For The Love of Karaoke

The word “karaoke” originated from a Japanese word meaning empty orchestra or empty choir and the karaoke machine was independently invented in Japan in 1971 by Daisuke Inoue (Businessman and Night Club Musician).

Karaoke is THE perfect bonding activity for me and others who enjoy a creative way to express oneself and ultimately just bond with your favorite people, by creating healthy, spontaneous and creative memories. Powerful idea of expression, right? Sure, it is.

Years ago, I would just sing to my children while nursing them, or to keep them content on short drives to and fro. Then my sister Serena purchased me my first karaoke machine! I would take a break from my desk work and /house chores, plug the karaoke machine in, select a song, throw on my rock and roll mohawk wig, grab the kids and party with my then homeschooled children for a song or three, Then rewind them down with lunch so I could go back to getting more work done. To this day I never told her how much I appreciated that machine. I’ll do that after this post.

I must admit, Smule, (find me there at @kelleplace ) was my pathway to group karaoke. It’s an app that allows you to sing duets or choral style songs with people all over the world. You even have the option of singing solo, and storing them all (including video performances) in one library on the app. Once I learned that, I started creating my own playlist for both my pregnant and end of life doula clients, I would sing familiar song that would bring comfort, empowerment and peace to them and played it for them during our meetings or forward them a link between sessions. I even made a playlist just for my dad when he was in the hospital. Although I shared it with him, it helped me manage my emotions as well. I called that play list “Mountains.”

So I guess you can say that karaoke could easily be a part of ones selfcare as well. Not only can you comfort with it, you can also celebrate good times, empower de-stress from life, and just let loose since it’s merely a fun shared experience that anyone can participate in regardless of their singing skillset.

Over the years, I have had the honor of

celebrating my birthday with my favorite people in such fun and relaxing settings and it has yet to disappoint any of us! My favorite time yet was with my daughters and niece! They rented a private room, complete with drinks and food -plenty! Once the usher closed our room door, it was on and popping! My young divas barely 20

years old, instantly became the Supremes! Confidently rolling, jumping plopping all over the floor, couch, wall door- everything! (just kidding but, you get the point!) We had a ball cheering each other on and loosing much inhibitions. We sung to smooth songs from the 90’s up to the ratchet 20’s.

This year I had the honor of attending a karaoke birthday party with one of my favorite elders. She too had a ball. We took turns singing songs from her genre and preferred taste! To see her eyes light up and her hips move from left to right was a delight for all! She still talks about that session to this day! Disclosure- the elder turned 82. So although she was a bit off beat- it did not matter. Nor did it take away from the enjoyment! Again, it’s all about increase happy genes.

Thinking about giving it a try, here’s four tips for enjoying a karaoke session:

1. Choose a Comfortable Venue: Select a karaoke venue with a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. The ambiance can significantly impact the enjoyment of the experience.
2. Diversify Song Selection: Encourage participants to choose a mix of songs to cater to different preferences. This ensures that everyone has the opportunity to sing something they like.

3. Create a Supportive and Fun Environment: Foster a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels encouraged to participate, regardless of their singing abilities. Positive reinforcement and applause can go a long way in making the experience enjoyable for everyone.

• Mix solo and group performances to keep the energy high and allow everyone to shine individually or as part of a team. Encourage everyone to participate, even if they’re initially hesitant. Peer support and a non-judgmental environment will help people feel more comfortable.

4. Capture the Moments: Take photos or videos during the session to capture the fun moments. This not only creates lasting memories but also encourages a sense of togetherness.

Queen City Stay At Home Moms

Seventeen years ago, I created Queen City Stay At Home Moms as an outlet for managing my sorrow. I had just lost my oldest daughter the year before and was preparing to give birth to my second son. All while homeschooling with low funds. Yes, I was married, but we were living off one income at that time. This group provided me with a way to meet up with other families, allowed my homeschooled kids to engage with other diverse children, and the opportunity to use my professional skills because we were highly structured with organized activities beyond the playground. Soon, it would be an additional blessing because I was sought out for ads, product review parties, and my entry into blogging!

