See what's cookin' at Great Wolf Lodge Concord #hosted

Recently, my family and I had the great pleasure of visiting Great Wolf Lodge in Charlotte/Concord, NC. This was our second time visiting, and that was almost 3 years ago. Although the resort had the same overall feel from the first visit, we soon learned that so much had changed, for the better. We were greeted at the door by the friendliest gentleman who quickly offered to unpack our car and take our bags up to our suite once we got checked in. The front desk clerk was very polite and the check-in process was a breeze. It felt like we were the only guests in the entire place despite how busy it was.

We had a special delivery brought up to our suite; Great Wolf Lodge's homemade fudge. Oh. My. YUM! 

Look at the great books and collector cards gifted to my son. He loves reading about the Adventures of the Great Wolf Lodge mascots. 

We stayed in the Family Suite that sleeps up to 6. There was more than enough space for my family of 5 and the overall suite was huge. The room was immaculately clean and we had ample towels, toiletries and extra pillows and blankets available. The rooms are so quiet although there is almost always a group of kids or families walking up and down the hallways. You can take a nap and not hear a single noise. I don’t think I have ever stayed at a hotel like that before.

The main reason we went to GWL was because I was invited to tour the resort and sit in on a luncheon to learn all about the latest updates and even upgrades happening at that GWL location. Angie Brown, the General Manager, took us on a tour of the resort and showed us all of the amenities offered. They have everything from a spa, gym, arcade, mini bowling alley, dining places and of course, the water park. It was really neat to learn some of the behind-the-scenes details of how Great Wolf Lodge was established and how the resort is run in a nutshell. I wish I could have spent a few more hours hearing more, but we had to eventually end the tour to get to the luncheon.

This was the perfect sampling from the new Lodge Wood Fired Grill. Everything was delicious and full of flavor.

They had their Executive Chefs standing by in the business/conference center. I did not know that they even had a business area! It was very professionally set up with a very big dining table in the middle of the room. The table was set up beautifully for all of us. Chef Chris Hammond spoke to us about the latest developments in the Great Wolf kitchen and I think he surprised all of us. He gave us some background about himself and talked about when his wife was pregnant and they had their first child. He said she was constantly looking up information online and came across a blog that gave her so much information about food and what was best to feed her family. He said something that really stuck in my head; “It started with a blog”. Chef Hammond realized the power of social media and how he really needed to make some necessary changes with the food they serve their guests. They have completely revamped their menus to include many organic selections as well as foods with no GMO’s including their French fries. The amazing part is they don’t charge you more to give you much higher quality food that you can feel good feeding your family. They even spent 6 months researching all new ingredients to make the perfect pizza. I have to say that they last time I ate the pizza at GWL; we were completely turned off and actually threw most of it in the trash. It was that bad! Their all-new pizza is absolutely delicious. It is NY Style and they did not skimp on quality ingredients. Needless to say, none of it was left over and we know for a fact we will order from Hungry as a Wolf on our next visit. Chef Hammond informed us that if guests have any type of food allergies, they could make dishes to suit their dietary needs. All it takes is a request to speak with one of the chefs and they will make it happen. This is great news since so many people have sensitivity to gluten, nuts, dairy and many others foods. Speaking of nuts, they have made all of the food establishments at the resort nut-free. Of course you can’t stop guests from bringing foods into the resort containing nuts, but it’s so good to know for family’s that have nut allergies.

This was breakfast from the morning buffet at the Loose Moose Cottage. There was something for any taste or appetite. This was the BEST breakfast buffet I have ever had.

We visited newest restaurant at the resort called Lodge Wood Fired Grill. In a nutshell, it is family style fine dining. The menu offerings range from comfort foods like steaks and mac and cheese, to lobster and shrimp pasta or calamari with homemade dipping sauces as an appetizer. Choosing what to order was hard! We all ordered something different and shared everything. My hubby got the barbecue platter with all the fixin’s. It was fit for a King! The rest of us ordered the ahi tuna sandwich, chipotle chicken Panini, lobster and shrimp pasta and the little one got the mac & cheese with fries. We all shared the calamari appetizer and were blown away by how tender they were and how scrumptious the homemade dipping sauces were as well.

Oh boy, we had so much delicious food! 

We were served enormous portions and had to take half of it back to the room to heat up for a midnight snack. They have a full-service bar and instead of traditional full-size desserts, they offered mini desserts. These mini desserts come in what looks like a double shot glass and is just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. We all picked different varieties: salted caramel brownie, red velvet, cheesecake, strawberry shortcake and chocolate pudding. They were all amazing! The salted caramel brownie was my personal favorite.

I found out from Executive Chef Chris Hammond that they use all organic ketchup in their restaurant and also non-GMO potatoes for their fries that are cooked in organic oil. It really blows me away how large their French fry portions are. I don’t think I have ever dined anywhere that organic ketchup was all they had. This is truly a different Great Wolf Lodge than I remember 3 years ago. You can tell how much time and love goes into each dish.

