Today's Charlotte Woman by Sharon Simpson

DECEMBER 2014

VOL 18 | NO 8 | COMPLIMENTARY

A Heartfelt

Holiday Winter Whites Worthy Of A Wonderland

A Joyful Noise Holiday Magic With Melinda Doolittle & The Charlotte Symphony

For The Children Joy Bruce & Amber Herlocker Bring Good Food & Cheer To Haiti

“Coming face-to-face with a vibrant father of two, and realizing he was my patient years ago, that ’s when it all came full circle.” I was at a party and was approached by a young man asking if I remembered him. I paused for a few moments before it came to me. Fifteen years ago he was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia as a 20-year-old college student and underwent a bone marrow transplant. He introduced me to his young family by saying, ‘This is Dr. Avalos. She saved my life.’ Seeing this healthy grown man with a wife and children in tow … it just hit me. This is what it’s all about.

LEVINE CANCER INSTITUTE World-class cancer care close to home. See Dr. Avalos’s full story at CarolinasHealthCare.org/CancerCare More than 25 locations across the Carolinas 704-512-2194

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Bothered by Receding Gums? NEW Patented “Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation”™ Technique Provides Immediate Results As seen on

If you’ve been suffering from unsightly gum recession, you’re more likely to have tooth sensitivity and pain, root cavities, or even early tooth loss. Now there’s an easy, comfortable way to treat it here in Charlotte! The Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation™ (PGR) Technique is a patented, minimallyinvasive alternative to traditional gum grafting, but without all the negative side effects.

None of the hassles of traditional grafting • No donor site • No Incisions • No Sutures Instant benefits of PGR include: • Quick Treatment Time • Fast “Next Day” Recovery • Reduced Sensitivity • Beautiful, Lasting Results You don’t have to hide your smile... Dr. Bowman can help! Take action to stop your gum recession now. To learn about PGR and see Crystal’s reaction go www.CharlotteSmileDesign.com. Call Advanced Dentistry of Charlotte at 704-837-8261 for a FREE Consultation, and to see if you’re a candidate for PGR™!

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Crystal Durham, who drove over 4 hours to have PGR done is thrilled with the results.

Dr. Chris Bowman is among the first 16 general dentists in the world licensed and trained to provide Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation™. He is the first dentist in the Southeastern US to perform the procedure. Dr. Bowman is a leading Charlotte cosmetic dentist, a Six Month Smiles Clinical Instructor, and an international dental author and speaker. He has been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX.

Inside This Issue

10 46 22 8

Editor’s Note Holiday Nostalgia

10 Girl Power Eat, Shop, Drink & Be Powerful

16 The Queen’s List Goings On Around Town

18 A Joyful Noise

Melinda Doolittle Makes Magic With The Charlotte Symphony

22 Together, For Others Amber Herlocker & Joy Bruce Create Ansanm Ministries

26 Style Winter Whites Fit For A Wonderland

36 Dwellings The Lees’ Historical Holiday Home

46 Season’s Eatings Delightful Dishes For Your Dream Menu

50 Wishes Do Come True W.I.S.H.Woman Of The Year Julie Mills

58 I Really Think A Trip Down A Merry Memory Lane www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014 6

OnTheCover Holiday wonderland. On Model: Cable sweater dress, $368, BCBGMaxazria; white faux fur scarf, $20, Nordstrom. PHOTO BY GLENN ROBERSON.

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From The Editor » By Karsen Price www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014 8

Holiday Nostalgia hey say the more things change, the more they stay the same. This holiday season, I think my family may put that old idiom to the test. We’ve gone through so many changes in 12 months that I’m not sure we are recognizable! This year, I’ve sold a house and moved, and my parents have sold my childhood home of 35 years and moved. My daughter is now a pretween; she has discontinued life as a gymnast, started middle school, and delved into soccer and drawing wolves (she takes this hobby seriously; it’s like a part-time job). As for me, I’ve gotten serious about shopping my novel around the country; I really need an angel to put in a good word for me with agents and editors everywhere. My family is very into Christmas. Lights, especially. My father has been known to give impromptu lighting demonstrations in Christmas stores from Myrtle Beach to Gatlinburg,Tenn. He grew up poor, and as a kid, Christmas lights — especially the iconic bubble lights of the ’50s — became synonymous to him with happy holidays. These days, his indoor tree runneth over with so many bubble lights that I think he needs a flow chart to keep it straight. At the home of my youth, my dad was known for lighting up the neighborhood, illuminating anywhere from three to eight cedar trees with red, white and green lights. This year, the landscape has changed, and he doesn’t have cedar trees in his new front yard. His lighting plans are going to be different. Our old house at Robbie Circle might be a bit lonely

without the glow of his holiday trees … but the hustle and bustle of the Charlotte Premium Outlets is just a quarter mile away, offering the changing area plenty of holiday cheer (or at least, the allure of good presents). I have different holiday plans this year, too. Gone is my wrap-around porch that I always draped with white lights. My current 8-foot ceiling is different than my old two-story great room, too. (Little tree, anyone?) Regardless, I plan to go Clark Griswold on my little condo, and see just how many extension cords I can use to brighten up my corner of the world. Although my family is experiencing superficial changes, the important things remain the same. We are extremely close-knit. Every Christmas Eve, my daughter and I attend the Love Feast with my parents at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church, which dates back to 1760. We sing carols and light candles and give hugs to people I’ve known since birth. Christmas day is spent with my parents, and my sister’s family, where we open one present at a time and partake of good food and drink. Best of all, our three households are closer in distance than ever before, meaning we can run home for another bottle of champagne if needed! We are blessed that the most important things have stayed the same — the love of family, friends, and the real meaning of Christmas.

Volume 18, Number 8 December 2014 Karsen Price Editor Editor@todayscharlottewomanmag.com

Sharon Simpson Publisher sharon@todayscharlottewomanmag.com

Trisha Robinson Sales Executive Trisha@todayscharlottewomanmag.com

Beth Packard Sales Executive Beth@todayscharlottewomanmag.com

Taylor Buckley Sales Executive Taylor@todayscharlottewomanmag.com

Kerrie Boys Creative Director idesign2, inc

Social Media Director Michele Chastain mac21268@yahoo.com Style Editor Stacee Michelle Contributing Writers Jackie Andolino Fogartie Kathleen E. Conroy Melinda Johnston Lauren Levine Deb Mitchell Victoria Moreland Contributing Photographers Ken Noblezada Andrea Perullo de Ledesma Glenn Roberson www.todayscharlottewomanmag.com www.facebook.com/TodaysCharlotteWoman Mission statement:Today’s Charlotte Woman celebrates the lives, loves and endeavors of the women of Charlotte. Our mission is to inspire and motivate our community through well-written editorial content, artful photography and elegant design. The magazine will enlighten, engage and entertain its readers, ever seeking to spotlight the unbreakable strength that is the heart of Today’s Charlotte woman. P.O. Box 1676 • Cornelius, NC 28031 704.677.9159

P.S. Speaking of changes, keep an eye out for tweaks to TCW’s Girl Power section in 2015, including a variety of ways for readers to be involved each month. Here’s to the new!

Today’s Charlotte Woman is published by Venture Magazines LLC, and is distributed on a complimentary basis throughout the greater Charlotte area. Subscription rate is $20 per year for 12 issues. Copyright© 2014 Venture Magazines LLC All rights reserved. Copying or reproduction, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited. Today’s Charlotte Woman and Venture Magazines LLC, do not necessarily endorse the views and perceptions of contributors or advertisers.

What makes you

"Dr. Nash had a vision for my teeth that simply revealed my heart's desire. My smile is fuller, whiter and absolutely perfect. All I want to do now is smile!" Janie Shipley

Smile by Dr. Ross Nash

Of the nearly 8000 0 American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry members m worldwide, there are only 45 who have achieved a the exclusive level of Accredited Fellow. Fellow. In all of North and South Carolina, only one de dentist ntist has earned this elite status by illustrating g the required level of excellence in the area of o cosmetic dentistry: Accredited Fellow ss W Ross W.. Nash, DDS DDS..

