Giveaway Time!!

As you know (since I've been talking about it for weeks) consignment sales start soon with the CMOMs sale. There are lots of great ones all spring, and we have a GREAT giveaway this week from Charlotte Style Exchange for early bird shopping passes. See our FACEBOOK PAGE on Monday for details.

Do you love your pediatrician, your OB, your go-to restaurant with the kids? It's time again for Charlotte Smarty Pants' 2012 Smarty Awards. Vote for your faves today!!

Last but not least...the CIRCUS is coming to town!! Use the code BIGTOP at www.ticketmaster.com to get $6 off your tickets!!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, January 30

• In case you're a regular at Discovery Place Kids, know that the water table will be CLOSED through Wednesday...just trying to save you a meltdown!
• Check out one of the many Charlotte Library storytimes today. Lots to choose from, and FREE! More info...
• Be a part of the Parent & Tot Meet and Greet today at Ray's Splash Planet, 10am-3pm. More info...

Tuesday, January 31

• Head to the Elon Recreation Center this morning at 10am for TAPP: Toddlers And Parent Playtime. More info...
• Ages 4 to 5 are invited to Winghaven Gardens for Youngsters Environmental Education Program at 10am. Please register. More info...
• Did you have a Pen Pal growing up? Get your children stated early during Pen Pal Day at Discovery Place Kids at 11:15am, and 1:15pm. More info...

Wednesday, February 1

• Rumor has it that the RINGMASTER from the circus will be at Family Storytime today at 11am at the Morrison Library. More info... 
• The Latta Plantation Nature Center is calling all homeschoolers for Homeschool Eco-Crew: Worms Eat Our Garbage this afternoon at 1pm. Space is limited. More info...
• Check out Rock & Read BINGO this afternoon at 4pm at the Scaleybark library. For elementary ages. More info...
• The circus comes to town!! Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey's "Fully Charged" will be at Time Warner Cable Arena through Sunday. More info...

Thursday, February 2 - Groundhog Day

• It's Groundhog Day. Celebrate with fun crafts at Discovery Place Kids at 11:15am and 1:15pm. More info...
• Today is Soup Day at the McDowell Nature Center at 11:30am. More info... 
• You don't want want to miss the Groundhog Day festivities this afternoon at the Charlotte Nature Museum...shadow check with Queen Charlotte at 4pm!! More info...

Friday, February 3

• You and your preschooler can learn about Great Groundhogs this morning at 10am at the McDowell Nature Center. More info... 
• It's FUN Friday: Hat Day all day long at Discovery Place Kids. More info...
• Head to Imaginon today at 11am for Yoga Storytime. More info...
• Tonight is Jazz at the Bechtler beginning at 6pm. More info...

Saturday, February 4

• Shop til you drop at the St. Ann's Annual Attic & Bake Sale 8am-1pm. More info...
• Don't miss the Fossil Fair today at the Schiele Museum, 9am-4pm. More info...
• Lace up your shoes for the UNC Charlotte 49ers Gold Rush 5K beginning at 9am. More info...
• Ray's Splash Planet is offering something for the grownups with classes in their aerobics studio. Check out Kickboxing today at 9:30 (More info...) , and Pilates today at 10:30 (More info...). $3 a class can't be beat!
• Check out the Saturday Art Session for all ages at the MINT Museum Randoph. 10am-3pm. More info...
• Don't miss the Danstallation shows today at the MINT Uptown and The Bechtler. More info...
• Yummy in the tummy...it's Souper Bowl 2012 in Davidson today, 11am-2pm. More info...
• It's Science Saturday today at 2pm at the Davidson Library, and at 3pm at the West Blvd. library. More info...
• Plan a date night or a fun Girls Night Out to Art With Heart and support a great organization More info... , or head to the Neighborhood Theatre for Queen City Brewers' Festival More info....

