http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/ en steve@elevatelifestyle.com Copyright 2012 2012-05-08T12:30:26+00:00 http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/a-skylit-drive/ http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/a-skylit-drive/ It’s not unusual to see kids huddled in dedicated groups outside of Amos’ Southend the night of a show, even in the rain, which was the case the night A Skylit Drive came to Charlotte on the Fight the Silence tour. Although not as well-known as some post-hardcore bands like My Chemical Romance, A Skylit Drive has gained quite a following over the past several years, most notably after their 2009 release Adelphia. Last year they released their third studio album, Identity on Fire, as a follow-up. Having been a fan for the past several years, I didn’t miss the opportunity to pick up their latest release, charged with energetic guitars, vibrant synths, and Michael “Jag” Jagmin’s ethereal vocals. In mid-April just before the show, I had the chance to sit with Jag and talk to him about his music and Identity on Fire, an album I have yet to put down.   Entertainment 2012-05-08T11:30:26+00:00 http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/5th-york/ http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/5th-york/ The local scene is abundant with hidden, original talent, such as the smooth jazz sensation of 5th and York. Over the past few years, they've opened for famous acts and dropped their first album, “Nascentum.” The title, like the band, refers to a developing new sound. After listening to the dark, sultry and energetic tracks off this album that are reminiscent of late nights and classy martini bars, I can say this six-piece band has a lot of passion. In April, I had the opportunity to sit down with Derwin Friday (saxophone) and Dewarren Tate (bass) to talk about their music.     Entertainment 2012-05-02T00:39:05+00:00 http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/unique-and-uncommonly-tasty/ http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/unique-and-uncommonly-tasty/ Tasty treats and delectable desserts never go out of style, and they make for the perfect pick-me-up. And one of the best sweets has to be the cupcake. It's easy to tell that Charlotte agrees with all the bakeries popping out fresh cakes for the Queen City. But it's not just taste that people look for. Check out our list of some of the most unique and uncommonly tasty combinations these cupcakeries have to offer.   Dining 2012-05-02T00:24:22+00:00 http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/charlotte-liberty-walk-elevate-charlotte/ http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/charlotte-liberty-walk-elevate-charlotte/ Patterned after Boston’s Historic Freedom Trail, Charlotte’s Liberty Walk takes visitors to 15 Revolutionary War sites in uptown Charlotte and the nearby areas. Slated for a May 20th opening—the 237th anniversary of the day the leaders of Mecklenburg County adopted the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. The walk promises history, technology and art to those that call Charlotte home.     Culture 2012-05-02T00:22:16+00:00 http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/city-tavern-elevate/ http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/city-tavern-elevate/ Luminous in its quality, value and innovation, City Tavern is an established neighborhood favorite. The restaurant’s dedication to the customer radiates through their meticulous focus on food and service. With two locations flourishing, and an extra on its way, City Tavern is the epitome of how a restaurant should run. During the assiduous stress that’s inevitably associated with opening a restaurant, Elevate Lifestyle took time to sit down and discuss what to expect from City Tavern’s new Southpark location. Dining 2012-05-02T00:18:32+00:00 http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/bottoms-up-elevate-beer/ http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/bottoms-up-elevate-beer/ It’s the dining issue. Dining consists of drinking, and drinking consists of beer for most of us. And the beer selection in Charlotte has just grown like the Panther fan base since Newton landed. I remember when I used to get excited about getting new micromachines back in the day. Now I get excited about getting new micro breweries -local ones too! These breweries are showing up everywhere like crack in the 80's. Available on every side of town, and everyone's hooked! The list of these new breweries is as about as long as my honey-do list since being laid off from my job—yes I’m currently unemployed and accepting free beers at any of these tap rooms! That's right, these tap rooms are different than the shady room you and your roomies used at the frat house when bagging a one-nighter. These tap rooms connected to the breweries provide somewhere unique to chill and sip their masterpieces. Don’t fear the beer, these beers are being offered at restaurants and bars throughout the QC. So when you’re out dining ask for a local brew—there are plenty of brands and flavors to choose from. Ninety-nine flavors and a domestic aint one - no offense Miller Light, I still love you.   