Aug2014

aug2014

MADabolic CLT 2610 South Blvd | Charlotte NC 28209

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# MADLIFESTYLE

MADabolic LKN16610 West Catawba Ave Suite H | Huntersville NC 28078

@MADabolicLKN | 704.307.1782

[email protected] www.MADabolic.com

Ashton mixes classic design with upbeat modernism. It’s an emerging “it” spot – the ideal locale for the urban sophisticate who thrives on energy and seeks out the unique and intriguing. Here, just south of Uptown Charlotte, South End’s distinguished galleries, shopping, entertainment and dining district are just outside your door.

COME SEE WHAT EVERYONEIS TALKING ABOUT.

SOCIAL SPACESStart your day at the coffee bar or with a workout in the fitness club. In the evening, entertain friends on the outdoor terrace or relax by

the fire on the rooftop Sky Lounge.

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• SpORTS LOUNGE WITH BILLIARdS

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If you’re uncomfortable with your teeth, you could be holding back who you really are. But Invisalign’s clear, custom-designed aligners can be an inconspicuous way to get a beautiful new smile. So check with an experienced Invisalign provider and let the real you bloom with a new smile.

STRAIGHT TEETH ARE WITHIN REACH. Call today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

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CHRIS BONNEFOUX | BROKER/OWNER704.562.7406 | [email protected]

cbonnefoux UptownCharlotte

Hope all is well with everyone. It’s hard to believe that in less than a week the Carolina Panthers will be kicking things off with their pre-season game against the Buffalo Bills.

This month’s magazine is our annual “HOME ISSUE” and it’s packed full of useful information. If you are looking to update your current residence or have recently moved into a new home, condo or one of the dozens of new apartment homes, we have you covered.

Please save the date for our annual COVER GIRL SEARCH on Thursday, August 21st from 7 pm – 11 pm at City Tavern SouthPark. We will have over 20 women from around the Charlotte area that will be competing for a part of the $2,500 COVER GIRL purse. Also if you are single, Elevate Lifestyle and Bubble are searching for CHARLOTTE’S MOST WANTED Top Singles of Charlotte for an auction to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank. For more info please email me.

To learn more about these or any of our events, you can always go to our website at ElevateLifestyle.com or follow us on Facebook @ElevateLife-style or on Twitter @ElevateClt.

Have a great month, Steve [email protected]

publisher’s note

PublisherSteve Caldwell

EditorTelisha “Teka Rose” Wheeler

Creative DirectorGreg Smith

Design and ProductionGreenspon Advertising

Advertising, Sponsorship, And Website Sales InformationChristie Hannula, [email protected]

Steve Caldwell, [email protected]

Contributing WritersAnna Starnes | Ashley Rodrigue | Bradley Rhyne

Brandon Russell | Brian DeBrun | Chris Ritter Debra Kennedy | Franchesca N. Wicker | Gregory Lawrence

Jay Johnson | Julie Tache | Lauren Nguyen Scott Greenberg | Sheila Fate | Stan Owings | Steve Caldwell

Telisha “Teka Rose” Wheeler | Troy Adams

Contributing PhotographersJMT Photography, JMTFoto.com

CM Photography, Backprint.com/CMPhotoCris Anler Photography and Design, CrisAnlerDesign.com

Green Valley Photography, GreenValleyPhoto.biz Johnny Perez, Jammin JP ProductionRyan Sumner, FenixFotography.com

Intern:Ashley Rodrigue, JWU

COMING IN SEPTEMBERARE YOU A CASUAL DINING RESTAURANT?

NEED A BOOST TO YOUR DINNER BUSINESS?

For more information please email us at:[email protected] | [email protected]

DineAroundCharlotte.com

COMING IN SEPTEMBERARE YOU A CASUAL DINING RESTAURANT?

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For more information please email us at:[email protected] | [email protected]

DineAroundCharlotte.com

24 SKYLINE | hot happening around town

30 BY THE PINT | craft beer on the rise

34 Your “HOME” Resource guide

46 Element uptown

54 IT’S a guY THINg hot stuff for cool men

60 Paradise In Cabo San Lucas

contentsJuLY 2014

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60

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24 SKYLINE | hot happening around town

30 BY THE PINT | craft beer on the rise

34 Your “HOME” Resource guide

46 Element uptown

54 IT’S a guY THINg hot stuff for cool men

60 Paradise In Cabo San Lucas

66 Real Estate Syndication

70 at-Home Beauty Treatments

74 Home Life: Making Your Home Family-Friendly

80 update Your Home

86 Charlotte Seen Fashion Week

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Food, Cocktail and Beer Specials.

VIP Cocktail Booths, Tables for Four People,and Stage Side Seats Available.

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COVER GIRL SEARCH& FASHION SHOW

THuRSdAy, AuGuST 217PM-11PM

OVER 20 WOMEN WILL COMPETE FOR A PART OF

THE PRIZE PACKAGE VALuEd AT OVER $2,500!

E L E VAT Ey O u R S T y L E

ElevateLifestyle.com

Wine Wednesday

Half Price Bottles Of Wine

*Any Bottle Under $40

Featured Red & White Wine $4

Bud Family Bottles $2

Orange Kamikaze Shots $5

Small Bites Menu $4

Fried Asparagus | Buffalo Shrimp

Cajun Chicken Eggroll

Hummus w/Pita Points

Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Fried Pickles | BBQ Chicken Chips

Crab Cake Balls

Calamari | Wings (5)

City-Tavern.com Rivergate Shopping Center

14142 Rivergate Parkway | Charlotte, NC 28273 | 704.504.8888

Stonecrest Shopping Center7828 E Rea Rd. | Charlotte, NC 28277 | 704.543.8587

Southpark Mall4331 Barclay Downs Dr. | Charlotte, NC 28209 | 704.442.4000

GET A DANCERS BODYWITHOUT HAVING TO BE ONE

www.xtendbarrecharlotte.com704-989-47771100 metropolian avenue, Suite 190charlotte, nc 28204

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www.xtendbarrecharlotte.com704-989-47771100 metropolian avenue, Suite 190charlotte, nc 28204

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SKYLINE | hot happenings around townBy Telisha “Teka Rose” Wheeler, Editor

Home is where the heart is….home sweet home…there’s no place like home. Dorothy, Toto and all the originators of these sayings definitely got it right. Home is your go-to place to escape the troubles of the world. Your Castle. But sometimes… you have to get up, get out and experience all the world has to offer to appreciate home that much more when you return. Living your best life includes leaving the palace and connecting with others to increase your life experiences. So of course we at Elevate Lifestyle have compiled a list of some of the best places to go in August for the HOME issue; and once you’re done, you can go back to your million dollar spot.

