EL E
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10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
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nov 2013
H A N D
C R A F T E D
I N
I C E L A N D
AVAILABLE AT FINE ESTABLISHMENTS ACROSS CHARLOTTE
REYKA.COM
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Every Hour is Happy Hour at The French Quarter One of Uptown’s Oldest Establishments
“Serving Charlotte Since 1978”
LOCATED ACROSS THE STREET FROM ROMAIN BEARDON PARK
THE SPOT BEFORE AND AFTER ALL LEVINE CENTER FOR THE ARTS EVENTS
JOIN US PANTHERS SUNDAYS We will be open 10:30 am till ?? 9/8 vs Seahawks | 9/22 vs. Giants DAILY DRINK AND FOOD SPECIALS Open Mon. Through Fri. 11 am - 9 pm Kitchen Open Till 10 pm On Friday’s Bar Open Till Last Call LIVE MUSIC FRIDAY’S KICKS OFF AT 6PM - NO COVER
321 S. Church St. 704.377.7415 Located in Historical Brevard Court
GO FROM RENTER
TO HOMEOWNER
Own a hOme fOr less than rent!
• first time homebuyer program with no origination fee options • fast Pre-approvals so you can start looking for your new home right away • Programs with just a 600 CreDIt sCOre • Close within 3 weeKs. • fIXeD rate mortgages, aDJUstaBle rate mortgages and Interest OnlY mortgages. Since we are a direct lender you cut out the middle man to get the lowest rates and cost available.
NMLSID 3029
Dominic Bologna Senior Loan Officer O (980) 272-2202 C (586) 524-8845 NMLS #391631 dbologna@myccmortgage.com
We make booking holiday parties & private events easy. • Private rooms at all locations • No room rental fees • Variety of menu to satisfy all guest • Affordable packages ranging from appetizers to four course meals • We also cater to your home or office
Call 704.442.4000 for more information.
Southpark: 4331 Barclay Downs Drive Rivergate: 14141 Rivergate Parkway • Ballantyne: 7828 East Rea Road
www.City-Tavern.com
publisher’s note I hope everyone had a safe and fun Halloween! Check out all the awesome costumes that people were wearing at some of the best Halloween Parties that happened in Charlotte over weekend before Halloween Day. It’s hard to believe that it has been ten years since Elevate Lifestyle magazine launched its first issue in October 2003. Since then we have published 102 issues with some of the hottest models to grace the cover such as Brooklyn Decker (Super Model), Miss North Carolina, Miss South Carolina, and Miss Charlotte. There have been over 12, 042 pages of content. That content included over 1,315 editorials and photo spreads, over 8,935 images from some of the best social events and parties in Charlotte. Speaking of parties, Elevate Lifestyle has thrown over 426 which over 100,000 people have attended. So the party we’ve been waiting to throw for ten years, (our 10 Year Anniversary Party) is on Friday, November 8th at Bubble in the EpiCentre. The celebration starts at 7pm until 9pm for the VIP Party, you must RSVP at VIP@ElevateLifestyle.com to attend since there is limited space. The doors open to the public at 9pm for the Elevate Your Style Fall Fashion Show brought to you by Lipp Boutique, SilverFly and Re Salon and Med Spa. With the holiday season fast approaching there are lots of awesome parties to attend. Second String Santa will be celebrating its 25th year on Friday, December 6th at The Fillmore in the NC Music Factory and Elevate Lifestyle and Lazyday.com will be having our 14th Annual Santa Bar Crawl. You can go to ElevateLifestyle.com for more details on these events and hundreds more. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!! Steve Caldwell
OPEN DAILY | LOCALLY OWNED | LOCALLY GROWN
Across from 131 Main & Brixx Pizza
(704) 906-3043
137 W. PARK AVE. (SOUTH END) Across from Phat Burrito (704) 906-3043
Delivery Available - call for details
Delivery Available - call for details
1312 EAST BLVD. (DILWORTH)
CASH, CHECK, ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED.
DILWORTH
DILWORTH
$5 OFF
10% OFF
Cannot be combined with any other offers.
Cannot be combined with any other offers.
