Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Hi Everyone! I made a dish this weekend that was purely experimental and it turned out so good that I just had to share it with you. I get so tired of making the same old things over and over again and craved something completely different from the usual. I was shopping in Kroger the other night with my hubby and we were looking at their Private Selection brand of products that were on sale. They currently have a bonus sale where you can save $4.00 by purchasing 4 items. He was looking at a couple of the simmering sauces. I had that "look" on my face since I am the Queen of homemade. Is this man really looking at an Indian inspired sauce from a jar? He insisted we give it a try, so I reluctantly agreed. The price was really good so I figured I didn't have too much to lose.

The directions on the jar called for ingredients like bell peppers and onions. I decided to do things my own way. I used one pound of chicken tenders and cut them into 1-inch pieces. I then very lightly seasoned (no salt) the chicken with my staple spices. Next, I heated about 1 teaspoon of olive oil and one teaspoon of vegetable oil in my skillet. I lightly dusted the chicken with some plain flour and added chicken to pan. I let it get nice and golden brown and then added some sliced red onion. After sauteeing onion for about 2 minutes, I poured my jar of sauce over chicken and onion and held my breath.

I let the chicken simmer for about 5-6 minutes and finished it off with some fresh cilantro. I served the chicken tikka masala over jasmine rice and the entire family (even little William) LOVED this dish. It had the most amazing balance of flavors. You could taste a hint of sweetness, a slight tang and a good pinch of spice. We didn't find it too spicy at all. I really can't believe how delicious this dish came out. It tasted like it came from a really good Indian restaurant. What's so great about this dish is that it really only took about 20 minutes to make. This would be perfect for a busy work/school week dinner. Just add a side salad and even some naan.

If you live near a Kroger, you must try out their Private Selection brand of gourmet products. We have already tried so many items and have never been disappointed. We are big fans of their Greek yogurt, artisan breads, preserves and fruit spreads, pasta, frozen pizza and more! You can also go here to see if any other stores may carry the brand as well. I did a search for some out of state zip codes and some different store names I'm not familiar with came up. Their $4 off 4 sale at Kroger is still on, so I plan to go pick up some more items this week. Let me know if you try this out. Have a great week!

Teen Driver Car Maintenance and Repair Guide from AutoMD.com

October is National Car Care Month and the experts at AutoMD.com have car safety in mind, especially for teenagers, who are at a significantly higher risk of
being in accidents and even fatal crashes according to the NHTSA. [1]  To this
end,  AutoMD.com offers a downloadable Teen Driver Car Maintenance and Repair Guide.

The Guide includes:

- A Vehicle Diagram to help you identify key components of your car.
- A Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Vehicle Maintenance Checklist to keep your car
running its best.
- Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Vehicle Repair Instructions to help you perform
basic maintenance and repair of your car.
- Car Maintenance and Repair Tips & Tricks you probably didn't know but
should.
- Car Repair Safety Information to keep you safe while you're performing
a repair.
- Roadside Safety Tips while you're out on the road.
- A Car Maintenance Quiz to earn your Certificate of Commitment upon
successful completion.

The full guide can be downloaded here: http://www.automd.com/teen/.

Below are six key maintenance tips for teens (and adults!) from the Teen Driver
Car Maintenance and Repair Guide.

1. Know your car's maintenance intervals and keep up with service

Each vehicle has a maintenance schedule, outlined in your owner's manual. Be
sure you read and understand the schedule. Items that require regular
maintenance include the car's fluids, tires, brakes, and oil and filter changes,
too. Oil and air filter changes are particularly important to keep the engine
running efficiently and make great beginning DIY auto repair projects. Get an
experienced adult to help the first few times, and follow these how-to guides
for help:

How to Change Your Oil: http://www.automd.com/101/how-to-change-engine-oil-and-filter/

How to Replace an Air Filter: http://www.automd.com/11/how-to-replace-an-air-filter/

Did You Know? These days experts say that you only need to change your oil every 5,000 miles. A good rule of thumb is this – if a vehicle is older than a 2002
model year, it should probably get an oil change every 3,000 miles. If it's
newer than a 2002 model, it's fine to change the oil every 5,000 miles.

2. Take care of your tires – make sure they can get you to school, work,
etc.

Tire maintenance is particularly important for safe and fuel-efficient driving,
so, take good care of them! Keep your tires properly inflated, and watch for
tire wear. Driving on underinflated tires can shorten the life of your tires,
increase tire wear and lead to significant tire damage from heat, potholes and
other road hazards. Plus, keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure can
improve gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent. Consult your owner's manual or tire
sticker on the door jamb for manufacturer-recommended tire pressure settings.
And, look at your tires for wear and tear every time you stop for gas.

