Family * Travel * Food

Look what was lurking in our backyard...

It rained last night...heavily. It was the first time in 2 weeks. I was so happy for it. I just didn't expect this...

You should have seen how many birds were lined up on the fence and flying down close to the snake. I guess they thought they were going to catch a big worm? I get chills every time I look at this photo.

This cements my dislike of the Summer months. Thank goodness for husbands. I don't know what I would have done without Dwayne! He sent me back in the bedroom and he made it go away. I know I talk a lot of smack about him but today... he is royalty!

Has anyone had any encounters with snakes this Summer?
Shelly, Mom Files
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What’s in Every Mom’s Beach Bag? {Giveaway}

**Contest Closed**
Winner #135 kathy pease

We are in the thick of the summer and most of us are packing up the family and heading for the beach. Of course if you are a mom you pack as if you are going away for the entire summer, especially when you have babies or small children. You plan for those "just in case" moments as well as the usual drinks, snacks and entertainment items. We are going to the beach in a couple weeks and I have already started my checklist. Of course I know I will overdo it as always but hey, a mom must be prepared! Check out some of these products below that are great for throwing into your beach bag (or bags if you are like me!)

USANA Usanimals vitamins: Usanimals comes in fun animal shapes while providing a phytonutrient blend of blackberry, cranberry, raspberry, and wild blueberry fruit flavors. The vitamins contain a comprehensive array of antioxidants, and minerals, in amounts designed especially for active, growing children.

Smart for Life protein bars: Eliminates post-exercise hunger, so you gain muscle not fat. Supports healthy cardiovascular function, helps promote weight loss, boosts metabolism and controls hunger.

Inky Perfume: Used after showering or as a pick-me-up during those hot summer days, these body sprays refresh and revive the senses, with just the right amount of scent. The Tattooed by Inky collection offers 5 distinctive scents for every personality---two men’s, two women’s, and one unisex. Inky is available at Big Lots and Target stores.

Star Rock for Kids CD: A CD of fun and age-appropriate music that is perfectly “in tune” with the whole family, featuring hits from past decades and today. Beyond being a rockin’ CD series sung completely by kids, Star Rock for Kids! Presents an exceptional opportunity for budding singers to show off their talent and realize their dream by becoming a “Star Rock Kid” and appearing on the next CD.

Kids-EEZE Allergy Soft Chews: Kids-EEZE® is a children’s symptom reliever specially formulated to ease the symptoms of hay fever and upper respiratory allergies. The convenient chew form makes dosing easy with no measuring or messes.

BornFree Eco Classic bottle: BornFree leak proof BPA-Free baby bottles come in plastic or glass and feature an innovative venting system designed to promote ActiveFlow™ and help minimize the painful symptoms of colic. After use, the bottles can be returned to BornFree where they will be recycled into other products such as toys and furniture.

Medifast Parmesan Cheese Puffs: Provides just the right balance of fiber and high-quality protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied, plus your daily requirement of 24 vitamins and minerals!
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Giveaway:
How would you like to win all of these *items? All you have to do is tell us what top five beach essentials you would pack for baby. Please leave your list of five products in the comment section as your mandatory entry.

If you would like additional entries you can do any or all of the following:

~ Follow Momfiles via Google Friend Connect
~ "like" Momfiles, Medifast, StarRock for Kids, Smart for Life, Kid-EEZE, BornFree, USANA
(each one counts as a separate entry)
~ Follow Momfiles, USANA, BornFree, Medifast, Smart for Life, StarRock for Kids, Kid-EEZE on Twitter (each one counts as a separate entry)
~ Tweet this giveaway (once daily):
Win some great goodies from @momfiles to put in your #beach bag http://tinyurl.com/3wmjhfd #giveaway

Note: Prize quantity or variety may vary from what is pictured.

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on August 3, 2011 at 9:00 pm EST. One winner will will be chosen at random and contacted via email. Please leave your email address in your comment if you do not have a Blogger Profile. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post

Shelly, Mom Files
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From princess to diva?

I remember when little girls were referred to as princesses. They would be decked out in pink with ruffles and glitter. They were all things sweet and innocent. Of course times change...people change. Now parents refer to little girls (even babies) as a diva. If you look up the definition of the word diva you will find out that it means a celebrated female singer. Ladies like Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey are great examples of a diva. The word "diva" is also used negatively, to describe a celebrity in film or music who is extremely demanding and fussy when it comes to their personal needs or wants.

Now tell me something. Why on earth does a 6 month old baby girl need to be referred to as a diva? Am I missing something here? Little sweet girls are being called a diva like it is a badge of honor. I am not judging you if you do this so please don't get me wrong. I just need some understanding.

What are your thoughts?
Shelly, Mom Files
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When the hubby has the camera...

Obviously no one pays attention...

And there is usually a lack of focus.

I will admit, that face is adorable!!

Happy Friday friends! Have a great weekend and stay cool :)

Shelly, Mom Files
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WTH? Wednesday | Coffee

Today's gripe is about coffee prices. Let me start out by saying that I am a coffee snob. I only like a couple brands and although I try others for the sake of saving a couple bucks, I end up regretting it. So I stick to my fancy coffee brands. My main coffee that I love comes in bigger bags at Walmart so I go there twice a month for it. It used to be $9.98 then $10.98, $11.98 (last week) and it is now a whopping $13.98!! WTH??!! There is no way I am spending that much. I know that everything has gone up price-wise but this seemed to be a bit too much. I looked around at other brands and I was floored to see even the cheaper ones were very expensive. What to do? Stop drinking it? We tried that before and failed miserably. I spotted an old school favorite that we used to drink exclusively in our Miami days.

Good old fashioned Cafe Bustelo. It was $3.88 a can. Hmm...$13.98 or $3.88? Yeah, Cafe Bustelo won the price battle. I told Dwayne he better get used to a couple espresso shots each morning. When I told him the cost difference he was completely with me. I even broke out my old stove-top espresso pot. Nothing like jet fuel to start your day! Y'all know Dwayne is going to get me for the product advertising!! Shh, don't tell on me! :D

If you have any WTH moments please share them in the comments!
Shelly, Mom Files
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