Charlotte Smarty Pants
Charlotte Smarty Pants – Daily Scoop for Savvy Charlotte Moms
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Smarty Save the Date: HKB’s 7th Annual Beauty Bash
Our Smarty friends at Hunstad/Kortesis/Bharti Cosmetic Surgery (HKB) are hosting their HUGE 7th Annual Beauty Bash October 13th and 14th. 
Mark your calendars and plan to go. This one time, event-only includes specials like:
– 25% OFF Botox ($9.75 per unit) & Dysport ($3.00 per unit)
– $150 OFF any injectable (Juvéderm, Radiesse, Sculptra, Restylane, Restylane Silk, Restylane Lyft, Belotero)
– 10% OFF a new surgery procedure with doctor consultation
– $200 CREDIT towards a surgical consult
– And MORE!
And due to the overwhelming response to last year’s nonprofit donation by attendees HKB is doing it again this year! All Beauty Bash attendees will have the chance to vote for 1 of 3 local non-profits with the winning non-profit receiving a $10,000 donation from the Bash. Voting will take place at the Friday and Saturday events and the winner will be announced the following week. HKB is partnering with the awesome people over at SHARE Charlotte to donate funds to one very special organization. The lucky nonprofits are:
1. Redeeming Joy – A transformational program that offers sustainable freedoms to women over the age of 18 that have survived human trafficking. They provide holistic and trauma informed services in a safe environment to help bring healing to the complex hurts of those sexually exploited. Read More →
From the Smarty Education Corner: Charlotte School Open House 2017-18
Charlotte School Open House Season? WHAT? School just started! It’s hard to believe and hard to handle when we are just sliding into the new school year. In typical Smarty style, we took some of the pain out of the process as we unveil the 2017-18 Smarty School Open House Guide below!
We are very proud to announce our partners for the 2017-18 Smarty Education Corner: Charlotte Christian School, Charlotte Country Day School, Charlotte Jewish Day School, Charlotte Latin School, Charlotte Preparatory School, The Fletcher School, Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools, Providence Day School, and Palisades Episcopal School. Over the coming months, we’ll keep you informed on key dates for open house schedules, trending education topics and highlights on educators and students doing amazing things in our community.
Mark your calendars, Smarties, you’re going to want to hit all of the amazing schools that Charlotte has to offer! Read More →
From the Smarty Health Corner and Levine Children’s Hospital: Former Patient Becomes Nurse to Help Others with Childhood Cancer
CSP Team Note: This interview and its follow-up was originally published on Carolinas HealthCare System’s blog. We thank them for letting us share this incredible story with you in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Sarah Sadler (Fruendt), once a patient at Levine Children’s Hospital, is now a nurse in the same unit where she was treated, and even works alongside some of the same nurses who provided her care.
Update
In September 2016, we shared the story of former patient, Sarah Fruendt, who was working at Levine Cancer Institute – more than a decade after being treated for cancer herself at Levine Children’s Hospital. Fast forward a year later, Sarah, who recently got married and now goes by Sarah Sadler, is now working at Levine Children’s Hospital, alongside the nurse who once cared for her. Sarah says this is her dream job and something she was wanted to do since she was a patient at LCH.
“It is amazing to back now working in the same atmosphere I grew up in as a child battling cancer,” Sadler said. “A lot has changed since I was undergoing treatment – everything used to be on the 7th Foor of the main hospital back then so it’s so encouraging to see how things have grown with the Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Transplant Clinic – and how Levine Children’s Hospital has a more kid-friendly environment. It brings me so much joy and is truly a pleasure being able to take care of these children and their families because I was taken care of so well when I was in their shoes over 15 years ago. Some of the providers and nurses who helped with my treatment are still working here today and their dedication to this field is inspiring. I am so privileged to work alongside them. Every day I love coming to work aspiring to provide as excellent and extraordinary service to my patients and those surrounding me as I received in the past.” Read More →
Fitness Friday: Pure Barre Empower – the QC’s newest cardio class
Have you tried the latest cardio class to hit the QC? Pure Barre Empower is HERE, Smarties, and it’s AH-MAZ-ING. The Smarty team has been in love with Pure Barre since Day 1 (literally – we were some of the first peeps in the Charlotte studios!), and have loved the way it lifted and toned…especially as we’ve, ummmm, matured. Pure Barre’s newest class is several notches up and will please any cardio fan in the crowd. It’s a 45-minute, fast paced, barre-party that has awesome music and, get this, ankle/wrist weights. If you haven’t tried those little gems since high school, you’re in for a treat (and you just might get that high seat you had in high school after a few rounds with ankle weights!).
