november 2011 "holiday gift guide issue"

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CULTURE DINING ENTERTAINMENT FASHION FITNESS LIFESTYLE NIGHTLIFE

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Jodie McLaughlin2011 Miss Charlotte USA

NE Charlotte - University 9539 Pinnacle Dr. • 704-708-WILD • www.w i l dw ingca fe. com

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OUR NEW STEAKHOUSE BURGERS.Eight scrumptious half pound pure ground angus chuck burgersstacked with an assortment of toppings sure to blow your mind.

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NE Charlotte - University 9539 Pinnacle Dr. • 704-708-WILD • www.w i l dw ingca fe. com

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OUR NEW STEAKHOUSE BURGERS.Eight scrumptious half pound pure ground angus chuck burgersstacked with an assortment of toppings sure to blow your mind.

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so put experienceto work for you.

When you start your search for the perfect “home” you aren’t just looking at property, but neigh-borhoods and surroundings as well. Your life isn’t lived just inside just four walls! I help my clients find the right fit and their lifestyle - whether it’s a luxury high-rise condo, a charming historic district bungalow, a townhome along the light-rail line or a loft in the Art’s District. I’ve lived my whole life in and around Uptown Charlotte - no one knows these neighborhoods and areas better - so let me put my 19+ years experience in Charlotte real estate to work for you. Call now and we’ll take a tour of Charlotte’s great urban neighborhoods and start the process of finding your perfect home or condo.

Scott Lindsley704.906.1645

www.SouthendCharlotte.com | www.LiveInWilmore.com | www.NewCondosCharlotte.com

When you’re buyingyour home

you are also buyingyour lifestyle -

Thursday, November 10th | VIP Party From 7pm - 10pm$10 Donation Includes Drinks From Our Sponsors

Limited Space Available For VIP Party

RSVP at [email protected]

Giveaways Throughout The Evening

eight year anniversary celebration

e l e v a t e l i f e s t y l e . c o m

JoIN Us As We CelebrATe

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What’s in itfor you?

Simply registering a vote for your favorite will enter you for a chance to win one of the many great prizes. Plus, you’ll be able to say you contributed to the most com-prehensive exclusive “Best Of The City” contest to see what makes Charlotte tick.

CAST YOUR VOTE IN SEVEN DIFFERENT CATEGORIES

Then join Elevate Lifestyle as the winners are announced at a massive awards party in April 2012.

Cast Your Votes Now atelevateLifestyle.com

culture fashiondining

lifestylefitness

entertainment

nightlife

elevate lifestyle aWardsthe best of the city

culture | dining | entertainment | fashion fitness | lifestyle | nightlife

the vote begins december 1st, 2011

It’s hard to believe it’s almost November and Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner.

Hopefully this month’s issue will help you get a head start on getting those Christmas gifts for your significant other, or family and friends. From fitness items, the newest in technology to the latest in fashionable items we have you covered.

I would like to personally invite everyone out on Thursday, Novem-ber 10th for our 8th year anniversary celebration at MEZ. The party begins at 7pm, there will be giveaways throughout the evening and lots of good times had by all. If you would attend you can email me at [email protected]. Hope to see you all out at the celebra-tion.

Gosh it’s a busy month! On Friday, November 11th we have partnered up with dbruan Promotions for 11.11.11 Once In A Thousand Years party at Kazba. Then on Saturday the 12th jump on the bus with us as we head to the Carolina Renaissance Festival. We will meet up at ICEHOUSE then head up for several hours to check out all the sights, enjoy some great foot and get a couple of cold beers. Then on the following Friday we have partnered up with Paschal Promotions for our monthly Charlotte Checkers Hat Trick outing. We meet up at Buckhead Saloon for some FUEL Pizza, some ice cold Bud Lights, then head of to Time Warner Arena for the game. You can sign up for it at Bandtastic.com.

Happy turkey day!!Steve Caldwell

publisher’s note

PublisherSteve Caldwell

EditorEdy Hinson

Creative DirectorGreg Smith

Design and ProductionGreenspon Advertising

Cover and Photo Spread PhotographyPhotography: Jim Merrill Photography, JMTFoto.comFeaturing Jodi McLaughlin - 2011 Miss Charlotte USA

Special thanks to Richard with Phyto and to Vivian B BoutiqueWardrobe: Michell Davis | Hair: RE: Salon and Med Spa | Location: NODA

Advertising, Sponsorship, Website Sales,and General Advertising Sales Information

Brad Cheek | Stephanie Bennett | Steve Caldwell

Contributing EditorsCulture Editor: Louise Albano-Hurley | Dining Editor: Nikki Wilson

Entertainment Editor: Denise Gregory | Fashion Editor: Debra KennedyFitness Editor: Monique Douglas | Nightlife Editor: Sean Flynn

Contributing WritersFitness Columnist: Dr. Ryan Shum | Claire Morton | Sydney Miles

Event, Article and Website PhotographyAuger Images | Eun Park | Lazyday.com | Steve Caldwell | Trip Bye

InternsSydney Miles

eteam

Benefiting

2 BLOCKS fROM BAnK Of AMeRiCA StADiUMflip Cup | Music | Beer Pong | Cash Bar | Cornhole

More info @ www.elevateLifestyle.com

24 CULTURE: Holiday Gatherings

28 DINING: Carolina Ale House

32 FASHION: The Winners Are?

40 A Charlotte Beauty

50 Holiday Gift Ideas

54 Fitness Minded Reader

60 The Tech Savvy Individual

68 Stocking Stuffers

74 Twelve Dates of Christmas

We are seeking internship candidates who are currently enrolled and seeking school credit for the spring semester. Juniors and seniors with a marketing interest and background are especially encouraged to apply. Hours are 10-20 hours a week, and please note, this is an unpaid internship. This intern-ship could lead to a full time position if you are the right candidate.

