Hello! I’m Christina– the wanna-be southern belle behind Carolina Charm. I love french fries and overusing exclamation points. I have a passion for gathering friends together, a knack for shopping sale racks and am a self-proclaimed expert in crockpotting. I’m the wife to a man who looks insanely good in a suit and laughing enthusiast, Matt, and a coffee fueled mama to two wild minis, Caroline (3) and Thomas (2). I can frequently be found chasing my kids with my camera, walking diapers out to the trashcan and decorating my house in laundry. Despite the many trials our family has weathered, I believe that life is beautiful and it’s worth writing about day after day. This is a space for me to share the moments that make my mama heart spill over, a mix of recipes and more. A lot more. Grab a cup of coffee {or a glass of wine} and stay awhile!
A deeper dive into my story…
I met my husband, Matt, in a bar shortly after moving to Charlotte in 2009. More on that story (here). A year later he proposed on top of a mountain and the following year we said “I do!” That story (here).
That same year Matt decided to hang a shingle and opened his own law firm, The Law Office of Matthew T. Marcellino which is now Marcellino & Tyson. Oddly enough, I also work for a law firm doing non-lawyerly things.
We spent our early newlywed years in our first (cozy little home) before moving to our current home that we love! Full story (here).
Our lives were forever changed for the best when we welcomed Caroline Grace into our family on May 7, 2014. Story (here).
Fourteen months later our hearts further expanded when we welcomed Thomas Dean to our family on July 11, 2015. Story (here). Two months later Thomas was unexpectedly diagnosed with bilateral congenital cataracts and underwent two surgeries in hopes to restore his eye sight. You can read about our wild journey with surgeries, doctor appointments and infant contacts (here).
To keep the crazy going, shortly after my 29th birthday I underwent a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy. You can read about that decision and journey (here).
And that’s our story (so far)!
Visiting your site for the first time, and just posted to your DIY Corkboard post. I'm loving your "About Me" page – GO GATORS! 🙂
Just found your blog and I must say, I love it! You are just too adorable missy! I love that you are living in Charlotte now- I live about 2.5 hours west of there in the mountains of NC! Hope you are enjoying it here 🙂 xoxo, Julia Rose
You are the cutest thing ever and I LOVE your website. Yummy recipes, fun DIY projects and inspirational writing. Our family is in the beginning process of discussing a move to Charlotte, do you love it? Your post about F.I.G. alone makes me want to call the moving truck A.S.A.P.! Keep up the good work! Many Blessings~Heather
Just found your blog and I wanted to let you know it's so adorable! I'm starting my own soon and I hope it can be as lovely as yours 🙂 Keep up the good work and I look forward to reading all your amazing posts! Happy Holidays!
I am opposite from you. I grew up in Gastonia NC and just moved to FL about a year ago. I am in the process of moving back very soon. I hope you love NC as much as I do. There is no place in the world better in my opinion! You have such a cute blog! Jessica
Just stumbled upon your blog and I love it already. I too am a southern belle wanna-be at heart and so naturally your blog has caught my attention. Keep up the blogging! http://www.wickedinspired.blogspot.com
I am from Charlotte! We live in Virginia Beach right now because of the military, but always visit Charlotte since our family lives there 🙂 I am so excited to learn more about you!
We have a ton in common! I also grew up in FL and moved to Charlotte after college. I almost went to UF but Clemson won my heart… but the Gators are definitely my second favorite team after growing up a fan. Would love for you to stop by my blog too :)http://www.laforcebewithyou.com
I just found your blog and LOVE it! Ah! Love "meeting" you :)Ginnywww.moderncommonplacebook.com
Hi there!I stumbled across your blog via some friends who participate in Five on Friday, so I joined in. I grew up in Asheville and now live in Greenville, SC. I love reading your posts about areas in NC that I know and love!My blog is http://www.busyyetblessed.com. Stop on by sometime! 🙂
Hi! I just came across your blog and ah, I love it. We're both named Christina, yay! I really don't know that many. You live in Charlotte, which is where my whole family lives.. AND you're in PR & Marketing just like me! Well, sort of.. I'm a graduate looking for a job. Actually looking at the possibility to relocate to Charlotte!So happy to find your blog! Happy weekend. :)-Christinawww.christinascaboodle.blogspot.com
I love that I found your blog! #1. We got married the same day! #2. Our husbands have the same name, Matt. And #3. We both have red hair. 🙂
Hey Christina…I found your blog on the Five for Friday link-up. I'm a new blogger and just getting my feet wet. I too went to UF; got my Bachelor's and Master's there! LOVE FLA football AND Tebow! GO GATORS!!! Can't wait to read more!Morganhttp://pampers-pearls.blogspot.com
Just found your blog via the pumpkin fall dip recipe. I LOVE your site. Fellow Gator Girl :))
happy new year! i just stumbled upon your blog…it's adorable! super cute & inspiring! you make it look so easy!! can't wait to see what the new year has in store for you & your growing family! congrats!tarawww.chanesoflove.com
Happy New Year! I just found your blog and am loving it!! I recently moved from Charlotte to Atlanta. I love Charlotte, I hope you do too 🙂
Hi Christina! I absolutely love your blog 🙂 I'm actually thinking about relocating next year to Charlotte. Can you tell me a little bit about it and how you like it? I'm making a Memorial Day trip down there in May. I'd love to hear how you like living there! emusyt@gmail.com 🙂 thanks so much!
Hello Christian! Your blog is so cute and sweet! I am a fellow NC blogger. I live near Charlotte in Union County. I love finding new blogs by fellow Christian women! I will continue reading.God bless you!hannaHhttp://grannysquareflair.blogspot.com/
Hi Christina! Found your blog while blog hopping! SO CUTE! I wonder if you would ever be interested in reviewing Gypsy Girl Boutique…we are an online only boutique based in eastern NC. Check us out sometime, we'd love to hear from you. http://www.shopgypsygirl.commelissa@shopgypsygirl.com
Hi Christina! I started following your blog since a few months and I love it !!!! Will you do a tour house one day ? would love to see your house bc your ideas are always awesome. Thanks a lot !
Ok Ya'all. I am a Chicago born, Arizona State grad who met her match here in AZ. We have been here 15 years have 2 fur babies, and now have 2 beautiful human babies as well. (well kids I am getting older while I write this) We are doing the MOVE! To the Charlotte area, I say that because we are looking in the Lake Norman area. Any one have any feed back for us. I have a 6 year old and a 3 year old so schools are very important. We would like to stay on the end of the lake that is closer to Charlotte for better access to the airport.
Just Visiting your site first time and i like to brightness on the site. Happy marriage .
Hi! I am new to blogging but somehow ended up on your site… when searching for N Carolina bloggers 🙂 I'm a Gator too!! alexbutlertv.blogspot.comhope we win this weekend!!! xo
Fellow southerner here (at least as of 5 years ago). Came across your blog and I love it! Such a cute family 🙂 Following!www.bestofbabylady.com
I just found your blog and I have to say loud and proud… GO GATORS! I love finding fellow Gator alumni & bloggers 🙂 XO,GentryGirl Meets Bow
I just found your blog and I can easily say that I'm in love with your content! <3 I look forward to more of your posts! with love,BrittanySanchez Family of Two
Make sure you update your about me to include your two wonderful additions 🙂
I just moved to Charlotte a few months ago, and I'm loving finding bloggers in the area! Can't wait to follow along. Allie | happilyhanson.com
Stumbled upon your blog from a link-up! I am from Asheville, so just up the mountain! Love your blog, glad to find another NC belle 🙂
Just found your blog. I live in Raleigh but like most people in NC I'm not from here.