Nintendo Switch $40 Gift Card Giveaway (1 Winner)

Closed ***WINNER IS JULIE M***

Do you own a Nintendo Switch? If so, this giveaway is for YOU! 

We are giving away two $20 Nintendo eShop gift cards ($40 total) for use on Nintendo Switch to one  lucky winner. 

This giveaway is not sponsored in any way. We just wanted to do something for fun for our loyal readers. 

Enter below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only, and will end on August 17, 2023. Please be sure to follow all rules in Rafflecopter and have a valid email address in the event you are selected as the winner. MomFiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck! 

25 Creative and Fun Goodie Bag Ideas for Kids' Birthday Parties

Kids' birthday parties are always a blast, filled with laughter, games, and of course, goodie bags! As a parent or party host, you want to make sure these party favors are not only exciting but also unique. Forget the standard trinkets and candies; it's time to get creative and wow the young guests with goodies they'll love and cherish. In this blog post, we've compiled a list of 25 unique items to add to goodie bags for kids' birthday parties. Let's get started! 

1. DIY Craft Kits: Encourage creativity with mini DIY craft kits that let kids create their own masterpieces at home.
2. Personalized Water Bottles: Customized water bottles with each child's name on them make for a practical and unique keepsake.
3. Superhero Capes: Let the kids unleash their inner superheroes with personalized capes for endless imaginative play.
4. Mini Science Experiment Kits: Foster curiosity and learning with mini science experiment kits for at-home exploration.
5. Mini Books: Age-appropriate books that match each child's interests are always a hit.
6. Build-Your-Own Snack Packs: Provide a variety of healthy snacks and let the kids build their snack packs to take home.
7. Glow-in-the-Dark Stickers: Add a touch of magic with glow-in-the-dark stickers that kids can decorate their rooms with.
8. Mini Board Games: Miniature versions of classic board games offer hours of entertainment.
9. Planting Kits: Teach kids about nature and gardening with mini planting kits that include seeds, soil, and pots.
10. Temporary Tattoos: Kids love showing off their cool temporary tattoos to friends and family.
11. Friendship Bracelet Kits: Encourage bonding and creativity with DIY friendship bracelet kits.
12. Stuffed Animals: Adorable mini stuffed animals make for cuddly and charming keepsakes.
13. Puzzle Cubes: Challenge the kids with puzzle cubes or twisty puzzles for problem-solving fun.
14. Color-Your-Own Tote Bags: Let kids personalize their own tote bags with fabric markers or paints.
15. Mini Musical Instruments: Provide mini maracas, harmonicas, or kazoos for a mini jam session at home.
16. Fairy Tale Finger Puppets: Delight the kids with finger puppets featuring their favorite fairy tale characters.
17. Bubble Wands: Small bubble wands for bubble-blowing fun in the backyard.
18. Magic Tricks Set: Amaze the young guests with mini magic trick sets they can perform for their families.
19. Mini Sports Equipment: Tiny soccer balls, basketballs, or mini-frisbees for active play.
20. Puzzle Books: Brain-teasing puzzle books with mazes, word searches, and more.
21. Personalized Coloring Books: Custom coloring books with each child's name on the cover.
22. Collectible Trading Cards: Include a pack of fun trading cards featuring popular characters or themes.
23. Emoji Keychains: Colorful keychains featuring kids' favorite emojis.
24. DIY Slime Kits: Kids can mix and create their own slime with easy-to-use DIY kits.
25. Mini Photo Frames: Capture the memories with mini photo frames for each child to take home and fill with their favorite picture.

With these 25 unique and exciting goodie bag ideas, your child's birthday party will surely be a hit among the young guests. From fostering creativity to promoting learning and play, these thoughtful party favors will be cherished long after the celebration. Say goodbye to generic goodies and embrace the joy of giving something special to make your little one's birthday party a memorable one!

The Road to Confident Car Insurance: A First-Time Buyer's Essential Guide

Car insurance, though a mandatory requirement, can often seem like a daunting and confusing aspect of car ownership. For first-time buyers, navigating through the sea of policies, coverage options, and insurance providers can be overwhelming. However, armed with the right knowledge and tips, the process can become much more manageable. In this blog post, we will break down the essential aspects of researching, shopping for, and buying car insurance, offering valuable tips for those venturing into this realm for the first time. 

