F E B R UA RY 2 02 1

Love & Arts

Waters



704-312-POOL · BWPOOLS.COM · 9628 INDUSTRIAL DR, PINEVILLE, NC

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

FEBRUARY 2021 PUBLISHER

George Zorrilla | george.zorrilla@lifestylepubs.com Lyn Coaldwell | lyn.coaldwell@lifestylepubs.com

Love, Love, Love!

EDITOR

Emily Shea | emily.shea@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Miranda Read

LOVE IS IN THE AIR, SOUTH CHARLOTTE! This month's issue is dedicated to love and arts.  We love the arts in our community, as it is rich with artistic talent. During the pandemic, we must look for creative ways to enjoy all genres of art and support art organizations in whatever ways we can. With guidance and instruction, our kids can find their inner talents and cultivate an appreciation for the arts early on. Opportunities to enjoy art events will be back in a more normal way soon, so let's help artists survive until then.

L AYO UT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kimberly Blaker, Melinda Burris, Jennifer Mitchell, Valorie McAlpin Russell, Emily Shea CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jim Burris, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Poprock Photography, Charlotte Music School, Paul Williams III, Steak 48

We love our teachers who are often underappreciated. The pandemic has taught many parents how tough the job of teaching can be. Teachers have found ways to creatively engage our kids in education as they help mold and prepare them for the future. Go all out and show teachers some love! In this issue, a fantastic couple will show you how to love your mind, body and soul. Another beautiful couple, who found love later in life, share their passion for travel and their memories from a favorite trip.  We hope their story will help you reflect and hold on to your travel memories until we can travel again.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

We love our readers and our marketing partners. Thank you for your support and

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

remember we are here for you! This month we feature a partner who uses her love

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

for cakes to show her love for humanity too.

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

During these challenging times find someone to love....love everybody! In addition to

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

our family, friends and associates, our essential workers, especially our health care workers, need to feel our love now more than ever. Spread the love, South Charlotte! Be grateful, be kind, laugh, love and live well, 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Lyn Coaldwell, Publisher

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

ON THE COVER Nothing Bundt Cakes Valentine's Day Cake.

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY NOTHING BUNDT CAKES. 4

South Charlotte Lifestyle | February 2021

CityLifestyle.com/SouthCharlotte

Proverbs 3:5-6 South Charlotte Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the South Charlotte areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in South Charlotte Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE FEBRUARY 2021

FEATURES 14 Labor of Love B.E. STRONG Unique Exercise Program Aims to Harmonize Brain, Mind and Body

20 Conquering the COVID-19 Challenge Sending Love to Our Teachers as They Overcome the Challenges of Being an Educator During a Pandemic

26 Exploring Barcelona, A Magical Journey Remembering our Romantic Trip During a Pandemic Without Travel

30 Nothing Bundt The Best Meet Waxhaw Nothing Bundt Cake

20 14

Owner Betsy Lamb and Get to Know Her Story

26

30

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

14

Healthy Lifestyle

16

Locally Owned

20 Our Town 26 Travel Destination 30 Food & Wine 33 Realty Report 34 Parting Thoughts

GOOD TIMES

Private Pre-Grand Opening Events at Steak 48 Private Pre-Grand Opening Events were held over five nights at Steak 48 in the Apex at South Park to benefit five Charlotte charities. Select invited guests received complimentary dinner, desserts and drinks while more than $46,000 was donated to support the Denny Hamlin Foundation, Steve Smith Family Foundation, TreesCharlotte, YWCA Central Carolina and Charlotte Ballet. PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY STEAK 48 AND POPROCK PHOTOGRAPHY. 

8

South Charlotte Lifestyle | February 2021

AROUND TOWN

Live Life Better!

Benefical Exercise & Bodywork We can help reduce pain, stress, boost your immune system and increase mobility. Master Body Worker Calvin Fleming has developed a series of Beneficial Exercises and Body Work Therapies that treat these issues and more. The treatments and exercises include Sensory Processing Input techniques that allows the brain to work better with your body and help you feel more youthful, stable, balanced and healthier overall.

