Showing posts with label Carolina Girls. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carolina Girls. Show all posts

Got Blonde!

In great preparation for snow day... important things matter most! :) Mountain Man has the wood ready, the TIgers have the sleds at the ready and Carolina Mama - Got Blonde! Okay, after stocking up with my/our favorite things from Trader Joe's!

Got Blonde

We're ready and the snow has covered the ground and is still falling! Will post pics after sledding rounds!

Warmly,

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Carolina Girls - the Interview X

Welcome to Carolina Girls - the Interview! This week we are featuring another real life North Carolina friend. It is a treat to be able to introduce another blogging mommy friend. Meet Jennifer!





Jen and I have lots of Carolina favorites in common so I've added lots of internet linky goodness that we all adore. And I can personally vouch for Bandanas in the mountains. Our family fell in love with it last Spring Break in the mountains. And we're both crazy for Ocean Isle Inn so check out all the links below and enjoy. Here's Jen...


Where are you from?

Beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

What is the name of your blog?

One Moms World

How did you name your blog?

I actually was sitting around one day trying to think of a name I would like to begin blogging under, I looked around at my living room with toys all over and said this is my world. Therefore, I thought bingo - One Moms World!

How did you get into blogging?

The date was back in August 2005. I started blogging about my work at home business. I eventually turned it into a mom blog as I was blogging more about my life as a mom. Since this is a diary of sorts for my girls, I plan to turn the posts about them into a book for them to cherish for many years to come.

What do you wish to convey on your blog?

My wish that I try to portray through my blog is that all moms will know we do not have to be perfect. I blog about our "real" day to day lives. We do not live in a mansion with a housekeeper, chef, and nanny. We are real moms trying to make it through this wonderful parenting journey. I have always said motherhood is a roller coaster, but it is one roller coaster that I never want to get off ;).

What is your favorite thing about your blog?

I love the connection that I make with other moms through my blog. This is like my office water cooler. Since I work at home, I do not have co-workers to share stories about my girls. So, my readers are my co-workers so to speak and it is my way of bragging about my girls' latest milestones.


What is your favorite Ben N Jerry's Flavor?

Can't say I have ever had Ben N Jerry's... is that weird? ;)

What is your favorite song/iTune right now?

My favorite song on my iPod right now is Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman.

Starbucks or Mc Donald's?

Starbucks hands down. I have tried McDonald's McCafe and they come nowhere close to the yumminess that I LOVE with Starbucks! Wish we had one here in the mountains :(.

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

I have to say Krispy Kreme most definitely, but my husband would beg to differ with me since he is from Florida ;).

A favorite Carolina food or restaurant?

Our good ole BBQ here in the mountains.

We have two BBQ restaurants:


Bandanas Bar B Que and

Woodlands. I love both places soooo much. Great food!

What is a favorite place in Carolina?

Right here in the mountains. The views that we have from living on the Blue Ridge Parkway are just out of this world. I always want to live here. I just love the hometown feel that we have here as well. We are a small town, but everyone is so friendly and we are eager to get on our feet to help anyone out. Did I mention the awesome views we have too? ;)

Favorite North Carolina Beach or Mountain Locale?

After getting the chance to visit Ocean Isle Beach a couple weeks ago, I cannot wait to go back. I was so impressed by the clean beaches and the perfect color water. The atmosphere was just plain awesome!


Warmly,

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Ragu Dad's Nite Out

Everyone heard about National Mom's Nite Out - the first ever! Now, I wanted more of you to know what the Dad's where up to at home. They had a game plan too.



Who knew! The Dad's were home reveling in the classics of Ragú® Old World Style® pasta sauces. That's right, Mountain Man and the Tigers were taste testing the amazing two new varieties, Sweet Tomato Basil and Margherita Old World Style sauces. It was hard for the Tigers to hold off when the box came two days early. Then, as I sauntered out to meet up with the amazing Carolina Girls here, Mountain Man and the Tigers enjoyed their own Dad's Nite Out. No Carolina Mama did not video the excitement because I was on my own Mom's Nite Out that speaks for itself.



The Tigers loved the new Sweet Tomato Basil and Mountain Man thought the Margherita Sauce was a real hit. So thanks to Ragu! everyone was happy. Eating this yumminess....


Have you tried these new sauces? What are your favorites?

Just think next year you can join us for National Mom's Nite Out too - Save The Date: May 6, 2010. Until then...

You can visit www.Ragu.com for tasty recipes and nutrition, parenting and time-management tips from the Ragú Expert Panel

Warmly,

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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,

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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,

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Myrtle Beach One of the Many Awesome Carolina Beaches


Mountain Man's people are experiencing much snow in Colorado right now. That's there version of April Showers - snow showers! Meanwhile, here, are hearts are turning to the beach especially today when it is in the 70s and bright sunshiney on a Carolina Blue sky. Maybe an omen for tonights game. :)

So when I opened my email and found this above pictured Myrtle Beach Resort I was reminded of my college days when Myrtle Beach was just a short road trip away. Of course, it has been a few years, no asking how many will not coax me to tell, and yet the ocean beckons.

