Family * Travel * Food

How to Keep Up With a Blog

Blogging, much like any other form of communication or writing, takes work. It is no wonder then that many bloggers get discouraged when their blogs seem to be less than updated on a regular basis. Here are a few ways you can make yours stand out among the rest. 

Create an Account

How to keep a blog up and running, then, begins by creating a blog account, like Julio Herrera Velutini, for example. The first step in the process is choosing a blogging platform. There are many different platforms available to bloggers, but the two that are among the most popular are WordPress and Blogger. If you choose a platform that has less flexibility, then it may be more difficult for you to update your blog. However, if you choose a blog host that offers a lot of options, then you will have greater flexibility in the way that your updates are delivered to your readers. In addition, when it comes to making your own blog posts, there are a number of tools available to make things easier on yourself.

Choose a Domain

The first thing you will need to do when you want to keep up with a blog is to choose a domain name for your blog. If you cannot decide upon a name, you may wish to take a look at some of the popular blog names to see what is being blogged about in the marketplace. You may also try using your favorite catchphrases to come up with a catchy name for your blog. Once you have chosen a name for your blog, the next step is to create your blog's theme. Since your blog will be hosted on your server, this is an important step to consider. 

Update Your Blog

Another important factor you need to consider when learning how to keep up with a blog is to update your blog frequently. Even if you post new material on a regular basis, there is still a chance that it will not be noticed by readers unless you specifically instruct them to do so. For example, if you were writing about the latest trends in real estate, you would want people to take notice of your blog entries. To make sure that your blog is noticed, set aside some time each day to post new material to your blog. This will allow you to know how many people are visiting your blog on a daily basis.

HTMLs, Trackers

As you learn how to keep up with a blog, you may also want to include some sort of tracker on your blog site. This is useful in that you can easily track how many blog entries you have made and how many new links you have posted. By using a tracker, you can easily track updates to your blog. If you do not want to use a tracker, you can include an HTML link at the bottom of every blog post or update in order to track updates yourself. The easiest way to include an HTML link is to include the text "click here to view more" in your post or update. Trackers can help you save time as well as provide you with a source of statistics regarding how often you are updating your blog.

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4 Steps to Create a Logo

Designing a logo can be a stressful matter for business owners. It can seem difficult to create a logo that captures everything about your business that you want it to, while also looking great and being memorable. In the past, firms had to hire outside help from expensive designers for logos, but now you can design it with a logo maker. Designing a logo has never been more easy, fun, and cost-effective! 

Learn the 4 steps to create a logo below. 

1. Choose the Look & Feel

First, you'll be given a list of different design examples of logos that display a look and feel. Some of these feels include active, fresh, sleek, fun, and retro with an accompanying example logo. You can pick up to three in this stage, which allows the logo maker to get an idea of the styles you prefer. 

2. Pick a Template

Next, a few logo templates will appear on the screen. These serve as a general outline of the format of your logo. Some options here will have an image on top with text on the bottom, text on either side of an image, or text within an image or shape. Most options are simple and straightforward, as any good logo should be, but you can change around nearly any aspect of these templates in the following step.  

3. Personalize Your Logo

This is where the real fun begins! During this stage, you can take the logo that the logo maker has made for you using your preferences, and tweak it further to get exactly what you are looking for. Play around with the colors, shapes, clipart, text, and more to your heart's content. 

Some people find it helpful to create a couple of different logos during this stage to get feedback from colleagues, employees, or friends and family members. Think about what kinds of products this logo might show up on, whether it's company clothing, business cards, mugs, or on social media. This can help you further narrow down the details of your prospective logo. 

4. Download Your New Logo

Once you have hammered out the details of your logo, it's ready to download! When downloading your logo, you will be given two logo files. One will have a solid background, and the other will have a transparent background, making it easy to put one or the other on whatever you need. 

From here, you can use your logo on your brand's social media pages or website, or you can put it on customized merchandise to sell to your fans! 

