Cary Heise is the TriangleMom2Mom mom of the week. I met her by e-mail several months ago. She's the creator of the Web site www.SocialButterfliesNC.com.

Here's Cary ...

Mom2Mom: Tell us about yourself.

Cary: I am a wife and mom in Apex. My husband, Rob, is from Connecticut and my children are Ashlin, 4 and Carver, 3. I grew up in Myrtle Beach, S.C., which is still a big part of my family life. As a young adult I moved around a lot, found myself in Raleigh (twice) and decided to make this home. After meeting my husband, we bought a home in Apex. We had no plan, no idea about family or community. We were just blessed to end up where we are. We knew we loved North Raleigh as a young couple, but had no idea how much we would LOVE Apex with a young family. We were "in the know" with happenings in downtown Raleigh, but were clueless about family events in these busy surrounding communities. I started an online newsletter of local kid and family events in November of 2006. I wanted a resource that was quick and easy-to-read for a busy parent like myself. I was also interested in grassroots activities, not just the big headliner events. The newsletter, Social Butterflies, now has nearly 900 families on the email list and in the past year a website was introduced- www.SocialButterfliesNC.com (thanks to my techy husband). Social Butterflies allows me to be creative and meet so many new friends.

Mom2Mom: What's your favorite family place in the Triangle?

Cary: Duke Gardens is our favorite place in the Triangle. My husband and I were married there in 2003. Now we enjoy taking our children there for exploring and picnics.

Mom2Mom: What's your favorite place for yourself in the Triangle?

Cary: The very rare morning that I get to myself with nothing to do, I love to stroll through downtown Apex. It is exciting to visit the newer stores while enjoying old favorites. (I can probably count on one hand the number of times I have actually done this.)

Mom2Mom: What's your favorite ritual with your kids?

Cary: My favorite summer ritual with the kids is going to the Moonlight Movies at Booth Amphitheatre. We invite friends and get cozy in lawn chairs and blankets. The kids never see the end of the movie, as it is always too late for them. But that means more snuggle time.

Mom2Mom: What did you eat for dinner last night? Can you share the recipe?

Cary: Last night we had ribs on the grill, but that was for my husband. I'll tell you what we had the night before, because that was for me. Chicken Bog! This is a low country dish with rice, chicken, sausage and real butter!! I don't really follow recipes. I tell my friends to "cook with love". A little of this, a little of that. Google "Paula Dean Chicken Bog." She'll have a recipe for you.

Mom2Mom: What's your guilty pleasure?

Cary: My guilty pleasure is a summer concert at Walnut Creek! There is nothing better than being outside and listening to good music with friends. Concerts are expensive! And babysitters seem to be even more expensive! But I'd skip several dinner dates to save up for these events.

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