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Big Spring Giveaway $100 Amazon or PayPal

Can you all believe we are headed into spring already? I know it might not feel that way depending on what part of the country you live in. Seems like winter wintered a little late. To help you beat those last minute winter blues, we have partnered up with a great group of bloggers to bring you one very fabulous giveaway. The rules are below. Good luck :) 


How to enter: There are 20 Twitter accounts to follow and each is worth one entry into the giveaway. Follow all 20 for 20 entries into this giveaway! If you’re already a follower of an account, claim that entry! This giveaway starts March 17 at midnight EST and ends March 31 at 11:59 PM EST. Entrants must be USA residents and at least 18 years old. One winner will be randomly selected from all qualifying entries and contacted via the email they provide. The email will come from joannegreco at gmail. The winner has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. The prize is $100 in Paypal or Amazon online gift card, winner’s choice.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Perfect for Fall: The @PinkMonogram Rain Jacket (Review & Giveaway) #ad

**CLOSED**
Winner is Saira H. Congratulations! 

I don't know what the deal is, but we have been experiencing such a range of odd weather since Fall started. I think we have seen more clouds than sunshine in recent weeks. Last weekend we went away to Myrtle Beach for a much needed getaway. Unfortunately, rain was in the forecast. We all had to make sure we packed accordingly. Lucky for me, I had just received the cutest rain jacket (Pack N Go Lightweight Pullover) from The Pink Monogram for review. The timing couldn't have been better! I was able to choose from 10 jacket colors and couple dozen thread colors for my custom monogram. I am very traditional for the most part so I went with my go-to favorite, basic black with the light pink thread for a girlie touch.
There were so many options as far as if you wanted a single-letter monogram, 3 letter monogram, text or words, and also graphic images. I think the hardest part is deciding what you like best. For an additional charge, you can also have the hood monogrammed.
The jackets are unisex size so they tend to run a bit larger. The offer XS-5XL. I went with a small and I think it was perfect for me. 
The jacket itself is really lightweight and portable. This is a great thing for keeping in the car. I hate umbrella's so a rain jacket is a better option for me. I like that it has a front pocket as well as a zippered front pouch. It was really convenient to wear it during our walk on the beach and pier. I have gotten so many compliments and think this is the perfect addition to my outerwear wardrobe. I think I already know what it going under the tree for my daughters for Christmas! My husband would even like to have one. 
I think anyone would love this rain jacket and I highly recommend it! Lucky for you, the generous folks at The Pink Monogram have offered to give a rain jacket away to one lucky Mom Files reader. You know you want one! Go enter below.
This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on October 15, 2014. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes.

I received a rain jacket for review purposes. All opinions are 100% my own as always. 
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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
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Winter Storm Pax and a little earthquake to shake things up a bit | Winter 2014 in SC

February has been a very, very interesting month. We have lived in South Carolina for over 16 years and have experienced all four seasons, our share of storms and everything in between (so we thought). We had our second snow storm hit this last week which is quite rare for SC. Normally snow for us is maybe an inch or some flurries. Not this time, we had 4 inches of sleet, snow, freezing rain, snow, sleet and more freezing rain, in that order!
I am sure we are being laughed at from the Northerners about our little 4 inches of the frozen stuff. Laugh all you want. This does NOT happen here!
Of course our entire state for the most part was shut down. Everyone was urged to stay indoors for good reason. Our state is not equipped to handle snow and ice. Snow plows and sand/salt trucks are very few and rarely needed. The biggest scare for us was the ice situation. I know that most of the rural areas lost power and had a lot of fallen trees and even structures collapsed. I am so thankful that it wasn't as bad as it could have been. Besides the inconvenience of not being able to leave the house for 3 days, we got through it. I am one of those Southerners who run to the grocery store to stock up on extra items, and for good reason! At least we had a lot of good things to snack on and lots of firewood covered up in tarp out back in the event we had to use it. It's better to be overly prepared in my opinion.
My husband cleaned our cars off before anything else added to what was on there. I watched him push huge sheets of frozen precipitation off. It was amazing! We even had to shovel our front deck and steps. Of course, living in the south, we don't have an actual snow shovel. We used traditional garden shovels and even dust pans. Hey, we had to make do with what we had!
Don't I look like I am floating in this photo? I was standing on top of frozen grass. We had to be careful because it was very slippery. I am not an ice skater, that's for sure! I felt so badly for the neighborhood dogs as they struggled to walk or stand up on the ice.
William wanted to play in the snow, but unfortunately, it wasn't that type of snow. He did enjoy exploring outside and making tracks in the crunchy ground.

