Pretty in the Queen City

Pretty in the Queen City & iMpact color cosmetics Join Forces to Benefit RAIN

Charlotte,NC, May 10th, 2013-----Do you love red lipstick or have a desire to take a walk on the powerful side? Charlotte based companies Pretty in the Queen City and iMpact color cosmetics have partnered together to relaunch “i’M PITQC” red lipstick.  Known as Amelia Old’s signature color, “i’M PITQC” was created by Stanley Owings, iMpact color cosmetics founder. 

No longer should you be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. This creme red lipstick works on most skin tones.

(Actual Product Image)

In 2011, Amelia Old and Stanley Owings partnered together to launch “i’M PITQC” in honor of Amelia’s 30th birthday and World Aids Day. $1 from every tube sold was donated to RAIN-one of the largest HIV nonprofits in the Carolinas providing direct client services.

In 2012, “i’M PITQC” was relaunched to benefit the Charlotte based nonprofit, The Sandbox.

Due to popular demand, Amelia and Stanley have decided to make this bold yet classy red lipstick available again for a LIMITED TIME. Each tube will retail for $21 with $1 from every tube sold benefitting RAIN. “i’M PITQC” will be available for sale at Shine Salon and www.prettyinthequeencity.com

 

About Pretty in the Queen City

Pretty in the Queen City is a lifestyle website focusing on beauty, fashion, parenting, entertainment, travel and lifestyle. Editor, Amelia Old, is an avid product researcher and writer, sharing her reviews and experiences through a variety of outlets including The Balancing Act and Charlotte Today. In addition to her lifestyle blog, Pretty in the Queen City, Amelia is passionate about her work with the local nonprofits The Sandbox and All We Want is LOVE.

About iMpact color cosmetics
The idea behind iMpact color cosmetics was to reflect their philosophy of simplicity in their packaging and presentation. The sleek minimalist design of each product is a subtle reminder that many times in life, less is more. The fashion houses of Calvin Klein, Prada and Armani were all inspirations for the final result. In a logo-obsessed world, they consciously made a decision to boldly be the brand of the anti-logo. They wanted their brand identifiable by more than just a logo. iMpact color cosmetics is recognized by its chic minimalism and its iconic “i” found on each product. From their “i’m special HD lip polish” to their “i’m humble lipstick” to their “i’m healthy foundation,” their underlying message with each of their products, is to use one’s life to make an iMpact on the lives of others.

About RAIN:
RAIN (Regional AIDS Interfaith Network), founded in 1992, engages the community to transform lives and promote respect and dignity for all people touched by HIV through compassionate care, education and leadership development. Services include CARE Management, Peer2Peer support & outreach, support groups for youth, faith-based training, chaplain services and caring volunteers who provide practical support to persons living with HIV and AIDS. RAIN also provides HIV awareness and prevention education programs to thousands of people each year and is the only HIV nonprofit in Charlotte providing direct client services.
###  

Click the BUY NOW button to receive your very own tube of "i'M PITQC". If you would like to receive the product immediately, please visit Shine Salon at 1819 East Seventh Street Charlotte, NC. When purchasing via Paypal, the product will immediately be shipped.

 

Interview with María Marín (Give a Girl a Break)

The brand Always recently launched a program to give girls opportunities to pursue their passions. They believe women are stronger when they work together. Makes sense...right? Often times women may be fearful of their passions.....fear of not having the means to get started, the education behind them, the support and even fear of failure. If we are encouraged by others along the way, we are more likely to go towards those dreams. For those who have already succeeded, it means reaching out to those who haven't been giving the same opportunities as you....maybe due to location, finances or simply just from their fear.

To help kick-off the program,Author and Life Coach, Radio and TV Personality María Marín promoted the program via a variety of outlets. I was able to interview María and was immediately inspired by her encouraging nature. She shared tips on how we could incorporate our passions in our daily life and provided more details on this phenomenal program.

