Every Monday, we'll feature local moms in the area. If you want to be featured or know somebody who should be featured, let me know.

Today we hear from Shonette Charles from North Raleigh.

Mom2Mom: Tell us about yourself — kids, family, work, where you live, what you're involved in.

Shonette: My husband, Kirk, and I moved to North Raleigh with our three children — Sheridan, Ellis and Ashton — almost two years ago. Before I became a stay-at-home mom, I worked as a Web product strategist and project manager. While at home, I have taught a few college courses, consulted to nonprofits and done some freelance writing. My involvement with organizations, such as Mocha Moms of Raleigh, Chi Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Wake County Medical Society Alliance and the Brassfield PTA, has helped me meet people and get involved in my local community.

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

Shonette: Shelley Lake is absolutely my favorite family spot in the Triangle. The playground is AWESOME and has equipment that works well for my 2-year-old twins, as well as my five year old. We usually follow-up the playground with feeding the ducks and a nature walk.

In addition, Shelley Lake is also a great place for walking without kids. A friend and I trained for the 2007 Rex Healthcare Half Marathon there!

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

Shonette: Without a doubt, the Umstead Hotel and Spa is my favorite leisure spot, with a girlfriend or without. After a long week, a nice massage followed by a cup of tea with a magazine in the relaxation lounge is just what the doctor ordered!

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

Shonette: Making them go to bed. Just kidding! My children love Books and Belly, where we lie in the middle of the floor surrounded by books and have a marathon reading session. We usually start with me reading to the kids but eventually everyone starts reading/looking at their own books.

We (dad included) also do a lot of dancing in our house which usually ends up with some sort of dance-off or Soul Train line!

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

Shonette: Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

1. Wash and cut chicken breasts into chunks.
2. Season cut chicken with salt and pepper and cook on the stovetop.
3. Add broccoli cuts and 1 to 2 jars of Alfredo sauce and let simmer.
4. Cook thin spaghetti in a separate pot, then enjoy.

Prep time: 5 minutes. Cook Time: 20 minutes.

Mom2Mom: What's your guilty pleasure?

Shonette: The television show "Lost" and Facebook, the networking site.

Check out our daily themes at TriangleMom2Mom:

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

WEEKEND: Relax!