Sunday, February 5

• Take your preschoolers to see Tarrididdle Tales at the Children's Theatre of Charlotte today at 2pm. (shows Saturday, too) More info...
• Ages 6 and up are invited to Painting With a Twist this afternoon at 3:00 for Kids/Teens Choice. Register online. More info...
• Not that you could forget, but Superbowl XLVI kicks off tonight at 6:30pm. More info...

Save the Date:

February 10 Dreaming of Summer Camp More info...
February 11 CMOMs Consignment Sale More info...
February 11 Fairy House Festival More info...
February 11 Family Day at the Bechtler More info...
March 24 Harlem Globetrotters More info...
March 30-April 1 Sesame Street LIVE: Elmo's Super Heroes More info...
April 5 Fresh Beat Band Live (Durham) More info...
April 21 Sarcoma Stomp More info...
April 22 8th Annual Hope Floats Duck Race More info...
April 27 Queen City Mom Prom More info...


Have an event or happening that The Queen City Buzz should know about? Email queencitybuzz@gmail.com with details.

Time flies...

How is it possibly almost February already. Time flies when you're having fun, I suppose. I am sure am ready for this rainy weather to fly away. If there's going to be precipitation in January, can it at least be white??

Ready to plan your summer already? Then check out our Summer Camps 2012 list here. Have more to add to the list? Please email them to queencitybuzz@gmail.com

And get the kids' wardrobes ready for spring and summer with the many upcoming consignment sales. Our list here has been updated!!

Enjoy this last week of the month with some of these fun activities below...

Monday, January 23

• Don't forget that CMS has a teacher workday today!
• FREE Breakfast from Chick-Fil-A?  Yes, please!!! More info...
• Ages 4 to 6 are invited to Winghaven Gardens at 10am for A New Home for the Birds. Please register. More info...
• Get outside this morning and experience Nature's Noises at the McDowell Nature Center at 10:30am.More info...
• Register your elementary age students now for the French Ducks in Venice - Author Visit today at 4pm. More info...
• Remember that Charlotte Restaurant Week continues all this week! More info...

Tuesday, January 24

• The Hickory Grove Recreation Center hosts Musical Exploration today at 10:30am and 2:00pm. More info...
• Gaston Day School hosts a Summer Camp Fair today 12-6pm. More info...     
• I bet your kids love GoodNight Gorilla. Go on a themed animal scavenger hunt today at Discovery Place Kids at 11:15am and 1:15pm. More info...
• If you homeschool, take the kids to the Reedy Creek Nature Center at 1:30pm for Winter Homeschool Nature: Nature Heroes.      More info...
• Check out LEGO Engineering this afternoon at 4:45 at the Tom Sykes Recreation Center. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. New York Knicks More info...

Wednesday, January 25

• Already planning your summer? Check out Charlotte Parent's 2012 Online Camp Fair. More info...
• As of press time, there are THREE spots remaining for this afternoon's Creating with Books at the Morrison Library. Register now!! More info...
• Head to the Scaleybark library at 4pm to play Tell a Story Game. More info...

Thursday, January 26

• Check out Animal Tracks today at Discovery Place Kids at 11:15am and 1:15pm. More info...
• Students in grade 2 to 5 are invited to the Morrison library at 4pm for I read it. I liked it. NOW what do I read? Registration required. More info...
• Charlotte Checkers vs. Rockford Icehogs (tomorrow, too) More info...

Friday, January 27

• It's always a FUN Friday at Discovery Place Kids. Today you're Going on a Bear Hunt all day long!! More info...
• Head to the Independence library today at 11:15am for Listen & Move Preschool Storytime. More info...
• There's another cool homeschool adventure this week. Today is Homeschool Special: Reptiles & Amphibians at the McDowell Nature Center at 1pm. More info...
• Register now for Fun Friday this afternoon at the Tom Sykes Recreation Center beginning at 2:45pm. More info...

