How Social Media Has Shaped Charlotte

Article Tori Karlek | Photography Mimi McLeod – Weinmiller, Inc.

There’s no getting around it: social media is everywhere.

• 7.5 billion: The current world population according to the U.S. Census Bureau

• 2 billion, 1 billion, 326 million: The numbers of active Facebook users, Instagram users and Twitter users, respectively

• 142: The number of minutes the average user spends on social media each day

Needless to say, social media plays a tremendous role in our communities and our businesses. And #CLT is no exception.

Community

#CLT has quickly become known as a “Transplant City,” wherein people from other parts of the country and world migrate to our beautiful city, eventually calling it home. Social media has allowed us Charlotteans to come together and create our tribes.

Facebook pages like @charlottesgotalot and @southcharlottelifestyle can quickly inform newcomers of the go-to spots for brews, events and the best BEC (bacon, egg and cheese) in town.

Hashtags #keeppounding and #buzzcity keep fanaticism alive and well in the best way. In a city where a “native” is the anomaly, social media has created a way for people to connect.

Business

As more people have made #CLT home, so have more businesses and startups. And why wouldn’t they? The business community in #CLT is something special.

Social media has given business owners a platform to tell the world who they are, show what they have to offer and get their message to the masses. In a city that’s as connected as #CLT, those messages are received, consumed and shared.

While it still has its naysayers, social media is sticking around for now. If managed with a little savvy and strategy, social media can grow your business, too.

Article Joe Didomizio

Your to-do list can seem never-ending, and it takes valuable time and energy to keep it manageable. But who says it has to be your time and energy? Let Maid Brigade, Charlotte’s largest and most trusted residential cleaning service, tackle that list for you! With over 20 years of experience caring for homes in Charlotte, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more reliable, consistent and trustworthy company to clean your home.

Maid Brigade was founded in 1998 by current owner Marc Titlebaum. Since then, it’s become a Charlotte mainstay, offering the highest quality of service with a personal touch. They tailor each of their cleanings to meet the specific needs of every individual home they service, personalizing and customizing each experience.

All of their cleaners are their employees, meaning they’ve been thoroughly vetted, professionally trained, bonded and insured. Maid Brigade also offers robust employee incentive packages which include health insurance, life insurance, vacation days and flexible scheduling. These benefits have contributed to Maid Brigade having high retention rates and some of the most experienced cleaners in the industry. What began with one maid and one vehicle 20 years ago has grown into a literal brigade of over 55 maids and 30 vehicles. To date, Maid Brigade has performed over 185,000 cleanings, helping countless Charlotteans reclaim their free time!

Maid Brigade is also a health conscious cleaner, using only eco-friendly products and supplies during every visit; safe for all families, children and pets. Their service offerings include regular weekly, bi-weekly and monthly, as well as move in/move out, turn cleanings and post construction cleanings. They also offer one-time and on-call as needed.

Booking is easy–simply visit Charlotte.MaidBrigade.com today for an instant quote or call 704-275-0975 to speak to an experienced client care representative.

RECLAIM YOUR FREE TIME TODAY!

Article Roni Fishkin of Mann Travels

A hundred thousand welcomes is a traditional Gaelic blessing that is used to greet visitors when they enter the Emerald Isle of beautiful Ireland. But the warmth and friendliness of the locals is just one reason this country is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. If this is the year you want to experience the proverbial “luck of the Irish”  here are the top five reasons you will be delighted on your enchanting adventure through Ireland.

1. Castles

Irish castles exude the romantic and magical feel of this beautiful country.  Some castles have been converted into hotels giving visitors a short taste of the royal life.

2. Guinness And The Local Pub Scene

There is no escaping the opportunity to raise a pint or two when visiting Ireland. In fact, the Guinness Storehouse and Brewery are a must see destination for every tourist. And, of course, the local pub culture is legendary. Irish hospitality and delicious lagers combine to make everyone want to visit the neighborhood pubs.

3. Breathtaking Scenery

Ireland’s scenery is magnificent and untouched. The list of postcard-worthy landscapes is endless–from the rugged cliffs of the coastline to the beautiful green countryside.

4. Irish Cuisine

Once jokingly referred to as the land of the potato, the culinary scene in Ireland has now blossomed into a true foodie paradise. Traditional dishes like cabbage and Irish stew are being reimagined and Ireland is quickly becoming a “must-dine” destination.

