Family * Travel * Food

Halloween 2011

It's that time of year again...the time for silly "holidays" and although I don't believe in the whole Halloween thing, I still let my kid be a kid. Dwayne was in charge of the costume for William and decided on a pirate. Good choice, eh? Good thing Will loves all things pirate so he really enjoyed his costume. I drew on a mustache with eyeliner since I knew there is no way he would keep an eye patch on. Glad I did because the mustache was the hit at the Halloween events we attended!

Check out the mustache! 
One day he will look enthusiastic about getting his photo taken. One day.

He enjoyed yelling out "Trick or treat!" 


The bounce house. He LOVED it! It was so funny how when kids would fall from bouncing too hard William would ask them "Are you okaaay?!" and when William would fall he would yell out "I'm okaaaay!" 
Shelly, Mom Files
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Carmex skin care line review | Giveaway

**Contest Closed** 
Winner is #67 Julie Jones~ Congratulations!! 

I received the latest Carmex Blog Squad goodies last week and they came right on time! The kit came with both Carmex Healing Lotion and Healing Cream in full-size tubes as well as the mini versions. I have tried both of them out in the past and love love love them! It has a very light scent that reminds me of playdough for some reason. They are non-greasy and emollient at the same time.

I am a big fan of the healing cream since the temperatures have dropped. My whole family's skin turns into reptile-like scales. Not cute at all! The cream is heavy enough to smooth my skin out and makes it feel and look softer instantly. These creams and lotions are available at Walgreens and CVS and I just found out that Walmart will start carrying it. That is great news since I go there at least once a week (just don't tell my husband that). Full-size tubes retail for about $5.99 and the mini ones for around $0.99. They would make perfect stocking stuffers and teacher gifts. I can just see a small tube of Carmex lotion for each teacher to keep in their desk.

The awesome folks at Carmex are allowing us to give away one Carmex skin care prize pack to one lucky Momfiles reader. The prize pack will include:

  • One 5.5 oz Carmex Healing Lotion
  • One 4 oz Carmex Healing Cream
  • One 1 oz Carmex Healing Lotion
  • One .75 oz Carmex Healing Cream

To enter: Let us know if you are a Carmex user and if so, what is your favorite product? Have you tried any of the skin care items?

For additional entries Please leave a separate comment for each entry to count.
 ~ "like" Carmex and Momfiles on Facebook
 ~ Share this giveaway on the Momfiles FB wall and let us know you entered.
 ~ Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect
 ~ Follow Carmex and Momfiles on Twitter
 ~ Tweet this giveaway (once daily) and leave a link to your Tweet:
Enter to win @Carmex #skin care products from @momfiles http://tinyurl.com/4xvejrw #beauty #giveaway #Carmex

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on November 25, 2011 at 9:00 pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email. Please leave your email address in your comment if you do not have a Blogger Profile. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received products samples for review. All opinions are 100% mine as always.
Shelly, Mom Files
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Holidays 2011 with Shutterfly {Giveaway}

**Contest Closed** 
Winners are #12 #35 and #30~ Congratulations!
It is hard to believe that the Winter Holidays are not too far away. I have already been thinking about having a family photo taken for cards to send out to family and friends. Hey, you can never be too early! I browsed the 2011 Holiday card collection from Shutterfly and just love all of the beautiful designs!  There is everything from traditional as well as many fun, contemporary styles to choose from. That is going to be the hard part-- choosing! Look at how cute these are!

I have to figure out of I want to go with a folded type Christmas card or what we have been doing for the past few years-- the flat Christmas photo cards. I am going to pick my top 3 favorites and let the family vote. I think I might choose something that we are able to add several photos in more of a collage instead of a single photo.Now all I have to do is get the whole family together at one time to take some photos. Quite honestly, that might be the even harder part!

The generous folks from Shutterfly have provided me with 3 codes (3 winners) good for 25 Shutterfly cards (5x7 Holiday & Christmas Greeting/Stationery Cards) ~ just in time for the holidays!

*Entering is easy, just let us know what you plan to do with the cards if you win. Are you already a Shutterfly user?

