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. 

Little Green Cares Safe, Gentle and Pure Baby Products

Little Green Cares by CarolinaMama

Introducing our Guest Writer today, Heidi Haynes from South Carolina.

 Heidi is a Mom of three children five and under.  She is smart, savvy and frugal. She also wants the very best for her children. Heidi is our on-location 

Writer and Team Member in Charleston, SC. Heidi has worked with us and Southern Living and other projects in the Charleston area. She also shares her favorite Baby and Children's Products here. Welcome Heidi as she shares her great delight in the latest products... 

Little Green Cares, Safe Gentle and Pure Baby Products.

Little Green Cares Baby Products 

As a mom of three children five years old and under, I am always looking for the best products to invest in for my baby and children. I was super excited to test out and review the  Little Green Cares products! 

My five-year-old son has very dry, sensitive skin, so it is very important to me to find products that are safe for him to use. Little Green is formulated for sensitive skin- no allergens, parabens, or sulfates- it is hypoallergenic, clinically and dermatologist tested, and is gluten free! 

All of their products are safe, gentle, and pure! Aloe heals and moisturizes; oat extract naturally soothes irritated skin; liquorice root calms inflamed skin; Vitamin B5 moisturizes and soothes dry, chafed skin; Vitamin E promotes healing of scalp and skin; and silk proteins promote healthy hair and skin!  This worked really well for our son's skin.  

I really like the Little Green Cares tear-free shampoo/body wash full of Vitamin B5 and E, followed by their nourishing body lotion made with Vitamin E, Olive Oil, and Shea butter! After using the lotion on my children, my hands seriously feel like silk, but not at all greasy!  

Little Green Cares Baby Products

My kids really love the soothing balm stick! Talk about the coolest giant chap stick ever! Itʼs made with Beeswax, Jojaba Oil, Avocado Oil, and Evening Primrose to protect your skin, not just your lips, in any weather! Rub some on your lips or any other dry area to moisturize and nourish without feeling sticky! (Or let your baby play with it during bath time!) ;) 

Little Greene baby and kids hair and skincare products are proudly Made in the USA! We LOVE this! All this America! All of the Little Green Cares products are safe, gentle and pure. 

For all of our Raleigh locals, Little Green Cares products are available at the Nuvonivo Shop in Raleigh and online. 

Thank you, Little Green, for creating these wonderful products that we mommies can be proud to use! Iʼm so glad to have found you! :) 

Warmly, Heidi
and Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Little Green Baby Products. All opinions are our Guest Writer's. 

"Lets Talk Cost with BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina

Let's Talk Cost with BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina

As a Mom of Twin Boys, I know the peace of mind that good health care brings.  My sons had just started their first day of third grade.  We had just eaten a picnic lunch together.  The children were happily playing on the play structure.  I'll always remember the odd moment when I realized - through my own conversation a little voice was talking to me - someone was standing a few feet away saying, "Someone fell down on the playground…he can't get up."  I had a sick feeling when I jumped up to see who's child had fallen…. It was one of MY sons.  

As I looked at his mangled arm, I threw myself to the ground to hold him, all I knew was that we had to get him to our nearest hospital fast.  Our hospital of choice was near this playground.  My husband would meet us at the ER.  We had excellent doctors and care and the doctors were able to re-locate his elbow without surgery. 

Looking back, it was reassuring to know the BCBSNC had us covered.  My son would get the care he so desperately needed. Today, health care is still a hot topic in our communities.  BCBSNC wants to create solutions and they want to start by listening and giving us a voice.  

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina launched a new campaign in April called Let’s Talk Cost to discuss the rising medical costs that many of us face.  In this campaign, BCBSNC issued a challenge:  Stop looking for a scapegoat, and start talking. 

By collaborating and hearing the issues and opinions of those most affected by health care costs, BCBSNC can more effectively address the issue and come together to find a solution for health care costs.

 

In an Interview post I wrote, “Interview with Katherine Brooking for Yoplait,” I began with a quote from Katherine Brooking that began said, “I believe that a healthy lifestyle is within everyone’s reach…” 

Unfortunately, this is not the case for some North Carolinians. High medical costs prevent many from receiving the medication or treatment that they need to live a healthy lifestyle. That is why BCBSNC started Let’s Talk Cost - to address these issues, educate people on their health care options, and collaborate to find ways to rein in health care costs.

 

I am happy to share this campaign with all of my readers and friends to encourage us all to think outside of the box to become involved in the discussion of affordable health care.

 

If you are interested, BCBSNC would love to hear back from you! If you have any questions about the campaign visit the campaign website at: www.letstalkcost.com.  You can follow them on Twitter @BCBSNC .