We are lucky that the temperatures are rising and everything is melting pretty quickly. Later next week, we are looking at seeing temps in the upper 70's. We thought we were done with the crazy weather until last night. Valentine's night 2014 will never be forgotten. Many of us in South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina felt an earthquake for the very first time. Although it was very quick and a 4.4, it was enough to scare us silly. Facebook and Twitter exploded with updates about the earthquake. I know our California friends were amused!

Hopefully the weather will start to improve for everyone. I really feel for my friends living out in states that are getting hit super hard by storm after storm. I can't imagine living in that. What has the weather been like where you live?
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Warm up those cold feet this winter with Heat Holders Thermal Socks (Giveaway)


Although winter is still not officially here, it certainly feels like it is in many parts of the country. Last week we saw lows in the 30's! I was listening to news reports about the wind chill in the mid-west, with temperatures in the -20's! Now that is cold! One of the things my kids always dramatically complain about the minute the mercury drops, is how freezing it is and how they may not make it through the winter. Both of my girls' rooms are downstairs and they are partially beneath the ground. This makes it cooler down there than it is upstairs. I find myself always saying, "Wear layers and put on socks". I received a couple pairs of Heat Holders thermal socks for review. They are supposed to be the warmest thermal socks. 
My daughters put them to the test. Their first impression when they slipped on the socks was, "Whoa, cozy!" Both girls couldn't believe how quickly their freezing feet warmed up. My older daughter likes to wear hers on days she has to wear her rain boots. They provide extra cushion and most importantly, warmth. She does a lot of walking around her college campus so Heat Holders have been a great asset to her feet. My high school daughter sent me a text last week telling me she couldn't wait to get home and slip into pajamas and her new favorite socks. She said it is like having mini heaters for her feet. Needless to say, Heat Holders work!

LEARN WHY HEAT HOLDERS ARE THE WARMEST:

Heat Holders® are the warmest socks ever! They are over 7x warmer than regular cotton socks and 3x warmer than ordinary thermal socks. They are better than heated, electric or battery operated socks because you can just put them on without fussing with batteries, wires etc. Heat Holders® means No more cold feet! They are made using a unique 3 step process which makes them the Warmest Thermal Socks! See the video below so you can learn what makes them so warm and comfortable!



Giveaway: One Momfiles reader will win a pair of Heat Holders thermal socks in their choice of color ( black, navy, charcoal, forest green, earth brown, denim, stonewash, red, raspberry, pink, indigo, deep fuchsia, light pink and purple) from the original line, ladies or men's ($15.99 value)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on December 14, 2013. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email to claim prize.  Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

I received product samples in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and no other compensation was received.
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Go AWAY Spring!

I know everyone will think I am insane but I feel royally ripped off that winter really never happened this year. I really enjoy chilly days, sipping hot beverages,  wearing boots and sweaters and sitting by the fireplace. We burned one fire this year. One. I feel like I have to refrain from turning on the air conditioner because it is getting too warm in the house. If I open the windows we all start sneezing from all the pollen that is blowing in. I can't win.
I won these super cute boots by Crocs (who knew they made boots?) from Army Wife 101 and I don't think I will get to wear them this year. As a matter of fact I actually purchased some gorgeous black boots and have worn them maybe 3 times so far. I am truly a cold weather lover. I love open-toe shoes but it seems wrong to be wearing flip flops in February. I guess I better not complain. It beats being stuck in winter storms, right? I am so not looking forward to what the summer will be like. It scares me to think how hot it will be. Hopefully before the actual winter season is over we will be lucky enough to get a few cold days.

