Today Charlotte Woman January 2015 by Sharon Simpson

VOL 18 | NO 9 | COMPLIMENTARY

Ring In The

New Year!

JANUARY 2015

Extreme Explorers Alisa Goldstein & Family Conquer All 59 National Parks

Saving The Great Outdoors Margaret Brantley & The Carolina Thread Trail

Out With The Old In With The Bold, New You

Bothered by Receding Gums? NEW Patented “Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation”™ Technique Provides Immediate Results As seen on

If you’ve been suffering from unsightly gum recession, you’re more likely to have tooth sensitivity and pain, root cavities, or even early tooth loss. Now there’s an easy, comfortable way to treat it here in Charlotte! The Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation™ (PGR) Technique is a patented, minimallyinvasive alternative to traditional gum grafting, but without all the negative side effects.

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Crystal Durham, who drove over 4 hours to have PGR done is thrilled with the results.

Dr. Chris Bowman is among the first 16 general dentists in the world licensed and trained to provide Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation™. He is the first dentist in the Southeastern US to perform the procedure. Dr. Bowman is a leading Charlotte cosmetic dentist, a Six Month Smiles Clinical Instructor, and an international dental author and speaker. He has been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX.

Inside This Issue

10 6

Editor’s Note For The Love Of Land

Girl Power Eat, Shop, Drink & Be Powerful

12 Nurturing Nature

Margaret Brantley Works To Save Green Spaces

18 Exercising Her Rights Blogger Whitney Hetzel Seeks Balance

18 22 Style A Bold New You

30 Dwellings Simplify Your Life & Declutter Your Home

36 Health Flash www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015 4

An Apple A Day & Other Wisdom

38 Extreme Explorers Alisa Goldstein & Family Visit All 59 National Parks

50 Queen’s List Goings On Around Town

OnTheCover Ringing in the New Year. On Model: Ear cuff, $25; tassel ring, $20; square ring, $20; All Things Fabulous.

PHOTO BY GLENN ROBERSON.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL C. HERNANDEZ

From The Editor » By Karsen Price

Volume 18, Number 9 January 2015

For The Love Of Land

Karsen Price Editor Editor@todayscharlottewomanmag.com

Sharon Simpson Publisher sharon@todayscharlottewomanmag.com

Trisha Robinson Sales Executive Trisha@todayscharlottewomanmag.com

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015 6

s a kid growing up in the late 1970s and ’80s in south Charlotte, we didn’t talk about green spaces or preservation. This was back when Bank of America was known as NCNB, and people didn’t regularly ask each other, “And, where are you from?” Recycling was unheard-of; you put your trash in the ground, where it magically regenerated into organic matter (or so we thought). Trees, creeks and pastureland weren’t considered in danger; there was plenty to go around! Charlotte was a sprawling city, to be sure, with rural suburbs clustering along the edges of the city limits. But overall, the landscape was relatively similar, day in and day out. The city was the city, the country was the country, and nothing seemed in danger. All was as it should be. At least, that was the perspective I had as a child growing up on the edges of the city, fishing in Steele Creek, running wild in the woods, and swimming regularly in Lake Wylie, which we called “the river.” We know that has all changed. The infusion of big banks helped transform Charlotte from being the largest city in North Carolina to the banking hub of the Southeast. We suddenly had big britches to fill, and with that came massive growth. Fast-forward to the present, and Charlotte’s landscape changes daily, with the growth curbed only temporarily by the Great Recession. Now that we are enjoying prosperity again (knock on wood), growth is

again the name of the game. This growth can make it hard to navigate Charlotte. Landmarks disappear overnight, roads continue to change names, and track neighborhoods pop up with regularity. While we all know that growth can be good, it still stings to lose the places that lived in your line of vision for decades; places that now live only in your heart. As a result, I find myself enormously grateful for the creation of the Catawba Lands Conservancy. When I first heard about the Conservancy and the Carolina Thread Trail a few years ago, I remember thinking, “What’s the catch?” It seemed too good to be true that there was an organization that cared as passionately as I did about saving the beautiful green spaces of the Queen City and beyond. It’s not too good to be true. CLC is real, and for evidence, turn to our profile on Margaret Brantley on page 12. The images alone speak to my heart, as I’m sure they will to any native Carolinian or nature lover. This New Year, we all have hopes and dreams. But we also have the power to work for good. There are things each of us can do to make the world a better place, and causes we can choose to honor with donations of time and/or money. For me, I will be making a donation to the Catawba Lands Conservancy … for the love of all green spaces. If you would like to join me, visit Catawbalands.org.

Beth Packard Sales Executive Beth@todayscharlottewomanmag.com

Taylor Buckley Sales Executive Taylor@todayscharlottewomanmag.com

Kerrie Boys Creative Director kerrieboys@gmail.com

Social Media Director Michele Chastain mac21268@yahoo.com Style Editor Stacee Michelle • stacee.michelle@mail.com Contributing Writers Kathleen E. Conroy Dana Durham Beth Howard Lauren Levine Dawn Liles Renee Roberson Contributing Photographers Ken Noblezada Andrea Perullo de Ledesma Glenn Roberson www.todayscharlottewomanmag.com www.facebook.com/TodaysCharlotteWoman Mission statement:Today’s Charlotte Woman celebrates the lives, loves and endeavors of the women of Charlotte. Our mission is to inspire and motivate our community through well-written editorial content, artful photography and elegant design. The magazine will enlighten, engage and entertain its readers, ever seeking to spotlight the unbreakable strength that is the heart of Today’s Charlotte woman. P.O. Box 1676 • Cornelius, NC 28031 704.677.9159 Today’s Charlotte Woman is published by Venture Magazines LLC, and is distributed on a complimentary basis throughout the greater Charlotte area. Subscription rate is $20 per year for 12 issues. Copyright© 2015 Venture Magazines LLC All rights reserved. Copying or reproduction, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited. Today’s Charlotte Woman and Venture Magazines LLC, do not necessarily endorse the views and perceptions of contributors or advertisers.