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Saturday, November 12thMeet Up at 11am at ICEHOUSE

With Drink SpecialsBus Leaves at Noon & Returns by 5pm

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culture

Holiday GatheringsWith all of Charlotte’s charity balls, runway shows and silent auctions happening this season, there’s no reason you can’t give and get during the holidays this year. Tickets are required to all events, but the food, drinks, dancing and schmoozing will be well worth the price. Plus, you’ll glow (and who doesn’t like a nice glow?) knowing you’re funding research for children, for chronic diseases, for the underemployed or for education. So choose your cause or your event -- or all of them, you lucky duck -- and decide to whom you’ll be giving back this holiday season.

The Winners Circle: A Gathering of Community ChampionsNovember 3, 2011 - 6 to 9:30 p.m.Founders Hall Charlotte, 100 N. Tryon St.All community champions, get ready to step into the winners circle with the Casino Night Gala sponsoring Jacob’s Ladder Charlotte Job Center, Inc., benefitting the unemployed and underemployed. The reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer

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and wine begins at 6 p.m.; doors open and the silent auction begins at 7. Gaming lasts for two hours beginning at 7:30 p.m. For those not at a gaming table for Craps, Roulette or Texas Hold ‘em, a live auction will occur at 8 p.m. Potential sponsors interested in supporting Jacob’s Ladder through the Casino Night Gala, please visit www.jacobsladdercharlotte.org/the-winner-circle for levels of sponsorship.Tickets: High Card: $100 (includes a single ticket)Full House: $500 (includes a pack of 5 tickets)Royal Flush: $1000 (includes a pack of 10 tickets)(Each ticket includes $50K worth of betting chips for all gaming tables)

Pink SolesNovember 4, 2011 - Begins at 6:30 p.m.NEW Foundation for the Carolinas building, 220 N. Tryon St.Dress in your chicest attire and come see Charlotte’s trendiest boutique designs displayed on the runway during the Pink Soles Fashion Show on November 4. All proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation benefitting breast can-cer research. VIP tickets guarantee a choice house seat, gift bag and invitation to the pre-show VIP mixer. Find more information on donating, volunteering and attending fall’s premiere charity fashion event at www.pinksoles.org. Tickets: General Admission: $25 & VIP Tickets: $45

Through Fears Comes LaughterThrough Fears Comes LaughterNovember 5, 2011 - 7 to 10 p.m.The Charlotte Trolley Museum, 1507 Camden Rd.Join the Caring Voice Coalition as it hosts its “Through Fears Comes Laughter” Mas-querade Ball on November 5. For your entertainment, laugh at the live comedy of Julie Scoggins, be wowed by the magic of Joshua Lozoff and dance the night away to the music of DJ Chuck. Light refreshments and a cash bar with beer and wine will be on hand through the evening should you need a break from dancers whirling by in Halloween’s finest costumes. Prizes will be given out for Most Original Costume, Scariest Costume and Funniest Costume so don’t skimp on the outfits. Funds from ticket prices and a 50/50 raffle will go to support the Caring Voice Coalition, Inc., a national non-profit and charitable organization providing patients with chronic or life-threatening diseases, such as Huntington’s Disease, Pulmonary Fibrosis, In-fantile Spasms and Congenital Factor XIII Deficiency, with financial and insurance education, and patient support. For a full list of diseases The Caring Voice Coalition supports, as well parking and donation information for the event, please visit www.eventbee.com/v/tfcl-cvc. Tickets: Individual: $40 & Couple: $75

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Paint the Town Red, White and BluesNovember 5, 2011 - 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St.With their eighth annual Red, White and Blues event nearing, Charlotte’s young professionals and volunteers of the Chron’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) are preparing to host an evening of festive entertainment and treats at Charlotte’s newest museum. For the price of general admission, come sip the finest selection of red wine, white wine and beer, enjoy tasty treats catered by Best Impressions caterers and dance to the live music of Z-Trio. If beer and wine aren’t quite to your taste but jewelry, art and vacations are, this is great news because the CCFA event sponsors both a silent and live auction of many wonderful items from these categories and more! Proceeds from these auctions go to CCFA’s mission to find a cure for Crohn’s and Colitis through research and education, and to community programs such as Camp Oasis, aimed at providing an uplifting summer camp experience for children with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. See more at www.ccfaredwhite-andblues.com. Tickets: General Admission: $60

Black and White GalaNovember 11, 2011 - 7 to 11 p.m.The Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St.At this year’s Black and White Gala, inspired by Truman Capote’s 1966 mas-querade ball and hosted by the Young Affiliates of the Mint (YAM), enjoy rounds and rounds of hors d’oeurves, complimentary wine and beer (a cash bar is on hand for those desiring cocktails), and dancing all night. As the gala to attend this season (seriously, I’m fingering my credit card in anxious hopes of purchasing a ticket), guests will have access to the Mint’s unique galleries, city views and “dancing, eating, drinking, and socializing.” Really, who can ask for more! But if your feet get a little too sore and your speech a little too slurred, check out the Silent Auction, where items from food to pets to fitness will be auctioned to reach YAM’s $20,000 fundraising goal. Proceeds from the gala will go toward Project FundaMINTal, providing funding for educational programs at the Mint, community outreach, exhibitions, personnel and research. For more information, please visit www.youngaffiliates.org/events/black-and-white-gala/. Tickets: YAM Members: $70 & Non-Members: $95Tickets must be purchased in advance.

