Anna's Pizzeria Apex, North Carolina

Since I am a Restaurant.com Blogger, we get to review several restaurants as part of our Blogging work.  We chose Anna's Pizzeria in Apex, North Carolina because we LOVE Anna's! 

Restaurant.com is so easy to use so when we were perusing and found locally owned and operated Anna's, we made our decision.  And we took a dear friend with us.  We have fond memories there so it was a perfect visit. 

From the minute you walk in, Anna's is such a quaint and warm and friendly atmosphere! 

And look at the fun!  The South couldn't be better summed up.  Be Nice! :) 

I love this mural that was painted on the wall.  It looks just like this!

Now, moving right on into what matters, the Food! :) 

Boulder Mountain Man LOVES his Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta sooooo 

here you have it! 

Yes, this is basically our table.  I know, LOTS of food.  Okay, so our friend (whose hand you see:) and I got the Seafood Bisque and a Greek Salad.  And Yes, each one of these pictured is a single portion! :) 

When we walked in, I had to snap this lovely picture of the pizza they serve by the slice! 

And our boys, the Tigers, eat their own pizza now. 16" half pepperoni and half cheese. 

They pretty much polish it off. Give or take a slice. 

Anna's got a 5 star from all of us. 

Here is another view of the homemade goodness as served.  

The Greek Salad with the Feta was a delight.  I loved it. 

The service was wonderful.  And we were fortunate to not have to wait for a table. 

Sometimes in a small and fabulous restaurant, you are willing to wait for the 

awesomeness!  We would have waited.  

It was a perfect day for Italian fare, it was a cool and rainy Fall Day. 

Of course, we're up for Anna's Pizzeria any day! 

Prior to our arrival, we logged onto Restaurant.com and clicked on Anna's Pizzeria. 

Then we chose a $25.00 Certificate.  You can choose increments up to $100. 

See this snapshot for the pricing.  

Once you choose your certificate amount, then purchase it. 

And print out your certificate and redeem it at the restaurant you chose. 

It was that simple.  And again, we LOVED our meal at Anna's! 

What is your favorite food to eat out?  

Warmly, 

CarolinaMama 

* This post is sponsored by Restaurant.com as part of my participation as a Restaurant.com Blogger. 

Southern Living Presents the Taste of Charleston 2012

Southern Living graciously reached out to invite us, Carolina Mama Blog, to the Lowcountry South Carolina's Taste of Charleston at the 

Boone Hall Plantation in Mt. Pleasant, SC tomorrow! 

You can get tickets at the door!  We are so excited 

to have a Charleston Correspondent attending for us. 

Stay tuned and if you can, go and experience it all. 

SOUTHERN LIVING PARTNERS WITH THE

CHARLESTON RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION TO PRESENT

THE SOUTHERN LIVING TASTE OF CHARLESTON 2012

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Annual Lowcountry Culinary Festival to Feature Live Food Demonstrations, Recipe Tastings, Garden How-To’s, and Tailgating Tips

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South’s Hottest Food Festival Occurs at Boone Hall Plantation

in Mt. Pleasant, SC on Sept. 30

New York, NY (September 19, 2012) – Southern Living will join the Charleston Restaurant Association to present the Southern Living Taste of Charleston on September 30, 2012 at Boone Hall Plantation in Mt. Pleasant, SC.

The annual Lowcountry festival, open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., will showcase regional tastemakers and Southern Living brand experts demonstrating delicious tailgating recipes, farm-to-table gardeningtips, and an exclusive tasting of our Big White Cake Cover Contest finalists. Visitors can also enjoy Southern cuisine from Charleston’s top restaurants, craft beer in an exclusive tasting tent, live entertainment, exciting prizes, andmore.

