Charlotte's Hog Jog- My First 5K!

Like many cities, Charlotte has a variety of activities for athletes, fitness gurus, or those just interested in a different sense of success. From 5Ks to Triathalons and from racing for fun to racing for cures Charlotte hosts many opportunities.

I found a brochure at the YMCA and my beloved Smoothie King promoting a 5K race titled the Hog Jog. I have never been a part of an organized race, and I don't classify myself as a runner, but there is just something appealing about saying you've done it... and a new pair of yellow running shoes doesn't help either! ha.

I made my younger sister sign up, as well. Saturday morning at 5:45 am my alarm clock blares and I wanted to roll over and pretend I never heard it. BUT after getting up before the sun, heading downtown, and rolling into registration with the fog, I was excited. I felt a little unprepared and a little anxious, but we found the start line, shuffled back a litte, and at 8am we were off!

It was hard, but as the fog lifted and the sun rose over the skyscrappers and trees, it was liberating. It's amazing how I've lived here since the 2nd grade and I've never seen the city in the way I've seen it before. I felt like this was my city and I was getting to know it, personally.

Getting to the finish line was a feat, but seeing people at the end cheering felt like support and drinking that 1st cup of ice cold water tasted like success.

After, they had many vendors, free massages, free fruit and sandwiches, and a concert. I would recommend it to anyone! You can see a list of upcoming races and events at Running Planner and Sport Often.

In the Mood for Food!

Lunch? Snack? Dinner? Here are some great choices in charlotte when you're in the mood for food!
1. HICKORY TAVERN Oysters, Steak, and Fish- The title may be a bit deceiving but their menu definitely isn't! If you are in the mood for a sports grill feel with a touch of sophistication, The Hickory Tavern is your place. They have burgers, sandwiches, steaks, and seafood all for a fantastic price! My family can vouch for the Bayou Salmon (Blackened Salmon & Shrimp over melt-in-your-mouth Rice with Cajun Alfredo, tomatoes, scallions & one side) and the Turkey Club (AWS Bacon, melted Swiss, lettuce, tomato, brown sugar mustard on a freshly baked toasted sesame seed bun).

2. Smoothie King- I seriously go like every day! They have ones to focus on trimming down, building muscle, supplying energy, or just for a delicious snack! They have many enhancers to add to aid dieting, toning, health, and energy. You can also make it a "skinny" by substituting splenda instead of Turbinado. They have so many different flavors but I think my favorite is the Angel Food, however I'm trying a different one every time I go!

I like Smoothie King better than any other smoothie place because they are full of flavor, healthy, and there are so many choices to choose from! They aren't like those watered-down or milky kind that overlap the fruit and flavor. They also sell supplements there such as Muscle Milk, Herbal Supplements, and Protein bars and shake mixes. You get everything you need without all the unhealthy teases and distractions!

3. Just Fresh- This is a great place to eat on your lunch break! It's got the freshest ingredients in town and the taste shows! They have many different sandwiches, salads, and wraps, quick service, and indoor/outdoor optional seating.

4. Mama Ricotta's- This place is still undiscovered for what it has to offer. This Italian place may fool your eye on the outside, but the inside is classy and comfortable. It's an upscale feel with an affordable price. As soon as you are seated, a warm bread basket is delivered. They offer catering, take-out, lunch, dinner, and brunch.

I had the Stuffed Panini French Toast which was filled with warm cream cheese, mascarpone, and bananas. It tasted better than dessert and my mouth waters just thinking about it!

Fall 08 Fashion Trends

Top 10 Fall Fashion Trends & Where to Find Them!
1. Bows- Dress up office wear with bowed shirts or find them on evening dresses. Seen at Express
2. Ruffles and Floral prints. Seen at Forever21
3. Skinny Belts
4. Blue is the new black
5. Plaid- so excited this is coming back! You can look classy, casual, comfortable, and sophisticated all with the same print and the right accessories!
6. Elaborate Necklaces- let them take center stage
7. Liquid Leggings/ Nylon/ Leather
8. Vintage Frocks with black hose and a high heel ankle boot
9. Jewel Tones (red, gold, purple, etc)
10. Leopard

Best Places to find these in Charlotte:
Forever21 at Northlake Mall
Express at Northlake Mall
Charlotte Russe at Concord Mills Mall
Urban Outfitters at South Park Mall

**Style Tips: Pick one trend, don't try to combine them altogether. Make it work for your body type. If it doesn't look good on, don't buy it. Mix Plaid or patterns with solid colors to avoid looking too messy and confusing.