When I was in college we stayed in Myrtle Beach Resorts similar to this house-styled one.




It's clear Myrtle Beach has changed since my college days, one thing I know is that the beach hasn't and it still calls us. Have you been to Myrtle Beach lately? Have you seen the changes in the last decade or so? Warn me please because sometimes I want things to be just the way I remembered them whether it's the Myrtle Beach Hotels and Resorts or the sand itself. So what do you say.

My girlfriend is on the way to Myrtle Beach for their Spring Break and they love the indoor water parks. That must be something new, are you familiar with it? Would you go? We're more outdoorsy and could spend all our time on the beach to be honest. You give me your take.

No doubt the Carolina Beaches are like Carolina Girls... "Best in the World!" :)

Warmly,

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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,

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Carolina Girls - the Interview IV

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



This week's feature is a Carolina native. She has a fun blog about family, farm and fun. You'll want to check out her blog. Let's get to know her:

Where are you from?

I was born in SC, grew up in NC, and have now moved back to SC, back to my roots.

What is the name of your blog?

Southern Blessings.

How did you name your blog?

I wanted people to have an idea of where I live. The south, the best place in the world. I may be a little biased, lol! I also wanted to be able to share my blessings through my blog. So, Southern Blessings seemed like a great name!

How did you get into blogging?

My best friend, Barb, had been blogging for a while, and was always telling me I should start one, also. But, I didn't think I had anything worthwhile to say, so it took me a long time to get started.

What do you wish to convey on your blog?

A sense of family, a love for Jesus, and a feel for the simple, country life.

What is your favorite thing about your blog?

I love being able to share everyday life and pictures with my bloggy friends. I also enjoy the interaction I have with visitors to my blog.

What is your favorite Ben N Jerry's Flavor?

Chocolate Fudge Brownie

What is your favorite song/iTune right now? I can't really think of a favorite song, but I love all country music and old hymns.

Starbucks or Mc Donald's? Since I don't drink coffee, I guess I'll say McDonald's.

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

You are right there is only one answer, Krispy Kreme! I love them especially when they are fresh.

A favorite Carolina food or restaurant?

Here lately, I have really loved going to the Mayflower Seafood Restaurant. I love the baby flounder and baby shrimp combo. I miss the BBQ back in NC, though.

What is a favorite place in Carolina?


My family likes to go to Huntington Beach State Park in SC. It's a great place to play on the beach, collect shells, and look at sea life. I also love to go to Cherokee,NC. It's so beautiful there.


Warmly,

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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,

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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,

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Community Matters - Meeting Carolina Girls Is Fun


Hey y'all is it really Wednesday! Well, I am introducing one of the special "Carolina Girls!" because Tuesday was such an awesome day, I got carried away and it Works For Me Wednesday to introduce you to our Carolina Girls girlfriends rollcall today. And it WFMW even more to share with you that Community Matters. So with out much ado I introduce to you: Meet Carolina Girl, Antique or Not.

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

I’m a native of Charlotte, North Carolina. Have lived several other places, but have always come back home.

What is the name of your blog?

Antique or Not

How did you name your blog?

My blog was originally intended to be a “business” blog, so I named it after my company. I came up with “Antique or Not” because I wanted to convey that I sell antiques, but I didn’t want to limit myself. I thought, well, I want to sell things whether they are antique or not, and that’s how the company (and the blog) got its name.

How did you get into blogging?

I accidentally stumbled across a really cool blog, which led me to another and another. Soon after that some of my friends started blogging so I thought I’d give it a whirl!

What do you wish to convey on your blog?

I have to convey something? And here I thought I was doing okay just rambling along…LOL

What is your favorite thing about your blog?

I love my blog’s graphics; every time I open it up it makes me feel good. Thanks Shabby Miss Jenn! And I love that it gives me the chance to write every day. One of these days, that novel that’s lurking somewhere deep inside me is gonna come out!

What is your favorite Ben N Jerry's Flavor?

Coffee Heath Bar Crunch….yummmmmmm!

What is your favorite song/iTune right now?

I’m a bit behind the times; no iPod for me. But the song that I never tire of…that always makes me happy…is Izzy Kamakawiwo’ole’s medley “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World”. It gives me chillbumps!

Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts? ;)

Gotta rock the boat here…I’ve been a Krispy Kreme girl since I was in diapers.

What is your favorite Carolina Place or Food?
Hmmm…favorite Carolina place and food…deep fried onion rings from South 21! Whenever I’ve lived other places and came back home to visit, that’s the first place I wanted to go to…I missed those onion rings! (Between you and me, hubby and I are moving out west later in the year and one of my big concerns was what I was going to do without my comfort food from South 21.) Here’s a link to a page where there are a lot of pics of South 21.

