Win a New Baby Prize Package!

McKinney Mommas is bringing to you the Ultimate Mobile Mom Giveaway! 

 

Sponsored by MobileMom.com, Rakuten.com Shopping, Snugli, and Britax! 

Before we get to the giveaway I'd like to introduce to you MobileMom.com! Mobile Mom is a collection of apps for your smartphone that provide pregnancy info on your mobile device — anytime, anywhere!

Now, I am pretty much D-O-N-E with all this pregnancy nonsense! This whole 17 months between my two girls has done me in! However, if you're crazy enough to be pregnant or trying to conceive, these apps were designed just for you (heh, heh)!

The following apps are currently available (for FREE!) in the Apple Store and Google Play:

Ovulation Calculator — This app will help you determine your most fertile days to increase your chances of conceiving each month.

Due Date Calculator — This app will calculate your due date and keep track of important pregnancy milestones.

Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator — Concerned with keeping your weight in check during pregnancy? The Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator will help you stay within your healthy range.

Pregnancy Test — Think you might be pregnant? Determine the likelihood with this intuitive app by answering just a few questions. It’s proven algorithm will provide you with an answers!

 Baby Names Finder — Browse through thousands of unique, traditional, and popular names to find the perfect name for your baby! Find out a name’s origin, meaning, popularity and create a list of your favorites to help you narrow it down. Pregnancy Talk — This app hasn’t been released yet but it’s coming soon! Find friendship and support from other moms during the most important time in your life. Join the Pregnancy Talk community for 24/7 access to moms who are going through or have been through the same things you are! Ask questions, give advice based on your own experiences and more! If you have any friends that are pregnant or trying to conceive, please pass this info along to them — I’m sure they’d appreciate it!

So what are the most important things a mobile mom needs?

#1. A carseat

#2. A baby carrier

#3, And a great diaper bag! 

 Read on to find out more about what we are giving away.

Snugli has just introduced a new line of car seats that feature OUTLAST temperature management technology designed to keep children safe and comfortable by maintaining their ideal body temperature. 

This technology has the ability to absorb and store excess heat to reduce overheating. Similarly, when the child’s temperature drops, the car seat’s stored heat is released always keeping the child comfortable. The Snugli All-In-One Carseat which accommodates children ranging from 5-110 pounds (internal harness up to 65 lbs) features 3 layers of side impact foam technology to reduce side impact crash forces by 50%. 

The LATCH system connectors allows quick and easy installation while the TruTether feature gives you peace of mind with it’s green indicator which notifies you when the tether has been properly tightened. This carseat also features 3 position incline. 

You can find out more about Snugli Carseats by visiting www.snugli.com.

Well made and versatile, the Britax Baby Carrier is a must-have for moms and dads alike.  The adjustable waist belt is one size fits all (22 inches to 56 inches) making it easy to switch from one parent to another.  It is designed to distribute weight across shoulders, back and hips for comfort and extended wear.  A removable infant insert makes the carrier suitable for infants from 8 pounds to toddlers up to 32 pounds.  

The Britax Baby Carrier features multiple carrying positions, one handed buckles and snaps for ease of use and harness straps that adjust in front for a customized fit.  These are just a few of the many features of the baby carrier. Britax really has thought of everything!  Also available in an organic version, the Britax Baby Carrier retails for around $129. 

For more information visit http://www.britax.com

Last but not least, Rakuten.com Shopping, has all the rest of the baby stuff you'll need, including a number of top of the line diaper bags, like this Coach Signature Stripe diaper bag, to make sure you're stylish while on the go. In fact, Rakuten.com Shopping is providing one lucky winner with $500 worth of Rakuten Super Points to shop for all your baby necessities, through the convenience and ease of shopping online, if you win the Ultimate Mobile Mom Giveaway! 

To learn more and experience great prices and a convenient shopping experience for yourself, visit www.rakuten.com or @RakutenShopping on Twitter. 

Now, the part you're waiting for. Feeling lucky? Enter to win all three of these great prizes by filling out the form below. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored giveaway. McKinney Mommas is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

FREE Coffee from Seattle's Best if Punxsutawney Phil Sees His Shadow!

Is it still cold where you are?

It's hit and miss here in Texas, some days it's 70 and others it'll drop to the 40s. Lovely, right?

Well if you're still in hot coffee weather where you are, head over to Seattle's Best Coffee Facebook Page and enter to win FREE COFFEE!

All you have to do is cast your vote for whether or not good ol' Punxsutawney Phil is gonna see his shadow this year on February 2nd (more importantly known as MY BIRTHDAY, ahem).

