Mom Files: holidays

I See Me! Book Review & Giveaway

*Contest Closed*- Winner is #18 JamericanSpice~ Congratulations!

I received the most adorable board book from I See Me! called "William's Very Merry Christmas". This book was made especially for my little guy because I See Me! books are personalized books. All you do is submit some basic information and your child's name gets incorporated throughout the story. What a neat way to make a child feel special! I love the fact that this book is so durable since my 3 year old is still pretty rough on books. I think this would make an excellent gift for little ones and you can choose from different titles for specific occasions. You can take a virtual tour of this book and others on the I See Me! website. You can also check them out on Facebook for exclusive offers and promotions for FB fans.

Little William is thrilled to have a book with his name in it and he loves to point it out each time he sees it! This book makes a wonderful keepsake and is truly a treasure. I enjoy seeing the look on his face each time he hears his name.

We are thrilled to be able to give away one of these cute books ($24.95 value) to one lucky Momfiles reader in the same title as I received.

To enter: Mandatory- Let us know who you plan to give this book to if you win. What other titles would you love to see that child's name in?

For additional entries:

~ "like" I See Me! and Momfiles on Facebook

~ Mention this giveaway on Facebook

~ Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect

~ Follow I See Me! and Momfiles on Twitter

~ Tweet this giveaway (once daily) and leave a link to your Tweet

Enter to win a personalized #Christmas children's book from @ISeeMe_Maia @momfiles http://www.momfiles.com/2011/11/i-see-me-book-review-giveaway.html #giveaway #gift

Giveaway is open to US & Canada Residents only and will end at 9:00 pm EST on November 26, 2011. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email. Be sure to leave your email address if you do not have a Blogger profile. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes.

Disclosure: I received a book for review purposes and all opinions are 100% mine

Halloween 2011

It's that time of year again...the time for silly "holidays" and although I don't believe in the whole Halloween thing, I still let my kid be a kid. Dwayne was in charge of the costume for William and decided on a pirate. Good choice, eh? Good thing Will loves all things pirate so he really enjoyed his costume. I drew on a mustache with eyeliner since I knew there is no way he would keep an eye patch on. Glad I did because the mustache was the hit at the Halloween events we attended!

Check out the mustache!

One day he will look enthusiastic about getting his photo taken. One day.

He enjoyed yelling out "Trick or treat!"

The bounce house. He LOVED it! It was so funny how when kids would fall from bouncing too hard William would ask them "Are you okaaay?!" and when William would fall he would yell out "I'm okaaaay!"

Holidays 2011 with Shutterfly {Giveaway}

**Contest Closed**

Winners are #12 #35 and #30~ Congratulations!

It is hard to believe that the Winter Holidays are not too far away. I have already been thinking about having a family photo taken for cards to send out to family and friends. Hey, you can never be too early! I browsed the 2011 Holiday card collection from Shutterfly and just love all of the beautiful designs! There is everything from traditional as well as many fun, contemporary styles to choose from. That is going to be the hard part-- choosing! Look at how cute these are!

I have to figure out of I want to go with a folded type Christmas card or what we have been doing for the past few years-- the flat Christmas photo cards. I am going to pick my top 3 favorites and let the family vote. I think I might choose something that we are able to add several photos in more of a collage instead of a single photo.Now all I have to do is get the whole family together at one time to take some photos. Quite honestly, that might be the even harder part!

The generous folks from Shutterfly have provided me with 3 codes (3 winners) good for 25 Shutterfly cards (5x7 Holiday & Christmas Greeting/Stationery Cards) ~ just in time for the holidays!

*Entering is easy, just let us know what you plan to do with the cards if you win. Are you already a Shutterfly user?

