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Organizing Your Kids’ Closet to Foster Independence

Teaching your children how to care for themselves is an important part of their physical and emotional development. Learning how to brush, wash, and get dressed every day is a big step that requires lots of help from adults. One of the best ways to teach children how to do these everyday tasks themselves is to make their environments accessible and familiar. Here are some tips for creating a bedroom closet that will help your little ones help themselves during their daily dressing routine.

Make it accessible

Most furniture companies now produce child friendly beds, dressers, and wardrobes that sit lower to the ground and allow for maximum accessibility. Built-in closets, on the other hand, aren’t generally fit for purpose when it comes to kids. Set up your own closet with clothes rails, shelves, and storage bins that are lower and easily reached by your children. Make sure any bins are open so your kids know what goes in each space, or choose clear or wire baskets so they can see directly into them from the sides.
via Modernize

Labelling 

After you’ve set up your child friendly closet, affix labels to each shelf and/or bin to help your kids remember which items of clothing go where. For younger children, large print labels with photographs of the type of clothing work best and can be made easily at home. If, like us at Modernize, you like to take your organization a step further, create sections for each day of the week. This way, your kids can choose outfits ahead of time and save you time in the morning. 

Keep it tidy

Probably the most important part of a functioning, independence-building kids’ closet is cleanliness. Finding clothes in a disorganized, cluttered space is next to impossible for adults and will feel positively overwhelming for children. Because kids grow so quickly, regular reorganization of their closet space is a necessity: make sure to remove clothes that are too small, out of season, or no longer worn for one reason or another. Encourage your children to put away their own clothes after they’ve been washed, and remind them to keep the space the way they would like to find it. 
via Modernize

Set a routine

In addition to keeping a regular cleaning schedule, it’s a good idea to encourage your kids to choose their school or activity outfits the night before. If you’ve set up day-of-the-week hangers or shelves, put these outfits in their designated spaces, or hang them on the door of the closet so they’re ready in the morning. After you’ve completed this task together a few times, your children should get the hang of it and hopefully repeat the exercise every day. This routine is not only great for your children because they get to choose their own clothes (within reason, of course), but also great for you because you will save yourself a regular morning struggle of choosing outfits. 

Guest article courtesy of Kaitlin Krull. 

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Ditch the "Mom jeans" for Slim-sation Jeans


As a mother of 3, I know a little something about having an extra bit of “fluff” on my body. Although my weight is ideal for my height and age, I still have that mid-section that is so hard to get rid of. I have to dress in creative ways to mask my mom-tummy. When I received a pair of Slim-sation Spring Slimming jeans to review, I was excited. I picked out a dark wash, straight leg style and it came very nicely packaged when it arrived at my home.

The jeans are well made and the material is soft, yet strong. I tried them on and was so pleased at how nicely they fit and they did indeed control my tummy! They fit higher on the waist without looking like your typical “Mom jeans”. I can now wear a fitted tee or sweater and not have to worry about seeing extra lumps, bumps or fluff. I did find that the jeans were slightly on the long side, but they still look great tucked inside my boots. I’m short, so that is something to keep in mind with sizing. I washed the jeans in cold water and they did not fade and had minimal shrinkage. I think they will last for a long time. I'm so happy to have them in my closet because it is so hard to find jeans that fit my body properly.

The Slim-sation Jeans offer:

  • Flexible tummy control panel that smooths & slims tummy, thighs and rear
  • Get a perfect custom fit with Shape Recovery Technology
  • Reduce tummy bulge
  • Drop 1 size instantly 
  • Look and feel up to 10 pounds lighter

Slim-sation makes a variety of styles of jeans, capris, pants and leggings. They are all designed to help lift and smooth while feeling super comfortable. Check them out online at the Slim-sation site as well as on Facebook and Twitter for product updates and promotions. If you sign up for their newsletter, you can get 10% off. I plan to order some capris for the spring and some leggings to wear with sweaters.

I received a sample for review purposes and all opinions are 100% my own. 
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Epson LabelWorks Iron-on Kit can help your kids find their stuff with ease #ad

School and the Fall sports season is in full swing all over the country. One issue that I think every parent can relate to is missing jackets, shirts and sometimes even sport's jerseys. It happens. Kids often times put their belongings down for a moment and their busy mind forgets about it. I have visited the lost and found pile numerous times over the last 14 years and I can't stand it! I finally have something to help ease getting items back with no hassle. Epson LabelWorks Iron-on Label Kit is here to save my sanity.

