Family * Travel * Food

New custom t-shirt from Dress United

I was so lucky to receive a custom t-shirt from Dress United to review. When I went on their site to order it, my first thought was, "Will they have the cut I like?" I am very particular when it comes to t-shirts. I only like a fitted v-neck style. Lucky for me, they offered that and several other styles. I went with Classic Girly Tee because the description said that they tend to fit a size smaller.
I initially wanted the purple but was afraid that my logo was going to have white spots where the "o" and "e" were. It turns out that it only looked that way on the website and they correct it when they print your shirt. It took me about 5 minutes from beginning to end to order my shirt. Honestly, I think it took that long because I couldn't decide on a color! The Dress United website is so user friendly.

I am pleased with the shirt overall. The material was soft and the fit was just right. As an almost 40 year old woman, I appreciated the longer cut as well. I have ordered shirts before that I felt barely covered the top of my pants. I want to order a couple more in different colors for the spring/summer. What do you think of it?
Right now, if you place an order from Dress United, you can receive a discount of 30% off plus free shipping in the US. Go here and use the code: BLOG30OFF4U. These tees are a great marketing tool for your blog, business or organization.
Shelly, Mom Files
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New Post-It Mobile keeps you organized, on-the-go!

Being a homemaking, mother of 3 keeps me on-the-go at all times. Now that I think about it, my entire family is always scattered all over the place... school, work, college, activities, travel and more. We try our best to stay as organized as possible. When the school year started, I purchased planners for all of us. I am a bit of a nerd when it comes to scheduling, labeling and sorting things. I was thrilled when I received the entire line of Post-It Mobile products to review. Post-It really came up with some neat ideas for busy people like myself. I was really impressed with the selection and the versatility behind this line.
Post-it Mobile products are designed be attached to items you carry like notebooks, binders, laptops, book bags, cases and more. I love that I can attach tabs to my planner so that I can keep track of the most important tasks by color. 
All you do it peel off the backing from the sticky surface. I added these cute tabs on the back of my planner so I always have them on hand when I take it to-go in my purse. 
My husband loves the convenience of having Post-It notes and tabs that are attach to his book bag for when he goes to his night college class. He gets a lot of use out of them with those enormous books he studies from!
One of my favorites is the assorted tabs and notes that fit into binders. I have this one in my family bill binder and if I need to take the binder in the carpool line to do some quick updates, I have my Post-It Mobile items already in there! Oh and even better for the carpool line, they have a clip-on portable Post-It note holder that attaches to your visor. Oh man, I just had a nerd moment!
Check out this neat highlighter with tabs and pen in one! It clips onto most anything and would be especially good at the office. It is even great for students since it can easily be attached to a lanyard.
Post-It even has attach & go pockets that fit on your laptop or the back of your tablet or planner to hold important things like business cards, documents and more. The whole family fought over picked out what they needed the most and I can see them being a great benefit for our busy lives. It's also a great way for me to use the color-coded tabs for my blog post scheduling and giveaways.

You can find out more about Post-It Mobile and Post-It products on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. I really love their Pinterest page for all the great ideas on organization. You have to check them out!

I received free products samples in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own as always. 
Shelly, Mom Files
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Do people take your blogging for a joke?

A lot of times when I tell people I am related to or those I know very well that I am a blogger, they say they don't have time for the computer like I do. They brush off what I do as if it is strictly a hobby and act as if I must not have anything better to do with my time. I hear things like "I don't know how people can stay on Facebook all day" or "I don't have time to look at blogs and don't know how stuff like that even works". Well I have been doing this now for years and at first it was more of a personal journal/social thing. It has blossomed over time and I now have PR firms I work with that provide me with products to review, host giveaways and sometimes even pay me to write. Blogging has become a part-time business for me. It has allowed me the opportunity to contribute to my household no matter how small it is. I don't want to sit on a computer all day long. I don't want to Tweet or Facebook all day long. I do it throughout the day in between taking care of my homemaker/SAHM duties. I do it because it helps my family. I never set out to become a "Mommy Blogger". It just happened one day. It is a lot of work to put out good posts and reviews. Some are easier than others. I really wish I would get the respect I deserve for my contributions as a mom blogger.  After all, don't moms know best anyway?
Shelly, Mom Files
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My 1,000th post!

Wow, I can't believe that I am writing my 1,000th post. I had to look a couple extra times to make sure that was the correct number! So now what? I don't even know what to say. I have connected with so many amazing and interesting people over the last 4 1/2 years. I have made so many friends that have become very near and dear to me. I never would have imagined that you could make friends with complete strangers in other parts of the country. I have learned so much along the way and have grown as a person. I really can say that my life have changed for the better through blogging. There have been many opportunities and perks but the personal interaction has been most valuable to me. It astonishes me how very small the world can be through the blogosphere. I want to thank everyone who takes the time to read Momfiles, comment, email, Tweet, Facebook....simply just staying connected with me. It has been such fun and I plan to hang around for a while. Much love to you all!
Shelly, Mom Files
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Lately...