Did You Know? You can check for tire wear and tear by using a penny. Hold a
penny at the base between your thumb and forefinger so that you can see the top
of President Lincoln's head and the words "In God We Trust." Place the top of
Lincoln's head into one of the grooves in your tire tread. If any part of
Lincoln's head is covered, you have a legal and safe amount of tire tread left
and your tires probably don't need to be replaced. However, if there is any
space above Lincoln's head, or if you can see any part of the words "In God We
Trust," it's time for new tires. Click here for more tire care tips:
http://www.automd.com/about-automd/press/01-25-2011/

3. Don't ignore dashboard warning lights

Dashboard warning lights serve as notification that something may be wrong with your car, and include the Check Engine Light, Oil Light, Temperature Light, Brake Light, and more. When warning lights come on, pay attention to them! Read the owner's manual so you know what each of the warning lights mean and how you should respond.

Did You Know? If your Check Engine light is blinking while you're driving, you
should pull over immediately. The Check Engine light can signal any number of
system failures, from a fuel vapor leak caused by a loose gas cap to poor
acceleration caused by a faulty MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor. If the light comes
on and stays on without flashing – yet the car seems to be running smoothly –
chances are your car can be examined by a mechanic after you get home, or when you can get to one. On the other hand, if the Check Engine light is blinking
while you're driving, pull over or get to a mechanic right away. A blinking
check engine light usually indicates a severe misfire that could damage your
car's engine.

4. Don't let your car run too low, or out of gas

You know it's important to fuel your body with food for optimal performance at
school and play, and it is equally important to fuel your car appropriately,
which means not letting your car run too low on gas. Most of today's vehicles
have fuel-injected engines that rely on in-tank electric pumps that use gas to
cool and lubricate its components. Driving your fuel injected engine frequently
on fumes could cause hundreds of dollars in repairs, and leave you stranded on
the side of the road, which is always a dangerous place to be. A good rule of
thumb – keep the fuel level above a quarter tank to keep your car running well,
and to avoid running out of gas!

Did You Know? You don't need to use the highest grade of gasoline for your car's engine to perform its best. The variation in quality between different grades of gasoline today is very small, so don't waste your money by filling up with
premium gasoline unless your car "requires" it (if this exact wording is stated
in your owner's manual).

5. Steer clear – take care of your windshield

The windshield is like the eye of your car. Therefore, it is critical to keep it
clean and clear for safe driving. Some parts of the country are, or will be,
experiencing their first rainfalls after months of being dry. You don't want to
discover that your windshield wiper blades don't work during the first rainfall
when you need them most. Wiper blades that have cracks, skip, streak or leave
spots or smears should be replaced. You should also check spray nozzles for
proper aim. If the nozzles are clogged, clean them with a needle. Use windshield
washer fluid in the tank to prevent corrosion and remove stubborn dirt, grime
and insects from your windshield. Whether it rains or not, you should try to use
your spray nozzles and wiper blades every few weeks to keep them functioning
properly.

Click here for guide on How to Replace Wiper Blades: http://www.automd.com/94/how-to-replace-windshield-wiper-blades/

Did You Know? Carrying a squeegee with a scrubber in your car or trunk is a good idea. It can help remove splattered bugs, and maximize visibility.

6. Teen life moves fast, but your car doesn't have to. Slow down – avoid
speeding

Perhaps one of the best ways to keep your car well maintained, and keep you safe on the road, is to avoid speeding! It may seem fun to drive fast, or you might
simply be in a hurry (late for school, maybe?), but speeding is incredibly
dangerous, and bad for your car. In fact, driving slower puts less demand on
your car's engine and transmission, and also helps to reduce the amount of gas
you use in the process. Avoid all driving habits that put stress and strain on
your vehicle, such as fast driving, hitting curbs, and off-roading. It is also a
good idea to slow down and increase your following distance when driving in
harsh weather, as vehicles can lose traction in rain, snow and ice.

Did You Know? Speeding is so dangerous because it reduces your reaction time to avoid a potential collision. According to one website[2], among serious crashes involving teen driver error, 1 in 5 crashes occurred due to speeding. Remember that speeding is reckless driving.

Family Tailgating with Bojangles' (Reveiw & Giveaway) #TailgateEverythingPromo

Fall is all about football and tailgating. Whether you attend games in person or watch it on TV, food is a big part of it. We catch most games at home and I do my best to have good game food prepared. Sometimes I just don’t feel like cooking or even cleaning for that matter. Good thing there’s the Bojangles’ family meal that is perfect for our at-home tailgating. You can choose the 8 or 12 piece depending on the size of your party and it comes with everything you need to make your tailgate gathering easier and tastier. You can choose from their classic fixin's as they call them here in the south. They even include your choice of their Legendary Iced Tea or Lemonade as well as cups, plates and napkins.

I say YES to not messing up pots, pans, dishes or standing in front of a hot grill. For a limited time, you can order their yummy football shaped BoBerry biscuits. It works as the perfect dessert! I can see ordering a couple dozen to take into the workplace or school to share with friends. I was able to add a 6-pack of them onto my 8-piece box for an additional $1.99.

My family LOVES Bojangles' chicken and biscuits. On occasion when I take a break from cooking, it's not unusual for us to grab a family meal from there. It is also our road trip stop for breakfast.

