Love You Granny...

My grandmother, "Granny", passed away this week. She was my last living grandparent, and though the loss has been hard for my family, especially her children, it was such a blessing for her, as she has been ready to "go home" for some time now. Almost 93 years on this earth and she was such a wonderful lady.

Pretty sure I got my love of bargain hunting and shopping from her. She would start her Christmas shopping for the next year, the day after Christmas each year (maybe even earlier). And she was a serious catalog shopper, with Fingerhut and Lillian Vernon being two of her faves (can't believe they are still around)...her gift closet was NO JOKE!

She was such a cool grandmother, too...every time we went to visit, she would take my sister and me to Baskin-Robbins for a banana split (I'm planning to indulge in one this week in her honor). She taught us, and was a stickler for, table manners."Elbows off the table Mabel" and always passing the salt and pepper together because they are "married" are the two I remember best. In addition, she taught us how to make ourselves burp, and let me tell you, we have some seriously talented burpers in our family now!! I just hope to be half as wonderful as she was to me,  to my own children and grandchildren, and I know that heaven is a bit brighter today having welcomed her in!!

Love you Granny!!

Blessings,
The Buzz


Our Consignment Sale list has been updated!!

Monday, February 27

• Today is International Polar Bear Day. Celebrate at the Ray's Playhouse Berewick Recreation Center at 11am. More info...
• Splash around at Ray's Splash Planet today during the Parent & Tot Meet and Greet. More info...
• Head to the Beatties Ford library tonight at 6:30 for NASA Exploration: Past, Present & Future. More info...
• Hear the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra tonight in their Winter Concert at CPCC's Halton Theatre at 7:30pm. More info...
• The CIAA Tournament kicks off today with events throughout Charlotte all week long. More info...

Tuesday, February 28

• Ages 1 to 4 are invited to the Gaston County Museum today at 10am for Terrific Toddler Tuesday: African Traditions & Folklore. More info...
• Sign your kids up for LEGO Engineering at the Tom Sykes Recreation Center this afternoon at 4:45pm. More info...
• Probably not for your little ones, but older children and parents can enjoy David: The Movie as part of the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival tonight at 7pm at the Levine JCC. More info... 

Wednesday, February 29

• Don't miss out on the deals to be had at Sail Again Children's Consignment in Cornelius More info..., or the For Every Season consignment sale in Fort Mill. More info.... Both start today!
• Today's the day for the February Youngsters Environmental Education Program (YEEP) at Winghaven Gardens at 10am. Please register. More info...
• Toddlers and preschoolers are invited to Imaginon this morning at 10:15am for Literacy Circle Time. More info...
• Ages 3 to 6 are invited to MINT Museum Randolph location for a Mini-Master Art Workshop: Royal Crowns & Capes at 10:30am. More info...
• Mr. Twister: The Balloon Man pays a visit to the Mountain Island Library today at 4pm. More info...

Thursday, March 1

• The Lower School Theatre at Charlotte Christian School presents Willy Wonka Kids with shows through Saturday at 7pm. More info...
• Check out the great deals on boutique clothing at The Posh Closet Sale today 10am-5pm, and 6-9pm. http://theposhclosetsale.com/pages/salehours.htm 
• The Upscale WeeSale in Rock Hill begins today at 4pm,  More info..., and the Harrison United Methodist Church Consignment Sale begins today at 6pm. More info...
• Don't forget that Kids Eat Free at Earthfare tonight with a $5 purchase. Check out all the Kids Eat Free info on our list. More info... 

Friday, March 2 

• Head to the Matthews library today at 3:30pm for the Dr. Seuss Celebration!! More info...
• Check out Family Game Night tonight, 6-8pm, at The Brain Trainer. More info...
• Need a date night instead? Head to Jazz at the Bechtler beginning at 6pm. More info...
• Don't miss Step Afrika! at the Children's Theatre of Charlotte. Shows tonight at 7:30pm, and tomorrow at 11am and 2pm. More info...

