August 2013 "The Home Issue"

aug 2013

OVER 30 WOMEN WILL COMPETE FOR A PRIZE PACKAGE VALUED AT OVER $1000 Fall Fashions and Styling from Charlotte’s Best Boutiques and Salons!

Cocktail & Beer Specials Half Price Bottles Of Wine $4 Featured Glass Special Sample Their Great Food With $4 Small Bites Menu

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HolDING BACk IS A THING oF THE pAST A new smile lets you bloom If you’re uncomfortable with your teeth, you could be holding back who you really are. But Invisalign’s clear, custom-designed aligners can be an inconspicuous way to get a beautiful new smile. So check with an experienced Invisalign provider and let the real you bloom with a new smile.

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publisher’s note Hope all is well with everyone. It’s hard to believe in less than one week the Panthers will be kicking things off with their first preseason game against the Bears. With the team the Panthers are building, it looks like we should have a winning season.

This month’s magazine is our annual “HOME ISSUE” and it’s packed full of useful information. You will learn some valuable information from one of Charlotte’s area real estate experts. Whether you are decorating on a budget or if you are looking for a makeover we have you covered.

We’ve also included a piece by Brandon Russell, formerly the Carpenter Host of “Trading Spaces,” on TLC, and A&E’s “Drill Team.” Not currently looking to buy a home? We have the 411 on over a dozen new apartment communities that are currently being built over the next year or so in the Charlotte area.

I want to thank everyone for coming to SUITE last month for our Fitness & Wellness Expo. We had lots of companies involved and everyone who came out had a great time. I hope everyone can join us for our annual COVER GIRL COMPETITION/FASHION SHOW at City Tavern in Southpark on Wednesday, August 21 from 7pm - 11pm.

To learn more about this event and others, you can always go to our website at ElevateLifestyle.com or check out our Facebook page.

Have a great month, Steve Caldwell

TEAM MEMBERS Publisher Steve Caldwell Editor: Telisha Wheeler Creative Director: Greg Smith Design and Production: Greenspon Advertising Business Manager: Elizabeth Dickinson Cover Photography: Photography: Jim Merrill, JMT Photography | JMTFoto.com Model: Emily Armstrong | Directions USA Makeup and Hair: Emily Paige Advertising, Sponsorship, and Website Sales Information: Sean Scott, Seans@ElevateLifestyle.com Steve Caldwell, Steve@ElevateLifestyle.com Contributing Editors: Culture Editor: Louise Albano-Hurley Fashion Editor: Joseph Hewell Lifestyle Editor: Debra Kennedy Contributing Writers: Brandon Russell | Corinna Kahn | Chelsea Flower | Denise Oliver Elizabeth Dickinson | Franchesca Wicker | Jay Johnson Jeremy Bonham | Jiya Williams | Julie Tache | Lauren Nguyen Sarah Hudson | Sean McKelvey | Sheila Fate | Stanley Owings Steve Caldwell | TekaRose | The Squishy Monster Contributing Photographers: Lazyday.com | CM Photography, Backprint.com/CMPhoto Green Valley Photography, GreenValleyPhoto.biz S Ali Photos, SAliPhotos.com | TrueBlue Management Group Contributing Videographers: N-Digilabs, NDigiLabs.com

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OnceUponAChild.com

August 2013 Contents 18 dining

City Tavern

24 entertainment

18

Introducing The Dame

28 Fashion

Brownlee Jewelers

32 lifestyle

The Crown Jewels

36 fashion

24

Gl’amour Blowout Bar

40 fashion

Lala Lashes

32

46 46 Design With Your Dime 52 Charlotte’s Building Boom 60 Pimp Your Home Out!

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66 There’s No Time Like NOW 70 Don’t Be Afraid To Be You

66

74 Chill Out!

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dining

City Tavern City Tavern just celebrated its 14th anniversary. Having been established in 99’ with their original location on East Blvd, City Tavern has now expanded to three unique locations serving Southpark, Stonecrest and Rivergate. With unique dishes like seared scallops in raspberry lemongrass sauce on a bed of wilted greens served with risotto, City Tavern has been awarded as the “Best Neighborhood Restaurant” for two years in a row by Elevate Lifestyle.

Additionally, their “Sea Bake” stuffed with shrimp, scallops, crab, and crawfish with parmesan cream sauce has won the Taste of Charlotte an astounding four times!

John Weinbrenner is the mastermind behind the establishment. He’s a trained chef from New York and has worked with world-renowned chefs from both his home state and Atlanta.

His travels are where he pulled a lot of his inspiration from to create his crowd-pleasing menu. Not only will you find refined gourmet dishes on the menu, you’ll also find southern cravings like fried green tomatoes to distinctive offerings like their aged Angus beef. With a full menu boasting Italian entrees, seafood, quality cuts of meat, or build-your-own options, there’s something to please even the pickiest eater!

Each location has intimate private rooms to accommodate small private groups or larger events. Their Southpark location can accommodate up to 100 people and is available for business dinners, rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, baby showers, or almost any event you have.

Catering is also available for both lunch and dinner and ranges from eclectic options such as lobster ravioli, bison, or Cubans to more traditional items like sandwich-soup-salad combos.

Don’t forget about City Tavern’s specials! There are half price burgers every Monday, half price martini’s on Tuesdays along with hand cut prime rib for only $1.25 per ounce, half price appetizers at the bar Thursdays, half price bottles of wine on Wednesdays, and Saturday and Sunday brunch served until 3pm with $4 Bloody 19

Mary’s and $3 Mimosas. They have over 40 wines by the glass and their martini list boast over 45 specialty martinis.

Make sure to check out their filet mignon benedict and artichoke, mushroom, goat cheese omelet!

MEET THE CHEFS Corporate Executive Chef Andrew J Seiple Number of years with City Tavern? 7 Years.

Which location are you at?

Currently at Stonecrest, but I travel around to all three locations.

Favorite dish you like to make? My favorite dish is the seared lemongrass and raspberry Scallops, this is a more recently added item to our menu from a dish I created for a special last year . Since added, it’s probably one of the top selling entrees we sell company wide.

Chef who inspires you? Chef Manuel Torres who is the chef owner of El Serranos South American restaurant in York PA. Weirdest request from a customer? I once had a lady at our Rivergate location ask me to make her turtle! When I replied Turtle!? She said YES, you know the animal that swims in the lake, it’s delicious. I gracefully declined and made her something different. Afterwards she left a comment card requesting that we add turtle to the menu. I never could figure out if she was joking or being serious....haha!

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Favorite thing to do when you’re not working? I’ve got to say there have been many stresses and rewards that have come with my position over the years. However, probably my favorite thing about work is being able to play with food all day long. Constantly trying to think of outside the box ideas that haven’t been tried before. This is how we have stumbled upon many new ideas as well as new menu items. My random off the wall meals have become staple around City Tavern with John Weinbrenner the owner, being known to say what’s on Andy’s Bistro today. Being able to hold an important part of how our menu has evolves over the years has really kept me on my toes and the creative wheel spinning. You never know what I might think of next.

Daniel Turner Number of years with City Tavern? 10 Years Which location are you at? I worked at the Hearst location from 2005 to 2008, and have been at Southpark location since 2012.

Favorite dish you like to make?

I really enjoy cooking duck, from the breast to comfit of the legs and thighs.

