local love

Charlotte’s Pure Intentions Coffee Introduces New Cold Brew

June 1, 2016 by Lisa Leave a Comment

Local Charlotte coffee roaster, Pure Intentions Coffee, has released a limited edition rum barrel-aged cold brew for the summer. I’m a coffee purist who has never been into col-brew coffee, but have been working to develop an appreciation for the unique nuances and flavors the cold brew coffee method brings to my palate. This rum barrel-aged brew was crafted with PIC’s Organic Guatemala Acatenango dark roast processed and aged in a rum barrel from Belmont-based Muddy Rivery Distillery.

Coffee beans are very sensitive and will quickly pick up the flavors of that they’re stored or transported in. If you transport and store green coffee beans in burlap for an extended period of time, it will pick up the flavor of burlap. If they’re exposed diesel fumes, they will pick up up and present the flavors of the diesel. (Appetizing, I know.)

Roasters will use a method called “barrel-conditioning” which harkens back to the days when coffee beans were transported in whatever barrels the exporters had on hand. This gave the green coffee beans different nuances of flavor based on the type of barrel they were packed in. These brews are supercharged with flavors that are as complex as the most complicated wines.

Pure Intentions Owner Matt Yarmey took this idea of barrel-conditioning a step further. Instead of using green coffee beans in Muddy River Distillery barrels, he started with beans that had been roasted and cold-brewed. The 6-month planning process for the brew concluded with a 2 month, 10 day aging process, managed by Free Range Brewing in Charlotte’s NoDa district. The final product offers flavors of oak, molasses and vanilla, without a measurable amount of alcohol content.

“Innovation is at the cornerstone of our business. This is a new experiment; most aged cold brews are aged as green beans then brewed. We’ve aged our cold brew as a liquid to see what variations occur. I enjoy testing the unpredictable.”

Where To Find Pure Intentions Cold Brew

Look for the new cold brew on tap at Free Range Brewing, Bottled and Tapped (Cornelius), and other Pure Intentions draft locations; the coffee will also be used in cocktail creations at Soul Gastrolounge (Plaza Midwood).

Free Range Brewing, NoDa
Bottled and Tapped, Cornelius
Hattie’s, Plaza Midwood
Fonta Flora, Morganton NC
Sycamore Brewing, South End

About Pure Intentions Coffee

At Pure Intentions Coffee, we hold every step of the process to high standards: sourcing quality- grown beans from environmentally-conscious suppliers, perfectly roasting each batch and providing a full range of additional services to help you deliver amazing coffee service to your customers. At Pure Intentions we believe you should fill your cup with character.

Visit Pure Intentions online (www.pureintentionscoffee.com) to learn more about all Pure Intentions offerings and their recent Fair Trade & Organic Certification.

Find Pure Intentions on Social Media:

Instagram: @pureintentionscoffee

Facebook: @pureintentionscoffee

Twitter: @PureCoffeeCLT

HousingFest 2016

May 16, 2016 by Lisa Leave a Comment

Housing is a basic human right, yet many in Charlotte metro area don’t have access to adequate, affordable housing. The numbers speak for themselves. In the Charlotte region alone, 1 out of 5** children that live within 8 miles of Uptown Charlotte are homeless. I can’t believe I just typed those numbers — 1 out of 5.

Chronic homelessness is a problem in the United States and in the Charlotte region. HousingFest is dedicated to help end chronic homelessness in the Charlotte region.

Graphic from Urban Ministry — Charlotte, NC

Chronic homelessness is a problem in the United States as well. As a country, we have made progress in the national effort to end homelessness with a nationwide decrease of 22%. Yet on any given night in January 2015, an estimated 83,170 individuals were living on the streets, chronically homeless. (https://www.usich.gov/goals/chronic)

Graphic from Urban Ministry — Charlotte, NC

Closer to home, we’re trying do something to help alleviate the problem of homelessness and help with housing those who are in need. HousingFest is music festival dedicated to ending homelessness in Charlotte. Critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Josh Ritter will headline the May 28, 2016 concert at The Fillmore in NC Music Factory. Guided by the Housing First principle that recognizes housing as a basic human right, HousingFest began with the idea that music can unite the community to end homelessness. Proceeds from the event will support permanent apartments with supportive services for those experiencing chronic homelessness.

HousingFest is presented by the Urban Ministry Center (UMC), in collaboration with Live Nation and Maxx Music. The concert features Ritter, named one of the “100 Greatest Living Songwriters” by Paste Magazine, and Lindi Ortega, whom American Songwriter calls “the love child of Johnny Cash and Nancy Sinatra.”