CHRISTMAS TREES
ANY TREE
CHRISTMAS TREES
TREE STAND
EL E
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10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
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TEAM MEMBERS Publisher: Steve Caldwell Editor: Telisha Wheeler Creative Director: Greg Smith Design and Production: Greenspon Advertising
Tis The Season Cover and Photo Spread: Photography: JMT Photograph; Jim Merrill, JMTFoto.com Model: Emily Armstrong | Styling for Cover: Ash Christia Makeup and Hair Stylist for Cover: Angela Rabon Hers and His Photo Spread: hotography: Zack Alston Photograph; Zack Alston ZachAlstonPhotography.com Models: Austin Phillips and Mollie Bradford Wardrobe Stylist: Mollie Bradford, SecretsToStyle.com Makeup and Hair Stylist: Shaun Colomb Advertising, Sponsorship, And Website Sales Information: Christie Hannula, Christi@ElevateLifestyle.com Steve Caldwell, Steve@ElevateLifestyle.com Contributing Writers: Brandon Russell | Corinna Kahn | Chelsea Flower | David Sentendrey Debra Kennedy | Elizabeth Dickinson | Emily Valine | Francene Marie Jiya Williams | Julie Tache | Lauren Nguyen | Louise Albano-Hurley Sarah Hudson | Sean McKelvey | Sheila Fate | Stanley Owings Steve Caldwell | TekaRose | The Squishy Monster | Troy Adams Contributing Photographers: Lazyday.com | CM Photography, Backprint.com/CMPhoto Green Valley Photography, GreenValleyPhoto.biz Johnny Perez, Jammin JP Production S Ali Photos, SAliPhotos.com | TrueBlue Management Group Contributing Videographers: N-Digilabs, NDigiLabs.com
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December 2013 Contents
16 Cross Country Mortgage 21 Hers & His 34 Debra’s Holiday
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Gift Guide
44 Tis The Season! 54 Francene Marie’s Food & Holiday Gift Guide
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60 The Return of Shocky Shay 64 If the Shoe Fits!
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THE SEARCH IS ON AGAIN DO YOU HAVE THE LOOK? COMING IN FEBRUARY 2014
COVER GIRL 2014 Now is your chance to be on the cover and be featured in a fashion spread in our March Spring Fashion Guide and win part of the $2500 Prize Package. FOR MORE DETAILS PLEASE EMAIL US AT: COVERGIRL2014@ELEVATELIFESTYLE.COM
ElevateLifestyle.com
lifestyle
I’m sitting down with Adam Workman who is the Branch Manager of the Charlotte location of Cross Country Mortgage. Their Charlotte location is at 1230 West Morehead Street Suite 304, which is very convenient to Uptown and right off the Morehead Street exit from I-77 South. Elevate Lifestyle: How long has Cross Country Mortgage been in business? Adam Workman: 14 years EL: Is Cross Country only in Charlotte? AW: Nope, we have 71 branches Nationwide but the branch in Charlotte focuses primarily on the Carolinas. EL: How many states is Cross Country licensed in? AW: Cross Country Mortgage Inc. is licensed in 49 states.
EL: What do you all specialize in, mortgages or refinancing? AW: We have established ourselves as purchase experts over the years, but we still assist a fair share of clients who are looking to refinance. EL: What different types of mortgage do you all do? AW: We have access to every loan available: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA and our Jumbo loans are incredible. Our Jumbo clients can purchase homes with just 10% down with zero mortgage insurance. Most other banks require a 20% down payment. EL: Does it matter how much someone is looking to finance? AW: We will work with any budget. Your income will dictate how much home you can afford. Before our clients start to look for the perfect home, we will review their qualifications to ensure they are approved for the homes they are looking for. EL: What are the rates right now? AW: They have actually come down in the last few weeks. Now is a great time to lock your rate while they are still low. EL: What’s a typical turn around for a mortgage to close in Charlotte? AW: On average we can close within 21 days of starting the process on almost any loan. EL: What’s the process to see if I can apply for a mortgage? AW: Give us a call at 980277-0420, and we’ll have a short 10 minute conversation to get the process going. It’s actually much easier than people think.