Join Southern Living for the following program on September 30:

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Southern Living Test Kitchen Director Rebecca Gordon will “Tackle Your Tailgate!” Rebecca will demonstrate delicious tailgating recipes from the September issue like Deviled Eggs, Mini Bourbon-and-Cola Bundt Cakes, and Buttermilk Chess Tarts, plus offer tips and tricks on how to host the perfect football gathering with trueSouthern style. Enter an exclusive raffle to win copies of The Official SEC Tailgating Cookbook, the brand’s latest cookbook collaboration with the SEC.

12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Southern Living Contributing Editor Rebecca Lang will welcome guests to an exclusive Big White Cake Cover Contest finalist preview and tasting. Attendees can vote for their favoritefinalist for a chance to win a Chinet Bakeware® set! The annual contest winner will be revealed on the December 2012 cover of Southern Living.

2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Southern Living Plant Collection Garden Expert Carmen Johnston will show visitors how to get the most out of their seasonal container garden in her “Farm to Table Container Gardening” presentation. Using a Southern Living Plant Collection-filled container garden, Carmen will demonstrate deliciousrecipes such as Rosemary Berry Cookies and Sparkling Autumn Chianti, plus share how to make a quick and beautiful floral arrangement for any occasion.

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Southern Living Contributing Editor Rebecca Lang will invite two attendees on stage to face off and create a one-of-a-kind recipe in an exciting “Quick-Fix Supper Challenge.” Rebecca will put 15 minutes on the clock, and unveil surprise proteins, starches, and vegetables that the contestants must include in the dish. The winning “Quick-Fix Supper” chef will receive a $200 gift card from American Express. All chef contestants will receive and an autographed copy of Around the Southern Table by Rebecca Lang.

National sponsors of the 2012 Southern Living Taste of Charleston include: AlmasedÒ USA, Chinet BakewareÒ, Bald Head Island, Pinehurst SouthernPines Aberdeen Area CVB, Visit Savannah, and South Carolina.  The SouthernLiving Taste of Charleston also acknowledges Ballard Designs and the SouthernLiving Plant Collection for their participation.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the gate. To purchase tickets, please visit: http://www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com/taste-of-charleston/. A portion of the proceeds will benefit local non-profit associations.

About Southern Living

Southern Living celebrates the essence of life in the South, covering the best in Southern food, home, garden, and travel.  Reaching more than 16 million consumers each month, SouthernLiving connects consumers with the region’s rich culture through a variety of print, digital, mobile, tablet and event platforms.  Headquartered in Birmingham, AL, the rapidly expanding Southern Living brand is part of Time Inc., one of the largest content companies in the world and the largest publisher in the United States. TimeInc. is a Time Warner company.

About The Charleston Restaurant Association

The Charleston Restaurant Association (CRA) represents the largest private sector employer in the tri-county area. The association serves as the voice of the Charleston-areafood service industry on government and public relations issues. Annual fund-raising events like Taste of Charleston and Lowcountry Oyster Festival, both sponsored by the CRA, enable them to give back to the community. To date, the association has donated more than $1 million to local charities.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit the following charities:  The Ronald McDonald House, Hollings Cancer Center, Hospitality Heroes, Shriners Hospitals for Children and Charleston County Schools Science Materials Resource Center. For more information about the CRA, visit www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com.

Warmly, Carolina Mama

Scotties Tissues Plants Three Trees for every One Tree Used

Scotties Tissues "Like No Other" is the ONLY facial tissue that has ALL products that are proudly made in the USA!  We love that.

"Quality, Value and a Promise for the Future makes SCOTTIES like no other."

Let's face it, not only do they have quality, value and a promise for a green earth, they deliver CUTE! Check out the cuteness of their latest boxes!  LOVE Them.

 

Scotties is the only major USA Tissue brand to be a part of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. 

Scotties can be found at your local Wal-Mart for $1.00 per box. That's a bargain 

and Made in the USA! 

Scotties, a J. D. Irving company, has planted 800 million trees in the last 50 years! 

***It’s time to start preparing your submission and Enter the Scotties Trees Rock video Contest!   The SCOTTIES TREES ROCK! Video Contest opens October 1st.

