Every Monday, TriangleMom2Mom features a local mom. If you want to be featured or know somebody who should, e-mail me.

Today, we hear from Regina Kaiser, mom of one in Cary.

MOM2MOM: Tell us about yourself - kids, family, work, where you live.

REGINA: My husband and I moved to Cary three years ago from Central New Jersey. After the move, I made it "my job" to find good friends and great things to do in the Triangle. What a fun job that was! After the social foundation was built, it was time to start a family. We now have a 15-month-old son Will. I dabble in my previous career, marketing & PR, mainly through volunteer work that I do for North Carolina Schnauzer Rescue. My full time gig is being an “at home” mom. One of the best jobs I’ve ever had – but one of the most challenging too.

MOM2MOM: What's your favorite family place in the Triangle and why?

REGINA: Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve in Cary. It’s a wonderful place. We’ve taken many visitors there. Everyone has loved it. It’s so beautiful. The children, even toddlers, can run or walk on the easier trails. I’ve even brought my stroller a few times, since our son is not a big fan of the hiking backpack!

We also love the Museum of Life and Science in Durham. What a fabulous outing that is. It’s a great time inside and out. The indoor exhibits are wonderful –especially good for when it’s raining or too hot to enjoy the outdoors. The Kid Zone is perfect for toddlers. The outdoor exhibits are wonderful too. Loved seeing all the animals – especially the lemurs and bears. We could spend all afternoon “sailing” on the boat pond. That’s fun for adults and children alike.

MOM2MOM: What's your favorite place for yourself in the Triangle and why?

REGINA: Barnes & Noble. I love books and I love coffee. If they added a spa there – I’d be in heaven!

MOM2MOM: What's your favorite ritual with your son?

REGINA: Swimming with Will. We take Aqua Moms & Baby classes with Healthy Moms. We started when he was 4 months old. The classes are fantastic. Not only have been successful introducing Will to water early on, but we’ve met some great friends along the way. I took pre-natal water aerobics classes with Healthy Moms when I was pregnant. Will really enjoys the classes, the music, going underwater, smiling and playing with all the other children. Now if I could just get him to stop drinking so much of it!

MOM2MOM: What did you eat last night? Can you share the recipe?

REGINA: Chicken Quesadilla with brown rice. (All leftovers from dinner the night before)

Saute red and yellow peppers and onions in 1 tsp of olive oil. Cut up leftover grilled chicken. Add chicken to pan to warm. Remove and set aside. Using the same pan, warm whole wheat tortilla.

Place cooked brown rice on one half of the tortilla.

Add low fat shredded cheese, chicken, peppers and onions. Fold tortilla in half. Cook on medium heat until browned. Gently flip and do the same.

Serve with salad, salsa and light sour cream! Delicious and easy!

MOM2MOM: Care to share your guilty pleasure?

REGINA: A cup of Bacio gelato (Dark Chocolate with Hazelnuts) from Henry’s Gelato in Cary. The owner, Henry Dirkmaat, creates amazingly authentic gelato. When I eat Gelato from Henry’s Gelato, it transports me back to my college semester in Rome, Italy.

Check out our other daily themes at TriangleMom2Mom:

MONDAY: Meet!
TUESDAY: Ask!
WEDNESDAY: Eat!
THURSDAY: Play!
FRIDAY: Out!

WEEKEND: Relax!