BlogHer Conference 2012 Week For Me

For my 5th year in a row,  I will be Travel Blogging and MicroBlogging....

So yes, I am going to the Blog Her Conference in New York City!  My first Blog Her was 2010 so it will be fun to be back in NYC for this Conference.  We are all bustling around getting our schedules in order.

I know, you wonder, "what's to schedule?"  This is the awesome time where Bloggers and Brands unite.  We get to meet in real life.  I am excited because a lot of the brands I work with or want to work with will be there.  Many are in NYC and the other "many" make it a point to be in New York City for this.

This week I have gotten many things organized and ready like my Business Cards which I adore from Moo Cards.  If you haven't tried them out, that's where I get those cute Mom Cards y'all have seen.  And my cool "business" (did I just say that?) cards!  They are super chic and get just the message across to potential brands, PR and friends I'll be connecting with at the Conference.

Then I have sorted out all the 'devices' that make the cut!  Seriously, I am going NYC style which means sans all of my Southern luggage I am accustomed to taking.  I know I will be glad - when I am in a cab, walking to Times Square, at the Expo Hall or attending a party - that I planned to bring just what I need.

Next, the Outfits!  Let's say this is serious business for a Fashion Blogger!  The Outfits are vital.  The shoes have to rock, the frock :) has to rock and we all know the handbag has the win!  All of this while traveling like I'm backpacking across Europe.

So yes, I have been Rolling my clothing the past two days.  Yes, the fun part.  Rolling up those party dresses so I can touch them up with an iron when I arrive... all this in my non-existent very limited "free time."  Of course, it will be so worth it.

This is truly a wonderful time to meet people in what we call "in real life" - friends, co-workers, brands, PR, that we work with all year.  So I am excited and how could I not be I love New York City.  All American Girl!

Let me know if there is something you would like to see or hear here - otherwise, thanks for joining my journey.  I cannot wait to share more of the latest and most amazing Food, Travel, Fitness, Family, Faith brands and NYC! with you live!

You can follow along for my whimsical moments and specifics on Twitter @CarolinaMama and on Facebook at Carolina Mama.  Pinterest @CarolinaMama and Instagram @CarolinaMama.

Warmly, Carolina Mama

Great Wolf Lodge - Concord, North Carolina Snowland & More

Concord means Harmony! And there was a whole lot of harmony this past weekend...

Arriving at the Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, North Carolina!


The wonder of it all. May they always carry this joie de vive!



The Staff at the Great Wolf Lodge were so accommodating! And friendly! The gift bags and DVDs on the desk behind them Welcomed the Mom Bloggers to the Great Wolf Concord! We love our keepsake Caribou Ornament for our Christmas tree!



We let the kids get start swimming while we waited for them to get our room ready.



Here's my Animoto of the trip... some of our family favorite memories, a little shopping and great friends!


Here's a favorite Mommy moment and at Great Wolf Lodge, there are many of these memories! We loved our family time here.
Carolina Mama & Twins



One of my favorite amenities of the Lodge was the lovely Arm Band that was your Room Key! Yes! Check this out, here I am opening my room with a swipe of my wrist! It was so awesome to say, going to the room, and in the instant when you go who has a key, or reach for your purse, voila! the room key is on your wrist! It is waterproof so you're set the whole time!



The next morning all the mom bloggers and our families were invited to a wonderful and abundant Breakfast Buffet and we got to hear and meet the band Highway 101 who have won Country Awards in Nashville! They were so nice and it was special to sing "Joy to the World!" and "Away in A Manger!" with them! Here is Nikki Nelson leading us all...

Joy To The World!

Carolina Mama loves her mom blogger friends old like One Moms World and Real Life Sarah and new like this picture.
North Carolina Mom Bloggers

Then we all sang "Happy Birthday!" to the Mayor Scott Padgett of Concord! He was at the festivities the night before with Santa Claus and the lighting of the tree! It was also the birthday of the son of Eve White of Charlotte Parent! So there were lots of smiles and well wishes going around!

Happy Birthday Mayor of Concord, NC!

