Curly Q's for Curly Kids (Review)

Being a mom of three biracial kids means I have been through my fair share of taming the beast known as, "the curls". The fact that I am Indian and have straight hair made it very difficult to know what to do with all of those curls! I recall trying dozens of products to help make it easier to handle and a whole lot of trial and error. Fast forward to today... my girls handle their own hair (thank God) and my son's hair is a lot easier to maintain for the most part. I do sometimes have issues with his hair getting too poofy and it just doesn't look good. I received a couple of products made by Curly Q's to test out on my little one's hair. I got the Coconut Dream Conditioner and Curly Q Milkshake Light Curl Lotion.

The first thing that really stood out to me is that the bottles say "Curl care fit for a Prince or Princess". I like that since my son would question me on what I am putting on his hair. He has that manly man thing going on that he gets from his dad, so I love that it says, 'Prince'.

Now the real question is, does it work well? I shampooed William's hair, rinsed and then put a little bit of the Coconut Dream conditioner on. I'm glad I only used a tiny bit because it is extra rich and emollient-- a little goes a long way. William immediately told me that it smelled yummy. I agreed, you can instantly smell coconut and when he rinsed his hair out, all you could feel is softness.

I put a tiny amount of the Curly Q Milkshake to keep his curls under control and it really does give them a more polished look. His hair stays very soft and manageable without getting poofy. I have been so pleased with how his hair has been looking and others have noticed as well. My oldest daughter (20) borrowed both products while we were on vacation last week and she fell in love with them. It is hard for her to find products that work well with her curls and she has spent a small fortune trying different things out.

I love how the Curly Q's site explains full details on all of their products. It makes the selection process a lot easier. Their prices are competitive yet fair for what you get. I don't ever mind paying for quality. Curly Q's offers a variety of hair products for all ages including a line exclusively for babies and kids. I wish Curly Q's was available when my girls were little. I think it would have made doing hair less stressful.

If you have curly haired kids or if you have curly hair, I highly suggest you try out the Curly Q's line of products. Be sure to check out their website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter for product promotions and updates.

I received product samples for review purposes and all opinions are 100% my own as always. 

An Overview of Garagiste Wines

Wine has become the next big thing in artisanal beverages, with a rapid increase of craft wines becoming available. According to Gold Medal Wine Club, no longer are enthusiasts reaching for mass-produced bottles recognized from magazine lists, but instead they are seeking hidden gems found within the bottles of garagiste wine.

What is Garagiste Wine?

Garagiste is a term that originated in France to describe a type of wine maker who focuses on small, high quality products as opposed to creating large batches. It became a label for a subculture that refused to be restricted by governmental rules and instead rebelled, utilizing small garage types of spaces to create their own specialized wines. These independent innovators incorporate passion and creativity into their artisanal cache. The wines are made with great attention to detail, which often means the final tally of cases is extremely low compared to that generated by corporate producers. There are a variety of garagiste wines available, although only a few types are usually offered from any one particular producer. If you have a garagiste wine in hand, you can rest assured there are very few others that get to partake in the flavors you are experiencing.


Where is Garagiste Wine Produced?

While some variance of a garagiste wine can be found in locations throughout the country, there are a few spots where they have really come into their own. On the West Coast there has been a huge influx of craft wine producers, with enthusiasts creating an array of unique products. The primary stateside hubs can be found in Central and Northern California, with a large number of artisans staying true to the state’s “wine country” reputation. While large wine producers are aplenty, there are lots of resources for wine makers of all sizes. However, The Golden State can’t claim all the talented makers of garagistes. In recent years, Oregon and Washington have both climbed in recognition as craft wine producing states, and rightfully so. In keeping with the North West’s independent spirit, craftsmen let their creative juices flow in this area where small, non-corporate businesses are given considerable support and quality work can easily find a niche. Locally sourced ingredients, organic elements and slow, intentional processes are all revered, making these ideal regions to experiment and create artisanal spirits.

Considering the low number of bottles produced, every drop counts. When you have a garagiste wine poured into your glass, take the time to enjoy it with multiple senses. Observe the rich color and viscosity, smell the aromas as it breathes, and savor every sip, enjoying the uniqueness of what you are experiencing.

