North Carolina: Apure Food's Launches "Eat.Think.Smile" in NC

Apure Foods launches Eat.Think.Smile in Charlotte, North Carolina!

Today is exciting. Apure Foods is launching it's healthy antioxidant Cocoa product, Eat.Think.Smile right here in Charlotte, North Carolina! I was beyond thrilled when I was asked to Host the launch in Charlotte.

We all know the power of MomBloggerS. So the first thing I did was contact my Charlotte Blogging friend, MaricrisG and she is gracious to Co-Host with me and host us in her home for this awesome MomBlogger launch party! Thank you Maricris! Ready to launch!

"Some cocoa goes through a “dutching” process, which means the cocoa has been treated with an alkalizing agent. This process gives the cocoa a milder taste and is used to change the color and solubility. The catch is that this treatment also destroys the naturally occurring antioxidant power found in the cocoa.

The cocoa used in Eat.Think.Smile. products is a proprietary blend of natural cocoa and a premium variety known as cacao Lavado – a limited quantity cocoa that is naturally higher in antioxidants because it goes through an all-natural washing and drying process."

Pssst! I've tried lots of the flavors of the snack already and they are divine! Amazing!! In fact, I took three bars in my carry on to Blissdom! Ate them all! They are perfect! Now, am off to meet with these awesome MomsBloggers here in Charlotte and enjoy the fun!

Look for Eat.Think.Smile in a North Carolina grocery near you! :)

Warmly, Carolina Mama

*Again, Eat.Think.Smile provided me with their product and I am sharing how much I love it because I do! You will too!

Recharge Tools: Rayovac and Blissdom

Honestly, I cannot believe it is January 28th! 2011 has been an awesome year already. And she is very promising. Here we are in the middle of Winter and I have gotten to get away for a little recharging. Here are my recharge tools! Bliss at Blissdom!! Recharge with Rayovac!

We are here at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.

And Blissdom knows how to treat the ladies. The MomBloggers are getting the first class treatment and pampering. We're talking manicures, massages, awesome Speakers to rejuvenate your life with like BreneBrown!

As a Rayovac Power Blogger, when I recharge, Rayovac powers me! Seriously, I have been spoiled with the most amazing "Go Green" Rechargeable Batteries! So yes, when I recharge Rayovac helps me!

Like this weekend, we're here at Blissdom at the Conference, do you know how awesome it is to have no stress over my batteries. Yes, I have my Rayovac USB port recharger with me. So I can recharge myself and my batteries all at once! Golden!

Would you like to recharge on Rayovac? That's right! Rayovac is offering an awesome Football Party Package on the Rayovac Facebook Page. You could win the Gridiron Giveaway! And Recharge while cheering for the Packers vs. Steelers! Who's your team?!

Warmly, Carolina Mama

*I am a Rayovac Power Blogger. I recharge with Rayovac and Blissdom because I love them! :)

"Slave-the Hidden Truth about your Identity In Christ" by Dr. John MacArthur

Starting the year off with the "Life Changer" book, "Slave - the Hidden Truth about your Identity in Christ!" by John MacArthur This book is so well written and the truths are life changers. I'll quote the book through out.

"We have been bought with a price. We belong to Christ. We are His own possession."

Learning what a privilege it is to be Slaves to Christ rather than Slaves to sin. whew. That's freeing! The world looks down on the notion of living our lives for another.

"That God, and His grace, would free us from sin and make us His slaves is a wondrous truth to comprehend. What a privilege for is to know and obey the Heavenly Master!"

In our world, we are taught to build ourselves up above others. In Slaves, we can focus on giving back and serving Christ the one who set us free. I am no longer bound to this way of thinking. I don't answer to the world. As a Believer, I want to be an example and live above reproach. However, my Master is my Lord.

"We are all, now, the slaves of Christ, called to obey Him and to follow in His example of love and self-sacrifice. Consequently, we can serve one another in humility and gladness, no matter our ethnic, or socioeconomic differences, knowing that we are all accountable to the same Heavenly Master!"

I loved the Chapter "The Riches of the Paradox" where MacArthur discusses the Bible's paradoxical truths. "Salvation is free and costly. To be truly rich, one must be poor in spirit. Scripture teaches that those who mourn will be comforted; those who give will receive... God uses evil for good. He is three yet one. Slavery has been gloriously transformed, in Christ, to signify honor, liberty, and eternal bliss!"