 This kit conveniently holds everything you need.
The actual label-making unit is small and lightweight, and can be used anywhere. As a matter of fact, it's so portable that I have taken it in the after school car pick-up line to use it. It is very user-friendly and requires no major skills to learn.

Key Features:

  • Everything you need to create personalized iron-on labels — includeds a LabelWorks LW-300 printer, 2 iron-on tape cartridges and an application guide.
  • Amazing variety — 14 fonts, 10 styles, 300+ built-in symbols, over 75 frames and more
  • Less waste — smaller lead margin compared to other brands, for up to 60% less lead margin waste
  • Large built-in memory — store up to 30 self-created label designs
  • Prints up to two lines of text — more space for you to add specialty frames or symbols to enhance your design
  • Easy to apply — automatically printed with a split back for easy and fast peeling
  • Whisper quiet — prints labels without distracting those around you
  • Iron-on labels — durable, machine-washable iron-on labels can be applied to almost any fabric in just seconds
  • Carrying case included — stores the LW-300 printer, two cartridges, six AAA-sized batteries (not included) and optional AC Adapter (not included)
My thoughts about the Epson LabelWorks Iron-on Label Kit: 
  • It is SO easy to use! As long as you know how to press buttons, you can use this. 
  • I like the selection of fonts and icons to make personalization better. This is great if your kid is involved in sports or different activities/clubs. 
  • It is super quiet and I love the cutting feature. You have minimal waste which means more labels. 
  • I think this would be great for sports' teams since their jerseys or tees are all the same. You can even include an email address if the item has been found, so it can be returned. That's the beauty of being able to personalize 100%.  




  •  Ironing the label on is so simple and it really holds up to washing. 


  • If you have multiple children who sometimes have the same color garments, this is a great way for them to find which one belongs to them. It also lessons any stress or arguments :) 
Overall, I really recommend this nifty little machine. It's very useful and practical. It's great for parents, business owners or teachers. The unit retails for $69.99 and can be purchased online at the Epson store. I think it's a great gift idea for the upcoming holiday season. Be sure to connect with Epson on Facebook and Twitter for product updates and promotions. 

I received a unit for review purposes. All opinions are 100% my own as always. 

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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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Kardashian Kids coming to Babies“R”Us beginning March 15th

Kourtney, Kim and Khloéé Kardashian Unveil Their First-Ever Collection for Baby Girls

NEW YORK, NY (FEBRUARY 19th 2014) – Kourtney, Kim and KhloĂ©Ă© Kardashian, in collaboration with Jupi Corp, will soon debut designs for girls up to 24 months at Babies“R”Us, the nation’s leading juvenile products retailer.  The Kardashian Kids collection features much adored motifs including butterflies, shimmering stars and a uniquely sweet take on the Kardashian’s signature animal print.  The line ranges from newborn onesies, snuggly caps and cozy blankets, to stylish and functional two-piece sets, jackets and dresses.  Kardashian Kids will be available exclusively at select Babies“R”Us stores across the U.S. and online at Babiesrus.com/KKids beginning March 15.

“Since becoming a mom, I’ve been so inspired to create Kardashian Kids with perfect prints, heavenly fabrics for a baby’s skin and to bring fashion to the baby world that is affordable,” said Kourtney, mother of Mason and Penelope.

The sweetly sophisticated pieces include delicate details of layered lace, pearl-embossed buttons, georgette appliques and leatherette.  Pastels, touches of gold, calming neutrals and pops of color are all a part of the collection’s color palette.  Cherished items include a playful white cotton onesie with girly tulle ruffles, soft gold polka-dot leggings and darling butterfly-printed bloomer shorts. From newborn must-haves to luxurious special occasion pieces, the line offers gentle fabrics in delightful and tender designs.

“Our grandmother opened a children’s fashion store, and from an early age I adored baby fashion.  Later when Penelope was born, my sisters and I had so many ideas for how we wanted to dress her, but didn’t always find what we were envisioning.  Now, as a mom, I cherish the time my baby and I spend together getting her dressed.  The items in this collection are exactly what I have imagined for her,” said Kim, mother of North.

“With our ever-expanding family and our wide circle of friends having children, designing a baby collection was the next natural progression for my sisters and me. We hope the charming patterns and the uniquely stylish items are gifts new parents will be delighted to open,” said KhloĂ©Ă©.