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EL: Does my credit need to be at a certain level to get approved? AW: Since we service our loans and collect the monthly payments, we can do things that most other banks can’t. We can secure FHA loans with just a 600 credit score. Most other banks require a 640 credit score. In fact we recently closed a loan with a 550 credit score since this client had other compensating factors. In short, we are much more flexible than most other banks. Even if other banks have turned you down, give us a call. We may be able to help. EL: How long have you been in this mortgage industry? AW: As an office we have over 75 years of mortgage experience. For more details please contact Dominic Bologna at 980.272.2202 or you can reach him by email 980.272.2202. Steve Caldwell, Editor & President
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NOW BOOKING
HOLIDAY PARTIES IN OUR LOUNGE
CHARLOTTE’S BEST UPSCALE JAPANESE
SUSHI BAR AND LOUNGE Now Serving Sushi Till 2am Friday and Saturday Monday - Thursday 5pm - 7pm $5 Appetizers Specials DRINK SPECIALS Mon: Half Price Glass Wine Tue: Half Price Flavored Sake Wed: Half Price Bottle Wine Thu: $3 Drafts Please call 704.334.0009
to make your reservation now! Mon. - Wed. 11:30am - 10:30pm Thur. 11:30am - 12am Fri. 11:30am - 2am Sat. 12pm - 2am
1100 E Metropolitan Ave S120
P i s c e s S u s h i . c o m BLiPisces@gmail.com 22
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Debra’s Holiday Gift Guide Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, The smell of my Jo Malone Blue Spruce Candle and Marc Jacob’s Makeup Academy Blockbuster Set are all things tht make me love the most magical time of year. No need to look for that perfect red lipstick this holiday season as Tom Ford Beauty offers the perfect color (Rouge Fatal) as well as the perfect nail lacquer (Trophy Wife). As always, my wish is that these items bring you love, joy and happiness this holiday. Wishing you warm Holiday Wishes. Debra A. Kennedy, Lifestyle Editor DebraKennedyShow.com
All About Eyes 2013 Holiday Collection by YoungBlood - $35.00 YBSkin.com
Keeki Pure and Simple Spicy Gift Pack $47.99 KeekiPureAndSimple.com 35
Marc Jacobs Beauty Showstopper Collection $89.00
Sephora Collection Make an Entrance Clutch Brush Set $59.00 36
Sephora Collection Make Up Academy Blockbuster $49.50 Sephora Charlotte Area Locations
4400 Sharon Road Charlotte, NC 28211 | 704.366.5080 6801 Northlake Mall Drive Charlotte, NC 28216 | 704.494.0380 10101 E Independence Blvd. Matthews, NC 28105 | 704. 443.5710 11017 Carolina Place Parkway Pineville, NC 28134 | 704.543.4197 2321 Dave Lyle Boulevard Rock Hill, SC 29730 | 803. 366.6161
Sephora.com 37
Jo Malone Blue Spruce Candle $195.00
Tom Ford Beauty “Rouge Fatal” Lip Color The “it” color of the season $49.00
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Tom Ford Beauty “Trophy Wife” Nail Lacquer $32.00
Neroli Portofino Limited Edition Eau de Parfum by Tom Ford $210.00 Neiman Marcus Southpark Mall 4400 Sharon Rd Charlotte, NC 704.442.7900
NeimanMarcus.com
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We have it all! Shouldn’t you? Providing everything from Brow’s to Blow-out’s to Botox
Experience the Difference!! facials injections nails haircuts haircolor teeth whitening i-lipo laser hair removal massage filler chemical peels
1212 South Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203 | 704-334-8087 | resalonandmedspa.com
WHere THE PEOPLE oF CHARLOTTE… LiVe entertianMent 3 PRIVATE DINING ROOMS TO ACCOMMODATE 10 PEOPLE TO 300 PEOPLE daiLY drinK sPeCiaLs
DINE
MONDAY Lobster taiLs dinner $21 HaLF PriCe bUrGers TUESDAY HaLF PriCe Martinis PriMe rib niGHt $1.25 Per oUnCe WEDNESDAY HaLF PriCe bottLes oF Wine THURSDAY HaLF PriCe aPPertiZers
HAVE fUN
stoneCrest - 704.543.8587 soUtHParK MaLL - 704.442.4000
CELEbRATE
riVerGate - 704.504.8888 CITY-TAVERN.COM
‘Tis the
Season!
