Anders Ruff Workshop

Pineville and Davidson, NC

Disney Hacks

Stroller Edition

Adventure Air

Rock Hill, SC

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker DIGITAL GIVEAWAY!

Scroll down for info on how to win one of our two digital (non-contact!) codes for STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER on Digital HD! 

Walt Disney Home Entertainment and Lucasfilm is releasing STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER on Digital HD on Tuesday, March 17 and Blu-ray™ on Tuesday, March 31.  

The riveting, inspiring conclusion of the seminal Skywalker saga, electrified audiences around the globe, earning more than a billion dollars worldwide.

STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER (Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment)
Digital 4K Ultra HD™ and Movies Anywhere Release Date: Tuesday, March 17
Blu-ray™ Release Date: Tuesday, March 31
Run Time: 142 Minutes
Over two hours of bonus material includes a feature-length, making-of documentary and behind-the-scenes access to the cast and filmmakers who brought the epic scenes and characters to life
Synopsis: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Lucasfilm and director J.J. Abrams’ riveting, inspiring conclusion of the seminal Skywalker saga, electrified audiences around the globe, earning more than a billion dollars worldwide. Soon fans can complete their collections when Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker arrives digitally in HD and 4K Ultra HD™ and via Movies Anywhere on March 17, two weeks before it lands physically in 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD on March 31.

Bonus material includes a feature-length, making-of documentary, which goes behind the scenes with the cast and filmmakers from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and explores the legacy of the Skywalker saga. Bonus features also dig into the film’s Pasaana desert scenes, including the thrilling landspeeder chase, and the ship in which Rey discovers family secrets as well as a new little droid named D-O. Plus, fans will hear from Warwick Davis, who reprises his role as Wicket the Ewok, as well as the creature effects team that created a record 584 creatures and droids for the film. Digital consumers will receive an exclusive feature highlighting legendary composer John Williams, who has scored every episode in the Skywalker saga.

WIN by "Liking" our Facebook Page, "Following" our Instagram page and commenting on either (or both for double points!) with your favorite Star Wars character. Link below! 

Instagram: 


Thursday, February 13, 2020

Guest Blog "Love Notes to My Body" and Launch Party Invite by Nicole C. Ayers

A huge thank you to our guest blogger Nicole C. Ayers for sharing her journey and generous invitation to the launch party for her three beautiful books. 

Several years ago, I realized I wasn't okay. I was experiencing anxious thoughts and having nightmares, and old wounds I thought I'd buried were showing up in unexpected places.

I made a commitment to myself to make things better. And silly me, I assumed that learning to meditate would do the trick just fine.


Meditation certainly helped, but it wasn't the cure-all I thought it would be. So I went on a journey of self-discovery and realized that I didn't like myself very much, especially my body. When I acknowledged her at all, it was to berate her for her wrongness. She was the wrong size and shape and weight and ability and look . . . and the list went on and on.

I was horrified when I became aware of just how cruel I was to my body. I have two daughters (ages twelve and ten), and I would be heartbroken if they shamed their bodies the way I was shaming mine. But that’s what I was teaching them without even meaning to.

I wanted to change my relationship with my body, and I needed something practical to do.

I've always enjoyed writing notes to people, and writing is how I process my thoughts and feelings. I decided I'd begin to write love notes to my body and all her parts as a daily journaling practice because it's awfully hard to hate something when you're sweet-talking it in a love note.

Over the course of months, I wrote hundreds of love notes to my body parts from my crow's feet to my pinky toe. Sometimes my notes were full of love and gratitude. And sometimes they were full of pain and grief. Anger, even. But they were always a real conversation with my body.

The transformation was liberating. Body parts I'd thought I hated, I now cherished. I appreciated my body in a way I'd never experienced. And while I still struggled to love some of my parts, I was finally able to accept all of them.

One of the best parts of my transformation is the extra energy I now have to experience joy and be creative, energy that used to be spent on trying to make myself fit into society’s definition of “good enough.”'

