Costco Offers More Than Just Buying In Bulk (Giveaway)

CLOSED- Winner is Naima G. Congratulations!! 

The first thing that comes to mind when I hear the name Costco, is bulk shopping. After all, it is a warehouse store filled with a variety of items for home and business. I was beyond thrilled to learn that my local area is FINALLY getting a warehouse! I have watched the documentary on TV before about the Costco Craze and have been obsessed intrigued ever since. I will be taking a tour of the new Costco and will report back with the details. I do want to share a few things in advance. Of course, Costco offers an array of well known brand names of food, household, health and beauty items as well as their very own brand, Kirkland Signature. I have to say that I am very impressed with the selection I have seen so far. Their signature line of products even include organics. I have tried out several of the food products and the quality has exceeded my expectations.

Those dried blueberries are great for snacking or adding to oatmeal, cereal, trail mix or even in pancakes or muffins. The fruit snacks are so yummy and are perfect for lunch boxes. 

Costco has a pharmacy and offers health and wellness clinics on scheduled dates/times. They have delivery service too. Planning a trip? Costco can help with their travel services to help you find the perfect destination for a cruise, rental car, hotel and more. You can even shop their different areas of service including phone services, auto program, bottled water delivery, mortgage services, and even life insurance. Needless to say, Costco seems to have most areas covered! They have different membership levels so take a look and see which one suits you best. I am so happy that I can finally experience Costco for myself. I'm looking forward to checking out their fresh produce, meats, and wine selection.

I am so thrilled to be able to offer a HUGE giveaway to my loyal readers. Enter below to win a Costco gift bag filled with a variety of Kirkland Signature products and more.

Here's what's included (KS= Kirkland Signature):

KS Cooking Spray- $4.99
KS Bacon Crumbles- $10.99
KS Protein Bars- $17.99
KS AAA Batteries- $18.99
KS Cashews- $13.99
KS Minced Garlic- $4.39
KS Organic Salsa- $7.69
KS Cashew Clusters- $11.99
KS Pepper Grinder- $5.69
KS Balsamic Vinegar- $10.99
KS Chocolate Covered Almonds- $11.99
KS Wild Pink Salmon- $11.99
KS Dried Steak Strips- $9.99
KS Trail Mix- $12.99
KS Crushed Red Pepper- $3.19
Charisma White Bath Towel- $6.99
Charisma Gun Metal Bath Towel- $6.99
Charisma 4 pack small towel set- $9.99
Costco Keep Cool Bag- $6.99
Total value: $188.81

Enter here:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will close on August 22, 2016. One winner will be selected at random and will be contacted via email to claim prize. Be sure to follow rules in Rafflecopter for entries to count. Good luck!

I received products samples and information from Costco in partnership with them to share the latest about their brands/products. All opinions are my own as always. 

New Product- Softsoap Brand Pure Foaming Hand Soap

Softsoap has added another hand soap to their product line. Introducing Softsoap Brand Pure Foaming Hand Soap. It comes in 2 scents- Fresh and Lemongrass. I like the fact that it is dye free and the fragrance is natural. The pump is easy to use and dispenses the product evenly and without any drips or mess. I like using this particular type of hand soap, especially for my little one.

Softsoap has been a trusted brand for me and my family for many years. It cleans effectively and leaves a very light fragrance. I like both scents, but the Fresh is my favorite. You can find this product at most mass retail, drug and grocery stores. They come in 8-ounce size and retail for $2.50.

You can learn about Softsoap's products on their website and follow them on Facebook for their latest products updates and promotions.

I received product samples from Colgate-Palmolive for review purposes. All opinions are my own as always. 