Are you hungry to read Slaves? And to learn more about this life of belonging to Christ? I highly recommend it. The author says it best. Check it out and God bless your journey in Christ.

5 Stars in my Book: "Slave" - The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ by John MacArthur

Warmly, Carolina Mama

*This book was reviewed as part of my participation in the Thomas Nelson Publishing book review program. I was provided the book, the opinion is expressly my own! I am slave to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and want to share His good news.

"Slave" - The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ by John MacArthur

Starting the year off with the "Life Changer" book, "Slave - the Hidden Truth about your Identity in Christ!" by John MacArthur  This book is so well written and the truths are life changers. I'll quote the book through out.

"We have been bought with a price.  We belong to Christ. We are His own possession."


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Learning what a privilege it is to be Slaves to Christ rather than Slaves to sin.  whew.  That's freeing!  The world looks down on the notion of living our lives for another.

"That God, and His grace, would free us from sin and make us His slaves is a wondrous truth to comprehend.  What a privilege for is to know and obey the Heavenly Master!"

In our world, we are taught to build ourselves up above others.  In Slaves, we can focus on giving back and serving Christ the one who set us free. I am no longer bound to this way of thinking.  I don't answer to the world.  As a Believer, I want to be an example and live above reproach.  However, my Master is my Lord.

"We are all, now, the slaves of Christ, called to obey Him and to follow in His example of love and self-sacrifice.  Consequently, we can serve one another in humility and gladness, no matter our ethnic, or socioeconomic differences, knowing that we are all accountable to the same Heavenly Master!"

I loved the Chapter "The Riches of the Paradox" where MacArthur discusses the Bible's paradoxical truths. "Salvation is free and costly. To be truly rich, one must be poor in spirit.  Scripture teaches that those who mourn will be comforted; those who give will receive... God uses evil for good.  He is three yet one.  Slavery has been gloriously transformed, in Christ, to signify honor, liberty, and eternal bliss!"


Are you hungry to read Slaves?  And to learn more about this life of belonging to Christ?  I highly recommend it.  The author says it best.  Check it out and God bless your journey in Christ.

5 Stars in my Book: "Slave" - The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ by John MacArthur

Warmly, Carolina Mama

*This book was reviewed as part of my participation in the Thomas Nelson Publishing book review program. I was provided the book, the opinion is expressly my own!  I am slave to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and want to share His good news.

Great Wolf Lodge "Biggest Sale of the Year!"

For all of you Families who love and have wanted to visit a Great Wolf Lodge property!  Check out this awesome sale they just alerted me to share with you for the Charlotte/Concord, NC property.  

Wednesday, Jan. 26  at 11 a.m. 

Great Wolf Lodge's 48 Hour Sale 

Biggest Sale of the Year – Goes Live. 

The sale is good on stays from January through April.

Once the deal goes live on Jan. 26, you’ll be able to find it here: greatwolf.com/value. Using the promo code 48HOUR., guests can save up to 20 percent during the sale.

Sales for all GWL Properties going on now here. 

You know we love our Great Wolf Lodge.  Our Charlotte/Concord, North Carolina property is amazing and immaculately well kept.  The service is awesome and well, the children are in love with GWL!  you will be too!

Who's taking advantage of this Sale?! 

Warmly, Carolina Mama

"In Christ Alone!" by Keith and Kristyn Getty

Today was such a blessing of worship at our Church.  Our pastor is preaching amazing and challenging messages teaching us the Book of James.  We sang one of our family favorites, "In Christ Alone" by one of our top groups, Keith and Kristyn Getty of Getty Music! 

They are so awesome!  I've written it before and you can check them out.  They are from Ireland and now live in Nashville!  And they are expecting their first child soon.  It has been fun to see them in concert at our church twice and to follow their journey almost four years now.

Join us as part of their fan club on their Facebook Page.

And enjoy the video of Kristyn singing "In Christ Alone" live:



Enjoy the lyrics as well:


In Christ Alone 

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless Babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save

'Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live, I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From a life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man
Could ever pluck me from His hand
'Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I stand




Warmly,  Carolina Mama

Super Bowl Shuffle Da Bears and World Cup Skiing

Remember the Chicago Bears "Super Bowl Shuffle!"

Here's what I am doing during the kinda boring Play Off Game between Green Bay and Chicago! We're really watching Lindsey Vonn as she is holding 1st place at the World Cup Skiing Championship! Feel like we are there since we woke up to 17 degrees today! :)

And of course, I am dreaming of last year's Super Bowl Champions the Saints! My beloved Saints! 2010!