Saturday, March 3

• Don't miss the Spring/Summer Kids Konsignment Sale at the Harris YMCA today. 8am-12pm & 1:30-5pm. More info..., the University City United Methodist Church Consignment Sale, 8-10:30am, 12-2pm. More info..., or Union Academy's Tot 2 Teen Consignment Sale, 7:30-11:30am, 12-2pm. More info...
• Check out Art of the Blacksmith today and tomorrow at Latta Plantation. More info...
• Head to the Mint Museum's Randolph location for a Saturday Art Session: Simple Printmaking today 10am-3pm. More info...
• Do you have a child with special needs? Head to the South County Library for Sensory Storytime at 10:30am. More info... 
• Summer will be here before you know, so prepare now at Charlotte Parent's Summer Camp Expo at Carolina Place Mall 11am-4pm. More info...
• Today is Apron Chronicles: Family Day at the Charlotte Museum of History. 1-3pm. More info...

Sunday, March 4

• Make it a date or a family outing with a Southern Breezes Carriage Tour of uptown Charlotte. More info...
• Take part in the FREE Family Game Day today at Spandex City Comics & More. 2-4pm. More info...
• Ages 8 and up are invited to Studio i Stories for Tweens: Diary of a Wimpy Kid at Imaginon at 2pm. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. New Jersey Nets More info...

Save the Date:

March 17 Cookies for Kids Cancer 5K & Bake 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...
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.

Mommy shopping time...

I've talked a lot on here about consignment sales for kids; there are SO many great ones, and this week there's also one for YOU!! Charlotte Style Exchange begins Thursday evening with items for women, teens, and for the home. Check out their website here to find all of the important information, and see pictures of great finds from previous sales.  Tarheel Kids Consignment (formerly Tot Trade Charlotte) is also this weekend, and there's a great small scale sale at the Park Crossing Swim & Racquet Club. Find details on all of these sales on our Consignment Sale Page.

Consignment shopping not your thing? Did you know that the Lilly Pulitzer store opened on Friday at Southpark? Check out this review from The Queen City Style!!

Hope you have a wonderful week!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, February 20 - Presidents Day

• No School for CMS!
• School's out so head to Painting With a Twist for Kid's Choice today 10:30am-12:30pm. More info...
• Students in grades 3 through 5 are invited to the Matthews Library for a Treasure Island Adventure at 3pm. Please register. More info...
• Take part in Motivational Mondays at Master Kutz Beauty & Barber Salon and get FREE haircuts for the kids! More info...
• If you home school, you may want to check out Full Circle Academy's Information Meeting tonight at 7pm. More info...

Tuesday, February 21

• No School for CMS!
• Ages 3 to 5 are invited to Winghaven Gardens this morning at 10am for Feelin' Froggy! Please register. More info...
• Check out the Symphony Guild's Musical Petting Zoo today at noon at Imaginon. More info... 
• Today, children in grades 1 through 3 can head to the Matthews Library for Focus on an Artist: Faith Ringgold at 2pm. More info...
• Don't miss LEGOmania this afternoon at the Morrison Library beginning at 2pm. More info...
• Check out the Mint Museum Randolph's ArtFusion: Masks tonight 6-9pm, and FREE! More info...

Wednesday, February 22

• The Scaleybark library hosts It's Your Game this afternoon at 4pm for elementary age children. More info...
• Children in grades 2 to 4 are invited to be a part of the Geronimo Stilton Book Club this afternoon at 4:30pm at the South County library. Please register. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Indiana Pacers More info...

