Great Big Shout Out...

To full-time working Moms. I thinks all Moms work their butts off, don't get me wrong, but this week I got a glimpse into life as a full time working mom, and it was NUTS! I was gone for 4 days, working at least 12 hours a day, and came back exhausted. Totally forgot to take dinner to a friend with a new baby, and have had to nap every day since I got back. For those of you who do this all the time...I am in awe. Hoping that The Queen City Buzz can take one thing off your to-do list by finding FUN for your family.

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, March 26

• Spring Break is right around the corner. No plans yet? Consult the Carolina Family Travel Guide for some great ideas. More info...
• Head to the Mallard Creek Recreation Center this morning at 10am for Art: Sponge Painting. More info... 
• Lots of FREE library storytimes today. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Boston Celtics More info...

Tuesday, March 27

• The Gaston County Museum hosts Terrific Toddler Tuesday - Eggs, Eggs, Eggs! today at 10am. More info...
• Head to the Latta Plantation Nature Center this afternoon for a Community Garden Workday where all ages are welcome. 2:30-4:30pm. More info... 
• Ages 6 to 8 are invited to Winghaven Gardens this afternoon at 3:30 to Meet the Cluckers! Registration required. More info...
• Check out LEGO Engineering this afternoon 4:45-5:45pm at the Tom Sykes Rec Center. More info...

Wednesday, March 28

• Ages 3 to 6 are invited to the Mint Museum's Randolph location for a Mini-Masters Art Workshop: Rainbow Kites this morning at 10:30am. Registration required. More info...
• Do you have a child with Autism? Head to Monkey Joe's  tonight from 6-7pm for FREE bounce time (siblings, too!). Thank you Monkey Joe!! More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Minnesota Timberwolves More info...

Thursday, March 29

• Don't miss the Underwater Egg Hunt this morning 10am-12pm at Ray's Splash Planet. More info...
• All ages are invited to Winghaven Gardens this afternoon at 3:30 to Celebrate Spring at Winghaven! Registration required. More info...
• The Gaston County Public Library presents Mike Strauss - In Concert this evening at 7pm. More info...

Friday, March 30

• Enjoy Lunch with the Easter Bunny today at 11am at the Matthews Community Center. More info...
• Sesame Street LIVE - Elmo's Super Heroes comes to Charlotte with shows today through Sunday at Bojangle's Coliseum. More info...
• The Underwater Egg Hunt continues tonight at Ray's Splash Planet, 6-8pm. More info...
• Head to the Naomi Drenan Recreation Center this evening at 6:30pm for Fun Fridays. Tonight some Charlotte Checkers players will be there to introduce the game of hockey. More info...
• Plan a date night to the AQUAVINA 5th Annual Wine Festival on the Green tonight 6-9pm. More info...
• And get "date night" covered for the kids during Date Night at The Art Room. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Denver Nuggets More info...

Saturday, March 31

• Lace up your shoes for the Carry the Jerry Relay & Basic 5K this morning at 8am. More info...
• Check out Peter Rabbit's Garden Adventure at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden today 9am-3pm. More info...
• Head to Rural Hill for Dyeing Eggs the Natural Way today at 10am. Registration required. More info...
• Get your Easter "rolling" at the The Great Easter Egg Roll today at Symphony Park at 10am. More info...
• The Concord Mills' Kidgits Easter Party is today 11am-1pm with Mr. Nigel! More info...
• Don't miss Bodies, Bellies & Brains: A Child's Health Fair today at the Schiele Museum, 11am-2pm and FREE! More info...
• Take part in the Easter Eggstravaganza today 11am-2pm at Stumptown Park in Matthews. More info...
• The Zetas of Charlotte along with the Sigmas of Charlotte present an Easter Egg Hunt today at 12noon. More info...
• The Evening Muse in NoDa presents Farmer Jason "Nature Jams" Concert today at 2pm. More info...

Sunday, April 1 - April Fools Day

• Disney's Phineas & Ferb - LIVE comes to Time Warner Cable Arena today. More info...
• Head to the Historic Square across from the Gaston County Museum today at 1:30pm for a Family Easter Egg Hunt. More info...

Save the Date:

April 5 Fresh Beat Band Live (Durham) More info...
April 6 & 7 PEANUTS Easter Beagle Express More info...
April 7 Charlotte Easter Egg Hunt More info...
April 15 Spring Family Fun & Education Day (see page 3) 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.

Lovin' the Weather

Hope you all are enjoying this warm weather as much as I am. Some of the things I was looking forward to last week have been happening...afternoons in the back yard, cocktails on the deck, slowed pace...love, love, love Spring!!

Lots of great events this week...tons of fun outdoor stuff this weekend (fingers crossed for continued good daytime weather). And, of course, some great Consignment Sales, too.