Here are a few facts you might not know about Bojangles' chicken, biscuits or tea:

• Bojangles’ biscuits are made from scratch using fat-free buttermilk and always served warm and fresh, no more than 20 minutes after coming out of the oven. Bojangles’-certified biscuit-makers use the same recipe today that was perfected by Bojangles’ founders in 1977.
• Bojangles’ delicious bone-in fried chicken is shipped fresh daily, marinated for 12 hours, then hand-dipped and breaded.
• Bojangles’ Legendary Iced Tea is made the old-fashioned way – it’s freshly steeped tea that’s brewed every day.  
  

Bojangles’ is also holding an Instagram contest offering the chance to win a Bojangles’ Tailgate Prize Pack every week, which includes a set of cornhole boards, $100 Bojangles’ gift card and two Bojangles’ tailgating chairs. Details are on www.TailgateEverything.com – simply share a photo of friends or family tailgating with Bojangles’ on Instagram using #TailgateEverythingPromo for a chance to win!

Giveaway: I have $20 in Bojangles' gift cards to give away to one lucky Mom Files reader. Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on September 30, 2014. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Mom files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes.

Disclosure: I received gift cards from Bojangles' to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own as always.

DerMend Review #ad

Do you have the type of skin that is so dry that you have literally tried every product available? Unfortunately, I have THAT type of skin. It can become very costly trying so many things and you end up not using it or tossing it out. I finally found the solution that has practically transformed my skin and makes it look radiant. DerMend Alpha+Beta Hydroxy Therapy Moisturizing Body Lotion has been a lifesaver.

I have to admit that I didn't really like it the first couple times I used it. I am so glad I continued with it because it has healed my summer sun-tanned skin. I think all of the time spent at the pool and beach were taking a toll on my arms and legs. They started looking a bit cracked like a desert—NOT a good look at all! I see a noticeable difference after using the product for 3 whole weeks. I tried it on my son's body since his skin is more on the dry side and he got the same results like I did. This lotion is so moisturizing and protects so well that when you take a shower or wash your hands, you can feel the protective barrier on your skin. It's not in a residue kind of way. I have noticed that the product has helped my skin shed a layer to reveal the glow beneath.
I am sure this lotion or cream would be great if you work in the any field that requires constant hand washing. It's perfect for moms with newborns. I remember always having the driest hands when my kids were babies.

DerMend product details:
The unique formula delivers glycolic acid and salicylic acid in an elegant cream and lotion, which work together to help your skin slough off dead cells, while the formula’s rich ceramides can help it feel new again. MassageDerMend® Alpha+Beta Hydroxy Therapy Moisturizing Body Lotion ($26.49; 12oz bottle) twice a day to affected areas or as directed by your physician, and apply DerMend® Alpha+Beta Hydroxy Therapy Moisturizing Cream ($17.99; 4.5oz tube) on extremely dry areas such as elbows, knees, and heels.

DerMend® Alpha+Beta Hydroxy Therapy Moisturizing Body Lotion and Moisturizing Cream absorb quickly, leaving skin feeling smooth, never greasy or slick. Plus, they are fragrance-free and non-comedogenic – targeted relief for the areas that need it most!

DerMend® Alpha+Beta Hydroxy Therapy Moisturizing Body Lotion and Moisturizing Cream are available online at www.lovelyskin.com

I received product samples in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own as always. 

MACY’S celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Macy’s brings together Jasmine Villegas, Julie Sariñana and Kika Rocha at seven stores nationwide for inspiring discussions on culture and fashion influence

This fall, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Macy’s honors Latin-American women Jasmine Villegas, Julie Sariñana and Kika Rocha,  who have all influenced and shaped American popular culture via their fashion, beauty and lifestyle expertise. With exciting special events across the country, Macy’s is set to commemorate these three influential Latinas through live candid conversations that will inspire customers to embrace their style heritage.    

"Macy’s recognizes and values the contributions Latinos have made to our nation, not only in fashion, but also in beauty and every aspect of American popular culture. We look forward to celebrating these achievements with our Hispanic Heritage Month events from coast-to-coast," said Dineen Garcia, Macy’s vice-president of Diversity Strategies.

Jasmine Villegas, the multi-talented actress and singer who has amassed a huge following, recently signed with Interscope Records. In 2012 she was listed as the #3 Most Powerful Woman on Twitter and #1 Top Twitter User in Los Angeles by TweetGrader.com. Jasmine most recently released her latest single “That’s Me Right There” which features Kendrick Lamar and has plans to release an EP in the fall, followed by her full length major label debut in early 2015.

Julie Sariñana founded the blog Sincerely Jules in February 2009 as a creative outlet to express her thoughts, inspirations, style and love of everything cool. Jules chronicles her daily style, travels and life and continues to inspire and motivate her readers, one outfit at a time.

Kika Rocha, former People en Español fashion director, knows a thing or two about passion and following dreams. Fluent in four languages, Kika encourages women to look their best and discover new secrets while sharing the next “it” trend with her one million readers on social media and her blog De Tacones Y Mas. She is currently a red carpet fashion host at Telemundo and has a weekly beauty segment on Telemundo’s national morning show “Un Nuevo Dia.”