Of course there are days when that mean little voice cranks up with the nastygrams again, days when I’ve taken an unflattering photo, had a yucky dressing-room experience, or just struggled with my reflection in the bathroom mirror. But those moments are less frequent now, and when that voice shows up, trying to make me feel ashamed of my body, I can usually catch her after just a few minutes and shush her. Because I’ve written so many love notes to my body, it’s the most natural thing to place my hands on my heart and send myself love.

I’ve realized that decades of conditioning around what makes an “ideal” body is going to take time to unlearn. This process to appreciate my body exactly as she is will be a lifelong journey because she will continue to change as I age and experience life.

I love the simplicity of writing love notes to my body, though, because it’s a practice I can revisit whenever and wherever I need to. And it’s a tool that my daughters now have to combat messages that tell them they are anything other than perfect, just as they are. I can’t silence the mean little voices in their minds, but I can teach them how to silence it themselves.

Nicole C. Ayers has been playing with words as long as she can remember. While she's held many jobs in her life, including stints as a server, camp counselor, telemarketer, print shop lackey, bartender, and teacher, editing at Ayers Edits was her favorite, because she combined her love of reading with the fun of wordplay, until she added writer to this list. Now it would be hard to convince her there’s anything better than telling her own stories.

Nicole has written three body-positive companion books (SPARK Publications, February 2020) about her journey to accept and love her body: Love Notes to My Body; Love Letters to My Body: Writing My Way to (Self-)Love; Writing Your Way to (Self-)Love: A Guided Journal to Help You Love Your Body, One Part at a Time. She is available for speaking engagements also.

Nicole lives in South Carolina with her brilliant and brave daughters, her best friend and husband, a goofy dog, a long-suffering tortoise, and the occasional fish.

Contact Nicole at www.nicolecayers.com and connect with her on Instagram at @nicolecayers.

Launch Party Details 
Love Notes Joyous Jubilee
Friday, February 21, 2020
1040 Angelica Lane,
Tega Cay, SC, 29708
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

What: Join Nicole C. Ayers to celebrate the launch of her three body-positive companion books:

Love Notes to My Body (https://py.pl/42Ery0236tG)

Love Letters to My Body: Writing My Way to (Self-)Love (https://py.pl/aK1Ys)

Writing My Way to (Self-)Love: A Guided Journal to Help You Love Your Body, One Part at a Time (https://py.pl/PUYiA)

Love Notes bundle (https://py.pl/1cyhEc)

Visit nicolecayers.com/writing to learn more about the books. Click on the titles to preorder and pick up at the party.

All are welcome. So grab someone you love and bring them with you.

Enter the giveaways for fantastic prizes, including an original painting and a lunch with author Nicole C. Ayers and illustrator Mica Gadhia. Enjoy desserts and libations. Take selfies at the selfie station. Crawl the art gallery. Write your own love note. Erupt into spontaneous dance. Buy a book bundle. Leave with a special thank-you gift.

Books will be available for purchase separately and in bundles, and Nicole will happily sign them. Original artwork by the talented Mica Gadhia, Love Notes to My Body illustrator, will also be available for purchase.

Feeling philanthropic and want to share this work with women in need? There will be a silent auction as well as opportunities for sponsorships to bring these messages of self-acceptance and love to all women.

Can't make the party but want to connect with Nicole? Follow her on Instagram at @nicolecayers and sign up for her Love Notes newsletter at nicolecayers.com to access “Nicole’s Love Grooves” playlist.

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Frozen 2 GIVEAWAY - Available on Digital 2/11/20 and Blu-ray™ 2/25/20

Warm the hearts of your adorable Valentines with a copy of Frozen 2 - being released on Digital 2/11/20, and after Valentine's Day on Blu-Ray™ on 2/25/20.


Mom About Charlotte is doing a giveaway for Digital copies of Frozen 2! Our winner will be drawn on 2/13 - just in time to include this Disney fairytale alongside the chocolate hearts and cards for your sweethearts.

