Winter Fun in the Carolinas

UPDATE: I got this note on my Facebook wall today from a friend and OMG! My little girl was on TV!

"We just saw J on news 36. I guess you sent in a picture, well they put it on. Now She is famous and has been seen all over Charlotte." - Robert Beaver

I have not seen the broadcast but you can find that same picture in the collection below or in this link as seen on TV- call me ecstatic!

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Waking up to a winter wonderland today and in January is a first (and I believe in the history of the Carolinas) in 6 years here in Charlotte NC so we are pretty ecstatic!

We frolicked early in the morning and everything looked pristine and quiet as we were the only one out in my street. It was cold but worth it!

Enjoying the mostest! Look at this live vidcast I did today to give you a glimpse into this winter fun we had today.




Keep Warm!

Jaded Love

 Infront of the Circus' Truck 

Excitement is at its' highest on the happiness scale. We are inside the mom-van of Sassy daughter's BFF with family on the way to see Zing Zang Zoom Circus. She, my daughter, seated next to me at the backseat. BFF seated on the middle seat. Both were scribbling on their note pads. After a while, her BFF handed her a note. It was written in your typical 6 year old handwriting, so akin that of a doctors', a 5 year old can't decipher - which means, I become the handy decoder of course!

Me (squinting): "Oh, she wrote I love you."

Her: "Whaaaatttt?! I love you??? Why???  It's not like I was going to marry her!"

duh!

Yes, she had fun at the circus. Maybe she should work there. She's a hoot!

Check my vidcast review of the show.

Welcome to My World Wednesday: Missiles Galore

Yes, they're missiles and I dig them! 

Ready to FIRE!!!

Battleship North Carolina

Wilmington, NC

I salute those who served and Commanded this ship. One can't help but feel pure respect for them when you see the inside of this ship and how they lived their lives cramped in such tight spaces and away from the land and their families to provide freedom for all of us! True heroes for all time!

Check out more WW entries via 5 Minutes for Mom.

Thank you for checking mine out!

Laundry Help from a 5 year old Expert

Washing clothes driving you crazy? Well then, you need to hear it from my expert advisor who has perfected the art of sorting. Watch and be amazed! She rocks!

Winter Frolic at the Beach - not a bad idea!

Everyone know how COLD winter has been this year and no matter what side of the country you're in, YOU WISH you were somewhere warm, right? I can just hear you saying "yes, enough with the cold and snow already! " I hear ya 100% and if you're anything like me: I would be flying to the tropics in a heartbeat right now if I can!

Well, you know what? Somehow I kind of did. Spending a long weekend at Ocean Isle Inn for the Mom Bloggers 2010 last week was a reprieve from all the wintry fever in town. The best part of it was that since it was off peak season, we literally had the whole Island to our beckoning!

Who would have thought that a getaway to the beach during the winter would turn out to be a great idea! - as I have discovered - paired with Ocean Isle Inn's fabulous Customer Service, it just can't be beat!

Ocean Isle Inn is geographically located where it allows you to experience spectacular sunrise and sunset in the horizon at each given day. A great venue for romantic weddings along with Family-friendly attraction on site including :

Museum of Coastal Carolina. It's geared for fun for kids. I personally like the Tidal Touch Tank where you get to play with the fishes and starfishes.

Cinelli's Italian Restaurant. Authentic home-made Italian goodness. Service is good and my Grilled chick and Veggies was benissimo!

And if you opt to visit off-site, you'll never be dismayed. A hop away are Myrtle Beach and Wilmington, which is known for it's infamous Battleship North Carolina Memorial, the ship which Ghost Hunters featured in their show last year.

Ingram Planetarium. Located in Sunset Beach. The dome show pleases even the young at heart with its' high-tech lasers and state of the art time lapse presentations.

When you're tired of the bustling and hustling of city life or just to get away from the winter blues, visit Ocean Isle Inn to get away from it all. Uncrowded. Unhurried. Unforgettable. Just what a beach experience should be...

