Smarty Scoop on Weekend Activities: 11/13-11/15

By Courtenay W

Hello Smarties. Of course the beautiful weather would be replaced by rain but I can’t complain. How many of you were wearing shorts on Sunday?! This weekend starts early with several events beginning on Thursday. Roger Day is in town and if you haven’t taken the kiddos to see him – do. He is fantastic and your whole family will love the show. You can also get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping by visiting the Sugar and Spice Show, support the “mompreneurs”. There are many more fun, family events happening this weekend so get out and enjoy!


Sugar and Spice Show
8001 Alexander Road Charlotte, (on the corner of Brackenbury and Alexander Road)
November 12-13, Thurs., 6:00pm-10:00pm; Fri., 9:00am-1:00pm
Calling all Santas...
Are you making your list? Checking it twice?
Come shop and save at Sugar and Spice!
The Sugar and Spice Show is an annual holiday shopping event that showcases the businesses of local women, many of whom are stay at home moms. We strive to offer unique and quality products and designs at the most affordable prices. This year’s vendors include: A Fly on the Wall, Brella Baby, Good & Perfect Gifts, Holiday Cards by Sarah Pay, Lilly Bug & Co., Lollie Dollie, LoveSara, Sweet LaLa’s, and Vintage jewelry by Sydney Gaylord.

"Elmo's Green Thumb"
Bojangles' Coliseum
November 12-14, Thu.-Fri. 10:30am and 7pm; Sat. 10:30am and 2pm; Sun. 1pm and 4:30pm
Join your favorite friends on an amazing adventure as they help Elmo find a new home for Sunny the sunflower, when Sesame Street Live comes to town. Cost is $14-$23.

Roger Day
Wachovia Playhouse
November 13-14, Fri. 7:30pm, Sat. 11:00am and 1:00pm
Encouraging kids to sing loud, jump high, and dream big, two-time Parents Choice Award-winner Roger Day entertains over 100,000 children and adults each year. His energetic live performances incorporate his trademark wit, whimsy, and wordplay, all grounded in the joy of a powerful love and respect for children. Roger urges kids to reach their potential by using body and brain, mind and muscle, in a show that the Dallas Morning News called "joyful and empowering." For ages 3 and older. Cost is $12-$14.

The Great Gobblefest
Harris YMCA
November 13, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Families enjoy food, family trivia, games for all ages, prizes and giveaways and more. Donated items will be used for the Harris YMCA’s Community Outreach program. Cost is Free, with canned food donation.

Loïs Maliou Jones: A Life in Vibrant Color
Mint Museum of Art
November 13, 6:00pm-9:00pm
See this exhibition before it opens at First Friday at the Mint Museum of Art. Enjoy the stunning exhibition, performances by the Queens University Chamber Signers and the Johnson C. Smith University Choir, a cash bar, lecture by Barry Gaither, hands-on activities, and more. Exhibit runs from November 14, 2009-February 27,2010. Cost is members FREE, non-members $10. Call Pat Viser at 704/337-2011 to make a reservation.

Berenstain Bears Tour
Joseph-Beth Booksellers
November 14, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Michael Berenstain, son of Berenstain Bears creators Stan and Jan Berenstain, signs copies of his new faith-based "Living Lights" books. Meet Papa Bear and Mama Bear and watch a drawing demonstration of the characters.

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinics: #48 Garage
Area Lowe’s stores
November 14, 10:00am-11:00am
Kids can build a cool NASCAR garage. The first 50 to register and be present get a kit, apron and goggles. Recommended for kids in first-fifth grades. Cost is free, register on the Build and Grow website.

Native American Indian Celebration
Charlotte Museum of History
November 14, 11:00am-3:00pm
Honor the area's American Indian heritage through traditional song, dance, art and storytelling. The events features the Southern Suns Drummers, Cherokee traditionalist Freeman Owle, Catawba potter Keith "Little Bear" Brown, Lumbee storyteller Barbara Locklear, the Aztec dance group Grupo Painalli, and traditional dancers from regional tribes. Cost is free.

