Haley and the Hound, For Living the Good Life #MadeInUSA #ParkerTunic

Greetings from Haley and the Hound, Morehead City, North Carolina on the Crystal Coast.   Haley and the Hound is all about helping you define Living the Good Life. With the most stylish, versatile and comfortable apparel, Haley and the Hound keeps you fashionable. Let me tell you about it.

It makes me so happy to share with you one of the most beautiful and stylish North Carolina brands. Like many things, word of mouth is the best marketing. So, I was thrilled when my girlfriend's response to my "love your adorable top" was an excited, "Haley and the Hound!"

Quickly, I became a customer of Haley and the Hound. Now, I get to share with you. I love, love, love the fact that Haley and the Hound is Made in the USA! There is something authentic about made in America!

The Resort wear is beautiful and nautical. Since it is so fashionable and comfortable, it can take you from poolside to dinner table. I love the beauty and elegance. This styles are so classic and yet casual.

Here is another look at my Parker Tunic in Starfish Aqua.  I do adore it!

Here is a beautiful look at the Sleeveless Shirtdress in Blue Floral.  Enjoy a beautiful and polished appearance with this light and cool dress. 

 When you go to the Haley and the Hound website, check out the Look Book for more fun looks like these Chippendale Shorts and this Julia dress. You'll find all kinds of ideas for pool parties, picnics and BBQs and more!

How fun are the nautical Tee Shirts. I LOVE this one, The Dog in Pearls!  So awesome that they are 100% SC grown and spun cotton and custom dyed! Printed in NC!  In college, we always wore Pearls with our Tees, so this is a favorite for me!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!  Also enjoy the Haley and the Hound SALE page for some super deals now!

Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Haley and the Hound. All opinions are my own. 

The Produce Box, Raleigh, NC #EatLocal

Welcome to The Produce Box!  This our first The Produce Box!  We chose a basic Harvest Box! WE LOVE eating North Carolina grown produce! And we love no chemicals and freshness!  I was so delighted when The Produce Box contacted me and said invited me to try out their service. We did! We're hooked! 

The Produce Box, Raleigh, North Carolina

This is our first The Produce Box!! To say we are smitten is an understatement! We love the produce and the service!  You can see our favorite things in this Harvest Box! Organic Kale, Spinach, Tomatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Strawberries, Green Onions and Green Bib Lettuce!

                                       


Here at Carolina Mama Blog, we LOVE all things North Carolina, and one of the epitomes of North Carolina homegrown goodness is The Produce Box!  We LOVE their LOCAL produce policy The Produce Box is a well run company with a system that is fantastic to navigate! They have organic options! Look at this beautiful batch of Organic Kale!

                                       

We tried it out and were pleasantly pleased! In fact, we're now Customers! We've ordered again and we plan to continue since we had such a positive experience. The Produce Box is exactly what we have been looking for in the fresh and local department. 

"The Produce Box delivers fresh, local produce and specialty products like meats, cheese, bread and a lot more to homes and offices all over North Carolina. We bring the farmer's market to your door! You can choose what you want to order and skip a week if you need to anytime. We help our members support over 70 local farmers and give back to their communities. In the past two years, we have purchased more than 2 MILLION pounds of produce from North Carolina! Our members are helping change the food system - one table at a time!" 

My son made this delicious FRESH The Produce Box Salad!  Everything on this salad is from The Produce Box. We added the Eggs. Although, you can order fresh local eggs in your box, too! 

                                    

My absolute FAVORITE feature of The Produce Box is that YOU choose your your selection each week!  Simply SIGN UP / REGISTER for The Produce Box. 

Then, the FUN happens! 

The Membership for the year is simple and reasonably priced at $18 per year which is paid when you sign up.  That's just $1.50 a month.  Once you have signed up for the year, you get to choose your favorites each week! If you are traveling, no problem, log on and choose the Skip Week option. It is that simple. You can even go through the year in once setting and choose all of your Skip Weeks. Love this! Then, if your plans change, no problem, again! You can just add in your favorite choices for that week. Save it and you are all set with your order. This is so customer friendly! 

