Mango, Blackberry Yogurt Parfait - Perfect for Mother's Day

Breakfast in bed.

Yes, I'm talking to YOU daddies, papas and anyone in the male population in general.

It's what we want for Mother's Day, and Whole Foods Market can help you get started on the right track.

How does a quick and easy Mango, Blackberry Greek Yogurt Parfait sound?

 

Turn Your Children's Artwork Into Jewelry - Kidz Can Design

Every mother cherishes the artwork their children create.

A scribble. The first circle. The first awkward looking tree.

How would you like to turn your child's artwork into a beautiful piece of jewelry that you can proudly display year after year?

With Kidz Can Design, you can send a photo of your child's painting, drawing or other artwork and the design team will carefully craft the image into a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry for you.

Mother's Day is around the corner, and what mother could resist the gift of her child's footprint or first time they scrawled out their name on paper made into a beautiful silver charm to wear on a bracelet or necklace?

My daughter is a bit young still to make any sort of concrete artistic designs, but man, she can paint.  So, I decided to send in my daughter's most recent painting to see what Kidz Can Design could make from it.

I loved this painting with all my heart, and wanted to be able to remember just how hard she worked on it.  So, I took a photo of the artwork and sent it in.

I was so excited to open the box that came in the mail just a few weeks later. Wrapped carefully in a gift box and little drawstring jewelry pouch, was my one-of-a-kind creation.

BAM, there it is! Crafted into a .925 Sterling Silver pendant, is my little peanut's original design.  Of course you can see that it's not in color, so a painting like mine is probably is not the best example of what this company can do, but I still love my very abstract piece of jewelry. 

I can't wait until she starts drawing little animals, or monsters, or can write the word, "MOM" because that is going onto my next necklace from Kidz Can Design, for sure. 

How could I not be smiling, with a little treasure like this hanging around my neck. "Big Sister H" is quite the artist, and I'm proud to be wearing her first official design. Heh. Heh. 

ENTER TO WIN your very own Kidz Can Design necklace HERE! 

(Giveaway ends 5/18/13)

To learn more visit Kidz Can Design on Facebook or at their website: http://www.kidzcandesign.com/





*Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. 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 Taking System & Journals From TOPS & Shoplet {REVIEW}

Even though I'm officially on a break from the business world, my job as a blogger still requires me to use office supplies.

I am happy to be part of a team of bloggers that work with Shoplet.com to review new and exciting office supplies.

This week, I was able to check out some cool products by TOPS.

If it's a conference or speaking session you're attending and want to be sure not to miss a thing, this note taking system (TOP77103), apparently comparable to the Cornell Note Taking System is probably a good product to reach for.

A column for quick ideas that will spark your memory, and second column for more detailed notes will help you organize and recall any speaking event or training session you might be attending.  Available in Legal size or smaller 5x8, both sizes contain 50 pages. 

I'm definitely going to be bringing this one to the Executive Women's Day in Irving, TX that I'm attending later this month. I heard there will be some awesome speakers, and don't want to miss a thing.

I absolutely hate all the little pieces of paper I have fluttering around in my purse, on my counter, in my car.  In fact, just today I opened my car door outside and a bunch of papers came flying out (thank you Texas wind), while running around after the notes being carried away by the wind I thought I need a new system.

Grocery shopping lists, to-do lists, ideas for blog posts, birthday gift ideas and so much more can all be contained within this cool little TOPS Idea Collective journal (TOP56874) which is a perfect size (5 1/2" x 3 1/2")for your purse or backpack.
  

 
The TOPS Idea Collective Journal is ruled inside, which I love.  Honestly, I have the worst handwriting around, and unless I have lines to keep me on track, I can barely read my own writing.

This journal comes in a 10" x 7 1/2 (TOP56879) size as well as the smaller size mentioned previously.

As always, if you're looking for promotional products for your blog or company, Shoplet.com has some great, high-quality options, like backpacks, mugs, golf balls and tablet sleeves.



*Disclosure: This was not a paid post. The products used to facilitate this review were given to me free of cost by the company.  However, all opinions are 100% my own and were not influenced by the complimentary product received. As I am under no obligation to post a positive review if I feel it is not warranted

Lysol Touch of Foam Antibacterial Hand Wash {Review} #GotItFree

I recently upgraded my hand soap.

I'm into soap. Like, really. 

I'm always looking for the newest scent or feature in my hand soap and kitchen soap as well. Recently, I had just been using dish soap on my hands in the kitchen, but when I received a sample of Lysol Touch of Foam Antibacterial Hand Wash, it promptly took a front and center seat at my kitchen sink. 

I found myself reaching for it more often than the dish soap, when I needed to wash my hands after preparing the kids meals or cleaning up grimy messes. 

My favorite part about this soap, is that it did not dry out my hands like the dish soap does, and I found the Creamy Vanilla Orchid scent to be delightful and relaxing. 

The foam doesn't slid off your hands (like traditional soap) while washing so you get the ultimate clean, plus it kill 99.9% of bacteria. I'm almost down to my last drop, so will need a refill soon. 

