Weight Watchers Homemade Kale Chips

The healthy living and wellness is matching on into 2012. So I wanted to share with you these phenomenal Kale Chips.

Yes, you know, the ones all the rave reviews are about - those Delicious Kale Chips.

We are loving these and here goes the so-eat-I-want to make them right now.

Weight Watchers Homemade Kale Chips. - 0 PointPlus

Preheat oven at 360 degrees

1 bag of fresh Kale (Trader Joe's)
I Can't Believe It's Not Butter
- Olive oil Spray
Sea Salt
Fresh Ground Pepper

Rinse kale and spread on baking sheet; spray with ICBINB spray; Sprinkle with salt and pepper; bake for 10-15 minutes.

Remove from oven and cool. And just try to stop your self from indulging in these delicacies! Enjoy!

*Weight Watchers PointPlus 0




Custom Closets by Rubbermaid Grand Opening Raleigh, North Carolina

Custom Closets by Rubbermaid launched its 1st US Showroom Grand Opening Saturday, January 28th, 2012 in Morrisville, North Carolina.



                    







Your Space. Your Style. Your Home.

Very many customers, community leaders and friends came out to Welcome them to the Raleigh/Durham Research Triangle Park, business area.


On hand at the Grand Opening were Rubbermaid Headquarters Marketing, PR and Rubbermaid Team experts and the Custom Closets local Design Expert Lynn Joyner. The community was eager to see the fine quality and workmanship of the showroom that could soon be their own custom closets at home. Their team is fabulous and fun.





See, the crowds came, Custom Closets received a warm Southern Welcome because
many showed up an hour early they were so eager to start this party.




It was an honor for me to be in the roll as Hostess for the event for Custom Closets. I think I fit right in because I was an instant fanatic over their exceptional products. I loved spending the afternoon showing off these amazing closets to families, couples and individuals looking to invest in their homes.

Their team is phenomenal. It felt like such a family and great working environment. So I was delighted to have my family join me. We all chose a favorite Custom Closet. I adore companies that include family and make the connection.



I was so honored to have special blogging friends and community friends come
to the event! My friends Jen of Jael Designs and Oseye made the drive over and
helped boost up our social media power!

And we had some laughs and got to visit over some mighty fine closets ...



and refreshments served by Designer Lynn herself. Here is the Cake Cutting.



Custom Closets kept the FUN going. They had the most awesome Giveaways!
GRAND PRIZE was a $2,500 Custom Closet! One lady scored!
Then there were Door Prizes like their awesome
Bento Boxes and they gave away Bento Box Sets and their
latest Rubbermaid Glass Serving Ware Sets.
Now that's a great group! Presents for their people!



Everyone fell in love with them! And there is more... everyone brought donations for

Dress for Success Triangle! Now, not only is everyone getting organized for the year,
they were all helping Moms get started with Dress for Success skills and clothing for
their Interviews. It was fun to help collect all the donations for this great cause!

Now, Custom Closets by Rubbermaid Raleigh / Durham is open and you can
set your appointment for a Free In-Home Consultation today and get started.


CALL 919-480-8007 FOR YOUR FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION *Serving all of Raleigh/Durham

Warmly, Carolina Mama


*This post is sponsored by Custom Closets by Rubbermaid in partnership with Carolina Mama.

Duke University Chapel - "Music of Canada" Organ Recital by David Arcus

Hope you have had an amazing weekend!  Can you tell our week and weekend has been full on?!  We have had a blessed week.  And a full one.  We ended it here at Duke University Chapel for an Organ Recital "Music of Canada" by David Arcus.  What a blessed time!

I love their motto for the Chapel:  "Keeping the heart of the University listening to the heart of God!" :)


The Tigers were the only children there.  We were so proud of their 
behavior. They were such big boys and the LOVED the music.  They 
both are playing the Piano well and enjoy composing songs now! 
So they were thrilled to meet the Organist afterwards and get his signature! 
Here we let them climb trees right before we went into the Chapel. 
Priorities right! :) 


Isn't the Chapel gorgeous?!  The Organist got a Standing Ovation. 
We got to hear him on both Chapel Organs. It was a really magnificent. 



Here's the Happy Family on the way into the Concert! 