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Escape Hair and Skin StudiosNovember 26, 2011 - Begins at 7 p.m.1440 S. Tryon St., Suite 102Join the team at Escape Hair and Skin Studios for their Second Annual Toys for Tots celebration, a festive evening in support of Toys for Tots, a national charity helping underprivileged families enjoy the holidays by providing gifts for children. Along with the opportunity to learn about their services, Escape will have beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres for a night of “great food, great fun and everything done in the extremes.” No matter your plans, pop in and enjoy a glass of wine, for price of admission is simply an unwrapped gift for a girl or boy, ages four to 16 years. RSVPs are welcome by Nov. 19 and all questions may be submitted through [email protected].

Red Pump, Red Tie AffairDecember 1, 2011 - 7 to 11 p.m.Hart Witzen Gallery, 136 E. 36th St.The Third Annual Red Pump, Red Tie Affair kicks off World AIDS Day with a “sexy, stylish and safe” fashion-themed cocktail party. JSW Media and Chateau Noir, LLC will be sponsoring this night in support of The Red Pump Project, a national initiative to raise awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and live music open the affair, while a silent auction, design competition and runway show following this year’s “sexy, stylish and safe” theme raise funds for HIV/AIDS prevention and education. The Red Pump Project promotes an open dialogue around all issues concerning sexual and reproductive health and, with the Red Pump Awards, you will be honoring Charlotte community leaders whose efforts to raise HIV/AIDS awareness and education have made a difference in the community. Please find more details on the Red Pump Project, including sponsorship, vendor and donation informa-tion for the event, at www.2011redpumpredtieaffair.eventbrite.com. Tickets: General Admission: $35VIP: $50 (includes designated show seating, one drink ticket, swag bag and hors d’oeurves)Red Pump Table: $350 (includes table of four, personal table service, bottle of wine, plated hors d’oeurves and swag bag)Red Tie Table: $475 (includes table of six, personal table service, bottle of wine, plated hors d’oeurves and swag bag)

Louise Albano-Hurley, Culture Editor

Carolina Ale HouseGood food in Uptown should always be paired with good drinks and good times. I had my fingers crossed that the new kid on the block, Carolina Ale House, would provide me with all three and sure enough, I’m already talking about heading back for another night out.

Located on South College Street, CAH is just a short walk over from the Epicentre and offers seating for more than 250 patrons in the two-story restaurant and bar. This is the sixteenth location for the up-and-coming chain since opening in 1999, and is the first one to hit the Queen City.

First off, I have to give thanks to Brandy, our server. CAH just opened its doors on September 28, and anyone who’s worked in the service industry knows great service and menu knowledge comes with time and day-after-day experience in the same res-taurant. Yet after three weeks of being opened, Brandy knew ev-

dining

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erything on the menu and could tell us tastes, ingredients and offered plenty of suggestions. Even when it came to the 72 beers on tap, she knew what to offer and how to sell it.

We started off with the sweet Thai calamari, served with a sweet and spicy Thai glaze on the side. The sauce was full of flavor and packs quite a hot, spicy punch. I loved the crunchy calamari and after drenching them in the side of creamy aioli that came with the dish as well, Brandy let us know that all the sauces and dressings are made in-house each morning. After debating on my entrée forever and having Brandy come back three times, I finally decided to try the blackened London broil sandwich, since I haven’t had London broil in years and hardly ever see it offered on anyone’s menu. Simply topped with let-tuce, tomato and crispy onion strings, the sandwich was tasty and the meat was tender, but it was hard to take a bite and pull it apart. Anyone who’s had London broil knows that’s how it is, so eventually I just cut it up and ate the rest of the sandwich with a fork.

I didn’t care for the au jus they served with it as it didn’t have much flavor, but I dipped it in the French onion soup, and the mozzarella and onions were a great addition to the steak sandwich.

Brandy tempted us with dessert, mentioning the banana split which offered a banana rolled in potato chip crumbles, deep fried then topped whipped cream, chocolate and all the usual suspects. While I’m not opposed to a sweet ending, my friend and I decided to stick with liquid dessert and ordered another round. Which led to the best part of the night – the pound cake bomb. I’m all for trying new brews and I especially love when a bar decides to get creative and starts mixing beers with other beers as well as pairing liquors with beers. With a

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dozen choices to choose from, we ordered the pound cake bomb, hoping it really tasted as it claimed, and we were served a half glass of Blue Moon and a shot glass of Irish cream and vanilla vodka.

Ohhhh wow. It tasted like I stuck my fork in the glass and pulled out a piece of pound cake. It went down heavy, be-cause of the Irish cream, and

frothed up as soon as you tipped it back, but that’s one deli-cious shot. I stopped at one since I knew that could get dan-gerous and I’d save that for another time. Deciding to order one more round, my friend opted to try the New England Hay Ride, mixing Magic Hat #9 and Guinness. I wish I would have stolen the drink and tried it myself as he raved about it that night then took to Facebook, declaring his love for the mix and already offering to go back to CAH for a few more.

