Ballantyne Magazine covers news, events, real estate, restaurants, shopping, health, schools and business in the upscale Ballantyne Area of Charlotte, NC.
Issue link: https://ballantynemagazine.epubxp.com/i/94256
BALLANTYNE | publisher's letter Make Your New Year Fun & Healthy THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX IS A WELL-KNOWN MANTRA in the business world. When it comes to our health, though, thinking inside the box may just be the secret to success. In our cover story, "100 Days of Real Food," we share how south Charlottean Lisa Leake decided to change her family's eating habits, including the goal of eating nothing out of a box that lists more than five ingredients. Lisa's example has so inspired me that I signed up for her 10-Day Pledge and completed it. Getting in shape is also a priority as we move into a new year, so we profile the growing trend of boutique fitness programs in Ballantyne, showing how three women have benefitted from their personal workout choices via a flywheel, ballet bar or boxing regimen. Unlike many exercise efforts, the results the women have seen from these customized programs has kept them coming back for more. Start '13 Kick To energize our 2013, we're launching two new features, 'Going Home' and 'Inside Track.' Our Date Night plays off this multiplier effect, following four Providence High seniors on a double date at Sky High Sports in Pineville. After literally bouncing off the walls in the trampoline room, the fearless foursome head to Don Pedro's to engage in more high jinx over nachos, no doubt making a few memories along the way. To energize our 2013, we're launching two new features. "Going Home" highlights a travel destination that is also a place where someone who lives or works in Ballantyne grew up and still has roots. In our first story, "Down Under's Wow Town," we jet to Sydney, hometown of Alex Braid, director of operations for Advanced Markets, a currency trading company in Ballantyne Corporate Park. Braid shares his tips 10 BALLANTYNE MAGAZINE on the best places to stay, dine and grab a Cooper's (no one drinks Foster's, he advises). We think you'll like this travel concept because the place has a meaningful connection with someone in Ballantyne. If you or someone you know hails from an intriguing destination, please let us know. "Inside Track," our second new piece, is also designed to keep you in the loop — in this case by explaining road improvements under construction in Ballantyne and the surrounding area. In this issue, we explain in words and pictures the changes underway to street names and intersections in Ballantyne Corporate Park, as well as to our two main thoroughfares, Johnston Road and Ballantyne Commons Parkway. This information gives you the ability to figure out your best commuting routes while these changes to ease congestion and enhance safety are completed. December always brings with it Christmas and the holiday season of glad tidings and joy. In "Hänsel and Gretel's House," we report the surprising origin of making gingerbread houses and cookies. We also share through "Expert Direct" ingenious ways to wrap gifts for any occasion. Of all the seasonal traditions, however, the most important is appreciating the many blessings we enjoy, and for us, that includes our readers and advertisers. We wish you and your family a sleighful of treasured memories and the bright hope of a new year. JJ Bissell Publisher, Ballantyne Magazine WINTER 2012-2013