Family * Travel * Food

Ways To Get Your Home Refreshed For Spring Inside And Out

Today's conversation is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com. All opinions are my own as always.

It's that time of year where many of us take on the huge task of deep cleaning, and organizing our homes and living spaces. Spring cleaning is a big deal in our household, and we all map out what areas we will tackle. This usually includes the common areas, kitchen, closets, bathrooms, and our outdoor living areas and yard. I confess, one of my favorite parts of spring cleaning is getting new products to help make the job a little easier. We got pretty lucky when we ended up getting a spring cleaning themed package from BabbleBoxx to help us refresh our spaces for spring.
The first place we tend to start when it comes to spring cleaning is in our front and back yards. We do everything from pulling weeds, trimming hedges, planting new flowers, adding mulch around the trees and garden beds, cutting the grass, and doing the edges. There is nothing like a manicured yard to start the season of spending more time outdoors.

One of the things many of us don't think of until summer hits is what lurks in the back yard. Mosquitoes pop out of nowhere as soon as the temperatures hit 50 degrees. We are already at that point, and have seen little swarms of them in a few spots in our yard. Yikes! Mosquitoes carry the nasty Zika virus that is extremely harmful, even deadly to humans and pets. We got the opportunity to have technicians from Mosquito Joe come to to evaluate our property, and do a barrier spray. Jack and T.J. explained every step of the way how the spray works, what types of spray they use, and any recommendations to keep the mosquitoes away.
They told me it was necessary to concentrate the spray in areas with the most vegetation. Since we live on a pond, they added some mosquito dunks along the perimeter. I was told they cause absolutely no harm to any fish or wildlife. It was simply an aid in mosquito prevention. It was really nice to see the care they took when they got close to the neighbors' yards as well as their pets.
It has been two weeks since we had our yard sprayed and I'm pleased to report minimal mosquito sightings! They recommend a spray every 3 weeks to maximize the effects. Also, you don't have to worry about the rain washing it away. If you experience any problems with mosquitoes after getting your yard treated, they will come back and re-spray at no charge. They aim to please their customers. One nice thing about Mosquito Joe is you do not have to sign any contracts, so you can cancel or halt service at any time. You are able to make payments online with ease. They also offer a referral program which gives you $25 off towards future sprays. We look forward to continuing the service so we can enjoy the outdoors again.

Once we have the outdoors looking nice and neat, we make our way inside. This is where things get real! We tend to start with the smaller spaces like bathrooms, closets, and cabinets. First thing's first, clean out the clutter! If it isn't being used, it either gets donated or packed away for future use. A handy tool to keep track of what you are packing away for storage is the Duck Pack & Track app-based labeling system.


Now you can pack away items and label it with the location, but there's step that makes it even better. You scan the code on the label through the pack & track app (available for Apple & Android devices) so you can add details of the contents by voice or text. Now if you are looking months from now for something specific like computer cords, you can scan the code to see which box has them. We tend to have like a dozen or more boxes at a time with office items, so now this will make it easier to pinpoint the exact box to look in. The eliminates a lot of wasted time looking around, and is an excellent home storage tool. 


Check out this short video to see how it works:


While we're on the subject of decluttering and packing things away, don't forget to replace your scissors. You know, the dull ones that can't cut butter! We all have those. You probably don't even think of replacing them. It's always nice to have super sharp, heavy-duty scissors to cut through those annoying clam shell packaging that some gadgets come in.

We were happy to test out the world's favorite scissors by Westcott. They have different styles for different tasks. The blades are titanium bonded for extra strength, and can cut heavier materials more efficiently. I love the non-stick ones for gift wrapping and crafting. I can't stand for tape or adhesives to get stuck on scissors. All of the Westcott scissors have a comfortable grip, and fit well on hands of any size.

Now that we have battled the clutter, we move on to deep cleaning the places that don't get that everyday attention. You know, places like the baseboards, ceiling fans, kitchen cabinets, behind your appliances, and the list goes on. The key is to tackle one area at a time. This is where Krud Kutter cleaners come in handy. There is one for the kitchen that works miracles on greasy stove tops, cabinet doors, the sink, countertops, and just about every other surface. Krud Kutter kitchen degreaser is unscented and safe to use around your food prep surfaces. It really gets the job done!

Krud Kutter's heavy duty cleaner is ideal for your baseboards, utility sink, floors, shower walls, and even the hard surfaces on patio furniture. A little goes a long way, so you get a lot of value with either Krud Kutter Cleaner. I even like to spray it directly to my kitchen or bathroom floor for a quick mop job. I love that it kills 99.9% of bacteria and germs while being bleach-free.

