Affordable Wine Gifts That Are Sure To Please

If you're still on the hunt for adult gifts, you should consider wine. Check out these brands that have a fun and familiar twist. As a matter of fact, any of these wines would make a great gift for the New Year.

Santa Margherita Sparkling Wines
From celebrations, to a lively dinner, Santa Margherita's Prosecco Superiore DOCG and Sparkling Rosé will pair perfectly with a variety of cuisines while adding a festive touch to any occasion.

Bachelor Wines ($15.96 per bottle)
Bachelor fans rejoice! The fan-favorite show has launched The Bachelor Wines, a collection of wines inspired by the award-winning television series. The Bachelor Wines features three varietals: The Fantasy Suite, One on One, and The Final Rosé. Available for purchase at bachelorwines.com.

NPR Wine Club
This unique wine club was created for public radio supporters and wine enthusiasts alike, allowing listeners to enjoy premium wines from around the world and their stories - combining two of life's most enjoyable pleasures. As a member of the NPR Wine Club, consumers will receive a fully customized case of wine, shipped to the address of their choice every three months. As part of the introductory offer, new members will receive the inaugural releases of three NPR-Inspired Wines: All Grapes Considered Malbec, Weekend Edition Cabernet Sauvignon and NPR Uncorked Merlot. Alternatively, consumers can shop from a range of hundreds of different wines – and purchase in any quantity they wish (based on their taste and preferences) directly from the NPR Wine Club at NPRWineClub.org.

Epicurious Wine ($15.96 per bottle)
Epicurious, the pioneering digital food brand and one of the most trusted voices in food, has recently launched a new collection of custom designed wines for culinary and wine enthusiasts alike. Perfect for pairing with your favorite meals, Epicurious Wine varietals include a robust Cabernet Sauvignon and a delicate Chardonnay - both work well with cooking and drinking. To purchase the Epicurious Wines, visit epicuriouswine.com.

Turner Classic Movies Wine Club
The TCM Wine Club curates originally produced wines inspired by classic films as well as expertly selected varietals from renowned vineyards around the globe – all with the convenience of home delivery. As part of the inaugural offer, new members will receive fifteen special bottles including the first-ever release of Café Zoetrope, a custom-crafted red from the Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Members will also enjoy True Grit Limited Edition Zinfandel along with The Essentials Cabernet Sauvignon – the first in a series of single-varietal wines, specifically curated for TCM Wine Club members, to showcase the world's great grapes.

Which ones would you want to try?

Gifts For Guys Under $30

Are you are still scrambling around for ideas on what to buy for the guy in your life? My husband is a fairly simple man who tends to prefer useful, practical gifts over gadgety or trendy things. Any type of clothing or outerwear is usually a winner for him. I wanted to alert you all that Haggar is having a huge sale on December 9th, offering some of their most popular dress and casual pants for under $30. Haggar is one of our favorite men's clothing brands, and my husband has many pieces in our closet right now. Whenever I think of the Haggar brand, I think of a well-dressed, sophisticated man.

We generally purchase the brand at JCPenney, Kohl's, or Belk. This time we browsed the Haggar site and found exactly what he needed without getting up from the couch. Also, their prices are way better directly on their site. I was concerned about a specific fit of some of the pants, and tested out their live chat feature. I was quite pleased with how professional and helpful the rep was. My question was answered immediately, and she sent me some links of items that matched what I was looking for. I'm impressed with their excellent customer service.

Let me tell you about their big sale! The following styles are perfectly priced for gift-giving, and all under $30.

#1 Dress Pant in America: E-CLO (made from recycled water bottles) $27.99 These are a great addition to any man's weekly work attire and can go from day to night. And that price?!

#1 Casual Pant in America: Premium No Iron Khaki $29.99 This one is my husband's favorite, and comes in a variety of colors. They wash really well and are a staple in any man's wardrobe. 

Cool 18 Pro (Wick Dry, UV Protection Lightweight Pants) $29.99 These are lightweight and can go from the office straight to the golf course. 

