South Charlotte LIVING
Let’s Get Better and Have More Fun in the New Year!
The after-holiday doldrums have set in and now that we’re into a New Year, it’s time to evaluate where we are and where we want to go in 2025.
In this issue we start the year off sharing information about improving your health and at the same time we’re looking for fun too! Dr. Kristin S. Black and her team at New Day Wellness Center are ready to help you improve your health, so we share information about her practice in Ballantyne. The physical therapy experts at FYZICAL Pineville are ready and very capable to help you get the best care for improving your movement, preventing accidents and recovering from injuries.
Other ways to improve your health can be made by changing your diet. We give you tips on dieting and the best foods for nourishing your body whether you’re vegetarian, vegan or just want to eat more clean.
southcharlottelivingmag.com
Melinda Burris
Publisher
Melinda Burris, Edie Marshall
Editors
Melissa Latin
We want to help you have fun. Friends of the magazine have been raving about Salt Lake City, Utah. It may be colder outside here than we’re used to but in Salt Lake City they are comfortable having fun in the colder temperatures. We’re delighted to take you to Salt Lake City, and we suggest you plan to visit this beautiful winter wonderland for some winter fun. However, if you’re planning fun for your next event or party in Charlotte then consider decorating with balloons. Our friends at Balloons and Party can add the right touch to make your decorations memorable. Check out their beautiful balloon displays inside this issue.
Be well, stay healthy and have fun during this Winter season South Charlotte!
Social Media Director
Edie Marshall, Effie Russell, Melinda Burris, Todd Day
Writers
Dr. Kristin S. Black, Effie Russell, UNCF Women Who Lead Luncheon, Jackie Smith and Charlotte’s Finest Properties, Kobi Brinson, Katrina Young, FYZICAL Pineville, New Day Wellness Center
Photographers
Picante Creative
Design & Production
Rachel Moore
Ad Designer
Barbara McKay
Advisor
Melinda
Publisher
South Charlotte Living SouthCharlotteLivingMag.com
Melinda Burris
2 0 3 - 4 8 2 - 2 2 1 0
For Balloons at Your Next Party or Event Bring Happiness and Joy Into 2025
THE CLUB AT LONGVIEW
North Carolina’s Premier Country Club in the Charlotte Area is the Club for Sharing All Your Special Moments with Friends and Family. Receive extraordinary service and enjoy all the club’s amenities with a
or
Hyatt Centric SouthPark is nestled in the vibrant mixed-use Apex neighborhood, just six miles south of Charlotte’s Center City! Explore a variety of dining options, bars, outdoor spaces, and retail destinations within walking distance, including the Premier SouthPark Mall and two on-site dining options. Start your day on the 2nd floor at IRO Restaurant for coffee, and handcrafted cocktails. Elevate your dining experience at Mizu, our stunning rooftop restaurant with outdoor terrace on the 9th floor of the hotel. Enjoy breathtaking views of SouthPark, amazing sunsets and seafood-focused dinner menus with wood-fired dishes from the robata grill, sushi, and shareable plates.
The 22nd Annual UNCF Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon
The signature fundraising event is named in honor of the organization’s beloved friend and volunteer, Dr. Maya Angelou. The lavish event, with guests dressed in fabulous attire, was held at the Charlotte Convention Center. During the Luncheon, women who are leaders and who have brought positive recognition locally, statewide and nationally received the distinguished Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Award. Guests enjoyed lunch, shopping, mimosas, music and red-carpet photos to benefit UNCF, member colleges and universities, and the young people the organization serves.
> Learn more about UNCF at uncf.org. Consider giving and remember “A mind is a terrible thing to waste”.
OMG! Usher crushed
It!