Chef who inspires you? I previously worked for Chef Frank Altomare of Aria Tuscan Grill. I learned a lot from working with him and watching him so I would have to say he has inspired me a great deal. Also Chef Monte Webber who was basically a mentor to me when I was first getting into the foodservice industry, he really took the time to teach me and helped mold me into who I am now as a cook. I owe a great amount of thanks to both of them 21

Weirdest request from a customer? A customer at another restaurant requested grilled anchovies on her salad.

Favorite thing to do when you’re not working? I enjoy playing golf, and really just about anything outdoors.

Edward Jakob Miller Number of years with City Tavern?

Little over one year and a half.

Which location are you at? I’m currently at the Rivergate location.

Favorite dish you like to make? My favorite dish is the filet with white wine crawfish tail cream sauce.

Chef who inspires you? The chef that inspires me most is Chef Robert Irvine.

Favorite thing to do when you’re not working? I like to just hang out and relax with my fiancé.

Rivergate Shopping Center 14142 Rivergate Pkwy. | 704.504.8888 Southpark Mall - Next to Dick’s Sporting Goods 4331 Barclay Downs Dr. | 704.442.4000 Stonecrest - Next to Regal Cinemas 7828 East Rea Rd. | 704.543.8587 The Squishy Monster, Contributing Writer

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Find your place.

New and Resale Homes and Condos Investment Properties Julie Tache` Expert Relocation Services

Owner/Broker (NC&SC), Realtor®, CRS, ABR, e-PRO, QSC, SPS Cel: 704.236.7536 Julie@JulieTache.com

BuyERS – SEllERS – INvEStoRS

entertainment

Introducing the Dame You may not have heard of Ivy Levan before, but once you’ve given her debut EP Introducing the Dame a listen I can promise you won’t forget her.

The Arkansas native has powerful vocals in her blood – drawing on jazzy, soulful influences not unlike Christina Aguilera or the late Amy Winehouse. Levan’s earlier endeavors were mostly as a featured singer in the shadow of another artist, but after years of waiting and carefully crafting her self-proclaimed “swamp-hop,” retro-influenced style, she has finally broken out onto the scene and is experiencing exposure on a whole different level. Introducing the Dame is a compelling EP – and will leave you hungry for a full length album from Levan.

The EP opens with the killer track “Money.” Vintage-quality vocals laid over the pop-tinged drum beat and looping brass section build a song reminiscent of an era when swing ruled supreme, providing the perfect opening track. In addition to being fast-paced and catchy, the song is also powerful in its own way – laying down the rules, letting potential suitors know “what you see is what you get,” and not willing to back down from that stance. The song also sends a strong message beyond not having time for a man who’s not willing to work and meet her at her level – it demands for respect and encourages “you better choose your battles right.”

While all the songs are strong in their own way, “Money” is my favorite not only for its well-constructed blend of genres and showcase of Levan’s vocal range, but also for its lyrics and the introduction to a woman who knows what she wants and is unwilling to settle for anything less.

The next track, “Hot Damn,” follows in the footsteps of “Money,” but adds onto the subject. “Hot Damn” expresses Levan’s frustration of would-be suitors who think they can own her if they spend enough money on her and refuse to give her the same respect she demands for in the opening track, as she shows in lines such as, “you follow me like dogs, and I can get no sleep.” Levan easily conveys both her annoyance and exhaustion, her simple desire to be treated more like a human being and less like she’s on display in a store window, through vocals that range from semishouted with a gravely edge to trailing off to an almost mournful quality.

The third track – and the single from the EP – is “I Don’t Wanna Wake Up,” a hangover anthem for party goers the morning after, as Levan so aptly puts it, a “long, long crazy night.” What stands out the most about “I Don’t Wanna Wake Up” is that it outlines the consequences of one of those nights, that it confesses, “you swear you’ll never do it again but you know that [expletive] ain’t true.” Of all the songs on the EP, this one’s vintageinfluenced “clap and snap” beat will be the one most easily stuck in your head – and the perfect way to end a weekend.

“Hang Forever” breaks away from the style of the previous songs, taking on a slower and lighter musical feel, incorporating jubilant piano sections along with the pop beat. Whereas other tracks are more about laying down the lines, “Hang Forever” shows a different side of the singer – a

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softer side that expresses loyalty and companionship even when times get tough, saying “for all that we’ve been through there’s nothing that I wouldn’t do for you.” Because of this, “Hang Forever” is the perfect track to close with, making it clear that while she won’t put up with disrespect, it doesn’t mean she won’t have your back when you need her – a true sign of someone who’s comfortable in her own skin.

All in all, Introducing the Dame is a well selected handful of tracks that do just what the title promises – it introduces you to a strong, outspoken, talented singer who you haven’t seen the last of. And with several other tracks (“Birdie” and “C.R.E.A.M”) floating around on the Internet as well as her recent mid-summer tour with Fitz and the Tantrums, we can be sure to expect a lot more from Levan in the near future.

Introducing the Dame is available for download on iTunes and Amazon.

If you’d like to see Ivy perform, keep an eye on her website at HYPERLINK “http://www.ivylevan.com/”IvyLevan.com to view upcoming tour dates and follow her latest news.

Sarah Hudson, Entertainment Contributor

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Elevate gets social.

CONNECT WITH US! Find us online for the latest in entertainment, dining, fashion, and nightlife in Charlotte.

ElevateLifestyle @ElevateLifestyle @ElevateCLT ElevateLifestyle

fashion

Brownlee Jewelers Hosts Designer Nina Nguyen in Exclusive Charlotte-Area Trunk Show Nina Nguyen will be onsite at a two-day trunk show at Brownlee Jewelers. The first day is Friday, August 16 at the 4147 Park Road store. The next day, Saturday, August 17, she will be in Huntersville at 9763-B Sam Furr Road. The shows will run from 1:00 – 6:00 P.M. both days, and proceeds from this event will be donated to Children of Vietnam and Care Ring. Anyone purchasing $250 or more from her collection will receive a free gift.

Her designs are a favorite of country music superstar Miranda Lambert, who chose a pair of Nina Nguyen’s Druzy earrings to wear on the premiere of Season 4 of TV’s, The Voice, where she sang with her husband, Voice Judge, Blake Shelton. Lambert is known for her fashion-forward style, which has been described as glamorous and girlish, but also edgy.

Nina Nguyen Designs combine light-hearted, bold styling with understated elegance. Inspired by organic gemstones, her spring and summer 2013 line focuses

on the fossilized and mineralized stones that slowly develop through the planet’s natural processes. Nguyen’s favorite raw materials are geodes, stalactites and ammonite fossils.

Her popular druzy stones incorporate quartz crystals deposited from mineral-rich ground water. The earrings Lambert chose for The Voice premiere retail for $295 and feature druzy suspended from an oxidized silver frame.

Created naturally over millions of years, druzy stones are tiny quartz crystals that form when ground water carries natural minerals across a rocky area and then rapidly cool, resulting in beautiful sparkle and color.

Nguyen’s creations are sold at jewelry stores and boutiques in more than 30 states and internationally, and have been featured in Lucky, Shape, The Knot, Real Simple, People Style Watch, Life & Style and on ABC’s Good Morning America and NBC’s Today show.

Each piece is designed by Nina in her Colorado studio and expertly handcrafted at Nina Nguyen Studio, her women’s cooperative in Vietnam. The artisans in the cooperative receive above-average wages, full benefits and professional training for both work and life. The Women’s Cooperative links Nina’s commitment to empowering women with her continuing ties to her homeland.

