Wiseman's View One of High Country NC's Best Kept Secrets

Hawksbill Mountain on the left

Ever heard of the cliche' "you don't have to go too far to discover great tourist spots in your own backyard?" Or you know, to that effect? Well, I should tell you that discovering Wiseman's View recently certainly falls into this category. Perhaps one of few remaining nature parks left untouched by modern development and considerably best kept secrets of the high country in the Carolinas.

Banner Elk Villa and Winery: A Home Away From Home!

First impression always plays a crucial role at any given time, setting or situation, though not in my case at this particular encounter. It was rather a case of  "first emotion" evoked by a certain place. This place is the Villa at Banner Elk Villa and Winery which sits atop a hill and overlooking the winery below. As soon as I walk through its huge, heavy wooden door and was met by the homey, welcoming atmosphere inside, my first words were "Wow, it feels like home".  And true enough, there is so much of Banner Elk Villa that makes one feel "at home!"

Fotografia of the Week: Sunset on the Autumn Equinox

Toyota Racing: Discovering The World of NASCAR

Inside Legendary driver Darrell Waltrip's Award-Winning race car

NASCAR has literally been under my nose this whole time but I never really see it. Nor tried to see it. Neither plan of ever seeing it. The reason? I've never been a big fan of the sports and I was OK not seeing it at all even though it's literally in my backyard. While living in Charlotte, I'm very aware of NASCAR and the prominent role it plays in the city and to its fans, but I remained oblivious to its existence. This, until Toyota put me behind the scene of NASCAR and immersed me in a world so immensely vast and different from what most people see on the surface.

Fall Sunrise in Charlotte

Sunrise over the skyline of uptown Charlotte

A rare scene for me. One that I normally don't see on a normal basis. But it's one of those things that makes me feel glorious when I see it. Simple pleasures in life that we sometimes don't often get the chance to relish... May your Sunday promises new hope and a fruitful week ahead.

Hobnobbing Over Dinner with TWIN @TypeAParent

One of the perks I love about being a part of a community like TWIN is the opportunity to network and commune with other women in the blogging society. And not just any women I dare say! These women are huge "wowza!" Huge in great character and influence - Shhh...what I really wanted to say were that these women are oozing with bodaciousness, bootyliciousness and beautifulness - I'm almost jealous! But of course, you won't hear me saying that in here. Are you nuts?

Photologue: Charlotte. My Pretty Queen City

I have a love-hate relationship with my City's uptown area. I hate going there. Period. Think traffic and one-way streets. But I also love being there. It's very nice out there sans the stuffs I hate. Sounds like every other normal relationship doesn't it? Well, it was the venue for the recent Type-A Parent Conference and I decided, "crazy gal, why not get more acquainted with your city?" I kind of did. And yes, I do talk to myself. Some. times.

See you at Mom Market @TypeAParent

Night scene at Uptown Charlotte's Center City

Type A Parent conference officially starts today and it's in my "backyard" this year! So thrilled that it is! It's close by which gives me the opportunity to go home and sleep in the comfort of my own bed at the end of the day - true translation: "It's saving me serious big bucks! Although being in Asheville right now doesn't sound so bad either as I think about uptown traffic especially in the morning... Gah! The dreaded morning and afternoon commute!

Zensible Mama Special Guest at PRSA Charlotte Coffee Chat

Mark your Calendars!

I always say nothing beats having coffee in the morning. And to top that with a good chat ... pure win! This May, I'm the special guest of Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Charlotte's Community Coffee Chat and I'm a little giddy with excitement and a little anxious because this is the first time I will be joining the chat! Though I do look forward to meeting members and chatting with this prestigious group!

Tai Chi Two-gether on Valentine's Day and Beyond

When we think of Valentine's day, the first thing that immediately pops up into our minds are roses and chocolates, a dinner date and love itself of course! Agree or not? Well, I wholeheartedly agree with love, dinner date and roses and that they will always be a very romantic part of the occasion but chocolates? Not so much. For those watching their weight and hoping to take the healthier path, chocolates may not fit the bill at all. But, there is a sweet gift which you can give not just your loved one but for yourself as well. The sweetest, truest form of love - the gift of health! Now that is a winner!

