Southern Preppy and Little Debbie Cakes Winners

Being a Southern Preppy, I wanted to share with you all a little preppiness from UNC that represents our Southern style. Meet Julian's of Chapel Hill. They're legend. Julian's is the brain behind "Argyle Nation" - Chapel Hill!

Here's a little linky love for Julian's along with some really preppy looks at what North Carolina Tar Heels look like.

Look closely at that photo below and you'll see Coach Roy Williams - the man. :) Here's the Women's cute corner of seersucker and argyle and khaki style.

Just for fun, I've added this Nail Trix picture of where I got my nails done in a cute French Manicure while the Tigers were at their Tennis Camp.

As promised here are my winners of the lovely 100 Calorie Little Debbie Cakes! Drum roll....

Congratulations go out to Karin @ Scribbling In San Antonio and EllyBean @ Connected 2 Christ. You'll be receiving your very own Big Box of Little Debbie goodness!

That's a wrap my friends. Summer has me by the tail. :) It's a good thing especially on days like this when it's Carolina gorgeous all day long! We're gearing up for the 4th of July. Are you? What are your plans? Ours are fun and what else, Carolina. Stay tuned.

Warmly,

Storms, Sharing and Sunday Scriptures

Today, I wanted to share something we have shared with a couple of friends that this really speaks to right now. And so I thought my readers and friends would appreciate these words this Sunday.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior...

Also, we have shared this from Billy Graham's Hope for Each Day:
When the apostle Paul asked God to remove his "thorn in the flesh," God did not remove it, saying instead "My grace is sufficient for you." (2 Corinthians 12:9). Rather than complain or become angry at God, Paul joyfully submitted to God's will. He discovered that God's grace truly was sufficient, even in the midst of pain. Christ desires to be with you in whatever crisis you may find yourself. Call upon His name. See if He will not do as He promised He would. He may not make your problems go away, but He will give you the power to deal with them and to overcome them by His grace.

How awesome is that! May the Lord bless and keep you and your families today.

Warmly,

South Carolina's First Lady Jenny Sandford On Legacy

The word "Legacy" was on my mind this afternoon at the pool with our friends as I mulled over in my mind the myriad of news this week. Then I just read this amazing statement by Jenny Sandford in which she refers to her biggest accomplishment - Legacy. The Legacy of her four precious boys they are raising. Here is Jenny Sandford's statement she texted in an AP Release.

Its been a week Has it been a week for you too? We're plain summer-fun busy and then you mix in Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon and should I say it... Gov. Mark Sanford. I so respect his wife, South Carolina's First Lady Jenny Sandford right now and her spirit and attitude. Not only is she South Carolina's First Lady, she is a classy lady. Read her words.

"I would like to start by saying I love my husband and I believe I have put forth every effort possible to be the best wife I can be during our almost twenty years of marriage. As well, for the last fifteen years my husband has been fully engaged in public service to the citizens and taxpayers of this state and I have faithfully supported him in those efforts to the best of my ability. I have been and remain proud of his accomplishments and his service to this state.

I personally believe that the greatest legacy I will leave behind in this world is not the job I held on Wall Street, or the campaigns I managed for Mark, or the work I have done as First Lady or even the philanthropic activities in which I have been routinely engaged. Instead, the greatest legacy I will leave in this world is the character of the children I, or we, leave behind. It is for that reason that I deeply regret the recent actions of my husband Mark, and their potential damage to our children.

I believe wholeheartedly in the sanctity, dignity and importance of the institution of marriage. I believe that has been consistently reflected in my actions. When I found out about my husband's infidelity I worked immediately to first seek reconciliation through forgiveness, and then to work diligently to repair our marriage. We reached a point where I felt it was important to look my sons in the eyes and maintain my dignity, self-respect, and my basic sense of right and wrong. I therefore asked my husband to leave two weeks ago.

This trial separation was agreed to with the goal of ultimately strengthening our marriage. During this short separation it was agreed that Mark would not contact us. I kept this separation quiet out of respect of his public office and reputation, and in hopes of keeping our children from just this type of public exposure. Because of this separation, I did not know where he was in the past week.