Brownlee Jewelers has been known as the premier Charlotte-based jewelers, since 1936l Still locally owned and operate, Brownlee specializes in diamonds and luxury jewelry as well as featuring a wide selection of designer and vintage engagement rings, earrings and pendants. Brownlee Jewelers was voted the Consumer’s Choice Award and The Best Of Charlotte for 2010 and 2011. Their seven locations are in Rock Hill, Huntersville, Downtown Charlotte, Park Road Shopping Center, The Arboretum, Stonecrest Shopping Center and the University Area.

Each item come with unmatched guarantees, including a money back guarantee, lifetime upgrade, price protection, complimentary jewelry maintenance and complimentary appraisals. Their extensive selection of diamonds is certified by Independent Gemological Laboratory with savings up to 70%. In an undercover report about gold buying by WSOC-TV, Brownlee Jewelers came out on top for the consumer.

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lifestyle

THE CROWN JEWELS OF TENNESSEE Nestled in the Foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains, you will find Tennessee’s crown jewels: Dollywood Cabins, Dollywood Theme Park, Dollywood’s Splash Country and Dixie Stampede.

Dolly Parton has used her stardom to influence and improve the lives of those in her community. Build and they will come certainly is the golden rule for all things Dolly because not only do they come but they return every year.

DOLLYWOOD CABINS Dollywood Cabins are simply a Mountain Paradise. These luxury cabins offer spectacular amenities like decks with amazing views, Game Rooms, Indoor and Outdoor Jacuzzis with stereo and great customer service that is award winning. On my recent trip I stayed in The Love Shack Cabin and did not want my vacation to end.

This vacation heaven allows you to get away from the hustle and

bustle of the city life and allows you to reconnect with yourself and others. You can rent a luxury Dollywood cabin for less than you would spend on a hotel room. I loved it and you will too.

DOLLYWOOD THEME PARK Listed among the nation’s most popular theme parks, Dollywood is full of exciting rides and attractions. The park offers more than 30 rides and attractions with shows featuring many stars in the making including a few of Dolly’s own family members. The food is amazing and the staff is friendly and helpful. No wonder it is one of the nation’s most popular theme parks! You may even run into Dolly as there have been Dolly sightings quite often at Dollywood!

DOLLYWOOD’S SPLASH COUNTRY

This 30-acre water park is state of the art and fun for all. The star of the show is The River Rush. The $16 million hydro magnetic coaster adds water to the climbs, drops, twists and turns.

Splash Country is full of family activities and once you visit, you will never want to leave.

DIXIE STAMPEDE The most fun place to eat in the Smokies! The awe-inspiring show features an adrenaline-filled competition between the two sides of the theatre. The explosive musical numbers are spectacular and the collection of 32 horses and extraordinary production make this a dinner show not to be missed. The meal is served by Civil War Soldiers who are both friendly and entertaining. From stamped33

ing buffalo to dazzling displays of horsemanship, Dixie Stampede was the highlight of my vacation.

Dollywood Vacations offer complete vacation packages with many perks for the entire family.

The packages includes a cabin or hotel room, tickets to all of Dolly’s Crown Jewels (Dollywood, Dollywood’s Splash Country and Dixie Stampede) and the experience of a lifetime. Dollywood.com APPLEWOOD FARMHOUSE RESTAURANT Delicious fritters, refreshing punch, soup, salad and entrée are what bring happy customers back to Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant time and time again. Every single morsel is delicious and this little piece of heaven is on my list of favorite restaurants ever!

If I were offered a trip to Tennessee to dine at the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant or a trip to Las Vegas to dine at The Eiffel Tower Restaurant, I would 100% pick Applewood. The food, service and atmosphere hit a home run in every category important in Restaurant dining.

ApplewoodfFarmhouseRestaurant.com

Happy Travels!!

Debra Ann Kennedy, Lifestyle Editor

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Every Hour is Happy Hour at The French Quarter One of Uptown’s Oldest Establishments “Serving Charlotte Since 1978”

Daily Drink and Food Specials Open Monday through Friday 11am - 9pm Kitchen Open Till 10pm on Friday’s

Bar Open Till Last Call LIVE MUSIC FRIDAY’S

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fashion

Gl’amour Blowout Bar I am sitting down with Rebecca Younce who recently opened up Gl’amour Blow Out Bar with Kristin Credle. They are located at 20121 N. Main St, Suite C in Cornelius.

Rebecca started Glo Glam Mobile Spray Tanning three years ago and that’s when she met Kristin. They became good friends and decided to open Gl’amour in June of 2013.

What is your most popular service at Gl’amour?

We specialize in blowouts, but we are a full service beauty bar so our guests get to enjoy being pampered in every way.

What kind of packages do you offer?

We have many packages available for all services, please check them out on our website under packages.

What is your favorite part of the job?

We enjoy seeing our clients smile when they leave looking glamorous.

When clients come to Gl’amour, what can they expect?

They can expect to be greeted with a smile, offered a beverage (wine, soda, water), and enjoy their time being pampered. The atmosphere is friendly and high energy.

Describe a typical day for you at Gl’amour?

A typical day here is very busy, but all of our guest are treated with care and made to feel special.

What sets you apart from other salons?

What sets us apart is that we really have a cool place to come and sit, bring your girlfriends, grab wine and get your hair done, get a spray tan, and lash extensions all at one location.

You offer spray tanning at Gl’amour, what would you tell our readers who are considering switching from regular tanning to spray tanning?

I would tell them that spray tanning is a very safe way to get that gorgeous glow without damaging your skin. Our products at Gl’amour are awesome and we can’t wait for you to come in and get GLAM. Spray tanning is regarded as safe but there has been some information in news that constant inhalation is not healthy. I let my clients know that if they have any questions or concerns to let us know and that we do offer nose plugs to wear during your session.

Where do you see yourself and your business in five years?

We see our business in five years expanding to Charlotte and surrounding areas. We have clients all over and we see ourselves opening new locations to serve them. I also plan to create a Glo Glam spray tan product line to sell to others beginning their business and to continue to help others get started.

When did you decide that you wanted to own your own business?

We both knew we always wanted our own businesses. Myself personally I decided I wanted to open my own business during college; I didn’t know exactly what type

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of business. I did know that t I needed to be my own boss. We have been working towards that goal for many years and decided that we wanted to begin this journey together.

What is the best part of working as a team?

The best part is being able to support each other through all the difficult and stressful times. We both have strengths and weaknesses that are different so together we ROCK! What are the challenges?

Challenges would be getting ourselves GLAMOROUS because we both are so busy and on different schedules.

What are your hobbies and interests?

Not sure we don’t have much time for hobbies but when we do we like to get out and do fun things in Charlotte. I personally like hanging out on Lake Norman. We both enjoy traveling to continue our education and sneaking some playtime in while we are there.

Can you share one or two things that are on your “Bucket List?”

I think for the both of us, would be to take a whole month off to travel to fabulous places and live in our swimsuits!! NO work just play!

Tell us something else you would like our readers to know?

We would like for your readers to know that we are the place to be. We will be holding classes here at Gl’amour to help clients learn about trends, how to’s for hair, makeup, and skin, and also give them a place to come relax.

704.655.2508 | GlamourBlowoOutBar.com 20121 N. Main St, Suite C Cornelius 28031 Steve Caldwell, Editor

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fashion

Lala Lashes I’m sitting down with Karen Arnold, owner and operator of Lala Lashes which open on June 15 of this year. They are located on 841 Baxter Street right off of McDowell. They are a quick five minutes from Uptown, South End, Dilworth, Metro and Myers Park.

Elevate Lifestyle: How did you decide to merge with Champagne Taste (Lash Lady)?

