How To Help Protect Your Family From Mosquitoes

Experts are predicting a fierce mosquito season this year. To help homeowners protect themselves against those pesky creatures, Arrow Exterminators recommends the following simple, proactive measures:

• Eliminate all sources of standing water such as children's wading pools, birdbaths and flower pots;
• Keep rain gutters cleaned out to prevent water from standing in drains;
• Cut back or get rid of unnecessary vegetation around the home where mosquitoes can breed and/or rest;
• Keep swimming pools covered in colder months to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs there, and drain any water that has collected on top of pool covers;
• Remove water that has collected in tree holes and hollow stumps;
• Screen windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside homes; and
• Consider using yellow bug light bulbs in outdoor light fixtures – the bulbs reduce the number of flying insects around your home.

“As the temperatures continue to rise, mosquito populations boom and the recent rains have created the perfect breeding ground for another banner year,” said Charlie Jones, Arrow Pest Expert and SVP of Operations.  “Homeowners should take precautions because these pests do more than leave behind itchy red bites, they can also spread diseases like West Nile Virus, Zika Virus and Chikungunya Fever.”

Needing only small amounts of standing water to breed – a bottle cap full is enough – these blood-sucking pests can develop from egg to adult in just 10-14 days.  Additionally, these pests are always in search of their next meal and sense a potential target from up to 75 feet away.

Arrow protects homes from pests with the STEPS® Total Protection System™, an industry-leading approach that utilizes Integrated Pest Management (IPM). STEPS includes a full property evaluation to pinpoint pest issues; identification of not only the pest, but the true cause of the problem; and treatment in the most environmentally responsible way to alleviate current issues and to help prevent future recurrences. Consumers interested in scheduling a free whole home evaluation can contact Arrow at www.arrowexterminators.com or call 888-462-7769.

How To Achieve A Trendy & Bold Hairstyle Without A Commitment

Today's conversation is sponsored and all opinions are my own as always

Have you all seen the latest hair trends that involve a whole lot of color? I've seen everything from purple, blue and even rainbow! I think it is a fabulous look on some people, but I don't think I'd have the nerve to go through with such an extreme process. I've watched those videos on Facebook and Youtube on how those looks are achieved, and I simply don't think I could go through with it. It takes half a day sometimes to get the color just right. Of course, you will pay hundreds of dollars for it, too. Look at how gorgeous the style and color is below.

The best part is you can have a fun and funky style like this with no commitment and no long wait in the salon chair. A great alternative is a trendy and stylish wig from Divatress. They are an online wig shop offering the latest styles at a super low price. They carry everything from short, long, curly, straight, and everything in between. So now you can achieve the look you want, for less. If you decide that the color or overall style is too much, you simply take it off!

Does the lady above look familiar? Ms. Vivica A. Fox has her very own collection of beautiful and natural looking wigs. Wigs are also a great for those who are trying to grow out their natural hair and need protective styling. I have seen it for myself and the hair growth is astonishing! Divatress has everything you need to complete your look, including bonding glue, tape, accessories, and hair care products. They have price ranges that will fit every budget, too.

If you are looking for a new wig for any reason, make sure you check out Divatress. You can follow on Facebook and Twitter for updates and promotions. Also, they are currently offering FREE shipping on orders over $49 in the continental U.S..

How To Treat Yourself Every Month For Only $10

Being a mom often times means that you won't buy anything that you don't need for yourself. We are always thinking of the kids and tend to put our dollars towards their needs before our own. I remember seeing several of my online friends posting their cosmetic subscriptions boxes and was so curious about signing up for myself. After much consideration, I finally gave in. I subscribed last Summer to the Ipsy Glam Bag and couldn't be happier. Honestly, I don't know why I waited so long!

Ipsy costs only $10 each month and there is no shipping fee. You get a themed bag along with 5 beauty products every month. When you sign up for Ipsy, you will set up your personal profile to include your product preferences, colors, skin tone, skin type and more. This helps Ipsy to tailor bags that will work for you. Sometimes you will get lucky and receive full-size products, but most are sample/travel size. It is a great way to try products out to decide if it is something you want to buy without being stuck paying full price for the one item.