Designing a Logo Just Got Easier

The logo maker software is straightforward and intuitive, and anyone can make an eye-catching, professional logo in a matter of minutes. Some people prefer to stay closer to the templates the logo maker recommends, and others like to take their time and let their creative juices flow. 

Either way, you can relax while knowing that logo design no longer has to be a stressful, expensive endeavor.

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4 Smart Reasons to Utilize Video Marketing Within Your Business

Branded video content has never been more popular, with both businesses and consumers alike. Studies, year on year have shown that consumers are far more likely to engage with video material as it’s a simple yet efficient way to absorb information about a brand or product. So, while you may be wondering how video marketing can benefit your business – the real question is why aren’t you using it yet? 

With increased engagement and interactivity with your potential clients, it makes sense to produce high-quality video content and share it throughout your digital channels. Here we'll explore some amazing reasons to utilize video marketing within your business. 


It’s never been easier

One of the biggest problems facing business owners and video marketing is their lack of experience. If you've never created video products before, then you may be wondering where to begin. While it's tempting to bring in videographers and experts in the industry it's both time consuming and incredibly costly. This is why turning to branded video content software is your best solution. With this straightforward and in-depth video creation software, you no longer need to rely on creative experts to share your company message and products 
throughout your online platforms.

Regardless of your creative prowess, you can create, edit and upload these videos with ease. And you get the added benefit of in-depth data insights so you can see how well your videos are performing throughout your campaigns. 

It seamlessly complements your other marketing campaigns

Are you releasing a blog post every week? Or are you posting about your products a couple of times a day? Well, working with video marketing can help increase your engagement with its ability to seamlessly compliment your marketing strategy as a whole. You could turn your latest product post into a video showing the product and discussing its features. Or instead of posting about the daily happenings in your office, convert these facts into a video instead. It’s an easier way to convey your message and it’s far more interactive and engaging.


It helps create transparency and trust

Well produced videos can help build trust with your clients, as it allows you to create candid and honest product reviews, allows you to provide advice and makes you and your organization appear much more human. Something which many businesses struggle with. With video marketing, you're effectively building a relationship with your customers, getting them on board with your brand and educating them about your company. And guess what – customers who watch a video, are more likely to buy!

And finally, it promotes engagement 

Video is a simple but highly effective way to engage with your customers. Customers are more inclined to ask questions and want to find out more about the topic of your video. They may tag friends and family who may also be interested or share your video on their own accounts. Therefore, paving the way for you to capitalize within your industry and set yourself apart from your competitors. 
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Find Out How SafetyPIN Can Help Keep Your Family Safe

Today's conversation is a sponsored post in partnership with BraVoMark and SafetyPin Technologies.

Do you ever think about how much you use the internet and social media? Most of us are connected with thousands of people online, and there is that chance you might some day meet one of these virtual "friends". It is a scary thought that it is possible that some people might not ending up being who they portray themselves as on social media. There is also those times where you have to research for in-home childcare, pet sitting or those for-sale ad sites, and it's hard to know who you can trust. This is where SafetyPIN comes in.


What is SafetyPIN?

It’s like a virtual trust badge and the best way to know someone you met online is safe to meet offline. They can be assured that you are, too.

SafetyPIN's proprietary 4-pronged process screens criminal, financial, and personal history, and combines those with a behavioral profile. If you meet their criteria, you’re awarded a unique SafetyPIN you can share with people on sites like Care.com, pet sitting services, elder care, Airbnb, local sellers, and even your favorite dating sites.

The behavioral questionnaire was developed with criminal profilers, and a clinical psychologist to weed out people who may present a danger (even if they don’t have a criminal record). SafetyPIN holders are regularly rescreened, and SafetyPIN is revoked if they no longer meet requirements.

You can ask for one/use one anywhere: babysitting, pet sitting, elder care, Craigslist, Airbnb, HomeAway, Bumble, Match… One SafetyPIN, unlimited places.

Your private information is never shared with other party, and all personal data is encrypted and follows best practices for security. Also, you control who can verify your SafetyPIN.