I can't wait to try their other scents!

Available in 3 Great Scents:

• Creamy Vanilla Orchid
• Rose & Cherry in Bloom
• Wild Berry Bliss 

For more information, visit: http://www.lysol.com/cleaning-products/hand-soap/touch-of-foam


*Disclosure: I am a BzzAgent and received these products from BzzAgent.com for review at no cost to me. I receive no monetary compensation for my open and unbiased review. The purpose of BzzAgents is to generate word of mouth sharing of information – both good and bad – about the products offered by both familiar and unfamiliar companies.

McKinney Mommas' #26acts of Kindness - Round Four

Okay, time is passing just way too fast this year. My youngest will be one year old in just 3 short months, and it seems like only yesterday she was born.

As many of you know, I pledged to do #26acts of kindness this year in in honor of Olivia Engel who was one of the child victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy.

I feel like I've done probably quite a few more little bits of good here and there, but here are my official #26acts so far:

#1. Donated a bunch of clothing to charity

#2. Bought a Christmas blanket for a cashier at the grocery store who needed some comfort

#3. Surprised our mail carrier with some hot chocolate

And for number four of our 26acts of kindness this year.......................  

Well, I have to give all the credit to my daughter "Big Sister H" for this one:

We were out at a local coffee shop (Snug on the Square - McKinney, TX) getting breakfast a month or two ago (this is how behind I am) and my little peanut spotted a cute little ceramic piggy bank for sale. 

She asked me for some money, so I explained to her that the piggy bank was going to stay in this store, and that the money would have to stay in the piggy bank and surprise someone who took it home with them.

She was cool with that fact, she's a pretty giving person, for a 2 year old!  So, she proceeded to fill the piggy bank with all sorts of coins for whichever random stranger ends up buying the little piggy.

She was so satisfied with herself after her 4th #26acts.  Of course I was proud of her for giving away her coins to a "neighbor."  I hope that little piggy ends up blessing someone with a plethora of riches both real and imagined.



What good can you spread today?

Calling All Dallas Foodies! Dallas Observer Iron Fork - May 8 {Plus Exclusive Promo Code}

Foodie at heart? Love watching those crazy cooking competitions on TV?

Here's your chance to experience an exciting cooking challenge in person, while tasting great food from local restaurants and sipping on some delicious beer, wine & cocktail pairings.

Welcome the Dallas Observer Iron Fork, presented by Whole Foods.

Taking place, May 8th at the Dallas Contemporary, this grand tasting event that will feature a Chef Challenge Moderated by Restaurateur Kent Rathbun.  

Returning Champion Scott Romano of Nick & Sam's will battle Matt McCallister of FT33.  Each chef will receive a basket of ingredients along with one mystery ingredient to throw a kink in the mix. It will be up to the chefs to battle it out LIVE, and come up with a creative and exceptionally delicious dish to claim the coveted Iron Fork award.

During the event, attendees will witness the chef challenge, and enjoy tastings from local Dallas restaurants, live music, alongside wine, beer and cocktail samplings.

Dallas Observer Iron Fork

WHERE:

Dallas Contemporary – 161 Glass Street, Dallas, TX 75207

WHEN: 

Wednesday, May 8, 2013 from 7-10pm 

TICKETS:

Advance General Admission tickets and VIP tickets are available NOW at www.ticketfly.com.

* * * EXCLUSIVE OFFER * * * 

McKinney Mommas readers can purchase discounted tickets for $30 by using promo code: {mckinneymommas}

VIP Tickets include Early Admission at 6pm, to enjoy over 30 restaurant and liquor samplings before the doors open to the general public. Complimentary Valet before 6:30pm. Also, in and out access to the VIP room throughout the entire night, which includes exclusive liquor samplings, gift bags and exclusive sampling of top restaurants in Dallas.

More information available at www.observerironfork.com. A portion of the proceeds will benefit March of Dimes.

Please note: Guests must be 21+, with a valid I.D.

 

Who do you think will take home the title? Scott or Matt?

~ See you there, and we'll find out together! ~

 

*Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. However, I did receive complimentary tickets to the event to facilitate a review. All opinions are 100% my own and I am not under any obligation to write a positive review.

FREE Blogger Giveaway Event! $100 Home Depot Gift Card!

Here's another great FREE Blogger Event (and giveaway) to sign up for:

   

Attn: BLOGGERS! Sign-ups are now open for this great new giveaway event!

Famous Free Samples' May Flowers Giveaway Event

• This Event is free to join with an announcement post. If you don't wish to post the announcement, please send the $5 non-post fee to tiphero@gmail.com
• You'll receive 1 free link for participating (either Twitter or Pinterest)
• Additional links (RSS/Email, Twitter and Pinterest) are available for $5 each
• Sign-ups for this event end on April 29th
• Event runs from May 1 - 15
• Prize: $100 Home Depot gift card

Please send all payments to tiphero@gmail.com as a "gift" via PayPal. Sign up for this event here.