Life lessons and loves

By Andrea Honaker

This is probably not something I should admit, but I have been on a cupcake kick lately. And with cupcake shops being all the rage these days, it’s not hard to find this sweet treat when you’re craving it.

With endless flavor options and icing piled high, these gourmet cupcakes are the perfect reward after a long week. I try not to let myself think about how many calories are in one individual cupcake; I don’t think I want to know. I just reason that if I have been eating healthy and exercising good, one little treat every now and then is alright. And my waistline will certainly let me know if “every now and then” becomes too often.

But with each cupcake costing $2 to $3, it’s easy to limit yourself to just one per trip. I definitely can’t justify spending $20 on cupcakes! It is a bit absurd to think how I could buy a Duncan Hines box mix and make 24 cupcakes for the same price as a single cupcake at a specialty shop. But I just can’t make them as good as they do; they are professionals, after all.

The Charlotte area certainly is not lacking in its share of specialty bakeries and dessert shops. I’ve sampled the cupcakes at Jenn’s Sugarlicious Bakery and Couture Cupcake in Gastonia, Brenda’s Cake Gallery in Belmont, and Polka Dot Bake Shop and Sunflour Bakery in Charlotte. And I’m sure I’ll hit up the other shops I’ve missed in the area soon enough.

(Photo by Jessica Borders) Cupcakes from Jenn's Sugarlicious Bakery in Gastonia

Flavors I’ve tried out include red velvet, strawberry, orange creamsicle, cappuccino, birthday cake, peanut butter cup and chunky monkey. Red velvet is my favorite so far; classic but so very tasty. It’s amazing how many interesting and delicious combinations these bakers come up with. What a fun job that would be!

But after all my taste-testing, I’ve learned one thing: There’s really not a bad cupcake out there. And I’d say the cupcake shop fad is one that will not be fading anytime soon.

By Andrea Honaker

While shifting gears on my manual transmission car on the way to work, I started wondering how many people actually know how to drive a stick shift these days.

I couldn’t find any hard statistics on the number of standard transmission drivers out there, but an informal poll I conducted on Facebook showed that about 60 percent of my friends know how. Honestly, this figure shocked me, and I had assumed it would be much lower. I suspect that this representation is a little on the high side compared to the overall U.S. population, and that my Facebook friends are quite exceptional. Either way, I’m glad to know it’s not a lost art!

Of course, knowing how to drive a stick doesn’t mean a person operates one on a daily basis, and that’s not surprising considering how much harder manual transmission vehicles are to find today. According to a report by MSN, stick-shifts made up only 6.7 percent of the U.S. automobile market in 2010. Compare that to 22.2 percent in 1990 and 34.6 percent in 1980. So, are manual transmissions on their way to extinction? I certainly hope not, but their declining availability is a bit concerning.

When I bought my 2008 Hyundai Elantra, I’m pretty sure it was the only stick shift in the car lot. I wasn’t specifically looking to buy a standard that day, but this particular car had everything I wanted at a good price.

I learned to drive a manual transmission back in high school because of necessity, not because of want. The old automatic tank of a car that my sister and I had been driving to school died right before spring break. The car that my folks had left for us to get around in was a standard, so we had a week to learn the skills of the trade. Those first few weeks and months of tackling the clutch and gear-shifting were very nerve-wracking, but I eventually got it down pretty good. Driving a standard is like second nature to me now, and I don’t even have to think about it. And I’m glad that I learned how to do it because it means I can drive any type of vehicle.

Like all things, there are both disadvantages and advantages to manual transmission vehicles. I can definitely see why so many people don’t bother with them. For one, it can just seem like a lot of extra, unnecessary effort. There’s quite a bit more to do and think about all at once. Stop-and-go traffic in a stick shift is just awful, and starting and stopping on hills can still make me uneasy. Plus, I always feel like a jerk when I accidentally stall the engine while I’m out and about.