Giving Does Not End At Christmas Time

Zensible Mama's Maricris and Bronwyn Pressley at Bright Blessings new location in Matthews NC

I can't believe we're already a long ways into 2012 and January is almost over. Can I say it? "Where did the time go?" The Holidays seem to have sped by like a strong gust of wind. And before we know it, here we are gearing up for Valentines day! I sure kind of wish Holidays could be longer. Only because people are a lot kinder and seem in a timeless haze of giving. If you ask me, there should be no pause in giving and  should transcend beyond the holidays.

My Give-licious Reason for { My Birthday } Season

with Emily Nesbitt of Haven of Hope House Charlotte NC
receiving the toys

It feels darn good to be able to do something for others and give them a small token of gift especially on a day where you're supposed to be the one who should be receiving gifts! This is how my birthday is now. Three days before Christmas. It isn't as exciting as one thinks since I always get 2-in-one gifts growing up, but rather than sulking about what the past had been, I decided it's time I do something different now that I'm rather older mature. And that I did! This is the second year I'm doing Zensible Mama Gives as part of my birthday celebration... and it feels wonderful!

Photologue: Wild Clouds in the Sky

Go Mangos! - National Mango Board Charlotte Tour

Isn't it utterly magical when a certain situation, setting or even a whiff of a familiar scent brings you back to your childhood and the beautiful memories it conjures up with it? I had such a thing with the sight and taste of mangoes through Mangolicious recipes that Fran's Filling Station at Park Road created for the National Mango Board Mom Luncheon event where I was invited to attend.

Inventing Whiteness ~ Race: Are we so different?

Race. A very intriguing and controversial topic that always raise either hatred or discourse is brought to a new light to explore and boldly confront the most crucial issues of race and racism as Discovery Place brings a new exhibit Race: Are we so different? in Charlotte. An in-depth look at race on a scientific level.

One of the prominent wall posters inside the exhibit

Mobile Shots: Eat.Think.Smile Launch Party Photo Opps!

Eat.Think.Smile launch party went without a hitch! Even the weather partied with us. It was warm and sunny. Just perfect for a great launch party for a product with lots of potentials! I was definitely happy to have co-hosted the event! My group was one of those few lucky people in the entire city of Charlotte to try the new products out before it hits the shelves of Lowes Foods!

The hosts

Malise of Carolina Mama and Maricris of Zensible Mama

Mobile Shots: Winter Wonderland - At Last!!!

At last is right. No one can imagine how snow made me crave for it this year. Seriously. After an insane hit and miss before and after the holidays, there better be snow in my Winter time or bust! Winter is no winter without snow I tell ya. And much as other people in snow land states hates snow, we here in Charlotte especially me and my daughter, love it! We don't get them all the time. So when it snows...it's rock n' roll time!

My Best Birthday Gift Received - The Gift of Giving

I'm sure you've heard of the Birthday Toy Drive I did two weeks ago and who it was for and why I did it. Well, my special day finally came. Today is my birthday and what makes it so special is the opportunity to do something selfless. Instead of celebrating mine, I celebrated the life of the homeless children in my community with the help of family and friends. It maybe so cliche' but it's wonderful to do something that's superficially unusual to a dedicated philanthropist but something that I don't do on a regular basis and NOT at all "about me" this year.

Mobile Shots: Oh Christmas Tree!

We never had a real tree. Six Christmas years... But this year, it's going to be different. We're getting a real one...Our very first real Christmas Tree! A surprise my dear hubby concocted for the family for Christmas this year! So, our loyal fake tree remained stowed in the attic as the quest to find the perfect live tree ensued...

Blue Christmas Tree @North Lake Mall

Random Acts of Zhu Partnered with Zensible Mama Gives 2010 to benefit homeless Children

When I decided to hold a Toy drive for homeless children in Charlotte to celebrate my birthday differently this year - which is happening today, Random Acts of Zhu {RAZ} immediately stepped up to the challenge. Cepia LLC, makers of renowned toy Zhu Zhu pets have endowed me with 104 pieces of Zhu Zhu pets to give away to help bring happiness to underprivileged children in my community.