“The line was designed with fashionable parents in mind, and although trend is at the core of the collection, we never let it compromise quality and functionality. We always want to ensure we are offering our customers the finest quality at the best possible price and knew Babies“R”Us would be the perfect fit,” said Bruno Schiavi, Jupi Corp Chairman and Founder.

“At Babies“R”Us, our customers love sweet and sensible looks for their little girls, and always appreciate a good buy – something with fashionable flair and an affordable price tag. That’s just what Kardashian Kids offers,” said Tom Via, Senior Vice President, General Merchandising Manager. He continued, “Kourtney, Kim and KhloĂ©Ă© each have their own, unique perspective and bring their individual strengths to the table. This has resulted in an adorable collection that pays close attention to the details that moms – and gift-givers – look for, and we’re thrilled to launch this line exclusively in March.”

Kardashian Kids items will retail from $15 to $30 and will be available at all Babies“R”Us stores and online at www.Babiesrus.com/KKids. Fans can stay up-to-date on the latest Kardashian Kids news by following on Facebook (facebook.com/kardashiankids), Instagram (@KardashianKids) and Twitter (@KKidsOfficial).
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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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Leonisa Shapewear Review

Do you have that one top or dress you love so much, but you hate the way it fits? Being a mom of three kids, I have a little extra "fluff" in my mid-section and it bothers me when it shows through my clothing. I tend to have to layer tops to mask my tummy. I was delighted to have to opportunity to review the Leonisa Celebrity Back Support Control Tank.
(Image from Leonisa.com)
I won't pretend and say I was not nervous or skeptical about trying the control tank. The idea of compression made me freak out just a tad. I tried it on and had a bit of a struggle to pull it over my breast area since I have a wide rib cage and shoulders. Once I got it all on the way on I was completely blown away by how flat my tummy appeared. Here is what it looked like on me: 
I can't believe how much the control tank minimized my overflow. I pulled my top over and was so pleased to see NO mini muffin top! No lie, I had to stare in the mirror for a while. It really works!! 
I can now confidently wear certain tops and dresses that I normally avoid. I will mention that I opted to not use the strap across the breast area. I wasn't crazy about how it made made my boobs look since I have wide shoulders. I am happy with the open feeling on top though. This Leonisa Celebrity Back Support Control Tank comes in beige (sizes S,M,L,XL and XXL) for $50. It is worth every penny in my opinion since it worked so well for me. 

The second item I reviewed was the BKS Fabulous Lace Hip Hugger Panty. This gorgeous panty comes in 7 colors. I picked the purple one. 
(Image from Leonisa.com)
They fit like they were made for me! I really love how nicely it smoothed out my lower tummy and accentuated my rear. They are very sexy and practical at the same time. They come in sizes S, M, L, XL and XXL and are $20 each. I definitely want the pink and black ones! 

I am so pleased with my items from Leonisa and highly recommend them. They are a great addition to my intimate apparel collection. Check Leonisa out on the web, Facebook and Twitter

I received items at no cost in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% mine. No compensation was received.
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Tide To Go Stain Eraser sure comes in handy!

I received some samples of Tide to Go Stain Erasers a while back to try out. We were heading out to a birthday party last weekend and being the mom I am, I made my little one eat something before we left the house. Of course, it would be 2 minutes before it was time to go when William dropped the last forkful of his lunch on his good shirt. I didn't have much time to iron a new shirt and change him so I remembered I had a Tide to go eraser stashed in my purse.
All I remember is repeating, "Please work, please work, please work!" I opened it up and folded the sides up as directed. As you can see below, I had a bit of an accident because I squeezed too hard and spilled the cleaner down his shirt!  Luckily it worked out just fine. The stain came out and we were out the door, looking sharp!
I gave my husband a couple of these to keep in his wallet for the occasional accidents he has at lunch. I can't tell you how many times he has come home with a stain on his shirt or tie. This is a great item to keep in your purse or wallet especially if you eat on the run.


Product Information: 

Instantly start to remove even tough grease stains while “on the go” with the Tide to Go Stain Eraser, a combination of a powerful cleaning solution that breaks stains down and a micro-fiber pad that lifts and absorbs them.

Available Sizes:
Tide to Go Original 1 ct, 4 ct &16 ct.


