Family * Travel * Food

Current Fashion Trends You Won’t Want to Miss

The changing face of fashion can be hard to keep up with, so we have put together these top fashion trends you won’t want to miss. At Hush Style, they are passionate about all things style-related so they like to know what’s hot and what is taking the fashion world by storm. Take a look so you can stay ahead of the trends. 


Keeping Neutral

Almost in direct contrast to a dramatic metallic look would be dressing head to toe in natural tones. Think camels, beiges, creams and so on. This is a clean and chic look that can look not only stylish but cozy at the same time, so it is perfect for the turning weather as we head into the chilly winter months. You can choose a suit with complimentary pieces to support the look, or perhaps a dress and overcoat in tonal colors. Dressed up or down, this color palette will suit everyone when worn in a style that is true to them. 

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Trainers used to be reserved for athletes or those recovering from injuries,  but today, the humble trainer is so much more than that. Even the most upmarket designers have ranges of trainers that are so chic you can even wear them with the most glamorous of dresses that will  enhance the overall look. Oh, and your feet will thank you for it too! Choosing a designer style will mean the quality is built to last and the branding will allow you to wear them for years to come whilst staying at the cutting edge of fashion. 

Crossbody Bags

Handbags are always a way to make a great statement and stand out from the crowd, but keeping them functional can sometimes be a chore. These days, with so many things we need to carry about with us at all times (purse, phone, keys, and now face masks and hand sanitizer too) it can be hard to find the right bag to fit it all. Also, you need your hands free  to put on your mask and sanitizer. That’s why a crossbody bag is so useful – a well made one will give you the stylish look you desire, while offering convenience.

Gold Rush

Metallics are often seen gracing the most fashionable of divas in many winter seasons, but there is an added focus this year. The focus is on gold in particular, and the more it glimmers, the better. This color is rich and intense, glamorous and festive all in one. Gold pairs well with a lot of other colors, so you can have a lot of fun with it. 

Mellow Yellow

Different shades of yellow have been in and out of fashion across the years from canary to lemon, mustard to sunflower, there is a color for each season and occasion. Often found in clothing, now is the time to invest in an over-sized coat in a bold shade of yellow. This will brighten up a darker outfit and as yellow is seen as the color of happiness, you will find you are followed by smiles wherever you go. You can’t go wrong with a happy color! 
So what are you waiting for? Try out these trends for yourself! 
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Best Places in Canada for Skiing

As USA Today notes, Whistler Blackcomb is visited by more skiers and boarders than any other resort in North America. If you want to enjoy easy access to some of the world's best slopes, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better place to purchase a vacation home or permanent residence among the Whistler homes for sale.
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This huge resort offers everything from beginner to expert terrain across nearly 8,200 acres with over 200 marked trails, bowl, and glade zones. There are three dozen lifts, including a 10-passenger gondola that has the greatest capacity of any lift on the continent bringing 4,000 skiers from the bottom to the top of Blackcomb every hour. Plus, the resort's village is like its own city, with an outdoor skating rink, tube park, and cinema along with countless dining and shopping options.

Sunshine Village, Banff National Park

Banff National Park hosts three ski resorts along the continental divide, with Sunshine Village Canada's highest elevation resort resulting in some of the highest above-the-treeline terrains in the country. Expect spectacular vistas of the dramatic Rocky Mountains in every direction along with challenging, rugged slopes for experts like Delirium Dive, voted as one of the most extreme runs in the world by CNN Travel. It even requires avalanche gear and a buddy. If you aren't up for that much of a heart-pounding thrill, among the 3,300 acres of ski terrain there's everything from groomed cruisers to big bowls too.

Mont Tremblant, Quebec

Mont Tremblant is easily accessible for epic skiing, located 80 miles north of Montreal. Especially picturesque with its storybook feel, it's often compared to Europe's ski towns with a unique Quebecois culture. The walkable village hosts a wide range of international eateries and one of the most vibrant après-ski scenes in the region. But it isn't just about the scenery and after-skiing fun - this is eastern Canada's premier resort with 665 acres of skiable terrain across four mountains with over 2,000 feet of vertical drop. It boasts the province's steepest run with a pitch of 42 degrees providing something for the experts too.

