Family * Travel * Food

6 Affordable Ways to Give Back to Your Community

Research proves that volunteering combats depression, helps improve self-esteem and keeps you physically healthy. There’s a happiness effect when you give back to your community. Volunteering can help you in your career or business through networking and experience. Many people give money to charities to help others, but there’s something very special about giving your time to help others. When you reach out, you connect to other people. You make your community a better place. Here are six ideas to give back to your neighbors. 


Volunteer at Your Pet Shelter

Local animal rescue shelters rely on volunteers and donations to take care of stray animals. You could help clean up or engage with the animals to give them attention. Strays need socialization to help them get adopted. If you love animals, you may even decide to take one home or help foster one to be adopted.

Participate in a Local Food or Clothing Drive

Donate gently used items and clothing or food to a local clothing drive. Offer to help collect, sort and pass out items. Learn more about local options in Oakland by visiting Sullivan Community Space About Us. Most food banks are always stretched thin on staff, so any help you can offer frees the team up to focus on the mountains of administrative tasks behind the scenes.

Support Small Businesses and Local Events

Attend the local choir program at your school. Go to craft shows and shop with local artists. Buy tickets for local theater groups. Attend events and classes at Sullivan Community Space. Get your car washed by the cheerleaders. Go to sports events. You’re not only keeping your money in your community, but you’re also supporting local families who are doing the same.

Perform Random Acts of Kindness

Buy lunch for someone when you go to your local diner. Mow your neighbor’s yard or rake leaves. Shovel driveways for elderly neighbors who may not be as steady on their feet. Take flowers to your friend just because you wanted to make her smile. Fill up someone’s gas tank one day when you’re getting your own gas. Do something nice for someone in your community. 


Show Public Servants How Much You Appreciate Them

Police, EMTs, firefighters and other public servants work tirelessly in their community, often for much less than they would make in the private sector. Do something to let them know that their service doesn’t go unnoticed. Write an editorial for the paper. Send thank you notes. Drop off something yummy or have a meal catered for them for a shift.

Donate to Your Local Homeless Shelter

Take blankets, winter coats and gloves or socks to a homeless shelter. Low on money? Take yourself and visit with people who are homeless. A conversation with someone who listens can mean a lot to someone who is surviving on the streets. You don’t have to fix their problems. You’re just offering your ear and some time.

Ask Around to See Who Needs Help

Talk to a local clergy person to see if they know a family who could use groceries or some kind of help. Ask your domestic violence organization what they need. There may be a family at your work who is going through a difficult time and could use an extra tank of gas to get back and forth to medical treatments. A neighbor could tell you of another neighbor who can’t take care of their garden right now. Talk to your friends and family to see where you can step in and give assistance.

It doesn’t take a big pocketbook to give back to your community. You just need an investment of time and effort to let others in your community know that someone cares.  

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College Student and Childhood Cancer Survivor Advocates for Children’s Cancer Research


Up until she was 11-years-old, Samantha Sowa was like most girls her age –she loved spending time with her family, traveling to new cities and playing with friends. That all changed when she was diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma. Doctors were baffled to see this particular type of cancer in someone so young and her family was completely devastated. Samantha took a vow to stay positive and keep the family composed and together throughout her entire cancer journey.

“Throughout my entire journey, which lasted more than a year, I had two surgeries, two doses of radioactive iodine, some biopsies, countless neck ultrasounds, full-body scans and  bloodwork,” said Sowa. “The first surgery was to remove my entire thyroid, a parathyroid, and a lymph nodeand the second surgery almost a year later was to remove the surrounding lymph nodes that looked cancerous. My family and I were, of course, very nervous withevery treatment, but remained hopefuland never lost our faith.


”Sowa beat childhood cancer and she’s currently in remission. Today Samantha is an actuarial science student at North Central College, but her cancer journey sparked a deep passion for childhood cancer research fundraising. She even spent her senior year of high school working on research project to help uncover the factors that influence a donor to give for childhood cancer research and recently did a TedX talkat her university highlighting the importance of childhood cancer research.