Click HERE to download all the information you need to get started. Video submission opens on October 1st.  

You can follow the contest and check out Scotties on Facebook here. 

Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure:  This post is sponsored by Scotties Tissues. 

North Carolina Corn Maze Fun and Education, Farmer's Markets and More

What could be more North Carolinian than a Fall Corn Maze!

Well, add Education to that and you've got the Gillis Hill Road Produce in Fayetville, NC! 

Gillis Hill Road Produce is putting on a corn maze, and they’ve got an interesting twist to the maze. An educator from the Gillis family, a prominent local farm family, put together the ABC’s of NC : An Educational Corn Maze. 

The maze offers three different levels of questions –from preschool to middle school. The correct answers take you down the correct path. Wrong answers lead to a dead end.  All of this offers good ole' Family Friendly "Edutainment!" :)   That's the best type of family outing in our book!  

Foliage, Farmer’s Markets and Family Fun in Fayetteville This FallCorn Mazes, Farmer’s Markets, river tours and more mark the season

Fayetteville, NC - Looking to pick the perfect pumpkin? Take a relaxing and educational tour of the Cape Fear River? Enjoy the challenges of corn mazes? Want to soak in the fall foliage? We’ve got that and more in the greater Fayetteville area this season.

CORN MAZES:

Gillis Hill Road Produce produces “The ABC’s of NC” – an educational maze for children and adults. Questions about North Carolina are found throughout the 10-acre maze. Only the right answer takes you down the correct path. Wrong answers lead to a dead–end. The ABC’s of NC is open through October 31^st. Hours are Monday through Friday from 1 pm – 6 pm and Saturdays from 10:30 am – 6 pm. Location: 2899 Gillis Hill Road in Fayetteville. More information: 910-308-9342.

After finding your way through the maze at Canady Farm in Grays Creek; visitors can relax on a wagon ride through the farm. Fresh produce, farm animals and an educational nature trail are located on site. Canady Farm is open through November 3^rd. Hours are Monday through Thursday 3 pm – 7 pm and Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm. Location: 1426 John McMillan Road in Grays Creek. 910-624-2959

FARMERS MARKETS

At the Sandhills Family Heritage Association’s (SFHA) Farmer’s Market in Spring Lake, visitors will hear stories about rural African-American farm heritage while purchasing some of the area’s highest quality fruits, vegetables, and specialty food items. The SFHA Market is open from 9 am – 1 pm on Saturdays through the end of October. It is located at 230 Chapel Hill Road in Spring Lake.

Located outside the Transportation and Local History Museum in downtown Fayetteville, the Fayetteville Farmer’s Market offers fresh farm produce including vegetables, honey, meat and eggs. All products are grown and processed within a fifty (50) mile radius of downtown Fayetteville. The Fayetteville Farmer’s Market is open from 3 – 7 pm on Wednesdays and 9 am – 1 pm on Saturdays through the end of October. It is located at 325 Franklin Street in Fayetteville.

SPECIAL EVENTS

 Cape Fear Riverboat Tour: On this two-hour guided tour, you’ll learn about Fayetteville’s early importance as a colonial port city and trade center, explore historic features along the river and enjoy the natural beauty of the river, flora, and animals. The tour meets at the parking lot at Campbellton Landing and departs at 7pm The tour costs $20 and pre-registration is required. For more information about the tours call (910) 433-1457.

Bird Walk: Bring your binoculars for a guided tour of Mazarick Park. You’ll see lots of species at the park as the birds make their way south. The walk starts at 3:30 pm. Meet in the park office. For more information: 910-433-1575

10/7/12 Heritage Festival: The Cape Fear Botanical Garden presents a slice of life at the turn of the 19th century. Activities are planned for all ages, including agricultural exhibits, old-fashioned demonstrations, traditional crafts, games and more.www.capfearbg.org

10/20/12 Ole Mill Day: Join Hope Mills in celebrating the history of their community. The day promises lots shopping, food, rides, arts & crafts, games and family fun. The festival is free and runs from 11 am – 6 pm at Hope Mills Municipal Park. More information: 910-424-4500.

