For Every Season Consignment - The Sale, The Family, The Story

Hello my Chatter friends. I have an awesome feature for you all this week. I will start with a question - Who reading this loves a good sale? Good!
Next Question - Who reading this loves fantastic deals, great items and a bunch of smiling faces all at the same time??
Very good!
Last question - Who gets crazy giddy excited when they start to get flyers from a group called “For Every Season.” I mean jump up and down run to their calendars mark the days in permanent marker and gets a sitter for the kids just so you can go?If you are like me then you are not only raising your hand but you are also jumping up and down squealing and clapping (okay maybe that is just me) but I have to admit I feel like a school girl who just got asked to the prom when this glorious sale comes around. That famous purple postcard comes in the mail with that special saying “For Every Season Fall/Winter Consignment Sale” (or Springs/Summer) and I am in heaven.

I became a fan of “For EverySeason” about 4 years ago when a fellow Mommy friend of mine sent out an e-mail about the sale and that this was where she got all of her kid’s toys and outfits. At the time I had never heard of them before. I loved consignment shopping for the kids but being located in Lake Wylie, I usually had to travel to Pineville to Once Upon a Child. I had been pretty disappointed the last few times I went so I defiantly want to try this sale out since a) they were much closer to my side of town and b) my friend raved about it and she did indeed have some really cool things for her crew of little ones.
The sale I went to was their Holiday sale. As you will read in my interview, they do three sales a year and a holiday is one of them. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was blown away when I walked in. Everything was labeled, tagged and organized and had a flow to the room. It was busy but not overly crowded. There were plenty of helpers and I not only found stuff for the boys, but also a rug for my foyer, a lamp for my guest room and a really cool purse. I was thrilled.
The next sale I went too was their spring/summer and I brought my Mom along. We both left with bags full of stuff and I couldn’t wait for the fall/winter sale roll around. I think it is safe to say that I have gone to just about every sale since then and seriously plan my schedule around the time of year when they are in full swing. My boys are 5 & 6 now but I still go and find great deals on clothes, shoes and books, especially since my oldest loves to read and I am always looking for books or puzzles that he hasn’t read in school or hasn’t seen yet. I still swing by the toy aisle and pick up a few things. Last year success was a Buzz Light-year dressed in the USA colors and was a “Special Edition” in the store a few months prior. Retail value was $49.99. I paid $8.00 and it was still in great condition. Ryan still plays with him today.

I will always love that Buzz guy and For Every Season for having a sale that helps Mom’s and families out with offering things we all need and use but at fantastic deals and great conditions.
I contacted Lisa last year just after their fall sale and hope they would be willing to be a feature on Lakeside Chatter. She was happy to do so and I am honored and so excited to share with you all. One of my favorite things about blogging is when I get to know people who I have always admired from afar and especially when I get to hear their amazing stories. Read more below and get to know this fantastic family owned operation and if you haven’t done so yet get those permanent markers ready for your calendars.

1) How long have you known each other, and how did you all meet?
We are sisters (Lisa is older than Lori by only 14 months.) Also, our parents are instrumental part of our sale in both their work they do for us as well as the encouragement and support that they give us. We share the same core values, but have very different gifts and talents which we have found to be an asset at being in business together. Lori is the retail manager and Lisa is the business manager of For Every Season—it works!

2) How did you all come up with the idea of For Every Season? Where did the name come from? We knew from the very beginning that For Every Season Consignment was going to be more than just a business. Both of us are very mission-minded and needed to make a difference rather than just make a profit. For Every Season is actually part of an Ecclesiastical passage from the Bible: “For Every Season, there is a purpose under heaven.” We hoped that our business could not only be a way for families to clothe their children and equip their homes “for every season,” but that our business would be a blessing to all in each season.