Nominate a deserving teen for the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy #CokePayItForward

The Coca-Cola Company provided promotional consideration for my participation in this program


If you have been a Mom Files reader for the past few years, you might recall me talking about the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program. Well, this year is bigger and better, with Mr. Steve Harvey back for a second year as the celebrity ambassador and co-host. I participated in a Twitter chat with him last week, discussing a few ways we can connect with and encourage our teens with the college application process. It was really refreshing to see how many caring parents offered up some great advice. This year, the program has expanded to include the all-new Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy. The Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program is a movement, primarily targeted to moms, to uplift and help pay it forward to the next generation.



You’re probably wondering what exactly the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program is and how it works. Here are some facts:

• The Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program is a movement to uplift and inspire the next generation of African American teens to realize their dreams through education, unique mentorship experiences and scholarship.
• The program works through a nomination process, where moms, dads, relatives, neighbors or teachers nominate high school teens in grades 9-12. Nominators or nominees must be 13 years of age and older and eligible teens can even nominate themselves. 
• Nominations are done on Coca-Cola’s Pay It Forward website. 
• Up to twenty winners will be selected, and each winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship and a trip from their hometown for them and their mom/legal guardian to attend the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy July 24-26, 2015 in Atlanta, GA. See full contest rules here. 

Nominations are open until March 31, 2015.

The Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy is a three-day educational development experience, structured to offer valuable resources for moms and her teen(s). Moms will receive helpful tips like how to help her teen(s) be successful in school now, and how to financially prepare them for college. For teens, the programming will focus on topics like personal branding, higher education and alternative career paths.



Besides Steve Harvey joining for the second year as the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program celebrity ambassador, Coca-Cola has partnered with Get Schooled and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to assist with the development of the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy programming. You can listen to this audio clip with Steve Harvey interviewing the President and CEO of The United Negro College Fund, Dr. Michael Lomax, to help get a better understanding of the program.

I nominated my high school senior tonight and it was a very quick process, it only took about 2-3 minutes. I know the experience will be so valuable to the deserving teens that will ultimately win. It would certainly be a memorable summer! So, what are you waiting for? Go nominate a deserving teen now. Be sure to spread the word and encourage your family members, friends, coworkers and neighbors to nominate a teen as well. Who will YOU nominate?

Visit coke.com/payitforward to nominate, and for complete rules and eligibility requirements. Join the conversation online using #CokePayItForward.

New at IHOP Criss Croissants-- A must-try!

I had the absolute pleasure of sampling the latest menu item from IHOP. The all-new Criss Croissants. Breakfast lovers the world over have long enjoyed the unique taste and texture of the classic French croissant—that delicate, buttery flaky pastry that practically melts in your mouth.  Now, IHOP restaurants introduces a brand new way to savor that treat—by taking that distinctive dough and baking it in a waffle iron so that you have the luscious taste of a croissant with the distinctive criss-crossing of the waffle iron pattern, and voila!  Criss-Croissants!

Oh boy, these are out of this world! Criss Croissants are available in two irresistible flavors: Strawberry Rhubarb and Blackberry Lemonade. I'm a strawberry gal so I knew that was the one I would want to try first. I won't lie, I anticipated that the cream would be too sweet for my liking. To my surprise, it wasn't at all. It was lightly sweet and the fruit was bursting with a sweet and tangy flavor. It was the perfect combination. I had mine paired with the bacon and egg combo and I ate every last bite. My husband tried it too and enjoyed it as well. We noticed that many people sitting around us were ordering the same thing. I don't blame them :)

Strawberry Rhubarb: A warm waffled croissant filled with perfectly sweetened cream cheese, and crowned with a strawberry rhubarb topping.

Blackberry Lemonade: A warm waffled croissant filled with refreshing lemonade cream and topped with sweet blackberries.

Criss Croissants are available as part of a breakfast combo at participating IHOP restaurants through April 5. If you can make it out to IHOP, you must try Criss Croissants. You won't be disappointed! Be sure to check out IHOP on the web and follow on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for promotions and updates.

I received a gift card to try out the latest menu offering in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own as always. 

When Should Your Child Get a Smartphone?