For those that want to switch things up every once in a while, Mont Tremblant also offers ice climbing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding.

Sun Peaks Resort, British Columbia

Sun Peaks, Canada's second-largest resort, is a town of its own, 45 minutes from Kamloops in the British Columbia interior. It has three mountains that are linked, spanning nearly 4,300 acres of diverse terrain - all without the crowds that you'll find in the more popular resorts. There's truly something for everyone from beginners to the advanced, plus the grooming is impeccable. After a day out on the slopes, you'll find a long list of dining options to feed your appetite, from cheap eats to upscale restaurants serving seafood and steaks.

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Be Prepared for Winter Driving by Doing These 5 Things

Today's conversation is sponsored. All opinions are my own as always. 

With cold weather on the way in many areas, it is essential to prepare your car, truck, or SUV for the winter months ahead. You also need to do this if you will be traveling through cold weather. If your vehicle is not ready for the drop in temperature, you could pay the price for not being prepared.


What should you do to get your car ready? Here are a few top tips.


1. Get your battery checked

There is nothing worse than being stranded during the holiday season at a shopping mall or on the side of a highway. It is important to get your vehicle’s battery checked, especially if it is over three years old.

An expert will see if there is any corrosion around the battery’s connection points and if it is up to the task of keeping your car going during winter.

2. Antifreeze

Your vehicle should have a 50-50 antifreeze and water mixture inside its radiator. Antifreeze may even “look healthy” but still need replacing. The antifreeze’s important additives could be worn out, which means it won’t protect your vehicle.

Experts say you should replace the antifreeze every two years, which should prevent any problems. It is always best to get your antifreeze checked when you get an oil change. Then, it can be replaced as soon as any signs of breakdown are identified and you can avoid any larger problems.

3. Tire pressure

When snow and ice hit the ground, it is difficult to get good traction on roads and highways. Having the correct tire pressure allows your vehicle to have the best possible traction in snow and ice.

With colder weather comes a drop in the air pressure of your tires. Look in the owner’s manual of your vehicle to see what the correct pressure is and make sure you top it up.

4. Oil change

It is important to make sure your car has the right oil for colder months and getting it replaced as the seasons change is important. Certain types of oil perform better in certain conditions. Your mechanic can let you know if a change is recommended. You need the correct thickness of oil as colder weather makes oil run thicker. Your vehicle’s life-blood can’t work properly if it is too thick, so make sure you get it changed if you are due.

5. Wiper blades

It seems simple enough, but if you can’t see the road or vehicles in front of you, there’s a great risk of an accident. The more it rains, snows, and sleets, the more use your wipers will get. Extreme weather situations make it increasingly important to have wipers that have a significant amount of life left.

Experts say that wiper blades should be replaced after just one year. So, make sure you have new ones ready to go. Just a few steps can keep you safe during the winter months. It may cost a little bit of money up front, but it will save you much more in the long run.

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8 Tips For Fabulous Curls This Winter

Ah, winter. It’s the most wonderful time of the year – the holidays, hot chocolate, cute sweaters, the list goes on! But it can also be a not-so-wonderful time of year for your curls, if they’re not properly taken care of. Whether you’re a longtime curly girl or now embracing your curls, these tips will help you keep your curls happy this winter.