5. Dublin

The capital city offers something for everyone. No longer a dull and drab destination, Dublin is a bustling metropolis complete with culture, art, beautiful architecture and a great vibe. (And, of course, great pubs!)

There are many ways to visit Ireland and a large number of direct flights from the states that last just six hours. A good travel professional will be able to connect you to the best travel plan for you and your budget.

Article Roni Fishkin of Mann Travels

Family vacation memories are often the ones people hold dearest. Whether its riding the surf at a beautiful beach, exploring a new city or hiking through a National Park, some of our happiest memories can be made during vacation.

However, the increasing number of choices for a family getaway can make the planning and decision making overwhelming. Here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Ocean Cruising is a fabulous option – especially for the growing number of multi-generational families traveling together. Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Symphony of the Seas, has a Surf Simulator, three watersides, activities and restaurants galore. It also boasts the company’s first Broadway show at sea – Hairspray.  Norwegian Cruise Line also christened a ship this spring. Sailing in Alaska and the Caribbean, Bliss features a revolutionary Observation Lounge to soak in every stunning moment, from bald eagles soaring over glaciers to dolphins splashing through turquoise waters.

2. Even River Cruise sailings, once the domain of an older set, have become a true family affair. These smaller, more intimate experiences now cater to the younger generation with special programs, events and excursions designed especially for little globetrotters.

3. Slightly closer to home than the rivers of Europe are the Charleston area beaches. Wild Dunes, Kiawah and Mount Pleasant’s Beach Club at Charleston Harbor all offer family friendly experiences. Even if you can’t get away for long, a quick trip to the beach fosters great family bonding time.

4. And finally, no conversation about family vacations is complete with talking about Disney! Toy Story Land debuts this summer bringing some of the iconic and beloved characters from the movie to life. Buzz Lightyear, Woody and the whole toy box gang are the inspirations for the new attraction sure to help young and old make some new family memories.

Article Roni Fishkin

It’s not a frozen tundra or stark vista you’ll find in a far-north summer, but a landscape of rich wildlife and verdant panoramas begging for exploration. As the largest and most sparsely populated U.S. state, Alaska is known for its diverse terrain of open spaces, mountains, and forests with abundant wildlife and interesting small towns. The massive Denali National Park is home to Denali (formerly called Mount McKinley), North America’s highest peak.

Alaska and everything surrounding it always ranks high on travelers’ bucket lists. Whether it’s a cruise or a land-based experience to the Last Frontier, there are vacation itineraries to please every traveler and every budget.

If you want the best of both worlds, consider riding the rails through the Alaskan and Canadian wilds. You’ll be able to scale the sides of mountains and weave alongside steep canyons, all without having to worry about driving your own car or packing the right hiking shoes. A luxury rail experience through the Canadian Rockies transports you with the perfect balance of riveting excitement and total relaxation. Rocky Mountaineer offers four distinct routes that take you from the glittering oceans and coastal cities to the untamed wilderness of the Pacific Northwest in unparalleled style.

Whether you have two days or 21, Rocky Mountaineer has an iconic journey for exploring Vancouver, Whistler, Calgary, Banff and Lake Louise, or the Alaskan cities of Ketchikan, Skagway, and Juneau. Travelers are treated to impeccable service, gourmet meals, and world class accommodations as they take in the magnificent sights of the area. 

Mann Travels is hosting a series of Alaska presentations this fall. Check the calendar at MannTravels.com/Events to RSVP for the one nearest you, and learn how you can make Alaska and the Pacific Northwest your next vacation. 

Article Roni Fishkin

Bold, adventurous travelers know the rewards are worth the extra effort of finding a place off the beaten path. Here are a few noteworthy ideas of fascinating places to vacation if you have an intrepid spirit.

Camels and Sand Dunes

The rolling, desert dunes of the Sahara in Morocco create a landscape unlike any other. Travelers to Morocco can leave the bustle of the markets and mosques to spend time under the desert’s starry sky. Camp with Bedouins, ride camels, or hike in the Atlas Mountains. Spend the day trekking, and then retire for the evening at one of the luxury hotels—a perfect oasis for the courageous traveler.

Polar Voyages

Antarctica may be the final frontier, but a luxury yacht experience can turn the unique trip into a six-star experience. The pristine beauty, fascinating wildlife and uninhabited landscape make this a dream trip for bold travelers. Discovery yachts are equipped with submarine vessels and helicopters to make the exploration both easy and exciting. Combined with kayaking, snowshoeing and zodiac excursions, it’s the trip of a lifetime.