I believe enduring love is primarily a commitment and an act of will, and for a marriage to be successful, that commitment must be reciprocal. I believe Mark has earned a chance to resurrect our marriage.

Psalm 127 states that sons are a gift from the Lord and children a reward from Him. I will continue to pour my energy into raising our sons to be honorable young men. I remain willing to forgive Mark completely for his indiscretions and to welcome him back, in time, if he continues to work toward reconciliation with a true spirit of humility and repentance.

This is a very painful time for us and I would humbly request now that members of the media respect the privacy of my boys and me as we struggle together to continue on with our lives and as I seek the wisdom of Solomon, the strength and patience of Job and the grace of God in helping to heal my family."

An amazing lady and focus and love. As these have gone before this week, and as the Governor's family navigates the waters he charted... what Legacy are you leaving? What legacy am I leaving? It's something to ponder. Let's pray for others and our families as we see this in the media.

Happy Weekend!

Adding this to Hooked on Fridays because I want the world to know how classy and amazing Jenny Sandford is and may we pray, encourage and support them all at this time. .

Warmly,

Summer Reading: The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley

The Principle of the Path

A little Summer Reading.

Andy Stanley's "Principle of the Path" - How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be - truly wows! This book has real life practical examples and check lists we can implement to get where we want to be going.

When I read a great book, I usually turn up or down a page that really has a great thought, quote or point. You should see my Principle of the Path, it's pretty 'dog eared!" Really, there are little turned up and down corners everywhere because Andy Stanley fills this book with little Christian principles and nuggets throughout.

"The prudent see danger and take refuge. That is, they do something about it. They act on what they see. Prudent people know that it's what you do that makes the difference, not what you see. If there is going to be change. You've got to do something."

There are real life gems like this throughout. Andy Stanley also adds plenty of his own examples that enhance the book. The Chapters like "The Heart of the Matter" and "A Little Help From Our Friends" are endearing and instructional and encouraging all at once. I also love Stanley's humble approach to this whole topic.

As a bonus, the book has a great Study Guide in the back with great questions, scriptures and truths to use as a small group or individually.

Have you read it? Let me know your thoughts. And what have you been reading lately?

Warmly,

Little Debbie 100 Calorie Goodness & Giveaway

Little Debbie

... arrived on our front porch a few days ago! It was supper time. Guess what we almost ate for supper?! The 100 Calorie Little Debbie Cakes were more like 'devoured' rather than taste tested. But that's okay because they are really that good and our friends at Little Debbie sent a generous box. I mean the whole family was clamoring over this package. After all, isn't Little Debbie still just as cute and innocent as ever.



Growing up a Southern Girl, Little Debbie, this lovely Southern i.e. Tennessee company, was a part of our lives. Remember the Oatmeal Cream Cakes? My dear Grandmother loved those. Lucky for us, there was a steady supply at her house. Now, next Century, we're so happy to taste these amazing 100 Calories where you can have your cake and eat it too at Little Debbie. They're rich, moist and tasty in every bite. And these flavors just scream variety.

There was even a autographed lite poster of Little Debbie Nascar Driver Marcos Ambrose for the Tigers. Yes, this poster graces their "Club House" right now.
Marcos Ambrose Little Debbie

Mountain Man and my favorite, hands down, is the 100 Calorie Chocolate Cake. It is rich and chocolaty. And moist. We all noticed how fresh and moist they are.

Little Debbie 100 Calorie Chocolate Cake

And we absolutely cannot wait to find the 100 Calorie Nutty Bar Singles.
Little Debbie 100 Calorie Nutty Bar

The best thing is that Little Debbie Cakes included you my readers. So TWO of you get to enter for an identical box of these lovely tasty cakes yourself. Here's what to do - Enter once per step below:

1) Check out the Little Debbie Cakes website. Tell me which cake you would want to try first. 100 Calorie or not.

2) Comment here with that flavor.

3) Twitter the contest at Twitter.com. Joining is easy.

4) Subscribe here so you can get the regular Carolina Mama information because just very soon, I'm giving away one more Little Debbie Cakes box so fan me by subscribing. :)

5) Follow this blog in the sidebar by clicking "Follow."

