My TWR Appointee Update - Writer and Social Media Specialist

Hey y'all! I'm so excited to share with you my TWR (formerly Trans World Radio) story in the video. Our TWR MOTION team created a video of my story and call to TWR. I'm so happy to share it with you and update you on my appointment to the TWR  Marketing and Communications team as Writer and Social Media Specialist.

Please touch base with me if I can share more information. We are praying for our prayer partners and monthly financial supporters. Once I am 100% supported, my work with TWR begins! Thank you for your thoughts prayers, support, and consideration. God Bless You!



Malise Terrell: Missionary With TWR from TWR on Vimeo.

"For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth." Acts 13:47


Warmly, Carolina Mama

Driftwood Bistro - Best Family Seafood Restaurant on Jekyll Island, Georgia


Driftwood Bistro Jekyll Island, Georgia Carolina Mama and Family
Summer 2017

"Driftwood Bistro is a unique casual “low country” restaurant experience in a relaxed yet sophisticated island resort atmosphere. Let us treat you to the best food and service on beautiful Jekyll Island."



The trees on Jekyll Island are breathtaking. Known for the Driftwood, we were so thrilled to learn about a local hot spot for seafood and dining, the Driftwood Bistro! Love their driftwood logo. 


We love the low country atmosphere of trees and simple spaces. 



We were immediately drawn to the Driftwood by a local artist. You can acquire your own original piece at the Driftwood Bistro when you visit. Look how unique these are! 



The restaurant is decorated with the driftwood artwork and in a coastal theme with palm trees, sea shells and this bald eagle print. 




We are seafood lovers so we started with a couple of shrimp appetizers perfectly and lightly
coated with a delicious seasoning that complimented the fresh shrimp. 



We were greeted by the owner, Dan Dickerson. He is the kindest and most hospitable owner and server! That's right, Dan will be serving when you stop by for a visit! He believes in being 
a part of the restaurant and serving his customers. He made us feel so welcomed. 




Photo opp! Yes, we got the boys to get a few quick and cute pics of Dad and Mom! :) 


We had a delicious salad with homemade blue cheese dressing. Boulder Mt. Man and I love homemade blue cheese and this one was perfect. 


My dish was a fresh caught seabags with capers and a delicious light sauce that was tasty and 
perfect with this light white fish. 


My Boulder Mt. Man loves crab cakes so he ordered the Wild Georgia Crab Cakes! He had his accompanied with slaw and a squash casserole which is a southern favorite. It was one of the best I have had. I am so glad that he shared it with me! I loved it! 



Our cheeseburger lover was thrilled - this one was "perfect!" And the fries were "to die for, too!" :) 



We must remember the Hushpuppies! This is maybe the 3rd basket so they did the trick! :) 


Our other son loves perfectly fried shrimp! He had his first cheesy grits! So proud of him 
always trying new things. We love cheese grits and he hasn't tried them. This was 
a great time. His favorite are classic grits. However, his Dad loved the cheese grits !:) 


The decadent chocolate warm Chocolate Lava Cake was a treat! We devoured it! 


They also have a specialty of Augusta's "Now Famous" Bread Pudding that is like no other! This recipe was from a family member's Grandmother! So cool! Even though I'm a New Orleans girl, bread pudding is not my thing. I did try this one and I was glad I did! Everyone liked it! 


The Driftwood Bistro is located at the "Villas by the Sea!" Isn't it gorgeous with greenery, ferns, oak trees, Spanish moss and more. Another great photo opp - this one of the boys! :) They 
loved chilling in the mega chaise! 



Then Dad jumps in! :) 


Family fun Villas by the Sea at the Driftwood Bistro restaurant! :) I love summer! :) 



Our turn, summer love! 



When you're on Jekyll Island, go to Driftwood Bistro and eat all of the seafood, talk with Dan and enjoy! You'll be glad! Thank you for hosting us, Dan and Driftwood! We'll hope to be back soon!


Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Driftwood Bistro. All opinions are our own. 



Best Savory Sugar-Free Sweet Potatoes for Thanksgiving and Forever

This Thanksgiving is extra special because I finally mastered the organic North Carolina Sweet Potatoes! :)




Really, we are so grateful this Thanksgiving weekend. God is beyond what I can explain in his love and mercy! We have been blessed immensely and I wanted to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Now, for the best Sweet Potatoes! Seriously, through my 2017 Journey 2 Health, I've learned so much and have been so elated to learn so many new things health wise that include eat well, move well and live well!

