Pink to Green: charlotte

Showing posts with label charlotte. Show all posts

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Black Door: Before and After

For a couple of hours of effort, I couldn't be happier with the way my latest project turned out. Here's the before and after shot:

I'm loving the results so much that I'm working on the rest of the doors on the first floor; here is another one in progress:

I did a lot of research about black paint before I started this project and ended up choosing to use a high gloss black from Mythic Paint which is a high-performance, eco-friendy paint. I was very happy with the results and even happier with the fact that this paint had virtually NO fumes. I would highly recommend Mythic Paint for the next project in your house. If you're interested in where you can purchase in your area click here.

For my friends in Charlotte, you can purchase Mythic Paint at Hunter Paint. If you go, let Andy, the owner, know I sent you. Andy is very knowledgable about paint, but more specifically about eco-friendly paint and varnish products; I was so pleased with my conversation with him. I love to meet local small business owners who are marketing progressive green products. I would definitely recommend Hunter Paint if you are in the area.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Blis Uptown Boutique

You know that stuff you never knew you wanted!? Well I know where to find it in Charlotte- Blis Uptown. Blis is my go-to place for fun gifts; I can always find unique jewelry, baby gifts and perfect hostess swag. Plus, I always end up finding a thing or two I want to take home for myself!

Susan and Whitney are the mother/daughter duo behind Blis and they have an eye for local brands such as Town and Reese, Bella Tunno and Neela which are featured in store. I admire these ladies for living their dream and opening a boutique after throwing around the idea for years-what is more heartwarming than a mother and daughter succeeding together? Proving two heads are better than one, they stock on-point items that appeal to all types of shoppers. From melamine platters to the perfect summer scarf their evolving inventory makes frequent stops a must.

I recently stopped by to take pictures of my favorite pieces; aptly called Blis, and I think you'll see why.

Charlotte readers, please find Blis online here or follow them on Facebook for insider deals!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Style File: The Guys Guide

I'm excited to introduce to you another friend with impeccable taste. I've been receiving reader request for men's fashion and styling and could think of no better person than my friend Alex to speak to that topic. Perhaps the most sartorially astute guy I know, Alex agreed to share his summer must haves and the best places around the Queen City to get the look.

Summer down South can only be accurately described with words like “sweltering,” or “scorching” and sometimes even “unbearable.” With all of the heat and humidity bearing down on one’s summer plans, it is absolutely necessary that a man dresses in a manner that keeps him cool, while still managing to project a certain level of sophistication. Fabrics like linen and seersucker should be staples of any man’s summer wardrobe; they offer versatility and are sure to keep one cool in even the hottest conditions. Of course, a man’s choice of clothing will always be a matter of preference, but it is imperative that a he knows where to go to get them.

Below are two of my favorite spots in the Queen City where a man can find just about anything to suit him during the summer months…

Fairclough & Co. is located in historic Myers Park, and features some of the finest men’s clothing available: Southern Tide polo shirts and shorts, Southern Proper ties, Alden shoes , Bill’s Khakis , and a variety of custom suits and shirtings. Fairclough & Co. has a very knowledgeable and friendly staff (visit enough and they’ll know you by name), with a unique custom clothing selection that “ reflects the classic lines of British hand tailoring, adapted to a more relaxed American style .” Address:Fairclough & Co.

102 Middleton Drive
Charlotte, NC 28207

Paul Simon Co. has locations in Myers Park and Southpark, respectively. This is another one of my favorites, where you can find a great selection of suits, shirts, and shoes, as well as custom clothing from Hickey Freeman and Peter Millar. Paul Simon Co. also features a very knowledgeable and friendly staff who are always eager to assist you.

Address:
Myers Park
Paul Simon Co.
1027 Providence Road
Charlotte, NC 28207
South Park
Paul Simon Co.
4300 Sharon Road
Charlotte, NC 28211

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Lisa Sherry Interieurs

Lisa Sherry is a Charlotte designer with a lot of style. Her second home on Bald Head Island, featured in Charlotte Home and Garden caught my attention a couple months ago. While visiting her portfolio for more inspiration I stumbled upon an amazing local home. I'm not sure what I love most, the neutral color palate, the lucite chairs or the gallery wall.

