Family * Travel * Food

Go back-to-school with SOL REPUBLIC Tracks Collegiate Series Headphones (Giveaway)

**Closed- Winner is Desmond W. Congratulations! 
I can't believe that in three weeks my kids will officially be back-to-school. The Summer has flown by like it always does and we are scrambling around getting prepared to head back. My oldest daughter will be starting her second year of college at the University of South Carolina and is very excited. She has already ordered her books and gotten some basic supplies and clothing. I always treat the kids to a small back-to-school gift to let them know I will miss them. This year my college girl is the happy recipient of some SOL REPUBLIC Tracks Collegiate Series  Headphones. Now she can show off her Gamecock pride with these very cool over-the-ear headphones.

I didn't even realize that SOL REPUBLIC offered headphones with head bands featuring over 100 different Universities from all over the country. Check out the full listing here. They retail for $129.99. This is perfect for sending your college student off to school or even for the college sports lover in your life. When you live in the South, college football is everything! My daughter absolutely loves these and the sound quality is outstanding. 
Even if you have your volume set mid-way, you will experience listening to music, audio-books or videos in a whole new way. The HD sound clarity and bass are astonishing. These block out most sounds around you to give you the ultimate, uninterrupted listening experience. Like the other Tracks over-the-ear headphones, the head band is interchangeable and practically indestructible. The speaker pads are super comfortable, especially for extended wear. These Tracks also have a Mic & Music controller and is compatible with most Apple, Android and Windows devices.

I guarantee you that your college student or even aspiring college student will LOVE these high-quality head phones for back to school! We already own a couple pairs of other SOL REPUBLIC head phones and are beyond satisfied with them. They are truly worth the money! You can purchase them directly from the SOL REPUBLIC site as well as participating Radio Shack stores. Stay connected with SOL REPUBLIC on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for product updates and promotions.

We are SO thrilled to give away one pair of these amazing SOL REPUBLIC Tracks Collegiate Series Headphones (in your choice of university available on the website & subject to availability) to one very lucky Mom Files *reader! Enter below: a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on August 9, 2014. Please follow giveaway rules in Rafflecopter widget. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!
*If you have one a SOL REPUBLIC giveaway in the last 6 months from Mom Files, you will not be eligible to enter. 

Disclosure: I have received a complimentary pair of head phones from SOL REPUBLIC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own as always.
SHARE:

Choosing Christening Decorations for a Main Table

If you'll be celebrating your baby's christening soon you should think about decorating the celebration you'll have with friends and family after the religious ceremony. Christening-related table decor will not only make the dining area more appealing, but will serve as an elegant reminder of the reason why everyone gathered.

Things to consider when choosing appropriate christening decorations:

Size of baptism favors and decorations
Select christening decorations for the table and make sure they are noticeable, but not too overwhelming when it comes to the size. For example, if you have invited not so many guests and have a square table, then a small collection of rosaries with rose petals will do perfectly. For a larger number of people, you can decorate the table with a pair of ceramic doves and ceramic replica of a cross. They would look great as symbols of peace and love.

Color palette of the party
Mostly, it's preferred to use white color palette for christening decorations, because this particular color symbolizes the beginning of something positive and purity. But, on the contrary, it is allowed to complement the white tablecloth with silver or gold accents to add the peculiar elegant touch – this is referred to the tableware or table flowers. For example, place a bouquet of white roses in a silver vase.

Significance must be emphasized through unique christening decorations
Make sure that the major christening table decoration is remarkably memorable. For example, enlarge the infant’s photo and then frame it in a silver or golden frame to make an awesome table centerpiece. Designers also recommend decorating the table with white, gold and silver banners displaying the baby's name and the date of the christening ceremony.
Make sure your christening decorations for the table have a personal touch. Do not just copy the magazines or your friends’ christening parties – this party has to be individual so do not be afraid to add your own ideas and homemade christening decorations for the table.
SHARE:

New Dial Coconut Water & Mango body wash-- Giveaway

Being a stay-at-home mom generally means very little down time. I work from the minute my feet hit the ground until soon before I slip under the covers for the night. My escape for the day usually happens in the shower. It's the only time I really have to myself and I enjoy every last minute of it. Everything from the hot steam, to the fresh scents of my bath products. It's really a time for me to rejuvenate and even relax. 
Dial has the newest addition to their body wash line in coconut water and mango scent. They had me at coconut water! I love the tropical scent of this moisturizing body wash and when I close my eyes, I can pretend I am some place far away. Like I said, shower time is me-time. I am allowed to daydream.