Thursday, February 23

• Carolina Place Mall kicks off their Family Fun Day series this morning at 11am. Bing, Bang, Boom will headline along with Coldblooded Encounters, and facepainting by Nanabelle. More info...
• Head to the Harrisburg library this afternoon at 4:30pm to Explore the Underground Railroad. More info...
• The British American School and Charlotte Parent are hosting a luncheon seminar today on The Advantages of Early Childhood Education at noon at The Ballantyne Hotel. More info...
• Students in grades K through 5 can check out and create Optical Illusions this afternoon at 4pm at the Mint Hill Library. More info.../ 

• Don't miss The Charlotte Style Exchange. The shopping kicks off tonight at 6pm!! Hope our early shopping pass winners enjoy themselves!! More info...
• Shopping for the kids? Tarheel Kids Consignment (formerly TotTrade) also begins tonight at 6pm. More info...

Friday, February 24

• The Kernersville Moravian Church Preschool Consignment Sale is today and tomorrow. More info...
• Check out Music with Holly today at 11:30am at Imaginon. More info...
• Don't miss the Progressive International Motorcycle Show this weekend at the convention center. Starts this afternoon at 4pm. More info...
• Don't miss the Turtle Parade Pizza Party today at 5pm at Painting with a Twist. Sign up today! More info...
• Matthews Playhouse presents Treasure Island with shows through March 4th. More info...
• Charlotte Checkers vs. Oklahoma City Barons (tomorrow, too!) More info...

Saturday, February 25

• Check out Dance, Dance, Dance! today at 10am at the Harvey B. Gantt Center. More info...
• Register your elementary students to participate in Paws to Read this morning at the Morrison library at 10:30am. More info...
• Imaginon presents an Every Child Ready to Read Parent Workshop today at 11am. Please register. More info...
• The Independance library hosts Sharing the Heart of African Energy Through Movement at 11am. More info...
• Starting at 2pm, Macy's at Northlake Mall will Celebrate the 100th Birthday of Romare Bearden. More info...
• Register now for Celebrate Black History Month today at 2pm at the Morrison library. More info...
• Head to the Gaston County Library at 2pm for The Rhythm of the Drum with The Healing Force. More info...
• Charlotte Speed Demons vs. Appalachian Roller Girls More info...

Sunday, February 26

• Don't miss the fun for a great cause during Youth & Family Service Day at Bright Blessings. Reservations required. More info...
• It's Junior Golddusters Day at the UNCC vs. Richmond Women's Basketball Game at 2pm. More info...

Save the Date:

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.

So SICK of being SICK!

Don't know about y'all, but I am just about over this season. Yes, it's been a very nice, mild winter, but that has lead to germs festering everywhere, and somehow my three kids seem to be very good at finding them ALL!! Stomach bug, colds, coughs, and now a double ear infection?!?! We have had friends at the ER, friends admitted to the hospital for multiple nights, etc. I am ready to move on out of sick-ville (and missing-preschool-ville), and have some well days!!

Because of this sickness, I totally flaked and forgot to do the Facebook giveaway for the Charlotte Style Exchange early shopping passes last week! The contest is on our Facebook page now (you have until Thursday to enter).

Hope you all have a great (and germ-free) week!!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, February 13

• Black Forest Books and Toys will host their Monday Storytime this morning at 10am. More info...
• Head to the Hickory Grove Recreation Center this morning for Krafty Kids at 10:30am. More info...
• Ages 5 to 8 are invited to Winghaven Gardens for A Valentine's Gift from the Garden. Please register. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Philadelphia 76ers More info...

Tuesday, February 14 - Happy Valentine's Day!

• Imaginon, Myers Park, Plaza Midwood, and Independence libraries are all hosting Family Storytime today at 10:30am. More info...
• If you homeschool, today is Victorian Valentine Homeschool Day at Latta Plantation. 12-4pm. More info...
• It's also Winter Homeschool Nature: Pioneer Days at the Reedy Creek Nature Center, 1:30-3:30pm. More info...
• Check out Book Nuts: Where Everyone Can be Nuts About Books today at 4pm at the Matthews library. More info..., or Story Explorers at Imaginon at 4pm. More info... Both for elementary ages.