3) How long has For every Season been in Charlotte/Fort Mill?
Our first sale was the Fall & Winter Sale in August 2002 at the Leroy Springs Recreational Complex in Fort Mill. This year’s Fall & Winter Sale (September 1-11) will be held at The Pointe (2266 Deerfield Drive in Fort Mill—I-77, Exit 88--next to Knights Baseball Stadium in the former Bobcats Training Center.

4) How many workers/volunteers are involved?
The success of our Sale would not be possible without our wonderful helpers and consignors! We have over 300 3-hour helper shifts for each sale. Our helpers come to “work” at our sale with all of their enthusiasm, talents, and ideas. At each sale, we have helpers who make great suggestions because they are thinking outside the box. We also really enjoy the friendship connections that our helpers have made with us and each other. We have a group of ladies who met at For Every Season as helpers years ago and now socialize outside of our Sale! That makes us feel great!

5) How many sales per year?

We host three sales per year: Spring & Summer Sale, Fall & Winter Sale, and Home & Holiday Sale. At all three sales, we feature children’s clothing & shoes, baby equipment, maternity items, and toys. At the Home & Holiday Sale, we expand to also include furniture and home décor, holiday decorations, electronics, appliances. At one Home & Holiday Sale, we even sold a kitchen sink! With the Home & Holiday Sale, no one ever out-grows our Sale! We love that because we enjoy seeing our consignors, helpers, and shoppers at each sale!

6) Most interesting thing you have learned since starting this adventure?
That the old saying “Never mix family with business” is not necessarily true--not saying that we haven’t had disagreements. However, when the mission of the business (to make a positive difference in the lives of families) is shared by all family members in the business (sisters, parents, husbands, and kids,) a family business can be successful. We have had to learn that each of us brings different gifts and talents to the business and we have learned to appreciate those differences. At the launch of our business, we kept asking ourselves, “Why are we doing this?” when we would get tired or frustrated. We sarcastically responded, “It’s for the children.” After the very first sale, we heard back from families thanking us for what For Every Season provided to the Fort Mill/Lake Wylie/Rock Hill/Charlotte area and what a difference it makes to families. The “It’s for the children” statement has quite a different meaning for us now.

7) Most rewarding part of owning your own company/business?
The most rewarding part is working diligently all year (it takes 3-4 months to prepare for each Sale) and then seeing the “fruits of our labor” as the actual on-site Sale time begins—from set-up to drop-off to sale days to pick-up. We are always excited to see our “old” friends as they come to consign or help (or both!) and are thrilled to meet new friends as they join our Sale as first-timers. We love the relationships we have made through this business

8) You are teaming up with Coupon Mama this year, how did that come about?
The savviest “Business Moms” are the ones that know that saving money is the same as making money. Coupon Mama teaches people how to save money in many various ways—from clipping coupons to not over-buying to not blindly follow the Joneses. For Every Season Consignment offers families an opportunity to make money through consignment and then save money buying at up to 75% off retail prices. Our missions interlace perfectly, so it was just natural that we would partner together. Our Facebook Manager, Michelle Taulbee, recognized this opportunity and put us in touch with Coupon Mama. We met with her recently—she is so dynamic and enthusiastic—check out the picture of us at the meeting on our Facebook page. We are thrilled with the prospects of what For Every Season and Coupon Mama can do working together for families in our community!

Any other fun tid bits you would like to share about your Experience since starting For Every Season?
Once we had a shopper who was unfamiliar with our Sale ask if we were a non-profit charity. Our Dad quickly replied, “Well, we are a ‘not-for-much-profit’ business!” Sad, but true—as we do not measure the success of For Every Season by our bottom line, but by the enjoyment and blessings we receive in For Every Season! Our parents are such an important part of our Sale and have been with us since the beginning. When they first offered their help (free help, of course!,) Lori and I wondered what in the world we could give them to do as token work to keep them busy and out of our way. Now we can’t imagine what we would do without their help! We give them their schedules, but remind them that they work 24/7 AND are on call.
It takes months and months of work just to do a 2-week event! Lori and I always smile when someone says to us, “It must be nice to only have to work a few weeks a year!” Well, it must be, but we wouldn’t know! Ha!