Big Five, Five Star 

If you find yourself in the middle of the African bush in Kruger National Park, it doesn’t mean foregoing creature comforts. Vacationers spend their days on private Jeep game drives with experienced trackers, then come home to the kind of luxury experience you would expect at a 5-star hotel.

Rocky Mountain High

Intrepid travelers know they don’t have to leave the US to have a memorable experience. National Parks such as Yellowstone, Bryce, Zion, and the Grand Canyon all offer out-of-the-ordinary experiences for those willing to head off the beaten path.

As always, the advice of a good travel professional can take the guesswork out of vacation planning. Off–the-beaten-path can still mean safe, reliable and trustworthy with the proper advance work!

Article Roni Fishkin

One of the fastest growing trends in the travel industry is the “girlfriend getaway.” Recent travel industry studies show 25% of American women have taken a girls trip in the last few years—and that number is expected to double by next year. Here are some great ideas to get away for some R&R with your gal pals!

CITY SLICKERS

With direct flights from Charlotte to D.C., Chicago, Nashville, New Orleans, and New York, it’s easy to rally the ladies for a trip to a great American city! Dining in these cities is a big draw, especially after long days filled with museums, shopping and theater. Many big-city hotel chains also offer special packages that include spa services, champagne welcomes and pajama parties.

PAMPER ME

A spa vacation is the quintessential girlfriend’s trip and there is a spa opportunity for almost every price point. Taking care of your mind, body and spirit can mean relaxing with massages and facials, of course, but so many spa resorts also offer biking, golf or tennis programs. Spas are also an amenity at many large resorts, including the all-inclusive variety, and some offer special girlfriend getaway packages.

CULINARY INSPIRED

Foodies unite! There are wine tastings and vineyard tours to partake in across the country. Cooking classes are also popular for getaways, especially in regions that boast a particular ethnic cuisine. Almost any vacation can be turned into a foodie-inspired getaway with a few curated experiences!

ADRENALINE FUELED

If your friend group is the adventuresome type, then try something on your bucket list! There’s comfort in numbers, so do something you wouldn’t attempt alone, like surf camp in Costa Rica, roping lessons on a southwestern dude ranch, or even golf or tennis camp. The sky is the limit (speaking of “sky,” what about skydiving?!).

Travel Expert Advice: Multiple guests on one reservation can sometimes create questions: What are the prices for a quad or a triple in a hotel? Are the prices quoted for the room or for the person? Are there special discounts for a group? Recruit the help of a travel consultant and focus on what’s important: spending quality time with people you love!

Roni Fishkin is the Marketing Director of Mann Travels, which, with local ownership in Charlotte, has been serving travelers with personalized service for more than 35 years. 

800-343-MANN (6266) | MannTravels.com

Photography ACE Hardware

Spring has officially sprung, and that means the garden gurus at Blackhawk Hardware’s Garden Center are busy helping folks plant, preen and prune all season long. We tapped Lawn & Garden manager Wade Goode and Garden Center assistant manager Emily Galloway to share their picks for the growing season ahead.

+ Step 2 Garden Hopper 
Excellent for tool storage, and provides a mobile, lightweight, comfortable place to sit or kneel while gardening. $47.99

+ Espoma Fertilizers
’Plant-Tone’ and others in this line are outstanding organic granular fertilizers that can be mixed directly into the top layer of soil. Starting at $11.99

+ Zero-G Garden Hose
Ultra lightweight, easy to store and carry. Resists kinks, punctures, and abrasion. It’s the only hose we use in our Garden Center. Starting at $34.99

+ Barebones Ulimate Tool 
Sturdy, stylish multi-use tool for gardeners with a rust-resistant double edged blade. Open ended sheath prevents soil-buildup. $59.99

Article Valery Huffenus & Patrice Hawkins of Decorating Den Interiors | Photography Julie Legge with Charlotte Real Estate Photos & Accent Photography

I know: You’re tired of looking at that same furniture arrangement. Or perhaps the wallcovering in the guest bathroom has seen better days. Maybe now is the very best time to give your space a fresh new lift! Here are a few decorating ideas that you should consider.

Liven up a dull floor plan.

Try rearranging what you already own! Sometimes moving furniture around a room or transferring pieces from one room to another makes a huge difference!

Find some new angles.

For your furniture, of course. Try moving your furniture into more interesting positions. Rather than the traditional line of furniture along the walls, try putting some sofas and armoires off corners. You’ll love the difference an angle can make!

Light up your world.

