Salmon Cove Clothing Giveaway @ Ultimate Blog Party!

Hi, I'm Carolina Mama! Thanks for visiting! Come on into the Ultimate Blog Party! and Fashion Friday!

Here in the South, we love a good party. We love to visit on the front porch. Time well spent!

Stay a while because we love to share about Family, Faith, Fitness, Fashion - mainly Mom Fashion - and Travel. Oh, the places we go!

Meet the Carolina Mama Family:

Here is another Southern thing you might need to know, we love fashion.

And there is nothing like a good classic and preppy look.

So we are going to GIVEAWAY some of that awesome Fashion!

Introducing....

Salmon Cove Swim against the current!

I'm Southern, classic and preppy. And I love Salmon Cove!

Life changes. Salmon Cove won't. Salmon cove lifestyle Cove Collar Shirts are amazing! I adore them from the moment I opened their clothing. It was like the Ultimate Blog Party....

"Salmon Cove brings forth sharp, timeless designs to you and your family....

We all have that one shirt that never gets old. It's that perfect shirt that stands the test of time. It can be worn on the golf course, in the office, or while out on the
town. Like salmon that swim against the current to return to where they were born, Salmon Cove was founded on the idea that you can go home again. We make clothes to help you enjoy the journey, regardless of the current you are swimming against."


What this Southern Girl loves: Their Cove Collar Shirt is a nice fitted shirt but not tight or skimpy. It is generous and stylish. I love the preppy look of the stand up collar! :) I love the bold colors; and the classy, simple styles. They are timeless.
Here is my Cove Collar long-sleeve shirt with the White Cove Sweater! Look at the cute Salmon on the Cove Collar! And there is one on the front of the sweater left, almost there. I think Tiger B took a great picture - just spare comparing me to the model impact girls here now. :)



The sweater is form fitting and yet, a relaxed comfortable fit. And let's face it, the Salmon is just cute!

Enter to Win: Giveaway of (1) Women's Cove Collar Shirt Short-Sleeve! Leave a comment to enter.

1) Comment what shirt you would like to win off of the Salmon Cove site;

2) "Like" Salmon Cove on Facebook;

3) Follow Salmon Cove on Twitter;

4) "Like" Carolina Mama on Facebook;

*Bonus Entry: Link to this post on your blog and leave the link in comments! :)

Contest ends at midnight on April 8th, and Winner will be chosen by Random.org; is open to U.S. Residents. Enter to win!

Warmly, Carolina Mama

*This post is sponsored with Salmon Cove. I fell in love with the brand and the comfortable and preppy clothing all myself and share that here.

KinderCare Spring Camp Giveaway!

Spring is here!  After the Winter we've had, it is fabulous to break out some flip flops and even better, go bare foot in the yard!  Spring is also a great time to line up some fun action pack activities for children.  Think ahead toward Summer Camps.

KinderCare has awesome opportunities for your Children.  Check out the KinderCare Spring Camps!   And read through for the Camp Giveaway! :)

Of course, I was immediately attracted to the Dirt Camps!  Can you tell I'm a Boy Mom!? Twin Boy Mom - so yes, it's a lot of dirt.  So how about a Dirt Camp!

KinderCare is discovering the Secret Science of Dirt!

Join KinderCare for 5 full days of real investigation — and get a sneak peek of how fun Summer Camps will be.

Enthusiastic teachers and fun activities give young learners a chance to dig into the science behind “growing green” and create kids who are excited about the natural world.

At the end of the week, we’ll celebrate the results of campers’ activities and lessons during our Dig It! Science Fair…and you’re invited to join us!

And the Camps include most ages!  Infant, Toddler, Discovery Preschool, Preschool, PreKindergarten, Kindergarten, and School-Age, and Enrichment Programs. And even Mandarin Immersion.

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It's a whole world of fun!  

Now for the awesome thing about the KinderCare Camps, they are Giving Away One Week of Camp for One Lucky Child! :)

Enter to Win: Contest Open to US Residents with a KinderCare available in your neighborhood, not in exchange for monetary value, Closes at 10pm April 4th. The Camp can be either a Spring or Summer Camp available to Winner:

1)  "Like" KinderCare on Facebook;
2)  Tweet the link to this Giveaway! :)
3)  Share a short Post on your Blog about the Giveway!
4)  Enter again for each Tweet! 
5) "Like" CarolinaMama on FB for more Fun Giveaways and News!