Matrimony, the Charlotte-based band that Rolling Stone compared to “Mumford and Sons if they were weaned on middle-period Fleetwood Mac” will be making a rare appearance for HousingFest. North Carolina-bred, New-Orleans based Nikki Hill and her band will bring their roaring boogie, equal parts Staple Singers and AC/DC, to the show.

Jim Lauderdale is a two-time Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter. He’s collaborated with music royalty: Ralph Stanley, Elvis Costello, Lucinda Williams, and Willie Nelson among many others. Justin Fedor, founding member of The New Familiars and Ancient Cities, will be part of the line-up as well bringing his distinctive blend of Americana rock-and-roll.

Homelessness in the United States by the numbers

Graphic from Urban Ministry — Charlotte, NC

Buy Tickets to HousingFest 2016:

The festival’s $39 ticket price is equivalent to one night of housing with support services in UMC’s HousingWorks program.

Tickets are on sale now at LiveNation.com.

About

The inaugural HousingFest in 2014 featured Grammy Award-winning performers The Blind Boys of Alabama and Jim Lauderdale. Held at Charlotte’s Neighborhood Theatre, HousingFest 2014 was a sold-out event, with over 800 people in attendance. Partnering with 14 sponsors to launch HousingFest, UMC raised over $25,000 to house our community’s most vulnerable homeless men and women.

For more information about HousingFest, including sponsorship opportunities, and success stories of people housed with the Housing First strategy, please visit HousingFest.org, a new website created by Luquire George Andrews. For more information aboutUrban Ministry Center, its mission and programs to end homelessness, please visit UrbanMinistryCenter.org.

My Vanity and an Invite to Learn about Kybella™

July 27, 2015 by Lisa Leave a Comment

I have been looking in the mirror more often as of late. What is normally an act of personal growth and inner connection has become one of “who is that woman in the mirror?” My own vanity has been kicking my rear, and for once, I’m okay with it. I’ll never look like I’m 20 again, but I can do things that will help me slow down time on her eternal march across my face.

My name is Lisa and I’m a mid-life woman who has a notebook filled with things I can do for my skin and face. These include cosmetics that “blur,” fill in the wrinkles and help give my skin, and albeit temporary, dewy look and procedures done in my dermatologist’s office.

The aging process has also resulted in things “shifting” on my face. I’ve always had a full face and extra weight has given me the dreaded “double chin.” A recent consumer survey revealed that 68% of consumers are bothered by fullness under the chin. To that I say, well, yes. Known as submental fullness, the appearance of double chins or neck fat is a condition that can negatively impact the overall appearance of the face and can result in a person feeling older and heavier.

My friends over at Dermatology, Laser & Vein Specialists of the Carolinas heard about my mirror time and invited me to their open house and seminar to introduce me to Kybella™, the first and only approved non-surgical, injectable treatment developed to address this common complaint. Kybella™ reduces moderate to severe double chins and neck fat with no surgery no downtime and no sedation required. Now, I have yet to undertake any injectables or fillers in my face, but I do have serious curiosity about what they can do for me.

So I’m heading over tomorrow night to check out Kybella™ and see if it’s a good fit for me in the future. I’ll add the things I learn to my handy dandy notebook and continue to learn more about the process. I’m sure that it’s going to be a popular option for both men and women who are fighting the middle-aged spread and want to avoid invasive procedures.

WHEN:

Tuesday, July 28,

Dermatology Laser & Vein Specialists of the Carolinas

1918 Randolph Road, Suite 550

5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

SCHEDULE:

Dermatology, Laser & Vein Specialists of the Carolinas Open House Schedule Includes:

6:00 p.m. Dr. Munavalli will be holding a “What’s Next for the Neck” seminar
- Learn about other new and alternative treatment options
6:30 p.m. Dr. Munavalli will be performing live demonstrations of the Kybella™ treatment
Free consultations offered throughout the event
From Good Morning America, meet one of the first patients to receive the Kybella™ treatment from DLVSC and see her results http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/fda-approves-injections-treat-double-chins-30696856
Light hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served

WHO:

Dr. Gilly Munavalli is the only Charlotte physician to serve as a principal investigator in the clinical trials for the development of Kybella™, making him one of the most experienced Kybella™ injectors in the nation and DLVSC one of the first practices to offer this groundbreaking treatment.

“In my dermatology practice, I see many patients who have undesirable fullness under the chin, even though they may have an otherwise balanced and harmonious facial appearance and be in great physical shape,” he said.