A Low-Cost Flat Iron That Works On Thick Biracial Hair

Hey there! I wanted to share my latest find that I was so impressed with, I had to write a review. My daughters have been using flat irons since the middle school days, and their very first one was a $100 CHI. It was the most amazing straightener ever and made their hair super smooth, silky and of course, straight. It lasted 2 girls with a ton of hair for about 2 years. We thought it was worth the $100 so we purchased a second one. This time it was just okay. It straightened the hair, but the plates seemed like they were not aligned evenly and it made the task harder. That one lasted a couple of years and we bought a CHI once more. For some reason this last one did not straighten very well at all. We decided to switch brands and go with Rusk. I read several Amazon reviews and the thing that made me want to buy it was the fact that many users had very thick biracial hair. I found a $199 version for $90 and decided to order it. This flat iron was hands-down the best one ever! It straightened coarse, curly hair and transformed it into a super smooth, shiny and luxurious look. It was worth the money and they girls really loved it until... Brie went away on a trip to Washington earlier this year and her flat iron never made it back home. She called the hotel twice as well as her roommates and there was no sign of it. It was barely a couple months old and I was NOT spending the money to replace it.

After doing some more research on Amazon, we found another flat iron by Rusk, this time for under $50. I figured since I was going to have Brie buy it with her own money, she may need something less expensive. It had great reviews, so we decided to order it and give it a try.

The shocking result? It worked just as well as its $199 big sister version! See how smooth and straight Brie's hair came out?

I highly recommend the Rusk W8less Professional Str8 Ceramic Flat Iron  if you are looking for a really good, inexpensive flat iron. It really is a great value! We are thinking of ordering another one to keep as a back-up. Let me know if you buy one. This is also a great gift idea!

This post contains affiliate links

Managing LBL with Poise (FREE Sample Kit offer) #ad

Thanks to Poise for sponsoring today's discussion and keeping me feeling confident!

Turning 40 last year was not only a big milestone in my life, but also an eye-opener for many reasons. I have come to realize that my body has changed over time and with having three kids, some things are not the same. One in three women experience Light Bladder Leakage (LBL), which can be triggered by everyday occurrences like coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercise. Many women rely on feminine care products or nothing at all to manage their little leaks because they don’t know there are solutions designed specifically for LBL or they don’t think incontinence products are for them. As the leader in the light incontinence category, Poise brand offers a variety of pads and liners to make it easy to find protection for every woman’s needs.

These shockingly thin and surprisingly absorbent liners feature SAM (Super Absorbent Material) to provide discreet Light Bladder Leakage (LBL) protection that helps keep you dry and comfortable all day long so you can manage life’s little leaks with confidence. Poise Microliners are the thinnest liners in the light incontinence category and are designed to absorb wetness, neutralize odor and stay three times drier than period liners.

Now I can go put on my red lipstick and face the world with confidence! Poise Microliners are so thin and discreet, I even forget they are there.

Get a Poise Liner or Pad sample kit for FREE. Check it out for yourself and feel free to share with others who may need to get their confidence back from LBL.

My February Influenster #JadoreVoxBox

I have been a part the Influenster community for about 2 years now and I always feel like it's Christmas each time I receive a VoxBox. I received the February Valentine's themed, J'adore VoxBox. I am so impressed with the contents.  

The first item that really jumped out at me was the KISS lashes. I am 40 years old and have never tried false lashes before. I have wanted to just for fun, so I look forward to trying these. They area called KISS Looks So Natural Lashes and retail for $3.99. They are available at Walgreens and CVS Stores Nationwide. I must say, they do look real!

Next up, Boots Botanics Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask ($9.39). I have looked a couple reviews already and have heard good things.

I love that this box was not just for women. They included a full size bottle of Vaseline Men Spray Lotion ($7.99 for 6.5 oz can). My husband tried it already and wasn't really impressed. It did work as far as being a moisturizer, I just think the scent was too strong.

My 17 year old daughter claimed the Frizz Ease 3-Day Straight Flat Iron Spray ($9.99 for 3.5 fl oz) She will be testing it out this weekend since she is addicted to the flat iron. I can't wait to see how it works on her bounty of hair!