Family Saturday at Mint Museum
Mint Museum of Art
November 14, 10:30am-2:30pm
Prepare to get messy at the museum's classroom art studios. Explore the styles in African American artist Lois Mailou Jones' exhibition, create a patterned African “cloth” or dabble in still life drawing and painting. Projects geared for all ages. Cost is $10, kids free with paying adult.

Rock the Runway!
Harris YMCA
November 14, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Event to feature fashion show and silent auction with Sheri Lynch of the nationally syndicated "Bob & Sheri Show" as emcee. All proceeds to benefit Harris YMCA Community Outreach. Tickets available at the member services desk. Cost is $25.

CMPD Free Rabies Clinic
CMPD Animal Care & Control
November 14, 8:00am-11:00am
All dogs, cats and ferrets four months and older residing in Charlotte, Mint Hill, Pineville and the unincorporated areas of Mecklenburg County must be licensed annually. A rabies vaccination is required to purchase a license. Dogs must be leashed and cats in carriers. Please bring ID with your current address or a utility bill that shows your current address. Everyone who is in line before 11AM will be served. Line cuts off at 11AM. Please see CMPS Animal care and Control website for more information or call.

Boogie Woogie Books
ImaginOn
November 13-14, Fri., 10:00am, 11:00am, 3:30pm; Sat., 3:30pm
Kids can really get their groove on with this program.

Backyard Composting
Reedy Creek Nature Center
November 14, 12:00pm-1:30pm
Learn how recycling your kitchen garbage and lawn waste can save you money and why ‘grass-cycling’ is good for your lawn. See how a well-made compost pile can provide rich, wonderful ‘black gold’ for your yard and garden. Presented by Mary Stauble, extension master gardener, master composter and PLANT (Piedmont Landscape and Naturescape Training) instructor for Mecklenburg County.

3rd Annual Mint to Be Yours Tag Sale
Atherton Mill, 2000 South Blvd.
November 13-14, Fri., 9:00am-1:00pm; Sat., 8:00am-1:00pm
Get deep discounts on everything from furniture to designer jewelry at the 3rd Annual Mint to Be Yours Tag Sale. Organized by the Mint Museum Auxiliary, the sale features consigned and gently-used items from some of Charlotte’s most beautiful homes. Proceeds benefit education programs and acquisition efforts at The Mint Museum. The sale will feature fine home furnishings and décor, antiques, rugs, designer handbags and garden accessories marked 50% to 75% off original retail prices. This year the Auxiliary has also added artwork by regional artists and galleries and jewelry by local designers, including Turq Jewelry and Laura James. Other participating retailers include Acquisitions, Hotham and Lucy & Company. Items will be marked down an additional 50% beginning at noon on Saturday. Admission is $5. Unsold items will be donated to Habitat for Humanity.

Southern Christmas Show
The Park (formerly Charlotte Merchandise Mart)
November 11-22, Sun.-Tues 10:00am-6:00pm; Wed.-Sat. 10:00am-9:00pm
Six acres of holiday crafts, gifts, decorations to explore, festive food to sample, art to inspire and plenty to wrap up and take home. It’s the South’s favorite Christmas tradition. Cost is $7.50-$9 adults, $3 ages 6-12, free 6 and under.

Please share your events! Email me at courtenay@charlottesmartypants.com.

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Smarty Rave: Shutterfly Share Site

By Ashley H
I've been on a kick lately with bringing yall my new found favs and today is no exception. I've been a member of Shutterfly for years and continue to be impressed with the advances they make to their product offerings. Their Shutterfly share site is no exception, LOVE this!