Girl Power » In The Moment » By Karsen Price » Photo By Andrea Perullo de Ledesma www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014 10

GIRLPOWER Eat, Shop, Drink & Be Powerful

Standing Up Against Domestic Violence

he problem of domestic violence is being highlighted around the country, including the “No More” ad campaign, which encourages people to stand up against relationship violence. Joan Randall, vice president store manager of Macy’s at Carolina Place Mall, is a successful Charlotte businesswoman, but not so long ago, she was trapped in an abusive relationship. Randall met her husband in Jamaica, and after a long-distance courtship, married him and moved to the U.S., where she was surprised by his violent behavior. He systematically abused her — from beatings to threats to isolating her from family and friends. Randall shares her story in the hopes that she can help others. “My goal is to share my story, spread hope, and to empower women to make a change,” she says. Q: I understand you were in an abusive relationship. How did you escape? A: I was in an abusive relationship for seven years. We met in Jamaica, my home country, and dated briefly long distance. He brought me to the United States, and almost immediately the abuse started. I found myself living a

nightmare. I had a daughter from a previous relationship, and I also had another daughter with my husband. Here I was in a foreign country, living with an abusive husband who was the sole breadwinner. I was beaten, kicked down a flight of stairs, punched in the face, threatened to be killed, screamed at, had hot water poured all over me … the list goes on. When my youngest daughter was 1, I somehow convinced him I wanted a job so I could help with the bills. He reluctantly agreed and I started working for Macy’s as a part-time associate. After seven months, I was offered a full-time position, and he was very upset about that, but because I was paying for some of the utilities, he gave in. Macy’s became my escape. Q: Did your co-workers try to help? A: My co-workers suspected something was wrong, but when asked, I would lie. I was ashamed and embarrassed, and did not want anyone to know for fear that he might stop me from working. I was also afraid of what would happen to my daughters if someone found out. One day after a brutal fight at home, I showed up at work, unbeknown to me, with blood on my clothes. That was when my boss pulled me in the office and said,

“Enough, you have to talk to me. Please let me help you.” I broke down and told her what I was enduring at home. She offered me a way to get out, and I told her I would get back to her. That was the first time I felt hope — but I was terrified. How could I live on my own with two little girls? America was so vast and I had been so sheltered for all the years I was in the country. I went home and talked it over with my oldest daughter, who was 11. She said, “Mom, let’s go. I have been packing some clothes in the attic for us, waiting on this moment, so we can get out of here.” I realized for the first time that my kids were living the nightmare with me and I had to get them out. The bags my daughter packed and placed in the attic were what gave me the ultimate courage to leave my abuser. Q: How did Macy’s help? A: My manager intervened and I was able to relocate to a different state and was guaranteed a job with the company. Being on my own with two children for the first time in this country was intimidating, but I was able to escape an abusive situation and I had a job. There was hope in that and it meant the world to me.

Q: How long have you been out of the situation? A: I have been out of the relationship for more than a decade. I am now remarried to an amazing guy. However, I have vivid memories at times. It never totally goes away. Q: Is there a stigma against abused women? A: Yes. I think there is a stigma that DV happens to certain people. There is also judgment placed on the victim — like, why doesn’t she just leave, or what is wrong with her? But it can happen to anyone, from any background, social class, demographic, age, country. It is time for people on the outside to stop judging, and get involved. Q: What advice can you share with women who are being abused? A: Please talk with someone you can trust. Don’t give in to pride. If you don’t want to share it with your family, talk with a minister, a friend, a coworker, a neighbor, your boss. Get in touch with an agency or a shelter. Don’t stay because of the kids. The kids know what is happening; they lie

awake at nights unable to sleep in fear for you. Please, if you can’t leave for yourself, do it for your children. Don’t let them grow up thinking this is acceptable behavior. Q: Each year, Safe Alliance hosts the Jingle Bell Bash to raise funds for people in crisis. How are you involved? A: Macy’s is the largest sponsor of the yearly Safe Alliance Jingle Bell Bash, an elegant event supporting the cause against DV. For the last two years, I’ve had the opportunity of representing Macy’s and publicly sharing my story of survival. This year, our goal is to sponsor a survivor to attend the ball. She will get outfitted, have a makeover done at my store, and share her story. The more we bring awareness to this cause and the more we talk about it, the more we can help our sisters. Enough is enough.

TOLEARNMORE Safe Alliance offers help for those in crisis. Call 704/332-2513, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For info on the Jingle Bell Bash, visit safealliance.org/jingle-bell-bash.

Stay Safe With Tips From Sodoma Law The attorneys in the Family Law practice at Sodoma Law offer tips for victims of DV: 1. Have an escape plan. Be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice in the event of an attack. Practice the escape route. Have emergency cash, clothing, and important phone numbers and financial documents in a safe place, such as a friend’s house. 2. Save the phone number for a friend or family member in your mobile phone speeddial. For situations where speaking on the phone is difficult or may further aggravate the attacker, consider free smart-phone apps (such as Circleof6app.com) that assist DV victims in effective, discreet ways. 3. Victims should go to the emergency room or doctor. Even if the bruises/injuries are likely to heal on their own, it helps to have a medical report to support the victim’s testimony. Even serious injuries can fade quickly. This is important in requesting a 50B protective order, as is keeping a record of “substantial emotional distress,” which can also be used as grounds for a 50B order. [TCW]

TOLEARNMORE Visit Sodomalaw.com or call 704/442-0000.

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Girl Power » Shop Talk » By Lauren Levine » Photos By Andrea Perullo de Ledesma www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014 12

Get

Cheeky The Cheeky Bean Offers Flirty Fashion

ong before The Cheeky Bean boutique opened in Ballantyne Village, Justine Hundley had the name of her business firmly in mind. The moniker stems from Hundley’s childhood nickname — she has been “Bean” since birth. The “cheeky” part came to her one night as she was lying in bed, when entrepreneurship was still a faraway dream. These days, Hundley’s uniquely named boutique is a reality. As you might expect from the name, The Cheeky Bean offers a variety of quirky wardrobe must-haves, from pieces that are flirty, fun and a little Boho, to dressy items that are perfect

for parties or work events. The range of the boutique’s wares and the store’s funky, girly vibe has transformed The Cheeky Bean into a destination for fashionistas of all ages. Hundley explains, “We cater to everybody, which is the beauty of the store. We have customers who are in middle and high school, and their moms shop with them and buy things, too. Then we have grandmothers who come in and buy for their granddaughters, and end up picking up accessories or a sweater for themselves. The store is for anybody who wants to find a unique piece they can’t find somewhere else.” Many customers come in the store knowing exactly what they are looking for, often because they’ve seen the outfit (sometimes modeled by Hundley herself) online through the store’s active social media presence. “Social media is huge for us. We’re always accessible to our customers on there,” Hundley explains. “If someone asks a question on Instagram or Facebook or Twitter, they are going to get an answer in an extremely timely manner.” There’s also a cell phone in-store, so employees can send pictures of pieces that a client has her eye on. This allows

store associates to interact with shoppers in the Charlotte area, and all over the country. The focus on one-on-one assistance is a concept that Hundley built The Cheeky Bean brand upon. “We’re going to give you the utmost attention. We’re going to give you outfit ideas, and we’re going to give you our honest opinion. We’re not all about making the sale,” she says. Hundley adds, “I would rather someone come in and not buy anything, but leave thinking, ‘I really enjoyed talking to the staff. I didn’t find anything this particular time, but I’ll definitely go back.’ ” Hundley spent much of her previous professional life working in retail, real estate and inside sales, and she is focused on ensuring that The Cheeky Bean continues to appeal to a wide range of customers. She notes that when she buys for the boutique, she is thinking about the different clients that come into the store, including their ages and body types. Couple the need to appeal to a broad customer base with the fact that fashion changes rapidly, and Hundley has a tall order in front of her. So how does she ensure that the store stays relevant? Hundley laughs. “Unfortunately for

my husband, I spend an extreme amount of time on social media,” she says. “It’s kind of excessive, but you have to be on your toes when it comes to fashion. Bloggers are also really good at forecasting the trends. And, of course, magazines. I also love celebrity fashion.” In addition to staying on the lookout for what’s next, Hundley balances running the store along with her responsibilities raising son Cannon. She admits that, along with mothers everywhere, she has experienced bouts of “mommy guilt.” “What I always tell myself is, the harder I work, the more I’m setting an example for my son and providing a future for him,” she says. “A lot of working moms beat themselves up. Yes, there are moments you miss. But I treasure every second that I’m with him. In a way, it makes those moments that I’m with him a little bit more precious, just because I don’t get 24/7, day in and day out. I think you really cherish those special times.”

TOLEARNMORE The Cheeky Bean is located at 14815 Ballantyne Village. Find The Cheeky Bean on Facebook, and on Instagram at http://instagram.com/thecheekybean.

Caring Dentistry... With a Gentle Touch! “As a patient, many times we do not look forward to a medical appointment. But at Cotswold Family Dentistry, the doctors and staff make it fun to return. I have always had a great experience there. I will continue to recommend them to others. The front office, the assistants, hygienists and the doctors all are great people to deal with. They are very honest and friendly. -Moises

Cotswold Family Dentistry COSMETIC, RESTORATIVE & IMPLANT DENTISTRY

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New Patients Welcome Cotswold Plaza • 135 S. Sharon Amity Rd. | Suite 204 • Charlotte, NC 28211

704-365-2765

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www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014

Photo by Brian Osbourne with The Professional Photography Group

Delivering the Highest Standards of Dental Care

Girl Power » Happy Hour

These Boots Were Made For … Whiskey Warehouse’s Bootlegger 1.25 ounces Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack .75 ounce Cointreau 2 ounces freshly squeezed orange juice Juice of 1 lime wedge Fill a rocks glass with ice. Add ingredients, and stir. Garnish with a lemon twist, and kick it up!