The 8-time Grammy award winner, multi-platinum winner, R & B and Pop Rockstar sensation brought out all the energy with his infectious smile, slick dance moves, roller skates and powerful hits to the spectacular Spectrum Center where he performed two shows on consecutive nights due to incredible fan demand. Fans flocked in from all over and were buckled up to see his ‘Past, Present and Future’ tour with memories of his 30-year career, elaborate 2024 Super Bowl half-time performance and the one hundred shows he performed during his Las Vegas residency. No one left disappointed!
Grateful to Represent the FINEST!
Broker Jackie Smith and her team at Charlotte’s Finest Properties hosted guests at their Client Appreciation Event. Everyone had fun celebrating with gratitude for a successful 2024, working with the brightest in the Queen City. Charlotte’s Finest Properties wishes everyone in South Charlotte and beyond the FINEST New Year in 2025.
> Visit Jackie Smith and the Charlotte’s Finest Properties team at cltsfinest.com or call 704.773.6575.
NEW DAY IT’S A FOR Better Health & Wellness
Written by: Todd Day
Photography: New Day Wellness Center and Provided
New Day Wellness Center,
led by Dr. Kristin S. Black, is dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare through innovative and nontraditional medical therapies. The mission is to guide individuals toward optimal health using cutting-edge technologies and integrative medicine. By staying at the forefront of medical advancements and maintaining a patient-first philosophy, she aims to expand the center’s services and reach even more individuals in need of comprehensive wellness care. At the core of the center’s offerings is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). This advanced treatment addresses hormonal imbalances that can lead to various health issues, particularly
as individuals age. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to those produced by the human body, making them a more natural and effective solution for many patients.
Dr. Black and her team utilize BHRT to help both women and men to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, andropause, and other hormonal disorders. The benefits of BHRT include improved energy levels, enhanced mood, better sleep, increased libido, and overall vitality. By restoring hormonal balance, patients can experience a renewed sense of well-being and a higher quality of life.
In addition to BHRT, the center offers a physiciansupervised weight loss program. Recognizing that weight management is a critical component of overall health, Dr. Black provides personalized plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals. She incorporates the use of
medications, especially the use of GLPs, to achieve a positive outcome for patients. The program includes nutritional counseling, exercise guidance, and, when necessary, medical interventions to support safe and effective weight loss.
Dr. Black’s approach to weight loss is not just about shedding pounds but fostering a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. By addressing the root causes of weight gain and promoting long-term habits, patients can achieve and maintain their desired weight while improving their overall health.
New Day Wellness Center is committed to being a leader in the integration of medications with technology. The center offers a range of innovative therapies designed to enhance patients’ quality of life. One standout treatment is FormaV, a radio-frequencybased, non-invasive vaginal rejuvenation therapy to treat sexual discomfort and incontinence that exemplifies the center’s dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions.
The center also offers PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatments, which harness the restorative properties of the body to address issues related to sexual health and physical injury. These nontraditional therapies are integrated into personalized care plans to address specific health concerns and promote overall well-being.
In a world where healthcare can often feel impersonal, what sets New Day Wellness Center apart is its patientcentric approach. Dr. Black and her team prioritize forming lifelong relationships with their patients, taking the time to
understand individual needs and concerns. This personalized care model ensures that patients are actively involved in every step of their diagnostic and treatment plans.
Throughout her three decades in practice patients have consistently praised Dr. Black for her holistic approach and her ability to listen and address their concerns. Testimonials highlight her dedication to providing care that goes above and beyond, making her a trusted practitioner in the community.
New Day Wellness Center stands out as a sanctuary of personalized, innovative care. Under Dr. Black’s leadership offers patients “A New Day, a New Way in Healthcare!”
> For more information about Dr. Kristin Black and the services offered at New Day Wellness Center, visit www. NewDayWell.com or call 980.446.2807. The Center is located in Ballantyne at 12105 Copper Way, Suite 204, Charlotte, NC 28277.
INFRARED SAUNA + RED LIGHT THERAPY YOUR PERSONAL ESCAPE
Our saunas combine the centuries-old healing practice of traditional sauna with the science-backed technology of infrared (IR) and red light therapy (RLT) to optimize your health and wellness perspiresaunastudio com
Find out more!