Understanding the Basics

Before delving into the shopping process, it's crucial to grasp the fundamental concepts of car insurance. At its core, car insurance is a contract between the policyholder and the insurance company, wherein the policyholder pays a premium in exchange for coverage against financial loss in case of an accident or other covered events. The coverage can range from liability insurance, which covers damages to other parties, to comprehensive coverage that includes damages to your own vehicle as well.

Researching and Comparing Policies

1. Assess Your Needs: Begin by understanding the type of coverage you require based on your vehicle's value, your budget, and any additional coverage you may need.
2. Compare Quotes: You must get car insurance quotes from multiple providers. Online comparison tools are valuable resources that can help you easily compare premiums, coverage limits, and deductibles.
3. Check Reviews and Reputation: Research the reputation of insurance companies and read customer reviews. A company's customer service and claims handling are vital factors to consider. 
4. Inquire About Discounts: Many insurers offer various discounts for safe driving, multiple policies, good student grades, and more. Inquire about available discounts to potentially lower your premium.
5. Consider the Deductible: The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Opting for a higher deductible can lower your premium, but ensure it's an amount you can comfortably afford. 
   

Tips for First-Time Buyers

• Understand Coverage Options: Don't skimp on coverage to save money. Instead, understand your needs and choose coverage that adequately protects you and your assets. If you have a good relationship with family members who have had car insurance for decades, be sure to ask them questions. They may be able to offer helpful advice. 
• Read the Policy Carefully: Thoroughly read the policy documents to understand the terms, conditions, and exclusions. Seek clarification from the insurer if anything is unclear.
• Know State Requirements: Different states have different minimum insurance requirements. Ensure your policy meets or exceeds your state's mandatory coverage levels.
• Consider Your Driving Habits: If you don't drive frequently, consider usage-based insurance programs that determine your premium based on your driving behavior.
• Maintain a Good Driving Record: A clean driving record can significantly impact your insurance premium. Avoid accidents and traffic violations to enjoy lower rates.
• Bundle Your Policies: If you have multiple insurance needs, such as home or renter's insurance, consider bundling them with the same insurer for potential discounts.
• Regularly Review Your Policy: As your circumstances change, so might your insurance needs. Review your policy annually and update it accordingly.

Buying car insurance for the first time may seem like a complicated process, but with research and understanding, you can make informed decisions and find suitable coverage. Remember to assess your needs, compare quotes, and read policy documents carefully. As a first-time buyer, don't hesitate to seek advice from experienced drivers or insurance professionals to ensure you have the right coverage at the best possible rate. By following these tips, you can embark on your car insurance journey with confidence, knowing you're protected on the road ahead. Happy driving!

First Choice Makes Going Back to School Easy and Fun in Columbia

Jump-Start Back-to-School event offers school supplies, backpacks, and more

Select Health of South Carolina’s First Choice health plan will host its second Jump-Start Back-to-School event of the summer, featuring back-to-school information, children’s activities, and backpacks with school supplies provided at no cost (while quantities last). The event will be held Saturday, July 29 from 9 a.m. to noon, at the First Choice Community Center, 217 Park Terrace Drive, Columbia, SC 29212. Participants are asked to register in advance by calling 1-888-676-9588. Select Health of South Carolina is the state’s oldest and largest Medicaid managed care organization and is part of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies.

“This year, we will be ready to serve more than 500 Columbia-area families with school-aged children, helping make sure they’re healthy and ready for the new school year,” said Select Health Market President Courtnay Thompson. “We’re very fortunate that more than 20 agencies and community partners are willing to join us and help children get the school supplies they need.”

Jump Start has served more than 15,000 families in the last 13 years and has now been expanded to locations throughout the state. Select Health’s bilingual staff will assist Spanish-speaking families, and interpretation services will be available for attendees with limited English proficiency.

“Good health is proven to help children perform their best in school,” said Dr. Kirt Caton, market chief medical officer at Select Health. “School-age children and young adults up to age 21 need yearly well visits with a primary care physician, and our staff can help First Choice members schedule these appointments with their doctors.”

Two more Jump-Start Back-to-School events are scheduled this summer: North Charleston on August 5, and Conway on August 12. Learn more by calling 1-888-676-9588 or by visiting www.selecthealthofsc.com/jumpstart.

About First Choice by Select Health of South Carolina

Select Health of South Carolina, part of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies, contracts with the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) to offer First Choice, the state’s oldest and largest Medicaid managed care health plan, in all 46 counties statewide. For more information about First Choice by Select Health, visit www.selecthealthofsc.com.