Have a wonderful week everyone!!

Blessings,
The Buzz


Monday, March 19

• Take the kids to Concord Mills for Photos with the Easter Bunny through April 7th. More info...
• Ages 2 to 3 are invited to the McDowell Nature Center at 10:30am for Terrific Twos: Fabulous Frogs. Space is limited; please register. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Philadelphia 76ers More info...
  

Tuesday, March 20

• Ages 3 to 5 are invited to Winghaven Gardens this morning at 10am for Spring Greens. Please register. More info...
• Discovery Place Kids presents Jellyfish today at 11:15am and 1:15pm in there "I Can Create" center. More info...
• Head to Winding Springs Elementary this evening for Communities, Parents & Schools Working Together to Prevent Bullying at 6pm. See page 5 of the course guide. More info...
• Also from CMS's Parent University, tonight is Healthy Schools/Healthy Students: Join the Team! at 6:30pm at McClintock Middle School. See page 10 of the course guide. More info...
• Charlotte Checkers vs. Peoria Rivermen (tomorrow, too) More info...

Wednesday, March 21

• Latta Homeschoolers presents Wildlife as Symbols this morning 9:30-11am. More info...
• Science is made FUN today by learning and creating Ships at Discovery Place Kids at 11:15am and 1:15pm. More info...
• If you haven't seen Mummies of the World at Discovery Place, your time is running out...exhibition closes April 8th. More info...

Thursday, March 22

• Carolina Place presents Family Fun Day at the Mall today 11am-12noon featuring the magic of John Tudor, Coldblooded Encounters and Nanabelle. More info...
• The Fort Mill location of the Green Jeans Consignment opens this morning for shopping...don't miss the deals. More info...
• Today is Home school Thursday at Ray's Splash Planet where home schooled children get discounted admission. More info... 
• CMS Parent University presents Meeting the Social & Emotional Needs of Gifted Students tonight at 6pm at Shamrock Gardens Elementary. See page 13 of the course guide. More info... 

Friday, March 23

• The Kids Consignment Sale at First Baptist Church Indian Trail begins today at 9am. More info...
• My kids have them every day, but today is Crazy Hair Day during Fun Friday at Discovery Place Kids! More info...
• Check out Fantastic Fridays this afternoon at the Tom Sykes Recreation Center. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Milwaukee Bucks More info...

Saturday, March 24

• Find great deals at the Lake Norman Mothers of Multiples Sale beginning at 7am, More info..., at Covenant Presbyterian Children's Consignment Sale beginning at 8am. More info..., and at Sardis Weekday School Consignment Sale beginning at 8am. More info...
• Get those leg muscles ready (and schedule a massage for afterward) for the 2012 Race to the Top. More info...
• Ages 10 and up are invited to Boats & Bites: Canoeing today at the McDowell Nature Center, 10am-2pm. More info... 
• Don't miss Children's Day on the Farm today at Historic Brattonsville. 10am-4pm. More info...
• Head to the Disney store at Carolina Place Mall for Stickermania & Storytelling, 10:30am-1pm. More info... 
• Historic Rosedale Plantation invited you to their Easter Egg Hunt today at 11am. More info...
• The Charlotte Youth Ballet presents Cinderella with shows today and tomorrow at the Halton Theatre. More info...
• Prepare to get wet this afternoon at the Wetland Walk at Cowan's Ford Wildlife Refuge. 3-4:30pm. More info... 
• The Harlem Globetrotters come to Time Warner Cable Arena tonight at 7pm. More info...

Sunday, March 25

• Check out Funny Bunnies & Friends at the Schiele Museum today 1-5pm. More info... 
• Don't miss the Camp Thunderbird Open House today 1-4pm. More info...

Save the Date:

March 29 & 30 Ray's Splash Planet Underwater Egg Hunt More info...

March 30-April 1 Sesame Street LIVE: Elmo's Super Heroes More info...
April 1 Phineas & Ferb LIVE! More info...
April 5 Fresh Beat Band Live (Durham) More info...
April 6 & 7 PEANUTS Easter Beagle Express More info...
April 7 Charlotte Easter Egg Hunt More info...
April 15 Spring Family Fun & Education Day (see page 3) 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.

Springing Forward, Going GREEN & a GIVEAWAY!!

Spring is one of my favorite times of year, and I especially love "springing forward". Hated it "pre-kids" when it meant losing an hour of sleep, but these days it means so much to look FORWARD to...

• I look forward to my kids sleeping past (or at least until) 7am.
• I look forward to warm afternoons in the backyard.
• I look forward to spring weekend cookouts and a cocktail on the deck.
• I look forward to seeing the blooms of the trees & flowers.
• I look forward to spring break and a week at the beach with my kids.
• I look forward to the arrival of summer, the slowing of life's pace, and days spent at the pool.