For extra entries (leave a separate comment per entry method):
~ "like" Shutterfly and Momfiles on Facebook
~  Follow Shutterfly and Momfiles on Twitter
~ Write on the Momfiles FB wall letting us know you entered
~ Tweet this giveaway (once daily) and leave a link to your Tweet:
Enter to win 25 @Shutterfly #Holiday cards from @momfiles http://tinyurl.com/4xcq23w #giveaway {3 winners} 
~ Follow Momfiles via Google Friend Connect

Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on November 9, 2011 at 9:00 PM EST. Be sure to leave your email address if you do not have a Blogger Profile. 3 winners will be chosen at random. Winner must pay shipping costs. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes.

I received a code for a set of cards from Shutterly. All opinions are completely my own. 

Shelly, Mom Files
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Unexpected surprise

This morning I received some emails, blog comments and Momfiles Facebook page posts that I won 1,000 Swag Bucks in an hourly drawing. When I read the first message, I automatically assumed it was a scam. After about the 6th message I looked into it. Turns out I did win the 1,000 Swag Bucks and was in complete shock!

If you are not a part of the Swag Bucks community I encourage you to check it out and sign up for yourself. It WORKS! I have redeemed enough of my SB's to receive over $100 in gift cards all for FREE! It is great that all I did was search the web and get rewarded for it. Now you go get your Swag on~!
Shelly, Mom Files
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Wordless Wednesday

I posted about Will's pumpkin patch visit the other day and told everyone to tell me what they noticed in the first photo. Nobody got it. Here is the answer:


Shelly, Mom Files
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Finally!

We have been working diligently with William to get him potty trained. It has been a trying task to say the least. I can't even begin to say how ashamed I have been that I have a 3 1/2 year old boy walking around in training pants. Every time I turn around I see one of my Facebook friends posting about their 2 year old being fully potty trained or even worse an 18 month old trying to get into it. I am wondering where I have gone wrong. I have every potty seat, underwear, disposable underwear, books, toys, bribery tools...all of it. What do I get? Nothing. Just a hard-headed boy pooping in his pants and me having to clean it all up. Fed up, irritated, powerless. That is how I felt. Well 2 days ago something changed. I saw William in a distance getting ready to hide so he can do his business in his trainers. I quickly snatched him up and asked him if he needed to go poopoo. He had "the look" that I know very well and he tells me "NO!" I calmly walked him into the bathroom and told him to try to go anyway. He sits on the potty and I close the door partially and told him I would let him have his privacy. I can hear him talking to himself. He then calls me in and tells me to look. Of course, as usual...nothing. I told him to try again. He then sits and says to me "and don't get up until you go poopoo". I smiled and agreed with him. About 45 seconds later he calls me back in and once again tells me to look. This time (for the first time) was different. There it was... He did it! He actually went poopoo in the potty!! I immediately high-fived him and praised him for doing a great thing. He didn't look all that happy but after he got cleaned up and washed his hands, he very proudly yelled through the house to the rest of the family that he poopooed in the potty like a big boy. Everyone was so happy and excited for him but we were still wondering if this was a one-time thing.


Well, the following day he voluntarily told me when he needed to go poopoo in the potty.  As a matter of fact, he went 3 times! I know TMI! We are so thrilled that he has met this milestone. I was beginning to think it would never happen! I guess all the rumors about boys being harder to potty train were very true. Patience and persistence were what was needed. I guess things happen when they are meant to happen. Go William! Another important step to becoming more independent. Now if only I would stop catering to him :)

Shelly, Mom Files
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Look! I have a chest!

Oh the things you hear coming out the mouth of little kids are very entertaining... William has been proving to us that he is full-fledged talker with a whole lot to say. He has been exhibiting curiosity and asks a lot of questions. One of the latest things  is he noticed that he has nipples. You will find him with his shirt hiked up and his finger over his teeny tiny nipple. His dad told him that boys have a chest. Of course Dwayne tries to keep things as manly as possible with his boy. This morning I was in my bedroom getting dressed after taking a shower. I always leave the door open a few inches just in case William needs me. He started yelling out to me "Bawbi, do you have your privacy?!" This is because I always tell him that girls need their privacy and he has to respect it. Well this time he stumbled over his feet and the door flies open. I am half naked and he looks at me in amazement with his bright eyes and says "Look Bawbi, you have TWO chests!" I quickly covered myself up and told him to get out...then I laughed myself silly! That little boy is too funny! At least I know he is listening SMH.