Over the years, I have hosted over 20 thousand gatherings. Some from new business ventures,

They have included:

• Political playdates at local elected officials office
• Family Vegan Valentines Day Party
• Family photo days,
• Thursday group dinner at EarthFare
• STEM explorative play dates,
• Community outings,
• sports play-time,
• Swim days,
• museum tours,
• group baby showers,
• New Mom Speed dating,
• Total Children’s Wellness Fair,
• local garden visits,
• Shopping members’ new businesses
• Coliseum shows

and more! We have even helped staff our members new businesses as needed. It was perfect because my eight children were the ages of every child that became a member ( except for the newborns)! We even made write-ups in The Charlotte Parents (a local magazine ) a few times!

The moms that join came from various walks of life. I refused to limit it to just families that look like me. I figured the best way to learn about a culture is by befriending as many families as possible. Still amazed that we reached three thousand members.

Although we have never had all three thousand in attendance at any event, we always had a great time and built strong connections. I understood that change happens and once a mom hit a milestone her objective may not include our group anymore. Most times it was due to moving, going back to work, children getting older, or no longer homeschooling.

Today it still blesses my heart to have strong connections with many of those that have graduated from Queen City Stay At Home Moms. As I have. Our youngest is now ten years old and is currently in public school. I work more for grassroots nonprofits and myself. Although I work from home, I’m most in various states at any given time. And at 46, I have learned to live in spite of losing my eleven- year old daughter in 2005.

Queen City Stay At Home Moms will always be special to me, but it has served its purpose and deserves to end on top. This week, I said goodbye to 15 wonderful years to one of the best holistic support groups for moms in the Queen City!

Monster Jam is Returning to The Queen City This Month!

If you’re looking for a unique and exciting entertainment experience this summer, your wish has been answered because the most incredible motorsports show is coming to Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina! With its updated lineup that includes Grave Digger, Dragon, and Stone Crusher, Monster Jam will be conquering the Spectrum Center on Saturday, 16th July 2022!

Experience the thrill of monster trucks racing along uneven terrains and showing off their moves in the famous two-wheel skills competition! This show is guaranteed to keep you at the edge of your seat! Get your tickets now to the hottest motorsports event in the country!

Monster Jam’s lineup of trucks in North Carolina (subject to change) includes Grave Digger (Adam Anderson); El Toro Loco ( Kraig Champion); Whiplash (Brianna Mahon); Dragon (Coty Saucier); Stone Crusher (Chad Tingler); and Hooked (Shane Phreed).

Monster Jam will be held at the iconic Spectrum Center, an indoor arena that can seat 20,000 people. The venue has hosted many world-class sporting events, such as the NCAA Tournament, ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament, and games that include the Charlotte 49ers. The venue has also hosted concerts by several big-name artists, including Dua Lipa, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Barry Manilow, Ariana Grande, and many more!

If you want some excitement this summer, the Monster Jam is the perfect entertainment for you and your family. Tickets are available, so grab yours now!

Watch more here!!

Show dates are July 16-17. Buy your tickets HERE.

Our children have enjoyed the shows for YEARS!!! Don’t miss out!

HISTORY: Monster Jam is a traveling motorsports show primarily held in the United States and Canada. The live event’s main attractions are monster trucks engaging in racing, two-wheel skills competition, and freestyle competition. The racing competition is a traditional-style contest wherein the first monster trucks to reach the finish line will move on to the next round. Meanwhile, the two-wheel skills competition will demonstrate the driver’s best moves, wherein the monster truck will balance and move on two wheels. Drivers are also allowed to perform cyclones and donuts. Lastly, the freestyle competition allotted two minutes for drivers to show off their skills, such as doing stunts and driving trucks over ramps or other cars.