Sacrifice the Calories without Sacrificing the Taste!

At one point in time we have all tried something labeled "low fat" or "non fat" only to resemble buddy-the-elf's expression when he tasted perfume. But here are some tastey treats that satisfy your tongue AND your scale!
-Pillsbury Reduced Sugar Brownies made with Splenda- My picky family didn't know the difference
-Edy's/Dreyer's 1/2 Slow Churned ice cream- they make so many flavors like French Silk Pie, American Idol Cheesecake Diva, Birthday Cake, etc.
-Dreamfield's Low Carb Pastas- taste just like regular pasta
-Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches- The chocolate wafers don't taste like cardboard

Just to name a few! You can find all of these at Harris Teeter grocery stores!

"I know Saint Peter Won't Call My Name"-- Cold Play (Vida la Vida)

A friend of mine pointed out this lyric in Cold Play's Vida la Vida song. I can't let the opportunity pass me by to tell others how their name CAN be written in the Lamb's Book of Life. You may say church isn't for you and God is just not your thing... but you haven't experienced Central Church of God.

We hear technical definitions of religious things, but at Central, you experience these definitions. As I was sitting in the pew, I could feel something that I've never felt before. People are always searching for something to make them complete...love, romance, parties, the gym, alcohol, etc and everything they do can't seem to satisfy.

I felt something powerful, real, and completely satisfying... the Holy Spirit. To me, the Holy Spirit is the power that ignites the soul, no matter the color of your skin, physical appearance, where you've been or where you're going, uniting believers with an uncontrolable passion for one God.

I also came to understand what church was. If you are broken, hurting, happy, lost, etc. you can come shout Halleighlujah, sit in wonder, smile and lift your hands, with others who are seeking the Healer, the Father, the Provider, the Savior. I felt at home, I felt like I was in heaven. And if the best of Earth is the worst of Heaven, I know I want to spend eternity there.

To have your name called out by Saint Peter, all you have to do is Accept that Jesus is Lord. Believe that you're not perfect. and Commit your life to Him. I KNOW without a doubt the Bible is real, prayer is real, and God is real, because when I start reading, praying, and seeking the Lord my life starts changing.

"If you come in to church feeling weak, and leave weak...you ain't been to church!" Every week is a battle, there are hardships and trials, and church is where we go to get strong and feel love... not to feel guilty or like a hypocrite. And a church in Charlotte I strongly recommend is Central Church of God!

Get saved, then get STRONG!

Kissed By The Bulb

Looking to tan in Charlotte? The best place for a membership/monthly package is by far, Palm Beach Tanning. Their prices are great...especially for students! For a level one bed, it's only $19.95 a MONTH!! AND, right now they are offering a great upgrade special...a 2 month unlimited upgrade to the level 3 bed for only $25!

The picture shows my paleness before and the result after only 4 times in the level 3 bed!

They have many locations to choose from. I used to be a member at Ultra Tan, and the beds are even better at Palm Beach!

Hair Care in the QC

(Left) Before & After

When it comes to my hair, I am VERY particular. I want a stylist that listens to what I want and also gives suggestions. I recently got my hair cut at Savvy Salon and Day Spa (where I used to go for highlights when my hair was blonde!)

I absolutely loved my cut and style and I'm normally the one who fakes a smile and then runs home to re-do it to make sure it's not totally haneous. I walked up to the cashier and she said it was $20! I was like holy cow! why so cheap?! (Cuts normally run $45- $60). Summer, the girl who did my hair was still in their training program to become a Savvy Stylist. I recommend her to anyone that wants a bang for their buck and a sassy hair cut!

Fashion Personality

I like to think my style is very eclectic. I am probably classic edge, if there is such a thing. I would say it is more New York inspired as opposed to LA, but it all depends on what looks good. I try to take the trends that look best on my body type and accessorize. I love skinny jeans and heels; denim minis; leggings and fur boots; highwaisted pants, skirts, and shorts.

Passions

I am very passionate about my mind, body, and soul. I am most passionate about the Bible and Prayer. I know God to be real because when I seek Him, I find Him, and my life completely changes. I also love art, from the colorful paintings of the Fauves to the modern show art by Chris Burden. My favorite Artist is Chuck Close. Kickboxing kicks my butt, but I love the way I feel after. I sing, but I don't want to be famous. I love to read self-improvement books from relationship advice to diet tricks to spiritual challenges. I like to travel because I love to be a tourist. I like to photograph things from a tourist's perspective.