What I love most about my personal family Shutterfly share site is that anytime I update my site it automatically emails my selected friends and family with a link to my site letting them know there's an update to view if they so choose. I no longer have to find the photo album I want to share and make a hundred selects of people to receive it...it's all done for me! On the Shutterfly share site there is also a place to upload video, a place for guests to leave comments, a Family Update component so others can keep up with your activities/travels, a place to list links to your favorite websites (CSP no brainer!), and a section for others to view & order any photo books I've created. It also keeps lists of all the other friends & family Shutterfly share sites that I follow. I'm a fan and love how much easier it is to share.

Have you created one of these for yourself and have a comment to share? Or do you have a tip on another great share site that we should know about?! Do tell please!

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Breaking News: 1 million strollers recalled by Maclaren

By Jen P.

Stop using your Maclarens, Smarties! They are voluntarily recalling one million strollers sold in the U.S. since 1999.

A side hinge mechanism poses the risk of cutting or amputating a child's fingers when the stroller is being opened or closed, the British company admitted today. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately. Maclaren is planning to provide a free kit to cover the stroller's hinge mechanism.

The affected models include Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, TechnoXLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveler.

For additional information, contact Maclaren USA or at (877) 688-2326.

**Note, the Maclaren website is down at the moment, I'm sure they are overloaded so keep trying to get through.

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Smarty Alert - Tory Burch Ballet Flats 30% off at Monkees!

By Jen P.

Actually, this CSP discount can be 30% off ANY item in Monkee's, however I've had my eye on new Tory Burch ballets for a while! We can thank our super Smarty friends at www.scoopcharlotte.com for this tip! If you are new to Scoop Charlotte, I encourage you to check them out. They are in the know on all things stylish, shopping and on sale in the Queen City.

Monkee's at Morrocroft/SouthPark has an impressive selection of fall shoes at a range of prices, my faves are the Tory Burch collection of course (best selection in town, hands down). The Frye boots were quite tempting as well. Their accessories are to-die for and affordable I might add. Clothing lines at this fashionista boutique include brands such as Prairie New York, Liquid, Lauren Moffet, Alice and Trixie, Bobi and Shoshana, to name a few.

Just print out this handy coupon below and you'll get your 30% off one item in the store. Monkee's is also hosting a Mother's Morning Out from 8a-11a on Thursday, November 19th. Drop the kiddies off at school and head on over for a fabulous morning of pure shopping bliss and get 25% off your ENTIRE purchase. Coffee and a light breakfast will be served. Shopping doesn't get any better than this, Smarties!

Hurry in, this Smarty sale ends November 23rd. Happy shopping!

****Update from Monkee's of Lake Norman****
Each Monkee's store is individually-owned so their promotions may vary. After speaking with Sandy at LKN, she has decided to offer a "Fall into Savings" promotion early to CSP readers. This sale is scheduled to start later on in the month, but since we're all so Smarty, we get in on the scoop early! Monkee's of Lake Norman is offering 25% off your ENTIRE purchase of shoes or clothing. Just print out this blog and off you go! Some restrictions apply and all sales are final. Thanks, Sandy!

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Korres Natural Products

By Dana D

Hey ladies! If you haven’t tried Korres Natural Products, then you need to give it a whirl. I love that they are all natural, work well and are in a good price range. This company was established in 1996 out of Greece’s oldest homeopathic pharmacy. They focus on aging and other skin care issues. They even have a men’s skin care line, hair care products and candles. I have not been disappointed with any product I have tried from Korres. The Guava body butter and shower gel are divine!

When is use their products I feel like I am on an exotic vacation. The lip balm is terrific and looks amazing, a great product especially with the cold weather approaching. I used the cleansing wipes instead of lugging along my cleanser while on vacation. Another Korres product that is so easy and works great!. Again, you can’t beat the quality of this line and its affordability. Check out their full line of products at www.korres.com. You can find their best sellers on the site and get tips from the “people” at Korres on what products they like and how they use them.

You can order online or find the products locally at Sephora, Dillards and Jeffre Scott Apothecary. They are having great specials and it’s never too soon to start stocking up on holiday gifts. Korres was just featured in the September issue of Lucky Magazine and if you enter the code you get a 30% discount. If you ever happen to be in L.A. hit Fred Segal to check it out or if you are in NYC, check out their flagship store in SoHo. Can you tell I am itching for a long weekend retreat?