Monster Jam TRIPLE THREAT!

Varoom! Varoom! They’re baccccccck! Monster Jam returns for a weekend full of excitement! Come out to the Spectrum Center January 11-12 to see some of the wildest, most excitement fun on wheels ever!

Watch Monster Jam 2019 snippets here ( click)

Wanna feed Scooby Doo some snacks?

Monster Jam^® Triple Threat Series™ is an action-packed, points-based event that showcases athletes as they go head-to-head in six different competitions, driving three different vehicles – Monster Jam Trucks, Speedsters and ATV’s.  These world-class Monster Jam vehicles and athletes bring action-packed, adrenaline-charged family entertainment to fans across the country and deliver what they want to see most… more racing, more freestyle, more donuts and more action!

This season’s truck line up includes: Grave Digger, Max, DEl Toro Loco, Zombie, Megalodon, Monster Mutt Dalmation, Alien Invasion and Earthshaker. (line up subject to change).

Buy Tickets Here.

The kids will love it! mine do!We have been attending for 4 years now! Check it out.

Tickets start at $20 and are on sale at the arena box offices, all Ticketmaster retail outlets, http://www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000. 

Buy 4 tickets for only $72 when you use my link online with Ticketmaster.
(Good for Friday 7pm, and Saturday 1pm and 7pm. Not valid on front row or gold circle seating. Not valid on group or previously purchased tickets. Not valid day of show. Additional fees may apply.)

You’ll be on the edge of your seating cheering the ENTIRE time (I was!)

All tickets are subject to market pricing based on demand.  You must have a ticket if you’ve reached your second birthday. ** Doors open one hour prior to show time.

Win Tickets here!

Ready to go? For the best deal use my link. By clicking here. See you there!

Win tickets here!

Monster Jam Trivia

Wanna win a family four pack to see Monster Jam Triple Threat when they come to Charlotte on the 11-12th? Yes, ok, here’s what you need to do.

Like QC Supermom on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/QCSupermom/ and Instagram  at  https://www.instagram.com/qc_supermom/

Not because I like attention, because I have six children and a husband in my home. But it tells my advertisers that people actually have interest in what I offer. And since you are here…….you know- you know, let’s work together.

The following are Monster Jam trivia questions. Answer them for your chance to win a family four pack to Friday, January 11th / 7 p.m. event. Winner will be selected on the 7th at 7pm. Let the games begin!

1 Who was the first ever World Finals racing champion in 2000?

2. In 1981 when Grave Digger was just a mud bogger, what was its primary color?

4. Who was the first ever World Finals freestyle champion in 2000?

5. Who was the original driver of Grave Digger?

6. Which truck originally was known as Goldberg, has won many freestyle and racing championships.

8. In 1987, which tour did Grave Digger primarily compete on in its first year of competition?

9. In 2007, which truck was brown and has floppy ears and a tail?

11. What color are Grave Digger’s trademark glowing headlights?

12. Which truck was based after a super hero and won the 2007 racing championship?

13. Why didn’t Dennis Anderson win the first event of the Monster Jam 2002 season?

14. This truck was the 2005 freestyle champion and is regularly at the top of the points in freestyle. Which truck is it?

15. What was the name of the truck that Pablo Huffaker drove in the 2007 World Finals?

16. In 1999, Dennis Anderson won his first Monster Jam championship. What was this for?

17. Which truck was based on a 1957 Chevy body and was the 2003 Freestyle Champion?

18. There was only one truck that was a two-wheeled monster truck in the 2005 through the 2007 seasons. Which truck is it?

19. Who was originally responsible for the famous paint design of Grave Digger?

20. In 2003, Grave Digger won its third Monster Jam points championship. Who was the driver?

21. Which truck was the 2004 co-freestyle champion and had horns on the top?

22. Who filled in as the the driver of the Grace Digger #20 while Dennis Anderson had his injured shoulder in 2007?

23. In 1998, the Grave Digger team was sold to which company?

24. Which of the following trucks was blue, and was sponsored by Ford Motor Company in 2007?

.25. What was the color of the Grave Digger in the 2007 World Finals?