For extra entries (leave a separate comment per entry method):
~ "like" Shutterfly and Momfiles on Facebook
~ Follow Shutterfly and Momfiles on Twitter
~ Write on the Momfiles FB wall letting us know you entered
~ Tweet this giveaway (once daily) and leave a link to your Tweet:

Enter to win 25 @Shutterfly #Holiday cards from @momfiles http://tinyurl.com/4xcq23w #giveaway {3 winners}

~ Follow Momfiles via Google Friend Connect

Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on November 9, 2011 at 9:00 PM EST. Be sure to leave your email address if you do not have a Blogger Profile. 3 winners will be chosen at random. Winner must pay shipping costs. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes.

I received a code for a set of cards from Shutterly. All opinions are completely my own.

So much for a break

I am sure that in most places it is officially winter break (from school). I went and has this really smart idea of scheduling dental and doctor appointments since school is out. Apparently everyone else had the same idea. The physician's offices have been jam packed and the wait has been lengthy. I feel like I have been busier than when the girls are in school! I have not even been updating my blog. I have another full day today and tomorrow but I do plan to rest a bit on Thursday and Friday. I might do some last minute shopping (strictly for bargains). I have not even planned any big spread for Christmas. I am going to cook something very simple and less formal. Once Sunday hits I will be ready to tear apart all signs of Christmas so my house can be clean and ready to ring in the new year. I hope you all are having a great week so far :)

2011 StickyStock calendar | Giveaway {closed}

**Contest Closed**
Winner is #40 Rashida Simmons~Congratulations!

For all of you procrastinators out there, it's not too late to order those Holiday cards. Paperspring is offering 10% off all Holiday Cards plus FREE 2 day shipping on orders of $50 or more now until December 20. Use code HOL10 to save 10% on any order and select Two Day Shipping during checkout to receive Free 2 day shipping on orders of $50 or more!

Paperspring is offering a neat item called The StickyStock Calendar. This calendar is so unique and solves the problem of having to tape up or use thumbtacks to post up a family or office calendar. StickyStock sticks to anything, even drywall, cabinets and stainless steel fridges. And StickyStock leaves no residue, much like a post-it. You can also write on the calendars with a pen or dry erase marker. I love the idea of this and I know I have torn many calendars having them hanging on thumbtacks or a nail!

I am so excited that Paperspring is offering one lucky Momfiles reader the chance to win a 2011 StickyStock calendar ($19.95 retail price)

*Mandatory: Entering is easy, just tell me what you plan to do with the calendar if you win.
For additional entries: *Please leave a separate comment per entry method for each entry to count.

~ you can "like" Momfiles and Paperspring on Facebook
~ mention this giveaway on Facebook (once daily)
~ follow Momfiles through Google Friend Connect
~ sport the Momfiles button on your blog
~ Follow Momfiles and Paperspring on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (once daily) :

Enter to win a @paperspring #2011 StickyStock Calendar from @momfiles http://tinyurl.com/2wv8o3n #giveaway Ends Dec 19

Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on December 19, 2010 at 9:00 pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received no compensation for my post.

Husky Tools stocking stuffer giveaway (closed)

I recently posted about The Home Depot offering Husky Tools for under $20 just in time for the holidays. The Husky brand is very familiar to me since my dad worked for the Home Depot for 20 years. I think he had every tool that was made (an probably still does).

I have received the 13pc PowerTek Precision Screwdriver Set. This great little hand tool features:

* Easy to Grip, Soft Touch, Forward and Reverse Precision Cordless Screwdriver Set
* Ideal for Toys, Electronics, Eyeglasses, Hobbies, Crafts and More
* Contains 12 Multiple Use Mini Bits with a Single Tool Design
* Includes Easy Use Bit Storage Case
* Ready to Use with 2 - AAA Batteries
* And it is guaranteed forever!

This is a perfect stocking stuffer or gift for husbands, neighbors, teachers, crafters, tech freaks...just about anyone! It is so useful and compact that you can travel with it. Check out the video to see this great tool in action.

Giveaway:
I have one of these cute little guys to give away to one lucky Momfiles reader. *Mandatory: Entering is easy, just tell me who you would give the prize to if you win or which of the other tools you would be interested in.

For additional entries: *Please leave a separate comment per entry method for each entry to count.