I think I’ll join him, as it’s easy to tell that this place will soon be a new hot spot in Charlotte. Plenty of TVs offered a front-row view for the World Series and I always love a place where you can shoot pool. Plus, I still want to try the Caribbean fish tacos, made with tilapia, slaw and a pineapple salsa, and I have my eye on the buffalo shrimp salad, served in a crispy taco shell. You got to love a salad where you can dive in and even eat the bowl. At CAH, the brews are great, the location is perfect and easy to walk to, and many thanks to Brandy for the excellent and knowledgeable service. Hats off to you, CAH. It was great to meet you and I’ll be seeing you soon.

Nikki Wilson, Dining Editor

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the winners are!Charlotte Seen Fashion Week was a success for the City of Charlotte, as well as for the local businesses, hotels and local talent. It featured the most skilled fashion designers, emerging designers, makeup art-ists, hairstylists, and local artists bringing reinvention to the body. The evening began with the VIP guests attending the West Elm lounge and listening to live performances while dining on wonderful hors d’ouvres, complimentary cocktails, and beautifully styled cupcakes from Cloud 9. We want to thank our sponsors for making this happen: Gateway Village, Elevate Lifestyle, Miles Interiors, Paul Mitchell School, Bare-foot Wine and Bubbly, Kiss 95.1, Charlotte Magazine, Where Maga-zine, Belk, West Elm, Best Buy, Overstream Landscape, Perry’s at Southpark, Hillard Studio, Selphyl, Capel Rugs, Doubletree Hotel, and Beverly Grant Jewelry. Also, thank you so much to all the models, judges, attendees, celebrities, volunteers and bartenders, without you

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we could not have made this happen. Charlotte Seen Fashion Week is proud to announce the dates for 2012: September 18 through 22. Below are the winners of 2011 Charlotte Seen Fash-ion Week. Drum roll please....

Best Male Model - Yandrick ParaisonYandrick Paraison is a native of New York and currently lives in Charlotte. He is an actor/model for Evolution modeling agency. Yandrick has been featured in several commercials including ESPN/Applebees, NASCAR/Coke and KSwiss, to name a few. He has also walked in more than 40 fashion shows such as Charleston Fashion

Week, Charlotte Seen Fashion Week, MiLES OF iMPACT Fash-ion Show and a host of others from Charlotte to New York. Yan-drick’s current focus is to further expand his acting career.

Best Female Model - Kristen CheatamAt 16 years old, this glamorous new addition to the fashion industry is destined to become a mass-market, first-name-only supermodel. Her career goals are, “…to be successful, make a positive difference in society, and travel the world.” Currently she’s building a strong foun-dation of reputable professionals that share her

goals and actively contribute to the refinement of her talent and career. With a six-foot frame and eyes that both captivate and mesmerize, she is a remarkable picture of beauty.

Through Charlotte Seen, she has worked with many local and regional designers, boutiques, hair salons, makeup artists, and photographers. All of which have accentuated her allure and ele-gance at every angle. For booking info, email [email protected] or visit her Web site at: www.wix.com/kristencheatam/introduction.

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Best Hair Stylist - Carmen CarmenOur team at Carmen!Carmen! Prestige Salon e’ Spa at Belk Southpark works well together and we love showcasing our work in hair and fashion shows, and photo shoots. For Charlotte Fashion Week 2011 we chose a modern twist on 50’s and 60’s glamour inspired by beauty icons like Sophia Lauren and Audrey Hepburn, to complement the

amazing designs of Luis Machicao. Our team “Saturday Eve-ning,” was made up of Artistic Director Josh Carpenter Cost-ner, Artistic Team Member Virginia Hellums, and stylists Tallyn Heagy, Elizabeth Moss, Miranda Rickman, Ryan Stillman, and Tricia West. We at Carmen!Carmen! Prestige Southpark strive to merge the world of beauty and creativity with caring for the world around us and giving back to our local community, as well as wellness and relaxation through our spa. This well-rounded approach makes our team a family, indeed.

Best Re-Model Designer - Donartius ClybourneI am a self-taught young emerging designer who was born and raised in Charlotte. Being a de-signer has forever been my dream and now it has become my life! I am honored to be the win-ner of Charlotte Seen’s Re-Model Competition! It only confirms my standpoint in this industry.

Huge thanks to models Ana Jimenez and Joey Ford for making my pieces come to life. Designing allows me to express myself, and although my couture aesthetic differs from others I believe it has a prominent value. My perception on life is not to follow in others’ footsteps but to create your own! Be on the lookout for my Fall 2012 collection (Mae.Vivid) in next year’s Fashion Week!-Dontarius Clyburn

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Most Valued Volunteer - Coco CallahanNicole “Coco” Callahan, founder and CEO of The ELMM Agency, was born and raised in Lexing-ton, NC. She moved to Charlotte in 2007 to pur-sue a career in marketing and began working at Presidential Movement

Entertainment as the promotional and social media manager. Al-ways having a love for fashion, Coco began volunteering and interning in her spare time for fashion shows and fashion events. In two years, Coco volunteered with fashion weeks all along the east coast and worked for brands and designers such as Trina Turk, Diesel, True Religion, and Issac Mizrahi.

Realizing her knack for production, in 2010 Coco founded The ELMM Agency -- a production, branding and public relations firm with clients currently in Charlotte and the Triad area. In the sum-mer of 2011, Coco began part-time work as a sales associate at Charlotte Seen and worked their first fashion week this fall. She is ambitious and passionate and is taking on new responsibilities at the company. Coco is very motivated to help grow Charlotte Seen and the fashion industry here in Charlotte.

Best Emerging Designer - Anno Domini“Walk softly upon the earth, but wear your best feathers,” is our fashion philosophy here at Anno Domini Designs. This is incorporated into all our work at our Rock Hill, S.C. based design house. It’s not just about being green, it’s about look-ing great and expressing oneself in fashion while considering the earth and it’s people.