So what's the winter been like in your city?

Shelly, Mom Files
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Reason #582 why I hate spring

Most people want to go into hiding during the winter months. Not me. That's when I am thriving the most and feeling very upbeat and energized. Spring is the worst time of year to me. I have been so sick for over a week now because of the pollen clouds. It's just not right when you see cars driving next to you and it feels like you are driving on a sandy beach. It's just that bad. I wash off our cars each morning and it does not make a difference.

Dwayne's car is black so his looks even worse. I have never wanted to see rain as badly as I do right now. I'm talking 2-3 days non-stop.

On another note, if you are an allergy sufferer I suggest Allegra-D! It has been a lifesaver for me.
Has spring sprung in your neck of the woods?

Shelly, Mom Files
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Snow day

School and most businesses were shut down today (and most likely tomorrow) for our city. I know we had snow in the forecast for an inch or two but we ended up with about 6 inches! On top of it we have freezing rain and sleet. Fun. Well I took advantage of the cold day in and baked and cooked up a storm. The girls will have additional time to study for mid-term exams. Dwayne just got plain lucky to get out of going to work.
It's not common to have to shovel snow but we did some of that to be sure that in the event of an emergency we would be able to get our relatively safely. I tell you what, shoveling is some back-breaking work!

Poor Milo is so not liking the snow at all! Dwayne had to walk him in order to get him to "go". He also hates wearing his winter sweater.

Dwayne was clearing our vehicles off and asked me to put these snowballs up in the freezer. I wonder what he plans to do with them?

I know people from the states that are used to snow are laughing at the Southerners right now. Our cities are just not properly equipped for these rare weather occurrences. How about you, did you get any snow or ice?

Shelly, Mom Files
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Wordless Wednesday

I can't ever do a WW without a brief description. I took this last week from my car at the stop light. I wish it was better quality. The sky that day was like something out of a movie. Beautifully scary :)


Shelly, Mom Files
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Are you prepared for Hurricane Season?

**Contest Closed**
Winner is #41 thatlittlehouse


I was contacted by my friends at Energizer to share some very important news with you about weather safety and preparedness. I know we can all agree that no matter where you live in the world, we are all affected by the weather in some way. It is officially Hurricane season and it is so important to be prepared (just in case). Dwayne and I went through Hurricane Andrew back in 1992 and lost EVERYTHING. The one thing I can say I am so happy about is the fact that we took the time to prepare. Most of the people I knew at that time in Miami laughed it off thinking that the weather stations were exaggerating and trying to scare us. I took the warning to heart. I bought a small radio (with batteries), a flashlight and some candles. Thank goodness I listened to my heart. We were blasted with 100+ mph winds with flooding rain like you have never seen in your lifetime. It was the scariest time of our lives. You did not know if you would make it out alive. I am so thankful we had those few emergency items because living in pitch blackness with no roof over your head and no electricity for 2 weeks is not fun. After going through such devastation we have learned to always be prepared for emergencies. I have even over-purchased items (that we would use anyway) and store them in the event of an emergency. Here is a complete checklist of things you should have to be sure your family is prepared to face Hurricane season and other weather related occurrences.

The Energizer company provided us with an emergency kit that is filled with some very handy and helpful items. The kit includes 1 Weather Ready flashlight with batteries, 1 small battery operated radio with batteries, 1 cellphone charger (charges MP3's and Bluetooth as well), 3 packs of assorted batteries and 1 red cinch bag to keep all your emergency items together. We will choose a specific location in our home that the whole family can access the kit in the event of an emergency. My husband has also included our own personal emergency manual to keep in our bag as well.

How would you like the win one of these emergency kits for your family? Good news, Energizer is providing one extra kit to give away to 1 Momfiles reader!