All of these styles come in a variety of colors. My husband has heavily hinted that he needs each style in every color. I guess I better make sure to hit up that sale on the 9th! The Haggar website is super easy to maneuver. It's as if it was created with a man's shopping brain in mind. You know, get-what-you-need-and-go!

Don't miss out on these great deals from Haggar.com on December 9th. The good news is that they always offer great sales and deals, so check the site often. Follow Haggar on Facebook and Twitter for the latest deals and updates.

Callaloo Box Makes The Perfect Gift (Giveaway)

I have been living in South Carolina for close to two decades now. It’s hard to believe that so many years have passed that quickly. I have watched the city of Columbia really grow and get a lot more diverse. Sadly it still lacks something very important to me, culturally. We have so few West Indian/Caribbean grocery stores, and the ones we do have aren’t great and don’t carry all of what I need.

A couple months ago, I was so lucky to get connected with Callaloo Box. If you'd like, you can read this post for a little background. Callaloo Box is a U.S. based subscription service that brings you many of those hard-to-find Caribbean sauces, snacks, and other food products right to your doorstep. I can’t even begin to tell you all how excited I get when a box shows up at my house. It’s like Christmas every time! Speaking of Christmas, the December box is themed for the holiday season and they didn’t miss a thing.

I felt so nostalgic the moment I saw the contents. It’s as if I was transported to my childhood during Christmastime. Here’s what is in the December 2017 Callaloo Box:

Dried Sorrel- which is dried hibiscus. You boil it with cinnamon sticks, cloves, bay leaves and ginger, then sweeten to taste. You can also make alcoholic beverages with it.
Mauby Bark & Spices- It is dried buckthorn bark, which is a species of tree found in many Caribbean islands. It’s been likened to root beer by many. You prepare it just as you would the sorrel.
Mixed Essence- Growing up, we called extract ‘essence’. This is a key ingredient in ice cream, baked goods and certain beverages like mauby. I remember my mom used to make freshly squeezed lemonade or limeade, and always added a few drops of essence.

Lime Flavoured Hot Sauce- A blend of hot peppers, lime & herbs, pickled in vinegar. It’s perfect with any dish, especially seafood and fish. It has the perfect zesty kick.
Hot Chow aka Chow Chow- It’s a spicy, mustard-based pickled relish that’s the Caribbean’s version of the English “Piccalilli”condiment. It contains small chunks of vegetables and tropical fruits. It’s got quite a kick!

Split Channa- It’s salted fried chickpeas spiced with pepper. It was a common snack in our house, and my dad used to make it for us and fill it in jars. This one tastes exactly like I remember.

Black Cake- This is a true sign of Christmas time. My mom made this cake every year and would soak her dried fruits in rum months in advance. I can remember the smell in the kitchen as they baked. She made the best black cake ever. Now let me tell you, this cake tasted exactly what my mom used to make. I got a little teary-eyed being transported back to my childhood. It is the star of this box!

The ladies of Callaloo Box did a great job with the items they chose to make this box perfectly themed for Christmas. I think this one is my favorite so far, but all of them are my favorite! You can tell that they hand pack the boxes with love, and leave no details out. They include an information sheet with descriptions and suggestions of how to use or serve each product.  I am also so happy that they are now offering items for sale individually. Their prices beat Amazon hands down! I ordered a couple packs of pholourie mix since I can’t find it anywhere locally. I'm also very proud to help support a small business at the same time. By the way, they have pretty speedy shipping, which is always a plus.

Not only does Callaloo Box offer monthly boxes, they also have a new snack box ($29.99) and product bundles (ranging in prices under $30). If you or someone you know is interested in Caribbean/West Indian cooking or simply can’t get many products locally, Callaloo Box is for you. It makes such a great Christmas gift, and the recipient would LOVE it. The monthly boxes are $39.99 and if you use this code: MOMFILES5, you will get $5 off your first box with subscription or a 1 time box purchase.