Shelly, Mom Files
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Pumpkin patch fun


Look very carefully in this photo and tell me what you notice.*Hint- look what is in his hand?

He just doesn't like looking at the camera.

This was the "punkin" he chose to purchase.

He looks like he is up to no good!

Shelly, Mom Files
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My 1,000th post!

Wow, I can't believe that I am writing my 1,000th post. I had to look a couple extra times to make sure that was the correct number! So now what? I don't even know what to say. I have connected with so many amazing and interesting people over the last 4 1/2 years. I have made so many friends that have become very near and dear to me. I never would have imagined that you could make friends with complete strangers in other parts of the country. I have learned so much along the way and have grown as a person. I really can say that my life have changed for the better through blogging. There have been many opportunities and perks but the personal interaction has been most valuable to me. It astonishes me how very small the world can be through the blogosphere. I want to thank everyone who takes the time to read Momfiles, comment, email, Tweet, Facebook....simply just staying connected with me. It has been such fun and I plan to hang around for a while. Much love to you all!
Shelly, Mom Files
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Seventh Generation prize pack Giveaway {$80 value}

**Contest Closed** Winner is #146 Kim Smith~ Congratulations! 

I received a really lovely prize pack featuring Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid in all 4 scents: Fresh Citrus & Ginger, Lemongrass & Clementine Zest, Lavender Floral & Mint and Free & Clear. I am so happy that Seventh Generation products are safe for my family and the environment! I love the Fresh Citrus & Ginger scent. These dish liquids are non-toxic, biodegradable, free of dyes and synthetic fragrances and are made from plant-derived cleaning agents. I am really pleased with how well the dish soap works on cutting grease and getting my dishes sparkling clean. My daughters love all the scents and this means even more help with the dishes...lucky me!

DID YOU KNOW...If every household in the U.S. replaced just one bottle of 25 oz. petroleum-based dishwashing liquid with our plant-derived product, we could save 5.2 MILLION gallons of oil, the equivalent to removing 11,000 cars from the road for one year. Learn more.

Enter the “Nature Makes Perfect Scents” sweepstakes here and you can have the chance to take a trip for two to visit one of the sourcing sites of Seventh Generation natural dish liquid fragrance ingredients. Visit Seventh Generation to learn more about each scent’s origin.

Along with the Seventh Generation dish soaps, I also received a very nice Le Creuset stoneware 3 qt rectangular dish, a set of 3 organic cotton dish cloths, 2 Twist scour pads and 2 Twist loofah sponges. Is this not a wonderful gift? I know I will get great use out of all these items! This gift set is an $80 value and one lucky Momfiles reader will be able to win it.

Link
To enter: Let us know which of the Seventh Generation natural dish liquid varieties you most interested in trying.

For extra entries (please leave a separate comment per entry method) you can do all or any of the following:
~ "like" Seventh Generation (you can share which of the natural dish liquid varieties you are most interested in trying or which essential oil sourcing site you would be most excited to visit on their wall)
~ "like" Momfiles on Facebook (feel free to post on the Momfiles wall letting us know you entered)
~ Follow Momfiles via Google Friend Connect
~ Follow Seventh Generation and Momfiles on Twitter
~ Tweet this giveaway (once daily) and leave a link to your Tweet:
Enter the #7thGenDishLiquid #giveaway @momfiles http://tinyurl.com/64779ex from @SeventhGen & #MyBlogSpark!

Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end at 9:00 pm EST on November 3, 2011. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email. Be sure to leave your email address if you do not have a Blogger profile. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes.

Disclosure: The Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid prize pack, product and information have been provided by Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark.