Bars & Bites South End Food Tour August 8th in South EndOn this “happy hour themed” walking food tour, you can enjoy refreshing alcoholic beverage samples paired with unique cuisine experiences. From different facets such as a wine bar, a local craft brewery, a tasty food truck, an upscale restaurant, or a neighborhood pub. You will even learn how to create great beverages & bites in the luxury of your own home! Get out of the house and explore some South End & Charlotte history, sample culinary & beverage creations from a variety of establishments & artisans. FeastFoodTours.com

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Bon Odoro Festival August 9th at Wells Fargo Atrium UptownSince you’re out and about exploring different times, now you can add some cultural experience to your list. With the Bon Odoro Festival, hosted by the Japanese Association in Charlotte, you’ll enjoy a “Bon Odori” Japanese Dance Performance, Aikido Japanese Martial Art Exhibition, a Japanese drum performance by “Matsuri-Za”, Japanese food & crafts, and much more for FREE!

Colonial Life in the Backwoods August 9th at Historic Latta PlantationWhen you leave HOME, why not go back to a time when life was much more simple and homes looked a lot different than they do now. No alarm systems, no 55” LED televisions updating you on the latest news and reality shows, and yes, even no mobile devices….I’m sorry I had to say that. For what it’s worth, history is a wonderful thing to experience; you gotta know where we’ve come from to know where we want to go. So check out Colonial Life: Backwoods of NC and see fiber/textile, hide tanning, fire starting, and cooking demonstrations. Also see the First Mecklenburg Militia demo drills in preparation for the American Revolution. Learn the importance of these skills to an 18th century family and perhaps even try it yourself! The historic home and exhibit hall will be open to guests; visitors may also meet the Latta farm animals and much more!

Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade August 16th & 17th in Uptown CharlotteCharlotte Pride presents the annual lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer (LGBTQ) Pride festival and other events in the Queen City. The annual festival is the largest LGBTQ Pride event in the Caro-linas and the largest between Atlanta and Washington, D.C. It was founded in 2001, Charlotte Pride, Inc., presented the city’s annual Pride events from 2001-2005. Similar Pride activities flew under the banner of “Pride Charlotte” from 2006-2012. CharlottePride.org

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Elevate Lifestyle COVER GIRL SearchAugust 21st at City TavernElevate Lifestyle searches for their “Cover Girl” for the September Fall Fashion Issue; this event takes place twice each year. Over twenty la-dies will compete for this title as well as wining their part of the $2,500 prize package. The event is free to attend but you can reserve a stage side seat or a VIP table at TicketsSoEasy.com. ElevateLifestyle.com .

SouthPark’s Movies Under the Stars August 1st-22nd (FREE) at Southpark MallGather your families and friends to cool down with summer entertain-ment at the annual Movies Under the Stars series. Beginning August 1st, enjoy the last days of summer with movies, live music and more. Enjoy FREE films under the summer moonlight on an impressive 30-foot screen every Friday through August 22nd! Before settling down to enjoy the film at dusk, kick off Friday evenings at 7 p.m. with activities the whole family will enjoy, including a live band and mouthwatering concessions. Moviegoers are also encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and come early and enjoy the show! Simon.com

The Great Gatsby GalaAugust 23rd at Wells Fargo Atrium UptownHave a roarin’ good time Gatsby style at Dust off your fedoras and flapper dresses and get ready for The Great Gatsby Gala; one of the Queen City’s premier events! Guys and Dolls alike will enjoy complimentary beverages, as well as food from local Char-lotte restaurants showcasing their culinary specialties. Guests can re-live the days of the “Roaring 20s” and fox trot the night away to the sounds of Tyrone Jefferson & A Sign of the Times. Enjoy jazz music, fabulous silent auction items and much more! GatsbyGala.org

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Caroline Rhea August 26th at NC Music Factory Comedy ZoneCaroline Rhea, stand up comedienne and actress, brings a fresh, smart, and spontaneous approach to all her work.

Caroline’s television and movie career has taken off since she first starred as Aunt Hilda on the WB’s sitcom, “Sabrina, The Teenage Witch.” She’s appeared on “The Drew Carey Show” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” before becoming the first celebrity host of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.” Have a fun night out to get your laugh on! CltCom-edyZone.com

Labor Day Weekend Wine Tour August 30th at Yadkin Valley Wine ToursForget the Beach crowds and wine down in the Yadkin Val-ley with a tour of the Shallow-ford Trail. The Yadkin Valley area is in the piedmont and foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and some have compared the grape-growing conditions of the area to France’s Burgundy. Grab your friends and en-joy delicious home grown wine at Yadkin Valley. YadkinWineTours.com

With so very many things to do outside of HOME, it can be a bit over-whelming trying to pick and choose, no worries, Elevate Lifestyle’s HOT HAPPENINGS covers all there is in and around Charlotte for you to see and do. Relish the time away from HOME and appreciate it that much more when you return, continue to broaden your scope and Live YOUR BEST Life!

Facebook.com/TekaRose Facebook.com/ReadLoveHandles

BY THE PINT | craft beer on the rise

Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Grand Opening Construction delays push back public festivities surrounding new facility, Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Grand Opening event will be on Saturday, August 15The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery , the oldest local brewery in Charlotte and now among the top five breweries in North Carolina has experienced tre-mendous success since opening in 2009. Founder John Marrino wants to celebrate that expansion and a new, larger facility with those who helped drive the growth: the passionate fans and beer drinkers who appreciate OMB’s focus on purity, freshness and quality.

OMB will complete the move to a newly renovated facility at 4150 Yancey Road this summer, and will throw open the gates of the 8.5 acre facility at a public grand opening party on Friday, August. 15.

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“We want our new facility to be the best it can be when we share it with our friends, family and fans,” Marrino says. “We’ve been working incredibly hard these past few months to get the new place ready, but we realized this week that we’re not quite there yet. So we made the tough decision to reschedule our public grand open-ing to Aug. 15.”

The family-friendly festivities kick off at 11am on Aug. 15 with food, live music and brewery tours as well as prize giveaways. OMB serving up favorites such as Copper, Captain Jack, Southside Weiss, Hornets Nest, Dunkelweizen, Yule Bock, Bauern Bock, Fat Boy, Fruh Bock and Unfiltered Anny Alt.

The invitation only VIP grand opening event has been rescheduled for Aug. 9.

The new facility, with a price tag for property and construction of near-ly $8 million, will include:• 60-barrel, four barrel brewhouse (four times larger than the previ-ous space, and the largest brewhouse in the state among NC-based breweries)• Expanded Brauhaus (Taproom and restaurant styled like a German bierhall)• Stunning Biergarten, with a huge patio and rolling grass cover• Flexible public/private event space with a total capacity of close to 500 people.

Harvest Fest Homebrew Competition Triple C Brewing is accepting entries to its Harvest Fest homebrew competition until Sept. 19. These beers will be judged on Sept. 20, and the first and second-place winners will be brewed on the brew-ery’s pilot system and served at the Harvest Fest on Saturday, Novem-ber. 1. Details for that festival are forthcoming, but count on a lineup of live music and a food truck being parked outside.