Her passion doesn’t end there. Samantha became involved with CureSearch in 2012, and currently sits on a Superheroes Unite! volunteer committee. Sheis fundraising for the 2018 CureSearch Superheroes Unite! event in Chicago to help raise awareness of the urgency of CureSearch’s mission to end children’s cancer.

“Become aware of the facts and statistics of childhood cancer and realize that cancer notonly impacts adults, but harms children as well. I encourage everyone to get to know a childhood cancer patient or survivor, because their scar also has a story, and that story might bring us onestep closer to finding a cure,” said Sowa. “Childhood cancer research is vastly underfunded, and we currently have minimal government support, so childhood cancer research organizations rely on private donors to help.”

Learn more about CureSarch and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month at www.curesearch.org/togethercuringcancer.
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Remington College Columbia Campus offers free salon services for high school students headed to prom

Free Prom Night Makeovers available on select dates in April, May
 
The cost for students to attend high school proms quickly adds up - from tickets, the dress or tuxedo, a trip to the salon, and maybe even a limo.
 
Remington College-Columbia Campus wants to help the families of high schoolers save some money by offering free salon services at its annual Prom Night Makeover event.
 
Students in the Remington College Cosmetology Program will provide high schoolers headed to prom with free haircuts, up-dos, manicures, pedicures and makeup services.

Prom Night Makeover at
Remington College Columbia Campus
 
Event dates: Friday, April 20, 2018
                        Friday, April 27, 2018
                        Friday, May 4, 2018
Salon Hours: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Appointments: Call 803-214-9062
 
All Prom Night Makeover services will take place at the Remington College School of Cosmetology, located at 607 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210. Appointments are recommended and can be made by calling 803-214-9062.
 
This is the ninth year that Remington College is holding its Prom Night Makeover event, which has provided thousands of high school students across the country with free salon services.
 
Remington College's Cosmetology Diploma program teaches students the art of hair, skin and nail care through traditional classroom instruction and hands-on training in the Remington College School of Cosmetology, which allows students to work with real clients.
 
For more on the Remington College Cosmetology Program, visit remingtoncollege.edu or call 
1-800-496-0571.
 
First come, first serve. Appointments are recommended. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
 
About Remington College:  Non-profit Remington College, headquartered in Lake Mary, FL, operates 16 college campuses throughout the United States offering career focused diploma, bachelor and associate degree programs in a variety of career fields. For more information, please visit  remingtoncollege.edu. For the latest news about Remington College, visit facebook.com/remingtoncollege. Remington College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs and other school administered programs. 
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Mom Files Is 10 Years Old

I seriously can't believe that 10 years ago, my husband bought the domain, momfiles.com. He is actually the one who believed that it was going to become something very special. He pushed encouraged me to start this blog although I really didn't want to. No lie, I did not believe him. Who would bother to read my blog? Where would I even find readers? I decided to humor him and figured I'd try this whole blog thing and see what happens. This came with very little expectation of any kind. I was simply doing it as a online journal and a place to connect with like-minded people.


Fast forward ten years... I had no idea that blogging would bring so much added value to my life, and I'm not talking about income. It has connected me with so many great people all over the country. Crafters, home cooks, interior designers, tech specialists, artists, writers, and regular every day folks. I have bonded and become really good friends with some truly amazing people. Some communicate with me regularly via text, phone, and social media. If I'm going through something and need someone to talk to, I'm covered. I really needed that. I think being a stay-at-home mom for so long makes me feel lonely sometimes. My blog friends seem to fill that void and I don't even have to leave home (score!).

I have really enjoyed engaging with my readers and it brings me joy when I get the occasional comment from those I started out with. I hear a lot of other bloggers ask the question, "Does anyone actually read blogs anymore?" I say, yes! It makes me so happy when someone tells me that they searched my blog for a particular recipe or they bought something based off of a past review I did. I appreciate the trust that is shown.

