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South Charlotte LIVING Health and Wellness in 2024

Reflect, Renew, Refresh and Relax

January 2024

The Best Gynecology Providers in South Charlotte Prioritize your health with compassionate care at Arboretum Gynecology. Our team of experts is here to provide you with high-quality care at every stage of life. • • • • •

Brenda Lieberman, NP, Dr. Mala Freeman-Kwaku, Dr. Deborah Warren

Tailored gynecological care to meet your unique needs. Expert menopause management for a smooth transition. Adolescent gynecology for young women’s health. Conveniently located in South Charlotte, offering a serene environment. Well visits and birth control counseling. Most insurances cover routine visits with your gynecologist. Don’t wait, take charge of your health and call us today!

We offer same-day appointments! Call us today: 704.341.1103 3125 SPRINGBANK LN. • CHARLOTTE, NC 28226 ARBORETUMGYN.COM

Let Realtor Jackie Smith and the Charlotte’s Finest Properties Team help you find the perfect house or get the most for your listing in 2024!

SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING | JANUARY 2024

Nouvelle Furnishings is a one-stop destination for unique furniture, offering a variety of designer luxury European brands. With offerings such as in-house design consultation and designer programs, their goal is to provide clients with an enjoyable experience selecting exceptional pieces, bringing your dream visions to completion.

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Publishers’ Letter

It’s 2024! Time to Reflect, Reset, Restore, Renew, Relax and Rest. As we look back on 2023 and know that whatever happened, good or bad, it’s behind us now.

We can recall what we lived through and look ahead with great anticipation towards all the great things to come. Our faith keeps us grounded and we know that our days ahead will likely be better than those behind us. We can move into the new year with confidence knowing that all will be well, especially if we take responsibility and do everything we can to make it the best year yet. We suggest that as we reflect, we can reset our goals and renew our commitment to being the best we can be both physically and mentally. Lynn Zimmer One way to restore ourselves is to meditate. In this issue we show you options for combining meditation with yoga for self restoration. We even take you to Sicily, Italy to share with an unbelievable yoga retreat experience. You’ll also find that by resting and relaxing more you can improve your level of life performances. Since many of us take a look at our wellness in many areas at the beginning of each year, we present to you one of the best health care teams in South Charlotte for women’s health. Arboretum Gynecology is fully committed to providing the southcharlottelivingmag.com best woman’s care for all ages. We also introduce you to Lynn Zimmer and Melinda Burris Dr. Monique May who brings us into her kitchen to help us Co-Publishers Melinda Burris make better decisions about the food we eat. Melinda Burris, Edie Marshall Financial wellness assessments are critical in each year Editors so we suggest financial goals for your family that you may want to consider Melissa Latin Social Media Director and for the best in financial care we recommend that you get acquainted with Wealth Enhancement Group in SouthPark. They have a great team to Melinda Burris, Effie Russell, Dr. Valorie McAlpin, Edie Marshall, help keep you on the right financial track. Also, if this is the year you want Roneth Politud to renovate or sell your house or just get better organized at home then Writers check out the article about preparing for changes in your living space or Jackie Smith and Charlotte’s Finest Properties; Marty Kiser, getting better organized in 2024. Stage It Charlotte has a team that can help Catherine Ashford Hensley you get organized ahead of a move or renovation. and Good Friends Charlotte; Tiffany Jones-Boyd and UNCF; 2024 is here South Charlotte and it’s time to make plans for your best Dr. Monique May; Dr. Valorie year yet! McAlpin; Dr. Mala FreemanKwaku; Stage It Charlotte Photographers Picante Creative Design & Production

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Contents Features

JANUARY 2024

Take Time For Better Health in 2024 Meditation and Yoga Can Make A Difference With Your Health This Year

Women Taking Care of Women Arboretum Gynecology Offers Great Care For Women of All Ages

Financial Wellness For The New Year Let Wealth Enhancement Group Lead You In the Right Direction

There’s A Physician in the Kitchen Dr. Monique May Can Help You Eat Healthier

Organize Your Home First, Then Call Stage It Charlotte Get Help With Staging Your Home For An Upcoming Sale, Renovations or Changes in Home Design

Departments Publishers’ Letter 4 Who, What, When, Where 8-11

Events Calendar 37

On the Cover Beautiful friend in deep meditation

12 6

SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING | JANUARY 2024

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JANUARY 2024 | SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING

WHO, WHAT, WHEN AND WHERE

The FINEST event of the holiday season! Charlotte’s Finest Properties hosted a FINEST HOLIDAY EVENT on Thursday, November 18, 2023 at Carmel Country Club. Truly it was an incredible evening with clients, contractors, colleagues, friends, family and a very special surprise from Santa! The team is forever grateful to represent the finest in the Queen City and work alongside the brightest. Charlotte’s Finest Properties wishes everyone in South Charlotte and beyond the FINEST New Year in 2024!

SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING | JANUARY 2024

WHO, WHAT, WHEN AND WHERE

In The Spirit of the Season, Each Year Good Friends Come Together This year’s 37th Annual Good Friends Gather and Give Holiday Luncheon was held on December 14, 2023 at the Charlotte Convention Center with approximately 1,500 friends attending to enjoy lunch, fellowship and to give so that others can enjoy a better life. Good Friends Charlotte is a women’s organization created to support individuals and families with financial resources to improve their lives and give inspirational hope. This year’s event raised more than $650,000.

JANUARY 2024 | SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING

WHO, WHAT, WHEN AND WHERE

Beautiful Women Come Together To Celebrate With A Purpose The 21st Annual UNCF Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon, the signature fundraising event named in honor of UNCF’s beloved friend and volunteer Dr. Maya Angelou, was held on September 23, 2023 in 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. Beautiful women came from all over dressed in their finest hats and attire to enjoy shopping, mimosas, and music to benefit UNCF, its member colleges and universities, and the young people the organization serves.

SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING | JANUARY 2024

WHO, WHAT, WHEN AND WHERE

JANUARY 2024 | SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING

Yoga

Meditation and

e need all the peace and calmness we can get to help us get through all we want to accomplish and experience this year. Often times we just can’t be calm enough! Don’t be stressed, anxious, worried or overwhelmed in life....let’s learn to enjoy life more by being more calm and peaceful! We need to be calm at home, at work and we even need to teach our kids to be more calm at home and at school. Meditation and Yoga can give us what we need to help make us more calm so we can achieve more success, happiness and a better quality of life. For many people, the serenity and stillness of a seated meditation practice can actually trigger anxiety but combining a physical practice like yoga with meditation can be very helpful. Pairing mediation and yoga can jump start a great routine for the days ahead and deliver the physical and mental benefits of both practices. The most popular form of meditation is mindfulness, which typically includes sitting, tuning into your breath and bringing awareness to your sensations, emotions. and thoughts of the present moment rather than dwelling on the future or past.

SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING | JANUARY 2024

to Calm us Down in the New Year Written by: Effie Russell

Mindful meditation may help: Reduce stress (and stress-induced inflammation) Reduce Anxiety Ease symptoms of depression Improve self-awareness Improve memory and attention Ease chronic pain Improve sleep Lower blood pressure

Yoga, which at its core is breath work related to physical postures (or asanas), has also been known for its mind-body benefits. Yoga can help:

We need to be calm at home and at work.

Improve flexibility Improve balance Increase strength Decrease body fat Reduce stress and anxiety Ease chronic pain Boost energy Improve sleep Reduce blood pressure

Dr. Valorie McA lpin

There are many yoga studios and yoga instructors in South Charlotte but we found one of the best to consult with and we recommend for exploring meditation and yoga. Jeff Shoaf, a certified yoga therapist, bodyworker and breath coach is one of best in our community. Located at 726 E. Blvd. Charlotte, NC, you can schedule a consultation with Jeff at anytime. He offers online classes too. Visit his website at jeffreyshoaf.com for more information about his online classes and the yoga retreat he offers each year. This year, Jeff and Joan Mullin have plans to meet you in Marrakech, Morroco for a yoga and writing retreat, October 19 - 26, 2024. You’ll read about Jeff ’s recommended October 2023 yoga retreat in Sicily, Italy attended by Dr. Valorie McAlpin and her husband John Russell on the following pages. » JANUARY 2024 | SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING

Meditation and Yoga to Calm us Down in the New Year

My Combined Love for Travel and Downward-facing Dog in Stunning

Sicily

In 2023, Yoga became my go-to exercise, especially as I am enjoying retirement and the so called “golden years.” I’ve practiced yoga in various studios for the past decade but until recently I found a practice that really resonated with me in profound and unique ways. While practicing, I’ve found self-acceptance, inclusivity, breath work, and accessibility for all body types and subsequently completed a 200 hr. teacher training program! Written by: Dr. Valorie McAlpin and Effie Russell

SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING | JANUARY 2024

Dr. Valorie McAlpin and John Russell

When one of my yoga teachers, Jeff Shoaf, advertised a week long yoga retreat in Sicily, I became excited even though my husband and I had just completed a 2 week vacation in Northern Italy. Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is located just off the southern tip of Italy. While the western part of the island is well-known for its capital city Palermo, the eastern side of Sicily holds its own treasures such as the enchanting city of Catania and the majestic slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. After convincing my husband who is an avid cyclist that he would enjoy yoga as well, we planned our week long yoga retreat by adding on two days before and after the retreat to explore the history and culture of this beautiful island. Our journey began in Catania, the closest and most convenient airport to our retreat center. Our hotel was located within walking distance of the Piazza del Duomo surrounded by baroque architecture, lots of restaurants, an old Roman theater ruin, and a 19th century opera house. The food scene is a culinary delight with fresh seafood and Sicilian specialties like arancini, cannoli, and granita. Of course the pizza, pastries, and local wines certainly did not disappoint! The Danena Retreat Center, a restored farmhouse known as La Masseria, was built in 1876, is located just an hour from Catania. The retreat center looks more like a castle than a

farmhouse with beautifully landscaped gardens, a courtyard in the center with suites and apartments connected throughout. Our apartment, with its own patio, was covered with Bougainvillea and grapevines resplendent with ripe grapes. The next seven days were spent doing yoga 2-3 times per day and enjoying fresh, locally grown food on the farmhouse terrace adjacent to olive and almond trees. The theme for our yoga practice focused on unpacking and releasing distractions that keep us mindlessly busy. Each day, Jeffrey Shoaf, our yoga teacher and Joan Mullin, our writing and journaling coach encouraged the 18 yogis in attendance to devalue distractions and explore our edges. We enjoyed a sound bath experience led by a local musician that led to deeper relaxation and meditation. Each morning as the sun rose providing a spectacular backdrop, Jeffrey led a yoga class from on top of the farmhouse tower, focused exclusively on breathing techniques. Other activities included an interactive cooking class to make pasta from scratch, enjoying a swim in the saltwater pool, and visiting the Vendicari Nature Reserve with its wild coastline,

walking trails, archaeological site and flocks of fall migratory flamingos. The warmth of the Sicilian sun is matched only by the warmth of the retreat center staff who prepared wonderful meals and arranged transportation to nearby towns such as Noto, known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Modica famous for 400 year history of chocolate-making. We also visited Siracusa and Ortigia courtesy of our hosts Jeff and Joan. Ortigia, with its sparkling clear turquoise waters, is also a UNESCO World Heritage site with Greek and Roman ruins, charming streets, historic buildings and a lively market. As we returned to Catania to fly home, we visited the spectacular mountain top town of Taormina, with sweeping views of the sea and majestic Mount Etna. Taormina is a shopper’s delight, with handcrafted leather goods, high end clothiers, and charming boutiques. As we left the retreat, we felt inspired by the beauty we experienced, warmed by the hospitality of the Sicilian people, and loved like family from the bonding and fellowship shared by our yogi friends. There’s so much to enjoy in Sicily! You don’t have to do a yoga retreat there, but if you do, you’ll experience the magic and beauty that is uniquely Sicilian. If you’re interested in joining a future yoga retreat, visit Jeff at jeffreyshoaf.com.

> Have a travel experience you’d also like to share with our readers, viewers and followers please contact us at southcharlottelivingmag.com.

JANUARY 2024 | SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING

MONIQUE MAY, MD, MHA The Physician in The Kitchen Board-certified family physician and Founder of Physician in the Kitchen®. Dr. Monique’s passion is to help people discover, cook and eat delicious plant-based foods. Her mission is to fix America’s health, one plate at a time. • • •

Take her 1:1 cooking and how to plant-base your pantry classes! Check out her books, Mealmasters and Doc, Fix My Plate! Book her for your next speaking engagement!

