Curly Q's for Curly Kids (Review)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Five Days of Fabulous Deals from Susan Posnick Cosmetics #ad

For a limited time only, you can purchase some of your favorite Susan Posnick items for a discounted price. Susan Posnick Cosmetics is offering an exclusive Five Days of Fabulous Deals! Sign-up to get the promotion codes every day from Thursday, November 27 until Monday, December 1 though http://eepurl.com/5baBv or on Facebook and unlock one of the special deals below.

Five Days of Fabulous Deals:

· BLACK FRIDAY DEAL: Free Mascara with every purchase
· Colorflo -- 30% off
· 50% off any color flo refill
· 20% off all orders
· Free Shipping & Limited Holiday Gift Pack Thru Dec or while supplies last. The gift pack is priced at $49.95 (over $70 value) and includes their new mascara, color eyedefine, and a mini tweezer in a signature Susan Posnick cosmetic bag.

I have been using Susan Posnick Cosmetics for months now and absolutely love each and every product I have. I recently tried the new ColorCoated Mascara and it delivered the results I anticipated. The actual wand/brush is very small compared to most mascaras I have used. It still helped to coat each and every lash and gave them a thick, full appearance. I have not experienced any clumping or irritation and love that they don't make my lashes look fake. The mascara removes easily with eye make-up remover. The mini tweezer is the best tweezer I have ever used. I can gently pluck my eyebrows and get a good, precise finish. That is money saved on waxing!

Susan Posnick Cosmetics is offering a FREE Mascara ($24.00) with any purchase. COLORCOATED Mascara is the newest addition to Susan Posnick Cosmetics! Not only does it enhance and lengthen your lashes, but it is gluten, paraben and cruelty-free. Go grab some of these deals while you can and Happy Holidays!

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

Holiday Gift Guide: Keep your feet extra comfy with #ISOTONER Signature Slippers #ad

I have been a house slipper wearer for almost 3 decades now. They are a must when I am standing up to wash dishes, cook and other household chores. Wearing the right slippers is very important since my feet really need the extra support. The ISOTONER Signature line offers me exactly what I need. The  ISOTONER Signature Women's Woodlands Sonja Microsuede Hoodback Slippers are very cute and boy do they feel super comfy and warm! They come in a variety of colors: Ash, Black, Buckskin, Chili Pepper, Chocolate, Navy Blue and Vino. 

I have them in black and I just love how they look. My feet feel like they are wrapped in a warm blanket with added cushion. 

I went away to Myrtle Beach recently and I was so glad I packed my ISOTONER Sonja slippers in my bag. They are so cute oceanfront, aren't they?

Details:

- Comfortable hoodback slipper silhouette
- Supple faux fur lining
- Experience the overall style and comfort of ISOTONER Signature Woodlands slippers, inspired by your favorite vacation escape
- Woodlands slippers offer great colors, plush detailing and comfort-to-go styling
- ResponsIV™ Memory Foam Plus molds to your feet for comfort
- Extra EVA heel cushion to absorb impact
- Durable indoor/outdoor sole

I really do love how durable the sole is because I can run out to the mailbox or let the dog out without having to change into traditional shoes. These slippers are truly the best ones I have ever owned. I have had several pairs in the past by Isotoner, but these are my favorite. I have hinted around to my daughters that I need the navy blue and vino so I don't wear out my black ones too fast. ISOTONER slippers make the perfect holiday gift and I am sure Mom would agree! You can find them at a variety of retail stores as well as on the ISOTONER website. They sell for $30, but are currently on sale for $19.99 on the website. As a matter of fact, since most of the slippers are on sale right now, this is a great time to buy a practical gift for the women in your life or even for yourself. My daughters keep eyeing mine so Santa might just drop a pair off in their stockings.

Connect with ISOTONER on Facebook for product promotions and updates.

I received a complimentary pair of ISOTONER slippers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own as always. 