FINDITWHERE? Whiskey Warehouse is located at 1221 The Plaza. Visit Whiskeywarehouse.com. [TCW]

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014 14

Nature and abundant fascinations come together to create a winter wonderland like no other this year at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Our contemporary, yet elegant lighting display will brighten your holidays while our fire pit keeps you warm. And with the opening of Lost Hollow, our new children’s garden, Holidays at the Garden has become an even greater family tradition. Presenting Sponsor

6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, NC Advance Tickets at 704.825.449 0 or www.DSBG.org

Media Sponsor

New Year, New You Give Us A Shout Out!

In 2015, TCW wants to hear from you! Each month in our Girl Power section, we will have questions, polls and calls for your input. Check out results month to month, and connect with fellow Charlotte women.

Confessions By The Calendar

Do you make New Year’s Resolutions … and if so, share your quirkiest ones! Post to our Facebook page, or email Editor@todayscharlottewomanmag.com.

Style Watch

A glowing face is a gorgeous face! Take a postworkout selfie, and send it to TCW via Instagram for a chance to see your smiling face in the January 2015 issue’s Girl Power section. Don’t forget to give us your name, email, and your favorite exercise trend.

Reader Poll Leather pants are all the rage, including soft vegan leather leggings. But is the rockin’ style something you can incorporate into your life … or just a pretty picture in a glamorous magazine? Tell us the truth.

Find us on Instagram at: todayscharlottewoman

Where a Healthy Body and a Healthy Mouth Connect, a Beautiful Smile is Created. Comprehensive dental care dedicated to your health.

Dr. Kimberly Anderson

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www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS.

Queen’s List

QUEEN’SLIST Goings On Around Our Town

The Music Of Charlie Brown

PEANUTS©UNITE

ans of Charlie Brown, unite! Jazz Arts Initiative is hosting a holiday music show, “Piano Night Featuring the Music of Vince Guaraldi,” Dec. 9 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Blumenthal Booth Playhouse in Founders Hall. The holiday show is part of Jazz Arts’ acclaimed monthly series, The Jazz Room @ The Stage Door Theater. Ticket price includes a catered pre-reception and a silent auction from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to support the JAI Jazz Academy and Performance-based programs. Vince Guaraldi is best known for his beloved piano score in the TV special “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” a perennial holiday favorite. Five of Charlotte’s top jazz pianists — Chad Lawson, Charles Craig, Lovell Bradford, Gary Marcus, and Ryan Hanseler — will be performing Guaraldi’s legendary music along with an ensemble of regional musicians and vocalists, including worldrenowned trumpeter Mark Rapp. “This is a show every member of the family will love,” says Jazz Arts Initiative president and CEO Lonnie Davis. “Come jazz up your holidays with these amazing musicians!”

D FEATURE SYND ICATE, INC.

JAI Offers Guaraldi Concert

TOLEARNMORE

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014 16

Looking For Lights?

Consider these holiday light displays: Speedway Christmas At CMS

Charlottemotorspeedway.com/schedule/speedway_christmas

McAdenville/Christmas Town USA Mcadenville-christmastown.com

Christmas At The Billy Graham Library Billygrahamlibrary.org

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s Holiday Lights Dsbg.org

COURTESY OF DSBG

Booth Playhouse is located at 130 N.Tryon St. Limited tickets are $20; visit Carolinatix.org or call 704/372-1000.

COURTESY OF CAROLINA VOICES

Merry & ht Brig Holiday Happenings Magic Of Christmas Dec. 4-7, Belk Theater Charlottesymphony.org •••••••••••••••••••••••••

Jingle Bell Bash Dec. 6, Wells Fargo Atrium Safealliance.org •••••••••••••••••••••••••

Clara’s Trip: A Nutcracker Story Dec. 12-13, Booth Playhouse Blumenthalarts.org •••••••••••••••••••••••••

Nutcracker Dec. 12-23, Belk Theater Charlotteballet.org •••••••••••••••••••••••••

Charlotte Chorale’s Christmas Traditions Dec. 13, McGlohon Theater Blumenthalarts.org •••••••••••••••••••••••••

60th Annual Singing Christmas Tree Dec. 13-14, Ovens Auditorium Carolinavoices.org •••••••••••••••••••••••••

Messiah

YOUR TEETH DESERVE OUR TOUCH

Dec. 17, Belk Theater Charlottesymphony.org •••••••••••••••••••••••••

The Birth Dec. 17-20, Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square Blumenthalarts.org •••••••••••••••••••••••••

$99 HOLIDAY WITH COMPLIMENTARY SCREENING For new patients. Includes take home whitening trays. Not valid with other offers. Expires December 31, 2014.

A Soulful Noel Dec. 18-19, McGlohon Theater Blumenthalarts.org •••••••••••••••••••••••••

Charlotte City Ballet Co.’s Holiday Performance Dec. 20, Matthews Community Center Charlottecityballet.org

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT OR LEARN MORE CALL 704.596.0021 OR VISIT US AT MALLARDCREEKDENTISTRY.COM HILLARY E. ROGERS, D.D.S., P.A. MELISSA GUSTAFSON, D.D.S., P.A. AVA G. CHERRY, D.M.D.

3010 BAUCOM ROAD SUITE 200 CHARLOTTE, NC 28269 704.596.0021

MALLARDCRE E KDE NT IST RY.CO M [TCW]

Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry | Zoom! Whitening | Invisalign® Intra Oral Camera For Early Detection Of Dental Issues | Digital Radiography | Early Periodontal Disease

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014

WHITENING SPECIAL

Mover & Shaker Âť By Melinda Johnston

Noise

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014

COURTESY OF MELINDA DOOLITTLE

Melinda Doolittle Makes Holiday Magic With The Charlotte Symphony COURTESY OF CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014

inger Melinda Doolittle will be performing alongside the Charlotte Symphony during its “Magic of Christmas” performances Dec. 4-7. But most of the audience won’t be aware that the former American Idol contestant considered herself tone-deaf until the seventh grade, when her own magic kicked in.

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014

Doolittle remembers loving to sing since she was a young child. But she also remembers there was one small problem — she couldn’t carry a tune! She was so bad, in fact, that her choir director strongly suggested that she just move her lips when it was time to perform. “I grew up tone deaf,” Doolittle admits. “The summer after sixth grade, I remember telling my mom that I wanted to be a singer when I grew up. She looked at me and said, ‘OK, baby, but you’re going to have to pray real hard!’” Doolittle adds with a laugh, “I started praying hard, but I practiced too. I believe in God, but I also believe in preparation.” A month later, she was in her youth group talent show. When she opened her mouth to sing, she hardly recognized the sound she heard. “A different voice came out of me,” she says. “I could really sing! I could hear the notes, the harmony, the different elements of the song. It was amazing!” Her mother, Mooresville resident Marguerite Doolittle, agrees. “We believe God dropped that voice in her, because it sure wasn’t there before,” Marguerite says. After graduating high school in Oklahoma, Melinda attended the University of Tulsa for a while and then graduated from Belmont University, in Nashville, Tenn., with a degree in commercial music. Almost immediately, she got a job as a backup singer and her dream came true — only, from the back row. “Being in the background was my comfort zone. I did session work and performed live with different artists for about eight years. I traveled nine months out of the year and was quite happy,” she says. But there was a future out there for her that was bigger than she could have imagined. “I got talked into auditioning for American Idol by a friend of mine, and my life started changing pretty quickly,” Doolittle says. She got a “ticket to Hollywood” in the first round of auditions for the sixth season of the show, and made it to number three before she was eliminated. (Jordin Sparks won that year.)

“The judges told me I was a brilliant singer, but I needed to work on my confidence. I needed to get over the fear of standing in front of people. To succeed there, and in the industry, you have to have perseverance and you have to be able to perform through fear. That’s where the show really helped me. I’m indebted to them,” Doolittle says. And, despite all the talk about fear, Simon Cowell became her favorite judge. “I had great respect for Simon’s honesty and the way he dealt with the contestants,” she says. “I needed someone to be straight with me so I could get better. That’s what he did for me the entire time.” Though she was eliminated just before the final round, the show was her springboard to life as a headliner. “Since American Idol, I’ve recorded two CDs. I have a book out — ‘Beyond Me: Finding Your Way To Life’s Next Level.’ And I’ve been traveling all over the world. Plus, I now have my own background singers, which is just crazy to me!”

Queen City Ties Doolittle will be spending a few days at her mother’s home after her appearances with the Symphony — a form of an early Christmas present to herself, as well as her mom.