One of the greatest things about this blog is the fact that I have 10 years of family memories. I've shared so many milestones, experiences, funny videos (remember Vent Day?), heartfelt thoughts, reviews, birthdays, disappointments, and even some very random things. I have always felt like you all celebrated with us, cheered for us, cried for us, or just simply listened.

I truly appreciate all of my readers and social media connections. You are the reason I'm still here. I go through my times of wanting to scrap everything and shut down shop. Then someone will message me and tell me they loved something I posted recently that really helped them at the time they needed it most. I'm always very happy to help anyone that I can.

I want to say, thank you! Thank you all for connecting with me. I genuinely feel like some of the best people I've ever known are those I've never even met in real life.


Thanks for reading!
xoxo
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Tips to Celebrate Martin Luther King Day

1) Organize your workplace, school or community group. Maximize your impact by organizing a group to serve the community with an activity done at your own location in honor of Martin Luther King Day. Choose a local charity and determine the best way for your group to show support. Ideas include packing snack bags for after school programs, collecting coats and hats for a homeless shelter, planting trees, creating a mentoring program, or writing letters of support to our military abroad.

2) Teach your children. The kids are home from school. Remember, as a Day of Service MLK day is supposed to be "a day on, not a day off." Plan an activity of service and involve your children. Show by your example that volunteerism is important to your family and help to cultivate a new generation of compassionate, community- minded citizens.

3) Raise needed goods. Support a local charity with a drive for the goods they need to serve the community. An online YouGiveGoods drive is the new way to raise food and supplies for charity. You can set up your drive in a matter of minutes and have it underway in time for MLK Day this year. Then invite your online community via email and social media to support your cause by purchasing items that will ship to your selected charity. A YouGiveGoods drive builds up your community as it offers tangible aid to local charity and it provides a welcome opportunity for your friends and family to be part of this year's MLK Day.

4) Spread the message. Use social media (use hashtag #MLKDay) to share MLK's ideals and inspiring words. You will find his words to be stunningly timely and relevant in today's world. Forward this page, talk about what you will do in honor of MLK Day, and encourage your circle of friends to take action to support the community.

5) Commit to service in 2017. Use Martin Luther King's example to plan a 2017 where you take action. If you are unable to volunteer on January 16, simply spend some time researching, choose your charity, make that phone call and find out how you can best serve them in the future. Charities need help all year long!
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Give Back summer initiative with Macy's and Reading is Fundamental



WHAT:  Macy’s and Reading Is Fundamental invite you to spark a child’s imagination this summer.

WHEN: From June 18 through July 13, customers can give $3 at any Macy’s register in-store to help provide a book for a child in their community.      

GIVE BACK: Macy’s will donate 100 percent of every $3 to RIF, and customers will receive a coupon for $10 off an in-store purchase of $30 or more.

MORE: Since 2004, Macy's has given over 10 million books and helped to raise nearly $30 million for RIF. Learn more at macys.com/RIF

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How teens are giving our community a little H.O.P.E. this holiday season

My high school daughter, Briahnna is one very busy student. She is involved in two magnet programs at school and takes all honors/IB courses. She is the sport's editor of her yearbook and is also involved in the Youth Action Council as well as H.O.P.E.. HOPE stands for Helping Other People Everywhere. The HOPE organization at her school collects coats, unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items for needy families in the community. Each year the HOPE chair sets a goal on how many food items they want to collect. The goal this year is over 20,000. Being involved in HOPE means that you have to sacrifice time on the weekends as well as after school. That is very hard with Briahnna's demanding courses, but she manages to get the job done! They have students volunteer for a time slot to collect food donations in front of grocery stores that have given them permission to do so. It's a win-win since the store will sell the items that end up being donated and the teens are able to have a secure place for collections.