Girl Power » In The Moment » By Renee Roberson » Photo By Glenn Roberson www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015 8

GIRLPOWER Eat, Shop, Drink & Be Powerful

The Body Medical Intuitive Christine Lang Reveals What Your Body Is Telling You untersville resident Christine Lang was working as a corporate attorney when, tired of her persistent allergies, she began researching ways to eliminate them for good. She delved into alternative medicine and tai chi classes, and soon she not only cured her allergies, but also discovered she had the ability to see energy, even if she didn’t understand why at first. Lang began studying homeopathic medicine, Buddhism, tai chi and meditation. She then studied reiki, a form of energy healing that promotes the body’s ability to heal. These days, Lang uses her gifts by working as a medical intuitive, where she helps clients understand how their physical symptoms actually carry messages from their spirits. Lang has worked as a medical intuitive for the past 18 years, with a focus on helping clients better understand their own mind/body/spirit connection. By working as a translator, Lang listens to a person’s spirit to discover underlying emotional causes or imbalances that could be contributing to a physical symptom. Doctors, therapists and other medical practitioners frequently refer their patients to Lang when they suspect there are emotional factors contributing to a person’s symptoms. From there, Lang helps clients see the connection between how they react to the stress in their lives, and how it manifests in their bodies. Lang has parlayed her experiences into a book, titled “The Body Whisperer: Your Symptoms Tell Me Your Truth,” where she

chronicles her journey from the corporate world to the vastly different — but fulfilling — world of working as a medical intuitive. Here, Lang explains the importance of listening to our bodies and understanding the toll stress can take on our lives. Q: You believe our bodies display symptoms to reveal that areas of our lives are out of balance. Can you explain that? A: I think when your body becomes symptomatic, it is like a giant answering machine, and your spirit is leaving you messages. Your heart and your soul know when something is off and out of balance, and how you could be doing something in a higher way. When we talk ourselves out of following our deepest truths, we get symptomatic. That seems to be the progression.

Photo by Michael C. Hernandez

Q: How can a medical intuitive help a person understand her physical symptoms? A: By helping you understand that we each store stress in different parts of our bodies depending on how we internalize our stress. How you internalize stress determines the types

of symptoms that you end up getting, and also points you in the direction of how to minimize your stress. Q: You began your journey by trying to find a cure for your own allergies. These days, how do you help others who suffer from them? A: Frequently, allergies are a physical manifestation of being allergic to a way of thinking, or a belief about yourself. What that does is weaken your immune system. When you beat yourself up a lot, your body is getting mixed messages about who you are. Is this pollen an invader, or is it something that is part of me? Your body’s immune system gets confused and decides to react to everything. Q: How would you encourage others to find health? A: See your body not as the enemy, but as your assistant. It’s leaving you these little messages. Your body is here to make your life easier. Western medicine teaches us to be at war with our bodies. I was taught to see my body like a machine or car — it’s either working great, or broken down. When we take that approach, it doesn’t lend itself to a

holistic approach. We seek to suppress our symptoms rather than understand why our body is reacting that way.

TOLEARNMORE Visit Christinelang.org for information on Lang’s book or her private sessions, consulting services, classes and workshops.

Meet Captain Michelle Hummel Officer, Mother of Two & Community Volunteer. “I don’t want to do the same thing everyday and being a police officer definitely offers variety. I am lucky to have a career where I can serve the community and work with such wonderful people. When not on duty, you can usually find me at the soccer field with my two boys.”

Have You Considered A Career with CMPD? We offer a challenging and rewarding career with numerous possibilities for you to make a difference in our community. To Apply or For More Information visit: http://www.cmpd.org or call 704-432-1603

Girl Power » Shop Talk » By Lauren Levine » Photo By Ken Noblezada www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015 10

Pet Power Heather Blas Relocates Furry Friends Internationally

aking a move is no easy feat. Add in a few furry friends and the process can become a logistical nightmare, particularly if you’re heading to another country, where special documentation for pets is required. For families who are starting a life in a new area, Heather Blas is a saving grace. Blas owns Continental Pet Relocation, which handles both pet shipping and pet sitting. Whether you’ve got to get your furry family member from point A to point B, or just want to make sure that your beloved Fido is in good hands while you’re at work, Blas is the one to call. Continental Pet Relocation is part of the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association. Blas explains the benefits of membership. “We’re able to relocate pets anywhere in the world, assuming that the country doesn’t restrict,” she says. “Some of the international moves are complicated because of the country regulations, so it’s really nice for a family that already has their hands full just trying to move themselves to have somebody who can handle their pet.” She adds, “I think a lot of people don’t realize what’s involved with it.

Even domestically, it helps just to be able to take that burden away.” Based in Charlotte, Blas and her husband handle the majority of the work for the business together, though they sometimes rely on a few additional trusted team members to assist. They work with clients from all over the world, even if North Carolina isn’t involved in the equation. Blas began the business solely as a pet-sitting service, but in 2010, she branched out into the pet relocation arm of the business. Since then, Blas has turned transporting furry or feathered family members into an art. She’s helped move animals to Dubai, Bermuda, California, London, Las Vegas … and basically any other state or country you can think of. Blas says, “We’ve had some adventures! With every move, we learn a little bit. We’ve learned how to expect the unexpected. We’ve perfected things, but we still consider it a learning process, because every move is unique.” Based on her experience, Blas is able to offer valuable advice to clients to help them prep their pets for a move. “With a relocation, especially if it’s going to be by air, getting dogs accustomed to the kennel they’re going to be traveling in is helpful,” she says. “It decreases the pet’s anxiety. Also, start planning at least six months

in advance if you have that kind of notice, especially for an international move. Some countries have regulations that require a timeline — for example, two rabies shots that must be done six months apart.” Blas takes her job seriously, and explains that she treats each pet like her own. Her goal is to help ease pet parents’ anxiety, whether they are leaving their animal at home for the workday or getting ready to ship them to a new place. “I think about what I would want to know and what would make me feel better about the process,” she says. “When we’re pet sitting, we’re taking pictures of Snoopy on the futon or Snoopy in the kitchen with us. When we’re relocating, we’re tracking the flight, letting them know that Snoopy’s in Denver right now and that she’s scheduled to take off at X time.” For Blas, the job isn’t really a job, but a passion. “I’ve never really looked at it as a job,” she says. “It’s something that I look forward to. I feel good about helping other people’s families. “I feel like we have an extended family all over the world! We hear, ‘If you’re ever in Dubai, come stay with us!’” she says.