It only costs $1 to apply, and $6 for the first 6 months. Less than $5/month after that. You can cancel your membership at any time.

How to get started with SafetyPIN

If you need to get someone to apply, and pay themselves, just send this link.

Want to you want to pay for a SafetyPIN for your babysitter, nanny, or someone else? Simply go to getasafetypin.com and register (if you’re already a member, simply log in). Once you’re signed in, choose “Vouchers” from the drop-down menu, and follow the prompts. Enter their information and your payment information and SafetyPIN takes care of the rest. (You can pay for just the application fee or you can cover their membership for as long as you choose.)

Check out the video below for more information.



We definitely wouldn't want anyone in our home or around the family without asking for a SafetyPIN! Thanks for stopping by today.
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Updates And Our 11-Year Blog Anniversary

Hi there! It has been a while since I have posted a personal update. Like most households, we had a bout of the plague run through here, so I have been taking care of sick family members for almost 2 weeks. Thankfully everyone is healthy again and back to work/school. The littlest one wasn't affected for which I am so grateful. We worry the most when the younger ones get sick.

I have been getting a lot done at home for the most part. We have quite a few small house projects we are working on, and hope to get them all done before the end of the year. The husband and I have been DIYing a lot of things. YouTube is a life-saver when you're not quite sure what you're doing. Unfortunately home-ownership means you are forever repairing or replacing things. As soon as you fix one thing, something else wants to fall apart. You can't win, but that's life!

With all of the crazy life-stuff going on in the past few weeks, I almost forgot a major milestone. Mom Files is officially 11 years old! *throws confetti*


I would not have imagined that I would keep it up for this many years. I won't lie, I've wanted to shut down shop time and time again. Somehow, this blog and my social media connections have kept me going for so many years. It's nice having my itty-bitty piece of the vast virtual-world where I have made so many friends. I want to thank you all for sticking around for so long. I guess we will see what happens next. Stay tuned...

xoxo
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Mom Files Is 10 Years Old

I seriously can't believe that 10 years ago, my husband bought the domain, momfiles.com. He is actually the one who believed that it was going to become something very special. He pushed encouraged me to start this blog although I really didn't want to. No lie, I did not believe him. Who would bother to read my blog? Where would I even find readers? I decided to humor him and figured I'd try this whole blog thing and see what happens. This came with very little expectation of any kind. I was simply doing it as a online journal and a place to connect with like-minded people.


Fast forward ten years... I had no idea that blogging would bring so much added value to my life, and I'm not talking about income. It has connected me with so many great people all over the country. Crafters, home cooks, interior designers, tech specialists, artists, writers, and regular every day folks. I have bonded and become really good friends with some truly amazing people. Some communicate with me regularly via text, phone, and social media. If I'm going through something and need someone to talk to, I'm covered. I really needed that. I think being a stay-at-home mom for so long makes me feel lonely sometimes. My blog friends seem to fill that void and I don't even have to leave home (score!).

I have really enjoyed engaging with my readers and it brings me joy when I get the occasional comment from those I started out with. I hear a lot of other bloggers ask the question, "Does anyone actually read blogs anymore?" I say, yes! It makes me so happy when someone tells me that they searched my blog for a particular recipe or they bought something based off of a past review I did. I appreciate the trust that is shown.

One of the greatest things about this blog is the fact that I have 10 years of family memories. I've shared so many milestones, experiences, funny videos (remember Vent Day?), heartfelt thoughts, reviews, birthdays, disappointments, and even some very random things. I have always felt like you all celebrated with us, cheered for us, cried for us, or just simply listened.

I truly appreciate all of my readers and social media connections. You are the reason I'm still here. I go through my times of wanting to scrap everything and shut down shop. Then someone will message me and tell me they loved something I posted recently that really helped them at the time they needed it most. I'm always very happy to help anyone that I can.

I want to say, thank you! Thank you all for connecting with me. I genuinely feel like some of the best people I've ever known are those I've never even met in real life.


