Ways to Give Your Breakfast A Healthy Boost

If you are a parent, you probably have found yourself asking a family member if they had breakfast. We all know how important breakfast is to start our day and sometimes it's hard to eat healthy things. The following items are great to add an extra boost of healthy nutrition that you can feel good about.

Viki's Granola

Available in 5 varieties: Original, Blueberry Almond, Maple Cranberry, Banana Walnut, and Apple Cinnamon

This granola is simple. There are no unnecessary ingredients at all, just wholesome all-natural goodness. It's not coated with sugar or artificial ingredients like many popular brands and are a great addition to your breakfast or snacks.

Viki's Granola is Gluten Free, Non-GMO Verified, Cholesterol Free, Zero Trans Fats, Sodium free, Dairy Free, and Kosher Pareve. I tried the Blueberry Almond variety and it tasted as it should. It was not sweet and was well balanced. A big difference from what I have been used to. It is great on top of yogurt, ice cream, applesauce or as is for a snack. Get some recipe inspiration on the Viki's Granola site and purchase them here.

Carrington Farms Organic Chia

Chia seed is an excellent source of nutrition that can be added into almost anything. My son LOVES it on his oatmeal every morning and that makes me happy. He was even eating a rice dish the other day and requested a sprinkling on top. It helps that chia seeds make you feel fuller longer which aids in weight loss. My husband and I enjoy chia seeds on salads and in baked goods.

Carrington Farms Organic Chia Seeds are:

• 100% Organic
• A sought after, nourishing “superfood”, loaded with beneficial properties that support a healthy lifestyle
• Contains the richest plant source of Omega 3’s, containing more Omega 3’s than salmon
• High in fiber, has more calcium by weight than milk, high in iron, potassium, folate, phosoporus, magnesium and manganese
• One of nature’s highest plant based sources of a complete protein and are extremely high in antioxidants
• Naturally gluten free
• Can be added to salads, cereal, yogurt and smoothies
• Perfect to make the popular Chia Seed Pudding

Buy them here. 

Munk Pack Oatmeal Fruit Squeeze

They come in 5 flavors: Blueberry Acai Flax, Peach Chia Vanilla, Maple Pear Quinoa, Raspberry Coconut, and Apple Quinoa Cinnamon. 

This Ready-to-eat Oatmeal Fruit Squeeze is perfect for busy families. You get the goodness of whole grain, gluten free oats and delicious fruit bites in one convenient squeezable pack. No more excuses of having no time for breakfast since they are portable. They are available for purchase in Publix Supermarkets, Whole Foods, Earth Fare and more. 

Any of these products are convenient ways to boost your breakfast in a healthy way. 

I received product samples for review and all opinions stated are my own as always. Thanks for reading! 

Try New Softsoap Hand Wash Plus Lotion

Softsoap has added an all new hand wash to their product line-up, and you must try it when it becomes available in stores March 1, 2017. Introducing Softsoap Hand Wash Plus Lotion. This hand wash gives you the cleaning and sanitizing power you expect from Softsoap, with the added touch of lotion. I know I am a habitual hand washer and usually immediately have to put lotion on afterwards. Now I can wash my hands in one step and skip the lotion! 

Softsoap Hand Wash Plus Lotion is available in three luxurious fragrances, including Shea & Cocoa Butter, Aloe Water & Lime, and Orchid & Coconut Milk. I love all of the fragrances and so does my family. My little one keeps all of a sudden needing to wash his hands frequently. He has taken a liking to the Aloe Water & Lime hand wash and I am not even mad about it!

If you are an avid cook, baker or gardener, this new hand wash is a great choice. They come in 8 oz pump bottles and retail for $2.49. I am hoping Softsoap will make a large refill for these hand washes. Be on the lookout for it in select stores, March 1st. Also, grab this money-saving coupon whiles supplies last.

Products were provided to me from Colgate-Palmolive for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Wear SlimSation Pants For A Flatter Tummy

I have come to a point in my life where I realize that it's time to start dressing like a grown-up. Days of shopping the Juniors department have come to a close and I have to venture into wearing "ladies" apparel. Although I have been on the tiny side for most of my life, having three kids has really changed my body quite a bit. I have that annoying belly that hinders me from wearing certain things ::cries::. Well, lucky for me and ladies everywhere, there is a line of pants from SlimSation that allows us to be as cute as can be without feeling self-conscious about our tummy. SlimSation offers pants, jeans, and leggings that have a built-in tummy flattening panel. The have a higher waist so you get better coverage.