{Images via Lisa Sherry Interieurs }

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

What a pair...

I am so enamored with these chairs! But with no place to put them, I'm just dreaming about the possibilities. I need to get to Post and Grey asap.

PS- for more fabulous finds, you must check out Holly's blog; she is the brains behind these lovelies, just imagine the goodness on her blog!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Charlotte Taste Maker: Tasty-Yo Frozen Yogurt

My latest Charlotte obsession is Tasty-Yo Frozen Yogurt in NoDa. Chatting with the co-owner, Michelle, I was equally impressed with her innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit as I was the delicious desserts she serves up.

Michele was inspired to bring healthy frozen yogurt to her hometown of Charlotte after enjoying a similar shop while living in DC. On my first visit, I savored a "tree hugger" which is a menu favorite full of fresh fruit and topped with handmade granola and let me tell you, the granola was sooo good that I had to buy some to bring home.

Michelle is all about making Tasty-yo environmentally responsible and serving only the best products-- and it shows. The local farmers market is the source of all of their fruit toppings, Kings Drive is her favorite. All the way from the paint they used to brighten the store [low VOC] to the biodegradable forks and spoons, they have thought of everything.

NoDo's burgeoning foodie offerings will definitely have me making a trip to this part of town more often, but come next month, you'll also be able to enjoy Tasty-Yo on the Southern Part of town. A second location will be opening in the developing LEED certified community near Ballantyne!

Be sure to follow Tasty-Yo on Twitter for updates and coupons HERE

{image via Tasty-Yo and Charlotte Magazine}

Monday, November 2, 2009

Pack and Save

If you're ready to effect change, you could earn some change on your next shopping trip. Just in time for the holidays, notable retailers have started offering incentives to shop with reusable bags.

- Target: America's 5th largest retailer, now offers 5 cents off your purchase for each reusable bag you use to pack your purchase.
-CVS: Is offering a bonus for going sans plastic; they will credit your CVS card $1 every four times you buy something that doesn't require a bag.

Tip: Make your life easy by keeping reusable bags in your car or in your purse so that you'll have them handy. I promise, that like anything else, it's just a matter of getting in the habit.

I've recently discovered a Charlotte based company that makes a wonderful collection of reusable bags- Neela.

My inner perfectionist loves the idea of a matching set of bags to pull out at the grocery store and my inner prep loves the option to monogram your selections.

Neela has a variety of sizes in an affordable price range. The Denali tote comes in a little pouch that folds up to perfectly tuck into a purse and it only $7. The market tote is larger than a standard paper bag, comes in fun patterns and is only $7. They even have insulated totes for only $14.

(I also love the two organizations they support through a portion of their proceeds.)

I've written about reusable bags a lot before and have a few favorites, but I'm interested-- what do you use? Do you have favorites that I should check out?
{all images via Neela }

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Sleepy Poet Antique Mall

One of my favorite ways to recycle is shopping vintage and antiques. Don’t get me wrong, I love the mall as much as the next guy, but there is something so satisfying about finding the perfect piece second hand.

Since moving to Charlotte, one of my favorite places to hunt for treasures is Sleepy Poet Antique Mall. This place is big—we’re talking 55,000 sq. feet of furniture, fabric, accessories and vintage clothes.

I’ve yet to walk out of there without something in my hand, last time it was the perfect leopard print vintage scarf and most recently was one of our biggest scores yet...