Wednesday, February 15

• Enjoy Preschool Adventures  this morning at the Tom Sykes Recreation Center at 10am. More info...
• Head to the Beatties Ford library this afternoon at 4pm to experience African drumming with Chris Thompson & The Cultural Ensemble. More info...
• The Scaleybark library teaches children Who Was Madame C.J. Walker today at 4pm. Best for elementary ages. More info...

Thursday, February 16

• Check out Fun with Words & Letters at the South County library today at 2pm. More info...
• Join other girls in grades 4 through 6, for the Mother and Daughter Book Club  at 6pm at the Morrison Library. More info...
• Tonight is Family Fun Night with a Civil War focus at the Gaston County Museum. Please register by the 14th. More info...
• Great for dads and kids...it's Stories with Dad this evening at 7pm at the South County Library. More info...

Friday, February 17

• Take your little ones to the Latta Plantation Nature Center this morning at 10am for Pre-K Gardeners. More info...
• Head to the Reedy Creek Nature Center this afternoon to take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count. 1-4pm. More info...
• Call a sitter, and plan a fun night out at the Parade of Beads tonight at The Epicentre. Benefiting Speedway Children's Charities. More info...

Saturday, February 18

• Great deals to be had this morning at the Holy Comforter Weekday School Consignment Sale beginning at 7am!! More info...
• Don't miss the Junior League of Charlotte's FREE Go, Kids, Go! event this morning at Billingsville Elementary. 9am-12pm. More info...
• Today is the official beginning of the Backyard Bird Count. Head to the Latta Plantation Nature Center this morning for their kickoff event with stories, crafts and more. 10am-4pm. More info...

• Other Great American Backyard Bird Count events take place today at the Charlotte Nature Museum More info..., and the Schiele Museum in Gastonia. More info...
• Happy 75th Birthday, Dr. Seuss!! Don't miss the celebration today in Center Court  at Southpark Mall. 10am-12pm. More info...
• Check out the Harvey B. Gantt Center's Sweet Blackberry Presents at 10:30am, More info..., and Mother Minter's Magical Moments with Children at 2pm. More info...
• Take the kids downtown for the Mardi Gras Family Event for Kids at the Epicentre 11am-2pm. More info...
• Today and tomorrow, you can take the whole family to the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center for the Carolina Alpaca Celebration. More info... 
• Spend the afternoon with the kids participating in the Great Amazing Race for Youth at McAlpine Creek Park. More info...
• The Charlotte Concert Band presents a Young People's Concert this evening at 7pm at Dana Auditorium. More info...

Sunday, February 19

• Charlotte's Park and Rec Department has some great family offerings today. Common Feeder Birds this afternoon at 1:30 at the Reedy Creek Nature Center, More info..., Totally Turtles at the Latta Plantation Nature Center at 1:30pm, More info..., and Soil Critters at Reedy Creek at 3pm, More info...
• It's time for another Sunday FUNday at the Mint Museum Uptown, this afternoon 1-4pm. More info... 
• Yum, Yum, Yum...check out the Sweet Tooth Festival today 2-6pm at the Black Lion on Park Road, and support a wonderful cause!! More info...

Save the Date:

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.

3 - 2 - 1...SHOP!!!

"It's the most wonderful time of the year!" Don't get me wrong, I do love the holidays, but Consignment Sale Season comes in a pretty close second, and FINALLY the time has come. The sale season kicks off this Saturday with the CMOMs Sale at a brand new location with extended shopping hours!! Yes, I am biased because I am a MOM, but this truly is one of the best sales around. I asked around to see if others thought it was as awesome as I do, and here are some of the responses I got:

"I Love shopping the CMOMs Sale because I always find amazing deals on highly quality items!"
Dana E.

"I love the CMOMs sale because of the quality, prices and incredible selection of kids clothing and toys because with multiples there is usually two of everything!!"

"I love shopping the CMOMs sale because I love name brand clothing like Gap Kids, Gymboree, Janie and Jack, and more but can't always afford to buy it new. I can get my duo a full seasonal wardrobe of name brand clothing and shoes at a price I can live with!"