Once you sign up, The Produce Box will send you an email (the Friday after you join) with your first week’s menu. The weekly menu features new boxes and individual items depending on what is available and in season. Then, you get to choose your items! You can choose a box and then add or subtract items from that box customizing it to your need or want! 

The choices are abundant and feature a variety of local specialties.  We cannot wait to try this week's Goat Cheese with Herbs from Hillsborough - right here in the Triangle! 

The Produce Box delivers Recipes with your box! That way you can use for your veggies in creative and tasty ways! 

I absolutely LOVE this video on how to Zest Citrus! I love Lemons, Limes and any citrus! So, this was something that truly helped me with my cooking! I plan to add the Lime Zest to my new Avocado Salad Dressing! :)  Yum!  

SIGN UP TODAY!!!  Enjoy your Local Produce! 

Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by The Produce Box. All opinions are my own. 

Perfect Nutella Rice Krispy Treats, It Wasn't Always This Way

Nutella Rice Krispy Treats by CarolinaMama®

                       

Tonight, I'm Rocking the Nutella Rice Krispy Treats!  It wasn't always that way.  This may seem trivial, y'all. Let me tell you, as a young (younger) Mom, Boulder Mt. Man and I were raising Toddler Twins and I struggled with the Rice Krispy Treat. I didn't know that Esther had so much to do with my Rice Krispy Treat making abilities. 

The worst of it is that I literally judged my mothering skills and commitment by my Rice Krispy 'talent!" Seriously, I struggled with the basic Rice Krispy! I know it seems crazy since I won the 2014 Raleigh Frugal Cook Off with Food Lion and all. Then, why did I ever make a too sticky batch of Rice Krispy treats!? I remember crying over Rice Krispy Treats that were so sticky and no matter what I did, they were stuck to my clean and well-buttered hands. It was like a quick sand I couldn't get away from it, no matter what.

God only knows, and I have to tell you, He also knows He had a lesson for me to learn. It makes tonights perfect little Nutella Rice Krispy Treats all the sweeter. Tonight, these are the BEST Rice Krispy Treats in the world. They were hard earned so to speak.

Tonight is different!

In all seriousness, it is interesting to me as a Mama of these precious 15 year old! twin sons, that I worried about Rice Krispy Treats when these boys were toddlers. Where was my heart?  To be honest, I think I was inadvertently allowing the enemy to intimidate me. Furthermore, I was allowing a simple thing like getting Rice Krispy Treats perfect to indicate my mothering to our twin sons.

All of the time took my mind off of why I made the boys Rice Krispy Treats in the first place. It took my focus off of why I want to be a great Mom at all.

So, weather you are a new Mama or a Mama to teens like me, just know that the little things do not matter. I could have broken out a spoon and fed the boys the rice krispy and they would have been thrilled! It wouldn't have mattered and I would not have been distracted with the perfection of my confections.

Recently, my son and I had a night out to see our local homeschool friends put on an incredible Esther Musical Play through the Spiritual Twist Productions. It was a blessed night and I was reminded of God's call on me through Esther 4:14.

Remember with me one of my most defining "Mom" verses, in those same "young Mom years," I was moved greatly by our Pastor Jeff Clark's Mother's Day sermon on Esther 4:14. "Esther, maybe you are called to the kingdom for such a time as this." 

For some reason, as a Mom, now, Esther totally made sense to me. God spoke to me in such away like I had never heard in Esther.  For Such a Time As This. 

In fact, maybe that Mother's Day was the turning point in my perfect Rice Krispy world i.e. my perfect mothering world. As our Pastor now, will tell you it is something about which he has taught us much. So, maybe it took me a while... yet, I am SO very grateful because of tonight, I didn't even expect my Nutella Rice Krispy treats to be perfect. :)

Then, I would have had time to be so very grateful for the moments we had sticky Rice Krispy Treats or perfect Nutella Rice Krispy Treats!

What are you struggling with in the perfection and expectations department of your mothering or life? Remember what matters "for such a time as this."