Holiday Gift Guide: VTech® InnoTab MAX (Giveaway) CLOSED

**WINNER IS Kim S.** Congratulations! 

Do you have a little one that you are thinking about purchasing a tablet for, but you aren't quite sure what to get? I might be able to help. The Vtech InnoTab MAX is a really nice high-quality tablet that is built for a kid, yet gives a slightly grown-up feel. Whether we like it or not, technology is here to stay and it is important that our kids have access at an early age. The InnoTab MAX is an excellent way to guide your child on using an electronic device while also being able to monitor what they are doing. Check out the details below about the products:

VTech® InnoTab MAX (Ages 3-9 years, MSRP: $109.99)

• VTech’s 4th generation kids’ learning tablet features its fastest processor yet with up to six times the processing power of previous generation and a 7” high-resolution multi-touch screen display

• InnoTab MAX features an enhanced 2nd generation version of Premium VTech Kid Connect™, at no additional charge, allowing children and parents to exchange voice and text messages, photos, drawings and fun stickers in real time between the tablet and a smartphone

•  InnoTab MAX offers the best of both learning worlds with access to more than 650 educator-endorsed, age and stage appropriate learning titles as well as carefully cultivated educational Android apps that can be purchased and downloaded through VTech’s Learning Lodge® app store

• The tablet comes with 15 onboard apps including Premium VTech® Kid Connect, My Magic Beanstalk, Movie Maker, Art Studio, Wonder Cam Max, E-Reader with Story Dictionary and more

•  InnoTab MAX also comes with one free Toca Boca app and two additional free apps that can be downloaded from the Learning Lodge

• Other InnoTab MAX features include a built-in rechargeable Lithium battery and kid-safe Wi-Fi so kids can explore appropriate online games, videos and websites that have been pre-selected by VTech

• Parental controls allow parents to manage their child’s apps, web access and tablet time, as well as view a progress log

My thoughts about the VTech InnoTab MAX:

• It has a very large screen and the quality and clarity are as good as any other tablet I have used. 
• We find it to be very user-friendly and my six year old son seems to have no problems navigating through the apps on his own. 
• I love that I can teach my son how to “text” since he will eventually have his own phone. It’s a great way to introduce it. 
• It has a really good battery life and I like that it has buttons for volume control, home screen and shut-off/on. 
• I like the alarm clock function. This is great for teaching your little responsibility to get up in the morning and get his/her day started. 
• The carrying handle is perfect for smaller hands and the cover is convenient when not in use. It’s also lightweight and perfect for travel. 
• My son loves the variety of activities available and there are tons of options to purchase and download if you choose (at parent's discretion). 
• The camera is really neat and I like that you can position it in virtually any direction you want. 

Check out the videos below featuring VTech platform learning expert panelist, Dr. Eric Klopfer, who provides an in-depth perspective of the InnoTab MAX:





This tablet is really great overall and we look forward to exploring the huge selction of apps to find appropriate ones for our son. The InnoTab MAX would make an excellent gift for the upcoming holidays. I'm sure any child would appreciate this item! Be sure to connect with VTech on the web, Facebook and Twitter for product promotions and updates. You can purchase the VTech InnoTab MAX here.

One very lucky Mom Files reader will win a VTech InnoTab MAX just in time for the holidays. Enter below:a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to  US Residents only and will end on November 21, 2014. Please follow giveaway rules in Rafflecopter widget. 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!

Review unit and information was provided by VTech. All opinions are 100% my own.

How LISTERINE has helped make oral care easier for my family #MC #sponsored

“I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for LISTERINE. I received samples for this review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.”

You might recall a post I did last week about my family's struggles when it comes to oral care and how LISTERINE products can help. I wanted to follow-up with some thoughts since using the products for a couple weeks now. First of all, I am most impressed with my six year old son. Ever since he tried the SMART RINSE, he has become more interested in taking care of his teeth and mouth. He gives no trouble in the morning and night to brush and rinse. As a matter of fact, he reminds me that he needs to rinse. I think the fact that it is so easy and to dispense, makes it an enjoyable experience for him. He feels like such a big boy pouring his rinse into a cup and being able to swish and spit without swallowing. He also makes it a point to smile and show off his pearly whites. This makes me so happy since he doesn't always brush properly to remove all of the extras that might be lingering in his mouth. The LISTERINE SMART RINSE gives added peace of mind. And I just love fresh kisses at bedtime. If you have a little one, I really do recommend this product.