It used to be the case that a child's first mobile phone was given to them when they reached the penultimate year of primary school- at this age kids would be more likely to go out and about with their friends more regularly, and it made sense to provide them with a means of contacting their parents. Today though, in the midst of the truly digital age, smartphones are the most popular mobile devices, packing features far more advanced than the mere capability to text and call. Because of these new devices, all manner of questions play through the minds of concerned parents regarding when, why and if they even want to give their children a smartphone.

Image credit

When?
Educational professionals recommend that children shouldn't be given their own smartphones until they are at least between 11 or 13 years of age. This is due to the way that smartphones may impair your child's development; children learn primarily from real-world interactions and experiences, and as such if they are tapping away at a screen, indulging in what many of us would easily categorise as escapism, then they simply aren't going to receive the same bountiful upbringing that they might otherwise receive.

Electronic media can be very beneficial from an educational point of view, especially after the child is over 4 or 5 years old, as it can boost their understanding of their school studies, however having a smartphone 'on tap' before the teenage years is not a good situation.

Guidance
Even if you are the parent of a teenager, you should exercise some control over what your child accesses via their smartphone. Pornography, adult comedy, violent and extreme content; all of these things are easily and readily accessible from any search engine. If kids are able to access online gaming sites like Betway Bingo, which are advertised on television and via the net, then they might end up playing too much, racking up bills they simply can't pay. With all of these potential issues, parents can simply set up parental guidance locks via a number of free apps that can readily be downloaded. This will allow parents to block sites and content that they don't want their children viewing.

Timing
It's also a really good idea to talk to your child about the merits and problems surrounding smartphones. If your child is made aware that a truly screen-centric life isn't the norm and will impair their development, they will understand the need the exercise some constraint in their digital activities. If all else fails, apps are also available that allow you to set limits on how long a child can use the internet for each day.

How To Get The Very Best Deal For Your Insurance

Here in America, we like to own stuff. That's a very simplistic way of saying that, to a very large degree, we measure our self worth and our accomplishments in life by our ability to provide the necessities of life for our families.

On top of providing the basic needs for ourselves and others, we also like to enjoy plenty of luxury and recreational items. Our possessions are a very large of what makes us what we are. So it's no surprise that we have a strong urge to protect our possessions and maintain them in the highest state of quality.

Insuring Your Most Precious Possessions Reliably

Naturally, when it comes to getting insurance for your possessions, your home and health should be at the top of your list of priorities. While your place of employment can no doubt provide excellent health coverage for selected areas, you'll be well advised to seek supplemental coverage for the areas that your job won't cover. This could be anything from short term medical coverage to an all encompassing medical life plan.

In addition, you'll want to make sure that your place of residence is fully covered by the most comprehensive and up to date policy that your budget can afford. Topics such as fire and hurricane insurance are bound to be important areas of coverage, especially if you live in the South Carolina area.

How To Choose The Best Policy For Your Needs

Depending on how much actually needs to be covered, you should be able to form a quick and reliable estimate of the policies you need to be fully safe and insured. In some cases, bundling your policies (taking out several coverage policies with the same insurance company) can save you a great deal of effort, time, and money in the long run.

It's an excellent idea to make an inventory of all your possessions that require insurance. Of course, your home and vehicles will top the list, but there are bound to be other items that need to be on there as well. Bring the list to your agent and talk it over. He or she can help you come to an arrangement that satisfies your requirements without breaking your family budget.

Being adequately insured is the best way to sleep safely at night. If you're ready to enjoy the feeling of having the best insurance in Charleston, contact your local agent today.

Liberte Mediterranee is truly #YogurtPerfection $15 PayPal giveaway

Thanks to Liberté Méditerranée for sponsoring today's discussion

Have you ever heard of or tried Liberte Mediterranee yogurt before? I was introduced to it from a friend almost two years ago and I have been completely hooked ever since. My friends and family often call me a food snob for good reason, this yogurt is premium perfection that exceeds my standards. I have tried almost all of the flavors except the two newest ones: Caramel and Cappuccino. I have been stalking my local Publix supermarket in hopes they will start to carry them.

