MakeUp Artistry by Cherry

I just returned from the Bronner Bronners Hair Show, and I had the pleasure to take a makeup artistry class from Cherry.  She gave out some great makeup artistry tips.  One of them is to buy jewelry compartment holders similar to the one pictured below to hold foundation colors instead of trying to keep up with 15 different foundation tubes.

She recommended the rounds ones.  Another classmate mentioned that lipsticks/lip color can also be stored this way as well to save on handling of lipstick tubes.

I definitely found Cherry to be knowledgeable about the MakeUp Artistry field.  She offers classes.  The picture at the beginning of this article provides information on her next upcoming class.

Sidewalks make Pedestrian Traffic More safe!

Pictured above is Gilead Road overpass bridge over Interstate 77 in September 2013 in Huntersville, NC.  I have been told that NC State DOT owns this road. Did you notice that the excessive amount of foot traffic has created a path in the grass leading into vehicular traffic?

Update:  As of October 2013, the lines have been added  to this overpass bridge to redefine the shoulder area making it a safer bridge to walk across.  Yes!  A great improvement!

Another Charlotte, NC example:

Guess where this temporary pedestrian path dumps you out?  The streets along the parking lot at Northlake Mall.  September 2013 is when this picture was taken.  The sidewalk from the primary public bus stop is closed off to build what looks like a new parking lot for the H&M store, but in the meantime, transit riders have to dodge traffic to actually get into the mall.

November 2013 update:  parking lot and walkway finished at Northlake Mall.  

For those who recognize more and more people walking on the streets or in the grass where there is no pavement,  would you please assist me in identiftying the streets like the ones pictured above that need more sidewalks in order to keep pedestrians safe and drivers from having an accident?

Larger cities know that citizens use public transit.  Installing sidewalks as a standard along most roads makes life easier for those without personal vehicles.

However,  in Charlotte, our bus routes are limited, and there are still many people who are walking through the grass and in the street trying to get to food and groceries.

Let's not forget that walking is good exercise! Most pedestrians are at least wearing light colored clothing so that the headlights at night will reflect on them alerting drivers that there is someone walking.

I for one am still concerned that someone driving and talking on a cell phone at the same time is going to accidently hit someone during the night or daytime hours.

I am going to start the list of streets that need more sidewalks in the metro Charlotte, NC area.  Please feel free to add additional streets in the comment section or contact me directly to add your input.

Streets to add more sidewalks to:
1) West Harris Boulevard between Mallard Creek Road and Davis Lake shopping center
2) Harris Road/Eastfield between Popular Tent Road and Prosperity Church Road.
3) Statesville Road between Rich Hatchett Road and Gilead Road
4) Gilead Road and the Interstate 77 overpass/bridge
5) Independence Boulevard between Eastway/Wendover overpass and the Walmart store (needs a crossing over Independence Blvd)

Thanks in advance to city officials who will work to make Charlotte's quality of life safer and healthier by looking out for pedestrians.

Update: 6/11/2014

Pictured is the front page of Charlotte Observer newspaper on Sunday, June 8, 2014.  The concern for pedestrians in South End Charlotte warranted the front page cover while I have seen people run across Independence Boulevard, jumping over cement barricades within seconds of fast approaching cars.  I am certain the death toil of pedestrians on Independence Boulevard is far higher than congested SouthEnd.

Fore! Restaurant: The Golfer's Pub

Don't let the name fool you!  Fore! Golfer's Pub offers more than just drinks! The owner is an avid golfer, but you do not have to be in order to enjoy your dining experience!

Fore! is a full service resturant including grits, eggs, pancakes, French toast and more for breakfast which starts daily at 6am.  They also have everything from Shrimp and Grits to Salmon to Pork Chops as entrees.  They have salads too!

Their food is modestly seasoned where you have the option to add more according to your personal taste, and my breakfast selection was perfectly seasoned for my taste. Their croissants caught my attention because they are actually "croissant buns" which are distinguished for their thickness similar to toast.  They even offer cranberry juice.

I am an avid fan of creme brulee, and yes, they offer creme brulee too!  Their version pictured above was delicious!  Service was exceptional and timely!

They have a private meeting area which holds about 8 people that is perfect for small board meetings held by local homeowners associations.  Also, the restaurant as a whole can accommodate about 45 people for private gatherings as well.

I foresee that Fore! is going to start requiring reservations soon. So you may want to try them out to get ahead of the crowd!

Kim Kardashian Kan Do It!

Pictured are photos from July 8, 2013 Intouch Magazine.  Kim Kardashian still had swollen ankles even after giving birth to baby girl North West.  According to online news, Kim developed preeclampsia which is a temporary high blood pressure as she neared her due date.  The swollen ankles were probably related to this condition. Many women develop this conditiion.  She is only about 5'2" if my memory serves me correctly.  She did not have much bandwidth to hide any extra pounds, but she still looks great!

I know that she wants to get down to her pre-pregnancy body (picture from 2011 according to Intouch magazine).  I believe that "Kim Kan" Do It!