BONUS: Enter if you share on your Facebook.

***Note to Entrants, please check out the KinderCare website link above and ensure that you will be able to attend one of the Spring or Summer Camps.  Are they in your area? So that we have a Winner whose child can enjoy the Camp!

Thanks for reading and sharing! What do you like to do with your child in Spring and Summer?!


Warmly,  Carolina Mama

Abercrombie and Fitch Admits to Controversial SwimSuits

Abercrombie & Fitch Swim Suit Controversy gets little change as the company says they have addressed the issue.....

So I didn't write about my own outrage at A&F's indecent bikini's with push up bras marketed at 7 year olds.  That's right 7 year olds.  That's so wrong.  Do we have to explain it?

Fellow social media mom and friend, Danielle Smith of Extraordinary Mommy spoke out!  Thank you Danielle:



Thankfully, many of us spoke back and let them know this is not okay.  Now, they weakly attempt to back peddle.

Abercrombie changes the age of the "Push Up Bra Swimsuit"   They must not have gotten the outrage is about underage children....

They changed the age to 12....  What is appropriate to you?!  Does your 7 year old child wear a push up bra for a swim suit?  Or a 12 year old.


Warmly,   Carolina Mama

UNC Tar Heels Guard Larry Drew Enrolls at UCLA and My UNC vs. KY Recap

Top of the hour, Larry Drew just announced he is enrolling at UCLA.  What's up UCLA, three players in a year.... just asking!?  He will have one year eligible play after waiting out his year for transferring from UNC.

In other news, Stellar Zeller...

 and the Tar Heel Crew worked hard to overcome the Kentucky Wild Cats.  And in the infamous last words, we almost did it. :)  Makes me sad to see Coach Roy sad.

It was this kind of night!

Zeller!

Brandon Knight.  That is pretty much the size of it - Brandon Knight the Kentucky Wild Cars wonder!

Can you say 15 points in 3 pointers!  Yes, 5 three pointers.  All night long.

So yes, we're a little sad here in Carolina Country.  Happy sad.  Because after all - happy our Argyle Nation represented in such a fine way - right until the end.

And of course, sad it didn't end like 2009!!!  Yes, Hansbrough year! 

So who are you going for in the NCAA Finals?!  It will take me a while to talk about it again... so y'all go ahead and talk amongst yourselves! :)

Warmly,   Carolina Mama

Tigers' Favorite Breakfast!

Here's the deal - the Tigers love a big breakfast! Here is a favorite! One says French Toast, the other says Blueberry Waffles!

They both say Sausage! And Milk!

I on the other hand go for yogurt and fruit! ;) Oatmeal and fruit, Coffee! Always coffee!

What is your child's favorite breakfast? And your favorite breakfast? I agree that it sets the tone for the day!

10 Reasons Rayovac Lasts As Long

Last Fall, I was honored to be invited to join the Rayovac Power Bloggers.  This has been an amazing opportunity to work with a brand my family loves.  Rayovac has been a power house for us and it has been a privilege to work with them and I look forward to the next six months. 

Here's Why Rayovac Lasts As Long and Why They Are My Go To Battery of Choice: 

1)  Rayovac Invests in Moms and Families; I've been delighted to represent Rayovac as a Power Blogger; Rayovac gives back to moms and families.

2) Powers Your Life!  My sons live on Rayovac Rechargeable batteries!

3) Offers best Coupons everyday here:  Rayovac Coupons

4) Fan Friday Rules! Rayovac offers winnings for you the Consumer

5) The best Flashlights and Lights for Outdoors and Indoors

6) Rayovac Facebook Page is fun and interactive for everyone.  Lots of prizes.

7) Low cost.  High value.

8) Less time, less money and less waste!

9) High performance with a long life. and

10)  Power Up for all of your Tech Tools and Toys!  Rayovac batteries last as long and that translates into "more pictures taken!"  Seriously, that works for me.  More pictures with each battery charge!  I'll take it because I take loves of them/daily pictures!  :)

You can follow Rayovac on FB and @Rayovac_Battery on Twitter and engage in the conversation!