Nightlife 2012-05-02T00:06:11+00:00 http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/the-bare-essentials/ http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/the-bare-essentials/ The makeup must-haves for keeping your look simple and easy. This month I am going to answer the one question that I am asked more than any other question when it comes to makeup. With more and more women becoming makeup minimalists, I am often asked: What are the essentials one needs to look beautiful and polished daily without spending lots of time. I suggest four must-haves to create your minimalist look and, of course, I will be closing with my “life trend” for the month. Here we go!     Fashion 2012-05-01T23:58:08+00:00 http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/all-hail-froyo-its-the-new-ice-cream-elevate/ http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/all-hail-froyo-its-the-new-ice-cream-elevate/ What a sweet treat (pun fully intended), to get a chance to write and review the hottest, cold craze…FROZEN YOGURT, also known as FroYo if you’re in the know! For years it remained an underrated commodity among American citizens, but in recent years it has become one of the most coveted indulgences for all. Charlotte is one of many cities where the industry is thriving. I must admit I was a bit of a skeptic on the matter, I mean there is no satisfaction like that of a nice, refreshing scoop of good ole ice cream, right? Sure enough, I was mistaken and proved to myself this old young pup can indeed learn a few new tricks. One of them being, loving frozen yogurt.   Dining 2012-05-01T23:37:39+00:00 http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/zucca-pizza-tavern/ http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/zucca-pizza-tavern/ Taking a step back to yester-year, four high school buddies devised an idea to open a pizza joint. Fast-forward to the present, and what had started as a dream has finally sprouted into a reality. Zucca Pizza Tavern is the newest eatery in the Queen City. Their nostalgic aesthetic, friendly disposition, and delicious pizza will make them a neighborhood staple.   Dining 2012-05-01T23:33:04+00:00 http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/charlotte-born-small-business-fitness-success-sports-fitness-clubs-elevate/ http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/charlotte-born-small-business-fitness-success-sports-fitness-clubs-elevate/ In this issue, we are taking some time to profile a popular fitness entity in the city, Sports & Fitness Clubs of Charlotte. With seven locations around town, and continual growth on the way, Sports & Fitness is a recognizable gym and fitness center but there is more to their story.   Fitness 2012-05-01T23:30:07+00:00 http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/modern-comfortable-and-addictive-youre-killing-me-smalls-elevate/ http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/modern-comfortable-and-addictive-youre-killing-me-smalls-elevate/ Well, Smalls isn’t literally killing me, but this new restaurant springing up in the fun and dynamic Elizabeth neighborhood of Charlotte has certainly created a menu to die for! From the Molasses Lacquered Pork Belly small plate, to the Crispy Chicken with salted caramel butter entrée, to the Chocolate Orbit Cake, Smalls has something to satiate any craving. The eatery focuses on providing guests with inspired cuisine, unparalleled service, and an environment that is purposefully addictive.   Dining 2012-05-01T23:24:44+00:00 http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/queen-city-q-elevate/ http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/queen-city-q-elevate/ In the South, BBQ is a long hauled tradition that’s been perfected and passed down from generation to generation. Though the secret recipes are still unavailable to the public, the mouthwatering food is open to all at Queen City Q. Influenced from different parts of the state, Queen City Q offers four regional sauces that can satisfy every BBQ craving. The experts behind “Charlotte Q” took the time to explain how they got started, what goes into their food, and why they should become an Uptown favorite.   Dining 2012-05-01T23:19:17+00:00 http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/pisces-sushi-bar-lounge1/ http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/pisces-sushi-bar-lounge1/ Pisces Sushi Bar, located at 1100 E. Metropolitan Ave. Suite 120, or “the Met” as most call it, has recently extended their restaurant of fresh sushi cuisine into a lounge rivaling any after-hour hot spot. Pisces is carefully tucked away across the street from Trader Joe’s, but don’t let the size of their store-front fool you. Inside there is plenty of square footage with an architectural draw that most sushi places in Charlotte lack. There is a sense of elegance and exclusivity with their clandestine arch booths that allow you to eat in a privacy setting unique to most. The entrepreneurial and charismatic Bryan Li, co-owner of Pisces, talked with Elevate and shed some light on the newly acquired real estate.     