ALL ABOUT "CHARLOTTE LIT" Charlotte Center for Literary Arts, Inc. – “Charlotte Lit” – is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts center formed in August 2015 by writers Kathie Collins and Paul Reali. Their first program, Light the Night with Lit, featuring the poet Linda Pastan, was held in February 2016. Today, they have more than 225 members and hold more than 100 events annually. Charlotte Lit’s mission is to celebrate the literary

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arts by educating and engaging writers and readers through classes, conversations and community. For more information about Charlotte Lit and upcoming classes, visit CharlotteLit.org.

We work with seniors and people of all ages, including children.

3909-C Providence Road S Waxhaw, NC 28173 704.847.5635

LaborOfLoveBES.com

CHARLOTTE BALLET PRESENTS INNOVATIVE: DIRECT FROM THE LAB One of Charlotte Ballet's most popular, sell-out performance series, Innovative: Direct from the LAB, will return at the Center for Dance this winter beginning Feb. 5. All choreography will be created in-house as an extension of the  Choreographic

10

South Charlotte Lifestyle | February 2021

Lab series that Artistic Director Hope Muir introduced during her first season with the company. This will be a truly innovative performance series like no other. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit CharlotteBallet.org. 

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION OF CHARLOTTE GIVES ASSISTANCE TO THOSE IN NEED Across Charlotte, the American Heart Association is fighting for longer lives by making the places where we live, learn, work, play, pray and heal as healthy as they can be. The organization is committed to improving lives by removing barriers

and

strengthening

cardiac

safety nets, addressing food insecurities and improving access to quality health care.  Nearly one  in three  adults in Mecklenburg County have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, enough to fill Bank of America Stadium over four times!  Collectively, they  are working to impact the complex problems preventing better health for residents of Greater Charlotte. Thanks to a partnership between the American Heart Association and Blue Cross NC, $30,000 in community health mini-grants were awarded to local groups. Three of these are funding relief efforts in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The awards promote sustainable policy and systems changes and focus on access to healthy food, nutrition education, telehealth and more. Visit their website

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at Heart.org/Charlotte to see how you can support their efforts.

GET INVOLVED WITH CHARLOTTE ART LEAGUE Charlotte Art League is a non-profit visual arts organization that offers a unique mix of open working studios, classes  and community outreach programs along with a public gallery. CAL's mission is to  enrich  the cultural vitality of Charlotte through visual arts by

704.771.1747 WWW.PPSCLT.COM

offering affordable working studios and display space, free shared workspace, CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SouthCharlotte

11

AROUND TOWN

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SOUTHERN SPRING HOME AND GARDEN SHOW POSTPONED The annual Southern Spring Home and Garden Show that we all look forward to each year as a sign that spring is on the way has been postponed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We can look forward to the Southern Spring Home and Garden Show to take place next year on Feb. 25-27 and March 4-6, 2022 at The Park Expo and Conference Center. The show features local remodelers, landscape designers and companies, showcase

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12

South Charlotte Lifestyle | February 2021

CHARLOTTE’S PREMIER CENTER

FOR VEIN AND VASCULAR TREATMENTS

PETER FORD, MD, FACS, RPVI BEFORE

• Board Certified Vascular Surgeon • State-of-the-Art treatments with immediate results • Selected as a Regional Training Site for Venaseal Closure System • Bi-lingual staff for Spanish speaking patients • Free Vein Screenings by appointment 7800 Providence Road, Suite 209 Charlotte, NC 28226 (704) 544-7535

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AFTER

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

LABOR OF LOVE B.E. STRONG

ARTICLE JENNIFER MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY JIM BURRIS

UNIQUE EXERCISE PROGRAM AIMS TO HARMONIZE BRAIN, MIND AND BODY

14

South Charlotte Lifestyle | February 2021

Visit laboroflovebes.com to learn more about all service offerings or to book an initial assessment. To make an appointment by phone, call 704.847.5635.

W

Calvin and Gezell Fleming

knees and hips. Specialized exercises work to align and support the spine. The studio also offers a variety of services focused on stress relief and boosting immunity including light therapy, an oxygen bar, massage and aromatherapy to name a few. Labor of Love B.E. STRONG was developed after Gezell was HEN YOU FIRST MEET

diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a rare cancer of

CALVIN AND GEZELL

the blood, in 2003. “Based on my background in eastern thera-

FLEMING AND GET A

pies and Taekwondo, I knew I needed to create something that

GLIMPSE INTO THEIR

would help turn this situation around for my wife,” Calvin explains.