I hope you enjoyed reading about For Every Season as much as I have enjoyed getting to know them and feature them on Lakeside Chatter.  Make sure you check out their website and facebook page below.  More than anything though spread the love.  If you are an avid shopper and fan of For Every Season make sure you pass on their information and Chat Up this wonderful sale that I know personally will be one of the first in line.  Sale begins September 7th. 

Thanks so much Lori and Lisa.  You girls are truly amazing!

For Every Season Website 

For Every Season on Facebook
Coupon Mama Website

Prayers, A Walk and a Rock Star.

I pray a lot.  I always have.  It stared with the book "Are you There God it is Me Margaret"  back when I was 12 and like the main character Margaret, I too prayed for what else -  Boobs!  And okay a boyfriend, and if he was in the mood I also prayed to be as pretty as Lisa what's her name.  You know, there was always a "Lisa or an "Alyssa" or a "Stephanie" or some grogoues name that went with the gorgeous girl you went to school with.
I prayed to be like her.
And as I got older I prayed for my heartbreaks to heal, my parents to let me have a longer curfew and for Jon Bon Jovi to never get married until I was of age and he could chose me.
After college I prayed for a job.  Any job that would allow me to get my own apartment and finally be on my own.
And when I was on my own, I prayed not to screw it up.
And when I did I prayed for forgiveness and another chance.
And then years later, once I became a Mom I prayed about everything...
Please let the baby sleep....Please let my husband grab that night feeding, please tell me I won't be a walking one eyed open zombie for the rest of my life..."
"Please tell me this child asleep on my chest will never get hurt, will never get sick, will always be safe, healthy and always always Happy."
Because Children deserve that.  All children! 
My prayers about children are very specific..."Please help that child." 
Because children don't chose to get sick, they don't chose to have a disease or a missing limb or a bad skin disorder when they can't be allowed out in sunlight.  Kids don't pick this.  It is just life doing what it does best, leaving us with questions with tugs on our hearts and of course prayers. 
I am not extremely religious but I am extreme fan of God and his son Jesus Christ.  I believe in heaven and I believe in the power of faith, of his will and that sometimes we are not in control of what he has planned for us. 
And clearly I believe in the power of prayer. 
And when I see the amazing power this has, I am overwhelmed, I am moved beyond words.  Even if what we pray for isn't exactly how we had hoped it would turn out....  I know eventually whether it is in this life or my afterlife, I will understand why.
So it is then I try to wait and maybe understand a bit differently why kids get sick.  Really sick, or why kid's are taken from us so suddenly.  Because in my book you don't mess with kids.  You just don't.  But my book is different than God's and I trust his over mine any day of the week.
So latley I have had a certian child on my heart.  Okay, a certain family on my heart.  Many of you in this community know the Greenwalt Family.  If not you are about too.....
Meet them here. 
And if this link doesn't work, go over to my blog roll and click on "Life Love & Laundry" 
Or google Mitochrondial Disease.
Either way you will learn their story, their struggles and what they too are praying for - A Cure.
I am honored, to know this family and beyond humbled by their story.  I care very deeply about helping this little girl fight her "sick"  The sick she didn't ask for or deserve, The sick that found her at only 3 weeks of age.
The sick that is still with her today, almost on her 3rd birthday.
So I ask you wonderful readers for two things, first prayers for this family. 
Second, please visit her "Saving Savannah" facebook page and learn how you can help contribute to a walkathon taking place this October. 
The walk is organized by  United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation -Energy for Life." And their team name is "Saving Savannah" which is a perfect name for this little girl.  She not only rocks her own walk, but rocks the hearts of everyone who has met her, who knows her and who loves her.
Meet Savannah, one of the many many faces of kids facing Mitochondrial disease.
One of the faces you can help. 
And I belive she say's it best in the photo.

Until one is found, I will be praying.  Please join me.