So, I was challenged to make the delicious traditional Sweet Potatoes without sugar or maple syrup or white flours, etc. I accepted and am so grateful! This recipe is on our forever list! Remember how healthy sweet potatoes are for you.



Get the whole rSavory Sugar-Free Sweet Potatoes recipe and details here at Journey 2 Health were I shared the article originally.

Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Journey 2 Health as I am a J2H Team member! All opinions are my own. 

Butterball Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway

Thanksgiving is coming!! We're working with Butterball again! You know that means a Butterball Turkey Giveaway!

We love Butterball. We're customers all year long! Butterball is delicious and also, they help you cook your turkey to perfection!




Butterball is committed to being a comprehensive resource for your Thanksgiving Turkey! Check out the How-To Video Page here!  All of the How-Tos are listed: How to Choose, How to Thaw, How to Roast, Stuff, Brine, etc. your turkey to perfection! 


http://www.butterball.com/how-tos

I love the Calculators & Conversations Thawing: "This Thanksgiving, don’t waste time trying to figure out how to convert measurements, how much turkey to buy or how much time is needed for thawing and cooking. Making your time in the kitchen more efficient!" 

Enter the Giveaway for (1) Butterball Turkey Coupon valued at $20! 

1) Leave a comment below of your favorite Thanksgiving Turkey dressing recipe! 


2) Tweet this Giveaway! 


3) Leave a comment on the Carolina Mama FB page of your favorite Thanksgiving dessert! 


*Contest ends November 15th at Noon EST.  (The coupon will be sent with a tracking number. No resends will be granted.) All the best! 



An early Happy Thanksgiving! I know we are already planning our recipes! Chocolate Pecan Pie is always in the rotation! Mommy's Cornbread Oyster Dressing is #1! :) 

Warmly, Carolina Mama

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

Goodbye Christopher Robin Premiere October 13th, 2017 and Giveaway

We LOVE Winnie-the-Pooh! All the bear family! Even more exciting to share this fabulous news: 

The true story about Winnie-the-Pooh! GOODBYE CHRISTOPER ROBIN, a film that takes us to post-war England and the lives of the Milne family.  A.A. Milne, an author, and veteran of The Great War suffering from PTSD becomes inspired by his son to create characters that we all know and love today.

The film’s initial opening will be Friday October 13th. 



The film explores the ways we heal, and the sometimes complicated bond between children and their parents – especially when the child shares a spotlight alongside a treasured icon.
GOODBYE CHRISTOPER ROBIN stars Domhnall Gleeson (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Revenant, Unbroken), Margot Robbie (The Wolf of Wall Street, Suicide Squad) and Kelly MacDonald (Brave, Nanny McPhee).  It is directed by Simon Curtis (My Week With Marilyn, Woman In Gold) and written by Simon Vaughan and Frank Cottrell Boyce (who you may or may not know wrote famous children’s book Chitty Chitty Bang Bang).
GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN Trailer:  https://youtu.be/dxCEXQr1X7g


We cannot wait to see it! Just for our fabulous Pooh obsessed readers, there's a Giveaway! 

Enter to Win: 

Winnie-the-Pooh Journal and Winnie-the-Pooh Tote Bag! :) 

(1) Leave a comment below of your first Winnie the Pooh memory! 
Bonus Entry: Tell us your favorite character or scene from the book - share on our Carolina Mama Facebook Page here! 

*Contest closes at 4pm EST Monday, October 16th! All the best! 



My friend, Danielle Smith, is on the way to NYC for the media premiere. Follow Danielle on Instagram for more details! :) 

Enjoy the movie and all the best on the Contest! 

Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Goodbye Christopher Robin films. All opinions are my own. 

MillsWyck Communications Public Speaking

"You can speak with Confidence, Power, and Ease! 
We'll show you how! 
Public speaking and training by MillsWyck Communications



Recently, I was able to participate in the MillsWyck Communications Public Training: Public workshops designed to give you personal instruction to reach your own communication goals while having fun in a safe, supportive and highly effective setting.  



We were once in Alan and Haley Hoffler's Sunday School class with his teaching so I knew I was in for some great public speaking training. As a social media consultant and writer, storytelling is what we do. So I was thrilled to get to focus on these skills for my business and personal life in the "Storytelling" workshop. 

