Ladies Tea at Charlotte Mills!

Introducing... 

Our first event! Ladies Tea and Craft Party! 

Join us!!

Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com/ladiestea. Discounts available for group tickets.

If you are a small business that would like to sponsor this event, please contact me at browsewatchshopreview@gmail.com

Edge of the city

This week kept me near the edge of the city - except when I went to a wedding.
I wanted to review Comida... it's the new restaurant where The Penguin used to be, but they are jam-packed, and it is highly recommended to call and make a reservation. Hopefully I can do that this week and report back. Hoping it's a $5 review restaurant... we'll see.

Time Flies Country Store
Time Flies Facebook Page

Local crafts

I was back in Mt. Holly on Friday, working on plans for the first BWSR event (more on that later). While there, Deven and I were able to stop in one of the other stores on Main Steet, Time Flies Country Store.
Being one of the entrances of Main Street, the address of Time Flies is 105 N. Main Street, Mt. Holly. They are open Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Fri, 12pm - 8pm, Saturday 9am - 6pm, and Sunday, 12pm - 5pm. They are closed on Wednesday. Caryn told us the store has been around for five years, and just moved into it's new location last year.
The store is cute. It has toys, ice cream, and quite a few fun items. There is a section of craft wares from several local craft people.
A small shop, but it packs a punch. Whether you want a quick drink, want to sit out front and eat some Charleston salted caramel ice cream, or you need a toy for a well deserving child, this store is one to check out.

Time Flies receives $3.75 of $5

Alexander Homestead Weddings
alexanderhomesteadweddings.com

View from one of the bridges

Saturday had Lawrence and I up early so I can become the photographer for my former boss's wedding. She decided to have it at Alexander Homestead Weddings, located at 4717 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte.
This all in one wedding venue is a hidden gem! In my eight years of living here in Charlotte, I have driven past this place more than my fair share of times, and I didn't know it was there. Alexander Homestead invites you in with a beautiful wrought iron gate and a tree-lined path. When the gate opened, we were greeted by an adorable dog (I didn't get her name). She came over to the car, sniffed at us, and approved our entrance by trotting away. We parked in the back of the ample parking area. As we were driving through, we noticed the chairs set up for the ceremony around the gazebo, which is directly behind the carriage house. The beautiful dairy barn was just ahead.
Christi, the day of coordinator for Alexander Homestead, was very accommodating. This place does everything for you - they have vendors that handle everything you need; officiant, flowers, food, photography, and using their vendors is *highly* preferred. Using their vendors means Christi takes care of all of the services for you. The only two vendors that were outside vendors for my boss's wedding were the officiant and me.
Without going into total detail about the wedding and reception, I want to say Alexander Homestead is amazing! The carriage house for the bridal party was beautifully decorated, the pond was a great place for people to wait while I was taking pictures, and the staff was very attentive - they took care of everything! The service went on without a hitch, and the reception was fun and filled with very tasty food! I'm still thinking about those waffles (we had brunch).
I have already told Iyana (oldest) that I am going to save my pennies for her wedding to be held at Alexander Homestead.

Alexander Homestead Weddings receives $4.75 of $5! 

Mama's Coffee House

Mama's Coffee House Facebook Page

The unmistakable front yard

I have been to Mama's Coffee House before. Since I haven't done so before, I thought I'd tell you about them!
Today, I had to drop Dianna (child 2) off at work and take Ahja prom dress shopping, so while I was close, I decided to stop at Mama's.
If you've never been to Mama's Coffee house, you're missing an adorable place. It's a place that the former homeowner's grandchildren still come by to point out where they used to play, a place where you can find some quirky door art, and a place you can write on (almost) anything. Seriously. They give you markers when you walk in and ask if you've made your mark yet (we have).
Located at 716 Main Street in Pineville, NC, Mama's is easy to spot when you're driving toward the NC/SC border. The giant coffee cup and colorful doors in the lawn draw you in.

