Rayovac Halloween Flash-O-Lantern

Rayovac Halloween Flash-O-Lantern powers your Halloween!

Take a peek at our Halloween Eve Pumpkins that are "fire-free!" Yes, we are going with Rayovac flashlights to power our pumpkins and we love it! It's late and I'm going to go ahead and share my little "after Mid-night" video with our pumpkins and our sidewalk lit up for our trick-or-treaters.

These are easy to make and fun! And they are worry-free because with the Rayovac flashlights, I do not have to worry about that bail of hay igniting.


Here are cool things about Rayovac Flashlights:


Be Safe and Go Fire-Free this Halloween! A Rayovac Flashlight is a simple and safe way to give pumpkins a glow.

From Emergencies to Family Fun, Rayovac makes an assortment of all-purpose flashlights.

Rayovac has the powerful and reliable light you need.


For More Rayovac Scoop:
You can also find more information about Rayovac Flashlights here.

What powers your Halloween?! Other than M&Ms, Reese's, Smarties, Starbucks, etc. :)

Warmly, Carolina Mama

*I am a sponsored Rayovac Power Blogger.

Browne Bites from WeightWatchers.Com

WeightWatchers.com recipe Brownie Cupcake Bites

http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/index.aspx?recipeid=107251

Brownie Cupcake Bites
POINTS® Value: 3
Servings: 24
Preparation Time: 8 min
Cooking Time: 12 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Halloween treats don't get any cuter. We made these mini so you can pop one in your mouth and still have a little candy.
>
> Ingredients
> 21 oz Brownies, dry mix, regular
> ½ cup(s) Water or mineral water
> ½ cup(s) Applesauce, without sugar
> 2 large Egg whites
> 1½ cup(s) Whipped topping, lite
> 1¼ oz Candy, corn
>
> Instructions
> 1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line 24 mini muffin tin holes with mini cupcake wrappers.
> 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine brownie mix, water, applesauce and egg whites. Mix 50 times with a wooden spoon (use 50 strokes); do not under mix. Pour brownie mixture into prepared muffin tins.
> 3. Bake cupcakes until a tester inserted in center of a cupcake comes out clean, about 12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely; remove cupcakes from pan. Before serving, decorate each cooled cupcake with a tablespoon dollop of whipped topping and 1 piece of candy corn. Yields 1 cupcake per serving.
>
> Notes
> If you're not a fan of candy corn, get festive with orange and black sprinkles (could affect POINTS values).

Sent from Weight Watchers Mobile for iPhone app. To learn more go to http://www.weightwatchers.com/mobile
>
>

Park City, Utah Fashion Find Friday: Classic Outerwear for Skiing and Snowboarding Season

There is a lot of talk and excitement about this year's 

Ski and Snowboard Season in the Rockies!

In fact, a really cool group Snow Mamas is putting together an awesome 

group of ski and snowboarders - the Snow Mamas and Snow Papas

of the beautiful, and snow covered, Park City Mountain, Park City, Utah 

With Winter upon us and as you gear up, what's a Snow Mama to wear!   Check out our ideas: 

1) Go with performance; 

Let's face it in the Rockies you can have some amazing weather and you can have some extreme weather; so go or a good performance brand for your outerwear.  Here we've chosen North Face. 

2)  Go with a classic.  This classic BibAll is never going out of style and you can dress it up a bit with a fur collar jacket or wear plain. 

Helly Hansen Outdoor Ski Apparel! You can get a stylish look with the performance you need on the slopes!  And a little girl power with this color pop: Pink!

3) Shop Outlets like REI and Lands' End Clearance for mega deals on basics and gear like gloves and layers.

Lastly, Have fun!  That's right, drink a ton of water before, during and after to help you acclimate to the altitudes and enjoy your time!

What are your favorite Outerwear Tips for Skiing and Snowboarding?

Warmly, Carolina Mama

Jon Acuff Stuff Christians Like

While at the Dave Ramsey Live Show, guess what I was delighted to discover... Jon Acuff of Stuff Christians Like works with Dave Ramsey now!! Yes!

At the same time, I got to meet an awesome local couple, Pastor Danny Franks and his wife, Merriem from The Summit Church in Durham, North Carolina - which Durham is Jon's hometown. Ode to the hometown guy! Southern roots!

Jon was on tour with him so while on break and looking at the product tables I happened upon Jon Acuff! He had his own table selling his new book: "Stuff Christians Like!" How cool! A MomBlogger Social Media Mom's kinda excitement. His blog, Stuff Christians Like is hilarious and poignant too.