We come from a background of high-end costume design and we like to keep the dramatic elements of that combined with modern day style. We wish for everyone wearing our clothing to figura-tively bring the red carpet with them wherever they go.

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Since winning Best Emerging Designer at Charlotte Fashion Week, we are looking forward to working on future collections. Please visit us online at www.annodominidesigns.com or call (803) 450-0051.

Best Makeup Artist - iMpact Color Cosmetics, Stanley OwingsNeedless to say, when the announce-ment came that iMpact color cosmetics had won for best overall makeup, I was thrilled! I am incredibly grateful to my team and everyone who helped make

Charlotte Seen Fashion Week such a great success. iMpact color cosmetics is a brand built on classic beauty with an uplift-ing, inspiring message: True beauty comes from within and true happiness is the result of loving and caring for others. Please be sure to check us out at iMpactcolorcosmetics.com or visit The iMpact Glam Studio at Fuze Salon in Charlotte. Let us make an iMpact on YOU!

Best Remodel Hair Stylist - Paul Mitchell SchoolWhat a privilege it is being the De-sign Team Leader at Paul Mitchell the School, Charlotte. The raw talent

and visionary attitudes these future professionals possess has led them to accepting two hair awards in 2011, in conjunction with our amazing makeup team. What an amazing accomplish-ment while still in school! These brilliant minds don’t only know how to create amazing hair and makeup, but also how to give back! While educating at Paul Mitchell the School, THE SKY IS THE LIMIT! Between the student-run programs and the endless opportunities that the Paul Mitchell family has to offer, you are guaranteed to excel beyond your wildest dreams. Not only while

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in school, but most importantly throughout the rest of your career! Thank you, “Future Professionals,” Wynn Claybaugh, John Paul Dejoria, Steve and Lisa Pollak, Jim and Nancy Smith, Charlotte Seen, Elevate Lifestyle Magazine. Best Re-Model Make up Artist - Pride MakeupI’m ambitious, creative, passionate, a social butterfly and I work on my goals until they are accomplished. I love fashion, the arts, colors, anything that has to do with makeup. I can remember

playing with my mother’s makeup when I was younger. Mom would get mad at me because I would mix her eyeshadows and steal her eyeliner. Now that I think about it, I can’t stop laughing! As an adult, I’ve found many wonderful techniques which helped me achieve amazing results! I am proof that, “practice makes per-fect.”

The wonderful thing about makeup is that you become whatever you want to, whenever you want to. Pin-up gal, pop artist, movie star, a geisha. There are certainly no limits with makeup! My ad-vice is to let your imagination run free and believe in yourself and your most inner talents.

“Why Pride MakeUp?” Pride MakeUp was created because I have a lot of PRIDE in what I do. I want to be able to teach wom-en that they are beautiful with makeup and without. We are all beautiful inside and out ... And, with a touch of makeup, we are all even more beautiful. We all need to have pride in who we are and the way we look. I want to be able to touch every single woman that will allow my hands and brushes to caress their canvas.

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Holiday Gift Ideas for those who want to be “FASHONABLE!”This is my favorite time of year with the anticipation of holiday cheer everywhere, Christmas decorations to enjoy, and of course, the “hunt” for the perfect gift for everyone on my list.

It truly does take time to find something unique and special for everyone on your list. I have a little tradition that works for me.

I start by getting myself in the holiday mood by visiting my favorite restaurant for dinner which is The Capital Grille. There is just something magical about this restaurant. The food is amazing, the service is five-star and the managing partner, Armin Ahrabin makes you feel as if you are the only table in the entire restaurant. After a glass of wine, I bring out my shopping list and write little notes on each person. The joy of giving someone a gift is the sparkle in their eyes when they open it! Yes, there are some on my list that will receive a gift card because they are just impossible to buy for, but most will receive a gift that will make them even more fashionable and beautiful. After I complete the list, I enjoy my fabulous dinner and the rest is easy, I order online. Most Web sites offer free shipping and after I give myself ideas of what gifts I am looking for, the rest is easy. My gifts arrive early and I have more time to enjoy the holiday season without stress.

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Holiday Help is here for everyone on your list:Editor’s Top Pick: Grace Digital Wi-Fi Internet RadioI have been obsessed with Pandora Radio for many reasons. First, be-cause it is free, and also because I can listen to so many different types of music depending on my mood. When I discovered the first ever Wi-Fi Internet Radio, I knew it would be the perfect gift. Music gets you in the mood for whatever need you have at that moment. You cannot look fashionable if you do not feel fashionable. This truly is the best find of the season for me. It will be the perfect gift, I promise. Easy to use and easy on the budget at $169.99. www.gracedigitalaudio.com

Gravity Control System by ClienteleOnce only available to celebrities known for their looks and youthfulness, this “beauty tool” is now available to women and men who are on-the-go, smart, busy and “in the know.” A combination of NASA’s LED technology and space-age cosmetic peptides help skin to defy gravity. I have raved about this product on several TV stations because it really works. You can look four years younger in just 14 days. $189. www.clientelebeauty.com

White Sands Curling IronLooking beautiful has never been easier. You may want to pick one of these up for yourself as well as give one as a gift. These innovative must-have curling irons fuse the Marcel and Spring Load curing iron methods into ONE tool. You can utilize the professionalism of a Marcel curling iron to create beautiful waves that look superstar fabulous! I love this tool be-cause it is dummy proof. One of my favorite products ever, and a steal at $110. www.whitesandsproducts.com

Vera Wang Lovestruck Fragrance We are all in love with the feeling of love. That is why we love romantic movies, fairytale books and Prince Charming. While I cannot recommend Prince Charming as a gift, I can recommend a fragrance that may help you find your Prince Charming. Vera Wang Lovestruck is an addictive floral fragrance that you are sure to fall in love with. With top notes of guava and mandarin, a heart of tuberose and lotus blossom, and a dry down of woods and sheer musk, Lovestruck is a sparkling, rich, floral fragrance. Available at all major department stores. $68.