Customer ceiling art

I wanted a quick cup of coffee, and Ahja wanted a sandwich - a breakfast panini. Going in the door, it was more crowded than I have seen other times I've been. After hearing conversations, I found out Mama's has a great Groupon deal right now (click HERE for deal).
Because of the deal and small crowd, we had to wait. It gave me time to meet Monica, Josh, and
Monica's husband (didn't catch his name - sorry!), who were all extremely pleasant. Josh kept apologizing for the wait and offered free items, which we stupidly declined (I'm trying to stick to my diet).
The cafe/restaurant offers beer, wine, pastries, their own coffee (you can buy brewed and beans), and a variety of sandwiches. They have events, and will soon offer wine tastings. When you go, make sure you try the green pesto they offer with your sandwich. You won't be disappointed.

Mama's Coffee House receives $4.25 of $5

This week, you will learn about the first BWSR event, and possibly get a few hints on the second! 

No yarn this weekend

As much as I always want to visit yarn shops when I am out of town, I was not able to get to the one in Franklin, NC, this weekend.
Well, I could have gone, but it was FAR down the mountain (I am not a mountain person), and I didn't want to drive back in the dark. So, we spent our time in Sylva, NC.

Sylva is a tiny town near Western Carolina University. It has quite a few chain stores, but there is also two streets worth of local shops. We decided to stop at two of the shops.

Baxley's Chocolates
baxleyschocolates.com
A chocolate shop will get my attention almost as much as a yarn shop. Baxley's Chocolates had mine as soon as I drove onto the street.

Some of our purchase.

We walked into Baxley's and was immediately greeted by Lauren Baxley. Deven was surprised she was creating pieces in the back, and asked if she has classes. She said because of the space she has she could not at this time, but it is something they have done in other locations, and it is one of her passions.

We decided to get peanut butter meltaways (two top right for Deven), white chocolate almond clusters (for Ahja), and toffee bites (for all of us). We also were able to pick up some Granola Granny Turtles that were a little off their best (chocolate not as shiny). To say they were not made as good as the other chocolate is a little insulting, because they were delicious!
Baxley's has a nice selection and great prices - most chocolate is priced by pound. The toffee was tougher than I like, but it was still good. We have to go back to WCU next month, and I will definitely check this place out again.

Baxley's receives $3.50 out of $5. 

Mad Batter Food and Film

Mad Batter's Facebook Page

After we purchased our chocolate and walked the small town, we decided we wanted something to eat. Deven wanted Cook-Out, but Ahja wanted something local. After a rather lengthy conversation, we decided to try Mad Batter's, which was right in front of us. Deven thought it was a theater where you eat, but once we saw someone come out with two boxes of pizza, we went in. 

Section where we were sitting. 

The place is something I have never seen before. It is a restaurant with a movie theater in it. There is a bar, a large dining area, and balcony seating. They have a list of dates and times for the movies (tonight's showing was The Peanuts Movie), and the movies are free. They also have live music and other events. There were people already sitting in the middle of the dining room, so I was only able to take a side photo. 

Most people have reservations if you go to eat close to the time a movie is playing - something we didn't know. We were seated, and our waitress came to take our order. Ahja ordered a calzone, I ordered a slice of pepperoni and a salad, and Deven ordered a chicken wrap. 

My food

The food came, and it was SO very good! I assumed it was going to be basic pizza shop fare, but I was pleasantly mistaken. The salad was fresh (and no iceberg!), and both kids scarfed down their meal (well, Ahja took hers back to the hotel and finished it for breakfast). We were happy.
While we were eating, they started setting the reserved tables, because the movie was starting at 6:30pm. They placed popcorn at the seats, and there was a steady stream of people starting to show up.
Not interested in staying for the movie, we finished our meal and got up to pay as the waitress instructed. This was the only part I was "meh" about. We had to wait a bit to pay. It was partially understandable because our waitress was busy, but there were other workers there, and I think there should be a way for someone else to assist a little quicker than what they did. Another waitress did finally take our payment, but that was after a few just walked by us without even saying anything. Felt a little rude. BUT the atmosphere is nice, and the food was really good. After we left, I read other reviews about people waiting and not the friendliest service, so I hope it changes... 