Thanks for reading!
xoxo
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SOL REPUBLIC Music Made Me Do It- The Ultimate Giveaway #MMMDI

**CLOSED**
If there is any one thing that I can think of that just about every person has in common, it has to be MUSIC. No matter what genre, artist or group, we all have songs that have have special meaning or keep us going when we need a boost. I can recall so many instances where music took over me and helped me though situations tough situations or motivated me to be the best.

I remember being a very young adult and living with a room mate. I would go to the night clubs with friends and I was known as the more shy and reserved one. The minute I would hear the bass pumping out of the speakers, it's as if something would take over me and I would be ready to hit the dance floor. While everyone else was drinking alcohol to have a good time, I was getting lost in the music. It was all I needed to truly enjoy myself. When the DJ would play "my jam", we would all run out to the middle of the dance floor and dance into the wee hours of the night. Fast forward to being a 40-something mom of 3-- music still plays a big part in my life. I have a lot of responsibility and motivation doesn't always come easy. I sometimes have big events coming up where I am in charge of organizing most of the details. I get so flustered and stressed to where I don't know where to start. I slip on my SOL REPUBLIC headphones, choose one of my favorite tunes and turn the volume up. After a few songs, I'm ready to take on those mentally draining tasks. Another time where music saves me and also encourages me is when I am working out. As long as my favorite tunes are in my ears, I push myself harder. Music makes me do it!

Right now SOL REPUBLIC is having a Music Makes Me Do It contest where they want to see you Tweet, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube-- share on social media what music makes YOU do. It can be a picture or a video, or just text-- it's up to you! All you have to do is use the hashtag #MMMDI Check out the video below...

Guess what? The amazing folks at SOL REPUBLIC are providing the ultimate prize pack for one VERY lucky Mom Files reader to win.

The prize pack will include:
1 SOL REPUBLIC Deck speaker
1 SOL REPUBLIC Punk speaker
1 SOL REPUBLIC Tracks on-ear headphone
1 SOL REPUBLIC Relays in- ear headphone
1 SOL REPUBLIC Master Tracks over-ear headphone
1 Tracks HD on-ear headphone
1 Jax in-ear headphone
This is an over $700 value! In order to qualify to win this prize, you must share a public link to your social media post and include the hashtag #MMMDI. Failure to complete the mandatory entry will disqualify you from this giveaway and extra entry options will not count. Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to Canada and US Residents only and will end on November 27, 2014. One winner will be picked at random and mandatory entry will be verified. Winner will be emailed for mailing information. Mom Files is NOT responsible for prize fulfillment or for any lost, stolen or damaged prizes.

I was not compensated for this post. I am simply sharing a promotion offered by SOL REPUBLIC because I think it would interest my readers. Prize is provided by SOL REPUBLIC. 
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VTech Smartwatch Sweepstakes


Does your child have dreams of becoming the next Mozart? Next President? Or a secret spy? Do they leave you in stitches or keep you constantly on your toes? I know my little one does! I find myself always thinking, "I should have recorded that moment".

Kids love to show off their playful personalities and so do their parents! That’s why VTech® wants parents and caregivers to share their “that’s my kid” moments on social media. Using the hashtag #smartwatchsweeps, parents and caregivers can share and submit images of their children showing off one-of-kind kid moments, for a chance to win a VTech Kidizoom® Smartwatch of their very own!


How to Enter:

Take a pic/video of your kids showing off their silly antics for a chance to win a VTech Kidizoom® Smartwatch! You can upload your photo to http://www.vtechkids.com/smartwatchsweeps to submit your entry or tag your photo with the hashtag #smartwatchsweeps when posting it to Twitter and/or Instagram.

At the end of every week, five entries will be selected at random to receive a Smartwatch and will be highlighted as one of VTech’s “Smartwatch Kids of the Week” on their social media channels. You can find all details and official rules to the VTech Smartwatch Sweepstakes here.

Be sure to check out my Smartwatch review here.