Thanks much Antique or Not!

Warmly,

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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,

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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,

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Introducing Danielle's Designs

Greetings this Monday Morning! Hope everyone had a great weekend. Last week's Giveaway was by Danielle of Danielle's Designs and I wanted to post her response to some questions I asked her.

Carolina Girls interviews are starting this week. So let me know if you'd like to be on the list.

Where are you from (can be as general as you wish)?
I'm from Big Lake, a small town in Minnesota, United States. But I'm no small town girl, my family is big on traveling, and I've been all over the country and also 'across the pond' lol. Second to creating things, traveling would have to be my favorite thing.

How did you get into your business?
My sister and I used to play with polymer clay when we were little, and I recently re-discovered it. I had probably around 100 pieces of jewelry made when I found etsy. I was so happy that I found somewhere where I could sell my creations.
About a month ago I saw a decoupaged bangle on etsy and I really loved it. And when I decide I want to do something, I go full out. I've been listing about one bangle every day in my etsy store since then. I use recycled paper from old magazines mostly. I love making the bangles because they're eco-friendly and gorgeous!

How long have you been in business??
I started my etsy account in august of 2007, but I didn't start selling until May of 2008.

What was the biggest challenge?
I'd have to say just getting established here on etsy, especially getting that first sale!

What is the biggest reward?
For me the biggest reward is when someone loves my work as much as I love creating it. And I love the etsy community. Being able to have a personal connection with the maker of an item is such a cool experience and it makes everything you buy a conversation piece. I also buy a lot from etsy, and I love knowing that I'm supporting an individual artist, and not sweat-shop run corporations.

How did you learn your craft?
In the beginning of learning polymer clay, I checked out a lot of different books from the public library and bought a couple too. For the decoupaging, I learned from a YouTube video! Go figure! YouTube has everything, it still amazes me.

What is your favorite Ben N Jerry's Flavor?
Well, I don't really like Ben N Jerry's particularly. But my favorite flavor of ice cream is Kemps cotton candy. My aunt owns an ice cream/craft shop up north by our cabin and that's the only place I've ever been able to find it. During the weeks up at the cabin in the summer we take a daily trip over there to get cones.

What is your favorite song/iTune right now?
Hmmm, that's a tie there.
I am in love with the song 'Change' by Group 1 Crew. When I first heard it, I thought, this would be a perfect song for Obama's campaign, if political campaigns had theme songs.
I am also in love with the band The Morning Of. I found their cd 'The World As We Know It' on ebay by chance. I was going to buy a different cd, and since additional items had free shipping, I checked out the sellers other items. I thought the album cover art looked really cool, so I bought it. Turned out I love it!!
I really love finding obscure bands like Group 1 Crew and The Morning Of that aren't really mainstream. They are both so quirky and just awesome! Just search in youtube to check them out!

Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts? ;)
Well, I don't drink coffee, but I love Starbuck's Orange Mango Banana Vivanno smoothie, so Starbucks!!!

Finally, what advice would you give someone wanting to start a business?
Especially for craft/art businesses, make sure you charge what your item is worth in both materials and how much time you spend. Don't sell yourself short, if your prices are too low, your quality will be seen as low, even if it's not. Personally, when I'm buying on Etsy, if I want something, I want to support that artist, and I'm willing to pay whatever they think it's worth.

Also, get a twitter account! It helps a lot to get views for your product/traffic for your website. Plus it helps you connect with buyers/clients. Here's me on Twitter.
I love new friends! :) Oh and here's my etsy store: Danielles Designs

A hearty Thank You to Danielle for the fun Giveaway last week. Thanks for reading and if you're a Carolina Girl, please email me and let me know you want to be interviewed for Carolina Girls.

Warmly,

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Hooked on Carolina Girls @ Carolina Mama

This Friday I am hooked on some favorite things. I am loving Carolina for sure. We know we have gorgeous beaches. Outer Banks where my Carolina Mama grew up spending summertime. All the way to Charleston the beaches in the Carolinas are amazing. Furthermore, we love the mountains and this past week miracle of all miracles, we got a really good snow. So you gotta love wintertime in Carolina.

The most recent thing I am hooked on at Carolina Mama is Carolina Girls Rollcall. We're at fifty girls y'all! That is great fun. Check out their blogs at the Carolina Girls Rollcall.

Now to announce our next fun thing, Carolina Girls - the Interview will begin next week on Tuesday. Be prepared and come on over and experience the Carolina Girls.



If you have questions you want to ask the girls - what would you like to ask a Carolina Girl? - please comment them. Also make sure I have your URL and a note to that effect if you need to be added to the lovely rollcall.

What is new with you? What are you hooked on today? Check out Hooked on Houses for more fun.

See ya Tuesday - of course before too.

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,