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
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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™
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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!
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Check out my latest appearance on Charlotte Today where I discuss at home pedicures.
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With a family of five, I am always looking for new recipes to try. I mean....there's so much to remember when cooking.....this child doesn't eat pasta except for lasagna....that child will not eat any meat unless it's chicken.....and the other child will eat most things you put in front of him. These are just examples but you get the point. It can be challenging.
I love browsing Pinterest for new recipes to try. Quite some time ago, I came upon a recipe for Sweet & Sour Chicken posted on Pinterest by His Mercy Endureth Forever. This meal has become a HUGE hit in my home. The first time I made it, the kids responded "this tastes better than the Chinese restaurant". Now, THAT is a compliment because we do love our Chinese food.
While I do love this recipe, I will say there are a couple of down sides to it. A.) It takes quite a bit of prep and cook time. If you are looking for a quick meal, this isn't it. B.) You will have a ton of dirty dishes! Again, this isn't a simple meal that uses 1-2 pans....it does take a little time.
Recipe for Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
The chicken coating:
3-4 boneless chicken breasts (I use 5 chicken breasts)
1 cup cornstarch (because I use more chicken, I use more cornstarch)
2 eggs, beaten (I use 5 eggs)
1/4 cup canola oil (extra virgin olive oil will also work)
The sweet and sour sauce: (I like more sauce so I double all measurements)
3/4 cup sugar
4 tbs ketchup
1/2 cup vinegar
1 tbs soy sauce
1 tsp garlic salt
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All of my readers know that I am absolutely obsessed with Stanley Owings and iMpact color cosmetics. Not only is this line fabulous but Stanley is one of the most genuine and talented individuals you will ever meet. I am so grateful to be able to call him FRIEND.
With that said, why would I have anyone else make me beautiful for my big day?! Greeting me at the door of Shine Salon, Stanley immediately handed me a mimosa to calm my wedding jitters. He knows me well. ha!
While the fabulous Janna Williams got started on my hair, Stanley began his magic on my daughter Sophia. Sophia is nearly 14 and wears very little makeup. In honor of the big day, she decided to go all out and got false eye lashes (natural looking of course) *sniff* I was quite proud!
Look at the beautiful job he did with Sophia
Next up, MY TURN! Work your magic Stanley.
Stanley has known me long enough to know what I love. And that is GLAMOUR. OLD HOLLYWOOD. Touch your makeup wand to my face and turn me into Audrey -baby. He knew I wanted thick eyelashes and RED lips (I know you are surprised lol)
While Stanley waved his wand, we caught up on memories of our past sleepovers and wine nights (we were joined at the hip once upon a time) . One thing about Stanley is, whether you know him or not....he makes you feel comfortable AND knows how to make you feel HOLLYWOOD.
After Janna put my veil on
Here's one of the pro shots by Greyson Steele Photography 5 hours later
While I may be a little biased because Stanley IS a friend, I will 110% stand beside the fact he's one of the most talented individuals you will ever meet and iMpact color cosmetics is QUALITY. It truly stays in place. Here I am 9 hours after Stanley applied my makeup. The only thing I touched up was the lipstick.
Mr. & Mrs. Old
Thank you Stanley, iMpact color cosmetics, Janna Williams and Shine Salon for being part of making me beautiful for my 1st ceremony. We have another ceremony in December. Get ready. VINTAGE. 100% Old Hollywood all the way!!!!
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When it came to shopping for my bridal gown, I was pretty certain of two things. 1. I wanted something simple 2. I wanted two gowns. One for my ceremony on April 5th and one for my ceremony in December.
Well, we don't always get what we want......sometimes we get MORE.
I had a terrible experience at the first store I visited. With 2 weeks until my wedding, I was starting to panick. I had dresses for my daughters, my husband to be had a tux and our son had a suit. When a friend told me about the Brides Against Breast Cancer Event, my eyes lit up. I HAD to find a dress as I was running out of time.
What is the Brides Against Breast Cancer Event?
From the BABC Website:
"more than 70 yearly shows provide brides-to-be with an opportunity to find their dream gown (at an incredible savings), while contributing to services that providing support, education and hope to men and women affected by breast cancer.The worldwide support of designers, manufacturers, bridal shops and individuals (who donate a most treasured possession) make possible our Nationwide Tour of Gowns sales. The proceeds from these events contribute to programs for cancer patients and their families.“Brides Against Breast Cancer™ – Nationwide Tour of Gowns”This unique opportunity allows brides-to-be a chance to find the gown of their dreams at a remarkable price. Most gown prices range from $99 to $799*, including hundreds of beautiful new name brand and designer gowns valued up to $8,000. Exclusive designer and couture gowns valued up to $20,000 are also available at an incredible 25% to 75% savings!"
My daughter, my best friend and I decided to attend the VIP event in Charlotte. This would give us an opportunity to get a glimpse of the gowns before the bigger crowds the following day. The volunteers and staff at the BABC event couldn't help but giggle at me when I told them I didn't want any wine or food until I found a dress. I was on a mission. I had about 3 women along with my best friend and daughter who began pulling dresses for me to try on. By the time I put on my 4th dress, I was starting to get a little frustrated. I know...I know...4 dresses isn't alot.....but I had 2 WEEKS before the big day!
My best friend handed me yet another dress....I reluctantly put it on.....it was a bit more than I originally thought of for my first ceremony. It did have a train and was far from "simple". As soon as I realized I could alter the dress to fit what I desired, I KNEW it was THE one. The ladies rang a bell, clapped, cheered and led me to the DJ booth where I could be introduced. I was the first bride to find my dress that night!
Here I am the night of the BABC Event in my dress.
What makes this even better? I purchased this dress at a major discount. More than 50% off! And....it's for charity!
Check out my husband and I on our wedding day. Yes, that IS my BABC dress.
Photo by Greyson Steele Photography
I am looking forward to planning my BIG December wedding!
I'd love to hear your experiences with finding THE dress of your dreams.
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