  1. Consider going “no-poo.” Shampoos with sulfates strip our hair of moisture, which is literally the opposite of what we want. I committed to the “no-poo” lifestyle last year, and it was a game changer. It’s weird at first not to feel the typical shampoo lathering, but my hair feels softer, stronger and more moisturized. My favorite is the DevaCurl No-Poo Decadence for super curly hair.
  2. Do. Not. Skimp. On. Deep. Conditioning. During the summer, I could get away with deep conditioning twice a month, but now I have to do it once a week. If your hair craves extra moisture like mine, it will thank you for the deep condition. You can make your own with your favorite oils, or take the easy way out like me and buy it. My favorites are DevaCurl Heaven in Hair, DevaCurl Melt into Moisture and Hask Monoi Coconut Oil. 
  3. Use coconut oil (AKA the lifesaver). I put cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil on my ends for extra moisture and curl definition. When I tell you it keeps the curls POPPIN’, I’m not lying! A little goes a long way, so use it just on your ends, and not on your scalp. If you use too much, your hair will look super greasy (don’t ask how I know…).
  4. Don’t towel-dry your hair. Drying with a towel creates too much friction, leading to frizz. You can use a microfiber towel, but that old cotton t-shirt you don’t know what to do with will work just as well. I’ve been using t-shirts for about four years and haven’t looked back.
  5. Sleep with a satin cap or pillowcase. This will preserve your curls and prevent them from becoming matted. I use the satin pillowcase because caps always fall off my head in the middle of the night. 
  6. Don’t sleep with your hair down. Sleeping with my hair down (even with a satin pillowcase) is disastrous. My hair looks flat, which is a big no-no for me! I prefer to put my hair in a “pineapple,” which is just a high ponytail and naturally, makes me look like a pineapple. Depending on your hair type, you can pineapple, braid or twist – whatever works for you.
  7. Use a diffuser instead of a blow dryer. I air dry my hair because it doesn’t get so cold in South Carolina. But if you live in colder areas or need to dry your hair quickly, a diffuser will dry your hair without stripping its moisture. Every once in a while, I do diffuse my hair with the Bed Head Curlipops diffuser. 
  8. Get a trim. Trimming your ends regularly is essential for hair growth and health. When you’re a curly girl, it can seem like light years have passed before any growth appears. I recently started using liquid biotin to aid my hair growth, so regular trims won’t seem as daunting.

Here’s to fabulous, happy curls this holiday season!

This guest post was provided by my fabulous daughter, Chardonnay Ismail


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What To Pack For A Winter Sun Holiday



The sun might not be shining in your hometown, but you do not have to stay there during the holidays. You can head to a sunny destination if you are looking to escape the winter chill. When the shops are full of winter boots and coats, packing for the beach can be a bit intimidating.

No matter where you are going, you need to pack light. To find the best hotels in your destination location, you should check out any travel website for some offers. Here are some things that you should include in your travel bag:

A Versatile One Piece Bikini
Pack a reversible bikini if you want to be versatile while keeping your bags light. Packing busy patterns and bold tropical prints will allow you to stand out. However, if you want to wear something elegant and classy, stick with a solid one-piece.

According to the owner of Wear Saga, if subdued elegance is what you are after, go for a plain black or blue swimsuit. Wearing classic colors will allow you to have the time of your life while looking stylish.

Stylish Cover-up
The ultimate beach accessory is an exotic and bright kaftan. If you want to lounge by the pool or sunbathe by the beach, head out in a colorful kaftan. Not only is this outfit stylish but it is also weather-appropriate.

A Chiffon Dress
In the hot weather, chiffon material is your best friend because it is light. You need to pack several lightweight mini dresses in a range of colors and styles to style up your beach wardrobe. Nude and white shades are flattering if you have a tan while bold and floral prints provide some flair.

You can slip on your chiffon mini dress when going to bask on a yacht. Moreover, you can wear it to lunch at an outdoor restaurant.

Beach-ready bag


A canvas backpack, quirky tote, and straw bag are all ideal for a day on the beach. You can use these carry bags to transform from a day on the beach to a night of drinking at the bar. You can use the bag to carry your sun block lotion, sunglasses, and a change of clothes.

Wide-legged Pants
You can opt for billowing, silky pajama style pants on breezy days when you are looking for more cover. Moreover, patterned wide-legged pants can add a touch of sophistication and style to your outfit. You should pair the pants with a flowing, loose blouse for a nonchalant yet classy style. Flat shoes will work just fine when navigating the sandy beaches.