Oh, you have to love their eco conscious policy and commitment to the environment. All packaging is recyclable.

Enjoy!

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Smarty Mom: Cara Viers

By Jen P.

Happy Smarty Mom Saturday! I'm happy to introduce you to Cara Viers, Queen Diva of the Harris YMCA! Cara is mom to Morgan (12) and Jake (10) and has been married to hubby, Jason, for 13 years.

Cara was one of my first idols as a new mom. I met her 6 years ago when my oldest participated in her first Camp Tutu. What a magical production that was! Cara paid attention to every detail from the real life princess appearance to the different theme each week, the girls experienced five days of fairytale enchantment! Two birthday parties, a handful of weeks at Camp Tutu and Camp Diva, and endless hours at Childwatch, Cara Viers became threaded through my daily mom routine. I have always been so impressed with her passion for little princesses, her love of her career and overall positive outlook on life in general. She literally lights up a room every time she enters it!

Let's meet Smarty Cara!

As a mom of two and a successful business woman, what are your best tips as to how to balance it all, which you seem to do so well?
I don't really balance it well at all. I always wish that I either did not have to sleep, or that there were more hours in a day (especially since I really love sleeping!). I am always juggling many tasks and don't always feel like any of them get my full attention. However, I know that I like to be busy, I love my kids and my husband and I am driven to work and be successful. The price for this is to be busy and I spend all my time prioritizing what needs my attention first and the most. I have decided that I have to accept the fact that I will not get everything done perfectly or tied up into a nice pretty package at the end of every day, although I wish for this all the time. I try to be there for everyone that needs me and I spend alot of time apologizing to those I do not get too. When it is all done, I just want to make a small difference in this world and to be a great example for my kids.

As our Smarties are reading this, you will be twirling around the Harris Y putting on your amazingly enchanted "A Princess Breakfast." What inspired you to put on this special treat for Charlotte princesses-in-the-making?
I love Disney! We go every year, sometimes twice! I am running a Disney Half Marathon in March and we are avid Disney Pin collectors as a family (we have more then 500 pins!). I love all my little sweet ballerinas and I wanted them to have a special opportunity to be treated like a princess without leaving Charlotte. I love to see them smile and hear them laugh and this event does that for them and their mommy or daddy. It creates a special memory of time together and makes them so happy at the same time. I walk on cloud nine when I can give these children a special experience like this and serve them in this unique and creative way.

We often refer to you as the "Diva of the Harris Y!" Tell us about your latest runway project, "Rock the Runway" on Saturday, 11/14.
I am so excited about this project! My husband Jason and I own a salon here in Charlotte named Salon 42. I wanted to bring that passion for my husband and our business together with my love for the YMCA and the efforts that I spend in raising money for our Community Outreach Programs. On November 14, we will host a first time ever Fashion Show right in the Gym of the Harris YMCA. The tickets are $25 and all proceeds will go to benefiting children in our Starfish Literacy Program and families at the McCrorey YMCA so that they can have opportunities and experiences like everyone else. Partnering with Salon 42 for the hair and Old Navy, Banana Republic and Asana for the clothes, we are going to literally Rock the Runway here in Charlotte! Nothing but Noodles is generously providing the food and we have an amazing silent auction of items to choose from, this will be great Christmas shopping! I hope that people will join us to see real life people modeling everyday, wearable clothes while raising money for a great cause. Tickets are available at Salon 42 and at Harris and Harris Express YMCA's.

Favorite family-activity in Charlotte?
We love to Letterbox (Smarties, this topic seems worthy of it's own blog - stay tuned...)

Favorite kids-activity?
Still Letterboxing!

Favorite mommy-time activity in Charlotte?
I love Shopping!

Favorite place to take the whole fam to dinner?
Mexican Food all the way!

Minivan or SUV?
Totally SUV!