Jodi V.

"I love shopping the CMOMs sale because the volunteers are so efficient and friendly and the selection is amazing! I can always find what I am looking for and know that everything offered is in  great condition."

Cyndi S.

So what are you waiting for? Mark your calendar, let the hubby know he'll have kid duty, and get ready to "Shop 'Til You Drop"!!!

There are lots of other GREAT sales coming soon, too. Check out our list here. We're especially excited about newcomer Just a Week Boutique coming in March!!

Also, another Charlotte Style Exchange giveway coming on our Facebook page on Monday!!

Blessings,

The Buzz

Monday, February 6

• Head to the McDowell Nature Center with your little one this morning at 10:30am for What a Hoot!! and learn all about owls. More info...
• Noah's Art Southpark is hosting a Valentine's Camp this afternoon 1:30-4:30pm for ages 3 & up. Please register. More info...

Tuesday, February 7

• Take your toddler to Toddler Time at the Naomi Drennan Recreation Center this morning at 10:30. More info...
• Ages 6 to 9 are invited to Winghaven Gardens this afternoon at 3:45 for Real Birders Don't Wear White! Please register. More info...
• Check out the LEGO store at Concord Mills for their Monthly Mini-Model Build today at 5pm for ages 6-14. More info...

Wednesday, February 8

• Matthews Playhouse presents Children of Eden with shows tonight through Sunday. More info...
• Head to Mountain Island Elementary at 6pm for Enrichment Activities for Your Child on a Budget presented by CMS's Parent University. See page 8 of the course guide. More info...

Thursday, February 9

• Check out a FREE Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Storytime today. More info...
• CMS's Parent University presents Food for Thought: Nutrition Tips for Raising a Healthy Child at 3 locations tonight at 6pm. See page 4 of the course guide. More info...

Friday, February 10

• Ages 7 to 13 are invited to Kids Night in Nature at the McDowell Nature Center. Enjoy a night out while the kids explore the center. 6-9pm. Please register. More info...
• Rapunzel starts today at the Children's Theatre of Charlotte with shows through the 26th. More info...
• There's a Father-Daughter Valentine's Dance tonight at the Mallard Creek Rec Center at 7pm for ages 4 to 12. Please register. More info...
• Don't miss the Pajamarama Valentine Storytime tonight at 7pm at the Barnes & Noble at Carolina Place Mall. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Chicago Bulls  More info...

Saturday, February 11

• Shop til you drop at the CMOMs Consignment Sale today. NEW location at The Park. 7:30am-3pm. More info...
• Cat lovers in your house? Head to the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center for Carolina Sophisticats - Hearts A Fire Cat Show. 9am-5pm. More info...
• Don't miss Charlotte Symphony's A Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra as part of their Lollipops series. Concert at 11 with pre-concert festival at 10. More info...
• Check out all the fun and wonder at the 4th Annual Fairy House Festival at the Latta Plantation Nature Center beginning at 10am. More info...
• Get a good dose of history today during the Charlotte Black/African-American Heritage Tour & Pilgrimage. More info...
• Today is Family Day at The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art from 12:00-4:30pm. Crafts, tours, etc. More info...
• Children in grades 3 to 12 and adults are invited to the Gaston County Public Library for Frederick Douglass with Bright Star Theatre at 2pm. More info...
• Don't miss the Moonlight Owl Prowl tonight at 7pm at the McDowell Nature Center. Best for ages 6 and up. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. LA Clippers More info...

Sunday, February 12

• The Reedy Creek Nature Center will help you enjoy the outdoors with 2 events today. Winter Tree ID at 1:30pm, More info..., and Winter Walk in the Woods at 3pm. More info...
• Head to the Schiele Museum today at 2pm for The Art of Scherenschnitte (scissor cutting) and make a special valentine for a loved one. More info...
• Charlotte Checkers vs. Norfolk Admirals More info...

Save the Date:

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.