The other day while at work, I struck up a conversation with the man next to me. We were both at McDonald’s letting our children wear themselves out. We were talking about his situation and he said that Asheville is a more expensive place to live than the plains of Texas, which is where he and his family moved from not to long ago. After chatting awhile longer, we realized that we both had something in common, we both are searching for a job in Asheville. He being an educated man, with a four year degree in journalism and I with my extensive years in childcare thought that we would land replacement jobs in no time. However, we both came to the realization that both of our lines of work had limited opportunities in the area. That leaves us with having to apply for jobs outside of our field. We quickly discovered that we are both at a disadvantage, as most job seekers are now days. Most if not all job postings will say, sometimes in capital letters, EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. Some go as far as to say, “Do not waste my time or yours by applying if you do not …

Asheville is a society of movers and shakers, which means that there is a large population of freelancers in the area. The awesome thing about being a freelancer is you are your own boss, you control your job and your destiny. The bad thing about freelancing is that is generally means lack of workspace. Working at home is cool, but when your entire house starts to feel like your office, it is time to mix things up. The last thing any freelancer needs is to constantly feel like you are in 'work' mode, especially in the confines of your own home. It's healthy to be able to separate home life from work life and work from a remote location.

today's fika experience was a little bit different. i had it all planned out. (mistake number 1). i knew well in advance where i was going to go, so i drove downtown, parked in the parking deck, and descended the stairs from the grove arcade area to wall street. yes, asheville has a wall street - like nyc. only not at all like nyc.

it was bound to happen at some point. daily fika overload. not that i've had too much coffee, by any means. i'm not even sure that that's possible. but, the daily finding a new place and experiencing something new is actually exhausting . the impressions, the feelings, the leaving my comfort zones are all good, but it requires a lot of attention and action. so, today, this self-proclaimed introvert had the desire to just go to a comfortable, familiar place. and just be.

While the definition of art is widely controversial in itself; Asheville is one of those rare places that defines its own eclectic culture and culture of art.  Art in Asheville is from the ground up; literally.  Art of a garden,  a gate,  driveway, the hand made home with no electric tools, or only from items of the property in which it rest.  Or yes that typical piece in the park, in your living room but expanded in Asheville to dinnerware, furniture, clothing and everything you touch or touches you from head to toe.  Asheville allows the individual expression of art in every aspect of life. So walk (read) with us in this column as we experience everything Asheville has to offer in  “Art Asheville Style”.  The typical Asheville resident takes everything into account when choosing to live here, and those who settle here for life take on the Art Asheville Style starting at their driveways.  Gate or no gate we all enjoy the beauty of each welcoming entry as we take in the views from our cars driving in our mundane work life from place to place. Thus I start our walk at the driveway! Any drive way… so today we …

If you are LGBT and/or an ally in Asheville, you are never alone. A local saying goes that, “if you throw a rock in Asheville, you’ll hit a (insert non-normative label here)”. One Google search for LGBT Asheville shows that the stereotype holds true: Asheville is one queer city! Statewide and nationwide groups like Equality NC, HRC, and other well-known LGBT advocates find local chapters to be loud, proud, and diligent. On Facebook and other social networking sites there are several pages for local business listed in the Carolina Purple Pages. There is even an extensive “Gay and Lesbian Travel Guide” section on one of Asheville’s most popular tourist websites. But aside from the internet presence of queer folks in Asheville, there is also a wealth of local organizations here for support. Networks, support groups, and volunteer opportunities vary in scope and cover different niches within the community. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list; it is simply an overview of LGBT Asheville. The best way to get involved is to try one or several of these groups and see which ones best fit your wants and needs. Youth OUTright provides a support system for 14-23-year-olds who might not otherwise have …

Join UNC-Asheville’s student LGBT group Alliance for one of the university’s craziest annual events. Dancing, drinks and snacks, a photo booth, and a drag show packed into one evening? It must be Drag Ball 2013! The event is first a competition for amateur drag talent of all sorts. The most popular type of drag is female or male impersonation, but there are no limits in drag performance. You might see a man dressed as a woman; a woman dressed as a man dressed as a woman; a student dressed as a teacher; or a person dressed as a pig. It is all about expression and performance. A winner will be chosen based on factors such as outfit, charisma, and the audience’s enjoyment. Alliance has also reeled in local professionals from Club Hairspray, which calls itself “Asheville’s Most Diverse Nightclub”. Queens and kings from the club, including Mr. Brian Sparx, Mr. Jackson K. Starr, Ms. Serena Nox, and Ms. Coco Capone, will all make appearances. Drag Ball will be held on March 28th in the Highsmith University Union from 21.00 to 01.00. (01.00 is the scheduled ending time, but don’t be surprised if someone decides to throw an after party!) Drag Ball …

Maybe you’ve suffered from stiff joints in the morning or wished you didn’t have knee pain when walking up and down stairs.  Well, it probably won’t surprise you that there are some foods that could be contributing to your aches, but can you name some that will actually reduce pain?  Below, I’ve listed several beneficial foods that have been shown to reduce arthritis pain.  But let’s not think of this as a diet.  If you know me, you know that I dislike the term; “diet” because I think it places an importance on temporary guidelines to achieving a short-term goal.  I also think diets tend to be in opposition of our typical lifestyles; as if we are punishing ourselves for the poor foods we have come to love.  Instead, I recommend you begin to learn as much about health and healthy food choices as you can, then start to add one or two vegetables/fruits/herbs to your typical routine (continue adding more healthy foods instead of focusing on cutting out unhealthy).  Introducing more whole foods will provide your body with many complex nutritional benefits that will be more easily absorbed and utilized by the body then would a supplement.  Vitamin and mineral supplements can help …

Does Fido like to explore the town as much as you do? If you have a four legged traveling companion, the following list is for you! We have compiled a list of pet friendly hotels, restaurants, and attractions for you to enjoy. You will find a very pet friendly environment in Asheville. Since more and more folks are traveling with their pet companions, here are some resources for your visit to Western North Carolina. Most of the businesses listed are canine based, but know that Asheville also welcomes your feathered, finned, and prickly pets as well! Pet Kennels & Day Care If you need a “hotel” or a “play/spa day” for your pet, here are a few local businesses to check out At Play with Sparky, Asheville Bed & Biscuit Pet Spa, Black Mountain Happy Tails Country Club, Fairview You Work, I’ll Play Dog Daycare, Asheville Doghouse Doggy Day Care, Asheville Dog Daze Doggie Daycare, Asheville Dog – Ed, Asheville & surrounding Shopping for Your Pet Asheville has more than your basic pet supply stores, but also has an impressive array of unique specialty shops with great gifts for pet lovers and their beloved cats, dogs and other pets. Waggers Dog Depot is the “Fun” …

It has been a while since I've paid much attention to this blog. With my other projects, sometimes this one gets a little neglected.  Making beer is very much a repetitive process, so sometimes I don't feel the motivation to write about it after I...