Just as awesome was the surprise meeting of Jon Acuff of Stuff Christians Like! How cool to happen upon Jon at his Book Signing Table for "Stuff Christian Like!" I had to purchase one. And get it autographed and get this snappy little video for you of us talking about his book.

Are you a "Stuff Christians Like" fan? Let me know your favorite essay like "the Side Hug" that you like. Look forward to hearing from you.

Warmly, Carolina Mama

Dave Ramsey Show Live in Raleigh

Last weekend was a blast! Part of that was getting to hear the Dave Ramsey Show Live here at the RBC! The Dave Ramsey Radio Host was amazing!

Financial Peace

It was a real treat to hear him live and let me tell you - Dave Ramsey is funny! He had us laughing so hard. And he is so practical too. Some things we are right on track for and others we needed to hear it from him.

Loved his Baby Steps:

1) Save $1,000 for an Emergency Fund;

2) Pay off all debt using the Debt Snowball;

3) Have 3 to 6 months Expenses in Savings;

4) Invest 15% of Household Income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax Retirement;

5) College funding for children;

6) Pay off home early; and

7) Build wealth and give.

He has many things to share and a ton of resources to help set and achieve your goals. Look forward to hearing how it is going for you all.

Are you a Financial Peace Graduate? How do you budget?

*These Financial Tips are published at "Works For Me Wednesday!"

Warmly, Carolina Mama

Pumpkin Cake!

Fall Pumpkin Cake!

This is one of our favorite Fall recipes!  We love it!  Here's how simple:

1)  Spice Cake Mix
1) Can Pumpkin
1 cup Chocolate Chips (We like Minis)

PreHeat Oven at 350.  Spray Bundt Cake Pan with Canola Spray.  In a mixing bowl, mix the cake mix and the pumpkin - stir firmly until the mix is moistened with the pumpkin.  Then fold in the chocolate chips.  Evenly distribute in Bundt Pan.

Bake for 40 minutes.  Cool for 10 minutes.  Remove from pan.  Cool another 10 minutes.  Serve and Enjoy with a Glass of Milk!  :)

We eat this for dessert, snack and breakfast!  It's that perfect!  Happy Fall!  What are you baking? Eating?

*This is published at "Tasty Tuesday!" visit for more great recipes.

Warmly, Carolina Mama

Groupon Raleigh, North Carolina and Giveaway

Raleigh Groupon - Today's Deal: $25 for a Trail Ride at Dead Broke Farm ($50 Value)

Groupon features a daily deal on the best stuff to do, see, eat, and buy in cities across the US. Now that you've got some cash to spend on Groupon, sign up to receive our free daily email so you never miss a deal!

Groupon features a daily deal on the best stuff to do, see, eat and buy in a variety of cities across the U.S. and abroad at savings of 50-90%!

Groupon invited us to Adventure's Landing, Raleigh, NC   

  

for some down home old-fashioned family fun!  Talk about a great time!  We did so much.  Enjoyed Putt-Putt golf - 18 holes!  

Played some snappy Lazar Tag to which Tiger A  came in first place in the group of 20 or so.   

Raced some Go K(C)arts!  

These things are more like NASCARs!  I am Danica!  It was a invigorating to say the least!  Tiger B my aspiring NASCAR Driver was impressed with his Mama's driving and wondered just why he couldn't do the same -at age 9. 

Check out these North Carolina Adventure's Landing Groupon links to Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Gastonia and Raleigh:

http://www.groupon.com/charlotte/

http://www.groupon.com/raleigh-durham/ 

http://www.adventurelanding.com/winston/

http://www.adventurelanding.com/gastonia/

If you go to the pages and click on the "Recent Deals" button you can see previous deals that have been offered and get a sense of some of the great things that Groupon offers for family fun!

Groupon can be used as a great way to find fun things to do with the family such as going to Adventure Landing! :)

See my YouTube Channel for the video from Adventure's Landing. 

Now for the Fun Giveaway!!

Enter to Win Groupon Coupons! :)

1)  Tell me what company for which you would like to receive Groupons (leave in comments);
2)   Like and say something on Facebook.com/CarolinaMama 
3)  Tweet this link so more can have fun

Good luck and Enjoy!

Warmly, Carolina Mama

*Though we were Guests of Groupon to Adventure's Landing, my opinion is expressly my own. 

