Toni Carpenter is our TriangleMom2Mom mom of the week. Toni is a co-founder of Upscale Resale for kids, a consignment sale featuring upscale clothes for kids. I met Toni a couple of years ago when I did a story for The News & Observer about the first consignment sale she held with her friend Katy Williams. I was so sorry to hear about Katy's death last November. Katy left behind two children.

Here's more from Toni ...

Mom2Mom: Tell us about yourself.

Toni: I was born and bred in NC! I grew up in Lumberton and graduated from UNCW. I met my husband, Hugh, there. He grew up in Cary and we knew we wanted to come back to the Triangle to live after college. We’ve been married 14 years and have two precious children, Jacob 9yrs and Katie 5yrs. We first lived in Cary, then Apex, and then in 2006 moved to Holly Springs. It’s fun to get into a town early, and watch it grow!

I am an active member of Apex United Methodist Church. Hugh and I have participated in various programs there and most recently facilitated a Marriage Enrichment class. I am part of the Friendship Circle and we do a charity consignment sale called The Friendship Closet. All proceeds are donated to support women & family charities, such as the Christian Life Home in Raleigh, Western Wake Crisis Ministry and others. To learn more, go to www.Friendshipcloset.com.

In 2006, a friend from church and I started Upscale Resale for Kids. It’s a semi-annual boutique consignment sale in Cary that focuses only on boutique and high-end labels. It’s the only sale of its kind in Cary. I love being able to dress my daughter in smocked and European clothing, but I also love a bargain! This business allows me to get my shopping fix, and buy quality clothing at a reasonable price.

The past few months have been a difficult time for me. I lost my friend and business partner, Katy Williams, suddenly in November. She was such a vital part of our business that at first I couldn’t imagine doing the sale anymore without her. After an outpouring of support from our customers, I decided to continue the sale in honor of Katy. A portion of the proceeds will be given to the Ashley & Shannon Williams Education Fund, a college fund for her two young daughters.

The next sale is March 12-14 in Cary at the Cary Masonic Lodge at 1142 SE Maynard Rd. Consignors with 12 or more pieces and volunteers are invited to shop at the Preview Sale on Thursday, March 12. It will be open to the public on Friday, March 13 from 10am – 6pm, with select items for sale at half-price on Saturday, March 14th from 9am – noon.

Moms looking to sell their children’s outgrown boutique clothing can register as a consignor at www.UpscaleResale4Kids.com. A list of accepted labels is on the Web site as well.

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

Toni: I feel so blessed to raise my children in the Triangle. I believe we have the best parks in NC! My family loves to be outside so any park is our favorite place. We love Crowder Park off Penny Road in Apex. It has a great walking trail and pond with turtles, ducks & fish. We also love Kids Together, which we call “3 Parks” because it’s like three different parks all wrapped into one! The landscaping is beautiful as well!

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

Toni: I love The Streets at Southpoint, but I don’t go as often as I used to since we moved from Apex to Holly Springs. We love the live music, jugglers and fun entertainment they have in the summer evenings outdoors. They also have great restaurants & shopping!

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

Toni: One of my favorite rituals is the “Star Plate." We have a plate that says “You’re a Star." When I am preparing dinner and get that plate out to set the table, the kids get so excited wondering who will be the recipient. Sometimes the plate is for something small, like being kind to someone, or sometimes it’s for something big- like when my son scored 4 baskets in a game! Even Nana has received the star plate when she visited!

I also enjoy reading with the kids at bedtime and talking with them. This is a great time for them to really open up and share about their day.

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

Toni: I love cooking in my crockpot! I bought a wonderful crock-pot cookbook at my son’s elementary school book fair. We take turns trying new things out of it. Last night, we had something so easy to make, it’s sure to be your favorite too!!

BBQ Pork for sandwiches

3lbs boneless pork ribs
14oz can beef broth
18oz bottle bbq sauce of your choice

Pour can of beef broth into crockpot over boneless pork ribs. Cook on high heat 4hours, or until meat shreds easily. Remove meat & shred with 2 forks.

Drain juice & then place shredded pork back into the crockpot with your favorite bbq sauce.

Cook another 30 minutes or so & serve on buns.

This freezes well too!

Mom2Mom: What's your guilty pleasure?

Toni: Chocolate chip cookie dough and reality TV!

If you know a mom we should feature, e-mail me.

Check out our other daily themes at TriangleMom2Mom:

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