Lala Lashes: I had been a client of Champagne Taste for years and always stayed in touch with Shae Gibson. Shae Gibson was the original Lash Lady of Charlotte with 10 years of experience. We began talking about the sale of her shop a couple years ago. I was in Florida for the past two years and had completed esthetics school and done a lot of Xtreme lash training while there. Shae called and said she was ready to sell. It seemed like the perfect fit and perfect timing. We combined the two, add-

ed more fabulous stylists and Xtreme Lash Products to create Charlotte’s Premiere Lash and Brow boutique. The merger has been great.

EL: Do you offer other services besides Lashes?

LL: Yes we offer waxing, threading, brow shaping and design as well as Babydoll Lash Lifts. We carry a full line of Xtreme retail products... make up, after care products, Eyedews and always “Free Man Advice”.

EL: What is your most popular service?

LL: The Xtreme Minx Lashes- Eyelash extensions; followed by a close second of The Babydoll Lash Lift. More details are available at BabyDollLashes.com. This is a process for natural lashes to give great lift without the lash curler for eight weeks! Then we tint so perfect for the summer and water! No more raccoon eyes!!!

EL: For people who are thinking about getting eyelash extensions, what can they expect?

LL: They can expect instant lifting of the eyes and face. It gives a beautiful finished WOW look with or without make up. It transforms every lady’s look, no more mascara needed!

EL: What is one thing that sets Lala Lashes apart from others?

LL: We pride ourselves on using high quality products in a clean and sanitary environment. Our Lash technicians are all certified estheticians. They are also all trained and educated at the highest level possible. Charryse Rankin is ranked as one of the top Xtreme lash technicians in the nation.

She is Awesome! We offer excellent customer services and educate our clients.

EL: What would you tell an Elevate Lifestyle reader who is considering getting lash extensions?

LL: You will LOVE them! Careful... they are addictive and once you start wearing them you won’t want go without.

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EL: What is the first thing or the most common thing you tell your clients after they have gotten lashes from you?

LL: We give them an after care brochure and make sure they are fully aware of the 48 hour RULE... This is when the glue cures and is critical for lasting lashes. NO showers, steam, gym etc...Baby your lashes.

EL: When did you decide that you wanted to own your own business?

LL: Several years ago. I started with my first shop Gorgeous Glo, and then sold it. I love to start up businesses and be my own boss.

EL: What is your favorite part of the job?

LL: Being in the beauty business and being able to see the instant change of ladies. Getting to witness their look transform and knowing they feel great within a short amount of time. I love instant gratification and to see them so happy.

EL: Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 years?

LL: I would like LaLa Lashes to have an excellent reputation for quality and service and to add other locations in North Carolina and Florida. Make a little Lash empire!!

EL: What is the best part of owning your own business? What are the challenges?

LL: The flexibility it allows me is great. I don’t do well in a 9 to 5 office so this is perfect for me. Also, there is always something new every day and not the same routine. Challenges are always in the beginning and the set ups. It takes a lot and I work for months, 6 to 7 days a week until everything 42

runs smoothly! I take it personal and pride myself on giving my customers the best. I am only happy when everything is done exceptionally well. I want my clients and employees happy.

time with family and friends.

EL: What are your hobbies and interests when you are not at Lala Lashes?

LL: Sleeping! This shop wears me out lol. My interest and hobby would be the beauty industry for sure! I love anything to do with the industry and discovering new products etc. I also love the going to the beach. If I am not working, you can usually find me in Florida, at the beach. I also enjoy great restaurants and

EL: Can you share one or two things that are on your “Bucket List?�

LL: I would love to visit Ireland, Maldives and Dubai in the near future.

EL: Tell us something else you would like Elevate Lifestyle readers to know.

LL: I am a huge supporter of ending Domestic Violence and helping victims begin the healing process (with Safe Alliance Charlotte group) and the fight on Human Trafficking ... Please learn more and support these causes to make a change!

704.366.5274 | LaLaLashesCharlotte.com 841 Baxter St. S114, Charlotte 28202 Steve Caldwell, Editor 43

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Design With Your Dime - Charlotte Edition Designing your home on a budget can seem a daunting task, but thanks to so many Home Improvement and Do-It-Yourself Networks, they can lend a hand in the creative department for you.

I personally, have learned so many great ideas from those very shows. Not to mention the convenience of the World Wide Web at your fingertips with literally any design idea (no matter how crazy) available for you from beginning to end. Websites that give you step by step guides on how to “get the look” and VIOLA! You have a newly designed, uniquely yours home sweet home.

But how does one achieve such a look without breaking the bank?

Sure, if you have no budget whatsoever you can create anything.

But what if you don’t have the means of say…Donald Trump? Maybe you do, but you choose to be as frugal as possible. No matter your pockets, Designing on a modest budget has become not only

a challenge I welcome, but I now consider myself somewhat of a fantastic find connoisseur.

First things first, have a plan. Decide if your goal is to try and decorate your entire home immediately, or if you’re satisfied with a more relaxed approached at decorating at your leisure. If whole home must be done, you’ll need to decide what you’re willing to spend where. For instance, if your most important room in your home is your Living/Family room, start there. No, you don’t have to opt for Goodwill to furnish your home (although, I’m not at all opposed to it). This can be done believe it or not with brand new furniture and accessories. Charlotte boasts a variety of price and style within their furniture stores, so start with your big ticket items. The way to save here is timing. You don’t just walk into any old store and ask to buy a couch, or living room set. PRICING is KEY here. Look online, in sales ads, and in person to decide what look you’re looking for. Once the look is decided, then you must maintain a laser beam focus on what you want…maybe a flexible laser beam, just

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for keeping it real sake. So watch your favorite couch, I assure you, unless it blue crushed velvet, in the shape of a dolphin, it’s somewhere else. So get the name and style of the couch and start pricing it. Now you’ve found the lowest price in the city, but still…you don’t buy it. That’s right. I said DON’T BUY IT. You lie in wait. You watch that store like a hawk and I guarantee you, they’ll have some form of a sale…whether it be, holiday sale, blowout event or the boss has ordered too much sale; a sale will be had. That’s when you make your move.

Now you’ve found the best price at the lowest possible couch and you’re a better person for it. Plus you have the reward of knowing how much you truly have just saved. Don’t get hung up on the couch… you can insert any big ticket buy in its place.

Now that you’ve captured your center piece, it’s time to put some creative skills to work to compliment your choice. In decorating, less is more. That may not apply to your wallet situation, but this premise will surely aid in the former. This is where your personality goes into your style and everyone will know who you are. Still, take your time to find the right pieces to compliment your style. Impulse buying may only result in a cluttered home, because the time to find the right thing wasn’t taken. Also, make everything an option. Don’t turn your nose up to steals and bargains. I have some of my best pieces in my home from garage sales.

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I prefer moving sales because they tend to be more desperate, but garage sales can have great deals as well. If you do opt for either of these choices, haggling is totally okay here, and you’ll get better at it as you go. If that’s not your thing, there are more options out there for you. I’ll start with the obvious…IKEA. Don’t become that serial IKEAnist, it’s designed a very special way for you to walk the entire length of the store just so you become that person. While I still must monitor myself, I urge you also not to succumb to the deals. This Swedish gift can come in handy and may just be where the bulk of your accessory budget goes. Possibly even all of your big ticket items. But unless you literally want your place to look like the inside of an IKEA, don’t fall for the deals. Also, if you can’t build it…don’t come. That’s part of the whole idea is it’s cheap, because you have to assemble it. But accessories are already made and vary from vases, real and fake plants to pictures and kitchen wares.