LIFE’S

YOU

“That is when ideas for our business really took hold. I credit the

QUICKLY REALIZE THEY

WORK,

program with contributing to Gezell being cancer-free today.”

ARE

SOME-

Gezell explains that as a couple they want to give others hope.

THING VERY SPECIAL.

“I decided that I am going to live. I feel better than ever and we

The couple, in their 60s

want people to know that no matter how bad your health is, you

and arguably operating at

can feel better.”

ON

TO

peak performance, are the

With a focus on both preventative and restorative therapies,

owners of Labor of Love

clients often experience improvements in sleep, circulation, focus,

B.E. STRONG, a boutique exercise and wellness studio located in

memory, coordination, balance and range of motion. Many see a

Waxhaw at 3909 Providence Road South, Suite C.

reduction when it comes to incidents such as stress, pain, muscle

Calvin is a master martial artist and Gezell, a certified life

fatigue and falls.

coach. More than a decade ago they opened Labor of Love B.E.

In response to COVID-19, the studio has policies in place to

STRONG, specializing in a holistic approach to fitness and well-

ensure clients are safe. There are temperature checks, masks

ness. Whether you are recovering from a traumatic physical injury

are required and equipment is disinfected after each visit.

or emotional experience or wanting to improve balance, range of

The Flemings say the studio’s air filtration system has been

motion or core stability, there is something for everyone.

upgraded and only one client is allowed inside at a time. “Our

“Our sessions are tailored for each client based on their own individual needs and goals,” explains Calvin. “The program is

studio is one of the safest places you can be outside of your own home,” adds Gezell.

centered around feeling better, younger and more relaxed as well

Labor of Love B.E. STRONG does not require a membership.

as decreasing stress and anxiety and improving your quality of

Clients can request a free 30-minute coaching consult and then

sleep. Many clients tell us they can feel a difference even after

can simply sign up for the package that meets their needs. The

just one session.”

couple explains that often the results they see are life-changing.

Beneficial Exercise (B.E.) is a proprietary program developed

“One of our clients had a brain injury and within a few visits we

by Calvin and Gezell. The program focuses on balance, core

helped retrain her brain to restore her balance,” explains Calvin.

stability, body flexibility, joint mobility and posture. Customized

“We change the trajectory when it comes to health and indepen-

movements help to strengthen joints including ankles, shoulders,

dence. You can’t replace that - we give people their lives back.” CityLifestyle.com/SouthCharlotte

15

LOCALLY OWNED

VIRTUAL MUSIC LESSONS WITH CHARLOTTE MUSIC SCHOOL AR TICLE

EM

YS IL

HE A

Mark and Amanda Norman

16

South Charlotte Lifestyle | February 2021

things that didn't. By seeing and hearing themselves, it gives them a whole new way to learn and improve." In addition to private lessons, CMS ordinarily holds spring and winter recitals as well as smaller recitals put together by each teacher so that students can get a genuine concert experience.  However, these have also been shifted to a virtual offering.  CHARLOTTE MUSIC SCHOOL OWNERS DR. MARK AND

"Even though we have shifted to offering everything virtually, we

AMANDA NORMAN ARE MUSIC LOVERS AT HEART, WITH AN

hope to get back to being able to offer in-person classes when it is

UNPARALLELED PASSION FOR SHARING THEIR AFFECTION

safe again," Mark says. "However, even when we get back to some

FOR AND DEDICATION TO MUSIC WITH STUDENTS OF ALL

sort of 'normal,' we will continue to offer virtual lessons. In addition

AGES. While they both have vast experience in the music industry –

to the practical recording and playback capabilities, Zoom allows our

Mark has traveled all over the world as a professional tuba player and

business to be more flexible with our students and teachers."

was even a member of the United States Navy Band in Washington,

Charlotte Music School is located at 10210 Berkeley Place Dr.,

D.C. – what truly makes CMS so exceptional is Mark and Amanda's

Suite 150, Charlotte, NC 28262. For more information about their

dedication to their students.

classes call 704.295.7676, email contact@charlottemusicschool.