One of my favorite things María said was "ask yourself....what is it that you like to do. Whenever you feel like you are attracted to something, it means there is a talent in yourself  that could be used in that area. If you like to write, there is a reason you like to write. Maybe you are supposed to be an author!"

She's right. When you have interest in an area....it usually means you have talent in that area. I love to promote individuals and businesses. I love to help shape them and see them succeed. I previously worked as a talent agent and now I use those skills in marketing/pr and nonprofit. I love to help others grow their career....their dreams....their passions......whether they are a singer or a small business owner.....I want to see them succeed. This is my passion and this is my talent.

Check out the interview here. It's certainly one you shouldn't miss.

 

About María Marín:

María Marín is a motivational guru and life coach. One of only 25 most powerful women selected by top publication People en Español in 2012. Her message reaches millions through her highly rated, nationally syndicated, radio show. Recently named one of the most influential women in radio by Radio Ink Magazine (2013). María also writes a weekly column ((Mujer sin límite) in over 100 newspapers. Her latest book “Si soy tan buena, ¿Por qué estoy soltera?” (“If I am so fabulous, how come I’m single?”) immediately reached the number #1 spot on Amazon’s competitive motivational books category. Whether she’s on the air with her radio show, on TV, presenting a seminar to a live audience or through her books and columns, Maria's mission is to help others believe in themselves. 

About "Give a Girl a Break" and Always

“Give a Girl a Break” will feature three teams of passionate female filmmakers as they create short films showing how support from other women can make a difference. The community can follow their journey on Facebook and join “Give a Girl a Break” to support other women at Facebook.com/always. 

Always, P&G’s leading feminine protection brand, has been empowering women through its products and education programs for 30 years. As much as it empowers women, Always also champions women who support each other and will carry out this mission with “Give a Girl a Break,” and encourage women to lend a supportive hand to other women. 

Passionate Dreams in the Tree (Guest Post)

Out in the middle of an open field stands this solitary, lightening-struck tree. I drive past her nearly everyday. She never fails to catch my attention. She has grown with the curves of both hips and breasts alike. Her hollow trunk is split down the middle exposing the inside that is blackened and charred. With two gnarled branches stretched out in a vee towards the sky and  an upturned remnant of bark where her head should be, I am mesmerized. Oh, but she' s beautiful!

I can almost see the woman she would be. One who has lived her life to the fullest. She has felt passion, pursued her dreams, known both success and failure, loved unconditionally, given life, provided shelter, watched the world change around her, experienced utter loss, and,yet, somehow contines to hold on. She clings by her roots to all that is good. She never gives up. Her arms reach out to the heavens, and her face is tilted to the sun, giving thanks for all that she's known. Most of all,she is sastified, for she has lived.

I look at her standing proud, naked with her scars showing for all the world to see, and I can't help but be inspired by her. We all should be. Haven't we all faces storms and sunshine the same she? I know I am guilty of letting myself get so caught up in all the demands of motherhood and marriage, as well as financial restrictions, that I have stunted my personal growth.  I have sacrificed my dreams and desires for what I thought was the greater good of my loved ones. There just never seems to be enough money to get started on things properly. I cannot count how often I have felt that I do not deserve success or recognition for my talents; that I am merely mediocre with no chance of having any impact on this world. However, the simple truth is that I have allowed myself to hide behind those excuses because of my lack of confidence. I feared failure. 

Who am I kidding? I still fear it, but would I rather try and fail than be one of those people who NEVER tried at all. I cannot possibly be the only one who feels this way, and it is for those of you that can relate, that I can say this: It is time for us all to stop trembling in fear, hiding behind excuses, no matter how convincing they may be, and really start living. Get out your pen and paper, go back to school, sing your song like no one is listening. I will dream big. Will you dream with me? I will expose my mediocrity to the world. Do you dare to do the same? I will succeed or else die trying, because I have one ultimate goal in mind. I want to be like that tree.