So you have you larger stores like Ashley Furniture, Furniture Row Outlet, Boyles, Haverty’s, Rooms-To-Go and Value City. All of these stores offer great value options for accessories to decorate your home, and are also best visited during those sale days where you can get great deals! Don’t be frightened off by stores with great reputations either; stores such as Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Pier 1, World Market and others known for wonderfully vast accessories with a slightly higher price tag. These stores have products that lasts the test of time and can also offer great deals, stay in the know with these guys and the sales will come to you!

Don’t shy away from local shops. They support our community and have some of the best unique and original finds. You do have to put in foot work, but casual window shopping can be a relaxing activity for you and maybe take some friends for conversation. Whatever your choice, Designing your home on a budget can be a fun and creative outlet for you. Your home is your castle, build it as such!

Teka Rose, Contributing Writer 49

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Charlotte’s Building Boom Brings Change to the Cityscape Soaring Luxury Apartment Construction Will Bring Thousands of New Residents to Heart of the City

Having the biggest residential construction boom that we’ve had in many years— more than two dozen new high-end apartment communities will reshape Charlotte’s skyline and cityscape. A stroll Uptown—or sections of South End, or Plaza-Midwood—is punctuated by the echoes of heavy construction machinery. A historic multibillion dollar explosion of rental housing is about to dramatically reshape Charlotte in an expansion evolution.

The Charlotte region’s growth areas for major transformation continues to be focused on the heart and center of the urban areas in Mecklenburg County—with apartment developments having one of the strongest impacts on the city’s landscape. Over the last couple of years, the focal point of residential development has moved away from the conventional single-family residence that defined Charlotte’s character, and toward the newly embraced multifamily projects. Real Data reports that single-family development today is significantly less than multifamily construction.

How this sudden outbreak of development will impact Charlotte will unfold over the coming months and years. While building activity is occurring all over the city, much is concentrated in the city center quarter, leaving many of the city’s traditional, character-rich neighborhoods untouched. But the look and feel of areas where the construction is concentrated will change significantly. This historic level of rental housing production is happening in all the right places—with convenient access next to transit and jobs—this is sure to be a trend celebrated as unequivocally one of the best things that has happened in Charlotte in a long time.

Demographics City Planners and developers are now looking at ways to ensure that new construction meets the changing demographics of renters who simply have chosen not to get a mortgage. Apartment amenities are more upscale to continue to compete and attract people who are used to owning. The new developments will offer a broad range of housing to an eclectic mix of people—from a younger population in their 20s and 30s; a multiplicity of affluent professionals—to empty nesters looking to downsize to maintenance free living.

Street life Having been away for approximately 10 years—and coming back to an already transformed skyline, the “new” Charlotte, as I coin it, appears to be going for a more vibrant, hip and interesting fabric to the streetscape, in essence, a more livable city— with an air of urban culture and excitement that is only going to be enhanced with this expansion evolution. The new developments are state-of-the-art projects, offering pedestrian friendly buildings that engage with the outside world; with ground-floor accessibility to amenities such as … retail storefronts, up-scale shops, restaurants, and entertainment. This is sure to have a big influence on street life—as along with the influx of people that will populate the new developments; the myriad of people already living in the areas, will not only patronize their neighborhood businesses, but is sure to arouse all sorts of fresh business catering to their needs.

Whatever your new apartment residence checklist encompasses, one of the new projects is sure to transcend your expectations. All of the new property developments seem to engender a common goal—Impact the acceleration of growth and success of the Charlotte rental residential market, while catering to the consumer!

Below is a list of some of the new apartment developments* *Projects in early stages of development will have less information available.

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ALPHA MILL, PHASE II Uptown: 915 North Caldwell Street 704.817.2051 | 100 Units General Information: Located just across I-277 from Uptown Charlotte, Alpha Mill Phase II will be an additional 100 apartment units of new construction to Alpha Mill Phase 1, a renovated historic cotton mill that now features a gated community with upscale apartments and amenities.

Owner/Developer: Northwood Ravin Alpha-Mill.com CAMDEN SOUTHLINE Southend: 2300 South Boulevard 266 Units Square Footage: 609 – 1,277 BR/BA Range: 1 - 2 BR | 1-2 BA Amenities: Saltwater pool with expansive entertainment, lounging and grilling areas, 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness studio, Integrated Yoga zone, kitchen for entertaining, available to private parties upon request, game room with 3D TV and gaming equipment, bike workshop and controlled access bike storage, E-Lounge with Wi-Fi, computers, MAC and multi-function printers, beautiful courtyard with cozy seating on ground level, Paw Spa pet grooming lounge, Unleashed Dog Park with controlled access, controlled building and garage access, package tracking and receiving system integrated in mail room, private storages available covered garage with ample parking for residents and guests, 24hr emergency maintenance, smoke-free environment, cable and door to door trash service.

Owner/Developer: Camden Property Trust CamdenSouthline.com COLONIAL GRAND AT SOUTHEND Southend: 2800 South Boulevard 340 Units Price Range: $980 - $2,400 Square Footage: 446-1,227 BR/BA Range: Studio - 2 BR w/ loft | 1-2 BA Amenities: Clubhouse with gourmet kitchen, connect cafĂŠ, yoga room, HS internet and U-verse 300 included, two dynamic urban courtyards, midrise parking deck with one parking space per bedroom, and trash service Owner/Developer: Colonial Properties Trust

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CHILDRESS KLEIN APARTMENTS Uptown: 401 South Mint Street 704.342.9000 | 352 Units Square Footage: 650 to 1,250 BR/BA Range: Studio - 2 BR | 1-2 BA Amenities: State-of-the-art amenity center, saltwater pool and clubhouse; six levels of parking will accommodate 452 cars.

Owner/Developer: Childress Klein CRESCENT SOUTHPARK (Preleasing in early 2014) Southpark: Piedmont Row Drive 321 Units Square Footage: 556-1,329 BR/BA Range: Studio - 2 BR | 1-2 BA Amenities: Sophisticated amenities and services just minutes from designer shops, gourmet restaurants and a thriving nightlife. Crescent SouthPark will feature a cyber lounge, business center, WiFi throughout the amenity areas, and a state-ofthe-art clubroom with a show kitchen and gaming area. The community also features a multi-story health club, resort-style saltwater pool with aqua sundeck, and an outdoor kitchen. The pet-friendly community has a two-acre wooded dog park and features a scenic pond with overlook.

Owner/Developer: Colonial Properties Trust FIRST WARD URBAN VILLAGE APARTMENTS, PHASE I Uptown: Brevard Street & 10th Street 200 Units, 1,376 parking spaces General Information: 15-year project that will cost more than $700 million; When the project is complete, First Ward, the area of uptown northeast of Trade and Tryon streets, will be home to a public park, three parking decks, apartments, office space, restaurants and stores. At least eight city blocks will be part of the urban village. Also plans are to replace the lots with a 4 ½-acre park with an interactive fountain, an arbor pool, and an open green area the size of a football field.

Owner/Developer: Levine Properties

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FOUNTAINS SOUTHEND Southend: 126 New Bern Street 877. 759.6878 | 208 Units Price Range: $920 – $1,855 Square Footage: 528 – 1,267 BR/BA Range: Studio - 3 BR | 1-2 BA Amenities: Pool, pool-side fire pit, outdoor hot tub, virtual fitness trainer, pet spa, rooftop clubroom and sky terrace.