The information and gift card have been provided to me by VTech
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Nominate the Hess Toy Truck to get inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame

Our family has a love for Hess Toy Trucks – even my before my son was born, his grandpa started collecting a new truck for him every year. I’ve written about being a fan of the Hess Toy Truck before and now I’m asking you to help the toy truck on a very special mission. The Hess Toy Truck is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, a major milestone and a rare occurrence for any toy or toy brand. It surely is a favorite for generations of families out there as it is for mine!

For the 50th anniversary, we should all nominate the Hess Toy Truck to get inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. The National Toy Hall of Fame was established in 1988 and is housed at the Strong National Museum of Play, based in Rochester, NY. Only 53 toys have ever been inducted and it’s about time the Hess Toy Truck became one of those special toys.

Nominations are due in July. You can nominate the Hess Toy Truck via an online form on the National Toy Hall of Fame’s website or send letters or petitions directly to the Strong Museum. In order to be inducted, a toy must fit a certain set of criteria (icon status, longevity, discovery and innovation). Based on my family’s love of the toy truck over the years, I know it can be a strong contender. Here’s why:

· Icon-status: The Hess Toy Truck has symbolized the holiday season and family fun for 50 years. Anyone who has lived on the East Coast the past few decades probably has heard the holiday TV commercials every year with the lyrics, “The Hess Truck’s back and it’s better than ever…”

· Longevity: Hess Toy Trucks were built to last. These toys are made of quality, durable materials that my entire family can play with for years to come.

· Discovery: With every kind of vehicle on the ground, the air or space as a new Hess Toy Truck design every year, there are so many ways children can pretend, play and learn.

· Innovation: Through the years, Hess has made history creating one of the first toy trucks with lights and sound, and the first to come complete with batteries.

If you want to nominate the truck like I do, please visit http://www.toyhalloffame.org/nominate. And talk about your love of the Hess Toy Truck on Facebook, Twitter and in the comments section below.
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Being fake can get you more likes. Say what?

Today I checked the mailbox like usual and the only thing that came was the latest copy of Seventeen magazine. I subscribe to it for my daughters because I had to use up some My Coke Reward points and figured they may like it. I know growing up, I adored Seventeen magazine along with other teen-geared publications. I mean, what girl wouldn't want to look at the latest fashion trends, make-up tips and cute boys? I glanced at the top of the magazine and it caught my eye. It read, "Pretty Selfie Secrets, Beauty tips that will get you "likes". 
 
I was really bothered by that. Why do you need selfie secrets and why does it matter how many "likes" you get? If you are a teenager, chances are that "likes" equal popularity. I just had to see what Seventeen magazine was selling our teenage girls. I saw the "Fake perfect skin" part. It gave advice on what products to use on your face to make yourself appear to have perfect skin. What on earth? Why would anybody want to give the illusion that they have perfect skin when people that know you in real life know about any imperfections you may have? The article gives more tips about make-up tricks to make you look selfie ready. 
I really thought it was sad. It tells girls that they can't be pretty as is or with minimal make-up. It sells the idea that making yourself look flawless will make people like you more (get likes). I immediately discussed this with my daughters and they were both disturbed by it all. I do my best as a mother to set a good example to my girls about being loving yourself including your flaws. Also, too many selfies make you look like a narcissist. You have to really feel badly inside if you slather on a ton of make-up and post photos of yourself fishing for media likes. And we wonder why our girls have such low self-esteem. SMH. I just had to share this.
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10 Trends that need to be left in 2013

There are so many things that have been abused in 2013 that I really think should stay in 2013.