But there are good things too: Manuals are a tad cheaper, get better gas mileage, allow faster acceleration and can give you more control. On snowy days in West Virginia, my Elantra allowed me to limit my speed so I wouldn’t go hurtling down hills. But the best part: They are just more fun to drive.

I don’t know if my next car will be a manual or not, but for now I’m enjoying the ride … and hoping stick shift cars will stick around for the future.

Freedom Park in Charlotte.

By Andrea Honaker

Spring is now upon us in full force, and I couldn’t be happier about it. It has felt a little more like summer lately, but I’ll still take it.

Spring has always been my favorite season, mostly because the beautiful weather allows me to spend more time outdoors. In summer in North Carolina, sometimes it gets a little too hot to be outside for extended periods. But spring can be just perfect … a cool breeze and just-warm-enough temperatures combine to form the ideal outdoor scenario. And that can mean countless hours of fun in the sun.

During the colder months, my workouts are confined to the elliptical in my living room or the treadmill in my garage. But, spring temps allow me to bust out into the open for runs, which I enjoy so much more than jogging in place. I love having the wind on my back and the sun on my face while running at my favorite area parks, like Tuckaseegee Park in Mount Holly and Freedom Park in Charlotte. (However, I was reminded the other day that the glorious “sun on my face” easily becomes sunburn for an Irish girl like me. The sunscreen has been located.)

Spring is also a great time to take my dog for extra-long walks, play with her outside and go on hikes. I hope to discover some nearby state parks and tackle their trails in the coming months.

While I love exercising in the great outdoors, it’s also nice to just relax. It’s so calming to read on my deck or under a big tree at the park; what a wonderful way to escape reality and find a few moments of peace. And picnics are a must for this kind of weather.

Spring also starts up outdoor concert season, which I immensely enjoy. Last summer, I caught some great shows at outside venues, including Eve 6, Toby Keith and Eric Church. I am looking forward to hearing some live music at the NC Music Factory, the Charlotte EpiCentre, the Whitewater Center and more this season.

So, goodbye inside and hello outside! I’ll be taking advantage of this spring weather as much as I can before the unbearable heat sets in. Rain, rain, stay away, so I can fully enjoy the great outdoors this season.

By Andrea Honaker

Last weekend, I stepped out of my comfort zone to try some new dance steps.

I accompanied my friend, Emma, to the Queen City Lindy Exchange’s Friday night event. According to Wikipedia, a lindy exchange is “a gathering of lindy hop (a type of swing dance) dancers in one city for several days to experience the dance venues and styles of that local community and to dance with visitors and locals alike.”

Emma lives in Charleston, S.C., and has been taking lessons there for several months. I, on the other hand, was an extreme beginner. The Friday night event included a beginner’s swing dance lesson followed by open dancing.

I was a little worried that I would not be coordinated enough for swing dancing. But after the beginner’s lesson and some explanations from Emma, I felt a little more confident. And what really helped me get the hang of it was the open dancing.

Dancing with the advanced swing dancers was fun and instructional at the same time. Everyone was so nice and understanding too … people were willing to dance with me even though I was a beginner, and they didn’t get mad at me for stepping on their toes, going the wrong direction or forgetting what I was supposed to do.

When I wasn’t on the dance floor myself, it was fun to just watch the experienced dancers. I had never seen such fast and fancy footwork and turns. It was mesmerizing.

I was proud of myself for trying something new (and for kind of getting the hang of it by the end of the night) and happy that Emma had talked me into joining her for the event. Hopefully, there will be more swing dancing in my future.

Jessica Borders, left, and Andrea Honaker

By Andrea Honaker

This weekend, I’ll be hitting the road and heading to West Virginia so my twin sister and I can celebrate our birthday together.

In our lifetime, Jessica and I have spent every birthday but one together; we were apart on March 18, 2010, and vowed we would never let it happen again. Jessica came to Charlotte last year, so I’m traveling to her home in Clarksburg this year.