Favorite date-night spot?
We are so lame, we love to hang at home together when we actually get the time.

Favorite lunch spot with your girlfriends?
what girlfriends? (teasing...)-love Bronte Bistro in Joseph Beth Bookstore.

Favorite GNO outing?
Movies

Favorite place to get a birthday cake/treat?
Edible Art, Y-U-M!

Best birthday party you've attended/hosted?
Every party is the best! I love to celebrate with everyone and to see the birthday person smile...birthdays are the most special holiday of the year!

Best book you've read lately?
Loved the Glass Castle.

Funniest thing your children have ever said to you?
My kids were little and discussing my son's kindergarten love. My daughter (big second grader at the time) was providing him advice as to how to impress her. He became frustrated and threw his hand up and exclaimed, "It is never going to work, I am a scribble scrabbler and she colors in the lines!"

Favorite CSP blog this far?
All of them, really!

Smartiest way you save $?
Coupons at the grocery store. I love it when the manager has to come and over ride the transaction because it was too much money discounted! I usually shout whohoo!!! when this happens.

I could not live without my...
...cell phone, sad as it is, it is the only way to stay in touch with all I have going on!

Thanks, Cara and best of luck with your super Smarty endeavors! See you next week at Rock the Runway!

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What's for Breakfast?

By Guest Blogger Amy W

My girlfriend Angie asked this question via email to a group of mommies

:

"Thought I would ask some of you mommies what you guys do for breakfast on school days, I am looking for ideas for fast and easy but nutritious things for breakfast, seems like it can be such a battle in the morning to find something that he will eat fast that does not take forever to make and not loaded with bad stuff. Would love to hear some suggestions if you have time."

Very interesting inquiry. Quick? Nutritious? Can you have both? Right now, I consider it a good day if they just eat!!!


Crash refuses to go in carpool, he’s a 5th grader and he FINALLY gets to sit in the back seats of the bus, and he is not going to miss this golden opportunity. So he gets himself up at 5:45 AM!!! To get a quick shower (because that’s what 5th graders do MOM…) then he wakes me up at 6…I wake up Pootie and Lola. Peanut, the baby, thankfully will stay asleep for a tad longer. 


Crash and I go downstairs, and while I fix 4 lunches (Hubby takes his lunch because he is driving to Cleveland County every day right now and leaving to eat lunch would just waste time….) Crash scarf’s something down. Anything…bagel, English muffin, cereal (it’s fortified for goodness sakes, and has the recommended daily allowances and that’s controlled by the government…so it has to be healthy, right?). I figure if he slathers a bit of jelly on the bagel or English muffin that’s a fruit…has a glass of milk or OJ. He has covered one or two of the food groups for the day. And he races out the door at 6:25 to catch the bus that comes at 6:33 AM!!!

One down, two to go. 

Lola hates eating breakfast (she’s a girl.) I keep waiting for the day when she tells me she’ll just have a diet coke or cup of coffee; she is my child after all. I think I’ve accomplished something major if I can get her to take a couple of bites of anything. Instant oatmeal is top on her short list of things she’ll eat for breakfast. One food group if we are lucky!!!! She rides in carpool with one of the neighbors and doesn’t have to leave until 6:50. She says the bus in the morning is over rated.

One more left, Jack, the middle school man-child. He eats a minimum of two bowls of cereal AND occasionally an English muffin or bagel. Of course, he is at the stage of eating anything that is not tied down. So after wolfing down his box, I mean bowls, of fortified government controlled cereal, he heads out the door.

All by 7 a.m.!

Thanks, Amy for sharing your story - TOTALLY made me laugh out loud! I can certainly relate, as I'm sure many of our Smarty readers can as well. But to your friend's original question: " what's for breakfast?" I would love to hear any quick and easy ideas you might have for breakfast options ... and hey, if they're ultra nutritious to boot, all the better! You can find more of Amy's Smarty humor on her blog, www.momcani.blogspot.com. Enjoy! -- TS

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No Television?