Photography: JMT Photography, Jim Merrill JMTFoto.com Model: Emily Armstrong | Styling for Cover: Ash Christia Makeup and Hair for Cover: Angela Rabon
Bagless Upright Vacuum by Eureka $69.99 | Target.com
Stella Artois Glassware $14.99 Set Of Two | BudShop.com Stella Artois Beer available at The Common Market South End CommonMarketIsGood.com
Filter Brew Coffee Maker by Cuisinart $69.00 | HomeDepot.com
Citrus Juicer by DASH $29.99 | Target.com
Bacardi Shaker | Bacardi.com Little Black Dress Vodka | $12.95 Available at all ABC Spirits Stores
Martini Glass Set by THRESHOLD $22.99 | Target.com
Retractable Cord Can Opener by Oster $26.99 | Target.com
Francene Marie’s Food & Holiday Gift Guide Once Thanksgiving dinner is served the hunt is on for the perfect gift for friends & family. Make your 2013 holiday gift giving guilt-free and budget friendly. Your holiday hostess Francene Marie found cool gift ideas ranging $15 & up. Try TOPO organic spirits made in North Carolina for the holidays. Their Vodka, Gin & Whiskey is found at ABC Stores. For holiday recipes use quality ingredients from a trusted grocer like Healthy Home Market, a food-friend of Its Your Party TV Show ItsYourPartyTV.com
ANYTHING made from the loving hands of The Secret Chocolatier will make you feel good from the inside out! It’s all about quality ingredients & no preservatives from the family owned & operated chocolate boutique. Try the handmade; Truffles, Chocolate Butter Toffee, Cakes and more. The chocolate treats make great holiday hostess gifts. 2935 Providence Rd. Charlotte, NC. 704.323.8178 TheSecretChocolatier.com You’ll love Swan Creek Candles at first sniff. They are poured in beautiful pottery and you can get one at Casual Elegance in South Charlotte. Owner Beth Taflinger sells tons of the clean burning jewels made in the USA, ranging from $12.50 & up. Choose your scent: Pumpkin Vanilla, Spiced Orange & Cinnamon, Ginger Bread, Holiday Citrus, Mistletoe Kiss, Warm Cinn. Buns, Mulberry & Mandarin or Roasted Espresso. Casual Elegance in Blakeney Shopping Center 9852 Rea Road Charlotte, NC. 704.544.5670 Walk into “Olive This” and meet owners Kara Deir & Andrea Edwards and be blown away by their knowledge of over 45 varieties of imported EVOO & all-natural aged balsamic vinegars. Try their AWESOME recipes www.olivethis.com like “Sexy Thighs” made with their signature Chocolate Balsamic & Orange Olive Oil. The Shops at Piper Glenn 6414 Rea Road Charlotte, NC. 704.544.8099
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Wine County Gift Baskets is ready to suit your taste buds and budget. They offer a variety of impressive handcrafted gifts for clients, friends & family. True to their word as all gifts look like the photos when they arrive. 800.394.0394 | WineCountryGiftBaskets.com
Chocolate & Snack Assortment for $39.00. From Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory peanut butter milk chocolate to Ghirardelli Twilight Delight dark chocolate, Italian milk chocolate pralines and more delightful treats for anyone with a sweet tooth. WineCountryGiftBaskets.com
Breakfast In Bed! Deluxe Good Morning Assortment for $49.95. Coffee enthusiast love Don Francisco’s French Roast coffee, designer mugs & matching napkins. More than 12 items to enjoy including Sticky Fingers pancakes mix perfect for the breakfast lover. Everything arrives on a serving tray ready to enjoy. WineCountryGiftBaskets.com 56
Golf Lovers dream! Hole In One for $49.95. A stylish golf cooler bag filled with Brie cheese spread & Grapevine Trading Company sea salt olive oil crackers. Sierra Nevada spicy porter brown mustard, summer sausage, a bamboo cutting board and cheese knife, ready to eat and chocolate treats, nuts & more. WineCountryGiftBaskets.com
If 2013 has been stressful, release & relax with the Great Escape Basket for $99.95. The Signature Cru de Provence bath accessories scented with warm & comforting white tea ginger fragrances. The spa package speaks for itself with bath caviar, towels, slippers and more. This one is a must! WineCountryGiftBaskets.com
