Carolina Girls - the Interview IX

Nonny's Immediate Family

Greetings this Week's Edition of "Carolina Girls - the Interview IX! Meet - Nonny! an original Carolina GIrl who has spent her life in North Carolina. Let's get to know her...

Where are you from? I was raised in Charlotte, NC, but now live between Greensboro and Raleigh, NC. I love being a Southern Girl and calling NC home!

What is the name of your blog? Love Being A Nonny

How did you name your blog? I wanted it to be something that told who I was without any explanation. I am Nonny to one little girl, with one on the way now. But I hope to have a *heart full* in the future!!

How did you get into blogging? Originally, when a friend's daughter was diagnosed with cancer, she had a Caring Bridge site that I followed. Her site led me to other sites and then my daughter-in-law (www.grahamcrakas.blogspot.com) talked me into starting my own.

What do you wish to convey on your blog? How much I love my family and how much they mean to me.

What is your favorite thing about your blog? My family reading posts I did for them.

What is your favorite Ben N Jerry's Flavor? Cherry Garcia

What is your favorite song/iTune right now? One True God by:Mark Harris

Starbucks or Mc Donald's? McDonalds (Starbucks is too strong for me)

Krispy Kreme or Dunkin Donuts (there is one answer here for Carolina Girls! Just kidding!) ? ;) Krispy Kreme...Hot Now!!!!

A favorite Carolina food or restaurant? The General Store Cafe' in Pittsboro, NC. If you are near there...try it! You'll like it too!

What is a favorite place in Carolina? Lake Lure,NC I have spent my summers there my whole life @ Camp Lurecrest. You have the beauty of the mountains AND the lake. Hard to miss God's creation when you are there!


Warmly,

Carolina Girls - the Interview VIII

Meet Mari!

Mari's Morning Room

She's our Carolina Girl this week. She hails from Mari's Morning Room and she has lots to say. I have actually met Mari in real life at a Mom Blog Mixer. It was a blast and let me tell you she is funny. And she's modest because she is an Author with two books being published in 2010 and she did'nt even mention it. Go check out her blog. You'll keep going back.

Where are you from (can be as general as you wish)?

Born in Mississippi. Grew up in Chicago. Now living in Raleigh for the last six years.

What is the name of your blog?

Mari's Morning Room

How did you name your blog?

My husband and I were looking at houses. We fell in love with one and I mentioned that if we ever got it, I'd want the morning room (big beautiful sunroom). It would be an additional $10,000. I was told, ummm not going to happen. So when I started my blog, it was my first thought. I can *to* have my morning room. Yeah I know, stubborn. What can I say?

How did you get into blogging?

A friend of mine wanted me to blog while I was at my first ever writers conference. I really didn't have a clue what I was doing. She's one of my dearest friends, so I could not turn her down. I created my account, started blogging and haven't regretted it!

What do you wish to convey on your blog?

What I like to convey is that God is good. We are flawed and imperfect and that's okay because He's still working with us. Also I like to give folks a peek into my own life so maybe they'll see that theirs isn't so bad ;) I do post book reviews, cause, well I love books and I like to share them. LOL


What is your favorite thing about your blog?

The absolute randomness of it. You could get on there one day and I share a video, nexy day is a Bible study and another is a random event from my life. They say variety is the spice of life. If that's true, my blog is a Jalepeno pepper!

What is your favorite Ben N Jerry's Flavor?

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough WOOT WOOT!

What is your favorite song/iTune right now?

It's a tie between No Looking Back by Damita Haddon and Voice of a Savior by Mandisa

Starbucks or Mc Donald's?

Starbucks - for the Caramel Apple Spice

Krispy Kreme or Dunkin Donuts (there is one answer here for Carolina Girls! Just kidding!) ? ;)

Is this a real question? Krispy Kreme hands down!

A favorite Carolina food or restaurant?

Carolina Crab Cakes

What is a favorite place in Carolina?

