McKinney Mommas: March 2012 Google+

Friday, March 30, 2012

Are you a disco-dynamo? Fun Old School activities for the family & bonus Chick-fil-A Giveaway - ends 4/8

Chick-fil-A is back to offer you more FREE prizes just for having FUN with this application.  SPIN the wheel to get tons of ideas for OLD SCHOOL games that you can play with your family!

ENTER TO WIN
(ends 4/8/12)
PRIZE: (3) FREE vouchers for Kid's Meals at Chick-fil-A

Up to (4) possible entries:
  • #1. Take the Old School Fun quiz and post your results (in a blog comment below)
  • #2. Share your favorite old school activities from the blog app (in a comment below)
  •  #3. TWEET this message (and leave comment with link)
"Are you a #OldSchoolFun disco-dynamo or the bomb dot com? Win (3) @chickfila FREE Kid's Meals @McKinneyMommas http://tinyurl.com/6p5a62k "
  • #4. Add McKinney Mommas to your Google PLUS circles (top right toolbar)





........HAVE FUN!

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Nature's Sleep Slipper Review & GIVEAWAY - plus 50% off coupon code!



Aaah....sweet relief for my feet.

Ever feel like your toes are working overtime and need a break? I sure do, after being on my feet all day chasing after a toddler any relief or comfort for my feet is welcome!

Nature's Sleep recently sent me a pair of their Closed Toe Terry Slippers w/Memory Foam to test out on my tired toes.  Available in blue, pink or sand, they are unisex and a simple style that's sure to please men and women alike. The memory foam inner sole is made to cushion and absorb the pressure that comes from walking.

Compared to some other slippers I've worn, my feet didn't slide out the back or slip around, which I liked. Just remember, since they are unisex, to order a size down if you are ordering for a woman. 

Unisex Slipper Sizes: Small-5/6 Medium-7/8  Large-9/10  Xl-11/12
(Example: I am a size 7/12 in Women's shoes - so should order a SMALL)
At $30.00 with FREE SHIPPING, these slippers make for a great gift for a loved one, or for yourself. 


About Nature's Sleep

“Nature’s Sleep’s mission is to provide everybody the opportunity to enjoy a better night's sleep at affordable prices, while maintaining a concern for our environment. 
 
Our passion for cost-effective, quality sleep innovations requires substantial and ongoing research and development in order to manufacture and market our various collections of premium pillows, specialty sleep sets and other sleep innovations.”




Nature's Sleep also sells quality memory foam mattresses, pillows, memory foam toppers, and pet beds on their website.


If you're ready to SHOP- use coupon code:  BEARS50 for 50% off your order

Now that's a SWEET DEAL!


PLUS you can ENTER to WIN your own pair of Nature's Sleep Slippers below!


~ GIVEAWAY ~
Prize: (1) Pair of Nature's Sleep Memory Foam Slippers!
Ends:  4/10/12

 ENTER TO WIN
(Leave a blog comment below for each entry completed - 4 possible entries)
  • Mandatory entry:  Sign up for the monthly drawing to win any one product from http://naturessleep.com/ (Big Purple button on right hand side "Register for Exclusive Deals...")
Optional BONUS entries: 

Monday, March 26, 2012

LOCAL - Check out these Kid-friendly Easter Events in Collin County, TX

I've posted a page HERE of of Easter events coming up REALLY SOON here in Collin County, TX for all my local readers!

Get out there with your kiddo and have some fun.

I can't decide which one I'm going to take my peanut to yet...... 

Come on back and let me know what you plan on doing (or did) for Easter around Collin County!

Here are a few samples of what I've listed on my LOCAL Events page: 



Sunday, March 25, 2012

Secret Code for 100 SWAGBUCKS for joining to use on Gift Cards, Paypal Cash and more!

Search & Win

I just joined this site called, SWAGBUCKS, and already have earned $85 Swagbucks to use towards gift cards, paypal cash and more rewards!

When you join SwagBucks you can "get paid" while searching the web, shopping at your favorite online stores, submitting poll answers and completing special offers if you choose. 


You usually get 30 SwagBucks for joining, but they are running a SPECIAL promotion right now through April 2nd where you can earn 100 SwagBucks just for joining through my link when you enter the code:  MARCHSWAG

So sign up today by clicking HERE or any of the above banners or links, and I'll get some SWAGBUCKS too when you sign up!

Thanks in advance! :-)

Search & Win

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Learn how to look good in any photo!

I often have to take photos of myself when reviewing a product or item. Can I just say, that it's my least favorite part?

Well, here's a good article from Smart Style Guide, that we all can take tips from in getting a "good shot" of yourself the next time a camera is pointed your way!




