*Finding FUN in Charlotte*

I recently was out rollerblading, yes, I said ROLLERBLADING, out in Freedom Park, when a guy gave me a business card to join their rollerblading meet-up group called the Charlotte Bladers. I went to the website, and found that this is an awesome place to find people in your area doing what you love to do!

It's www.meetup.com and they have all sorts of groups that you can join: kickball, rollerblading, flag football, and a variety of events that are not limited to sports and recreation! I used to look at Craig's list for activities in Charlotte, but this is totally different. Every member has a profile, yet it doesn't give out your personal info.

If your looking to get involved in your community and just having trouble finding a place to fit in... I strongly suggest you check this site out!!!

CharlotteONE

Just graduate from college and looking for a place to fit in? Most churches lack in ministries that pertain to Singles/Young Adults. If they do have a ministry, sometimes it can be full of people using it as a dating market instead of a place for fellowship and making friends. David Hickman is the Director of this awesome program in Charlotte that is your source for connecting with young adults all over the city. The people that go age from 20's - 30's and some beyond and below that. People from all different churches meet at First United Methodist Church downtown, close to Rock Bottom, for an amazing night of coffee, worship, and a message. You can choose to go out to Rock Bottom for discounted appetizers and some extra fellowship.

It is a seasonal based program, but there are 3 meetings during the summer. It starts back again in August. You can find more information at CharlotteONE.org

This season we have talked about relationships, God's Will, love, and much more and God has done so much. We also joined together and set up a homeless shelter, getting rooms ready to move in. They even took it a step further to get the residents involved. They hosted a dinner and then invited the people they met to a CharlotteONE meeting after. I'm so blessed to have a ministry like this, because after college, you realize how alone you are in this world. It's up to you to make things happen and to get to where you want to be and I encourage you to try CharlotteONE and see that there is a God and fellow believers that all want you to get involved and fill that void!

Awesome Talent!

I happened to be searching craig's list in the artist section and stumbled across a wire portrait artist. The artist creates great sculptural accents based off a photograph. These pieces grabbed my attention immediately, because it is first of all, such a unique talent, and second of all, such a unique gift! It would make a great house-warming gift, coffee table decoration, or framed work of art! With many weddings, graduations, etc, it is difficult to find unique gifts. These wire portraits are personal, yet beyond the idea of a drawn portrait.

Visit the artist's blog for more info!
http://wiremation.blogspot.com/

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!