As a family, we all pitch in and help where we can. I have volunteered to help purchase food items with any money they collect, since I know how to stretch a buck! Briahnna and a couple of her team members set up in front of Sam's Club last weekend and just in their 2-hour shift, they FILLED my very large car trunk and part of the back seat with so many donations! We helped her to get the items to the storage unit on the school campus to be sorted when they got back to school that following week.
I am so proud of Briahnna and her fellow HOPE team members for all of the time they are putting in to help others. Brie has really been enjoying herself despite having to wake up early some Saturday mornings. She is very passionate about this worthy cause.
We have used this time to explain how important it is to help others to little William. He really enjoyed helping to bring items into the food storage unit. He was sad when he learned that there are so many families who don't have a lot of food in their home. He was devastated when he found out that some kids may not get any toys for Christmas. I love that he is understanding it as much as a five year old can.
HOPE will collect food donations until the second week of December. They are already off to such an amazing start and I anticipate they will make their goal. All of the coats, food and toys will be delivered to a local food bank to distribute to needy families in our community. I look forward to attending the unveiling of all their hard work at the HOPE Assembly next month. I will be sure to post an update.
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Hats Off to Helping Kids with Kohl’s Cares Books and Plush Toys for $5 Each

I have been a Kohl's shopper for several years now, ever since a store opened in my area. If you regularly shop at Kohl's Department stores, you might have noticed the Kohl's Cares stands over in the checkout areas featuring a series of children's books and plush toys for only $5 each. Kohl’s donates 100 percent of the net profit to children’s health and education initiatives nationwide. You can't go wrong with buying such good items for kids at a great price, and giving back to communities nationwide at the same time!

I have purchased both a book and plush toy in the past as birthday presents for younger children. The recipients always enjoyed the gift and the parents appreciated it a lot. In these days, $10 is a good deal for a birthday gift! It is also a great way to start a book collection for you own child. The books are really big and are a great value.
My son William is enjoying going through the pages of his new Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book along with his new coordinating plush character. 
For Spring 2013, Kohl's Department Stores is bringing the charming stories from legendary author Dr. Seuss to children and families across the country with playful and affordable books and plush toys that will delight readers with their magical rhymes and quirky illustrations. This spring, Kohl’s offers exclusive hardcover editions of classic Dr. Seuss books including The Cat in The Hat, Horton Hears a Who!, Sleep Book, ABC’s and Happy Birthday to You! along with coordinating plush toys for just $5 each through the Kohl's Cares cause merchandise program. Since the program’s inception in 2000, the Kohl’s Cares philanthropic program has raised more than $208 million for children’s health and education programs in local communities across the country.

Kohl’s will once again feature Dr. Seuss story books in the Kohl’s Cares cause merchandise program. Children will be enchanted as they learn to read the whimsical tales from Dr. Seuss, and customers will be proud to support the program knowing Kohl’s donates 100 percent of the net profit to children’s health and education initiatives nationwide.

Kohl’s Cares Cause Merchandise for Kids


  • The Cat in The Hat and Cat in the Hat plush: Join Dick and Sally as they embark on an unexpected adventure with a giant cat wearing a hat, transforming a rainy day into a fun-filled afternoon. 
  • Horton Hears a Who! and Horton plush: Children adore the story of loveable Horton, an elephant who hears a cry for help from a tiny speck of dust and does his best to protect the tiny creatures who live on it from those who see them as insignificant.
  • Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book and Sleeps plush: The perfect bed time story that is sure to help everyone wind down from the hustle and bustle of the day – including the grown-ups!
  • Dr. Seuss’s ABC book and Alligator plush: A quick and colorful way to learn the alphabet with Dr. Seuss and his colorful friends.
  • ONLINE EXCLUSIVE - Happy Birthday to You!: Everyone loves their birthday and with Dr. Seuss’s joyous tale, readers will see firsthand the thrill of celebrating a birthday as it is done in Katroo.
  • ONLINE EXCLUSIVE - Dr. Seuss’s ABC book’s Rhino plush: Fun to snuggle and huggle this adorable Rhino plush, kiddos will have a new friend to read with.


