Blogger Opportunity + Baby Monitor Giveaway!

Here's an exciting Blogger Opportunity - or if you're not a blogger come back on November 16th to enter the giveaway yourself! 

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.aluckyladybug.com/2013/10/he-sees-you-when-your-sleeping.html" title="A Lucky Ladybug" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnTTFr3ZYYkXbRE5JOOFKToS4b6CRpGKJjsJkAtPhma987FSzM3_AJ3w4aTQ30VcVa1Uedr5P0Du4yDD7bdk7xSFjKS92Jn9bdhaDvt29eW299IkNHYpJIGxLghl8d8OYEIhArP4dstkj/s1600/baby-monitor-BB2411-L1.jpg" alt="A Lucky Ladybug" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Prize:

Lorex Baby SWEET PEEK™ Video Baby Monitor

ARV $119 

Hosted by:

A Lucky Ladybug
and 

Blogger Sign-ups close 11/16

**The blogger with the most referrals will receive the additional links at no cost

Click HERE to sign up and for more html info.

M.O.O.N. has now added several perks/discounts for frequent participation in our events but you must be a member of our Facebook group to be eligible.  Please visit the M.O.O.N. group if you are a blogger and would like more information regarding these perks and other group events.

**If you are a company and would like to see your brand advertised in a M.O.O.N. event similar to this or a Blogger interested in working with M.O.O.N. please contact MakeOurOwnNetwork@gmail.com

DFW Kid Friendly Attractions - Printable Coupons

Hey DFW'ers

Here are some great deals for local restaurants in the DFW area and kid-friendly attractions, provided by DFW Kids Guide:

Click on the link to download the coupon.  Feel free to share with your friends!

• Gattitown Frisco - 1 Adult Meal, 1 Kids Meal and a $10 Game Card just $16.99
• Speed Zone - $19.99 Pit Pass
• Dinosaur World - Save $2
• Legoland Discovery Center and Sea Life - Kids FREE
• Amazing Jakes - Two For One

For these and other great special offers updated daily please bookmark and share http://dfwkidsguide.com/coupons.php

Veterans Eat FREE - Monday Nov 11, 2013

I come from a long line of servicemen and women, closest to me are my youngest brother and both grandfathers, passed, all serving in the Navy. 

I love it when I see the community honoring Veterans, because so often I feel they get overlooked, despite the extreme sacrifice they've given to all of us.

Monday is Veterans Day and over 50 restaurants are stepping up to the plate to offer FREE meals for Veterans.  

Here's the list, please feel free to share with your friends and family!

Veterans Eat Free On Veterans Day - Monday, November 11, 2013

A BIG Thank you goes to RestaurantNews.com for providing this restaurant roundup!

Please note that most Veteran appreciation offers include the following:

• Require proof of military service
• Are dine-in only
• Do not include alcohol
• Can not be used with other coupons or discounts
• Do not include gratuity

Applebee’s
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free Thank You Meal menu.  Choose from: 7 oz. House Sirloin, Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger, Three-Cheese Chicken & Sundried Tomato Penne, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Double Crunch Shrimp, Chicken Tenders Platter, or Oriental Chicken Salad.
Bailey’s Sports Grille
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free Burger

Bar Louie
Sunday, November 10, 2012 or Monday, November 11, 2012
Free meal up to an $12 value.

BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse
Monday, Novemer 11, 2013
Complimentary Lunch Entree or a one topping Mini Deep Dish or Individual Hand-Tossed Pizza at dinner.

Boston Market
Monday, November 11, 2013
One free whole chicken with purchase of any Family Meal

California Pizza Kitchen
Monday, November 11, 2013
Any pizza from the menu

Carrabba’s Italian Grill
November 9 -11, 2013
Complimentary appetizer, no purchase necessary for military personnel in uniform or w/Military ID.

Carrows Restaurants
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free slice of pie

Champps Americana
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free Champps handcrafted burger with waffle fries.