Select Health also offers the First Choice VIP Care Plus Medicare-Medicaid plan and First Choice VIP Care (DSNP) Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan for dual eligibles in 46 counties, as well as the First Choice Next Health Insurance Marketplace® product in 17 counties. For more information about First Choice VIP Care Plus, visit www.firstchoicevipcareplus.com. For information about First Choice VIP Care, visit www.firstchoicevipcare.com. For more information about First Choice next, visit www.firstchoicenext.com.

About AmeriHealth Caritas

AmeriHealth Caritas is one of the nation’s leaders in health care solutions for those most in need. Operating in 13 states and the District of Columbia, AmeriHealth Caritas serves approximately 5 million Medicaid, Medicare, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Health Insurance Marketplace® members through its integrated managed care products, pharmaceutical benefit management and specialty pharmacy services, and behavioral health services. Headquartered in Newtown Square, Pa., AmeriHealth Caritas is a mission-driven organization with more than 40 years of experience serving low-income and chronically ill populations. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritas.com.

7 Ways To Update Your Outdated Living Room

If you’re growing increasingly bored with your surroundings but aren’t prepared to part with a small fortune to renovate your home, simply upgrading certain rooms is often enough to transform your space. With this, there’s a good chance that you spend most of your time at home relaxing in your living room, so this is a great place to start your makeover project. 

With these practical tips, you can instantly freshen up your outdated living room. 

Clear Out Clutter

But before you can start shopping around for new furnishings or decorative details, it’s best to start with a clean space. Declutter your living room to get rid of all the excess items. As soon as you have contained all the unnecessary clutter that’s cramping up the space, you will be able to identify whether or not you need additional storage solutions in your living room. 

Large bookshelves and ottoman boxes are great storage ideas to consider. Moreover, a storage sofa or a multifunctional coffee table are wise investments for smaller living rooms.

Replace Coffee And Cocktail Tables

While your coffee table should grab attention as the room’s centerpiece, luxury cocktail tables that echo certain colors or finishes can have a similar impact. With this, you can bring various elements together by matching them to your choice of coffee and cocktail tables. Simply updating the tables in your living room can transform the interior appeal of the room by tying decor details together. 

Repaint The Walls 

A fresh coat of quality paint is another quick way to transform your living room. If your living room walls are currently white or cream, you could consider a neutral palette with muted undertones to uphold luxury interiors. Otherwise, you can try repainting one wall in a bold jewel-tone color to create an accent wall. 

When choosing the paint palette for your living room upgrade, it’s wise to use the same palette throughout your home. This way, your interior style will flow from one room to the next. 

Upgrade The Flooring

If your living room floors are currently covered up with dusty old carpeting, installing hardwood flooring can make a huge difference to property value, the overall appeal of your living room, and even your sinuses. 

Replacing the flooring is not the most pocket-friendly undertaking, although you can boost property value substantially if you decide to upgrade the flooring throughout your home. Even so, you can replace the flooring one room at a time to afford the expense with a bit less financial stress.

Invest In The Perfect Sofa

While the coffee table should act as the centerpiece of the room, the sofa is usually the main attraction. Beyond that, a living room simply is not complete without the right seating. But when shopping for the perfect sofa, you must consider more than aesthetic appeal; your lifestyle, living room size, comfort preferences, and budget are other critical factors to consider. 

Your lifestyle will determine whether you need a sofa that’s easy to clean, multifunctional, or comfortable enough for movie nights, while a furniture size guide will help you find a sofa that fits perfectly. Nevertheless, only investing in a new sofa can change the entire atmosphere of your living room. 

Replace The Art

Unless you have invested in prolific timeless art pieces, there’s no reason you can’t switch up the art that adorns your living room walls. There are also no real rules when it comes to choosing a style of art. However, it is wise to consider the size and dimensions of canvases or frames to prevent your art selection from clashing with interior design principles.

Bigger is always better when scaling art; many small art pieces can easily create visual clutter. It’s also vital to place canvases and frames at the right height. 

Change Up The Decorative Details

If you are looking for a way to give your living room a makeover on a budget, only decluttering and changing the decor details can transform the space. Shop for new scatter cushions, throws, candle holders, and other decorative touches, and store away or sell your old items. At the same time, it’s still worthwhile to change the decorative details if your living room makeover is not as restricted by your budget. 

Upgrading your living room is a great way to upgrade your everyday comfort. Whether you decide to change the sofa and invest in new art, repaint the walls, or replace the flooring, it’s important to create a budget for your living room makeover before you start shopping around for upgrades that can transform your home.