Mad Batter's Food and Film receives a $3.75 out of $5. 

I wanted to do some more browsing today, but I'm not feeling well... 

Will definitely be back with more shops and events next week! 

Accidental Shopping

I was taking Ahja (child #4) to the DMV today for a state id, but it was so crowded, we didn't get it. I'm glad we didn't.

Catawba Coffee Co. menu board

Catawba Coffee Co.
Catawba Coffee Co. Facebook Page
Since I had time between the DMV visit and leaving to get the car for our trip to Western Carolina University, I decided to stop for some coffee. Ahja and I walked into Catawba Coffee Co., located at 117 N. Main Street in Mt. Holly, NC. They are open Monday - Friday, 7am - 8pm, Saturday, 8am - 8pm. Closed Sunday.
Established in 2014, the small shop is very inviting, and the barista behind the counter, Garrett, greeted us warmly and helped Ahja and I make our choice from the all delicious sounding lattes. Ahja had a Funky Monkey, I had a Birthday Cake. Unfortunately, I forgot to jot down what was in each...
Garrett got to work on our lattes, and we peeked around the shop. There were some pastries, but not a large amount... There were comfortable chairs, and the tables had some great maps on them. Reading material was scattered through the shop - on the coffee table in front of the comfortable sofa, on the bookshelf, and some others around on tables.

Adding a monkey

Garrett made our drinks, even decorated them with a birthday cake and a monkey holding a banana - both out of chocolate. They were DELICIOUS! We were both rather upset that we didn't get mediums. We talked to Garret for a while, who pointed out another shop we should check out, as well as introduced us to Kelie, one of the resident artists who happened to be there tagging her works for sale. She has quite a few pieces that hang in the store. Before we left, Kelie was talking to a client about a custom piece he was interested in, which involved her going to the beach (which, as a flight attendant happens often). She had some great stories about her work and about how she creates. I really suggest you check her works on the wall while you have one of their tasty drinks.
Catawba also has live music on different nights - check out their Facebook page for dates and times.

Catawba Coffee Co. receives a $4. out of $5.

(great atmosphere, good coffee, nice staff)

Jacqueline's Boutique

www.jacquelinesboutique.net

Jacqueline and Sophie

Taking Garrett's advice, we walked a couple of doors over to Jacqueline's Boutique at 123 N. Main Street (Mt. Holly, of course). They are open Tuesday - Friday, 10am - 6pm, Saturday, 10am - 4pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. 

Jacqueline sells clothing, jewelry, handbags, and other ladies' accessories. The pieces are interesting and unique, and the store is bright and inviting - although Jacqueline kept apologizing for the place being a mess. She and her husband was in the middle of getting ready for the MerryMarket event happening Saturday in the Mt. Holly City Hall parking lot.

One of the dressing rooms

Beautiful jewelry

This is one adorable boutique! Even the dressing room has an adorable designer touch! 

As I walked through the store, I spent about $100 in my head! I wanted to purchase so many pieces, but that was not my intention going into the store. I had to stay focused and make sure I browsed - like I said I would. It was hard. This piece of jewelry called out to me as I walked by, but I resisted. 

In business for over 20 years, but in Mt. Holly for one, Jaqueline's Boutique has nice quality pieces at very reasonable prices. It's a place that you can pick something up and probably not hear that your friend has the same piece. 

Jacqueline's Boutique receives $4. out of $5. 

(nice variety, great atmosphere, great prices)

Charlotte Mills

Charlotte Mills Facebook Page

Vintage skates for sale

Since we were having such a great time talking to the shopkeepers, we decided to check out the shop on the other side of the coffee shop, Charlotte Mills. They are at 111 N. Main Street, Mt. Holly. The shop is open Monday - Saturday, 10am - 6pm. Closed Sunday. 