 

Charity Abbott is a 31 year old wife and mother of three from the small rural town of Maplesville, AL. She works as a caretaker for an elderly couple. Her interests include a wide variety of outdoor activities including: camping, fishing, horseback riding and gardening. When the weather does not cooperate you can be sure to find her somehwere with her nose stuck in a book.

Where Will Your Passions Take You?

I was recently contacted to interview María Marín, a very successful author, radio personality and motivational speaker. She has partnered with the brand Always to promote a new program called Give a Girl a Break. This program is meant to help women turn passions into reality by turning filmmaking passions into a career for a group of young women. Always hopes this program will be a shining example of what can be achieved when a community of women encourage others to achieve their goals.

As mothers and career minded individuals, we tend to set aside our true passions for our families, for our careers and for other things life may throw our way. When we bury those passions for the sake of others, many times we begin to lose a bit of ourselves. I asked my friends and readers on Facebook about their passions....those side projects we've all longed to begin and complete. I received answers such as writing, scrapbooking, photography and even repurposing cool items into something funky and functional. 

I will be sharing María's interview later this week but I want to share with you something we discussed. That's finding your passion and doing it. She says her passion is not the speaking she happens to do. Her passion is to research, find valuable information and then share with those around her. She says to figure out exactly what it is that you love and do it. I encourage you to take 5 hours for yourself per week for "me" time. Whether it's for meditation, going to the gym or starting the project you have longed for.....taking this time will re-energize you. It will lift you up and put life back into those passions. 

And I get it....I know what some of you are saying...."but, I have laundry to do and work to finish" etc etc etc. I know what you are saying because I've been there and am there. I too feel like I should constantly keep my house work up along with trying to see through my list of projects. However, as my husband says, the laundry's not going anywhere!"

If you think you have to set aside your passions just because you don't want to see your house work slip....then think of it this way. If you are putting life back into your passions.....whether it's 5 hours or 1 hour per week....then you are putting life back into yourself. What does that mean? There's a happy wife, a happy mommy and a happy coworker. And that means those around you are happier. 

I challenge you to dig those passions out and work towards achieving the goals you most likely set for yourself long ago. 

What is YOUR Passion? How can you achieve this?

I also encourage you to check out this video clip where Maria discusses believing in what you ask for.

 

The Princess and the Potty

I bought Little Miss PITQC's first Princess Potty when she turned two years old. I'll never forget how excited she was "Mommy!!!! Yook!!! It's a POTTTYYY" . I really don't think she had any clue what it was. She was just excited because mommy was excited. Maybe we can finally say goodbye to diapers....right? Wrong.

 

When she immediately started using it as a jewelry box, I knew I was in trouble. How in the world was I going to get thru this stage? 

She's been in "school" since she was  1.5 years old. They have been awesome in helping her develop into a bright little girl. And secretly (and openly) I was praying they would be just as good at helping me get her to pee-pee in the potty. I think I was really convinced she should be potty trained at that age and when she was slow to take to it....I got frustrated. 

Thankfully I saw she was right on par with the other kids her age which helped a bit. Fast Forward to birthday #3. Still not potty trained. I was at my wit's end. I made her sit on the potty. I seriously sounded like a broken record "do you need to potty?" ...."do you need to potty?"....."are you SURE you don't need to potty?" .  Oh and the song......*clapping hands* "PEE-PEE IN THE POTTAY....PEE-PEE IN THE POTTAY". I sang it so much that she actually sang it to me in a restaurant bathroom. That got a good laugh from people. 

Several months ago, she would pee-pee at school but that's it. At home, we finally made it to #1 in the potty but #2....she always went in her pull ups. I chalk some of it up to being lazy.....or distracted with her toys. 

After talking to another mom at a soccer game, of all places, about her potty training experience, I decided to try something new. 

I told my little that if she pottied in her pants, I would take a baby away. I sat the baby on a shelf and she only got it back when she used the actual potty. If she could go two weeks with ZERO accidents, then she got a brand NEW baby. There were a few days where there were quite a few babies that had collected on the shelf BUT guess what?!?! My bribery worked! Within 3 weeks, she was completely potty trained. 100%. Even thru the night. We never even had to buy night time pull ups. 