Here I am with my Soul Mate!   The Tigers asked my sweetie what 
Soul Mate means... his reply, "Husband and Wife!" :) "Mommy!" :)
Of course, my reply, "Daddy!" :)




It was a wonderful family time.  We all love getting away to enjoy 
beautiful music in such an outstanding Chapel right here in North Carolina! 

How was your weekend?  Hope it was a time to recharge and refresh. 



Warmly, Carolina Mama

Wordless Wednesday - Game On

Game On 2012 - We've got this! (Feels great!)

Just Do It!

Carolina Inn Hosts First Ever Shrimp and Grits Throwdown 2012 Chapel Hill, NC


Breaking Southern News.... Shrimp and Grits Throwdown 2012

photo credit: Paula Deen "Shrimp & Grits"


Seven Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chefs Vie for Culinary Supremacy
Carolina Inn hosts First Ever Shrimp and Grits Throwdown on February 25

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (January 25, 2012) – Seven local star chefs from renowned restaurants will compete for the title and bragging rights of Shrimp and Grits Champion in the inaugural Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chefs’ Throwdown on Saturday, February 25 from 1-4 pm at The Carolina Inn.

Watch as the celebrated chefs prepare their own unique twist on Shrimp and Grits and enjoy tasting samples from each of the contestants. The only requirement for the seven chefs is using shrimp and grits as they have full culinary freedom to prepare their signature dishes for the attendees and judges. Come let your voice be heard and cast your vote for “Fan Favorite.”

Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased online at www.CarolinaInnThrowdown.com.  For more information, contact throwdown@carolinainn.comA portion of the proceeds will be donated  to TABLE, serving Chapel Hill-Carrboro children at risk for hunger. Patrons are also asked to bring canned food and nonperishable items to donate at the event.

The competing chefs (as of now) feature Jeremy Blankenship, Chef of Tyler’s Tap Room; Trey Cleveland, Executive Chef of Top of the Hill; Adam Cobb, Executive Chef of Glasshalfull; Bret Jennings, Executive Chef and Owner of Elaine’s on Franklin; Vimala Rajendran, Executive Chef and Owner of Vimala’s Curry Blossom Café; Jimmy Reale, Executive Chef of Carolina Crossroads  Restaurant and Bar; and Adam Rose, Executive Chef of Il Palio.

Aaron Nelson, President of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the Throwdown. The judging panel includes Andrea Griffith Cash, Editor for Chapel Hill Magazine; Deborah Miller, Host of SideDish on 1360 WCHL; Laurie Paolicelli, Executive Director of the Chapel Hill-Orange County Visitors Bureau; Kevin Schwartz, Director of The Daily Tar Heel; and Andrea Weigl, Food Writer for The News & Observer.


Am I the only one tempted to reserve a whole TABLE just to enjoy the awesome Shrimp and Grits!  Right up my Southern Living alley!

Warmly,   Carolina Mama

Rubbermaid Custom Closets Grand Opening - Morrisville, NC Giveaway

Exciting News....

 this Heirloom Collection Rubbermaid Custom Closet could be yours! 



.... Rubbermaid Custom Closets' newest Showroom is hosting a Grand Opening in Morrisville this Saturday, January 28th @ Noon and they are benefiting Dress for Success with any gently used items we would like to donate.  

They are excited to reach out to bloggers for this "Suit(e) Success" party!  Each blogger will receive one of their newest kitchen innovative products and other door prizes will be given away with one Complete Closet Makeover valued at $2,500. Complete Details below. 




RUBBERMAID® OPENS NEW CUSTOM CLOSET SHOWROOM

Grand Opening Event Supports Dress for Success®, Offers Chance to Win $2,500 Closet Makeover



                        You're Invited:  Grand Opening of the  Rubbermaid® Custom Closets' newest Showroom in Morrisville, NC. 

The January is National Organization Month and Rubbermaid has professional help for you.  The Custom Closets by Rubbermaid® showroom is the perfect place to get started. 

At the Grand Opening, Rubbermaid is supporting Dress for Success and you can help by bringing gently used professional attire to support Dress for Success.  It's fun to help other Moms who want to get a new start to a career. 


