Family Friendly - New Year's Eve Events 12/31/11 - Collin County

Hi there Local McKinney Mommas readers!  Here is a list of some "family-friendly" New Year's Eve Celebrations happening in or around Collin County!

#1.  Main Event New Year's Eve Family Fun Celebration

• WHERE: Main Event - 9375 Dallas Parkway, Frisco TX 75034
• WHEN: Saturday 12/31/11, 9:00 AM till 5:00 PM
• WHAT:  Parents and children are welcome to come celebrate New Year's Eve. $16.95 includes bowling, billiards, laser tag & other kids activities.. Laser jam bowling, free party favors & kids zone @ 11am - 4pm. Or just come in to eat, bowl & play! * No reservations required

#2. Strikz New Year's Eve Family Fun Party 

• WHERE:  Strikz -  8789 Lebanon Rd Frisco, TX 75034 
• WHEN: Saturday, 12/31/11 - 5:00 PM till 8:00 PM
• WHAT: Tickets $20 Children / $25 Adults includes unlimited bowling, video games, lazer tag, and billiards along with pizza buffet with soda!! Reservations required #972-668-5263.

#3. Turn Back Time - The Ball Drops at 9

• WHERE: This Side Up! Family Fun Center - 1100 Capital Avenue, Plano
• WHEN: Saturday, 12/31/11 - 6:30 PM till 9:00 PM
• WHAT: Dinner, an amazing Illusionist (Keith Coast) and prizes. Times Square feel and New Years Countdown! TONS OF FUN for the WHOLE family without staying up 'til midnight! Tickets: $15/person (ages 13+), child $10, under 2 FREE

Have a SAFE and very HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone!  From McKinney Mommas

Enjoy continued Holiday FUN in Frisco! - Saturday, Dec. 31st

Okay, so it's no longer Christmas, but don't you still feel like enjoying some Holiday CHEER ? ? ?


If you're not busy this Saturday, head down to:

Frisco's Christmas on the Square

• WHEN: Saturday, December 31st from 6-7pm 

• WHAT: A New Year's Eve Skating Spectacular presented by The Stars Figure Skating Club 

• WHERE: On the corner of Main Street & Coleman Blvd, Frisco, TX - MAP HERE

• ADDTL. DETAILS: Scallywags Pirate Ship will be serving Holiday Treats such as hot chocolate, coffee, cookies and of course Shaved Ice (if you can handle the cold) :-)

ALSO, nightly until January 7th, Frisco's Christmas on the Square will be running a one-of-a-kind computerized light show from 6:00pm - 10:00pm and don't forget about the snow machines that will be blowing "real" snow for the kids to see on the weekend (every 15 minutes)


So, if you and your kiddos didn't get in enough holiday fun with all the hustle and bustle of the season, take them down to Frisco's Christmas on the Square to top off their holiday cheer this year!

Is it too late to wish you a Merry Christmas?

I've been traveling, and enjoying my holiday from the couch (came down with the darn flu as soon as I got to California two days before Christmas)!

So, I apologize for not being here at McKinney Mommas, posting and sharing holiday wonders with you all.

I sincerely hope that all your holidays were merry and bright and that you're looking forward to positive things for you and your family in the New Year!

Thinking of all of you and wishing you a very Happy Holiday Season!

GIVEAWAY & Review - Jammy Jams - Lullaby Renditions of Lady Gaga, Hip Hop or Christian Rock Hits - CLOSED

Bored of the same old lullaby songs, while trying to lull your baby to sleep? Me too! I was so tired of the same melodies running around my head all day long, like “rock a bye baby” and “twinkle twinkle little star.”

So, of course I was quite excited when I heard about Jammy Jams and had the opportunity to review their music with my 10 month old.

Jammy Jams's latest releases include “Goo Goo Gaga” - Lullaby renditions of Lady Gaga Hits, “Once Upon a Rhyme” - Lullaby renditions of Hip Hop Classics and “Once Upon this Rock” - Lullaby renditions of Christian Rock Hits.