I have already enjoyed a cup of Red Rose Simply Indulgent Tea ($4.49 for carton of 20 tea bags) in the Lemon Chiffon flavor. It was light and rich at the same time. I am a little leery about trying the caramel variety. I might have the husband try that one today. He is our hot tea drinker in the house.

Last but not least, I received a family size bag of HERSHEY'S KISSES Milk Chocolate ($5.29 for 18.5 oz bag/$3.28 for 11 oz). What can I tell you about these Kisses? They are the same classic, chocolaty deliciousness they have been since I was a little kid. I have some big strawberries in the fridge that will be getting dipped in some melted Kisses this afternoon.

Overall, this is a great box and as usual, Influenster does not disappoint. Are you an Influenster? It's FREE to join and I can email you an invitation if you would like. Who doesn't love getting freebies to try out? Email me if you are interested.

Playing with my later-in-life curls with Ouidad

For the first 35 years of my life, I had the most straight hair. It was so straight that I could wash it, let it air-dry and it would come out completely silky-straight. Now that I'm 40, it's safe to say that my hormones have changed and it has affected my hair quite a bit. I now have some loose curls and waves that have to be tamed for my hair to look neat. I received some products from Ouidad for review. 

Pictured are; Ouidad's PlayCurl Volumizing Stying Spray and Ouidad Salon Series Mongongo Mulit-use Oil Treatment. 

I decided to test out the PlayCurl volumizing spray to see what it would do to my hair. I washed and conditioned my hair with some Ouidad products I have from a previous review and sprayed my towel-dried hair with the PlayCurl product. I then very lightly diffused my hair, but left it pretty damp to finish off air drying. This is the result....

I really love how more defined my waves are and my hair had a lot of body and volume. Even my husband noticed my fuller hair! I have also used the spray to blow dry with and it adds a nice boost of volume. I really like it. I do still have some straighter parts, but the extra volume seems to mask it well. 

My older daughter tried out the Mongongo Oil Treatment in her hair. She has been trying to maintain her natural curls and has had the hardest time finding a good moisturizer. She applied the treatment into towel-dried hair and lightly diffused. Here is the end result. Gorgeous, huh? After using the product for 2 weeks, she is still happy with it and says it really works. 

You can find these Ouidad products on the Oiudad website and at ULTA stores. The PlayCurl Volumizing Styling Spray comes in a 8.5 ounce bottle and retails for $22. The Mongongo Oil treatment comes in 2 ounces for $36 and 4 ounces for $58. 

You can also find Ouidad on Facebook and Twitter. There are some great tutorials for curls of all kinds on their website and Youtube channel. 

I received complimentary products samples in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own. 

Kiss My Face Oral Care for Kids

I received a sample tube of Kiss My Face Kids Toothpaste without Fluoride to test out. I love that the tube reads, "Obsessively Natural Kids" on top. My husband has been researching natural brands of health and beauty products, especially for little William.

I have to admit, the first time William tried this toothpaste, he didn't like it. It took him about 3 or 4 brushings for him to get used to it. He has been using it for about 6 weeks now and has no complaints. I am happy to find something that I feel good about him using. 

Kiss My Face Kids Berry Smart Toothpaste

·         Cleans teeth and gums naturally

·         Cranberry, aloe and tea tree extracts promote a healthy mouth

·         A berry flavor kids will love

·         Available with and without fluoride

·         $5.95 for 4 oz

You can find Kiss My Face oral care products at Whole Foods, Natural Supermarkets and at Kissmyface.com. I have even seen some of the product line at my local Publix supermarket.  Be sure to connect with Kiss My Face on Facebook for product updates and information. 

New: Dial Vitamin Boost Body Wash (Review & Giveaway)

CLOSED- Winners are Brandi Dawn, Shahidah Armstrong and Nicole M

The Dial brand provided me with a sample of Dial Vitamin Boost Body Wash in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own. 