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JANUARY 2024 | SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING

Women Taking Care of Women:

Arboretum Gynecology Written by: Melinda Burris and Effie Russell

ocated in South Charlotte at 3125 Springbank Lane, Arboretum Gynecology is a practice for women, run by three highly accomplished women. Dr. Mala Freeman-Kwaku is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist. After two decades as a practicing obstetrician, Dr. Freeman-Kwaku now specializes in gynecology only. Her colleague, Dr. Deborah Warren, is also a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist and has more than 20 years of experience. Brenda Lieberman is a nurse practitioner who is dedicated to providing patients with a thorough education so they can choose the best healthcare option available.

SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING | JANUARY 2024

Experienced Providers Offering an Intelligent, Individualized Approach to Healthcare The healthcare providers at Arboretum Gynecology are committed to offering each of their patients a personable experience and an individualized treatment plan at every visit. The practice is built upon their belief that “a little extra care and kindness goes a long way.”

Meet The Team at Arboretum Gynecology Board Certified Obstetrician / Gynecologist

Dr. Mala Freeman Kwaku

Dr. Mala Freeman-Kwaku, a board certified obstetrician/gynecologist was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia. After completing her undergraduate degree and her medical training from the University of Virginia, she finished her residency at Georgetown University. Dr. Freeman-Kwaku joined Arboretum Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2002. After 20 years practicing Obstetrics, she has recently transitioned the practice to gynecological care only. She is married to Dr. Hans Kwaku and they have four children. In her spare time Dr. Freeman enjoys spending time with her family, travel and being involved in her church. She also enjoys getting to know her patients very well and feels it is important to consider the whole woman when evaluating their health care needs.

JANUARY 2024 | SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING

Board Certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist

Dr. Deborah Warren

Dr. Deborah Parry Warren, a board certified Obstetrician/ Gynecologist was born in Akron, Ohio and raised in Bradenton, Florida. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Florida and medical training at Wake Forest University. After completing her residency at the Medical University of South Carolina she partnered with Lake Norman Ob/Gyn in private practice for 12 years. Dr. Warren has worked part-time with Arboretum Ob/Gyn since 2014. She is married to Dr. Tom Warren and they have four children. In her spare time she enjoys medical mission work and spending time with her family.

Nurse Practitioner

Brenda Lieberman Brenda Lieberman is a dedicated healthcare leader, holding a Master of Science in Nursing from Wayne State University, with a focus on Advanced Practice Nursing in Women, Neonates, and Children. Her commitment to patient education drives her efforts to inform them about contraception, reproductive health, and pregnancy options. Skilled in reproductive health physical exams, Brenda specializes in executing Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) screening and other necessary procedures. She provides comprehensive gynecological and reproductive health care, from preventive services to prompt responses in urgent situations. Education remains a top priority for Brenda. Besides educating her patients, she serves as an adjunct instructor for the University of North Carolina, teaching women’s health to Family Nurse Practitioner students while pursuing a doctorate in nursing practice. Beyond her profession, Brenda enjoys travel, dancing, movies, exploring new foods, and planning events.

20 SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING | JANUARY 2024

The expert team at Arboretum Gynecology proudly offers patients high-quality, compassionate care for every stage of life. They specialize in three distinct types of treatment: 1.

Gynecology Care: Receive care for menstrual disorders, fibroids, menopausal symptoms and more.

Preventative Care: This includes physical breast exams, pap smears, full physical exams and more.

Urgent Care: This is a new service offered by Arboretum Gynecology that allows you to book same-day appointments when you need immediate care due to a urinary tract infection (UTI), vaginal infection, STD check, vaginosis or other condition that requires timely treatment.

Prioritize your health with compassionate care at Arboretum Gynecology. The following is a list of the extras this practice offers that sets it apart from other OB/GYN groups:

•

Tailored gynecological care to meet your unique needs.

•

Expert menopause management for a smooth transition.

•

Adolescent gynecology for young women’s health.

•

Conveniently located in South Charlotte, offering a serene environment.

•

Well visits and birth control counseling.