Another thing I look forward to is spring and summer clothing. And what better way to update your wardrobe AND go green by visiting the upcoming Green Jeans Women's Consignment Sale. Now moms, this is not your typical consignment sale. There are fitting rooms to try things on, volunteers on hand to help with selection and more. No lugging a laundry basket around this sale!! You can score some amazing high-end fashions, and things for your everyday wardrobe. AND, Green Jeans gives back to the community. They partner with The Give Back Boutique (Mooresville Christian Mission), Lydia’s Loft (Ada Jenkins), Dress for Success Charlotte, The Sand Box Evening of Stars Prom, Junior Welfare League of Rock Hill and Flint Hill Baptist Clothing Closet in Fort Mill by donating some of their unsold items. There are TWO sales to choose from...this week in Lake Norman, and next week in Fort Mill (we also hear there might be a sale coming to the SouthPark area in August). The sales feature new and gently worn brand name and designer clothing, shoes and accessories from petite to plus sizes, including maternity.  Shoppers can expect a wide array of brand name and designer labels including:  Trina Turk, Seven for all Mankind, Dooney and Burke, Ella Moss and Kate Spade and everyday favorites like Banana Republic, J. Crew and Ann Taylor LOFT.

The best part...Green Jeans Consignment is giving away presale shopping passes to TWO lucky Queen City Buzz readers, and the winners get to take a friend!! Please see our Facebook Page for details. Enter by Tuesday!!!

Have a great week!

Blessings,
The Buzz


Monday, March 12

• Head to Black Forest Books & Toys for their Weekly Storytime today at 10am. More info...
• There's a Parent & Tot Meet and Greet today at Ray's Splash Planet. More info... 
• Enter your family pooch in the Bark in the Park Top Dog Photo Contest. More info...

Tuesday, March 13

• Check out Preschool Science this morning at 10am at the Berewick Recreation Center. More info...
• Discovery Place Kids helps your kids make Rainbow Fish today at 11:15 am and 1:15pm. More info...
• Students in grades 1 through 3 should check out Book Nuts: Where Everyone Can be Nuts About Books at the Matthews library at 4pm. More info...
• Learn all about the 5 Components of Literacy during a CMS Parent University workshop at Crown Point Elementary at 6pm. (Tomorrow evening, too at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.) See page 4 of the course guide. More info...

Wednesday, March 14

• Children's consignment sales continue this week. Grow and Let Go opens its doors for public shopping today at 9am. More info...
• Homeschoolers should head to the Latta Plantations Nature Center for a Homeschool Hike at 9am. More info... 
• More fun at DP Kids today with Marine Mammals at 11:15am and 1:15pm. More info...
• Head to the Scaleybark Library today at 4pm for School Age "LEGO Kits". More info...

Thursday, March 15

• The shopping begins at Green Jeans Consignment this morning at 9am. More info...
• Pretend you're at the beach and build Sand Castles at Discovery Place Kids today at 11:15am and 1:15pm. More info...
• Head to Sedgefield Elementary this evening at 6pm for CMS's Parent University Workshop, Digital Literacy in the 21st Century: Making the Computer Work for You. See page 9 of the course guide. More info...
• Another great CMS Parent University workshop is tonight at Elizabeth Lane Elementary. Check out Using E-Readers to Promote Literacy tonight at 6pm. See page 17 of the course guide. More info... 

Friday, March 16

• The Assurance Kids Consignment Sale opens its doors today at 9am. More info...
• The Paperback Bonanza Book Sale begins this morning at 9am at the York County library in Rock Hill. More info...
• Today is FUN Friday - Gold Rush! at Discovery Place Kids all day long. More info...
• The registration deadline is today for the Leprechaun Trek taking place tomorrow (March 17) at the Schiele Museum. More info...
• Tomorrow's Child Consignment in Lancaster welcomes shoppers beginning at 5pm today. More info...
• Recommended for ages 9 and up, Theatre Charlotte presents Around the World in 80 Days with shows through April 1. More info... 
• The Covenant Bible Church Consignment Sale begins tonight at 7pm. More info...
• Charlotte Checkers vs. Norfolk Admirals More info...

Saturday, March 17 - Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

• Don't miss the Weddington Kids Consignment beginning this morning at 7:30am. More info... 
• Denver United Methodist Church hosts a Children's Consignment Sale startin at 8am. More info...
• Lots of great deals to be found today at Reduce, ReUse, Consign in Matthews. 8am-12pm, 1-3pm. More info...
• Lace up those running shoes for a great cause today at the Cookies for Kids Cancer 5K today beginning at 10am. Bonus...there's a Bake Sale, too!! More info...
• Celebrate Irish Heritage Day today 10am-4pm at Latta Plantation. More info...