My little one happened to toddle over to me when I first put in the “Once Upon a Rhyme” and listened to the CD play cool hip hop versions of “Summertime” (Fresh Prince),”Hey Ya” (Outkast) and “Gangsta's Paradise.” My favorite was “Gangsta's Paradise”, but the little one would never have known this sweet lullaby was originally performed by Coolio!

If it's Christian Rock that's on your list of favorite styles, you'll love Jammy Jams take on “How To Save a Life” (The Fray), “Meant to Live” (Switchfoot) and “Flood” (Jars of Clay)!

Our favorite CD was the “Goo Goo Gaga” - renditions of Lady Gaga hits! Really nice mixes and by this time, my little peanut just happened to cuddle up on my shoulder and almost fell asleep to Jammy Jams renditions of “Paparazzi” and “Poker Face.” That was my proof that these CDs work, since my daughter NEVER falls asleep on my shoulder, or anywhere but her darkened bedroom!

For more information, you can find and follow Jammy Jams at:

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

• Twitter: @jammyjamsbaby

• You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/JammyJamsBaby

• Tumblr: http://jammyjamsdotnet.tumblr.com/ 

• Website: http://www.jammyjams.net

You can order these CDs from Jammy Jams AND major retailers like: Amazon, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble and Sears

OR

~  Enter to WIN  ~

• (3) WINNERS! Prize: your choice of one of the (3) Jammy Jams CDs
• Fill out the Rafflecopter Form below to WIN
• (2) Easy Mandatory Tasks to enter and (30) optional BONUS entries available!
• We DO verify that the tasks were actually accomplished, and disqualify dishonest entries

NOTE: I was not paid cash for this post. I was sent a set of CDs to review, free of charge. All opinions are my own and were not influenced by the free items received for review.

$100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway! Ends 1/1/2012

Enter to WIN a $100 Amazon Gift Card 

• The more Twitter sites you follow, the more chances you have to WIN!

• Since there are so many to follow, there is a bonus at the end!

• You can gain an extra entry daily by Tweeting the giveaway.  ENTER DAILY until 1/1/2012

• You don't have to follow all in one sitting (whew!) Try FOLLOWing a few new people each day with your daily tweet for extra entries!

   
Sponsored by: Amee from Madame Deals and Jen from all her blogs  (Kobiso, Makobi Scribe, Sason and Pobi, etc) are the sponsors!!

Click READ MORE > > > for the Rafflecopter Entry Form!

GIVEAWAY - (5) Cow Watches & (2) Plush Cow Toys from Chick-fil-A - CLOSED

Feeling in the holiday spirit?


Chick-fil-A sure is, because they're offering ANOTHER great GIVEAWAY!

This time you can win a PRIZE PACKAGE of 

• Five Chick-fil-A Cow Watches!

AND

• Two Chick-fil-A Plush Cows! 

ENTER TO WIN

Just fill out the easy Rafflecopter Form below for YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! And if you're bored, take the Chick-fil-A Holiday Quiz and share your results in a blog comment for a BONUS entry! :-)

• Please note, we DO verify tasks were accomplished as noted in your Rafflecopter entry, dishonest entries are disqualified

Click READ MORE > > >  to view Rafflecopter Giveaway Entry Form if not visible

FREE Ice Cream Cupcake tomorrow! December 15th, 4pm-7pm

We can use all the help we can get around holiday time in regards to our budget, no?!

Marble Slab Creamery is offering a FREE Ice Cream Cupcake tomorrow, Thursday, December 15th from 4:00 - 7:00pm in honor of National Cupcake Day

Photo by: Piyat

 Find YOUR closest participating location HERE.

Happy Holidays, and GOOD EATS! 

$100 Amazon Twitter Blast

ATTN: BLOGGERS - Sign up for the $100 Amazon Twitter Blast Event sponsored by Amee from Madame Deals and Jen from all her blogs  (Kobiso, Makobi Scribe, Sason and Pobi, etc) by clicking the purple button below!