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BootightsThis amazing invention has been featured on Oprah, The View and GMA with good reason -- it is innovative and a must-have for all women! Bootights are a premium tight with a performance sock attached so your legs look amazing and your feet feel great all day long. Available in a variety of colors and textures. Perfect as stocking stuffers, best friend gifts or maybe for yourself so you can enjoy the holidays in warmth and style. $28 www.bootights.com

OPI Crown Me Already Nail PolishThe name says it all! This is the perfect gift for all of your “Diva Friends.” You will be a hit and your friend will look and feel nail fabulous with her new signature color. From the Miss Universe Collection, this glit-tery and glam polish will spar-kle this holiday season. $8 -- available at all major depart-ment stores and drugstores.

Instead of spending all of your holiday time in the mall looking for presents, you can shop for yourself or maybe even enjoy dinner at The Capital Grille relaxing over a glass of wine. I have taken the leg work out of searching for those hard-to-please people on your list and given you the best gift ideas for this holiday season.

Wishing you and your family a joyous and happy holiday season. Remember, Beauty gets the attention and personality gets the heart. Visit my Web site at debrakennedyshow.com and catch pre-vious beauty segments on the Media Page.

Debra Ann Kennedy, Fashion Editor

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Gift Items for the Fitness Minded Reader

The holidays are upon us once again with every falling leaf and cool, brisk breeze. Thanksgiving means plenty of time spent with family, and tons of turkey and stuffing being stuffed into our stom-achs. The next day is followed by lethargy and feelings of “Eater’s Remorse.” Questions enter your head like, “Why did I eat every-thing?” And you thus declare, “I need to find a treadmill, fast!” When in reality, the only exercise you partake in is walking the corridors of Southpark mall! Before you know it, December is upon us and, “Tis’ the season of giving,” as they say. Well, a good way to overcome the Thanksgiving food guilt is by using December’s holi-day season to purchase gifts that are fitness-related. Here are four fantastic fitness gift ideas that fitness columnist Dr. Ryan Shum and I have conjured up for your wish lists.

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Foam rollers are no strangers to elite-level participants of both contact and non-contact sports. During the pre-game warm-up for the most recent SuperBowl, one could observe the Green Bay Packers reaping the benefits of foam rolling as a team. However, you do not need to be a pro-athlete to enjoy the benefits of foam rolling. Used as a therapeutic tool by physi-cal therapists, osteopaths and chiropractors, the foam roller serves as a method to perform “self-myofascial release,” or SMR. SMR aims to inhibit overactive muscles and allows for safe and effective stretching. It improves muscle extensibility and can aid in both training and competitive performance, pre- or post-event! Most notably, this technique and tool is great for muscles at the spine, pelvis/hip and down the leg. There are different densities and lengths. If you are an avid fitness or sports enthusiast, find one with a more rigid density for lon-ger durability. “Using a foam roller aids in my overall muscle health which enables me to maintain a high level of training and racing. I hate it but my muscles love it,” said Charlotte-native Ashley Naelon, five-time World Championship triathlete

competitor.

If you are a novice to the foam roller, try a softer roll first to

learn the movements and build up your routine. As a bonus, rollers can be used as a platform for core strength or balance stabil-ity exercises! There are many free resources on-line to help demonstrate.

What you will need: a foam

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roller, floor space, patience to tolerate some achy sore spots as you roll. The more you roll the more results you should eventually observe.

One great gift idea is the ever-popular medicine ball. Seen in just about every workout facility, the medicine ball is a smaller version of the body ball and is designed mainly for rehabili-tation and is great to develop your abdominal strength and endurance. Though they are smaller, these balls are weighted for muscle training purposes, and usually range from two to 25 pounds. What I find so great about the medicine ball is its simplicity. Basic exercises like sit-ups or leg raises become a

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challenge when done with a medicine mall in hand. That to me, is worth it! There are also many variations of the medi-cine balls. Some are filled with steel while others are filled with sand, and some have handles attached, while others do not.

Resistance bands are another personal favorite of mine. I tend to opt for simplicity, and with these bands, I find that the most basic movements become far more difficult due to how resistance training works. The goal of resistance training, ac-cording to the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI), is to “gradually and progressively overload the musculoskeletal system so it gets stronger.” So while you are focusing on a body part, the bands create a “resistance” by attempting to get you to move against the force. Leg lifts are suddenly more difficult and bicep curls pose quite the challenge. Another plus of resistance bands is that they are flexible and lightweight in nature, thus making them easy to pack on your travels. Throw your bands in your luggage as you pack your bags to visit your family for the holidays!

Some of you may ask, “How can you elevate your training to the likes of NFL pros and former Navy Seals?” Perhaps you could try suspension training, recently popularized by TRX Suspension Trainer. Suspension training is bodyweight exercising with an emphasis on multi-directional, complex

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functional movements. Simultaneous stimulation of strength, stability, mobility/flexibility and balance control are all tested! The sky is truly the limit with TRX Suspension training and there are always new exercises being authored. Many of them are free to learn and observe online. If you are a novice exer-ciser, make sure you try TRX with some guidance at first as some moves can be demanding on core stability. Get ready to boost your training as TRX can help stimulate you to exercise your weak links! What you will need: TRX suspension trainer, door frame or overhead space to hang straps supporting body weight, floor space.

