Big Accomplishments In The Ismail Household

December has been the busiest month for our family and it has nothing to do with the holiday season. Both my older daughter Chardonnay and my husband Dwayne graduated from college within days of each other (Dec 9th & 12th). Let me tell you, it's no easy task pulling off two graduations so close together. We had a celebration for both of them in our home that Sunday in between the actual ceremonies. I'm happy to say that we got through it all with minimal stress and everything came together beautifully.

Chardonnay graduated Magna Cum Laude with Leadership Distinction from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelors of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications. She was able to graduate a semester early because she had all of the credits she needed. This was her dream since she was 5 years old to become a Gamecock and go to the University of South Carolina. Her strong work ethic and will took her all the way! She plans to continue her education to obtain her graduate degree.

The graduate with her very proud parents. 

We are truly a Gamecock family 

My husband Dwayne, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Southern Wesleyan University with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration. He also gave the Invocation (prayer) for the ceremony. The whole ceremony from beginning to end was outstanding and even little William shed some tears. This was such a challenge for Dwayne to work full time, take care of his family, having the responsibility of being his mother's caregiver, as well as attend classes. By God's Grace and his determination, he made it through. Dwayne is a great example to anyone (especially working adults with families) that you can do it!

This isn't a great quality photo, but I was able to grab a video clip and screen captured this photo of Dwayne saying the prayer. I had to hold myself together to keep the phone still. Truly an inspirational and memorable moment. What a blessing! 

It was SO chilly when it was time to take photos! This is why we all had jackets on.

These two buddies were SO happy to be reunited after the ceremony. William is his father's number one fan. 

This has been such a wonderful time of celebration for our family. None of this could have been possible without faith and teamwork. Go Dwayne and Chardonnay! 🙌

Holiday PJs Trends & Gifts that Give Back from zulily #zulilyfinds

In my family's many years of Christmas mornings opening gifts, we have worn pajamas 100% of the time. I don't think we change until lunch time. I feel like Christmas would not be the same if we were formally dressed for the day. 

zulily is an online retailer obsessed with bringing customers special finds at incredible prices every day, conducted a survey to uncover holiday sleepwear trends across the country. What do Americans really want to wear while unwrapping gifts with loved ones this holiday season? They've got your answers!

According to their survey:

• 60% of Americans wear holiday PJ's while opening presents on Christmas morning
• 27% of those festive folks have already picked out their Christmas PJ's
• 31% view matching PJ's as a family affair
• 8% will dress up their four-legged friends in matching PJ accessories (Fido is part of the family after all, right?)
• 29% prefer plaid jammies
• Most Americans will change out of their PJ's after breakfast (27%)

Also, check out how they are giving back this year by making bed times better for children in need. Customers can purchase a product featuring a “Buy One, Give One” badge on zulily to trigger a donation to one of two philanthropic organizations, First Book and Treehouse.

Check out zulily for great prices on clothing for the family, shoes, toys, and more. Just a warning, some people have been known to have a zulily addiction! 😍

Stay connected to zulily on Facebook & Twitter for product promotions and updates.

Keep Your Lips Soft This Winter With Carmex (Giveaway)

Unless you live in South Florida, you probably have been feeling a bit of a chill in the air. One of the first things I notice when those winter temperatures hit is my lips get extremely dry and irritated. Thankfully I have my old standby, Carmex lip balm. Carmex has been a household name brand we have known since my oldest was born, and is trusted by my whole family. It is not unusual to find a tube or jar stashed all over our home and in bags, desks, and cars. My personal favorite is the good old fashioned Original Carmex in the tube. I keep one tube in my makeup case, one in my purse, and one on my kitchen counter. You might say that I have an addiction!

I really love Carmex products because they are very effective and affordable. I wear a layer under my lip color and apply as needed throughout the day. Aside from the traditional jars, tubes and sticks, Carmex has some other items in their product lineup that are worth checking out.

Carmex Comfort Care-  A 100% natural blend of soothing colloidal oatmeal, fruit seed oil and mixed berry flavor that helps restore moisture for smoother, healthier, naturally beautiful lips.