With Love,
Mary

 

Wednesday Chatter's "Chat"

Been a week you guys and I am sorry....  I so envy you Bloggers out there who post daily. Seriously how do you do it?  Especially in the summer?!  My mind seems to have melted right along with everything else lately.  However I can always find stuff to chat about so here we go...

First, I must tribute my beloved "first" baby. 

Bruno passed away this past Friday after almost 8 wonderful years as our pet.  We got him when he was only 8 weeks old.  He was the most perfect animal to have in my life.  He was big and sweet and gentle as a baby and loved anyone he met. 

Most of you know Bruno's medical history and our story.  If not and would like to, here is a post I wrote about him back in January where we were told there was nothing more we could do for him except keep him comfortable.  Bruno's Story.

I miss him terribly, but I know he is in my heart, that is about all I can say for now.  You dog owners/lovers know what I mean. 

So on to something so super cheerful and DELICIOUS!!!  Check out what the Cupcake Girl has going on.  I am so excited to see her and "Thoughtful Creations" team up and offer yet another fab giveaway and gift basket.  Click here to read all about the Cupcake Drop.  Too awesome.  Also, know of someone who has a wedding coming up?  Cupcake girl also says's "I Do" to weddings.  Oh "Mi Amore"

Mom Togging!!

I would love to share your July 4th Pictures with my readers.  Have a favorite photo you took over the holiday??  Send it to me at lakesidechatter@gmail.com and I will add to the photo gallery coming up in the next post.  I will get us started....

This is my neighbor's daughter, she just happened to turn away from me while playing with that peace sign necklace.  I couldn't resist the combination of youth, peace and the red white and blue colors.  I love when pictures take on a life of their own.  So send what you got.   Photo's can be of anyone, anything, any time of day.  If it is Patriotic, red white and Blue, Fireworks, even hot dogs then send it on.  Can't wait to see them and share.  Make sure you include your name and any info about the photo you would like to share. 

Speaking of Togging.... Must share my new favorite site.  Paint The Moon.  Okay so if you are a togger and new to Photoshop (or even a pro) at photoshop I highly recommend you check this out.  Annie has 100's of unique textures and actions you can download for Photshop, and Photoshop Elements.  I am in love with this chic and her talent for creativity and design.  She has made me like Photoshop (I have had a long time fear of this application and even now learning it sometimes still feels like Greek to me). But she takes a lot of the time and confusion out of editing and comes up with so many wonderful unique actions.  She even responds to e-mails (people she is FAMOUS) so I was so excited when I e-mailed and said "Hi I am a dork and no NOTHING about photshop" and she got back to me very quickly and said "No you are not a dork, try this and try that and e-mail me if you need any help."  And boom.  Instant fan for life.  Take a peek at her stuff,her prices are very very good. she has freebies you can try out and I think you will love her as much as I do. 

Organizing Tip of the Week.

Rubber Band ID

A guest's wineglass won't end up in the wrong hands when one of these brightly colored name tags identifies it.

Thank you Carolina Neat Freak for this tip.  To see more and learn about how a professional Organizer can help you declutter your life check her out at Carolina Neat freak.

New at SUGAR CREEK GARDEN CENTER:

Xeriscaping!

Xeriscaping is landscaping in a way that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigating.

On Saturday, July 23 at 10AM We will be featuring a class on xeriscaping and how you can make your landscape both beautiful and less dependent on irrigation!

For more Information on this event click here : Sugar Creek Garden Center.

Okay my peeps, that is it for now....  I will have more coming by this weekend.  Hugs to you and please keep the comments coming and share the love on Facebook as well.  I couldn't do any of this without you!!


Much Love,
Mary

Happy Memorial Day

The sun is shining, the pools are open, school is almost done (if not already). The heat is blazing, grills are grilling, the beer is cold and the patriotism shines in all forms on this day of remembrance... 

"And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier's tomb, and beauty weeps the brave."

