Ever had a dream of going up in the sky with a bunch of balloons? I did as a child. Actually, the thought still inspires me.

A Raleigh man did just that in what the Associate Press described as a goofy yet mesmerizing stunt, as he crossed the English Channel tied to a bundle of helium balloons and ended his serene flight in the middle of a French cabbage patch on Friday.

With all the bad news coming our way these days, from war to oil spills, it's nice to see something like this for a change. (See this link for how to talk to kids about all the bad news.) When my kids get home, I'm going to show them the photo of North Carolinian Jonathan Trappe landing safely with his clump of balloons. There's nice stuff happening in the world today, brought to you by a 36-year-old hometown man. Take a look at the great photo and story on Channel 11.

Balloons are the stuff of dreams. They inspire happiness, from birthdays to thoughts of flight.

  -- Written by Odile Fredericks, Carolina Parent Web Editor

Women are launching businesses at twice the rate of men, and they are doing it primarily for lifestyle reasons — they want more freedom, flexibility, and creativity in their lives. Studies have found a definitive link between launching a business and higher self-esteem and happiness. Starting a business may not be for everyone, but I want to introduce you to a few women (who just happen to be mommas) that made a go of it! Please be sure to support your local momma-owned businesses!

SweeTea

Created over five years ago by two Yankee women, SweeTea is sold today in hundreds of stores across America. Both owners, Susan Bashford and Karen Hall, are married to Southern boys who often left them in a tizzy trying to understand their Southern twist on conversation. That is when the light bulb went off. They enlisted their husbands for expressions and their daughters for computer support, artistic design, t-shirt folding, and they were off and running. With Bless yer Heart, and Ah’m bout ta burn up as some of the top sellers, they have found there is certainly no shortage of funny things people say. This duo also gets suggestions daily on their website. “Our customers are helping to mold our business and preserve our Southern heritage for generations to come,” said Bashford. And it’s those loyal customers who have made SweeTea one of the fastest growing branded t-shirt companies in the South. Leaving the stress behind of the corporate world, they now spend most of the day laughing hysterically at the new saying of the day as it is folded, tagged and packed for shipment to some cute main street store in the good ‘ole Southern USA.

Stephanie’s 2 cents: I personally own 2 SweeTea shirts and am totally impressed by the quality. I love the tapered cut of the shirts & always have the hardest time choosing from all of the hilarious sayings! You won’t be disappointed!

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Lily Mae’s

What started out in 2003 as a small at-home jewelry business, Tiffany Brockman, then a stay-at-home mom to two boys, decided it was time to branch out and opened a small kiosk called Lily Mae’s (named after her niece) at The Factory in Wake Forest. The kiosk offered jewelry, as well as handbags, and became a great way for this wife and mom to balance spending time with her family and further pursue her hobby in a retail setting. The year 2004 proved to be quite successful, and Tiffany decided in 2005 it was time to open a larger store, also located in The Factory that carried more gift items, shoes, and a number of other items that make Lily Mae’s the unique store that it is today. Flash forward a few years to 2008 and Tiffany has branched out even more having opened a store in Falls River, which carries, along with her gifts and shoes and jewelry, a few different types of items like jeans and other clothing items. Of utmost importance to Tiffany is her dedication to customer service and providing the latest fashions and trends to her customers at affordable prices.

Stephanie’s 2 cents: If you know me at all or have read any of my posts, you will know how much I love Lily Mae’s! My numero-uno place to shop — for gifts AND for myself! If you haven’t been, you are missing out!

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Absolute Body Balance

Kim Perry began Absolute Body Balance Massage in 2001 to provide better health and wellness with exceptional customer service in Raleigh. Her massage practice specializes in therapeutic, sports and medical massage for clients, as well as prenatal and geriatric massage. She prides herself in the fact that her clients have remained loyal to Absolute Body Balance for years and they can attest to the superior customer satisfaction they deliver. ABB offers new client special pricing as an incentive to try their therapists, as well as package pricing to allow affordable care. Kim is also committed to local business networking and referrals within the community and passionate about supporting local charities. In 2005, she was very fortunate to have a special someone join her practice — her daughter Leacy, who not only strives to educate her clients but is also a huge supporter for the local animal charities. Kim thoroughly enjoys being one of her clients — as well as her mom!