She's such a princess that of course she wanted a new baby to add to her collection. 

So, with that said. I support bribery and potty training. Seriously, how else are you going to get your toddler to sit on a bowl and "go". You aren't. There has to be an award. No matter how much clapping or twirling around in a funny dance you do.....our children need something to work towards. 

And that will continue on until they are adults. You want something. You have to work for it. You have to earn it. 

And in the end.....the Princess now uses a potty. And might I add....she never.....not even once...used a child size potty......the one in the picture above remained her jewelry box until mommy decided to get rid of it. 

Charlotte Pet Expo (Photos)

This past weekend I had the honor of being the official photographer for the Charlotte Pet Expo. Shorty Rossi, Christian and Hercules from the hit show Pit Boss was there along with celebrity pet expert- Harrison Forbes. 

 

Check out the photos HERE.

 

Shorty Rossi from the hit show Pit Boss

 

Stay Dry with the RAINRAP™ (Review)

With the storms that have been slowly working their way to the East Coast, it's the perfect time to introduce you to one of my latest finds-The RAINRAP™ .

The RAINRAP™ is an innovative product for the practical and fashion conscious consumer. It is reversible, waterproof and has double sided button closures. It comes with a small pouch to store it in. This makes it easy to fit in the glove compartment box or even your handbag. 

When I recently attended the Queen's Cup Steeplechase, I noticed there was a possibility of rain. I made sure to throw it in my handbag and guess what???? It rained!!!! I was so grateful to have had the RAINRAP™ with me. 

Most importantly, it actually works! The fabric was awesome. It repelled the water immediately, keeping my clothes dry.  I see this coming in handy next soccer season too!  This is the perfect soccer mom accessory.  

Want to know another cool thing about this product? It's not only great for casual wear but works for evening wear too. The design combines the look of a pashmina and wrap. So, you can remain stylish AND dry! 

Currently I have the black/grey wrap but I am looking forward to the summer when they unveil the SPIRITRAPS....then I can even support my son during his soccer games while staying dry. I think the other mothers will want one of these!

In February of this year, Sara Blakely from SPANX, named the founders of the RAINRAP™ as her newest Leg Up winners. This is Sara's version of Oprah's "Favorite Things" show. Sara Blakely is a smart woman....if she approves...you know the product must be good! 

RAINRAP™ can be purchased at https://www.rainraps.com/collection/ 

It looks like this season has been pretty rainy and there's not much of an end in sight so I know the RAINRAP™ will come in handy. What's your favorite rain gear? 

 

 

 

Compensation was not received for this review. All opinions are those of the author based on a product sampled provided by RAINRAP™

Wells Fargo Championship 2013

Over the years, I have had this unspoken desire to learn everything there is to learn about golf. Let's face it, golf is a popular sport and I wanted to find out what I was missing. My husband would say it's relaxing......have a few drinks.....laugh with the boys (or girls) and just enjoy the game. 

Last fall, he decided to purchase lessons for me and then for my birthday I received an awesome set of clubs!  Fast forward to January. I was finally ready to play my FIRST game. And where did I get to  play? Sea Island. #4 out of 75 top golf resorts in the U.S. Not too shabby eh? AND first hole? I had a par! With this new found love of mine....I have started trying to keep a little more up to date with the players.

What better way to do this than see them up close and personal at the the annual Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte. While I did attend last year and was able to see Tiger Woods. (can we saying boring?)......I didn't get the same feel I did this year. This year was alot more fun.  I definitely feel this was because I have gained a stronger interest in the sport. 

The hubby and I attended a couple of days with family and friends. My brother in law and father in law came all the way from England for this!  Our first day of attendance was Wednesday during the Pro-Am. This was the only day that cameras were allowed.  I got some pretty amazing shots.

 

This little kid , Reyhan Griffin, was AMAZING. He won an opportunity to play with Rickie Fowler in this year's tournament. What an awesome opportunity to get to play with the big boys.  You could see the joy in his eyes when signing autographs and taking photos in between each hole. That's what I call a forever memory.