Stay connected to Tide on Facebook and Twitter

I received products samples from Tide and all opinions expressed are my own.
Shelly, Mom Files
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Shabby Apple Dress Review & $50 Gift Card Giveaway

**Closed** 
Winner is Loremil
When I was contacted by Shabby Apple to work with them, I was thrilled. I have always admired their gorgeous dresses over the years and just adore the retro style. I was able to choose a dress to review and believe me, it was a very hard choice to make! There was something about the La Noche Negra dress that attracted me. I think the first thing was the color. I can't seem to stay away from black! I also really loved the idea of that front panel/pleat. It seemed like it would be good at helping to mask that "mom tummy" a bit. The back of the dress is the same way as well.
I ordered the dress in a size XS. I was a little leery about the size so I read some reviews and made my decision from there. It turns out that the extra small was just right for me. The dress fit me almost identical to the model in the photo. The only difference was the length. I am 5'2" so it fell right below my knee. I like how it fit me around the mid section. I think the design was very slimming. My husband and children really loved it on me. The part that surprised me was that the dress had pockets. I thought that was clever. The panel/pleat in both the front and back were flattering. It is made of  lightweight cotton poplin material (perfect for the warmer months) and the big, metallic buttons added a little something extra to this very simple dress. This dress is perfect for me since I tend to like a more casual look and it can be dressed up with the right shoes, accessories and hair style.

Right now Shabby Apple is offering all Momfiles' readers a 10% discount (valid until 2/08/13) by using the code: momfiles10off. Stay up-to-date with sales, discounts and new items on ShabbyApple.com, Facebook and Twitter.

So are you ready for a giveaway? One lucky Momfiles reader will win a $50 Shabby Apple gift card to buy anything they like on the Shabby Apple site. Enter below:a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on January 27, 2013. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

I received a complimentary dress for review purposes. All thoughts/opinion are my own. 
Shelly, Mom Files
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Buying for Baby: Adorable Babygrows


There’s nothing nicer than buying for baby, provided it doesn’t break the bank of course! Don’t let a big shock at the tills ruin your purchasing pleasure – it’s perfectly possible to find adorable babygrows, bodysuits and more at teeny, tiny prices.

The humble supermarket is one place to find great deals on all the basics needed to kit out your tiniest tots. George at ASDA has a fantastic range of cheap yet cheerful essentials from ‘tiny baby’ size upwards, helping you to keep the cost of this expensive time manageable.

Buying baby essentials from the supermarket is also a fantastic time-saving option for busy mums. Simply throw baby’s new wardrobe additions in the basket or trolley while you shop – or shop online at ADSA Direct if braving the supermarket seems too much of a daunting prospect with your precious newborn.

What to Buy?

Babygrows
There’s no need to spend lots on little outfits for a very young baby – as tempting as it may be. Little ones love to be comfortable, and soft, comfy outfits are perfect for sleeping, rolling, sitting and crawling in. Babygrows (or sleepsuits as they are also known) are ideal not only for night time, but also for casual days spent relaxing at home. They are also great for putting on under a pramsuit or snowsuit for cosy and comfortable trips out in the pram.

As your little one grows, simple babygrows are ideal to wear at night. They’re unable to ride up like pyjamas, keep feet warm and cosy and have easy popper openings to make those night time nappy changes a doddle.

Pretty, detailed babygrows are great for showing off in the daytime, so stock up on sweet patterns and fun character designs. When it comes to nightwear babygrows, fleece is a good choice of material for winter – it will keep baby snugly, warm and cosy (although be careful to check baby for signs of overheating).

Bodysuits
Bodysuits are another baby wardrobe essential, and are likely to be worn under every outfit until your tot is out of nappies. Like a vest, but fastening under the nappy, a bodysuit adds an extra layer of warmth and comfort. During the summertime they also make ideal nightwear, to keep baby cool yet covered.
There’s really no need to spend a lot on patterned or character design bodysuits, as they are worn under clothes the majority of the time so not seen. In summer, you could however pair a bodysuit with a little skirt or pair of shorts, for a cute yet cool and comfortable hot weather outfit.

Outfits
Of course, you’re likely to want to buy some sweet little outfits for those special occasions, days out or trips to playgroup. Keep your baby’s comfort in mind with soft fabrics and designs that allow for flexibility of movement and your baby can look great without feeling hindered by cumbersome clothing.

Enjoy shopping for your baby but don’t let the basics break the bank. Choose quality baby essentials from the supermarket for the easy way to fill baby’s wardrobe with adorable babygrows, bodysuits and more!

Sponsored post/I was compensated for this article

Shelly, Mom Files
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Mom's fashion should be No nonsense

This post brought to you by No nonsense. All opinions are 100% mine.