HOW:

Kybella™ is administered by injections into the fat under the chin, tailored to the treatment goals of the patient and the physician. Each in-office treatment session is typically only 15-20 minutes and many patients experience visible results in two to four treatments for long-lasting effects.

PLASTIC SURGERY FACTS:

Minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures increased 3 percent, to more than 13.4 million procedures in 2013, according to The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

“The demand for plastic surgery remains strong,” said ASPS President Robert X. Murphy, MD. “Facial rejuvenation procedures were especially robust last year, with more Americans opting for facelifts, forehead lifts, eyelid surgery, fillers and peels. With new devices and products hitting the market each year, there are more options and choices available to consumers wanting to refresh their look or a little nip and tuck,” he adds.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT:

For more information or to make an appointment, clients should call 704.375.6766 or visit http://www.carolinaskin.com RSVPs are encouraged and both women and men are welcome to attend and schedule a free consultation.

AboutDermatology, Laser & Vein Specialists of the Carolinas:

Dermatology, Laser & Vein Specialists of the Carolinas was Charlotte’s first Mohs Surgery Center when it opened in 1990 and remains the busiest Mohs Surgery practice in the area. Now with their team of board-certified physicians, DLVS offers additional services, including face lifting surgery, blepharoplasty (eye lifts), laser hair removal, laser skin resurfacing, endovenous laser ablation, sclerotherapy, tattoo removal, laser resurfacing and many fillers. There is also a medical aesthetician on staff who performs skin care and facial treatments, and several lines of skin care products are available for sale. The practice also offers the most advanced treatment options available for general dermatology, skin cancer, varicose veins, laser surgery and cosmetic surgery. Physicians are in the office every day and personally perform or directly supervise all procedures done in the office. For more information visit: http://www.carolinaskin.com or call 704-375-6766.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I’m a curious consumer who is considering future options for the sake of my own vanity.

A Night at the Symphony {SPX Magic of Christmas}

November 19, 2013 by Lisa Leave a Comment

My pace has been at a breakneck speed and I’m looking forward to slowing things down with A Night at the Symphony sponsored by SPX to explore the Magic of Christmas with other bloggy friends here in Charlotte. It will be a welcome night out filled with laughter, fun and the Christmas spirit. In case you’re wondering, I’ll be the one humming along… loudly.

Conductor Albert-George Schram has returned to direct the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte and Charlotte Children’s Choir at this annual, family-friendly program. SPX Corporation has stepped into sponsor this years program to ensure the Belk Theater will be filled to the rafters with the classics of the Christmas canon—from “Jingle Bells” to Strauss’ Overture to Die Fledermaus and everything in between.

While I’m excited about the entire show, I’m really looking forward to hearing the Loch Norman Pipe Band, who will play an authentic “Highland Cathedral.” Later in the performance Caroline Calouche & Co. will thrill attendees on aerial silks and trapeze choreographed to “Silent Night” and “Angels We Have Heard on High.”

Later in December, Director of Choruses and Assistant Conductor Scott Allen Jarrett will lead the orchestra and the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte through a staple of the seasonal repertoire, the time-honored Handel’s Messiah. For centuries, Handel’s masterpiece has moved thousands of people all over the world with its joy, sorrow, exaltation and serenity, the thrill of the Hallelujah Chorus; audiences can experience the Charlotte Symphony’s performance of Messiah at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, December 18 at Belk Theater.

About the Charlotte Symphony

Founded in 1932 and led by internationally renowned Music Director Christopher Warren-Green, the Charlotte Symphony is a non-profit organization that serves our whole community through music that educates, entertains and enriches the human spirit. We are world-class musicians, music teachers and music lovers. We put violins in the hands of Charlotte’s children and actively nurture the next generation with our programs in music education. We bring artistic excellence to Charlotte’s parks and hospitals, schools and churches, stadiums and concert halls. The Charlotte Symphony is a cornerstone of our cultural community, connecting people and adding value to our lives through music.