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To qualify for the competition, beers must be brewed with one of the following:• Half the grain bill must use Riverbend malt• Half of the hops used must have been grown in NC• Locally-grown fruits, veggies, herbs, etc.

Whatever you choose, make sure that Triple C can get those same ingredients should they need to brew your beer. And due to time con-straints, lagers and sours will not be accepted.

Two bottles of the beer should be shipped to or dropped off at the brewery before Sept. 19, with labels wrapped around the bottles with rubber bands. Register now at [email protected].

Raleigh’s Big Boss Brewing Takes First Step After building the brand across their home state, Raleigh’s Big Boss Brewing steps outside North Carolina for the first time and into the great state of South Carolina. Big Boss has signed on with wholesal-ers in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Rock Hill to deliver the diverse line-up of Big Boss brews south of the border.

The company will focus on a core line-up of Bad Penny Brown Ale, Hell’s Belle Belgian Ale, and High Roller India Pale Ale as well as all seasonal selections to include Harvest Time Pumpkin Ale and Aces & Ates Coffee Stout.

“We intend to build the Big Boss brand in South Carolina the same way we built North Carolina: by employing local representatives who live in the communities we serve,” said owner Geoff Lamb.

Your “HomE” rESourcE GuIdE

FURnITURE & DéCORBy DesignBy Design Furniture has been providing Contemporary European and Internation-ally styled furniture for over two decades now. They have an extensive array of well-crafted and designed Dining Rooms, Sofas, Bedrooms, Living Rooms, Office, Section-als, and Accessories to suit your tastes and needs. By Design also works directly with their manufacturers to hold customer’s standards of selection and quality. 2130 South Blvd., Charlotte 28203 | 704.342.4600ByDesignFurniture.com

Interior MotivesInterior Motives located in historic Southend offers contemporary and modern design ele-ments. They sell everything from couches, chairs, accessories, rugs and even wallpaper. They are also a full Design Firm capable of recreating any space and or special event. Interior Mo-tives believes in the motto, Think Eclectic, Embrace creativity and Live Diversely. 2425 South Blvd., Charlotte 28203 | 704.523.0935InteriorMotives.ws

The Pick-ItThe Pick-It Furniture Company was founded in 1993. The fun of The Pick-It has always been the constant change of cutting edge, cool and eclectic furniture and accessories. The Pick-It became known as the place where celebrities shop for that unusual high end piece that they

By Ashley Rodrigue and Sheila Fate

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had no worry of seeing in someone else’s home. They also have an upholstery and finishing plant shop in Hickory and love the concept of picking a great solid frame, then a custom finish and finally the fabric, fringe, nail heads, tassels.....the jewelry on your furniture. The crazier the better. 3000 Griffith St., Charlotte 28203 | 704.916.9296ThePickitFurniture.com

nadeau Nadeau strives to consistently discover and offer unique, handcrafted and affordable furniture that brings beauty, warmth, and a bit of authentic, ethnic culture. The furniture at Nadeau is never mass-produced, never what you’d find at a large chain or big-box store, never cook-ie-cutter or flavor-of-the-month, never “assembly required”, and never boring! Most of their furniture is beautifully handcrafted hardwood in natural and painted finishes, imported from around the globe.3100 South Blvd., Charlotte 28209 | 704.523.5800 FurnitureWithASoul.com

High Cotton HomeHigh Cotton Home Company can be called one of the Queen City’s most eclectic and distinct furnishings boutique, who theme their furnishings as deconstructed luxury. Located on South Boulevard, High Cotton Home is a tightly-edited collection of highly customizable, American-made furnishings from designers such as Thom Filicia, Annie Selke and Michael Weiss, as well as offerings from Hickory’s Vanguard Furniture and other manufacturers.2137 South Blvd., Charlotte 28203 | 704.335.1220HighCottonHomeCompany.com

The Furniture ConnectorEstablished in 2001 The Furniture Connector has since been known for fabulous furniture at af-fordable prices. They sell designer market samples and close-outs straight from the manufac-turer. They offer a broad range of styles of sofas, dining tables and chairs, armoires, ottomans, lighting, beds and bedding, artwork and more.2905 Griffith St., Charlotte 28203 | 704.507.9023TheFurnitureConnector.com

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BlacklionThree locations in the Charlotte area, BlackLion is a multi-merchant design center that show-cases personally selected items by over 400 merchants. They offer furniture, gifts, home ac-cents, fine fashion jewelry, accessories and more! Blacklion is truly a shopping mecca for everything you might need for your home. 10635 Park Rd., Charlotte 28210 | 704.541.11489751 Sam Furr Rd., Huntersville 28078 | 704.895.95391408-C East Blvd., Charlotte 28203 | 704.333.2229Blacklion.com

City SupplyOpened in 2000 in the Plaza Midwood business district, they were founded with a desire to fill the missing niche of unique, classic, modern home furnishings. They believe that well designed and well made products should be timeless and affordable. City Supply Co. consistently keeps a fresh inventory of unique products scoured from around the world.1219 Thomas Ave., Charlotte 28205 | 704.347.2489CitySupplyCharlotte.com

Sleepy PoetSleepy Poet was voted “Best Antiques of Charlotte” by Charlotte Magazine 2014, with over 55,000 square feet of antiques, home decor, and vintage clothing. They are located right in Southend and open late Fridays and Saturdays. 4450 South Blvd., Charlotte 28209 | 704.529.6369SleepyPoetStuff.com

MOVInGGet It Home Get It Moving is a family-owned & operated business, they are able to offer you that personal touch you’ve been looking for. Their goal is to make all of their customers happy. They look forward to hearing from you. No job is too small, they have great rates, fast service and they do both residential and business moves.9635 Southern Pine Blvd., Charlotte 28273 | 980.225.2185 GetMovingNC.com

FaBRICCalico CornersCalico Corners is a nationwide retail store for decorative fabrics once only sold through de-signers with over 7,000 different choices! They can also make custom window treatments or

interiorMOTIVESAssociate Member of the Interior Design Society

as seen on

7 0 4 - 5 2 3 - 0 9 3 5 | W W W. I N T E R I O R M O T I V E S . W S | 2 4 2 5 S O U T H B LV D , C H A R L O T T E , N C 2 8 2 0 3

E M B R A C E C R E A T I V I T Y

Wallpaper, Modern Furniture, Home Decor, Drapery, Art, Lighting, and so much more.