Pure Barre Empower is a perfect complement to barre or even yoga and is a great way to mix up the cardio routine. You’ll do multi-directional, dynamic movements while using ankle weights and a plyometric platform to target different muscle groups simultaneously – at a fast pace. It’s still low-impact (one of the the things we love most about Pure Barre!) and is the perfect way to shock your muscles into something different – the best way to ignite change in the body.
All three Charlotte studios have Empower classes, and don’t forget, if you’re new to Pure Barre you get a week free. That includes classic Pure Barre and Empower. Have fun and tell them CSP sent ya! Read More →
Smarty Scoop On Weekend Events September 15-17
Scarowinds & The Great Pumpkin Fest Opening Weekend
Carowinds
14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, NC
The Great Pumpkin Fest
Scarowinds
PANDAS/PANS Awareness Walk And Children’s Fun Run
Marvin Ridge High School
2825 Crane Road, Waxhaw, NC
September 16, 9:00am – 11:30am, All ages, $10
Summary: Children with PAE often suffer from anxiety, hyperactivity, aggression, OCD, vocal and motor tics, severe mood swings, oppositional defiance and sleep disturbances. Currently, the most effective treatments available are not covered under insurance and the number of children who are exhibiting symptoms is rapidly growing. PRAI is raising money to support important research into this group of complex neuroimmune disorders. Read More →
From the Smarty Health Corner and Levine Children’s Hospital: Flu Vaccine 101
CSP Team Note: We recently interviewed Julia Richards, MD, about the importance of flu vaccines. This post is your friendly Smarty reminder to get your kids’ (and your!) flu shots scheduled now. Dr. Richards recently moved to Charlotte and joined Cotswold Pediatrics. We thank her for her time and welcome her to the Queen City! 
Why are flu vaccines so important?
Flu vaccines help to prevent you and your child from getting the flu and passing it on to others. Most of the time, the flu is self-limited (meaning that it gets better on its own). However, at times, the flu can lead to complications like pneumonia, ear infections and other more serious infections. There is no way to predict who will get these complications, so it is important to protect yourself and your child with the flu shot. There are some groups, like infants under 6 months old and people with certain diseases, who can’t get the flu shot, and it is important that we protect them from the flu by making sure those around them are vaccinated.
Photo Credit: Travel Ready MD.com
At what age should a child get a flu shot?
Children should get the flu shot starting at 6 months old and then every year after before flu season (in the fall).
Why isn’t the FluMist vaccine recommended for use in the US anymore?
The FluMist vaccine hasn’t been very effective over the last several years, so it is no longer recommended in the US.
What are the risks of getting your child vaccinated?
Getting the flu vaccine comes with minimal risks. Shortly after the shot is given, your child may have some pain or redness at the site of the injection or develop a low-grade fever, but the vaccine does not cause the flu. Only those with a history of severe allergic reactions to the flu shot should avoid getting it. An egg allergy is no longer a reason to skip the flu shot.
What are some ways to ease a child’s anxiety around shots?
Your attitude toward shots helps your child learn what to expect. Smile and be relaxed, so your child feels more at ease. Distraction can work well, as well as the promise of a reward after the shot. Additionally, most children do well with honesty (i.e., tell them that a shot is like a pinch on the arm that hurts for a second and then gets better) and some may do better with prep work or role-playing at home.
What are the best ways to teach a child the importance of handwashing during flu season?
Reinforce handwashing before eating, after outdoor play and any other time they touch something dirty. Teach your child about germs through fun activities and science experiments. Make handwashing a routine, but also a fun activity by incorporating songs and games. Also, make sure your little one can easily reach the sink and the soap. Most importantly, be a role model. Your child wants to imitate everything you do, so make sure you are washing your hands if you want your child to do so!
What are the first signs of the flu?