Wiley the Wolf and friends were always photo-ready. They have so many fun activities for the little ones including a dance party and story time. 

Our family enjoyed most of the amenities the resort has to offer, especially the water park and arcade. The girls even went to the new “Howly Wood XD Theater”. They have some amazing ‘rides’ and games in 3-D. I don’t think I have to tell you how much fun the indoor water park is. It was 49 degrees outside and we enjoyed the 84 degrees inside as we splashed and slid down the fun slides. Like always, Great Wolf Lodge makes safety a number one priority for their guests and there was no shortage of life guards, life vests for kids and staff members available to help with any of your needs. If you have never been to Great Wolf Lodge before, you are missing out on an amazing family adventure. I think the grown-ups had more fun than the kids!

Be prepared to unleash your inner child on the super fun slides and attractions. 

A good tip is to go during the week for the best rates and fewer crowds. Amazingly with how crowded and busy the resort was when we went, there was minimal waiting and we still received the type of service like if we were the only family at the entire property. The staff is top notch and always there to help in any way or answer questions. Be sure to have the kids save up their allowance and birthday money because they will definitely want to check out the Northern Lights Arcade and partake in MagiQuest. They even have a new Great Wolf Kids Store where your child can create his/her own stuffed toy. Check out the Great Wolf Lodge website to book your trip. You can even browse dining options, menus and services offered to help plan better and budget for your visit.

A big thank you goes out to Great Wolf Lodge for hosting my family and taking good care of us. We can’t wait to book our next visit!

I would love to punch some people on HGTV

I just wanted to share some random thoughts that come to mind while I'm watching my favorite shows on HGTV...

• I really can't stand when they show a married couple reenact their morning routine in a small bathroom. Do people really brush their hair or teeth at the same exact time each morning and bump into each other like that? We don't. Our master bathroom in my home is smaller than some bathrooms in hotels, but we never complain.
• Couples that can't agree on colors, finishes or anything for that matter. They have heated on-air arguments and someone ends up in fake tears. 
• When they have over-the-top expectations for an itty bitty budget. 
• When people have a budget of over a million dollars and end up buying a 1,200 square foot home. 
• Why do the men have to get inside the tub? I would be so embarrassed if my husband did something like that on camera. Sadly, he probably would.
• I do LOVE when the host shows a house that has everything a couple is looking for-- all custom features, open and over-sized spaces, gourmet kitchen, dream back yard and everything else only to burst their bubble when the sales price is revealed. It ends up being like $400K over budget, Hehehe!
• There is always going to be that one woman who freaks out because there's a dead bug on the ground. C'mon man, it's DEAD! 
•  People and the whole "open floor plan" thing. I don't really get it. When I'm in the kitchen cooking, I don't want to be bothered. I don't need to see my family or guests while I'm in there. It's my "me time" and I don't need anyone talking to me during that time. 

Curly Q's for Curly Kids (Review)

Being a mom of three biracial kids means I have been through my fair share of taming the beast known as, "the curls". The fact that I am Indian and have straight hair made it very difficult to know what to do with all of those curls! I recall trying dozens of products to help make it easier to handle and a whole lot of trial and error. Fast forward to today... my girls handle their own hair (thank God) and my son's hair is a lot easier to maintain for the most part. I do sometimes have issues with his hair getting too poofy and it just doesn't look good. I received a couple of products made by Curly Q's to test out on my little one's hair. I got the Coconut Dream Conditioner and Curly Q Milkshake Light Curl Lotion.

The first thing that really stood out to me is that the bottles say "Curl care fit for a Prince or Princess". I like that since my son would question me on what I am putting on his hair. He has that manly man thing going on that he gets from his dad, so I love that it says, 'Prince'.

Now the real question is, does it work well? I shampooed William's hair, rinsed and then put a little bit of the Coconut Dream conditioner on. I'm glad I only used a tiny bit because it is extra rich and emollient-- a little goes a long way. William immediately told me that it smelled yummy. I agreed, you can instantly smell coconut and when he rinsed his hair out, all you could feel is softness.

I put a tiny amount of the Curly Q Milkshake to keep his curls under control and it really does give them a more polished look. His hair stays very soft and manageable without getting poofy. I have been so pleased with how his hair has been looking and others have noticed as well. My oldest daughter (20) borrowed both products while we were on vacation last week and she fell in love with them. It is hard for her to find products that work well with her curls and she has spent a small fortune trying different things out.

I love how the Curly Q's site explains full details on all of their products. It makes the selection process a lot easier. Their prices are competitive yet fair for what you get. I don't ever mind paying for quality. Curly Q's offers a variety of hair products for all ages including a line exclusively for babies and kids. I wish Curly Q's was available when my girls were little. I think it would have made doing hair less stressful.