Shelly, Mom Files
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I just had to have it

I am not a big television watcher but on occasion I will see something that captures my attention. I confess that some of the "As seen on TV" items suck me in. About 5 or 6 years ago I saw the Pedi Paws pet nail trimmer infomercial and I knew I absolutely had to have it. After all, clipping your doggy's nails is a sometimes difficult task. This product looked like a great solution. Dwayne was against me buying it but knew that there was little he could say to stop me. I did it. I bought it. $19.95.

I tried it and it sounded like a freakin' dental drill!!! Poor Milo was scared to death of the thing and it made the task even harder. Needless to say the doggone (no pun intended) thing has been sitting in the box for years. Lesson learned. I still hear "I told you so" for that one.

Have you ever purchased anything dumb from an infomercial?
Shelly, Mom Files
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Lemon tree update #3

For those of you who have been following Momfiles for a while you might recall that I planted a Dwarf Meyer lemon tree back in May. It was wee bitty little thing (see picture below) and I was not sure if it would even grow. I updated again 7 weeks later and you were able to tell that it did indeed grow! I don't have a green thumb at all so I was really happy with the progress.



Well now I am happy to report that my little plant has turned into a bush! Look how big it got! It has now been 5 months and it is still doing well. I actually brought it indoors since our temperatures have been flip-floppy. I keep it in a sunny area of the house and plan to re-pot it in the early spring in a bigger container and return it to the outside deck. I actually found a little caterpillar that had fallen off of it and that explained why a few leaves were chewed up.

I may not get any lemons for a while, but I sure am thrilled that my plant is still alive :-)

Shelly, Mom Files
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Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! It's time to dance! (Giveaway)


**Contest Closed** 
Winner is #6 RealtorSD~ Congratulations!
Hey everyone, I am so excited to find out that the Yo Gabba Gabba! crew are on the road performing a new show- "It's Time To Dance!" They will be in my city of Columbia, SC on October 26. If you have never been to a Yo Gabba Gabba Live show you are truly missing out on a fun experience! I have been to many shows over the years and even our teenage daughters agreed that it was their absolute favorite! I really believe that the parents enjoy it more than the little ones! This year there are many cities and show dates so be sure to see if there is a show near you. You don't want to miss out on the fun and excitement!!

I am also very thrilled to offer a giveaway for a Yo Gabba Gabba! CD/DVD prize pack to one lucky Momfiles reader. The CD is the called Music is Awesome 3. It has some great songs that we love: "Don't bite your friends", "Pick it up", "I'm so happy, I can dance" and many more!

The DVD is only being sold during the tour - you can't buy it in stores!
That makes it special....It's called KIA MOTORS PRESENTS Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! Live From Nokia Theatre L.A. Live

To enter leave a comment letting us know if you have ever been to a Yo Gabba Gabba Live Show or if you plan to catch the newest show in a city near you. Also, who is your favorite YGG! character?

For additional entries (please leave a separate comment per entry method)

~ "like" Yo Gabba Gabba! and Momfiles on Facebook
~ Follow Momfiles via Google Friend Connect
~ Follow Yo Gabba Gabba! and Momfiles on Twitter
~ Tweet this giveaway (once daily)
Enter to win a @yogabbagabba CD/DVD prize pack from @momfiles http://tinyurl.com/6j6thuc #giveaway

Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on October 29, 2011 at 9:00 pm EST. One winner will be selected at random and contacted via email. Please leave a visible email address if you do not have a Blogger account. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes.

No compensation was received for this post
Shelly, Mom Files
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Keepsakes wrapped in 3D

Do you find that your little ones bring home all kinds of cute things that they made in school? It can range from clay artwork to jewelry and what do you do with it all? I know that we have quite a few items from when the girls were little and they are packed away in boxes. How cool would it be to display some of those creative works of art? Now you can do it with a Z-Access frame.



With a Z-Access 3D frame you can proudly display any of those prized possessions in a very unique way. These frames are 100% American made and come in a variety of colors. There are so many creative uses for these frames...everything from wedding, graduation, baby shower or any kinds of personal keepsakes. These frames would make a neat, one-of-a-kind gift for grandparents with a handmade item from the grand kids. You can learn how to load your frame here and order frames here.

I wish these frames were around years ago! I think we would need to have an entire room dedicated to our family memories.

I received a product sample for review and all opinions are 100% mine as always.