~ you can "like" Momfiles and Husky Tools (Iron Bridge Tools) on Facebook
~ mention this giveaway on Facebook (once daily)
~ follow Momfiles through Google Friend Connect
~ sport the Momfiles button on your blog
~ Follow Momfiles on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (once daily) :

Enter to win the Husky Tools stocking stuffer #giveaway http://tinyurl.com/34wpvln @momfiles Ends Dec 14

Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on December 14, 2010 at 9:00 pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received no compensation for my post.

Christmas 2010- Ismail kids

Every year we take a photo of the kids for Christmas. I end up taking at least 20 shots and for some reason the very first shot always seems to be the best one. I love comparing every year to see how much they have grown.

Look at that silly grin!

Someone does not always cooperate. He smiles and pays attention after the camera flashes.

Give someone the tools they need this holiday

Home Depot is offering many hand tools by the Husky Tools brand under $20 this season with prices starting as low as $4.88. Not a bad option for dad's stocking stuffer. You can never go wrong with a useful and practical gift (not to mention low cost). You can check out the line of Husky Tools holiday deals here. Be sure to "like" them on Facebook to get updates.

Happy Thanksgiving

I wanted to wish all my favorite people in the blogworld a very Happy Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for everyone who takes time to read and comment on my blog. If you are traveling please be safe and enjoy your time with loved ones. We are staying home and I am going to prepare a big feast with the girls. We are doing the same traditional meal like we do every year since I always get outvoted. Don't be surprised if I post photos!

I am also preparing for Black Friday with Dwayne. We have our list made out of what we need from each store. I plan to pack snacks and bottled water just in case. We are keeping things simple and are mostly buying necessities although I do have Keurig on my mind (hint hint)...I'll even take the cheaper model. We were lucky last year that it was not as crowded as we thought it would be so let's hope it works out that way this year. I can't wait!

Are you brave enough to hit the streets on Black Friday?

HUGE Klutz Books Holiday Giveaway {closed}

**Winner is #68 Pascha Dudley~ Congratulations!

Hey guys! I am so thrilled to have been given the opportunity to review a couple of the Klutz Books for kids. They are truly fun and entertaining and I love the fact that they allow kids to use their imaginations and creativity through art. I received the Window Art Classic and Capsters books and they are amazing! The Window Art Classic book features the neatest ready-to-trace designs using window paint. When your artwork is complete they can be displayed on windows, mirrors, glass surfaces and more. I know my teenagers would love to create their own mirror art to decorate their rooms and bathrooms.

The Capsters book turns bottle caps into great works of coolness! All you do is add one of the over 300 punch-outs (included) and any gem, charms or knick-knacks you can find that will fit in bottle caps and add the gooey glaze. The result is cute little pieces of art that kids can give to friends and family by personalizing it! I am truly loving this idea for kids instead of video games or traditional toys. I know this will bring hours of creative fun and makes a fantastic holiday gift!

A couple other Klutz books include the Headband and Hairstyles (make your own hair accessories) and also the Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes. Right now through December 17, 2010 Momfiles readers can get 25% off a $50 or more purchase at Klutz.com by using coupon code KZ25. Offers cannot be combined. Code expires December 17th.

How would you like to win ALL 4 of these awesome books?
One (1) winner will receive a HUGE KLUTZ prize pack featuring:

* Window Art
* Capsters
* Headbands & Hairstyles
* Paper Airplanes

Prize Pack Valued at $75.99
__________________________________________
Here is how to enter: *Mandatory: Let us know which one of these books you would love to have and why or share who you would give this prize to.

For additional entries (leave a separate comment for each entry to count):
~ "like" Momfiles and Klutz books on Facebook
~ Follow Momfiles on Twitter
~ Tweet this giveaway (once per day)- Win a HUGE Klutz Books Holiday prize pack #giveaway @momfiles valued at $75! http://tinyurl.com/357m4e6 Perfect for gift giving!
~ Mention this giveaway on Facebook (once per day)
~ Sport the Momfiles button on your blog
~ Follow Momfiles through Google Friend Connect

This contest is open to US residents only and will end on December 3, 2010 at 9:00 pm EST. Please leave a visible email address if you do not have a Blogger profile. Winner will be chosen via random.org and will be emailed. Good luck to everyone!

