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Friday, October 5, 2012

Do Something Good - Trick or Treat For UNICEF


I believe that as we receive, we should also give.

I want to teach my children, especially around holidays that when they are receiving gifts or special attention, that we should think of how to help others who might not be as fortunate.

 Around Thanksgiving time, a time of plenty in our home, I often would go serve at a homeless shelter or pass out sandwiches on the street.  

 It reminded me to be thankful for all I had, even when that wasn't a lot.

I encourage you to start a tradition of giving with your family this holiday, no not Thanksgiving or Christmas.......why not start with Halloween!?



ABOUT
  • Encourage your children to support Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF and help raise funds for their peers in developing countries by going door-to-door on Halloween night or participating in other festive fundraising activities.

 WHY
  • Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, has raised more than $167 million, which provided kids in 190 countries and territories with necessities such as health care and immunizations, clean water, education, nutrition and emergency relief.
  • You will be teaching your children valuable character building traits, such as how to have empathy for others, compassion, and a spirit of giving.
WATCH




Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF is introducing six new Halloween characters featured on individual collection boxes. The new design encourages children to express their support through choice.
Another great way to have your children participate in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF:


  • Submitted designs will have a chance to be part of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF’s 2013 limited edition collection.
  • Winners will receive 1,000 boxes of their design to distribute in their neighborhood
  • A winning design from each category (children ages 4-8, 9-12, and 13 years and older) will be chosen and announced on Halloween, Oct. 31. The contest will run from September 1 through October 26........so get those designs in today!  
LEARN MORE

Finally, check out the Trick -or-Treat for UNICEF's Activity Calendar for great ideas on activities to do during the month of October to keep your kids engaged all month long with this fantastic character building event!


Thank you to Mom Bloggers for Social Good and the Global Team of 200 for providing me with information on this exciting cause.


*Disclosure: I was not paid or compensated in any way for this post
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Thursday, October 4, 2012

Monitoring Your Kids Online with Gecko Monitor - Guest Post

Monitoring Your Kids Online with Gecko Monitor
 
As your kids get to a certain age, the question arises as to how to introduce them to the internet. The age that you start to do this will, of course, vary from parent to parent and there is never one right answer. But there is software that can make the introduction a lot easier. 
 
For kids of a very young age, parental control software maybe the route to go down; you can block all websites apart from very child friendly ones. But at some point, you'll want to trust your kids enough to let them loose on the web.
 
At this point, Computer Monitoring Software is something that can help put your mind at ease. Programs like Gecko Monitor are perfect for monitoring a number of situations. Most commonly monitoring employees on office computers and the kids and/or spouse on the home computer, both of which are simple and easy to set up and use.
 
Gecko Monitor is perfect for monitoring your kids online activities. Once downloaded and installed (a process which takes a matter of minutes) Gecko Monitor runs silently in the background, in complete stealth mode so that no-one knows it's running. To access the software, you type in a secret key combination and a user defined password, both of which only you know. This brings the software out of stealth mode so you can see what's been going on while you've been away.
 
Gecko Monitor monitors a number of activities and each feature has it's own tab running across the top of the window. The first thing to do when opening the software is to choose the date you wish to review the logs for. Here's exactly what Gecko Monitor logs:
  • All applications used, along with the time and date of use.
  • All websites visited, along with the time and date of the visit.
  • All keystrokes entered, and the application or website they were entered into.
  • All files & documents opened, saved, moved or deleted, along with the time and date.
  • All documents printed, along with the time and date.
  • Anything copied to the clipboard (anything copied and pasted)
  • Takes screenshots of everything that's happened.
  • Timeline feature, shows you an easy to read snapshot of what's been happening.
All of this is reported in an easy to read manner, and can even be emailed to you, so you can check what's been happening while your out of the house. 
 
If you want to find out more, head to the Gecko Monitor website (http://www.GeckoMonitor.com) where you can download a free trial.

* Thank you to Lewis for writing this guest post *

 
Disclosure: From time to time, McKinney Mommas is compensated a small monetary amount for informational posts such as this.
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FREE Screening of Here Comes The Boom with Kevin James

Looking for a funny movie to lift your spirits - and a chance to see it for FREE?


                                     HERE COMES THE BOOM, in theaters October 12th

 

ABOUT

It’s an inspirational comedy about former collegiate wrestler Scott Voss (Kevin James) who is an apathetic biology teacher in a failing high school. When cutbacks threaten to cancel the music program and lay off its teacher (Henry Winkler), Scott begins to raise money by moonlighting as a mixed martial arts fighter. Everyone thinks he’s crazy, especially the school nurse Bella (Salma Hayek) – but in his quest, Scott gains something he never expected as he becomes a sensation that rallies the entire school.