The mountains! Went for the first time for our 15th wedding anniversary. We stayed at a B&B in Waynesville. It was incredible. I simply adore the mountains.

Favorite Beach or Mountain Locale?

I've not been to Asheville officially yet but we loved Waynesville when we went.

Would you like to add a picture of your blog or book that is relevant to the interview?

I attached a picture of myself. My 12 yo took it. Everyone calls it the Lady in Red picture. I find that hysterical since I'm usually in something black!

Thanks so much Mari!


Warmly,

Carolina Girls - The Interview VII

Welcome Back to Carolina Girls - The Interview VII. Introducing... Karen! @ A Creek In The Back. Karen also has a photography business and website, Karen Bryant Photography. Now you have double the reason to see what she is all about - Meet Karen!

Where are you from (can be as general as you wish)?
I'm from Guilford County.

What is the name of your blog?
I have two blogs, A Creek in the Back (photography blog) and Teaching and Learning Spanish which is well, self-explanatory.

How did you name your blog?

We have a creek in the back of our house which the boys and I are always exploring. Also, that is where I like to take my photos along with other gorgeous spots here in the southern Appalachian mountains. The second blog's name isn't very imaginative, but you know what it's all about just by reading the name. :)

How did you get into blogging?
I started the Spanish one initially as an online journal of the trials and tribulations of teaching my own children Spanish at home. It kind of snowballed from there though. It's become fairly popular. With the photography blog, I wanted to share my photographs with my readers and also I use it as a way to promote my photography business.

What do you wish to convey on your blog?

A Creek in the Back - To be honest, I just want to remind folks of the beauty that surrounds us. Readers have told me that they feel a sense of peace when they look at my photos. I like that.

Teaching & Learning Spanish - I love sharing Spanish learning resources that I find online with my readers. I really enjoy helping people help themselves learn the language.

What is your favorite thing about your blog?
A Creek in the Back - the readers' comments.
Teaching & Learning Spanish - It's like my online filing system for my favorite sources, websites and blogs, but the best part is that I get to share it with my readers.

What is your favorite Ben N Jerry's Flavor?

It would have to be chocolate chip cookie dough, hands down.

What is your favorite song/iTune right now?

My most favorite is Kepa Junkera's Santimamiñeko Fandangoa & Ioaeoe because it is such a happy song. I dare you not to smile when you listen to this song.

Starbucks or McDonald's?
Afraid I don't drink coffee or go to McDonald's.

Krispy Kreme or Dunkin Donuts (there is one answer here for Carolina Girls! Just kidding!) ? ;)

Krispy Kreme of course. (Chocolate covered, creme-filled doughnut with milk)

A favorite Carolina food or restaurant?

Growing up my family and I would eat at a restaurant called The Old Place near Siler City. Good Southern cooking... I don't recall ever leaving the place hungry. Oh, they have a website! http://www.old-place.com/

Okay, now I'm getting hungry...

What is a favorite place in Carolina?

It's so difficult to pick just one place... I guess I would have to pick the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. It's really a national treasure with beautiful hiking trails, mountain views, the goat dairy and of course, the house.

Would you like to send a picture to include of you or something relating to your blog?

A photo I recently took of the trout lily - beautiful native plant that's in bloom right now.

Thank you so much Karen. It has truly been delightful so far getting to know all of these amazing Carolina Girls and their blogs! Please email me if you would like to be interviewed and/or to add you to the Carolina Girls Rollcall. :)

Thanks and have an awesome day!

P.S. Continue the March Madness thrills as the UNC Tar Heels march to the NCAA Title 2009! (Can't help myself!)

Warmly,

Carolina Girls - The Interview VI (& Giveaway)

Greetings Everyone!

*** "Win It Wednesday!" Online Poster Printing Giveaway Still OPEN Enter Now/Here. It's an awesome Giveaway.

Welcome Back to Carolina Girls - The Interview VI. Introducing... Sarah! @ Real Life. The native girls do blog. Sarah is a North Carolina native.
And she has an awesome blog you'll want to visit. Meet Sarah...