Warmly, Carolina Mama

Fashion Friday: Spring Mom Fashion - the Midi Skirt

Spring, Spring... wherefore art thou?! 

We're all starting to dream of light Springy days where flowers and sunshine abound!  Enter the fun Friday Fashion Spring Mom Fashion!  The "Midi Skirt!"  Look what a Mom can do to her fashion with a cute skirt! :)  Really! 

Finally, a skirt with a little  coverage  length! :)  Moms and daughters get happy - you can still be cute and in style with a longer skirt.  I, along with Vicki Courtney and millions of others, am thrilled for this fashion sense!  Look how beautiful and simple these looks are.  Fashion can be achieved in no time.

Anthropology knocks it out of the park with this whimsical design.  Think simple tee and ballet flats for a on-the-go fashionable look!

These In Style looks are classic. 

Another Anthropology great.

This Ann Taylor Loft was so Spring like I get happy looking at it.  I'd add a cute baby pink tee and a, what else, long necklace and Voila you are fashionable!

... and a little animal print always goes a long ways for fashion and style!

I am keeping this in mind as I work up my Mom Fashion Style for MomBlogging Conferences! :)  think Blissdom Conference 2011!  I am so excited!  Get ready for it. I am thinking Spring!  (Though I know it will be cold in Nashville!)  So you know, something like rocking my boots with a little "midi skirt!"  Come fashion!

What are your favorite signs of Mom Fashion for Spring?

Warmly, Carolina Mama

Starbucks: 30 Ounce Trenta

Introducing Starbucks' new "Trenta!" Starbucks' answer to "the Biggie!" Yes, 4 ounces larger than the Venti! As of now, these only come in iced drinks. Never say never because I never imagined I would be drinking a 20 ounce Misto either!

What about you? What is your preference or size "limit?" Is there a limit? We are Americans. :)

1st Annual: NC Mom Bloggers Beach Conference

You're Invited:

North Carolina MomBloggers Beach Conference

Ocean Isle Inn

Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

February 24-27, 2011

Thank you to Ocean Isle Inn. This MomBloggers Conference is unique in that it is a small setting where you can connect with other bloggers like yourself and other brands. I am honored to represent Ocean Isle Inn ("OII") as a Brand Ambassador along with Jen @ One Moms World and Chele @ The Bona Fide Life. We are all North Carolina MomBloggers. I have worked with OII for going on three years now. Look how far social media has taken this small Inn on a quiet island in North Carolina!

At the conference, you will meet many of the connections that are North and South Carolina based. However, we encourage Mom Bloggers from any where to attend. This is an opportunity to connect one-on-one with real life bloggers and amazing PR professionals and Brands. Because this is a small conference, space is limited due to the size of the Inn, you will not get overwhelmed with the sheer number of bloggers and brands.

You can expect a warm welcome at the Welcome Reception on Thursday night!

Our sponsors include Raleigh's own, Scandinavian Child, and Capstrat PR. Sponsor page which is growing still. And Charlotte sponsor, Carolina Pad - they know we love words! We are proud to partner with sponsor, Eat.Think.Smile a healthy living snack that launches right here in NC this month. I get to help launch Eat.Think.Smile in Charlotte January 30th. So Charlotte Moms, please let me know if you can make our launch party! I am co-hosting with Maricris @ Zen Mama. We're your Charlotte Hostesses with the mostest, so come join our party! Just let us know! And we'll see you at the conference where Eat.Think.Smile will have an awesome presence. You'll get to try out the product. Think samples, swag! Yes!

This conference is open to all Mom Bloggers, not just those from the Carolinas! We will get to mix and mingle. Learn and grow. Connect and enjoy the Ocean front views! :) We could get a really warm weekend here in the South. After all, old man Winter has been pretty active already. So lets hope by late February, Spring will be peaking through. No matter, the ocean is beautiful and inspirational any time.

Another benefit of this conference is that OII has kept the price very low. In fact, until January 31st, the cost of the three-night stay at the Inn and the Conference and some meals is only $129! That's right a mere $129.00 total. Get your blogging game on at OII with us!

The Inn has generously offered Saturday night after the conference (the 3rd night) in the package. After you check out, enjoy some of these amazing local attractions before you head home.

Register Here. Look forward to meeting you there! Please let us know if you have questions. What Mom Blogging Conferences are you attending this year?

