Now Available at Publix Stores- Tabanero Hot Sauces #TabLife

If you like hot and spicy, I have something you are sure to like. Introducing Tabanero Hot Sauces, now available at your local Publix Supermarket. Tabanero sauces come in 3 varieties- Original Hot, Extra Hot, and Agave Sweet & Spicy. The Original Hot variety is actually more of a medium heat to me, so if you can't handle too much heat, this is a good one to try. It goes well with chili, soups or most savory dishes that need a little kick. 

I personally love the Agave Sweet & Spicy. It has a good balance of sweet and heat. It works well to add a kick to your chicken or meat marinade. The thing that makes Tabanero unique is that it's all-natural and not vinegar based like most hot sauces. Also, its unique flavor comes from the combination of carrots, onions, garlic, Key Lime juice, red habanero peppers and Agave nectar; which balances out the heat of the habaneros and adds a hint of sweetness. The perfect balance of flavor and heat to spice up any dish with a flavorful zest. They refer to their sauces as "Healthy Heat". 

Tasting is believing! You can incorporate Tabanero sauces into so many savory dishes and surprisingly, even a couple of sweets. Check out some of the recipe ideas on their website. Tabanero products are available in many restaurants across the country and can be purchased online as well as in Publix Supermarkets. Be sure to follow Tabanero on Twitter and Facebook for their zesty updates. 

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

6 Natural Alternative Cleaning Solutions

As much as we can, we want to save up on money and find thrifty ways to lessen our spending for the month. While cleaning agents can also take up a part of your budget, you’d be happy to know that you can actually save up a few if you know some natural cleaning alternatives and carpet shampooer.

Every homeowner’s advantage is stocking up on good natural cleaning solutions as a substitute to the products you see in television. Besides that, you can also make your own home cleaning solutions. In this article, here are some effective alternative to home cleaning products.

Lemons and Oranges
When you want to clean your dishes or utensils, a good alternative for dishwashing liquid are lemons and oranges. Any kind of citric fruit are effective disinfectant because of their citric and acidic attribute that can sterilize and kill bacteria.

Vinegar
Vinegar is great for cooking and also for cleaning! It is probably the most commonly used cleaning solution for greasy pans and stoves. They are also great for removing stains which is why carpet cleaning in Sunshine Coast has never been more easy and hassle-free!

Isopropyl Alcohol
This medicine-cabinet native has actually a lot of practical uses. Other than it being used for disinfecting, it is also used for cleaning grease and grime off mirrors, shower stalls and door knobs.

Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a good absorbent of oil. It is mostly used with alcohol. Combining the two, alcohol and cornstarch, into a really effective cleaning mixture will be an effective cleaning agent for removing grease off countertops and other greasy kitchenware. Cornstarch is also a great deodorizer as well as an effective window cleaner.

Salt
No kitchen will be complete without it! Salt is a natural condiment that’s commonly used for cooking but can also serve for cleaning purposes. Salt is actually used in helping scrape off those burned-food and dried stubborn grease in cookware. Aside from that, they are used for polishing those pots and pans.

Baking soda
A handy thing to have when cleaning the bathroom! Baking soda can effectively help you scrape off gunk and grease found inside your bathroom and in every corner of your shower tile. Baking soda with a mixture of distilled vinegar will help you remove that bad toilet odor and any lingering stink as well as properly clean the toilet bowl.

It’s best to stock up on these amazing natural ingredients, then. That way, you don’t have to spend too much on your housekeeping budget. All you need are these six natural cleaning agents!

Author Bio
Sean Si is the Marketing guy of Electrodry Carpet Cleaning. He is the go-to guy when it comes to the latest home improvement tips. When he's not busy, he writes about healthy home and life, and spends quality time with his family and friends.

Unique Naan Pizzas from Tandoor Chef- Review

October is National Pizza Month and pizza lovers everywhere should celebrate! Pizza seems to be the one food that is a go-to favorite. My family loves pizza and likes trying different varieties. Tandoor Chef has come out with a line of Naan Pizzas in some very unique varieties:  Cilantro-pesto, Roasted Eggplant, Margherita, Spinach & Paneer Cheese and Jalapeño. The minute I saw eggplant, I knew I had to try it.

They hand-stretch their naan and all of the ingredients are natural and contain no GMO's. This variety is also vegetarian which is a plus. But, what about the taste? I really thought this came from one of those swanky pizza places that makes specialty varieties with a big price tag attached. It was truly restaurant quality in every way. The flavors were very bold and they did not skimp on the eggplant. I reserved a piece for my husband to try and he never thought the day would come that he would like any food with eggplant on it. We were both impressed!