By Jenny D.

TV - was the big no, no word among my friends when we had our first babies. "My children are not allowed to watch TV" or "My kids get 30 minutes a day of educational TV and that's it." As a working mom, I made it clear to my caregivers that having the TV on during the day wasn't an option.

Then like most things in our house, the creep happened. We started with only letting the kids watch Curious George in the morning while I got ready for work. That quickly turned into two episodes. And then we got a TV in our kitchen so that my husband could watch football on Sundays while he cooked all day. Soon the girls began to ask if they could watch a show here and there while we were making lunch or dinner. Then on nights when I had to get work done, the TV became an option to keep them occupied.

Just putting all of this in writing makes me feel terrible. I love spending time with my kids, doing crafts and playing games. Letting the TV become my crutch was a terrible habit that I had gotten into. I have wondered if my old friends stuck to their guns about it?

This fall we had to move out of our house for a couple of weeks during a home remodel (the longest couple of weeks of my life!). We had family friends offer up their house at the lake for us to stay. It was such a generous gesture; we were thrilled. Then we got up there and remembered this house had no TV or internet and cell phone usage was spotty. At first I was out of sorts, feeling unconnected. I had no idea what was going on in the world, more importantly how to dress my children for school because I couldn't check the weather. And the worst of it...I had to wait until I got to work to get my daily fix of Charlotte Smarty Pants.

After a couple of days, we settled into our new place and started to enjoy life without distractions. The girls and I got back into our old routine of playing board games and reading more. And in the mornings, the girls ran around and played with each other instead of watching television while I got ready for work. I started to enjoy the quiet in the house and not wondering what was on TV. The girls even started to put on plays for entertainment. We had a blast living old school.

So for all of you moms who have managed to keep TV watching at a minimum, I applaud you. I also ask that you don't hold this against me. I know that TV will still be in our future - I have to face it, we are TV-watching family. But I plan to be more aware of it and make sure that the family time, fun and creativity come first.

I would love to know that there are some other Smarty moms out there that have found themselves in this situation, any one willing to confess?

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Smarty Scoop on Weekend Activities: 11/06-11/08

By Courtenay W

Happy November Smarties! I hope that the sick germs are staying away from your households so that you can get out and enjoy the weekend. There are some great events in town and at some of our around town spots. Don’t forget to visit some of our favorites in town as well, ImaginOn, Discovery Place and our fantastic parks. Have a great and Smarty weekend. If you have events you would like to share, please email me at Courtenay@charlottesmartypants.com.

CureSearch Walk to Conquer Kids' Cancer
Freedom Park
November 7, Registration and Check In @ 9:00am & Opening Ceremony and Walk @ 10:00am
Join us as we celebrate and honor children from the Charlotte, NC area who have been affected by childhood cancer. This very special day will take place at Freedom Park and will include prizes, music, food, and fun activities for the entire family! This is a walk to increase awareness of childhood cancer and to raise the revenue needed to support the life saving research conducted by the Children’s Oncology Group. Proceeds from the walk will benefit CureSearch: National Children’s Cancer Foundation. The NCCF provides funding for the vast majority of pediatric research programs at the top 200+ children’s hospitals, including all local children’s hospitals that treat our youngest cancer warriors. You can join local team “Go Grier Go” and help support Grier Christenbury as he fights this disease.

Mr. Nigel's Music & Friends Story Time
Joseph-Beth Booksellers & Bistro
November 6, 11:15am
Have fun with Mr. Nigel as he sings, plays intruments and reads books. Children will have fun while learning!

1st Annual Fun Fest Charlotte by Charlotte Speech and Hearing
Park Road Park, Shelter 2
November 7, noon-4:00pm
Charlotte Speech and Hearing will be doing free speech, fine motor and gross motor screenings for kids, and hearing screenings for all ages. Many moms love an opportunity to ask professionals a few questions about their child's development and make sure everything is on track. Here is a great opportunity, along with lots of activities to wear the little ones out on a beautiful day-cheap! There will be bounce houses, face painting, pumpkin races, carnival games and prizes, fire truck, Carolina Clowns, arts and crafts, bake sale, food/drinks and free child identity kits and more.