I am really loving the LISTERINE® HEALTHYWHITE GENTLE Sodium Fluoride Anticavity Mouthrinse and the Gentle Gum Care Dental Floss. I like that I can enjoy the benefits of having a clean and fresh mouth, with added whitening, but without the burn of some mouth rinses. I have noticed the whitening more with using it twice a day. I will have to check my local wholesale club to see if I can buy it in a bulk size. I'm also really pleased with the Gentle Gum Care Dental Floss since it is really super gentle on my aging gums.

We plan to continue using LISTERINE oral care products to help keep our mouths healthy. Be sure to check out the LISTERINE website to find retailers of where to buy products. Check out their YouTube page as well.

Does your family sometimes struggle with keeping up good oral care habits? Do you have a favorite LISTERINE oral care product? Feel free to leave any tips or advice in the comments.

FIREFLY Light-Up Timer Toothbrush- A great "treat" for Halloween

Now that we are in October, it is officially Halloween month and kids are getting geared up for some ghoulish fun. The stores are lined with sweets and treats. Parents are probably making dental appointments right now (haha). I have always been the type to give my kids both sweet and non-edible treats for Halloween. I think you would be surprised how well a non-edible treat can go over with little ones. Take for example this Firefly Ready Go Brush Light Up Timer toothbrush-- Just from the looks of it, kids will be intrigued. 

These cute little toothbrushes have a nifty light-up timer that goes for one minute increments. It starts as a green light, then yellow and ends with red. Once the light goes off, this is the perfect time for your child to rinse and then restart the toothbrush for the second minute. Which kid wouldn't want to see a flashing light while brushing their teeth? My little guys loves it so much that he volunteers to brush his teeth without being told. I say that it is a big win! Firefly toothbrushes are super affordable (way less that other brands) and come in a variety of colors and themes.

They are a great idea as a different Halloween treat for any child! Anything to get my kid to brush for the amount of time he needs is a great thing. Hmm, I think the adults in my house would love one too :)

Be sure to like Firefly on Facebook and follow on Twitter for product updates and promotions.

I received product samples in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own as always. 

Belli Skin Care Products Review

I received product samples in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own as always. 

Belli skin and body care products are made especially for pregnant women or those planning pregnancy. This is why Belli is "Picky for a purpose". Doesn't every mom-to-be deserve the absolute best? Although I am not pregnant or plan on having any more children, I still treat my body well. Skin care is very important to me.  

I have been using Belli Fresh Start Pre-Treatment Scrub and Anti-Blemish Facial Wash for two weeks now. The scrub is really gentle on my face and I really like the subtle peppermint scent it has. It's very refreshing. After rinsing the scrub off, I cleanse with the Anti-Blemish Facial Wash. Although the tube says green tea and cucumber, I smelled fresh lemon. I checked out the ingredients list and it contains lemon peel oil. That made me wonder if this facial wash would be drying. It turns out that it cleaned my skin and left it feeling soft and smooth. I swear my skin glows after using it.

I am really very pleased with both products and plan to purchase the moisturizer to complete my skin care regimen. I highly recommend these products to anyone looking for gentle cleansing that is very effective. Whether you are an expectant mother or not, these products are excellent. They would make a great gift too. 

Connect with Belli on their website, Facebook and Twitter to get more information on their products. 

New Dial Coconut Water & Mango body wash-- Giveaway

Being a stay-at-home mom generally means very little down time. I work from the minute my feet hit the ground until soon before I slip under the covers for the night. My escape for the day usually happens in the shower. It's the only time I really have to myself and I enjoy every last minute of it. Everything from the hot steam, to the fresh scents of my bath products. It's really a time for me to rejuvenate and even relax. 

Dial has the newest addition to their body wash line in coconut water and mango scent. They had me at coconut water! I love the tropical scent of this moisturizing body wash and when I close my eyes, I can pretend I am some place far away. Like I said, shower time is me-time. I am allowed to daydream.

Treat your skin to twice the tropical refreshment with every shower. The rich lather of this body wash is infused with coconut water, known to be rich in hydrating antioxidants and electrolytes. While the scent of juicy, ripe mango leaves skin feeling fresh, clean and delectably fragrant.

Three Mom Files readers will win a coupon good for one FREE full-size bottle of Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango Body Wash. Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on August 8, 2014. Please follow giveaway rules in Rafflecopter widget. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

Disclosure: The Dial brand provided me with a sample in exchange for a products review. However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own.