TOLEARNMORE Visit Continentalpetrelocation.com.

Readers Modern Day Style Watch Speak Love Story

% 9 8 say no

Have you ever worn leather pants, including vegan leather leggings?

Leggings

Fail

Do you make New Year’s Resolutions?

75 % say they have in the past

60 %

claim they will make a resolution in 2015 Top Resolutions: eating better, recycling more, and loving yourself unconditionally “My memory is that I have never, ever made a New Year’s Resolution. However, this year I have one. I have made myself a promise that this coming year, I will devote more time to my photography as art rather than my work. That I will set aside the time to fine-tune the artist within. And to simplify my life. Clean it out. Get rid of all that I no longer use or need so that there is room for new creative ideas.” — Deborah Triplett, professional photographer

FESS UP Do you usually stick with your New Year’s Resolution past March?

%no 65say

What’s the most romantic thing your significant other has done? It doesn’t have to be a typical romantic deed; it might be the way he makes the coffee every morning, or sends you silly texts on his lunch break. Tell us your story, and we

might feature it in an upcoming issue of TCW.

Visit us on Facebook, or email Editor@todayscharlottewomanmag.com.

r Candy

u o H y p p a H

Korbel Sparkling Resolution 1 ounce Woodford Reserve Bourbon 2 ounces blueberry juice 4 ounces Korbel Brut Frozen blueberries Pour Woodford Reserve and blueberry juice into a shaker with ice, and shake. Strain into a martini glass, and top with Korbel. Garnish with frozen blueberries, and toast in the New Year! Source: Korbel.

Confessions With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we have to ask: When you eat the candy out of your box of chocolates, do you pinch them first? And which pieces are the worst — the coconut, the chocolatecovered cherry, or the orange cream?

Visit us on Facebook to weigh in.

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015

“I wanted some so bad … and searched SouthPark Mall for a pair, determined to buy them. I finally found a pair that were a combo of leather and black cloth, and they felt super comfy. But I didn’t think my legs looked right in them. They also ‘pulled’ funny in the crotch area, if that makes sense. I ended up putting them back on the shelf!” — Elizabeth Cox

Girl Power » Readers Respond

TCWConfessions

PHOTO BY NANCY PIERCE

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015

12 PHOTO BY DEBBIE WARREN

PHOTO BY DEBBIE WARREN

Mover & Shaker » By Kathleen E. Conroy

g n i r u t r Nu Nature

PHOTO BY CHARLOTTE KIDD

Margaret Brantley Works To Save Charlotte’s Green Spaces And Beyond

Land Lover These days, Brantley works hard as the director of development for the conservancy and the Carolina Thread Trail — 119 miles that are open to the public in North and South Carolina, with 14 corridors under development. The conservancy oversees a

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015

s a child, native Charlottean Margaret Brantley played in Briar Creek in the Eastover area, overturning rocks to find “crawdads,” stepping across the water’s width on large stones and playfully splashing her two siblings. At the time, Brantley didn’t realize how important that creek and nearly 15,000 acres of open green space, waterways and farmland now protected by the Catawba Lands Conservancy would be to life in the Charlotte region and beyond. Nor did she realize that one day she would earn her vocation raising funds to ensure that the multi-county conservancy thrives.

PHOTO BY NANCY PIERCE COURTESY OF CLC

COURTESY OF CLC

Mover & Shaker » By Kathleen E. Conroy

Above left, volunteers gather at the Pharr Family Preserve, including Margaret Brantley (front center). Above right, Brantley grins with Rebecca Canady and Diana Jones.

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015 14

15-county area, which includes Anson, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly and Union counties within North Carolina, and Cherokee, Chester, Lancaster and York counties in South Carolina. Development means money. The fundraiser position for a lands conservancy suits Brantley well. Her earliest memories include time spent enjoying the outdoors, and she is passionate about saving the great outdoors. “We played in Briar Creek all the time,” she says. “I had three siblings and we also spent a lot of time at Lake Norman before it was developed. We’d look for crawfish and copperheads and run around looking for other animals. At home, we had baby ducks, squirrels, quail turtles and snakes. I’m not afraid of snakes!”

Today, Briar Creek is part of the 21acre Eastover Ridge Preserve and four-acre Eastover Woods off Randolph Road, one of the many preservation areas protected by the Catawba Lands Conservancy. The conservation effort to provide much needed wetland and floodplain protection there was finalized in 2007. Brantley spent years working in nonprofit development in South Carolina, including child abuse prevention, before moving back to the Queen City more than three years ago to take a stand for nature. Brantley is a graduate of Myers Park High School and North Carolina State University, and has her master’s in public administration from UNC Charlotte. She helps raise an operating budget that runs about $750,000 annually. During the last two years,

she’s exceeded that budget, working with corporations such as Duke Energy and helping oversee state and federal grants and trusts, including the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund — the biggest provider of conservation funding in the region. “We work with more than 150 private landowners who have entrusted to us what is, in most cases, one of their most valued and precious possessions: their land,” Brantley says. “These dedicated people are just like you. They have a vision for the future of this region, and CLC is making that vision a reality with each property it protects.” CLC is one of 24 land trusts in North Carolina working to protect our land, water, air quality, wildlife habitat and connections to nature. A land trust is a nonprofit organization that actively works to conserve land

PHOTO BY CHARLOTTE KIDD

{

“The area is experiencing such growth. I think that if we do it in a smart way, and preserve what this area is about historically, it will remain a nice green space for any future preservations.” — Margaret Brantley

COURTESY OF CLC

with your career path. “It is much easier to connect people with your cause if it is something you believe in and an organization you are proud of,” she says. “Additionally, finding an organization where your co-workers/volunteers realize that development takes engagement from all facets of the team is important to ensuring the strength of the organization.” While her own strength lies in finding donors and corporate grants for the conservancy, she still thinks back to her days in childhood, spent literally getting the lay of the land. She can move as swiftly from a gala in a glittery gown to jeans and a shovel when helping to work a preserve. And she’s taught her young children how to, as she puts it, “Avoid the bad snakes!” Overall, she encourages her family to enjoy the land that she works so hard to protect.