Being a mom is a tough job in itself, but being a mom who looks like she's got some sense of fashion sometimes seems impossible. For me, my fashion sense usually refers to wearing black, grey, denim and of course, black. My family often expresses how I need to add some color to my every day look. No nonsense tights and leggings  are an affordable and simple way to incorporate a splash of color. No nonsense tights and leggings can be easily found at food and drug stores as well as mass retail stores.This is great news especially if you are on a tight budget.  I created a look that takes my usual love of black and kicked it up with some purple tights. What do you think? I could see myself exploring different colors and looks with these fun tights. I plan to show my family that my wardrobe can consist of another color besides black!

No nonsense is teaming up with fashion expert Jill Martin to show women how to wear the latest trends that include colored tights and essential leggings. She will be very active on social media to give her tips and advice. I know I need to take some time to get some of her advice. I am turning 40 this year and really could use some fashion help! Check out the short video below:

Be sure to stay connect to No nonsense on Facebook and Twitter @benononsense for more ideas and fashion inspiration. 
Visit Sponsor's Site
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Vanity Sizing

I was listening to story this morning in my car on NPR. It was about something I have never heard of before... vanity sizing. There were two experts speaking on the subject and it was about the epidemic of obesity in America and how it affects clothing purchases. They spoke about how clothing has been re-sized to give customers the feeling that they are smaller than they really are. Basically, a person buys a size 8, but in reality it is a size 12. The fact that they feel they fit in a size 8 makes them feel good about themselves and results in them purchasing even more clothes. They even said that women's bra sizes have been affected. A woman that is normally a B cup might have to purchase a C cup and the true size might actually be an A! Of course, not all brands are doing this but it does make you wonder if you are wearing your true size. About 2 years ago, I was wearing a Juniors' size 9. A year later I was a 7. As of last week, I wear a Juniors' size 5! Even tops, I went from a Juniors' XL down to a small.

This is crazy! Turns out that it has been going on for many years. I guess I always just assumed that every brand was cut differently. Turns out, they are cut to please the customer in hopes of increasing sales. I just had to share this with you all! Has anyone heard about this before? I'm probably so late :)
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FREE American Girl dress and swimsuit patterns


For those crafty mamas out there, here is something you might like. FREE patterns for American Girl dolls clothing. You can get a download a pattern for a Drawstring Dress here and a swimsuit pattern here.

You can also receive two more free patterns for signing up for the newsletter from Liberty Jane Clothing. Just thought I would share! Enjoy :-)

Shelly, Mom Files
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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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Sock Ons for babies

I got to check out one of the neatest little baby items around. They are called Sock Ons. They are a unique way of keeping your little ones socks on! Now where on earth were these when all of my kids were babies? What a great idea these are. I remember very well how often I was having to put socks back on the kids' tiny little feet when they were babies.
Sock Ons come in so many wonderful colors including Red, Orange, Lemon, Lime, Turquoise, Blueberry, Grape, Chocolate and Charcoal (Sized 0-6m and 6-12m). I think these would make a cool baby shower gift. I received a sample and gave it to my good friend who is expecting twins next month. She had never seen anything like it before. Check out Sock Ons on the web, Facebook and you can find retailers  here.
Shelly, Mom Files
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Denim Done Right

 I wanted to pass along some great information:

Shopping for jeans that fit perfectly can be frustrating. Before you head to the dressing room yet again, follow these guidelines from Senior Designer for Jockey Person to Person, Sunil Ramchandani to help you find your perfect denim (without all the bells and whistles.)

1. Fabric: A poly cotton blend will help retain the shape and color much longer. Hand washing will allow the material to last much longer as well. A mid weight, 8 to 11 ounces per yard, will be perfect for year round wear.

2. Fit: The waist should have enough room to fit one finger in between the pants and yourself and the denim must be fitted through the thigh and knee. The rise should be 1” below your belly button but no more than 3”.

3. Length: If you are wearing flats, your jeans should touch the floor. With heels, the pant leg should be ¼” above the floor on your back heel. Make sure to have separate pairs to wear with heels and flats.

4. Leg Shapes and Body Types: Bootlegs work best on Pear and Hourglass body shapes. Straight legs work best on Apple and Pencil body shapes. Wide legs work best on Strawberry shapes.

5. Camouflage Your Flaws: If you have a slight belly, you should go for a stretch fit and wear it with longer length, un-tucked boots. If you have a large bottom, go for a slightly lower rise with simple back pockets. Big Hips, the boot cut is your friend as it will help rebalance your figure.