Macy’s Hispanic Heritage Month events will take place at stores across the country including The Bronx, Wheaton, Chicago, Miami, Santa Clara, San Diego and San Antonio. Customers will have the opportunity to be part of a casual conversation with the three Latina influencers, who will speak on cultural heritage and the role it has played in their lifestyles. Villegas will also perform her latest single, set to be released later this year. Customers can shop Macy’s specially styled closet with fashions inspired by Villegas, Sariñana and Rocha as well as have the opportunity to meet the three influencers and take a photo with them in the Macy’s photo booth.

Fans will also receive a copy of Jasmine V’s song “That’s Me Right There” which features Kendrick Lamar and their very own Macy’s swag bag with any purchase of $25 or more during the event, while supplies last.  

Macy’s Hispanic Heritage Month events will take place at the following locations:

Event Celebrations 
Macy’s Bay Plaza – Bronx, NY – Friday, September 19th @ 6:30PM 
Macy’s Wheaton – Wheaton, MD – Saturday, September 20th @ 2:00PM 
Macy’s State Street – Chicago, IL – Thursday, September 25th @ 5:30PM 
Macy’s Dadeland – Miami, FL – Saturday, September 27th @ 3:00PM 
Macy’s Valley Fair – Santa Clara, CA – Thursday, October 2nd @ 6:00PM 
Macy’s Fashion Valley – San Diego, CA – Saturday, October 4th @ 2:00PM 
Macy’s Northstar – San Antonio, TX – Saturday, October 11th @ 2:00PM 
For complete details on Macy’s Hispanic Heritage Month Events, please visit www.macys.com/celebrate.   

About Macy’s: 
Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy's offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy's flagship stores -- including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California -- are known internationally and leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers, employees and Macy's Foundation, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $70 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers. 

BILINER Premium Water Review #ad

As we all should know, drinking water is imperative in maintaining proper health. I make it a point to consume more than 60 ounces daily and try to aim for 100 ounces if I can. I have often heard of water coming from pure and natural sources and have been curious to find out more. I received some bottles to test out from BILINER in both Premium Mineral Water and Royal Class Spring Water.

I couldn't help but admire the lovely bottles and names that seem to match. But what exactly makes this water different from others?

BILINER mineral waters comes from the heart of the old continent, the Czech Republic. From the North Bohemian region (Czech Republic), extremely rich in valuable minerals (which are found along the extensive geological break) comes this highly valued, naturally carbonated alkaline mineral water BILINER as well as the renowned and, for many centuries, a proven natural aid to digestion, SEDLITZ WATER. When me and my husband tried this mineral water for the first time, our eyes opened wide from the tingle on our tongue. We were really intrigued that the carbonation was natural and unlike the typical carbonated water we have tried in the past. The Spring Water was crystal clear, super smooth and clean tasting. It's refreshing to drink water that does not taste like a plastic bottle or even like tap water. I found out that these waters are so pure that even a newborn baby could drink it.

Interesting facts about BILINER Premium water: 

• Really great, unique taste of mineral salts
• Naturally carbonated directly from the source, with no artificial carbonation. Very rare water property.
• High content of beneficial minerals
• Bottled exactly as it flows from the mineral spring
• The oldest mineral water in the world, which was the subject of trading more than 300 years ago
• Popular throughout Europe under trade name BILINER SAUERBRUNN since early 18th century
• Recommended by balneologists and loved by spa guests, it combines healing properties with the refreshing, restorative qualities of naturally carbonated water long before any other manufactured soda waters were available
• The city of Bilina was called “Vichy of Germany” before the many political changes which took place in Europe
• The temperature of this spring water ranges between 63° F and 68° F at its source.
• Contemporary Czech name is BÍLINSKÁ KYSELKA

Major effects when used in the form of drink treatment include:

I – neutralizes excess gastric acids (Natural remedy for heartburn)
II – avoids mucoid effect (Ready for inhalation)
III – powerful anti inflammatory
IV – stimulates stomach secretions
V – aids pancreatic activity
VI – reduces creation of oxalates in urine, helpful in prevention of kidney stones
VII – reduces creation of uric acid, helpful in prevention of gout

Dosage and practical use of BILINER Premium:

Natural healing water Biliner is prescribed for use either as Spa drink treatment or for regular home use drink regimen. In order to boost its beneficial effect, the recommendation is to drink the water – in small gulps – out of a spa cup. The water is best at room temperature although refrigeration does not impair its value in any way.

This healthy functional mineral water is now available in the United States, distributed by the  BILINER USA to exclusive and discerning retail stores for sale to those customers who want the very best. My husband has already decided to start ordering cases of the mineral water and we hope to find it available in some local stores soon. You can check here to see if you can find it locally or you can also order BILINER online.

Be sure to connect with BILINER on Facebook and Twitter for product updates and promotions.