We stayed at the Wolf Den Suite and it was fascinating for the twins and us! Here's what it looked like in our Den at night!



One Tiger exhausted from the fun day and watching the flat screen in the 'wolf den'




Here is the Howling Tornado Ride that actually changed our boys lives... and ours! Too fun! You'll also enjoy this video actually uploaded by Great Wolf themselves. It is more in depth than mine so enjoy! And go, book your family vacation!



Great Wolf Lodge is perfect for a family vacation and getaway! There truly is something for everyone! Have you visited a Great Wolf Lodge? What's your favorite Water Park?

Warmly,

*Thank You Great Wolf Lodge PR for sponsoring this trip. They believe in the power of moms and know mom bloggers share what works for their families. They did not require me to write about the trip. I chose to write and share what an awesome 5 Star Trip we enjoyed!

Carolina Mama And A Mom Conference

Blessings abound. I'm happy to announce I'll be attending the Type A Mom Conference here in Asheville, North Carolina. I am looking forward to seeing lots of amazing bloggers, writers, speakers and friends. Also, I am looking forward to meeting many contacts I have through Carolina Mama - live and up close and personal - and getting to listen, learn and share ideas about all of the things we mommybloggers do each day!

It is a real privilege to represent these amazing Sponsors who are sending me to Type A Mom Conference.

1) Ocean Isle Inn: One of North Carolina's own, Ocean Isle Inn is one of my sponsors and I will happily be spreading the word about this amazing Oceanfront Inn that is ideal for families or couples just getting away from it all. It is truly top notch. Look for me I'll have special offers that are unbelievable from Ocean Isle Inn and a prestigious Spa... Stay tuned. Thanks Lee and Friends!

2) Lands' End : Lands' End has been a constant in my life. Whether it's the consistent great outfit, quality or a new favorite sweater like the new "Feel Good Sweaters" of BlogHer and the Campaign, or being one of my first Sponsors, I am thrilled to take it to Asheville with my friends from Dodgeville, Wisconsin in mind. Lands' End is a mighty company and I value our working relationship and their trust in Carolina Mama. Thank You Lands' End.

3) The Mom Select Team: Blogging really came to life for me in a personal way this Spring when I met Maria Bailey of MomTalk Radio, MomSelect and MomTV. Not only a Mom and Author, aside from her Professional side, she's a "Mom's Friend!" Each of us Moms on the MomSelectTeam are thankful for the camaraderie we have with Maria. Though she's traveling the country with business, she's settling down on Twitter to talk and keep up with the Moms. Thanks Maria and MomSelect for your Sponsorship.

4) FiberOne Yogurt: You all know, I heart FiberOne Yogurt! i.e. LOVE it! And Zero Guilt! The Tigers do, Mountain Man does. We're fans of all things FiberOne and the FiberOne Yogurt is our favorite go-to healthy snack of choice! I am honored to represent such a health conscious and natural company that is doing good things for families. Thank You FiberOne! Look for me at TypeAMomConf, I'll be the one with Certificates for your own FiberOne Yogurt! Hurry while the goodness lasts!

How awesome is that! I'll be engaged at the Conference as a mom team member for a great North Carolina resort, promoting my favorite quality family clothing company and the most awesome healthy yogurt on the planet! With that lineup, I could win on Survivor! That's all I'd need on an island or in an ordinary day as a stay-at-home-mom!

Thanks again to the most awesome Sponsors in the world! Stay tuned next week for some very real-time Live Blogging, The Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina - TypeAMom Conference!

Warmly,

Mommy Blogger Mixer At The Primrose School

You know I promised more details about happenings - here's one of the most exciting ones this week. Earlier in the week, I had the privilege of attending a lovely Mom Mixer where other mommybloggers and I got to meet face-to-face in our Carolina locale. Talk about exciting.

It was a real joy to be a part of this for several reasons. The obvious is meeting mommyblogger friends in person. And it was fabulous to be a part of this Mixer sponsored by Mom Talk Radio's Maria Bailey.

We met at the amazing Primrose School At The Park. What a stellar daycare and preschool which has won many awards right here in North Carolina. The facility was incredible. Meeting Owner, Leslie Grivalski was a delight. Her team there at Primrose is outstanding. Enjoy the pictures.

