Need a little adventure in your life? Look no further than the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte. It is the premier outdoor adventure center, and for me, a great place to spend a warm spring day. The USNWC is located on approximately 400 acres of woodlands and offers everything from rock climbing, mountain biking, [...]

Full Article

So, you just purchased a new home or perhaps already own one, but would like to change it up a bit. Let’s talk about paint color.  With color, you can set a mood, attract attention, or make a statement. You can use color to energize or to cool down a room. By selecting the right [...]

Full Article

“The greatest masterpieces were once only pigments on a palette.” – Henry S. Hoskins

Recently, I attended a builder event for Regent Homes at St. Johns Forest. The moment I walked in the door, I felt not only warmth from the hospitality, but also from the home itself.
This made me wonder why some homes just [...]

Full Article

Did you know Santa Claus has arrived at the North Carolina Transportation Museum?
When my children were both much younger, I looked for ways for them to enjoy Santa Claus in a different environment than that of the mall. I found that the North Carolina Transportation Museum does something a little different. Santa and his elves [...]

Full Article

Every year my extended family gets together for our annual viewing of the holiday lights displayed in Christmas Town USA (aka McAdenville, North Carolina).
McAdenville is located about 30 minutes from Charlotte (specifically between Charlotte and Gastonia) and the viewing of the lights is absolutely free (got your attention now didn’t it ). You can [...]

Full Article

It’s Renaissance Festival time in the Charlotte area! Even as a native Charlottean I had no idea what a Renaissance Festival was until I attended as a chaperone for my daughter’s school about 10 years ago. The kids loved the costumes of the vendors and especially liked the hand molds you could make in hot [...]

Full Article

I love helping friends pick out paint colors. I have a few tried-and-true colors I always recommend. While I still love going to the store to pick out paint samples and consult a professional, there are times when I am out and about and see a color I love. I have to know what it [...]

Full Article

Once the weather starts getting a little more “nippy” and the sun starts going down sooner, we begin to live inside our homes more!
Over the past few years, I have enjoyed incorporating some festive touches for the fall season into my home. Wondering what I could possibly do to “recycle” past decorations, my thoughts landed [...]

Full Article

“I really want to move to the Carolinas, but I need to find a job first!”
It’s a statement we hear frequently in the Client Relations Department of Allen Tate. The truth is, you really need a plan to relocate anywhere. A job is a great place to start. So, what should you do first?

Freshen up [...]

Full Article

As a child, one bite of a tomato would leave me covered in hives. My father, who considered sliced tomatoes a necessary part of every meal, couldn’t believe a child of his was allergic to tomatoes.
I grew up dreading tomato season in the Carolinas. Humble neighbors bragged about their bounties. Bags of tomatoes mysteriously appeared [...]

Full Article