Now that was easy and the rewards are sweet. All the best to you. And yes, I am entering this into the "Works For Me Wednesday" Tips because a good tip like 100 Calorie goodness really works for all of us. Right girls!

Warmly,

Summer DIY For Boys

It has not been all fun and games Camp around here! :) The Tigers have been busy after Camp - oh the life of young things, my Twin sons - energy for days. Here's the fruit of their labor. Not me! I did not say that the Tigers are working around Carolina Mama's!

Twins Car wash

Car Wash Fun
And this one is near and dear to my heart. It was close to 100 degrees here when they were so excited to go to Lowe's and get the stepping stones for our yard that lead to the dumpster. We made a path so Mountain Man would not get muddy after a rain. So necessary and so the perfect DIY project.

What projects do you have your children working on this Summer? No, Not me! I didn't just enter this in the Not Me! carnival for this week. What's your not me? : )

Warmly,

Twitter: The Story For Now

Twitter Story

Many of you have asked "What's the deal with Twitter?" "I don't get Twitter." We call it microblogging. Now you can see and read about it. This visual was pretty compelling to look at about the History of Twitter. My friend just passed this on to me today - where else but on Twitter. So if you're a non-Twitter.

For me, Twitter and I were love at first site. And I've been "Tweeting" ever sense. Here are a few of my favorite things about Twitter. After all, I am a member of the Twitter Club, "I Was Here Before Oprah!" And Demi Moore's husband, etc. Though it's fun to see it pick up lately, it is tough too because we kinda liked it before it was "celebritized."

1) It's all inclusive; for a while now I have been able to really get the latest news and links right away on Twitter. Like that plane crash in New York, it was pretty cool, I was on Twitter when the first Tweet came out. "The Tweet that was heard around the world." A Twitter saw it live and tweeted it before any one else or of course, the local news.

2) It's your basic 'word-of-mouth' - Have a question - Tweet it. I have learned and shared not only great posts and Giveaways but weather, a sale or a product recall. You name it.

3) It's short and succinct. Not time consuming like the social media rave Facebook. Twitter is quick and easy. And

4) Finally, I love the camaraderie and support from my mommyblogging and company sponsors on Twitter.

Let me know your thoughts on Twitter. Please leave me your Twitter address in comments or Twitter me @:

Twitter/carolinamama

And click over and check out the blog where this graphic originated - it's a lot more ledgable @ Manolith.

Do you Twitter? Have long have you done so? What's your biggest Twitter Wow!?

Warmly,

Celebrating the Father's in my Life

Celebrating the Father's in my life today. You've heard it before and once again I will say I am thankful for Mountain Man and his natural inclination to teach our children. Growing up I had an amazing example in my own father - Daddy. He lived more in his 46 year life than most ever will. The impact he left is alive and well today. Thank you Lord for the blessing of my Daddy and Husband.

This was really neat Proclamation I found by Former President Bush's on Father's Day so I'm sharing:

"Fathers play a unique and important role in the lives of their children. As mentor, protector, and provider, a father fundamentally influences the shape and direction of his child's character by giving love, care, discipline, and guidance. As we observe Father's Day, our nation honors fatherhood and urges fathers to commit themselves selflessly to the success and well-being of their children. And we reaffirm the importance of fathers in the lives of their children. Raising a child requires significant time, effort, and sacrifice; and it is one of the most hopeful and fulfilling experiences a man can ever know. A father can derive great joy from seeing his child grow from infancy to adulthood. As a child matures into independence and self reliance, the value of a parent's hard work, love, and commitment comes to fruition.

Responsible fatherhood is important to a healthy and civil society. Numerous studies confirm that children whose fathers are present and involved in their lives are more likely to develop into prosperous and healthy adults. Children learn by example; and they need their father's presence as examples of virtue in their daily lives. A child's sense of security can be greatly enhanced by seeing his parents in a loving and faithful marriage."

George W. Bush
Former President, USA

Hope you are enjoying the men in your life.

Warmly,

Winner! And My Tigers Ready For Father's Day

Planning on a little relaxation and peaceful time together this Father's Day.




This picture was taken by Mountain Man while we were vacationing at Ocean Isle Beach earlier this month. Just paradise.