The medical professionals at Arboretum Gynecology are specially trained in gynecologic services, including wellwoman check-ups, urgent care, contraceptive counseling and management of irregular bleeding and fibroids. When you call for an appointment, the team at Arboretum Gynecology prioritizes your health by doing their best to make sure you are seen as soon as possible. The practice is taking new patients and there are no long wait windows for new patients thanks to their new Urgent Care service.

> Take charge of your health and call Arboretum Gynecology at 704.341.1103 to schedule an appointment today! Or visit ArboretumGyn.com to learn more.

o a h f S , LMBT y e r f e J Certified Yoga Therapist, Bodyworker, and Breath Coach

Welcome to Your Therapeutic Journey to Wellness in 2024! Book A Consultation jefreyshoaf.com (309) 287-0576 jbshoaf113@gmail.com

Join us on our next Yoga Retreat! A Yoga and Writing Retreat with Jefrey Shoaf & Joan Mullin Clean out your somatic attic: Removing obstacles to presence, pleasure, and peace in Marrakech, Morocco | October 19-26, 2024 726 E. Blvd. | Charlotte, NC

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FINANCIAL WELLNESS in The New Year Let Wealth Enhancement Group Lead You In The Right Direction Written by: Effie Russell

24 SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING | JANUARY 2024

1 Set Your Budget and Plan To Spend Less This Year Making a budget is a critical first step to nearly any financial goal and making a plan for your income and expenditures is especially effective for your desired financial achievements in 2024.

2 Look At The Possibilities for

Increasing Your Income By Adding Multiple Streams of Earnings It may not be prudent to add another job to your list of things to do but there is no better way to increase your income by making money in a second or third situation while you’re making money on one job or even making money while you sleep! Keep your eyes and ears open to investment opportunities that will allow you to earn money without adding another job or placing a burden on your time. For an example, in almost any industry expertise may be needed from seasoned professionals who can contribute their knowledge and skills and be paid in a part time way for consulting and training.

3 Save More Money This Year And

Make Your Savings Work Harder

If you still have your savings stored at a traditional brick-and-mortar bank, it’s a great time to explore other options and possibly move your funds to a highyield savings account or an online account. It pays to shop around for the best rates with some banks offering 5% or more. If you already have a high-yield account then consider a certificate of deposit, or CD, for funds you won’t need for a bit. With the Federal Reserve likely to lower rates this year, CDs are a great way to lock in today’s high interest rates for a longer period—which could be up to five years.

4 Evaluate Your Retirement Plan And Set A Retirement Savings Goal At around age 40 or as soon as you can consider having two times your annual salary stowed away for retirement and use that as a base to start from for building retirement funds. Think about and know the amount of money you’ll likely need for retirement based on your living expenses for today, then add as much as 3% for each year into retirement. This will allow you to determine what you will need to live at your current level when you retire. By planning and budgeting for retirement you’ll have a better chance at having the funds you need to retire. Be informed on how much Social Security you can expect at JANUARY 2024 | SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING 25

your desired retirement age, as well as how much more you’ll comfortably need for retirement. Look at all your savings, IRA and 401(k) options which can help you save what you will need to achieve your retirement goals.

5 Boost Your Credit Score In

Every Way You Can

A good credit score can open more doors for you. Not only can it get you lower rates on loans and credit cards, but it can also help you more easily secure a rental property, get a job and find lower insurance premiums, too. If you’re not sure where your credit scores currently stand, check on them with the three credit bureaus - Experian, Equifax or TransUnion. Your bank or credit card issuer may also offer free credit score monitoring. If your score is below the “good” range—680 or higher—then start making moves to improve it. This can include lowering your credit utilization ratio to 30% or less, disputing errors on your credit report or making sure you pay your bills on time.

6 Pick Credit Cards That Pay You Back If your credit is good and you’re using a credit card that offers zero perks, you’re doing it wrong. Whether you’re a regular traveler, a business owner, a frequent Amazon shopper, a student or just someone who buys gas and groceries each week, there is a rewards credit card that can give back while you spend. There are even cards that can give enough cash back to help pay down your bill each month. It’s very helpful to pay your credit card bills off each month.

