Monday, March 21, 2016

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
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!