McKinney Mommas Readers: Be sure to check back on Dec 15 11:59 PM EST when YOU can enter to WIN a $100.00 Amazon Card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Discount on Cut, Color, Shatush, and Style - upscale Highland Park Salon!

Remember that review I did recently on the Roberto Felisati Salon in Highland Park? 

Still hands down, my favorite and easiest haircut to style (so important for busy moms like us)!

Well, they are offering the following special deal today on PlumDistrict!

Plus, if you sign up for the PlumDistrict deals, you get $5.00 FREE to spend on their site!

$150 for a Cut, Color, Shatush, and Style by Roberto Felisati Salon in Highland Park - a $300 Value

Thank you to: www.MelissaStuff.com for the heads up on this deal!

  

 

Awesome 3-day sale going on at SPRINT - Dec. 12th - 14th, 2011

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sprint for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you done with your Christmas shopping yet? I'm not. So, if you're like me, you're still looking for great deals on gifts and gadgets for your family. Did your husband or teenager ask Santa for a new Smart Phone? Look no further than Sprint!

Sprint has some great deals going on right now, but ONLY for THREE days during December 12th - 14th!  So, be sure to head over to Sprint today to save on great Christmas presents for the family.

I know I'm in need of an upgrade on a phone, since I've had my cell phone for....oh something like 5 years now! The HTC EVO™ 4G is a great choice for gifting (or yourself), since it has been rated by customers 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.

Talk about staying connected; the HTC EVO™ has instant WI-Fi for up to 5 computers, plus you can get waived activation for new lines of service and free shipping from Sprint here: http://bit.ly/rBqHmY

While you're at it, be sure to find out of your old phone qualifies for the Sprint Buyback program, where you can get up to $250 for your old phone (they even let you trade in phones from other carriers)

Get the HTC EVO™ 4G or EVO™ Shift for FREE only on Sprint here: http://bit.ly/rBqHmY

Check out more Great Holiday deals on Android™ powered EVO 4G devices

Wishing you Happy Holidays and GREAT DEALS to you and your family!

Add caption

 
 

Great coupon for $1.25 off Listerine Smart Rinse for Kids!

Just click the coupon, and it will link you to be able to print and use at your local grocery store or walmart, or target, or..............:-)

$1.25 off when you buy any ONE LISTERINE® SMART RINSE® Anticavity Flouride Rinse 500ml

..........and click here to check our our COUPON page for a TON of new and updated (SUNDAY 12/11/2011) coupons you can print and use!

Finding local cheap accommodations, or vacation rentals on a budget!

Okay, so the next time we have family coming from out of town to visit I am thinking of trying something new. 

I've heard of swapping homes with people in different towns, or trading vacation homes in different countries, but I've never though of using those type of programs as an alternative to hotels for my in-laws or family visitors.

Photo by: paytai

I just entered in my own zip code at AirBNB and found some awesome little cottage homes, guest houses nearby for great prices ($50, $65, $70) a night which is great for this area. This site is cool because you can see reviews from other travelers who have stayed there so you have some history on the property and their owners.

Now, I'm thinking this could also be the way to go when looking for vacation rentals. Have you ever heard of renting a room in Hawaii for $39 per night? No way. But I just looked up rentals in Hawaii and there is a rental room in a lovely family's house for that exact price, PLUS a bunch of reviews from people who have stayed there and have raving reviews!

Photo by: winnond

Now, of course if money is no concern to you by all means go stay in the fancy 5-star hotel. I would if my budget allowed, but since it doesn't I think I'm going to try out this route of finding alternative lodging on my next vacation or leisure trip!

What do you think about this traveling idea? Have you ever stayed at one of these types of properties?

SantasHideout.com: Mom’s secret weapon this holiday season - PLUS $1.000 Shopping Spree entry!