26. In what city did Grave Digger first beat Big Foot in competition?

Harlem GlobeTrotters-Fan Powered World Tour

The Harlem Globetrotters made their way back to the Queen City last week! This would be their new 2019 Fan Powered World Tour. How lucky were we to have first peek at their Guinness World Record Day premier. They played two games at my daughter and husbands school, UNC Charlotte. We had the honor of not only attending, but also give away almost 60 tickets to local charities!

See some of the smiling faces here on my IG page ( @QC_Supermom)—> https://www.instagram.com/p/BsHdtWKhNgN/

Families love the Globetrotters. And the players feed off that energy! They had the entire gym doing the wave. Not once but twice. And let me confess, right now, how much I love Globie! He is hilarious!

Fortunately my four guys love basketball, so there wasn’t a thing they didn’t enjoy about the game. When the flying Globies began those stunts on the trampoline, I just knew we would see those moves again once we got back home to our trampoline. To my surprise, they decided to give a performance before then! My little guys put on their own half time show in a corner. Thank goodness no one went flying in the air!

My older daughter enjoyed using their new mobile app during the game. It had exclusive features, including an augmented reality (AR) basketball toss game and one-of-a-kind image filters that she shared on her social media. Cool right?

And guess what? Hammer is a alumni of my oldest sons college, Hampton University! We thought that was cool to know. I always thought my son, Jervon would make a great Harlem Globetrotter. Especially since he’s super silly, and currently plays basketball overseas.

Now here’s a truth, seeing them again was full of ambivalence. New players – including females, some familiar tricks, exciting 4 points shots, same category of children adults selected to engage with roster’s on- court , shenanigans. It would have been nice to see a more diverse selection of volunteers on the court to reflect the beautiful hues of the Queen City. But then again, I am very passionate about inclusion and diversity.

So family, get ready! They are coming to a town near you! Look out for them all including Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Hammer Harrison, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard, Firefly Fisher and, Cheese Chisholm – plus female stars TNT Lister, Torch George and Hoops Green. If you want to do something extra, prior to every performance, you can secure a ticket to Magic Pass, the Globetrotters’ exclusive pregame event. Magic Pass gives fans unprecedented access to the stars of the team, an opportunity to learn tricks, shoot hoops and take pictures on the court. After each game, fans can participate in a free autograph session.* Either way, you’ll enjoy the show!

Great Wolf Lodge: Dual Reviews

This past weekend, we went back to the most kid friendly place in the Carolinas during the winter. {Drum rolls please} It’s Great Wolf Lodge, a kid friendly,highly animated, festively decorated and huge resort in Concord NC. It is without any doubt the place where kids are free ranged!

For the children it went like this – “We had a great time playing in the amazing indoor pools and throughout the kid friendly lobby”. My daughter added, ” I hope the next time we run into Fantasia, I hope she takes a picture with me.” The End.

Me: I which I’d used the $400+ differently for a one night 2 day stay. Or at least got a better deal. Our rate covered the standard room, and 4 kids waterpark passes. No meals. No extra passes or birthday door decorations or anything. In 2016, we were able to purchase a $15.00* package that covered milk & cookies being delivered to our room by a costumed character. This year it wasn’t even an option. Also in 2016, the Great Wolk characters came down during the dance party right after story time (or was it before)to get the dance party going. But nope- it didn’t happen this weekend either. I can not express how badly I wanted my money back. 