Mark explains that the mission of CMS is to always do what's right

com or visit CharlotteMusicSchool.com.

for their students. He says, "Every single decision I or a faculty member makes [at CMS] is done with our students in mind. When we're teaching a private lesson, we're always thinking about what is right for that particular student and what is going to help them grow as a musician and an individual. We know that we're not just teaching music lessons; we're teaching intellect and discipline."  Undoubtedly, this philosophy  is what has made  CMS  so successful at crafting stellar musicians and so reputable within the Charlotte community. They currently have 11 instructors that offer private lessons in piano, guitar, vocals, percussion, woodwind, brass and string instru-

“When we’re teaching a private lesson, we’re always thinking about what is right for that particular student and what is going to help them grow as a musician and an individual.”

ments. CMS also offers music theory classes, which provide knowledge about notation, music history, major and minor scales, tempo markings and more. While all of their lessons

CMS recital held before the pandemic.

are typically held in person, they have all been shifted to virtual due to COVID-19. Mark says that the shift has been challenging, but that there have been a lot of great things to come out of it as well.  "Now that we do everything virtually via Zoom, we can teach anyone from anywhere," Mark says. "We have students that are located all over the U.S., and it has been great to see us grow to a national level." Mark also explains that being able to record a student during their private lesson is another great benefit of going virtual. He describes, "Each  student can replay their lesson after it has ended to see what they did that worked for them and improve

CityLifestyle.com/SouthCharlotte

17

OUR TOWN SENDING LOVE TO OUR TEACHERS AS THEY OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES OF BEING AN EDUCATOR DURING A PANDEMIC

ARTICLE MELINDA BURRIS

CONQUERING THE COVID-19 CHALLENGE IN THE WAKE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY HAVE SHIFTED FROM IN-PERSON CLASSES TO VIRTUAL LEARNING. We have interviewed four  area teachers to get their input on the challenges of teaching remotely and how community support has proven key to providing the necessary flexibility to meet the unprecedented pandemic-related challenges.

MAURYN BENNIGHT Mauryn Bennight is a visual arts teacher at Kennedy Middle School. When asked about frustrations associated with virtual learning Mauryn reveals, “For art, specifically, its been really challenging because we are a hands-on class. We’re usually drawing or painting or using the materials we have at school for all students to use.”

Mauryn Bennight

Teaching through the pandemic has required adapting project assignments because within the

uploading images of paper-based works for her review. Teachers

student population there is a vast disparity in the

have been faced with having to learn new platforms quickly to

availability of materials in the home. Mauryn notes

facilitate assignment management.

she is fortunate to work with a supportive staff and

Virtual learning has proven difficult for students. Mauryn

a principal who is committed to equity and ensur-

explains, “Students miss the connections. They miss their

ing students have the same access to materials.

teachers. They miss physically being somewhere other than

In preparation for the 2020-2021 school year, the

their house.”

art budget was allocated to purchase sketchbooks

Teachers also miss one on one interactions as Mauryn

and basic drawing materials for an art pack that

observes, “Teachers go into education because we are passion-

was sent to each student’s home. This has allowed

ate about students and our subjects. It has been difficult to be so

Mauryn to plan assignments knowing what stu-

detached, only seeing students occasionally on the screen.”

dents have available.

20

Summing up the situation, Mauryn issues this call: “Be kind

According to Mauryn, teachers and students

to your teachers. Parents are feeling like they are being teachers

have faced a learning curve in the switch to virtual

and chefs. I get that you’re spending so much time with your kids.

learning. For her students, the challenge has been

Teachers are doing their best so just have grace.”

South Charlotte Lifestyle | February 2021

Kristen Kliemisch

“Our major focus is providing the best we can to our students at the current point in time.” Flexibility is key as Kristen explains PE classes have transitioned from a focus on team sports to a lifelong fitness approach. Workouts are tailored so students will not be asked to do things that require tools not readily available. Classes feature a choice of activities for students in Zoom breakout rooms. Kristen finds that extroverted students are taking part on camera while introverted students are taking advantage of the option to videotape their workouts. Kristen notes the shutdown has been particuKRISTEN KLIEMISCH

larly difficult for sixth graders and other students

Kristen Kliemisch is a physical education and health teacher

who are new to the school because they have

at Kennedy Middle School. By building relationships with her

not met their classmates and are struggling to

students, Kristen has worked to keep her students engaged

make connections.

in physical activity during the pandemic. Mindful of students

Kristen believes in the ability of teachers to

being in front of computers much of the day, Kristen is careful

inspire having decided in eighth grade to become

when making assignments to be sure students can complete

an educator based on the example of her PE and

tasks during class times rather than spending additional time

health teacher who went out of his way to “human-

completing homework.

ize students and make connections.”