Marguerite Doolittle (second from left) and daughter Melinda pose with the Boys & Girls Club of Greensboro, Ga. “I come to Charlotte a couple of times a year to see her,” she says. “And we’ll meet a lot of times on the road. She’ll do things with me on Christmas break. But this year, I get to perform for her where she lives.” She adds, “I just love Christmas music. I’ve recorded ‘God Bless Us Everyone,’ a Christmas single I wrote myself. My next goal is to get a Christmas CD out there.” She strives to keep the spirit of Christmas alive year-round, and she gives back whenever possible to

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MELINDA DOOLITTLE

Mover & Shaker » By Melinda Johnston 20

Sing Praise

Find The Magic With The Charlotte Symphony Don’t miss Melinda Doolittle performing “Magic of Christmas” with the Charlotte Symphony Dec. 4-7 at Belk Theater. Visit Charlottesymphony.org for ticket information.

several of her favorite charities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, the Ronald McDonald House, and Malaria No More. When she’s not on the road, most Sundays Doolittle can be found at church — in the nursery at Grace Chapel in Leiper’s Fork, Tenn., to be exact. “That’s when I get my kid fix. I love to rock the babies and sing to them, then be able to give them back to their parents,” she laughs. Doolittle’s mother, Marguerite, says she’s proud that, though her daughter has found her share of fame and fortune, her values haven’t changed. “Though I’m her mother, I sometimes say that I want to be just like her when I grow up! She’s very gracious and kind to all the people she meets. She really allows God to show her what to do and how she should do it. That hasn’t changed. She is still Melinda,” Marguerite says. Wherever she’s been and wherever she will go, Melinda says she will never forget how truly blessed she is to be able to live her life doing what she absolutely loves to do. “When I think that before seventh grade I couldn’t even sing on pitch, and now I’m singing with the Symphony, I feel like I’m flying,” she says. “This will never get old for me. I am truly, truly blessed!” [TCW]

There were two Melindas in the making of this story.

Porcelain Veneers Dr. Ross W. Nash Ross W. Nash, DDS, is one of only 46 Accredited Fellows in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, meaning he has acquired extraordinary skills in the area of esthetic and cosmetic dentistry. Founder of the Nash Institute for Dental Learning, Dr. Nash is the epitome of “expert.” Here, he answers questions about porcelain veneers.

treatment Smile before rs with venee

Q: What are porcelain veneers? A: Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic material used to change the color, shape, or alignment of natural teeth. Also called “laminates,” they become a new surface for the natural tooth. They are made through various techniques from hand layering by a ceramic artist to computerized design and manufacture. The materials available are durable and stain resistant, as well as beautiful.

Q: How are veneers put on the teeth? A: Porcelain veneers are attached to the teeth with strong bonding agents and composite resin cements.The bond is very strong. Ceramic materials are inherently brittle, but supported by an underlying strong structure, they become quite strong. The bonding process in dentistry allows for this lamination effect, so the ceramic veneers are actually strengthened after bonding to the tooth and the tooth is strengthened by the same process.

Porcelain ven eers to be placed

Q: How long does it take to get veneers? A: The process usually takes two appointments only a few weeks apart. Sometimes, temporary veneers are used between appointments.

Q: Do porcelain veneers require special care? A: They should be treated like natural teeth. Daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental cleanings and dental examinations are recommended. Ultrasonic scalers and course polishing pastes at the dental office should not be used to decrease the chance of scratching the porcelain. Chewing hard materials like ice and hard candy should be avoided.

Smile after porcelain veneers

Q: How long do porcelain veneers last? A: Longevity is different for each situation, but they are long lasting. Because porcelain has excellent wear resistance, color stability and durability, they have the potential to last for many, many years.

403 Gilead Road, Suite E • Huntersville • 704/895-7660 CosmeticDentistryoftheCarolinas.com

Portrait

with new smile

Mover & Shaker » By Deb Mitchell » Photos By Joy+Amber Photography

Together,

Amber Herlocker & Joy Bruce Create Ansanm Ministries To Help Students In Haiti

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014

For Others

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“Most of the students had never even seen a picture of themselves.” — Amber Herlocker

A Life-Changing Trip The two women met when Herlocker married and started attending her husband’s church, where Bruce was also a member. Both women were professional photographers, and Herlocker and Bruce found common ground talking shop.

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014

n Haitian Creole,“Ansanm” means “together.” For Concord’s Amber Herlocker and Joy Bruce, Ansanm isn’t just the name of the nonprofit they started together — it’s also the perfect word to describe their unique friendship and shared passions for work and ministry.

Mover & Shaker » By Deb Mitchell » Photos By Captured By KD www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014 24

Ansanm Ministries held its first fundraising gala in November; artwork by the people of Cange is sold through the Ansanm Shop to help the community.

“We never felt competitive with each other,” Herlocker says. “We each had a steady flow of clients and we just loved sharing ideas.” In March 2012, the women were asked to participate in a mission trip to Haiti through the church. The trip was focused on teaching photography to students in preschool through 12th grade at a school in Cange, a small town just north of Port-au-Prince. As the only professional photographers on the team, Herlocker and Bruce took leadership of the trip, developing the photography curriculum and writing a workbook they then had translated

into Creole. “Joy and I were friends, but taking that on made us really good friends!” Herlocker says. Once in Cange, the women were struck by the poverty and hunger. Until recently, parents scraped together tuition to send children to school because they were guaranteed one hot meal a day there, but budget cuts at the school brought an end to those meals. Many students dropped out to find work and other means for food. Herlocker and Bruce found the remaining students displayed obvious signs of malnutrition. “They were

lethargic,” Herlocker says. Bruce notes that many of the children had an orange tint to their hair, which is evidence of malnutrition. Herlocker and Bruce had a very hard time witnessing that level of need. Due to the focus on survival, the creative arts were understandably nonexistent in Cange. “Most of the students had never even seen a picture of themselves,” Herlocker says. The students were eager to learn. The team taught them how to operate a camera and how to tell a story with pictures, printing as many of the photos as they could for the students.

COURTESY OF CAPTURED BY KD

From left: Amber Herlocker and Joy Bruce. “We promised the kids we’d print the rest of the pictures at home and bring them back,” Herlocker says. But that promise became about much more than just photographs.

Uniting For Good Herlocker and Bruce returned home from that first trip having made two lifechanging decisions: to merge their businesses, and to create a way to help the people of Cange. As for the business idea, Herlocker says, “Not one person told us they thought it was a good idea!” Regardless, Joy + Amber Photography was born. “We work really well together; we share the load,” Herlocker says. “And one of us is better at doing the books anyway; one is better at posing people or at lighting a shot. We just kind of fill in for each other.”

The two women brought that knowledge of one another’s strengths and weaknesses to Ansanm Ministries, which they founded in November 2013. Together, they passionately decided that they had to 1) get and keep the kids in school and 2) get them fed. To that end, they applied to partner with Stop Hunger Now, a North Carolinabased program that brings nutritionally optimized, cost-effective, prepackaged meals to impoverished areas such as Cange. The women loved the idea of working with a local organization that would also allow members of their church to get involved by helping package the meals. “We were looking to bring four shipping containers of meals to Cange,” Bruce says. By spreading the word through their church and hosting galleries of the pictures taken while in Haiti, the women raised the $24,000 needed to get the food to Cange. With two additional containers provided by Stop Hunger Now, Herlocker and Bruce’s efforts currently feed one hot meal each day to a total of 2,600 students at 12 different Haitian schools. Since that first trip in 2012, Herlocker and Bruce have returned to Cange multiple times. Both point to the refreshing focus on the spiritual and the deep sense of community displayed by the people of Cange as part of what keeps them going back. “It’s hard to even put into words,” Herlocker says of the glaring cultural differences between the U.S. and Cange. “We’re so focused here on material things, but that doesn’t mean anything to them there. They focus totally on the spiritual. They’re grateful to God for absolutely everything.” The seed planted by that original mission to bring the creative arts to

Cange hasn’t been forgotten, but continues to grow as Cange locals create artwork in what’s known as the Ansanm Shop. Herlocker and Bruce bring the pieces back to the U.S. and sell them at speaking engagements and through their recently opened Etsy shop. The proceeds from the Cange-made items go to fund efforts to feed the region. Looking to the future, Herlocker and Bruce plan to continue their partnership with Stop Hunger Now and the Ansanm Shop. Seeing a need to move Cange beyond a dependency on the prepackaged meals, Bruce says, “We’re working on gardens in Cange so there’s more sustainability and a system where Stop Hunger Now can even purchase supplies locally to make the meals.” At their first-ever annual gala this past November, Ansanm Ministries rolled out student sponsorships in hopes of gaining deeper relationships between supporters and the people of Cange. “We’ve realized Cange doesn’t need short-term missionaries,” Bruce says. “They need long-term partners.” In that same vein, Herlocker and Bruce are now looking to lead two groups to Cange every year. “It’s beyond us,” Bruce says of the unforeseen far-reaching effects of her relationship with Herlocker. “It was definitely a ‘God thing.’ ” Whatever the origins, it’s clear that for these two women, working and giving back is better “ansanm” — together.