7 Buy A Home (or improve your current one) Mortgage rates are expected to drop in 2024, so if you’ve been sitting on the sidelines due to 2023’s sky-high rates, then this may be the year or might be the time to make your move or at least prepare to. Home renovation loans should also be more affordable—and with the right upgrades, you might be able to increase your home’s value, too. Just make sure you shop around if you’re financing a purchase or preparing for a renovation, as rates can vary quite a bit from one lender to the next. Buying or upgrading your home can be a great way to increase your assets and enjoy the best in living.

8 Pay Off Your Debts Reducing your debt load this year can prepare you for a good year and better years ahead. Your debts influence your credit scores and your ability to save and invest more. Being debt free can give you the flexibility to do so much more and achieve financial freedom.

9 Lower Your Insurance Costs Insurance costs have skyrocketed, particularly home insurance policies. While much of that increase is due to rising natural disasters and higher construction costs, you don’t have to suffer through large increases. Getting quotes from new insurers can help, as can reducing your coverage, selecting a higher deductible or leveraging discounts for advanced security systems or adding other features to your home. 10 Diversify Your Investments Portfolio

To protect yourself against downturns in the market, you’ll want to be sure your investment portfolio is well diversified. Your portfolio should contain a broad mix of stocks and bonds in different industries and asset classes. So if you’re only investing in one or two sectors right now, make 2024 the year you change things up. Even consider buying gold, investing in REIT or buy shares in a mutual fund. A great financial planner can help you make the best decisions and help keep you on track to achieve your financial goals. We recommend you consider consulting with our marketing partner, Wealth Enhancement Group, The Carroll Office in SouthPark, 4521 Sharon Road, Suite 400, Charlotte, NC, 28211, 704.553.8006, wealthenhancement.com.

26 SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING | JANUARY 2024

South Charlotte Living Magazine is proud to announce that issues of our magazine will be available on the racks at 21 South Charlotte Harris Teeter stores beginning in late January 2024! Subscriptions are also available for delivery of issues directly to your mailbox. Visit southcharlottelivingmag.com to order!

JANUARY 2024 | SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING 27

Dr. Monique May: Charlotte’s Own Physician in the Kitchen® Dr. Monique May is a board-certified and licensed family physician with more than two decades of clinical experience. Her passion is helping people discover, cook, and eat delicious plant-based foods. Her mission is to fix America’s health, one plate at a time. A native New Yorker, Dr. Monique has called Charlotte home for most of the past twenty-seven years. Written by: Melinda Burris, Effie Russell and Roneth Politud

28 SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING | JANUARY 2024

An Ongoing Commitment to Higher Education

Dr. Monique earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill before going on to the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University where she obtained her medical degree, graduating with honors. She completed her internship and residency in Family

Medicine at Carolinas Medical Center (now Atrium) here in Charlotte, where she again received recognition for her hard work and dedication, being named Resident of the Year. Dr. Monique has a continuing thirst for education and in 2017 she received her master’s degree in healthcare administration from the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. Her commitment to community service was recognized in 2019 with a Physician of the Year award. Most recently, Dr. Monique was a member of the first online plant-based culinary arts class offered by Auguste Escoffier School of the Culinary Arts, where she learned the finer points of plant-based cooking. Throughout her career, Dr. Monique has cared for entire families, from newborns to the elderly, in a wide variety of settings. She has worked in hospitals, patient homes, and urgent care centers, on worksites, and has provided care via telemedicine. She has also run her own clinic. No matter the location, Dr. Monique has continually prioritized excellence, providing high-quality, cost-effective healthcare to thousands of patients in her more than 20 years of clinical practice. This has led to her being sought after as an expert contributor with local news and radio outlets for requested interviews and her quotes have been published in several national news and lifestyle outlets. All these career paths have led her to the fulfilling administrative and consulting career that she now enjoys.

