And it hit me...

I was just blow-drying my hair when I glanced over at the burgundy velvet box that was sitting on the dresser. Inside the box are the most gorgeous gold hoop earrings my husband bought for me as an anniversary gift. I love them so much that I decided I would only wear them for special occasions and if I am not wearing them, they would be tucked safely away in the box. Then I thought to myself...wait... why am I not wearing them right now? Last time I checked, EVERY day is a special occasion! I decided that I will wear the earrings as often as I want and enjoy them fully! What good do they do me if they are sitting in the jewelry box? I challenge everyone to eat your weekday dinner on that fine china that sits up on a high shelf. Grab those crystal goblets and drink Kool-aid out of them! Forget the holidays, silverware can be everyday ware! Why keep the special stuff locked up when we can be enjoying them NOW!

Undoing the damage I have caused

This post has been sitting tucked away in my brain for some time now. Perhaps you can call it out of sight, out of mind. You might even call it denial. I have been slowly suffering inside from guilt. I do the best job I can at being a great mother. So far, I have succeeded and my kids are happy, well-rounded individuals. I do have one secret though. I have over-mothered little William. What does that mean? Well I have ruined this child by doing WAY too much for him. I do EVERYTHING for him. It's such a shame. He is a very well-mannered and sweet child but there is one problem... He can't do a lot for himself because I have him conditioned to me doing it for him.

I am feeling so much anxiety as I type this post. I am so embarrassed by how much the average 2 year old can do for themselves and how pampered my boy is. I don't even make him pull his own underwear up. It has finally hit me that I need to get William in a more independent mode if he is going to start kindergarten in Fall 2013. I never thought I would spoil a child like I have with this last one. I am too ashamed to tell you the extent of how bad it is.

Thankfully I have been able to recognize what I am doing wrong and have made a vow to make it right.

Have you ever encountered this type of situation raising your children? 

Purex Triple Action detergent {Rafflecopter Giveaway}

Hey guys! I received my latest Purex Insider package that included the new Purex Triple Action detergent in the Mountain Breeze scent. This detergent is made to whiten and brighten your clothing at a great, low price. I put it to the test on some old towels we use for mishaps around the house. We had some water come in through our back door and it made a mess in our mud room. I went through 4 towels and they were disgusting! I threw them in the washer with a capful of Purex Triple Action and they came out great--No stains! I didn't even use bleach! If you want to prove it to yourself about how well this new formula works, you can request a FREE sample right here.

Giveaway: Three Momfiles readers will win a coupon good for one FREE bottle of new Purex Triple Action detergent. Enter below:

Momfiles in NYC for COOL WHIP

Hey guys! I wanted to share some exciting news with you about a fun campaign I was chosen to be a part of representing the COOL WHIP brand. They were looking for busy moms who do the extra special things for their families and they thought I fit the description well. So during the first week of January, I flew into New York City along with 3 lovely ladies to participate in a photo shoot for an upcoming ad that will debut in April in some major magazines for COOL WHIP.  How cool is that?! To say I was excited about getting to go to New York City would be an understatement. Although my trip was short, I enjoyed every minute of my time there. I won't lie; I was a bit afraid of flying by myself. I had not been on a commercial plane since I was a child and I flew on a small plane 18 years ago to go on my honeymoon. I felt like a newbie. The great part is it was not as bad as I was expecting and I am really glad that both flights went smoothly and on time. I was more afraid of the airport than the actual flying, but now I feel like a pro!

I knew I was getting ready to land in New York when I stopped seeing trees! 

The first evening I was there, a few of us went to a nice restaurant called Artisanal. I loved the atmosphere and the food and drinks were amazing! We even got to taste lavender and coffee rubbed cheddar and a few other fancy varieties. It was a great experience.

The next morning we all met up in the hotel lobby. I had already met Emily from @busymomblog. I finally got to meet Jenny from @PickyPalate and Ana from @spanglishbaby. What SWEET ladies! I could not have asked for a better group of moms to participate in this experience with. We hopped into the car that was waiting for us and headed over to the studio. We all enjoyed the sights and sounds of the busy city.

We all were so excited when we walked into the studio and were greeted by a very friendly bunch of beautiful people...producers, project managers, hair and make-up team, fashion stylist, photographer, assistants, food stylists and everyone else that made this project come to life. What a warm welcome we received! From there it was straight to either hair and make-up or wardrobe. To say this was my first time in this type of setting, I felt extremely calm and comfortable. I truly think the wonderful people I worked with had everything to do with it. Oh and the view of the city might have helped a bit too!

Gorgeous view!

The girly girl in me really loved the hair and make-up part. I enjoyed chatting with Anthony and Jane while they did what they do best. I tell you what, I was feeling quite offended at the thought of coming back to South Carolina and having to do my own hair and make-up! What a treat it was to get made up, especially by such talented people who have worked on many celebs! All of the ladies looked absolutely gorgeous! I was second to go get my photos taken by the amazing Martin Schoeller. To be in a photo shoot with an awarding winning photographer who has traveled the world and shot many famous faces was incredible. He was awesome and quite entertaining. He really made any nervous feelings I had disappear immediately. I had so much fun! I am still in awe of everything and it still seems unreal!

Anthony and Jane were amazing! 

Me and Jenny From @PickyPalate

Would you believe that this was our view from the studio? This photograph was so perfect that I did not even have to edit it!

Well I certainly could go on for days about my photo shoot for COOL WHIP but I will stop for now. I'll keep you updated on this campaign as well as share some fun desserts you can make for your family with COOL WHIP.

Be sure to "like" COOL WHIP on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

I am working in partnership with the COOL WHIP brand and I am receiving compensation for my participation in this campaign. All thoughts/opinions are 100% my own.

Wordless Wednesday