Stephanie’s 2 cents: My husband & I both see Kim for different types of massage … sports injury massage for my husband & relaxation massages for me. Not only is her service wonderful, she is a top-notch business woman who supports the community in so many ways!

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b.sweets

Growing up watching their fathers as the third generation to run the family-owned candy business in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Erica, Shelly, Bree and Lindsay Bashour have always dreamed of creating a chocolate company with a fresh, new twist to call their own. Even their earliest childhood memories are of sharing family treats with friends, teachers and neighbors. Fast forward to 2004 … with children of their own, the Bashour girls have created b.sweets — an all-American collection of classic comfort treats smothered in rich milk chocolate, packaged in a hip, stylish girlie-girl way. The girls have learned first-hand how, chocolate can be a true pick-me-up for almost any mood, craving or occasion. Yet, they’ve always noticed that people – especially women – feel guilty for eating it. The original Chocolate Rx collection was created to embrace the idea that no one should take themselves too seriously, and a little fun is always therapeutic. When is it time for a dose of Chocolate Rx? Think rough day at work or rainy Saturday afternoon — anytime you want your girlfriends around. Remember with Chocolate Rx … “any self-diagnosed problem can be treated the right way… sweetly.”

Stephanie’s 2 cents: I just bought my very first b.sweets box last week to enjoy with MY mommas during a little spa day. Not only is the chocolate the best I have had, the packaging is cute & trendy … I’ve officially converted!

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Gracely Girls

Every new mother faces a crossroads when starting their family; focus on career or focus on the children. Amy Gracely, founder of Gracely Girl Designs, has found a way to remain a huge influence in her daughter’s lives and satisfy her need for a creative and professional outlet. By starting a web-based business that creates unique, fun, handmade clothing for kids, Amy lets moms and kids express themselves through fashion. And by involving her daughters in the business, she sets a positive example for how women and girls can make their dreams a reality. Gracely Girl Designs launched in October 2009 and you can visit her at a variety of shows in the Triangle, as well as, her online store. Click on over to www.gracelygirl.com!

Stephanie’s 2 cents: My daughter has a Gracely Girls shirt and it is one of a kind! Totally unique & awesome quality! And you can’t help but want to buy from Amy — such a great momma & definitely has an eye for girly-girly style!

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Renaissance Dental Center

From the moment the doctors at Renaissance Dental Center met, they knew they shared a vision. In March of 2009, Drs. Abernethy, Sonner and Wells redefined the perception of dentistry with a truly revolutionary dental experience. From the relaxing decor and lighting to thoughtful touches like iPods and massage, Renaissance Dental Center, in Raleigh, doesn’t look, smell or feel like a traditional dental practice. In addition to continually offering the most advanced technology available, they empower each patient by making patient education a priority. The “No cavities club” room offers a fun place for kids to play and learn, so the whole family can be seen in one visit. The doctors are more than just partners — they have been close friends since dental school. On May 14th, 2010, they helped Dr. Wells and her husband celebrate the birth of a healthy baby boy. If you’re ready for a new dental experience, call (919) 786-6766 today. You’ll receive $100 off plus free whitening as a part of the signature “New Patient Experience.”

Stephanie’s 2 cents: Think ‘comfy living room’ when you enter this place. Definitely designed & decorated by women! I was blown away the first time I visited. Paired with 3 very sweet dentists, it’s a little like a home away from home.

If you are a mom-preneur (or know one) that would like to be spotlighted in our next Women Entrepreneur post, please leave a comment or email me at momentum.steph@gmail.com  

Stephanie is the founder of the witty motherhood blog, Southern Momentum, born right here in the Triangle, and the newest addition to CarolinaParent.com's bloggers. SoMo (for short) is a collaboration of sleep-deprived, Gen X gals who started out as friends and became grounded together in a wonderfully, challenging journey called motherhood … some Southern by birth and others, transplants, who fell in love with front porch swings and sweet tea.