If he sees his shadow, Seattle's Best Coffee is giving away 10,000 FREE samples to lucky winners.

I'm voting, YES!

Head over to Seattle's Best Coffee Facebook Page to cast your vote, and hopefully win some tasty coffee while you're at it! 

Come back and tell me what you voted!

P.S. I'll give you bragging rights if you win. Maybe a little giveaway too?

Did Your Child Have a Glass of Water Today? WaterAid

How many glasses of water did you drink today?

Did you maybe leave one glass out overnight, and dump it this morning because it was "old?"

Look around your house right now, and tell me how many un-finished glasses of water you have. 

There are at least two that I can see from my chair.

I bet this little guy would have been overjoyed to have that "old" glass of water sitting on my sink.

Sure, we may have water restrictions here in Texas, but we never go thirsty.  

Here are a few numbers to think about:

800,000,000 

That's the number of people in the world without access to safe drinking water.

2,000

That's the number of children who die each day from easily preventable diseases related to contaminated water consumption.

2.5 billion

That's the number of people globally that don't have clean place to use the toilet.

WaterAid is making steps toward a solution, by assisting the world's poorest people in accessing sanitation and a safe water supply.  By working with local organizations, individuals and communities, WaterAid is finding affordable ways to educate and empower people in developing countries to obtain new safe water systems.

Show your Support

Follow WaterAid on:

• Youtube  www.youtube.com/user/WaterAidAmerica

• Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/WaterAidAmerica

• Twitter  http://twitter.com/WaterAidAmerica

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this post. This post is part of my commitment in being a Mom Blogger for Social Good and member of the Global Team of 200. 
 

Dust Mites, Oh My!

Are you allergic to dust mites?

I am.  Ewwwww.

Photo courtesy of: www.fda.gov

No, seriously.  While living in Connecticut a few years ago, in an old apartment, I had a strange instant onset of swollen eyelids (so much that I couldn't see through them) and lips the size of a kissing fish I went to the allergist to find the culprit was dust mites.

Heres' some helpful info from Children's Claritin about this common allergy:

Attacking Allergens: Spotlight on Dust Mites

Excerpt from Airborne Allergens: Something in the Air by NIAID Health Info 

 Just like personalities and preferences, sensitivity to allergens tend to differ from child to child. Since the moms in our group have kids that may react to different types of allergens, we're continuing with our series on some of the most common culprits. Since the cold weather has many of us holed up indoors, let's focus on a pest that we all loathe- dust mites.

Dust Mite Allergy
 

Dust mite allergy is an allergy to a microscopic organism that lives in the dust found in all dwellings and workplaces. House dust, as well as some house furnishings, contains microscopic mites. Dust mites are perhaps the most common cause of perennial allergic rhinitis. House dust mite allergy usually produces symptoms similar to pollen allergy and also can produce symptoms of asthma.  The particles seen floating in a shaft of sunlight include dead dust mites and their waste products. These waste products, which are proteins, actually provoke the allergic reaction.

What is House Dust?
 
Rather than a single substance, so-called house dust is a varied mixture of potentially allergenic materials. It may contain fibers from different types of fabrics and materials such as

• Cotton lint, feathers, and other stuffing materials
• Dander from cats, dogs, and other animals
• Bacteria
• Mold and fungus spores (especially in damp areas)
• Food particles
• Bits of plants and insects
• Other allergens peculiar to an individual house or building

So now that you know more about this common allergy, check out Children's Claritin if you want a possible solution to your child's allergy symptoms.

Learn more: http://www.claritin.com/claritin/en/kids/index.jspa 

 

Rockin' Gear For Your Little Rock Star at Littlerockstore {Review & GIVEAWAY}

Okay, so she may not be old enough to pick her own music yet.....besides "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" but she can rep her parent's musical taste in style, until she gets there!

Big Sister "H" in a Sonic Youth Baby Rock T-Shirt

Littlerockstore is a cool online shop filled with sweet duds from your favorite bands, all in a tiny tot size (ages 0-5yrs).

Duckies and kittens just not up your little one's alley? Well, now you can train 'em early to be a groupie with a onesie from Bon Jovi, The Beatles, Beastie Boys, Blondie and more.

Some of our favorites: 

Ramones Baby Onesie

 

AC/CD Baby Onesie

 

Blondie Hooded Baby Dress

Littlerockstore also carries diaper bags and bibs in your favorite band names. All of the merchandise carried is 100% officially licensed and a portion of the purchase goes back to the bands - so nothing is underhanded or a knock off.