Day to Night Heels
You do not want to sink in the sand as you enjoy some sun during your holiday. Moreover, you do not want to appear clueless as you trot along boardwalks in stilettos. Make sure to pack some chunky heels such as wedges and thick platforms when going on a winter sun holiday.

Accessories
When it comes to holidays in the sun, accessories are necessary. Sunglasses are necessary for defining your beach style and protecting your eyes from the sun’s glare. A hat also protects you from the sun’s rays and adds an haute feel to your outfit.

Hair and Skin Protection
Carry sunblock with an SPF of over 30 for anti-wrinkle action and maximum skin protection. You need to buy a moisturizer with sun protection for some light coverage during the evening. Using a lip conditioner will protect your lips from the sun and prevent drying. As for your hair, you need to buy moisture spray. 
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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. 

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What to Do if Your Furnace Short-Cycles

You most likely already need to use your furnace, at least occasionally. Hopefully, you performed the annual furnace maintenance. This kind of maintenance is very important for proper functioning of the heating system throughout the heating season.

Your furnace was dormant for the better part of the year, so it definitely needs some attention prior to everyday use to prevent breakdowns. If, however, you do experience problems with your furnace, you need to act quickly. You don’t want to be left without heating when proper winter sets in. Contact a professional and experienced heating service like https://www.actionac.net/heating-system-furnace-repair-san-diego/. One of the most common problems with furnaces is short-cycling. So, what is short-cycling and how do you recognize it?

Short-Cycling 

Chances are you have heard about this problem associated with air conditioning units, but it can just as easily happen to the heating systems and for the same reason. Namely, short-cycling happens when your furnace starts and stops too quickly and too often.

There are several possible reasons why this could happen. In most cases, you should able to identify the problem, but fixing it is probably out of your hands, and you will probably need professional help.

Your Furnace Is Oversized 

This problem should be evident from the first time you turn on our new furnace. You may think that bigger is always better, but it doesn’t really apply to furnaces. You don’t want the biggest thing on the market, you want something appropriately sized for your home. If you have miscalculated and gotten a furnace which is too powerful for your home, the result is short-cycling.

Essentially, your furnace is too effective at heating your home. However, that comes with a drawback. It means that your furnace will not be as economical doing it. It will expend too much energy in a short time, then stay inactive for a period, and then repeat that process. A more economical setup is an appropriately sized furnace which will work continuously. Not only will it be more economical, but it will also help with reducing the wear and tear, so your furnace will serve you longer and it will be less likely to break down.

Overheating Issues

Another reason why your furnace keeps turning on and off so frequently may be due to overheating. Your furnace may be shutting down automatically to prevent any more severe damage. One of the biggest concerns with this issue is carbon monoxide leaking into your home. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, so the only way to figure out whether it is in your environment is to have a carbon monoxide detector close to your furnace.

The main cause of overheating is the restricted airflow, whether it is a dirty air filter or a blockage in the vents. This will trap very hot air near your furnace and cause some physical damage to your heat exchanger, leading to the problems listed above.

Thermostat Issues

Maybe your furnace is not to blame, maybe it is getting confusing inputs from your thermostat. The thermostat tells the furnace when to start and how hot it should run, so if the problem lies in the thermostat, your furnace can experience a whole range of problems, including short-cycling.

You can test this by setting your thermostat to different temperatures and monitor the changes. However, ultimately, you will need a skilled professional to come and take a look at the problem.

Short-cycling is not only a nuisance, it could be an indication of much more serious problems, which is why you should treat it seriously and consult your heating technicians as soon as you determine that there is a problem.

To contact Action Air Conditioning & Heating of San Diego
4455 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite 100–5,
San Diego, CA 92123, USA
800-400-4152
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Bedding Styles for Winter 2017

Sleeping well is one of the most important and influential factors in our lives. From well-aired, pleasant sleeping room, to a comfortable, spacious bed, super comfortable, anatomical mattress and pillow, all these elements play an important part when it comes to our sleep quality. You can learn more about that here https://mattressmakers.com/latex-hybrid-mattress-affect-sleep-health/.