TOLEARNMORE Visit Catawbalands.org. [TCW] Kathleen E. Conroy enjoys hiking trails along the Carolina Thread Trail, but would faint if she saw a snake in the wild.

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015

relatively uncontroversial. Most people can relate to what we do here and support it.” But that doesn’t stop the peppy Brantley, a mother of two, from being a powerhouse fundraiser. “I grew up in a family that has always wanted Margaret Brantley joins the Greenway Gals for a hike along the Carolina to give back to the Thread Trail; this group donates at least $250 per person annually. community. I think it’s by assisting direct land transactions, innate in my nature,” she says. “The area primarily the purchase or acceptance of is experiencing such growth. I think donations of land or conservation that if we do it in a smart way, and easements. preserve what this area is about Brantley says support comes from historically, it will remain a nice green more than 1,000 donors, 60 corporate space for any future preservations.” partners, 300 volunteers and a variety of Brantley is effervescent when she government and foundation speaks, and is a strong believer that organizations. Each donation of $500 success for women comes from finding protects approximately one acre of a mentor. land; every $1 donated conserves $10 “I have been fortunate to work with worth of land. smart, thoughtful women with different “It’s a real opportunity to get the skill sets than my own, which has people that I engage with excited and widened my perspective on how to working with the community,” she says. accomplish goals,” she says. “It is an easy thing, I think, especially For women interested in with CLC and the Carolina Thread Trail, development careers, Brantley where their mission is clear and recommends aligning your interests

Ask The Expert

Componeers for Instant Cosmetic Smile Enhancement

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Dr. Ross W. Nash Ross W. Nash, DDS, is one of only 46 Accredited Fellows in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry,meaning he has acquired extraordinary skills in the area of esthetic and cosmetic dentistry. Founder of the Nash Institute for Dental Learning, Dr. Nash is the epitome of “expert.” Here, he answers questions about Componeers. Q: What is a Componeer? A: A Componeer is a new product that can be used by a dentist to assist him or her in placing a direct composite resin veneer. A direct veneer can be used to give a tooth a new and improved surface and repair broken or decayed teeth as well as to change the color, shape or alignment. The final esthetic result is determined by the artistry of the provider of the treatment. A Componeer is a preformed surface with all of the artistry built in. It can improve the final surface and shorten the time needed to place a direct composite resin veneer.

Close up view before Compo neers

Q: Are Componeers economical? A: These veneers can be placed at fees that are very affordable for many more people today. Q: Are there advantages of Componeers over porcelain veneers? A: Porcelain veneers are considered to be the most durable and long lasting of veneers,but composite resin veneers have some advantages. They are resilient,and will absorb stress. They require minimal or no tooth reduction. They can be easily repaired and they will not wear away apposing tooth structures. They can be placed at a lower cost and the esthetic result can be controlled by the provider of the treatment.

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015 16

Q: How long can Componeers be expected to last? A: A well placed composite resin veneer can be expected to last five to ten years or more. The dense and durable surface of the Componeer may help provide a longer lasting and more stain resistant direct veneer.

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A Componeer being treated with bonding agent

Close up view after Co placement mponeer

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Noteworthy

News Jennifer Ahlers Cone Makes Partner With The McIntosh Law Firm

A NEW YEAR, A NEW YOU

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www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015

ver since she was 8 years old, Jennifer Ahlers Cone knew she wanted to be a lawyer. Her inspiration came during a school trip to Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, where she learned about the Constitution and the principles on which our country was founded. Today, Cone has surpassed her dream by making partner with the McIntosh Law Firm in Davidson. Only 20 percent of female attorneys nationwide are partners in their firms, according to “A Current Glance at Women in the Law,” by the American Bar Association. From there, an even smaller percentage work as litigators. Cone is both. She is a proponent for women in her field, working to help recruit other females, making the firm one of the few in the region with more female than male attorneys — 6 to 4. As a partner at the McIntosh Law Firm, she will assist in the overall management and direction of the firm, which is known for making a difference for clients and supporting the community. “From the first time I saw Jennifer in court almost 20 years ago, I knew that she was special and that I wanted her to be part of our team,” says Bob McIntosh, founder of the McIntosh Law Firm. “Two decades later, I am equally excited about her new role as partner and I am sure that the entire firm and community will benefit from her expanded responsibilities.” Cone has practiced law at the McIntosh Law Firm since 2001. Prior to that, she practiced law in Charlotte beginning in 1996. Her primary area of practice has been in litigation, collections and business law. She lives with her husband on a farm in Iredell County, along with her Parson Russell Terrier, named Amos Moses. When not managing the firm, she prefers to be on the golf course or flying. [TCW]

Mover & Shaker » By Dawn Liles » Photos By Andrea Perullo de Ledesma

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015

Her Rights

COURTESY OF WHITNEY HETZEL

n her blog, 9KidFitness.com, Whitney Hetzel writes that sleep is a priority. It’s hard to imagine how. The 47-year-old lifelong fitness enthusiast and mother of nine — yes, nine — children used to wake up at 5 a.m. to run, but now she prioritizes sleep. “I’ve learned that sleep is as important as exercise,” she says. “Sometimes, even more so.” It’s this core belief in life balance that keeps Hetzel sane and able to juggle fitness, blogging, kids, volunteer coaching and homeschooling.