Kristen believes the phenomenon of “Zoom burnout” is real and that’s why so many students are drawn to physical activities where they don’t have to concentrate on their screens. Kristen asserts, “Our major focus is providing the best we can to our students at the current point in time.” CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SouthCharlotte

21

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

Alison Zorrilla

ALISON ZORRILLA Alison Zorrilla is a career and technical education teacher at Coulwood Stem Academy and teaches sixth and seventh graders. Because she teaches technology, Alison did not face the same challenge other teachers have experienced in making the switch to the virtual classroom. Because of her expertise, Alison has been responsible for helping other teachers at the school train in the use of course management system, Canvas. For Alison, the primary challenge has been getting students working from home on board and connecting to classes. To engage students, Alison takes care to make assignments that are relevant to them by building skills they will apply in the future. Maintaining easy communication with students has emerged as an essential element to successfully teaching remotely. Using Microsoft

Alison credits her principal, Dr. Janet Moss, and her commit-

Teams has allowed Alison to be readily available

ment to creating a safe environment for teachers and students

to her students.

with giving her the confidence to return to the classroom.

As teachers and students prepare to return to

Alison has noted her students have a strong desire to return

school, many teachers are reluctant due to the risk

to the traditional classroom and she agrees that virtual teaching

of contracting COVID-19. Alison explains, “It’s scary

makes it difficult to connect with kids as she would like: “It’s harder

for us as teachers because we’re at the most risk,

to develop the rapport with students and really get to know them.”

especially if you’re an older teacher or one with a pre-existing condition.” Still, Alison is eager to return to the traditional classroom for the sake of the students: “I feel it’s in the best interests of our students to go back and for that purpose, I and a lot of teachers are willing to go back.”

22

South Charlotte Lifestyle | February 2021

“It’s harder to develop the rapport with students and really get to know them.”

Shawn Panther

“I have received more thank you notes and messages of encouragement from parents this year than any other.” football week. The students crave social interaction and as Shawn notes “so much of a school is much more than what happens inside the classroom.” Shawn describes the response to the pandemic as very much a group effort. The staff have grown “closer than we’ve ever been because we have had to be there for one another. We have really grown together which allows us to be nimble.” Shawn credits a supportive administration that has put a lot of time and effort into preparation and safety protocols designed to keep students and staff safe and allow CCHS to meet in-person this fall. SHAWN PANTHER

Shawn recalls asking parents to be patient

Shawn Panther is an educator at Charlotte Catholic High

with him at the beginning of the school year as

School where he teaches AP Micro/Macro Economics  and

students, staff and parents came together to navi-

U.S. History classes and serves as the Social Studies

gate the unprecedented challenges the pandemic

Department Head.

presented. The response has been gratifying as

Adapting the traditional daily schedule to avoid crowded hall-

Shawn notes, “I have received more thank you

ways and adhere to social distancing mandates while also giving

notes and messages of encouragement from par-

students as much of a sense of normalcy as possible has been

ents this year than any other.”

the guiding principle for the CCHS staff. Shawn emphasizes the importance of adaptability in reaching this goal and dealing with frustrations that surfaced early in the school year. Shawn teaches high school seniors and notes the students have expressed sadness at missing certain milestones such as homecoming court dance and the state championship

This Valentine’s Day (and every day) don’t forget to send a little extra love and happiness to our educators.

CityLifestyle.com/SouthCharlotte

23

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TRAVEL DESTINATION

exploring barcelona, a magical journey REMEMBERING OUR ROMANTIC TRIP DURING A PANDEMIC WITHOUT TRAVEL

ARTICLE VALORIE MCALPIN RUSSELL

26

South Charlotte Lifestyle | February 2021

W e did a couple of paid t ours while exploring Barcelona, including t he f amous Sagrad a Famili a and Parc G uell, bot h wit h architectural influences by A nt oni G audi, t he most well-known designer of C at aloni a

WE

STILL

CONSIDER

NEWLYWEDS

AFTER

OURSELVES JUST

everywhere and quite pleasant. My hus-

FOUR

band and I are very active and we enjoyed

YEARS OF MARRIAGE, SO WHEN THE

walking. Comfortable shoes are an absolute

OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN OUR NEIGH-

must, but not tennis shoes. (Barcelonians

BORS, SANDI AND AL HOLLAND,

wear a variety of walking shoes, some quite

ON A MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE IN

dressy, but never gym shoes.)