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Here’s my advice if you plan on going for your child’s birthday:

• Locate the Dollar General and Walmart. Get your cupcakes and rooms door birthday banner before arriving.Since you can get in the pool as early as 1 pm , send the kids to play and hook the room up yourself.
• The one in Concord is surrounded by great family and small business owned restaurants. These are cheaper than the ones inside Great Wolf Lodge, by far.
• You can have fun without purchasing any add on packages. Tell your kids what I tell mine, “We came to swim and play around in the lobby; that’s it!”
• This really should have went first but- hey, you’re still getting the good stuff- right? Ok, here it goes—> grab a lower rate from one of those 3rd party online websites. I seen the same room we got for almost $100 dollars cheaper! (And I used a coupon saying that our rate was 40% off)
• Last but not least, If you run into Fantasia, and she says” I’m mommy today,” respect that and keep it pushing. Childhood must be protected by all mommies!

Next time we go, YES, I said next time. WHY? Because my children ARE the boss of me and two of them are winter babies. So as I was saying, the next time we go……       

👀 I’m going on the day of their birthday, assuming it’s a weekday. Being a homeschooler, this will work. 

👀  We will arrive right at 12:30. This way we get to unpack, check in and still be one of the first people in the waterpark. On our check out day, because they check you out automatically*. We will pack and load our things, then head back into the pool until dinner time.

👀 Because each room has a microwave and mini fridge, there’s no need for  restaurant visit. Pizza- sure, and they can deliver that!

👀 Use the activity sheet. There’s plenty of free planned fun available.

👀  I’m bringing an airbed. These kids sleep wild and the rooms are pretty big!

👀 I will again refuse Magic Quest, Scoops spa, and an arcade (it’s open 24/7).  

Urban Horticulture in The QC.

Give a Man a Fish, and You Feed Him for a Day. Teach a Man To Fish, and You Feed Him for a Lifetime

– author unknown

It’s been a minute huh? Ok, here’s a very fast  update. I’m on the Bulb’s advisory board! (Yaaaay Me!) And I’m also now a certified in CPR for youth and adults.

For the last 6 weeks, home-schooled students across Charlotte from 3 years old to 16 have been learning how to grow food in small spaces. These kids were from very diverse walks of life.  I taught Urban Horticulture and the focus of the class was self sufficiency.

Each class was taught in a age appropriate group using engaging strategies to encourage creativity and exploration.  The students face literally lit up with our weekly gardening adventures.

So far we have successfully learned how to make:

• Seed Bombs
• Hydroponic Plants
• Mini Greenhouse
• Raised Bed Gardening

The biggest take home for these students were

 

For me, it was verification that parenting greatly reflects a garden.

We all begin as seeds. The better you tend to it the seeds, the better it grows, and the more fruitful it will be. To do the opposite is perilous. Too many weeds and wild animals will destroy it.

Disclosure—> I am not a master gardener or carry any degree in the science of horticulture. I am just a mom that believes in self sufficiency and have learned so much from local master gardeners and lots of trial and error with my little guys in tow.

 

National HomeSchool Spirit Week

We have been homeschooling for 13 years now! It works for us! Right now we have four boys homeschooling and I recently (get this) started teaching again out side of the home. For  three years I taught SES in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School system with MasterMind and Centipede Math tutoring companies. And even now, I tutor privately (moonlight) with Wyzant.  (I know- what don’t I do- right?) But get this, it’s at the local YMCA and it their African american homeschool  group. And it’s something we do here for our class study, Urban Horticulture. { Growing produce, flowers, and other plants in small spaces scientifically and aesthetically}  I make a little change AND my boys get to attend other classes at a big discount! It’s a when win as I see it!

Now, my question to you is – have you heard about National Homeschool Week? Neither did I, but that’s okay. Here’s what it looks like:  National HomeSchool Week is a nonpartisan, nonpolitical public awareness effort to support homeschooling families, share homeschool resources, and to amplify homeschooling parents voices. Granted, homeschooling is legal in all 50 states now. Yet, the battle for public opinion is where we have more work to do.

It is celebrated September 17th – 21st each year.