TOLEARNMORE Visit Ansanmministries.org or Joyandamber.com. [TCW]

Deb Mitchell is a freelance writer in Huntersville, N.C.

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014 25

Style » Styled By Stacee Michelle » Photos By Glenn Roberson

Winter

White he crisp days of winter are here, and with them the return of an elegant trend — the wearing of winter white. Whether sheer or textured, satin or lace, understated or dazzling, saturate your wardrobe with this fresh neutral to create a clean, classy statement that conjures Jack Frost. Find your winter wonderland!

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014 26

Styled & Directed By Stacee Michelle Photos By Glenn Roberson Hair By Ashleigh P. Hair Studio Makeup By Alyssa Green Model: Morgan On Location At Dutchmans Casual Living Store

Right: Alice & Olivia sequined top, $368; Alice & Olivia sequined skirt, $440; Tory Burch crossbody tassel clutch, $495; all at Neiman Marcus Charlotte.

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014

Left: Top Shop floral stitched top, $96; skirt, $38; and Tory Burch handbag, $475; all at Nordstrom.

Style Âť Styled By Stacee Michelle Âť Photos By Glenn Roberson www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014 28

This page: White gown, $598, BCBGMaxazria; earrings, $22; gold bracelet, $22; both at Tash Boutique. Right: Pink faux fur vest, $79; lace back top, $89; and tassel necklace, $29; all at Tash Boutique. Helmut Lang white pants, $360; embellished headband, $16; both at Nordstrom.

Village at SouthPark 4310 Sharon Road Charlotte NC 704-377-7955 www.iclondon.com Facebook: ICLondonCharlotte

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014 29

Style Âť Styled By Stacee Michelle Âť Photos By Glenn Roberson

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014

Kate Spade bow dress, $368, Neiman Marcus Charlotte. [TCW]

A NATURAL LOOK HAIR REPLACEMENT NON-SURGICAL Alopecia Solutions Cranial Prosthesis Full Lace Units Cancer Patients Skin Matrix Scalp Enhancers ALSO OFFERING: Permanent Lashes Natural Hair Care and Chemical Services All Services are Private & Confidential A Natural Look Hair Replacement offers the most natural and advanced technology to date. Each hair is placed strand by strand to give the illusion as if it is growing straight from the scalp. Call 704-377-0383 today for a FREE consultation.

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Meet Captain Stella Patterson Officer, Mentor, & Community Advocate “Being a police officer in a city as vibrant and energetic as Charlotte enables me to interact with many in the community, and allows me to help give a voice to those who may not otherwise have one. My faith and family are my cornerstones.” For 17 years Stella has served in various positions from Patrol Officer to Academy Trainer, Division Commander and Recruitment Director. She is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Class 245 and served 9 years in the U.S. Army Reserves. She currently volunteers in youth mentoring programs at her church and throughout the community.

Have You Considered A Career with CMPD? We offer a challenging and rewarding career with numerous possibilities for you to make a difference in our community. To Apply or For More Information visit: http://www.cmpd.org or call 704-432-1603 31

Advertising feature that keeps the women of Charlotte in-the-know about what the Queen City has to offer

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Make Christmas Shopping A Breeze!

Charm Her This Holiday ... Purchase the Stargazer gift set for $200. Featuring a sterling silver PANDORA clasp bracelet, two clear “cosmic stars” clips and one “galaxy” charm presented in a PANDORA jewelry case (a combined retail value of $260 US). While supplies last. See stores for details. Some jewelry displayed patented (US Pat. No. 7,007,507) • © Pandora.net

Looking for just the right holiday accent for your home? Need that perfect accessory to finish a festive outfit? Perhaps a fabulous gift for a friend? Visit us at Lila HOME in Ballantyne for all your holiday home decorating, fashion and gifting needs!

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Make Your Holiday Savory www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014 32

Savory Spice Shop offers over 400 freshly ground herbs and spices, with 160 unique hand-blended seasonings. You’ll find organic selections, extracts and over 40 distinctive gift sets perfect for Holiday gift giving. Build your own custom gift set or choose from one of our collections such as Surf & Turf, Jumbo BBQ, Bloody Mary and more! Savory Spice Shop South End Atherton Mill and Market 2000 South Blvd, Suite 150 Charlotte, NC 28203 980-225-5419 Mon-Fri: 10am-6:30pm Saturday: 9:30am-6:00pm Sunday: 12:00pm-4:30pm

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A Good Read “The Wedding Party” ends with an unanswered question and reveals some disturbing news about the bride. “Absent …One From Another” picks up three years later, answers that question and deals with past loves, past hurts, interracial relationships, death, infidelity, illness, and sibling rivalry, then comes to a suspenseful end. Cheryl J. McCullough Writes 704-759-6474 www.cherylmcculloughwrites.com cheryl@cherylmcculloughwrites.com

Bloom Bracelets Locally made and are a great addition to your stack of arm candy and appeal to all ages.

Relax Beautifully This luxurious Eberjey robe is available in 3 beautiful colors and would be a perfect holiday gift.

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The Boulevard at South End 1440 S Tryon St #100 Charlotte, NC 28203 980-219-7526 www.blvdatsouthend.com Monday - Friday – 11am-6pm Saturday 10am-5pm Sunday 12pm-4pm

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www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014

Designing Brides… “Where Brides Send Their Friends”

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Lumen At Luna’s At The Lake Celebrating Lumen, a pop up shop offering a modern mix of men’s apparel. Come check out Lake Norman’s best kept secret…Luna’s at the Lake! Lumen at Luna’s at the Lake 19732 One Norman Blvd, Suite 340 Cornelius, NC 28031 704-892-1004

Keep Your Skin Merry And Bright This Holiday www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014 34

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Moms’ Night Out Join us for

Sipevenings’nat Bright Serve Blessings!

A $20 donation per person includes the appetizers, beverages, desserts, and sponsors the gifts and project supplies for local homeless children. Gather your friends and join us! Space is limited for each event, and advance registration is required. Visit our calendar of events at www.BrightBlessingsUSA.org to sign up.

Friday, January 16, 2015 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Can’t make it to one of our scheduled events? Schedule your own!

Friday, February 13, 2015 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Giving Night Out events can accommodate groups of 8-25 participants and are available on an as requested, as available basis. Events typically last 1 ½ to 2 hours.

Friday, March 20, 2015 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Learn To Love To Run

Catered Appetizers, Wine & Beverages, Sweet Treats, Volunteer Projects AND… A Fabulous Opportunity to Socialize, Serve and Make a Difference for Local Homeless Children!

Join us as we create a community of active Charlotteans who embrace education, training, achievement and a unique sense of style. ****************************** ULTRA is what you make it – from the exercise walker to the endurance athlete – and everyone is welcome here. Our caring staff can’t wait to meet you and share our passion for running and personalized service.

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The Giving Village at Bright Blessings 608-A Matthews Mint Hill Road Matthews, North Carolina

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1027 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207 Mon* Sat: 10:00am* 7:00pm • Sun: 12:00pm* 5:00pm

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Dwellings » By Kathleen E. Conroy » Photos By Ken Noblezada

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014

Historic Halls

A Holiday Home To Make St. Nicholas Proud

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014

anta Claus has six fireplaces to choose from in the Lee family’s 1895 Queen Anne Victorian home, found in uptown’s Fourth Ward. Make that three that actually function, but Santa works magic so the family’s children — Emma, 16, Dillon, 14, and Olivia, 8 — have had nothing to worry about over the years. Santa himself is bound to appreciate the adorned mantels, each topped with carefully crafted arrangements of garland, holly and sugared fruit, all featuring a different theme. Family matriarch Caryn Lee, whose maiden name is actually Clause (would we lie?), gets infected with the holiday spirit early. She spent three days in early November preparing for this year’s Friends of Fourth Ward annual holiday home tour.

Dwellings » By Kathleen E. Conroy » Photos By Ken Noblezada

Donning Gay Apparel Beginning Dec. 5, the holiday home tour celebrates its 37th year with a three-day event showcasing the elegant Victorians, urban condominiums, cultural institutions and historic places for which Fourth Ward is famous — all dressed in holiday finery. This year constitutes the Lee family’s fourth time on the tour, so Caryn is a “pro.” However, her dazzling holiday decorations stay true to the laidback attitude that Caryn and husband Richard share about their 119-year-old home. “It is not the grandest house in the neighborhood, but when people come we always hear, ‘I could live in that house,’ ” says Caryn, who works as a leadership consultant. “We feel like the house is comfortable and cozy. We are casual people.” Although the Lees have renovated on four occasions since they moved in 14 years ago, they have remained true to many of the Victorian touches that make their standout purple home with green shutters and wide porch so very special. You won’t see the home peppered with grand Victorian ornaments, multiple trees or garland styled from the turn of the century. What visitors do enjoy is the simplicity and classy feel of Caryn’s décor, illuminating the house and its original dark wormy chestnut and walnut wainscoting, lovely French doors, and beautiful hardwood floors. Caryn treasures the banister and original floral newel, carved and sent from Ohio, and topped by a sculpture of a woman in a flowing gown holding a light.