Of course, don’t forget the bedding, which should be made of good material, but also well designed. If you’ve seen to the health and comfort aspects, you’ll probably want to pay some attention to aesthetics and make sure your bedding in is in line both with the rest of your interior design, but also with the latest trends. After all, knowing everything is perfectly matched will probably help you sleep tight. Here are a few suggestions for this season, so hopefully, some of them might fit in with your current style. Or if you’re reinventing your bedroom experience completely, they might inspire you and give you ideas for other parts of your home.

All White

This is an ever-green classic, no way you can make a mistake with this. Whether the bedding is just another element in the all-white room, or just set as a contrast to the environment, it will look good anyway. In the first place, it invokes peacefulness and cleanliness, what’s cozier than falling asleep in white, clean, soft, fresh-smelling sheets?

In case we’re talking about all-white surroundings, make sure to use different nuances of white, different patterns, textures and materials to prevent a too sterile, hospital-like appearance.

In case white bedding is used as contrast, it’s really difficult to make a mistake there. For instance, you can try using the monochromatic palette to get a classic aesthetic. One thing is sure, it will bring lightness and vivacity into your bedroom and will fit in well into both modern and more vintage designs.

Ordered Chaos

If you’re more into eclectic style, you’re probably more than happy with this year’s fashion trends which suggest mixing and matching patterns, and which applicable not only when it comes to clothes, but also when it comes to bedding.

If this is your thing, you’re probably already a master in mixing patterns, however, you’re planning your first design experiment in this direction, here are some basic rules. First of all, do not mix more than three patterns, everything more than that is simply considered too much and can hardly look good.

Next, follow the golden ratio of 60/30/10, meaning you choose one dominant pattern which should cover 60 percent of the surface, for instance, you can use it for the quilt, then the second one which should take up around 30 percent, and finally, the third, boldest option for the remaining 10 percent, which you can use for throw cushions and similar details. Be sure to avoid repetitiveness by choosing patterns that vary in scale and type.

Also, make sure to incorporate this explosion of patterns and colors into a monochrome environment. A consistent color palette in the patterns can also help match them more smoothly. 

Clean Lines

A clean contemporary style is another trend that came back both in fashion and interior design. It can be seen in sleek lines of duvets and covers. It might seem like a completely opposite of the above mentioned pattern mixing, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be.

Main traits of contemporary style are sharp edges and high contrasts, but also using geometric patterns. So the major difference between the two styles lies in visual lines they create. In order to follow contemporary style, choose bedding that features solid color or sharply defined shapes with clear edges. 

What’s more, this trend might work best if your furniture is of similar design with similar angles, so you can have these lines somehow echo through the interior.

Hopefully, at least one of these styles can at least give you direction what to try and explore to bring a new life into your bedroom, and definitely into your life as well.

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7 Ways to Have a Happy "No-Screen" Holiday with Your Family


For the modern family, it's not unusual for family members to spend a majority of time physically together, although staring at their phone, tablet, computer or TV screen — the "parallel play" of technology. This holiday season is an opportunity to overhaul your family's technological habits and truly enjoy family time together. The following no-screen family activities can pull your family away from their gadgets, and instead create special memories and happy moments this holiday season.

Indoor Snowball Fight
A blanket of fresh-fallen snow creates a magical winter wonderland for building a snowman or snuggling up inside with hot cocoa near the fireplace. Are you without snow but looking to get into the spirit of the season? Create your own gentle blizzard indoors by crafting glittery paper snowflakes to string and hang. Spread artificial fake snow along the floors and start a snowball fight with indoor stuffed snowballs — like right out of "A Christmas Story."

Family Cookie Car
Spread holiday cheer to those in need, starting right in your kitchen. Baking with your kids is a sweet holiday tradition that creates memories for a lifetime. And Christmas cookies are a heartwarming way to give back. Your family can bake cookies and turn your car into a mobile cookie delivery vehicle for delivering gift-wrapped cookies to the community with joy.