Growing up, people would constantly ask me, “What’s it like being a twin?” Often my response would be, “What’s it like to not have a twin?” And by that, I simply meant that being a twin is all I’ve ever known.

Being a twin as a child had its challenges. Many times it meant a loss of individuality. People had a tendency to lump us together as if we were one person, and we always hated it when we were referred to as “the twins” rather than by our names. We both missed out on a few opportunities because people did not want to “choose between us,” and sometimes we were unfairly compared.

As a kid, the best part of being a twin was having a constant companion and playmate. At times, all that togetherness got the best of us and resulted in minor tiffs and fights, but they were short lived. As we got older, having a twin also meant having someone to confide in, get comfort from and share hopes and fears with; and an added bonus was sharing clothes.

Today, my sister and I still have many of the same friends and interests, and we even have similar careers. Jessica is in journalism as well, but as a business and economics reporter.

But, we don’t share everything. You’d be surprised how many people, upon finding out that I have a twin sister, have asked me if we can read each other’s minds and feel each other’s pain. I just roll my eyes at them. Every now and then, Jessica and I do finish each other’s sentences or come up with similar ideas, but that just comes from knowing a person so well; although, it would be pretty awesome to have those super powers.

Up until 2009, Jessica and I had always lived just a short drive away from each other. So, moving to Charlotte was definitely one of the hardest things I have ever done, simply because it meant not being able to be with my sister as much. It took some getting used to, and I still miss us living close, but we have learned to make it work with frequent phone calls, emails and texts. And each time we visit one another is a treasure.

So, “What’s it like being a twin?” you ask.

It’s wonderful. Jessica and I are extremely close and have a very special bond. I am fortunate enough to have a best friend and sister rolled into one amazing person, and I thank my lucky stars for her.

Wishing a very happy birthday to “my sister, my twin, my best friend until the end.”

My pets: Buster, Ranger and Jessie

By Andrea Honaker

While on the phone with my friend the other day, we started talking about our pets’ odd tendencies. That got me thinking about animals and their unique personalities. Just like people, no two pets in the world are the same, and the differences can be astounding.

I grew up always having several pets in the home. Our family usually had two dogs and two or three cats at a time, and each one of those animals stands out in my mind and holds a special place in my heart.

Now, my husband and I have three pets of our own. They are such great company, and they bring a lot of joy to my life. And they each have their own distinct identity that I have grown to love. Here are just a few of their quirks and characteristics that make them special:

1. Buster, a.k.a. King of the House: Buster is a short-haired tuxedo cat with five extra toes. His trademark acts are meowing at the top of his lungs at night while standing in the bedroom doorway; hanging on my husband’s shoulder and licking his chin; sitting in the sink and drinking water from it; keeping watch from the top of the kitchen cabinets; and cleaning my dog Jessie’s ears. Buster is very independent and likes to do things on his own terms, but he is also very loving and outgoing.

2. Ranger, a.k.a. Sweet Boy: Ranger is a fluffy gray-and-white kitty with dark black markings around his eyes (I call it his “eyeliner”). He is known for rolling around in the bathtub and searching for water droplets in the faucet; sticking his paws in water glasses; meowing and begging while I’m cooking; snuggling up with me at night; and disappearing when I have house guests. He is pretty much a one-person cat … meaning he basically only likes me, although he is finally warming up a bit to my husband. Ranger is very timid and jumpy, but he is affectionate and extremely sweet as well.

3. Jessie, a.k.a. Jessie Jane: My dog Jessie is a mostly black setter/Lab mix. She specialized in rolling in the dirt; jumping excitedly before our daily walks; laying her head on my lap; looking up with her “sad” puppy dog eyes; playing with and/or ripping her toys to shreds; chasing Buster; and acting as my shadow by following my everywhere I go. Jessie is energetic, needy, incredibly loving, loyal and protective.