  1. Wearing leggings as pants. I won't go into details with this one. I'm over it. 
  2. Inserting the word "really" too many times in conversation. It is the most overused word of 2013. PLEASE stop it. 
  3. Women and teenage girls and their 1,238,749,739 selfies All. Day. Long. We know what you look like. Obviously you love yourself. Narcissistic much?  
  4. The mustache trend started a few years ago and I would love to see it go away for good. 
  5. Over-sharing on social media. When you have to post the events of your life from the moment you wake up until you go to sleep, you have a problem! 
  6. Duck lips. I know it's nothing new. 
  7. Re-posting videos that exploit children. I don't need to see any toddler in a diaper nasty dancing. It's not cute! 
  8. The phrase "turn up" can die.
  9. Bitstrips. It was so cute for the first week. Very cute. Then all the people of the world jumped on the Bitstrips bandwagon. 
  10. Instagram followers that sell "skinny wraps". No thank you. *block*
Please add anything you want to see gone before we head into 2014. 

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Wendy's Chicken Flatbread Sandwiches #6SecondsFlat Sweepstakes #sp

Thanks to Wendy's for sponsoring this post and for the opportunity to try Wendy's Chicken Flatbread Sandwich. 
http://linqia.cc/a5538d3
Wendy’s Flatbread Chicken Sandwiches are back for a limited time. Try both flavors, Asiago Ranch (it has bacon on it) and Smoky Honey Mustard (only 370 calories). I tried the Asiago Ranch and loved it so much! Right now 6 seconds could win you $6,000 in Wendy’s #6SecondsFlat Sweepstakes.

Tell Wendy’s what you think about their flatbreads in a Vine or Instagram video then send it @Wendys (through twitter, Instagram or Vine) with the #6SecondsFlat tag and the my custom hashtag @momfiles6. Each week of September, one lucky winner will be randomly selected to receive a $6000 prize.

Visit the sweepstakes landing page for more information and view the “official rules” at the bottom of the page. Below is an example of a video I made. How easy is that?



Wendy’s is handpicking the best video entries to re-post from their official Wendy’s social media accounts to be featured on the contest website.

Be sure to check out the sample videos on the 6 Seconds Flat landing page by clicking on any of the video squares. Don't forget to include my custom hashtag as well @momfiles6.
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What advice would you give to a college freshman?

We knew the day would eventually get here. The day when our first child would go from elementary, middle and high school to college student. Our daughter will be attending the University of South Carolina and has opted to live at home. The incoming freshman class is the largest in the University's history with almost 5,000 students. That's a very large number, but as my husband puts it, "It's not about how many start, but how many actually finish".

Although our daughter is very intelligent and responsible, we still made it a point as parents to offer our guidance and support with her entering the adult world. Life is about to change quite a bit for her. I will no longer be packing her lunch, signing her papers or waiting in the carpool line. She will be doing things on her own. She is off to a great start as far as getting all of her business in order.

This weekend kicks off move-in day and there are various welcome activities for University students. We saw her off as she drove out of the front driveway. I won't lie, my heart sank just a bit. She's an adult and the high school days are over. With that said, this does not mean that rules no longer apply to her. We sat her down and went over our rules and expectations and she was able to voice her opinions on how she felt with everything. We spoke about many things, but here is a rundown of the main points:

  • Driving safety is essential and not negotiable. Yes, you have your own car, but that does not mean you abuse it. You don't get to pick up and go or come in as late as you please. No rides should be given to just anyone. Never let anyone drive your car unless there is an emergency situation that affects your ability to drive. No texting or phone calls while driving. We just require a simple text or phone call to let us know your whereabouts. We pay for the car, insurance, gas and phone so this is not unreasonable. Failure to comply with our simple rules results in your mother dropping you off and picking you up. 
  • Personal safety is another very important matter. Always be aware of your surroundings. Have your mace in hand when walking through the parking garage. Beware of who you associate with. Report anything that you know isn't right by law to campus police. Stay in good physical shape. Eating well and exercise are essential and should be taken seriously. You never know when you have to move quickly out of harm's way! 
  • Not everyone is your friend! With the social media age comes "friendships" formed online. You don't know the real person just by his/her updates, tweets or Instagram pics. Stick with the people you know throughout the first year. Look at students you KNOW who are going into their second or third year for tips and advice that can be helpful. Not all advice is good advice. When in doubt, ask your parents. 
  • Your social media presence is your digital resume. Watch what you post and the types of comments you leave on posts. Future employers scour through all social media sites to dig up what they can about you. Be mindful of that! It takes one suggestive picture to potentially tarnish your good name and even mess up your future. 
  • Always have cash on hand. As easy as it is to use a debit card, it is not always the smartest choice. Around the college, there are dozens of businesses that sell products primarily to college students. With advanced technology in place, stealing your money has become so easy. Anyone can get access to the debit/credit card readers that attach to a smart phone/iPhone. You never know if someone is swiping your card behind your back! You have fewer worries with cash.
  • DO NOT APPLY FOR CREDIT CARDS.  Buying on credit that you can't pay back ruins your financial future. On top of this, opening up several credit cards can hurt your credit, even without spending on credit. Avoiding credit malpractice is not hard, there are plenty of student resources available online that aim to about credit cards. For instance, did you know that your credit status is repairable no matter how ruined it is? It won’t happen overnight though. For now, pay with cash. You can slowly work your way up to establishing credit in a smart and organized way.
  • We are here to help out if there is a NEED. Parties, sporting events and dining out will not be on our dime. 
  • Of course we touched on the drugs, alcohol and sex topic. She hated it, but what can you do?
In the end of our conversation, we stressed how proud we are of her and that we just her to be happy and successful. We let he know that we are always around and are happy to lend our advice and support. Our daughter felt our rules were reasonable and has agreed to comply. Maybe it was the part about having her mother pick her up and drop her off? Hahaha! We feel like she will do well and sets very high standards for herself. 

If you have any advice you would give to a college freshman, what would it be? Do you have any advice for the parents as well? I would love to hear your thoughts! 

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A brand new look for Momfiles

I am so excited that after so many years, Momfiles finally got a fresh, new look! I really wanted something very simple with a tiny pop of color. I am so happy with it. A big thanks to Kreated by Kelsey for hooking me up with the new look. She's awesome!

So what do you all think of it? I still have some things to clean up so ignore the obvious broken bits.







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Come join the "On the Go with D.O." Twitter Party

I wanted to invite you all to participate in the "On the Go with D.O." Twitter party that I will be co-hosting next week. If you are not familiar with D.O. (David Oliver), you should check out this post. You can also take a peek at the video below. 




Here are the details of the Twitter Party:

Date and Time: Tuesday July 3rd from 7pm-8pm *NO RSVP
Name: One the Go with D.O. Twitter Party
Hosts: Shelly @momfiles; Tree @amotherofpearl; Piera @JollyMom **Choosing prizing and winners
Special Guest: David Oliver will be joining the party to Tweet along with fans and answer questions! Twitter handle @doliversub13 
Also, My Coke Rewards will be joining the party to Retweet questions and reply to fans @MyCokeRewards
Hashtag: #DOFieldDay

There will be 5 Activity prize packs to give away valued at $100! 

Please stop by if you can and feel free to spread the word. See you there!
Shelly, Mom Files
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My thoughts on Instagram

I remember when everyone was getting the iPhone and started using Instagram. I wanted to upgrade just to have the fun photo filters as well as my own page to share them. The thing is that I love my DROID 3 and would be too nervous to go all touchscreen. My phone has the best of both worlds with a huge touchscreen and a 5 row pull-out keyboard. I'm old school and as my friend Tanyetta would say, I love buttons! When Instagram became available on Android phones I was so excited! Finally, I could use the cool features and not have to change phones. I honestly did not understand how to use it at first and I think it was causing my phone to malfunction. I believe I have it under control now and have figured out how to use to for the most part. Knowing me, I am still doing something wrong :)

Fun at the playground. 
I don't have thousands of photos like some people do but I expect my Instagram photo account will grow. If you care to follow me you can find me under the name momfiles. I would love to follow you back! I am really enjoying looking at my friends both in real life and online share fun parts of their day through photos.

Shelly, Mom Files
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