Kohl’s Cares Cause Merchandise for Grown-Ups


  • Good Housekeeping Light & Healthy Cooking and Good Housekeeping Drop 5 Lbs: Spring into Healthy Eating with two great books! Following the treats and sweets from the holiday season, testing out new recipes from Good Housekeeping Light & Healthy Cooking and getting diet and healthy eating tips from Good Housekeeping Drop 5 Lbs is the perfect way to stay true to New Year resolutions.
  • Dr. Seuss All Occasion Note Cards: As a thank you note or just to connect with a friend or loved one, these delightful all occasion note cards are sure to bring smiles to the faces of recipients with their colorful and quirky illustrations. 

In addition to the merchandise program, Kohl's Cares features a scholarship program, which recognizes more than 2,200 young volunteers each year with scholarships and prizes; the Associates in Action program, which encourages associate volunteerism and has donated more than $61 to youth-focused nonprofit organizations to date; and fundraising gift cards for schools and youth-serving nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.kohlscorporation.com. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit Kohls.com ,  or join the discussion on Facebook  or Twitter

I received samples from the Kohl's Cares program in exchange for spreading the word on this great initiative. All opinions are completely my own. 
Shelly, Mom Files
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Get to Know Olympic Hopeful David Oliver

Hey guys! I wanted to take a moment to introduce you to an athlete named David Oliver. Many of you might already know who he is or have at least heard of him. David Oliver is a USA Track & Field athlete (in hurdles) with many championships, awards and honors under his belt. Some of those athletic achievements include being a three-time USA Outdoor Champion, two-time NCAA All-American, 2008 Olympic Games bronze medalist and several other awards and honors. You can take a peek at his specific rankings and events here. It's quite impressive!
He will be leading a spectacular group of American hurdlers in the 2012 Olympic year. He is hoping to pull from the momentum he had in 2010 since he has been fighting through injuries in 2011. I am quite sure that through determination, hard work and a positive mindset, he will be amazing!

Besides being an incredible athlete, he also helps inner-city children through his organization called SUB 13. In October of 2011, David and his SUB 13 organization hosted their annual speed and agility camp in his hometown of Denver, Colorado. The kids went through a series of drills focused at helping them improve their performance. You can check out the full photo album of the event on the Facebook page. Imagine how cool that would be to get training from such a popular athlete? I know it had to be a big boost for those kids to learn from someone that took time out of his busy schedule to work with them. I have always respected athletes that give back to their community in such a big way.

You can check David Oliver out on Facebook and Twitter as well as his official site.

Psst.... stay tuned to find out how you can get a chance to meet David Oliver in person and help your child's school with Coca-Cola. I promise you that you won't want to miss out on that!
Shelly, Mom Files
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Mother's Day card idea

This Mother’s Day, give a Gift from the Heart and help build Habitat for Humanity homes in honor of mothers.
Make a tax-deductible Gift from the Heart donation to Habitat for Humanity and a special Mother’s Day card will be delivered by e-mail or postal mail to the recipient you choose to let them know a donation has been made in their name. Donations made through Habitat’s Gifts from the Heart will help families achieve the dream of owning a home of their own.

“What better way to show our moms how much we love and appreciate them than to invest in the dreams of mothers around the world,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “A Mother’s Day Gift from the Heart is a beautiful way to say ‘I love you.’”

When you make your donation, you will be able to choose Mother’s Day or another occasion and the recipient the donation is honoring.