I know I'm going to try out some of these tips in my next "photo shoot" for McKinney Mommas!

LOCAL - Kid's healthy living event in Collin County, TX - March 31st

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Should I keep updating my coupon page, or not?

Just updated my coupon page today, so be sure to check it out before your next shopping trip!

* * * I have a favor to ask. I haven't really received any feedback on whether or not posting new coupons weekly is of interest to my readers. If you have a sec, comment and let me know whether or not you use my coupon page or if it's a "waste of my time" to keep updating. * * *

THANKS ladies!

Here are a few of my "fav's" this week, that I'll be printing
(you can click directly on the coupons below, or go to my coupon page to see the full list)


SAVE $1.00 ON TWO when you buy any TWO BOXES Cheerios® cereals listed: Frosted Cheerios® • Apple Cinnamon Cheerios® • Banana Nut Cheerios® • Fruity Cheerios® • Chocolate Cheerios®...
GET COUPON



$4.00 off when you buy TWO NESCAFÉ® DOLCE GUSTO® Coffee Capsules 16ct
GET COUPON



$1.50 off when you buy any ONE AVENT BPA-Free Toddler Cup
GET COUPON



$1.10 off when you buy any ONE Nature's Bounty® Vitamins or Supplements
GET COUPON

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Complexion MD - Anti-Wrinkle Cream $99.95 value GIVEAWAY - ends 4/2


I'm a fan of aging naturally. At least I think I am, we'll see how I feel when these lines in my face get a bit deeper, right? I am however, not against using some of the fantastic facial products and creams that are out there to “put your best skin forward.”

Taking care of your skin ahead of time, so you don't have to resort to extreme treatments is the best method in my book.

I was contacted about reviewing a beauty product, Complexion MD – Anti-Wrinkle Cream  used as an alternative to expensive Botox injections or cosmetic surgeries.

Do you have a few stubborn wrinkles on that beautiful face you'd like to smooth out a bit? How about sun-spots (I have these), puffiness under your eyes or age spots? Complexion MD proposes to have a system that puts the most potent molecules ever discovered to work for your skin's problems.

Tests carried out by the independent AMA laboratories, showed at 67% decrease of fine lines and wrinkles after a twice-daily application and a 120% increase in skin's moisture levels after using Complexion MD. Hey, with those stats, I'm sold!

Complexion MD benefits
  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Promotes the simulation of skin cell renewal and collagen syntheses
  • Revitalizes, smooths and repairs skin

Complexion MD wants to give YOU the chance to try their Anti-Wrinkle Cream for FREE by giving away one jar of their
 Complexion MD Anti-Wrinkle Cream here at McKinney Mommas!


~ GIVEAWAY
 (1) Full size jar of Complexion MD Anti-Wrinkle Cream 
Retail value: $99.95



Enter to Win
  • Easy Mandatory Entry: Leave a blog post comment below stating if you've ever used any anti-wrinkle products that worked for you. (include your email address, so I can contact you if you win)

Price comparison shopping for the best deal? Check out Become.com

I'm always up for finding new shopping sites that can bring me the best deals and lowest prices on the items I'm looking for.

Become.com is a shopping site that will give you a list of stores that have the item you're looking for, including the total price with shipping so you can easily compare where to get the best deal. If you're looking for a local store, you can type in your zip code to shop local!

One super cool function I found was that after you type in your subject to search, for me it was “maternity swimwear” there is a “research” or “shop” button. If you click “research” it gives you a list of websites to check out for more informational purposes, instead of just a shopping comparison view. So, if you're shopping for melamine soup bowls and also want to know their origin or do some specific research, Become.com has you covered.

So be sure to keep Become.com in your bookmarked sites when shopping for your next best deal because if it's something as specific as a palm leaf matelasse coverlet or as ordinary as master forge charcoal grills you'll most likely find out where to find the best prices at Become.com


* McKinney Mommas was compensated a small amount for this informational post about Become.com

Friday, March 16, 2012

Mattress Giant isn't done napping yet - Memory Foam Pillow Giveaway - Value $99 - ends 3/23

"Napping Week" is wrapping up, but we don't have to quite yet!

For all you local, Texas readers, I hope you entered for your chance to win a queen mattress set from Mattress Giant this week!

If you missed out, you can still enter below to win a 
Silver Dual Comfort Pillow from Mattress Giant
 Retail valued at $99.99!



Mattress Giant sent me the Silver Dual Comfort Pillow to try, and it's a beauty. It's a dual-sided pillow, one side is the memory foam and the other, a soft micro fiber. I liked that it's slender in shape, still fits inside a regular pillow case, but is that perfect size to cradle vertically if you like to sleep on your stomach.

The pillow is outfitted with a soft jacquard, anti-microbial cover that can be removed for washing,  which is perfect if you're prone to allergies.