HVAC units clogging up

With all of the rainfall that we have been receiving, you may have found some extra water finding its way inside.  However, it may not be a rain leak, but it may be a HVAC pipe back up.

Essentially, the drain off water that usually runs outside gets trapped or clogged and begins leaking inside.  So if your furnace is in the ceiling then this leak may cause drywall damage into the next floor.

The good thing is that the HVAC service repair is only about $130 to replace the pipes and get you going again.  This clog seems to be a common service problem lately.  You may want to have your HVAC unit checked annually to make sure that the drainage water is flowing properly outside.

White Rose Petroleum Jelly

 After further research, I discovered that this White Rose Petroleum Jelly used to come in a tin.  It had an "old school" look to it.  This is now the new modern packaging.

Well, I bought this from Walmart for $2.00 USD and fell in love with it.  It is obviously white in color, but it is not as sticky nor as greasy as Vaseline.  My skin immediately absorbs it without even rubbing it in.  I can touch my skin with it on my finger and magically my skin is re-hydrated.  This White Rose Petroleum jelly worked a miracle on my feet, and it even says it can be used for pressing hair.  Wow!  I vote White Rose as the best petroleum jelly on the market.

Coin Laundromats in 2013

So your washer went out on you . . .  What to expect at the coin laundromat in 2013?

1) Full service is $1.00 per pound where the operators wash, dry, and fold for you.  Before 2pm dropoff can pickup the same day.

2) Self service  has a wide range of machine sizes.  The $3.00 washing machines hold about 9 lbs of clothes, and it is a 22 minutes cycle.  Dryers are 6 minutes for $.25 (twenty-five cents).  36  to 42 minutes  which is 6 to 7 quarters is usually a good drying time.  If you have a dryer at home, 30 minutes knocks most of the moisture out of the clothes where you can finish drying them at home.

Full service comparison:  17-18 pounds of clothes at $17 to $18 would take two self service loads which is $6 total for washing and $3.00 for drying totalling $9.  So self-service is about half the price of full service.

Well, do not forget your detergent, fabric softener, and something to work on if you are doing self-service.

2013 Planting Tips

 I love this little watering can.  About once a week, I add a packet of Miracle Gro Singles to my water in my watering can for my plants.

I caution about using the Miracle Gro more than once a week.  It seems to be like a fertilizer or a "steroid" for enhanced performance.  Overuse seems to cause defects like extra blooms in the least likely places.  While extra flowers sounds great, you do not want two blooms growing from the same head.

I learned this lesson a few years back, but I figured that it would be good to share this information.  One Miracle Gro Singles packet per week should be plenty to keep the plants vibrant and strong.

My grievance with Carolinas Healthcare System

So I completed seven years of employment with Charlotte Mecklenburg Hospital Authority d/b/a Carolinas Healthcare System with overall successful and exceptional performances.

So how did it come to a Court case filing?  Nepotism? Cronyism? A little of both? or just an incompetent Human Resources staff?  You decide.

My case on July 26, 2013 was dismissed without prejudice in order for both parties to re-group and allow me to re-file within the next year.  CHS wanted the case dismissed with prejudice, and they filed their motion to dismiss at 8:59am (an hour and one minute before the start of our small claims case.)

Questions came up about my failure to file with the North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDL).  It is my understanding that the NCDL is designed to help employees get their job back.  According to CHS, they had completely eliminated all employee hairdresser positions.  So there was no job available to get back.  In addition, by February 2013, both managers that I had filed EEOC complaints against were separated from CHS.  I believe that these terminations were considered "corrective action" on behalf of CHS.  So I did not see a benefit in filing with NCDL.

I tried to work out a settlement out of court with CHS, but they have been unwilling to compromise.

As of August 2013, CHS and I still have not agreed to any type of settlement of my grievances of retaliation and  unfair treatment.

I found my case to be handled recklessly by CHS Human Resources and its attorneys.

Even others in management have questions about the competency of CHS Human Resources staff.  According to my research,  Human Resources purpose is to retain good employees and recruit good employees.  CHS has had a high turnover amongst its employees for years, and based on some opinions as shown above, third party recruiters supply better candidates than internal CHS recruiters.

 Some people may think that I am expecting a handout, but I have proof that I was willing to work for pay.

My 20+ transfer applications were not forwarded to hiring managers for consideration nor was I granted any interviews within the last two years of my employment not even from my direct upline.  My complaints to Human Resources were ignored.  I wonder if they were just hoping that I would just go away empty-handed?

Well, according to my understanding, I was laid off, but we did not agree on the layoff terms.  So I do not know if that means that I was just involuntarily terminated?  However, I received an exit interview survey to complete as if I voluntarily resigned.   I am confused.  Human Resources seem to be confused.  Which makes me question why CHS does not have a corporate compliance department that can provide a "check and balance" over the Human Resources administration without reporting up to the Chief Human Resources officer which has been a conflict of interest.

Articles such as this one seems to be the only way for "my side of my story" to be heard because North Carolina is an "at-will employment" state.  That means the employment laws favor the employer not the employee.

I hope my story helps others to make sound decisions about working in North Carolina.