Owner/Developer: Profit Dixon Partners FountainsSouthend.com GATEWAY WEST APARTMENTS Uptown: 913 West 4th Street 280 Units General Information: Gateway West is a five-story development that will be adjacent to Johnson & Wales University in the Gateway Village area of Uptown Charlotte.

Located at the intersection of Fourth Street and Johnson & Wales Way, the site will include 280 luxury apartment units over two levels of parking with 8,000 square feet of retail space and amenities such as a heated pool, covered parking in a secured parking garage, lush landscaped courtyard, fitness and yoga facility, swimming pool, resident lounge, movie theater, gaming areas, demonstration kitchen and much more all with the view of the Charlotte skyline.

Owner/Developer: Faison Properties, Sereo Group LEVINE METROPOLITAN APARTMENTS Midtown: 1200 Metropolitan Avenue 140 Units General Information: The Levine Metropolitan Apartments will be located at the intersection of Metropolitan Avenue and South Kings Drive in Charlotte’s Midtown.

Levine Properties with Cashel Rock Investors will develop this 1.3-Acre site into a 140-unit apartment complex, projected to be completed in early 2014. According to the deal, no retail will be permitted within the first 10 years.

Owner/Developer: Levine Properties, Cashel Rock Investors

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LOFTS AT NC MUSIC FACTORY Uptown: 920 Hamilton Street 200-250 Units General Information: The NC Music Factory Apartments will be a mixed-use development adjacent to the NC Music Factory. The 5-acre site will include 200-250 residential units with approximately 40,000 square feet retail in two five-story buildings.

Features include negative edge pool, outdoor grills, balconies with skyline views, and a short walking distance to bars, restaurants and performance venues.

Owner/Developer: Seaboard Street Condominiums, LLC NCMusicFactory.com PARK & KINGSTON APARTMENTS Southend: 121 West Park Avenue 704.602.2070 | 153 Units Price Range: 950-1175 Square Footage: 514 - 882 BR/BA Range: Studio - 1 BR | 1BA Amenities: Fabulous pool and courtyards with Wi-Fi; spectacular rooftop terrace; decks have soothing fountains, outdoor fireplace and lots of seating for socializing; dining and grilling areas. Indoor spaces include granite-slab countertops with island seating, stainless-steel appliances and even a movable island in all Studios and the incredible Uptown, Southend or courtyard views.

Owner/Developer: Marsh Properties MarshProperties.com/park-kingston 1200 SOUTH BOULEVARD APARTMENTS Southend: 1200 South Boulevard 331 Units Price Range: $990 – $1,890 Square Footage: 570 - 1,262 BR/BA Range: Studio - 2 BR | 1-2 BA Amenities: Car washing area, cyber bar and coffee house, gated parking, rooftop gardens, outdoor pool, and plug in stations for electric vehicles.

Owner/Developer: Cambridge Development Group

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1225 SOUTH CHURCH STREET, PHASE II Southend: 1225 South Church Street 866.582.3498 | 210 Units Price Range: $900 – $3,330 Square Footage: 597 - 1,246 BR/BA Range: Studio - 2 BR | 1-2 BA Amenities: Club room featuring a cozy fire- place, billiards, foosball, gaming tables, resident lounge with Starbucks coffee and theater room; courtyard with fire pit, water features and pergolas, electronic gaming stations featuring Wii and Xbox 360, gated covered parking area with elevator access, heated outdoor pool with skyline views, high endurance fitness facility Owner/Developer: Cambridge Development Group 1225SouthChurch.com SILOS SOUTHEND Southend: 131 Poindexter Drive 877.816.0192 Price Range: $920 – $2,005 Square Footage: 596 - 1,794 BR/BA Range: Studio - 3 BR | 1-2 BA Amenities: 24/7 Health Club, bark park, billiards and poker tables, board room, bocce ball lawn, controlled access buildings, fitness studio with virtual trainer, free Wi-Fi at clubhouse, pool and lounge, outdoor fire lounge, outdoor kitchen with grills, pet salon, poolside dive-in movies relaxation massage room, rooftop terrace, salt water pool with expansive deck, smoke free apartments homes, the zone game center, Wi-Fi lounge, and light rail within steps.

Owner/Developer: Woodfield Investments SKYHOUSE Uptown: 631 North Tryon Street 320 Units General Information: The SkyHouse project, which is still in the planning stages, will have about 320 units with one, two and three bedrooms, and feature floor-to-ceiling glass. A “SkyHouse” will sit on the 23rd floor and include a club room, fitness area and outdoor plazas that will have lounge space, fireplaces and a swimming pool. Developers say the project will be environmentally sustainable and Energy Star certified.

Owner/Developer: Novare Group, Grubb Properties, Batson-Cook

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SUMMIT & CHURCH Uptown: 1449 South Church Street 197 Units General Information: This podium-style development will include five stories of studio, one-and two-bedroom apartments over two levels of parking. The project will also include key man office space and a coffee shop with sidewalk dining on the ground floor. A small dog park is planned off of Summit Avenue.

Owner/Developer: Faison Properties, Sereo Group 330 WEST TREMONT Southend: 330 West Tremont 164 Units General Information: 330 West Tremont is a 4.6 acre, 164-unit apartment complex located in the heart of Charlotte’s Historic South End. The complex will consist of four stories of apartments atop two levels of parking. Boykin Management Co. and the Boulevard Co. expect to complete this first phase of development by 2013. A planned second phase will include apartments and commercial or retail out-parcel buildings.

Owner/Developer: Boykin Management Co. and The Boulevard Co Sheila Fate, Contributing Writer

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Pimp Your Home Out! Although Hickory, NC may hold the title for the furniture capital of the world, you don’t have to travel up to the mountains to find good design. Here in the Charlotte area, there are many stores that offer any type of design you could imagine – from French Empire to Colonial, from Bauhaus to Neo-Contemporary, from refurnished antiques to shabby chic. Even if you’re not into the big box stores such as IKEA or Haverty’s, you’ll find that Charlotte has a lot of lesser-known shops and chains where you can find something unique and stylish.

By Design

By Design provides a contemporary with a dash of retro style that’s unique to South End. Clean lines, brushed aluminum finishes, and unconventional shapes are the calling card of this local shop. Many of their furniture offerings are based on a box shape with strong lines or rounded corners – geometric yet chic. The lava-lamp-esque patterned rugs, spike mirror, and arced floor lamp with multiple rounded shades around the bulbs will evoke the futuristic fashion of the 50’s and 60’s, while the low lying, straightedged sectional, hand-woven aluminum wire table lamp, and high headboards will be perfect for a distressed studio apartment or downtown loft.

2130 South Blvd., Charlotte 28203 | 704.342.4600 ByDesignFurniture.com Restoration Hardware A regal and embellished line of vintage hardware fixtures, furniture, and accessories is what you will find at Restoration Hardware. From rugs to drapes, bathtubs to faucets, beds to tables, Restoration Hardware offers a wide variety of traditional home decor pieces. Modern decor may be in all the magazines, but that doesn’t mean the classics are out; if you’re in the market for an old-world, rich, European design, it’s the perfect place to go. Restoration Hardware’s signature look is French Empire, with both strong line, box frames reminiscent of the Roman revival as well as sloping curves that elicit a hint of ancient Egypt. In addition, you will find charming, 19th century additions to your home, echoed through the claw foot bathtubs,

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pillar candle chandeliers, velvet drapes, exposed bed frames, and dark, rustic wood finishes. Another highlight is the 1920’s, art deco style fringe chandeliers – you won’t find these just anywhere.