Each Mom contributes her unique blend of witty, realistic approaches to life and is dedicated to sharing stories and short-cuts that shed light and laughs on surviving Motherhood and what it means to hit her stride. Throw in some Hollywood gossip, product favorites, and a few dirty little secrets and there you have it … a yummy, 100 percent guilt-free recipe for what it means to be a Mom and still be YOU.

Ready to celebrate the Memorial Day weekend with the kids? Hillsborough kicks off the Triangle’s family fun on Friday with a fiesta that offers free live music, kids’ activities and a variety of edible freebies!

A monthly event from April through September, “Last Fridays” is brought to town by Hillsborough Arts Council. This Friday, from 6:30-9:30 p.m., you'll find a fiesta featuring a free performance of Brazilian Soul music on the lawn of the historic 1844 Old Courthouse as well as art vendors, an art walk, a pie contest and more.

Kids can make their own drum from recycled materials, enjoy cookies, lemonade and Appalachian music, sample jazz and free ice-cream at the "ice cream church" or take in a live concert while picnicking on historic grounds. To find out more and see photos, visit our Hillsborough Offers Free Music, Kids Fun Friday blog.

Thinking of heading to the beach this weekend? Carolina Parent just did a roundup of North Carolina and South Carolina beaches to help you find the right mix of activities, sightseeing and relaxing for your family. Read Which Carolina Beach is Best for Your Family now online, or pick up a copy of the June issue of the print magazine. You’ll find details about the beaches and discover where to go with kids once you’re there. (I’ve already found information that I can use when I head to the beach this summer.)

If you’re going camping, you’re also in luck: Kim Justen, a seasoned camper, mom and writer for Carolina Parent who lives in Advance, N.C., offers time- and kid-tested advice in Helpful Hints for Happy Campers, both online and in the June issue of Carolina Parent. Whether you’re pitching a tent or relaxing in a RV, you’ll want to see her list of the best unofficial places to camp in North Carolina, based on recommendations from friends, family and the staff of Great Outdoor Provision Co. in Winston-Salem.  FYI: Kim is a mom who can bake a a cake in an orange peel and make chocolate éclairs over an open fire, but she also has great advice for unseasoned campers, like me, who are heading out.

Looking ahead to this week, don’t forget the Lucy's Book Club will be offering lots of fun kids events as it celebrates its first anniversary this year with a festival to encourage reading with children. The two-week event, which runs through June 6, features celebrity hero readings by people like a policeman and ballerina, activities for young children and parents, and a book fair at Quail Ridge Books & Music in Raleigh. Festivities also include a visit from renowned children’s author Judith Viorst, who wrote the popular Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Read Carol's blog for more. The Lucy’s Book Club is a free community outreach program for children birth to age 6 in Wake County and is organized by the Lucy Daniels Center for Early Childhood, a nonprofit agency that promotes the health and well-being of children and families. Read more on the club’s upcoming events.

Also coming up, from June 3-6, Sesame Street will be visiting Raleigh in an all-new musical that features Elmo and the rest of the lovable Sesame Street gang in a magical adventure about nature and making new friends. For details on Elmo’s Green Thumb, the Sesame Street Live touring production, at the RBC Center, read Carolina Parent's Janice Lewine's article in our Calendar Highlights.

If you haven’t yet thought about Father’s Day, check out our Father’s Day Guide for ways to celebrate with Dad ahead of Father’s Day as a family. We're talking about events that offer you and Dad opportunities for donut-munching, BBQ-eating, golfing, hiking, biking and more!

– Written by Odile Fredericks, Carolina Parent Web Editor

Thinking of visiting Old Salem's Museum & Gardens in Winston-Salem or The Conservators’ Center in Caswell County? Read Janice's articles on both places first!

Looking for a free family fun this Friday night? Head to Hillsborough’s Last Fridays event from 6:30-9:30 p.m. You'll find a fiesta featuring a free performance of Brazilian Soul music on the lawn of the historic 1844 Old Courthouse as well as kids activities, art vendors, an art walk, a pie contest and more. Each month, the Hillsborough Arts Council brings Last Fridays to town. This Friday, you'll find four events of special interest for families with kids.