"Charlotte's Web"
Matthews Playhouse
November 6-8, Fri., 7:30pm; Sat. and Sun., 2:00pm
E.B. White's classic tale of friendship and love comes to life in this Matthews Playhouse production. Cost is $10, $9 students.

Step Afrika!
Children's Theatre of Charlotte
November 7, 11:00am
Rhythmic. Engaging. Electrifying. Experience Step Afrika!, the world's first professional company dedicated to stepping, a unique art form born at African American fraternities and based in African traditions. The dancers use their bodies as instruments, and their intricate kicks, stomps and rhythms mixed with spoken word pound the floor and fill the air. Don't miss a show that the Washington Post called "a virtuosic performance to make the venerable Alvin Ailey dancers sigh." Cost is $12-$14.

Gold Panning
Historic Latta Plantation
November 7, 10:00am-4:00pm
Learn about Charlotte's rich gold mining history and pan for gold at the miner's cabin, enjoy local root beer and listen to music. Cost is $6 adults, $5 students, free 5 and under.

Ocean Activity Center
The Schiele Museum of Natural History
November 7-8, Saturdays, 9am-5pm; Sundays, 1-5pm
Learn about animals that live in the ocean through hands-on exploration. Explore the characteristics marine animals have that help them live in a unique habitat. Cost is $7 adults, $6 ages 4-18.

Rural Hill Sheep Dog Trials
Rural Hill Center of Scottish Heritage, Huntersville
November 7-8, Gates open 8:30am, more activities start at 10am
More than 100 dogs compete in this trial. There are also family activities - bounce house, hayrides, antique tractor display, Pumpkin Chunkin' and a maze. Cost is $10, $7 ages 5-12, free 4 and under.

13th Annual Adoption Expo
International Trade Center, 200 N. College St.
November 7, 8:30am-4:00pm
Southern Piedmont Adoptive Families (SPAFA) will offer expo attendees opportunities to learn from adoptive parents how they can build their families through adoption.

Crossroads Pumpkin Fest
Downtown Statesville
November 7, 10:00am-5:00pm
Enjoy the Festival Kids Zone, games, rides and activities, more than 50 art and craft exhibitors, pie eating contest, cornhole tournament, biggest pumpkin contest and more.

Crafting Jewelry
Mint Hill Library
November 7, 10:00am
Rings, bracelets, pendants-- you decide what to make and Tammy Morris, teaching artist from Mint Hill Arts, will help you complete your project. All ages are welcome but if you are 6 and under you will need an adult to assist you.

CMPD Pet Adoption
SouthPark Mall
November 7, 10:00am-4:00pm
Held the first Saturday of each month, the public can meet orphaned dogs and cats available for adoption. Shelter staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions.

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Coobie Crazy

By Ashley H
First came my Hanky Panky Smarty Pick and now I have found the B-E-S-T bra ever invented, the Coobie! Seriously, ladies, it's the most comfort your girls will ever experience. This is a one size fits all seamless bra...no joke...the Coobie covers all from 32A to 36D and speaking for the itty bitty club the fit is incredible!

I love the scoopneck (pictured) but it also comes in a v-neck with lace trim (great cami look for low cut shirts) and bandeau. You can even work out in the Coobie. The Coobie has removable padding and pads should be removed before washing. Everyone from teens to glam-ma will love this! Be sure to put it on your Smarty Christmas list or bring THE gift to your holiday white elephant party with a Coobie (or pair of Hanky Pankys). I found my scoopneck Coobie at Ava Lilly's in Cornelius for $18 but these styles are also available online at Coobie for $18-$22. If you've tried out a Coobie let us know your thoughts and/or share your own personal bra recommendation...every Smarty needs a good one!

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