This is just a small sample of special events in Greater Fayetteville this fall. For a complete list of, go to www.VisitFayettevilleNC.com.

ABOUT THE FACVB

The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is a private, not-for-profit organization responsible for positioning Fayetteville/Cumberland County as a destination for conventions, sporting events and individual travel. For additional information, visit www.VisitFayettevilleNC.com or call 1-888-98-HEROES. Fayetteville/Cumberland County is the America's first military sanctuary. Through the Army's Army and other volunteer groups, our citizens and businesses are dedicated to “watching over those who watch over us ©.”

Warmly, Carolina Mama

Anniversary Love ! Wordless Wednesday

"I have found THE ONE that I love!" Song of Solomon 3:4

Unapologetically Strong Parents with Degree Women® Campaign

The Degree Women® Unapologetically Strong Campaign has launched and I was honored to be asked to participate by sharing how I am Unapologetically Strong. 





             I loved seeing Erin Andrews share her unapologetic strength in this video. 


Thankfully, I am rooted with Unapologetically Strong parents.  Their Unapologetic Strength has been my rock and role model throughout life! 

My parents never wavered when raising us.  Their standards for our family were their standards and they stuck to it - while.raising.five.children.  I'll admit it, my parents were amazingly strong to raise me, their Unapologetically Strong daughter. :)  They funneled that strength and I am so grateful for who I am today because of them. 

Did I mention four of us were girls!  Growing up, my parents modeled stamina and Unapologetically Strong lives to us! 

My parents have always been a strong force in my life.  A strong force, I have grown more and more thankful for as I have become a parent myself.  My parents had a strong love for each other.  This love carried them from their magical meeting in Raleigh.  It carrried them through putting my Daddy through undergraduate school and through Tulane Law School in New Orleans.  

Proudly, I refer to myself as the Senior Year Law School Baby in the family!  :)  I admire their work and strength to accomplish their goals.  Career, Family and Community.  So yes, my parent were parenting through my Dad's law school years as I have an older brother and sister.  You know what work parenting is on a day when you are established, settled, a regular routine...now add law school to the mix. 

My parents showed incredible unapologetic strength. My parents were strong the twenty-five years they were married.  My father showed an incredible strength right up until his unexpected death.  

And my mother, God bless her, she has been our ROCK!  A complete force for us in our Daddy's death.  She will tell you it has been her faith in God and the courage He has given her.  And I am so thankful for her. 

No one plans to be a young widow with five children to raise from Elementary School through College.  She did it!  She has seen us all through College Graduations, Marriages, Grandchildren and Greatgrandchildren - even the one year old granddaughter and her family (her grandson and family) who will be embarking on the mission field to Asia with great faith, courage and their own Unapologetic Strength!

Today, as my Mom has had health challenges she has had a strength and dignity and faith that one could only pray for in their own lives. I am thankful for my sister who is all kinds of Unapologetically Strong to be my mother's caregiver through these years since Katrina.  

You see, Unapologetically Strong runs in the family thanks to our parents that define the word strong!  They make us who we are!  

So when my husband and I were surprised with twin sons when he was just a freshman in college as a non-traditional student, yes, I knew I was strong.  And when asked how I would raise them, and was told no I couldn't do that while my husband was in school and working.... I knew. 

I knew, I was Unapologetically Strong and yes, I could do this.  And we could to this.  We did!  Together, in those early years, and now, my husband and I were unapologetically strong.  By God's grace, we did it and are doing it!   Tomorrow, we celebrate 14 years of our own Unapologetically Strong!  We are chips off the old block.  

And I am so thankful for parents who demonstrated Unapologetically Strong to my siblings and me every.single.day! 