Our kids these days are doing just as much internet research as we are, and often times shopping for toys and games online as well. How would you like your kids to be able to make their Christmas wish lists for Santa online, in a safe and controlled environment and also be able to use these lists to share with family and friends!

At Santa's Hideout, parents can create an account for each of their children, setting a budget for their Christmas Wish List items, and also have an option to block items you don't approve of.

One FUN feature, is that you can send “letters from Santa” to the kiddos. "Santa" can encourage them to create a wish list, work hard on that math test next week, share with their siblings, and even remind them to add something for their teacher or friend to give as a gift. The Santa Mail section also has suggested topics, to make it fun and easy on mom and dad this holiday season when our minds are running every which way!

(Kid's VIEW)

I set up my own account to see how the website was running, and had a great experience. Setting up my own account was easy breezy. I even wrote a letter to my daughter from Santa (she can't read yet...but HEY she got her first letter from Santa Claus!)

This is a fun way of creating some extra HOLIDAY MAGIC for your kids, and at the same time makes it easier on your holiday shopping, since you'll already have your kiddos Christmas Wish List right at your fingertips!  Plus, the kids will have so much fun corresponding with Santa online, and remember you are able to see and control all the content they see; so it makes for an all around fun and safe shopping holiday shopping experience!

As an added bonus, when you sign up for an account you can opt to enter a $1,000 Shopping Spree giveaway. I sure did!

SIGN up for Santa's Hideout and START YOUR LIST TODAY! 

You can find Santa's Hideout at:

• Website: http://www.santashideout.com/

• Twitter: @SantasHideout

• Facebook: (http://www.facebook.com/santashideout)

• Santas Hideout on Google+

•  You Tube:  www.youtube.com/user/SantasHideout

* Santa's Hideout is a product of Conde Nast

* I was asked to review this website, and may receive compensation for my review. However, all the thoughts expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by any outside parties.

WIN $150,000 college education for your KIDDOS!

Have YOU started saving for your child's possible college education?

Me, either!

Here's a fun way to win $150,000 college education for your kiddo!

Upload a video of your cute kid at CutiesKids - Cuties California Clementines for a chance to WIN prizes and that fancy college education!

Just think.........if you WIN your kid's college education.....you and your hubby can take that MONTH LONG Cruise you've been talking about, right?! YES!

Oh, Tom Collins...how I love thee! ...and more Holiday Cocktail recipes!

Check out this recipe at Gojee for making the old classic cocktail, Tom Collins! 

Photo by: Adam and Joanne @ Inspired Taste

Sooooo refreshing and delicious! It's really my favorite drink for holidays and beyond!

I stumbled upon Gojee a few months ago and found that you can enter ingredients you have in your fridge or cupboards and they will suggest a recipe you can make with the items. Cool, right? 

Right now, they have a nice selection of tasty looking holiday drink recipes to browse through, so go take a LOOK!

Baby Food coupons to use by Dec 25, 2011

I have to go pick up some baby food this weekend and am using these printable coupons for Beech-Nut Baby Food. Click the coupon below to print your very OWN coupon!

60¢ off when you buy any ONE (1) box of Beech-Nut® Baby Cereal

$1.10 off when you buy any FOUR Beech-Nut® Stage 2 1/2™ Baby Food Glass Jars

$1.85 off when you buy any FIFTEEN Beech-Nut® Stage 2 1/2™ Baby Food Glass Jars

Nothing better than saving some money during the HOLIDAY SEASON!! Right, ladies?

Do your kids love Polar Express? Barnes & Noble - Dec. 9th 2011

Take your kiddos to listen to Mr. Jeff read author, Chris Van Allsburg's "The Polar Express" on Friday, December 9th at Barnes & Noble in Plano!

• WHERE: Barnes & Noble @ Plano/Creekwalk Village 801 West 15th St Suite E, Plano, TX (972) 422-3372

•  WHEN: Friday, December 09, 2011 @ 7:00 PM