• Kids can make a drum or shaker from recycled materials, play it in an all-ages drum circle, and take it home for more rhythm fun. It’s happening at the Courthouse square.
• Starting at 7 p.m., savor a free“Summer Breeze” at the Burwell School Historic Site, where you’re invited to set up your own picnic on the historic property.
• Enjoy live music at 6:30 p.m. from A. L. Stanback's award winning Jazz Bands at the Hillsborough Presbyterian Church. Church members will have scoops in hand to serve visitors free ice cream while they listen. (Now you know why this church is dubbed “the ice cream church!”
• Drop by the Main Library, from 6-8 p.m., for cookies and lemonade, old-Time Appalachian Music, contests, prizes, and more, compliments of the Friends of the Library. The Friends will also be giving away free books, bookmarks and bumper stickers while supplies last as part of "Yellow Brick Road: An Evening at the Library.” It’s a chance to buy your personalized brick paver and show your support for the Orange County Public Library.

Find more details on this Friday's fun below:

MUSIC HEADLINER
Brazilian Soul
Headlining band Brazilian Soul, featuring Paulo Lopes, plays on the lawn of the Old Courthouse. Today's Brazilian music is the result of a long simmering mix of Brazilian cultural heritages with global influences such as Reggae, Rock, Mambo, Salsa and Merengue. Brazilian Soul is led by Brazilian guitarist and vocalist Paulo Lopes, with Ricardo Granillo on bass and Terry ‘Klawth’ Lonergan on percussion. 
Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Terry’s sound is both contemporary and steeped in tradition. Specializing in Afro-Latin drum kit, Terry brings authenticity with an American Southern flavor to his music.

KIDS ACTIVITIES
Make creative drums or shakers from recycled materials at the Courthouse square. Music Explorium offers this make-n-take Rockin' Recycled Percussion fun. Make a drum or shaker, play it in an all ages drum circle, and take it home for more rhythm fun. Everyone has a blast drumming, shaking and smiling!

LOCAL ARTISTS
Artist vendors at May's Last Fridays will be located at the old Courthouse in downtown Hillsborough.

ART WALK
The May 28 Last Fridays Art Walk, in its fifth year as a Last Fridays event, showcases the talents of local artists in studios and galleries in downtown Hillsborough. Many venues will have artist and opening receptions from 6–9 pm.

PIE CONTEST
Each month has a different pie theme, with local ingredients preferred, and homemade pies required. May’s theme is strawberry, with judging at 6 p.m. at Cup a Joe, and awards announced at 7pm. Pie pieces will be sold at Cup a Joe after the winners are announced. Proceeds benefit the Hillsborough Arts Council. Entry forms and future pie themes can be found online at http://www.hillsboroughartscouncil.org/HillsboroughPieContest.html . 

OTHER AFFILIATED EVENTS
Local sites provide special programming for young and old alike.
Weaver Street Market will have a selection of fabulous wines for sample at a free tasting 5-7pm. From 6-8pm, we'll have a long-overdue appearance from Jon Shain, bringing his hypnotic guitar playing and enlightening songwriting for your Last Friday enjoyment. Featuring tunes from his current album "Times Right Now" and hopefully some old favorites from the vaults.
The Orange County Historical Museum (201 N. Churton St.) will announce the winners of its Annual Photography exhibit on the courthouse lawn at 6:15pm. Come to the Museum from 6-9pm to see the participants and winners of the competition.
The Burwell School Historic Site will be celebrating the Hillsborough Arts Council’s Last Friday this month by hosting a special “Summer Breeze” concert with Hillsborough band, Judy Woodall and Muletrain. This free concert will begin at 7pm. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets, a picnic basket, bottle of wine, and the entire family for a relaxing evening at our lovely historic property. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved into the parlor of the Burwell House. The Burwell School is located at 319 N. Churton St. in Hillsborough, NC. Parking available. Free self-guided tours will be available all evening. For more information, please call 732-7451 or visit  www.burwellschool.org .


A map of all Last Fridays events can be found at http://hillsboroughartscouncil.org/MapLastFriday.html  

Treat your dad to a grill lesson from Chef Walter Royal of the Angus Barn when he teaches "Father’s Day Grilling Kitchen" on June 20.