Perspire Sauna Studio Ballantyne 14835 Ballantyne Village Way Ste 110 • Charlotte, NC 28277 (704) 285-0097
Dr. Erin Koballa, DVM
Services Offered:
• Preventative/wellness care
• General and advanced surgery
• Ultrasonography
• Breeding assistance/services
• Sick visits
• Walk-ins welcome! Monday-Friday 8am - 5pm • Saturdays 8am - 12pm
Recipes & Reflections from a Life of Food, Faith, Friends, Family, and Fortitude
Or pick up a copy at Southern Lion in Carolina Place Mall, Pineville, NC
•
2 ROUNDS STARTING JANUARY 15TH
ROUND 1: January 15th - February 10th
VOTE your favorite business among the top 5 nominees. Voting ends at 5pm on March 10th. Providing unmatched residential and commercial
NOMINATE your favorite businesses! The top 5 businesses in each category will move to Round 2.
ROUND 2: February 15th - March 10th
The Talented Staff at
FYZICAL Can Help You Live Your Best Life
Written by: Effie Russell and Melinda Burris
Photography: FYZICAL Pineville and Provided
The goal of physical therapy is to facilitate wellness and to help enable participation in activities quickly and easily. Individuals from young athletes to older adults can benefit from physical therapy.
The well- trained staff at FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Center Pineville is committed and passionate about helping heal those who may need assistance with recovery movement after an injury, loss of mobility due to confinement or illness, an accident or surgery, in addition to helping patients prevent injuries or accidents and enjoy wellness through better movement.
FYZICAL Pineville is an evidence-based physical therapy practice with an emphasis on vestibular balance therapy and fall prevention, sports medicine, and a variety of other orthopedic programs. In addition to being a stellar physical therapy and fitness center, FYZICAL Pineville is very different. It was founded by brothers Ryan and Jonathon Hubbard as a resource for all members of the Charlotte community.
Ryan and Jonathon Hubbard grew up in Charlotte. They lived an accomplished and active life in the
community. While attending high school at Charlotte Christian School (CCS), both brothers took part in team sports, encouraged by their mother, Iris, who has always been athletic and supported her sons’ interests in sports. Ryan and Jonathon both played football at CCS where both received All-State honors. Ryan also participated in track and field while Jonathon was part of the wrestling team. They received recognition for their athletic pursuits in these sports as well, with Ryan being named All-State in Track and Field and Jonathan being named an All-American wrestler.
After graduating from high school, the two brothers continued to play football while attending Davidson College where they remained close, both on and off the field. Ryan and Jonathon were roommates as well as football teammates and participated in drama at Davidson. Having participated in various sports throughout their formative years, Ryan and Jonathan have ample experience dealing with the typical injuries
Individuals from young athletes to older adults can benefit from physical therapy.
the body sustains in competition. They know the value of dealing with injuries properly and early on to avoid more aggressive aches and pains in the future.
Today, Dr. Ryan Hubbard is board certified in Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine. Jonathan Hubbard has spent the last 15 years building an impressive portfolio in the financial services industry, specializing as a financial planner and wealth manager.
FYZICAL Pineville has a knowledgeable and caring staff that works with you to ascertain your personal fitness goals and create a custom plan to address your individual health needs. Under the direct supervision of Clinical Director Deb Myhr, who earned a Master of Occupational Therapy Degree, and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, the caring and friendly staff at FYZICAL Pineville provide free assessments for fall risks, and balance assessment. The team will design a program to help you avoid future injuries, achieve your health and wellness goals and increase your energy levels. Jonathon and Ryan’s confidence in Deb began when they experienced her physical therapy skills while at Davidson and they’ve maintained a strong relationship with her over the years. While both brothers have achieved professional success elsewhere, they still share a close personal bond and maintain firm ties to the Queen City.