Name That Christmas Carol
Put a fun "Name That Tune" twist on Christmas caroling and sing holiday tunes as a family. Split into two teams in which one caroler from one team hums a Christmas carol. The first person between both teams who correctly guesses the song earns a point for their team.

Holidays for Heroes
Check out your local Red Cross office to see how your family can participate in the Red Cross Holidays for Heroes program. This program encourages Americans to "Give Something That Means Something" during this holiday season. Participating in a variety of activities can help recognize and thank military members, veterans and their families.

Polar Express Adventure Night
"All aboard!" Bring the classic storybook to life at home with a "Polar Express" party for your kids and their friends. Ask all guests to wear their pajamas and hand them a golden ticket once they arrive. Then you (or another adult) can play conductor and invite the kids to hop aboard the (imaginary) Polar Express. As the movie soundtrack plays, hand out hot hot! hot! hot chocolate and cookies. During the train ride, read the story aloud and give the kids each a Santa's sleigh bell ornament as a party favor.

Holiday Journaling
This time of year is full of joy, happiness and love — which is why this special season is a great opportunity for your family to start a holiday journal. Throughout the month of December, set aside a few days a week for journaling based on a themed prompt such as:

  • What does gratitude mean to you?
  • What are you thankful for?
  • What's your favorite holiday tradition and memory?
  • What would you do if you were "Home Alone" on Christmas?
  • If you were one of Santa's elves, what would a typical workday be like for you?


DIY Ugly Sweater Holiday Party
The ugly sweater party has moved from holiday trend into annual tradition. Host a kid-friendly party for young family friends centered around creating your own ugly sweater using materials like festive felt cutouts, jingle bells, garland and gift wrapping bows. For food, drink and dessert, go potluck style. Then unleash your Christmas creativity and get silly while munching on bites and sweet treats.

Need more holiday fun inspiration?

  • Go on a festive doggy outing. Get your pup's photo with Santa and go shopping for stocking stuffers.
  • Teach the lesson of giving and benevolence by helping your kids donate brand-new and old toys.
  • Make holiday treats for your child's classroom and teacher


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The Dos and Don'ts of Coats and Car Seats

With winter weather in full effect, I wanted to pass along some great information about keeping your little ones cozy and safe when traveling in the car.

These tips are provided by: Allana Pinkerton, Global Safety Advocate for Diono

BIG DON'T: Never place a child in a car seat with a thick, bulky winter coat because the harness might not be snug enough to perform as it should during a crash.

WHY? If they are wearing a thick coat, the padding in the coat will not allow you to snug up the harness correctly and the harness will actually be loose on the child.  The padding in the coat will compress during a crash until it gets to the body which doesn't allow the child to ride the crash down appropriately.

Important to note: Car seat manufacturers cannot determine if it is safe to use a thick winter coat because they do not crash test with coats on the test dummies. They do test for misuse and they can determine if a loose harness causes injury.

DO: Follow the car seat manual for proper harness fit, installation and use. The manuals are written based on crash test data.

DO: Use an appropriate car seat no matter what the weather conditions are outside.

DO: If there are no safety issues in doing so, heat up the car ahead of time.

DO: Put a thin fleece jacket on your baby, toddler or older child.

DO: Put a toboggan hat and gloves on your child. This definitely helps retain some internal warmth.

DO: For a newborn baby, many infant carrier car seats come with a "warming boot" to put over the baby. If not, one may be purchased from the manufacturer of the car seat or they may have approved the use of one manufactured by another company.

DO: Throw a blanket around your child when carrying them out to the car to keep them warm. (If you are super nice, you might have even warmed it up in the dryer first.)

DO: Place them in the harness and snug it up. Then you can place the blanket over them so it doesn't interfere with the harness and tuck it in around the child's sides. To avoid the possibility of suffocation do not put the blanket near their head.