Spoil your dog with Milo’s Kitchen® dog treats & $25 GC Giveaway

The Milo’s Kitchen® dog treats, gift cards, and information have been provided by Milo’s Kitchen®. All opinions are my own. 

Ever since we got our new family dog, life has been crazy. We are working on training Rocco and it has been a trying experience. One great way to reward him for good behavior is with a tasty treat. I have been really particular about Rocco's food and treats and make sure that they are made in the U.S.A. only. Luckily, Milo's Kitchen home-style dog treats are not only made in the U.S., they are irresistible to dogs. These treats are made of real chicken or beef as the #1 ingredient, and no artificial flavors and colors.  

Rocco LOVES Milo's Kitchen treats. He gobbles them up and begs for more. They have been a perfect addition to our training regimen. 

Each recipe is carefully prepared to bring out all the flavors your dog loves. Milo’s Kitchen makes a unique line of mouthwatering varieties for your dog including: Chicken Meatballs, Beef Sausage Slices with Rice, Steak Grillers Recipe, Chicken Grillers Recipe, Grilled Burger Bites, and Chicken Jerky Recipe.

Milo’s Kitchen® Home-style Dog Treats believes dogs deserve treats made with the same quality of ingredients and care that you want for your food. That’s why they made a treat truck just for dogs!

The treat truck will be rolling through different cities from June 27-August 24. Be sure to see if they will be stopping near your location! If you visit, be sure to use the hashtag #MKTreatTruck to include with your social media photo posts.

Giveaway: One luck Mom Files reader will win a gift pack of 3 varieties of Milo's Kitchen dog treats and a $25 Visa gift card to spoil your pup with more goodies. Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on July 16, 2014. Please follow giveaway rules in Rafflecopter widget. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

Snackeez! Review

I received a complimentary product sample in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Have you seen the commercial for the Snackeez! cup? My kids (especially the teenagers) have always thought it was the coolest thing. I think the fact that they are big snackers is what makes this cup so attractive. 

Snackeez! is the all-in-one, go anywhere snacking solution. The cup holds up to 16 ounces of your favorite drink and also 4 ounces of a snack at the same time. 

They come in four fun colors and are so easy to use. My little one gave the Snackeez! a try and really loved it. He enjoyed sipping on his iced tea and was mesmerized that you can keep a snack in the top compartment. 

 

It was easy for my little guy to flip open the lid to get to his snack. I like the no-slip grip band around the cup for his smaller hands to hold on to. This makes me feel better about him not dropping it.

Check out the video of how the Snackeez! works...

Snackeez! retails for $9.99 and can be purchased online and at Bed Bath & Beyond, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Walmart and more. I think this would be perfect for each family member to have for road trips, movie/game nights, beach tips or anytime for that matter. This would make an ideal birthday gift, especially for the kids' classmates. You can't beat a ten dollar gift that is practical and useful. These also make great stocking stuffers or as an addition to a gift basket. Anyone of any age would enjoy this!

SPARQ Home Soapstone 16" Pizza Stone Review

I received a Soapstone 16" Pizza Stone from SPARQ Home for review. I have always wanted a pizza stone and couldn't wait to try this one out. I was so impressed with the way the pizza stone was packaged. It was wrapped with such care and detail that would ensure your stone would not be broken upon delivery to your home. 

The actual pizza stone is beautiful! I was wondering how on earth you are supposed to bake on it since it resembles something you can serve on. I decided to bake a frozen pizza last night. I preheated my oven and let the stone preheat for about 5 minutes before putting the pizza on it. The stone is very dense and heavy so it gets very hot. I was afraid that it would get too hot and burn the pizza crust underneath. I was pleased that it did not end up burning and my pizza had the most amazing crunch. Sometimes when I bake frozen pizza, the crust will brown too fast and the inner part of the bread will not bake enough. My pizza stone baked the pizza to perfection! It tasted like we got it from an authentic pizza restaurant. My family loved the texture of the pizza crust. I don't think I can ever eat frozen or homemade pizza unless it's baked on my Soapstone.  It was really easy to clean and because of how heavy it is, I will store it inside my oven.

Look at how gorgeous that crust is! Isn't the pizza stone so pretty too? 