Ryan is quick to point out that FYZICAL Pineville is not just for athletes but is a health and wellness resource for everyone interested in living their best life. The brothers, who learned entrepreneurship from their father, embarked on this family business venture to provide the community with services and strategies for maintaining a higher quality of life.
> FYZICAL Pineville is located at 10761-B Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28134. Call the team at 980.237.5987 or visit Fyzical.com/ Pineville-NC to schedule your free assessment and receive a personalized wellness plan today!
Visit stage it’s Designer House on tHe lower leVel of soutHern lion in Carolina PlaCe Mall!
SALT LAKE CITY for a Winter Vacation Experience
Written by: Effie Russell Photography: Grand America Hotel and Provided
Some may prefer visiting Salt Lake City, Utah during warmer weather but friends of the magazine love the majestic views and winter wonderland atmosphere found in Utah during the winter months.
After flying non-stop to Salt Lake City International Airport from Charlotte, most visitors will enjoy just a 10-minute ride that leads straight to the Grand America Hotel. It’s a favorite for relaxing in comfort before moving out into the city to explore many adventures. The excellence of the hotel’s details will impress you from the moment the bellman opens the golden doors to welcome you.
Dining at The Grand America is a journey in itself with a variety of options including the hotel’s signature restaurant, Laurel Brasserie and Bar. Other choices include Bonne Vie French patisserie, the swanky Gibson Lounge, or you can just enjoy The Grand’s world-renowned afternoon High Tea service in the Lobby Lounge.
The Grand America name is befitting of this lavish hotel which was built to welcome the world to the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. The 24-story Grand America Hotel overlooks a beautifully landscaped 10-acre footprint in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. The familyowned property brims with one-of-a-kind, 18th-century European artwork and antique crystal chandeliers that welcome guests upon arrival.
Luxury convention facilities and spacious accommodations make both workdays and downtime unforgettable. The Grand America boasts luxurious rooms, including exquisite suites, premier rooms and rooms with kitchenettes. The hotel also offers more than 100,000 square feet of meeting and event space, ranging from ornate ballrooms to state-of-the-art meeting rooms. Additional amenities include an elegant Forbes Five Star 3-Story Grand Spa with a full-service beauty salon, Mediterranean-inspired indoor and outdoor pools, an extensive fitness center, a toy boutique and other upscale retail shops. It has the perfect setting for staying in to just chill out.
When you’re rested and have adjusted to the time change, you can go out to explore all the happenings in metropolitan Salt Lake City. If you are sports fans, then you might enjoy checking out the NBA’s Utah Jazz or the NHL’s Utah Hockey Club in the Delta Center. It’s also a great venue for concerts so you may be able to catch a favorite performer if they are in town when you’re visiting. The nightlife in Salt Lake City is always alive and the jazz scene is one of the best in the west. There are also many museums, galleries, cultural points of interest and lots of shopping to experience to keep a smile on your face.
After you’ve had enough of the city life, it’s time for a taste of fun on the slopes with lots of options for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, skating and more. There
are numerous world class slopes less than 40 minutes away from the hotel. Hands down our friends’ favorite is Snowbasin Resort, just 35 miles north of the city and home of the 2002 Winter Olympics. With some challenges that may exist for skiing in our NC mountains this year, it may be the perfect time to go west to Utah’s slopes for a change.
Once you’ve had enough of your winter vacation in Salt Lake City and you’re ready to head back on your flight to Charlotte, you’ll have lasting memories and a different perspective on winter as we await Spring in Charlotte!
> Email us at info@southcharlotte livingmag.com to share information about your travels or vacations.