I have not been writing much. I have not had a whole lot to say. I have felt like savoring moments with my kids who are growing up way too fast. I am realizing more and more each day that my kids will need me less. I was on the computer several weeks back and William was nagging me to do something (I can't remember what it was exactly). I told him to give me a moment that I was working. A week later he sees me on the computer while I was on Facebook. He asked in that sweet baby voice "Hey Bawbi, you working?" It was that moment that I realized I was spending too much time on the daggone computer. And not just the computer, the smart phone too. Facebook, Twitter, email and text at my fingertips. I felt so much guilt and have vowed to do a whole lot less of that nonsense. After all, why do I need to know who "checked in" where and how many people hate the weather, the world, is in a relationship but it's complicated, etc... All of that does nothing for me and yet I got sucked into it. I have not been posting much on the blog because I have been living life physically. Some days I wonder if I even want to keep the blog. I have noticed so many other bloggers feeling the same way lately. Oh well, I guess I'll just go with the flow and see what happens from here....
Shelly, Mom Files
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I need your help

Please, if anyone knows how to back-up your blog on your computer will you kindly let me know? My very good friend lost her blogs (we don't know why) and I am feeling really paranoid. I couldn't imagine all the years of memories being lost. Has anyone heard about blogs on Blogger disappearing? I am sick for my poor friend. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. Thank you!
Shelly, Mom Files
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Some things you may never hear

My blog buddy Sammy over at To Unravel is the King of random. Seriously, if you ever read his posts you would become completely immersed in his randomness. He wrote this one post entitled the Rootabaga line up and I put in my two cents. The point behind it all was listing 10 things you will NEVER hear. Some are from people, some are even from inanimate objects. Either way, I'm 99% sure you will never ever ever ever hear! So here we go, my 10 things are:
  1. Wow, that Nikki Minaj is a true talent!
  2. No problem random stranger, I will gladly change your baby's poopie diaper.
  3. Pam Anderson's body and face look so natural!
  4. I'd like to order one brussel sprout burger with a side of eggplant fries.
  5. Can't wait for the price of gas to go up!
  6. I wish the laundry would never end.
  7. I want a parking ticket so badly.
  8. Scraping wallpaper is so much fun!
  9. Oh please let this tree fall on my house!
  10. I'd prefer my Chinese food be prepared by Italians.
Play along if you wish!
Shelly, Mom Files
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I am an official $exyGirl

I was the lucky winner of a giveaway that Atasha from I am Mama hosted. The grand prize was this deliciously sexy full apron. I fell in love with these aprons long before she did the giveaway. Can you believe she makes these things by hand? I can't even hem a pant leg much less sew and entire high quality garment! This apron if reversible and so pretty you might not want to cook with it on. Actually, I have told Atasha that these aprons are so sexy that you can "just add heels" if you get my drift ;-) Dwayne is loving this apron and since this blog is rated PG, I will refrain from posting his comments.

I am so impressed the detail of the pleats/ruffles on the edges. Atasha is so talented and she makes an array of patterns and colors. I think these aprons are a great gift idea for almost any occasion and she ships quickly and packages everything so nicely. She also makes a lot of other sexy items that are very girlie and pretty. Thanks Atasha, I LOVE my new apron!

You can also check out $exyGirl on Facebook!
Shelly, Mom Files
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600th post today!

I just submitted a post earlier and realized that this is my 600th post! I know that is a small number to some but it is HUGE to little old me! Thanks to everyone that takes the time to read my randomness and give great advice when I need it most. I have really gotten the hang of blogging and I am here to stay! Thanks also to all of my loyal followers. You guys rock!!!
Shelly, Mom Files
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Family members and your blog

I was thinking about this the other day and I don't get it. How come I tell people that are related to me or close friends that if they want to see the latest photos of the family or want to know the recent goings on in the Ismail household that they can check the blog. Why in the world do I get the whole..."I don't have time for the blog thing" or "I don't know how to leave a comment". I have even gone and put "leave your comment here" to make it easier for those who claim it is too difficult to do. Of course my relatives ignore it and make excuses. I guess this is why I love my blog friends so much. It seems like strangers have more interest in your life that your own family. I know I can't be the only blogger that feels this way.

Do you find this to be a trend in your blog life?
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Launch of Moms of Hue

I just very quickly wanted to let you all know about the ladies over at Moms of Hue and their blog launch on Monday, December 7th. This blog has several contributors who are moms of color. They offer everything from advice, real talk and even reviews and giveaways.



My blog pal Renee Ross mentioned that they will be hosting a number of giveaways and tweeting about Moms of Hue with the hashtag #momsofhue all day long. Be sure to follow them on Twitter.
I know I can't wait to check it out!
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One Lovely Blog Award


I was presented this sweet little award from Lisa over at Lisa C Writes. She was so gracious to choose to give it to me because of the friendship with have built over the past 2 years through blogging. It's really neat how you "meet" people from all over the world through blogging and I have made some amazing friends that have truly become like family. Lisa is one beautiful woman inside and out and is an outstanding mother and wife. You can count on her to always have kind and encouraging words. If you ever want to know more about natural living then she is your girl! Now I will share the love. I would like to pass this Lovely Blog Award on to:
  • Kristin- I just love her sense of humor and spunk! She is so ridiculously creative.
  • Renee- she is amazing and is very inspiring.
  • Beautiful Mess- just because when she leaves comments she always ends it with *HUGS* and she makes me smile.
  • Sean- such a cool guy that makes your mouth water when you stop by his spot!
  • Tanyetta- because she is as genuine as they come. I love her!!!
You folks truly rock and I'm so glad to know you!
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