Where are you from (can be as general as you wish)?

I grew up in Cary from age nine to 18, and I now live in the NW mountains of NC. I gradually went from Suburban Chick to Country Girl and I wouldn't go back!

What is the name of your blog?

Real Life

How did you name your blog?

I really wanted to communicate the 'reality' of life. (of course!) I feel like we women put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect- as moms, wives, women. And I think especially Christian women can feel like we can't admit our struggles. No matter what I do on my blog, I want to be real. For example, Attack of the Killer Laundry Room: there aren't many people who would put this laundry room on the internet!

The other aspect of the name "Real Life" comes from my faith. I feel like I have found true life in Christ and I want to communicate that you can be 'real' and also love Christ!

How did you get into blogging?

At a playgroup one day, one of my friends, Christina, said, "Hey, do any of you read blogs?" I said, "No, why would you want to?" She began telling me about some blogs she read. It sounded interesting, but I still didn't get it. I didn't want to read a bunch of moms bragging about what crafty things they did with their kids, cooking five-course meals, sewing (and finishing, which I never do) all the decorations in their houses. I soon found out that this is so NOT what blogging is all about.

My pastor had done a sermon on the Gospel of John, where Phillip told Nathanael about Jesus. Nathanael said, "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" to which Phillip answered, "Come and see!" He said that in this age of MySpace, FaceBook, YouTube, and everyone trying to point to ourselves - to be famous, that what we should be doing is pointing to Jesus, and saying, "Come and see!" That's when I decided to start a blog with my underlying goal being to point myself and others to the Lord. So I began writing about my daily successes, failures, humor, and inspirations, and I hope God will use them to touch others, and help me grow, as well. Ever since my first post, "I will Never Do That!", I've been hooked!

What do you wish to convey on your blog?

I want to convey all aspects of life: struggles, triumphs, and prayers- family stories, tips and tricks, great books and products, my journey of fitness, and my love of God. Soon, I'll be adding some more features and opportunities for Guest Bloggers!

What is your favorite thing about your blog?

I love my new graphic design, and my awesome readers who interact with me through comments and Twitter.

What is your favorite Ben N Jerry's Flavor?

I honestly don't eat Ben N Jerry's. It's part political statement, part "I don't like ice cream enough to pay that much!"

What is your favorite song/iTune right now?

Right now, I am in love with anything by Sara Bareilles.

Starbucks or McDonald's?

While the McDonald's Iced Mocha is quite good, I would not trade my "Bald Guy Brew" for anything! The "International Headquarters" is here in my town, and he roasts the BEST coffee bean! I try to avoid Starbucks if at all possible. I don't want to learn a new lexicon to order coffee.

Krispy Kreme or Dunkin Donuts (there is one answer here for Carolina Girls! Just kidding!) ? ;)

Krispy Kreme ALL THE WAY! (Even though we don't have one in our town- what's up with that KK?)

A favorite Carolina food or restaurant?

I always love when I go to the beach and get fresh seafood buffet! Living in the mountains, we don't really have anything like that, so it's a real treat! And then, there's the barbeque... But I must say that the best Carolina food I've had is in Charleston, SC- Hymans, The Mustard Seed, Boulevard Cafe! My taste buds are going crazy just thinking about it!

What is a favorite place in Carolina?

My favorite place, I have to say, is right where I live: The NC mountains! I love seeing the majestic views everyday and living in a town where I always see someone I know!

Thank you so much Sarah!


Warmly,

Carolina Girls - the Interview V

Good Morning and Welcome to Carolina Girls - the Interview V! Introducing....

Jennifer's Writing Blog

This week we are featuring another Carolina native. And I have to say I have a special place in my heart for Greensboro natives since my mother and maternal grandparents/family hail from Greensboro! Another special thing about Jennifer, is that she is a writer with book contract - she's writing it right now. Check out her interesting blogs and her interview here...