A Home With History www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014 38

You get the feeling that former Charlotte Mayor J.D. McCall, who built the house in 1895, would approve. Like many of the other Victorians found on Ninth Street — sometimes called Charlotte’s “Grand Old Ladies” — the purple home has an unusual history. The mayor’s home was built for his wife, who suffered from tuberculosis. The house features a wide upstairs “consumption porch,” common to the era, which was used by his wife to sit and watch her four sons play outside, because she was too ill to be near them. After her death, the mayor met two twins in New York City, married

one and brought them both to live in the home. Caryn says the house was moved several times — the last time, in 1976 — and there were approximately five owners before the Lees moved into the home in May 2000. Vagrants also took over the home at one point. It was divided into two apartments in its lifetime, and survived a fire in the mayor’s years; there is charred wood in the attic to prove it. The house has also seen its rolls of wallpaper, a country kitchen and many other changes, depending on the decade. “The dining room was pink when we moved in!” she laughs, thumbing through a scrapbook. “And we had loads of flowery wallpaper to remove.” Caryn and Richard brought the house back to a historic yet comfortable feel, including muted colors inside, a modern kitchen that features Victorian era molding in the backsplash, and a wooden and wrought iron island. A two-story, 900-square-foot addition in 2005 gave the Lees a spacious family room with a wood-burning fireplace, complete with gracious built-ins on both sides and a flat-screen TV above. The space opens to the kitchen and also to a

s y a d i l o H e Home For Th

The Fourth Ward Home Tour

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014

The tour is open: Fri., Dec. 5: 5 to 9 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6: 5 to 9 p.m. Sun., Dec. 7: 1 to 5 p.m.

he 37th annual Friends of Fourth Ward holiday home tour is Dec. 5-7, and features a merry glimpse at private residences and historic locations, including the rarely toured Berryhill House. All tour stops are within walking distance of each other. Vendors will be providing complimentary tastings within homes or at stops — including Mert’s Heart & Soul, Rock Bottom Brewery, The Wooden Vine, The Assorted Table Wine Shoppe, Muddy River Distillery, The Asbury, Eats & Meets and Skyhouse Uptown. The Seventh Street Public Market, at 224 E. Seventh St., will be open during tour hours, offering complimentary cider and cookies, live music and “Gingerbread Houses On Parade.” Limited free on-street parking is available throughout the neighborhood; $5 parking is available adjacent to the Seventh Street Public Market. Free horse-drawn carriages will transport tour-goers between the market and the tour. Tickets are $25; for information, visit Fofw.org.

Dwellings » By Kathleen E. Conroy » Photos By Ken Noblezada www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014 40

back patio that features a built-in grill and smoker, two dining areas, a Charleston-style iron gate, a wall fountain, and stairs leading to a fire pit with cedar seating. The Lees’ 9-foot Christmas tree — ordered for delivery from Virginia — sits in the living room in front of French doors that lead into Caryn’s office. The multicolored family tree is Caryn’s favorite Christmas tradition. “I really, really enjoy Christmas,” she says. “But I really enjoy hanging the Christmas ornaments. Each means something special, and Olivia helps me.” Visitors will also find two white-lit trees on both the home’s wide front porch and back patio. The porch features beautiful handmade sprays, while the patio sports tall cranberry sprigs in thoughtful arrangements. Another visitor favorite is her “icy” mantel, which features a dozen white candles made brilliant with pearly beads and silver holiday balls. Caryn shares the biggest perk of being on the tour. “It forces you to do things around the house that you’ve been putting off,” she says. “And you put up all of your decorations so early that you have the whole month of December to enjoy your decorations, bake and shop!” [TCW]

Kathleen E. Conroy is a freelance writer who owns 40-plus Santa figurines, hates tangled white lights, and loves the smell of a fresh tree.

Congratulations to the WISH Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2014 Woman of the Year

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After a successful 10 year career in the financial services industry, Josie Mazzaferro became a Realtor® in 2010. “My husband and I had bought and sold several properties and felt that there was an opportunity to create a client experience that felt more like a trusted partner in the process. I strive to be a partner in the buying or selling process with my clients and do whatever is needed to help them.” Feedback shows that she is meeting her goal - she has been named a Five Star Real Estate Agent by Charlotte Magazine for the past three years, which is based on client feedback. Josie’s clients also rave about her ability to help them coordinate work on their houses after the closing.

Jeff Lynch is the co-owner of The Premier Team at Re/Max Metro Realty, a full service real estate firm. With over nine years of experience selling homes in the Lake Norman and surrounding areas, Lynch epitomizes integrity, hard work and creative service in every detail of your real estate transaction.

Personal referrals and repeat business form the foundation of Lynch’s career.

Kathy Kreshon Carver, of RE/MAX Metro Realty, has over 24 years of experience in the business. Her specialties include development land, farm and land, luxury homes, foreclosure properties and relocation, among others. Over the years, Carver has found that marketing is very important, and she has developed a team of experts to help her with staging, photography, and marketing. “With a team of experts to help me, we can get the job done in the least amount of time and for the most profit to the seller!” she says.

Scott Pridemore founded Pridemore Properties after being affiliated for 14 years with a large Charlotte real estate firm. In spite of the soft real estate market, Pridemore and his team have experienced their most successful years yet. With an aggressive marketing plan to get listings sold, Pridemore has found unique ways to guide his clients through a challenging real estate market. “A satisfied client is not enough. It’s about constantly striving to produce results beyond and out of the ordinary,” Pridemore says.

Josie Mazzaferro Josie@FetchRealtyCLT.com 704/965-1344

Jeff Lynch, SFR, CDPE jeff.lynchremax@yahoo.com 704/737-3404

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He graduated from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and resides in Cornelius with his wife and 2 daughters.

Susan M. Committed to providing an Webber excellent lending experience usan’s extensive experience, commitment to excellence, caring, and compassionate style are her greatest strengths as a lender. Susan is a native of Charlotte and has over 44 years in the Charlotte market. She is a true sales professional providing the upmost world class concierge service. Her drive to provide Homebuyers with a fast, efficient and hassle-free lending experience has earned her years of recognition as a top lending professional. Susan specializes in creative solutions for self-employed and 1099 employees. Her unique “common sense” approach has helped her in working with all borrowers. Susan is the personal choice as a Mortgage Lender for several builders and numerous award-winning real estate agents. www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014 44

Susan enjoys being involved in the community and fundraising for several local charities. She has four children and is the owner of two gifts shops , one in Charlotte and one in Wrightsville Beach, N. C. She is also an author and has had 3 books published. She is working on her fourth book that will be available in Spring, 2015.

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Feature » Compiled By Jackie Andolino Fogartie

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes Courtesy Of Mandie Miller, Owner, Got What It Cakes

S www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014 46

s ’ n o s a e

! s g n i Eat Add These Delightful Dishes To Your Holiday Menu

For the cupcakes: 4 eggs 1 cup vegetable oil 2 cups granulated sugar 1 15 ounce can pumpkin puree 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Sift together flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder and spices. Set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine eggs, oil, sugar and pumpkin. Mix on medium until incorporated. On low speed, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture in three stages. Scrape down the bowl and mix on medium until fully incorporated. Fill muffin liners two-thirds full, and bake for 10 minutes. Rotate pan, and cook another 10 minutes. Check every few minutes to make sure the tops aren’t squishy. For the filling: 1 cup cream cheese 3/4 cup marshmallow fluff 1 tablespoon brewed coffee 1/4 teaspoon coffee extract Mix all ingredients until blended. When cupcakes are cooled, pipe some of the filling into the middle top of the cupcake by using a Ziploc bag with the tip snipped off. Top with your favorite buttercream recipe; you can add pumpkin pie spice to the frosting to give it an extra burst of flavor. Top with candied pumpkin seeds. Makes 24 cupcakes.