Tandoor Chef Naan Pizzas are great option if you are looking for a different take on ordinary pizza. I found them at my local Whole Foods market and will be requesting that my regular grocery stores consider carrying them. You can look up your city in the store locator. I don't think I will have to order out anymore with these fabulous pizzas! If you are able to find them, I very highly recommend you give it a try. Don't be mad at me when you become hooked though :-)

You can learn more about Tandoor Chef naan pizzas and other entrees on the web, Facebook and Twitter.

I received product vouchers for complimentary items for review purposes. All opinions are my own as always. 

Susan Posnick Cosmetics keep me looking my best when I'm on-the-go #ad

School has been back in session for 2 weeks now and I feel like I am even busier with the kids gone. I have to really use my time wisely if I plan to get anything accomplished. It feels like my morning is 30 minutes long and I have to get myself together before I hit the carpool line. One thing I believe in strongly is always being put together and wearing just enough makeup to look polished. I received an assortment of products from Susan Posnick Cosmetics to test out. They are designed with busy women in mind and offer a convenient solution for a quick fix on-the-go including sun protection. It's as if these products had ME in mind!

These are the items I received as well as my personal thoughts--
Susan Posnick COLORFLO ($68.00 / SusanPosnick.com) is a luxurious mineral foundation with sun protection in a simple self-dispensing refillable brush that will not clog pores or irritate sensitive skin.  COLORFLO is available in 12 shades for every skin tone, plus the perfect Shimmer and the ideal Bronzer. I received the M9 color which is like a caramel. I was really afraid this would be too light for me. Turns out that it blends perfectly with my skin, even after my tan from the beach! I adore the all-in-one brush and really love the light, flawless coverage it provides. I can truly say that this is the quickest way to apply a mineral foundation. 

The multi-purpose Susan Posnick COLORME ($32.00 / SusanPosnick.com) provides lush color to cheeks, eyes, and anywhere else you desire a lush blush. This travel-friendly makeup comes in a self-dispensing post with a attached puff and mirror for easy application, anywhere. I received this one in the color, Camelia. It is a soft, shimmery pink that really showcased my tan skin. It adds very subtle color, while brightening my cheeks. I really love the ease of application and it really works nicely for days I don't have time to apply eye shadow. 

Easily go from day to night with Susan Posnick COLOREYEDEFINE ($26.00 / SusanPosnick.com), A slender pencil comprised of an angled liner think enought to define, yet soft enought to blend as a shadow. It includes a self-dispensing eye shadow that compliments the liner color. I received the platinum/gold shade. I was impressed with the coverage and wear this shadow provides. It lasts all day and blends easily. I think the liner color is too light. I would have really loved to try this in a brown or black. Overall, very convenient item to have in my bag. 

Susan Posnick COLORESSENTIAL ($21.00 / SusanPosnick.com) for a rich lip color, enhanced with olive oil and vitamins to keep lips moisturized. I received 2 shades in Dubai (nude) and Shanghai (soft pink). I love that their lip color shades are named after famous cities. I have used many premium lip colors in the past and these really are amazing. I found that they are very moisturizing last for hours. I usually have issues with these types of lipsticks drying my lips out, but not this time. I really do love how well the colors worked on my darker skin. The nude shade is my new favorite! 

I am very happy with all of the products I have received and get so many compliments on how gorgeous my makeup looks. I love that all of the colors blend so well with my complexion. I am usually leery of lighter colors, but every product worked out well. I intend to purchase the refill of the COLORFLO foundation and also some of the red/brown shades of COLORESSENTIAL Lipsticks. I can have a complete, natural makeup look in under 5 minutes. I love that all of the products are easy to stash in my cosmetic bag that can go with me. This will make packing for trips a whole lot easier.

Check out Susan Posnick Cosmetics on their website and connect on Facebook and Twitter for products promotions and updates.

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

Beauty and the Bees Real Beer Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Review

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

For most of my life, my hair has been very healthy and pretty. I have noticed that in the last 2 years or so, something changed. My guess is it has something to do with hormones and getting older. ((SIGH)) I was very curious about the Real Beer shampoo and conditioner bars from Beauty and the Bees. They claim they will give your hair natural gloss and shine. Also, I confess, they had me at beer! I couldn't wait to put it to the test. 