Where are you from (can be as general as you wish)?

I was born and raised in Greensboro, NC, but now I currently live in the Charlotte-Kannapolis region of NC.

What is the name of your blog?

My main blog is Jennifer's Writing Blog .
My other blogs are:
Carolina Scots-Irish and
Today in Carolina history.

How did you name your blog?
I just brainstormed on some ideas and ran a search to see if those names were available and they were.
How did you get into blogging?

I'm a writer who has been trying to get my fiction published for 10+ years. All the writing workshops suggested I needed to have a website and blog to promote my work. When I signed a contract with my literary agent, I really needed a platform to start building readership and blogging helps me with that. On my October 30th birthday, I just signed a contract with Abingdon Press. My debut novel, Highland Blessings, will be released May 2010!

What do you wish to convey on your blog?

On my writing blog I post writing tips and historical research information to help other writers and fiction book reviews for readers looking for a good book to read. On my Carolina history blog, I post events that have occurred on this day in the Carolinas. I've created this cool little widget that other bloggers can post on their blog, http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/today-in-carolina-history. My Carolina Scots-Irish Blog is a resource about Scots-Irish and Welsh events, books, music, movies, clothing, clans, genealogy, history, and anything Celtic related to the Carolinas, but not limited to the Carolinas.

What is your favorite thing about your blog?

Being able to connect with other people who have the same interests as I do and learning about them and their interests from their feedback. I have a child with special needs and I've been able to connect with a lot of other mothers like me.

What is your favorite Ben N Jerry's Flavor?

I like old-fashioned Butter Pecan.

What is your favorite song/iTune right now?

I don't know that I have a favorite song, but I love Casting Crown's latest CD.

Starbucks or Mc Donald's?

Definitely McDonald's, they now have a great cafe too and its more affordable and tastes just as good (at least to me.)
Krispy Kreme or Dunkin Donuts (there is one answer here for Carolina Girls! Just kidding!) Definitely Krispy Kreme. I lived in Winston-Salem for eight years where they have their headquarters.


A favorite Carolina food or restaurant?

If we're talking about restaurants that began or only exist in the Carolina's then I would have to say, Stamey's Barbeque in Greensboro, NC. I hate barbeque, but I love their barbeque chicken and their peach cobbler pie. I grew up eating there. It's where my grandmother always wanted to go back when she was still with us.

What is a favorite place in Carolina? This is a hard one, because I have so many favorite places. Greensboro will always have a soft spot for me. My family has been there on my mom's side since 1763. I love it because we are right between the mountains and the beach. But if I had to choose I'd say the Outer Banks.

Thank you Jennifer it was lovely to meet you and learn about 'your Carolina.' Y'all go ahead and visit her at her blogs above and enjoy!

Please email me at carolinamama1@gmail.com if you would like to be join Carolina Girls and if you're interested in interviewing here.

Not Me! I did not forget that it is Monday and no, I did not just posted my Carolina Girls Tuesday post Monday.... go ahead and join me with your biffs and/or misposts this week @ Not Me!

Warmly,

Carolina Girls - the Interview III

Welcome to Carolina Girls - the Interviews. Meet TarDevil.

This week we introduce "TarDevil" of Confessions of a 40-Something Mama Queen. For those of you unaware "TarDevil" is a sports family that supports both the UNC Tar Heels and the Duke BlueDevils = TarDevil. So just know that March Madness is looking really good for her family most years. :)

Please drop by her blog and say Hello and let us all know where you are from. If you'd like to be interviewed as a Carolina Girl, please let me know in email.

Have an awesome Tuesday and see y'all soon.

Where are you from (can be as general as you wish)?

I am from the Raleigh (NC) area.


What is the name of your blog?

Confessions of a 40-Something Mama Queen


How did you name your blog?

I was trying to be a little bit funny. My husband sometimes refers to me as "the Queen"...of what, I don't know, and I'm a 40-something Mama.