Be sure to take a peek at your local Mattress Giant (Texas & Florida) for all the great sales going on this month! 

Stay updated on great sales and deals by following them on:

 ~ ENTER TO WIN ~

Prize: (1) Silver Dual Comfort Memory Foam Pillow - Retail value $99.99
  • To enter: Complete the Rafflecopter Form below. Click READ MORE > > > if form isn't visible
 

Land's End $100 Giveaway

Just passing along the chance to WIN a $100 gift card to Land's End

Ready for swimsuit shopping, anyone?


Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Great Restaurant Coupons - $5.00 off Stir Crazy, $3 off Boston Market, FREE apps at On the Border & more!

Have a Stir Crazy - Fresh Asian Grill in your hometown?  

Get a FREE coupon for $5.00 off your next meal!

Just click the box below and type in your zip code for your printable coupon!


19 locations in 11 states: TX, FL, MI, MO, NY, OH, WI, FL, IL, IN, MN, TX, GA Only




BOSTON MARKET - $3.00 OFF your next meal!




FREE Appetizer at Flat Top - Stir Fry Grill
 




FREE Queso or Sopapillas at ON THE BORDER!












* NOTE: If the offer isn't showing on your zip, input the zipcode of the location you would eat at *

LOCAL - Need a Mom's Night Out in McKinney? - April 12th


"Toast To The Coast" 

Come enjoy an evening filled with crafts, fashion, food, spirits, and LOTS of fun! Bring your Mother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, or Friend and enjoy the fusion of technology and old-fashioned crafts to inspire and warm your heart 

WHEN:
  • Thursday, April 12th, 2012 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm
WHERE: 
  • Historic Heard-Craig Hall in downtown McKinney, TX  
WHAT:
 EACH CRAFT, FOOD, JEWELRY, AND PROJECT IS YOURS TO KEEP!


 (limited seating, so reserve your tickets now)


MEDIA QUESTIONS
Media questions should be directed to Justine Sweeney of Sweeney Media Group at jsweeney@sweeneymediagroup.com.

VENDOR QUESTIONS
Vendor questions should be directed to Stephanie Weeks of Redesign Your Decor at steph@rydecor.com.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Help get ecoSTORE USA (all natural & non-toxic) products on the shelf in your local Walmart!

Help ecoSTORE USA get their non-toxic, all-natural baby products onto the shelf at your local Walmart!

Vote in Get On The Shelf


Mattress Giant Napping Week Sweepstakes - win a Simmons Beautyrest® Mattress Set - ends 3/16

Did you know that it's "Napping Week"?  

 Being 23 weeks pregnant AND having a 13 month old to run around after means that this momma likes (and needs) her naps!





Read some of these great napping tips, and enter to win your very own "ticket to successful napping" (aka. a Simmons Beautyrest® mattress) below.

Napping Tips 

  • A short nap is usually recommended (20-30 minutes) for short-term alertness.
  •  If you take a nap too late in the day, it might affect your nighttime sleep patterns and make it difficult to fall asleep at your regular bedtime. If you try to take it too early in the day, your body may not be ready for more sleep. 
  • Your surroundings can greatly impact your ability to fall asleep. Make sure that you have a restful place to lie down and that the temperature in the room is comfortable. 
  • Use a face mask or eye pillow to provide daytime darkness and make your nap more effective. 
  • Prime nap time is from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., when your energy level dips due to a rise in the hormone melatonin at that time of day.

A successful nap requires a good quality mattress and Mattress Giant (Texas & Florida - only) has your sleep covered! 

In honor of National Napping Day (Monday after Daylight Savings – March 12, 2012), Mattress Giant has designated March 12-16, “Napping Week,” and is celebrating with a sweepstakes.


  Mattress Giant Napping Week Sweepstakes!

  • Prize: (1) Simmons Beautyrest® Classic Portsmouth Plush Pillow Top queen mattress set; (2) Mattress Giant Silver Dual Comfort Pillow (standard size); (1) Mattress Giant 6-Sided Mattress Protector (queen); free local delivery  
Total Prize Value: $2,039.95
 
 
* * * and stay tuned to McKinney Mommas for a review and chance to win your very own high-end pillow (valued at $99.99) from Mattress Giant later this week.......  * * *

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Om in your daily inbox - now I could use that (yoga recommendations & inspiration)

How many of you moms out there do Yoga?

I was really good about keeping up with my Yoga routines during my first pregnancy, but for some reason I feel TOO TIRED to relax with Yoga!  Is that even possible? Maybe it's because I'm doing my workout by running around after a 13 month old.