Head to Pump It Up of Raleigh, for Play With Pops, a special Open Play Event  on June 20, from 3-6 p.m., when Dad plays for FREE. ($7 per child.) Grab Dad and challenge him to a fantastically fun race through Pump It Up's  inflatable obstacle course, or see who can reach the top of the slippery slope. Socks and signed waiver are required. Pump it Up of Raleigh, is located at 10700 World Trade Blvd.

Chatham County Department of Social Services is currently recruiting prospective foster and adoptive families in Chatham County who need to be loved away from their own families.

To help these children live as normally as possible, the agency tries to place them with families who have parenting skills to give them guidance, and support which are essential for health, growth, and development. This is just as you would want for your own child, if he or she had to be placed with an alternative family through unforeseeable circumstances!

Foster and adoptive families help our children feel safe and secure. They provide structure and guidance at a very critical time in this child’s life. They help teach children how to become healthy, productive adults, which is the ultimate goal for our children. We want them to grow up, have their own children and be able to raise them in a healthy, safe way. And again, foster parents play an extremely important role in this guidance; it is immeasurable what they give to our children.

Foster and Adoptive parents:

* Must be 21 years of age
* Can own or rent their home
* Can be single or married
* Can be experienced parents or first time parents, and
* Complete a 30-hour training class


Prospective families do need to attend all 10 classes to receive the required hours for licensure. However, the classes are a wonderful way for individuals and families to decide if fostering is right for them. Families are not obligated to become licensed after the 10 weeks and at any point can decide not to continue.

We want families to make the best decision possible and this is done by getting as much information about the program as a person can! There is no cost for attending the class.

For more information and/or to discuss your family’s interest to foster or adopt children, contact us in the method that suits you best.

Phone: (919)542-2759

Mail: P O Box 489, Pittsboro, NC 27312

Email: givechildrenasafeplacetogrow@yahoo.com or

Jamie.bazemore@chathamnc.org 

Source: Chatham County Department of Social Services 

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC), the City of Durham, Duke University, organizers from KaBOOM! and more than 200 volunteers from the local community will join forces on Saturday, June 5 to build a new, safe playground at Burch Avenue Park. The event will take place rain or shine.

The new playground’s design is based on drawings created by children who participated in a Design Day event in April and will provide a safe, fun environment for the children in Durham. The city was recognized by KaBOOM! as a Playful City USA community for its innovative efforts in taking action on behalf of play. 

The new playground will provide more than 1,300 children in the local neighborhood with a safe place to play. Currently, the children who frequent the park only have outdated equipment to play on, which will be removed to make way for the new playground. The playspace is the second collaboration between KaBOOM! and BCBSNC, which is sponsoring the playground and providing more than 100 volunteers. The playground build is also one of more than 150 KaBOOM! will lead across the country in 2010 in an effort to provide a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America.

If you're interested in volunteering, contact Annette Smith at (919) 560-4355 or Annette.Smith@durhamnc.gov


Here's a schedule of events for the June 5 construction at the park, located at  Burch Avenue Park, 816 Burch Ave.:

8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Kick -off ceremony and volunteer deployment

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Best viewing of playground construction

1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Final construction phase and adjustments

2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Ribbon-cutting ceremony to dedicate new play area

(Note: all times approximate)

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., KaBOOM! is a national non-profit organization dedicated to saving play. Since 1996, KaBOOM! has used its innovative community-build model to bring together business and community interests to construct more than 1,700 new playgrounds, skate parks, sports fields and ice rinks across North America.

Visit CarolinaParent.com's Get Involved page for more ways to volunteer your time to help families and kids in the Triangle.

Getting the taste of summer weather we had in early May I had been craving some pool time. But, of course, Mother Nature isn't ready to open the outdoor pools yet. So I decided to take C to the Triangle SportsPlex in Hillsborough. I know there are other indoor pools in the area (we've blogged about some of them), but I was particularly drawn to this one because they have an indoor baby pool.