Warmly, Carolina Mama

Raleigh, NC Named in Top 10 Most Popular Cities for College Grads

We knew some of the finest colleges and universities are in North Carolina. We knew some of the best sports teams are in NC. However, we just found out that Raleigh was named in the "Top 10 Most Popular Cities for College Grads!

Raleigh, NC

This makes sense when you realize a mighty 42% of residents have a college degree. Now that's some education. The Triangle, Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, NC, offers a large variety of great schools to chose from when it comes to Medical School or Grad School as well.

Austin, TX

For all the gaffe the South gets about education, 6 out of 10 of the Top Cities are in the Southeast specifically. Raleigh, North Carolina is one loved city.

Texas stood tall with three cities in the Top 5 including Austin, Dallas and Houston, numbers 1, 2, and 5, respectively. And that's respectfully too. What an educated state! Mountain Man will be proud, his paternal roots hale to Texas. His Grandparents both had Masters degrees.

Other Top 10 Cities included Portland, Seattle, Phoenix, Tampa and the lone California's Riverside.

No Northern cities were listed. Just sayin'! Even though all the educated folks are not just from the South, they know it is the best place to be.

What you? What's your Top City? Top City for Education? Or other interests?

Warmly, Carolina Mama

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus FUNnundrum in Raleigh

Some childhood memories are vivid.  One Summer night, in New Orleans, our parents took us to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, the Greatest Show on Earth.  It was truly a magical night. I remember how enormous the elephants were.  And I was intrigued with the trapeze artists.  How on earth did they stay up there and move so quickly.  

Now the 

is coming to Raleigh, North Carolina!  

Comes to life in a way that can only be inspired by the greatest showman who ever lived.

Sit on the edge of your seat as a rip-roaring motorcycle troupe braves fear and physics in the 16-foot Spherical Miracle.  Height-seeking high-wire artists perform 40 feet in the air, all while at a 45 degree angle.  Body Benders use their bodies in the ultimate test to see how far the human body can be pushed in a mind-blowing world of distortion and contortion.    

Just as the Ringling Bros.^® train keeps traveling from city to city, Barnum’s FUNundrum! keeps the energy going as each extraordinary act blends thrills and contemporary spectacle to over deliver a heart-racing experience that, until now, was beyond imagination!  

At Barnum’s FUNundrum!, the funtastic and funbelievable experience answers the FUNundrum!  “What wonders create The Greatest Show On Earth?”

A link to more information, a show schedule, and how to purchase tickets can be found here http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/115097/1362863 

Or here at Raleigh's RBC Center.  

We are offering a Discount that is a flat $12 price for tickets in the $23 and $15 price levels. 

The code is “MBLOG11” and is good for Thursday night and both shows on Sunday.  

Look at all the fun you can see.  You too can take your children to enjoy a memory of a life time!  

Who's going?!  Have you seen the Ringling Bros. before 

Warmly,   Carolina Mama

Fit Friday Winter Resources! $5 Bargains

In Fit Friday news, it is January 14th, 2011!  

The East Coast, South East and even on into the South and Midwest have been kind of what we refer to as Arctic Blasted this month!  Come on Winter!  Looks like a strong 2011 if you ask me.  As side from the amazing outdoor activities, sledding, skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, hiking, etc.  Help is on the way for Moms like me who have  a normal routine to keep in this frigid time of year. 

We talked about the Shred!  It rocks.  However, I have to tell you I am not Shredding every day.  Simple.  And I like variety.  

Our brand New Year and I have some really awesome resources to share regarding in-door Winter Fitness!   

We're fans of LifeWay Christian Stores . Incredible resources at amazing prices and resources with a purpose.  I love having Christian resources to support my efforts.  

Lately, everyone is telling me about:

Leslie Sansone Walk the Walk.  She has a great reputation for results and this is done to Christian inspirational music.  I love that.  And I love the mild yet effectiveness of a walking routine.  Leslie Sansone is known for results.  And right now, this 2 DVD Set is on sale at LifeWay for $5!  


I am a long time fan of Billy Blanks!  I have done his Tae Bo since before the Twins were born.  Tae Bo rocks and Billy Blanks is funny and your real trainer right there in your living room.

This caught my eye, Tae Bo great, Billy Blanks' Believer's Workout The Strength Within !  Cannot wait to get my copy!  Billy Blanks a Christian sharing his faith and workout expertise!  What better way!  This too is available at LifeWay for $5 until January 22nd.  Check them out!