I really love their Narrow pant with pockets and ankle pants in black. Every woman must have a couple pairs of black pants in her wardrobe. I really love SlimSation's pants because they can be worn in a casual setting or dressed up, making them versatile. You can't go wrong with having garments that can be changed up and worn in different ways.

My current favorite is the Ankle Pant. I absolutely love the cut and the back pockets. It's as if these pants were made especially just for me! The fit my curves perfectly and make my butt look great. The little notch at the bottom gives it an added touch of style while keeping with a classic look.

SlimSation offers many styles and colors to choose from. If you are looking for some comfortable black pants that can be worn both casual and dressy, I recommend the Ankle Pant. I will have to order an additional pair because these have easily become my favorite! Visit SlimSation today and check out their amazing apparel. Not sure about sizing? Their size chart is a big help. SlimSation pants are a wardrobe must-have!

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

Get An Early Start On Your Holiday Cards With CardsDirect.com

We have been sending out holiday cards for many years now. It's a great way to send a nice message to those near and far to let them know they are thought of during the holiday season. Most of us can't buy every person we know a gift, so a card is a great gesture. I admit, some years I procrastinate wait way too long and my cards almost don't make it out on time. This year is different. I already have my cards ready for the recipients' addresses and a stamp. We do plan on having family photos taken and I will have them printed to include in the envelope.

We tried CardsDirect for the first time. The site is super easy to use and you can customize your cards to your liking. Whether you want to go with photo cards or standard cards, you will find exactly what you want. I went with a standard card this time around. The only reason I did not make photo cards this year is because as mentioned earlier, we still have to get family photos taken. The hardest part in the card ordering process is deciding from the thousands of styles. Seriously, I got to the point that I had to yell at myself to pick something fast! I decided on this beautiful design called the Grand Snowflake Tree. I always go for elegant and festive at the same time. What do you think?

There are several options that I had when ordering these cards. You can use the prewritten message inside or create your own. You are also able to choose from different fonts and can adjust the size and colors too. Also, for an extra fee, you can have the envelopes printed with your return address to make things a little easier. This means you don't have to put labels on or hand-write your address a million times. I am all for convenience and saving time. The quality of the cards can't be beat. They are super sturdy and are perfect to send out to family, friends, or coworkers. And if you own your own business, they are very professional looking and a great choice to send out to clients and colleagues. Another upgrade for an extra cost is the gold-lined envelope for that added look of elegance.

If you have been thinking about ordering personalized holiday cards, CardsDirect.com is your place to go. From now until 12/31/2016 you can get 15% off your order by using the discount code: MOMFILES16. Don't wait, get this done early so you can have it crossed off your to-do list. Not sure which card is right for you? You can order free samples especially since it's still early. You can see for yourself how good the quality really is.

Disclosure: I received cards for review purposes at no charge from CardsDirect.com. All opinions are my own as always. 

Fabulous Fall Beauty Finds For Back-To-School

Today we will be talking about hair care. I have a lot of hair and have to wash/dry/style way more often than I care to. Having such long hair takes so much time to care for and it has become a chore that I wish I could avoid. The part that takes me over the edge is blow drying. It takes approximately 35-40 minutes to get my hair completely dry. Well thankfully I have a solution. I found the BEST blow dryer that has changed everything for me. The Hot Tools® Turbo IONIC® Dryer is perfect for anyone looking for something small, fast, and effective!

This dryer is so powerful and brought my drying time from 35 minutes down to 10 minutes! That is a HUGE time saver and I no longer dread hair wash days. What makes it so great? This modern dryer with a narrow, European nozzle packs an impressive airflow with quiet operation. Its PRO-MOISTURE SYSTEM™ with ION TECHNOLOGY® is supplemented with Tourmaline to deliver a hydrating “spa treatment” for your hair — while fighting frizz and locking in moisture for supremely soft, manageable hair. The contemporary dryer also includes a concentrator with a narrow opening for precise drying. 

I am so impressed with how sleek and straight my hair comes out with no frizz. My younger daughter borrows it and loves how much drying time has been cut out for her. She has biracial hair and noticed how less poufy her hair was after drying. With the super compact design, this dryer is perfect for dorm rooms. I will warn you though, roommates will want to borrow it! You can find the Hot Tools® Turbo IONIC® Dryer at Ulta stores for $70. It is worth every penny if you are looking for professional quality at home.