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bedding for you, as well as offer a free design service. They are located in the Park Towne Village Shopping Center.1630 E. Woodlawn Rd., Charlotte 28209 | 704.527.3133CalicoCorners.com

Modern FabricsModern Fabrics is the source for reclaimed + discounted designer interior textiles res-cued from the cutting-room floor. Using rescued fabrics from Modern Fabrics is an eco-conscious way to reduce demand for virgin materials and to reduce waste.1504 Camden Rd. S300, Charlotte 28203 704.740.9676Modern-Fabrics.com

Robyn’s Fabrics & Custom Design InteriorsRobyn’s Fabrics & Custom Design Interiors offers both in-store as well as in-home design con-sultations with their established interior designers. They specialize in custom window treat-ments, bedding, furniture and re-upholstery. Robyn’s Fabrics has hundreds of in-stock fabrics and trimmings, they also offer special ordering from their library of thousands of designer home decorative fabrics. 10703 Park Rd. Ext. SF, Charlotte 28210 | 704.341.4466RobynsFabrics.com

LIGHTInGModern Lighting Design StoreModern Lighting Design Store features the largest selection of modern lighting in the Carolinas. They offer an amazing variety of indoor and outdoor lighting and ceiling fans. They strive to find the best, most affordable solution for your lighting needs, with your unique style in mind. Their extensive display of high quality product lines gives you the opportunity to see finishes and styles in person. On-site consultations are also available.1315 East Blvd., Charlotte 28203 | 704.332.0109ModernLightingDesign.com

The Lamp PlaceThe Lamp Place, located in historic Southend, was founded by Ms. Thelma Houck and Ms. Sandy Humphrey in 1980. They have a wide variety of products and styles for table lamps,

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floor lamps, lamp shades, mirrors, pictures, accessories, home décor, and gift items. The Lamp Place also has an on-site repair service for convenience.3108 South Blvd., Charlotte 28209 | 704.893.4120TheLampPlaceInc.com

Lighting and Bulbs UnlimitedLighting & Bulbs Unlimited caters towards selling the residential and commercial customers with indoor as well as outdoor lighting and ceiling fixtures and accesso-ries. They strive to practically facilitate and artistically decorate any usable space in your home or workplace with their energy-efficient, American Disability Act approved and state-of-the-art lighting products.1300 South Tryon St., Charlotte 28203 | 704.602.0150LightingAndBulbsUnlimited.com

TECHnOLOGyBang & OlufsenFounded in 1925 in Denmark, Bang & Olufsen now manufactures a highly distinctive and wide range of upscale televisions, music systems, loudspeakers, telephones, and multimedia prod-ucts that combine technological excellence with emotional appeal. They deliver the best as-pects in not just performance, but design as well!1700 Camden Rd. S102, Charlotte 28203 | 704.900.5587Bang-Olufsen.com

Premiere Home TheatrePremiere Home Theatre is a high-end retailer of flat-panel, projection, and plasma screen moni-tors, as well as an audio/visual equipment installation company. No matter your budget they can accustom your needs. Premiere Home Theatre can even crate custom-enclosed cabinetry for all of your gadgets!19825 N. Cove Rd. SB133, Cornelius 28031 | 704.449.9448PHTCustoms.com

Sonitrol SecuritySonitrol Security offers a full line of security products, all backed by their unique audio/video verification technology. Their ability to hear and see what is actually happening at your site in

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real time enables them to verify the alarm before they call the police, with such high creditability using this system also allows for law enforcement to get there faster know-ing it is a true emergency.815 Wood Ridge Center Dr., Charlotte 28217 | 704.423.1111SonitrolCarolinas.com

KITCHEn anD BaTHHans KrugHANS KRUG brings perfection to all aspects of your kitchen design. European standards optimized for the American market guarantee the best quality. Kitchen lines offer unlimited choices in kitchen cabi-net design – including a multitude of finishes and material combina-tions. In addition to custom kitchen cabinetry, Hans Krug’s product lines include the finest in bathroom vani-ties, closet systems, dining and coffee tables. 1500 W. Morehead St., Charlotte 28208 | 704.370.0809 | HansKrug.com

Modular DesignIn business for over 20+ years, Modular Designs offers a convenient carpet installation system without breaking down computers and cubicles. With a passion and commit-ment to a great flooring experience for their clients – it shows in their growth to four locations – each offering their own unique range of flooring services with the same high standards of professionalism at each location.227 Southside Dr., Charlotte 28217 | 704.523.4950 | ModularDesigns.com

The Tile CollectionTile Collection has been Charlotte’s leading turnkey kitchen renovation company and bathroom remodeling company since 1992. Whether you are looking for just a kitchen or bathroom product for your project, or completely remodeling your kitchen, bathroom or outdoor space – Tile Collection has you covered with their award-winning showroom – offering over 80 different porcelain, glass mosaic, and natural stone lines, displays, photo galleries, and a team that is at your service!11200 Carolina Place Pkwy., Pineville 28134 | 704.541.8453 | TileCollection.com

Paris Flea Market Styled, American built custom for you...

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OUTDOOR SPaCEBlackhawk HardwareBlackhawk Hardware has been family-owned and operated in the Park Road Shopping Center since 1977. If you’re remodeling, gardening, have a do-it-yourself project or simply need a unique gift for that special someone Blackhawk Hardware is the place to stop. They even offer free popcorn while you shop! 4225 Park Rd., Charlotte 28209 | 704.525.2682BlackhawkHardware.com

Hearth & PatioIf you have been looking for that friendly and personable shopping experience unmatched by any of the big store chains, Hearth & Patio is the place to be! They have been Charlotte’s source for patio furniture, fireplaces, stoves and accessories for over 30 years. They carry everything from outdoor living to your grilling needs.4332 Monroe Rd., Charlotte 28205 | 704.332.4139TheHearthAndPatio.com

Summer ClassicsSummer Classics believes that your outdoor space is where you create memories that last a lifetime. They strive to help you showcase your personality for you to enjoy. They offer over 100 custom fabrics, cushions, and pillows to go along with the large variety of outdoor seating. Summer Classics also offers on-site consultations to help achieve your outdoor vision.1308 W. Morehead St., Charlotte 28208 | 704.372.0095SummerClassics.com

LanDSCaPEMetro GreenscapeMetro Greenscape specializes in designing and building environmentally-friendly, outdoor liv-ing spaces like kitchens, pools, patios, pergolas, and specialized landscaping projects. They strive to create beautiful outdoor living spaces that naturally extend the living space of your home and property while increasing the value.1622 Parker Dr., Charlotte 28208 | 704.817.3819MetroGreenscape.com

GET IT HOMEFULL SERVICE MOVERS • LICENSED & INSURED

NO JOB IS TO SMALL | GREAT RATESRESIDENTIAL & BUSINESS | FAST SERVICE

For A Quote Contact Marla Howard: [email protected]