CHANGING OUR DIETS! Let’s Start the New Year Off
Written by: Effie Russell and Edie Marshall
It doesn’t mean we have to try the latest new fad diet, let’s just look at the foods we eat. Maybe this is the year that you’ll want to try to remove meats and ultraprocessed foods from your diet and increase vegetables and fruits in your meals. Recently, vegetarian diets have experienced an increase in popularity and for good reasons. Another year has passed and we’re trying to get better so let’s explore eating more plant-based diets of fruits and vegetables which are associated with many health benefits because of the higher content of fiber, folic acid, vitamins C and E, potassium, magnesium, and many phytochemicals and a fat content that is more unsaturated. The array of colors and variety in textures appeals to the eyes, excites taste buds and feeds the body.
Consider Becoming A Vegetarian
Vegetarians are known for not eating enough of the right foods that include all the nutrition they need so it’s important to be careful when becoming vegetarian or vegan.
When a vegetarian diet is appropriately planned and includes fortified foods, it can be nutritionally adequate for adults and children and can promote better health and lower the risk of major chronic diseases. However, missing nutrients of concern in a diet of vegetables only may lead to deficiencies in vitamin B-12, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, iron, and zinc. Although a vegetarian diet can meet current recommendations for all of these nutrients, the use of supplements and fortified foods provides a very useful shield against deficiency. A vegetarian diet usually provides a low intake of saturated fat and cholesterol, along with a high intake of dietary fiber and many health-promoting phytochemicals. Increases in the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, legumes, nuts, and various soy products can help fill the gap with missing nutrients or there may be a need for supplements. Vegetarian diets typically include no meats or animal products; however, some vegetarians do occasionally include eggs, dairy products and even seafood.
There are many advantages to eating a vegetarian diet. Vegetarians typically have lower body mass index, lower serum
total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and a lower blood pressure. Typically, vegetarians have reduced rates of death from ischemic heart disease; and decreased incidence of hypertension, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers than do nonvegetarians.
vitamins B-12 and D, calcium, and long-chain (omega-3) fatty acids. Unless vegans regularly consume foods that are fortified with these nutrients, appropriate supplements should be consumed. In some cases, the iron and zinc status of vegans may also be of concern because of the limited bioavailability of these minerals.
How About a Vegan Diet?
Compared with other vegetarian diets, vegan diets tend to contain even less saturated fat, cholesterol and more dietary fiber. In addition to no meats at all, they typically include no eggs or dairy. Vegans tend to be thinner, have lower serum cholesterol, and lower blood pressure, reducing their risk even more for heart disease. However, further elimination of additional animal products from the diet increases the risk of certain nutritional deficiencies. Micronutrients of special concern for vegans include
Or Simply Improve Your Health with a Diet of Clean Foods
Clean eating focuses on avoiding processed and refined foods, like those that come in boxes or cans. A clean diet also eliminates foods with artificial additives, preservatives, flavoring agents, bleaching agents, sweeteners, or even a high sodium or sugar content. A clean diet consists of a combination of food groups, such as whole grains, raw or lightly cooked vegetables, fruits, nuts, water, herbs, olive oil, and green tea.
Clean eating is traditionally defined as eating simple, whole foods
without any artificial ingredients. This typically involves the elimination of most processed foods, trans fats, heavily saturated fats, added sugar, and refined grains. And some choose to take clean eating a notch further by also eliminating gluten, dairy, and soy as well.
For those looking to clean up their diet, learning how to eat clean can be a great place to start. Especially when whole, nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and quality proteins are emphasized, as these make up the bulk of a well-balanced diet and can assist with weight loss.
The best choices for clean foods that can help you continue a healthy diet throughout 2025 include:
Grass fed meat proteins, organic and cage-free eggs and dairy proteins, sustainable caught seafood, gluten-free whole grains and gluten-contained whole grains, starchy and non-starchy vegetables, fruits, natural sweeteners, healthy fats and dairy alternatives. Eat Well in 2025!
PLAN FOR Balloons AT YOUR NEXT EVENT IN 2025
Written by: Edie Marshall
Photography: Balloons and Party
Balloons are not just for your kids’ birthday parties anymore. Balloons can make any event festive, magical and add a whimsical touch to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary settings elevating the ambiance and creating memorable experiences for your guests.