To enter simply comment on our social media with your kid's favorite character from Frozen 2, and why they melt their hearts.
1. On our blog below
2. On our Facebook page:
3. On our Instagram:

Here is  more info about the Frozen 2 release!


FROZEN 2 (Walt Disney Animation Studios)
Digital 4K Ultra HD™ and Movies Anywhere Release Date: Tuesday, February 11th
Blu-ray™ Release Date: Tuesday, February 25th
Run Time: 103 Minutes
Bonus features include a sing-along version of the film plus exclusive content, including outtakes, deleted scenes and songs, and much more! 
Synopsis: Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2” has melted hearts around the world, becoming the No. 1 animated feature of all time. Just in time for Valentine’s Day,  the follow-up to 2013’s hit Oscar®-winning Best Animated Feature, “Frozen,” comes home, with a sing-along version and all-new extras. “Frozen 2” bonus features include deleted scenes, deleted songs, Easter eggs, outtakes and a sing-along version with lyrics to the film’s forever-infectious songs. Extras invite viewers to go behind-the-scenes to hear personal, making-of stories from the “Frozen 2” cast and crew. Fans who bring the film home early on Digital will receive two exclusive extras: an interview with songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, who won an Oscar® for Best Original Song (“Let It Go,” 2014) and wrote seven original songs for “Frozen 2,” and a deleted song titled “Unmeltable Me.”

Sunday, January 12, 2020

WIN - Digital HD Download Code for Maleficent: Mistress of Evil - NOW available on digital (12/31) and Blue-ray™ 1/14/20



Maleficent: Mistress of Evil is the thrilling sequel to 2014's "Maleficent," starring Angelina Jolie as Maleficent and Elle Fanning as her goddaughter Aurora. Enjoy brand-new bonus features, extended scenes, outtakes and exclusive extras for Digital consumers. 

                                          

Ring in the new year with Disney's most iconic villain: "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" which soared to No. 1 worldwide opening weekend and earned an A CinemaScore and a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Now released on Digital in HD and 4K Ultra HD

Go beyond the fairytale with the bonus features highlighting the film's stunning visuals and all-star cast along with extended scenes, outtakes and a digital exclusive! 

Enter to WIN a Digital HD Download code on MomAboutCharlotte.com by sharing YOUR favorite picture of your family as the evil mistress herself! You can dress up, use a filter - your imagination is the limit :) Each photo on our social media will count as an entry! Winner to be randomly drawn on 1/22/20! 

Facebook: 
Instagram: 

Saturday, December 28, 2019

Monster Jam 2020 January 10th and 11th - Discount CODE & GIVEAWAY

Monster Jam® RETURNS to Charlotte, NC for an action-packed weekend of FULL THROTTLE family fun!


Check out as eight skilled Monster Jam® athletes battle for the championship with each Triple Threat Series competitor tearing up the dirt in customized high-powered vehicles: Monster Jam Speedsters, Monster Jam ATV's and of course the Iconic Monster Jam trucks. They will go head-to-head for points in Freestyle, 2 Wheel Skills Challenge and several Racing competitions - testing their agility, speed and versatility. Newly added as a special fan bonus during Freestyle, Monster Jam driver will attempt Charlotte's FIRST-EVER indoor arena Monster Jam truck BACK FLIP! Plus fans in every city can become part of the action by voting for the winner in the 2-Wheel Skills Challenge and Freestyle competitions via real-time, in-arena fan voting on their smartphones. 

Find more info at https://www.monsterjam.com/ 

PROMOTIONAL CODE!
Buy tickets for 20% off when you use code CHARBLOG online with Ticketmaster. 

http://www.spectrumcentercharlotte.com/

Good for Friday 7pm, Saturday 1pm and Saturday 7pm. Discount applicable in lower level seating in price levels 6-11.
Not valid on group or previously purchased tickets, additional fees may apply.