Saturday, January 28

• Check out the Musical Petting Zoo today at Imaginon beginning at 12:00pm. More info...
• Take the whole family to the Reedy Creek Nature Center this afternoon for Wonderful and Wild Winter: An Open Classroom Experience. More info...
• Head to Imaginon with the family today to watch Newspaper Movies: Sweet Smell of Success at 3pm. More info...
• Looking for something different to do for date night? Head to the Knight Theater tonight to see the UNC Clef Hangers. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Washington Wizards More info...

Sunday, January 29

• Groundhog Day is next week! Head to the Latta Plantation Nature Center today at 2pm to check out Nature's Folklore: Animal Weather Predictions. More info...

Save the Date:

February 1-5 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus More info...
February 2 Groundhog Day @ Charlotte Nature Museum More info...
February 10 Dreaming of Summer Camp More info...
February 11 CMOMs Consignment Sale More info...
February 11 Fairy House Festival More info...
March 24 Harlem Globetrotters More info...
March 30-April 1 Sesame Street LIVE: Elmo's Super Heroes More info...
April 5 Fresh Beat Band Live (Durham) More info...


Have an event or happening that The Queen City Buzz should know about? Email queencitybuzz@gmail.com with details.

I Have A Dream

On Monday, we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. No matter your race or nationality, it's hard to deny that he was an impressive man. Here are some of my favorite quotes of his...

• "Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase."
• "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
• "Everything that we see is a shadow cast by that which we do not see."
• "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."
• "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

Dream big, Buzz readers, and have a wonderful week!!

Blessings,
The Buzz


Don't forget about our Consignment Sale List...the first ones are right around the corner!


Monday, January 16 - Dr. Mr. Luther King, Jr. Day

• Make sure you know what's open and what's not today. More info...
• The Levine Museum of the New South has FREE admission today in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2012. More info...
• Also FREE, you can check out MLK Day 2012: Finding Harmony in Difference today at the Harvey B. Gantt Center. Lots of events to choose from. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Cleveland Cavaliers More info...

Tuesday, January 17

• The Buzz is super excited about the Mint Museum Uptown's Toddler Time at the Mint. Please pre-register. More info...
• Don't forget your mittens when you check out and make Ice Paintings at 11:15am and 1:15pm at Discovery Place Kids. More info... 
• Head to the North County library this afternoon at 4pm for a Chinese New Year Celebration: Lion Dance. More info...
• Charlotte Checkers vs. Grand Rapids Griffins More info...

Wednesday, January 18

• Who knew there was a World Day of Snowman? Celebrate all day long at Discovery Place Kids. More info... 
•  Elementary age students are invited to the Scaleybark library at 4pm today for Schoolage Math Games. More info... 
• Lots of library storytimes around today. Find the one that works best for your family. More info... 

Thursday, January 19

• Ages 3 to 5 are invited to Winghaven Gardens this morning at 10am for Animal Tracks. Registration required. More info...
• I remember making mudpies in my driveway as a kid. Today you can take your preschooler to Pre-K Gardeners at the Latta Plantation Nature Center to make his or her own! More info...
• Science, weather and more at Discovery Place Kids today during Tornado Tubes at 11:15am and 1:15pm. More info...

Friday, January 20

• Don;t miss Music with Holly this morning at Imaginon at 11:30am. More info...
• The Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam comes to Time Warner Cable Arena with shows today and tomorrow. More info...
• The Borrowers begins tonight at Children's Theatre of Charlotte. Shows through February 5th. More info...
• Yummy in the Tummy...Charlotte Restaurant Week begins today. More info...