MillsWyck Communications offers a positive approach to the educational component of public speaking!  "You have what it takes. We can show you how." Corporate Training | Personal Training | Public Training 


Alan Hoffler, Public Speaking, MillsWyck Communications, Raleigh, NC

Alan has been teaching and training in public speaking for a long time in many areas so he has a great atmosphere to his Public Speaking Workshops. I was immediately greeted with a warm welcome by Alan and other workshop attendees. The meeting room was very professional. 

Alan is engaging and taught us a lot about bringing our own stories to light. He makes his teaching personal so you can leave with real-life examples that you can use.  I loved that there was an atmosphere of working together and learning as we each took a turn with our speaking story. 


"Storytelling" Public Speaking Workshop @ MillsWyck Communications
Alan Hoffler Raleigh, North Carolina 
In this congenial workshop, I was able to learn from specifics from the teaching, learn from others and share some of my story. Alan has a way of getting everyone involved and comfortable. The time flew by because it was really exciting and fun to learn all of these new tools for public speaking. 

Alan had a great conference room set up with water, coffee, tea and even snacks to make the morning comfortable. We had everything we needed so there were no distractions. He even thought of his attendees by surprising us with catered lunch so that we could network and get to know each other better after the workshop. 

I loved attending the MillsWyck Communications public speaking workshop. I hope to attend again sometime. These are helpful tools for everyone whether it be corporate, personal or public coaching. I hope you get a chance to attend. 

You can follow MillsWyck on Facebook here; you can sign up for their newsletter to be in the know of workshops and even get a 12 Killer Speaking Tips presentation for signing up! They're on Twitter  @Millswyck. 

Upcoming Workshop: Powerful Persuasive Speaking October 16-17th  Intense speaking skills workshop. "Given the right tools, anyone can become a confident, influential speaker."

Check out other MillsWyck Workshops here

I can't wait to see you next time, I'll have a great story for you! :) 

Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by MillsWyck Communications. All opinions are my own. Thank you MillsWyck for hosting me. 

My Journey 2 Health Four Month Check-In

Happy Fall!  I am exactly at the four-month mark of my Journey to Health and am so happy to have some news to report. I stayed focused, for the most part, and worked all summer to change my lifestyle to eat well, move well and live well.  


It has been a rewarding journey so far and has been thrilling to see the success that comes with eating and moving well.

One of my favorite observations on this journey so far is that I do not feel like I am missing out on anything. This is such a mind shift for me! The educational posts in  Journey 2 Health, - along with the valuable coaching I’m receiving - are helping me to learn not just how, but why to make changes in how I  eat, move and live. It is wonderful to check-in each month with individual coaching. Because it makes more sense to me, I am motivated, and the changes are sustainable and attainable! You can choose your journey from the available plans including the individual coaching sessions here.

In the past, I have been in a battle with craving things like sugar and white flour (baking) and attempting moderation. Now, I rarely want to fill myself with these items that have no nutritional value or benefit. Yes, sugar cravings are real. Even though I have done well to eradicate the sugar in my diet, my brain remembers sugar. That’s okay, it also remembers the sugar low afterward, the mood swings from sugar highs, and the digestive discomfort of white flour and bland filler ‘foods.’

With a little reminder, I know why I am making the choices I make. Now, I enjoy seeking out healthier options rather than choosing what is quick, easy and awful for me.

I remember when our children were younger, we’d play “spot the lie” in advertising. Now, I “spot the lie” in the food industry and make a wholesome choice! For example, green labels do not always mean healthy, organic or USDA certified. I’ve found everything from “have a great day” with a green leaf label, to a green “this is recyclable paper.” We love recycling. However, the green has nothing to do with the unhealthy item in that package.

My Top Three Items on my Update:

I.  Thrilled.  I am so very thrilled and excited that I have taken this journey for the long term. One of the greatest benefits of health and wellness is feeling vital and healthy again! Take a glance at the photo above - it shows the symptoms I had back in June when I began this journey (bottom diagram - see all of the red!). Look at the symptoms for September- progress!

I’ve shared on my blog and through my podcasts about my struggle with grief and how challenges can ‘derail’ my wellness. I knew I was struggling when I joined Journey 2 Health. It was hard to accept how much I had lost my way. Yet, I knew I wanted to take this challenge. I am so thrilled I did as I have seen the weight loss, my measurements drop, and my usually low blood pressure stabilize to a normal again. These are remarkable changes in areas I was struggling in daily.

Observation: Over time, it has been pretty triumphant to see markable success all because I have been willing to stay focused on making good choices to eat well, move well and live well. The first check-in, I only lost two inches in my waist, then, the next month, I lost in my hips. It all balances out. I need to believe in the process.