Warmly,  Carolina Mama

*FTC Regulations and Disclosures: I am working for BCBSNC under contract. My stories and insurance preference is my own. 

Momformation: 7 Ways To Connect With Your Child

Baby Center's Momformation has my post live, 7 Ways To Connect with Your Child...

Everyone wants to have a close relationship with their children. But sometimes, connecting with them can be harder than you think. Being intentional about connecting can make a positive influence on everyone.

Here are a 7 ways to keep your bond strong as ever...

You can view it here on Baby Center's Momformation blog:

How do you connect with your child?! Join the conversation at BabyCenter's Facebook page!

Warmly, Carolina Mama

The Evil That Lurks After Our Children

Not me! I'm not the one totally clueless at the evil that a 'simple' (data loaded) cell phone, iTouch or iPhone can cause! Not me! needing to be informed of the evil the is seeking out our children! Not me! Where you are a boy or girl mom or both! Meet Vicki Courtney...

Vicki Courtney

"The first alarm sounded when a dear friend of mine who serves on staff at a private Christian school in Florida shared that a large group of their 3rd grade boys were caught surfing a popular online portal of homemade p*rn during school hours.

Stop for a minute and think about that. Eight and nine year-old boys passing around a cell phone or iTouch to each other at the lunch table or on the school bus and getting their first exposure to s*x in the vilest form possible. How will they even begin to process what they have seen and reconcile it with God’s intended purpose for sex?

by Vicki Courtney of "Five Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter" and more.

What a sobering thought! We all know that evil loves to spread its nastiness. I'll admit, Not me! , I am not the Mom who is clueless about this evil that lurks. Not me! I am not the one who has to be given a cold stop warning like this article by Vicki Courtney. What about you - what areas are "Not Me!" areas for you? Share them here! One thing is that I will continue to read great articles of insight like Vicki Courtney and more. Where do you get your good information for protecting your children and family? Let's share resources on this great topic!

Warmly,

Sunday Scripture - "Here I Am... "

"I will put my trust in Him... Here am I, and the children God has given me." Hebrew 2:13



Love this verse! The Lord gave this to me a couple of weeks ago, and I love it and wanted to pass it on. We were immensely blessed on our Anniversary!



The children are truly treasures. We had an awesome day together. They were so precious and thoughtful.

We assured them that they are a true example of the verse about being "blessed beyond measure, more than we asked or imagined!" That eleven years ago on that secluded and heavenly Honeymoon, we never dreamed the gifts that God would grant us in these twin sons. How quiet it was in those early days.

Today, I am still laughing at the 'fireworks' going off in our bedroom this morning - the Tigers had gotten their Toys RUs toys guns and loaded them us. They were shooting off 'fireworks' saying, "Happy Anniversary!" It's a moment and Anniversary I will always treasure.

We heard from heaven.

Have a blessed Sunday! This is my "Not Me Monday!" post because "No, Not Me!" I did not go back to my regularly scheduled sleeping in on Saturday morning, even after the lovely "Fireworks!" sounded off. Again, I am so blessed.


Warmly,

Remember: Performing Arts For The Children & A BOGO

**** Reposting for the Durham Performance Arts Center - this great event is Wednesday!

We love the Arts. Because we love the Arts, this one is for the Durham Performing Arts Center!

The Durham Performing Arts Center presents


"From the creators of the groundbreaking BROADWAY HIT Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy comes an all new journey of nighttime dreamers whose imaginations are ignited within a landscape of towering buildings and infinite possibilities.... An international cast of world-class acrobats, athletes, musicians and one of a kind artists populate this imaginative, colorful metropolis and breathe life into over 100 inventive costumes, an original score, and magical sights that transform the landscape of a city into thrills and disbelief."

The DPAC is focusing on the children with this performance of Cirque Dreams Illumination! And guess what? They're hosting a Buy One Get One Free Deal? Yes, that link will take you there. They're hosting fun giveaways, and kids activities before the show on Wednesday Night, September 16.

My parents took us to live performances at the Saenger in New Orleans when we were small and then as we grew up. I recall The Nutcracker at The Municipal Auditorium. Today I still love the Arts and have had a vested interest all along.

What a fun way to introduce your child to the Art? Or make a return trip and let them fall in love with Art, Music and Live Performances. We're Hooked on Art this Hooked on Friday! What Arts have you introduced your child to lately? Will you attend?

If you have questions and/or need more information please contact: Lynn Andino here: landino@dpacnc.com

Warmly,

NC Judge, Family and Prayer

Focus on the Family

Happy Spring Y'all! Spring is another wonderful thing about the South. Hope you all are enjoying.

You've asked about the "North Carolina Judge ordering children of a bitter divorce to attend public school." Currently, they are homeschooled.