That goes for my blessings of Parents in Love (my inlaws) who are their own Unapologetically Strong, so much so they will get their own post soon! :)  We are blessed by their Unapologetically Strong faith and love every day.


Thanks Degree for the Unapologetically Strong campaign to remind me of who I am! And to challenge and encourage other women and families to be Unapologetically Strong! 

You can share your Degree Unapologetically Strong Story on the Degree Facebook Contest and score a win. 

Warmly, Carolina Mama

*This post sponsored by One 2 One Network. 

Win Rayovac's Disney Magical Memories Sweepstakes

Growing up, our family was one of the first through the Walt Disney World gates when I was a little girl.  Seriously, we were there in the beginning.  So my dream was the day I'd return with my own little family.  Dreams come true!  Here we are on this year's trip 2012.  And my they have grown.

Naturally, I was thrilled and elated to take our children the first time and again and again.  Disney is Magical.  Disney is Family.  And so much more.

This was a so fun Pirate Party at the Disney Yacht Club Resort on the water -  with its own beach!

It's memories like these at Animal Kingdom that make it truly Memories that Last a Lifetime

My father loved Walt Disney and his innovation and creative spirit.  I remember when we visited Disney World on Main Street and my Dad would show us the Wordless Movies!  If he could see us now, his little girl in all this technology!  No doubt, he would be on the innovative inside!

The Tigers and Mickey and Minnie great you!

Now you can Enter to Win the Disney Magical Memories Sweepstakes on the Rayovac Facebook Page!

The contest runs through September 28th, 2012!  Enter for a chance to win one (1) 3-night / 4-day Grand Prize Vacation Package for four (4) to the Walt Disney World Resort and its fabulous parks!

This is so exciting! I cannot wait to see who wins!  And who will make their own memories of a lifetime!

You can follow Rayovac on Facebook and Facebook on Twitter. 

Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is part of my participation as a Rayovac Power Blogger.  Sponsored by Rayovac. We LOVE Disney and Rayovac, all opinions are my own.

Raleigh Denim Opens Store "Raleigh" in NYC

"Raleigh!"  Yes, Raleigh Denim Southern Fashion is in NYC!  And here's what the launch looked like.

Photo by New Raleigh.com

Raleigh Denim has changed names to appropriately, "Raleigh!" They made a splash this past week at the New York City Fashion Week!  And their new store Raleigh has launched in the chic Fashion District of NYC SOHO!  Here the Owners,  Sarah and Victor Lytvinenko, pose in their new  SOHO Store, "Raleigh." 

Raleigh Denim Owners Sarah and Victor Lytvinenko

The store looks like a Southern Home and offers their "Southern Comfort" Jeans.   All that Southern goodness in NYC.  We love it!

"The cult jeans of Raleigh Denim, which until now have been available in New York only at Barneys and Brooklyn Denim Co., are handmade in small batches in the couple’s Raleigh, N.C., workshop with vintage sewing equipment and materials from the local Cone Mills. Each pair, $215 to $325, is signed by the sewer. Expect the shop to evolve as their collection grows, with jackets and button-downs and more. For now, get to know the Southern hospitality and high-quality denim."

Check out more of the Fashion details here. 

Warmly, Carolina Mama

Sale on Restaurant.com Gift Certificates $5 for $2

Check out this new $5 dining certificate and make Dining out more affordable!  As my son says, "Restaurant.com is 'giving away money.'"  Well, he has a point!  It is like giving away money. 

This week is special. It's Boulder Mountain Man and my 14th Wedding Anniversary!  Exciting!!!  Being from New Orleans, I will admit, we love to celebrate by going out to Dinner.  Dinner as a Family and as a Couple.  And I love to get the best value for our favorite Dining spots in the Raleigh / Durham area. Or, anywhere for that matter. :)

Now you can get the deal with Restaurant.com !  They are offering Dining Certificates for as low as $2 for a $5 Dining Certificate!  See, you can take your sweetie out for a dessert and spend $2 for a $5 value.  Go out for a Latte with a friend and spend $2 for a $5 latte.  Awesome.