What powers you up?


Warmly, Carolina Mama

*This blog is sponsored by Rayovac.  My opinions and writing are all my own.  Personally, I adore Rayovac. 

Momformation: 7 Ways To Connect With Your Child

Baby Center's Momformation has my post live, 7 Ways To Connect with Your Child...

Everyone wants to have a close relationship with their children. But sometimes, connecting with them can be harder than you think. Being intentional about connecting can make a positive influence on everyone.

Here are a 7 ways to keep your bond strong as ever...

You can view it here on Baby Center's Momformation blog:

How do you connect with your child?! Join the conversation at BabyCenter's Facebook page!

Warmly, Carolina Mama

Raleigh Komen 5K - Mom Bloggers Team Sponsored by Hanes

Greetings!  

Happy Spring! Hope you all are well and enjoying 2011!  

It's Susan G. Komen 5k Raleigh Race Time!  You are invited to join us again this year as Hanes Comfort will sponsor us again.  

We're just 12 weeks out from the 5k!  Here are some 5k training schedules. I've used Jeff Galloway for my Marathon and Half (2006, 2007, respectively). Love his approach = Run injury free. Galloway's is a 15 week schedule so I will include the Couch to 5k which is 9 weeks. We have 12 weeks! :)

Jeff Galloway 

http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/5k.html

Couch to 5k: 

http://www.c25k.com/

Last year was a dream come true as we dedicated our race to Mom Krista Colvin from the Pacific Northwest.  

This year...our dedication is near and dear to us... we are dedicating our Team to North Carolina Mom Chele Chestnut who just this year was diagnosed with Cancer. Many of us know and work closely with Chele and we wanted to support her as she begins her treatment this month. 

Join us: 

When:  Saturday, June 11, 2011

Where: Meredith College 

When: early - met at 5:40am last year :)

Would love your input as to Official Name of our Team. Team Chestnut?  Are you interested in a Community FUNdraising event for our team i.e. car wash, bake sale!  Feel young again! :)  Once we name our team, I'll set up our Team Page on the Komen site and we can take off. 

Email me your interest and as our Nike Brothers say, Let's Do It! 

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you! 

Happy Trails!!!

Warmly,  Carolina Mama

Monster Jam Coupon by Advance Auto Parts Tours Raleigh, NC

Monster Jam!  Boy Mom, Monster Jam!  I'm Cool! i.e. No Questions asked! :) 

You read it right!  Monster Jam!  Advance Auto Parts MONSTER JAM is on Tour and Raleigh, NC is on their list!  The Monster Jam will be held at the RBC on April 1 & 2 2011!   We are excited to go!  This will be a first for us so we look forward to some loud noises and some crazy tricks and moves! 

Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam®, starring the biggest performers on four wheels: Monster Jam monster trucks! The twelve-feet-tall, ten-thousand-pound machines will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over or smash through!  Monster Jam provides a massive night’s entertainment tailored perfectly for your family’s budget, and these colorful, larger-than-life beasts are sure to capture the hearts of both young and old.

Trucks are subject to change - here is the list as of 2/28/2011:

Grave Digger

Spiderman

AAP Grinder – 1^st time ever

Monster Mutt – Rottweiler – 1^st time ever

War Wizard

Are you ready? 

FEMALE Driver: High Maintenance 

Ticket information, show schedule, and tickets can be found here 

http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/115097/807285/  or www.rbccenter.com

We have been offered a flat $5 price for kids (12 and under) in the gold circle area.  This price is normally $30.  

The code is “KIDCLIP” and is good for all three shows.   

Discount is valid on the phones and internet.

Who is going?!  I think it will be a kick!  Can't wait!  Vroom, Vroom!!!! 

Warmly,  Carolina Mama

Hosannah, Hosannah In The Highest!

Thankful for this beautiful song we sang today in worship.