I’ve been looking for ages for something affordable that looks like this:

This one from Horchow is $400

This is what we found:

This one is from Sleepy Poet for $35

Here are a few of the other things that caught my eye while wandering around:

Check out their website for more information: Sleepy Poet Antique Mall

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Charlotte Taste Maker: Delish Gourmet Cupcakes

I was lucky enough to receive Delish Gourmet Cupcakes on my birthday this year, and I hope to include them in many subsequent celebrations. Charlotte baker, Aryn Keogh, keeps busy in the kitchen whipping up her coveted treats for everything from corporate lunches to weddings. With a range of tantalizing flavors and a flair for artistic flourishes, such as life-like sugar butterflies perched atop frosting, Delish Gourmet Cupcakes are a favorite on the Charlotte scene.

The mother daughter team behind these perennially popular confections is as cute as the cupcakes they offer; beyond the out-of-this world taste of their cupcakes, working with them to create a personalized presentation is no doubt what brings back clients time after time.

Here is a sweet peek behind the scenes:
Where do you get your inspiration?
My mom and I could be considered shopaholics! I get my inspiration from looking at clothing patterns, jewelry, and other knick knacks. I also read lots of magazines in order to keep up with current styles.

What is your favorite part of the business?
I love designing custom cupcakes stands and decorations for weddings.

When you’re not in the kitchen with cupcakes, do you have other favorite things to bake/cook?
I can make a mean peanut butter cookie!

What has been the most challenging design to execute?
Fondant flowers are always tricky to design as making them look realistic is a true art.

What are some of your favorite Charlotte places? (restaurants, shopping etc.)
I LOVE TJMaxx! As for restaurants, Bombay Cuisine (Indian food) has got a really great lunch buffet. I often take a drive out to Latta Plantation for a walk by the lake.

A big thank you to Aryn and be sure to visit Delish online, HERE, for lots of yummy eye candy!

Monday, July 20, 2009

Eco-Style Profile: Organica Deluxe

Organica Deluxe is a fusion of elegant taste and eco-mindedness; the online boutique is a treasure trove of beautiful gifts and tempting splurges. (Remember how excited I was to discover them?)

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with the stylish women behind Organica Deluxe’s success, Wendy James and Jane Hunter. Purveyors of all things eco-stylish, their collaboration is a testiment to the fact that it is possible to be both chic and green. With 6 children between them, these busy Charlotte moms also enjoy making time to share the best and most beautiful eco-gifts around.

Both Wendy and Jane are enthusiastic about being green and hope that Organica Deluxe is a fun way for others to do the same. They want customers to feel good about the gifts they buy on the site; their eco-conscious mantra is applied to both the products and the packaging. Wendy and Jane have found a way to wrap up eco-luxury in a very pretty (and green) bow.

Here is a peak behind the scenes:
Where did you get the inspiration to start Organica Deluxe ?
We created Organica Deluxe because we wanted a beautiful place to buy eco-friendly and organic for ourselves and our friends. We recognized that organic companies often miss the gorgeous and even miss the green when creating packaging. We love chocolates and wines and wanted others to know organic choices are amazing. We were tired of smelling flowers that were super-charged with pesticides, we wanted our babies to be clothed in pure organic cottons and we like companies who care about customers and put that caring into each gift package.

If you were to receive a gift from Organica Deluxe , what product would you most like to receive and why?
Our roses! The box is amazing, the roses are beautiful, the blooms last longer than most roses and the farm that grows these pesticide-free flowers takes such good care of their land and people.

Tell us about how you like to incorporate going green into your everyday life?
Make an effort to recycle as much as possible, change to more environmentally friendly light bulbs, stock the refrigerator with organic and natural foods; even working with a homeopath to reduce toxins and medicines in our lives.

Do you have any advice for someone who would like to start going down that road?
Small steps are great steps.

Favorite Charlotte picks?
Enjoy walking in our city – to parks, to school, to meetings.
Excited about the some new restaurants – Good Food on Monford and Basil
Love the old Manor Theater

*********************************************************

Wendy and Jane have graciously extended a discount to Pink to Green readers; now until August 31st, enjoy 15% off your order at Organica Deluxe !!

Enter pinktogreen upon checkout and enjoy your summer shopping.

{ image }