I received some instructions and tips to learn how to properly use these products. Having shampoo and conditioner in a bar form is really different from traditional bottles of the liquid type. One bit of advice that stuck out to me was to be careful not to use too much of the conditioner since it is very concentrated. I wet my hair as usual and applied the shampoo bar evenly. It had a very minimal fragrance and lathered fairly well. It rinsed out really well and I then carefully applied the conditioner. I concentrated more in the ends of my hair since my hair is not overly dry. I was afraid of over-conditioning my roots which would make my hair appear greasy. I could feel how rich the conditioner was and it was a good thing to go easy! After rinsing it out, towel drying, blow drying and curling, my hair was luxuriously soft and shiny. I am so pleased with the results and have used the products three times so far. You should have a better understanding of how much to use by your third use according to the tip sheet. 

About the Beer Shampoo + Conditioner Bars:
Beauty & the Bees handmade, solid beer shampoo and beer conditioner bars are rich in plant and nut oils, hops and beer. Beer has been famed for generations for its ability to leave hair bouncy, shiny and full of body, and these bars are chockablock with it - brewed naturally by small, local breweries in Tasmania. The bars follow an entirely sulfate and chemical-free recipe that has been traditionally handmade for centuries, using the finest natural conditioning plant oils such as castor, olive and coconut.

Where to purchase:
Beauty & the Bees handmade skin and hair care products are as special as the island they come from: Tasmania, Australia. The pioneer of all-natural beauty line from Tasmania has launched its U.S. division now available on Etsy, BeautyandtheBees.net and Amazon.

My overall opinion:
I love that there is nothing to throw away once the bars are used up. No waste and no harm to our earth. My husband keeps commenting on how gorgeous my hair has been looking. I recommend giving these products a try if you are looking for a natural alternative. I am very satisfied! Be sure to connect with Beauty and the Bees on Facebook for product updates and promotions.

Healthier Snacking with Nonni's #THINaddictives - Review & Giveaway

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

I'm a natural born snackaholic. I crave snacks throughout the day and always like to find something different to try. I have been a huge fan of Nonni's Biscotti for many years. I was excited about their latest product-- THINaddictives. The name was very fitting for this amazing snack. 

I received a couple boxes of THINaddictives in two varieties-- Banana Dark Chocolate and Blueberry Oat. They are jam packed with almonds and have the most crunchy texture, with a lightly sweet taste. The added blueberries, banana and dark chocolate really stand out in these almond thins. They are great with coffee or tea in the morning and can be taken on-the-go for a quick, satisfying snack you can feel good about eating. 

The new flavors maintain the product’s tradition of being made with real, wholesome ingredients, like California almonds and fruit baked into every bite. Created for those seeking a healthy indulgence, THINaddictives are:

·         Low in sugar (5 grams or less per serving)

·         Low in carbohydrates (14 grams or less per serving)

·         Low calorie (100 calories per serving)

·         Available in five delicious flavors, including Cranberry, Cinnamon Raisin, Pistachio, NEW Banana Dark Chocolate and NEW Blueberry Oat.

Nonni’s THINaddictives will host a Facebook giveaway to honor the new flavors May 19-June 1. Fans can choose whether they are “Team Banana” or “Team Blueberry” to entered for a chance to win free THINaddictives!

Be sure to connect with Nonni's THINaddictives for products updates and promotions on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

Would you like to try some THINaddictives for yourself? Five Mom Files readers will each win 2 coupons good for a FREE box of THINaddictives. Enter below:
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This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on May 24, 2014. Please follow giveaway rules in Rafflecopter widget. Five winners will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

eos evolution of smooth Everyday Hand Lotion review

I received a complimentary product sample to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own as always. 

I am sure that no matter where you live in the U.S. (except for Miami) you have experienced the most disrespectful winter season in many years. Oh man, the winter weather has been brutal even in South Carolina. The freezing temperatures have been so harsh on my family's skin. We are in repair mode now since the temperature is starting to rise a bit. One part of my body that I do a quick check before I head out the door is my hands. With all the housework and cooking I do, my hands tend to be very dry and scaly. 

I was really looking forward to testing out the everyday hand lotion from eos (evolution of smooth). I received a very cute and modern hand lotion in Berry Blossom scent.