Saturday, January 21

• Check out Animal Charades this morning at 10am at Frank Liske Park in Concord. Reserve your spot by Thursday. More info...
• It's always a good time at the Nature Museum. Head over today for Chicken Day: Calling All Cluckers. 10am-1pm. More info...
• Chickens not enough wildlife for you? The Carolina Raptor Center hosts Eagle Appreciation Day today. More info...
• NASCAR fans in your house? Don't miss NASCAR Acceleration Weekend right here in Charlotte today and tomorrow. More info...
• The Schiele Museum in Gastonia presents Scaly, Slithery Snakes today at 11am. More info...
• So many holidays I didn't know about...today is National Squirrel Appreciation Day. Celebrate at the Reedy Creek Nature Center at 2pm. More info...
• As of press time, there is ONE spot left for Science Saturday at the Matthews library this afternoon at 2pm. Register NOW!!  More info...

Sunday, January 22

• Little scientists in your house? Head to the Reedy Creek Nature Center at 3pm to dissect Owl Pellets. More info..., or have the little ones check out Warm & Fuzzies at 3pm at the Latta Plantation Nature Center. More info...

Save the Date:

February 1-5 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus More info...
February 11 CMOMs Consignment Sale More info...
March 24 Harlem Globetrotters More info...
March 30-April 1 Sesame Street LIVE: Elmo's Super Heroes More info...
April 5 Fresh Beat Band Live (Durham) More info...

Have an event or happening that The Queen City Buzz should know about? Email queencitybuzz@gmail.com with details.

Back to Life...

Back to Reality!! Hope everyone had a great first post-holidays week. We struggled a bit to get back into the routine, but we had a good week overall.  Went from FREEZING at the beginning of the week to GORGEOUS Friday and Saturday. Wondering if winter is going to really make an appearance this year or not (fine with me if it decides to take the year off). Taking my oldest on a preschool field trip to Discovery Place Kids this week...I can't wait, but you might want to avoid that place on Thursday morning unless you care to spend your morning with 60 fun four-year olds!!! Lots of fun things happening this week...enjoy!

Monday, January 9

• Take your little one to Revolution Park Sports Academy at 10am for Kids Dance Company: Mom & Me at 10am. More info...
• Head to the Schiele Museum today at 10:30 or 1:30 for Natural Storytime. Designed for ages 3 to 6. More info...

Tuesday, January 10

• If you homeschool, take your children to the Mallard Creek Rec Center today at 12:30 to learn about Latin culture during Que Rico. More info... 
• Jump into Penguin Paradise at Discovery Place Kids today at 11:15am and 1:15pm. More info...
• Ages 6 to 8 are invited to Winghaven today at 3:45 for Whoo's Here? More info...
• Check out LEGO Engineering this afternoon at 4:45 at the Tom Sykes Recreation Center. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Houston Rockets More info...

Wednesday, January 11

• Check out Noah's Art Southpark this afternoon for a Playdate from 4-4:50pm. Crafts geared for ages 2 and up; $5/child. More info...
• Charlotte Checkers vs. Hershey Bears (tomorrow, too)  More info...

Thursday, January 12

• Today's the day for Snowflake Art at Discovery Place Kids at 11:15am (the 60 fun four-year olds should be gone by then), and 1:15pm. More info...
• Learn about Outdoor Cooking this evening at the Mallard Creek Nature Center. More info...

Friday, January 13

• Just for preschoolers, check out Critters in Winter this morning at 10:30 at the McDowell Nature Center. More info...
• Head to the University City library today to learn Traditional Indian Dance with Dr. Maya Gingrich at 3pm. More info... 
• The Beatties Ford library will be Celebrating the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr. this afternoon at 3pm. Please register. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Detroit Pistons More info...

Saturday, January 14

• No lacing shoes today...take part in the Polar Barefoot 5K at Freedom Park. More info... 
• Enjoy the MLK Holiday Parade starting today at 11am. More info...
• The Reedy Creek Nature Center hosts a Robinson Rockhouse History Hike today at 1pm. More info...
• Need a date night? Drop the kids of at Noah's Art for their Parents Night Out! Call to reserve your spot. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Golden State Warriors More info...

Sunday, January 15

• Tickets are going fast for The Emperor's New Clothes presented by the Grey Seal Puppets at Children's Theatre. More info...
• Today is Sunday Funday at the Mint Museum Uptown. 1-4pm. More info...
• Charlotte Checkers vs. Grand Rapids Griffins More info...