Doing Thurston Moore & Kim Gordon proud!

  

For more info....

• Littlerockstore's Website: https://www.littlerockstore.com
• Littlerockstore on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/littlerockstars/
• Littlerockstore on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Littlerockstore

.............and don't forget to......................

ENTER TO WIN

One of (2) $20 Gift Certificates to LittleRockStore 

Ends Feb 15, 2013

(Two Winners will be chosen)

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Disclosure: I was not paid for this post.  All opinions are 100% my own and I am under no obligation to write a positive review.  Thank you to the company indicated for providing me with a sample for honest evaluation. 

Personalized Valentine's Day Cards at Shutterfly {Giveaway ends 2/3}

Disclosure: I was not paid for this post.  All opinions are 100% my own and I am under no obligation to write a positive review.  I may be able to receive the same prize as offered in the giveaway as a thank you from the company for hosting. 

I heard Valentine's Day is around the corner (or so a little cupid whispered in my ear).

When thinking about who to give cards to this holiday, which do you think the grandparents would rather get:


A. One of those tiny little paper cartoon valentines that you get at the dollar store?

Image courtesy of chainat / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

or

B. A sweet personalized valentine from their grandkid with a precious photo of them?

Image courtesy of shutterfly.com

I'd pick option B.


Keep reading to find out how to win FREE products from Shutterfly.com


Shutterfly has a bunch of great options for personalized Valentine's Day Cards this year. 

If you're like me, I like to see new and fresh designs each year I send out photo cards, and this year Shutterfly rolled out 50 new designs!

In sizes from 4x5, to 6x8 (lots more in between) I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for. 

Many Hugs Kisses Valentine's Card - shutterfly.com

If a card doesn't say enough, there are always great photo gifts at Shutterfly. 

Here are some of my favorite suggestions:

iPhone Case

(for your hubby)

Decorative Wall Decal

(for your wifey)

Photo Water Bottle

(for your kiddos)

And just to get you in the lovey dovey mood, how would you like to win these: 

(50) 4x5 stationery classroom cards 

                                                                                 

                                                         and 

 

 a 5x5 desktop plaque?

All you have to do to enter to win is:

#1. Visit Shutterfly's Photo Gift page and let me know which one you love the most, in a blog comment below - all other options are optional.

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

NOTE: Deadline for entries is February 3rd, 2013 at 11:59pm and winner must respond by February 4th - so check your emails, and be sure to leave your email in your comment if not public in your Google profile.

GOOD LUCK!!!

FREE Blogger Event $1,000 - Mom Powered Media

Here's another great FREE blogger opportunity!

And as always, my readers without their own blog...just remember to come back and enter to win the giveaway yourself!

It's Raining Money Event

• Hosted by: Mom Powered Media

• Prize: $1,000 Cash {paypal or visa}

• Event dates: 4/1 - 5/1

Free Blogger Event: Sign Up HERE

Local DFW Momma, Author, Writer & Director - Jennifer Brown Thomas

I love spreading the word about local mommas that are making big things happen in their lives.

Jennifer Brown Thomas, is a local DFW momma, author, and can now put a few more notches in her belt, as writer and director.

Her first book, Blissful Lies, published just last year, is an exciting romantic thriller quoted as "gripping and soul stirring; a book that's impossible to put down!" - author Carolyn Salmon Kazmierczak 

As if a top-selling book wasn't enough, taking on the role of writer and director, Jennifer presented her independent film, Blissful Lies at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival last year. Starring Emmy award winning actress, Leann Hunley, the film received a great reception and is set to be released to the public Spring 2013.

Taking on more than most mommas could handle, Jennifer is developing a lifestyle brand, with a children's clothing line, fragrance, and more with her new  company Limberis Brown Thomas (LBT).

Intrigued by how a local DFW momma could accomplish so much at the young age of 26, I decided to interview her and pick her brain a little.

Here is my interview with Jennifer:
  

#1. When did you start to feel the writing urge?

-- I was in the fifth grade and a show called Dawson’s Creek really caught my attention. I loved the characters. Loved the way the director operated his scenes and so I sat down and wrote my very first screenplay. It was over 500 pages and handwritten. Bound in a turquoise binder. I had it for nearly 10 years before it disappeared… This is my passion—something I’ve always wanted to do.

#2. Where do you find the time to write with a child at your heels?