How did you get into blogging?

I played around on Rate My Space last summer, and saw that a lot of my "favorite RMSers" had started blogging.

What do you wish to convey on your blog?

Nothing really. I actually enjoy reading everyone else's blogs more than I enjoy posting. I like seeing every one's decorating styles, ideas, food, recipes, hints, families, etc.

What is your favorite thing about your blog?

I like "meeting" people from all over the U.S., and especially from various other countries. My favorite part is seeing my map light up with red dots, even if they don't leave comments! :O)

What is your favorite Ben N Jerry's Flavor?

Believe it or not, I've never had Ben N Jerry's. But, I like Breyer's, and my favorite flavor is coffee.

What is your favorite song/iTune right now?

This is embarrassing. I don't even have an iPod. I take that back, we have one, but nothing is downloaded on it. I'm not very tech savvy. I prefer classic rock, although I am usually forced to listen to the Jonas Brothers, so I don't have a favorite song right now! If you listen to the playlist on my blog, you will see that Freebird is on there. He said no Southerner could go without having Freebird on their playlist. (He's from north of the Mason-Dixon! :O)

Starbucks or McDonald's?

McDonald's!

Krispy Kreme or Dunkin Donuts (there is one answer here for Carolina Girls! Just kidding!) ? ;)

Krispy Kreme, although donuts are my least favorite snack food.

A favorite Carolina food or restaurant?

My favorite restaurants are Squid's in Chapel Hill, NC and Carrabba's (almost anywhere). My favorite NC food is (vinegar-based)barbeque from Smithfield Barbeque. BBQ is not good to me in the western part of the state (where I currently live).

What is a favorite place in Carolina?

This is a hard one. I think the prettiest place (aside from the coast) is the UNC campus in the spring. But, my favorite area is the Triangle (Raleigh) area.

Thank you TarDevil. :)

Warmly,

Carolina Girl - the Interview III Mel @ A Voice For Moms

Meet Mel @ A Voice for Moms
Welcome to Tuesday's Carolina Girl - the Interview. This week I am pleased to introduce you to Mel @ A Voice Fo Moms. She really has some thought provoking posts and recently videos! Remember to check out her blog after you've read all about her.

Where are you from (can be as general as you wish)?

Asheville, NC

What is the name of your blog?

A Voice For Moms (http://avoiceformoms.blogspot.com )

How did you name your blog?

I often think moms to feel they have a voice because we are so engaged in what is happening with our families. So my blog name reflects the idea that we do all indeed have a voice.

How did you get into blogging?

During the election cycle and right after many folks who knew me were encouraging me to write my take on politics and how it was going to change us. So I took that encouragement and ran with it.

What do you wish to convey on your blog?

That each of us has voice right where we are, that knowing about policies on all levels of government is so important because politics whether we like them or not have a huge impact on most areas of our lives. We all need to know about what is happening and to feel like we can speak up.

What is your favorite thing about your blog?

Politics and current events, and the little things in my life I am thankful for.

What is your favorite Ben N Jerry's Flavor?
Phish Food, Chunky Monkey and Cherry Garcia

What is your favorite song/iTune right now?

Wow I can’t even answer that one, I always have music on.

Starbucks or Mc Donald's?

Starbucks

Krispy Kreme or Dunkin Donuts (there is one answer here for Carolina Girls! Just kidding!) ? ;)

You are correct there is only one answer Krispy Kreme, Dunkin Donuts has no clue what a donut truly is.

A favorite Carolina food or restaurant?

My favorite Carolina food is vinegar based barbeque and Poke Salad

What is a favorite place in Carolina?

The mountains, especially around the Asheville area.


Thank you much Mel @ A Conservative Voice For Moms. And if you're a Carolina Girl and would like to be interviewed, email me and your blog and information.