Charlie Brown’s Grill
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free meal

Cheeseburger in Paradise
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free All American Burger with fries (valid with any beverage purchase of $1.99 or more).

Chili’s Grill & Bar
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free entree.  Choose from Oldtimer with Cheese, Chicken Crispers, Margarita Chicken, Classic Turkey Sandwich, Lighter Choices Grilled Chicken Salad, Soup & Salad Combo, Full Flatbread (any flavor), Pizza (any flavor), Lunch Combos (during lunch hours).

Chompie’s
Monday, November 11, 2013
50% discount on one entree with military ID.

Coco’s Bakery & Restaurant
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free slice of pie

East Coast Wings & Grill
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free appetizer or dessert.  Excludes Chester’s Tasting.  Minimum purchase of $10.

Einstein Bros. Bagels
5:30 am to 5:00 pm
Signature or Classic Bagel and Shmear

FATZ
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free entree (up to $15 value)

Fox and Hound Bar & Grill*
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free Burger
* Locations in Dallas

Friendly’s
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free breakfast

Golden Corral
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free dinner buffet (4 pm – 9 pm)

Green Mill Restaurant and Bar
Monday, November 11, 2013
Save 50% all day on any entree

Hooters
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free meal

Hoss’s Steak and Sea House
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free meal

Ker’s WingHouse Bar & Grill
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free order of boneless wings

Krispy Kreme
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free doughnut and small coffee

Little Caesars
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free Crazy Bread

LongHorn Steakhouse
November 11 – November 14, 2013
Complimentary Texas Tonion appetizer and non-alcohol beverage.

Max & Erma’s
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free Best Cheeseburger in America Combo.  Includes choice of soup or salad and fresh baked chocolate chip cookie.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Free entree.  Choose from: Salmon Rigatoni, Buttermilk Fried Shrimp, Cedar Planked or Grilled Salmon, Blackened Chicken Fettuccine, Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Beer Battered Fish & Chips, Cashew Crusted Tilapia, Tender Beef Medallions, Romano Chicken Chopped Salad, or McCormick’s Cheeseburger.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free 6 oz. frozen yogurt

Miami Subs Grill
Monday, November 11, 2013
All military personnel in uniform will receive 50% off their Miami Subs purchase, and all veterans with a valid military ID will receive 20% off.

Noah’s New York Bagels
5:30 am to 5:00 pm
Signature or Classic Bagel and Shmear

O’Charley’s
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free meal from $9.99er menu.  Choose from O’Charley’s Famous Chicken Tenders & Twisted Chips, Santa Fe Tilapia, Homestyle Chicken Pot Pie, Tuscan Chicken, Cowboy Sirloin and Caroline Chicken.

Olive Garden
Monday, November 11, 2013
Complimentary entree from a special menu, including Venetian Apricot Chicken, Sausage & Peppers Rustica and Spaghetti with Meat Sauce. Family dining with the service member receive a 10-percent discount on their meals as well. All entrees include freshly baked garlic breadsticks and choice of homemade soup or garden fresh salad.  Olive Garden is also offering 10% discount for current members of the military and their families during the month of November.

On The Border
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free meal from the “Create Your Own Combo” menu

Outback Steakhouse
Monday, November 11, 2013 – Free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage
November 12 through December 31, 2013 – 10% off meals

Paciugo Gelato Caffè
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free 12 oz. Gelatte

Pie Five Pizza
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free pie for any active-duty or veteran.  Must show government ID.

Pizza Inn
Free buffet for any active-duty or veteran.  Participating restaurants only.  Must show govn’t ID.

Red Lobster
November 11 – November 14, 2013
Complimentary appetizer from a list of 10 delicious options, including New! Crispy Fried Green Beans, Lobster-Crab-and-Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms and Sweet Chili Shrimp.