COURTESY OF WHITNEY HETZEL

Fitness Blogger & Mother Of Nine, Whitney Hetzel Champions Balance

Mover & Shaker » By Dawn Liles » Photos By Andrea Perullo de Ledesma

Balance, Blogging & Babies “I’m not that different from other moms,” insists Hetzel, who has lived in Weddington for 17 years and holds a bachelor’s degree in English and journalism, and a master’s degree in counseling. Hetzel says she wants to feel good, eat better, have fun, learn to say “no” to things that add stress, and give herself a break when needed. Hetzel started her blog four years ago and, true to her belief in staying balanced, she doesn’t feel pressured to blog every day if life is too hectic. Still, she has written over 300 blog posts on topics ranging from motivation, women’s health and nutrition, to flexibility, running, spirituality and cancer. (Her husband, James, was diagnosed with head and neck cancer, but is now in remission.) It was James, her husband of 26 years, who suggested she start the blog. Over the years, friends have admired her ability to make fitness a priority throughout each of her pregnancies. “The goal with my blog is to continue a dialogue with other moms and give feedback to each other about

was not uncommon to find Hetzel running on local trails and streets five to six days a week. “When I first had kids 25 years ago, all the exercise options that exist now just weren’t available to everyone. We used our baby jogger a lot. I ran before, during and after my pregnancies, but for me, it wasn’t a chore. Doing laundry is a chore!” Hetzel completed triathlons and a few marathons, with an impressive marathon personal best of 3 hours and 21 minutes. But after years of running almost daily, her body stopped feeling as good as it used to, and she found herself more susceptible to hip issues. It was time for a change. what is working and what isn’t. I think women should support one another and not judge ourselves by what others are doing.” For Hetzel, physical activity is the foundation for achieving a balanced life. A lifelong fitness enthusiast, she swam, played tennis and ran as a child growing up in Illinois, and running became her greatest passion. When her family moved to Union County, it

One Size Doesn’t Fit All Hetzel looked into a range of exercise options and settled last year on three main cross-training strategies: strength training, pure barre classes and yoga. Less frequently, she mixes in high intensity interval training (HIIT), a training technique in which you give 100-percent effort through intense bursts of exercise, followed by short, sometimes active, recovery periods.

Capturing memories, one click at a time.

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“I think it’s great that some women my age still run 40 miles a week, but I know my body and that type of distance just doesn’t work for me now. Exercise should be less about looking good, and more about feeling good,” she says. Hetzel’s blog style is friendly and conversational, but she also provides expert information. She quotes professionals such as Alan Tyson, sports physical therapist and owner of Architech Sports; Joe Tedesco, doctor of physical therapy at Architech Sports; Tommy Megremis, a doctor and nutrition counselor; and Barbara Green, a physical therapist for pelvic health. “Yes, there are therapists for pelvic health!” Hetzel says. Pelvic health can be compromised by birthing just one large baby or by having many vaginal deliveries. “Pelvic floor health is not always talked about, but it is so important and it affects many women, whether they have had one child or 10,” she says. “There is a lot more information available now, so I encourage women to get therapy like I did to alleviate their symptoms.” If fitness is Hetzel’s heart, then family and faith are her soul. A lifelong Catholic,

she and James knew they wanted a big family when they married. “We just let it happen according to God’s plan and we consider each one of our children a huge blessing,” she says. Hetzel’s husband is a hands-on dad who helps with the kids while also working as the founder of an online company that distributes family friendly inspirational books and gifts. Nearly all nine of her children — ages 5 to 25 — have joined in for family runs and local 5Ks, and several are or have been competitive runners, including her third son, a freshman who runs for West Point. When it’s time for a break, Hetzel says some of her favorite vacations are when she goes on a trip with her husband and one child. She and James recently took one of their younger children to Texas to witness their oldest son, a Naval Academy graduate, receive his commission to fly jets. The family occasionally travels with all nine kids in tow, and that’s when a sense of humor is paramount. “We still laugh about the time we pulled up to a hotel in our 15-person passenger van,” Hetzel says. “We all hopped out, and a woman

waiting in front of the hotel got into our van, thinking it was the hotel van!” Obviously, managing a large family takes organization — and Hetzel says this trait is not her forte. “My kids have realized this weakness in me,” she says,“so they are pretty good at keeping track of their own events. I think more than anything, I’m flexible and that helps a lot.”

TOLEARNMORE Join in the conversation at 9kidfitness.com. [TCW] Dawn Liles is a freelance writer who goes for a run when the stress of raising three kids gets difficult!

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ut with the old, in with the new! The New Year gives us the opportunity to reevaluate how we approach the next 365 days. So why not take a few risks and try something new by adding a little edge to your look. (No trips to the gym needed for this!) Add a bold lip color, try a colored eyeshadow, wear a unique nail design, or better yet, bling in the New Year with some novelty-embellished accessories. This is one resolution that will be easy to stick to!

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www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015

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In 2015, Ring In Organization By Decluttering Your Home

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015

ess is more, and organization is the order of the day. Just ask Alison Brigham, owner of Queens of Clutter and a self-proclaimed neat freak. Brigham has been an organizer by trade for over seven years. She started Queens of Clutter in New York City in 2013, and was pleased to discover upon moving to Charlotte that her new hometown was lovingly referred to as the Queen City. “I guess you could say it was meant to be!” she says. Brigham has always been blessed with a penchant for organization. When she was 2 years old, she started folding her own clothes. She was commended throughout school for having the neatest desk, and at camp she had the cleanest cubby. “When I was in college, my dorm mates teased me incessantly,” Brigham says. “They called my room ‘the

Dwellings » By Dana Durham www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015 32

museum’ because everything was so neat and properly placed.” While working as an office manager in New York, Brigham realized she could transform her love of organization into a bonafide business. She created Queens of Clutter to help others who weren’t quite as gifted organizationally. Ironically, Brigham says her graduate degree in psychology is the biggest tool in her belt. Many live in disorganization because they find it very hard to rid themselves of items they no longer need. “There are so many reasons why people hoard or hold onto unnecessary possessions,” she says, “most of which relate to psychological issues. Everyone is different and there is no ‘cookie cutter’ approach. Each job is specifically tailored to that individual. You need

to get into the mind of your client the very first time you meet them. This is done by asking the right questions.” Brigham works to carefully discover what makes each client tick, and to earn his or her trust and respect. “Get to know your organizer, before they begin rummaging through your home!” she urges. Brigham often provides organization tips on her Queens of Clutter Facebook page. Here, she offers suggestions for tidying up your home this year.