Shelly, Mom Files
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Schick® Intuition® IQ Quiz | Giveaway

 Contest Closed
Winner is #16 The Sleepy Dreamer

Schick® Intuition® is the razor that lathers and shaves in one easy step. They are  kicking off the fall season with a fun, interactive Facebook application and coupon program centered around the balance and happiness that can come from leading a more simple life. Now until October 30, 2011 fans can visit the Schick® Intuition®  Facebook page to take the “Intuition IQ” quiz and discover if they are “Simply Carefree,” “Simply Flexible” or “Simply Smart.” After taking the quiz, fans are able to download a $3.00 coupon for any Intuition razor or 3ct. refills.


I personally LOVE Schick Intuition razors and have been using them off and on for some time now. I tried the Intuition® Naturals Sensitive Care® with Aloe and Vitamin E for the first time. It is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic which was just perfect for my legs since I am sensitive to overly scented products. I totally love the convenience of not having to use a separate shaving cream or gel. My legs feel ultra smooth and soft and I did not have any stinging or itching. I think my teenagers could benefit from this razor since they tend to have issues with cuts and scrapes while shaving.
Schick® Intuition® razor handles and refill cartridges are available at mass retailers nationwide and sell approximately for $9.29 (razor), $9.99 for 3 count and $17.59 for a 6 count refill. Remember, if you take the Intuition IQ Test you can download a $3.00 off coupon! 

How would you like to win a Schick® Intuition® Razor (including 2 refills) for yourself? 

Just "like" Schick® Intuition® on Facebook and take the Intuition IQ Test . Be sure to comment with what result you got. 

For additional entries you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each entry method to count. 

~ "like" Momfiles on Facebook
~ Follow Schick Intuition and Momfiles on Twitter 
~ Tweet this giveaway (once daily) 
Enter to win a @SchickIntuition Razor from @momfiles http://tinyurl.com/3wcl35b #sexylegs #giveaway #beauty
~ Follow Momfiles via Google Friend Connect

This contest is open to US Residents only and will end on October 24, 2011 at 9:00 pm EST. One winner will chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Please be sure to leave your email address if you do not have a Blogger Profile. 

I received a product sample and all opinions are 100% mine as always.

Shelly, Mom Files
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Pillsbury Breakfast Giveaway {Closed}

Winner is #47 marcia goss Congratulations!

I don't know about your household, but weekday mornings are always hectic around here. Who has time for a hot breakfast when there are lunches to pack, clothes to iron or carpool duty? Pillsbury has come out with two new options to help with that problem... Grands! Biscuit Sandwiches and Pillsbury Egg Scrambles. They are a convenient way to still offer up a hot breakfast in the morning without the hassle involved in the preparation. Just heat it up in the microwave and you're all set!

The biscuits come in these varieties:Sausage & Cheese, Bacon & Cheese and Ham & Veggies. My daughters gave the biscuit sandwiches two thumbs up! They loved the Bacon & Cheese variety.

The Egg Scrambles are available in: Bacon & Veggies, Sausage and Sausage & Veggies

Enter to win a prize pack to try these products out for yourself! One Momfiles reader will win 3 coupons to purchase a free package of new Pillsbury Grands! Biscuit Sandwiches or Pillsbury Egg Scrambles, 1 Doughboy keychain and 1 Doughboy Beanie Doll.

To enter: Let us know which of the new Pillsbury Frozen Grands! Biscuit Sandwiches and Pillsbury Egg Scrambles are you most looking forward to trying.

For extra entries:

~ "like" Pillsbury and Momfiles on Facebook
~ Follow Momfiles through GFC
~ Follow Pillsbury and Momfiles on Twitter
~ Tweet this giveaway (once daily):
Enter to win a #MyBlogSpark @Pillsbury breakfast prize pack at @momfiles http://tinyurl.com/3ougj6p #giveaway

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on October 6, 2011 at 9:00 pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email. Please leave your email address in your comment if you do not have a Blogger Profile. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

Disclosure: The VIP coupons, prize pack, information, and giveaway have been provided by Pillsbury through MyBlogSpark.
Shelly, Mom Files
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