6815 Phillips Place Ct. SA, Charlotte 28210 | 704.556.0180 RestorationHardware.com Design Within Reach Located in South Park, Design Within Reach is one of the area’s best sources of contemporary design and home accessories. With a large selection of furniture exhibiting chrome, black leather elements, and funky, geometric shapes, much of the product line strongly evokes the Bauhaus style that was both revolutionary and popular in the 1930s. What will you find that’s unique to Design Within Reach? How about the Marshmallow Sofa with its repeating circular cushions, or the Nelson Coconut Chair with its sculpted, scooped triangle form? Design elements that are Design Within Reach’s signature include inverted, flowing shapes for better ergonomics, and retro styled pieces, such as the wing chair and tripod floor lamps.

4310 Sharon Rd. S21, Charlotte 28210 | 704.909.5500 DWR.com Homestyles Gallery and Specialty Shops Much like Black Lion, Homestyles Gallery and Specialty Shops is set up in downtown Mint Hill to house 50+ boutiques and local artists under one roof. Along with clothing and jewelry, there are also plenty of displays set up for home décor accessories and furniture.

Here, you can find truly unique items such as lamps with brass, pineapple-shaped bases, dressers with distressed, pastel painted wood, white, wrought iron, fleur-de-lis accessories, and basket-

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like birdcages. Many of the items possess a “shabby chic” charm to them, perfect for those with a sense of whimsy and a love of refurnished décor. Another thing we love about the Homestyles Gallery and Specialty Shops? The light, cheerful Christmas décor selection they offer!

11237 Lawyers Rd., Mint Hill 28227 | 704.573.1510 Facebook.com/HomeStylesGallery High Cotton Home How one could describe High Cotton Home’s signature style is American Eclectic. This 7,000 square foot South End space houses a wide variety of furniture styles, from traditional, Colonial style nightstands, Windsor chairs, marble slab tables, floral prints, and striped, beachesque armchairs. What really makes High Cotton Home a great place to shop is the way the floor is set up like a true showroom, allowing you to browse complete living spaces to better envision how the pieces will fit into your redesigned room. What else do we love about High Cotton Home? The dazzling, yellow beaded chandeliers, hightopped, padded beige headboards and freshly colored, airy bedding, and the minimalistic nature prints for your walls. There’s one thing for sure – High Cotton Home will make you feel perfectly at home.

2137 South Blvd. S100, Charlotte 28203 | 704.335.1220 Facebook.com/HighCottonHome Summer Classics Inviting and charming, Summer Classics’ line invites you to spend many a pleasant, relaxing evening on the porch, whether you own a townhouse, country home, or lake house. Some of the most beautiful pieces include the round outdoor tables with Italian-

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style tiling and mosaic, the Marina Lamp with the grid of knotted ropes that would be perfect for a beach home, and the Westport sofa with plush cushions and crisscross aluminum backing. Other items you’ll find include Windsor chairs, slat-back furniture, classic wicker furniture, and beautiful outdoor rugs in browns and greens and subtle patterns.

1308 W. Morehead St., Charlotte 28208 | 704.372.0095 SummerClassics.com West Elm West Elm’s furniture is compact and perfect for an uptown condo or a renovated home in NoDa. Clean lines are prevalent throughout their pieces, the style bridging the gap between chic and modern. In additional to the basics, West Elm also offers featured style lines, such as their industrial chic line that evokes a San Francisco feel with the exposed light bulbs of the glass jar pendants and rustic wood of their side tables, or their Mid-Century style line with beautifully simple box forms. Some of our other favorites include the Tulip Chair with its rounded, one piece back and slightly flared arms, the Glass Jug table lamp, and the solid “Rocking Bird” accessories that are great for your mantle or side table.

1100 Metropolitan Ave. SF160, Charlotte 28204 | 704.333.0642 WestElm.com Spring isn’t the only time to refresh your style and re-invent your home. August is a good time to prepare for autumn and bring in some new colors. So head uptown or to the Atherton Mill area and get ready to shop!

Sarah Hudson, Entertainment Contributor

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There’s No Time Like NOW for Real Estate!

For the past few years, selling Real Estate in the Charlotte region has been as challenging as most other areas in the country. Sellers who’ve listed their homes for sale might wait many months, or even years, to find a buyer. Some could not sell their properties at all, remaining in their homes and delaying moves; resorting to Short Sales or even finding themselves in Foreclosure. While Buyers had their pick of properties on the market, new tighter restrictions in lending sometimes led to difficulties in purchasing. Some found their dream home did not appraise, hindering their ability to obtain a loan. Or perhaps they even had trouble obtaining a mortgage loan at all, and were denied their dream of home ownership.

2013 is bringing us a new era in the Charlotte Real Estate Market, and the signs are encouraging to say the least!

Realtors are experiencing something we haven’t seen in years – having to worry about a shortage of listings to sell. The statistics show a great turnaround from recent history: The Charlotte Regional Realtor Association reports that in June there was only a 5.1 month supply of homes (6 months is considered a balanced market), a decrease of over 38% from this time last year! This stems from heightened activity - pending sales were up over 26% from last year, and the result - prices going up. The region’s median sales price was up almost 6% from 2012, at $165,000 (all numbers comparing June 2013 to June 2012).

More good news about things that are “down” - Days on Market was down from 138 to 106 days, and the overall inventory levels were down almost 22%.

So what does all this mean if you are planning to buy or sell a home? Potential sellers are feeling more comfortable, knowing that they should be able to sell and move, and often at a higher price and in a shorter time period than in recent history. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial for Sellers to work with a Realtor who can help them set the correct price in today’s market to encourage buyer activity. As a personal example: 3 properties in a row that I’ve listed all received offers within the first 24 hours; one of them receiving multiple offers!

For Buyers, there are now excellent properties coming on the market from which to choose, as Sellers realize that it really is a great time to list their homes for sale. Also, mortgage prices remain some of the lowest in history. Many new homeowners find that they are paying less on a monthly mortgage payment than they previously had paid in rent - all while building equity and accruing deductible expenses for their taxes. Owning a

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home is still the “American Dream� and with a great Realtor guiding the way, Buyers can get into the market while prices are still low.

Real Estate has always been known as one of the best, safest investments available - and what better place to invest than in your own home!

Julie Tache is the Owner/Broker of Homes With Cachet, a Boutique Residential Real Estate firm based in Charlotte.

Homes With Cachet is a long-time Corporate Sponsor of the HTA, and Julie helped many of its members buy and sell Real Estate in the Charlotte area.

She is licensed in both North and South Carolina and holds the designations ABR, QSC, e-PRO, SPS and CRS (held by only 3% of all Realtors).

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Don’t Be Afraid To Be You So often today people are more concerned about others opinions than standing with a strong conviction of their own. This happens in the homes of so many today. Homeowners are designing their home based on others likes and dislikes. It is your home, so you should not be afraid to be yourself inside of it There are three areas I see as precursors that suppress the inner confidence of homeowners to be strong and be themselves in their home design. The first are based on myths, folklore, urban legend and media hearsay. I cannot tell you how often I hear homeowners that are afraid to do a dark beautiful color because they have heard it will make the room smaller. I am here to dispel all rumors of such nonsense. I have painted and designed hundreds of spaces where a darker pallet was chosen and every time I pulled a tape measure after it was painted the room measured the same size. I know they did not mean it literally got smaller but to them figuratively it felt closed in and smaller. I want to say that you should not look as if the room seems smaller feeling but that the room actually just became more intimate, cozy, and comfortable.

