5 Things...Via designPOST

As I was writing a post for designPOST I realized I needed to share it with my fellow moms too.  I made a list of some things I am loving at the moment and although they are not directly related to Charlotte, they ARE things that you need to know about. Happy wifes happy lifes, right?


Here is my current love list, I'd love to hear about some of your favorites...

Usually I go into a deep depression once summer ends.  Having spent my formative years in California and Florida, I have never felt the necessity for seasons.  Summer and spring work just fine for me!  But this year I am feeling a little giddy for fall.  I am ready for jeans and boots and the cooler weather is making me want to happily hibernate with my family.  There are a couple of other things that I am loving at the moment too. Thanks to Birchbox I have been introduced to some great new cosmetics and thanks to my husband I have been introduced to a great new tv show...

Salvatore Ferragamo: Attimo.  I am very picky about perfume but this one stole my heart.  It smells like something you would smell on that pretty girl in the mall who is dressed perfectly for the season and has great hair.  *I will let you know if my hair improves after wearing this!

makes me smell pretty!

Shopping at the J Crew factory store in Gaffney proved to be a huge success.  Well we called it success, our bank account may call it a set back.  But not nearly as bad as shopping J Crew at regular prices.

Fresh flowers!  It such a simple touch that adds so much life to a room.  My house feels richer just due to the small vases of flowers I have put around.  I will keep this up, I will keep this up, I will keep this up...

Oh, I love how it says "make this!" so casually!  Sure, like it is so simple to have patience and a steady hand, and no interruptions in this house!  My heart will always go pitter-patter for anything covered in chevron stripes!

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My husband and I rarely enjoy the same tv shows.  I just can't understand actually watching baseball.  I get having it on for background noise when you're trying to take a nap but otherwise...? And I just can't seem to to get him to understand the importance of knowing what is going on in the lives of rich, spoiled, delusional housewives.  So aside from Modern Family we were running low on things we could watch together.  That was until... 

laughing makes the heart grow fonder!

5 Things...

5 more reasons to be thankful that you live in Charlotte:


1.  The indoor play space at Carolina Place mall.  I know, I know this mall has not had the best reputation for the last few years due to the people who shop there but this play area really is great for the kids.  I recommend going in the morning before things become crowded.  It is ideal for kids under the age of 5.


2.  Ovens auditorium.  Opened in 1955 this landmark has hosted over 7,00 events! This fall you can catch "Yo Gabba Gabba Live" or the famous "Singing Christmas Tree."  Make sure to visit their site for more shows coming to Charlotte!  


3.  Kids Eat Free.  Charlotte has tons of restaurants that are willing to feed your kiddies for FREE.  Check out the "Kids Eat Free" tab for a listing of participants!


4.  Soccer Shots of Charlotte.  This organization offers programs for kids ages 3-8. My son participated at 3 years old and absolutely loved it!  The coaches are all very skilled at not only soccer but at encouraging kids.  my son still talks about it and we will definitely sign up again.  Check out their site for upcoming registration dates. They meet at various locations around Charlotte so there is sure to be a team in your neck of the woods.


5.  Dish It Out.  Voted the #1 place to have a party by Charlotte magazine, this studio is a blast for kids and adults.  Stop in on Mondays (at either location) for "Monday Fun Day" where kids 12 and younger get 1/2 priced studio fees (all day).  Stop by their site for more information including news about after school programs.

5 Things...

1.  Plaza Fiesta is a little off the beaten path but really is a great place to take your preschool and elementary age children.  It is located across from Carowinds and is visible from I-77.  Plaza Fiesta is a large indoor playspace that has three-levels off slides, tubes, and nooks.  It is set up so that children cannot get past the door attendant without their parent.  Wristbands also ensure safety in case you lose sight of them in all of the equipment.  *Bring a pair of socks!


2.  Summer is officially over for some of you but there are still some great outdoor family activities going on.  Tonight there are two different locations showing outdoor movies:  Symphony Park at Southpark and John J. Delany Dr. in Ballantyne.  Both locations will offer treats and additional entertainment.  Enjoy the evening weather and some quality time with your family while watching Rio or Tangled (Southpark and Ballantyne).  For more info click here for Southpark and here for Ballantyne.


3.  Southern Shows will present the Southern Ideal Home Show beginning at noon today and various times throughout the weekend.  If you are not the winner of our 4-pack giveaway you can also head over for FREE Friday night.  For ticket pricing as well as a $2 off coupon visit their site.


4.  Charlotte's oldest mexican restaurant is reopening it's doors at a new location.  La Paz decided to leave what has been their home for 17 years and head over to a brand new location at the Metropolitan.  You can still enjoy their famous margaritas and great food and now at an even cooler location!  They are doing a soft opening the whole month of August.


5.  Want to expose your inner celebrity?  HGTV's Design Star will be holding an open casting call here in Charlotte.  Although auditions are not until Sept 23rd you may need this head start to complete the very in-depth application!


Enjoy your weekend in our fabulous city!  Hopefully Irene does not bring us any bad weather!!

5 Things...

1.  This weekend is the grand opening of The Container Store at Southpark Mall.  A great stop before the school year begins so you can start out with an organized home, school supplies, and note pads for to-do lists.


2.  This Saturday (and every Saturday through September) Latta Plantation has great FREE activities for all ages.  Start out with storytime at 10:00-10:30am.  Kids will hear a story and then get to meet a special animal friend.  Then the whole family can enjoy a day of pinicking and water activities.  Kayaks and canoes are available for 1 hour increments FREE of charge.  The kids will take a nice long nap after this!


3.  If you haven't been yet, you must schedule a date night at Vivace.  Definitely leave the kids at home and enjoy some drikns and fabulous food.  If the weather is nice make sure to snag one of the outdoor areas upstairs.  There are comfy couches and a great view of the skyline!


4.  For those of you that have joined me in the Couch to 5k training or those that are already runners, there is a great race this Saturday in Charlotte.  The Music Factory 5k Rock n' Run/Walk will begin at 8:00am.  There is breakfast and live entertainment courtesy of The Swingin Richards.  For more info and registration click, here.


5.  All of you fro-yo fiends...TCBY is now offering "treat receipts" meaning that each receipt will now have a coupon for your next purchase!  Head to any of the Charlotte locations.

5 Things...

I often come across great things here in Charlotte that make me so thankful to call this city home.  Big or small, I will bring you 5 things each week that should make you happy to be in the Queen City...


1.  The new(ish) greenway that runs parallel to Kings Dr. has an outpost of Lulu's- the great restaurant located in Plaza Midwood.  It also has a gravel area for playing Bocce Ball.


2.  Montford Dr. has been brought back to life with several great restaurants.  Next time you want to head to the Southpark area, try out Andrew Blair's, 15 North, Good Food, Duckworth's or Brazwell's on this strip!


3.  Imaginon has been updated with lots of new play areas for kids.  They also offer plays, a library, various shows, and it is all for FREE.  Including the parking!


4.  You could make your big TV debut!  With the Showtime series, Homeland filming in Charlotte you could be cast as an extra.  Check out their Facebook page for updates on the type of people they are looking for throughout the week!


5.  If you haven't caught a performance by the Brass Connection head downtown and look out for a group of really talented men and boys playing horns.  You will fall in love with the littlest member.