Rayovac Alkaline Batteries - Power Up for 2015

Happy New Year! 2015! We're ready for great things.  Our Holiday Season has been a wonderful time of family, reflection and fun!




Christmas was Merry and Bright.  The boys' toys were powered up with Rayovac Alkaline Batteries where they last longer. Our boys love their Wii.  So, when Grandma and Grandpa give them Wii games, they are over the moon. Again, I love working with Rayovac and keeping the Battery Basket full of Alkaline Batteries from Rayovac. They last longer and super charge our devices, games and more.


Rayovac Advanced High Energy Alkaline Batteries are the best.  Here are the boys in action showing you how much their love their Rayovac charged Wii. Yes they love helping Mom with work. :) And I have to say, it is pretty fun when I get a chance to work with my boys.





Of course, Rayovac Alkaline Batteries are in all the convenient and popular sizes 
like AA, AAA, 9Volt, etc. 
Follow Rayovac on Facebook.com/Rayovac and Twitter @Rayovac for all the updates and coupons throughout 2015!

Warmly, Carolina Mama


FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Rayovac. I am a Rayovac Power Blogger. All opinions are my own. 

All Hail King Julien - New Year's Eve Countdown - Netflix #StreamTeam

New Year's is Here! This New Year's Eve Netflix has a really great treat for you and your kids. You can have a whole lot of fun and still get the children to bed at a reasonable hour. Netflix is here to help you with that by allowing you to stream your show at whatever time you would like after 8pm. 


Welcome King Julien from Netflix. Remember Madagascar's King Julien...?  Well, he is back! 

Check out the YouTube King Julien Video here. 

King Julien is back .... Discover the wild world of Madagascar as the king takes on the jungle’s craziest adventures in this comedy series. With his loyal sidekicks Maurice and Mort, they meet a whole new cast of colorful animals, including ambitious head of security Clover and the villainous Foosa. No one can stop this king from ruling with an iron fist...in the air...wavin' like he just doesn't care.






"The streaming service has launched an on-demand, three-minute New Year’s Eve countdown hosted by King Julien from Netflix’s All Hail King Julien series, CNNMoney reports. The animated Netflix show, which stars characters from the film Madagascar, will let families experience New Year’s Eve without staying up too late — families can start the program whenever they choose, be it 8 p.m. or 11:57 p.m."  Time Magazine








Besides New Year's and catching King Julien, Netflix always has fun Holiday and Seasonal options like our favorite, The Muppets Christmas Carol. So fun!



Remember Netflix streaming for all of your family movie needs. We love the kids selection and even being able to view "Veggie Tales 'It's A Meaningful Life.'" This is another favorite that is available. So, check out Netflix and stream right from your iPad or if you're on the go even your iPad mini.











And a very Happy New Year to you! Cheers 2015!



Warmly, Carolina Mama





FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Netflix. I am a member of the Net Flix Stream Team. All opinions are my own. 

Ford Flex Fabulous for Family Travel #Review

In our recent trip, we traveled to Hilton Head Island in the Ford Flex.  We love the space and the gasoline mileage of this vehicle.  We had so much fun in this vehicle.



It is a very comfortable and spacious vehicle. Our family of (4) had so much space for our (4) day getaway to the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort.

We took it everywhere once we arrived on the Island.  Yes, even Fishing. :)  My husband was very happy driving this beauty. Here he is just as we arrived in South Carolina. He is such a handsome car model. :)


Ford Flex
Here is my happy face enjoying the interior to the Ford Flex. So roomy and it has all the features. We love all of the outlets and USB ports. Tech Rules. Thanks, Ford.


The interior is beautiful. The design is user friendly and simple to navigate. "The Flex does a masterful job of combining style with luxury. The Limited model, for example, features perforated leather-trimmed front seats and a color-keyed leatherwrapped steering wheel with wood inlay with audio and speed controls."



See how nice the Ford Flex is inside. There are (7) Seats. The back row is removable. That is awesome! We removed this row for all of our suitcase gear. So, it is perfect for travel.



Here is the beautiful view from the Driver's Side. I love all of the setting you can 
set up - like cruise control, iPhone, etc. 





The interior of the Ford Flex is so spacious and comfortable. We love the Technology and 
Digital Connections. Even all the Cup Holders were so helpful for say Starbucks. :) 



The Ford Flex Technology is one of our favorite things about the Flex!  Check out the 
awesomeness of the Ford Flex Technology.  The 3.5L EcoBoost® Engine was so smooth and comfortable. 

Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is a worry-free way of driving. 

The 12 Speaker Sony Audio Speakers were fantastic. They are a Teenager's dream. 
We LOVED listening to our music, and the Teens', all vacation. 