With these three drastically different pet personalities, there’s never a dull moment in my house. Sometimes it’s even a little crazy dealing with these furry family members, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

By Andrea Honaker

As I’ve mentioned before, I love movies, and one of my favorite things to do is to see them in the theater.

For the past couple years, I have tried to see all the movies nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. These movies are thought to be the best of the year by the judges, and I like watching them to see if I agree with the selections and to determine my personal favorites.

In 2011, I saw all but one of the nominated films. (“127 Hours” was the one that I missed; I actually watched it the other day and thought it was incredible.) This year, I caught all of the movies except “War Horse” and “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.”

So, with the 84th Academy Awards airing on ABC at 8:30 p.m. tomorrow (Sunday, Feb. 26), I thought I’d give my thoughts on the Best Picture nominees that I saw. May the best film win!

“The Artist” — I thought “The Artist” was delightful. I have always loved old black-and-white films, and I love that this movie was able to capture the look and feel of those movies. It was incredibly well made with a great story and musical score. The actors manage to show so much emotion while saying so little.

“Hugo” — “Hugo” is a brilliant film and another one of my favorites. It’s heartwarming and captivating with mesmerizing visuals and an outstanding cast. It is done in a way that it is almost magical to watch.

“The Help” — This was another film that I absolutely loved. With such an incredible cast and story, “The Help” couldn’t by anything other than great. It is told in such a way that you are instantly drawn in, and it is truly inspiring.

“The Descendants” — While “The Descendants” is kind of a downer, it is a wonderful movie with some of the best acting I have seen. It’s portrayal of a family’s struggles is so real and honest. It wasn’t my favorite movie of the year, but I still thought it was very good.

“Midnight in Paris” — I thought this was a really cute and quirky film. The story was very original and captivating, and it was definitely enjoyable. But, I don’t think it’s the best movie of the year.

“Moneyball” — This movie was interesting and compelling, but a little on the boring side in my opinion. I’m not much of a baseball fan and that could be part of the reason I didn’t love it, but overall “Moneyball” just didn’t do it for me.

“Tree of Life” — I wasn’t a fan of “Tree of Life.” While it does have beautiful cinematography and some good acting performances, it left me confused and bored. The nature sequences were just too long, and the premise of the film just a little too abstract.

By Andrea Honaker

I love curling up with a good book. In fact, one of my favorite ways to relax is to settle on the couch with a comfy blanket and a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of wine and get lost in a novel. This is often what I do to wind down after work and on my days off.

Since I do a lot of critical reading for my job, I usually choose fiction works that are easy, exciting reads. My latest book companions have been “The Hunger Games” series. Suzanne Collins’ trilogy has gained extra attention recently with the film adaptation of the first book due out March 23. And it has created quite a stir in our area because some scenes were filmed in Shelby over the summer.

All the local interest and coverage from The Gazette and The Star piqued my interest and made me decide to read the books to see what all the fuss was about. I’m glad I did too because they are great reads. I have polished off the first two and plan to finish up the third one soon.

News of upcoming movies based on popular books often inspires me to read the books before the films are released. Or sometimes, I end up seeing the first movie before deciding to take on all the books. I did this with the “Harry Potter,” “Lord of the Rings” and “Twilight” franchises. I hope to also get into the “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” series.

Some people may roll their eyes at the mania that can extend from these book/film sets; but I think that if it gets people (especially youth) excited about reading, it’s a good thing and should be embraced.

I get my love of reading from my mom, who is an avid reader and goes through several books a month. She’s always up on the latest works and has great suggestions for book picks, as well as a full library from which I can borrow.

While I definitely don’t read as fast as Mom, I am proud of myself for reading more in recent years. I see reading as a great way to free my mind while also keeping it sharp.

I look forward to cozying up with many more books this year and letting my imagination run wild. That’s the great thing about books … you can go anywhere, meet anybody and watch anything happen just by turning the page.

By Andrea Honaker

As I recently read news reports of snow blanketing other regions of the country, it occurred to me that I haven’t really minded the absence of snow since I came to North Carolina.