SEPTEMBER OF 2019, WE COULDN’T

While exploring La Rambla, we stumbled

RESIST SPENDING A FEW EXTRA

onto a plaza area where we enjoyed ice

DAYS IN THE MAGICAL CITY OF

cream and discovered a small jazz club. We

BARCELONA. The

in

both love jazz and purchased tickets for a

Barcelona and included several stops in

show later that same evening. This turned

France and Italy. What a wonderful expe-

out to be one of the highlights of our trip. The

rience….my only regret is that we couldn’t

three-piece band had African roots and the

spend more time exploring each city

music was amazing. The live jazz in this small

that we visited. We did, however, spend

intimate setting where we had front row seats

four days in Barcelona

was mesmerizing, soulful and hypnotic.

cruise

began

We took a direct eight-hour flight to

Shopping near La Rambla was an abso-

Barcelona and a pillow on my husband’s lap

lute thrill! The shopping area, as in most

allowed me to nap most of the way. When

European cities, is an open mall area where

we arrived, we took a cab to our hotel,

the streets are blocked and shoppers can

Barcelona Apol Hotel, which was in an

explore department stores and small shops

urban district within walking distance of

without traffic. Even though we were warned

shops, restaurants and major tourist attrac-

about the prevalence of clever pickpocketers,

tions. Our hotel was small, charming  and

we never experienced this, possibly because

everyone spoke English and welcomed us

we were extremely careful by carrying cross-

warmly as American tourists.

body bags with one hand always on the bags.

Our first adventure was to explore La

We did a couple of paid tours while explor-

Rambla, a vibrant, busy street known for

ing Barcelona, including the famous Sagrada

shopping, dining and people watching.  It’s

Familia and Parc Guell, both with architec-

also known for mime artists and street per-

tural influences by Antoni Gaudi, the most

formers. The weather during September was

well-known designer of Catalonia. Sagrada

warm and air conditioning was not an option

Familia is a large unfinished Roman Catholic

in some restaurants, but outdoor cafes were

minor basilica. Gaudi’s work on the cathedral CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SouthCharlotte

27

TRAVEL DESTINATION (CONTINUED) is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction on the cathedral began in 1882 with Spanish Gothic, Art Nouveau and Catalan modernism architecture. It is truly a sight to behold! As a matter of fact, Gaudi’s influence is prevalent throughout the city of Barcelona, from the lamp posts to office buildings, to local parks.  The architecture of one such park, Parc Guell, reminded us of the gingerbread house of Hansel and Gretel. Gaudi originally built Parc Guell as a retreat for wealthy citizens of Barcelona and it is one of the largest parks in Catalonia.  Located on the outskirts of Barcelona, Parc Guell is a natural park area overlooking the city of Barcelona and reflects the richness of Gaudi’s artistic genius. His use of colorful mosaics, organic and geometric shapes create a wonderfully free and inspiring style. Evening strolls, dining at sidewalk cafes, exploring vendor wares and sipping sangria at a waterfront restaurant created a sense of magic for us. There’s so much to see and do in Barcelona and we only just scratched the surface. Here’s hoping that 2021 will allow us to see even more of this wonderful, dream-filled city.

28

South Charlotte Lifestyle | February 2021

READ

DINE

SHOP

PLAY

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29

FOOD & WINE

nothing bundt the best

South Charlotte Lifestyle | February 2021

ARTICLE MELINDA BURRIS

N OTH I N G 30

Betsy Lamb

MEET WAXHAW NOTHING BUNDT CAKE OWNER BETSY LAMB AND GET TO KNOW HER STORY

BETSY LAMB IS THE OWNER OF THE NOTHING BUNDT CAKES AT 9704 REA ROAD,  SUITE A, IN WAXHAW. After witnessing first-hand the love and care that goes into creating these fresh-baked, customizable bundt cakes at the grand opening of her brother's franchise in Wilmington, NC, Betsy began investigating the possibility of opening a location near Each Bundt cake is made fresh daily in the