Be sure to check out the Jockey Person to Person denim collection and remember you have to feel good in your own skin in order to look great in a good pair of jeans! Jockey Person to Person® is one of North America’s premier direct sales companies offering extraordinary women’s apparel and accessories, created for today’s on-the-go woman. To find out more, visit JockeyPersontoPerson.com 

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Swimsuit season is coming

It's getting to be that time of year for some of us depending on what part of the country you live in...Swimsuit season. I have not worn a swimsuit in over 3 years. I promised myself that this year I will get one that is flattering to my rounder body. I looked at a few from Target and so far I like the first 2. I have to go with something that covers my tummy because I don't think anyone wants to see my stretchmarks aka 'the rays of the sun'.

I also actually liked this swim dress. It doesn't look like an old lady one. It would be great to cover my buns but I really think I might go with one of the 2 first ones.

Are you ready for swimsuit season?
Shelly, Mom Files
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The Greener Good | Review & Giveaway

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I recently had the pleasure of receiving some wonderful green products from The Greener Good. The Greener Good is the ultimate resource for going green. They provide products, services, and educational opportunities for those interested in greening their homes, lives, and families. The Greener Good product offering includes home, lawn & garden, home improvement, cleaning, apparel, body, baby and pet products. I checked several items that I thought were so unique and I am so loving the bamboo tops and skirts.

I received a Recycled Canvas Eco Tote Bag along with the matching Eco Key Fob, a container of OXY-Boost Ultra-Concentrated Destainer & Deodorizer, a bar of The Laundress Wash & Stain Bar, and a packet of The Laundress Stain Solution.

I will say that the Canvas Eco Tote Bag is so impressive if you see it in person. It is HUGE and actually has pockets inside. The quality is top notch and I really love the way it is designed. This would be great for day trips or even as an overnight bag. The key fob is perfect for having your ID card for work or school easily accessible as well as the zipper pocket to store debit cards, business cards, cash etc... Of course I have a teenagers who called dibs on these items~ We'll see what happens with that!


I was very excited to try out the OXY-Boost since the container said "earth health & pet friendly". If you are an animal owner you know how important it is to be extra cautious with what cleaning agents you use around them and on their washable items. I read up a bit on the OXY-Boost and found out that it is a safe alternative to traditional chlorine-based products. Its safe to use on most washable fabrics and is compatible with other household cleaning agents. Also, it produces no harmful by-products which negatively affect the environment. Unlike chlorine bleach, which can merely cover up a stain, Oxy-Boost attacks and breaks down organic stains to totally remove them from the garment. I decided to give it a try on my 3 year old's sneakers. They were covered in dirt, dust and grass stains. I threw them in the washing machine along with some other shoes and I was so pleased with the result!

Check out these before and after shots. His shoes look brand new again!



I am also in love with The Laundress Wash & Stain bar and how cute is that name?! I really like the scent and lather (just like a bar of soap) and the way it worked on my husband's shirts. I used it to scrub the collars and cuffs and was very happy with how clean they came out. I hate to sound like a cleaning geek but I found it really relaxing and fun using the Wash & Stain Bar!

For more information on The Greener Good products and nationwide shipping, check out www.thegreenergood.com.
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The wonderful folks over at The Greener Good sent me a container of the OXY-Boost Ultra-Concentrated Destainer & Deodorizer, a bar of The Laundress Wash & Stain Bar, and a packet of The Laundress Stain Solution (retail value of $20) to give away to one lucky Momfiles reader.

To enter (Mandatory): Check out all the neat stuff The Greener Good has to offer and come back and let us know what item/items you liked or let us know what steps you are personally taking to "green" your life.

For additional entries (leave a separate comment per entry method):
~ "like" The Greener Good and Momfiles on Facebook
~ share this giveaway on Facebook (once daily)
~ Follow The Greener Good and Momfiles on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (once per day) Example: Enter to win some awesome #green laundry products from @thegreenergood over @momfiles http://tinyurl.com/4jspzff #giveaway

~ Follow Momfiles via Google Friend Connect
~ Sport the Momfiles button on your blog

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on April 3, 2011 at 9:00 PM EST. Winner will be chose via random.org and will be contacted by email. If you do not have a Blogger profile then be sure to leave your email address. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received products to try out and all opinions are 100% mine as always.

Shelly, Mom Files
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