First thing, the SportsPlex was very easy to find. Directions are listed on their website but there are also signs along your drive that say "Sports Center" that help you find it. And it's not that hard. Two turns off of NC-86.

Second thing, this place is huge! They even have an ice skating rink! I had no idea this was here, but it is fabulous. Available year-round, they have open skate hours and also host birthday parties. C is definitely not ready to hit the ice yet and I didn't see any stroller skate on their schedules. Too bad.

Third thing, the pool here was great. Correction: pools. There are three. There is a lap pool for people who really came to swim, there is a recreation pool for classes and open swim, and there is a baby pool. The recreation pool has steps for entry on one side, but also a ramp to gradually ease in on another. I thought the water was a little chilly, but I think that was just me being a whimp. Obviously, these facilities are not as new and shiny as the Homestead Aquatic Center, but I still enjoyed this place.

Mostly because the baby pool was great. Fenced in, very shallow, and very warm. They have chairs available for parents to sit and monitor activity, too. C had a great time in this little pool.

There wasn't a lifeguard on duty when we went, but it was off-season on a weekday morning. There were staff available on-site, though, and an emergency phone.

Also, note that there is a Family Changing Room off of the pool. The SporstPlex requires that children over 3 not use the locker room of the opposite gender, but offer the Family Changing Room if they can not be attended by an adult. However, that Family Changing Room really is just a changing room. There is a Koala Bear changing station, a sink, and some benches. No toilet and no shower. I found the locker room worked better for us, and hopefully your 3+ year old of the opposite gender can use the toilet successfully unattended.

The SportsPlex also has group fitness classes, a nursery, after-school activities (called KidsPlex), and summer camps for kids. This is a place to get it all -- including shakes and food at the indoor concessions stand.

Admission prices depend on the activity you are going for. For swimming, adults are $4.25, kids 12 & under are $3.25, and children under 3 are free. Ice skating is slightly more at $6 for adults and $5 for children 12 & under. Monthly and annual passes are available, see the website. Also, check out the online schedules before you go since they do offer both skate and swim classes, and host ice hockey teams and swim meets (in fact, it looks like the Sportsplex has been home to some award-winning teams). So times open to the public are dependent on activities, but listed on the website.

And it's only in Hillsborough, it's not that far!

Triangle Sportsplex
http://www.trianglesportsplex.com/
101 Meadowlands Drive
Hillsborough, NC
919-644-0339

— Allison is a new mom learning the ropes of parenting in the Triangle. Active by nature and nurture, she loves to get out and go. Luckily, so does her 1-year-old son! Get new ideas as well as all the details and information you need for a new adventure at mominchapelhill.blogspot.com. Check out the photos to this blog on her site!

I've been working on a grateful experiment lately.

Garbage in, garbage out was how it got started. I was stringing together too many days of negative attitude and something was beginning to stink (me). So I decided to start thinking differently. I'm always telling my son "use your mouth to speak blessings" -- it was time to walk my talk.

It started small. Little things that made me thankful, small ways people were a light to me, and kindnesses I could bestow -- anywhere I could find a chance to express gratitude, I did it.

Here's a few examples:
--The school band at the art festival -- I wrote them a note to thank them for their beautiful music and inspiring youth.
--The farmer's market co-op -- acknowledging them for doing such a good job in supporting local farmers and bringing me amazing treasure week by week.
--The friend you can count on -- thanking her for always being there and reminding her of all the radiant qualities that make me glad she is in my corner.
--My husband -- writing a note to express gratitude and adoration for planning a fun date night.
--My son's teachers -- celebrating them for the love they lavish on all the kids, including mine.

The response I got -- in a word: shock.

Most people are knocked over when you take a moment to notice them in their gifts. To stop and truly see how people are making your little world a more wonderful place requires a different way of seeing. My encouragement is to try out the "grateful experiment" for yourself. I did it for selfish reasons, but the reward I received was a surprise. I was done with the garbage. Grateful in, grateful out was a much more fragrant way to operate.

Written by Cara McLauchlan, whose blog, Joy Goggles, celebrates the simple joys of life. It’s a chance to look at our days through “Joy Goggles” and discover the beauty in ordinary moments.