Citrus Sufganiyot With Chèvre Mascarpone & Peach Preserves Courtesy Of Custom Design Catering By Serafina

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast 3-4 cups all-purpose flour 1⁄4 cup brown sugar, plus 1 tablespoon 1 large egg, plus 2 egg yolks, beaten 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed 2 tablespoons fresh grapefruit juice 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon Madagascar vanilla bean paste 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces Oil Peach preserves/mascarpone and goat cheese filling Make dough by combining yeast, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons warm water in mixing bowl. Let stand until yeast starts to foam, about 5 minutes. Add eggs and yolks mixture, milk, lemon zest, grapefruit juice, salt, vanilla, 2 cups all-purpose flour and brown sugar. With dough hook, mix on low speed until combined. Add butter

one tablespoon at a time, mixing well. Slowly add remaining flour in quarters, mixing until mostly combined; you might not need it all. The dough will be smooth and shiny. Turn dough onto floured work surface and knead, adding flour as needed until manageable, about 5 minutes. Transfer to oiled bowl, turn to coat, and cover with plastic wrap and tea towel. Let dough double in size in a warm place for about one hour. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface until about 3/4 inch thick. Using a 2 1/2 to 3 inch oiled cutter, cut out circles of dough. Transfer to parchmentlined baking sheet and cover with another tea towel. Let rise until almost doubled in size, about 45 minutes. Using a large, heavy saucepan with straight sides, attach a high-heat thermometer and fill with 4 inches of vegetable oil. Heat over medium-high heat until thermometer registers 350 degrees. Working in batches, fry dough

until a deep golden, about 1-2 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcrowd! Allow excess oil to drain and transfer to a wire rack. Let cool slightly before filling. To make the preserves, add the following to a heavy-bottomed sauce pan: 1 29 ounce can peaches 1 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon almond extract Simmer until reduced to 1/3 original size, stirring every 10 minutes. Once cool, purée 1 cup of preserves in food processor until smooth. Transfer preserves into piping bag fitted with 1/4 inch tip. To make the filling, mix the following until fluffy: 1 cup mascarpone 1/4 cup goat cheese First, pipe in the mascarpone filling, then the preserves, squeezing until filling just pokes out of hole. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. *Did you know? Sufganiyot are doughnuts eaten around the world in celebration of the Jewish festival Hanukkah.

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Make sure all of your ingredients are at room temperature before starting the process. Cold ingredients won’t trap and hold air bubbles efficiently, and air bubbles are what give cakes their grandiose height. Quick tip: Warm cold shell eggs in a bowl of hot tap water for 10 minutes. – www.wholefoodsmarket.com

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014 47

Feature » Compiled By Jackie Andolino Fogartie www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014 48

Spiced Beef And Pumpkin Stew

Chewy Ginger Snaps

Courtesy Of Chef Alyssa

Courtesy Of Jill Marcus

3 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes Salt and pepper to taste 1/4 cup ghee or coconut cooking oil 4 garlic cloves, crushed 1 yellow onion, diced 1 cup quartered mushrooms 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 cup apple cider 1 quart beef stock 2 sprigs rosemary 2 cups large diced pumpkin 1 bunch lacinato kale, stems removed and torn

1 1/8 cup butter, softened 1 1/2 cups brown sugar (not packed) 1 1/2 cups white sugar 1 cup molasses 3 eggs 7 1/2 cups flour 1 tablespoon salt 2 tablespoons baking soda 2 tablespoons ground cloves 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 2 tablespoons ground ginger

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. (If using a Dutch oven, preheat oven to 325 degrees as well.) Season the beef with salt and pepper. Add a couple tablespoons of oil to the pan. When it shimmers and begins to develop smoke, sear half the beef. Once it browns on all sides, remove from the pan and repeat with the remaining meat. Add garlic, onions and mushrooms, stirring constantly to avoid browning garlic too much. Once the mushrooms render their moisture and begin to brown, add the spices with additional salt. Add beef back to pot, then pour in apple cider and boil, until reduced by half. Add the beef stock and remaining ingredients, and cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or until beef is tender. If using a Dutch oven, place in the oven to finish. Adjust seasoning and remove rosemary stems before serving.

Mix all ingredients together. Scoop into balls and roll in white sanding sugar before baking. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Cookies should be very soft — they should look under-cooked when you bring them out of the oven. Serve with eggnog or hot cocoa!

Tartiflette Courtesy Of Rachel Klebaur, Owner, Orrman’s Cheese Shop

2 pounds potatoes, baby Yukon gold, or baby red potatoes 2 shallots, diced 6 ounces bacon, cut into lardons 1 clove garlic 1/3 cup crème fraiche 1/2 cup dry white wine 6 ounces pungent cheese, such as Grayson, Charloe, Coppinger or Scharfe Maxx Salt and pepper Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut potatoes into quarters. In heavy skillet, sauté bacon to render the fat. Remove

lardons and keep fat in pan. Add shallots, and sauté until clear. Add potatoes and sauté for 5-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add wine and cover potatoes. Sauté/steam for another 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Remove from heat, and add reserved bacon. Crush garlic clove, and rub over inner surface of an au gratin pan. Stir crème fraiche into potato, shallot and bacon mixture, then transfer to pan. Place slices of cheese on top and place in oven for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Peppermint White Russian Courtesy Of Bartender Donna, At Bonterra

1 ounce vodka 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract 2 ounces Kahlua 2 ounces milk, half and half, or cream of your choice Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Take a Mason jar and moisten the rim with water, then dip it into crushed candy canes. Fill the glass with ice, and pour in the cocktail. Makes 2 cocktails. [TCW]

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& The 2014 W.I.S.H. Society Honoree Woman Of The Year

Julie Mills Top, Julie Mills poses with Wish Kid Eleanor; above, Robin Smith-Salzman and Julie Mills with Wish Kid Giulianna and her fulfilled wish — a Teacup Pomeranian, Sophie.

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014 50

n Nov. 4 at the RitzCarlton, Julie Mills was named the 2014 W.I.S.H. Society Woman of the Year by Today’s Charlotte Woman and Make-AWish®, raising a whopping $26,530 … enough to grant four wishes to children struggling with life-threatening diseases. Mills is a certified Pilates instructor and the owner of Lake Norman-based Progressive Pilates. A native to Cincinnati, Mills earned her bachelor of science in business administration from Bowling Green State University. She is no stranger to fundraising, either; in 2013, as co-chairperson for Northstone Country Club’s “Rally for a Cure” golf tournament, she helped raise more than $23,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Ironically, Mills was nominated to the 2014 W.I.S.H. Society by Robin

Smith-Salzman — winner of the inaugural W.I.S.H. Society Woman of the Year award in 2013. Mills notes that when SmithSalzman nominated her, she was a little intimidated, namely because Smith-Salzman had won the year before, raising $20,150. “Honestly,” Mills says,“I didn’t want to disappoint her! I knew I had some pretty big shoes to fill.” As part of her wish-earning process, Mills organized a fashion show at her Pilates studio, with the hopes that she would earn enough money to grant one wish. The show garnered $18,000 — enough for three wishes! Such overwhelming success inspired Mills to raise the bar and go for four wishes, and as a result she raised over $26,000 for Make-AWish®. “I’m still processing all of this!” Mills said days after the event. “I have been completely overwhelmed by the

kindness and generosity of so many people who made all of this possible. I think it really has reminded me of the importance of a strong community.” She adds, “I am also looking forward to the wish-granting process — seeing this work being put into action. I am excited to meet the children who have their wishes granted as a result of the money we’ve raised. It’s never fun to think about the fact that there are so many children with life-threatening illnesses. Nobody wants to see children suffer from any kind of illness. As much as we don’t want to think about these realities, I am so honored to be a part of a something that is fun and happy for these children and their families.”

TOLEARNMORE Visit Ncwishsociety.org. [TCW]

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Charlotte’s only magazine dedicated to you! With over 500 distribution locations, you’ll never have to miss an issue. Visit www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com for your convenient location. 57

I Really Think » By Victoria Moreland

A Trip Down

Merry Memory Lane

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | December 2014 58

his time of year means the inevitable dive into the storage closet to find the decorations. It’s in a dusty corner, about five plastic boxes high, marked “Christmas.” I often put off the task because I’m not crazy about lugging the boxes down the stairs and digging out the decorations. Then the Christmas tree is up, and my heart grows three times larger, just like the Grinch. There’s something about decorating the tree with all the familiar ornaments that I’ve collected over the years that transports me to a place when life seemed simpler. I reminisce with each one as I place it on a branch, remembering where I was in my life when I got it. My favorites I save for last, like the clear crystal icicles that my grandmother made that shimmer and shine with the twinkle of the lights. I remember holidays spent with her, when we gathered in her in-law suite at the end of the hall of my aunt’s house. The grandchildren sat on the floor as she passed out miniature chocolate bars that she kept in a tin by her chair. We looked through the giant Sear’s Wish Book, thumbing down the pages of the

items we wanted most. My cousins and I would gather around the television to watch the holiday shows that came on once a year. We didn’t want to miss our chance to watch Linus save the Christmas tree, Rudolph find the island of misfit toys, and the Little Drummer Boy play his drum. Today, those shows play every day the weeks before and after Thanksgiving, a continual cycle of singing animation from holidays past. After the Christmas tree is done, I’ll rest before I move to the outside. Eventually, I’ll decorate the house with lights, stringing them across the porch. My husband and daughter will stake the sleigh and flying reindeer in the front yard, replacing the darkened bulbs with bright white ones that glow across the grass. We live in a neighborhood where people visit just to see the inflatables swaying on the lawn, the lit trees like festive beacons of holiday cheer. When I was kid, it was a rare sight to see so many decorations, but now we enjoy pulling on our sweaters and walking around to see the show. I have a picture of my daughter grinning for the camera in the yard of a neighbor’s house. Her blonde bob

and bangs frame her excited face, glowing candy canes in the background. This holiday season she’ll be too embarrassed to take such a shot, but I’ll still ask her to. She won’t be watching the night sky for Santa or looking for his flight path on the Internet. She’s too old for that now. What we will do is pull out the DVDs and watch the ones we love best. We’ll put on PJs, make popcorn, and watch Elf navigate his way through New York City. My teenage daughter will help me make cookies for neighbors, and my mother will spend the night Christmas Eve. My husband will turn on the gas fireplace, and we’ll pretend it’s real. We’ll check the Internet for the forecast, looking for snow. As January approaches, we’ll take down the tree, box up the ornaments, and gather the lights. It will all go upstairs, back to the corner of the storage closet where it will wait until next year. [TCW] Victoria Moreland is a freelance journalist and fiction writer in Charlotte.