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Get Through Winter With ChapStick® Products (Giveaway)

Unless you live in South Florida or the Tropics, you are probably getting hit with some chilly temperatures. After having such a mild end of 2015, Mother Nature has unleashed her bone-chilling wrath. This means one of the things most of us experience-- dry lips. You know what? Dry lips are not sexy at all. No worries, the ChapStick® family of lip care products are here to save the day and your lips


ChapStick® has been a household name since I can remember. They are actually over 100 years old. Over the years, there have been many additions to the Classic line. Of course those Classics are perfect for every day wear and come in Original, Strawberry, Cherry and Spearmint. You can count on your lips feeling smooth and moisturized.

Provide your lips with a little extra TLC using ChapStick® Medicated. Whether you are feeling under the weather or just need that extra boost of hydration, ChapStick® Medicated quickly soothes and seals in moisture with a light, protective barrier to help heal dry, chapped lips.

Winter or summer, quench a thirsty pout and protect your lips with ChapStick® Moisturizers. Delivering an ultra hydrating formula, with ingredients, like Aloe and Vitamin, and fun lip-locking flavors, like Green Apple, Vanilla Mint, Raspberry Crème and Original, say hello to delicious hydration for lips!

ChapStick® Sun Defense offers a conditioning formula, including sun protection with SPF 25, defending skin all year long. Winter, spring, summer and fall, ChapStick® Sun Defense prevents and temporarily protects chafed, chapped or cracked lips.

Aloha! Treat your lips to a refreshing and fruitful getaway with tropical inspired, fresh fruit flavors reminiscent of warm weather and an island breeze with ChapStick® Tropical Paradise Collection.  Mix it up with *Mango Sunrise or soak in Aloha Coconut.

*Aloha Coconut will be available exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide while Mango Sunrise will be available at mass retailers and drug stores nationwide.

Don't walk around with dry lips. ChapStick® products are just what you need to get you through the winter months. We keep these lip balms handy year 'round.
Check out all of the ChapStick® lip care products on their site and be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for product information and promotions.



Giveaway: One lucky Mom Files reader will win a ChapStick® Prize Pack filled with similar items you see below. Enter in the Rafflecopter widget. Good luck!



a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and will end on February 5, 2016. One winner will be chosen and contacted via email to claim prize. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Please follow rules in Rafflecopter. Good luck!

The ChapStick® product, information and gift have been provided by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare.. All opinions are 100% my own.
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eos evolution of smooth Everyday Hand Lotion review

I received a complimentary product sample to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own as always. 

I am sure that no matter where you live in the U.S. (except for Miami) you have experienced the most disrespectful winter season in many years. Oh man, the winter weather has been brutal even in South Carolina. The freezing temperatures have been so harsh on my family's skin. We are in repair mode now since the temperature is starting to rise a bit. One part of my body that I do a quick check before I head out the door is my hands. With all the housework and cooking I do, my hands tend to be very dry and scaly. 
I was really looking forward to testing out the everyday hand lotion from eos (evolution of smooth). I received a very cute and modern hand lotion in Berry Blossom scent.
My first impression was the unique shape of the bottle and how convenient the size is for your purse. I tried some and also let my older daughter try it as well. We both loved the feel and the fragrance. It absorbed quickly, had no oily or greasy feel and left our hands soft and smooth. The fragrance was slightly strong initially, but faded not too long after applying it. I was impressed with the fact that I didn't have to reapply hand lotion multiple times like I am used to. Check out some of the product facts below:
eos Everyday Hand Lotion can be found at major retailers including: Kohl's, Ulta, Drugstore.com and evolutionofsmooth.com. They retail for $1.99 each and come in 3 scents: Fresh Flowers, Berry Blossom and Cucumber. I think I will be looking for the Cucumber next time. I highly recommend this hand lotion if you are looking for something effective, yet affordable. I think they would make great gifts for any occasion. I am keeping them in mind for my kids' teachers as a "just because" gift.

Be sure to connect with eos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for product updates and promotions.
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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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Soup for you! with the Original SoupMan #SoupManFan #ad

This is a review in partnership with The Niche Parent Network & Conference. All opinions are my own.

