Lifestyle

Where to Find Maternity Clothes in Charlotte

Amanda Pagliarini Howard,

5 local spots with new and consigned maternity wear

Reality Check with Melanie Baron

Site Staff,

Start With a Houseplant. Local mom Melanie Baron shares some sage advice and a few laughs about parenting.

Watching Over Their Flock: Local Churches Offer Special Care During Sunday Services

Eve White,

In every family there are needs that must be nurtured: educational, social, emotional and spiritual. In a family with a child who has a disability, spiritual fulfillment and communal worship needs might be neglected.

Alternative Parenting Styles

Kelly Williams,

Before you roll your eyes at the term "alternative parenting," and assume it encompasses some new wave, holistic theory, consider the fact that concepts known to strengthen parenting skills have been around for years, some since the days of antiquity. These include theories on nurturing children, natural infant hygiene and extended breastfeeding.

Safety Tips for Traveling with Pets

Carolina Parent,

Labor Day weekend signals the end of vacation season, and many dogs and cats will be joining their owners for a final summer getaway. Although car trips can be stressful for many household pets, experts agree that they do not have to be if drivers take some simple precautions.

Fiesta Mexican Casserole

Michelle Capizzi,

Fiesta Mexican Casserole Recipe

December Musings: Seasonal tips, family traditions and ideas

Charlotte Parent,

Charlotte Parent staffers share traditions and tips to make the holidays joyful.

At Home: Vintage Chic in the Nursery

Kelly Yale,

When Kerry Leasure, a Dilworth homeowner, found out three years ago that she was pregnant with her first daughter, she knew instantly that she wanted to design her dream vintage nursery.

10 Ways to a Greener Home

Erika Edwards,

Ideas on how to make a home more "green"

Preparing Your Pet for Baby

Kathleen M. Reilly,

Before your baby arrives you can work with your cat or dog to make that first encounter — and the rest of the pet/child interactions — go as smoothly as possible.

Letter to Myself - Molly Barker

Molly Barker is the founder of Girls On The Run.,

Molly Barker is an inspiration to many girls in Charlotte. A runner, a single mom and a tireless promoter of sefl-esteem, she spends her life teaching girls how to get out of the "girl box" and believe in themselves. In this letter, she looks back at her teenage self, reflecting on self-doubt and offering hope and solidarity.

Writing the (Perfect) Holiday Letter

Elaine Heitman,

If you are considering writing a holiday letter, read what to include and leave out, to ensure all your friends and family will enjoy your letter.

The Learning Dilemma: Educating your special needs child

Kara Lynn Mann,

Raising a child with special needs, whatever his or her limitations might be, is challenging. Trying to find a program or a school that fulfills all his or her education needs may be even more difficult. The public school system has specialized programs, but, for some, exploring alternatives outside the public school system just might be the answer.

Alternative Parenting and Breastfeeding Resources

Kelly Williams,

Here's a list of resources for families interested in alternative parenting.

Make Johnny Appleseed Proud!

Jessica Fisher,

If Johnny Appleseed would love North Carolina! Our state has an abundance of fresh farm apples to pick this fall, so take advantage of it. Try any of these fun activities or recipes to make the most of the season.

Rotel Chicken Spaghetti

Kim Dillard,

Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Toy Recalls: Getting Back to the Basics of Playthings

Renee Roberson,

Remember when Pound Puppies and Tinker Toys were all the rage, and you didn’t have to worry about whether or not the cars in your Matchbox collection were covered in lead paint? In June 2007, toy manufacturers began a series of toy recalls after discovering that numerous products, mostly manufactured in China, contained dangerous levels of lead paint.