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Tasty Kosher Feast for $79.95 has smoked salmon, peanut brittle, an assortment of chocolate chip cookies, Brown & Haley almond Roca. Chips, crackers, wafers, nuts & more, This basket is amazing!! WineCountryGiftBaskets.com
Susan Morin Beauvais has her dog biscuit business down to a science. Salty Paws is located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina - made with human grade – all natural ingredients. Your dog will love the variety of flavors and Susan also makes diabetic & allergy sensitive treats. Salty Paws biscuits DO NOT CONTAIN salt or refined sugars. 888.949.PAWS SaltyPawsBiscuits.com
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Chris Reilly is the mastermind behind great balsamic vinegars & quality olive oils at New World Olive Oil & Vinegar Co. You’ll have a choice of 24 varieties to choose from, but try the Traditional 25 year aged balsamic vinegar, rich in color and bold in flavor. These products make great holiday gifts. Located at 2904 Selwyn Avenue in Charlotte, NC or call 704.375.8433. NewWorldOO.com Great Books Wings of the Wind: A Cornucopia of Poetry by Kym G. Moore Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From NatureDeficit Disorder – Richard Louv Amazon.com Lastly, I have to share the best gift ever! Dr. Fotinos at REVITA Medical helped me regain my youthful spark again! I’ve lost weight, increased energy levels, libido and mental clarity is amazing with Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement. Or maybe their Cool Sculpting or HCG is for you. In 2014 take the proactive approach to health & wellness and get your life back! 704.847.0011 RevitaMedical.com Francene Marie, Contributing Writer 59
entertainment
The Return of Shocky Shay Unpredictable. That’s how Charlene Simmons donned the moniker Shocky Shay. Her mother said “you never know what’s going to come out of that girl’s mouth”. Well, Mama always knows best and what came out of “that girls” mouth, was a raspy voiced rap delivery that caught the ear of Don Huggins of Hush Productions. As easy as that may sound, Shocky Shay had to work a little harder than lucking up with a deal. A seventh sibling to eight others, Shocky began her craft at an early age. Her passion for music, almost a roadblock to her graduating high school successfully, kept her mind in a world of lyrics and rhymes. She failed her high school math class, and to her dismay, the news was announced to her entire class by the teacher who added “I’d like to see her rap her way out of that”. Shocky then learned soon after, that she was expecting a child. Refusing to become a victim of circumstance, Shocky gave birth to her first child and graduated high school (passing that very same math class) with an Athletic Scholarship to college for volleyball.
Enrolled in college, juggling school and sports, Shocky soon realized her dream had taken a backseat on her hectic schedule. She found herself yearning to rap again and missed it dearly. Dreading to share this with her mother, she found when she did; her mother was supportive of her seeking out her dreams. With a renewed vigor Shocky placed herself in a sure spot to keep her ear to the street and got a job at a record store in Winston Salem, North Carolina. The newest employee of Record Boutique on Liberty Street, Shocky was set to go where her heart’s desire had led her…back to music. There is where she received a phone call that would change her life and introduce the rap scene to who Shocky Shay was. Don Huggins, of Hush Productions had called in for a favor for his artist Freddie Jackson a well-known, national R & B singer. Not one to miss an opportunity Shocky announced she was rapper and was invited to personally send him a demo. Recording “No One Does it Like Shocky Shay”, in Kings, North Carolina, Shocky completed her demo and decided to personally deliver it. She caught the Greyhound that night to NYC, and en route, her demo was stolen. With no demo and no way to get a copy, determined Shocky performed live for Don and was signed on the spot to Orpheus Records. With Orpheus, Shocky recorded