Introducing Waffullicious Waffles from IHOP

IHOP restaurants have actually taken a giant step in waffle development with “Waffullicious Waffles”: for the first time, those same great ingredients guests love on top of their waffle are now baked right in, so each bite of a Waffullicious Waffle is filled with the same terrific flavor inside every bite as well as on top.

Waffullicious Waffles come in two distinctive, delicious varieties—one savory and one sweet:

Bac’ n’ Cheddar:  A traditional thick, crispy Belgian waffle with savory chopped hickory bacon and cheddar cheese baked-in, then topped with bacon pieces. This one totally has my name all over it! 

Very Blueberry Cheesecake:  A traditional thick, crispy Belgian waffle with plump blueberries and NY cheesecake pieces baked-in, then topped with cheesecake pieces & blueberries in lightly sweetened syrup. Hmm, maybe a half order of the first variety and a half of this one might be a good savory and sweet combo! 

Waffullicious Waffles will be available in restaurants for a limited time beginning September 8 through November 2, 2014. They can be ordered as a separate menu item, or as a half waffle served with one of IHOP’s famous 2 egg any style made to order combo breakfasts, all served with hash browns:

• Ultimate Bacon & Sausage Combo
• Ham & Eggs Combo
• Bacon & Eggs Combo
• Sausage & Eggs Combo.
• Regular Combo
• Egg Combo

For more information or to find an IHOP restaurant near you, please visit www.IHOP.com.  Follow IHOP on Facebook and Twitter.

Belli Birthday Bash- Hurry and Save 30% Storewide (Sept 8-23)

I have been using Belli Skincare products for over a month now and LOVE the results. I finally got the Healthy Glow Facial Hydrator to go along with my Anti-Blemish Facial Wash Value Duo. It is everything I would expect from the Belli brand. It gives me the perfect amount of moisture without being heavy or sticky. My skin feels baby soft! 

Starting today, September 8th until the 23rd, Belli Skincare is having a Belli Birthday Bash. 

It may be Belli’s birthday, but the gifts are for you! Belli Skincare is proud to partner with like-minded mom and baby brands to celebrate our birthday and the full pregnancy to motherhood experience with a sitewide sale and online giveaways at www.belliskincare.com  

Visit the Belli website to enjoy 30% savings sitewide on Belli Skincare products with promo code (BDAYBASH30). Enter daily to win exciting sponsored product giveaways from prestige mom and baby brands.  Participating brands include Healthy Mama, Pretty Pushers, Guava Family, Birds & Bees Teas, Angelcare, Swaddle Designs and Sticky Bellies.

Each day a different prize and/or gift certificate will be featured from a variety of brands.  On the final two days of the event (September 22nd and 23rd), there will be registration for a Grand Prize Package  which features prizes from all of the Belli Birthday Bash event sponsors.  One lucky winner will take home the Grand Prize package valued at over $1,200 in mom and baby products.

I received product samples in exchange for promoting the Belli Birthday Bash. All opinions are my own as always.

Susan Posnick Cosmetics keep me looking my best when I'm on-the-go #ad

School has been back in session for 2 weeks now and I feel like I am even busier with the kids gone. I have to really use my time wisely if I plan to get anything accomplished. It feels like my morning is 30 minutes long and I have to get myself together before I hit the carpool line. One thing I believe in strongly is always being put together and wearing just enough makeup to look polished. I received an assortment of products from Susan Posnick Cosmetics to test out. They are designed with busy women in mind and offer a convenient solution for a quick fix on-the-go including sun protection. It's as if these products had ME in mind!

These are the items I received as well as my personal thoughts--
Susan Posnick COLORFLO ($68.00 / SusanPosnick.com) is a luxurious mineral foundation with sun protection in a simple self-dispensing refillable brush that will not clog pores or irritate sensitive skin.  COLORFLO is available in 12 shades for every skin tone, plus the perfect Shimmer and the ideal Bronzer. I received the M9 color which is like a caramel. I was really afraid this would be too light for me. Turns out that it blends perfectly with my skin, even after my tan from the beach! I adore the all-in-one brush and really love the light, flawless coverage it provides. I can truly say that this is the quickest way to apply a mineral foundation. 

The multi-purpose Susan Posnick COLORME ($32.00 / SusanPosnick.com) provides lush color to cheeks, eyes, and anywhere else you desire a lush blush. This travel-friendly makeup comes in a self-dispensing post with a attached puff and mirror for easy application, anywhere. I received this one in the color, Camelia. It is a soft, shimmery pink that really showcased my tan skin. It adds very subtle color, while brightening my cheeks. I really love the ease of application and it really works nicely for days I don't have time to apply eye shadow. 

Easily go from day to night with Susan Posnick COLOREYEDEFINE ($26.00 / SusanPosnick.com), A slender pencil comprised of an angled liner think enought to define, yet soft enought to blend as a shadow. It includes a self-dispensing eye shadow that compliments the liner color. I received the platinum/gold shade. I was impressed with the coverage and wear this shadow provides. It lasts all day and blends easily. I think the liner color is too light. I would have really loved to try this in a brown or black. Overall, very convenient item to have in my bag. 