The Rear View Camera makes the car worth every penny. We LOVE 
this functional and safe technology upgrade. 

Check out the list of Technology Options. 





So, we totally agree with Ford, that the Ford Flex is a Marriage of Strength and Smarts! Take a look. 




Check out a Ford Flex and enjoy it for a great road trip and family travel!

Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Ford. All opinions are my own. 

Family Travel: Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, Hilton Head Island, SC


Our Family Travel recently took us to the lovely, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.  

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, Hilton Head Island, SC


Hilton Head Island has held so many sweet memories for my family and me.  When I was a college girl, University of South Carolina, I Nannied at Hilton Head Island. Then, it was surreal to return years later with my own tots in tow.  My sweet husband, our family.  Life full-circle is to be cherished.

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, Hilton Head Island, SC

On our November trip, Palmetto Dunes was spectacular for our family's vacation memories. Palmetto Dunes is such an integral part of Hilton Head Island with their expansive Oceanfront property and its Island presence.





Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort has been "Named to the Top 25 of Travel + Leisure magazine's list of the World’s Best Family Resorts, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort on Hilton Head Island has earned this distinction by providing a world-class golf experience alongside vacations that are sure to please the whole family. There's something to do and see for everyone, no matter the age, no matter the interest. Its 2,000 acres, nestled on three miles of sun-kissed Atlantic Ocean Beachfront provide the perfect venue for three world-class golf courses, an award-winning tennis centerand an 11-mile lagoon perfect for kayakingfishing and exploring the pristine natural environment. Offering vacation homes and villa rentals to accommodate groups of all sizes. Palmetto Dunes is the award winning resort that’s by, for, and about the family."


714 Barrington Place, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
Hilton Head Island, SC

Our condo at Barrington Place was fabulous!  This Master Bath had a huge walk in Shower with marble. This was perfect for rinsing off the sand from the beach.  I know, Girls/Moms, we go right for the Master Bath.



The dual sinks were wonderful, too. I made a jewelry tree out of this pretty tree. 
It worked so well, I had to photograph it to take him to remember. 



The Master Bedroom was wonderful and comfortable. It had everything we needed and extra
blankets and pillows. Linens. 

Master Bedroom, 714 Barrington Place
Palmetto Dunes 




Our boys had a great room with Twin Beds and a Full Walk In Closet with a 
Fabulous Bathroom. 


The bathroom was beautiful and spacious. 

2nd Bedroom Bath, Palmetto Dunes, HHI

The laundry room was perfect and upgraded with washer and dryer.




Our family loves the Ocean.  Truly, the boys were so happy to SWIM in the Atlantic in mid-November!  We were so fortunate that the weather hovered at 68 degrees for us.



We even had some Sunshine to go with these moderate temperatures. Naturally, we spent much time outdoors enjoying the beach and activities at Hilton Head.


We were elated to go Fishing on the Beach!  Who has fished in the Atlantic? :) For me, it has been a while but for our boys, it was a fabulous first!  

Carolina Mama & Sons
Hilton Head Island Ocean Fishing
Hilton Head Outfitters


They were overjoyed. We all were. I was reminded of my Daddy taking me fishing in South Louisiana. He taught me how to bait the hook! I got to show my sons. This was one of those parenting moments I savored. What joy! And I have to say, they were so impressed with Mom wielding the mullet and baiting their hooks ... until they got the hang of it and they were off. 


We are an active family and we felt so special and spoiled when Hilton Head Outfitters Bike Rentals had Bicycles adjusted to our height and complete with Baskets locked and waiting for us right outside of our condo. These were so handy.  The convenience made us so eager to bike everywhere. :)


We loved the abundance of Biking Trails all around the Island. And of course, our personal favorite was biking on the Beach. Our Family thrived on the island biking.




We biked to lunch and to the General Store.  Our sons biked up and down the Island together. You may rent helmets. We chose to bring our own helmets for a perfect fit and ease.


Also, Hilton Head Outfitters Bike Rentals had two locks available so we could lock up our bikes and helmets any time and anywhere.  Our pretty red bicycles greeted us at our Condo entrance.  Thank you, Hilton Head Outfitters. 

Hilton Head Outfitters Bicycles
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort SC

At Sunset our Beach Walks looked like this, our boys and their 
Light Sabers and Rayovac Flashlights! 

                                                 

 The Staff at Palmetto Dunes was so warm and welcoming to our family. From the moment we arrived, to the check out, they are available and friendly.  They were knowledgable and accommodating.  At check in, it was wonderful to meet "Demetria" when we arrived. She showered the boys with M&Ms and Smiles. She also gave us every detail we needed about our stay at Palmetto Dunes.