I am a dedicated body wash user. I have to have something that is very moisturizing for my dry skin. New Dial Vitamin Boost Body Wash is infused with lotion for extra moisturization. The first thing I noticed was the very fresh scent. I let my daughters try it out first and they told me that I won't be getting it back! Both girls loved the scent, rich lather and how well it moisturized their skin. I had to smuggle the bottle out of their bathroom while they were at school so I could try it for myself. I have to agree with the girls, it was all they said it would be. I really love how smooth my skin felt after my shower. The scent was so fresh and invigorating. 

I really like the Dial line of products because they are affordable without lacking quality. Would you like to try Dial Vitamin Boost Body Wash for yourself? I have 3 coupons to give away to 3 Momfiles readers (one per person). Enter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on February 15, 2014. 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!

Finally, a multi-vitamin I can take with ease! SmartyPants Gummy Vitamins review

For my entire adult life, I have had difficulty taking multi-vitamins and dietary supplements. Apparently I am allergic to a certain combination of vitamins that bring on flu-like symptoms. Crazy, huh? When I was offered a sample of SmartyPants gummy vitamins to review, I did some quick research. I wanted to read up on them before committing to try them out. My first thought was that my oldest daughter can't take vitamins because she has great difficulty swallowing pills. If anything, she might benefit from them. I decided that she would be the one to review this product in my place. 

Her initial reaction was, "Yum!". She loved the flavors and the fact that she felt like it was more of a treat than anything. I was so curious that I had to try them for myself. I was very nervous because the last thing I would want is to come down with cold/flu symptoms. I went for it and tried them out for a week. Guess what? No bad reactions were had! I couldn't believe it! I finally found something I could take to supplement my relatively healthy diet. They worked out very well for my daughter and she decided that she wants to buy them for herself when she starts her job. 

Here are some facts about SmartPants All-in-One Gummy Vitamins for Adults: 

• Only Multivitamin + Omega 3s + Vitamin D gummy on the market!
• Excellent Source of Omega 3 DHA+EPA* from eco friendly small fish oil
• 225% of the US RDI for Vitamin D + includes 9 other nutrients
• No High Fructose Corn Syrup, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
• Gluten & casein free. Made in California in a GMP-certified facility

You can check out SmartyPants on the web or connect with them on Facebook. 

Limited Edition "Head of the Class" Birchbox for Teens

Birchbox is thrilled to announce their latest limited edition box, Head of the Class - their first-ever limited edition box curated specially for Birchboxers-in-training (and for the young at heart!). Just in time for back to school shopping, this box contains all of the necessary essentials to prep for school with style. Teens and parents can snag this box here for just $28 (an $80 value).

Whole Foods Market® one-day sale: Supplements 25% off

Date and time of sale: Wednesday, August 21
What'’s on sale: All supplements sold in the Whole Body department
Promotion: 25 percent off all supplements

Reasons to shop for supplements:

Supplements at Whole Foods Market have no artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors or hydrogenated fats.

Even when eating well, a quality multi-vitamin formula can act as a nutritional insurance policy.

The Whole Body department offers supplement selections for all members of the family.
~ Whole Foods™ Kids Essentials supplements donate to Vitamin Angels year round!
~ Don’t know where to start? Here'’s a guide to nutritional support for women and men.
 Sale applies only to items in the Whole Body department. Excludes nutrition bars and sports bars. One day only. While supplies last. No rain checks. No case discounts.

One of my favorite beauty products

I think over the years, I have tried virtually every beauty product you could get from a drugstore. One thing I use every night is a makeup removing wipe. I have tried so many brands but I go back to the same one every time. Oddly enough, the Walmart brand called Equate beauty has been the best one by far.

I love how soft and gentle the towelettes feel and they are generously sized. They have just the right amount of cleanser in them that really do the trick of getting my eye makeup off with ease. Since I use them primarily for eye makeup removal, I don't have to use a whole wipe. I tear a wipe in two or three and maximize my uses from one pack. My daughters do the same thing and they last a long time. We purchase it in a 2-pack for around $6. Not bad at all! I don't buy them because they are inexpensive. I buy them because they actually work!

What do you use to remove makeup?

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.

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.