I would love to punch some people on HGTV

I just wanted to share some random thoughts that come to mind while I'm watching my favorite shows on HGTV...

• I really can't stand when they show a married couple reenact their morning routine in a small bathroom. Do people really brush their hair or teeth at the same exact time each morning and bump into each other like that? We don't. Our master bathroom in my home is smaller than some bathrooms in hotels, but we never complain.
• Couples that can't agree on colors, finishes or anything for that matter. They have heated on-air arguments and someone ends up in fake tears. 
• When they have over-the-top expectations for an itty bitty budget. 
• When people have a budget of over a million dollars and end up buying a 1,200 square foot home. 
• Why do the men have to get inside the tub? I would be so embarrassed if my husband did something like that on camera. Sadly, he probably would.
• I do LOVE when the host shows a house that has everything a couple is looking for-- all custom features, open and over-sized spaces, gourmet kitchen, dream back yard and everything else only to burst their bubble when the sales price is revealed. It ends up being like $400K over budget, Hehehe!
• There is always going to be that one woman who freaks out because there's a dead bug on the ground. C'mon man, it's DEAD! 
•  People and the whole "open floor plan" thing. I don't really get it. When I'm in the kitchen cooking, I don't want to be bothered. I don't need to see my family or guests while I'm in there. It's my "me time" and I don't need anyone talking to me during that time. 

Curly Q's for Curly Kids (Review)

Being a mom of three biracial kids means I have been through my fair share of taming the beast known as, "the curls". The fact that I am Indian and have straight hair made it very difficult to know what to do with all of those curls! I recall trying dozens of products to help make it easier to handle and a whole lot of trial and error. Fast forward to today... my girls handle their own hair (thank God) and my son's hair is a lot easier to maintain for the most part. I do sometimes have issues with his hair getting too poofy and it just doesn't look good. I received a couple of products made by Curly Q's to test out on my little one's hair. I got the Coconut Dream Conditioner and Curly Q Milkshake Light Curl Lotion.

The first thing that really stood out to me is that the bottles say "Curl care fit for a Prince or Princess". I like that since my son would question me on what I am putting on his hair. He has that manly man thing going on that he gets from his dad, so I love that it says, 'Prince'.

Now the real question is, does it work well? I shampooed William's hair, rinsed and then put a little bit of the Coconut Dream conditioner on. I'm glad I only used a tiny bit because it is extra rich and emollient-- a little goes a long way. William immediately told me that it smelled yummy. I agreed, you can instantly smell coconut and when he rinsed his hair out, all you could feel is softness.

I put a tiny amount of the Curly Q Milkshake to keep his curls under control and it really does give them a more polished look. His hair stays very soft and manageable without getting poofy. I have been so pleased with how his hair has been looking and others have noticed as well. My oldest daughter (20) borrowed both products while we were on vacation last week and she fell in love with them. It is hard for her to find products that work well with her curls and she has spent a small fortune trying different things out.

I love how the Curly Q's site explains full details on all of their products. It makes the selection process a lot easier. Their prices are competitive yet fair for what you get. I don't ever mind paying for quality. Curly Q's offers a variety of hair products for all ages including a line exclusively for babies and kids. I wish Curly Q's was available when my girls were little. I think it would have made doing hair less stressful.

If you have curly haired kids or if you have curly hair, I highly suggest you try out the Curly Q's line of products. Be sure to check out their website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter for product promotions and updates.

I received product samples for review purposes and all opinions are 100% my own as always. 

An Overview of Garagiste Wines

Wine has become the next big thing in artisanal beverages, with a rapid increase of craft wines becoming available. According to Gold Medal Wine Club, no longer are enthusiasts reaching for mass-produced bottles recognized from magazine lists, but instead they are seeking hidden gems found within the bottles of garagiste wine.

What is Garagiste Wine?

Garagiste is a term that originated in France to describe a type of wine maker who focuses on small, high quality products as opposed to creating large batches. It became a label for a subculture that refused to be restricted by governmental rules and instead rebelled, utilizing small garage types of spaces to create their own specialized wines. These independent innovators incorporate passion and creativity into their artisanal cache. The wines are made with great attention to detail, which often means the final tally of cases is extremely low compared to that generated by corporate producers. There are a variety of garagiste wines available, although only a few types are usually offered from any one particular producer. If you have a garagiste wine in hand, you can rest assured there are very few others that get to partake in the flavors you are experiencing.


Where is Garagiste Wine Produced?