Here is how to enter:
~*Mandatory- Please leave a comment sharing any tips you may have to help prepare for weather related emergencies or you can check out the Energizer site and tell us what helpful thing you learned.

Extra Entries (must complete first method)
~Tweet this giveaway (once daily) Example of a tweet :

Enter @momfiles to win an emergency kit so you can be prepared http://blog.momfiles.com/2010/07/are-you-prepared-for-hurricane-season.html


~Share this giveaway on Facebook (once daily)
~Add our button to your blog
~Follow Momfiles on Networked Blogs
~Follow Momfiles on Twitter
~Follow the Energizer Bunny on Twitter
Leave an individual comment for each entry to count.

* Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above Contest ends July 27, 2010 at 9:00 PM EST. Be sure to leave a visible email address if you do not have a Blogger profile. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received the same prize sponsored in this giveaway as compensation for this post from the Energizer company.

Shelly, Mom Files
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PSA: Watch where you step!

I was watching the news the other night and they did a story on the vast amounts of snakes that have emerged this season. It is due to the higher rainfall and warm temperatures. I swear I see a snake every couple days on the street. That is a couple times too many for me. I don't mind watching them on Animal Planet and learning about the different ones and their habitats- Just don't let me be face-to-face with one of them. I don't do snakes (my arm hair is raised at the moment thinking about it). Like they advised on the news, you better watch where you step!
Shelly, Mom Files
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and why is Spring so great??

If you have been reading my blog long enough then you will know that I am a winter person. I do not like the weather once it passes 65 degrees. Yesterday we bypassed spring temps in South Carolina and moved right into the 90's. No thanks, go away. I actually felt my skin burn. I have turned 4 shades darker and the pollen is a killer. I have a lovely "spring" cold today. I spent the night unable to breathe efficiently. I'm miserable. It is going to be 90 degrees again today. The higher the temps the more bees and wasps I see looming around, especially near ME. I am already tired of the bastards chasing me every time I walk out the door. The even wait at my car. I am so glad I have the remote start feature on my car that it can be ready with the cool AC blowing so we can shut the door fast. I don't think I will ride with the windows down for many months to come. I have accepted that my fuel costs will be higher, oh well. I hate Spring so much. I really, really do. The end.
Shelly, Mom Files
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Snow Day 2010

We were so fortunate to get something so rare for South Carolina....SNOW!! 8 inches of it!! This was one for the record books and the talk of the town. We enjoyed every moment of it from beginning to end. The kids have never seen anything over a dusting to about and inch or two so this was a big thing for them. Although William is too young to understand what snow is, it did not stop him for getting in on the fun. I took so many photos and can't post them all so I chose some of my favorites.


Mr. Snowman is reppin' the University of South Carolina :)

Shelly, Mom Files
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I love Fall

I am sitting in my office at the computer and feeling a subtle cool breeze sweep across my legs and the backs of my arms. I just love it. Fall. It is so nice to open up the windows and let some cool, fresh air in. It's so nice to drive down the road and have leaves come down over your windshield as if they were raindrops or snowflakes. This truly is my favorite time of year. Of course living in South Carolina means you are still subject to a few more Summer-like days before the true Autumn air settles in for a while. I put my Fall tablecloth on the dining table and I will go to the store to buy a scarecrow for my front yard. We will take William to the pumpkin patch of course and it is going to be an adventure this year. With all of his running and climbing he will really get to enjoy the experience this time around.
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Autumn randomness

Wow, I woke up to 49 degrees this morning and it was a welcomed feeling! I love this time of year and really like to wear sweaters and cooler weather attire. I am hoping it will last and not just be a tease and then we go back to highs in the 90's. That would be South Carolina weather for you! I am in the market for an extra large soup pot and if anyone can recommend a place I can get one for a reasonable price that would be great. I want one in stainless steel. I guess October is practically here and I will have to take William up to the pumpkin patch. I know he will really have with it this year since he is walking and very curious. Well, that's all I have for today. Vent day is tomorrow. Be sure to come back!
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