• Crafted with a soothing blend of colloidal oatmeal and cold-pressed antioxidant-rich fruit seed oil 
• Helps restore lips’ natural beauty with long-lasting moisture
• Visibly smoother, healthier looking lips

Carmex Cold Sore Treatment gives immediate cold sore symptom relief you can see and feel

• Works on contact to relieve cold sore symptoms while the sore heals naturally
• Relieves pain and itch with benzocaine
• Minimizes the appearance of a cold sore with TriPLEX™ Formula

Over the years, I have given Carmex products as teacher gifts, stocking stuffers, and coworker gifts. I always suggest Carmex for gift-giving because it is so affordable and practical. It is also very well received. You can find Carmex products in most drug stores, grocery stores, and mass retailers. My local grocery stores almost always have the classic products on sale for just $1! Connect with Carmex on Facebook & Twitter for product updates.

Giveaway: One very luck Mom Files reader will win a Carmex gift pack of assorted products! Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and will end on December 29, 2016. Must follow rules in Rafflecopter. One winner will be chosen randomly. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

I received product samples for review. All opinions are my own as always.

The Travel Files: Tartan+Twine Cosmetic Cases

This has been a busier than normal travel year for me. I feel like as soon as I unpack my bags, I am repacking them. We go on plenty of overnight trips, but I find myself packing like I'm going away for a week. Does this sound familiar to you too? One thing that is important to me is my cosmetics. I usually pack my makeup, perfume and brushes in makeup bags and keep them all in one medium size tote. I travel exclusively by car, and it is not unusual that my makeup rides in the front seat. I am that serious about my

precious eye shadows, lippies, and fragrance.

I was oh so lucky to get some gorgeous new cases from Tartan+Twine to review. First up is the Large Organizer from the Tawney Steppe Collection.

I love the quilted micro-suede fabric and the generous space inside, including a zippered compartment. You can easily keep your toiletries on one side, and makeup on the other. This bag retails for $25 and can be purchased at Ulta Beauty stores.

Next is the Tartan+Twine Double Zip Train Case from the Caitlyn Grove Collection. I am obsessed with this big and beautiful case. It is large enough to fit ALL of my beloved cosmetics. 😍

It is perfect for my eyeshadow palettes and even has separate sections for cosmetic brushes, lippies, and more. This is so good for when I want to take 1/2 dozen lip glosses and 3 mascaras. A girl can never have enough color variety when out of town. 👄

Now I can travel in style and keep my makeup and toiletries all in one place. This is the perfect thing for my long beach vacation that is coming up. This case can be purchased at Ulta Beauty for $30. It comes in other colors as well. Tartan+Twine cosmetic cases are the perfect gift for your daughter, sister, mother, friend or even your favorite makeup artist or nail tech.

Check out all of the beautiful collections from Tartan+Twine on the web. Also, be sure to follow them on Instagram for updates on their latest items.

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

Limelens Smartphone Lenses - Holiday Photo Gadgets For Guys or Gals

If you are looking for a fun gift idea for the guy or gal in your life, I have something cool to share. I have heard of the lenses for smartphones before and was thrilled to get my hands on a set from LimeLens to play with. Oh my goodness, let me tell you that these lenses are amazing! The Limelens set is the perfect gift for those who are interested in photography in general, or just want to kick their photos up a notch from their smartphone. The set includes both The Thinker – Dual Macro / Wide Lens and The Captain – Supreme Fisheye Lens. In the case you will find all three versions of our Limeclip, a welcome envelope, instructional booklet, stickers and lens accessories such as protective lens caps and microfiber lens cleaners.

It is so easy to install your lens of choice. You simply choose the Limeclip that correctly fits your phone and you remove the backing and stick it on. I keep a case on my phone so that if I don't want or need the clip on there, I can simply switch cases. Honestly, it doesn't bother me and I love that it is already there for when I want to slide a lens on to capture a moment on my phone. 

So I'm sure you're wondering if it works. Here are some examples below using both lenses. 

This was taken with my iPhone camera (no lens) 

This was taken with the addition of the Macro lens from the same distance. You can clearly see how zoomed in it is.

Taken with just my iPhone camera

Taken with Limelens fisheye lens from the same spot. So cool!

As you can see, these lenses make your ordinary pics pop! I bet anyone you give this to as a gift would LOVE you forever. It comes in a handy case that can be stashed away and taken with you just about anywhere. They usually retail for $99, but are currently on sale for $49.99! What an amazing value! Go check it out, you won't be sorry. Come and and join #TheLimeLife This would make a great gift for anyone who owns a smartphone. 

I received a product sample in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own as always.