I have many pleasant, snow-filled memories from growing up in West Virginia … of snowmen, snow angels, snowball fights, snow forts, sled riding and, of course, the coveted snow days off from school.

As a kid, my siblings and I always hoped that a snowstorm would come so we wouldn’t have to go to school. We got our wish a few times a year, and we had great fun on our days off. It didn’t occur to me at the time that while I was off school, my parents were navigating the dangerous, slippery roadways to get to work. One giant storm in the early 90s even brought 28 inches of snow, canceling school for at least two weeks and knocking out power for about eight days … definitely not as fun of a scenario.

Snow in Alum Creek, W.Va., in January 2011.

Once I hit high school and college, I prayed for snow days as well, but for different reasons, like so I could have extra time to study for a test or finish up a project or paper. A couple times, my hopeful thinking became reality; but I didn’t press my luck and got my work done on time if possible.

But when I started my first job after college, the harsh reality set in: There are no snow days in the working world. I can’t even count the number of times I had to creep to work on snow-covered streets, knuckles white from gripping the steering wheel so hard. And in West Virginia, no matter which way you go, there are always hills to face.

Since I moved to the Tar Heel state two and a half years ago, it’s only snowed a handful of times, and most of those were just a dusting and easily manageable. That track record is fine with me, because the less I have to drive in it, the better. And with the mild winter we’ve had so far this year, I probably won’t have to worry about it anytime soon (knock on wood).

Although, I must say, there are few sights as beautiful as a fresh snow, especially on the mountains in the morning. And I still enjoy sled riding and snowman building. Those parts, I actually do miss.

So, bring on the snow, but only if I’m already home, I don’t have any travel plans, and it’s my weekend.

Mat Kearney/MySpace photo

By Andrea Honaker

Mat Kearney gave the Queen City a little love on Friday night.

The singer came to Amos’ Southend as part of his tour to promote “Young Love,” his latest album, and delivered a fun, energetic concert. And through a packed venue of enthusiastic fans, it was clear that Charlotte loved him right back.

Kearney filled Amos’ with his rock/folk music, and he sounded incredible — just as good as he does on his albums, if not better. I’ve been wearing out his “Young Love” and “City of Black and White” CDs since I got them, and it was amazing to hear one of my favorite artists live.

He started out the show with the high-energy “Fire and Rain” and “Young, Dumb and In Love” and proceeded to play most of the songs from his last two albums. I was especially excited to hear “Closer to Love.” But he went back even further, performing “Undeniable” and “Nothing Left to Lose” from his 2006 album as well.

Kearney’s music and sound are contagious, with a rhythm and a beat that can only make you smile and dance. I couldn’t help but bob my head and bounce around for the duration of the concert. He’s quite the talented songwriter, and I love that many of his songs tell a story.

He really showed off his musical versatility, playing both guitar and piano and during one song actually alternating between the two. Kearney even did some improvising: inserting “Charlotte” into the lyrics of his songs, making up a rap about the Queen City during one interlude, and even transitioning into Usher’s “DJ Got Us Falling in Love” and Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass” for one number.

At one point, Kearney weaved through the crowd as he sang, without even a bouncer or usher at his side, which I think says a lot about the trust and respect he has for his fans (especially when you consider that this venue was standing-room only and quite crowded). He took time out to make funny comments and show his appreciation to the audience, and he seemed to be a very down-to-earth guy.

He saved two of my favorite songs for last, ending the show with “Ships in the Night” and his smash hit “Hey Mama.” In between these two, he did his own, powerful and inspiring rendition of Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain.”

The Mat Kearney concert was one of the best I’ve been to in a long time, and I love that I got to see him in a smaller, more intimate setting. I had been waiting and hoping that he would come to Charlotte, and I am so glad that he stopped here. I think Kearney has big things in store for his future, and I hope he returns to Charlotte again.

If you’ve never heard his music, give it a listen. He might just be your new favorite artist.