Here's what I would like to say. This leaves a great need for prayer for this family. Clearly, the children are caught in the middle of a 'bitter/nasty divorce.' Lets add this situation to our "Pray It Friday" Virtual Prayer Chain.

Regardless of where these children are schooled in the fall, the entire family needs lifting up. So often divorce and the drama that ensues is commonplace in our society. Everyone suffers, each adult and each child. God intended families to stay together. And to be happy and thrive together.

With Christ, they/we can. While we are focusing on the family I wanted to ask prayer for one of the largest supporters of family known to mankind - "Focus on the Family" .

Let's pray for Focus on the Family and the many families they encourage and support. And Marriage. Rather than tear down the family and the sanctity of marriage, they build it up everyday with their website and articles and resources available to everyone. And if you or someone you know is in need of family advice or counseling - Need family help? Call (800) A-FAMILY (232-6459).

Please share what is on your heart this week. Feel free to leave your link below and link your readers here in your own post so we can spread the Pray It Friday virtual prayer chain. Because we know Prayer Matters.



Warmly,

The Beauty of Read and Share Bible DVD

ReadandShareBible

Immediately, when I first saw this Read and Share Bible DVD it sounded like a great way to give the boys some extra scripture.

Then, honestly, when we arrived and I read closer before playing, I second-guessed thinking it was too 'young' for my just-eight-year-old boys. Of course, I wouldn't know until I tried, so I put the DVD on when the time was right.

Oh my goodness, the boys were seriously captivated and mesmerized with this DVD Collection. The short vignettes were just right for a fresh look at these Bible stories. The boys loved the entire DVD.

Then the pictures and coloring were well animated. The Read and Share Bible DVD was a fun and exciting new take on the Bible for Children.

My thoughts are that this DVD would be wonderful for children all the way through eight years old and beyond afterall, Mountain Man and I loved it too! :)


Warmly,

My Compassion

Compassion International

With World Hunger Day yesterday, I wanted to share "My Compassion" story with you today. Thanks to Compassion International, we can all get involved quickly and easily right at home on our computers. One day I'll do more, today this is our story, My Compassion.

Just this Tuesday afternoon, and we were all going out for a hike. We enjoy this time together as a family. Exercise and fresh air. Mainly, Mountain Man and I marvel at these two earthen vessels we have in The Tigers who gaily jaunt in front of us at various speeds of sound and light.

We love it. The quiet and peaceful woods and its sounds. As we arrived at one of our favorites, we noticed more cars at the trail head than this flawless Spring day could call for - then we realized it was a large crowd gathered for a local track meet.

Already striking out on our trail we made the decision, there were just too many people, the track was too close to the trail and we wanted to avoid the noise and groups of peopled.

Just as we headed back to hop over to another gorgeous spot, "Crack" or "Pop" the sound of the track gun for beginning the race sounded. The race had commenced. Immediately, The Tigers asked what the noise was... the sound... and one of the Tigers even said, "I have never even heard what a gun sounds like Mama, ...."

His voice trailed off and his words stayed loud in my mind. "I have never even heard what a gun sounds like, Mama" .... That day, I had already been pondering Pastor Fred Winters - the murder that took place in his church less than twenty-four hours earlier.

Mountain Man and I began describing the events of the Track "Start" to a meet.

My heart was heavy enough thinking of such a thing taking place and little did I know that at approximately the same time, a gunman was attaching and killing his own family members and others in a small Alabama town.

A bit somber I know, yet as I sat down to write this post, it's "World Hunger Day" and I think of the plight of more children, these children in Bangladesh who live on .50 a day. That's right, fifty c.e.n.t.s... More children who are troubled and there are those who have heard gun shots - way too many - who live on little.

So we talked with the boys and they got it - right away - there are children and they are hungry. And .50 a day can feed a child for a day. Do you know they wanted to donate their birthday money. Then after talking about their allowance, they decided they would give part of it to the children who are hungry.

We're tippy-toeing into our first Compassion donation. :) You can too. It is what we can do today and we're excited about an organization like Compassion.

Two things to look out for with Compassion: March 22nd is World Water Day, and April 22nd a very special group of bloggers takes off to India to meet and minister to the children in India. Until then, let's pray.

Warmly,

The Excitement of Word of Promise MP3

The Word of Promise Next Generation - New Testament is a dramatized audio Bible. This collection is truly well done with a cast of narrators that is well known.

It was fun to play these readings to our children and watch the Tigers' eyes light up with the dramatic impersonations and sound effects. What a treat to hear Max Lucado and his daughter, Jenna Lucado present Introductions.