The shop is a vendor showcase, a small event venue, a shop that can hold multipurpose events (right now set up for sewing class and art classes for anyone interested in renting and teaching). It is beautiful and bright, and Joan, the owner, really put quite a bit of thought into what she wanted her shop to look like. Just opening in August, Charlotte Mills is a breath of happiness on Main Street. The items she showcases are a mix of ladies vintage wears, accessories, home and garden collectibles, mugs... so many cute items, there is no way to name them all. 

Debonair and Channel, the doves

The back of the store is set up for small group events - tea parties, bridal showers, baby showers, networking events... and she has the tablecloths and dishes needed for your group. There is another room that is set up as a multipurpose craft center - right now it is set up for sewing classes (I got really excited). There was also a cute surprise - Debonair was trying to woo Channel by making some sweet sounds.  I don't think Channel was paying him any mind, but he was trying his best. 

A glimpse of one side of the event area

We talked to Joan for a long while and made some plans (I will share that later). While we were leaving, Ahja noticed an adorable dress hanging outside. At the price listed, I made her try it on, and it was a perfect fit! We quickly rang it up (because we were now running behind), and went on our way. 

Ahja in her dress

Charlotte Mills is named after Joan's great grandmother who was born in 1873. The name is very fitting for the style of store. You will definitely find a cute piece you will want to take home, and if you need an event place, look her up on Facebook. The prices are very reasonable, and the shop has wonderful versatility. 

Charlotte Mills receives $4.25 out of $5.

Please check these shops out. They are not far from Charlotte, and well worth the travel. 

Tomorrow, I will fill you all in on the trip to Sylva, Cullowhee, and Western Carolina University. 

We started at Dish...

Hello, good people!

Hubby and I woke to some abnormally busy Saturday noises. Dianna (child 2 of 5) started a new job and had to leave extra early, and Deven (child 3 of 5) was doing his normal routine of taking care of elderly Pepperjack (12 to 14 yo Dalmatian. We are unsure of his age). As I started adjusting to what day it really was, I turned and asked Lawrence if he wanted to go out for breakfast. We haven't been spending much time together since he started a second job, and I have been subbing at a school about 40 minutes away from home. Also, we only have one car and a busy family...

About DISH 
Dish breakfast menu
Anyway, we were headed to our usual breakfast eatery, but wanted to try something new, so we decided on Dish. I ate here once for lunch, but it was Lawrence's first time visiting.

Located at 1220 Thomas Avenue in Charlotte, Dish is a no-frills diner. They serve breakfast on Saturdays from 10am - 3pm, and are open 11am - 10pm (11pm Friday and Saturday), with a bar that is open "late nights". Closed on Sunday.
Although Dish has quite a few options for lunch and dinner, the menu for breakfast is SHORT. One quick 5x7 page of about nine items, with three being sandwiches. Again, no-frills. If you are looking for pancakes, waffles, or regular sausage, you are in the wrong breakfast place.
One of the great things about the menu, the priciest item is the Huevos Rancheros at $8.00.

We were there at 10:00am, and there were about 7 tables already seated. We were quickly greeted and were told to choose a seat. After trying to sit in an uncomfortable booth seat (cushioned bench with dead/no springs), we chose a table for two in the back. There was a cute couple with an adorable baby near us, so that was fun. Our waitress took our drink order (coffee for both, cranberry juice for Lawrence). While we waited, they started setting up for a party of nine right behind me. We received our coffee in stemmed, clear mugs (very cute, but I forgot a photo). Well, I received MY coffee after the waitress gave our coffee to another table first, then brought my coffee. After apologizing and a few minutes passed, she finally came back with Lawrence's.
She took our orders. Lawrence ordered the Carolina Country Breakfast (two eggs, two slices of bacon, grits, hash brown casserole, white pepper gravy, biscuit, and coffee) with extra bacon. I ordered the Down Home Breakfast (two eggs, two slices of bacon, hash brown casserole, biscuit, and coffee).
We waited about 20 minutes, and we finally got our food.
Wrong order. Lawrence did not get his extra bacon, and we both received the Carolina Country Breakfast. With exasperation, the runner took the plates away, then about 5 minutes later, came back with the same plate I had before (minus gravy), along with Lawrence's plate and extra bacon.