her first album, No Joke in 1989. The album included hits “Pass the Salt & Pepper” and “Your Man’s Alright”. Shocky went on over the next years touring, working as an On Air personality on WBLS. Ever the writer, Shocky continued writing while she focused on her family. Ready to reconnect with her first true love, music, Shocky Shay is all set to debut her latest body of work. Now partnered with Ms. Kerisa Hatfield; a self-made entrepreneur in corporate America and a marketing and PR guru, Shocky will be debuting her latest work, Ms. Ross in mid-December. From humble beginnings in the Bronx, a child with seven other siblings, Shocky continues to show people exactly what she is about. Never being one to bow down to a situation, but rise up from it stronger than before. And with the debut of her new release, Ms. Ross, she will show the world she is ready to rise again and continue to be….unpredictable. For Booking and Inquiries Contact: Kerisa Hatfield | sstracks@yahoo.com ~ Teka Rose Music & Entertainment Contributor
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A holiday wonderland. A festive one-of-a-kind shopping experience. A family tradition. A whole lot of fun. Crafts • Gifts • Great Shopping • Holiday Designer Rooms Original Art • Olde Towne Shops • Scrumptious Foods Santa • Decorated Trees, Mantels and Doors Yuletide Entertainment
November 14-24 The Park
Expo and Conference Center 2500 E. Independence Blvd. | Charlotte NC Daily 10:00am to 9:00pm Except Sundays, Monday and Tuesday from 10:00am to 6:00pm Advance Adults $9.00 ($10.00 at the door) 20 or more $8.50 Youth (6-12) $3.00
Order Tickets On-line and Save!
www.SouthernChristmasShow.com A Southern Shows Inc Production
704-376-6594
If The
Shoe Fits! 704.523.4489 | 2408 South Blvd Charlotte, NC 28203
704.844.8358 | 1848 Galleria Blvd, #A Charlotte, NC 28270 704.542.8865 | 9876 Rea Rd, #A Charlotte, NC 28277 704.523.4489 | 2408 Broadway Blvd Charlotte, NC 28201 704.596.9507 | 10235 Perimeter Pky, Ste A Charlotte, NC 28216 704.979.0365 | 8261 Concord Mills Blvd. Concord, NC 28027 www.OffBroadwayShoes.com
Men’s SKU 350541 | Jeffrey Tyler “Greenwich” | $49.99 Women’s SKU 154343 | G by Guess “Tarrah” | $59.99
Men’s Dress Shoes - From Left to Right SKU 324185 | Stacy “Halliwell” | $59.99 SKU 320333 | Stacy Adams “Harper” | $59.99
Sparkle Flats SKU 135409 | Mia “Clarissa” | $39.99
SKU 122290 | F.S. “Corbeit” | $129.99
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From Left to Right SKU 122238 | Lifestride “X--IBIT 2” | $69.99 SKU 122226 | Lifestride “Whisper 2” | $69.99
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Dress Sparkles SKU 155395 | Zigi Soho “Valencia” | $54.99
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SKU 323230 | Stacy Adams “Halliwell” | $59.99
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SKU 155395 | Zigi Soho “Valencia” | $54.99
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Woman’s Dress Boots - From Left to Right SKU 126200 | Fergalicious “Cruel” | $69.99 SKU 126184 | Rampage “Bradeon” | $69.99 SKU 125274 | G by Guess “Rozetta” | $69.99
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SKU 35032 | Clarks “Bushacre 2” | $79.99
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FOR
FLAVORS YOU
AND FOR FRIENDS WITH GOOD TASTE LIKE YOURS
Live a Little...Lot!
AVAILABLE AT FINE ESTABLISMENTS ACROSS CHARLOTTE
LBDVodka.com
Nightmare On Morehead photos by: Johnny Perez Jammin JP Production
Rich & Bennett’s 13th Annual Halloween Bar Crawl photos by: Lazyday.com
Monsters, Music & Mayhem NC Music Factory photos by: Gene Lazo
D E T N A W S INTERN We are seeking internship candidates who are currently enrolled and seeking school credit for the Winter/Spring 2014 semester. Juniors and seniors with a marketing interest and background are especially encouraged to apply. Hours are 16-20 hours a week, and please note, this is an unpaid internship. This internship could lead to a full time position if you are the right candidate. E-mail cover letter, and resume to steve@ElevateLifestyle.com
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