Treat your skin to twice the tropical refreshment with every shower. The rich lather of this body wash is infused with coconut water, known to be rich in hydrating antioxidants and electrolytes. While the scent of juicy, ripe mango leaves skin feeling fresh, clean and delectably fragrant.

Three Mom Files readers will win a coupon good for one FREE full-size bottle of Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango Body Wash. Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on August 8, 2014. Please follow giveaway rules in Rafflecopter widget. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

Disclosure: The Dial brand provided me with a sample in exchange for a products review. However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own.
SHARE:

Wordless Wednesday | So Bright


SHARE:

Get ready for back-to-school with Fiskars #ad

As we near the end of July, it's time to start preparing for back-to-school. This means clothing, shoes, backpacks and school supplies. My kids have always enjoyed buying school supplies even if they aren't overly enthusiastic about going back to long school days and homework. I'm a big believer in buying quality school supplies and don't mind paying a little more for items that will last longer. Fiskars school scissors have been the only brand I have purchased since the pre-school days. My youngest child had the training scissors that were so important in helping his little hands master how to cut paper. 
Fiskars makes sizes and varieties for all different needs. I love the fun bold colors they now make. The quality is the same that it has always been. I don't think my kids have ever broken a pair of Fiskars scissors before. They are just that durable.
I love the non-stick blades. They give a clean cut. 
Fiskars is currently running a giveaway on their Facebook page to win a set of Kids Scissors for the entire class! Parents or teachers can enter. Wouldn't you want your kids' class to have high-quality scissors that will last all year long? It took me less than a minute to enter.
I can't believe how many different types of cutting implements they make. I have my eye on some of the mixed-media and fabric shears. I may have to treat myself! Yes, I get excited over cutting tools! Oh and you crafting mamas would drool over the selection. You can find the Fiskars brand at many retailers nationwide and of course you will see all the kids' scissors in the back-to-school section. Now that I think about it, a new sharp pair of scissors might be a nice thing to give my little one's teacher as a gift. Check out the Fiskars website and connect on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

I received products samples from Fiskars in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own as always. 
SHARE:

5-hour ENERGY® “Yummification” contest & Giveaway #spon

5-hour ENERGY® provided me with the information, samples and a gift card for this post. All opinions are my own as always. 
The makers of 5-hour ENERGY® announced the launch of the “Yummification” video contest, where entrants can win a share of $100,000 for creating a video of their favorite way to mix a 5-hour ENERGY® shot with an everyday beverage. The contest will be judged on the creativity of the video and the taste of the creation

· Drink creations must follow the approved/non-approved ingredients guidelines (i.e. no caffeinated beverages or alcohol)
· To enter the contest, visit www.5houryummification.com and follow the instructions to complete the entry form; “Like” 5-hour ENERGY® on Facebook, then create and submit a video that is no longer than 60 seconds showing an original combination being made, tasted, and named (creativity counts!)
  • One grand prize winner will receive $50,000, and the following prizes will also be awarded:
  • Second Prize (1): Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000)
  • Third Prize (1): Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000)
  • Fourth Prizes (10): One Thousand Dollars ($1,000)

Entries must be received by August 19, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. EDT to be eligible.  No purchase necessary.  US residents only.  18 years and up   
To enter, visit www.5houryummification.com and follow the instructions to complete the entry form or “Like” the 5-hour ENERGY® page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/5HourEnergyShot and follow the instructions to click the contest tab
For official rules, visit 5houryummification.com
I was provided with a selection of 5-hour ENERGY shots so that I could create my very own beverage. I mixed 4 ounces of 100% cranberry juice, 1 5-hour ENERGY Lemon-Lime shot and 2 ounces of club soda. I call my creation, Citrus-Berry Splash. I even got fancy and garnished my goblet with a slices of lemon and lime. What do you think? It was very refreshing and I'm glad I went with the club soda and not lemon-lime soda. I think it would have been too sweet. 
Information about 5-hour ENERGY® shots:

·5-hour ENERGY® shots are dietary supplements that provide hours of energy and alertness
· Contain a blend of B-vitamins, amino acids, and essential nutrients
· Helps people feel alert and energized for hours
· Zero sugar, zero carbs, zero herbal stimulants and 4 calories!
· Caffeine in a 5-hour ENERGY® shot is comparable to a cup of the leading premium coffee
· May consume up to 2 bottles of 5-hour ENERGY®, spaced several hours apart. For moderate energy, drink ½ bottle of 5-hour ENERGY®
One lucky Mom Files reader will win a gift pack of 5-hour ENERGY shots ($30 value) as well as a $25 Visa gift card to buy supplies to make their own drink creation. Enter below: a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on August 5, 2014. Please follow giveaway rules in Rafflecopter widget. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!
SHARE:

Are you prepared for an emergency? See how Boltwell can help

Emergencies-- They are not something we expect, they just happen. We do all we can to prepare ahead of time. Sometimes you are quite sure what you even need in your emergency kit. I received a sample box from Boltwell that included a variety of basic items to keep on hand in case an emergency arises.
The box was filled with so many handy items. I was really impressed with how detailed it was. 
Emergency kit included: 
  • Weather radio that has a light on it as well. 
  • Hand Sani Pen to clean away the ick that can make you sick.
  • Multi Tool- cuts, saws, screws, unscrews and can open bottles. 
  • Food bar for when hunger strikes
  • Ultibrush- All-in-one toothbrush including toothpaste
  • Toilet kit- for when you aren't around a toilet
  • Quick Dry Chamois Cloth- good for drying your hair or absorbing water from a puddle.
  • Dry Shampoo- Keeps hair fresh when showering is not an option.
  • Pocket Lantern- It gives off way more light than you would expect with 4 settings including flashing. 
The First Aid Kit was loaded with so many items. I don't think I would have thought of half of these things. 

CONTAINS:
• Flexible bandages
• Large gauze pads
• Gauze rolls
• Gauze sponges
• Latex-free first aid tape
• Butterfly wound closures
• Flexible wrap bandage
• Latex-free nitrile gloves
• Triangle bandages
• Emergency scissors
• Irrigation syringe
• N95 masks
• Antiseptic skin cleanser

Boltwell offers a variety of kits for so many different needs such as Fire safety, Pet care, Food, Car and more. You can purchase kits ready-to-go or individual items as add-ons. I think my husband will want to get the emergency ladder. I feel like along with keeping extra food supplies available and having a family plan, you can be prepared for emergencies with these emergency kits. 

Check out Boltwell emergency kits on their website and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram
SHARE:

New from IHOP: Scrambles Inspired by Tastes from Around the Globe

The Restaurant Famous for Making Eggs Any Way You Want Them Has Three New Scrambles Inspired by Tastes from Around the Globe

Do you have a taste for adventure, but can’t get away? For a limited time, you need only go as far as your local IHOP® restaurant:  they are bringing exactly that—a taste of adventure— straight to your table with the introduction of their new World Scrambles, which capture the best flavors from destinations both near and far!

Guests at IHOP restaurants have always been able to enjoy a multitude of egg dishes, prepared any way they want them, and now three new savory egg scramble sensations, available now through September 7, give them even more “egg-citing” choices to enjoy:
All-American Bacon Scramble: Fluffy scrambled eggs topped with diced fresh tomatoes, crispy hickory-smoked bacon and shaved white cheddar cheese.
Tuscan Scramble: Eggs scrambled with sweet basil, roasted red peppers, finished with shaved Parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes, and topped with delicious fresh spinach
Californian Scramble: Jack & cheddar cheeses melted into fluffy scrambled eggs topped with our salsa & fresh avocado.

Each World Scramble, a satisfying choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner, is made to order and perfectly paired with golden hash browns and your choice of a warm flour tortilla, toast, or two of IHOP restaurant’s classic buttermilk pancakes.

Guests can also beat the summer heat with refreshing new lemonades, also available until September 7. In addition to a traditional lemonade, IHOP restaurants are now offering a cherry lemonade and a mango lemonade, each garnished with a slice of lemon, and available with free refills. Each ice-cold lemonade pairs well with IHOP’s new dinner salads, sandwiches and other entrees. For more information or to find an IHOP restaurant near you, please visit www.IHOP.com.  Follow IHOP on Facebook and Twitter.
SHARE:

To a Cultured Land — Interesting Educational Family Days out in the UK

A family holiday to the UK can be one of the most memorable yet educational adventures children can experience. Packed with history, culture, wildlife and fun, the UK is the perfect destination for American families abroad. Not only are there loads of kid-friendly activities, but everyone speaks English, making family travel that much easier. Here are a few of the best family-friendly days out on a UK holiday.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
With attractions that cover 800 years of naval history, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is located in the larger HMNB (Her Majesty’s Naval Base) Portsmouth, a fully functioning port for the British navy. The Historic dockyard is an enthralling day out for families since it’s a maritime museum featuring educational exhibits including the raised wreck of the Tudor carrack Mary Rose, the HMS Warrior (from 1860) and HMS M33 which was a WWI monitor. The museum is one of the world’s most renowned maritime museums and children will love seeing relics from the adventurous seafaring days of yore.

Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the largest, oldest occupied castle in the world and is — to this day — an official royal residence. The castle is open to visitors and offers free audio tours for families, narrated by such colorful castle residents as Gilbert the Grotesque, Tipu Tiger and Cyril, a Page of the Back Stairs. As well as guided tours, there are loads of family activity trails to explore, shops, and a regular schedule of insightful programs throughout the year.

Sutton Hoo
This Suffolk gem in the east of England is an ancient Anglo-Saxon burial ground covering 91 hectares overlooking the Deben estuary. The site has a fascinating archaeological history and seamlessly melds contemporary children’s fun with ancient historical exhibitions. There are woodland walks, an adventure playground, tracker packs and activity trails to keep the whole family engaged and entertained for an educational day out.

Family travel can be expensive and the exchange rates are rarely in favor of anyone coming into the UK. To make the most of a UK holiday, take public transport wherever possible, search for discounts prior to arrival and bring pack lunches, because the UK is best appreciated over a civilized picnic in a quaint location.

SHARE:

Managing LBL with Poise (FREE Sample Kit offer) #ad

Thanks to Poise for sponsoring today's discussion and keeping me feeling confident!

Turning 40 last year was not only a big milestone in my life, but also an eye-opener for many reasons. I have come to realize that my body has changed over time and with having three kids, some things are not the same. One in three women experience Light Bladder Leakage (LBL), which can be triggered by everyday occurrences like coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercise. Many women rely on feminine care products or nothing at all to manage their little leaks because they don’t know there are solutions designed specifically for LBL or they don’t think incontinence products are for them. As the leader in the light incontinence category, Poise brand offers a variety of pads and liners to make it easy to find protection for every woman’s needs.

These shockingly thin and surprisingly absorbent liners feature SAM (Super Absorbent Material) to provide discreet Light Bladder Leakage (LBL) protection that helps keep you dry and comfortable all day long so you can manage life’s little leaks with confidence. Poise Microliners are the thinnest liners in the light incontinence category and are designed to absorb wetness, neutralize odor and stay three times drier than period liners.

Now I can go put on my red lipstick and face the world with confidence! Poise Microliners are so thin and discreet, I even forget they are there.

Get a Poise Liner or Pad sample kit for FREE. Check it out for yourself and feel free to share with others who may need to get their confidence back from LBL.

SHARE:

Summer must-have items-- Carmex lip balm

With summer finally here you’re probably packing your bags to hit the beach, the road or just your back yard. Now you can ensure your pucker is always on point this summer with these pocket-sized travel essentials from Carmex® and tips from Shannon Tor, Director of Research & Development for Carma Laboratories, the company that makes Carmex® lip balms!

Soaring temps can leave your lips dehydrated because “your lips don't have any oil-producing or sebaceous glands so the only moisture they get is from saliva,” explains Shannon Tor. Saliva in turn “evaporates quickly and enzymes in which dissolve oils, which can actually lead to dry, chapped lips.” Be sure to pack Carmex® Lip Balm ($1.59) in a tube to keep them hydrated!


Hotter weather can leave your makeup melting so this summer go lipstick-free and instead sport well moisturized and protected lips with the Carmex® Protecting Lip Balm Sticks ($1.59). Plus, Shannon Tor explains that your natural lips are designed to be flaunted “since your lips have fewer layers of skin than the rest of your body, underlying blood vessels, blood-filled capillaries, are close to the surface, giving your lips a reddish or pink tint.”


With summer often comes summer romance so before you pucker up, turn to the Carmex® Lip Balm ($1.59) that has been around for 77 years to make your pucker memorable! Shannon Tor explains that “a lip balm is only as effective as the ingredients in the formula” and that the time-tested formula of the Carmex® Lip Balm “contains camphor and menthol to soothe severely dry lips and petrolatum to create a long-lasting protective barrier.”

Carmex® Lip Balm is available at retailers nationwide. For more information, please visit www.mycarmex.com.

b391b74cdeebb4af59f1806c5cc01145f013b379f99e4d2651
SHARE:

Save the turtles-- please share!

I wanted to pass along this information...

Please help to save a turtle's life and perhaps even your child's.

In August, your children will be enjoying another edition of the extremely popular, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. This will include a whole new generation of kids who missed the 2007 animated film. It's fun and great entertainment.

But, your help is needed. Since the first movie was released in 1990, hundreds of thousands of live turtles, mostly water turtles called red eared sliders, were purchased for between $10 and $25 after each ninja movie was released. The result? Many, if not most, were dumped and even deliberately killed or flushed down the toilet. Remember people buying thousands of dogs that ended up in shelters after 101 Dalmatians came me out? Same problem.