                        ***These items are helpful: blouses and shells; scrubs; conservative all-season
                            suiting; new or  lightly worn pumps;and belts, scarves, costume jewelry and 
                            career handbags.  
                            Representatives from the Dress for Success Triangle NC chapter will attend 
                            & collect the items.


Come Enjoy: 


A chance to win a free closet makeover valued at $2,500

{dream...maybe for your Daughter's Room...}






Home and closet organization tips from Rubbermaid professionals...


{they can help you build this dream closet for the Master Bedroom...}



















Easy registration for a free in-home consultation
Showroom tours
Refreshments, Door prizes
For your time, you'll receive one of Rubbermaid's latest, innovative, beautiful kitchen products for your home. 


The new Custom Closets by Rubbermaid showroom will feature on-staff experts and home organization displays for closets, pantries, mudrooms, craft rooms, garages and more.

When:             Saturday, January 28, 2012
                        Showroom opens: 12:00
Event begins: 12:00

Where:            Custom Closets by Rubbermaid Showroom
10970 Chapel Hill Road, Suite 106
            Morrisville, North Carolina 27560

Who:               The event is open to the public; there is no fee to attend; bring your friends;      
                        Children are welcome.

RSVP:            http://rubbermaidnc.eventbrite.com/

Custom Closets by Rubbermaid is a professional resource for consumers – and design professionals’ clients – looking to stay organized. Rubbermaid has been in the closet business for over 45 years, and is now bringing this knowledge directly to consumers.

Rubbermaid’s highly trained design experts work directly with homeowners to find the right solution to individual needs – directly within the home. Rubbermaid’s certified professional installers then bring dream closets to life, making the process turnkey.

The showroom will serve Apex, Carrboro, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Raleigh, and Wake Forest.


Wouldn't you love to Win the Custom Closet Makeover!  What is your biggest Organization Challenge? 


Warmly, Carolina Mama


*This post is sponsored by Rubbermaid. I am partnering with Rubbermaid for this campaign.  My love of the brand is why I chose to work on this project. Opinions are my own.

Great Christian Marriage Advice

Our family was blessed to spend some time together today recharging. We chose to take a listen to our previous Pastor speak. We listened to the awesome Pastor Jeff Clark of First Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

He was our Pastor when the Tigers were born in Mississippi. We were blessed with him as Pastor and his beautiful and wonderful wife, Alicia. Our church family was a spiritual gift to us. We were newly married 'kids from Colorado' whom had 'come home' (for me just an hour + from my birthplace). Treasured
memories.

Today we listened to Jeff preach "Crazy, Stupid Love, Part I."


Pastor Jeff has always been ordained to say it like it is. God uses him in mighty ways to reach His people in everyday situations. I love hearing truth. Hear it and let it be the greatest

Marriage advice CHILL. Right! And No, Hollywood is not an example of true love for us to follow! And only Jeff can say it like this, "Men sex is not a need!"

Watch the video and learn from Jeff how to view your marriage in a godly perspective and BE the marriage partner you need to be whether you are married already or are seeking your life partner.

I know you agree that he is one anointed Pastor! We enjoyed this first series and you can find the rest of the Series Part I - IV on the church channel at Vimeo, First Hattiesburg.

Check out his other Sermons of practical and Biblical teaching and be blessed!

Warmly,
Carolina Mama


Warmly,Carolina Mama

OFFICIAL: Joe Paterno Dies at 85



After CBS posted Joe Paterno's death last night, today it is NOW officially official that he has died of complications with lung cancer.  He was 85.  




It's a sad ending to a full career as the LATImes reported, "His career ended mired with a scandal just after his record 409th career victory...."  This is another reason we should not idolize man.  We are all only human.  At his age, at least, he did not live through and endure the trial of Sandusky and all of the horror there.  And one wonders what would Joe Paterno has testified to - truly - had he testified.  As the Times said, "from triumph to tragedy." 

That's a wrap folks.

Warmly,  Carolina Mama

A Beautiful Saturday

Today was a fabulous family day. We had some great family time and then Dad coached and the boys played ball. So fun.

It was Tiger A's first basketball game and post broken foot. Thankfully, he did great and Tiger B was on a roll tonight. Wonderful all around.