Warmly,
CarolinaMama

National Women's Health Week with Solis Mammography #Greensboro #NC

In honor of National Women's Health Week, I am sharing something near and dear to all of us. With the help of Solis Mammography, I am helping share about the importance of our wellness decisions in women's health. Let's take our Confusion and change it to Clarity. 

In a letter from the President / CEO of Solis Mammography, James Polfreman, he clarifies early detection in women's breast health:

"Solis Mammography is on a mission to educate women about important decisions about breast health. Solis believes that saving lives is job one and quality of life runs a close second. 

Solis presents six (6) facts that help women decide for themselves:
a) mammography is the closest thing we have to a cure;
b) Twenty precent of the women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2015 were under the age of 50;
c) The average size of a tumor found through self-exam was that of a walnut, the average size of a tumor found through mammography was pea sized;
d) When you find a tumor earlier, your choices are better, less invasive or aggressive and less expensive; 
e) Insurance companies still pay 100% of 2D mammograms starting at age 40;
f) 3D mammography provides an excellent upgrade to 2D mammograms helping radiologist have an even clearer image of breast tissue. 

Peace of mind and overall wellness come from getting the facts at your annual mammogram. 

• According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate is 100 percent for women diagnosed with stage 0 and 1 breast cancer."

Solis Mammography - the nation's largest independent provider of breast cancer screening and diagnostics.  Solis Mammography has multiple locations across the US including Greensboro.  Additionally, this year Solis Mammography is celebrating its 30th Anniversary. 
 
There has been two major recommendations to when a woman should begin her mammogram -- this has become confusing and complicated for women -- which it should not be. 

Women should begin their mammograms at 40 because early detection is the healthiest!!! 

Check out Solis Mammography Greensboro here.

About Solis Mammography: Solis Mammography is a specialized healthcare provider focused exclusively on providing women an exceptional mammography experience. Headquartered in Addison, Texas, Solis Mammography currently operates 29 centers across four states – Texas, Arizona, Ohio and North Carolina. The company operates both wholly owned centers and multiple successful joint ventures with hospital partners. Solis Mammography provides a complete range of highly specialized breast health services, including screening and diagnostic mammography (2D and 3D), computer-aided detection, breast ultrasound, stereotactic biopsy and ultrasound-guided biopsy. For more information, visit www.SolisMammo.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Pinterest, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Convenient - Solis has multiple locations, so finding a center and scheduling your appointment is easy. Solis provides: Easy-to-make appointments via phone or computer, walk-in appointments are also available. Use the online appointment calendar to quickly book your appointment - choose the time and the day that work best for you. Click here to schedule.

This message is to myself as I need to make my annual mammography a priority! :) 

Warmly, Carolina Mama

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

Spring Is Here and Scotties Facial Tissues Are Here With You

This Spring has been beautiful and lovely! We love this time of year and we celebrate by spending as much time outdoors as possible.  There is one thing, along with the milder temperatures.... Scotties Facial Tissues knows that with beautiful Spring ... 

... comes an earlier and fierce on set of allergies this year! Admittedly, here in North Carolina the pollen has been a battle to contend with this Spring.

Scotties Facial Tissues to the rescue!  Scotties say, "We feel for you!"

The itchy watery eyes and the stuffy nose are the absolute worst – but Scotties is here for you! They have a solution to our allergy challenges! 

Scotties has the everyday comfort that you need for your family. They also have the strength and softness for when symptoms are at their worst. For even the worst symptoms, try Scotties 3-ply, or 3-ply with aloe for the extra strength you need.

We love the 3-ply Aloe tissues! 

We love that Scotties sent us a fabulous care package of their Aloe 3-ply Tissues just in time for the height of the NC allergy season. So, do you have a need to stock up! Don’t have time to run to the store, Scotties will deliver to you! Check out their amazing deals and delivery! 

Scotties are now on Amazon.com, visit Scotties here!

We all know how helpful home delivery is so go enjoy getting stocked up your favorite Scotties Tissues!

Also, we LOVE Scotties commitment to our environment! Here is their commitment to everyone: 

"Consider it our pledge to you and our environment, for today and all of our tomorrows. For every tree that Scotties uses to create its products, we will plant three more trees in its place. In the past 50 years, J. D. Irving, Limited has planted over 944 million trees."