A lot of times it is how you accentuate and use the rest of the décor in the space to bring the room together. Traditionally doors and window trim have been painted white and when outlining and defining a darker color it is too strong of a stark contrast. The trend is now changing and the trim is being painted softer with, off whites, and almond cream colors that better accent and soften the harsh transition from the color of the trim to the color of the walls. Another misconception is that light white painted rooms all throughout the house make the room brighter. I believe that it makes the room colder because it has less personality. Don’t be afraid to brighten up the room with a yellow, orange, light blue or green. Have different colors throughout the house that are complimentary to one another. Again having every room in the house the same color strips the home from all character.

The second problem I see people face as a deterrent is peer pressure. So often I have clients that are worried about what others may think or what others are doing in their home. Who cares? It is your house and until they are paying part of the mortgage your color stays. On a more serious note lets break it down to a very simple observation. When you visit a friend’s house and see all the colors, furniture, and decorations they have chosen you are simply there for a brief moment of life. You may possibly visit someone’s home on average two to three times within a year. The likelihood of you being there everyday are slim to none. Vice versa that they may be in your house no more than three times a year. So I pose a simple but important question. Why are you designing your home around someone that may possibly see it three times a year when you live in it everyday? There is nothing wrong with taking notes from homes you have seen and using those to help with the ideas to incorporate with what your design taste is if you like something you see.

The third problem is designers themselves. I know it sounds like I am against what I do, but it is more in depth than that. A designer should listen and be very observant to the client they are working for. In my opinion I believe a good designer does not walk into your home and tell you what colors

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and textures are perfect for your home disregarding your personal taste. They should take the colors and textures you like and make them look the best they can in your space by incorporating them in the overall design. One example is you would like to see the color red in your home; a good designer will take that into account and use it within the design. That does not mean that all the walls should be painted red, because the area or space you are designing may not be right for that bold color on but it can be incorporated in the accents or decorations around the room.

Often a designer has one style and you must be careful that they pay attention to what you like and that you are represented within your home. Your home is a reflection and representation of you. It is an extension of all that you are. Make sure to design your home around what makes you happy and relaxes you.

I say all this with caution and suggest that you definitely have direction and establish boundaries in the over saturation of too much. There are fundamentals of designing and less can be more. I basically want to get across that it is so important to be you and not allow society to control your expression within your own home. There is a much-needed calling for designers to give guidance and help to prevent over doing certain things and to give you direction within your home. I hope this helps you find your inner confidence to not succumb to the current norm and express yourself within your own space. It is nice to walk in a home and get subtle hints of someone’s personality, but remember don’t divulge too much there needs to still be a little mystery. Don’t be afraid to enjoy your new space… it’s yours, so live it and love it!

Brandon Russell Former host on Trading Spaces Founder of Homecierge “Anything the Home Desires” Contact: homecierge@gmail.com

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Chill Out! Outdoor bars are a popular addition to any exterior living space, providing you with a gathering area. Custom designed patio bars are seen in both commercial places, such as restaurants and hotels, as well as residential areas. An outside bar is most commonly found in areas with warmer climates because they can be used more often; however they can be built in any environment. There are a variety of different types of bars you can install in your backyard; however the most popular set up is a patio bar. Although they can take on almost any type of design, how to build a patio bar is simple because they must all contain the characteristics of a pub.

The most common features include a counter with storage for food and alcohol, accompanied by bar stools and tables with some type of overhead patio cover. For further design inspiration, continue reading about the top 2013 outdoor patio bar ideas plans to help create the ultimate cocktail lounge in your backyard.

The type of design you choose for your patio bar will set the atmosphere for your entire outdoor experience. The size of your bar will depend on the size of your home, however, home bars tend to can range anywhere between 3 and 15 feet in length.

In addition to the size, the shape of your bar can vary as well.

Popular bar top shapes include rectangular and L-shaped, however, they can take on circle, square, or oval forms as well. When designing your patio bar, the most important thing to consider is what its function will be. Bars can be incorporated into any type of patio as a free standing structure or in addition to a kitchen. Outdoor kitchen designs with bars tend to place them next to a cooking area or as an L-shaped extension of the counter space to entertain guests while cooking. If you do not have a large enough patio to build and outdoor kitchen, a smaller bar can be installed as well.

A portable bar with simple countertop and small storage space can be placed anywhere on your patio.

When constructing and outdoor bar, it is important to choose the right design scheme that will create a welcoming environment and serve your needs. One of the most essential aspects of patio bar designs is the type of atmosphere you would like to create. There are numerous different dĂŠcor schemes to choose from, however, some of the best home wet bar ideas include a classic, modern or tropical styled set up. Classic 75

bars tend to take on the look of old 1950’s pubs, incorporating dark stained woods with intricate carvings into their countertops combined with ornately styled pub chairs or wood bar stools. This type of design tends to work best with brick or concrete patios, however it can add a sophisticated look to any wood deck. Another popular approach for both indoor and outdoor home dÊcor is the modern style. Modern outdoor bars set a calm and soothing atmosphere for your exterior living space and provide you with a stylish place to entertain friends.

Modern designs focus on simplicity and make use of clean cut lines, cool colors, and sleek materials.

The most popular materials to use in a modern styled bar are concrete, glass, and stainless steel. Many homeowners prefer the traditional grey color of the concrete, which is perfect for modern patio flooring. However, decorative finishes such as paints, stains, or stamping can be added to your outdoor floors to create a more aesthetically pleasing surface for your patio. When choosing the outdoor dining furniture for your modern styled patio bar, consider using pieces that maintain sleek, and clear cut lines. When choosing your seating options, make sure to keep in mind the counter height. New patio photos show that the modern bar stool style tends to have high, metal chairs set underneath a glass or concrete countertop. Swivel stools are a great choice for your bar because they provide easy access to the bar and other areas of 76

the room. If you require additional seating for the area, consider incorporating a wrought iron patio set for extra seating room and a space to eat a meal. You can purchase more cheap outdoor chairs that will help to accommodate more guests.

Another fashionable trend for outdoor bar designs is an exotic tropical theme. Tropical bar themes are a favorite among homeowners with swimming pools in their backyards. The most popular way to add a tropical flair to your outdoor space is to build a tiki bar. Tiki bar plans create a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere similar to that you would find at a beach.

Outdoor pool bars can be highlighted with bamboo frames and thatched roofs or umbrellas. Teak furniture is a common accessory to any tropical styled patio space and can be used in bar stools, dining sets, and roofing structures. Teak wood is one of the top choices for outdoor furniture because it is strong, durable, and extremely weather resistant. Wicker chairs are also great for a tiki styled patio bar because they are reminiscent of a tropical oasis. Other outdoor furniture that is great for a tropical bar include bright comfortable lounge chairs, hammocks and large spacious wood dining sets. You can find a variety of pictures of personalized tiki bar designs in our outdoor photo galleries.

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If these styles are not appropriate for your tastes, consider creating a personalized bar design of your own. If you are at a loss for ideas, a great place to start is by looking at your existing backyard patio and your home. Some of the best patio ideas are those that match your house and blend together your indoor and outdoor spaces. Consider using the same construction materials as those that were used to build your house.

For example, if your home or patio is made from brick, think about using this material to construct your bar. You can find a variety of designer bar stools to include in your plan, such as wood, metal, or resin furniture. White bar stools are commonly used in cottage, modern, and traditional styled bar themes because it is a universal color and matches almost any dĂŠcor.

A patio umbrella can be added to your outdoor bar to create an overhead structure that will protect you from rain or sun, allowing you extend the time you can use the area. No matter what style you choose, your outdoor bar will become your favorite room in your home.

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