See the rest of the spectacular pictures in my collection:
Ocean Isle Inn - 1st day
Ocean Isle Inn - Highlights
Museum of Coastal Carolina
Cinelli's Italian Restaurant
Battleship North Carolina Memorial

Thank you Shout outs to:
Carolyn in Carolina . A great travel buddy. "Coach" Lee Shapiro and Tracy Spencer. The fabulous force behind Ocean Isle Inn. And to the rest of these wonderful women who I bonded and connected with. A friendship to lasts forever.

I have a very pleasant and memorable stay at the property and I'm definitely going back this Summer, this time with my family in tow! I can't wait ...



*See the review at Rivyoohoo - only wise reviews
* This blogger received sponsored accomodations as part of the Mom Blogger 2010 Event but it does not influence her views and thoughts. Nothing but unbiased opinion and recommendations *

We've Arrived - Ocean Isle Inn!

I did tell you, I was going to the beach yesterday right? Well, after friggin' 5 hours on the road and missing our exit twice, I've finally set foot on the fabulous land of Ocean Isle Inn! I almost kissed the ground after I got off the car. Being on the road (though I was not driving) was exhausting! I tell you if I was in the car 1 more hour I would have pulled all my hairs off! So glad Carolyn was so cool and entertaining - she's a great travel buddy! And very generous for agreeing to pick me up from Charlotte! Isn't she wonderful?

Anyho, I took some cool pictures today. I'm lovin' it. Though I feel a little tinge of sadness. I should tell you that this is the first time I've been away from the family on my own. So, Let me pinch your heart a little bit. Seriously. Then you can go look at my pictures.

So, last night, my daughter wanted to cuddle with me longer than usual because : "it's the last day" she said.
"Last day for what?"
"Last day I'll see you."

Then the next day, she was bawling her eyes out. "I don't want Mama to go!" - thankfully, I got her to stop and she went to school frowning.

Tonight I was talking to her on the phone and she was sounding sad.  "I feel bad, Mama"
"Why?"
"Because I'm sad"
"Sad? Why are you sad?"
"because you're gone..."

Ouch! I miss them too...but right now, heck! I'm going to enjoy my little me time and hopefully one day, we all can come back here and enjoy Ocean Isle Inn together as family. They would LOVE it here! I. love. it.

Ok enough drama. Look at all these pictures I took today and let me know this is not worth my time! Fabulous or what?!

More check-ins at Ocean Isle Inn

Powered by Whrrl

** As part of this sponsored invite, this blogger received a free accommodation at Ocean Isle Inn in exchange of an unbiased review/opinion and social media promotional campaign for aforementioned company.

A Getaway From It All

I've packed my bag and ready to roll tomorrow. Where am I going? You probably wouldn't guess putting the winter into the equation BUT if you look at my right side bar, there, you would pretty much see the answer. Yep, I'm heading to the beach! And not just the beach, this is Ocean Isle Inn my man! Crazy huh!? Frolicking at the beach in winter may just be a great experience. I can't wait.

So how did I get myself into this awesomeness? Well, Ocean Isle Inn is sponsoring the first Mom Bloggers Retreat 2010 this weekend and I was lucky to be invited. It's going to be loads of fun seeing great friends and connecting with new friends like @Carogonza! She's an angel, I tell you!

You can join in on the fun with us via Mom Bloggers Twitter Party Tweet up on Saturday, Jan 16th at 7PM EST. Mark your calendars and plan to be there because the Grand GIVEAWAY is, drum roll, FREE Two Night Stay for Two at Ocean Isle Inn! You might just be the lucky one! Head on over to @CarolinaMama and RSVP via Mr. Linky. You don't want to miss this!

Oh want a sneak peek on this fabulous getaway? Ocean Isle Inn has it's own live webcam! Take a peek! Yes, you're allowed!

Watch out for daily updates here via post, vid and Whrrl stories to keep up with all the fun! AND don't forget, I'll "see" you Saturday! Make sure to follow me @MaricrisG. See ya... It's a date!