Like on: www.Facebook.com/Boom   
Follow on: www.Twitter.com/BoomMovie  
Watch more videos on the YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/boom
And........you can FOLLOW Kevin James (who just joined Twitter) www.twitter.com/KevinJames  


SIGN UP for FREE Tickets HERE

* McKinney Mommas Readers - Showings in Dallas and other States as well!
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Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Mía Mariú - Botanical Skin Care and Mineral Makeup [Review & Giveaway]

After having my baby this summer, I was feeling a little lack-luster in the appearance department.

 Sleepless nights, baby puke on my shoulder, all make for a momma who doesn't necessarily feel presentable all of the time.

 I had let my makeup supply dwindle to mascara and well....face lotion, and that's about it. 


 Mía Mariú came to my rescue and offered to send me a few samples of their products to try out on this tired momma's face.

I chose to sample the  Perfecting Finish Mineral Cream Foundation - in Trigo.  After pregnancy, I was left with that horrible"pregnancy mask" - darkened splotches due to hormone changes on my cheeks and around my eyes. Yuck. 

I was happy to find that this oil-free foundation, provided just the right amount of coverage without feeling caked on, and had a matte finish, so no shiny side-effects (which I hate).

Side Notes:
  • If you have normal/combination skin like me I'd recommend this foundation
  • If you have dry skin - you might find this formula not right for you - try the liquid foundation instead

Keep reading to find out how to WIN a Mía Mariú Beauty Prize Package



I had also run out of a face cleanser, so was happy to try Mía Mariú's Refreshing Foaming Gel Cleanser. I wash my face in the shower, and shower time is the only few minutes I get to myself these days.  This face cleanser, made me feel like I was getting a facial at a spa. The scent was amazing and with Sea Kelp and Aloe, the natural cleansing agents were gentle and left my face feeling clean without feeling dry or tight.   




To top it all off, a swipe of Luminous Lip Gloss - in Romance was a nice treat for my bare lips.  This color was perfect for me since I don't want to feel "made up" when I go out with two kids in tow.  I want to look simple and carefree, which this lip gloss provided for me. The shade was an almost nude, glossy lip color, and with Vitamins A, E and C, left my lips feeling moisturized and healthy.  

* * *  
ABOUT

Mia Mariu’s high performance products are formulated with the most natural ingredients available helping you achieve vibrant beauty and health inside and out.  Each unique product fuses nature and technology by combining the highest quality botanicals, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and peptides.  The result is healthy products that provide a perfect balance that reflects itself through youthful, healthy, beautiful, glowing skin and renewed energy and vitality, at an exceptional value.  Mia offers natural skin care, professional makeup artist quality mineral cosmetics and brushes, fine fragrances and nutritional supplements to Reveal Your Unique Shade of Beauty!

WORDS FROM THE OWNER

My vision was to create a company for women who wanted a contemporary and progressive way to make money without sacrificing time with family. Mía offers a stylish and lucrative home-based business opportunity that is fun and rewarding and is a powerful way to help you make money, make new friends and reach your personal success.

CONNECT
ENTER TO WIN
A Mía Mariú Beauty Prize Package - $55 value
Including:  
 Perfecting Finish Mineral Cream Foundation
Refreshing Foaming Gel Cleanser
Luminous Lip Gloss 
  •  Complete Rafflecopter Entry Form Below to Win!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
*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 were not influenced by the complimentary product received.
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Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Celina Balloon Festival - fun for the whole family! Oct 26-27 {FREE TICKET GIVEAWAY}

It's a bird, it's a plane............

 No, it's a HOT AIR BALLOON at the Celina Balloon Festival!


What kid isn't filled with wonder and amazement when watching a hot air balloon float through the air?

Keep reading to find out how to WIN FREE tickets to the Celina Balloon Festival! (Just north of Dallas, TX) 

Last year,  I tried to take my peanut, only 8 months old at the time to another Hot Air Balloon Festival but it was rained out.  Luckily, the day after we were driving around and found some just getting ready to launch [photo below].  She was intrigued and excited!

 I can't wait to take her this year, to go see some Hot Air Balloons - at almost 2 yrs. old, she's gonna dig 'em for sure!


ABOUT:  
The 7th Annual Celina Balloon Festival and Family Fun Day is a true “festival of flight”! With in-the-air activities including Hot Air Balloons, RC Airplane Show, Helicopter Rides, Rocketry Demos, Kite Expositions, a Sky Dive show and an appearance by Rocketman Dan Schlund, the sky will be filled with activities sun-up to sun-down. On the ground activities include carnival rides and games, giant inflatables, a petting zoo, children’s pavilion, an expo area with an RV, Car and Motorcycle show and a Beer Garden.  The Main Stage features performances from Sonny Burgess, Emerald City and rising talent from all over Texas. 
 * * *
I just might have gotten my husband to agree to attend with the mention of "Beer Garden" - Heh, Heh!