My first impression was the unique shape of the bottle and how convenient the size is for your purse. I tried some and also let my older daughter try it as well. We both loved the feel and the fragrance. It absorbed quickly, had no oily or greasy feel and left our hands soft and smooth. The fragrance was slightly strong initially, but faded not too long after applying it. I was impressed with the fact that I didn't have to reapply hand lotion multiple times like I am used to. Check out some of the product facts below:

eos Everyday Hand Lotion can be found at major retailers including: Kohl's, Ulta, Drugstore.com and evolutionofsmooth.com. They retail for $1.99 each and come in 3 scents: Fresh Flowers, Berry Blossom and Cucumber. I think I will be looking for the Cucumber next time. I highly recommend this hand lotion if you are looking for something effective, yet affordable. I think they would make great gifts for any occasion. I am keeping them in mind for my kids' teachers as a "just because" gift.

Be sure to connect with eos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for product updates and promotions.

Kiss My Face Peace Soap Review

Kiss My Face has come out with a 100% natural castile soap called Peace Soap. I received a 17 ounce bottle in the Lemongrass Clary Sage soap. I was hesitant at first when I saw that "sage" was in the name. I was pleasantly surprised that it smelled amazing, just like fresh cut lemongrass. My husband and kids all love it. I have the bottle in the kitchen and I keep finding my family going in there just to use this soap. 

Getting back to basics, the Kiss My Face Peace Soap is a castile soap formulated with 100% natural ingredients including olive, coconut and jojoba oils.  Castile soap is a safe and gentle substitute for traditional soaps that often contain harsh ingredients.  This simple Kiss My Face formulation is biodegradable, environmentally friendly and can clean just about anything!  

Peace Soap Key Features:

-100% natural castile soap made with the soothing strength of olive oil and the softening power of coconut
-Free of parabens, SLS and phthalates
-10% of the profits will support the Seeds of Peace organization, which brings teenagers together from opposite sides of conflict for a one of a kind leadership and conflict resolution training
-No animal ingredients or testing
-Available in Grassy Mint, Lemongrass Clary Sage, Lavender Mandarin and Pomegranate Acai
-Available in 3 sizes – a travel friendly 3.4 oz, 8 oz and 17 oz

Be sure to connect with Kiss My Face on Facebook. You can learn more about Seeds of Peace here.

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. 

Sixteen30 Natural Skin & Body Care Review & Giveaway

I received some complimentary samples of Sixteen30 dry skin repair creams to facilitate my review. All opinions are 100% my own as always. 

Despite the 3 weeks of rain we have been getting here in South Carolina, summer is in full swing. This means I am wearing more shorts, skirts and tank tops. I want my skin looking its best since more of it will be exposed. I tried out the Coconut Lime Dry Skin Repair from Sixteen30. The first thing I do with any product that I apply to my skin is to smell it. I was so pleased with how deliciously yummy the scent was. If  my eyes were closed, I would have sworn it was a key lime cookie or some sort of baked goods. Of course scent means nothing to me if the product does not come through with what it is intended for. Man oh man, was I amazed! I was not sure what the texture of the skin repair cream would be like. Turns out that it was very dense and emollient. This is what I look for when I need a deep moisturizing cream.

It applied very easily and had that subtle fragrance of coconut and lime. My skin looked like it was glowing! I couldn't believe how heavily moisturized it felt. The true test was what my skin would feel like the next day. My skin felt as if I had just applied moisturizer... amazing!! It even worked on my son's scaly skin. Normally we have to apply lotion or cream to his skin at least twice a day. That is not the case with Sixteen30 dry skin repair. Besides the effectiveness of product, it is great knowing they are made of all natural ingredients. I have tried many lotions and creams over the years and this one has exceeded my expectations! I highly recommend it for anyone who needs maximum moisture that will last. If you are interested in purchasing any of the Sixteen30 products for yourself, you can use this special code that will give you 10% any items (before shipping charges are applied) MOMFILES10. This code is good until August 2, 2013.

The owner at Sixteen30 has been so generous to offer a giveaway for one lucky Momfiles' reader to win. The prize includes a full-size Peppermint Foot Therapy Smoothing Foot Polish and a sample-size Peppermint Foot Therapy Cream. Perfect to soothe and protect your dry, achy feet!

Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on August 2, 2013. 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!

A safe product for your home | CleanWell Botanical Disinfecting Wipes

I received a container of CleanWell Botanical Disinfecting Wipes to test out in my home. I love to clean and although I use a variety of products, I am very particular about what I use to clean specific things around my home. One thing I take extra care with is my son's activity table... and by activity, I mean he uses it to color on, paint, eat, drink and everything in between. I am always so careful about washing it down a couple times a day and making sure it is rinsed and dried before I allow any food items on it.