To give a Gift from the Heart, go to www.habitat.org/md2011

About Habitat for Humanity International: Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 2 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit Habitat.org.
Shelly, Mom Files
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Simple living

I was listening/watching a segment on one of the big network news channels yesterday while I was doing a few random things in the house. The show was about Baby Boomers and there were a bunch of interviews with some of those Baby Boomers talking about life back in the 60's on into the present. Some of these older folks had lots of money and did a lot in their time. One lady said something that really made so much sense. She said something along the lines about how in this day we think we are supposed to pack up our SUV's and drive across the state just to watch a soccer game. She then went on to say, what's wrong with playing soccer in the backyard? One gentleman was making a hearty 6 figure income and has been on the job hunt for 2 years. He has come up with nothing. He was even more than happy to take a job that would pay 1/4 of his past income. Still nothing. The Baby Boomers all came to one conclusion- We need to go back to the ways of our parents. The simpler times where community togetherness matters, where kids did not have to be involved in so many different activities at once and realizing that you don't need all that "stuff" you are lead to believe you should have.

Simple living. It really is a great thing.
Shelly, Mom Files
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What real men do...



They mentor our youth.

Shelly, Mom Files
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The Energizer Keep Going® Hall of Fame & Giveaway

**Contest Closed**
Winner saudia05



I want to share some information on an awesome campaign called the Energizer Keep Going® Hall of Fame – a program dedicated to honoring ordinary people with unstoppable energy.

Every day, people from all walks of life are compared to the Energizer Bunny®, from celebrities and athletes to teachers and crossing guards. In 2006, the Energizer Keep Going® Hall of Fame, began as a way to honor those inspirational people for the energy and perseverance they demonstrate in their daily lives, no matter what challenges they might face. National Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. was the first inductee. As the MLB record-holder for the most-consecutive games played (2,632), Ripken understands first-hand what it means to live life with a Keep Going® spirit.

“To live your life like the Energizer Bunny® means bringing enthusiasm and dedication to all that you do,” Ripken said. “Through the Energizer Keep Going® Hall of Fame, Energizer is proving that with the right attitude ordinary people can do extraordinary things.”

Today, there are five members in the Energizer Keep Going® Hall of Fame, and now through April 23, the search is on for the 2010 inductee. That person could be your colleague, your best friend or even you! Cal Ripken, Jr. and the Energizer Bunny® are looking for stories about unstoppable people who are living life with passion and verve. The inductee will earn a $10,000 cash prize and a $5,000 donation to his or her favorite charity. You can go here to nominate someone that you think deserves this honor! I can think of a good handful of wonderful people in my community that would be great nominees.

_____________________________________________

Giveaway-- The generous folks at Energizer have offered to give one lucky Momfiles reader the opportunity to win a 24 count pack of Energizer batteries. Here's how to enter:

*Mandatory: Please check out the Energizer Keep Going® Hall of Fame website and leave a comment telling us who you would nominate and why. Be sure to go here to complete your nomination.

Comments that say "thank you" or "count me in" are not counted and will be deleted.Want an additional entry? (You must complete the *above method to qualify for extra entries)

--You can Tweet this giveaway
Example: Energizer Keep Going® Hall of Fame & Giveaway @momfiles http://blog.momfiles.com/2010/04/energizer-keep-going-hall-of-fame.html
or Facebook this giveaway, and please leave a separate comment/link for each entry to count. (one per day!)

--Follow me on Twitter @momfiles

--You can also place our button on your blog or follow us (please leave a blog link in your comment or specify if you are a new or current follower).

Be sure to have a visible email address in your comment if you do not have a Blogger profile. Giveaway is open to US residents only. Deadline to enter is April 23, 2010 at 09:59 pm EST.

Disclosure: I will receive a 24 pack of batteries for myself as compensation for spreading the word about this campaign.
Shelly, Mom Files
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Winter must-haves!

There are two items that my family simply can't live without during the winter weather months. First is the Carmex lip balm. This is a year around item that lives in my make-up kit at home, my make-up bag in my purse and one in the car. I LOVE this stuff! I am on their email list and they offered some 50 cents off printable coupons. I was able to print a few and used them at Kroger (since they double coupons up to 50 cents) so that gave me $1 off!!