WINNER: The Winner of the Designer Plumbing Outlet Kohler Showerhead is..... Tara @ The 5 of Us! Congratulations Tara, we cannot wait to see your Before and After of your shower. :) Thanks everyone for participating.

Warmly,

Father's Day Gifts 2009

As promised, here's Father's Day from Mountain Man's perspective. Aside from Mountain Man's usual list: Family, family time, outdoors enjoying creation. Here's the list for 2009.

1. Ted's Montana Grill - we can most likely thank Mountain Man's Colorado roots for his love for all things Bison. And Ted's Montana Grill is amazing. The lean buffalo meat is outstanding even to Carolina Mama.

Ted's Montana


2. Mountain Biking - Surprise. Anything Mountains and/or Bike related. So any time he can get on his Mountain Bike, he is in his element. Most often he loads up the four of us and off we go. Other times, he rides with the guys.



3. Timex Iron Man - A man and his sports watch. Need I say more. And I have been a fan of the female "Iron Man" for many years and it is a constant in my workouts and life. Consistent. Performance. Great. It does it all - especially you can enjoy the patented Indiglo feature.

4. Swiss Army Knife. A man and his tools. His knife. A classic right of passage. Make sure your man has one. You'll be glad.



5. UNC Tar Heels - treading lightly here after the [loss] last night in the World Series... always all things UNC Tar Heels. So Mountain Man's collection gets kicked up a notch. There's even a 'need' in there with all the fun.

6. Music. Mountain Man has impecible taste in music. Cliassic. Christian & Gospel. Worship. Fun. And his Guitar skills are coming right along. [girls, stay tuned ! ;) ]

7. Star Wars. Star Trek. I may be 'marrying' my Stars... but there is a game here. Details are found at the iTunes Apple App Store. He loves it. Knows it's coming. Anticipates it. Need I mention more.




9. The Noticer. Great read - Mountain Man is a reader. The Noticer is amazing and delightful and encouraging and endearing all at once. I wrote about it here - somewhere. Cards from the Tigers. And they are adding the Japanese Origami fun this year. They are crazy for Origami now and so are we. They surprise us often with these lovely creations.

10. Carolina Mama Cooking. Mountain Man will chose a favorite meal from the Carolina Mama repertoire. Cooking is at the heart of our home and family. We cook together, eat together, at home, at our dining room table. Or there's always Pizza night watching the likes of Pooh Bear like we did last week.

BONUS: Time. Family time, family, family. And Mountain Man was encourage Family, Faith and Fun. {Where do you think I get it? We encourage each other there.]

Just for my readers and friends, Father's Day would not be complete without a Do It Yourself Project - right! So enter your man in the designer plumbing Giveaway. Enter to win the Kohler Master Showerhead by Designer Plumbing Outlet.  Go HERE. Drawing Saturday at 5pm EST. All the best. And God Bless you and your Man this Father's Day! I am hooked on Father's today. So join me in Hooked on Friday with what you're hooked on.

What's your Father's Day looking like? Have a great week! TFIG.


Warmly,

Unexpected Surprise and My Child's Love Language

This week has been a welcome opportunity to share a little one-on-one time with Tiger A as I mentioned earlier this week. Of course, the first dillema is missing time with Tiger B. The only consilation is he is having a blast at Basketball Camp. Otherwise, Tiger A and I are enjoying our unusual week together.

This afternoon I was reminded of how much Tiger A loves animals and even snakes! Evident here with his sheer bliss over this snake.



But it was this morning that took my breath away....

The moment came unexpectedly. Like this morning realizing yet another sign of my child's love language... Cinnamon Rolls!



Well, I knew this already. From the days I used to make them homemade more often. Today, his enthusiasm was unmatched as he asked me to repeat the fact that he could have a Cinnamon Roll the size of a basketball for the second time this week.

He chose the big high tables and after his Cinnamon Roll party, I worked with him on his Sunday School lesson. Loved the individual time to hear his answer to these questions. Like what are you good at doing? He said: writing, reading and math. I loved hearing this. Then we talked about what he wanted to work on - I also loved his answer. He knows himself well. Later, we prayed about this together.