9635 Southern Pine Blvd.Charlotte, NC 28273980.225.2185GetMovingNC.com

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Morgan Landscape GroupMorgan Landscape Group is an award-winning landscape company with diverse capa-bilities. Their expertise extends beyond landscape design and installation to outdoor liv-ing areas, hardscapes, low voltage lighting, grounds maintenance, irrigation, and water features. They strive to work with their clients to create that ‘Welcome Home’ feeling.5127 Sandy Porter Rd., Charlotte 28273 | 704.588.2292MorganLandscapeGroup.com

Outdoor ConceptsKnown for their exceptional lawn and maintenance care, Outdoor Concepts has the de-termination. Owner Tyler Ward started the company off with just the essentials: a push mower, weed eater, and handheld blower. Now they offer their services to hundreds of clients. Outdoor Concepts offers lawn care, property management, fertilization pro-grams, seasonal flowers, mosquito control, as well as weed control programs.5320 Buena Vista Ave., Charlotte 28205 | 704.361.5931OutdoorConceptsLandscaping.com

nURSERIESBaucom’s nurseryCultivating Excellence since 1947, Baucom’s 250-acre wholesale Nursery is a 67-year-old family owned and operated wholesale nursery in its third generation of ownership. Not only an important piece of local agriculture – Baucom’s is one of the South’s best suppliers of azaleas, geraniums, roses, crape myrtles, and hundreds of other bedding plants, trees, and shrubs to garden centers, landscape companies, local Home Depots, and other retail outlets. 10020 John Russell Rd., Charlotte 28213 | 704.596.3220BaucomsNursery.com

Pike nurseryPike Nurseries – known as the “plant people” since 1958 – continues its rich history of providing products that are environmentally safe and responsible through sound busi-ness practices. Delivering the best selection of trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, house-plants, seasonal color, sod and more – Pike correspondently offers free garden lecturers and classes to local garden clubs, HOAs and other members of the community – and can assist you with all your outdoor living needs and more!12630 N. Community House Rd., Charlotte 28277 | 704.341.7453PikesNursey.com

Village at SouthPark4310 Sharon Road Charlotte704.377.7955www.ICLondon.comFacebook: ICLondonCharlotte

ELEmENT uPTowNBy Steve Caldwell, Publisher

Element Uptown is Charlotte’s newest high-rise located in the heart of up-town in Third Ward; the city’s newest luxury apartment building is located across the street from Romare Bearden Park at the corner of MLK Jr Blvd. and Mint Streets.

This exciting project is currently in the preleasing phase of the development with first move in’s set for August 18, 2014. Their temporary leasing center is currently located in the Wells Fargo Atrium at 301 South Tryon Street until they move-in to their permanent location located on-site at Element Uptown on August 8th. The leasing center is currently open Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm.

Photography by Clear Sky Images

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Standing 22 stories tall with twelve different floor plans available, Ele-ment Uptown features gorgeous studio, one and two bedroom units ranging from 625 to 1295 square feet. Price’s start around $1,375 from the studio and go up to $2,900 for two bedrooms and two and a half baths.

The luxury apartment building proudly offers a number of elegant fea-tures within each apartment home, including:• Espresso Modern Cabinetry with Brushed Nickel Hardware• Quartz Countertops Throughout and Stainless Steel Appliances• Subway Tile Backsplash (Upgraded on some Floors)• Wood Plank Flooring• Key Fob Apartment Entry and USB Outlets• Roller Shade Window Coverings• Washer and Dryer in every Home• Ceiling Fans in Living and Bedroom• Tiled Baths and Vanity with Framed Mirrors• Semi-Frameless Glass and Tile Stand-Up Showers• Select apartment homes feature 12-14 Ft. Ceilings, Floor to Ceiling Windows, and Built in Computer Desks.

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The property also provides its residents with the newest top-of-the-line amenities such as:• 24-Hour Concierge Service• Clubroom with Billiards• Innovative Fitness Club with Yoga Studio• Saltwater Pool with Cabanas and Bar with TV’s• Outdoor Fireplace with Grilling Area• Business Hub with iMac Stations• Covered & Secured Parking• Additional Storage Rooms Available• Views of Panther Stadium and Charlotte Knights Baseball Stadium• Pet Wash Station and Guest Suite Available• 100% Smoke Free Community

Element Uptown’s ideal location puts its residents within walking distance of Charlotte’s finest venues including the city’s numerous professional sports stadiums. BB&T Ball Park, home of the Charlotte Knights, is directly across the street, while Bank of America Stadium, home of the Carolina Panthers, and Time Warner Arena, home of the Charlotte Hornets, are both within a ten minute walk.

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If you care to take part in the more cerebral offerings of Charlotte, then walk two blocks south to Levine Avenue of the Arts, which has several museums; The Mint Museum Uptown, the Harvey B Gantt Center of African-American Arts, and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art.

Dining options within walking distance of Element Uptown are also not lack-ing, as uptown offers a plethora of fine restaurants of all food types. After you have gotten a good meal, feel free to check out Charlotte’s booming nightlife. Uptown Charlotte offers an abundance of options from pubs to clubs, pool halls to lounges, and live music to trivia. It’s all Uptown!

Contact the leasing team today at ElementUptown.com/contact and begin living in your dream home.

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IT’S A GuY THING | hot stuff for cool menBy Troy Adams

It’s hot. It’s humid. It’s August.

Thank goodness you’re still a guy, can avoid portable restrooms at outside summer events, and able to take your shirt off in public.

Now all you need is something to do this month. Baseball hasn’t hit the post-season. Football hasn’t hit the pre-season. Basketball and hockey are still a couple months away. And let’s face it; the heat doesn’t help your golf game unless you literally enjoy sweating all over those four-footers.

So stay home. Yes, stay home. You’re the man of the house. And this is the home issue. So let’s find some things that make your home incredibly freakin’ awesome.

Summer is all about having friends over. And having friends over is all about setting the mood. So you definitely need to check out the Philips Hue light bulb system. They are not cheap at $200 for a 3-bulb kit…but they sure are cool. They are a networked colored lighting system that sets up in three easy

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steps. One – screw the bulbs into the sockets like normal and hit the wall switch. Two – Power up the network bridge and connect to your modem. Three – Download the free app and connect.

With location services on your phone, Philips Hue can recognize when you’re in a certain distance and turn on the lights or set the mood for you. Think of all the possibilities with entertaining friends or setting a romantic mood. It’s much better than the clapper. Check out Philips Hue at MeetHue.com.

For you married men, sometimes the road to romance can be showing you’re thrifty. If you can save money on your electric bill, that could be another romantic dinner, right? So check out the Meterplug at Me-terplug.com. This incredible device runs about $50 but will pay for itself in no time. Wondering why your electric bill was so high? Is it her hairdryer? Is it you playing Call of Duty for 12 hours? Or are you doing so many loads of laundry the washer & dryer are literally costing you clothes on your back? Slip this nifty plug into the wall and plug your devices into it, then fire up the app. It will break down electricity consumption by the hour and display stats in actual costs. And as an added bonus, you can turn on or off any appliance plugged into it.

