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Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Vail, Colorado - A Summer Vacation Destination For Texans!


In the heart of Texas, summers can seem like an endless heat wave.  When my husband and I began talking about taking a vacation sometime in the future, we knew we wanted to go somewhere that has a much milder climate and offered things to do that we can't experience in Texas.  We began researching various western United States destinations and settled on Vail, Colorado.


Photo courtesy of : http://www.vail.com/


Vail.com is a great resource in planning and preparing for a vacation to Colorado.  It categorizes everything into sections such as events, weather, special deals and incentives, and skiing.  It really is a one stop vacation planning website.  From the home page, I can easily see Twitter and Facebook updates on what is happening in and around the city. 

It looks like during the month of April there's The Taste of Vail, which is a food and wine festival that I'd totally love to attend. During the summer months, there's also mountain biking, horseback riding, music festivals and even an Oktoberfest.....YES!

Photo courtesy of : http://www.vail.com/


There's a special section for trip planning that includes information on gear rental, lift tickets, and transportation.  I can check out any last minute deals from various resorts and hotels based on specific check in and check out dates.  There's also airport information for people who will be flying in rather than driving (like me).

All in all, Vail.com has everything you'd need to plan a wintertime getaway without doing hours of research on multiple websites.  From skiing and snowboarding to shopping and nightlife, it looks like Vail.com has it all!

Colorado, here we come! Did I mention this is where I met my husband???


Tell me, "Where is your favorite place to vacation?"



*Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Vail.com. All opinions are my own.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

What Would You Buy With a $500 Etsy Gift Card?


How many cool handmade or vintage items could YOU buy with $500 at Etsy?

I actually got my blog started by hosting Etsy product giveaways....way back when (err. two years ago).

Here's a great sweepstakes or giveaway to enter for a $500 gift card to Etsy.  Just LIKE Whole Mom on Facebook and then enter to win!




Whole Mom

Monday, April 8, 2013

Let Your Food Be Your Medicine - Nature's Dynamics Gummy Vitamins

What an incredible statement, "Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food", that's the principle behind Nature's Dynamics gummy vitamins and supplements.

Family owned and operated, Nature's Dynamics has effectively created gummy vitamins and probiotics that are 100% natural, made from organic whole food sources.


Too often these days, when you look at a label on your vitamin bottle, they're chock full of additives, artificial sweeteners and dyes. Umm, isn't the point of vitamins to source the benefits of natural fruits, vegetables and minerals not add a bunch of artificial ingredients into your body?

So, if you've been concerned about all the junk in your kids vitamins, check out these Nature's Dynamics Berry Garden Gummies, made with organic fruits, veggies and Omega-3:


These little gummy bears are pretty cute, and your kid just might think they're getting a "treat" instead of taking their vitamins. My 2 year old has had absolutely no problem taking these gummy vitamins daily, and actually asks for them each morning.


Another issue my daughter has struggled with, without going into detail, was quickly set into balance by taking these Berry Garden Probiotics.  A blend of 6 live Probiotics are contained in this tasty kids chewable Probiotic tablet, to help create a host of healthy bacteria to support a fully functioning colon, immune system and digestive tract.

There's nothing worse than watching your little one struggle to go "number two", we used to have crying bouts and straining. I'm happy to report that Big Sister H is having healthy and easily passable bathroom sessions since taking Nature's Dynamics Berry Garden Probiotics.




There's also an adult version of Chewable Digestion Probiotics for adults, that I gave a dear family friend to try that struggles with regularity, due to some medications she has to take.

This chewable adult probiotic has organic Flaxseed, Blueberry and is 100% Vegetarian and Kosher. After a week of using it, she sung praises of how it's stabilized her digestive system for the better.




Nature's Dynamics has a two blends of organic gummy multivitamins, one for men and one for women that you're sure to like if you're not into swallowing pills.

Since receiving these vitamins to sample, I've noticed that I've been remembering to take my vitamins more regularly.  I know it's simple, but prior to having these gummy vitamins, just the idea of pouring a cup of water and swallowing the traditional pills, often meant I'd choose to do something else instead.

The women's multivitamin blend, comes in a sweet little butterfly gummy design, with Energy and Memory support (yes, and yes please) as well as a Bone + Stress Support.  All organic vitamins, minerals and spices that are easy to digest and absorb.



At first, I wasn't sure if I liked the taste of the gummies, but after a few weeks of taking them I found myself really liking the natural fruit flavor! There's nothing offensive about the flavor, made with organic fruits and veggies, I really like that there are no dyes or trans fats in the blend.