If your room seems drab and dull, perhaps your lighting could use a facelift. Consider replacing an old shade or installing new wall fixtures. Perhaps adding some new lamps will brighten up your world.

Ask yourself: What do you really like?

If you’re unsure, then we suggest you review design books and home decorating magazines. When you find a photograph of a room that you really like, spend some time analyzing what it is that attracts you to that design.

Start a redecorating notebook.

Save pictures of your favorite rooms and favorite things. Make some notes as you study these photos. Ask yourself: why do I like this room? What would I change? How do the fabrics, colors, and textures make me feel? By including the answers to these questions in your notebook, you’ll not only save yourself a lot of valuable time, but your design professional will be thrilled with the thought you’ve given to your upcoming project.

Set a realistic project budget and 
completion timetable.

If you have a special upcoming event that’s inspired you to redecorate, then it’s important that the entire process start in enough time to meet your deadline. And I know that money is often a challenging topic, but knowing your budget really helps your design professional help you.

Identify your focal point.

Is it a fireplace, a beautiful view, a bed or an armoire? Your room arrangement should surround your focal point. Pulling furniture into attractive groups in the center of the room will not only add warmth to your room, but will be inviting to guests as well.

What’s your theme?

Selecting a theme for your room says something about you and your family. It also provides you with a way to display collections, themed items, or arts and crafts. Once your theme has been selected, you’ll be surprised how your choices and shopping decisions will be simplified.

Wake up your room with color!

For instant impact, nothing beats adding color to a room. To find the right color for you, find something you adore in a color that makes you happy. Once your color decision is made, fabrics, upholstery, artwork and accessory selections will be a snap!

Everyone deserves to be able to say, “No matter what kind of day I’ve had, when I come home I feel happy and uplifted.” Call your Decorating Den Interiors design professional today! We are in Charlotte and the surrounding areas. Contact us at 704-807-7095.

Hormone free, grass-fed, non-GMOs, and pesticide-free are just some of the organic jargon at supermarkets, farmers markets and local restaurants across Charlotte—but who really knows what these labels mean and whether or not those extra pennies on the price tag are justifiable?

So, what exactly is organic? Foods are labeled USDA Organic if: crops are grown with natural fertilizer and free of toxic pesticides; livestock are fed organically—no hormones, antibiotics, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs); disease is prevented through healthy diet, clean housing and access to the outdoors.

And what are the benefits of eating organic? Allergy relief, improved mental and emotional health, and lower risk of cancer, stroke, and heart disease are just a few reasons why people are switching to organic foods.  

And how do you do it? Here are a few easy tips and tricks to make your greens even greener (and to help you save a little green, too). 



• Each year the Environmental Working Group (EWG) identifies produce containing the most and least exposure to dangerous pesticides labeling them the “dirty dozen” or the “clean 15.”  Foods that should be purchased organic include strawberries, spinach, apples, grapes, celery, peaches, sweet bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. While the “clean 15,” or foods that are safe without those organic labels, includes avocados, sweet corn, pineapple, cabbage, frozen peas, onions, and asparagus.




• When buying multi-ingredient foods (in other words, pantry foods), purchase foods without artificial preservatives, colors and flavors and avoid foods that contain harmful GMOs such as corn syrup, soy lecithin, and especially glyphosate, which is possibly carcinogenic to humans.




• Beef should be purchased organically due to an estrogen-like hormone linked to breast cancer in humans. Grass-fed beef contains high omega-3 levels that improve overall health.




• Poultry/pork can be purchased organically or conventionally as long as the fat is trimmed off (that’s where dangerous pesticides hide). 




• Seafood is safe conventionally as long as it is low in mercury and purchased in a smaller size, such as mini versus 
jumbo shrimp.




• Milk is safe organically or conventionally.  Organic milk has higher omega-3 fats, but not enough to make a difference. Although conventional milk does contain a bovine growth hormone (BGH) and recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), these hormones are unlikely to survive pasteurization.




• Eggs have a high omega-3 level, but this can be found in both organic or conventional eggs as the level is based on a hen’s diet and can change during pasteurization, making  organic eggs no different than conventional eggs.  




• A great way to save money when buying organic foods is to buy produce when it is in season. Buy in bulk and shop at local farmer’s markets where organic produce is a fraction of the price of local grocery stores.  




• Local organic fare can be found at Wise Acres Organic Farm in Indian Trail, Earth Farms in Dallas or at Healthy Home Market in one of its three Charlotte locations.