Speaking of saving money and beating the heat in August; one useful gadget is the Quirky Aros GE Smart Window Air Conditioner. So you get home; the house is hot, and you crank up the AC…which is the

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most inefficient and budget-busting way to cool your home. Instead, install the Quirky Aros in that 2nd floor room that gets the hottest…the bedroom, wherever. Use the app to set it to a lower temp and fan set-ting and begin gradually cooling down the room before you get home. And with its ability to learn your patterns, apply smart scheduling, turn on and off according to your GPS location and also track your usage and energy costs…you may never need to control it manually. Find it on Amazon.com for only $249.

One of the most impor-tant rooms in your home is of course the bedroom. And a man needs a se-rious bed to relax and rest in. Enter the Sleep Number x12 Bed. The x12 monitors breath-ing rate, movement and heart rate, assesses the quality of sleep, provides a SleepIQ score for each partner every night, and lets each know their op-timum Sleep Number setting.

Additionally, each snoozer can either raise or lower their upper or low-er body. There are also settings for in-bed massages, under-bed light-ing…and this bed will automatically raise the head of someone who is snoring. Amen. No more getting kicked out in the middle of the night!

And for when you’re not at home, there are plenty of gadgets to help you relax about the safety of your home and those there when you’re not. There are even gadgets that can save you time and effort before you get home!

There are plenty of home surveillance systems, but check out the Canary Video Monitor ($249 – store.canary.is). The Canary provides

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HD video, Night Vision, Motion Sensors, Microphone, Siren and also measures air quality. All while being managed from your phone app. There’s also SimpliSafe ($200 & $15/month – simplisafe.com), which is a battery-operated secu-rity system. It monitors movement in your house and is as easy to install as peeling the sticky tabs off the back of the pieces. The cell service required for monitoring is included in the monthly price and means no need for phone wires

or a wireless connection. And no contract, either. Plus it can also be monitored from your phone, detects smoke, fire and carbon monox-ide, and can instantly alert police on an intrusion.

Want to come home to a clean floor in your house every night? Check out the iRobot series of self-cleaning vacuums. You can find them ranging in price from $300 to $700. I’d encourage checking out refur-bished or used ones on Amazon.com.

So it’s 6:00, you’re getting ready to head home and you’re craving a certain food. But you’re not sure if you have the necessary items in your fridge. No worries…just text your fridge. Yes. Text your fridge.

If you thought your spouse was a nag about picking up groceries, wait until your fridge starts texting you about wanting milk and cheese supplies. HomeChat will be available on 2014 LG appliances and can be used on any iOS device. By simply texting your LG Smart Oven, Smart Refrigerator, robot vacuum or washer as you would your spouse in natural language, you can check on food supplies, turn on or update washer cycles, get your carpet cleaned before you come home, or let all your appliances know you’re on vacation.

Less nagging. More sleep. And having conversations with your fridge about your beer supply. Sounds like a pretty good August to me.

PArAdISE IN cABo SAN LucAS AT HAcIENdA ENcANTAdA rESorT ANd SPA

By Debra Ann Kennedy, Lifestyle Editor

At the tip of the Baja Peninsula, you will find a virtual paradise at Hacienda Encantada Resort and Spa. This resort exudes intimacy and exclusivity, yet has a friendly vibe throughout the grounds.

Charlotte now offers a direct flight into Cabo San Lucas which is a dream come true for those of us that love vacationing in Mexico’s hottest resort town. Yes, Cabo is the West Coast equivalent of South Beach in Miami and with the added bonus of a direct flight, the East Coast will now be jet setting to Cabo Paradise a lot more often!

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I have vacationed in countless resorts and I am in total love with Hacienda Encantada. The attention to detail this resort offers is beyond amazing. The view of the deep blue waters of the Sea of Cortez from the pool, swim up bar or your very own balcony will take your breath away.

Each suite boosts authentic dé-cor with hardwood furniture, tiled floors and a very large bathroom. The sweet spot is the oversized balcony with a million dollar view. Each suite also includes a full size refrigerator, microwave and stove, and the kitchen is even equipped with cooking and eating utensils for a family friendly vacation.

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I am not sure if it was the view from the infinity pool, the swim up bar, the 5 star customer service or the cozy communal fire pit, but I am smitten! Hacienda Encantada will be my “can’t live without it” destination spot for life.

If you are like me and indulge in luxury, enjoy serenity while vacation-ing and love to be pam-pered, this resort will be your new favorite vacation spot as well. The infin-ity pool areas offer luxury chairs, cabanas, spec-tacular views and servers that attend to your every need. That is my idea of

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a V.A.C.A.T.I.O.N. We enjoyed many dinners at La Trajinera which is resort formal and most dinners at Terraza Las Ma-rias. Both restaurants have amazing food, service and views. The resort offers all-inclusive plans and with this meal plan you can also visit many fine restaurants at the Marina (off site) for a variety of tastes.

As lifestyle editor, I love to share fabulous finds that I know my readers will enjoy as much as I do. Hacienda Encantada is a 5 Star Resort without the 5 Star price tag. So basically you can live the life of the rich and famous without actually being rich and famous. Sounds like a win win to me. Who needs caviar dreams, when you can have a fabulous reality being spoiled in Cabo San Lucas at my favorite resort, Hacienda Encantada? HaciendaEcantada.com

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rEAL ESTATE SYNdIcATIoN Love it, Hate it, or Both?By Julie Taché, Homes With Catche

A hot term these days is “Real Estate Syndication”. But do you have any idea what that is? Millions of people use it every day and may not know it. If you search properties on Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Homes.com, HotPads, or any of the thousands of Real Estate search and information sites and apps - those are all examples of Syndication portals.

How does Syndication work? In the Charlotte region, when a Broker enters listing information on a property into the CarolinaMLS, if the Broker-in-Charge of that Firm has given permission (an “opt-in”), that information will be pub-lished through listing syndicator ListHub. ListHub disseminates the informa-tion to the web portals designated by that Broker-in-Charge.

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It’s easy to see why a firm would want their listings on all of these por-tals, right? Lots of great exposure for their sellers! Potentially millions of web searches viewing their listings on every possible site! (What do sellers want? Exposure! When do they want it? Now!) And lots of new buyers contacting the Brokers!

Of course, since nothing is perfect, there are potential problems and pitfalls. One of the biggest issues is that the information is often out-dated, or simply incorrect. Every agent complains about the buyer who asked to see a home they viewed online, only to have to tell them it sold weeks or even months earlier. Or how about homes listed as “pre-foreclosure” that really aren’t?