II. Training. “Knowledge is power and with power comes great responsibility!”

The educational training has been empowering and invigorating! I love learning why and how to benefit my healthy living long term. The knowledge has given me the confidence to succeed rather than just read labels and chase calories, fat and carbs. Here is another incredible visual of my progress in healthy living.


These four months later, I am immensely more educated about health and wellness. The educational aspect has been so rewarding and encouraging to my commitment. The more I learn how foods positively affect my body and wellness, the more eager I am to enjoy them. The lessons I receive each week on my iPhone in the Journey 2 Health app are so informationally packed and encouraging. I love that I get a text from my nutrition and wellness coach each morning with real information that will help me.

Consistently I’ve become more active. With the lessons on my iPhone app, I can access a short video of how to move well at any time. There are exercise and workouts to be used on the go, with any amount of time. So nothing is lost. It is very freeing to know I can move well, and it will be effective, wherever I am!  Exercise is fun again!

Observation: I’ve loved being more active again! We love hiking, and  I have gone to yoga again. It challenges me and I do moves that work for me, which means I am typically a step or two behind the instructor. But at the end of the hour, my happy endorphins have kicked in and I feel dynamite so it’s not even on my radar to worry about “how fast” did I go. In the past, I was discouraged by yoga goddesses who could do everything so perfectly. Now, I consider them my allies. I have access to perfect form right next to me and that encourages me to go on and, honestly, not injure myself! :) And they are often the nicest and the most encouraging people in the class. Because as Elle Woods says, “Exercise makes you happy, happy people don’t k*ll their husbands.” Bwahahaah Really though, joy exudes joy!

III. Thankful. I’m so thankful for taking this challenge. When we work for something, we own the reward. It takes time. I am thankful I am making the time and effort to embrace this incredible nutritional, exercise and wellness information with my incredibly positive coach and team. However, the work has been mine for the taking. The rewards are great.

You can start your own team, or join a team and benefit in the same way! I love the benefit of simple and nutritious recipes with real foods. I love learning about exercise moves that are beneficial to my body and goals, and learning how to execute them injury free with articles and videos I can reference in my J2H App on my iPhone anytime.

Observation: I’m thankful I noticed that as I grocery shop for real foods, locally sourced or well-sourced, that I am willing to spend differently. I enjoy budgeting in healthier choices rather than making spontaneous unhealthy choices. I’m thankful that grocery shopping has become simple and fun. I shop more often and purchase smaller, fresher amounts. I use sales flyers to buy organics at regular prices and find better choices on sale. I used to bring home big ‘hauls’  of packaged items that are bagged and boxed. Those fill up grocery bags and carts but  leave you saying, “what’s for dinner?” “Where are the protein, fruits, and vegetables?”

Let’s Talk About Results:

So excited to report that I’m so thrilled about the metabolic and symptom screening improvements. As for inches lost: during the four months on Journey 2 Health, I’ve lost a total of four inches in my waistline! In addition, I’m down two inches in the hipline! Y’all know for a pear shape like me this is miraculous! So excited! I will carry on and I look forward to more updates here.

Guess what the scale said this morning? 20 pounds lost in these four months and three days. I am so thankful to Journey 2 Health in every way! It has been worth every effort!

It is incredibly peaceful going into the holiday season eager to make delicious and traditional dishes more healthily. I hope you’ll continue to follow along as we approach the holidays. Check out the Journey2Health.com articles page, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for great recipes, exercises and more. Even better, join a team or start one of your own and experience success! Let me know if you have questions.

Warmly,
CarolinaMama
FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Journey 2 Health. All opinions are my own. #Journey2HealthPartner






Jekyll Island Club Resort: Best Hotel in Georgia

Jekyll Island Club Resort: Best Hotel in Georgia 
by Southern Living 
                          

Thankfully, the Jekyll Island Club Resort coast is clear! I'm so thankful to receive this news! We've been eager to share all of the beauty that the Jekyll Island Club Resort is and that we experienced as they hosted our family for a family travel experience this summer! It's all perfect timing because it's the ideal destination for Fall Break, Thanksgiving and even Christmas / Holiday Getaways with those you love! 



The boys were so excited to swim after driving to Georgia from North Carolina! It was the 
perfect cool down activity! :) 



First, let's get checked into our Cottage! Already, we are loving it here! 


The Jekyll Island Club is a historic hotel of America. It is so enchanting. The ancient oak trees are captivating. Of course, I grew up climbing oak trees and on Oak Street! Look at these beauties here and throughout my post. 