Not enough time on shampoo days? No problem! Simply wash and go in one easy step with Pert Plus Classic Clean. I know the guys benefit most with this type of product since they don't spend nearly as much time on hair like the ladies do. I absolutely love the clean scent and how soft it makes my hair. You can find Pert Plus at drugstores nationwide for around $3.39 (13.5oz), $5.49 (25.4oz).

For hair that needs a little more help, consider the Infusium23 Moisture Replenisher Collection ($6.99 – $8.99, Target)

Designed for moisture-deprived hair, the Infusium 23 Moisture Replenisher Collection is perfect to replenish your hair as you leave the beach and head back to school (or the carpool line). It is formulated with an exclusive blend of avocado and olive oil to lock in moisture and enhance shine, restoring dry and sun damaged hair in preparation for the fall. A unique i-23 Complex, enriched with provitamins, antioxidants, proteins and amino acids, instantly transforms dry, damaged tresses into soft, healthy-looking, more manageable hair, making it an essential collection to keep in your shower caddy. The collection includes Shampoo, Conditioner and Leave-In Treatment.

I received product samples to facilitate an honest review. All opinions are my own as always. 

Meet Our New Family Member, Bob #bobsweep

A couple weeks ago, we welcomed a new addition to our family. I can't even begin to tell you how happy and proud we are. He is perfect in every way!

Introducing, Bob. Bob came into my life to make my homemaking duties a whole lot easier. He sweeps, mops and vacuums on demand. This gives me fewer household chores to have to do which means more quality family time or even "me time". Moms need a break too!

bObsweep robotic vacuums are so easy to use. I received the bObsweep PetHair in the color rouge to test out in my home. This was a perfect choice since we have a dog who sheds everywhere. I find myself having to vacuum and sweep daily, and it gets tiring lugging a traditional vacuum all over the place. Bob comes packaged perfectly in a neat box with everything you need to get started. It comes with a remote control, accessories, charging unit, and instructions. I suggest you take a few moments to read the instructions and let your bObsweep charge fully before you attempt to use it.

I found that Bob bumped into the furniture a whole lot when I first used him. As time has gone on, he seems to be a lot smarter maneuvering around spaces. I love the remote control function for when I need to have Bob clean areas where I need to avoid certain spots. It is very important to be sure the floors are clear of loose cords and objects that you don't want to get sucked in. Bob is strong and can pick up toys and pens (ask me how I know). It is very easy to empty the dirt receptacle and I am always so shocked at how much it picks up!

Pretty impressive and disgusting at the same time, huh? 

Let me tell you, Bob is powerful. I must warn you if you have little ones to monitor them when Bob is in operation. We don't want itty-bitty finger or toes getting run over just in case they get a little too curious. It is recommended to clean the rotary brush (cleaning tool is provided) for any excessive hair or stringy items that can easily wrap around it. Also be sure to keep an eye on the filter to make sure it's not clogged. There is a nifty side brush that is so good for cleaning along walls and furniture. The bumper on Bob is really effective in protecting your furniture from getting damaged. I also love that it easily adjusts to different flooring types and heights with ease.

Look at bOb go! Sweeping my floors like a champ! @bobsweep This is a homemaker's dream come true ❤️😍 . . . . . #bObsweep #bobsweeppethair #pethair #ad

A video posted by Shelly 🇬🇾💞 (@momfiles) on Aug 8, 2016 at 10:33am PDT

I really love how you can command Bob to return to his charging station when it is in range. My guests are so jealous of entertained by him. My son is even learning how to use the remote so he can guide Bob safely through different rooms. This is probably because he doesn't want any of his LEGO pieces to go missing :)

You can "adopt" your very own bObsweep PetHair and other bObsweep products through their website as well as on Amazon. This compact machine is sure to become a very important member of your family! We love the difference he has made in our busy lives. Be sure to follow bObsweep on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for product updates and promotions.

I received a bObsweep unit in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own as always. 

Simply Straight™ Ceramic Straightening Brush Review & Giveaway

The information, product, and giveaway have been provided to me by Ontel. All thoughts and opinions are my own as always. 

I have had my eye on the Simply Straight™ Ceramic Straightening Brush for about a year now. I've seen the commercials on TV and love the idea of a brush that can smooth and straighten hair rather than using a damaging flat iron. Ever since I had my last child, my hair has changed a lot. It used to be super sleek and straight and now it is wavy and unpredictable. I couldn't wait to put this beauty tool to the test!

Information about Simply Straight™:

Simply Straight™ is a ceramic straightening brush that provides a revolutionary way to straighten and smooth all types of hair in minutes, without flattening, frying or damaging tresses. Perfectly straightens hair fast and easy!