Dining 2012-05-01T23:06:00+00:00 http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/how-to-be-a-fashionista-traveler-with-a-carry-on-bag/ http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/how-to-be-a-fashionista-traveler-with-a-carry-on-bag/ With the TSA’s rule of allowing only three-ounce or smaller bottles of liquid in carry-on bags on flights these days, our beauty regimes have been compromised. Hotels usually have shampoo, conditioner and lotions on hand but not our preferred brands that keep our hair from looking frizzy. And what about our skincare that keeps our faces looking fresh and our eye lines puffy free? Can this really fit into a three-ounce bottle?   Fashion 2012-05-01T23:02:38+00:00 http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/hottest-travel-destinations-of-2012-elevate/ http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/hottest-travel-destinations-of-2012-elevate/ Americans travel more and more each year, and realizing the importance of time off together, “splurging” a bit becomes somewhat warranted. The most difficult task is deciding where your destination spot will be. My recommendations will make even the pickiest traveler happy.   Lifestyle 2012-05-01T22:57:45+00:00 http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/what-do-you-see-when-you-look-in-the-mirror/ http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/what-do-you-see-when-you-look-in-the-mirror/ A few helpful tips for strengthening your INNER beauty. After almost 20 years in the beauty industry, I am still amazed by how women (and men) perceive themselves physically. We tend to always be our own worst critic. Instead of looking in the mirror and noticing all of the things we love about ourselves, we spend countless hours staring at the perceived flaws and imperfections. I’m not sure if you realize it or not, but every time you focus on the imperfections instead of the “good stuff,” you chip away little by little your inner beauty. What is inner beauty you may ask? Well, I think it is very simple. Inner beauty is in direct relation to what you think about yourself. The more you love yourself, flaws and all, the more your “inner light” shines. Here are some helpful tips on how to strengthen your inner beauty.   Fashion 2012-04-09T13:56:17+00:00 http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/the-art-of-the-modern-lady-with-savannah-shaw/ http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/the-art-of-the-modern-lady-with-savannah-shaw/ Savannah Shaw, a facilitator and coach with focus on business etiquette & international protocol, will present a special event for women professionals at the Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte. On Saturday, April 7th from 11:30am to 2:30pm, attend The Art of the Modern Lady, a business etiquette luncheon designed to provide professionals with the tools needed for success in any business environment.   Culture 2012-04-05T16:07:44+00:00 http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/2012-nc-gymnast-of-the-year-and-north-carolina-state-champions/ http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/2012-nc-gymnast-of-the-year-and-north-carolina-state-champions/ Flying High Gymnastics Academy of Mooresville took honors last weekend at the North Carolina Men's Gymnastics State Competition and congratulates its winners and the 2012 North Carolina Gymnast of the Year, Patrick Henley. With more than 250 competitors at the state meet held in Greenville, Flying High gymnasts repeatedly reached the podium and six athletes qualified to represent the state at the regional competition. Henley was named the state's Gymnast of the Year by a vote from the state's judges and coaches.   Fitness 2012-04-05T16:06:21+00:00 http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/corporate-partners-join-knights-for-uptown-charlotte-baseball/ http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/corporate-partners-join-knights-for-uptown-charlotte-baseball/ The Charlotte Knights are pleased to confirm that the team has fulfilled its commitment to provide proof of two significant, long-term sponsorship agreements to Mecklenburg County. Those sponsorships include our Naming Rights Partner and one Founding Level Partner. Providing such proof by March 31, 2012 was a condition required to maintain the validity of the Knights' lease agreement with the County.   Entertainment 2012-04-05T16:02:55+00:00 http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/elevate-lifestyle-awards-2012-nightlife-winners/ http://www.elevatelifestyle.com/magazine/v/elevate-lifestyle-awards-2012-nightlife-winners/ Nightlife 2012-04-04T13:15:32+00:00