In the meantime, my all-time favorite is the coconut flavor. The first time I tried it I had a moment. I closed my eyes and felt like I was eating freshly grated coconut mixed into the creamiest, richest yogurt I ever tasted. It was absolutely divine! It's made with whole milk and has no artificial sweeteners or preservatives. I have converted many yogurt lovers into Liberte Yogurt lovers.

I mostly enjoy my yogurt as is, but on occasion I will add some granola on top for breakfast. Another yummy way to take my Yogurt Perfection to the next level is with one of my favorite Liberte recipes, a fabulous fruit smoothie. I take my favorite fresh and frozen fruits, ice cubes and a container of Liberte Mediterranee and blend it into the most gorgeous (yes, gorgeous) smoothie ever!

Right now you can print a coupon to save 20 cents on a cup of Liberte at Publix. They are almost always on sale 10 for $10 and trust me, if you haven't already tried it, you will buy 10 at a time. You should check out their interactive page that tells you the story behind Liberte-- it's awesome! Just one thing, please don't get mad at me when you get hooked on Liberte. You definitely want to take advantage of the Liberte Publix coupon ;)

To help you stock on Liberte yogurt, one lucky Mom Files reader will win $15 PayPal cash. Enter below: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on February 25, 2015. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email to be awarded prize. Good luck! 

The Tiny House Craze

I don't watch a lot of television, but when I do it is usually something news, food or home related. I flip through channels at night and have recently noticed a common thing; Tiny Houses. I assumed they meant lavish playhouses for kids. No, I was so wrong. Apparently there are many people downsizing their home for a version that is about 10% its size. The average American house size is 2,300 square feet and the tiny house size is roughly 230 square feet. I had to check out some different shows to see what it was all about.

Image credit: Tiny Home Builders

People are getting these homes either custom built or looking one in a specific location and they range from around 100 sq ft- 400 sq feet. You have people buying a house the size of a storage shed! I can't imagine it. Some of the homes are very luxurious on a teeny-tiny level and others very rustic.

Image credit: Tiny House Builders (interior view)

I personally could never do it. I saw one episode of Tiny House Hunters where a family of 6 went from a 3,000 sq ft home down to 400 sq ft. NO. No, no NO! I can't imagine that at all! I understand that people are trying to live mortgage or debt-free, but sheesh. I don't want to have people all in my personal space. It is certainly not something I would ever desire for myself. There's only so much family bonding one can take.

So what about you? Could you live the tiny house lifestyle?

Feb 13th is Valentine’s for Dogs – Say I LOVE YOU with treats! #ValentinesForDogs (Giveaway)

It's officially the Valentine's season and we give flowers, chocolates and gifts with those we love the most. Of course, we can't forget our fur babies. Dogs give so much unconditional love to their families that we must give some love back. This year, let's celebrate our wonderful animal companions by making February 13th Valentine's Day For Dogs (#valentinesfordogs).  On this day, we make sure we're also giving our pups the attention they deserve. How? I might take them out for a special walk at their favorite dog park, buy them a fluffy and comfy pet bed, or give them Milk-Bone dog treats. The good folks at Milk-Bone, Pup-Peroni, Milo's Kitchen, and Canine Carry Outs have made it easy for you this year with a doggie Valentine's Day card.

Aren't these cards adorable? Aside from my dog, I think the neighbor's dogs would appreciate a special Valentine's treat from their dog buddy.  Get yours today at https://www.bigheartpetvalentines.com/  They are super easy to download and print. All you do is cut them out, insert a special treat and share with your favorite dog pals.

Also, check out this fun info graphic with hilarious findings about pets and their pet parents. It is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

If you participate in any Valentine's activities with you dog, be sure to share on social media using the #ValentinesForDogs hashtag directed at @milkbone.

How would you like to win an assortment of treats to spoil your pup with? Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on February 18, 2015. Winner will be contacted via email to claim prize. Mom Files does not directly ship prizes and is NOT responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received a prize pack in exchange for spreading the word about the doggy Valentine's from Milk-Bone and hosting a reader giveaway. All opinions are my own. 