The designers and professional balloon organizers, designers and installers at Balloons and Party have been creating the best balloons for events in Charlotte for more than 30 years. They’ve created balloon presentations for everything including major corporate events, political conventions, Charlotte sport team events, grand openings, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, showers, celebrity bashes, graduations, fundraisers and much more, so they can certainly work with you to fulfill your fantasy for the perfect balloons at your next event big or small. Also, now that Party City is closing its stores, we all will need to find new resources for our party and event decorations. Balloon decor is a creative and versatile way to enhance the ambiance of any event or space using balloons as the primary decorative element. From simple or themed balloon bouquets to centerpieces for tables or elaborate installations, balloons are a difference maker. Balloon decor offers endless possibilities to customize and transform environments to suit various themes and occasions. With proper planning and advice from Balloons and Party, you can create wonderfully elaborate settings with balloon arches at entrances, columns, walls, and create sculptures. backdrops, displays or garlands.
> Visit Balloons and Party at balloonscharlotte.com to see their fabulous work, call their team at 704.342.1580 or visit them at 9506-C Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28270.
Art Galleries:
Providence Art Gallery
Auto - New, Used and Service:
Mercedes Benz of South Charlotte
Country Clubs:
The Club at Longview
Education:
Barbara McKay, Speaker and Author
Carmel Christian School
Entertainment:
Israel Devaux, Pianist
Balloons and Party
Charlotte Ballet
Paul Williams Photography
Financial Services:
Wealth Enhancement Group
David Ragosta, TaylorMade Home Loans
Fitness & Wellness:
Perspire Sauna
New Day Wellness Center
Home Accessories:
Backyard Flavor
Curtains and Company, Pineville
Home Furnishings and
Interior Design:
Nouvelle Furnishings
Stage It, Staging, Interior Designs and Renovations
Home Services:
A Diamond In The Rough Cleaning
CertaPro Painting of South Charlotte
Hotels:
Hyatt Centric SouthPark
Museums:
Harvey B. Gantt Center
Physicians & Medical:
Arboretum Dentistry
Arboretum Gynecology
FYZICAL Pineville
Dr. Kristin Black, New Day Wellness Center
Professional Services:
Zeaba Computer Solutions
Real Estate:
Anise Monroe, Alliance Realty
Jackie Smith, Charlotte’s Finest
Properties, RE/MAX Executive
Michelle Zawacki, BHHS Carolinas Realty
Robin Nitsche, Premier Sotheby’s
International Realty
Marsela Green, BHHS Carolinas Realty
Restaurants:
C&W Steakhouse Ballantyne
Sunflour Baking Company
Zinicola Italian Restaurant
Giovanna Italian Restaurant
Amelie’s - French Bakery and Cafe
MIZU Wood-Fired Grill Restaurant
Salons and Spas:
BJ Cherry Hair Designs
Le Petit Spa
Shopping:
Plaza Appliance Mart
Southern Lion
Veterinarians and Pet Care:
Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital
Winding Brook
Providence Country Club
Myers Park
$1,975,000
$1,595,000
$1,875,000
$2,465,000
$1,995,000
$1,852,500
Piper Glen
Skyecroft
Skyecroft
Victoria Lake
Randolph Park
$1,350,000
$1,815,000
$4,000,000
$1,675,000
$2,895,000
Cotswold
Whitegate
Giovanna is the new sister restaurant of Ballantyne’s Zinicola Italian Restaurant, with the same ownership and the same reputation for soulful, pure ingredients and exceptional service. Conveniently located near Uptown in Lower South End, Giovanna has all the amenities of fine dining with extensive Italian wines and a well-stocked bar. As a bright light in Lo So, it is approachable for any occasion and has a warm, friendly, at-home atmosphere.entic Italian cuisine & wine selection today! Are