My husband tried the Body Boost Men's Organic Multivitamin Gummy, with Energy + Vitality Support, plus Heart Health + Stress Support.  Honestly, my husband didn't love the men's vitamin gummy flavor, but quickly got used to it and didn't complain when I gave him his daily dose.

This vitamin is full of a dynamic blend of fruits, veggies, and energy boosting herbs and spices. I'm not sure if I noticed a pep in his step, but I liked knowing that his diet was supported by this healthy blend of vitamins.



I love that Nature's Dynamics has spent the time and energy sourcing their ingredients from whole, organic fruits, vegetables and minerals and is not cutting any corners on using the cheaper synthetic vitamins.

A family-run company that cares about my body, and my children's bodies as much as I do is a company I'd like to support with my patronage. Did I mention their products are produced in the United States as well?

SHOP HERE - and use McKinney Mommas' exclusive promo code: [MEBLOG] for 50% off your order!


Show 'em Some Love


  ~ GIVEAWAY ~

 Win (1) of (5) bottles of Berry Garden Gummies
(5 WINNERS)

Retail Value $16.95/bottle


  • Giveaway ends on Friday, April 26th
  • 5 Winners will be chosen at random from list of verified entries
  • Complete Rafflecopter entry form below for your chance to win!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
* Disclosure: The products used to facilitate this review were given to me free of cost by the company for evaluation.  However, all opinions are 100% my own and I am not under any obligation to write a positive review. 

*NOTE: Be wise and please check with your primary care physician before taking any vitamins or supplements, and before giving them to your children.  

Friday, April 5, 2013

It's Time To Party, #UBP13 Style, Baby!

It's time to Paaaartay!

That is, party with 5 Minutes for Mom's Ultimate Blog Party 2013 and other mom bloggers around the world!

The party starts April 5th and goes through April 13th.


Ultimate Blog Party 2013


I participated last year, and it was a great chance to meet fellow bloggers, both new and old, while having a chance to win great prizes, too. This year, Affresh Cleaners is sponsoring a $50 value Spring Cleaning Prize Package for  #UBP13 along with McKinney Mommas.

Even if you don't have a blog, you can hop around to all the connected blogs and sign up to win one of hundreds of cool prizes.

You might even meet someone that lives and blogs in your same town! 

We're supposed to write a little blurb about ourselves and our blog for the #UBP13 so here it goes:

Meet McKinney Mommas

Cheers & welcome to the party!

Hi there! I'm a Social Worker turned Stay-at-Home momma and now, a blogger too!  McKinney Mommas blog was birthed shortly after having my first daughter, and 8 years of marriage.  When I found myself on a limited budget, since quitting my job, to raise my daughter full time - I started looking for a way to supplement our income.

Entering giveaways online was a way I could contribute to some of my baby's needs, without having to pay out of pocket.  Winning a baby carrier, diapers, formula, baby food and more, meant less cash out and more cash available to be spent on paying off bills and credit card debt.

I saw so many other moms running blogs as a creative outlet, and at times a income generator, so I decided to give it a try.  Plus, I've always enjoyed working outside of the home, and really needed some kind of professional "adult" outlet after changing diapers and being puked on all day. Ahem. 


"Big Sister H"

My first little girl, "Big Sister H" while being a serious & very observant baby, has blossomed into a wildly spirited two-year old with a bold voice and vibrant personality. 

Quite the precocious toddler, she walked at 9 months and was potty-trained just days after her second birthday.  She fills my house with bustling activity and is a stand-up comedienne in her own right. 


"Baby O"

  
We found out about our second "SURPRISE" aka. oops baby, when "Big Sister H." was only 8 months old, so I get to claim "Two babies in Two Years" as my newest accomplishment.

Baby O. was a bouncing ball of smiles and coos from just a few weeks old.  Her personality truly is bubbly, and can be convinced to smile or laugh at the drop of a pin. She refuses to sleep for any reasonable duration of time, still at 9 months, but will rarely fuss or whine as long as there is someone around for her to grin at or snuggle with.  



Mommy & "Big Sister H"

  
While most some days, I rarely find more than a second to squeeze in a blog post, I enjoy writing about my journey as a new(ish) parent in the 'burbs of Dallas, Texas. 

I love researching and sharing local kid-friendly activities and events happening in Collin County, and sniffing out family-friendly restaurants to dine in. Scooping up great products and deals to giveaway on my blog are some of the things that keep me jazzed to keep McKinney Mommas up and running!