Ditch the "Mom jeans" for Slim-sation Jeans

As a mother of 3, I know a little something about having an extra bit of “fluff” on my body. Although my weight is ideal for my height and age, I still have that mid-section that is so hard to get rid of. I have to dress in creative ways to mask my mom-tummy. When I received a pair of Slim-sation Spring Slimming jeans to review, I was excited. I picked out a dark wash, straight leg style and it came very nicely packaged when it arrived at my home.

The jeans are well made and the material is soft, yet strong. I tried them on and was so pleased at how nicely they fit and they did indeed control my tummy! They fit higher on the waist without looking like your typical “Mom jeans”. I can now wear a fitted tee or sweater and not have to worry about seeing extra lumps, bumps or fluff. I did find that the jeans were slightly on the long side, but they still look great tucked inside my boots. I’m short, so that is something to keep in mind with sizing. I washed the jeans in cold water and they did not fade and had minimal shrinkage. I think they will last for a long time. I'm so happy to have them in my closet because it is so hard to find jeans that fit my body properly.

The Slim-sation Jeans offer:

• Flexible tummy control panel that smooths & slims tummy, thighs and rear
• Get a perfect custom fit with Shape Recovery Technology
• Reduce tummy bulge
• Drop 1 size instantly 
• Look and feel up to 10 pounds lighter

Slim-sation makes a variety of styles of jeans, capris, pants and leggings. They are all designed to help lift and smooth while feeling super comfortable. Check them out online at the Slim-sation site as well as on Facebook and Twitter for product updates and promotions. If you sign up for their newsletter, you can get 10% off. I plan to order some capris for the spring and some leggings to wear with sweaters.

I received a sample for review purposes and all opinions are 100% my own. 

Valentine's Getaway for Parents at Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts #MyMyrtleBeach

My family visits Myrtle Beach several times a year and have stayed at a couple of the Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts locations. The beach is the perfect getaway no matter what time of year it is and oceanfront accommodations makes it even better. We being able to be soothed and refreshed by the sounds of the ocean, while being able to get to restaurants and shopping nearby. With Valentine's Day coming up, Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts announces their ‘Be Mine!’ Valentine’s Day Package.

Celebrate with Oceanfront Accommodations, Romantic Dinner, Champagne and More

Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts (MBSR) – operator of the area’s premier oceanfront condo-hotel and vacation rental properties – announces the release of its “Be Mine” Valentine’s Day package.

Available at five MBSR resorts (Avista, Grande Shores, Horizon at 77th, Prince and Seaside) from Feb. 11-18, 2015, the “Be Mine” features oceanfront accommodations, champagne, chocolates, Valentine’s balloon bouquet and rose petal turndown service. Bookings at select properties also include a romantic dinner at area eateries like Just Off Main, 3500 and Shoreline Café, as well as breakfast in bed.

Rates start at $281 and are based on a two-night stay for two adults in a one-bedroom condo.

“We’re rolling out the red carpet this upcoming Valentine’s Day with one of our best holiday offers in recent memory,” says Jim Eggen, General Manager of MBSR. “Day-time highs that frequently hit the 60s and 70s are perfect for exploring the Grand Strand’s renowned sugar sand beaches, exceptional shopping, diverse dining options and other calling cards.”

Myrtle Beach is within a half-day’s drive of population centers like Washington D.C., Raleigh, Charlotte and Atlanta. Moreover, Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is conveniently located to all MBSR properties. Serviced by Delta, Continental, Spirit Airlines and US Airways, it features daily, nonstop flights to over 25 destinations including Philadelphia, Baltimore, Newark, N.J. and Chicago.

For additional information and reservations: Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts, 888.571.4104.

About Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts

Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts is a collection of six oceanfront and ocean view condo-hotels in North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Avista Resort, Prince Resort, Horizon at 77th, Grande Shores, Seaside and the Towers at North Myrtle Beach all provide the comforts of full-service resort hotels with the space and luxury of condominiums.

Each property features modern décor that reflects a coastal lifestyle and breathtaking views of the pristine northern region of the world-famous Grand Strand. Elegant yet affordable, units are spacious one to three bedrooms with fully-equipped kitchens, washer / dryer, and private balconies. Most hotels have fitness centers, an array of indoor and outdoor pools, on-site dining and access to world-class beaches.