Simply Straight™ combines the power of salon heat straightening up to 450° with the gentle styling ability of a brush to make straightening hair as easy as brushing it. The unique ceramic-wrapped bristles easily detangle and lift hair at the root to evenly deliver gentle heat around every strand, for straight, healthy, shiny hair that’s manageable and loaded with volume.

Combining innovation with simplicity, Simply Straight™ effortlessly tames unruly curls, waves and frizz, delivering long-lasting salon-quality results in no time. Simply Straight™ has adjustable temperatures for specific hair types and heats up to the ideal temperature in seconds.

Simply Straight’s™ bristles are coated for safe and gentle straightening and a voluminous finish. The Simply Straight™ brush heats up fast and has an “auto shut off” feature that activates after 60 minutes of power.

For best results and a sleek finish, use on dry hair and brush slowly in a pulling motion to ensure hair gets deep into the inner area of the brush.

So does it actually work? Here is a before and after shot. As you can see, I have uneven waves and after using Simply Straight™, my hair became straight and silky. I did set the temperature fairly high since I have very thick and resistant hair. 

I am pleased with how easy it is to use as well as the end result. I don't see smoke coming from my hair like I normally would using a flat iron. It also did not snag or pull my hair at all. I do suggest that you brush or comb through your hair before using. This will be a great tool to pack when I travel for quick touch-ups. You can purchase Simply Straight™ here for only $39.99 and also at many major retailers. Be sure to follow Simply Straight on Facebook for promotions and updates. 

Want to try the Simply Straight™ Ceramic Straightening Brush out for yourself? One lucky Mom Files reader will win one of their very own! ($39.99 value) Enter below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and will end on July 22, 2016. Be sure to follow rules within Rafflecopter widget for entries to count. Mom Files is NOT responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. One winner will be contacted via email to claim prize. Good luck! 

Harmless Harvest Coconut Water Is The Real Deal

Do you ever have a taste of something or even a scent that transports you back to your childhood? I grew up in Miami, Florida and it was very common to see vendors on the street corners selling fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, and various goods. One of my favorite things to get was the fresh water coconuts as we called it in my culture. You would get a fresh green coconut that was sitting in a huge cooler of ice and watch the vendor chop the top off with a machete. They would then stick a straw in it and hand it to you to enjoy. There is nothing that can compare to drinking that gorgeous chilled coconut water straight out of the actual coconut. Once you have experienced the real thing, you can't have it any other way. Fast forward... I have lived in South Carolina for close to 18 years and it has been more than 20 years since I have had coconut water like I did in Miami.

I was doing some crowd sourcing on Facebook a month or so ago asking what natural food or drink was rich in potassium. One of my old friends from Florida mentioned coconut water. I told her that would be a winner if I had access to proper coconut water like I did in Miami. She told me to look for one called Harmless Harvest. She is also Guyanese so she knows I know what real coconut water is supposed to taste like. I finally got around to trying it with full hesitation. You see, I've tried about 2 or 3 brands already and I ended up pouring it out in the sink from pure disgust. I took into consideration that Harmless Harvest is refrigerated and is simply organic coconut water with nothing added. It is free of GMOs, toxic pesticides, artificial additives, and irradiation.

I poured some in a glass and was a little intrigued by the pink color. Honestly, I didn't realize that it can be that color (clear to pink). I took my first sip and guess what? I was on transported back to being a kid again. It was the real deal and what coconut water should taste like. No lie, I closed my eyes each time I sipped. I can finally have that taste back in my life all the way up in South Carolina. You can find Harmless Harvest Coconut Water in grocery stores including Kroger, Publix, and Whole Foods in the refrigerated organic/health foods section near the produce department. Check out the amazing story behind Harmless Harvest here.

The back of this t-shirt says "I'm Harmless" :-) 

Harmless Harvest coconut water is the perfect hydrating beverage to help beat the summer heat. Have you tried it yet? If you haven't, I really suggest you do!

I received product samples in exchange for my honest review. It doesn't get more honest than this.

Hard Candy Brow Ink Review

I am sure by now most of you have seen the latest beauty trend-- eyebrow enhancing. Some use products to fill in thin brows while others take it to the extreme. I personally go for a polished look and prefer natural looking brows. I got my eyebrows threaded a few months ago and after the process was over, the technician applied a brow filler. I really loved the look because it was super natural yet slightly dramatic (if that makes sense). I have never used any eyebrow filler in my whole life, but since then, I've been intrigued.