~Joseph Drake

In honor of all those men and women who lives have been lost in war.  In honor of all of soldiers currently serving our country and in honor of all of our veterans who have bravely served with their hearts, their minds and their souls. I know I am so very proud and blessed to be in this great country of ours. 

By pure chance, My son had a shirt on the other day that sums up this weekend perfectly:

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR ARMED FORCES Present past and Future!!
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So what's going on this week around the Chatter? 

Well lemme tell ya. 

First, mark your calendars for next Saturday, June 4th.  Steele Creek Outreach is having it's second Family Fun Day Fair held at River Hills Community Church in Lake Wylie from 11:00-2:00 p.m.

This is a family fun day you don't want to
miss. They will have a variety of activities such as: face painting (by yours truly), live music, fun balloon making by Royal Ruckus, paper bracelet coloring, cupcake decorating, fun tattoos and much more; plus great food and drinks for everyone. There will be a raffle from some of your favorite local eateries and a silent auction with lots of fabulous options! All proceeds will go to Steele Creek Outreach, a local non profit Incorporation that assists the homeless in Mecklenburg and York Counties.
**Price $20.00 per family and can be purchased at the door.**   This includes: 2 slices of pizza and 15 tickets that can be applied to games, additional food, fun balloons, and/or the silent auction. Additional tickets will be sold at the event. For more information visit their facebook page be clicking HERE

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The Cupcake Girl is doing something pretty special that you need to check out... Read below a special note from Jen: 

"With all of the devastation out West with the tornado's, I feel the need to try to help. SO for every order the month of June, The Cupcake Girl will give 25% to Samaritan's Purse for disaster relief. It's not a lot, but together we can try to help families who have lost everything. Just trying to make life sweeter....one cupcake at a time!"

Jen you rock and so do your cupcakes!!! Make sure your check out her blog and facebook page and order some fantastic tasting cupcakes for any occasion as well as for a GREAT cause!!

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Summer is kicking over at Sew What Mommy. Make sure you check out some of their new adorable summer appliques and other great new items from Amy and Jen.

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Okay so, I Must give a shout out to the very gifted and talented Christine Barbera with Thoughtful Creations.  when asked to design a birthday basket for my mother in law for her birthday, she went above and beyond and came up with a creation that when I first saw it was utterly speechless.  While providing Christine with just a few nuggets of information on my mother in laws tastes and preferences, she came up with an extraordinarily design that just beautiful and uniquely detailed to fit this very special lady in my life.

If you are looking for a special gift for a special someone checkout Thoughtful Creations on Facebook.

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So for the past few weeks you may have noticed some advice and organizational tips being posted.  Well, I am happy to announce that Carolina Neat Freak is now a sponsor of Lakeside Chatter and I couldn't be more thrilled.  I sat and met with Kristin Lawrence last week and immediately responded to  this awesome gal and her wonderful talent for organizing not just your stuff but also your life.  I walked away totally impressed with not just her business but also her outlook.  "I LOVE it" she tells me when I asked if she enjoyed helping people get organized.  

She is a true gem and I hope all of you Chatter readers will check her out.  Look for a full feature article coming this week!

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Hope you all have a fantastic week and please check back soon and often and leave me comments as I just love love it when I hear from all of you!!  

With Love and Blessings,

Mary

For Squad B - A Moment.

If you would like to sign up to take Squad B a meal please send me an e-mail at maryickert@gmail.com   and I will send you all the info!!

Below is their story...

Have you ever had a moment…. 

Where you feel as if the world could come to a complete standstill? 
When something so utterly unexpected can happen in a split second and a story unfolds before your eyes….
And in that moment when your eyes lead you to that story all you can think is one word…..
Please….
Please Help...   