Thank you to our readers readers and adv advertisers ertisers for for sharing your holiday traditions with us! H Here’ eree’s to holding on to those special momen er moments ts and creating creating ne new w traditions with friends and family! “My fa favorite vorite holiday holiday tradition involves m myy children. I ha have ve 3 daughters and a son. They They are all ggrown rown now but we hold to the same tradition tha thatt we have have ffor or the past 30 plus years. Each child manyy ggifts. receives man ifts. So with them, my my husband and I, you can imagine imagine what what our home looks like on Christmas morning around the tree. Each child, my my husband and I, opens one gift gift at at a time, and we go around the room until all ggifts ifts are opened. Our conversations conversations normally normally drift to “remember when” with the children so it is always always a ver veryy special time ffor or us as a famil familyy to thank God ffor or our closeness as a famil familyy and to celebrate celebrate the birth of our Lord.” Susan Webber, Webber ebber, CBC National National Bank

myy sister was 6 and I was 8 years old, we saw “When m saw Red Riding Hood dolls at at a small store near where we lived in rural Michigan. We We told Mom tha thatt we would really really like them for for Christmas. She said we would have have to talk to Daddy about about them. Ever Everyy time we went to the store, we just admired those dolls. When the time came close to Christmas, the dolls weren’t there. My heart just sank, because we didn’t find the chance to talk to Daddy about about them. factoryy and was aaway storyy short, the theyy He worked in the automobile factor way most of the week. Long stor were under the tree. That That was the last Christmas with our dad. He was taken only only 2 days days after Christmas from a car accident. We We still have have our dolls.” Judyy Fairchild, Jud Fairchild, PPermanent ermanent FFacial acial Makeup by Judy Judy

international “Being from an interna tional family, family, a big part of Christmas morning tradition is spent calling familyy in California, famil California, England, Scotland and South Africa. Christmas time is the best time to familyy no ma matter theyy are!” connect with famil tter how far the Dr. Andrew Gear, Dr Gear Providence Plastic Surgery Surgery

and Happy Holidays

“A holiday memory memory and tradition that that conjures in my mind that that seems silly, silly, but sentimental is my mother’ To call it a salad is mother’ss Jell-O salad. To a stretch, although it sits on a piece of lettuce. The fact that that this jiggly jiggly,, juic juicyy dessert disguised as salad has been present since the seventies is someho w reassuring. Even if we change somehow houses, holiday location location or lose a loved one the Jell-O brightens our holiday. holiday. My boys boys look forward to it with delight. The patience patience of waiting for each layer to set before adding another is a life lesson. I would watch watch my mother as she prepared the meal. Between fixings she would add a layer. layer. Each color divided equally to make one shade creamy with sour cream and the other cclear. lear.. Layer upon layer until the rainbow lear rainbow of our childhood tradition emerged.” Amber LLynch, ynch, W by Worth Worth

“My family has a holiday tradition of making hundreds of Mexican tamales on Christmas Eve. W together, assembly Wee spend the entire day together, line style, usually finishing around 10 p.m. It’ It’ss a greatt way for us to connect, ca grea catch tch up and share stories while cooking something we love.” TTeresa eresa Hernandez, Pura Vida Worldly Worldly Art!

“My favorite favorite holiday memory memory is from Christmas Days when my family would gather gather around my grandmother’ grandmother’ss piano while she played and we sang an ything from Silent Night to All I W ant For For anything Want Christmas Is My Two Two Front Front Teeth.” Teeth.” April Nolan, MoveStudio Charlotte April

“My most heartfelt memor memoryy of a special Christmas was when I was in my early 20’ 20’ss living in New YYork ork City yfriend of the time City.. My bo boyfriend was going to be gone and I was left all by my lonesome. At around 9 a.m. Christmas morning there was a knock on my door and there stood my mother, mother, my father fa ther,, one of my brothers and ther father, my baby sister. sister. They had driven all the way from NC to be with me. A holiday gift I will al ways always cherish.” Deborah Triplett, Triplett, www www.deborahtriplett.com .deborahtriplett.com

“My favorite favorite tradition is the candlelight Christmas Eve service service at at church. Near the end of the service, service, the sanctuar sanctuaryy is dark except for the Christ candle. As we sing Silent Night, its light is passed to the candles of all in the congregation, congregation, illumina illuminating ting the entire sanctuary sanctuar y.” sanctuary.” Miller cclassical lassical mandolinist Gregg Miller, 14 String

“I remember Christmas morning in the Netherlands, driving with my family through the sno w on the way to the 6 a.m. church snow service. ser vice. I was barely 10 years old, and this ma gical morning was full of the wonders magical of the season. Somehow, Somehow, even now, now, no matter ma tter where I am on Christmas morning, those warm, grateful grateful feelings are still with me ever year.” everyy year.” Albert-George Schram, Conductor of the Charlotte Symphony’ Symphon y’ss y’ Symphony’s iconic Magic Magic of Christmas concerts

From F rom the en entire tiree Venture tir Ventur turee Magazines Magazines Staff Staff Standing left to right: Renee, Carole, Beth, Lori, Trish, Trish, Cindy Seated Sea ted left to right: Kerrie, Karsen, Sharon, Taylor Taylor Special thanks to Chris Boutin aatt Christmas in the Villa Village, ge, Cornelius for for providing the venue ffor or our photo shoot. Photo bbyy Glenn Roberson, Glenn Roberson Photog Photography. raphy.

“Christmas is about family. family. My mom would al ways spend more time in the always kitchen cooking than relaxing with the family family.. No w that that I have have my own own family, family, mom included, included, Now we make breakfast the night before so it can be put in the oven while gifts are opened. Dinner is al ways Chinese food at at our favorite favorite Chinese always restaurant. No one has to cook or clean clean up. The amount of time we spend together is precious, so we make the most of it.” Judi Abbott, Director of Store Operations Operations & Human Resources, Turning Turning Point Point Inc.

“My wife loves Christmas and all the love, jo y, joy, laughter and ma gic the holiday brings, so it magic was only fitting that that we were married during the Christmas season at at St. Mar Mary’ y’s Cha pel in Mary’s Chapel Charlotte. Ever celebrate the love of Everyy year we celebrate this beautiful holiday time as well as our love for each other.” other.” Dr Ross Nash, Dr. Cosmetic Dentistry Dentistry of the Carolinas

“I love spending Christmas Eve hosting my family,, before heading to my Christmas Eve family Candlelight Service. Service. When my kids were older, older, I came up with an idea that that has no w become a now tradition. There is al ways some sort of unique always food among the favorites. favorites. The first year was an assortment of sushi. W e’ve tried recipes to honor We’ve our Swedish roots, and two years aago go I spent A LOT of money on a huge assortment from Amelie’ rench bakery baker y. Now Now that that was a huge Amelie’ss FFrench bakery. home run!” Kristie Knorr, Knorr IMP IMPACT ACT Design Resources

“There’ “There’ss a big production on picking the most perfect, Christmas tree and then hanging mistletoe everywhere. everywhere. W scratch, Wee cook from scratch, and spend the entire day with family. family. After lots of turkey and too much eggnog, the goal is to catch ca tch the perfect photo op while repeatedly repeatedly singing our favorite favorite Christmas songs.” Sue & Kaye, PPeople eople Tha Travel Thatt Travel

“Our Holiday tradition at at SouthEnd Dentistry Dentistry is to get our team together and ha ve a white elephant have gift exchange! Dr. Dr. Picot also takes the team out for a Christmas dinner or sometimes he hosts aatt his home. Added bonus: We We also usually get a w hole w eek oof December,, too!” whole week offff in December Dr Bradford Picot and the Dr. SouthEnd Dentistry Dentistry team