Now that you have a few options to start your fitness gifts search, go out and shop on your own! Charlotte has many sports-related stores that can help you find what you need. There are also community staples like Wal-Mart that house a plethora of options at affordable prices.Til next time… Monique Douglas, Fitness Editor and Dr. Ryan Shum,Fitness Columnist

tech savvy individualHaving trouble finding the perfect gift for someone who’s always hip to the latest technology? Well we’re here to give you a sense of direction on what the hottest new technological items are now-a-days, and you can choose which one would best fit that tech savvy individual.

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Apple – iPod Touch iOS4 ($204.99-$364.99 target.com) El-egant and intuitive interface. The first time you pick up an iPod touch, you know how to use it. That’s because the revolution-ary Multi-Touch interface in iOS was designed for the most natural pointing device ever: your finger. So whether you’re using one of the built-in apps or one of the over 425,000 apps and games available from the App Store, you control every-thing with a tap, drag, swipe, pinch, flick, or twist of your fin-gers. Even tasks such as starting a FaceTime call or editing a video with iMovie are simple, easy, and fun. iOS 4 introduces a whole new way of multitasking. Now you can run your favor-ite third-party apps — and switch between them instantly — without slowing down the performance of the foreground app or draining the battery unnecessarily.

Sony – Google TV ($299.99-$899.99 bestbuy.com) Easily search and view TV shows, movies and videos from broad-cast TV, compatible DVRs and the Internet. Seamlessly navi-gate the Internet and TV or enjoy both at the same time, on the same screen. Surf the Web, check e-mail, update your Face-book status or track your fantasy sports team while watching TV at the same time; no need to switch between your TV and the computer to access content. Access the expanding

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library of apps from the Android Market (Android application will be available in early 2011). Bookmark shows, Web sites and apps so you can quickly view your favorite content. Link TV to your Android mobile phones and use it as an additional remote control, search content with voice navigation, or share Web content between the phone and TV.

Sony – Wi-Fi Built-In Blu-ray Player with Google TV ($249.99 bestbuy.com) This Blu-ray player comes with Google TV built in. You can surf the Internet on your TV screen just like you would on a computer — check e-mail, update Face-book, check your fantasy football stats and more. Built-in wireless connectivity lets you access movies, photos, music and more online. With picture-in-picture, you can even surf the Web while you watch TV or movies.

Logitech – Revue with Google TV ($99.99 bestbuy.com) Turns your HDTV into a smart TV and makes it easy to search the Web, TV programming, compatible DVRs and more. Enjoy high-quality audio and video, Web sites including YouTube, Facebook and Twitter or Android, Netflix and Logitech Video applications. Control your entertainment devices without using a separate remote. The integrated keyboard controller, remote and touchpad allow for easy navigation.

Apple – iPad 2 with Wi-Fi ($499.99-$699.99 bestbuy.com) Thinner, lighter, and full of great ideas. Once you pick up iPad 2, it’ll be hard to put down. That’s the idea behind the all-new design. It’s 33 percent thinner and up to 15 percent lighter, so it feels even more comfortable in your hands, and it

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makes surfing the web, checking email, watching movies, and reading books so natural, you might forget there’s incredible technology under your fingers. The iPad comes with two cam-eras, one on the front and one on the back. They may be tiny, but they’re a big deal. They’re designed for FaceTime video calling, and they work together so you can talk to your favorite people and see them smile and laugh back at you.

LG – 3D TV’s ($1099.99-$3599.98 bestbuy.com or lg.com) With LG Cinema 3D™ it’s easier than ever to share immer-sive 3D images. Bat-tery-free, flicker-free, low-cost glasses, just like the ones you get at the movies, allow users to outfit family and friends for an affordable price. There are even four free pairs included. And, with LG Cinema 3D’s wide horizontal viewing angles; you get the same 3D experience virtually any-where you sit. 3D isn’t just for the newest releases anymore. LG’s 2D-to-3D conversion feature can turn everything from cinema classics to sports to your TV favorites into larger-than-life 3D. It’s out with the old and in with the new.

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Stocking Stuffers

Are you someone who stocks every-one’s stockings during the holidays? Are you running out of ideas for items to place in a stocking for a particular person? Well take a look at our list of gifts and let the ideas for the perfect gift come crashing into your mind.

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BABIESJohnny Socks ($26.00 gifts.com) Cute and Colorful Socks Sets for Baby Boys. A boy’s never too young for sneakers -- especially when they’re this comfy. Cotton baby socks are printed to look like those classic kicks every guy lives in, complete with real shoe-lace ties. A selection of six pairs in a range of colors packaged in a gift-ready box prom-ises an early start to the “dirty socks on the floor” phenomenon.

Sophie Giraffe ($22.98 magiccabin.com) A new baby’s favor-ite toy! Lightweight and easy to grasp, it’s easy on teething gums and makes a delightful “squeak” when squeezed. Hand-made in France of flexible, renewable rubber, Sophie is the ideal crib companion for ages four months to two years.

