Charlotte Time Out

Ten years ago B.C. (before children), I wouldn’t have been caught dead in a pair of jeans with a waistband higher than my belly button. Fast forward to 2009. I’ve been pregnant three times. Given birth three times, all by c-section. Believe me, no amount of sit-ups in the world will have my mid-section bikini or low-rise jean wearing anytime soon.

This fall I was searching for a new pair of jeans. I’ve begun what seems like a neverending weight-loss journey and needed something that fit a little better. While I prefer yoga pants, I do need to appear in public on occasion and need to appear as if I haven’t just rolled out of bed. (Oh the irony! I never sleep!). So I went to Lands’ End which I love for basic, comfortable, affordable, everyday wear and found the best-fitting pair of jeans yet for my body type. The Curvy Fit Wide Leg Premium Stretch Jeans are a great fit and a steal of a price ($21.99 right now at landsend.com). The jeans sit above the waist and smooth out my, um, imperfections. Paired with the right top, they have a very slimming effect. So, I urge the moms of the world to not be afraid of mom jeans as they’ve come a long way! Just stay away from pleats and airbrushed Tweetie Bird sweatshirts.

Right now they’re listed for $21.99.

Photo: Land’s End

Ahhh…springtime in Charlotte. There is no other time of the year that I love more. The sun is shining, the skies are blue and everything is in bloom (ahchoo!). The kids are in love with the backyard again. This means the television is getting a much-deserved vacation and I have a fighting chance to keep the house in relative order. Even the old dog seems to have a spring in her step. I want to soak up as much of it as possible because I’ve lived here long enough to know in a matter of a few weeks, we’ll be cranking up the AC and declaring it too hot for human life (or is that just me?)

But if you have kids you understand that May is no time to rest. Spring is the home stretch for the school year. I’ve learned that means there will be no less than two school programs, at least one picnic per child, a spring festival, a Mother’s Day brunch, a couple of fieldtrips, a field day, an end of school celebration and a teacher appreciation event. (I’m going to Black Swan Farm twice in one week for heaven’s sake). Every last one of these is “the single most important event” in my young daughters’ lives. Trust me, they’ve told me as much as I tuck them into bed. Not only do the NEED me to be there for the event. They happily and freely volunteer me to chaperone, bring baked goods, work the snow cone machine, sell tickets and coordinate gifts. (I’m fairly certain they haven’t noticed that I have a day job). I, of course, lovingly accept each handmade invitation and well-intentioned volunteer hat that comes home. I’m not big on the “no” word when it comes to volunteerism. I’m working on that.  I’m also buying more alcohol this time of the year. Coincidence?

Recently I was reviewing my dayplanner and wiping the sweat from my brow while waiting for my husband to meet me for lunch. I looked up with bleary eyes only to see a group of teenage girls being dropped off my a mother in the parking lot. As the girls chatted and strutted their way to the door without so much as a wave to their taxi driver mom, I was reminded that although chaotic, these days are precious and fleeting. My presence is still coveted and prized. That won’t always be the case.

Now I’m going to get back to baking those cookies and sorting those foam stickers.

It’s nearing 5 p.m. on Friday, but this is better late than never. At Charlotte Time Out we’re all about sharing knowledge. So I present “Five for Friday” which we offer up some stuff we love.

1. Meal-Planning Charts

In light of the economy (I’m starting to hate hearing/saying that phrase, but alas …) my husband and I have reexamined our finances and came up with a budget. Eating out at restaurants was a budget killer. Yet, with three children and a career, getting meals on the table is a time/mood/energy killer. So, a solution for me is just simple meal-planning. The Project Girl makes is simple with her free downloadable charts! Enjoy!

2. Paper Skyscraper

I highly recommend this gift store in Dilworth named one of Charlotte magazine’s Best Gift Shop for 2009. You’ll be able to find anything for anyone including a laugh for yourself! You can also follow them on Twitter!

3. Cajun Yard Dog

Whether it’s family night, date night or girls night out, this little New Orleans-inspired restaurant at the Arboretum has something for everyone. They even hand out Mardi Gras beads to your little Fancy Nancies!

4. Live Music at Promenade on Providence

Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday at the shopping center at the corner of Providence and Ballantyne Commons. Get your family ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery or coffee at Starbuck’s or pack your own snacks and sit on the grass surrounding the water fountain. The kids will love it!

5. Your backyard

It’s that time of year. The kids crave being outside as much as you encourage want them out of the house. So let them run free! Sit outside with them with a beverage of your choice and enjoy!