Another easy way to refresh your home is by replacing the shower head in your bathroom. You don't have to go out and spend a fortune on one either. Waterpik shower heads are very affordable and is easy to install in minutes. If you know how to screw in a lightbulb, you can install this shower head.
This Waterpik Power Pulse has a sleek, modern look and has 6 spray settings: powerpulse massage, full body, power spray, full body & powerpulse massage, powerspray powerpulse massage, and water saving trickle. I'm hoping to save a little extra on water costs each month using this new shower head. My son says that he feels like he's in a hotel shower each time he uses it. I have tried it out for myself and love it. I will be buying one for my bathroom soon. It's amazing the difference something as simple as replacing a shower head can make. Find out more about Waterpik shower heads here.

So we have covered just about every part of the house except for one last place-- the kitchen sink to be exact. I am one of those crazy dinosaur people who still hand-washes dishes. It's actually quite relaxing most days, and it's where I do the most thinking. I am always down for trying out anything that will make dishwashing more exciting. I geeked out when I found out I was getting a Scrub Daisy Dishwand System. I've had my eye on it for some time. Look at how cute it is!

This adorable gadget comes with a vase and valet to hold your dishwand and scrubbing heads. The vase suctions down to stay secure at your kitchen sink. It comes with the Daisy, the Sunflower, and the Hyacinth. Each scrub head has special petals and surfaces for specific cleaning needs. The Daisy is perfectly 'bloomed' for multitasking. It's great for your everyday dishware, utensils, coffee mugs, and non-stick pans. The Sunflower is designed to have more scouring power and even has a scraper attached for stubborn food particles. The Hyacinth is so great for getting into those tall water bottles, baby bottles, or slim wine glasses. 
All you have to do is add your favorite dish soap into the dishwand. It is easy to switch scrub heads with a simple twist. I love the fact that you can rinse off your scrub heads and store them on the valet to drip dry. This makes for fresher scrubbers with no odor. The handle is very comfortable to work with, too. You've got to experience the Scrub Daisy for yourself. 
We want to thank BabbleBoxx for the wonderful items that have helped to refresh our home for spring. We hope you will give some of these things a try. Which of these products are you interested in trying? Let us know in the comments. Thanks for stopping by today. 
xo,
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Why We Are Loving Crate Space!

I think most any American family can agree on on thing: we all lead extra busy lives. With kids in school, work for adults, sports/activities, family time, and everything in between, time is a valuable commodity. Fitting shopping for groceries and household goods can be a big chore for many. I recently tried out a new service from Crate Space where you can purchase those everyday household items in an easy way.

What is Crate Space? It's an online service with one simple goal. Making buying the things you normally would much easier. You simply pick any 5 items and pay a fixed price of $29.99 with no shipping costs or membership fees. They offer 6 categories of products including: Household, Bath & Body, Cleaning, Skincare, Kids, and Health. Crate Space automatically lists the most commonly purchased items so you don't have to scroll through dozens of varieties of one basic thing. If you are the type to only shop for what you want specifically without having to search through a bunch of what you don't want, Crate Space is for you! No nonsense shopping is what they are about.

I ordered my first Crate Space package and here is what I got: 6-roll pack of Bounty paper towels, 12 double rolls of Charmin toilet paper, 160-count plastic drinking cups, 40-count box of Glad kitchen trash bags, and a bottle of Palmer's Shea Butter Lotion.
I was happy to see that the lotion was sealed to help prevent potential leakage. I also received a voucher for $5 off my next package. I am happy with all of my products because they are what I buy anyway. The fact that I didn't have to leave the house is a big bonus!

The actual ordering process is so fast and easy. I think not having so many choices of a particular product is a time saver. I can see this service being a monthly thing for my household. The shipping is not the fastest, but I am okay with it since I didn't pay a shipping fee. I love FREE shipping, all day, every day!


Shop Crate Space online and follow on Facebook and Instagram for updates. As a matter of fact, you can enter the code: MORESPACE for $5 off your first purchase. Try Crate Space out for yourself!

Disclosure: I received a complimentary code for a Crate Space box to try for myself. All opinions are my own as always. 
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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.
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Whish Three Whishes Body Butter Review

I received a complimentary product sample for review purposes. All opinions are my own as always. 

Do you treat yourself? As a busy mom, I often forget about myself with all the tasks I juggle on a daily basis. School drop-off/pick-up, sports, housework, cooking, managing the home... I am almost always last on the list when it comes to pampering or treating myself. One nice way to get that in is often through simple things like beauty products. It is amazing what a new lipstick or nail polish can do for me.
I received a luxurious bottle of Whish Three Whishes Body Butter to review. The packaging is so pretty. The antioxidant-based formula contains organic aloe, organic Shea butter and organic raspberry butter. How delicious does that sound? I couldn't wait to pump some out of the container to experience this body butter for myself. It has a very creamy feel, but not heavy like your typical body butter. The lavender scent was very rich and feminine. I applied it to my entire body and it left me feeling so soft and pampered. It gave the heavy moisturizing you expect from a body butter without the oily feel.