The great thing about CleanWell Botanical Disinfecting Wipes is that they kill over 99.9% of germs, kills cold and flu viruses* and get this... there is no rinsing or wiping required even on food contact surfaces and children’s toys. This is good news for me since I am so nervous about using something harmful around my little guy's stuff. It has a thyme-based formula and deodorizes really well. Unlike other household wipes, you are not required to have to wash your hands after use. I have been using them to clean off his toys and it has made my life so much easier. 

I hope to find these wipes in a larger size so that I can always have them handy around the house. I would have loved to have these when we went on our recent beach trip. They would have given me great peace of mind. I look forward to trying out the spray cleaners too. You can find their products at Whole Foods, Amazon.com and Vine.com..

Stay connected with the CleanWell family of products on the web, Facebook and Twitter. 

#UNJUNK and Have an UNREAL Halloween!

I received some fabulous UNREAL candy to share with friends and family at a house party I was asked to throw. It turned out that only one person could show up because it was a super busy weekend for those I invited. There were so many activities going on in my city ( fall break for college students, The State Fair, fall-related festivals and some had to work) so I decided to take my party to the streets. The streets? Yes, I packed up my candy bags and took them up to my daughters' high school for their annual "Trick or Trunk" event that helps raise funds and collect food to donate to the community.

I figured it was a great way to share the UNREAL candy and talk about it with a lot more people. What is UNREAL candy you ask? It is candy made with only REAL ingredients. Nothing artificial. Check out this video with some famous faces and see for yourself...

The taste? YUM. I. Am. Hooked. I can't believe that UNREAL candies were better than the leading brands. You can taste the ingredients and they were less sugary. My family agreed and prefer them too. I was shocked. Not my sweet candy loving children!!


I went to the high school armed with loads of UNREAL candy bags to hand out. I was a but nervous and was unsure of how well it would go over. Telling a bunch of teenagers and their parents that they should UNJUNK and GETREAL was going to raise some eyebrows. It's Halloween after all!

I chatted with so many people in small groups and they were stunned that candy that is made without fake ingredients can possibly taste good. As I walked around throughout the grounds I kept getting stopped by smiling faces. They were so pleased with how delicious the candy was and wanted to know where to find them. I told them CVS, Staples, Kroger and so many more retailers carry them for the same cost as a traditional candy bar.

My oldest daughter even said that one of the student activities leaders (a teacher) was inquiring about possibly selling UNREAL candy for fundraising! How cool is that? Not a bad idea to swap out the fake, sugary stuff with the real deal at the SAME cost! I am so happy that everyone enjoyed the candy and got to learn about the UNREAL movement. It made me think, shouldn't all candy be real? I sure hope they start making treat sizes for my kids' lunch boxes. They would love that!

Check out UNREAL on the web, Facebook and Twitter. Have you tried UNREAL candy yet? What did you think?

I received free products to share and was compensated for my time. All thoughts/opinions are completely my own.

How to get rid of a headache naturally

Yesterday I had a terrible headache that would not go away. I woke up with it and it persisted all day long. When the hubby got home from work, he automatically knew I was in pain. It was the kind of pain that makes you stretch your face with your fingertips in odd ways and press your forehead to try to find some relief. He insisted I needed to rest my eyes for a few minutes. It was already 6:30 in the evening so taking a nap was not an option for me. I did lay down for a minute though. Dwayne came over to me and grabbed my foot. He gently pressed his thumb into the bottom of my foot near the arch. No lie, I started feeling my headache breaking up instantly. He then started to apply pressure to different parts of my feet and within 2 minutes my headache was completely gone. It's amazing how effective this method was. Just figured I would share this with you guys.

Have you ever tried this method to rid yourself of a headache? Did it work for you?

Natural IS Better!

I have been slowly incorporating a lot more natural and organic products in my household including everything from food items to cleaning supplies. I was sent a bottle of Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser from Sibu Beauty to test out. Check out what Sea Buckthorn is here.  I have been using it for about 5 days/nights now. All I can say is WOW! I can't believe how noticeably radiant and smooth my skin is.

The texture of the cleanser reminds me of a gel-like honey with a little sugar scrub in it. It does not lather up like traditional facial cleansers but it sure does remove every bit of my make-up! I keep touching my face all day long and even my husband has noticed how beautiful my skin looks and feels. He wants to start using the facial cleanser as well. I told him he better get his OWN bottle! I need to order the moisturizer to go with it since my skin is normally a bit on the dry side. To learn more about this product check out the site as well as the Facebook and Twitter pages.

Do you use any natural beauty products?