The Kitchen Brigham calls the kitchen the hub of the home. She suggests creating a “command center” in the kitchen, especially for those with children. “A command center is a place where your kids can store their backpacks

and school supplies, so parents always have access to check on homework assignments, notes from school, and papers to sign,” she says. A desk or small work area in the kitchen can allow parents an easy way to help children with homework assignments while handling other chores.

The Bedroom The bedroom is the sanctuary of the home. As such, Brigham says it should be the least cluttered room in the house. “When organizing a bedroom, I explain to my clients that the bedroom is your place to rest, sleep and recharge. There is no disputing scientific evidence that clutter causes distraction, ADD, anxiety and stress. How on earth do you expect to get a good night’s sleep when you are surrounded by clutter?”

The Home Office Brigham encourages clients to save money by getting financially organized. Have specific places assigned for important documents and bills, and stick to your routine. “When you are disorganized, you misplace important documents and bills, which leads to late fees and having to replace items you can’t locate,” Brigham says. “Disorganized paperwork may not only cost you money, it can also lead to financial stress, which may ultimately affect your heart health and even your relationships.” At the very least, establish a special place for all incoming bills, and designate one day a week to pay them.

Throughout The Home Brigham suggests an easy way to declutter your entire home: Walk around and remove excessive nick-knacks and other items that collect dust. “The air in your home may be affecting your health,” she says. “House dust may contain arsenic, decomposing insects, pollen, human skin, and even fecal matter from dust mites — all of which you and your family are inhaling on a daily basis. Yuck! It is far easier and faster to clean when obstacles are removed.”

The Exercise Room

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For Organization? Need help getting your life in order? For 2015, get off on the right foot with help from these organizational gurus and personal assistants:

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www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015

Many people make a New Year’s Resolution to exercise more. Cleaning out the exercise room is a great way to ensure you succeed in 2015. “You are less likely to work out when equipment is not accessible or barricaded by clutter,” she says. “Make your exercise room more functional by repositioning machines in front of a television for a more pleasant workout.”

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Immunity Stave Off Colds & Flu This Season Dr. Harriet N. Davis, a board-certified family medicine and sports medicine physician in Charlotte, has some expert ideas on how to do exactly that: Keep your hands to yourself. Your kindergarten teacher was right. Touching sick people — and the things that sick people touch, such as handrails and water fountains — is one of the surest ways to come down with the sniffles. By coughing or sneezing into the crook of your arm, you can do your part to stop the spread of infection.

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015 36

Clean your nose. “If I’m in a germy environment, or have just seen a patient who’s coughing and sneezing, I dab my nostrils with an alcohol wipe,” says Dr. Davis. “I’ve done this since residency.” Saline mists and rinses may also do the trick. Or look for a nasal antiseptic called Nozin — basically, an alcoholbased sanitizer for your nose. The approach may also keep you from coming down with something if you’re traveling on an airplane with sick passengers.

e have smart drugs that obliterate deadly cancers and trauma units that patch up the gravest life-threatening injuries. But scientists have yet to come up with a cure for the common cold. The best we can do right now is avoid contracting the viruses behind pesky respiratory infections in the first place.

Roll up your sleeve. Flu shots are recommended for anyone over six months of age, Dr. Davis says, including pregnant women. In fact, protection carries over to babies until they are old enough to be vaccinated themselves. Drink a cuppa. Drinking hot tea stimulates the movement of cilia, the tiny hairs in the nose that act as the first line of defense against microbial invaders, says Dr. Davis. Black and green teas also provide healthful polyphenols, substances that may bolster your natural defenses. Volunteers given a green tea supplement

called L-theanine in a recent University of Florida study saw their cold and flu incidence drop by 32 percent. (Several cups a day of green tea should bestow a similar benefit.) Power up your plate. A good diet is always a hedge against illness. And citrus fruits, garlic and protein are particularly helpful for boosting your immune system, according to Dr. Davis. Get your Z’s. Science has proven this common-sense notion. A Carnegie Mellon study found that people who sleep less than seven hours a night are

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If despite your best efforts you do come down with something, do yourself and others a favor and take a sick day. There’s some evidence that supplements such as zinc (oral formulations), echinacea and vitamin C can reduce symptoms and the duration of respiratory illnesses, Dr. Davis says. Drinking plenty of water and other fluids allows your body to fight off the virus the way it’s designed to. And as long as your symptoms are mild, a little exercise might help. Just be sure you carefully wipe down the equipment at the gym to keep others from catching your bug. Running a fever? Dr. Davis says, “Stay in bed.” [TCW]

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Explorers Extreme

Death Valley National Park, in California.

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Glacier National Park, in Montana.

National Park of American Samoa.

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Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, in Alaska.

or Alisa and Bill Goldstein, it started with a family trip to Yosemite in 2009. It transformed into a family quest to visit all 59 American national parks before the couple’s two sons, Luke and Winston, turned 18. Alisa Goldstein explains, “During the summer of 2009, my family had our first national park hiking experience in Yosemite. It was amazing. Not only was the entire park magnificent, but knowing that it was ours as Americans was inspiring.” They spent the next several months planning the family’s 2010 summer vacation to be immersed in our

Feature » By Karsen Price » Photos Courtesy Of 59 Before 18 Inc.

National Park of American Samoa.

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015 40

“I truly wanted my children to connect with nature and be thankful for what God has given them.”