Disclosure: I received products only as compensation for my post and hosting giveaway. All opinions are 100% my own.

Happy 4th!

We wish all of our friends a Happy and safe 4th of July weekend!! We will be celebrating locally with family :)

Happy Father's Day!

I wish all the dads a very Happy Father's Day! I am so blessed to be married to a wonderful man who takes his father role very seriously. His request for his special meal was pot roast, candied yams, rice and green beans. He is watching cartoons and enjoying his day. Apple pie and ice cream later :)

Happy Mother's Day!

I will be taking the weekend off to relax but I did not want to forget to wish all you amazing moms out there in the blogosphere a very Happy Mother's Day! Enjoy your special day and I hope you get spoiled!!

Putting it all away

I started late last night taking all the ornament off the tree. It was supposed to be just that. Instead the lights made their way off and then eventually the tree itself completely disappeared, tucked away in enormous storage bins. All signs of Christmas have vanished. I am one of those people that just don't like keeping seasonal things up past the time. We really like getting the house cleaned up and organized for the New Year. Dwayne has gotten our bill book made for 2010 and I got a new computer and so we have no excuse to have things get out of control. I even bought a new coupon organizer to help save the family some money. If I don't have a coupon or it is not on sale I generally won't purchase that item. So now that I have completely switched subjects it is time for me to go! I will be back tomorrow :)

I miss my blog

Seriously, I have really missed my blog. I can't believe I have not updated it in days. I last wrote about being sick. Well I went and overdid it and relapsed so I have been really taking it easy. I am feeling up to par now so I will stop being such a slacker. We had a nice quiet Christmas and I am always so amazed by how much planning, preparing, wrapping and cooking you do for it to all be over so quickly. I guess it will be time to get the house all spiffy for the new year. I am not making any resolutions except to keep myself healthy. I feel like that is important and I already do what I can daily to ensure good health. Well I have a lot more interesting things to talk about so I will get back on the ball and blog daily to fill everyone in on all the latest shenanigans and goings on in the Ismail household. I hope everyone had a great time this holiday season!

Vent Day Wednesday

Welcome to this very special holiday edition of Vent day Wednesday! We really hope you enjoy this wacky video and look forward to reading your comments. HO HO HO!

Christmas cookie craziness!

The girls and I decided to make Christmas cookies this year. At first we were going to make the cookies from scratch but changed our minds since we had a dozen cakes to bake as well. I found some pre-cut sugar cookie dough at the store that was ready to bake. We also got a bunch of cookie icing and decorations. We sat for hours decorating some of the stupidest looking cookies ever but had such a blast doing it! We ate at least 6-8 as we decorated. We shared a lot of laughs and made a lot of mess. It was so much fun! I think we will make it a yearly tradition (not only during the holidays).

They look so pitiful!! hahaha!!!

Holiday teacher gifts

My last post was about baking mini pound cakes for the girls' teachers and here they are! I did not go with the lemon ones because I did not like how they turned out. I went with the one I made last year and whenever the name Paula Deen is mentioned you know it's going to be perfect!

They look a little rough but trust me they are so moist and rich. Dwayne was drooling over the little taste he got.

We wrapped them up in plastic wrap and then in decorative tissue paper along with a copy of the recipe inside.

I think they came out cute :) Here is the recipe I used....

Grandmother Paula's Sour Cream Pound Cake *Recipe courtesy of Paula Deen

Ingredients:

1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
3 cups sugar
1 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3 cups all-purpose flour
6 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together. Add the sour cream and mix until incorporated. Sift the baking soda and flour together. Add to the creamed mixture alternating with eggs, beating each egg 1 at a time. Add the vanilla and pour the mixture into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan. Bake for 1 hour 20 minutes.

*NOTE: I used 7 mini loaf pans and baked for an hour instead.