A Love of Cooking

With her hectic schedule and the demands of her career, Dr. Monique finds spare time to be a rare luxury. But whenever the opportunity presents itself, she loves to spend time cooking and experimenting in her kitchen, which she affectionally calls her “lab”. She delights in sharing her food and helpful healthy cooking tips with others. She has earned the moniker “Physician in the Kitchen®” and is known for her exceptional cooking skills and delicious food. JANUARY 2024 | SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING 29

Dr. Monique so enjoys preparing healthy meals and teaching others how to meal plan and prep efficiently that she has developed a program for speaking to organizations and groups of various ages to teach others these skills as well as how to create their own plant-based pantries. Dr. Monique has authored and published two best-selling, informative books on the subject of food, Meal Masters: Your Simple Guide to Modern Day Meal Planning, and her plantbased cookbook, Doc, Fix My Plate! The Physician in The Kitchen’s Prescriptions for Your Healthy Meal Makeover. Her delicious recipes include vegan and gluten-free dishes that will tantalize your taste buds! Her latest creation, a vegan Worcestershire sauce (or W sauce for short), will be sold at upcoming farmer’s markets, vegan fairs, and soon in specialty shops. Dr. Monique is excited to officially launch this product as the first of several sauces, condiments, and dressings that she plans to bring to market. It is her grandmother whom Dr. Monique credits with inspiring her love of cooking. According to Dr. Monique, “I have fond and cherished memories of visiting her as a little girl and spending

She delights in sharing her food and helpful healthy cooking tips with others 30 SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING | JANUARY 2024

Avocado Waffles And Chick’N Ingredients: 2 cups whole wheat flour 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cumin 1 1/2 cups almond milk 1 1/2 sticks melted plant butter 2 ripe avocados, mashed well with a fork 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 100% maple syrup for topping This recipe is Dr. May’s take on the classic breakfast combo, and is 100% vegan! Avocado is used in place of eggs, and the flecks of green from the cilantro in the waffles add a bit of decoration, not to mention a boost of antioxidants.

time with her in the kitchen. I truly believe my love of cooking and sharing food stems from the example she set for me.” Dr. Monique shares that spending time with her family remains a top priority. She loves cheering on her beloved North Carolina Tar Heels, watching cooking shows on television, creating new recipes, traveling, exercising, reading, mentoring, and shopping for the latest and greatest kitchen gadgets.

> To learn more and to order Dr. May’s books, visit: PhysicianInTheKitchen.net or call her at 980.202.0456 today!

CHICK’N: Dr. May uses a plant-based chicken mix that she orders from Australia to make her chick’n tenders in her air fryer, but you can use organic chicken or any replacement you prefer.

Instructions: 1.

In a large bowl, whisk all dry ingredients together.

In a separate bowl, mix wet ingredients , including the avocados.

Add chopped fresh cilantro to wet ingredients and combine well.

Pour the mixture into the flour mixture and stir until just combined. A few small lumps are fine.

Preheat waffle iron; spray with non- stick spray, then fill three-quarters full with batter and cook until the waffles are golden and crisp.

Serve warm and top with plant butter and more chopped cilantro. JANUARY 2024 | SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING

Organize

YOUR HOME, THEN CALL

Stage It Charlotte Written by: Effie Russell

32 SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING | JANUARY 2024

The Stage It Charlotte

Team

D Is there a move ahead, or are there renovations and design changes needed for you in 2024?

o you just want to get better organized or is it time to make a move this year? The selling season is coming so if you’re thinking of putting your house on the market you’ll want to prepare to make it sell quick by getting organized first.

Or maybe you want to renovate to add to the value of your home or make changes to increase your own pleasure at home. In any event, make your home the best house on the block. Keep your house ahead of all the others on your street and make it the best it can be for whenever you decide to make a move. You’ll need to be organized ahead of any renovations too. Take a look at your house outside. Curb appeal is everything. What do you and others see when they look at your property before they even enter? Does your landscaping need to be better organized too? It’s best to create a neat, welcoming look for the outside of your home. JANUARY 2024 | SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING 33

34 SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING | JANUARY 2024

Once you and visitors enter, what do you see when you enter your space? A sharp realtor can identify for you the amenities and features that buyers are requesting. You can determine if you need to make renovations, improvements or changes to help your home sell faster. Our marketing partner, Stage It Charlotte can help you get your home ready for selling by helping you organize, stage it or renovate it. Or if you want to stay put then Stage It Charlotte can still help by offering design and renovation services to help you enjoy your home more. Before your realtor looks too deep at your home or before Stage It Charlotte even shows up, there are many things you can do on your own to prepare for the changes ahead and become organized in a more personal way. Prepare for the process by decluttering, purging, donating, storing or simply throwing away items