These days, unless you live in Miami or some parts of California, you are experiencing frigid temperatures and wintry weather. We just had our first snow a couple days ago and man oh man has it been cold! Weather like this calls for hot food. Soup is my general go-to meal for super cold days, but during the week this is not always possible. Homemade soup takes hours to make! I received the seven soup sample pack from The Original SoupMan line. 
Varieties include: Lobster Bisque, Chicken Noodle Soup, Lentil Soup, Crab and Corn Chowder, Jambalaya and Chicken Gumbo. 
I always remember watching episodes of Seinfeld and never forgot the Soup Nazi who would boldly yell, "No soup for you!". No lie, I often wondered how good the soup could really be with all the hoopla surrounding it. Lucky for me, I finally got the, "Soup for you!" package and couldn't wait to test them out. My younger daughter is my soup lover and can eat it any time of day/year/weather. I let her choose the first variety to try. She has my taste so she picked the lobster bisque. These soups are packaged in Tetra packs which I much prefer over a can. I confess, I am a soup snob. Homemade can't be beat. I was so skeptical. The packages are so easy to open and I poured the container into a small pot and heated it thoroughly on the stove top. I did add a little freshly cracked pepper to taste. I had my daughter taste it first. She immediately closed her eyes and gave me the thumbs up. She told me I must try it myself.
I fixed myself a bowl and tried to stay positive. I tasted the first spoonful and thought, "Okay, it's not bad". The second spoonful hit me and I was floored. This soup was unlike any other soup I have ever tried. It was delicious! The taste and texture were perfect. It had a good balance of flavors and a very ocean-like taste at the same time. The packaging gave the idea of adding some fresh chunks of lobster to kick the bisque up a notch. It makes me wish I saved this variety for me and the hubby to have with the added lobster. I told my husband how good it was so we both tried the Crab and Corn Chowder. He was very impressed with how homemade it tasted and we both loved the savory richness. It really was restaurant quality. One package serves two people and you can have it as a main course.

The interesting thing about these soups is that the packaging gives you recipe ideas to transform them into unique dishes. I don't think I will follow the recipes since the soups are so delicious as is. The Original SoupMan soups are available at over 500 Walmart locations, over 750 Stop & Shop, 1400 Safeway stores, Giant, Martin’s Supermarkets, plus other grocers across the nation. Find a store near you here.  

Stay connected with the Original SoupMan on Facebook and Twitter for product updates.
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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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Ouidad 2013 Holiday Kits- Eat, Drink & Be Curly!


Winter weather has already hit many cities all over the country. Colder temperatures can affect your hair, especially curls. My older daughter has been wearing her hair natural curls for about 6 months now. She was flat ironing for years and finally decided to try wearing it in its natural state. The upside to that decision is that it is so much easier than using the flat iron. The downside is that you have to use the right products to keep your curls looking soft and shiny or else you end up with a big frizz ball. She went through that awkward transition of having the outer layers look stringy since they were straight from flat iron abuse and the underneath layers had a lot more springy curls. It took about 3-4 months and her hair has almost returned to its natural curly state.

She was very excited to try out some products from the Ouidad Holiday 2013 collection called "Eat, Drink & Be Curly".  This set contains 8.5 oz sizes of Curl Quencher Shampoo, Conditioner and Gel. The retail value of these products are $54 but can be purchased in this gift set for only $40.

She posted this photo on Instagram and said, "Ouidad products are the best thing I have ever used for my curls".
I am so glad she found something that makes her hair feel soft and shiny. I highly recommend these products for anyone who needs some curl control. A little goes a long way, so I feel like that offsets the cost. Believe me, my daughter has tried everything and this is the first time she has actually been happy with the results. 
Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Beginning Wednesday, November 27th though Tuesday, December 3rd, head to Ouidad.com to receive 20% off all orders during check out. 25% is also available for orders over $60! There are several Holiday Kits to choose from and they are perfect for winter upkeep.


I received products from Ouidad for review purposes. All opinions are 100% mine as always. 
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