WHERE:
Old Celina Park
12670 FM 428, Celina, Texas 75009 
  • Quick Directions: Take the Dallas North Tollway/Dallas Parkway until it dead ends.  Turn Right, follow the curve to the left.  Parking with be on your right.
WHEN: 
October 26-27, 2012 
  • Oct 26: 4pm-10pm (gates open at 4, event begins at 5pm)
  • Oct 27 6am-Midnight (gates open at 6am, balloons launch between 6:45-7:30) 
MORE INFO:


WIN TICKETS

Win a Family Pack (4) of Tickets for the Celina Balloon Festival 
(2 winners)
Giveaway ends: Oct 19th, 2012

To Enter:
For Bonus Entries (4) - leave an additional comment for each entry
* Please be sure your email is visible in your Google profile so we can contact you if you win - or leave your email in your comment! *

 
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Monday, October 1, 2012

It's "Fair Trade Forever" Awareness Month here at McKinney Mommas

 
OCTOBER is FAIR TRADE AWARENESS MONTH
 

McKinney Mommas is celebrating Fair Trade Month, by hosting reviews and giveaways all month long to highlight companies that sacrifice price and convenience to make sure their products are made by workers who are paid a fair wage, and with ingredients that are obtained in an ethically conscious manner.

Celebrate with us by coming back all month long to read and participate in the discussions, reviews and giveaways.

Do your part, and make our world a better place for ALL humans to work and thrive.

* * * 

Here is a SNEAK PEEK at a few of the companies that will be participating in McKinney Mommas "Fair Trade Forever" Awareness Month!

......and more...............

Happy Fair Trade Awareness Month to all my readers! 
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Dinner & Movie Night Made Easy with Hidden Valley Ranch [GIVEAWAY] ends 10/15

If someone were to ask me, I'd say this McKinney Momma is more of an Oil & Vinegar gal when it comes to salad dressing.

However, I'm recently re-discovering Hidden Valley Ranch dressing and all the ways it can light up old recipes, and bring zing to movie night snack time!


Most of you know, that I just had my second baby a few months ago, so cooking dinner is not an easy or leisurely process for me anymore.  Did I mention "Big Sister" is only 19 months old?

Quick and Easy dinner recipes are on now on speed dial, or should be.  


Keep reading to find out how you can WIN a Hidden Valley Ranch Movie Night Prize Package


I found a super easy recipe for Crunchy Baked Ranch Chicken on the Hidden Valley website and kicked it up a notch for my husband's slightly "snobby" palate.




Here's the recipe from the website:

Ingredients:
  • 4 chicken breast halves
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ packet of Hidden Valley ® Salad Dressing and Seasoning Mix
  • ¾ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
Instructions:
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a shallow bowl, mix the mayonnaise with the Hidden Valley ® Salad Dressing and Seasoning Mix. In a second shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken breast in the ranch dressing mixture, removing any excess, and then dip in breadcrumbs. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet until chicken is cooked through, about 25 minutes.
 - Created by Melissa d'Arabian


Here's MY "kicked up a notch" version:

Goat Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Ranch Chicken


Basically, prepare as above, except for these small changes:
  • Use chicken tender strips or just cut the halves in half one more time
  • Substitute the mayo (I don't like it) with good ol' prepared Ranch Dressing (enough to coat each piece)
  • I used Cornflake crumbs instead of breadcrumbs, and seasoned them myself with a heavy sprinkling of Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning Mix.
  • Mix up about a 1/2 cup of goat cheese and cooked spinach (I just used leftover spinach from dinner the night before)
  • Slather the goat cheese and spinach mixture between 2 breaded chicken pieces (like a sandwich)
  • Cook at 400 for 20 minutes and BOOM, you've got a fancy but SUPER easy dinner!

Now, I have time to sit down to a MOVIE for once, since dinner prep was so fast! 


For a quick and easy Movie Night snack, I made this popcorn for my hubby and me!

Seasoned Popcorn Recipe

Ingredients 
  • 1 bowl popped popcorn
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix 
Instructions:
  • Sprinkle buttered popcorn to taste with dry dressing mix.

. . . . .

Thank You Hidden Valley for making my dinner AND Movie Night snack quick and delicious!

Hidden Valley Ranch has generously offered to give away (3) Movie Night Kits to McKinney Mommas' readers!  

Enter below for your chance to win one of 3 prize packages!

WIN IT



(3) Hidden Valley Ranch Movie Night Kits

Includes: 

·         One-month Netflix Membership
·         Popcorn Popper
·         Popcorn Bowl
·         Individual Popcorn Holders
·         Popcorn
·         Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning Packets
·         Recipe for HVR Popcorn
  • Complete easy Rafflecopter Entry Form for your chance to WIN!
  • Giveaway ends October 15, 2012
  • THREE Winners will be chosen from eligible entries
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
*Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I did receive a Hidden Valley Ranch sample from the company/PR representative. All opinions are 100% my own and were not influenced by the complimentary product received.
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