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kids become successful as adults. Our primary goal was to provide quality family time together and to enjoy the outdoors.â&#x20AC;? Over five years later, the Goldstein family completed its quest, visiting the 59th American national park â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Gates of the Arctic â&#x20AC;&#x201D; last summer, on Aug. 7, 2014. They met their goal in plenty of time; Luke is now 17, and Winston is 15. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t an easy goal to fulfill. The Goldsteins both work full time, and the boys attend public schools. Likewise, it took quite a bit of strategy to make the dream a reality. In order to see as many parks as possible, all holidays and summer vacations needed to be planned

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countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national parks. The Goldsteins took off two weeks, drove west, and visited 11 American national parks. Back home in Charlotte, they found themselves changed forever, addicted to exploring, hiking and traveling together as a family. Before long, a goal appeared on the radar: to experience all 59 national parks together as a family, before the children were 18. The initiative took on a life of its own, and became known as 59 before 18. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We thought by creating this quest it would encourage us to stay more connected with our children,â&#x20AC;?Alisa says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We felt that as parents we needed to instill certain skills that would help our

Feature » By Karsen Price » Photos Courtesy Of 59 Before 18 Inc.

The final park: Gates of the Arctic National Park, in Alaska.

“Our boys have become better brothers because of us achieving our quest together. Furthermore, my husband and I have developed a closer, more intimate relationship.”

The first park: Yosemite National Park, in California.

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015 42

to the hilt. At times, the going got tough, especially in Alaska, where several extreme remote parks have no roads … and sometimes, no trails! The expenses were also challenging; Alisa estimates it cost the family $75,000 to see all 59 parks. Sacrifices were many. For instance, she notes that she drives a 1992 Volvo — “now covered in all 59 American national park bumper stickers.” The family rarely goes out to dinner. Alisa doesn’t spend much on new clothes or shoes, and many other typical expenditures are nixed. “My nails are not pretty,” she says. “I get my hair cut only two or three times per year. Yet, I haven’t been happier in all my life.” She adds, “We have spent most of our

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, in North Dakota.

Yosemite National Park. life savings to succeed with our quest. Honestly, I try not to think about all of the money we have spent! I just try and focus on our lives now and what it has done for our family.” Alisa and Bill both recommend parents take their children to visit the country’s amazing parks. Alisa points out that hiking is mostly free, and the annual pass for national parks is under $100 … while the significance of quality family time is priceless. “My most memorable times have been not knowing what’s around the curve,” she says. “We have encountered an abundance of wildlife, hiked mountains as high as 13,000 feet, and gone backcountry camping several times. We all get excited when we spot bears,

Sequoia National Park, in California.

Kenai Fjords National Park, in Alaska.

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JOIN US NEXT MONTH FFebruary ebruary 3 3,, 2 2014, 014, 6 p p.m. . m. Log on to NAWBOcharlotte.org for deta details ails NAWBO® Charlotte NAWBO® Charlotte is a pr professional ofessional organization organization specifically specifi fically desig designed ned to to fuel the success suc cess of the 42,000 women-owned women-owned businesses in the g greater reater Char Charlotte lotte ar area. ea.

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015

IIff yyou ou don’t don’t take take time time for for your your health health now, now, you you will will .hhave Dr.r. Jeremy ave to to ttake ake time time for for your your sickness sickness later. later. D Jeremy H ozjan, the the founder founder of of Charlotte Charlotte N atural Healing, Healing, is is a Hozjan, Natural board b oard certified certified Chiropractic Chiropractic Physician Physician iin n tthe he state state ooff N orth Carolina Carolina and and Natural Natural Healing Healing Expert. Expert. He He will will North g ive us us tips tips and and tricks tricks to to stay stay naturally naturally healthy healthy so so we we give ccan an keep keep the the focus focus where where it it needs needs to to be be - on on growing growing oour ur businesses! businesses!

Feature » By Karsen Price » Photos Courtesy Of 59 Before 18 Inc.

Get Back To Nature You don’t have to travel all over the country to experience great state parks. Check out this list of NC state parks that are located just a drive away. Grandfather Mountain State Park

Masonboro Island State Natural Area

Bear Paw State Natural Area

Mitchell Mill State Natural Area

Yellow Mountain State Natural Area

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Deep River State Trail

New River State Park

Pineola Bog State Natural Area

Linville State River

Sugar Mountain Bog State Natural Area

Dismal Swamp State Park

Sandy Run Savannas State Natural Area

Goose Creek State Park

Carvers Creek State Park

Chowan Swamp State Natural Area

Chimney Rock State Park

Crowders Mountain State Park

Mayo River State Park

Eno River State Park

Haw River State Park

Merchants Millpond State Park

Lower Haw River State Natural Area

Medoc Mountain State Park

Elk Knob State Park

Theodore Roosevelt State Natural Area

Beech Creek Bog State Natural Area

Raven Rock State Park

Bullhead Mountain State Natural Area

Carolina Beach State Park

Lea Island State Natural Area

Stone Mountain State Park

Mountains-To-Sea State Trail

Pilot Mountain State Park

Gorges State Park

Weymouth Woods State Natural Area

Occoneechee Mountain St. Natural Area

Lake Norman State Park

Run Hill State Natural Area

Hammocks Beach State Park

Lumber River State Park

Mount Jefferson State Natural Area

French Broad River State Trail

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

moose, elk, marmots or other animals. We often struggle to finish a long hike, but feel so gratified when we are done.” She adds,“The overall experience was challenging, thrilling and breathtaking. We have seen America and been to all 50 states. To be able to visit these parks and bond with my children was my true pursuit of happiness.”

Lake James State Park

Cliffs Of The Neuse State Park

Yadkin River State Trail

William B. Umstead State Park

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Pettigrew State Park

Horsepasture State River

Jones Lake State Park

Falls Lake State Recreation Area

Singletary Lake State Park

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

Hanging Rock State Park

Baldhead Island State Natural Area

Morrow Mountain State Park

TOLEARNMORE

Baytree Lake State Park

Salters Lake

Share the Goldsteins’ journey by visiting 59before18.com, as well as the family’s YouTube channel, at https://www.youtube.com/user/58before18.

South Mountains State Park

White Lake

Bushy Lake State Natural Area

Fort Macon State Park

Hemlock Bluffs State Natural Area

Mount Mitchell State Park

Lake Waccamaw State Park

Visit Ncparks.gov.

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, in Alaska.