A complaint from some sellers is the “on-line estimate” of the value of their home. Remember, this is done by an AVM (automated valuation model) - essentially a smart computer program that uses math and a database to crunch your value. For example, the “Zestimate” on my home is at least $60,000 less than I would price my home if I listed it for sale today. It also shows fewer bedrooms and bathrooms than my home actually has. Other homes have had inaccuracies such as wrong location, incorrect square footage, and overblown values; all of which can be extremely confusing to buyers, and upsetting to sellers. What should this tell you? That nothing can take the place of your local neighborhood Realtor to tell you the true value of a property!

The syndicators blame the third parties who upload information to the site, such as home tour companies or website vendors who allow ad-ditional information to be put on their sites, etc.

But there is another, and potentially more malicious aspect to the “on-line dating” between properties and people, this happens in the home rental market. I have received many phone calls about the “rental home” I have at a certain address, with an excited prospective tenant wanting it right away. The problem? That house is not for rent! Some people even argue that they have been emailing with the owner but happened to see my (legitimate) for sale listing on the same property and have questions (one scammer went so far as to create a fake Gmail address for the person he thought was the owner, in reality the

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current tenant). Luckily for these folks, it wasn’t too late. Scammers around the globe search for new home listings in every price point, then submit false listings to all the major sites that the home is for lease. People looking for rentals contact these fake owners, often sending money to faraway places, only to find out that the home was never for rent, and their money is gone. No, that $275,000 property is not being offered at $675 a month. If the price seems too good to be true - it is!

Many agents also resent having to pay a monthly fee to receive po-tential client contacts from the Syndicators, since they view it as the companies selling their own data back to them. As a result of all of these factors, many Real Estate Firms have stopped sending their list-ings to Syndicators all together. Some MLS’s have as well (Wilming-ton), while others have negotiated direct contracts with the third party portals to have more control over the data (Austin, North Alabama). They feel they can better protect their clients by controlling their List-ings data.

So while some love it and some hate it, the truth is many of us will use these systems at some point. These can be useful tools if you take the in-formation “with a grain of salt”, and always rely on your local Realtor® to give you the best and most accurate information!

Julie Taché, Realtor®/Broker, CRS, ABR, e-PRO, SPS, QSC, is the owner of Homes With Cachet, a boutique residential Real Estate firm servicing North and South Carolina. She works with buyers, sellers and investors and educates clients about all aspects of the Real Estate market.HomesWithCachet.com

AT-HomE BEAuTY TrEATmENTSBy Stanley Owings, Fashion Contributor

5 Inexpensive tips on how to look fabulous using items from home.I thought it was very apropos to discuss at-home beauty treatments for this, The HOME Issue. I am excited to share with you 5 easy, inexpensive tips to get great looking skin using items you have right in your home. All of us have spent countless dollars on products from luxury brands to mass-market brands. Many of these products have synthetic ingredients and harsh chemi-cals that are not good for the skin. Using natural products such as fruits and vegetables are much better for the skin and offer amazing results. So, without further ado let’s get to it!

@HOMETIP 1One of my absolute favorite at-home beauty treatments is the art of icing. Let me explain. Many of us suffer from under eye issues such as puffiness or congestion. If this is an issue for you, then ice is your answer. Yes, ice! First thing in the morning head straight to the freezer and grab a few ice cubes and wrap them in a thin cloth. Next, softly pat the ice pack around your eye area for 10 minutes. Not only will it “de-puff” under the eye, it firms the skin and

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also stimulates brain activity. You may find it benefits you more than your morning caffeine. Let me warn you, this tip can become highly addictive!

@HOMETIP 2I am crazy about the next tip I found in my research. It is an at-home rose-water toner. Delicious! This is super simple. You will need one cup of firmly packed rose petals and two cups of boiling water. Af-ter combining the two, cover and steep until the liquid is cool. Strain the liquid from the rose petals into a sterilized bottle and refrigerate. I recommend using a bottle that has a spritzer so you can simply spray over your skin when desired. Rose-water has wonderful calming ben-efits to the skin and serves as a great toner. The perfect summer treat for your skin.

@HOMETIP 3Now it’s time to grab your blender! While you are at it, grab cold cream, yogurt, honey, aloe vera gel and avocado. Combine all of these in-gredients in your blender. Once you’ve whipped up this concoction, you have an amazing hydrating fa-cial mask! Using a foundation brush or your fingertips apply the mask all over your face and allow to dry on the skin for 15-20 minutes. Your skin will feel refreshed and hydrated like never before.

@HOMETIP 4When it comes to taking care of your skin, make sure not to neglect the skin on your body. If you have 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 cup of raw oatmeal, and 1 cup of olive oil in your home, then you are on the way to better skin. This is one treatment that is to be enjoyed and not rushed. Combine the three ingredients then apply to the skin all over the body. Be sure to move in slow circular motion. Take your time and indulge. I recommend doing this in the evening in a low-lit bathroom

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with candlelight. Rinse off in a hot shower and be prepared to be amazed at how smooth and supple your skin feels.

@HOMETIP 5Even if one is very committed to exfoliating regularly, some-times there are areas such as elbows and knees that tend to remain rough. If that is the case for you, all you are go-ing to need is a lemon. Take a slice of a freshly cut lemon and rub it on the rough areas. The acid from the lemon will soften these spots and also help fade any darkness. I

guess you could say this is definitely one way of taking lemons and making lemonade.

LIFE TREnDMy life trend for this month is to create more peace in your life and in your home. Be sure you are taking responsibility for the energy you allow to come in your life and home. It is up to you to create a peace-ful ambiance to reside in. I mentioned it briefly early, but I feel it bears repeating; be sure to incorporate candlelight in your life! The minute you light candles there is an immediate element of peace emitted. We experience a lot craziness everyday in the world we live in so make sure your home is your sanctuary. Create it. Love it.

Founder/Creator of iMpact color cosmeticsiMpactcolorcosmetics.comFacebook.com/stanley.owingsTwitter.com/stanleyowings(Research credits: Glamour.com)

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HomE LIfE: mAKING Your HomE fAmILY-frIENdLYBy Franchesca N. Wicker

A home is a place where a family dwells. It’s the safe haven for children and a place of rest for parents. It serves as a refuge to conduct private family mat-ters. It is intimate, comfortable and peaceful. A home, in essence, is the sa-cred place where precious memories are formed and kindred love is shared. In order to keep your home family-friendly, it needs a few key components. The components are safety, cleanliness, and a loving environment that is free of strife. These are crucial to making your home thrive. Comprising a home that is safe, clean, and free of strife, sets the standard for a family-friendly household. Let’s look deeper into this issue and examine the prototype of a family-friendly home.

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Golden rule number one, “Protect your home, protect your family.” If a home is not safe, it can-not possibly be family-friendly. A safe home is one that is secure and protected from outside intruders. However a person chooses to pro-

tect their home is up to their discretion, but the fact remains that it must be protected. Whether by an alarm system, locks or a guard dog, some form of protection should be in place. The mentioning of safety may seem like a “no-brainer” when it comes to making your home family-friendly, however, it must seriously be the first priority. A safe and secure home makes for a safe and secure family. Not having to worry about faulty locks or inadequate security meets the first criterion for a family-friendly home.