The first sign of the flu is usually a high fever, followed by headache, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, congestion and runny nose.
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Fitness Friday: Carolina Barre & Core Back-to-School Special
Lawd, Smarty Charlotte. Re-entry to school life from the lazy days of summer gets harder every year. We were gifted two short weeks in a row. Summer is officially in the rear view mirror. Bye. We will miss you.
Now that the kiddos are ramped up, it’s time to take care of momma and get back on our own personal workout schedule. Some of us fell off the wagon hard this summer.
Our friends at Carolina Barre & Core are feelin’ us and they have a special to get us back on track.
They are calling all Students, Teachers, aaaaand Moms that have been home with their kids all summer. They have special pricing for you to get back at it!
– Student 1 month – $80 (regular price $100)
– Teacher 1 month – $100 (regular price $150)
– Anyone else 1 month – $150 (regular price $200)
– 3 class pack – $40 (2 week expiration)
Carolina Barre & Core
2901 Selwyn Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28209 Phone: 980.207.1046
Carolina Barre & Core, Lafayette Village Raleigh
8480 Honeycutt Rd, Suite 102, Raleigh, NC 27615 Phone: 919.200.4241
Email: info@carolinabarre.com
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Smarty Flash Giveaway: Win a 6-Pack to the Southern Ideal Home Show This Weekend!
The Southern Ideal Home Show returns to The Park Expo & Conference Center this weekend, September 8-10 with three days packed full of the best of the best in building, remodeling, decorating, landscaping and entertaining. From celebrity appearances to over 200 home vendors to a beer garden, there is something for everyone all under one roof. And guess what, Smarties? We have not one but two 6-packs of tickets to give away! So grab your gal pals and read on!
You can find all the Show features here. Many of our local celebs can be found at the show this weekend including Chef Alyssa, one of our Smarty faves! Included with your admission will be complimentary sampling of brews from local craft brewers and a food truck round up – count me in! Read More →
Smarty Scoop For Weekend Events September 8-10
Yiasou Greek Festival
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
600 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC
September 7-10, See website for schedule, $3; children 12 and under free
Summary: The Yiasou Greek Festival began in 1978 and since then has become one of Charlotte’s largest cultural events. It is eagerly anticipated by the Charlotte community each year. The Yiasou (the Greek word for Hello, Goodbye and Cheers) Greek Festival features Hellenic cultural exhibits, authentic Greek cuisine and homemade pastries, entertainment, live music and dancing, wine tastings, art, shopping and more. Experience the sights and sounds of Greece when you visit the 40th Annual Yiasou Greek Festival. It’s a time of the year when everyone can be Greek!
Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze
Historic Rural Hill
4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC
September 9 – November 5, See website for schedule, Ages 5 and up, $8-$11
Summary: Get lost in our giant seven-acre corn maze featuring over two miles of interconnecting paths. One of the largest in the Southeast, our maze is sure to please! The whole of Rural Hill’s 265 acres is available to you and your group during maze hours – take a hayride around the farm, play a round of corn-hole, explore our historic site, play in our mini-mazes, have a picnic, hike our trails, pick a pumpkin (in October,) & much, much more!
Read More →
Smarty Shout-Out: The First Tee of Greater Charlotte’s Gwaltney goes to Pebble Beach
Let’s give a big Smarty round of applause to Gavin Gwaltney, a rising junior at Charlotte Latin School, who was recently selected by a national panel of judges with The First Tee to compete in the 2017 PURE Insurance Championship, an official PGA TOUR Champions event. Gavin will be representing The First Tee of Greater Charlotte chapter at the event. 
The First Tee of Greater Charlotte tells us that Gavin will join 80 other participants from The First Tee chapters. Participants were selected based on playing ability and comprehension of the life skills and core values learned through their involvement with The First Tee. The junior players will be teamed with 81 PGA TOUR Champions players and 162 amateurs as they compete for the pro-junior title at Pebble Beach and Poppy Hills.
Gavin is on the varsity golf team at Charlotte Latin. He has been a participant at The First Tee of Greater Charlotte for six years and has competed in local, regional, and national tournaments. Off the golf course, he is a member of CLS’s debate team and volunteers for Teen Court of Charlotte and The First Tee of Greater Charlotte. Read More →