JANUARY 2024 | SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING 35

no longer needed. Be prepared with boxes, labels and all the tools you’ll need. If you are selling then depersonalize your home by removing personal photos and any other items that might make potential buyers pause their favorable opinion of your house. Also, hide your valuables for your protection ahead of any one entering your home. Some simple renovations that could be a plus are painting walls to neutral, touching up scuffs, scars, holes, etc.; fixing or replacing anything loose or broken. Make every room a guest room by adding special touches that you like when you visit guest rooms elsewhere. Add plants and make your home’s environment pleasantly, fragrant. Clean, clean and clean again all your home’s spaces. Stage It Charlotte knows what will help your house sell. We suggest you heed their advice and don’t be offended if they suggest changes. Their job is to help you and your realtor sell your property quickly.

> Get acquainted with Stage It Charlotte at StageItCharlotte.com, 10039 Industrial Drive, Pineville, NC, 28134, 704.847.3771. 36 SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING | JANUARY 2024

EVENTS

COMING

SOON

...There’s so much To do in Charlotte! Ice Skating at the Whitewater Center

Queen’s Feast: Winter Edition

US National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte

Charlotte Citywide

January (all dates) – February 20, 2024

Take a spin around the rink with your family during this winter season. There are two open skating rinks and ice trails to explore at the US National Whitewater Center’s annual winter attraction. When you get cold, hit the center of the rink where a vintage airstream bar serves hot chocolate, beer, and snacks. chalottesgotalot.com/events/holiday/ ice-skating-at-the-whitewater-center

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade January 13, 2024 @ 9 AM Uptown Charlotte This 2024 observance is part of the city’s MLK National Holiday Celebration, which consists of community events that include a parade uptown. The parade, which draws community groups, marching bands and drill and step teams, will be held from 9 AM to 12 PM. Its route is on Tryon Street, from 9th Street to Brooklyn Village Avenue. charlotteonthecheap.com/ mlk-holiday-parade

January 19 – January 28, 2024 The Winter edition will feature 100 participating restaurants in eight counties across the metro. All of the participating restaurants will offer special three-course, prix fixe dining deals ranging from $30 to $50 per person. Our marketing partner, Fiore at 14825 Ballantyne Village Way is a Winter Edition Queen’s Feast participating restaurant. CharlotteRestaurantWeek.com

Charlotte Running Company Trail Race January 20, 2024 @ 12 Noon

Anne Springs Close Greenway, 2573 Lake Haigler Dr, Ft Mill, SC Challenge yourself on an incredible course that winds through some of the most stunning

natural beauty in the region. The race starts and finishes at the Haigler entrance, so participants and spectators may order food and drinks from the restaurant on site, the Gateway Canteen, or shop for gear and memberships in the visitor center. The race is sure to be a great time, so register today! ascgreenway.org

Opera Carolina Presents Giacomo Puccini’s Madame Butterfly January 25, 27 and 28, 2024

Belk Theater, Charlotte One of the opera’s most enduring stories of love and cultural bias. Puccini’s moving score follows the true, tragic story of Cio-cio san, a young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval officer with devastating consequences. operacarolina.org

JANUARY 2024 | SOUTH CHARLOTTE LIVING 37

January 2023 NEIGHBORHOOD

LIST PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

SouthPark

$1,395,000

$1,362,500

98%

Conservatory

$1,485,000

$1,430,000

96%

Quail Hollow

$1,275,000

$1,300,000

102%

Whitegate

$1,400,000

$1,360,000

97%

Giverny

$1,495,000

$1,510,000

101%

Ballantyne Country Club $1,300,000

$1,250,000

96%

Piper Glen

$1,775,000

$1,700,000

96%

Aero Plantation

$1,295,000

$1,285,000

99%

Marvin Creek

$2,900,000

$2,800,000

97%

Longview Country Club

$1,495,000

$1,390,000

93%

At Zinicola, the table is a celebration, a coming together of time and place bolstered by exceptional service and a warm, inviting atmosphere. We want you to feel at home. We want our food to inspire. We want you to know that a refined experience doesn’t have to feel cold. Instead, we aim to feed the soul and we invite you to our table. Above all else, we welcome you to sample our authentic Italian cuisine & wine selection today!

14935 B a l l a ntyne V i l l age S te . 14 C ha rlotte , nC 28277 980.299.2979 w w w . z i ni Col a i ta l i a n . Com