Cleanliness is the next essential component to ensuring that a home is family-friendly. When cleanliness is of importance, you minimize the spread of germs, reduce sickness, and ultimately keep your family healthy. Be sure to clean up messes after cooking and place items back where they belong after family play time. It’s difficult to look past sticky residue on kitchen counters or dirty socks in the living room. There’s nothing worse than trying to live in peace with a dirty home. One may argue that it can be done, however it’d be at the cost of another biting their tongue. Someone would inevitably yell at another to clean up a room, or wash the dirty dishes in the sink. To avoid the chaos, a cleaning regimen should be initiated. Whether it is a chore list for the kids, or a “to-do” list for the parents, with a system in place to produce cleanliness, no one will be counted out.

Last, but certainly not least, a home that is family-friendly must without a shadow of a doubt be a loving environment that is free of strife. In order to create this type of atmosphere, problems or issues that arise must be dealt with immediately. It is impossible for a home to be free of strife, if strife is left unattended to wreak havoc on another person’s

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emotions. A classic example is an unresolved confrontation between the parents that in turn causes tension between the children. Children will begin acting out or misbehaving according to what they see hap-pening in the home. The behavior of the parents is directly connected to the behavior of the children. Parents must strive to keep disagree-ments with their spouse just that, between them and their spouse. A child can be emotionally damaged by watching parents argue or fight. This emotional distress can cause further detrimental effects on a child’s future relationships. Unity must be the goal at all costs. This is not to say that problems will never come, but rather when they do, prepare to tackle them head on to maintain peace in the household.

Overall, the fundamentals for making a home family-friendly are pretty basic. The standards are safety, cleanliness, and a loving environment that is free of strife. A family-friendly home is not one that is perfect, rather one that is working toward improving the lasting bond that a family shares. Through ensuring the safety of the family, promoting cleanliness and maintaining an atmosphere that thrives on love, a home has satisfied the requirements to be family-friendly. However, if your home is not at the “family-friendly” level just yet, don’t worry, simply consider the precepts mentioned and your home will be well on its way!

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It is easy to become complacent with dated and uninspiring designs when you have lived in your apartment or home for years. If not knowing where to start redecorating is holding you back, reflect on where you spend your time. You will enjoy the changes in these rooms the most. The kitchen is a good place to begin as it is a space where people congregate to entertain and relax. The bathroom, as a smaller space, also makes for a manageable area to update.

Knowing when to splurge and when to save is the first tenet of good design. Skimp on costs for decorations as the average guest cannot determine the cost of small items. Instead, make an investment in things like refrigerators and flooring as they will last longer.

To break up an overly traditional kitchen, add a touch of whimsy and original-ity. Mark your territory as the chef of the kitchen by hanging a wooden or metal monogram on the wall with a grosgrain ribbon. Or incorporate the latest pattern trend: the zigzag. Also known as Chevron to the serious interior de-

uPdATE Your HomEBy Anna Starnes

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signer, this classic yet playful pattern is perfect in accent pieces such as seat cushions or placemats.

Mason jars are another inexpensive decoration and not just for your grandmother to house her signature jams. This Southern staple can transform into anything from soap dispensers to light fixtures. To pro-vide a homey ambiance to the kitchen, tie a ribbon around the jar and fill it with fresh flowers or colorful candies for a simple centerpiece. To use the jar as a salt and pepper shaker or a spice container, slap a chalkboard strip on it to create a reusable label.

A refrigerator is the main focal point in the kitchen and new innova-tions on the traditional stainless steel refrigerator are now available. Try purchasing one with a transparent door, which acts as a window so you always know when you are running low on milk. This design is perfect for foodies who want to incorporate their heirloom tomatoes or homemade cookies into their decoration. French style doors are another burgeoning trend in which two doors sit side by side with a door underneath that pulls forward.

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If utilitarian stainless steel appliances have your kitchen feeling more like an industrial cafeteria than a cozy gathering area, bring a pop of color and warmth into the kitchen with trendy, loud colors like tur-quoise or coral. KitchenAid offers countertop appliances in more than 20 different shades. To ramp up an impression of luxury in your kitch-en, pair these bursts of color with a white-on-white kitchen. The stark-ness and simplicity of the absence of color makes the space seem more upscale.

Another worthwhile upgrade is replacing that tired linoleum with tile in both the kitchen and bathroom. Tiling does not only have to be relegated to flooring though. It also looks impressive on the walls in a mosaic design. If a completely tiled wall sounds too pricy, consider a tiled backsplash in a unique design.

While Uptown apartments offer amazing views of the skyline, they often skimp on space. Try installing oversized light fixtures to lend a larger feel to the kitchen. Hanging many different sized mirrors in contrasting directions on a wall also opens up a cramped room. For the truly space impaired, consider miniature appliances that can be tucked away in a corner. Sharp offers a half-pint microwave, which is much smaller than the typical appliance and more energy efficient.

Some cool new gadgets for the person whose kitchen is more than just for show is the Creativi*tea kettle by Sarina Fiero. Making tea gets a little more exciting as the kettle changes its red hue while it heats. The Waterfall Wine Bottle Chiller can save you when you forget to chill that bottle of wine for girl’s night. The bottle chiller cools a bottle in less than 14 minutes, allowing you to enjoy your glass of Pinot Grigio in no time.

A few gadgets that have not made the metamorphosis from imagina-tion to reality but the modern chef wishes were available, are the scan toaster and teleport refrigerator. While it is more novelty than useful, the scan toaster hooks up to a computer and toasts anything from the weather report to a vacation picture onto your breakfast. The teleport

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fridge is another lofty dream in which users could teleport whatever item they desired from the grocery store into their fridge.

The bathroom is a space where most people spend an exorbitant amount of time getting ready each day and for special occa-sions. Make it more relaxing by adding a comfy chair or stool so you can sit while fixing your hair or brushing your teeth. If you are looking for ways to incorporate color, then paint the

inside of a shelving unit. This simple yet unusual design choice will make your originally grimy shelves a focus of the room.

If you require additional counter space, add an island in the middle of the room. Make sure it is in the same wood as the cabinets so it feels natural instead of an intrusion. Another inexpensive fix is to replace those garish looking gold cabinet knobs and faucets. New faucets re-semble modern art in crazy geometric shapes while others cause the water to cascade down in a waterfall.

Many people focus on updating the floors in their bathroom; but try looking up instead. Paint the ceiling either a bright color or incorporate a lattice work design. You do not have to free hand the ceiling like a modern day Michelangelo, as stencils will let you create an easy, unique ceiling.

Incorporate these inexpensive fixes, new trends and gadgets into your kitchen and bathroom to lift them out of a style rut and stay up-to-date.

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