Some details of the SPARQ Home Soapstone Pizza Stone: 

This Soapstone 16" Pizza Stone allows you to cook like a pro. Handcrafted from one solid block of soapstone, this durable pizza stone does wonders in baking with its even heat distribution.

The 16" is great for entertainers to host pizza night or can function as a cheese board to pass around the room. These stones are stain-proof, naturally non-stick, and can be used on the grill or in the oven to prepare that perfectly crisp, never burnt pizza you've been craving. All sizes are also available with a marble trivet, making these serving pieces oven-to-table.

Our 16" stone is handmade by SPARQ in Colorado by the guys who know soapstone and understand its amazing qualities. Plus, our pizza stones are eco-friendly because they are handmade with soapstone from factory excess.

The Pizza Stones come in 10, 12 and 16 inch sizes and can be purchased with a serving trivet. The 16" is such a good size and retails for $69.95. Once you use this stone, you will ditch your old pizza baking methods. I think I will try to bake cookies on it next. Any of these stones would make a great homewarming gift, hostess gift, wedding gift or even Mother's/Father's Day gift.

To find out more about SPARQ Home products, visit them online and connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

I received a product sample for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own.

Purex No Sort for Colors (Review & Giveaway)

Laundry is a never-ending task. I think it is impossible to ever see the bottom of my laundry hamper ever again. I take any steps I can to help reduce the time I spend on laundry. Purex has come out with a new formula that features a breakthrough Anti-Color-Transfer Technology™ which traps loose dyes in the wash, and prevents them from settling onto other fabrics—leaving your clothes bright and clean without color bleeding accidents. Introducing new Purex No Sort for Colors detergent.

This was especially appealing to my teenage daughters who apparently don't think sorting is really necessary. Of course if you have a brand new bright red t-shirt, I wouldn't recommend that you just freely throw it in a wash with light colors for the first wash. We gave this new Purex No Sort a try on a load with assorted colors. I took a chance with my husband's light grey dress shirt and some bright orange, blue and green shirts that belong to my son. The end result is that everything came out bright, clean and fresh. What more can you ask for? The even better part is that Purex detergent is about half the price of other brands. With the cost of everything these days, that's a big help! I like the fact that I don't have to waste time, electricity and water on one extra little load anymore because of the major color difference.

Right now you can enter in the sweepstakes The Rules Have Changed with NEW Purex® No Sort™ for Colors Detergent!

Enter for your chance to WIN $1,000 & a year’s supply of this game-changing NEW detergent, so you can avoid extra laundry loads.

I have 2 coupons to give away to 2 Mom Files readers. Enter below for your chance to win.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on April 28, 2014. Two winners will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

The Purex brand provided me with a sample of Purex No Sort for Colors detergent in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

eos evolution of smooth Everyday Hand Lotion review

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

I am sure that no matter where you live in the U.S. (except for Miami) you have experienced the most disrespectful winter season in many years. Oh man, the winter weather has been brutal even in South Carolina. The freezing temperatures have been so harsh on my family's skin. We are in repair mode now since the temperature is starting to rise a bit. One part of my body that I do a quick check before I head out the door is my hands. With all the housework and cooking I do, my hands tend to be very dry and scaly. 

I was really looking forward to testing out the everyday hand lotion from eos (evolution of smooth). I received a very cute and modern hand lotion in Berry Blossom scent.

My first impression was the unique shape of the bottle and how convenient the size is for your purse. I tried some and also let my older daughter try it as well. We both loved the feel and the fragrance. It absorbed quickly, had no oily or greasy feel and left our hands soft and smooth. The fragrance was slightly strong initially, but faded not too long after applying it. I was impressed with the fact that I didn't have to reapply hand lotion multiple times like I am used to. Check out some of the product facts below:

eos Everyday Hand Lotion can be found at major retailers including: Kohl's, Ulta, Drugstore.com and evolutionofsmooth.com. They retail for $1.99 each and come in 3 scents: Fresh Flowers, Berry Blossom and Cucumber. I think I will be looking for the Cucumber next time. I highly recommend this hand lotion if you are looking for something effective, yet affordable. I think they would make great gifts for any occasion. I am keeping them in mind for my kids' teachers as a "just because" gift.

Be sure to connect with eos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for product updates and promotions.