Tuesday, May 27, 2014

ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) EVENT: NEVER BUY GAS AGAIN?



Nissan LEAF
 Today I had the experience of driving a totally electric car. I have to say it was an awesome experience. Nissan, BMW, Ford and Chevrolet had their electric cars on display in uptown Charlotte, on the side street by the Mint Museum, and all who registered got the chance to drive one of these wonderful cars.
Just the thought of driving a beautiful, safe, well built automobile, and not using a drop of gasoline, challenges the imagination and has one thinking: is this possible?

My instructor, William Brinkley
I personally drove the all-electric Nissan LEAF now in its fifth year in this country and it was so simple. You get in, you push a button, no sound, a light tells you the car is running, you put it in drive, one of four gears, and go. It comes with simple charging equipment for the home and a battery to use out on the road. Of course it has all the bells and whistles of a gasoline engine car, back up camera, roadside assist, AM FM radio, CD player and any other feature you can think of.

The plug on an electric Nissan
After the government discounts I could bring one home for about $25,000.

If we are awake and conscious of what this means, everyone in America will soon have one in their garage.

Under the hood.


I was told this car is good for in town driving and would go up to 114 miles on one charge. If you want to go farther there are charging stations along your route. Just the savings alone compensate for a gasoline rental for long trips.

Personally I spend $60 a week driving around town. Wow, it really is a no-brainer.

Of course the BMW i3 was well represented and had a line of drivers waiting to drive.

Hendrick BMW i3 specialist
Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Volt were also there and had the experts answering all the questions.

I had an excellent guide and expert on electric cars with me on my test drive, R. William Brinkley with Scott Clark Nissan in Charlotte. He is very knowledgeable and has me sold.

The Nissan Team
The event was graciously sponsored by Envision Charlotte, Duke Energy and Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition.

Monday, May 19, 2014

Discover Dilworth: WOW Factor Cakes opens retail shop


Too pretty to eat, but let's!
Sweet and lovely all the way through.

Amy Craparo, owner and creative chef
Amy Craparo, the owner of WOW Factor Cakes, was our gracious hostess for the opening of her new bakery shop.


The Opening Party

It's located right here in the heart of Dilworth on Park Road next to Tuesday Morning and Major's Bridal Boutique.

For Chocolate Lovers - Cakepops
The inside of the new retail shop is magical.
Had a great time tasting all the different creations from the chefs kitchen. The wedding cakes are her expertise as well as the many different cupcakes always on display.

Like WOW! No kidding!
Yum, Yum!
My favorites were the toffee tort and the lemon bars.

Favorite lemon bars - extraordinary!
 Amy asked everyone who tasted to let her know their favorites.

Family in the bakery's kitchen
Her family is very involved and truly supports her in her sweet success.

Edible beauty

Wow Factor Cakes of Charlotte
2400 Park Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 654-0598
charlotteweddingcakes.com


Monday, May 12, 2014

Spring Has Sprung! Taste the Rainbow?





By Dilworth Now nutrition columnist Marian Bennett

Spring is under way and summer is approaching! It seems to be the most flavorful time of the year.

So many wonderful fruits and vegetables are in season, not to mention all of the wonderful things you can make with these fresh foods.

Some fruits that are in season are grapefruit, cherries, kiwi, lemons, navel oranges, strawberries and kumquat. Some vegetables that are in season are asparagus, fava beans, chard, fennel, artichokes, radishes, and parsley. 

These foods can also add great benefits to your health. Take chard for instance. It is packed with vitamin K, A and C along with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Fava beans are a great source for iron, folate, and fiber, while grapefruit, strawberries, and navel oranges are loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. 

Here are a few ideas that incorporate spring produce:
  • Fresh fruit salad with navel oranges, strawberries, kiwi and kumquat
  • Fresh radish with flavored butter and/or salts 
  • Fava bean salad with roasted garlic vinaigrette 
  • Steamed artichokes with melted butter drizzle over top
  • Strawberry and apricot crisp with a pecan crumble