Susan Posnick COLORESSENTIAL ($21.00 / SusanPosnick.com) for a rich lip color, enhanced with olive oil and vitamins to keep lips moisturized. I received 2 shades in Dubai (nude) and Shanghai (soft pink). I love that their lip color shades are named after famous cities. I have used many premium lip colors in the past and these really are amazing. I found that they are very moisturizing last for hours. I usually have issues with these types of lipsticks drying my lips out, but not this time. I really do love how well the colors worked on my darker skin. The nude shade is my new favorite! 

I am very happy with all of the products I have received and get so many compliments on how gorgeous my makeup looks. I love that all of the colors blend so well with my complexion. I am usually leery of lighter colors, but every product worked out well. I intend to purchase the refill of the COLORFLO foundation and also some of the red/brown shades of COLORESSENTIAL Lipsticks. I can have a complete, natural makeup look in under 5 minutes. I love that all of the products are easy to stash in my cosmetic bag that can go with me. This will make packing for trips a whole lot easier.

Check out Susan Posnick Cosmetics on their website and connect on Facebook and Twitter for products promotions and updates.

I received complimentary cosmetics in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own. 

Canyon Bakehouse Gluten-Free for back-to-school (Giveaway) #ad

I received some yummy samples to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own as always. 

I have noticed that so many of my friends and family have transitioned to gluten-free foods for a variety of health reasons. I have considered it for my family, but we are big on texture. Gluten-free has tasted like cardboard in the past and that has turned us off. When I did some research on gluten-free Canyon Bakehouse breads, I was drawn in to the fact that they say their breads are soft and have a texture close to traditional breads. I just had to find out for myself. I received a nice assortment of breads for my family to try out including: Cinnamon Raisin, Mountain White, 7-Grain and Cranberry Canyon Crunch Muffins.

I decided to start with the Cinnamon Raisin bread for breakfast. I like my bread toasted so I popped it in on a low setting before I spread a thin layer of butter on it. I took a bite and then another. I was indeed shocked that it had the same texture that I am used to with cinnamon raisin bread. Also, it wasn't overly sweet which is good.

The next one I tried was the 7-Grain bread. I made a sandwich for lunch and decided to try a tiny corner without toasting it. I think I am still too new to gluten-free bread so I toasted it lightly. That did the trick! It tasted like a rich Artisan bread I would buy from a bakery. It was really hearty and filling. I can't believe that this regular bread eater might just be convinced to make the switch! I searched the store locator to see if there were any stores in my area that carry them and to my surprise, I found 4 locations. You can also order baked goods directly from the website. Right now, they have a special if you order "one of everything", you can get $5 off.  They even have a page dedicated to recipes using their products. I think there will be some cinnamon raisin French toast being made in the near future.

At school about 2 students in each classroom have a food allergy. To help parents prepare for the school year, here’s our checklist for staying safe with food allergies:

Tips for Staying Safe at School With Food Allergies

• Keep teachers and staff in the know – Set up a meeting before the first day of school with your child’s teacher, the school nurse and principal to talk about your child’s allergies.
• Provide a list of safe and unsafe foods for your child – Especially with gluten allergies, many people don’t understand what it is or where it can be found. Creating a quick run-down of foods to avoid will eliminate fear or confusion on the school’s part.
• Make an allergy action plan – Provide the school staff with medical information, emergency contact info and a food allergy action plan in case your child has a reaction at school.
• Attitude is everything – Along with school staff, it’s important to talk to your child about the allergy so he/she understands it. If you don’t treat the allergy as something “weird” then they won’t feel embarrassed.

Try these gluten-free breakfast ideas: 

• Cinnamon Raisin bread with almond butter or peanut butter.  Canyon’s Tip: choose all-natural nut butters to avoid harmful trans fats. 
• Mountain White cheese and avocado sandwich.  Canyon’s Tip: Avocados are a great source of healthy fat for energy and keeps the belly full.   
• 7-Grain toast with a slice of turkey. Canyon’s Tip: lunch foods (ie: turkey) make great breakfast foods since they’re low sugar and full of protein.
• Cranberry Canyon Crunch Muffin with a hard-boiled egg.  Canyon’s Tip: hard-boil a bunch of eggs on Sunday for quicker prep each morning.

Do you want to try out Canyon Bakehouse Gluten-free breads for yourself? One Mom Files reader will win an assortment of baked goods including: Cinnamon Raisin, Mountain White, 7-Grain and Cranberry Canyon Crunch Muffins. Enter below: a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on September 11, 2014. Two winners will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Mom files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. *Prizes may vary.

Beauty and the Bees Real Beer Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Review

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

For most of my life, my hair has been very healthy and pretty. I have noticed that in the last 2 years or so, something changed. My guess is it has something to do with hormones and getting older. ((SIGH)) I was very curious about the Real Beer shampoo and conditioner bars from Beauty and the Bees. They claim they will give your hair natural gloss and shine. Also, I confess, they had me at beer! I couldn't wait to put it to the test. 