The Power of Cereal and General Mills

When you think of breakfast, what comes to your mind? If you ask my hubby and 5 year old daughter, you'll immediately get this answer: CEREAL! And yes, they do love their cereals, mind you.  AND It don't matter if it's for breakfast or simply as a power snack or late night pick-me up chomp, they'll devour it. And what about me? Well, I go through phases. I wasn't raised with cereals in my diet, being born in Asia, but when I do come across a great, nutritious cereal, I'll eat it, moreso feed it to my family too.

This being said, I only patronize companies who think of quality, great ingredients and the health of their consumers. Let's face it, there's a lot of cereal products in the market right now but not most of them are "healthy". They're either heavily-laden with sugar or made with synthetic ingredients! But good news, companies like General Mills are stepping up the game by recently announcing their commitment to further reduce sugar levels in cereals advertised to kids under 12 to single digit grams of sugar per serving. Along this endeavor, they're also increasing key nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D and providing whole grain. Now this is promising!

According to a 1988 study done for General Mills, children who eats breakfast tend to perform better in school, score higher on tests, are less likely to miss class or be tardy, have fewer reported discipline problems and make fewer trips to the principal's office! And those who are frequent cereal eaters tend to have healthier body weights and lower Body Mass Index - reasons I make sure my little girl eats breakfast before heading to school no matter how cranky she is in the morning. She'll thank me for it when she's older.

And when all other breakfast ideas fails, cereals never disappoint! Kudos to General Mills for taking the step to a healthier product. You can get more information on kids and cereals in their Cereal Health and Welness section. And to get you started, here is a $1 off coupon for you!  Incorporate healthy, nutritious cereals in your family's breakfast menu today if you don't already!

*As part of this campaign, General Mills via MyBlogSpark provided this blogger with VIP Coupons for four General Mills Cereals


** check and enter the Super Bowl XLIV and Old EL Paso Tackle the Taste Gift Pack Giveaway

Why are we judged by our colors?

I've always taken the high road whenever I'm met with prejudice and cynicism for being a person of color especially when it's sensible to. Lashing out at distasteful individuals who has no sense of humanity is just a waste of effort and energy. It's not worth it.

But to hear a fellow parent committing the purest form of prejudice, I can't help but feel ghastly pained and disgusted to no end! My child goes to the same school as this parent's children. He had recently announced that they were moving their kids to a private school because according to him the school is starting to fall apart by the sole reason it now have more Blacks and Hispanics kids. WTF! If his reason was because of a dysfunctional education system, I would have fully agreed with him but OMG! the number of "colored kids" is his basis for a good school? C'moooonnnn!

I can't help but question his integrity as a person. This is how kids learn prejudice. From their own parents! Does he really want his kids to learn this ridiculous act and look at others with disparity and parody at every given opportunity? No wonder we can't find peace and harmony anywhere. Even in the smallest of community there is "war". I'm a colored person, my daughter is semi-colored. It's not our fault we are colored.

I wish some people have more sense to see past and beyond the ugly history long gone and look at us  for what we are: a human, living person and not be judged by the color of our skin and race! Plain and simple. Why does other people find it difficult to do just that?


In retrospect, prejudice happens to everyone but it does hurt to the core of your being when you're mainly targeted solely because of your appearance. If you were ever a victim of prejudice, what would your first reaction be? And how would you deal with the situation?

Super Bowl XLIV and Old EL Paso Tackle the Taste Gift Pack Giveaway

photo courtesy of Panthers.com

Winner Update: Random.org generated number 7 as the winner.

Congratulations to Queen of the Free!

Can you believe how time flies? I can't! Was it that long ago from the last Super Bowl? The dismay and frustrations still seem fresh if you ask me. Unreal as it may seem, Super Bowl 44th is almost here. And you know what that means! Overflowing tons of Chips and Salsas in my house! Yum yum...

If you're an old-timer in my blog, then you're fully aware how much hubby loves football, and yes, I tolerate him. My 5 year old daughter has also caught this football bug. So this year will be quite interesting, mildly put. As for me, I'm all for the chips and salsas! Oh, the salsas that want me to dance the la Curacha...
 
Obviously, I love salsa dips if you can't already tell! Thankfully, Old El Paso via MyBlogSpark was generous enough to provide me the "Tackle the Taste" gift pack that included two 4.5 oz of their canned Green Chiles, a football-shaped ceramic serving platter, two sets of football-themed plates, cocktail napkins and a themed table runner (like the one pictured below) to help me score a great mealtime touchdown this year!