Our generous friends from Callaloo Box want you to experience a box for yourself. One reader will win the December box valued at $39.99. Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and will end on December 15, 2017. Please follow entry rules in Rafflecopter widget. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

The Best DIY Gift From Black+Decker

It’s the most wonderful time of year!

Still looking for the right gift for the special people in your life?
As your “to-buy” list grows each year, sometimes you have to think outside the box. It’s important to give meaningful, yet useful gifts. If you’re like me, practical is often the way to go.

Black + Decker’s GoPak 4-Tool Combo Kit contains all the tools needed for small DIY projects around the house or fun projects with wood. You can't get more practical than tools!

This cordless tool set contains a drill/driver, detail sander, jigsaw, LED work light and GoPak battery to charge all of your tools. You can even charge mobile devices, so if you’re working outside and need to charge up your phone, this is perfect. While these cordless tools are not made for professional projects, they have just enough power to tackle those small tasks or DIY projects effectively.

My husband was thrilled to receive this GoPak. The timing couldn’t be more perfect! We’ve been doing some work on our back deck, and he was able to do the finishing touches with these tools. He used the sander to smooth out the handrails and the drill to install new solar lights so we can see at night. The sander was his favorite tool. Because it’s not as loud as an electric sander, our dog didn’t go ballistic when he heard it. The best part is that all of these tools are cordless, so no more dragging around those heavy extension cords. He plans to purchase an additional battery pack so that he always has an extra charged and ready to go. This means my 'honey-do' list will be growing every weekend.

The GoPak is ideal for the crafter in your life. Those who love doing small projects with wood will make good use of it. Whether it’s making wall art, or a side table made from a pallet, the possibilities are endless. As a matter of fact, this set is excellent for new homeowners, or as a housewarming gift for a first apartment.

Here is an overview of the features and benefits:

Battery: 2-in-1 GoPak Battery powers your tools and charges your mobile devices
Battery: 2.4 Ah USB output provides fast rate charging to phones, tablets and other USB devices
Battery: 4 LED lights provide battery state of charge
Battery: Compact lightweight design for on-the-go portability
Drill: 11-position clutch on Drill/Driver prevents stripping of screws and damaging materials
Drill: LED work light on Drill/Driver illuminates work surface
Jigsaw: Tool free blade release on Jig Saw for quick and easy blade changes
Jigsaw: Built in blade storage on Jig Saw for convenience
Sander: 3.5 in. triangle platen on sander to access corners and tight spaces
LED Light: 90-degree rotating head on LED Flashlight to access hard to reach angles

Where to buy: Lowes, Walmart, and Amazon. The regular price is $99, but is currently available at a reduced price of only $79+ tax. Not a bad deal for this 4-piece cordless tool set. Black + Decker has been a trusted brand in our household for many years. We are very pleased with our GoPak kit, and look forward to many years of use.

For more information about the Black+Decker GoPak 4-Tool Combo Kit, visit their website, and be sure to follow on their social accounts (Facebook, IG, & Twitter) for product updates and promotions.

How To Create A Cozy Atmosphere During The Holiday Season

Oh man, there is quite a nip in the air as we inch closer to the holidays. Everywhere you go has glittery, festive decor hanging from every corner. There's a whole lot of hustle and bustle going on as the streets are cluttered with travelers, and holiday shoppers. As much as we love the holiday season, we also love being home away from it all. We love making our home feel warm and inviting, especially during this time of year.

DIY Network host and Pine Mountain spokesperson Jason Cameron, has put together a go-to checklist for parents.   

Some of Jason’s tips include:

• Make a festive snack – Everyone loves making sugar cookies and gingerbread, but the best part is eating your creations! While snacking on cookies, wash it down with some hot chocolate or warm apple cider.
• Light a fire – A fire is a great way to create a sense of warmth and bonding. Using a firelog such as the American Home™ by Yankee Candle® Balsam Fir Firelog is a great way to make your home smell of pine and eliminates the need to cut firewood.
• Watch a holiday movie – From Frosty the Snowman to Elf, we all have a favorite holiday movie. These movies provide a sense of nostalgia for adults, and offer hours of entertainment for kids.
• Decorate your home – Setting up holiday decorations in your home is a tradition that many families across the country have. Play some light music in the background and chat about your favorite holiday memories to make the activity more festive. 