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
Monday, November 11, 2012
Free Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries

Roy’s
Monday, November 11, 2012
2-course dinner – pick an appetizer and entrée off the nightly dinner menu for $29.95 (this coincides with My Prix Fixe Monday but is not exclusive to Veterans day only)

Shoney’s
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free All-American Burger

Sizzler
Monday, November 11, 2012
Free Lunch (through 4 pm).  Choose from: 6 oz. Tri Tip Steak, single Malibu Chicken, or Half Dozen Fried Shrimp entree with choice of side dish.

Spaghetti Warehouse
Sunday, November 10 and Monday, November 11th, 2013
Coupon required.  Buy One Original Spaghetti Entree or 15-Layer Lasagne, Get 2nd Entree Free (served with sourdough bread and choice of salad or soup). This offer applies to everyone.

Sticky Fingers Smokehouse
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free entree with the purchase of second entrée of equal or greater value.
Must present coupon.

Texas Roadhouse
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free Lunch (includes choice of Coca-Cola product, Iced Tea/Sweet Tea or coffee)
Choose from: 6 oz. Sirloin Steak with two sides, Country Fried Chicken with two sides, Country Fried Sirloin with two sides, Pulled Pork Dinner with two sides, Grilled Pork Chop (Single) with two sides, All-American Cheeseburger with fries, BBQ Chicken Sandwich with fries, Pulled Pork Sandwich with fries, Grilled Chicken Salad, or Chicken Critter Salad.

Texas Steakhouse & Saloon
November 11th, 2013
Buy one entree, get one free

TGI Friday’s
November 11th, 2013
Free lunch (11 am to 2 pm)

Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free Donut

TravelCenters of America
(TA and Petro Stopping Centers sit-down restaurants)
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free meal (up to a $15 value)

Tubby’s Grilled Submarines
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free 6″ Steak N’ Cheese or Tubby’s Famous Sub with proper military ID or DD-214

Tucanos Brazilian Grill
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free Churrasco meal

Twin Peaks
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free meal

Village Inn
Monday, November 11, 2013
Free breakfast.  Choose from three Buttermilk Pancakes, a Belgian Waffle or three slices of French Toast.

Wing Stop - DFW locations
Monday, November 11, 2013
A Free 6-piece boneless wing combo or 3-piece chicken strip combo w/ military ID

Happy Veteran's Day and Thank You For Your Service!

<3 McKinney Mommas

Halloween Costume Link-Up

Hey Mommy Bloggers - 

Did you have some pretty amazing creations for your kiddos Halloween Costumes?  The community of mommy bloggers loves to see them and share them for next year's inspiration, so come join:

The Mom Creative's Annual Halloween Costume Link-Up

I just added the link to my DIY Toddler's Halloween Costume post, so you should too!

Enjoy seeing all the fun DIY costume ideas, I know I did.

Relaxing Automated Spa Treatments at Planet Beach + Giveaway

Have you always wanted a relaxing spa treatment, but get nervous at the thought of being pretty darn bare in front of the spa technician?

Planet Beach gives you the opportunity to experience over 20-spa treatments at the push of a button, in a private room, and all without any help from an attendant. 

At less than $40, for three relaxing spa treatments, of your choice, you're sure to be in a relaxed mood and ready to celebrate and enjoy the upcoming holiday season!

Did I mention they have a location in Dallas?

Planet Beach 

2717 Howell St,

 Dallas, TX 75204

Some of the relaxing treatments you can experience in the privacy of your own spa room at Planet Beach are:

• Three types of facials that improve skin tone, pores, and texture.

• Hydration treatments that oxygenate skin all over the body and promote cell regeneration. 

• Six different types of massages, to reduce body aches and anxiety, while increasing flexibility and blood circulation.

• Numerous stress and anxiety reduction therapies, such as, Guided Meditation and Jade Fusion for full relaxation and oxygen therapy for rejuvenation.

• UV Therapy and UMO Hand Therapy

• Plus, lots more...........