                           

We loved the beauty throughout the property. It is a serene feeling to experience.

                            

The palm trees add to the magic! Look at this view! It's the best world! 

Palm Trees on Jekyll Island Club Georgia. 

One of the most appealing things about the Jekyll Island Club is that it is so secluded and private. We love that Jekyll Island is 65% undeveloped land. When the private owners donated the land to Georgia, that was the stipulation - the land remains pure and undeveloped. You get this sense of pride right from the first step and glimpse of the island.


This distinguishes Jekyll Island from others. This Spring, Southern Living named Jekyll Island Club the Best Hotel in Georgia!  We knew why as soon as we arrived! 




We were so excited to check in! Everyone was so hospitable and busy as a bee! Loved the Southern style! 


The beautiful cold water with lemon and cucumber was so welcoming and refreshing! 



The Jekyll Island Club history is fascinating. Colonization in 1733, "General James Oglethorpe founded the colony of Georgia and named Jekyll Island in honor of Sir Joseph Jekyll, his friend, and financier from England." 

Look at this beautiful style! HGTV would be so proud! 


The navy paint has my heart! Don't you love the etching of the resort! 


These gorgeous planters add to the ambiance. 


So, I adore this view! I took this the morning we all went to play croquet! Isn't this cool! 



The boys loved riding on the golf carts! 


We joyfully followed along and photographed! We're on the way to our cottage!


This was our Cottage! We had so much fun in this elegant and historical cottage! 


The dining at the cottage was beautiful! Love this option! We were hosted at The Grand Room so we didn't try our cottage dining. It looked beautiful! You may now book a cottage for your wedding and it is all catered and everything is magically ready for you at the resort! 



Here is the beautiful outdoor seating at our cottage. This wa so quaint and pretty.


The rooms were spacious and beautiful! The treats were welcome! :) 


Loved it so much! It had all of the beautiful features and conveniences. Such a relaxing atmosphere and the beds were so comfortable! 


Our bathroom was very spacious and accommodating! LOVED everything. 



Back to the welcome sweets! These two were ready to go swimming so they had a little snack before swimming. :)


Off they go to the swimming pool which was right near our cottage! We are still not used to our 16 year old Tigers being so grown up! Afterall, they are certified LifeGuards! So proud of them. 


Another delightful view at the cottage. 


When we stepped out to dinner, I couldn't help capturing this beautiful moment! This was our view! 




The Terrell Tribe headed to The Grand Room for an exquisite fine dining experience. 


CarolinaMama and Family at Jekyll Island Club Resort

This evening was so elegant and the food was spectacular! Look out for a separate post about the outstanding Grand Room Dining!


Here's a glimpse.... 

Jekyll Island Club Resort - The Grand Dining Room


  • Jekyll Shrimp & Grits “Multi-award winning” Georgia white shrimp & stone milled yellow grits garlic, scallions & andouille sausage

Jekyll Island Club Resort Award Winning Shrimp and Grits


Here is another glimpse at the beauty and genteel spirit at Jekyll Island Club Resort. We loved being whisked away from all of the business of everyday life. 


This memory is precious to me. We were all heading onto the front lawn for a morning of Croquet! I grew up planing Croquet in my own backyard with my family so it was another parenting moment that was so surreal. I was so happy to introduce our boys to croquet and get a good competition going. Truth be told, the boys won! We get competitive so that was a downside for me! :) 


The joy completely eclipsed the loss. Until next time, Tigers! 




Of course, I loved capturing our moments on the lawn. I'd love to go back right now and play a few games!


Clearly, the boys loved it and one lead the show! 



Us on the golf cart tour of the oaks and property. The gentlemen at valet were so accommodating and helpful. They are so knowledgeable and proud of the Jekyll Island Club Resort history! 



While we were getting the history of the Oaks and the Club, someone had a grand time climbing the oak trees! Just like his Mama did as a girl! Again, this was so endearing! I even climbed this tree - a little - with him! Treasured family time, indeed! 


We loved watching the boats pass by in front of our cottage. 


Au Revoir from the Terrells! We loved the Jekyll Island Club Resort! 
Thank you for having this Southern family. We adored your property! 


Hope you all can visit Jekyll Island Club Resort soon for your vacation getaway!

BOOK NOW: 20% OFF Midweek Stays Through December 31st!

Thank you, Jekyll Island Club Resort for hosting our family! We made forever memories and hope to see you soon!

Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Jekyll Island Club Resort. All opinions are my own.