Giveaway: Vacation at Ocean Isle Inn Beach Resort!

I am really excited to be able to share with you the awesome experience our family had this summer at the Ocean Isle Inn, in beautiful North Carolina!

We stayed at the Ocean Isle Inn for three nights. Let me tell you, it was fabulous! Peaceful, family-friendly, clean, beautiful, we had a wonderful time and the staff was really friendly and helpful! I like the tile floors in the rooms, which really cut out the mildewy smell with beach carpet. It would be a good idea to bring house shoes or slippers to wear inside the room, with the tile, and keep your outside shoes near the door. Here is a picture of the room we had:


The extended continental breakfast was the perfect start to our day, with waffles, bagels, fruit, you name it! There is a microwave and a refrigerator in the room, so you can save restaurant leftovers or store your own food. You can also bring a small grill and cook on the grassy area. We bought stuff for sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and Easy Mac to fix in the micro-wave for lunches. You will need to bring silverware (plastic or from home), if needed, and I recommend paper plates, and bottled water for the room!

I love that the pool starts at 2 feet deep, my three-year old was ecstatic that she could swim without her life preserver! The beach in front of the hotel was pristine, and not too crowded.

It's been a while since we have taken a vacation purely with my husband, me and the girls, and it was a sweet time of bonding for us. The kids were happy the whole time, and we were so relaxed!

Now, if you are one who likes noisy action at the beach, you can just drive a few minutes down the road to Myrtle, then come back and sleep in peace at Ocean Isle Inn!

One thing I loved about the Ocean Isle Inn is that it is strictly non-smoking! You cannot even smoke on your balcony, since others will be on the balcony next to you, and the smoke drifts into the rooms. There are designated smoking areas outside. In fact, there is a $200 fine for smoking in the room/balcony. As a non-smoker, I love that, because it means I can sit out on the balcony with fresh air!

The general manager, Lee Shapiro, is the nicest guy, who loves his pets, and he will try to help you with anything you might need. There is really something for everyone, including:

• Golf
• Meeting/Reunions
• Weddings

You can check out the gazebo by the pool with the Beach Cam online! And here's my video, showing you around!





Now for the exciting part! I get to give away a 2-night stay at the Ocean Isle Inn, so you can see for yourself how nice it is! The prize includes:

• 2-Nights at Ocean Isle Inn, based on availability
• Restrictions on holidays and special events.
• Once the winner is chosen and contacted, details must be finalized by the OII and winner.

Here is how to enter (leave a separate comment for each one):

• Watch the video above, and leave a comment, saying what you think you would love about Ocean Isle Inn. (required)

Optional extra entries:

• Subscribe to Real Life- only if you really like me! (Click here if you would like to subscribe by RSS)
• Follow @OceanIsleInn on Twitter (active twitter users)
  
• Follow @reallifesarah on Twitter (active Twitter users)
• If you think this is an awesome giveaway, Stumble or Digg this post.

Contest open through Sunday, June 26, winner will be contacted by email and on our winners page. Winner will be chosen by Random Drawing. US Residents 18 or older are eligible to win. Winner must respond within 48 hours of notification to claim prize.

Disclosure: In the interest of full disclosure, Ocean Isle Inn is a Real Life/High Country Mom Squad Sponsor. Most of you know me and trust me, and I wholeheartedly recommend this resort. (It's the Mushu Pork analogy, ya know)


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Get Real, and Take Off Your Masks!

We all have "masks" that we feel we need to wear. As a woman, a mom. Let's Get Real and take 'em, off! We'll humorously and insightfully share who we are, how we feel, and where to go from here.

Come on your webcam WITHOUT your makeup, and you'll have a chance to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card from me! Will you be there? Let me know in a comment at http://www.reallifeblog.net.

1PM est/ 10AM pst at http://www.momtv.com/getreal.html

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To Dance, Perchance To Weep

I love watching "So You Think You Can Dance," mainly because I grew up in a dance studio. Literally, my friends used to call me there to chat! Anyway, I am routinely spellbound with the insightful choreography and interpretation of the dancers.

This time was different. During the dance I could feel the tears welling up inside, and my heart literally aching. This art form was touching a place so emotionally deep as only art can do. I wept for a solid five minutes after watching it, and prayed for those captive hearts who dance this routine every day.

The subject matter is addiction. If you have kids with you, you may want to wait till later to watch the following video. It's not terribly risque, but there are a few moments you might not want young kids to see.



I have personal experience with addiction, although the only thing I have ever been addicted to is Diet Coca-Cola (or Coke Zero as the case may be!) I have seen many lives destroyed, directly or indirectly, and several lives ended by chemical dependence. Friends, children of friends, and others, giving their lives away and unable to escape.

I realize that people who end up addicted are seeking to fill an empty chasm inside their hearts. When we fill this chasm with things other than healing from our Maker, it never truly heels, and in some cases, envelops our very being into a deep darkness which will not be quenched.

As I watch this dance, I see the agony of being trapped, when you thought you'd get relief. Enslaved, when you thought you'd be helped. A life of misery, when you were just out for fun. And my heart breaks.

Each Sunday, as I go to worship God with others at church, I am struck when I look around the room, with a sense of awe. I look at my own early life, fraught with self-destructive behavior- until my Redeemer came for me. A group of men whom I know have been set free from addiction- and some still struggling with it. Teens who are resisting the enticement of the party-time culture. A wife who is the victim of her husbands pornography addiction- as our culture tells her it's normal.

But these people are not that different from you and me. We need Jesus. Whether our lifestyles are visibly hurting us or just rotting on the inside, we cannot be pure on our own. Every now and then I try, with the same result, crying out to God to forgive me.

I once resembled the girl in this dance, but in my version there was a third dancer. The ultimate Savior, who threw aside the villain and swept me off that stage. Every now and then, I'm tempted to go back. But I don't.