Upcoming Charlotte Symphony Shows:

January

Brahms Symphony No. 2 – Jan 10 & 11, 8 pm, Belk Theater:The Charlotte Symphony will ring in the New Year with the light-hearted sounds of Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin followed by Debussy’s coruscating Danses sacree et profane, featuring CSO Principal Harpist Andrea Mumm, and, of course, Brahms airy Second Symphony. Christopher Warren-Green, conducting; Andrea Mumm, harp. Tickets $19.50 -$85.50.
Sights & Sounds of America–Jan 24, 7:30 pm, Knight Theater:More than 100 of Ansel Adams’most powerful landscape images will be projected above the orchestra in sync with the Symphony as it performs Dave and Chris Brubeck’s“Ansel Adams: America,”plus music from Copland and Ellington and a post-concert party featuring live jazz with the Noel Friedline Trio. Scott Allen Jarrett, conducting; Oratorio Singers of Charlotte. Tickets $29.00, general admission, including free drink and post-concert activities.
The Heart of Motown–Jan 31 & Feb 1, 8 pm, Knight Theater:The hit musical group Spectrum returns to pay tribute to The Four Tops, Temptations, MarvinGaye, Spinners, Stevie Wonder, and other classic Motown artists. Albert-GeorgeSchram, conducting. Tickets$39.50 – $65.50

February

Tubby the Tuba–Feb 1, 11 am, Knight Theater:Whistle with the woodwinds, sing with the strings and help Tubby the Tuba find his melody. One by one you will discover the sights and sounds of the instrument families until you met the wholeorchestra at the “Great Gate of Kiev” for the grand finale! Roger Kalia,conducting; Aubrey Foard, tuba. Tickets $15.50–$24.50, including pre-concert Lollipops Festival and Musical Petting Zoo.
Schumann & Haydn–Feb 7 & 8, 8 pm, Belk Theater:Benjamin Britten’s Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimesopens a program that highlights CSO Principal Cellist Alan Black in Haydn’s Cello Concertoin C major and, finally, as the name suggests, Schumann’s Rhenish Symphonyis a celebration of the German composer’s glorious Rhineland. Christopher Warren-Green, conducting; Alan Black, cello.Cost: $19.50-$85.50.
Broadway Rocks!–Feb 21 & 22, 8 pm, Knight Theater:Vocalists from the Broadway stage, Capathia Jenkins, Christiane Noll and Rob Evan, join the Symphony to perform numbers from Rock-inspired musicals including The Wiz, Hairspray, Wicked, Mamma Mia, Rentand Phantom of the Opera. Albert-George Schram, conducting.Tickets $39.50- $65.50.
Symphonie Fantastique–Feb 28&Mar 1, 8 pm, Belk Theater:The Charlotte Symphony hosts Robert Moody,Music Director of the Portland Symphony (Maine) and neighboringWinston-Salem Symphony, to conduct North Carolina composer Dan Locklair’s energizing Phoenix for Orchestra,American composer Samuel Barber’s nostalgic Knoxville: Summer of 1915,featuring soprano Sarah Jane McMahon,and Berlioz’s epic Symphonie Fantastique, a story of the artist’s journey of self-destructive passion.Tickets$19.50-$85.50.

March

Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra Winter Concert–Mar 3, 7:30 pm, Halton Theater:Founded in 1961, the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras are led by their Music Director, Dr. Ernest Pereira, a Charlotte Symphony violinist. Serving nearly 200 students from over 60 schools in the 4th – 12th grades, the youth orchestras rehearse weekly and receive intensive coaching from Charlotte Symphony musicians to prepare them to play sophisticated repertoire in a professional environment.Tickets:adults $8,student $6.
Dvořák SymphonyNo. 8–Mar 14 & 15, 8 pm, Belk Theater:“A virtuoso who begins where others leave off”, is how The Washington Postdescribes Stephen Hough, one of the world’s most acclaimed concert pianists. Hough joins the Symphony for Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A Minor for a program that also features Dvorak’s cheery, folk-inspired Symphony No. 8. Christopher Warren-Green, conducting; Stephen Hough, piano. Tickets$19.50 -$85.50.·
A Little Knight Music–Mar 28, 7:30 pm, Knight Theater:Step back in time to Mozart’s era as the Orchestra performs three works by the master, then watch the Orchestra disappear to Haydn’s dramatic “Farewell”Symphony”. Afterwards, ‘Light the Knight’ with luminescent activities by Discovery Place! Christopher Warren-Green, conducting; Co-hosted by Discovery Place. Tickets $29.00, general admission, including free drink and post-concert activities.

Key: Classics are teal, Pops are blue, Knight Sounds are red, Lollipops are green and Youth Orchestra is purple. For Classics, students (18 and under or college/university ID) are half price). Classics and Pops concerts are typically 2 hours long with an hour intermission. Lollipops and Knight Sounds are an hour long with no intermission. Youth Orchestra concert lengths vary, but are no more than 1.5 hours. For more info and tickets go to charlottesymphony.org or call the Charlotte Symphony ticket office at 704-972-2000.