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015 44

[TCW]

make your

Read on to meet professionals who will help you take the next step to your new home

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015

move

Real Experience Real Results

After a successful 10 year career in the financial services industry, Josie Mazzaferro became a RealtorÂŽ in 2010. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My husband and I had bought and sold several properties and felt that there was an opportunity to create a client experience that felt more like a trusted partner in the process. I strive to be a partner in the buying or selling process with my clients and do whatever is needed to help them.â&#x20AC;? Feedback shows that she is meeting her goal - she has been named a Five Star Real Estate Agent by Charlotte Magazine for the past three years, which is based on client feedback. Josieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clients also rave about her ability to help them coordinate work on their houses after the closing.

Jeff Lynch is the co-owner of The Premier Team at Re/Max Metro Realty, a full service real estate firm. With over nine years of experience selling homes in the Lake Norman and surrounding areas, Lynch epitomizes integrity, hard work and creative service in every detail of your real estate transaction.

Personal referrals and repeat business form the foundation of Lynchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career.

Kathy Kreshon Carver, of RE/MAX Metro Realty, has over 24 years of experience in the business. Her specialties include development land, farm and land, luxury homes, foreclosure properties and relocation, among others. Over the years, Carver has found that marketing is very important, and she has developed a team of experts to help her with staging, photography, and marketing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With a team of experts to help me, we can get the job done in the least amount of time and for the most profit to the seller!â&#x20AC;? she says.

Scott Pridemore founded Pridemore Properties after being affiliated for 14 years with a large Charlotte real estate firm. In spite of the soft real estate market, Pridemore and his team have experienced their most successful years yet. With an aggressive marketing plan to get listings sold, Pridemore has found unique ways to guide his clients through a challenging real estate market. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A satisfied client is not enough. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about constantly striving to produce results beyond and out of the ordinary,â&#x20AC;? Pridemore says.

Josie Mazzaferro Josie@FetchRealtyCLT.com 704/965-1344

Jeff Lynch, SFR, CDPE jeff.lynchremax@yahoo.com 704/737-3404

Kathy Kreshon Carver Charlotteresults@yahoo.com 704/714-6695

Scott Pridemore scott@pridemoreproperties.com 704/562-0792

He graduated from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and resides in Cornelius with his wife and 2 daughters.

Looking to Buy or Sell?

Look no Further!

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015 46

When you sell or buy a home with Jeff Lynch and RE/MAX youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made the right decision. We take a more personal approach to real estate focused on the needs, concerns, hopes and dreams of our clients, providing unparalleled customer service. ĂŽ :RUOGZLGH PDUNHWLQJ WKURXJK WKH 5( 0$; EUDQG and websites ĂŽ 5( 0$; &ROOHFWLRQ ZHEVLWH IRU KRPHV RYHU N ĂŽ 6WDJLQJ VHUYLFHV ĂŽ 6WDWH RI WKH DUW YLGHR PDUNHWLQJ ĂŽ 3URIHVVLRQDO SLFWXUHV DQG EURFKXUHV ĂŽ 3OXV PRUH

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Publishes: February 1 49

Queen’s List

QUEEN’SLIST Goings On Around Our Town

Dance Off Women’s Showcase Unites Female Choreographers

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | January 2015 50

COURTESY OF NCBPAC

on’t miss Women’s Showcase, a unique collaboration between female dance choreographers in Charlotte and the surrounding region on Jan. 18 at the Neighborhood Theatre. Dancer and choreographer Caitlyn Swett organized the event after the North Carolina Dance Festival released a list of Charlotte’s major dance companies in July 2014, and she was struck by the fact that women led the majority of companies. She asked friends and colleagues in the dance community to be part of a showcase that reveals to Charlotte the important work being done by female choreographers. “Aside from drawing Charlotte’s eye to the wonderful work that is being made locally, this is an important show for the dance community itself,” she says. “Many companies and choreographers work

toward evening performances solely of their work. While this is a valid way of presenting concert dance, I also feel it is important that modern and contemporary dance be in conversation with itself, putting on communal shows with work by many choreographers, and thus creating a community that is supportive of itself in a way that moves the community forward.” The event will showcase 10 local female choreographers and four regional female choreographers. Participants include Triptych Collective, Plexus Dance, The Mark, Baran Dance, and many independent artists, including regional artists from Durham, N.C., Winston-Salem, N.C., Savannah, Ga., and Birmingham, Ala.

WANTTOGO? Advance tickets are $10, and $12 at the door. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the show begins at 8 p.m. Visit Neighborhoodtheatre.com.

Witness The Impossible Experience The Illusionists illed as the world’s best-selling magic show, “The Illusionists: Witness the Impossible”is coming to Knight Theater Jan. 27 through Feb. 1. Direct from Broadway, the show features the amazing talents of seven of the most incredible illusionists in the world. This nonstop show has shattered box office records with its mix of thrilling, sophisticated and astonishing acts.

WANTTOGO? Visit Theillusionistslive.com/tickets/northamerica/charlotte.

Feast For A

Queen Charlotte Restaurant Week Returns

earning for a feast? The winter installment of the semi-annual Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week will run Jan. 16 through Jan. 25, featuring your choice of 124 upscale restaurants in the metro-Charlotte area. Each restaurant offers $30 prix fixe menus of three courses or more for dinner, not including tax and gratuity. In 2014, Charlotte Restaurant Week in January and July generated approximately 300,000 meals and an estimated economic impact over $14 million. This January’s Queen’s Feast features numerous first-time participants, including Lumiere French Kitchen in Myers Park; Dogwood Southern Table & Bar in SouthPark; Evoke at Le Meridien in uptown; and The Flipside Café in Fort Mill. “We love that Queen’s Feast is the impetus for both residents and travelers to get out into the area and experience our local culinary scene,” says Bruce Hensley, of Hensley Fontana Public Relations and Marketing, which owns and handles the execution of the event. “They can try new places, visit different neighborhoods, and explore unfamiliar cuisines.”

WANTTOGO? Reservations are recommended. Reservation links and contact information for restaurants can be found at CharlotteRestaurantWeek.com. [TCW]

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