Thanks for visiting, during the #UBP13 and please keep coming back if you like what you see!


Let's Be Friends!
 


Affresh® Household and Appliance Cleaners {Review & Giveaway}

I'm not happy with my kitchen cleaner.  I use a name brand, but there's just something about the smell that is too harsh and really bothers my nose.

I recently tested out a few Affresh® cleaning products and am happy to report, they've been thrown into my regular cleaning product rotation. 



Affresh® has a handful of cleaners for some of the cleaning jobs that you've probably been putting on the back burner, or just didn't know how best to clean.


  • affresh Dishwasher and Disposal Cleaner - removes those gross food particles and buildup that have been left behind, causing an odor that isn't pleasent. 
  • affresh Cooktop Cleaner - a non-abrasive cleaner that does the tough job of cleaning your grimy cooktop surface, without damaging the surface of your stove. 
  • affresh Stainless Steel Cleaner - to remove fingerprints and smudges from your stainless appliances. 
  • affresh Washer Cleaner - you use the washer to clean your clothes, but who cleans the washer itself?  This cleaner will get at the detergent build up and have your washer smelling fresh again.
  • affresh Kitchen & Appliance Cleaner - microwave splatter got you down? Toaster oven need some help? This cleaner will spruce up your appliances and leave them shiny and new looking, without the need to rinse.

Check out what the Affresh® Kitchen & Appliance Cleaner did for my toaster:


BEFORE








AFTER





The Affresh® Kitchen & Appliance Cleaner, has a delicious citrus scent, very fresh smelling and nothing like that chemical smell my previous household cleaner had.  I liked that this spray didn't need any rinse, and just cut through the fingerprints and grease with no problem. 

By using affresh cleaners regularly, they can extend the life of your appliances and well, make your neighbors a little jealous too. 

You can purchase Affresh® products at Walmart, Lowe's, Kroger or check out a location close to you.


For more information, visit: http://www.affresh.com


Enter to Win

For a chance to win an Affresh® Spring Cleaning Products Prize Package – including 5 full size cleaning products for your kitchen appliances, washing machine, cooktop & more, visit the 5 Minutes for Mom - Ultimate Blog Party 2013 and enter to win*!


* You will need to fill out the Prize Entry Form to be entered to win this or one of hundreds of prizes before April 13th! You'll be able to designate on your entry form your top 3 choices for prizes - Pick Affresh Spring Cleaning Products Prize Package as one of your choices!




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. 


Thursday, April 4, 2013

40% off Promo Code for Tiny Prints Cards - expires 4/5

Does Grandma send your little ones special treats in the mail now and then?

Do you remember each time to pop a little thank you note in the mail?



I know my grandmother always thought it was great when we sent her thank you cards.  Showing gratitude is a great tool to teach your children, since a card lasts so much longer than a "thank you" on the phone.






If you've run out of your "thank you" card stash, Tiny Prints has an incredible sale for only 24 hours, you can get 1700 designs for 40% off!




The sale is only valid today until 10:59am Central time tomorrow, April 5th. 

They have all sorts of designs, perfect for graduation, birthday gift thank you's, business or any other occasion you could think of - customizable by uploading your own photos (if you want), choosing your own text and font.

Take a look now before the sale ends tomorrow and use the promo code: DEAL0404 to get 40% off! 



What's your favorite way to say "thank you" when you or your kids receive a gift?


*Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post.  However, I was entered into a drawing to win a prize from the company. Wish me luck ;-)  As always, this entry into the raffle did not influence my opinion and all statements and thoughts are 100% my own.





Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Wine Walk at The Village at Fairview - Thursday April 4th

I heard about the Wine Walk at the Village at Fairview last year, but by the time I heard the buzz it had already come and gone.

Not this year. No sir. I'm not letting it slip by me again.



I was excited to hear that my kids "Gamma" was coming for a visit this week, so I might just be able to make the Wine Walk this year.


If you live in the area, check it out. I've heard that from 5-8pm, you can mosey around the Village at Fairview and sample a variety of wines. Apparently, there will be special shopping and dining discounts as well and small snacks or food samplings along the way.

As always, please drink responsibly..................and have some fun!



WINE WALK - Spring Wine Series


Where: Village at Fairview - 329 Town Place, Fairview, TX, 75069

When: April 4th from 5pm - 8pm

What: Samples wines from Chateau Diana Winery for FREE and enjoy shopping specials at The Village at Fairview!  


For more information: http://www.thevillageshopping.com/events/Spring_Wine_Walk_Series_-_April_4_