Have you ever felt this way?
Staring and watching and crying and breathing.
You must breath. 
Because they will need you. 
You will need to be strong and go inside yourself to that place you know you have…
There is no absence of fear,
there is no way out.
You are there, in that moment.
And you must hold on tight.
You must hold your breath for one more second as you tell yourself…
It will be okay.
It will be okay.
It will be okay.
And someone will be there holding your hand while you cry, while you pray while you grip back with all your might.
They have been there with you and back.
They understand the sound that has escaped from your mouth.
Please help…

And they DO.

This post is dedicated to Squad B with Station # 38 located in Southwest Charlotte on Shopton Rd West. They were on call a few weeks ago when a boy about the same age as my youngest son was hurt in an accident.  His mother, a dear friend of mine had to succumb to something, we as humans, all sign up for when we become a parent.  The absolute vulnerability of seeing your child hurt, scared and in need of much help and medical care..  My friend is a very strong lady, but her son is even stronger.  He is home and resting and safe and will recover from his injuries.... Thanks to this particular Squad who was there that day. 

Many of you may not know but Charlotte Firefighters are also first responders when a call comes in.  If there is an emergency you will most likely see a firetruck pull up before the ambulance thanks to their mandatory EMT training that every Charlotte firefighter goes through.  Each firefighter has either their EMT- D ( standing for defibulation) and can administer a variety of first aid services that are critical in the first hour of an injury or illness.  Some Firefighters are also trained Paramedics, which includes a more advanced knowledge of Emergency Medical services and the know how of administering medications (i.e. needles) in the field. 

Without a doubt firefighters put their life on the line every day they go into work. Some days there are no calls. And some days there are more calls than they no what to do with. Each day is different, but one thing stays the same. The hours are long, irregular and often at times go unnoticed. With that being said, they are also responsible for their own meals. While all of the stations are equipped with kitchen facilities, all the meals are either cooked by them or they are on the good graces of Charlotte Take Out.

YOU CAN HELP!!

Coming next month we you will have a great opportunity to help give back to our community and show Squad B how much we appreciate what they have done not just for my friends family, but all for the families they serve in our neck of the woods. Each week Lakeside Chatter will be arranging to have a meal delivered to them on one of their overnight shifts.  You will be able to sign up for a night, view what night's are available and see what other people have signed up to bring to help cut down on repetitive meals. As of now they are covered through the first week in June. So check back soon and often and be on the lookout for the meals link to go out. I will also include a link on Lakeside Chatter's Facebook page.

A special thank you to Rob over at Station # 38 who allowed me to come by yesterday and ask some questions and take a few pictures. I am so grateful for all of these men and women and take comfort in the fact that when life's moments happen, there is somebody always on duty who can provide not just help but also, courage and inspiration to lead us out of the fire and towards the notion that no matter what, in the end, everything is going to be okay.



"But sound aloud the praises,

and give the victor-crown

To our noble-hearted Firemen,

who fear not danger's frown."

~Frederic G.W. Fenn, , "Ode to our Firemen," 

1878

Family Fun Coming to Lake Wylie, SC

Happy Friday Chatter family. As we head into the weekend and Spring Break for some of us I wanted to share with you some exciting news coming to our neck of the woods here in Steele Creek and Lake Wylie, SC.

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Friday, April 15th 2011
Nestled in between Lake Wylie’s Buster Boyd Bridge and the River Hills community, lays many well known landmarks of Lake Wylie, SC.  “T-Bones on the Lake”, a favorite for local boaters, "Rey Azteca", a family friendly Mexican Restaurant and the retail chain “Fred’s Superstore”.  Yet also included in those landmarks, unfortunately has been an eye sore for many years.  The vacant parking lot, of what was Waterside Market, including the graveyard of run down shops that have sat untouched for years, and have left local residents wondering- what or even if any change would soon come.

Regonizable sign in Lake Wylie, SC is about to change

All of that is about to be transformed and as a Mom, a local resident and huge fan of our wonderful Lake Wylie community, I couldn’t be happier.  What was once known as the ghost town by the lake will soon be bustling with family fun entertainment with retails stores and restaurants soon to follow.
Darrin Skinner, local, corporate recruiter and entrepreneur has teamed up with York Development to officially announce the major face lift of what was “Waterside Market” to be, “Wylie Gateway on the Lake” and anchoring the soon to follow shops will be “Lake Wylie Bowl n Bounce”, a family entertainment and fun center, located in what was once the Food Lion location.