For January, I am attempting to continue moving and staying active.  It has been a tough goal these past two weeks.  They have been a great two weeks yet challenging in this department.  So not pounds or inches of loss to report.  I will check in officially tomorrow at Weight Watchers.  Love my WW Meetings.  Has any one seen the new WW commercial?  Jennifer Hudson is leading the way!

However, I am in the game and still loving my weekly Pilates classes!  Amazing indeed!

What are you doing to stay fit?  Have a fabulous week!

Blessings to you!

Warmly,  Carolina Mama

Cooking With Kids: Conagra and WalMart Foods for Others

Cooking With Kids!


Well you know you're speaking my language. I love cooking with my Tigers! ConAgra and WalMart sponsored #FamilyMeals where we cooked a favorite recipe with these amazing ingredients and shared with a needy or as a thank you in our community! This was our goal!









Hello Ice Storm! Whew! A little tweak in our delivery plan and we were set....


Cake Dr. Chocolate Cake
(1) Pkg. Favorite Chocolate Cake (2) Swiss Miss Cocoa 3 eggs 1/2 c. Wesson Oil 1/2 c. warm water Pam Spray PreHeat 350 Degree
Mix cake ingredients until smooth. Pour into cake pan sprayed with Pam and bake according to package.

PeanutButter Frosting (1) 8 .oz pkg Cream Cheese 3 c. confectioners sugar 1/2 c. Peter Pan creamy peanut butter 8 T Parkay butter, at room temp 1 T pure vanilla extract
Mix on low to fluffy!

More great Conagra Foods from WalMart...

Voila our finished product! The homemade Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting! YUMM!

We ended up like this.... made our goal! :)

This was a great experience to enjoy with my children, Cooking with Kids, and to try out the many awesome Conagra foods at WalMart! :) Plus, we loved sharing with shut in folks on a crazy icy night!

Check it out here on my Whrrl:

Powered by Whrrl

Warmly, Carolina Mama

*This experience was sponsored and compensated by Conagra Foods and Collective Bias. We loved sharing and were blessed!

Oh, The American Girl Giveaway

Because I love you all and want my "Girl Moms" to get some girlie fun here too, I wanted you all to know about this fun and FREE American Girl Doll Giveaway!

Kanani is beautiful!  Enter to win her for your daughter right here at Classy Mommy!  Enter quickly before January 22nd!  Enjoy!  Classy Mommy has some awesome Giveaways !

Enjoy!


Warmly,  Carolina Mama

Fashion Friday: Arbonne Anti-Aging Skin Treatment

Recently, I had the awesome opportunity to experience a fabulous "Anti-Aging" (you know "I'm not twenty-years old any more!") skin care treatment! Love it!  I got to "Fashion Haul" the Skin Treatment Kit!  Talk about a "Haul" all of this skin care treatment is all-in-one! 

Introducing Arbonne Swiss Skin Care.

Here is my Fashion Haul of Cosmetic Anti-Aging Skin Treatment from Arbonne!  Here is my demonstration of how "Easy" the Anti-Aging Steps are for you! 

 

"It's time to out-grow aging!" 

Discover Arbonne R9 Adanced Anti-Aging Skin Care...

"The idea to provide skin care products unparalleled in quality and effectiveness developed in Switzerland in 1975, when one man, Petter Mørck, together with a group of leading bio-chemists, biologists and herbalists, fulfilled his vision and founded Arbonne.

RE9 Advanced Set Comprehensive anti-aging skin care regimen for a youthful appearance; the set offers all six products for face, plus a complimentary travel-size Age-Defying Neck Cream."

I loved the products!  All of them!  They are fresh, clean and they smell so pretty and they are natural so no heavy fragrance, etc. ]

Here is what I discovered: I loved the EASY steps.  They are simple and effective.  So worth it. 

Talk to your representative, Blair Waldo, Independent Consultant, District Manager, Raleigh, North Carolina.  Ask Blair for information on discounts, coupon codes or even becoming anArbonne Representative yourself.  Believe me, if I did any type of business like this at home,Arbonne would be the one.  That impressed!  And my skin feels and looks great just after one week!  That is golden!  Talk about Mom fashion!

Contact Blair Waldo for FREE Samples of Arbonne.  She will also provide you with instruction and any information you need.  Enjoy!

What is your skin care treatment?  Anti-aging regime?!  

Warmly, Carolina Mama