As I wrapped his hand around the pencil and then mine over his, I was fully expecting to hear "Mommy, I know how to do this." Instead, we proceeded. Me leading the way - reinforcing - like we've done for a couple of years - on and off. And holding his hand with pencil to write... "Don't let go of my hand Mommy." And I didn't.

He isn't afraid to take my hand. To get help - sometimes. He is affectionate with his family and friends. Yet, today was a quick reminder that as big as they're getting and as quickly as it is all going, they do love when Mommy gives a hand. They do need that extra hug and reassurance even if it is the steady of a pencil from Mommy.

This stayed with me. Because I realized I could hear myself - "Father please do not let go of my hand." If only I thought like this on a day-to-day basis. God I am/we're in your hands.

Reminding me of the "Blind Boys of Alabama" song "Take My Hand" -

"Take my hand and let me guide you
Take my hand when you're alone
Take my hand and let me guide you
Take my hand to lead you home."

These Cherubs, my precious boys, teach me so much more than I ever imagined. May I always learn the lesson from them! :)

Warmly,

Latest Car Reviews Jeep Dodge Acura and Prius

Well you can imagine how excited Carolina Mama was to be asked to write about these lovely cars. My enthusiasm was in hopes they had the inclusion - "Please email us your address so that we can deliver you this to test drive for a year."

This Jeep 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo would be my first choice.

What I did discover is that here are some really cool reviews of amazing cars like: This Dodge Dakota which I did test drive when I was making the monumental decision to become a Mini Van Mom! That's right. And I am proud of it. Still loving it. Thought the Dodge Dakota was pretty cool. I am not a truck kinda girl.

And the Tigers are fans of this 2009 Acura. Seriously, they have great taste I would say. Then if you are looking for a commuter car, here's what I would say is your ticket - check out this Toyota Prius Review. Between a commute and summer gasoline prices, the Prius would be a great call.

Otherwise, I'll let you know when I hear from Jeep for my test drive. Once you check these out, let me know what your favorite cars are? See ya and that's the wrap on my first car review post. :) Now, show me the BMW Mini Van! After all, Real Life Sarah revealed that I live in yuppyville! :) That's right, she said that on her live MomTV show! :)

Warmly,

Dad's: Helpful Remodeling Tip and A Giveaway

With Father's Day right around the corner, today we're sharing "Helpful Remodeling Tips" for Fathers! Absolutely. Here is the scoop. Most Dads want to get those home improvements and DIY projects done. Right! And they also want to do it on a really great budget.

Today, I'll fill you in on the best prices on the internet for designer plumbing and manufacturer's brands for things like Kohler, Danze, Delta, American Standard and more - even things like Jacuzzi! Now, I 've got your attention. Check out: Designer Plumbing Outlet. They carry the best products on the internet and all faucets and accessories orders over $99 in the U.S. ship for free - yes, free-shipping.

Sounds unbelievable but it is - ShopDPO beats manufacturer's prices. So go ahead and remodel that bathroom, DIY a designer kitchen. Let your Dad, Father or Husband become the remodeling guy in your family.

In honor of Dad's Everywhere, we're not only telling you about the product, we're giving it away with a "Best of Carolina" Giveaway! That's right! "Best of Carolina" has been so popular with our LiveBlogging the Beach we're continuing the fun> Enter to win this lovely Kohler Showerhead:



DPO - Kohler K-8507-BN Master Shower Brushed Nickel Showerhead


Also, check out the brain behind Designer Plumbing Outlet who built it into a INC Magazine Top 500 (#79) Best Small Businesses on the Internet for 2008 - DPO - CEO Eric Strand. Talk about getting tips, he's got the inside.

Enter once for each step by leaving a comment on each step you took and Good luck!:

1) Visit Designer Plumbing Outlet and tell me one other product you love;
2) Follow ShopDPO on Twitter.
3) Follow Carolina Mama on Twitter.
4) Subscribe to Carolina Mama here through Feedburner.


The Tigers will chose a winner and believe me, it will be randomly! on Saturday at 5pm. All the best. Now, go see what other helpful tips you can get from "Works For Me Wednesday" @ Kristen's.

Tomorrow, I am sharing Mountain Man's Father's Day Favorites! Get ready it's good. What are you up to for Father's Day?!

Warmly,