Darrin, his wife Heather and their three kids live in the Lake Wylie area and are thrilled to be a part of the beginning of a new chapter in Lake Wylie’s History.  “Lake Wylie Bowl n’ Bounce will offer family entertainment for toddlers to seniors and everything in between.  The facility will have bowling, video games, bounce houses/inflatable's, and a lounge/food court where food, drink, sports, and entertainment are available.  We will provide a clean, safe, and affordable place where families with children, adults, teens, singles and private parties can enjoy themselves without having to leave the Steele Creek/Lake Wylie area.”

This is exciting news for our community.  Especially since Lake Wylie with all of its charm and boater appeal, really doesn’t have an established and well-known location for family fun and entertainment. 

“We want to change that” Darrin tells me.   “One of the goals of the center is to fill a void in overall entertainment options in the Lake Wylie area.  We are planning the center as a place to meet friends, have a drink, watch a ball game, or listen to live music even if you never bowl a game or play a video game. There will be something for everyone. 

Other tenants to occupy "Wylie Gateway on the Lake" the will include some restaurants, a wine bar, cigar bar, coffee shop, and an ice cream shop to name a few.
This has been a work in progress since 2008.  And the location couldn’t be better.  Lake views are visible for many areas of the property and being so close to the boat landing by T-Bones, families can enjoy a day on the lake and then wander over to the shops for food, drink, family fun and more.

<><><><>

View of Lake Wylie through the trees in the parking lot or future site of Wylie Gateway on the Lake

Construction will begin in just a few weeks with a target open dated slated for the fall 2011. 

What is the best part of all of this Darrin tells me quite specifically “At a minimum, our kids will think Heather and I are awesome for owning a place with bounce houses.”

I couldn’t agree with him more and know my boys, ages 5 and 6 will be one of the many hundreds of kids who will soon enjoy a new chapter of Lake Wylie’s well known history of a family oriented community.

Look for more information coming soon and please feel free to leave a comment and spread the great news for our area!!
Happy Friday and a great weekend to everyone.

Mary Ickert

Mark your Calendars.

Happy Tuesday Chatter Peeps!!
I wanted to send out a few updates of things coming up form my sponsors who I love love love and want to pass on the love by doing weekly updates.  Please help support my sponsors and get ready to mark your calendars for some great stuff and products.

Sugar Creek Garden Center:

"Container Days" is Friday, Sat, and Sun. (please see their info on their FaceBook events page here  )
They also have recently "unveiled" the pavilion - so the place is re-organized and looks awesome!!
Also (VERY EXCITING) Soline, a Bpeace ‘Fast Runner’ will be visiting Sugar Creek Garden Center this Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (13th, 14th, 15th). She is a garden center owner from Rwanda who has been in business for 12 years. Her trip is being sponsored by the non-profit organization BPeace. BPeace was founded in 2002 and is a non-profit network of business professionals who volunteer their time and share their skills with entrepreneurs in conflict-affected countries including Afghanistan, Rwanda, and El Salvador, believing creating jobs, creates peace. Bpeace made a commitment as part of joining the Clinton Global Initiative to create One Million Jobs for Peace.

Madison Lane Photography: Erin and her FABULOUS photography will be at the Spring Festival held at River Hills Church on Saturday, April 30th from 7:00-12:00 she will be there taking pictures for free for Mother's Day and will be offering 5x7 prints for $5 and 8x10 prints for $10. A great gift for Mothers Day!!

Sew What Mommy: More appliques on deck. These are just cuter than cute and perfect for spring and summer months coming. Check out their blog and facebook page for pictures and how to order.