Our home is fully decked out for Christmas, and our fireplace is ready for those cold evenings. We keep a stock of regular firewood on hand every year, but also love keeping a few firelogs that are ready to go with no fuss. The American Home™ by Yankee Candle® Balsam Fir Firelogs are our favorite! They smell like a freshly cut Christmas tree before you light them. That alone makes our home have that festive fragrance. 

They have a 3-hour burn time and easy lighting. All you do is place the log with the wrapper intact on your fireplace grate. Then you light the tops of the paper where the arrows are printed. Once the paper burns off, the log takes around 10 minutes to fully take off burning. 

From there, you can enjoy the radiant light and gentle warmth of a lovely fire. It burns cleaner than ordinary cordwood, producing up to 75% less particulate matter and up to 80% less carbon monoxide. It is so pleasing to have a fire that took little effort to start. No poking or adjusting logs is necessary with an American Home balsam fir firelog. My husband loves that part since he accuses me of messing with the fire way too much. Ha! 

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, you definitely need to pick up a case of American Home by Yankee Candle Balsam Fir Firelogs. They are sold at Home Depot, Walmart, Kroger, Amazon, True Value, Walgreens, and ACE Hardware stores. They are so nice to have available for if you are expecting guests over. It really makes your home feel super cozy. 

Spread Some Holiday Cheer With William Chris Vineyards Wine

Looking to spread some cheer this holiday season? One of my go-to gifts every year is the gift of spirits. Wine is a great choice and is always very well received. Me and my husband are still exploring different wines and trying to figure out what we really like. When two bottles showed up from William Chris Vineyards, we knew we had to do the right thing and give 'em a try. 

We received a bottle each of the 2015 Enchante and 2016 Roussanne varieties. The Enchante is a beautiful red blend containing 73% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petite Verdot. It has complex berry flavors, and goes so well with the pasta dish we had that night for dinner. We drank this one at room temperature, because we feel like you can get a better overall taste that way. 

We enjoyed it a whole lot and I know any red wine lover would give it high praise. The plus for us is that it didn't taste like an oak barrel with a touch of fruit like many reds can. This Enchante is definitely a must try for wine lovers and wine-curious people alike. It retails for $45 and is everything you would hope for at that price point. My husband mentioned how great this would be as a corporate gift. I agree! They offer some very nice gift sets.

The Roussanne is a lovely white wine that we enjoyed chilled. It has a light floral, honeydew taste. I really loved it a whole lot. It was one of those wines that made me feel cheery and happy. Seems like a great choice for holiday gatherings, or a girl's night in. I give my next door neighbors wine every year during the holidays, and I know they would love this one! I read on the website that this wine would pair well with Shellfish, Lobster,  Bouillabaisse, Mashed Potatoes, Turkey, and Rich Pureed Soups.

Getting to know William Chris Vineyards

At William Chris Vineyards, they focus on low impact 100% Texas grown wine. Owners and winemakers, Bill Blackmon and Chris Brundrett, knew each other, but it wasn’t until they sat down together at a Hill Country bar one night that they discovered they shared a similar philosophy for winemaking.

They believe that the way to put Texas on the map as a respected wine region is to promote wines made exclusively from Texas grown fruit. Wines that make California and France recognizable come from the unique terroir and growing conditions of each region. They believe that for Texas wines to distinguish themselves, they also should represent the terroir and growing conditions of the Lone Star State.

Not only did they believe that the grapes needed to be Texan, they also believe that to grow the best fruit, much time among the vines is required. So walking multitudes of “footsteps in the vineyard,” Bill and Chris carefully inspect the fruit of every vintage.

Although this Thanksgiving pack might not make it on time, it sure would be great for Christmas or New Year's. Click the image for pricing and purchasing info.