All of this after a round at the gym: Racquetball with Daddy and Mommy on the Treadmill. ;)

After Winning their game, it was Mom's Homemade Nachos (crockPot Thank You!) and then out for Ice Cream at DQ. Somebody likes the Blizzard and the rest of us love a Chocolate cone. Simple goodness.

Notice Tiger B with his Knitting Patterns from Jo-Ann's! He loves to create knitted things and is teaching his brother. Guess who made my cool, cute, cream knitted cap?! Love it!

We are continuing our many 1,000 Gifts again this year. What a privilege and blessing.

Hope your weekend is going well. What are your happenings?

Blessings.

eBay Green Team Launches Shopping Site and $1,000 Giveaway


eBay Green Team Launches Green Shopping Site and
a $1,000 Giveaway

The eBay Green Team with the lead of JD Norton launches the eBay Green Shopping site for green shopping, eco friendly products. I got to chat with JD about the new eBay Green Shopping site while at the eBay OnLocation in Orlando this Fall. Besides being passionate about green living, JD is hilarious.  I mean really, this is the first Interview I have done where the Interviewee sticks his tongue out at the camera - unbeknownst to me. :) Highly entertaining I tell you. Yes, he is nice enough to get away with it. So watch and enjoy and get fired up about eBay Green!

"eBay believes the greenest product is the
product that already exists."
JD Norton eBay Green Team



Now, you can make sustainability a reality. I love the eBay green site's motto: "Inspiring the world to buy, sell and think green everyday!"



As you know my Colorado-native, husband is a life-long, recycler so going green is something he has done all his life. You can imagine our excitement when eBay makes it easier to use eco friendly products, resell and purchase previously loved items. And make the world a better place with a lighter footprint.


This is another reason I LOVE eBay. Green Sellers Tips and Green Buyers Tips are so helpful. It's a win-win on this site because repurposing is beneficial to everyone. eBay Green Team Tips for Buying Green are helpful.

And they even have the Green Boxes for recycling purposes, too. The eBay Green boxes are reused and you can register and watch your box to see how many recycles it gets. Awesomesauce!


eBay keeps it fun with a great Sweepstakes Giveaway! Wahoo! Enter to Win $1,000 eBay Gift Card!

Enter the Giveaway:
*** Go the eBay Green Team website Login with your eBay User ID and password. Contest open until February 17, 2012. Details here.
-Visit the eBay Green Team community board and do the following:
A) Post a Greener Alternative; and/or Category
B) Post your “green” shopping list.
You will be entered into each Category you post in and Winner is chosen by random drawings.
Limit of one (1) entry per person per Member ID per Category. All other entries received per person per Member ID per Category are void. Official rule and details on the site.
Warmly, Carolina Mama

*This news release is part of my eBay Parent Panel partnership. I am totally jazzed about it. :)


eBay Green Shopping Site Launch and $1,000 Giveaway

eBay Green Team Launches Green Shopping Site and
a $1,000 Giveaway

The eBay Green Team with the lead of JD Norton launches the eBay Green Shopping site for green shopping, eco friendly products. I got to chat with JD about the new eBay Green Shopping site while at the eBay OnLocation in Orlando this Fall. Besides being passionate about green living, JD is hilarious. I mean really, this is the first Interview I have done where the Interviewee sticks his tongue out at the camera - unbeknownst to me. :) Highly entertaining I tell you. Yes, he is nice enough to get away with it. So watch and enjoy and get fired up about eBay Green!

"eBay believes the greenest product is the
product that already exists."
JD Norton eBay Green Team




Now, you can make sustainability a reality. I love the eBay green site's motto: "Inspiring the world to buy, sell and think green everyday!"



As you know my Colorado-native, husband is a life-long, recycler so going green is something he has done all his life. You can imagine our excitement when eBay makes it easier to use eco friendly products, resell and purchase previously loved items. And make the world a better place with a lighter footprint.



This is another reason I LOVE eBay. Green Sellers Tips and Green Buyers Tips are so helpful. It's a win-win on this site because repurposing is beneficial to everyone. eBay Green Team Tips for Buying Green are helpful.