I have been seeing ads for kits that go up to $50. No way. I refuse to invest that kind of cash into a basic product. Today I want to share a new product from Hard Candy called Brow Ink. It is actually a brow stain. No lie, the word stain scared me a bit.

This product comes in a fun, contemporary looking tube. It comes in 2 colors: 1108 Light Medium and 1004 Medium Dark. I tried the medium dark since I am a brunette. When you open it, you will find a long, slender wand with ultra fine bristles.

This Brow Ink comes in a gel formula and instantly darkens and defines your brows. It has Henna Fruit Actives that nourish hair while the Longwear Ink Technology transforms brows that stay in place for 24 hours and is waterproof. 

I found the product very easy to use and it really does what it supposed to. One tip I will offer is that you should not press down too much when you apply. You will end up with too much product in one spot. If that happens you can easily use your finger to blend it in. 

The end result is a fuller, natural brow look. It does not smudge at all and does not come off until you remove it. Want to hear the best part? It costs only $6 and can be purchased at Walmart and Walmart.com. I still can't believe how good it is considering the low price tag. Seriously, it is worth a try and I highly recommend you give it a shot. If you try it out, please let me know how it worked for you.

Be sure to check out Hard Candy at their website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for beauty tips and product updates.

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

Dove Beauty Bars - A Must-Have For Radiant Summer Skin (Giveaway)

Can you believe that today is the first day of June? Although the official summer season has not started, the temperature says otherwise. It is already blazing hot out and this means many of us are wearing shorts, tank tops, and sundresses. It is important to me that my skin always looks and feels good, especially when more of it can be seen. One of my summer beauty must-haves is a classic item, the Dove White Beauty Bar. It's a very effective way to get your skin looking and feeling smooth and moisturized for the season.

Dove Beauty Bars are not soap. While soap strips skin of essential nutrients, Dove replenishes them. It is renowned for its 1/4 moisturizing cream and contains natural skin lipids that deposit onto the skin. It contains a blend of very mild cleansers so your skin isn't being stripped or dried out. With all of the trips to the pool, beach, and other outdoor adventures, Dove beauty bars will help replenish your sun-drenched skin. It is also the #1 recommended bar by dermatologists.

Dove makes a variety of beauty bars, but the classic White Bar is my favorite. Are you ready to get your skin summer-ready? Enter below for a chance to win a Dove Beauty Bar prize pack. One winner will receive 3 2-packs.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and will end on June 14, 2016. Be sure to follow rules in Rafflecopter. One winner will be chosen and contacted via email to claim prize. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

I received product samples for review purposes. All opinions are my own as always.

Father's Day Gift Giving With Jord Watches

As we near the end of May, I'm reminded that June is the kick-off to summer and more importantly, Father's Day. My husband has been a father for over 2 decades and we make certain that he is celebrated to the fullest. This year we wanted to give him an extra special gift to show our appreciation for all of his hard work providing for our family, and for always being there for our children in any and every way he can. His dedication to our children is above and beyond what I've seen from many fathers in this time. One item I know he would love is a new watch. He is one of those men who must have a watch on his wrist at all times. I browsed watches online and came across some very unique ones from Wood Watches by Jord. Their watch bands are made out of wood, giving them a different look and feel.

I presented my husband with his early Father's Day gift and it brought a look of surprise to his face.

I'm pretty sure he said, "WOW" at least a dozen times. His first thoughts after getting over saying wow was that the watch was very different. He said that the wood finish was very nice and something that would be noticed. This was the first time either of us has seen a watch like this so there was a lot of admiring, and oohing and aweing going on. The little boy in him loved the see-through face that lets you see the mechanisms inside move. He was like a big kid! I admit, I was completely obsessed with it too!

This wood watch is packaged beautifully and is ready for gifting. His Jord Watch came in a wooden box that is perfect for storing, along with a cloth for keeping the watch face clean. Seriously, isn't it beautiful?

This particular style is from the Dover Series in Ebony & Redwood. The colors are so rich and go well with either dressed up attire or dressed down. I know my husband though, he will only want to wear this one with his suits dress outfits.

These wood watches from Jord are an exquisite choice for Father's Day gift giving. The prices and selection ranges to suit your budget and taste. The ordering process is so simple and they have a handy printable sizing guide to ensure you order the correct size. The actual shipping is super fast so there is plenty of time left to get that perfect gift. 

Follow Jord on social media- Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest & Twitter. You should take a look around their site. I love all of the beautiful styles and color options. I am totally eyeing one for myself! 

Jord Watches provided me with a product sample, but all opinions are my own as always.