Yoplait Breast Cancer Awareness Interview with Dr. Kristi Funk

Yoplait Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Carolina Mama Interviews 

Dr. Kristi Funk of The Pink Lotus Breast Center 

Beverly Hills, California

Earlier this month I was thrilled to be asked to Interview renowned Breast Cancer Surgeon and Founder of The Pink Lotus Breast Center, Dr. Kristi Funk!  Not only is Dr. Funk very knowledgeable and wise and passionate about finding a cure for breast cancer, she is a triplet boy mom!  No wonder we communicate so well.  So you can see why it was such a treat for me to talk with her.  

She was very excited to announce that they have just opened the The Sheryl Crow Imaging Center within the Pink Lotus Breast Center there in Beverly Hills.  It is a state of the art digital screening and diagnostic imaging center located inside of every Pink Lotus Breast Center. Named after singer, songwriter and breast cancer survivor Sheryl Crow, the Sheryl Crow Imaging Center features the latest advancements in digital screening and diagnostic imaging technologies available.

The imagining center equipment is from GE.  Thank you GE for sponsoring the brand new digital mammogram equipment and fighting to find a cure.  These machines have the lowest dose of radiation, least compression andgreat quality images for the doctor's to review! 

Yoplait has donated 1.6 million to the komen.org through their Yoplait Pink Lid Collection Program.  Donate your lids at  yourlidmatters.com

Dr. Funk just launched - a non-profit Pink Lotus Petals - launching January 2011!  She was so excited about this initiative to help underprivileged women.  The first event was sponsored by Shannon Tweed and was a huge success.  1 in 8 women will get breast cancer.  You can stop it and live well if you take control and get help right away. Get your screening.  This can save your life!

Early Detection is the key.  Dr. Funk reiterated how important early detection through self-exams and Doctor's breast examinations will help save lives.  

There is a 15% reduction rate in deaths due to early detection alone.  More are detected in this examination than not.

The right numbers are growing.  There are 2.5 million survivors and a  5 year survival rate is 98% when in the breast examinations are done regularly and detected early.  Survival rates drop low when detected late:  85% in the lymph nodes and arm pits; and only a 23% survival rate if it spreads outside to liver, lungs.

----------------------

Stunning Facts of Breast Cancer: 20% had no history and 80% do not have  a relative with breast cancer. So the fact is - get your mammogram so you know early and can get the help you need.

Check out 5 Tips For Preventing Breast Cancer by Dr. Kristi Funk:


1)  Get Squished - Get your Mammogram!  Early stage breast cancer is 98% curable!
2)  Swap Your Oils- avoid saturated fats; Olive oils and Omega 3s best;
3)  Get a Move On- even 11 minutes of brisk walking reduces breast cancer by  18% 
4)  Eat your Veggies - especially broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, and leafy greens; raw is best
5)  Limit Alcohol - 2 drinks a day increases your breast cancer risk by 30% 

Kristi Funk, MD is a nationally known, board-certified, breast cancer surgeon and founder of the Pink Lotus Breast Center, a comprehensive and integrative breast center exclusively dedicated to the prevention, screening, Kristi Funk, MD is a nationally known, board-certified, breast cancer surgeon and founder of the Pink Lotus Breast Center, a comprehensive and integrative breast center exclusively dedicated to the prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Dr. Funk is an expert in minimally-invasive diagnostic and treatment methods for all types of breast disease and has helped thousands of women through breast cancer treatment, including well-known celebrities like Sheryl Crow, who have turned to her for her expertise.Kristi Funk, MD is a nationally known, board-certified, breast cancer surgeon and founder of the Pink Lotus Breast Center, a comprehensive and integrative breast center exclusively dedicated to the prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

How are you avoiding breast cancer?  Were you surprised by these statistics?

Warmly, Carolina Mama

Rayovac Rechargables Powers Your Life and Our Home!

Most of you know my husband, Boulder Mountain Man of Eat This Recycle That  is from Boulder, Colorado.  He taught me much about leaving a lighter footprint and living a green life long before it was in vogue.  I've watched him live a life of gentleness and greenness on our earth.

He teaches our boys the same thing.  In fact, they make weekly trips to the Recycling Center in our town to take things our paid recycling service will not.  The neighbors know he will haul stuff off for them to recycling that gets left on the curb. 

Some years back he taught us all about the beauty of Rechargeable Batteries.

What a joy to have our boys recharge their own batteries!  Yes, they have their own recharger in a desk drawer with their electronics and they just fire them up as needed!  

Rayovac Batteries power our home on a continual green way! 

