PostedByAerin Spruill
on Tue, Sep 29, 2015 at 12:31 PM
As I sit at home contemplating if it was really necessary to drink mimosas, RBVs and beer on Sunday Funday, I realize, “There is a silver lining to being hungover this Monday.” It’s finally my favorite time of year, that’s right Halloween!
While everyone else will be freaking out about Monday night football, I’ll be anxiously waiting to see the movie lineup on ABC Family’s annual 13 Nights of Halloween. And when I’m really feeling bold, I will switch it over to one of the more grown-up channels that will show the classics like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Amityville Horror. And going out is even more fun when you get to hide behind a costume.
Last year, I ended up going out three days in a row in celebration of my fave holiday. I can’t lie, it was a blur. From getting kicked out of a Panthers game, to a random run-in with a late night hotel breakfast buffet, to vomiting on my Harry Potter tie, the weekend was definitely a success!
Whether you’re new to the Queen City or a veteran, there’s lots of Halloween fun to be had in Charlotte during the month of October. Check out some of my favorite spooktacular events I’m looking forward to this month.
PostedByAerin Spruill
on Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 12:55 PM
For as Long as I can remember, I’ve never liked girls who only hang out with boys. Especially when they weren’t tomboys. All I would think is, “What girlfriends would let their men hang out with this lipstick wearing chick who’s looking for nothing but the perfect opportunity to offer a shoulder, or a chest, to cry on?” *Serious side eye emoji*
Well, I’ve had to put my foot in my mouth since those days. Now, you couldn’t pay me to just hang out with chicks. This past weekend, I was reminded of this fact as I sat downstairs watching football with all guys. Mind you, I’m not even into football like that and yet I was vegging out in front of the TV drinking beer.
After a few beers, my favorite part of the day began: the guy conversation. It’s funny how girls spend so much of their time trying to figure out what guys talk about and the moment you finally get learn about it, you forget why you were ever interested in the first place. I’m no Steve Harvey, but I guess you could say I’m spilling some secrets just like he did in Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man. Not that male conversation is all that interesting, but sometimes it’s quite hilarious nonetheless.
PostedByAerin Spruill
on Tue, Sep 15, 2015 at 11:59 AM
The most important ritual before going out is the preparation — getting ready, not to mention if you’re doing it with your friends. *Queues Beyoncé “7/11”* Just picture a girl’s childhood sleepover with alcohol — everyone’s running around in underwear, every mirror is occupied with selfies or twerking, someone’s in the shower and outfits riddle the floor.
Not to perpetuate any stereotypes but when prepping to go out, me and my girls take our sweet time. Don’t get me wrong though, I know plenty of dudes that err on the side of metro, but they have less to worry about clothing wise. True, dudes have more dress codes to be concerned with — no hats or Timberlands, but when it comes to dressing to impress they are finally #winning.
As if we’re not envious enough that men can pee standing up during a night out... (So envious that I’ve considered buying the Go Girl Female Urination Device that comes in lavender/fuchsia and is even sold at Target. Finally, an answer on how to avoid drunkenly sitting on wet toilet seats.) .. guys don’t have to put in near as much effort as us ladies do.
Don’t believe me? Here are some of our biggest pain points as we get ready every single weekend:
PostedByAerin Spruill
on Tue, Sep 8, 2015 at 3:52 PM
Last week, I had the privilege of attending a fundraiser for one of my good friends’ brother, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. (Side note: follow his journey to recovery by liking his Facebook page, Noah Strong and be on the lookout for the hashtag #NoahStrong.) I received the invite on Facebook for live music, drinks and positive vibes in downtown Matthews. I didn’t even know Matthews had a downtown area, so I was pleasantly surprised by the quaint little string of shops that ended in a cul-de-sac with an area for pop-up shops and a gazebo where the live music would be.
I was most looking forward to seeing my friend play music for the first time. After a couple beers, I snagged a patch of grass and waited for her to start. As she began to strum her guitar, I realized I wasn’t familiar with the songs she was playing. Until she said, “We’re going to play a little Rihanna for you!” And I began screaming at the top of my lungs until I realized I was the only one screaming... I looked around and realized I was the only black person in the immediate area. Yep, I was yet again, the token.
PostedByAerin Spruill
on Tue, Sep 1, 2015 at 1:39 PM
It’s safe to say that with the start of football season and the final Alive After Five of the season kicking off this Thursday, my Queen City summer is coming to a close. A Google search will tell you that the last official day of summer is September 23rd. *Insert balling crying emoji here* And what a quick summer it was, I guess it’s true what they say about time flying when you’re having fun... or was it when you’re drunk.
I kicked off my summer before June 21 (the official start date) by getting tanked with my previous editor at Creative Loafing’s first annual Moo and Brew fest in April. And we did anything but eat more chicken, sorry Chick-Fil-A. (Speaking of Chic-Fil-A, this summer also brought marriage equality. Again sorry, but not sorry). This was followed by celebrating a huge milestone, the big 2-5 by taking more than my fair share of popular shots around the Queen City. Not to mention, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many innovators of nightlife as they celebrated opening or re-opening breweries, gaming centers and bars in Charlotte. The Local, Abari Game Bar and Piedmont Social House to name a few.
I fell in love with my co-workers and our self-proclaimed happy “three” hours and realized I was nowhere near their levels after road tripping to a Dave Matthews Band concert on a party bus. Red Bull vodka solidified itself as my new go to mixed beverage, sour ales my go-to beer forever, South End Common Market my go-to patio, L4 Lounge my go-to bar and Uber my go-to means of transportation (when there’s no surge of course).
Mobile