You can truly taste the 'fruits of their labor' and love that goes into their products. To learn more about William Chris Vineyards wines, check out their website. If you happen to live in the Hye, Texas area, you can register to attend wine tastings. Oh how I would love to do that! You can also follow their social accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Give Books That Are More Than Books This Holiday Season

If you're in the beginning stages of your holiday shopping for the kids, make sure you don't forget to grab some new books to add to their library. I know that we live in the technology era, but nothing can compare to a physical book. This year, my son is the lucky recipient of books that go beyond actual books. These books offer a more in-depth way to learn about animals, science, and people, and not just with words and pictures.

The first set of books are called the Creature Files which includes: a necklace with realistic looking animal teeth or claws. Your kids will love learning about reptiles, dragons, dinos, and predators. Next, are the Amazing World  books that come with glow-in-the-dark stickers for your child's walls or ceiling. They all have vibrant photos along with plenty of fascinating information. These books are perfect for kids who are real animal-lovers, like my child is.

The other collection of books are called Inside Out, and happens to be our favorite. These books take you inside sharks, mummies, the T-Rex, and the human body. It is so fascinating to flip each page to reveal the different layers inside of each subject. It is a great teaching tool for a homeschooling mama like myself. I admit, the three-dimensional feature of the Human Body book captivates grown-ups as well.

What's even better about the Inside Out collection is that you can even see the back of each layer. Although it is well made, I'd still recommend keeping these away from smaller children since they can tear the edges if they tend to be rough.

These books from Quarto Kids books are available to purchase from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. They all retail for $14.99 and are recommended for ages 8-10. Competing with technology is hard, but these books really do capture a child's attention. My son is enjoying his books, and that makes me so happy!

Say Yes To A Dress With Pockets!

Ladies, do you ever wear a dress and wish it had pockets? I sure do! I like to be able to have my phone on my person at all times, and often times dresses hinder you from that option. This 'vibrant garnet' dress from eShakti is everything I could want in a dress. Not only is it beautiful, it is the most comfortable dress I have ever worn. 

Ever since I hit my 40s, my body has changed quite a bit. The days of a flat tummy and slimmer figure have been replaced with a pouch and curves. I usually feel self-conscious in certain garments, especially dresses. This keyhole front cotton knit dress fits as if it were made for me, and it actually was! eShakti makes custom dresses to give you the perfect length and overall fit you desire. 

Whether you prefer long sleeves, cap sleeves, or no sleeves, you can choose what works best for you with eShakti. Do you like full length dresses? You can customize your dress length as well. For a very specific fit, you can enter your exact measurements and get what you need. I went with one of the standard dresses and opted for the knee length, three-quarter sleeve, and of course the best part: pockets! I did go up one size for *ahem* comfort. It was a great decision! The material is heavier than I expected, and it's super soft. This dress is versatile and can go from the workplace to an evening party. 

Adding a new dress to your wardrobe should not be something you do with one event in mind. You need dresses you can wear all the time. Dresses suitable for work or recreation are ideal, and many of those are midi dresses. Those are dresses that cover your knees but do not cover your ankles. Within that length range, there are several options. Longer midi dresses tend to look better when you are tall. Shorter dresses can make your legs appear longer when you are on the short side. You can also have fun complimenting your midi-dresses with a variety of accessories. For example, you can change your look with flats or heels, depending on the occasion. Other accessories that can change the look of a midi dress include scarves, belts and jewelry.

This beautiful dress is so flattering on my body type and makes me feel confident. The keyhole in the front gives a sexy touch without being too revealing. My husband loves this look on me. I can see it being worn quite a bit, and I will order another one in black. If you are looking for a comfortable, high-quality dress that won't break the bank, you should give eShakti a try.

They offer a lot of deals including a new customer special of $25 off your first purchase, plus free shipping. The site is user-friendly, but the hard part is narrowing down your choices. I could browse on there for a full hour or more!

Check out eShakti on their website as well as their social channels: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.