For a full list of their treatment programs, visit: http://planetbeach.com/products-services/

Oh, wait!

.................I forgot to tell you that YOU can win a $50 Gift Certificate to check out Planet Beach and the ultimate automated spa relaxation experience for yourself?

Enter To Win

 Prize: (1) $50 Gift Certificate to Planet Beach  

• Giveaway ends: November 18th, 2013 at 11:59pm
• Open to US residents, 18+
• Complete easy Rafflecopter entry form below to win

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DIY Halloween Costumes - My Mermaid & Friendly Ghost

Happy day after Halloween, McKinney Mommas' readers!

Well, I think I have officially earned the title of "Crafty."

This year, because we're on such a tight budget I decided to do a little DIY project for my girls' Halloween costumes, and by golly I think they turned out pretty cute.

If you can't tell, Baby O. was a Mermaid and Big Sister H. was a Friendly Ghost - she was sure to tell people about the "friendly" part so she didn't scare anyone. Heh, heh. 

Because I wanted to be thrifty, and cost effective I looked around for the cheapest tutus and leotards that I wouldn't feel bad messing up if my project didn't work out. 

After tons of research, I found the best deal and literally bought everything I needed for the "Friendly Ghost" costume, at Always Underpay*  (www.alwaysunderpay.com)  which is actually a dance supply and wholesale tutu site.

*Nope, I was not paid to mention this company, I found out about them all on my own and paid for all my materials independently (just in case you were wonderin', heh, heh).

Friendly Ghost

For this costume, I just paired a white long sleeve tee with a white tutu and white leggings.  I hand-stitched on the eyes and mouth - cut from black felt. The stitching was easy, but time consuming, so if you want a shortcut, use a heat/bond iron on adhesive.

Here's what I bought from Always Underpay:

• Older Girl Tutu (white) - $3.75 (because I wanted it longer than the traditional toddler tutu)
• Long Sleeve Petti Top (white) - $3.95
• Toddler Kufi Caps (white) - $1.50
• Ostrich Puff (white) - $2.49

For a Grand Total of: $ 11.69 (plus pennies for the felt and thread, of course). Pretty darn affordable if you ask me!

Sea Mermaid

For this costume, I used a white leotard, purchased from the company mentioned above, and used some iron on adhesive to attach the "seashells" that I cut from purple felt - for the shape think triangle with a bunch of ruffles on top.  I "be-dazzled (can I use that phrase or is it copywrited? eeek!) the shells with multi-colored sequins and attached them with glitter glue. Easy, peasy.

The super cute tutu is actually from a company called Just Pretend Kids, who sent me a sample of their "Mermaid Tutu" to review on my blog awhile back.  

My 15 month old is wearing the 2T/3T Mermaid Tutu and it fits just right, so if you're unsure I'd go a size up in this one. It's nothing like the tutus you can find at the dollar store that just fall apart. This tutu so far has held up to months of playtime from both my 2 and 1 year old, and seems to be made with very high quality materials. It really is quite beautiful.

I got so many "oohs, and ahhs" while walking the kids around the neighborhood to trick-or-treat this year.  I felt pretty darn good knowing that my own time and effort had gone into their costumes, and honestly, it only took a few hours.



So, if you're unsure whether it's worth it to make your own costumes next year, I'd say go for it. I have limited time and resources as it is, so I'm not one to jump at a long and tedious project, so take it from me.....this was pretty simple.

* * *

Well, I hope all of you had a wonderful Halloween, full of fun, surprises and treats galore this year. 


p.s. I'd love to hear about your DIY creations (or not) this year for your own children's Halloween costumes. Feel free to share them below! 

Halloween Spooky Songs Playlist - FREE for you!

Have a Spooky Soundtrack picked out yet for Halloween night?

No? Well, McKinney Mommas' got you covered!

Nearly an hour of Disney's Spookiest collections, below!  Happy Halloween!