And they even have the Green Boxes for recycling purposes, too. The eBay Green boxes are reused and you can register and watch your box to see how many recycles it gets. Awesomesauce!


eBay keeps it fun with a great Sweepstakes Giveaway! Wahoo! Enter to Win $1,000 eBay Gift Card!

Enter the Giveaway:
*** Go the eBay Green Team website Login with your eBay User ID and password. Contest open until February 17, 2012. Details here.
-Visit the eBay Green Team community board and do the following:
A) Post a Greener Alternative; and/or Category
B) Post your “green” shopping list.
You will be entered into each Category you post in and Winner is chosen by random drawings.
Limit of one (1) entry per person per Member ID per Category. All other entries received per person per Member ID per Category are void. Official rule and details on the site.
Warmly, Carolina Mama

*This news release is part of my eBay Parent Panel partnership. I am totally jazzed about it. :)

We Are Back

We're back from the black out. And yes, we love the freedom we have to talk here on the Internet. We love sharing information and having our little community here.

Here's my Day In The Life shot for you. Of course, this could be any day... The Tigers and Me.

How is your Thursday?
Warmly,
Carolina Mama

No SOPA and No PIPA - We're Blacking Out

Mom Bloggers unite: 


Censoring ██████ █████. The ██████ ███████ internet ███ ████. █████ is like ████ ███ having ██████. ███ duct tape ███ over your mouth. #sopa


Today we are striking against Censorship.  No SOPA and No PIPA means the Government does not censor our little blog.  They can feel free to use that energy to censor the child predators, and illegal activities on this world wide web. Thank you!  


You Can call your Senators and tell them NO also.  SOPA link.




Warmly, Carolina Mama

Rayovac 106 Years Old - Happy Birthday

It's Birthday time!


Happy Birthday Rayovac -  Rayovac is turning 106 years old!  That's a whole lot of Power Up time!

The Indestructible LED Flashlight is my all time favorite from Rayovac.  This even beats my Pink LED quick flashlight.  As a Boy Mom, there is something about an Indestructible item that is special. :)

Seriously, this flashlight really powers up!  I LOVE the durability and the performance of this flashlight.  So even though we are crazy for all the rechargeable batteries, one of these indestructible items is my favorite Rayovac product.  I'm just saying' these are a whole lot of fun. See how much I adore all the brightness of the Indestructible Flashlight! :)




Then look at Boulder Mountain Man using it to brighten up the room with just this flashlight. 
Now, I just know the Tigers are angling for their own.  I cannot blame them because 
let's face it, I'm keeping mine.  Boulder Mt. Man is keeping his so the Tigers need their own. 




Seriously, you will love the Indestructible as well.  Look at all the good things it offers:



indestructible


  • High performance LEDs, custom optics and 2 modes: 120 Lumens, 19 Lumens (energy saver)
  • Beam distance: 160 meters, 70 meters (energy saver)
  • Battery run time (alkaline batteries incl.): 5 hours, 40 hours (energy saver)
  • 30 Foot Drop Test Performance!
  • Rubber head and tail cap – shock absorbers; aluminum titanium alloy - toughness
  • Impact resisting internal engineering; “protected” tactical tail cap switch
  • Ergonomic design with thumb area built in
  • Designed for maximum durability + simplicity
  • IPX4 water resistant
  • Lifetime guarantee
  • (3) AAA Rayovac alkaline batteries included

It is irresistible also.  With every day life, this is the flashlight with the performance you need.  Now, check out the awesome Deal Rayovac is offering to you so you can help celebrate their Birthday! :)

Exclusive Power Blogger Offer: Rayovac is providing the readers of the Rayovac Power Bloggers with a special offer on Rayovac products for you. 


20% off our entire site through the end of the week! (1/17-1/22) 

Use promo code: PowerBlogger20 also receive free shipping on orders over $25! 


http://www.rayovac.com/Products.aspx?utm_source=PB&utm_medium=PB&utm_content=PBO&utm_campaign=PBO

It's like a Rayovac Birthday Present for Everyone! :) You can always keep up with the Rayovac happenings on their Rayovac Facebook Page.

Hope you love your flashlight as much as I do my Indestructible. :)  And Happy New Year to you!  Enjoy!

Warmly,  Carolina Mama


*This post is part of my Rayovac Power Blogger partnership.