At Nothing Bundt Cakes, you can choose

bakery on-site, with up to ten delicious bundt

from more than sixty unique handcrafted cake

flavors, including chocolate chocolate chip, clas-

designs to celebrate birthdays, holidays and

sic vanilla, red velvet, white chocolate raspberry,

other life milestones. There are numerous bundt

confetti, carrot, lemon, marble and a gluten-free

cake options including eight and 10-inch single or

chocolate chip cookie flavor. The bundt cakes are

tiered layers, individual size Bundlets and Bundlet

made with real, fresh eggs and butter  and then

towers, and bite-sized Bundtinis. The bundt

topped with a signature cream cheese frosting

cakes, which can be made within 24 hours, have

in a petal or drizzle frosting. To celebrate this

become increasingly popular for weddings, often

Valentine's Day, order your Love You to Pieces

with an assortment of Bundtinis that offer guests

Bundt cake complete with heart and red bow

the ability to choose from a range of flavors.

decoration (as seen on the cover of this issue).

As Betsy notes, "You can gift cake for pretty much any occasion." In the wake of the pandemic, bundt cakes have proven to be popular for corporate giving, as a way for businesses to stay connected with employees working virtually. Betsy chose to purchase the Waxhaw Nothing Bundt Cake location in part because she loves a challenge and in large part to help her and her husband, Drew, continue to support children in Africa, a cause the couple committed to six years ago. Currently, Betsy and Drew sponsor five families in Africa. Betsy credits her husband along with her two sons, Ben and Jeremy, with giving her the support system necessary to be successful in her ventures. Betsy also acknowledges her great staff for creating a fun, happy atmosphere in the bakery. To order your custom Nothing Bundt Cake visit Order.NothingBundtCakes.com.

B U N DT

South Charlotte.

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31

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South Charlotte Lifestyle | February 2021

REALTY REPORT REALTY REPORT

NEIGHBORHOOD

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOUTH CHARLOTTE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

Eastover

$4,950,000

$4,800,000

97%

240

5

7

Eastover

$4,795,000

$4,450,000

93%

251

5

8

Cotswold

$2,169,000

$2,180,000

101%

380

6

6

Morrocroft Estates

$1,895,000

$1,775,000

94%

108

4

4

Longview

$1,597,000

$1,485,000

93%

279

6

6

Foxcroft

$1,275,000

$1,245,000

98%

22

5

3

Cotswold

$1,295,000

$1,220,000

94%

17

5

5

Longview

$1,159,900

$1,125,000

97%

100

6

7

Mammoth Oaks

$1,200,000

$1,050,000

88%

16

4

4

$960,000

$960,000

100%

1

4

4

Ballantyne Country Club

*DOM=Days on Market

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CityLifestyle.com/SouthCharlotte

33

PARTING THOUGHTS

Make Your Valentine Fall in Love All Over Again ARTICLE KIMBERLY BLAKER

IT LIKELY COMES AS NO SURPRISE THAT

happen anytime or any place. Look for ways

KEEPING THE ROMANCE ALIVE IN A RELA-

and opportunities to show your affection.

TIONSHIP REQUIRES EFFORT.   So why not take the first step and give your love  the

Make or bring home your partner's favorite

romance they're craving? Try the following to

dinner. Go all out and don't forget the candles,

reap the reward of falling in love all over again.

wine, and soft music for a romantic ambiance.

Be spontaneous. Do things on a whim with

Pay them a compliment. Everyone loves a com-

your partner to awaken the feelings you both

pliment, especially from a significant other. Look

felt when your relationship first blossomed.

for genuine reasons to compliment them often.

Write a love note. Just a simple "I love you" or

Give a gift for no reason. It can be a very

"I can't wait to spend time with you" is sure to

romantic and meaningful gesture when done

make their day.

out of the blue.

Laugh at their jokes and with them. Shared Show your unconditional love. Learn to laughter brings couples closer together. So look

accept your partner's shortcomings, love them

for opportunities to share laughter with your

unconditionally and watch romance shine

partner. Watch sitcoms or just be silly together.

through again.

Offer physical affection. This is so simple – a gentle touch or a quick kiss on the cheek can 34

South Charlotte Lifestyle | February 2021

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