I see the king of glory 
Coming on the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes
The whole earth shakes

Yeeeah

I see his love and mercy 
Washing over all our sin
The people sing
The people sing

[Chorus]
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest [x2]

I see a generation 
Rising up to take their place
With selfless faith
With selfless faith

I see a near revival 
Stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees
We're on our knees

[Chorus]

Heal my heart and make it clean 
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me

Break my heart from what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdoms cause
As I go from nothing to 
Eternity

Hosanna in the highest


Warmly, 
CarolinaMama

Rayovac Alkaline Batteries "Lasts as Long"

Rayovac Lasts as Long!

Rayovac alkaline batteries help our family and home “last as long.”  I have to say I am spoiled.  Working with Rayovac has me expecting all batteries to last as long as the Rayovac alkaline do.  

When your kids ask for the "Rayovac batteries" you know it's a great product!  Seriously, today Tiger B just asked me this morning for "Rayovac" batteries.  LOL  Really, we all love that one! 


Whenever I need to grab batteries, I go for these alkaline batteries because they last as long! 

Today, that is why I am so thrilled with Rayovac Alkaline Batteries.  Rayovac is awesome for the long lasting power!  We love to Power Up with Rayovac and we love even more the fact that they have staying power. 


"From toys and games to flashlights and smoke alarms, Rayovac Alkaline batteries power the devices that you use each and every day.

We’ve got the sizes—AAA, AA, C, D, 9V— that you need for all of your gadgets. And with a shelf life of seven years, Rayovac alkaline batteries provide long-lasting power at the value you expect."                   

  via Rayovac.com

And I couldn't agree more!  We are huge Rayovac Alkaline Battery fans and we adore the power and the "lasts as long" effect they have!  Finally, on March 29th, check out your local newspaper for a coupon to save $1 off any pack of Rayovac alkaline or hearing aid batteries.  

Here is the image of the coupon - this is only a photo of the coupon to release on March 29th.  

Remember you can get Rayovac Coupons on their Facebook page! :) 

Warmly,   Carolina Mama

*This post is sponsored by Rayovac.  I am a Rayovac Power Blogger.  Opinions are all my own.

Lilly Pulitzer Southern Girl Preppy Mom Fashion Friday

Lilly Pulitzer Southern Girl Pretty 

Mom Fashion Friday 

The Lilly Pulitzer Palm Avenue reminds me of Spring in the South!  

A Southern Easter if you will! 

Love everything about Lilly!  Especially this Delta Delta Delta bag!  Who knew Lilly would carry my sorority bag:  

Since you know Pink is my life, here you go:

Love the simplicity of this classic.

Love the preppy green and pink of this floral print, classic as well.

Perfect looks for say, another classic like the Carolina Cup!  Bring on your Southern ways and dress!  

Warmly,  Carolina Mama

Caribbean Joe's Malibu Hard Shell Luggage

Recently I was spoiled with Caribbean Joe's Malibu 3 Piece Hard Shell Spinner Luggage!  Oh my!  Life is great!  I mean really.  I had a standard black luggage with the basic roller wheels.  Well, enter Caribbean Joe's!  

...designed to provide travelers comfort, functionality, reliability, and peace of mind. Constructed from ABS composite, which flexes to absorb impact and then returns back to its original shape when under stress.

Check out these 360 Rollers!  And there are 4 of them so no more tipping over every time you stop and tweet! :)  Now, Hallelujah, I will no longer be embarrassed at the Starbucks at the airport - you know, when you go to grab your coffee from the Barista and your luggage falls over into the person next to you... no longer me!! Thank you Caribbean Joe's!  

See how the luggage stands a.l.o.n.e! :)  Oh happy day!  

They stack!  Yes! This 3 Piece Luggage set stacks inside the larger piece! Love it! So here you see the medium and small pieces.  They stack inside each other like the Russian dolls. Perfect for storage!  

These suitcases are so roomy and have so many details, I did not even need the larger piece. I am thinking that one goes for Boulder Mountain Man! 

See the shoe holders and the zipper compartments and the straps with clips.  This is the most organized little carry all I have every seen!  Adore it!  Again, light weight goodness! 

What is your favorite luggage?!  Does it stack? Organize for you?! :)  And is it light weight and cute!?  Caribbean Joe's luggage is all that!  Thank you Caribbean Joe's for sponsoring this post and my comfort in travel!  And yes these opinions are solely from my own experience! 