Crispy oven-baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

I wanted to share one of my must-have foods at a Super Bowl party. Flavorful chicken wings in a variety of sauces is a staple, and my husband is obsessed with my oven-baked version. They are just as crispy as if you deep fried them. The secret is using my favorite dried seasonings (minus the salt) along with a few tablespoons of Dijon mustard. Cooking on parchment paper in a 400 degree oven on convection for 35 minutes helps to crisp them up. If you don't have a convection setting on your oven, no worries. Just bake at 415 for 35-45 minutes. The good thing about parchment paper is that nothing sticks.

We LOVE all flats and are lucky to find them at our local Kroger store in a 5 pound bag. 

One of my favorite ways to take my crispy wings to the next level is to jazz them up with garlic and Parmesan. 

To make these crispy oven-baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings, you will need: 

2.5-3 pounds of chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
Your favorite dry seasonings including 1 1/2 tbs of garlic powder (here are mine)
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
1 tsp dried parsley flakes

Bake wings according to directions above. Toss wings in the Parmesan cheese and parsley flakes. Serve with Bleu cheese dressing and enjoy! 

Tip: Make sure after you wash your chicken that you dry them extremely well with paper towels. Excess moisture will cause your chicken to steam in the oven and you will not achieve crispy skin. 

3-Ingredient Jalapeno-Ranch Deviled Eggs for your Super Bowl Party #NaturallyFresh (Giveaway)

This post is part of the blogger program by Naturally Fresh® and The Motherhood, who compensated me for my time and the development of this recipe. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are my own, and I hope you enjoy them.

There has been so much excitement all over the country with the football playoffs and the long-waited event of the year, the Super Bowl. We love watching The Super Bowl together as a family and I go all out with yummy game food and drinks. I have been playing around with some better-for-you recipe ideas and wanted to share one of them with you. 

Of course, a party isn't a party without the deviled eggs! I can't think of a more simple and delicious finger food, and I always include them on the menu. I came up with a tasty version for our upcoming Super Bowl party that only requires three ingredients. Can it get any more simple than that? These jalapeno-ranch deviled eggs are sure to please your guests. 

To make these scrumptious eggs, all you need is:

• Hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved
• Naturally Fresh Classic Ranch Dressing 
• Pickled jalapeno pepper rings (you can use the tamed version if you don't like spicy) 

All you have to do is separate your hard-boiled yolks in a medium size bowl and mash them finely with a fork. You then add the desired amount of Naturally Fresh Classic Ranch dressing until you reach the correct consistency you are looking for. At this point, you can add a little cracked pepper to taste if you like. Next step is to simple scoop your egg yolk mixture into you egg whites or pipe it in using a large star tip like I did. Add a half of a jalapeno ring on the top and sprinkle with paprika to make them look fancy. That's it! So super simple and you can even use the Light Ranch if you want to cut out some extra calories. 

Naturally Fresh makes their ranch dressing with their very own buttermilk and the Lite Ranch is made with their nonfat buttermilk (half the calories of the original). Naturally Fresh is a line of high-quality, homemade-tasting salad dressings and dips with no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. These dressing and dips are always sold in the refrigerated section of your grocery stores because they don't have any artificial flavors or preservatives. Naturally Fresh does not use MSG either. 

You really can taste the difference in these products. You really can't go wrong with wholesome ingredients packed with flavor. Find Naturally Fresh products at most Publix or Kroger stores and you can also find other locations using the free mobile app. Their website offers plenty of recipes too!

Enter to win one of five coupons for one FREE 12 ounce bottle of Naturally Fresh Dressing below:a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on January 26, 2015. Winners will be contacted via email to claim prize. Mom Files is NOT responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

$3 Wine that is actually good?