Whish Three Whishes Body Butter is available in a 5 ounce container for $24 and can be purchased at Nordstrom.com. It comes in 6 gorgeous flavors: Almond, Lemongrass, Pomegranate, Lavender, Coconut and Blueberry. I see the coconut and almond in my future! I truly deserve this type of luxury in my life.

With Mother's Day coming up, this would be a great gift idea. I promise, this is a gift any mom would love. After all, doesn't mom deserve the best? Stay connected socially with Whish on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for products updates and promotions.
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Tips on making your shower more inviting with Mira Showers

Whether it is how you start your day or end it, a shower is a very important part of the day. There is nothing like the peace and tranquility you get from a shower. It is also a great place to think and relax. Honestly, without my daily shower (or two) I might never get time to relax. It is my escape and probably the only real "me time" I get each day. Picking the right shower fixture is important. Showers from Mira Showers offers a great range of shower fixtures that are sure to suit your needs and price range. I have my eye on the Mira Adept BRD below.
It combines a stylish, integrated look with great performance to deliver a perfect showering experience from two showerheads -ideal for your bathroom. Did someone say two showerheads? I am totally into that idea! 

Additional features of this showerhead include:

- Thermostatic temperature stability keeps showering safe for all the family
- Separate temperature and flow controls to fine tune your perfect shower
- Magni-flo™ gives up to 3 times more flow than similar mixer showers even at low pressure
- Divert between the overhead and hand held shower or have both heads on at once, even at low pressure
- Single mode 90mm showerhead with a 200mm deluge head for an unbeatable showering experience – both with rub clean nozzles for easy limescale removal
- Compatible with patented Mira Adept plug-in accessories for ultimate flexibility – a world first!
- Works on all systems and pressures

I think this model from Mira Showers sounds like what I would want in my bathroom shower! The website has many great features to help with selecting the right fixture for your shower. I can't believe how many choices they have listed. I think the hardest part would be deciding on just one! My husband took a peek at the shower enclosures and is currently measuring our bathroom! Looks like a future bathroom makeover is in the works. 

I noticed they have Digital Showers. I honestly never knew there was such a thing! The shower control and the water mixer have digital intelligence built-in. Digital mixer showers take water from both the hot and cold water supplies. They mix the hot and cold water to accurately reach the desired temperature. You can choose a pumped or high pressure version. Digital showers are ideal for homes with a plentiful supply of hot water. 

Okay, that's it, I am ready for a new shower makeover! 
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New Dial Kids Body + Hair Wash in Peachy Clean {Review & Giveaway}

The Dial brand has been around for 65 years and has been developing trusted personal care products for clean and healthy skin. New Dial Kids body+hair wash is one of the newest products is made especially for kids ages 2-5. There comes a time when your child is too old for baby soaps, but too young for adults products. This is where Dial kids body wash is perfect. It was developed especially for kids' delicate skin and has no artificial dyes or added parabens, it is tear free, hypoallergenic and Ph balanced.
My son loves the fun and fresh "peachy clean" scent and feels special having his very own bath product. It works so well and leaves behind smooth and moisturized skin. As a mom, I really love the fact that the product is very gentle for my little one.

How would you like to try this fun new product for your little one? Enter below for the chance to win a coupon for one FREE bottle of Dial Kids Body & Hair Wash (3 winners in all)a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on April 3, 2013. Three 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 Dial brand provided me with a sample of the Dial Kids Body and Hair Wash in exchange for a product review. However, all opinions expressed here are my own.
Shelly, Mom Files
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NEW: Dial® Coconut Water Body Wash Review & Giveaway (3 winners)

I want to introduce you all to the latest product from the Dial® line of shower and bath products... NEW: Dial® Coconut Water Body Wash. The first thing that stands out to me is "coconut water". It takes me to a tropical paradise! The scent of this hydrating body wash is comparable to those from a boutique, very refreshing and rich. I love how well it lathers in the shower and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth. My teenagers love it and have claimed the bottle from MY bathroom! Luckily, Dial body wash is widely available in grocery and drug stores everywhere.

Right now, Dial® is proud to introduce the Healthier Skin. Healthier You.® Sweepstakes featuring Dial® Coconut Water Body Wash. One lucky grand prize winner will receive $1,000, while 250 second place winners will receive free Coconut Water Body Wash. The contest is being held on the Dial® Facebook page and took me less than 25 seconds to enter!

How would you like to try the new Dial® Coconut Water Body Wash? 3 winners will each receive a coupon good for one FREE bottle of Dial® Coconut Water Body Wash. Enter below: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on March 16, 2013. Three winners will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

Dial Soap provided a free sample of Dial® Coconut Water Body Wash in exchange for a review. My participation is voluntary and my opinions, as always, are my own.

