Update: Unfortunately, all Painted Tree Boutiques closed in the Raleigh area in 2026, just a few short months after I wrote this post. You can still support Freedom Ride Rescue by visiting their main website, https://www.freedom-ride.org/

Shopping for gifts under one roof, such as in a mall, can be a blessing for busy people. But busy malls aren't my favorite places to be during the holidays. In contrast, my sixteen-year-old daughter loves the mall.  I prefer local, intimate mom-and-pop shops. 

A place where some local business owners carefully curated the items in their shop. You get my vibe?  If you have the same shopping style, then you need to browse in the Painted Tree Boutiques in Cary, N.C. 

This store's slogan is "the big way to shop small." It's amazing. You really need to set aside several hours if you are walking into this store for the first time. Literally, lunch at my favorite Cary Sushi restaurant, Kashin Japanese Restaurant, and browsing the Painted Tree Boutiques is a full-day agenda. Once you become a frequent shopper and know the vendors, you can pop in quickly (Maybe). 

I popped into Painted Tree last month to take some photos to help Freedom Ride Rescue market its vendor booth, where 100 percent of all proceeds go to the rescue's operating budget. My chiahuahua, Hannah, was rescued from Freedom Ride, and I volunteer at their adoption events when my schedule allows. 

This would be a quick in-and-out type of thing. I was so naive. It took me 30 minutes to find the Freedom Ride booth. By the time I finally decided to ask a worker about its location, I already had my Mom's Christmas gift in my hand. This store is impressive.  

From local artisans to sports to pet lovers, there is something for everyone in this store. The Home Decor shops are my favorite. That's where I got lost browsing. I skipped the fashion boutiques because my daughter was in the car, running, waiting for me. 

Freedom Ride's booth is adorable with so many affordable finds. The rescue also uses the space to showcase dogs looking for homes. "Painted Tree has given Freedom Ride Rescue an entirely new audience!" explained Freedom Ride Founder, Mollie Doll. Our 'Backyard' space is filled with dog-themed items for sale and general info about our rescue!! The booth is managed by Gwenn Glotnis, one of our core volunteers AND a FRR adopter!"

The Painted Tree Boutiques is open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm at 240 Crossroads Boulevard in Cary, N.C.

Learn more about Freedom Ride Rescue and how you can volunteer, donate, foster, and/or adopt a new family member.

The Mid-Century Pineapple Cheese Ball

The pastor's wife at the church submitted a recipe that caught my attention. It looked easy to make, so I made what I now have coined The Mid-Century Pineapple Cheese Ball for a holiday gathering that year. My guests raved about it. I made that same cheese ball until I moved to Raleigh. 

Once living in Raleigh, I forgot about that pineapple cheese ball until I resurrected it for a fellow parent all-star cheer team social in 2022, 

Cheeseballs were at the height of their popularity in the forties during wartime for budget-friendly reasons. During my Southern upbringing, cheeseballs were fashionable for parties. 

Bringing a Southern Classic into our Modern Kitchen 

• The Base: Use high-quality, organic cream cheese for a cleaner profile.
• The Texture: Instead of standard canned options, opt for crushed pineapple packed strictly in its own natural juices (no added sugars or heavy syrups). You can also use fresh pineapple from the produce sections. We have so many more options.
• Shop Local Produce:  I highly recommend sourcing fresh, local pecans. If you are in the Raleigh area, a quick trip to the NC State Farmers Market will yield incredible, locally grown pecans that add a buttery, crisp texture far superior to anything prepackaged on a supermarket shelf. NC pecan season starts in late October. 

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Chill time: 2+ hours (Perfect for making the morning before your gathering)
• Yield: 1 large cheese ball

• 2 packages (8 oz each) premium cream cheese, thoroughly softened
• 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, completely drained (press out all excess moisture with a paper towel)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
• ¼ cup green bell pepper, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons sweet yellow onion, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon seasoned salt (The original recipe used Lawry's seasoning) 
• 2 cups local North Carolina pecans, finely chopped (for rolling)

1. Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Combine: Fold in the completely drained crushed pineapple, sharp cheddar cheese, minced green pepper, minced onion, and seasoned salt. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Shape & Chill: Spoon the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Bring the corners of the wrap together, twisting the top to mold the cheese blend into a firm, smooth ball. Place it in the refrigerator for at least two hours to set up.
4. The Pecan Crust: Just before serving, spread your finely chopped pecans evenly across a shallow plate or cutting board. Remove the cheese ball from the plastic wrap and gently roll it through the pecans until the entire surface is completely coated.
5. Serve Elegantly: Place on a vintage mid-century platter or a modern charcuterie board alongside upscale artisanal crackers, crisp celery sticks, and fresh grapes.

During cold and flu season, you can also make this recipe for individual servings. You can make two dozen small balls for individual servings, each with a cracker.  Below photo is size exmaple. 

Shop some of my favorite entertaining essentials that will work great for this recipe at a fall tailgate.