Here are a couple of my own pictures - this one is a brilliant move - personal beds for the infants. None of this swapping baby germs etc.





This MommyBlogger Mixer was an awesome and great time. Shout out friends: @RealLifeSarah, @Raleighgirl, @myGOMOM, @onemomsworld and @notimemom.

Are you a Primrose School parent? Let me know your experience.

Warmly,

National Mom's Nite Out In North Carolina - You're Invited Moms

National Mom's Nite Out

Readers and Friends, Hope you have all had an awesome week and weekend.

Sometimes life gets so busy and exciting it's as if I can't type fast enough - and I type pretty quickly. So if I have let you down with my less than stellar usual daily posts, please understand. Life is good. We've been on go, in and out of town, I headed off a flu by resting 48 hours and drinking lots of orange juice, taking vitamin C and echinacea and AirBorne. We do believe in the power of AirBorne. I am a mom and teacher and what can I say, it work! especially when you take it at first symptom of a cold.

Without more ado, right now, You're Invited to National Mom's Nite Out - official Celebration of Motherhood - an exciting event that we're all looking forward to attending....

It's huge and exciting and going on e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e.! Check the website for locations in your area. And feel free to email me if you're interested in joining in the Raleigh-Durham North Carolina area. Or if you have questions, or if you need help finding another Carolina location like RealLifeBlog is hosting in the Boone, NC area. Thanks to Mom Select and BSM Media this will be an awesome event.

Look forward to seeing you then. Have an awesome week!

p.s. There are several things exciting going on right now so I will post them separately. Stay tuned.

**Am Hooked on Fridays so I am entering this post because I'm hooked on Mom's Connections like Mom's Nite Out! Are you hooked?

Warmly,

Virtual Prayer Chain Carnival & Extended Giveaway

Please join us....

Introducing - "Pray It Friday."

Last Friday was a big day. It was the beginning of a long-time dream and the commencing of "Pray It Friday."

"Pray It Friday" is a virtual prayer chain for the blogging community and others. Most of us who are Christians, have our own network of prayer chains. Usually, it's just a phone call away. Now, in addition, your virtual prayer chain is just a comment, email or link away.

We'll share each week prayer requests and praises of those near and dear to us. Just like as we mommybloggers enjoy sharing our latest rave review of a product or service, I want to send a wave of prayer over your requests. I'll pray over each request. Others posting will pray as they read as well.

God takes it from there. Hope you'll join us this Friday or leave your prayer request on the link above for "Pray It Friday."

In "Win It Wednesday" Giveaway news, my link on the Win It Wednesday button inadvertently retained the previous (already drawn) giveaway link (urg, double urg) sooo I am extending for three days, the lovely and generous "Educating the Whole Hearted Child" Book Giveaway until this Friday @ noon. This is an amazing book and website for families, homeschoolers and educators in general.

The Whole Heart Ministries has let me know that the Giveaway book will be republished and updated June 2009, so they are also offering a half-off coupon to the lucky winner. Stay tuned.

When you check out their site, notice that Sally Clarkson is a blogger too. She has many words and years of wisdom to share.

Remember enter here by commenting what you liked best about their website. Thanks for bearing with me and my blonde moments.


Because I believe in the power of Prayer, this totally "Works For Me Wednesday" and every day!

Warmly,

I am a Mommyblogger Twitter Me

"I am a Mommyblogger. Twitter Me!" Ya'll I am already hopelessly hooked. You know as if blogging, Starbucks and the likes are not enough. Yes, it's that kind of hooked. You can StumbleUpon me, you can DiggIt /Me, but just Twitter Me!

When I gave birth to the Twins I knew nothing would compare in a million lifetimes. I just didn't know anything could come remotely close. The Tigers are so much fun, I didn't think anything would come close to fun in a million lifetimes. Again, I just didn't know my new friend, would come along. ;) Expect more soon because this is too fun. Now, Oh, Twitter, Oh Twitter, is there anyway to Twitter the Tigers all day!?! Wanna join me?!