If you have curly haired kids or if you have curly hair, I highly suggest you try out the Curly Q's line of products. Be sure to check out their website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter for product promotions and updates.

I received product samples for review purposes and all opinions are 100% my own as always. 

An Overview of Garagiste Wines

Wine has become the next big thing in artisanal beverages, with a rapid increase of craft wines becoming available. According to Gold Medal Wine Club, no longer are enthusiasts reaching for mass-produced bottles recognized from magazine lists, but instead they are seeking hidden gems found within the bottles of garagiste wine.

What is Garagiste Wine?

Garagiste is a term that originated in France to describe a type of wine maker who focuses on small, high quality products as opposed to creating large batches. It became a label for a subculture that refused to be restricted by governmental rules and instead rebelled, utilizing small garage types of spaces to create their own specialized wines. These independent innovators incorporate passion and creativity into their artisanal cache. The wines are made with great attention to detail, which often means the final tally of cases is extremely low compared to that generated by corporate producers. There are a variety of garagiste wines available, although only a few types are usually offered from any one particular producer. If you have a garagiste wine in hand, you can rest assured there are very few others that get to partake in the flavors you are experiencing.


Where is Garagiste Wine Produced?

While some variance of a garagiste wine can be found in locations throughout the country, there are a few spots where they have really come into their own. On the West Coast there has been a huge influx of craft wine producers, with enthusiasts creating an array of unique products. The primary stateside hubs can be found in Central and Northern California, with a large number of artisans staying true to the state’s “wine country” reputation. While large wine producers are aplenty, there are lots of resources for wine makers of all sizes. However, The Golden State can’t claim all the talented makers of garagistes. In recent years, Oregon and Washington have both climbed in recognition as craft wine producing states, and rightfully so. In keeping with the North West’s independent spirit, craftsmen let their creative juices flow in this area where small, non-corporate businesses are given considerable support and quality work can easily find a niche. Locally sourced ingredients, organic elements and slow, intentional processes are all revered, making these ideal regions to experiment and create artisanal spirits.

Considering the low number of bottles produced, every drop counts. When you have a garagiste wine poured into your glass, take the time to enjoy it with multiple senses. Observe the rich color and viscosity, smell the aromas as it breathes, and savor every sip, enjoying the uniqueness of what you are experiencing.

Nominate a deserving teen for the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy #CokePayItForward

The Coca-Cola Company provided promotional consideration for my participation in this program


If you have been a Mom Files reader for the past few years, you might recall me talking about the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program. Well, this year is bigger and better, with Mr. Steve Harvey back for a second year as the celebrity ambassador and co-host. I participated in a Twitter chat with him last week, discussing a few ways we can connect with and encourage our teens with the college application process. It was really refreshing to see how many caring parents offered up some great advice. This year, the program has expanded to include the all-new Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy. The Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program is a movement, primarily targeted to moms, to uplift and help pay it forward to the next generation.



You’re probably wondering what exactly the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program is and how it works. Here are some facts:

• The Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program is a movement to uplift and inspire the next generation of African American teens to realize their dreams through education, unique mentorship experiences and scholarship.
• The program works through a nomination process, where moms, dads, relatives, neighbors or teachers nominate high school teens in grades 9-12. Nominators or nominees must be 13 years of age and older and eligible teens can even nominate themselves. 
• Nominations are done on Coca-Cola’s Pay It Forward website. 
• Up to twenty winners will be selected, and each winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship and a trip from their hometown for them and their mom/legal guardian to attend the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy July 24-26, 2015 in Atlanta, GA. See full contest rules here. 

Nominations are open until March 31, 2015.

The Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy is a three-day educational development experience, structured to offer valuable resources for moms and her teen(s). Moms will receive helpful tips like how to help her teen(s) be successful in school now, and how to financially prepare them for college. For teens, the programming will focus on topics like personal branding, higher education and alternative career paths.



Besides Steve Harvey joining for the second year as the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program celebrity ambassador, Coca-Cola has partnered with Get Schooled and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to assist with the development of the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy programming. You can listen to this audio clip with Steve Harvey interviewing the President and CEO of The United Negro College Fund, Dr. Michael Lomax, to help get a better understanding of the program.

I nominated my high school senior tonight and it was a very quick process, it only took about 2-3 minutes. I know the experience will be so valuable to the deserving teens that will ultimately win. It would certainly be a memorable summer! So, what are you waiting for? Go nominate a deserving teen now. Be sure to spread the word and encourage your family members, friends, coworkers and neighbors to nominate a teen as well. Who will YOU nominate?

Visit coke.com/payitforward to nominate, and for complete rules and eligibility requirements. Join the conversation online using #CokePayItForward.