Shelly, Mom Files
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Influenster Spring Beauty VoxBox Review

I am so glad I was introduced to Influenster by my friend Krystel. I was thrilled when I received an email that I would be receiving the Spring 2012 Beauty VoxBox! I am such a fan of all things beauty so I knew this program would be a great fit for me. Here is what I received:
SHEER COVER - DUO CONCEALER (@sheercover) Ideal for hiding blemishes, age spots, redness, scars and other imperfections without heavy, cakey coverage. Duo shades can be blended to perfectly match any skin tone. My thoughts: Thankfully the color works for my complexion. It is very light and not greasy. It works well for my dark circles. 

SALLY HANSEN - SALON EFFECTS Real Nail Polish Strips! (@sallyhansen) This product wears like nail polish because it IS nail polish (with no drying time). Apply and you’re ready to go. My thoughts: I have NOT tried this yet but plan on letting my 15 year old daughter test it out. We got a zebra looking pattern. I can totally see hot pink nails staggered with zebra! 

DR. SCHOLL’S FOR HER - BALL OF FOOT PADS Whether you have on-going foot discomfort, or just a soft spot for the most stylish shoes in the store, you’re going to love the Dr. Scholl’s® For Her line. Purchasing a pair is definitely worth the investment. Soft shoe inserts for standing all day are simply ideal, too. For everyday scenarios, they are simply the perfect solution. My thoughts: I am so happy for these! I don't wear heels often but when I do, YIKES! I am looking forward to using them in my heels for my date nights :)

AVEENO - DAILY MOISTURIZING BODY WASH This body wash cleanses  and moisturizes for visibly healthier skin every time you shower. It’s lightly fragranced, soap free, dye-free; hypoallergenic so it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin. My thoughts: LOVE LOVE LOVE. I really love this stuff and it is the best body wash for sensitive skin. The 4 year old is currently using it and it has been very kind to his tender skin. 

CHAPSTICK - LIP SHIELD 365 This new product offers all season protection and moisturization for year-round exposure to the sun, wind and cold. With SPF 50+, it helps to protect from the sun’s damaging UVA/UVB rays. My thoughts: I can't help but think of the beach when I wear this. It smells like sunscreen but in a good way. It is super smooth and makes my lips soft and pretty. Love it! 

BATH & BODY WORKS - FINE FRAGRANCE MIST (@LUVBBW) Discover a better, more delicate fragrance experience with the NEW Fragrance Mist Collection. My thoughts: Love it! I am already a big Bath & Body Works fan so I knew I would love it. 

SOYJOY - BAR Enjoy SOYJOY (@soyjoyus) with all-natural real ingredients like real fruit and whole soy! My thoughts: When I opened to package I was afraid. I am not a big fan of natural bars. This is was exceptional! I really enjoyed it and now I know that when I see coupons and find a sale I will purchase them. I can see myself keeping one in my purse in case hunger strikes! 

I must say that I got very lucky to receive such a good box! I am looking forward to future VoxBoxes and I encourage you to sign up for FREE!

Shelly, Mom Files
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Real showers

My 13 year old is home from school sick with a cold. I was able to take an actual real shower in the daytime without paranoia of what the boy could be getting into. This is a rare treat. There are those days I try to take a shower when it's just the two of us and it is always the day I missed the UPS/FedEx/USPS guy to sign for something important or a call comes through that I have been waiting on all day and I miss it. It was great to get to take my time and relax. Okay, I'm done. Just thought I would share. I know most of you stay-at-home mommas know exactly what I am talking about.
Shelly, Mom Files
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Bath time question

Okay y'all better not laugh at me acting like a new mom....Just wondering, if you have a slippery tub is it better to use a bath mat or grippy things for the tub floor? We had textured tub floors where we lived with the girls so we never encountered slipping. In our house we live in now, the boy's tub is a bit slippery. I am not a fan of anything that can get mildew and I don't even allow him to have very many toys in the tub. Please tell me what you did with bath time and your toddler. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks in advance.
Shelly, Mom Files
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What ever happened to bar soap?

My father-in-law sent me shopping the other day for bar soap. His one request is he did not want common, everyday Irish Spring or Lever 2000 (aka Man Soap as Dwayne calls it). The FIL prefers his soap to come from Bath & Bodyworks or a boutique type shoppe. He used to buy his soap through Avon and they discontinued it about 2 years ago. I went to Bath & Bodyworks and they only had the "high dollar" variety and they too discontinued the glycerin soaps bars. I searched a few more stores and it was the same story. No bar soap. I finally found some at World Market. I did not realize that specialty soap would be that hard to find! I think we will stick with the normal, affordable and easy-to-find stuff in our home! Personally I think bodywash is way better.
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