Hey, y'all! I just wanted to share a great wine I stumbled upon in my local Kroger store a couple months ago. I noticed that they have cases of the Bay Bridge Vineyards brand of wines displayed at the front of the wine aisle and I would walk past it because, how good can a $3 wine be? I see people picking up 3 and 4 bottles at a time and the display cases sometimes look like they have been hit hard. This heightened my curiosity *ahem* 

I finally decided to try the Merlot, since I figured I can always cook with it if I wasn't too crazy about it. It turns out that I LOVE it, and love the price even more! I was so surprised that it really does taste really nice and I can stock up without feeling a big hit to my wallet. I have not seen this brand in any other store before so if you have a Kroger in your area, it is worth trying a bottle. Let me know if you do! Enjoy :)

Behind the Taste with Bruegger's Bagels #BehindTheTaste #spon $25 GC Giveaway

Do you ever crave certain foods and insist that it must be authentic? You know, the real deal. No shortcuts, no substitutions. This is how I am with bagels. Living in NYC as a kid, you know you don't mess around with certain foods. A proper bagel is a must and anything less won't cut it. Bruegger's Bagels are certainly the real deal with that signature texture and chew that really sets the bar on bagel quality-- truly authentic New York Style. Lucky for us, Bruegger's bagels is not just exclusive to NYC residents. They have locations in various parts of the U.S. so you get a chance at having the real thing. Yes, even in South Carolina, I get to experience a fine New York Style bagel. I tell ya, there's nothing like it! I was excited when I found out that they were launching their new "Behind the Taste" website. There is a new video each month through April that you can "unlock". *Hint: there might just be a little surprise at the end!

Bruegger's Bagels has a really nice breakfast and lunch menu that offers something for everyone. I tried their Pastrami, Egg & Swiss breakfast sandwich and it was delicious! I love how much care goes into preparing your order and that you can watch the magic happen from behind the counter.

Check out this short video to see how Bruegger's keeps tradition alive and what makes their bagels so unique.

If you haven't experienced Bruegger's for yourself, you are truly missing out! Go here to see of there is a location near you. And again, be sure to check out their brand new "Behind the Taste" website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter for product updates and promotions.

Bruegger's Bagels have provided me with 2 gift cards to give away to my lovely readers. Each winner will get a $25 Bruegger's bagel gift card. Enter below:        a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on January 16, 2015. Two winners will be picked at random and mandatory entry will be verified. Mom Files is NOT responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged prizes.

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own as always.

Drink MORE water with the New PUR Ultimate Pitcher

Happy New Year! I can't believe it's 2015 already. I admit, I'm not into New Year's resolutions at all. I am a goal setter more than anything. One goal I have had for many years was to increase my water intake. I have noticed that water affects me in so many ways. If I don't drink enough I will notice that my skin is dry or my muscles ache. I don't feel well overall when I have not had at least 80 ounces a day. I know most people have a hard time drinking water, but really want to improve. One great tool is to have a dedicated container filled with the amount you need for the day. You can easily gage your progress that way. The new PUR Ultimate Pitcher is perfect to get your water-drinking goals under control. It comes in a 7-cup and 11-cup size. The 7-cup is perfect to start out with. It is also an earth friendly option over expensive water bottles that end up overtaking landfills.

The overall design of the pitcher is absolutely brilliant! The space-saving shape makes it easy to store in your refrigerator, especially the door. Not everyone has a water filtration system on their fridge so this is wonderful to have. It is easy to fill with a thumb activated lid, has a comfort grip handle and has a covered pour spout to prevent odor and particles from getting into your clean water. PUR Ultimate Series featuring MAXION filtration technology. MAXION technology is PUR’s highly specialized formula for maximum contaminant reduction.

PUR Ultimate Pitchers are certified to reduce contaminants including by-products from chlorine, mercury and industrial pollutants (to name a few) and remove twice as many contaminants as Brita’s filters. Keep track of your filter life with a built-in Electronic Filter Life Indicator. The indicator flashes green, yellow or red so you'll always know when it's time for a replacement filter. I absolutely love this feature. The filters are recyclable and pitchers are BPA free.

Your water tastes clean and refreshing, similar to bottled water. I will be keeping my 7-cup Ultimate Pitcher on my office desk so I don't forget or make excuses why I didn't drink enough. Makes PURfect sense!

You can find the PUR Ultimate Pitchers at select retailers and at PURwater.com, starting at $16.99. Be sure to follow PUR on Facebook and Twitter for product updates and promotions.

I received a complimentary pitcher for testing purposes. All opinions are 100% my own as always.