Save the Date:

January 20-29 Queens Feast - Charlotte Restaurant Week More info...
February 1-5 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus More info...
February 11 CMOMs Consignment Sale More info...
March 24 Harlem Globetrotters More info...
March 30-April 1 Sesame Street LIVE: Elmo's Super Heroes More info...
April 5 Fresh Beat Band Live (Durham) More info...

Happy New Year!!!

Hope everyone rang in the new year in style...I did in my pajama style, behind my closed eyelids. Maybe I'll ring in 2013 in a little more stylish manner!! Kids go back to school this week (YIPPEE), hubby goes back to regular work schedule (ugh...it has been so nice to have him around more than usual these past 2 weeks), and I'm getting ready to start some new routines: a diet routine, an exercise routine, and an organizational/homekeeping routine (check out Clean Mama for help in this area). Hope you have some great plans and dreams for 2012!!!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Now that the holidays are over, it's time for my next favorite time of the year...Consignment Sale Season starts next month. Check out our list here, and send any others you know of to queencitybuzz@gmail.com, so that we can add them to the list.

Monday, January 2

• Skate your heart out all week long at WBT Holiday on Ice. The rink goes away at 7pm on Sunday. More info...
• Head to Discovery Place to check out their Mummies of the World Exhibit. More info...

Tuesday, January 3

• Storytimes at the libraries have been on hiatus, but THEY'RE BACK starting today...check out all of your options. More info... 
• Charlotte Checkers vs. San Antonio Rampage (tomorrow, too) More info...

Wednesday, January 4

• Ages 2 to 6 are invited to Mallard Creek Rec Center today at 10am for Art: Paint Without Brushes. Please register. More info... 
• Enjoy Yoga Storytime this morning at 11am at Imaginon. More info... 
• Head to the Scaleybark Library today at 4pm to learn about Louise Braille. Designed for elementary aged students. More info...

Thursday, January 5

• Head to Discovery Place Kids to make a bird feeder during It's For the Birds today at 11:15am and 1:15pm. More info...
• Plan a date night and attend New South for the New Southerner and learn about plans for the DNC coming to Charlotte in September. More info...

Friday, January 6

• Today is Beach Day all day long at Discovery Place Kids. The weather is COLD outside, but it's BEACHY inside!! More info... 
• Catch Arenacross and Monster Trucks in one at Bojangle's Coliseum for Bad Boys of Racing today and tomorrow. Take your earplugs!! More info...
• Check out the Nature at Night Open House at the McDowell Nature Center. 6-8pm. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Atlanta Hawks More info...

Saturday, January 7

• Check out the Winter Wonderland today 10am-4pm at the Latta Plantation Nature Center. More info...

• Don't miss the Romare Bearden Community Homecoming Celebration today and tomorrow at the MINT Uptown. More info...

• Disney fans in your household? Head to the Belk Theater today at 2:30 or 8pm for Disney in Concert  with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. More info... 
• Check out high tech treasure hunting during Geocaching today at the Latta Plantation Nature Center. Ages 7 and up. 10am and 1pm. Please register. More info...
• Head to Camp TN Spencer Park in Concord to celebrate Native American New Year. More info...
• It's time for this year's Repticon - Reptile & Exotic Animal Show at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center. More info...

Sunday, January 8

• Put your hiking boots on and explore Winter Wildlife this afternoon at 1pm at the Latta Plantation Nature Center. More info...
• Latta Plantation presents Civil War Homefront & Winter Quarters today 1-4pm. More info...

Save the Date:

February 1-5 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus More info...
February 11 CMOMs Consignment Sale More info...
March 24 Harlem Globetrotters More info...
March 30-April 1 Sesame Street LIVE: Elmo's Super Heroes More info...
April 5 Fresh Beat Band Live (Durham) More info...