According to a survey done for Old El Paso Green Chiles this year, 61% of adults plan to watch the big game and dishes on top of their lists are:

Chips and dip salsa 67%. Wings 57%. Nachos 33%. Veggies and dip 29%. Chili 24%

Now if you're feeling adventurous like me, here are some quick recipe ideas with a prep time of less than 30 minutes each that you can stick your magic spoon in:

Nachos Green Chile Dip Green Chile Cornbread

Taco Nachos Black Bean Dip Slow Cooker Salsa Chili

Seven-Layer Bean Dip Skillet Nacho Chili Southwestern Dip

You can also grab a coupon to save $0.55 on one can of Old El Paso Green Chiles to get you started. Feeling the excitement yet? You should because what's next is a giveaway! One lucky reader will win a Tackle the Taste Gift Pack!
 
So let's start blitzing then punt it with comments: 
( 2 mandatory entry - do this for one entry)
a) Visit Old El Paso and tell me which of their other products you want to try
b) Follow Zen MamaVentures

Then proceed to Additional Entry:
c) Follow @MaricrisG and tweet this: I just entered to win Old El Paso Tackle the Taste Gift Pack Giveaway http://bit.ly/82lYhS @MaricrisG.

d) Subscribe to Zen MamaVentures RSS

e) Tweet about the Old El Paso Tackle the Taste Gift Pack Giveaway each day. No limit.

GOODLUCK everyone! And make sure you leave a valid email address so I can notify you if you are the winner. The contest will run from Jan. 9-19, 2009 @ 12:00AM EST. OPEN TO US ADDRESSES ONLY.




 
*Old El Paso via MyBlogSpark provided the free Tackle the Taste Gift Pack to this blogger and sponsored the giveaway.

Resolutions gone wild

Why do we create resolutions year after year only to fail miserably? Is there any point in making them knowing we won't keep them anyway? What if your resolutions transforms itself into a living nemesis, a nuisance if you must and overkill whatever sensible attempt you have? Oooh this sound eerie doesn't it? I could say blame it on my Sci-Fi brainwashed noggin, or whatever intelligible reasoning is left of it anyway.

So, Why is it a nemesis? Let me attempt to dissect the not-so-obvious.

Take a look at yourself and tell me how many have you accomplished during the course of many years. Me? Nil,zip,nada and lots of regrets after. You're probably saying, "it's your fault!" Well, you maybe right but nah, some resolutions just like the firecrackers on New Year, they're spectacular at first and then fizzles away into Shang-ri-la! Total oblivion.

Weight loss for example. My resolution- time and again, is to loss these undying flabs and double folds for good with the help of a cool gadgetry like say, Wii. Unfortunately, my Santa didn't give me what I so wished for- and yet again for the nth Christmas time! Not that he is to be blamed but the lack thereof, of course has left me unmotivated to exercise! There goes my resolution - laughing at my misfortune! It may be a lame excuse, you say, but to do something you have to be motivated, and without that motivation, everything else is, um, worthless...

So this year, like any other New Years, my resolution is to NOT MAKE any resolutions that I can't keep! A tamed, sensible, achievable goals at this point are my ideals. A few of them that you too may find useful:

a) Network More not just online but via Social Media Conferences and Mom Projects- so far 2010 is proving to be a good year!
b) Redefine my online portfolio to focus on my professional skills and highlight current achievements.
c) Update my blog regularly and post relevant topics.
d) Time Management: finding a better balance between motherhood, career and business.
e) Actively take part in Charitable causes.
f) Set a time for a regular GNO with my daughter.
g) Boost the success of our personal businesses this year.

I can go on and on but then it won't make any sense to do that. What about you, have you gotten tired making resolutions each year OR you're one of those incurable resolutioner- giving up is not in your vocabulary?

Oh as for the weight loss...don't get fooled. Wii is not the end of it. But now Wii is a different story. That elusive bad boy will stay on my wish list until I get my hands on it. Yo betcha!