Warmly, Carolina Mama

Rayovac: Rapid Response Twitter Campaign on Mashable

You know how much  I love to Power Up with Rayovac.  It is awesome to work as one of the Rayovac Power Bloggers with such a stellar brand.  And the amazing, professional and incredible Circle PR.  

Today, I am so pleased to share that Social Media Guru, Mashable announced his 5 Smart Social PR Campaigns To Learn From with Rayovac taking the lead.

Kicking off the Mashable list as No. 1 was Rayovac with their fabulously successful "Rapid-Response Twitter Campaign!"

As a Rayovac Power Blogger and as a consumer, I was honored to participate in that Twitter Campaign.  I recall the warm heart I felt as I changed my Twitter Profile to reflect the cute little boys - about my Tigers age - to reflect my participation in the campaign.

Then the virtual snow balls began to fly!  What a riot!  Throwing a snow ball at @Rayovac_Battery and Fans reminded me of my elementary school Principal getting dunked in the dunking/water chair!

Remember:


In early February 2011, with a snowstorm of historic proportions on the horizon, social media outlets were abuzz with news and updates about the weather. Rayovac and Circle PR quickly created a campaign that capitalized on the fact that millions of Americans would be home — and online — on Wednesday, February 2, the day slated to be the worst of the storm....


that


...campaign generated 1,188 click-throughs to download the profile picture widget, #rayovac made its first-ever appearance as a top-ten trending topic worldwide, and the brand saw a 30% increase in followers on@rayovac_battery.


Read more on Mashable. 

Rayovac has an powerful product and an active community.  You can "Like" the Rayovac  Facebook page for some of their interactive campaigns and their Friday Fun Giveaways !!   

Tell me, were you a part of the @Rayovac_Battery Virtual Snow Ball Fight?! :)  And did I "smack' you?! :)  Congratulations Rayovac!

Warmly,   Carolina Mama

Mardi Gras Up In North Carolina

Mardi Gras 2011!!!

Happy Mardi Gras all Y'all!  

and now Ash Wednesday! 

We had an awesome "Mardi Gras Up In North Carolina!"  It was so great!  This was an ode to Professor Longhair's "Mardi Gras Down In New Orleans!"  So we took it up in North Carolina and I have to tell ya, we represented! 

Men, Women and Children Lassiez Les Bon Temps Roulez indeed!  We ate all manner of Cajun Goodness by our friends at Zatarain's!  Zat's!  

And Boulder Mountain Man got to be Mardi Gras King and the 40th Birthday King as well!  

The favorite dish of the night by far was the new.... drum roll.... thanks to Chef John Besh!  

Red Beans and Rice Party Dip!! 

It looked like this!  

Red Bean and Rice Party Dip

     

View Review

Liven up the party with this Southwestern-style dip. Serve with tortilla chips.

Makes 60 (2-tablespoon) servings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

3 cup water

1 package ZATARAIN'S® Red Beans and Rice

1 cup salsa

2 tablespoons chopped jalapeno peppers

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Prepare Rice Mix as directed on package, using 3 cups water instead of 3 1/4 cups.

2. Reserve 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese to garnish dip, if desired. Stir remaining ingredients into rice mixture. Place mixture into food processor or blender; cover. Process or blend until smooth.

3. Keep dip warm in a chaffing dish or slow cooker, if desired.

Nutritional Info per 1 serving

Calories: 56	Sodium: 159

Fat: 4	Carbohydrates: 3

Cholesterol: 12	Fiber: 0

Protein: 2

** My rendition was simple, cook the Red Beans and Rice according to package, mix in 1 1/2 cups of lite Sour Cream, and 1 1/2 cups of low fat cheese.  This was incredible!  

And um, let's just say "They ate it a.l.l!"  :)  This means I'm Hostess with the mostess! :)

Now, it is late on Ash Wednesday, what's this Baptist Girl giving up?  I mean get give up a lot! lol 

I do like to refresh my commitments at this time of year.  What about you - are you sacrificing something for Lent?  Share please!  I still thinking, I mean I just can't do coffee this year! :)  

Join Zatarain's Facebook! 

Warmly, Carolina Mama