• Don't miss the Easter Bunny's Arrival Event this morning at Northlake Mall, 10am-12pm. More info...
• You can jump the day away at Monkey Joe's Park Road. Wear green and get a FREE Bounce Back pass for your next visit. More info...
• The Charlotte St. Patrick's Day Parade steps off this morning at 11am at Tryon and 9th Streets downtown. More info...
• After the parade, stick around for the Charlotte Goes Green Festival that takes place 10am-6:30pm. More info...
• Check out Bouncing Bunnies and Hares today at the Charlotte Nature Museum, 10am-1pm. More info...
• Don't miss the Green River Revival at the US Nationals Whitewater Center this afternoon. The river turns GREEN at 1pm, and live music plays all afternoon! More info...
• Charlotte Speed Demons vs. Greenville Derby Dames More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Toronto Raptors. More info...
• Charlotte Copperheads vs. Irish All Stars More info...

Sunday, March 18

• Don't miss Easter in the Backcountry this afternoon at the Schiele Museum, 1-5pm. More info...
• Check out Sunday FUNday: Superhero Sunday this afternoon at the Mint Museum Uptown, 1-5pm. More info...
• Teri's Kidz Consignment kicks off this afternoon in Mooresville. More info... 
• Lace up those shoes again for the MDA Muscle Walk at Charlotte Motor Speedway today at 3pm. 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.

Daylight Savings Time is coming...

Light on the commentary this week. It has been "one of those" weeks, and I am simply wiped out. More to say next week, I promise. Enjoy the activities The Buzz is highlighting this week, and don't forget to SPRING FORWARD for Daylight Savings Time before you go to bed on Saturday!!

Blessings,
The Buzz


Monday, March 5

• Willing to travel for FREE breakfast? Columbia Chick-Fil-As have FREE breakfast this week! More info...
• Check out the new exhibition, Fairytales, Fantasy & Fear at the Mint Museum Uptown. More info...
• Head to the Schiele Museum in Gastonia for their Nutty Naturalist Young Children's Storytime at 10:30am and 1:30pm. More info...

Tuesday, March 6

• Take a day trip to Columbia to experience Storyland at the EdVenture Children's Museum. More info...
• Or, stay closer to home and create with Sea Shells at Discovery Place Kids at 11:45am and 1:15pm. More info...
• New mommies should check out the Bring Your Baby Matinee screening of The Vow today at noon at the Concord Mills cinema. More info...
• This is the last week to take part in the Gaston County Museum's Patriots or Traitors: North Carolina's Civil War. The exhibit closes Saturday. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Orlando Magic More info...

Wednesday, March 7

• Consignment sales continue this week...Kat's Kids Sale kicks off this morning at 9am in Huntersville. More info...
• Don't miss Kid Craft Wednesdays at Chick-Fil-A Cotswold at 10:30am. More info...
• Did you miss the "big" circus? Head to the Cleveland County Fairgrounds Arena in Shelby for the Piccadilly Circus. Two shows today. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Utah Jazz More info...

Thursday, March 8

• Check out the Carolina Place Family Fun Day this morning at 11am in center court. More info...
• It's their first sale, but it promises to be a great one...Just a Week Boutique kicks off this morning at 8am in Pineville. More info...
• Athletes of all ages should check out the Modern Pentathlon World Cup Series starting today. More info...
• The Piccadilly Circus stops today in Concord with 2 shows. More info...
• The NC Dance Theatre presents Sleeping Beauty with shows through the 18th. More info...

Friday, March 9

• The TTB Kidz Sale, More info..., Highland Drive Church, More info..., and Cloud 9 Consign, More info..., consignment sales begin today.
• Don't miss Music at the Depot tonight 6:30-8:30pm at the Gaston County Museum. More info...
• The Piccadilly Circus moves to Fort Mill for today and tomorrow. More info...
• Tales of Edgar Allan Poe begins tonight at the Children's Theatre of Charlotte with shows through the 24th. Best for those 11 and up. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. New Jersey Nets More info...

Saturday, March 10

• Don't miss Bugapalooza today at the Schiele Museum, 10am-4pm. More info... 
• Head to your local Lowe's store today for a Build & Grow Clinic where you'll make Carnival Hoops. Please register. More info...
• Head to Monroe Crossing Mall today for A Wonderland Tea Party in the Belk Wing, 12-2pm. More info...
• Check out Turtles on the Twos at the Charlotte Nature Museum at 2:22pm. More info...
• Charlotte Checkers vs. Chicago Wolves (tomorrow, too) More info...
• Don't forget to Spring Forward tonight!! More info...

Sunday, March 11

• Thinking about sleep away camp for your kids this summer? Head to the Camp Thunderbird Tour Day today 1-4pm. More info...
• Head to the Latta Plantation Nature Center today at 1pm for Bird BINGO. 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.