Monday-> Selfie With Your Favorite Teacher-  Dress alike, move alike, Ask her/him to                                                                                   look like you. Just take a really nice                           picture    and share it Use hash tag —>                                                                                                                       #HomeSchoolersBeLike

 

Tuesday -> Make A Law            No Written Homework on Thursdays, All A’s reward of                                                         5 day beach vacation. Pizza for your birthday week.                                                               You get the picture. Take one for the team and Think                                                             Big !

Wednesday -> Create It!           Get your sibling together and make an obstacle                                                                      course. Create an outfit out of colorful duct tape or                                                             your old graded homeschool assignments, make                                                                       some fun jewelry from old fabric, paint your own                                                                 selfie. Design your own ‘spirit wig’ with ribbon from                                                            the local Family Dollar store

Thursday –> Go Green.                    Recycle your stuff, Reduce your waste,—find a                                                                          smart a fun way to reuse your school supplies! 

Friday –> Give Back Friday             Visit a senior living center, go read to shelter                                                                             pets, deliver needed supplies to the homeless. 

Those are just a few example of what to do on those days. Make those days yours. You maybe lucky enough to get a nonprofit to work with you or a few donations from local businesses if you need financial support.- Kelle Pressley

I love this daily missions.

They all reflect the quality, and progressive education we parents provide in a fun way. As you see homeschooling is slowly buy surely gaining credibility, traditional traditions and performance standards. Our goal is to create options that make it easier for all parents. Help us show some of the faces of homeschooling–and homeschool groups.

Join us and even tell someone about this upcoming fun week!

 

 

Wednesday WOW- AAU, USBA, and the TBT

I need a vacation! This basketball life is a beast!

My four guys are determined to follow in their big brother’s path and who am I to refuse them? Jervon plays overseas and when he comes home he plays on a ProAm team. It helps keep him in shape and secures our family and friends the opportunity to see him play in the U.S.

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It seems like the season never ends because of all the traveling and tournaments. But each year, there are certain games, that can’t be missed. I’m gonna tell you about them right quick.

TBT-  They’ve been around since 2014. It’s the highest stakes basketball played anywhere in the world. Single elimination. A multi-million dollar prize. Winner takes all. TBT brings out the best in everyone. TBT champions have won $5.5M, including $5M by back-to-back-to-back Champions, Overseas Elite and $500,000 by the original TBT Champions, Notre Dame Fighting Alumni.  This years pot is $2 million dollars!

AAU-  is the largest sport in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) the oldest and one of the LARGEST non-profit sports organizations in the US since 1888. We have been involved in this organization since 2005. Jervon played on Team United and the boys started with them. But now they are on Grind Academy’s roster.

The USBA tournament  is an upper class, high quality basketball tournaments for youth travel teams throughout the United States sine 2006.)

This past tournament with USBA was super fun and affordable because it was in Charlotte. This year  Allen Iverson, Jeremy Lamb, Charlotte Hornets guard, LeBron James (he was there to support his son Bronny)

 

 

Check out 

The Basketball Tournament album: TBT 2018 Midwest Regional.

If you are in Atlanta this weekend, come hang with us this Friday!

Game Days (HERE!)

Next game Super 16 in Atlanta, G.A. at the Georgia State University.  Prime Time plays Friday at 9 p.m.

In closing, Jervon prayed for one brother, and was given 4. They all share the same love of the game and with his guidance basketball will continue to rule in this household.  Because he’s been through these  experiences, it help the boy navigate smarter towards their goals.

Raw Truth-> This didn’t happen over night. It didn’t happen without help from others. And it surely wasn’t cheap! We constantly use our creativity to save money and enjoy local activities when available. But it works for us. Our goal is to get all of our children free higher education.  And for us, basketball and tennis has been the key. Anything above that is a blessing.

FAVOR Please?—–> If you learned anything from this post, type ” #4MoreThanMe “. It’s a family hash tag! Thanks!