The $5 dining certificates are on sale now for just $2 which is like getting $3 for free!  The possibilities are endless.  I love this new $5 dining deal for Coaches and Teachers!  Or, for your Girlfriends' little Latte pick-me-up! 

Restaurant.com is the trusted and valued source connecting diners, restaurants, businesses and communities since 1999.

• This new certificate is available everyday at over 3,000 restaurants nationwide.
• Minimum spend at the restaurants is $10 so you get a $10 meal and only have to spend $7.
• With 2/3 working Americans buying their lunches this gives them a way to save on their daily dining.
• The $5 dining certificate is a great gift option or a simple way to say thanks and with the $2 price point - I'm talking early Christmas stocking stuffers y'all! 

• Simply visit Restaurant.com and click to order an eGift Card, which can be emailed to the recipient immediately with a personalized note. 

All of this is perfect timing for our Anniversary and other celebrations this Fall.  How would you/will you use this Restaurant.com sale for those in your life? 

Admittedly, I'm off to check out the local restaurants where I can use my certificates! :)

Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure:  This post is sponsored with my partnership wth Restaurant.com as an Ambassador. 

Elijah's Casual American Seafood Grill - Wilmington, NC

When in Wilmington, North Carolina visiting the old town, the USS Battleship North Carolina or visiting the amazing Wrightsville Beaches, Elijah's Restaurant on the Cape Fear River is a must visit dining destination.  Elijah's is a Casual American Grill and Oyster Bar.

Here we are with our Auntie J.  We loved this one on the Cape Fear River on Elijah's Deck. Such a fabulous view and ambiance.

Auntie J, The Tigers and Me

We had a most fabulous lunch at Elijah's after a fun day in downtown Wilmington and before the USS North Carolina visit!  So it was perfect to enjoy a great meal mid-day.

We started with the Oysters Elijah and oh my word, they amazed and delighted us. This New Orleans girl was thrilled and felt right at home there.  We even met the Chef who created the recipe.  She was fabulous and very friendly to come out and visit with us.

Elijah's Oysters

So yes, I could not resist a good food photo bomb.  This sweet server approved my use of the photo as she was serving ....

Seriously, look at all the delicious goodness.  This is Elijah's.  Great food from Seafood to Salads. 

To Fresh Crab! 

Here is the front entrance off of the cobblestone streets of Wilmington. Love it! 

So fun to have Auntie here!  The Tigers got a great fun photo of us relishing the relaxing luncheon on the water.  We had a pretty hot Summer day so we opted for an inside view of the water.  And A/C!

Now, the Tigers LOVED the Fried Shrimp. :)  Yes, it was vacation so I let them 

eat shrimp! :)

And Chicken Tenders. They were both very pleased and satisfied. 

Auntie J and I also were thrilled to enjoy the chilled Shrimp Salad. It was very well 

done.  Ice cold and crisp and tasty. Perfect for a hot day. 

The Tigers live enjoying their meal. See all of the great food. It is abundant here. 

The Chef came out to meet us!  Sweet!  She was very friendly and she can cook! 

Plus, see Elijah's is fun!  See our little friends at our table. 

My sweet Turtles. 

Here is the enormous outside deck to really take in the Cape Fear River.  Again, it was one 

of our hottest days so the patio was not overly crowded. We hated to leave. 

Thank you Elijah's!  We will be back.  Wilmington we loved your fair city!  Thanks for the great memories.

Have you visited Elijah's?  You're in for a treat!

You can follow Elijah's on Facebook for the inside scoop.

Elijah's is located ont eh Cape Fear Riverwalk
2 Ann Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

(910) 343-1448

Warmly,   Carolina Mama


FTC Disclosure:  This post was sponsored by the Wilmington Convention and Visitor's Bureau and Elijah's.  Opinions are all our own.