Thoughtful Creations: Even more Mother's Day greatness, basket giveaway for May will come form the super talented Christine Barbera and be filled with so much great stuff including:

(2) small candles from Bath & Body works in Mojo and margarita
lime rose hand petals soap
lemon soap in the shape of a Margarita glass.
photo album
hot pink spa socks
hot pink bling nail file
cute tissues with little ladies chatting and laughing on them
bubble bath in the shape of a lime flower
And Much MORE!!!! Whoever wins this is going to be super lucky and I encourage you all to tell all your friends to enter the giveaway. More info on how to enter and when the contest will start will be posted soon!!!
Steele Creek Outreach:
Looking to volunteer, please make sure to check out SCO website and learn more about how you can help homelessness in our city.  They have several upcoming events scheduled through May including "Operation Mayday" which helps prepare Easter meals for families who are homeless.  For More information visit thier Facebook Page here.
Thanks again to all my wonderful sponsors, friends, neighbors, family and EVERYONE who is making Lakeside Chatter a true joy in my life and hopefully in yours.

Now go mark your calendars!!! And if there is anything coming up you think would be a great fit to post on Lakeside Chatter please feel free to send me an e-mail at lakesidechatter@gmail.com or leave me a comment. Have a Great Tuesday!!

With Love,

Mary

Steele Creek Outreach - Moments that Stick.

Certain moments have stuck with me.

And I firmly believe that is what moments are supposed to do.

To stick, to teach, to help, to inspire and to make you feel alive.

Some moments feel great when they stick and some, well yeah some can sting.  Leaving an impression that one day, we hope, will eventually make sense.

My recent sticky moment came this past Sunday while I witnessed a room full of homeless men and women who had come together for a time of worship.

They have no home, no job, and very little food in their stomachs.

 Some of them are wearing the only clothes they own.

But they were there, arms stretched out, smiles on their faces, worshiping, enjoying fellowship and allowing themselves to be open up a little bit more.

Even if they don't like what they see.

I was there with a local group called Steele Creek Outreach.  I have not only adopted this fantastic non-profit organization to be a part of the Chatter, but I have also adopted the founder, Nichole Jaworksi and several of the other women I have known and have gotten to know over the last few months.  These women are a constant inspiration to me and bring a much needed awareness to an issue that is a worldwide epidemic.
Yesterday I admitted I judged the stereo typical "Soccer Mom."  Well today my confession is I sometimes judge the homeless man on the street.  He is there by his own doing, his choices....  he has no one to blame but himself.
Tsk.. Tsk.. Tsk..
And yes, while that may be true on some counts, that man I judged, that human being who has lost everything that person is just that.
A Person.  He has a heart, a mind, a soul, a spirit and bad choices or not, he is at the bottom of the barrel.
The end of his rope and I have to ask myself.
What if it were me?
Because isn't that really a question we sometimes don't like to ask?  What if I was the one who had a problem, made bad choices, lost my family, lost my friends, lost my way?  How would I feel if everyone turned their back on me if what I once knew to be a safe and cozy way of life, a roof over my head?  What if one day it was all gone?
By my own choices, or perhaps maybe not by mine, but a tragic event, a loss of a job....
And what if I had no one?
What if one day that is my son? 
What if it was yours?
I promise I am not going to get all preachy and soapboxy on you.  But I care very deeply about this matter and very excited and honored to be a part of Steele Creek Outreach as one of there official photographers going forward.  You can read more about SCO here.
And you can read more about Nichole's post on our uptown adventure here. 
In the mean time here are some more pictures I took.

Goody bags put together by SCO

A moment durning worship

A free meal was provided afterwards.



Commandos For Christ who provided the worship service.



Pastor Mary chat's with a local homeless man.

A local homeless man walks off into the unknown. 

Thanks for reading and please feel free to leave me a comment with your sticky moment.  Whether good or bad, if it stuck, then it is made you who you are today. 
Just like it was meant to do.  

With Love,
Mary