Even if you don't like golf.....everyone knows who this is ...Phil Mickelson! Loved seeing his interactions with the fans. He was such a nice guy!

The Wells Fargo Championship will now remain a yearly event that my husband and I attend together. It's not just about the golf.....but the entire experience. Our friends, the laughter, the love of a sport we share and the memories.

The next Wells Fargo Championship will be held April 28th-May 4th at Quail Hollow Club.  Add your name to the ticket waiting list today! 

 Want to check out all of the photos I took at the ProAm? Click HERE.

What is your favorite thing about the tournament? Or golf in general? 

 

Get Goodness Growing with Odwalla (Sponsored Post)

Odwalla has a really cool campaign currently going on called Get Goodness Growing. For every virtual tree planted on their website, they will plant one in your honor up to 100,000. That's right they've funded 100,000 trees! PLUS, they are giving away a $10,000 gift card plus a year's worth of Odwalla products to one lucky winner. 

Why trees? Odwalla says "Because clean water, healthy soil, and fresh air are the not-so-secret ingredients that make our beverages and bars as good as they are. And nothing nourishes these elements more than trees.

This was a pretty easy contest to enter. You simply design your own tree as I did below via their website. No special software or downloads are required. It's REALLY simple. Provide your info and that's it. You will have a tree planted in your honor and be entered into the awesome sweepstakes above.

Check out my tree:

My family loves Odwalla smoothies and juices. Nearly every time I am in the grocery store, one of my children begs for a Mango Tango or Original Odwalla. I can't really complain....there are worse things they could ask for! 

Thirty years after squeezing their first juice, the brains behind Odwalla have created over 50 varieties of beverages and bars. That's alot of goodness! 

I am most excited about trying their new bars for kids. We are constantly on the go between soccer and horse riding and I am always looking for nutritious snacks for the kids between activities and even for their lunch box.

What's your favorite Odwalla product? 

Between March 20, 2013 and May 31, 2013, Odwalla will contribue $1 for each tree you create to The Nature Conservancy for the planting of tress--no less than $75,000 and up to $100,000. The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the land and waters on which all life depends. More information about the Conservancy is available by mail at 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22203, by phone at ( 800 ) 628-6860 or at www.nature.org

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Odwalla via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Odwalla.

 

 

The Queen's Cup Steeplechase

On April 27th, I had the opportunity to attend one of the most popular local events in Charlotte-The Queen's Cup Steeplechase.  I moved to the area in 2007 and was really excited about finally having the opportunity to attend the races. My father in law and brother in law were in town from the UK so they were along for the ride. 

(My daughter Sophia, Englishman in the QC and me!)

Other than the main event....the races.....I had been told about the hats. It's like our very own Kentucky Derby so there had to be big fancy hats.  For four years in a row, Trish Sanford, has attended Steeplechase. She said "we love the pageantry of the event and of course supporting the charities makes it even better".  This year's chosen charity was Purple Heart Homes, a veterans' charity located in Statesville, NC. 

After four years, Trish decided to finally join the hat competition. Check out the awesome hat she made.

Not only are there events such as the hat competition but attendees can enjoy live music, food and even a tailgating competition!

Since 1995, attendees have experienced the excitement of the races, the atmosphere and just reconnecting with one another.

A friend of mine had a tent that he invited us to where we enjoyed food, beverages and pretty amazing social time. I think we were able to show my UK family a little bit of Southern hospitality. My husband and I have decided to make this event a yearly MUST for our family. It was so much fun.

Here are some more photos I captured.

HE LOST HIS HORSE!

Wanna see all the photos I took? Visit HERE

What's YOUR favorite part of The Queen's Cup? Or maybe you've attended the REAL Kentucky Derby! I would love to hear about it!

At Home Pedicures (Charlotte Today)

Check out my latest appearance on Charlotte Today where I discuss at home pedicures.