I think for $10, this is an amazing value! I have found some really great products along the way that I love and don't feel any guilt about doing something special for myself. Also, you accumulate points from doing reviews or getting people to sign up that can be redeemed for free items. You have nothing to lose and can unsubscribe at any time. If you would like to sign up, here is my referral link. I will get points for it (no money). Below are some of my previous Glam Bags so you can see for yourself what they have inside. What are you waiting for? Treat yourself today, because you deserve it!

A post shared by Shelly 🇬🇾💞 (@momfiles) on Mar 10, 2017 at 3:00pm PST

A post shared by Shelly 🇬🇾💞 (@momfiles) on Dec 14, 2016 at 8:00am PST

A post shared by Shelly 🇬🇾💞 (@momfiles) on Nov 14, 2016 at 1:42pm PST

A post shared by Shelly 🇬🇾💞 (@momfiles) on Oct 21, 2016 at 2:48pm PDT

A post shared by Shelly 🇬🇾💞 (@momfiles) on Sep 14, 2016 at 12:49pm PDT

A post shared by Shelly 🇬🇾💞 (@momfiles) on Jul 14, 2016 at 7:03pm PDT

From The Kid Files- The Old Man Child

If you have been connected to me through this blog or social media, you might know about the chronicles of the old man child. William is turning 9 this month, but is truly a 70 year-old man trapped in a child's body. This kid has an old soul and every day is an adventure with him. I have to mentally prepare myself each morning before he wakes up to deal with his lectures and old man chatter. 

We had to go to Urgent Care the other day for both William and his big sister. They both had been sick and shared an appointment. First of all, Brie was the one who was having symptoms of the flu. Mr. Man only had a sore throat, but I didn't want to take any chances. When we got called back to do vitals, William was up first and when asked any questions, he answered in real old man style. He was questioned about his overall health and before I (as his MOTHER) could say a word, he put his hand up to speak on his own behalf. He explained to the nurse that he eats only healthy foods and no candy or junk food. The nurse's eyes got so big as if he was saying, "Excuuuuse the #(@% outta me" 😅

Again, his sister was the one who was ailing with a 103.5 temperature and the whole time she was being checked out, William had his hand over his mouth as he shook his head. So why did this child decide that he needed to be the one to take the examining table? And how do you all like the arm positioning? 

The doctor did an examination on the man child and determined that he had an ear infection. William then questions the doctor asking him how it's possible that he came in with a sore throat and has no ear pain, and ended up with an ear infection. He then asks the doctor, "Will you please explain this to me in detail?" 😐 The doctor looked at him with a smile and said, "You sound like my grandpa". I cracked up! Yep, even the doctor recognized the old man in him. 

Back up 2 weeks ago, William had an episode where he broke out in hives all over his body. I went over every single thing he ate, where he has been, if I washed clothes in anything different, or any changes at all that could have caused it. When he took Benedryl, it would disappear and thankfully was a 24-hour thing. William mentioned it to the doctor and was told it was either an allergic reaction or stress. The doctor smiled again and said, "I wouldn't be surprised if it was stress". He was right. William had been very worried about me in regards to a death in the family, and he wouldn't stop checking on me to make sure I was okay. He would even go the the extent of asking, "Are you sure you're okay, or are you lying to protect my feelings?" Ummm, what child even thinks to say that? Oh yeah, an old man child! 

William keeps me in check every day. His old man antics are a part of who he is. I'm glad he is home schooled, because his behavior is unlike any child you will ever meet. Any adult who has ever met him would agree. Thank you so much for stopping by. 💜

Tips On How To Become A Morning Person

Do you have issues falling asleep or staying asleep? Lucky for me, I'm the type of person who passes out the minute my head hits the pillow. My husband is so jealous of this special power I have. He has to go through a series of drinking bedtime tea, meditation, or listens to soothing music to get him relaxed enough to fall asleep. 

Below are some simple tips to help you get a better night's sleep, from Leesa, an online mattress provider. You might even become a morning person in the process.

Graphic courtesy of Leesa.com.