling all happy campers! Trek the trails via this respite from the hustle and bustle of Raleigh livin’. Find a plethora of hiking ops, three man-made lakes (!), picnic shelters, fishing spots and camping areas to boot.
Sprawl on the grass and gape at the skyline or join the community ahead of Earth Day April 21 to explore environmentally conscious vendors, play games, give some love to the City of Raleigh Environmental Awards and watch WALL-E.
Somebody put “Heal the World” by Micheal Jackson on blast ASAP. And check out ways to roll up your sleeves on Earth Day—and during National Volunteer Week—to clean up our city with this org… “one piece at a time.”
Make your way to Moore Square for a daylong event feat. workshops, educational chats and other Earth Day activities to keep ya grounded. … That’s pretty neat!
We’re flippin’ out for these local ’tails around town benefiting Skate Raleigh.
Roll up to one of these local bars throughout April for sips in support of Skate Raleigh that’ll have you jumping for joy. Conlon Family Skate Park is located between Capital Boulevard and Peace Street (aka the land expected to one day become Smoky Hollow Park) and construction broke ground on the park a few weeks back.
Sig Hutchinson, chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners, emphasizes the park will not only be fun and inviting, but will also fill a need in the city.
“Skateboarders have a hard time finding a place to do their sport, and so they tend to go places where they aren’t necessarily welcome,” he says. “This provides that opportunity to give them a safe place to practice where they can feel at home with their buddies—and they and their parents know that they’re going to be OK, and they’re going to be safe.”