Warmly,

Carolina Girls - The Interview II

The Blueridge Parkway by Simple Gifts
Welcome to Carolina Girls - the Interview II. It is fun to introduce to you one of my long time blogging friends, Wendy @ Simple Gifts. One thing distinct about Wendy is her amazing photography skills. She truly captures the beauty of her part of North Carolina. Thanks Wendy!

Where are you from?

I was born in Louisiana, but lived more years in Georgia. We moved to Western North Carolina about three years ago.

What is the name of your blog?
Simple Gifts

How did you name your blog?
I wanted to be intentional in noticing the gifts that God has blessed us with. Especially living in such a gorgeous part of the world; I definitely don't want to take all this beauty for granted.

How did you get into blogging?
My younger sister started one and I want to be just like her when I grow up. Our family is spread out far away from each other and this seemed like the easiest way to share pictures and anecdotes with them.


What do you wish to convey on your blog?
Hmmm. Nothing specific! I mostly post about places we go and things the kids are doing.

What is your favorite thing about your blog?
It is such a fun way to keep up with my sisters and other friends and family.

What is your favorite Ben N Jerry's Flavor?
Chunky Monkey


What is your favorite song/iTune right now?
I love many different types of music and tend to go through phases. Lately I've been listening to some old Johnny Cash.


Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts? ;)

Dunkin Donuts just for the donuts; I'm not much of a coffee drinker.

What is your favorite Carolina spot or thing to do? My favorite thing to do is to hike in the mountains. I like the hike from Mt. Mitchell to Mt. Craig; it's not that long and has some great views!

Thanks for submitting your interview information to Carolina Girls!
Carolina Mama

p.s. please email me if you would like to be included in Carolina Girls' Rollcall and/or be Interviewed. :)

Warmly,

Carolina Girls - The Interview

It is a thrill to Introduce you to our first "Carolina Girls" - the Interview today! Meet Montee @ Palmettogirl!

Where are you from (can be as general as you wish)?
Sumter, South Carolina

How did you name your blog?
Well, since I am from the Palmetto State, I thought it would be a proper name. I am a Palmettogirl wherever I may live.

How did you get into blogging?
My sister-in-law started me blogging and now I am addicted! Thanks, Tracy!

What do you wish to convey on your blog?
My blog is a way for me to express and share my feelings from religion, to politics, to family and home life. Maybe in some of my blogging, I can help someone who is going through a similar situation as I am, or connect with someone who wants to share with me, what they are feeling. I also get to write about what it's like to be married to someone involved in professional sports. It's not all a glamorous life, like some might expect.

What is your favorite thing about your blog?
My favorite thing is that I am connecting with some really interesting people. We are all not as different as some may think. I also like visiting with my fellow Carolinians and Southerners. That way I feel like I'm still back home.

What is your favorite song/iTune right now?
I use my IPOD for working out and I always listen to Creed. Their music is Hard Rock/ Christian so I am jamming and getting religion at the same time. I have to have that to get a good workout. I don't really have a favorite song right now and I like a variety of music. I add music to my blog and it could be someone like Aretha Franklin (who's on there right now) to Lynyrd Skynyrd, depending on my mood.

Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts? ;)
How about Krispy Kreme? Well, I guess I do got to Starbucks more often. I don't drink coffee, but my husband does. We go for a "date" and he gets coffee, I get hot chocolate.

Please tell us one of your favorite places in the Carolinas?
Charleston is my favorite place. I attended the College of Charleston for a couple of years. I remember riding my bike through all of the alleyways and just enjoying the beautiful homes and history of the place. I loved being in Charleston and planned on living there after college, until I met my husband.

Favorite Food?
I would have to say that my favorite food is Shrimp and Grits.

Thank you Montee. It was wonderful to get to know you more. Everyone go over and thank her in person if you haven't clicked her link above already. Get ready for next week's "Carolina Girls" - the Interview next Tuesday.

See ya before of course.

Warmly,

Carolina Girls please email me @: carolinamama1@gmail.com if you would like to be one of the first Carolina Girls featured with an interview (short questionaire ;) on Carolina Mama!

Warmly,