We enjoy so much about the Island and the Resort. We stayed at the amazing property, Barrington Place. Our property, 714 Barrington Place, was wonderful and full equipped for a family of (4).  It is right on the water with a nice swimming pool and jacuzzi. We had a lagoon view with a porch view of the Ocean. We loved being able to walk right to the Ocean on their private boardwalk.

Our first internet "family photo" was our family Crocs a the beach by our boogie boards. This 
one is sentimental. I had to show our Crocs all these years later. :) I have the 
smallest foot in the family now. :) 

Carolina Mama Crocs 

After driving through the beautiful and abundant low-country of South Carolina, we got checked in and hit the World Famous Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center!  We were so psyched to play night Tennis. Actually, we first took a walk on the beach and watched the sun set which was memorable. Then, we were off to the Courts.  The boys loved Dad showing them how to turn on the lights and pay with the tokens. We had perfect weather and a pretty competitive match. We loved that Security checked in on us. It was nicely lit and safe. And the Clay Courts are a real treat!





Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center, an Award Winning Tennis Center, has been named one of the best in the Country. If you are serious about your Tennis Game, Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center is serious about Tennis, too. Check this out:

"In fact, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is the ultimate tennis vacation destination for anyone who wants to improve his or her tennis skills.

  • Ranked among "The 50 Greatest U.S. Tennis Resorts" by Tennis Magazine
  • Ranked #2 in the world for instruction and events
  • Ranked #3 in the world for junior programs
  • Ranked #5 in the world overall by Tennis Resorts Online

We had Sunday Brunch at the lovely Bonefish Grill, Hilton Head Island. We are great fans of Bonefish and we loved their Sunday Brunch. You can read all about it here. Bonefish is one of the many wonderful restaurant options at Hilton Head Island. You can dine out for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with your family and enjoy moderate and fine dining fare.  I loved cooking in the perfect kitchen in our condo for our family for some of our meals.

Palmetto Dunes was "Named Top Southern Resort" by Conde Nast!  Our Family agrees. You can take your Family and Friends for a getaway.


Ultimate Family Package Sun 'n Fun Island Escape 


This Family Package is good through February, rates for a 2-bedroom resort view villa start at $196/night now through February.  Rates remain the same for the Holidays. 

*Accommodations through February (no package included) rates are $160 now through February. 

FOR EXCLUSIVE OFFERS NOW AND RECEIVE

10% OFF +

FREE BIKES


Hilton Head Kayak & Canoe was reserved for us by Hilton Head Outfitters. We love kayaking. A storm rolled in the afternoon we planned to go so we had to sadly graciously decline.  We had so many fun options there that we didn't get back to Kayak. We have to go back to Hilton Head soon because we need to go Kayaking there. Next time, we're in!  

Hilton Head Outfitters, Kayaking and Canoeing 


Big Jim's on the Trent Jones Golf Course is an energetic and fun place to dine..  Big Jim's is perfect after a great day of golfing and a visit to the Pro Shop.  It was a rainy afternoon.  Our boys had a great pizza. My husband and I had Grilled Fish and Chips. The food was great and abundant.

Big Jim's at Trent Jones Golf Course
Palmetto Dunes Resort, Hilton Head Island, SC
Back at Barrington Place, we had our Family Movie Night and mention Dune House right on the beach....More about the condo itself, awesome layout, we watched "Muppets Christmas" on the condo DVD player. We just rented a Red Box movie, our condo was a great place for down time...



The spacious furnished deck would be ideal Dinners with a little warmer weather, etc.  We had a little coffee outside and kept out Crocs and Fishing Gear there.



So, I completely adored the Kitchen at our Barrington Place condo. It was so fun to cook and 
entertain our crew here. We set up our Coffee station with all of our favorites.  This was so convenient.  The kitchen had a great coffee pot, toaster oven, microwave and was 
fully stocked with kitchen equipment. 


Sunday Morning we had Home Church in our condo. Since the WiFi is FREE with your 
stay, we logged right on a listened to Church from our Pastor at our previous church, 
Venture Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi.  Such fun for our family to remember
our early days in this incredible and vibrant church family. 


We loved everything about Palmetto Dunes. If you have a chance, book your family vacation getaway and enjoy!  The Ocean is spectacular and the Property and Amenities are immense and unmatched. Thank you Palmetto Dunes and Crew for hosting us and spoiling us.

See you soon.... #TerrellFamilyAdventure :)


#TerrellFamilyAdventure
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
Hilton Head Island, SC 

Warmly,  Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. All opinions are our own.