Anyway, I love anything that inspires awareness, calm, peaceful feelings so was jazzed when I saw this post about Yoga recommendations, and inspiration to your inbox daily!  If you're like me, and sign up, you might just find something to "oooommmm" about today. [hee hee].

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Isabella Oliver - A-List Maternity Wear Review & Coupon Codes

Isabella Oliver Ltd. (US)I don't know about you, but when I'm pregnant it's even more important than ever to look classy when I'm out of the house.  I already feel like I weigh a ton, so dressing in well-fitting maternity clothes that accentuate my "good" curves makes me feel so much better about myself.

Isabella Oliver, is one of the few maternity clothing shops you can trust is going to have options that fit those new "baby curves" in all the right ways.  Material that wears well, and provides comfort while also maintaining style and class is key when it comes to maternity clothes I want to purchase.

I was excited to have the opportunity to review a selection from Isabella Oliver, as I was not personally familiar with their maternity wear.  From the moment I took the Kimono Top out of the box, I could tell the shirt was beautifully cut to show off anywhere from a small sized baby bump, to even a blessed third trimester orb!



22 weeks pregnant

The important thing for me when it comes to fashionable maternity clothing, is to provide enough coverage to hide the few extra pounds I've gained, without looking like a tent.  While at the same time hugging my new curves just enough, so that I still feel attractive.





Isabella Oliver's Kimono Top, provided me with the right amount of both class and comfort.  Since I'm only pregnant for 9 months, I don't want to have to buy an entire new wardrobe.  For me, versatility in maternity wear is key.  I love this Kimono Top for just those reasons; that I could wear it with jeans to a play group or with a skirt  to a sexy date night.





I can already tell that I'll be able to wear this top through the end of my pregnancy, since the side ruching provides that extra room I need without being baggy. The only suggestion I have for Isabella Oliver is...........make this top in all the colors of the rainbow, because I want one of each!


SHOP NOW


Shop Isabella Oliver today, by clicking on the banner below:



Shop the Isabella Oliver Fall line of maternity tops for the new Mom-to-Be!

St. Patty’s Day Family Fun - Guest Post

St. Patty’s Day Family Fun

Megan Gates is an active blogger who provides written work to the blogosphere pertaining to New York City Apartments, Hamptons Homes for sale, home improvement and the latest architecture, design, fashion and travel.  Follow her on twitter @MEGatesDesign.

 
Photo by: Flickr user perfecteau

St. Patrick’s Day gets a bad reputation as a holiday for adults, but it can be just as much fun when you stay home with the kids! By treating your children to some St. Patty’s Day crafts and activities, you show them the lighter side of the holiday. When March 17 rolls around this year, stick close to home and show your children the best part about the holiday.

Green Root Beer

Adults partake in millions of gallons of green dyed beer every year. While your kids cannot drink the real stuff, you can have just as much fun by making your own green root beer. Use a light shade of root beer, as this project does not work well with the darker colors or use cream soda, which is naturally light. Add a few drops of green food coloring to the root beer and share with family and friends.

Irish Cooking Ideas

Teach your children about traditional Irish cooking by hosting a special St. Patrick’s Day dinner for family and friends. Start with Irish soda bread, which has a richer flavor than ordinary bread or use potato bread. Make a traditional boiled Irish dinner with beef, cabbage, potatoes and onions or offer your guests corned beef and cabbage. Finish off the dinner with sugar cookies shaped like clovers that you make yourself and decorate with green icing.

Host an Irish Parade

Photo by: Flickr user christopherallisonphotography.com

If you have more than one child or your children have a few friends, host your own Irish parade through the neighborhood. Poke a hole in the top two corners on two pieces of poster board. Tie the poster board together with pieces of rope or string to make a sandwich board. Make one sandwich board for each child, and let the kids decorate the pieces with Irish symbols or phrases. Have each child put on their own sign and walk down the sidewalks of your neighborhood for a fast and easy holiday parade.


Make Irish Flowers

With a little green dye, you can turn almost any flower into an Irish flower. Go on a hunt around the neighborhood for white flowers or if the flowers aren’t out yet, purchase white flowers from a florist. Cut the end of the flowers on an angle and set to one side. Fill a large glass with tap water and add green food coloring to the water. Place the flower inside the glass and watch what happens. The flower slowly absorbs the color, transporting it through the blossom and turning it green. The process is different with every flower, and your kids can all make their own.


Four Leaf Clover Hunt

As long as you have a relatively dry patch of grass, you can launch your own four leaf clover hunt. Talk to your kids about the significance of a four leaf clover, including its rarity and how it brings luck. Give the kids 15 minutes and award a prize to the first person that finds the lucky clover. 


* McKinney Mommas thanks Megan Gates for writing this guest blogging post! Happy St. Patty's Day, ya'll! *