I received some instructions and tips to learn how to properly use these products. Having shampoo and conditioner in a bar form is really different from traditional bottles of the liquid type. One bit of advice that stuck out to me was to be careful not to use too much of the conditioner since it is very concentrated. I wet my hair as usual and applied the shampoo bar evenly. It had a very minimal fragrance and lathered fairly well. It rinsed out really well and I then carefully applied the conditioner. I concentrated more in the ends of my hair since my hair is not overly dry. I was afraid of over-conditioning my roots which would make my hair appear greasy. I could feel how rich the conditioner was and it was a good thing to go easy! After rinsing it out, towel drying, blow drying and curling, my hair was luxuriously soft and shiny. I am so pleased with the results and have used the products three times so far. You should have a better understanding of how much to use by your third use according to the tip sheet. 

About the Beer Shampoo + Conditioner Bars:
Beauty & the Bees handmade, solid beer shampoo and beer conditioner bars are rich in plant and nut oils, hops and beer. Beer has been famed for generations for its ability to leave hair bouncy, shiny and full of body, and these bars are chockablock with it - brewed naturally by small, local breweries in Tasmania. The bars follow an entirely sulfate and chemical-free recipe that has been traditionally handmade for centuries, using the finest natural conditioning plant oils such as castor, olive and coconut.

Where to purchase:
Beauty & the Bees handmade skin and hair care products are as special as the island they come from: Tasmania, Australia. The pioneer of all-natural beauty line from Tasmania has launched its U.S. division now available on Etsy, BeautyandtheBees.net and Amazon.

My overall opinion:
I love that there is nothing to throw away once the bars are used up. No waste and no harm to our earth. My husband keeps commenting on how gorgeous my hair has been looking. I recommend giving these products a try if you are looking for a natural alternative. I am very satisfied! Be sure to connect with Beauty and the Bees on Facebook for product updates and promotions.

VTech Kidizoom® Smartwatch Review & Giveaway

**CLOSED** Winner is The Attic Girl- Congratulations! 

The VTech product, gift card, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by VTech. All opinions are my own as always. 

I am continually amazed at how far technology has come and continues to go. Kids in this day and age have so many advantages with this technology. I received the brand new VTech Kidizoom® Smartwatch for my son to test out. The Kidizoom Smartwatch offers so many amazing features all available on your child's wrist.

William was thrilled to play around with his new watch. The first thing that stood out to me is how flexible and comfortable the watch band felt. It was easy to get on and just as easy to take off. William didn't complain about it hurting his wrist or pinching it like he has with other watches he has tried. He wore it to registration night at his school and all of his friends quickly surrounded him to check out his super cool watch. All you could hear was, "Oooh and ahhh".

Kidizoom Smartwatch (Ages 4 years and up; MSRP: $59.99) features include:

·         1.4 inch color touch screen
·         Camera for taking photos and recording videos
·         Voice recorder with 5 voice changing effects
·         Special effects including customized photo frames, color filters and distortion effects; fun video frames
·         4 fun games, included
·         Kid-durable design to withstand drops and bumps
·         Splash proof and sweat proof
·         Alarm clock with fun tones and animation
·         Timer and stopwatch in kid-friendly themes
·         50+ digital and traditional analog displays
·         Rechargeable battery
·         4 vibrant colors: blue, pink, white and green
·         Micro USB cable for data transfer and battery recharging
·         Access to Learning Lodge app store to download more games and watch displays

What we liked about the VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch:

• Makes your kid feel like they have a grown-up watch.
• A great way to spark imagination.
• The 3-minute stopwatch is great for timing chores or teeth brushing. 
• My son enjoys making videos and listening to himself over and over. 
• A great tool for parents to record reminders for kids. 
• Very comfortable to wear and excellent to take on the go. 
• Fairly long battery-life and we LOVE that it is rechargeable. 

Overall, this watch is really neat and my son loves it. He wants to take it to school for show and tell. I am sure his friends will all want one! Be sure to check out the VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch on the Vtechkids.com and stay connected on Facebook and Twitter for product promotions and updates. 

Giveaway: How would you like to win one for your child? Enter below: a Rafflecopter giveaway  

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on September 3, 2014. Please follow giveaway rules in Rafflecopter widget. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

Provost Academy #MyUnVirtualSchoolIdea

This post brought to you by Provost Academy. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Mom Files.

It appears that more and more families are turning to home or online school options for their children. The world is certainly way more different than when I was growing up and going to traditional public school. With one last child at home, I am entertaining the idea of non-tradtional schooling. The question that comes up is, "Will my child have any friends?" I think the social aspect of not attending public or private school physically makes parents get a bit nervous. Provost Academy in South Carolina might have the answer -- Provost Academy in an online public school incorporating social interaction into virtual learning known as My UnVirtual School Idea. They have thousands of students with a common goal. They are like most teens who want to do their personal best, build friendships and explore their dreams together.