Unfortunately, children do not realize that real turtles do not fly, perform stunts or do any of the exciting moves fictional movie turtles do. Parents, trying to please their children, purchased live turtles which ended up languishing in tanks. Or, when the kids realized after a few weeks that these were not ninja turtles, the turtles were dumped illegally into rivers and lakes as well as dumpsters, flushed down toilets or relinquished to shelters and overcrowded rescues. It's estimated that 90 percent died. Additionally, zoos do not take turtles.

Turtles have been around for 200 million years and outlived the dinosaur. Is this the way we want to treat our precious wildlife? Most of these turtles are taken out of the wild and sold to pet stores, breeders and mercados for profit.
Here's the bigger problem. Turtles carry salmonella which can make a child very, very sick and can even kill them. That's why turtles less than four inches were banned from sale in the U.S. in 1974 and still are...tiny turtles easily fit into a child's mouth. Children also tend to touch the water and don't wash their hands. It's an ugly problem. A nine month old baby in Los Angeles got salmonella meningitis from a turtle after its parents touched it and then held the baby. We do not recommend live turtles or tortoises for children under 13 because of salmonella exposure and because the kids lose interest almost immediately.

What can you do to help? Buy Ninja Turtles action figures and toys instead of live turtles and save a turtle's life, and perhaps even your child's.
SHARE:

Turn your spare room into the ultimate den

Your idea of bliss might involve curling up on a plush, overstuffed sofa with your favorite paperback and a steaming mug of tea. For your partner, heaven might be the thrill of tearing up some virtual tarmac with the latest white knuckle racing game and a mini fridge full of ice-cold craft beers. Everyone likes a little time away from the rest of the family, so it’s only natural to want to dedicate a small portion of the home to the preservation of everyone’s sanity. If this sounds like you, it’s time to transform your spare room into a family den.

If you do have a box room eligible for promotion to living space status, it has probably been used as the household dumping ground. Your first step towards creating your family haven is to banish the bumf and clear out the clutter. Any long lost articles of clothing and literature you are not instantly overjoyed to rediscover in the clear out should be recycled. Hoarders is not an aspirational lifestyle.

Once the room has been completely emptied, you can begin to determine the function and personality of your den with a bit of decor. Need a brooding man cave? Dark maroon or bottle green with wallpaper accents or wood paneling may exude the sophistication you crave. An airy meditation retreat will require lighter colors; duck egg blue will help you reclaim serenity, while light woods and white walls are necessary to make the most of the light in an aspiring artist’s studio.

As for furnishings, comfort trumps style every time. While we all picture ourselves staring into a crackling fire from the embrace of a chunky Chesterfield, the reality is that Chesterfields are a bit slippery, and fires consume as much time as they do fuel. Big, plush sofas scattered with squishy cushions work best. For the pyromaniac seeking a bit of fiery atmosphere, a few candles or fairly lights in a hurricane lamp will work as well as an inferno. In the same vein, exposed mahogany floorboards might sound grand, but toe splinters are no joke. Instead, layer traditional oriental rugs near well-trafficked spots to keep bare feet warm.

If you do have a forlorn little spot in your house, show it some love; not everyone has the fortune of a spare room to play with. Whether you choose to transform it into a home cinema, a billiards room or a crafts haven, you’ll find getting creative with a bit of personal space can do wonders for the soul.
SHARE:

Keep Momming

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Shire. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

The relationship that exists between mothers and daughters is unlike any other. It has many unique moments, memories, and yes, even challenges along the way. The relationship dynamic can be even trickier when your daughter is in those tween-age years. What can be even more difficult is when some people dismiss certain behaviors as “typical tween girl behavior” when those behaviors can be symptoms of something more serious. Research suggests that girls are more likely than boys to report having mostly inattentive Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Since inattentive symptoms can be less noticeable than hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, it is important that moms know what to look for.

I’m proud to be joining forces with Shire, CHADD and Holly Robinson Peete to announce the launch of keep momming, a new public service initiative geared towards the moms of tween girls to raise awareness of ADHD.

The campaign is anchored within a new digital hub, KeepMomming.com, where you’ll find tips, tools and other go-to resources for moms, including a checklist to help recognize the symptoms of ADHD – inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity – and then encourages moms to talk to their daughter’s doctor. The keep momming initiative can help moms learn about ADHD and provide ideas on how to spark a conversation and stay connected with their tween.

Don’t miss Holly’s message about the keep momming initiative http://goo.gl/3tqd5q, and be sure to check out the website at KeepMomming.com.
SHARE:
Blogger Template Created For Mom Files All Rights Reserved