While some variance of a garagiste wine can be found in locations throughout the country, there are a few spots where they have really come into their own. On the West Coast there has been a huge influx of craft wine producers, with enthusiasts creating an array of unique products. The primary stateside hubs can be found in Central and Northern California, with a large number of artisans staying true to the state’s “wine country” reputation. While large wine producers are aplenty, there are lots of resources for wine makers of all sizes. However, The Golden State can’t claim all the talented makers of garagistes. In recent years, Oregon and Washington have both climbed in recognition as craft wine producing states, and rightfully so. In keeping with the North West’s independent spirit, craftsmen let their creative juices flow in this area where small, non-corporate businesses are given considerable support and quality work can easily find a niche. Locally sourced ingredients, organic elements and slow, intentional processes are all revered, making these ideal regions to experiment and create artisanal spirits.

Considering the low number of bottles produced, every drop counts. When you have a garagiste wine poured into your glass, take the time to enjoy it with multiple senses. Observe the rich color and viscosity, smell the aromas as it breathes, and savor every sip, enjoying the uniqueness of what you are experiencing.

Nominate a deserving teen for the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy #CokePayItForward

The Coca-Cola Company provided promotional consideration for my participation in this program


If you have been a Mom Files reader for the past few years, you might recall me talking about the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program. Well, this year is bigger and better, with Mr. Steve Harvey back for a second year as the celebrity ambassador and co-host. I participated in a Twitter chat with him last week, discussing a few ways we can connect with and encourage our teens with the college application process. It was really refreshing to see how many caring parents offered up some great advice. This year, the program has expanded to include the all-new Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy. The Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program is a movement, primarily targeted to moms, to uplift and help pay it forward to the next generation.



You’re probably wondering what exactly the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program is and how it works. Here are some facts:

• The Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program is a movement to uplift and inspire the next generation of African American teens to realize their dreams through education, unique mentorship experiences and scholarship.
• The program works through a nomination process, where moms, dads, relatives, neighbors or teachers nominate high school teens in grades 9-12. Nominators or nominees must be 13 years of age and older and eligible teens can even nominate themselves. 
• Nominations are done on Coca-Cola’s Pay It Forward website. 
• Up to twenty winners will be selected, and each winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship and a trip from their hometown for them and their mom/legal guardian to attend the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy July 24-26, 2015 in Atlanta, GA. See full contest rules here. 

Nominations are open until March 31, 2015.

The Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy is a three-day educational development experience, structured to offer valuable resources for moms and her teen(s). Moms will receive helpful tips like how to help her teen(s) be successful in school now, and how to financially prepare them for college. For teens, the programming will focus on topics like personal branding, higher education and alternative career paths.



Besides Steve Harvey joining for the second year as the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program celebrity ambassador, Coca-Cola has partnered with Get Schooled and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to assist with the development of the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy programming. You can listen to this audio clip with Steve Harvey interviewing the President and CEO of The United Negro College Fund, Dr. Michael Lomax, to help get a better understanding of the program.

I nominated my high school senior tonight and it was a very quick process, it only took about 2-3 minutes. I know the experience will be so valuable to the deserving teens that will ultimately win. It would certainly be a memorable summer! So, what are you waiting for? Go nominate a deserving teen now. Be sure to spread the word and encourage your family members, friends, coworkers and neighbors to nominate a teen as well. Who will YOU nominate?

Visit coke.com/payitforward to nominate, and for complete rules and eligibility requirements. Join the conversation online using #CokePayItForward.

New at IHOP Criss Croissants-- A must-try!

I had the absolute pleasure of sampling the latest menu item from IHOP. The all-new Criss Croissants. Breakfast lovers the world over have long enjoyed the unique taste and texture of the classic French croissant—that delicate, buttery flaky pastry that practically melts in your mouth.  Now, IHOP restaurants introduces a brand new way to savor that treat—by taking that distinctive dough and baking it in a waffle iron so that you have the luscious taste of a croissant with the distinctive criss-crossing of the waffle iron pattern, and voila!  Criss-Croissants!

Oh boy, these are out of this world! Criss Croissants are available in two irresistible flavors: Strawberry Rhubarb and Blackberry Lemonade. I'm a strawberry gal so I knew that was the one I would want to try first. I won't lie, I anticipated that the cream would be too sweet for my liking. To my surprise, it wasn't at all. It was lightly sweet and the fruit was bursting with a sweet and tangy flavor. It was the perfect combination. I had mine paired with the bacon and egg combo and I ate every last bite. My husband tried it too and enjoyed it as well. We noticed that many people sitting around us were ordering the same thing. I don't blame them :)

Strawberry Rhubarb: A warm waffled croissant filled with perfectly sweetened cream cheese, and crowned with a strawberry rhubarb topping.

Blackberry Lemonade: A warm waffled croissant filled with refreshing lemonade cream and topped with sweet blackberries.

Criss Croissants are available as part of a breakfast combo at participating IHOP restaurants through April 5. If you can make it out to IHOP, you must try Criss Croissants. You won't be disappointed! Be sure to check out IHOP on the web and follow on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for promotions and updates.

I received a gift card to try out the latest menu offering in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own as always.