The second item is the Aveeno lotion. Funny thing is it is all I have been using on William and Dwayne asked to borrow some the other day. He instantly blurted out all kinds of jabber to the effect of how great it feels to use something that makes your skin feel truly moisturized. He says he has been missing out on using real lotion all these years! Right now coupons.com is offering a $2.00 off coupon. That is a great savings.



*I did not receive any compensation from this post of any type. These are just my opinions and views on products I purchase regularly.
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Anonymous Comments are welcome at Momfiles

This is just a quick post to let my readers know that I really enjoy reading your comments and there are times that I receive very valuable information or advice. I understand that sometimes I may post something you may not agree with and are too embarrassed to leave a comment under your user name. This is not a problem. You can simply sign in anonymously to leave your comment. I don't get angry easily and I do not let anyone's comments get the best of me. I just love to hear from my readers, that's it. With all that being said, please take a moment to say what is on your mind by clicking on the comments section. Thanks for visiting Momfiles, you are appreciated!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
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Happy Voting Y'all

I know that I am so sick and tired (sure you are too) of all the media coverage, back stabbing, vicious competition we hear about over and over again and we just want to get this election OVER with! Finally, tomorrow is the day. I just want to say that I hope that all registered voters will get out there tomorrow if you have not already voted. We are planning on lining up at our site around 5:30 am (kids and all) with coffee in the thermos, drinks, snacks and baby stuff. I really hope that we will make it through and not have to wait more than three hours but we know the importance of voting. We will be prepared and we will make it a fun event!

Another cool thing is I will be celebrating the big "3-5" tomorrow. I usually don't care to advertise my birthday, but I am excited since my day is on a very historic day (either way it goes). I can't wait to hear all the stories from all over the country in blog world tomorrow. Oh, and don't forget to check out my hubby's latest post "Sagging Pants" Please leave him a comment! Thanks and Y'all be safe :)
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More free samples!

Sign up for your free Downy sample!
Print out a $2.00 off coupon for Scott Tissue.
And last, get a Celestial Seasonings tea sample.
Enjoy!!!
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Culinary Kids


The Summer months spent away from school is full of fun times and relaxation. In our house it is a bit different. We spend a lot of time teaching our girls a lot of life skills. The latest skill is cooking. I figured if something happened to dear old mom, the family would wither away and sadly dear old dad only knows how to maneuver his way over to the drive-up window! If the girls can get down some simple meals then they would be able to take care of the family if I was down. So far they have learned the art of seasoning and cooking meats, cooking veggies, rice, mac and cheese (from a box! Hey, they are kids!), and lots of prep work (washing, chopping, etc.) They really seem to enjoy it and even more tasting their fantastic dishes they created!




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Sample Junkie- Another Free Sample

I could not resist sharing this one with all my friends. Walmart.com is offering a free Hallmark card sample! Check it out! I know you will get hooked on freebies (if you already aren't) and we can all gang up on my hubby! By the way, he was very happy to use the free sample bar of antibacterial soap I recently got. He denies he likes samples too! :) Everytime he bites into his morning toast he asks "Is this store bought bread or Free sample bread?" LOL!!!
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Kids are like bottomless pits!!

School has been officially out for a little over a week now and I am finding myself in the grocery store about 4 times per week! How is it when school is in session my kids eat a good breakfast at home, lunch at school (sometimes cafeteria food or a home lunch), a snack after school, dinner, and then one last snack before bedtime. Now the kids wake up, eat breakfast, then a snack, another snack, lunch, snack again, one more snack, dinner, snack, snack, snack.....HELP!!! They are costing me way more with them being home. They are VERY active and are limited to a minimum amount of TV time so weight or health problems are not an issue. They are always doing something so there is little time for boredom. I may have to take on a part time job to feed them! What is so bad is I am finding myself munching more. The worse part of all is that all the "healthy" foods are so expensive so I am purchasing things that are less costly so that I can maintain some kind of budget. Does anyone have any good ideas for some low cost snacks that are still somewhat healthy?
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