"Scotties is the brand of facial tissue you can trust to deliver kitten-y softness, strength and value in every sheet. As always, our products are environmentally considerate, and we are dedicated to responsible forestry, so you can feel good about supporting Scotties."

Thank you Scotties!  Remember check out their amazing deal on Amazon.com! If you are a Prime Member, that's FREE Shipping to your home and that's what I call getting stocked up! Happy Spring! 

Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Scotties®. We love Scotties® and their commitment to our environment. All opinions are my own. 

Bounce House, Birthdays and Fun at Monkey Joe's North Charleston, South Carolina

Bounce House, Birthdays and Fun at Monkey Joe's 

N. Charleston, South Carolina 

by Heidi Haynes 

As the Mom of three “little monkeys,” I am so excited to write this review of our favorite kids play place, Monkey Joe’s!  We had a fabulous time at the location here in Charleston, SC!  Really, we were already fans and had taken our kids just because we wanted to have some Bounce House Fun! It was great to return to our local Monkey Joe's and get to share with you all about it! 

                                        

                                        

Here are "our monkeys" checking in to Monkey Joe’s, getting their wristbands!  

                          

You might even get to see Monkey Joe or one of his friends like we did!  Monkey Joe, a furry purple monkey, learned how fun it was to bounce on Coco-nutty Island, and he and his friends want to share that fun with you!

                           

Our favorite activity was the huge slide!  Here we helped our youngest up so she could slide down too!  So fun!  First, see how she worked hard to climb up! So proud of her! She loved it at Monkey Joe's! 

                         

I love that Monkey Joe’s even has a Mini Monkey Zone, a separate play area for toddlers 3 years-old and younger.  As you can see, my youngest little monkey had quite a time!  Here she is playing on the alligator blow-up, and then signing “candy” at the gum ball machines!  What a stinker!

                                                                                                                                             

                                 

I was so impressed with the many staff available at Monkey Joes!  They were all so helpful and courteous!  While our children were "monkeying around,” the trained staff observed all play areas to enforce the rules of Monkey Joe's. Look at the fun they are having! 

At Monkey Joe’s, safety is their top priority. In order to keep your toddlers safe, they abide by their Safety Access Child Control System (SACCS) by providing:

• Softer and smaller obstacles to climb on
• Adult seating so you can supervise your little one’s play
• Toys and games suitable for kids 3 years-old and younger
• Clean and well-lit play areas and trained staff on-site to assist children and parents
• Sanitized inflatable surfaces by Swisher Hygiene, eliminating up to 99.9 percent of most common germs
• Certified jumps with safety mats at all jump entrances and exits
• Video monitoring and identity bracelets that tell us who is in our play center

Monkey Joe's N. Charleston, SC 

We visited Monkey Joe’s Concession Area and got some of their yummy pizza!  They have other Tasty Treats too like popcorn, ice cream, and candy!  Cool off with a Dasani Bottled Water or Coca-Cola! We splurged with an ICEE, my kids’ favorite!  Don’t forget to wear socks, but if you do, Monkey Joe's has got you covered with their Monkey Joe’s Merchandise, along with T-shirts and Plush Toys for sale!

At Monkey Joe’s, safety is their top priority. In order to keep your toddlers safe, they abide by their Safety Access Child Control System (SACCS) by providing:

• Softer and smaller obstacles to climb on
• Adult seating so you can supervise your little one’s play
• Toys and games suitable for kids 3 years-old and younger
• Clean and well-lit play areas and trained staff on-site to assist children and parents
• Sanitized inflatable surfaces by Swisher Hygiene, eliminating up to 99.9 percent of most common germs
• Certified jumps with safety mats at all jump entrances and exits
• Video monitoring and identity bracelets that tell us who is in our play centers

As a mom, one of my favorite things about Monkey Joe’s is the cleanliness!  Monkey Joe’s has partnered with Swisher Hygiene Inc. to provide sanitized conditions for customers throughout all of their facilities.  