-- Having a two year old does tend to make things a little more challenging. But I love it. She’s my world. Usually I do most of my work between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. It’s not ideal when she’s going to be up and ready to roll by 8 or 9, but it’s part of it. I’m thankful to have a career that allows me to be home with her during the day and work at night.

#3. How do you occupy your daughter when the writing bug bites?

-- I have a super supportive and relatively large family who all lives in the same area that I do. So, if I need time to work during the day my mother-in-law will take her for a few hours, or my mother will. My cousin has a little girl a year older and the absolutely adore each other, so she’ll go there and play for a while. I’m lucky to have so much help and so many people who believe in me.

#4. Where do you take your daughter locally to let loose?

-- My daughter is my mini-me. She loves to shop and go to lunch. We go to parks, to jump houses, to lots of play areas around the city. She LOVES Starbucks cake pops. So we go there too.

#5. Have you always imagined yourself as a writer?

-- Definitely. It’s my creative outlet. It’s how I deal with loss, grief, good times and terrible ones.

#6. Do you have a favorite quote or saying about being a woman or a mother?

--My favorite quote in the world is by Reba McEntire, “Being a strong woman is very important to me. But doing it all on my own is not.” I have to remember that I don’t have to do it on my own… I have lots of help.

#7. What is your favorite morning ritual?

-- When Kinsley wakes up, she comes to my bedroom and climbs in bed with me. We watch Little Bear and cuddle for a while before we get up to start our day. I love that.

#8. What is your ideal breakfast?

-- I love Chik-Fil-A. I love their breakfast. I could eat it every morning! The chicken biscuits and chicken burritos. Also, my grandma makes homemade waffles that are INCREDIBLE! I’m not a huge breakfast fan, but any three of those options always make my tummy very full.

#9. What's your favorite "Texas" memory/experience?

--Hmmm. That’s a great question. I’ve lived in Texas my whole life, so I have lots of memories. I think my favorite recent memory was when Leann Hunley was here filming Blissful Lies and I had the chance to show her around. It was different than anything she’d seen before, so it was wonderful to see everything I was familiar with through the eyes of someone new. We had a great time.

#10. Who inspires you?

-- My little girl. Her innocence and excitement for even the slightest things, just amazes me! She’s incredible and I’m doing everything I’m doing so that she’ll have a limitless future like I did. She’ll change this world, I know it.

 

Find out more about Jennifer Brown Thomas and Blissfull Lies

 

• Website: http://jenniferbrownthomas.com

• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BlissfulLiesFanPage

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheBlissfulLies

Melissa & Doug - Free Blogger Event & Giveaway!

Another great Blogger Opportunity............and for you giveaway junkies....come back on Feb 1 and you'll be able to enter to win yourself!

Free Blogger Event!

Hosted by Coupon Gator Mommy</ a> 

Prizes: $250 Melissa & Doug Toys Gift Card

2 Runner Up Prizes: $50 Melissa & Doug Gift Cards

Free Link with Announcement Post

Event Dates: 02/01 - 02/26

Bloggers Sign Up Here!

Quick Frozen Meal Options Under 350 Calories - Lean Cuisine

New Year's Resolution slipping away?

Could you believe that Lean Cuisine ® Garlic Chicken Spring Rolls and Lean Cuisine ® Salad Additions Southwest Style Chicken both have under 350 calories?

Not too shabby, if you're trying to keep your weight in check. Available at Walmart in the frozen section.



* This post was sponsored by Lunchbox. All opinions are my own.

Does Your Daughter Need Some Daddy Time? Chick-fil-A Date Night in DFW!

How cute is this?

Chick-fil-A is sponsoring a Daddy/Daughter date night on February 2nd, 2013

 WHERE:

• More than 60 local Chick-fil-A^® restaurant locations participating in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Area

WHEN: 

• February 2nd, 2013 from 4:30pm to 7:30pm

WHAT: 

• "Date Night" for daddys and daughters! Enjoy some one-on-one time, munching on some tasty Chick-fil-A grub while participating in some fun bonding activities.

For more information and to RSVP your table: http://www.daddydaughterdate.com/dallasftworth/

Difference Between Life and Death For Babies in Uganda - Shanti Uganda

There were 113 miracles born over the past year safely in Uganda, thanks to Shanti Uganda.

In this region of Uganda, with a high population of mothers who are HIV positive, accurate lab work, and special precautions in delivery are often the difference between life and death for an infant.

Shanti Uganda was successful in 2012 at assisting mothers in providing healthy and safe births for their children, but are running out of space and supplies.

