Local Stops « Lilac & Ivy

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Local Stops: Yoga Palace

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

Ever since my yoga instructor moved to a new studio pretty far from home, I’ve been on the hunt for somewhere to practice. Since I wasn’t quite sure what I needed, I contacted her for a recommendation and was told about Yoga Palace which was to open “later in the summer”. Well later this summer is finally here and I attended my first class on Monday.

People, I loved it. The Vinyasa class was a great pace and boy am I feeling it, even today. I’m excited to try classes with the different instructors and find out who is the best fit.

And the specials for their opening month. Wow, amazing!

If you’re searching for a new studio in center city (it’s on East by the Harris Teeter) with moderate sized classes I definitely recommend.

P.S. Yoga Palace has given me no financial contribution for this post. I simply loved them and thought you might too!

Image: Unknown

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Local Stops: Farm to Table Dinners

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

During the upcoming summer months local farm, Poplar Ridge, is offering a series of farm to table dinners accompanied by a lecture. For $65 you get beverages and a multiple course meal prepared by a local chef who is committed to supporting local, organic food. Past lecture topics have included sustainable agriculture, conservation, local food policy and more.

I’m thinking nothing could be better than enjoying a gourmet meal that’s only been picked hours earlier. And having it served by a chef outside at a local farm. Who’s in with me?

Image: Danny Boyster

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Pilates

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Pilates

I tried a new mat pilates class yesterday and loved it! I’m super sore in all the right places which to me is an indication of a great workout! This working out thing is getting easier and easier…

The studio holds a maximum of seven students so I really felt like I had individualized attention. Even better, it’s walking distance from my house. Definitely check out Pilates4U if you’re in Charlotte. I think you’ll love it!

Image: flickr

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Yoga

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

As many of you know, one of my New Years Resolutions was to start and maintain a realistic workout routine. So, in order to help meet this goal, I signed up for a 4-week introduction to Yoga class. I think both paying for the class and knowing I have a non-refundable commitment, will help me stay motivated.

I’ve enjoyed pilates for a while now, but think I would benefit from the mind-body-soul aspects of yoga. And as a more practical reason, my neurologist suggested it as a way to help me relax and hopefully prevent migraines so I can eventually get of the preventative medication. Plus, have you ever seen a yoga body? They’re so long and lean- beautiful!

The class starts the Tuesday after I get back from Greece– I hope I’m up for it! Fingers crossed that I love it, I really want to!
Image: flickr

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Local Stops: Blueberry Jam Vendor

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

Yesterday I made my usual Tuesday pickup of our CSA share and while at the market I picked up a few additional goodies. Among them, amazing blueberry jam. It’s so full of antioxidants but incredibly delicious–hard to believe it’s so good for you!

If you’ve never had homemade jam you’re missing out. If you’re in the Charlotte area, I definitely recommend stopping by The Tailgate and at By Lucille’s table. (Psst….she also has many other flavors!) Enjoy!
Image: The Boastful Baker

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Local Stops: Crêpe Cellar Kitchen & Pub

Monday, August 31st, 2009

Over the weekend we tried a new restaurant, Crêpe Cellar Kitchen & Pub, in which their specialty is, you guessed it, crepe’s! Now before you go dissin’ crêpe’s, think again! These are light and fluffy and filled with goodies like spinach, mushrooms and goat cheese. Or, how about ham and cheddar cheese. The restaurant is small and really feels like a European pub offering the best European beers on tap and of course other dishes besides crêpes. Dishes like steak and frites, French bread pizzas, fish and chips and black and blue po boys. And obviously there are the dessert crêpes too- bananas foster, mixed berries with vanilla ice cream or how about bananas and nutella…

If you’re in Charlotte I definitely recommend you check it out. But go early, we went at 2 PM and it was packed!

Crêpe Cellar Kitchen & Pub
3116 N. Davidson Street
Charlotte, NC 28205
704-910-6543

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Weekend Snapshots: Wine Tasting

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

As I mentioned yesterday, we went to the opening of Brandon Hills Vineyard in the Yadkin Valley. It was a wonderful afternoon with Stephen, my Mom and Step-Dad.

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3/50 Project

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

The 3/50 project I posted about a bit ago finally got some national coverage! The article does a nice job of showing how supporting your local brick and mortar shops can really make a difference!

Posted in Local Stops, Read | 1 Comment »

Buy Local

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

I’ve read about the 3/50 Project on a few blogs and thought it was a great reminder of how we can all make a difference in our individual communities. Spending $50 per month on three local stores truly isn’t hard.

Here in Charlotte, my favorites local, independent stores are Laurel Market which has some great sandwiches and a pretty mean cup of coffee. And it’s walking distance from my home, making it all that much better. Luxe Home Couture, where I go for all my stylish home goods. And finally, The Tailgate Market, which doesn’t fit the exact guidelines of the 3/50 Project because it has lots of vendors, but I think it’s so important to shop locally for food and this is one of the only ways farmers are able to sell their goods, so I thought I’d include them too.

What city are you in and what are your local favorites?

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First Snow

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

We had our first snow here in Charlotte! I know it’s not unusual for some of my readers, but here in North Carolina it only happens about once a year. Because the city doesn’t have snow plows or ice machines, everything seems to shut down. Here you can see views looking out from my front porch. {P.S. Sorry for the poor quality of the pictures. Although my iPhone takes great quality images, I was shivering and I’m afraid you can see that in these pictures!}

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Restaurant Week

Friday, January 16th, 2009

To all you Charlotteans: Queen’s Feast Restaurant Week starts January 24 and runs through the 30th. There are many great restaurants to choose from with many you definitely couldn’t eat at for $30 for a 3 course meal. Click here for your choices and of course be sure to make your reservations soon!

Image via flickr

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NASCAR Race

Tuesday, October 14th, 2008

This past weekend we went to the Bank of America 500 NASCAR Race and it was a blast! It’s not one of those things where I want to go back next month or even next year for that matter, but, it had great people watching and it was so much better than viewing it on TV. Below is a video Stephen took for the restart after a few caution laps following an accident.

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Greek Festival

Monday, September 8th, 2008

This past weekend we went to the Greek Festival at the major Greek Orthodox church in town. It was so fun to see the dancing and beautiful artwork. But, of course the food was the highlight. I need to remember to eat Greek more often! {image via FrizzText}

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Instant Organic Garden

Friday, August 8th, 2008

One day when I have more than an urban patio, I want to start a small urban garden. Sometimes though, the task seems so huge and costly, it makes me worried that I’d put a lot of time and effort into it and nothing would grow! When the time comes and if we’re still in Charlotte, I’m definitely going to be using this company to help me. {image via maomau}

Posted in Green Living, Local Stops, Outdoor | No Comments »

Local Stops: POPS in the Park

Friday, June 6th, 2008

POPS in the Park starts their five-week run this Sunday! It’s the perfect gathering for friends. If you’re in Charlotte grabs some drinks and a blanket, pack a picnic and enjoy the symphony for free {and in a far less stuffy environment}!