KIDSApple iPod 2GB shuffle Bundle with choice of Acces-sory kit ($49.98 walmart.com) Introducing the new, colorful, clip-and-go 2GB Apple iPod shuffle. Its buttons give you an easy way to play your music. With a press of the Apple iPod shuffle’s VoiceOver button, you can hear the song’s title and artist, playlist menu, or battery status. And this new 2GB Apple iPod shuffle holds hundreds of songs, multiple playlists, and Genius Mixes, so you can always have the perfect music for every mood.

MegaBrands Blockhead Color Blanks with 2 Bonus Pens ($12.99 amazon.com) Create your own fun furry pals, rowdy animals or cool creatures by filling in the blanks, and model

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your own fun Pets with Color Blanks by Rose Art! This two-pack of Cat and Dog are poseable blank plastic figurines that allow you to design the look of your Pets down to the very last detail.

TEENSEmbroidered Pink Makeup Bag ($15.95 personalizationmall.com) Step out of the bath or shower in signature style with our personalized fuchsia pink robe and makeup bag. Fashionable pink kimono style robe and coordinating cosmetic bag feature stylish waffle-weave texture ready for you to sink into for a comfy, cozy morning or night. Both are custom embroidered with her name or single initial calling it hers alone!

Retro Game Controller iPhone 4G Cover ($11.99 perpetualkid.com ) You can now give your 4G iPhone a warm and cozy feel by snuggling into a retro-yet-functional hard-shell case! Our Retro Game Controller iPhone 4G case will bring back happy memories of years gone by. Re-member playing with Link and Mario alone on a sick day from school or mastering some Con-tra moves with a buddy?! Our Retro Game Controller iPhone 4G case will feel at home in your

hands. Up up down down left right left right B A B A Start! Technology is moving at the speed of light, and we love our fancy-shmancy newfangled gadgets. But sometimes it’s easi-er to bathe in the glow of a simpler time. Snaps easily into your iPhone 4G. Fits AT&T and Verizon models

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MENSBrookstone Wireless Key Finder ($49.95 brookstore.com) No more misplaced keys! Our new wireless key finder locates your lost keys with just the press of a button. Simply press one of the color-coded pager buttons on the compact wireless transmit-ter, and the matching key fob will answer with a loud, clear alarm from anywhere in your home. The sleek, compact transmitter fits easily and un-obtrusively on your counter-top, desk or dresser, and will locate your keys with ease.

Personalized Gold Cuff Links - Monogram Elite Col-lection ($31.15 personaliza-tionmall.com) For a polished look that’s his alone, choose our handsome cuff links from the Elite Collection©. A simple, yet sophisticated ac-cessory, crafted of polished

rhodium-plated brass (so they will never tarnish) with classic oval design and handsome filigree edge. Custom engraved with his single, two or three initial monogram for a signature style all his.

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Twelve DaTesof ChrisTmas

It’s that time of year again! Time for you to rack your brain with gift-giving ideas and try with all your might to salvage the cher-ished moments of the holidays over the commercialized clutter that can somewhat take over. Lucky for you there is Elevate Magazine to help you whittle down the choices with this month’s gift-giving feature. Not only are these ideas thoughtful, but they are inexpensive as well as creative, helping you leap right off the naughty list and onto the good.

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Most people, when in a relationship, love to be wined and dined. Sometimes, however, that puts a lot of added pressure to think up new ways to entice and entertain, which can feel a bit daunting. Why not give your leading love peace of mind this holiday season with twelve pre-planned/pre-paid dates? Twelve labeled envelopes and an imagination are all it takes to set this gift into motion. Some of the dates can take place at home or at your favorite local pub, the monthly gift could be Fandango movie tickets or even a gift-card to his or her favor-ite restaurant. Each month you can open it together and find out just what you will be doing to keep that spark alive. Warn-ing: this is not for the couple that just started dating. Know that a year of dates is in your future before investing in this gift, otherwise they may spook! But read on if you think your relationship has some longevity.

If you are worried that a years’ worth of gifts sounds expensive, think again. Breaking your dates into sweet and thoughtful surprises over the course of the year is actually cost-effective. That and it allows you to play around with novelty rendezvous

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that you might overlook if you are waiting till the last minute. In addition, not every date needs to have monetary value either. For those warm temperature months think outdoor adven-tures. Sometimes a little physical activity like hiking Crowder’s Mountain or even playing a board game on a blanket can be the most intimate time you spend together. If you find yourself needing to have a more traditional-style date, look for reser-vations for just dessert and after dinner drinks at local restau-rants. For the colder months you could splurge on lift-tickets at a nearby ski resort or go cheap with a Redbox coupon for one hot and steamy night in. The beauty of a date is they

are what you make them. The most important ingredients are the two of you. Don’t forget to be playful, thrifty, creative and inspiring. With many day-to-day activities it is easy as a couple to lose sight of what was attractive to you in the beginning. Seeing him trying to ice-skate or her try to throw that free shot for points in the bedroom can remind you of the beginning, when even the most mundane activities were exciting.

Executing this gift is easy as pie. To start, grab 12 manilla envelopes and label them with the months of the year. A cute note will suffice for any untangible outings that you may have planned. Bundle them together and stack them in a cute box or even all around the house. Feel free to splurge by looking through them together or evoke some mystery and drag out the holiday season all year by opening a new date at the be-ginning of each month.

Break the cycle of running through the mall trying to find the best sharper image or department store gift. Gift-giving in re-cent times has unfortunately become more about materials and less about what is important. Remind your partner with a combination of both, as to just how much they are appreci-ated. I can guarantee you won’t run the risk of disappointment.

Claire Morton, author of “Dine-and-Dash” www.dine-and-dash.com

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