We narrowed it down to Rayovac Batteries - the Official Battery of Walt Disney World - as the longest lasting battery on the planet that powers our family life.  Rayovac is our battery of choice and that was long before being asked to be a Rayovac Power Blogger Ambassador.  Talk about a natural fit!


Rayovac Rechargables:

• Offer More Power, Less Waste and Cost Less Money.

• AA Rayovac rechargeables up to 500 times - reducing waste and saving money.

Photography is something I love.  I love pictures of my Tigers, Mountain Man and our family.  As a MomBlogger, I love taking pictures!  And my camera takes (4) AA batteries.  With Rayovacs I can take up to 300 photos per charge with the Rayovac Everyday Rechargeables and up to 400 photos per charge with the Rayovac Platinum Rechargeables!  


They're Green but they're Golden really!  You're golden when you use them.  


Just to make it fun: 

Coupon Offer:Find a $3.00 off coupon for Rayovac Rechargeables at www.facebook.com/rayovac.

You can also find more information about Rayovac Rechargeable products here: http://www.rayovac.com/en/Products/Rechargeables.aspx

Warmly, Carolina Mama

Fit Friday Find: Weight Watchers Novelty Ice Cream Goodness

Look at this great Fit Friday Find!   We love Weight Watchers Novelty Ice Cream!  I'm talking low points!  That's right. And high on flavor and frozen goodness! 

We love these Ice Cream Sandwiches full of flavor and classic taste all for 2 WW Points! 

These Giant Chocolate Fudge Cups are Chocolatey and 2 WW Points, too@

This is one of my favorites and it comes in Mint also!  

Thank you Wells Dairy for all of the Weight Watchers Novelty Ice Cream this Year 2010!  I have been fortunate enough to receive a box of these each month as part of a sponsored project!  You know I love that and my family does too.  So I wanted to remind you of this awesome find and way to add treats to your diet without negative consequences of high fat and high sugar alternatives. 


These treats are healthy living to the max.  We've been spoiled! 


Weight Watchers® Frozen Treats
No matter where you are in your journey, what counts are the little choices you make every day. That’s why Weight Watchers is proud to offer a delectable line of frozen treats that allow you to eat what you love and still help you meet your weight loss goals. From creamy and crunchy to fruity and frozen, Weight Watchers frozen treats satisfy with decadent taste and low POINTS® values. The best part? They’re from Weight Watchers! So you know you’re making a smart choice no matter which tasty treat you choose.

Look for Weight Watchers frozen treats in your grocer’s freezer case. 

Warmly, Carolina Mama

Raleigh State Fair - NC State Fair 2010

      Welcome to the Raleigh NC State Fair 2010!

This year in the first six days of the State Fair there were four attendance records broken!

Who's going?!   

Thursday, October 21, 2010

                Food Lion Grocery Store is sponsoring the "Hunger Relief Day!" at the NC State Fair.
                                                                    It's simple:

                           "Bring 4 cans of food for donation and get into the NC State Fair FREE!"
                                                              Thursday, October 21, 2010


Or just buy your tickets, ride tickets and get great information here:

While you are enjoying the Fair, use the iPhone App for NC State Fair and get the latest information.  Love the TriOut NC State Fair App!  How Cool is that Mr. Wayne Sutton!

Next let's talk about the NC State Fair Food!  Yes, you've heard it correctly the new food at the Fair this year is the Donut Hamburger!  Yikes!  Of course, I still have not tried the chocolate covered bacon (please leave Raisinettes alone!) , or the deep fried oreos, deep fried butter.  No!  I cannot comprehend that one.

This year's NC State Fair New Foods include:

Deep Fried Chocolate Pie Deep Fried Pumpkin Pie Pineapple Lemonade Gourmet Funnel Cakes: Black Forest (uses chocolate batter) Blueberry Bum Chocolate Obsession (uses chocolate batter) Pecan Praline Turtle Brownie Gourmet Cupcakes: Caramel Apple Classic Red Velvet Maple Bacon Pumpkin Cream Cheese S'mores Snickers Very Vanilla Deep Fried Bacon & Cheese Mashed Potatoes Bites Café Du Monde Beignets Crawfish Etoufee Deep Fried NC Cajun Turkey wings Twinkie Logs, chocolate covered Giant Gummy Bears 1 lb. all Beef Hotdog Krispy Kreme Burger Koolaid Pickles Deep Fried Honey Bun Deep Fried Chocolate Chips Ahoy Cookies Fried Frito© Pie

The Live Stock area is a huge attraction and the Farmers and Farm Animals make our day!  Now the million dollar question, what is your favorite Fair Food?!

Warmly, Carolina Mama