And just for fun, I have to share this heavy-hitter list straight from the source: "Starring a Hollywood-level cast of young talent including Cody Linley (Hanna Montana, Dancing with the Stars) as Jesus, AnnaSophia Robb (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) as Mary Magdalene, Jordin Sparks (American Idol Winner) as Elizabeth, Cobin Bleu (High School Musical) as Peter, Alyson Stoner (Cheaper by the Dozen) as Martha, and narrated by Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings)."

Adults and children alike will be swept away with these life-like readings of the New Testament. The dramatics and sound effects were perfect. They enhanced the readings and really kept our attention throughout. The Tigers seriously were begging for more of these readings. Then they would say things like, "Did you hear the water!" "I heard the 'rooster' crow."

Then for extra measure, I asked their thoughts on the Word of Promise Next Generation MP3 set, they both jumped at the chance saying: "Awesome!" "It's powerful." And "Quite Amazing." Any family would be thrilled to add these readings to their repertoire.

Also, for the record, I'm an iPod Touch girl and these MP3s were so easy to 'drop and drag' onto my .macBook and use in my iTunes library. So easy and no extra software necessary. Nice.

Have you heard these? Would you use this resource? Let me know what you think or if you have questions. If you are at all considering, I'd say get them @ Thomas Nelson and Enjoy! :)

Warmly,

The Lady with Octuplets and Her Praying Friends

"Children are an inheritance from the Lord." Psalm 127:3

Can the media and everyone else in America leave this woman alone! Does someones love of children, her divorce and anything else personal have to be so public. When as Americans do we have to get into everyone elses business with our thoughts demands and beliefs, or not.

Have you prayed for Nadya Suleman and her sweet children today? Let's be the ones who are lifting her up in prayer rather than piercing with our opinions for her life.

Will you join me? Please comment below and mainly please pray. Shall we be so bold as to pray for her marriage and a Christ-centered home to raise these children in!?

Warmly,

Praise Baby Guidance and a Little Twins Help

Praise Baby

...One of the nights they were ‘distracted,’ our worship pastor stepped in to talk with the children’s choir about the performance, our guys got so tickled they rolled on the floor laughing. Daddy was playing with the worship band that night so when the music pastor returned to the choir and worship team, he relayed that he didn’t know what we did at home but our family must really have a good time....

{read more at the excited new PraiseBaby.com and I am delighted to be posting at Praise Baby today! The Praise Baby Blog is a part of the Praise Baby Collection a wonderful resource for children {shhh, really adults too. ;) }

Warmly,

Creative Play - U.S. Children Need More Play

Bicep Power

Kids Creative Play

Looking Good
Here is a picture that loves to tell a story. Brothers who love to play together. Furthermore, brothers who love creative play. Creative Play rocks!

In these pictures, I am not sure I even know all that is going on. The biggest kick I get out of it is the tissues they stuffed into their shirtsleeves to show their biceps. One thing is for sure, the boys were having the time of their lives. Simple right.

According to recent studies, "All work no play may be a hazard for some U.S. children." You think?

"The available research suggests that recess may play an important role in the learning, social development, and health of children in elementary school," the research team said in a study published in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

But today many children get less free time and fewer physical outlets at school "because many school districts responded to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 by reducing time committed to recess, the creative arts, and even physical education in an effort to focus on reading and mathematics," they added."

The entire article is here.

The answers are not easy and yet they are. Ourdoor time and creative play is imperative. What with busy school schedules, family life, activities. Yet it is one worth taking note of because creative play is essential in young children. The benefits of creative and outdoor are many.

The MSNBC article ran just before the Holidays: "Experts: Lack of playtime is hurting children." They state:

“Parents are more self-conscious and competitive than in the past,” Thompson said. “They’re pushing their kids to excel. ... Free play loses out.”

These articles remind us of the benefits of letting our children be children. Really we should encourage it.

One of the biggest culprits is pushing our children, over=scheduling them and not slowing down. Do children 'need' lesson upon lesson before, during and after school? And as these articles state, these 'lessons' and 'skills' that we seem to push for - we're pushing the children earlier and earlier.

Here are a few things we do to up the outdoor time:

We usually get out the door for a hike as a family somewhere, most days; make it fun - Mountain Man takes the boys for 'kindling' for the fireplace; We take them to shoot hoops at the gym on the full-court. Talk about a good workout - full-court press with twins. Biking with helmets that fit and are snapped on is a favorite of ours. An alltime favorite and simple way to get everyone moving is an after dinner walk in the neighborhood. We have a pond right at the end of our cul-de-sac, we love to saunter around and enjoy a little extra outdoor time any time we make the effort.

What are your thoughts? Over scheduled? Do you think your children get enough play time at school? Or home?

Want to share your photos and thoughts at Kristen's "Sincerely Fro You to Me" - enter yours and enjoy.

Warmly,