Swisher’s SWAT germicidal shock treatment is used on all inflatables at Monkey Joe’s on a routine basis. The treatment eliminates 99.9% of bacteria, fungi and viruses on contact with a safe, non-toxic solution through a micro-misting device.  SWAT provides a deep clean while disinfecting and deodorizing our inflatable surfaces.  This mama can take a sigh of relief!  

Monkey Joe's N. Charleston, South Carolina Arcade

Monkey Joes also has an arcade room for all ages along with plenty of tables and seating areas!  This is especially nice for families with older children!  Something for everyone!

Monkey Joe’s also offers group rates for daycares, religious organizations, moms’ group play dates, camps, school groups and other large parties. 

They also offer a Frequent Jumper Card that reduces the price of regular admission up to 40 percent.  Look at these private rooms available for parties!  We attended one not too long ago!  It was so convenient for the adults, and the kids all had a blast! 

Party packages include:

• Invitations for your guests
• Party time in your own private suite 
• Your own dedicated Monkey Joe’s party host
• Drinks for the party attendees in a Monkey Joe's souvenir cup
• Monkey Joes themed paper plates, cups, tablecloth & utensils
• Gift for the birthday kid
• Courtesy set-up and clean-up by Monkey Joe’s

Additional party add-ons** include:

• Pizza
• Balloons
• Goodie bags
• Ice cream

So the next time you want to plan a fun time for your little ones- or to do something fun on the spur-of-the-moment, I highly recommend Monkey Joes!  Your kids can stay and play as long as they would like, and they will probably fall asleep on the way home, like mine did!  Big win for Dad and Mom!!!


Since my parents live in Indiana, I am happy to know that there is a Monkey Joe’s close to them too for our next trip to “Good-ma and Good-pa’s” house! You can Find A Monkey Joe's Location near you here.  Monkey Joe's, we'll be back! 

Hope you can visit a Monkey Joe's soon! Thank you Monkey Joe's N. Charleston for hosting our family! 

Warmly, Heidi and Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Monkey Joe's, Charleston, South Carolina. All opinions are our own. 

Why Is Your Mom The Best Mom? Lands' End Mother's Day Contest #DearMom

A little Happy Mother's Day early this year!  Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8, 2016 and Lands' End is making it extra fun by offering The Lands' End Mother's Day Contest! Everyone has a chance to win by showing your Mom you care! 

You can Show Your Mom How Much You Care by entering the Contest which runs through May 6th.  Share a message, photo or video on Twitter and/or Instagram using the hashtag #dearmom #contest and #mylandsend for a Chance to Win a daily $100 Lands' End Gift Card! @LandsEndPR will select and announce the winner at the end of each day. LandsEndPR will ship the $100 Gift Card to the Winner each day! 

Today, I want to share my Mother's Day message by telling you Why My Mom Is The Best Mom!  Many of you know that my precious Mom passed away just three years ago she was blessed to spend right at 80 years here. We are so thankful for her and the legacy she has left us. 

Mother and Daughter Mother's Day, New Orleans, Louisiana Cir. 2002

My Mom is the Best because taught me service and commitment to family! For my Mom, Family was always, always and always first! She had so many talents and was a beautiful lady. Many called my parents the Camelot couple. A little before my time, yet it is a major complement from another iconic couple the President John F. and Jackie Kennedy. Like Jackie Kennedy, my mother was beautiful, classic and fashionable. She loved family and people. And she unexpectedly lost her husband in the prime of his life. She left a lifetime of love, learning and laughter for us! 

My Mother and her Twin Grandsons. They are two of her eight grandchildren.
They are 8 boys / 1 girl! :) 

She served our community well in our local Pops Symphony, our Church, Planning Committees, Gardening Clubs, etc. Many more and yet she kept our family at the forefront. She taught us love and commitment through her tenacity, hard work and great love! 

I am forever grateful. I've made this video to share with you in a more candid was just what she means to me. 

*Remember to Tweet and Instagram the Following for a chance to Win a $100 Lands' End gift card - tell us "Why is your Mom the Best Mom!?"  Remember to tag #DearMom #Contest #MyLandsEnd  

Happy Mother's Day!

Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post, video and contest is sponsored by Lands' End. All opinions are my own.