Which stage are you on? Will you stay?

In contrast to the dance, this is a song we sang Sunday giving you hope that He can bring you "Out of Ashes" I wish I could find Travis Cottrell actually singing it, because he does it absolutely exquisitely!




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Three Things You Don't Know About Me

I'm excited about posting this today, because it's been a while since I've done a "things about me" post. I know I have many new and different readers than I did last year at this time, so let me give you three things you *might* not know about me.

1. I regularly make a fool of myself with wigs and glasses on my live MomTV webcam show, Get Real! You can see the show each Thursday at 1pm EST, 10am PST here. You can see the playbacks anytime here

'Get Real' is a live webcam show, with Sarah from www.reallifeblog.net. Sarah will bring her unique blend of reality, humor and inspiration, while trying to keep you entertained for an hour... Phew! We CAN find the balance between realizing (and reveling in the fact...) we are not perfect, and inspiring each other to reach for our goals as moms and women. Join 'Get Real' for fun and informative discussions about Life, humor and silliness, and you might just see Sarah in a ridiculous disguise!

2. The first time I kissed my husband was our wedding day! I always use that one in the Truh and Lie icebreaker, because "that couldn't be true!" Well it is! Am I crazy? Well, that's a matter of debate, but the whole story is here:

3. While we are on the "list" train, here are 7 Things... I've Left Cooking Too Long on the Stove. The stove fiascos include pancakes, pasta, a bread bag, potholders and a fire alarm!

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Show Me the Clothes! BlogHer Fashion Vlog Carnival!

OK, Bloggy Gals! We have less than two weeks until the BlogHer Conference! And I have one question for you!

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO WEAR????

It's not that it's amazingly important, but it's fun! I don't really get into the "what should we wear?" but I love to see everyone's personality come out in your choices! Most people will be wearing outfits that make them feel vibrant and comfortable, but what is that? I want to know!

At the same time, there is such anticipation seeing people in person that we interact with in photos, videos, and phone conversations. We have such a short time there, I put a lot of thought in how I present myself. And I know you do too!

I did this for Blissdom, and had a few brave souls participate (alas, the Mr. Linky has disappeared!) There are a whole lot more vloggers out here now, thanks to MomTV.com and NewBaby.com, so get your vlog on, and BRING IT!

I will be posting a video blog RIGHT HERE on this post hopefully Monday!

Whenever you are ready, between now and July 20, post your video on your own blog, showing what you're wearing, what you would wear if you went, OR what you'll be wearing at home, while BlogHer is happening! Funny, serious, the possibilities are endless! And if you don't want to video,you could just do pictures. {chicken!}

I'll give you a couple of wishful thinking ideas: What would I wear if Ihad the guts and the money?

I would totally rock out BowlHer in this skirt from Lands End, with a pink or white shirt. I would have it cut just above the knee, though:

And would this shoe from BowlingIndex.com not be totally whimsical and cool with that?


A little hokie? Maybe, but fun! Maybe I'll call the bowling alley and ask what color their rental shoes are! {Now, would I really do that? Come on!}

This little dress from Gladiola Girls, right here in Boone, NC, would be so perfect for one of the parties! Doesn't it look great on me? ;)



Anyway, let's have some fashion fun! When you post your video, sign the Linky below, and link back here so others can play! PS> I'm looking for some prizes, so sit tight!

Here is the code for the button if you'd like to use it!

<a href=http://www.reallifeblog.net/2009/07/show-me-clothes-blogher-fashion-vlog.html><img src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk253/RealLifeDesign/Real%20Life/BlogHerFashionVlog.gif"></a>

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On Being Overwhelmed and Having a Partner

I have the sweetest husband in the world. There have been so many things this week that have me SOOOO immensely stressed out. Nothing catastrophic, mind you, I'm not curled into a fetal position... yet. Anyway, I'm going to take this opportunity to brag on my husband, because he is THE most awesome hubby evah!

As many of you know, I have had anxiety disorder since having my first child, eight years ago. I hate saying "disorder," because it's just something I have to deal with- it comes and goes, but I get through it. I draw closer to God when the anxiety gets more powerful than my medication, it usually only lasts a few days.

Well, this is going to be shocking to most of you wives out there, but brace yourself. My husband actually keeps track of when my monthly visitor is scheduled to well... visit. Why? I can assure you it's not to throw around sarcastic comments, like, "You're just freaking out since it's that time of the month!" Has your husband ever said that to you? Does it help? {snicker} I assure you, earlier in our marriage he probably did!

As I was talking to him on the phone yesterday, Judd said, very calmly and all nurturing-like, "Honey, You know your time is coming soon, and you're probably feeling more stressed than usual. Just hold on for a few more days before you confront these issues. Don't worry about the house, you just get done what you need, and I'll help when I get home." That was what I needed to hear to get through the day.

Today, he's taking the girls with him while he works on a waterfall at a Christian Retreat Center. The owners will be there with their kids, and actually invited the girls out there for the day. How awesome is that? That will be one less source of stress in the day. It turns out that today, I spent most of the day internally making sure I didn't over react to my kids.

Twelve years down this road of marriage, he truly fulfills the verse:

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecc 4:12

I am thankful that we have three strands in our marriage, God, Judd and me, to get us through the tough times. Who is someone who can be like a partner to you. Husband, friend, mom? Go ahead and reach out to them!

I recently read a book called SOS for PMS, by Mary Byers, and it actually suggested being proactive during that week. Realize your tendencies and try to avoid the triggers. If this scenario sounds familiar, you won;t regret reading this book!

Join me on Mom TV Thursday at 1PM est for my live show, Get Real! This week, the topic is "Profile of the Christian Blogger!" We're not what you think!

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