Provost Academy strongly believes that relationships matter as much as academics. They believe that learning is best done together instead of alone. In life, you can't go wrong with the team work approach. I don't think successful adults became that way all alone. The UnVirtual Online School works hard to connect students with other students who have shared goals and dreams, while being an inspiration and support to one another.  They seek out ways for students to engage with professionals in their fields of interest to talk with and learn from over something as simple as a cup of coffee. They try to match up students with opportunities to help them expand their potential and prepare them for some of life's many challenges. Learning can happen anywhere and they want to expand the definition of anywhere. 
All of this is why they like to think of themselves as The UnVirtual Online School. They’re a school built on relationships.
Other fun facts from #MyUnVirtualSchool
· They are accredited. This means the diplomas students receive when they graduate from Provost Academy are real and they are recognized by colleges and the military.
· There is no cost to enroll since they are a public school. Fortunately the value of a Provost education far exceeds the cost, and they work hard to increase that value each and every day.
· Their teachers, advisors and administrators work to build one-to-one relationships with  students. They are a dedicated group challenging each student to go beyond what they think possible and to care deeply about the learning process, not just the outcome.
· They know that learning is unique to each of their students, and flexibility is required. They believe by working together they can create a distinctive learning experience for each student. In honor of this, they invite our readers and followers to help launch the UnVirtual revolution by sharing their ideas, thoughts and suggestions on ways in which an online school can be more social.
The three Provost states are South Carolina, Colorado and Ohio.

I believe the way an online school can be more social is to have a girls' (or guys') night out for dinner and chit chat. Even if you can't be there physically, a Google hangout will suffice! 

What Makes Me Great #GreatGrains #ad

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Post Great Grains Cereal for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you ever think to yourself, "Hey self, you're GREAT!"? Well I let way too many years go by without fully embracing my awesomeness. I believe that life really gets so much better when you hit your 40's. I now look in the mirror and love the woman in the reflection. She's warm, compassionate, patient and beautiful. Why did I wait so long to see just how great I am? Even on my less than perfect days, I manage to channel my inner light and it comes out as a smile. Smiling really makes me feel good and can turn any day into a great day!

Great Grains is the cereal that shows the ingredients you put inside can help you feel and look great on the outside. Great Grains surveyed 1,000 women Nationally to ask “what makes you great.” The results were very interesting. A few results that I fell into the same category were: 73 percent of women have reinvented themselves after turning 40. In fact, 80 percent of women love themselves more now than they did 10 years ago, according to a survey by Wakefield Research for Post Great Grains Cereal. 83 percent of women think the greatest obstacle to reaching their full potential is what they think of themselves, rather than what others think of them. Women have learned a lot over the years, but there are some things they wish they’d absorbed just a little bit sooner. Ten years ago, ladies wish they’d known that saying “no” takes courage (40 percent) and people treat you the way you allow them to (40 percent).

About Post Great Grains Cereal :
Post Great Grains brings whole foods from the field to your bowl for a nutritious breakfast you have to see to believe.
• Less processed ingredients like whole grain flakes from actual wheat berries, as well as real fruit and nuts, come together in this tasty and nutritious morning favorite.
• Rather than grinding our wheat into flour and then stamping it into uniform flakes, Great Grains carefully cracks or steams the whole wheat berry, which helps to lock in full flavor and nutrients.
• All of the varieties of Great Grains have at least 30g of whole grains per serving and are a heart healthy way to start the day. 

Great Grains has nutrition you can see!

There are eight varieties of Great Grains cereals including: - Great Grains Digestive Blend Berry Medley - Digestive Blend Vanilla Graham - Protein Blend Honey, Oats & Seeds - Protein Blend Cinnamon Crunch - Cranberry Almond Crunch -Crunchy Pecans -  Raisins, Dates & Pecans and  Banana Nut Crunch. For more information, please visit www.greatgrains.com and Great Grains on Facebook.

Now it's your turn-- What makes YOU great? 

Fruit Vines Bites - Perfect for road trips

Although the summer is almost over, there is still time to fit in some day trips before back-to-school. We traditionally sneak away right before school starts just to refresh our minds for the non-stop weekdays ahead. We always pack snacks, drinks and food to take with us. One of our new favorite is Fruit Vines Bites by the makers of Red Vines. 

They come in 2 flavors- Strawberry and Cherry. I received a box filled with both varieties in 3 sizes-- resealable 10 oz. stand-up bag allows for portion control,  2 oz. single-servings for quick trips and 5 oz. bags for sharing. 

Honestly, I don't know about sharing. These bite-size candies are irresistibly soft, chewy and fruity. I think the 10 ounce stand-up bags are good for portion control. We can easily eat more than our share! Fruit Vines are also low-fat and preservative-free for guilt-free snacking. They would be perfect in school lunch boxes too. 

These are going with us when we take a little road trip later this week. You can find Fruit Vines Bites at many retailers including Target, Walmart, Walgreens and more. I saw them at Target today and think they would make a nice "just because" treat for my little one's teacher. Check out Fruit Vines Bites on the web, Facebook and Twitter for product promotions and updates. 

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