NOT what I ordered

Even after all of that, the food was good. The eggs, bacon, and grits were normal diner fare - nothing to write home about, but still yummy. The surprise of the meal - the hash brown casserole. It was really good! One of the best hash brown casseroles I've had in a diner. 

We finished our food and received our check. Another 10 minutes of waiting, and we were finally out.

It's difficult to properly review this experience because it was an unusually busy Saturday - as all of the workers repeated to each customer. But the food was good, and the casserole (almost) made up for the slow service.

Dish receives $2.75 out of $5. 

(slow service and incorrect order contributed to this)

About Baskets of Yarn  

www.basketsofyarn.com

We decided since we were so close to travel to Baskets of Yarn. Of course, it's a yarn shop. 

Just a SMALL section of the store.

Tucked away in the brick buildings in the large parking lot off of Central Avenue, Baskets of Yarn's address is 1318 Central Avenue, Suite E3 in Charlotte. They are open Tuesday - Friday, 10am - 6pm, Saturday, 10am - 4pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. 

We had no real plans of buying yarn - we like to browse and think of ideas. Plus, it was Lawrence's first time in the shop (I don't know how...). 

We were greeted immediately by one of the shops "alarms", a cute, little dog who likes to tell people someone is entering. Once the dog is done barking, he goes back to where he came from, and allows you to shop in peace. Nothing to worry about - if you're worried about animals. 

We did end up purchasing. Lawrence purchased this gorgeous Malabrigo yarn (it's now his favorite brand), and I purchased some lovely Marble Chunky. 

Lawrence trying to choose Malabrigo

Baskets of Yarn has a great variety of yarn. If you are into yarn, or know anyone who is into yarn, this is a great place to go and feel up the fibers. I have visited almost every yarn shop in the Charlotte area - all but one - and this one is definitely on top. The prices are great, the employees and shop owners are friendly, and they have great nooks to work in.

Baskets of Yarn receives $4.50 out of $5.

(generous yarn selection, great prices)

About The Secret Chocolatier

www.thesecretchocolatier.com/

(Sorry, no photo)

As stated previously, we have one car. So there are many times where I have to run around the city like a chicken with my head cut off. Saturday was one of those times. While taking Deven to a new location - one that I've passed by many times, but haven't stopped to explore - I noticed a little strip of stores. 

Off of Providence and Sharon Amity Road, behind Block and Grinder, sits one of The Secret Chocolatier's locations - 2935 Providence Road, Suite 104, Charlotte. It is open Tuesday - Friday, 10:30am  - 7:30pm, Saturday, 11am - 7pm, Sunday 12pm - 4pm. Closed Monday.
The other location is 11318 N. Community House Road, Suite 203, Charlotte. You can also find their chocolates in various stores around Charlotte. Check out their website for more info. 

Since I was waiting for Deven, I decided to check the place out. When I walked in, I immediately noticed someone speaking and a few people gathered in the back. Quickly looking to my left, I saw a small sign - they hold classes here! Sounds cool! As I looked around, the first thing that caught my eye (maybe because it was directly in front of me) was the salted chocolate butter toffee. Yes, I purchased that. Along with the "salty monkey" (salted peanuts, banana chips, and milk chocolate).
The store is small with a few tempting confections, but what I had was delicious. 

The Secret Chocolatier receives $3.75 out of $5. 

(Good quality, but pricey. Not a large selection.)

That's everywhere I shopped on March 5th. 

So, what do you think? The number of reviews will change according to where I shop. I will try to do this weekly, since I am always up for new adventures.
If you have a place/movie/show you want me to stop by and review, send an email to browsewatchshopreview@gmail.com and let me know!