If you could provide a way for 2000 women in Uganda to have access to a safe birth, immunizations for their children, HIV testing and information about family planning, wouldn't you?

Current Needs Are: 

• An acre of land to expand Shanti Uganda's birth house and garden
• Birth supplies and transportation for pregnant mothers
• Solar power to light the birth house and laboratory
• An office space to keep programs running strong

For more information, and opportunities to give visit Shanti Uganda: http://shantiuganda.org/opportunities-to-give/

 

NOTE: I was not compensated in any way for this post. This post is part of my commitment in being a Mom Blogger for Social Good and member of the Global Team of 200. 

#Win a #Spa Day! Women's Forum January Sweepstakes!

A chance to Win a SPA DAY?

Yes, please!

You can enter too, by clicking on the graphic above!



*Disclosure: This post was sponsored by MySavingsMedia.com. I may be compensated if a reader makes a purchase after following the links in this posts. All opinions remain my own. 

Go Green With Cleaning - Unique Natural Products

Having kids in the house now means that I have to be careful about the cleaning products I have around.

I've always leaned towards eco-friendly and "green" products whenever possible, but now with an infant that will be crawling soon it's more important to me than ever to stay green.

Unique Natural Products uses nature's own power through non-pathogenic bacteria to create safe, eco-friendly household cleaning products.

In their words:

"Nature has been using non-pathogenic bacteria to recycle organic waste from the beginning of time. Organic waste is anything that the earth can recycle, like food, grease, urine, blood, dirt, feces and anything that is biodegradable. In time, biodegradation will turn everything into water and carbon dioxide. Though a perfect process, it is also very slow. We've used nature's technique and added bacterial digestants, that are completely natural and safe, to speed up the process so it takes minutes and hours instead of months and years."

Their Products

• Carpet Shampoo
• Grime Eater - surface cleaner
• Pet Odor and Stain Eliminator
• Skunk Odor Eliminator
• Safe Drain Opener
• Wine Stain Eater
• and a line of Septic system products

Unique Natural Products sent me a package to try out in my home.  

So far, with two children under two years old I've had to use both the Carpet Shampoo and the Pet Odor & Stain Eliminator.......which is also good for baby puke and other fluids that seem to fly out of their tiny bodies 10x a day.

I love the scent of these products, nice and clean, like a fresh meadow - not overpowering like most chemical cleaners out there. 

Both the Carpet Shampoo and Pet Odor & Stain Eliminator have worked great at cleaning up puke spots left on carpets by the baby and foodie fingerprints on the couch left by my lovely toddler.

I'm pleased to say, I haven't had to use the Wine Stain Eater yet, but with my proclivity towards the red blends at the end of the day, it's just a matter of time.

Why Choose Unique? 

• All Natural / Safe For Your Family And Pets
• Removes Stains And ODORS
• Uses Bacteria and Enzymes (Not Just Enzymes)
• Cleans All The Way To The Floorboards
• Carried In Over 3,000 Stores Throughout the US
• Guaranteed To Work
• Inexpensive

Are you wondering what it would be like to try some of these products and get rid of your chemical, earth harming household clearer?

Enter to Win 

A Unique Prize Package, value totaling $58.00 including:

• Pet Odor Eliminator Ready to Use 24oz
•  Super Digest It Qt, Carpet Shampoo Qt
•  Unique Complete Qt
• Wine Stain 4oz.

- Giveaway ends February 7, 2013

a Rafflecopter giveaway


 

PBS KIDS makes for better prepared Kindergarteners?

I love PBS!

I didn't watch much TV growing up, but when I did we were only allowed to watch educational shows, like Reading Rainbow, Square One and other PBS shows.  

A new study from WestED and PBS KIDS, recently showed that preschoolers in low-income families given access to PBS KIDS online games and content were better prepared for kindergarten, in the subjects of math and learning skills. 

Read the full study report here.

PBS KIDS Lab, has lots of fun online games you can play with your preschooler, as well as instructions for at-home activities and printouts. 

Both my husband and I have had fun playing Daniel Tiger games with my toddler online, as well as following up with printable coloring pages that reinforce the themes she's learned that day.

So, if you're at home thinking "what do I do with my kid today"...check out PBS KIDS lab and help your kid buff up on their early learning skills while having fun playing games and laughing the afternoon away!

Our Favorite PBS Shows/Games

• #1. Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood
• #2. Sid the Science Kid
• #3. Super Why

NOTE: Just don't let them watch Caillou......that's another story for another time. I swear my tot's bad behavior lately totally stems from letting her watch that show! Not joking.