GIVEAWAY - WIN 4 tickets by commenting with your kids favorite Monster Truck. One point per comment on our Instagram, Facebook and Blog. 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/B682JeVJRpT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomAboutCharlotte/posts/2242272905874440:0

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Goldfish Swim Holiday GIVEAWAY!

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, and if your house is like mine, the playroom, bedrooms and frankly, all the rooms in between are PACKED with STUFF! Instead of adding to the endless onslaught of toys covering your floors - I suggest guiding grandparents, aunts and uncles toward an experience that will truly benefit your child now and for the long term. 


Goldfish swim school is offering a limited number of $199 Holiday Package swim lessons! Swim lessons provide essential skill and confidence that will stay with them for a lifetime. Kids learn safety skills while having fun, making friends, building confidence and learning life lessons. Kids love Goldfish's fun, tropical environment and warm 90 degree pools! Parents get the peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are accomplishing an essential life skill based on our proven curriculum - and there's no better gift than that!


The Holiday Package includes 2 months of enrollment for group lessons, the annual membership fee, a limited edition blue towel, limited edition dry bag and a 5 family swim pass (these are great for dreary weekends when the kids would love to swim). [$252 value]. Expires 12/31/19. 

To book this package for your holiday gifts visit the website or call 704-946-8114 (while supplies last) https://www.goldfishswimschool.com/charlotte/holiday-package/#~Q4i3G41

My children's skills skyrocketed during their time in swim lessons at Goldfish! I'm SUPER excited to host this giveaway for One Holiday Package for a MomAboutCharlotte.com reader/follower on social media. 

Complete this google for to enter! You'll get double entries if you post your kiddos making a fishy face on our social media!

Form to Enter: https://forms.gle/B3KdrxmSMRbHXiAH6

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomAboutCharlotte/photos/a.312750602160023/2175385469229851/?type=3



Saturday, July 13, 2019

Win 2 Tickets for Cirque Du Soleil Crystal July 17-21, 2019

WIN 2 Tickets for Cirque du Soleil Crystal - July 17-21, 2019 


Cirque de Soleil isn't just a show - it's an other-world experience. If you've never had the opportunity to enjoy one of Cirque's many don't-blink-how-did-they-do-that shows, you're in for a treat as we welcome them to Charlotte, NC with Cirque du Soleil Crystal at to the Spectrum Center Wednesday July 17th, through Sunday, July 21st for only eight performances. 



Tickets will be available to the general public at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 16, at cirquedusoleil.com/crystal and spectrumcentercharlotte.com, the Spectrum Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets or by phone at 800-745-3000.

Shows will take place Wednesday, July 17, at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, July 18, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, July 19, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, July 20, at 12:30 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, July 21, and 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Please purchase tickets through this link (so our blog gets credit and we can continue to bring you these promos) https://www.ticketmaster.com/cirque-du-soleil-crystal-tickets/artist/2367484?did=mday&venueId=369357&CAMEFROM=CFC_SPECTRUMCTR_PR_BLOGGER_CRYSTALJULYMOMABTCLT



Directed by Shana Carroll and Sebastien Soldevila, Crystal, our misfit heroine, takes you on an exhilarating tale of self-discovery as she dives into a world of her own imagination. Feel the adrenaline as she soars through this surreal world to become what she was always destined to be: confident, curious, and creative. CRYSTAL invites you to suspend reality and glide into a world that springs to colorful life with astounding visual projections and a soundtrack that seamlessly blends popular music with the signature sound of Cirque du Soleil. CRYSTAL is suitable for all ages. 

To enter to WIN 2 tickets to their show on Wednesday, July 17th at 7:30 PM, please complete all the following social media jazz.. 



  1. Share this facebook post publicly (change your post setting to public so I can see you've shared!) https://www.facebook.com/MomAboutCharlotte/posts/1917749071660160:0
  2. Like our facebook page post here
  3. Tag a friend on our facebook post here
  4. Be entered to win! Winner will be drawn on July 15th.