Black Friday Deals & Codes from McKinney Mommas

Now, I'm not brave enough to venture out on Black Friday, but for you crazy shoppers out there - here's my roundup of Black Friday Deals and Promotional Codes from some of my favorite retailers:

#1. Tiny Prints

(have you ordered your holiday cards yet?)

• 30% OFF Holiday Cards + 50% OFF Trim Options at Tiny Print

 

#2. Janie & Jack

(cutest kid clothes, ever)

• 30% off Total Purchase at Janie & Jack

#3.  Gymboree

(great play clothes for kids)

• 50% OFF Everything at Gymboree - ends Friday 3pm ET

#4. Tea Collection

(seriously cute dresses for kids)

• $15 Dresses & Boys Pants at Tea Collection

#5. Crazy 8

(major discounts on kids clothes)

• 40% OFF Everything at Crazy 8!

Happy Shopping, Friends!

Happy Thanksgiving + Menu From McKinney Mommas!

Just a little note from my home to yours this Thanksgiving................

We just finshed dinner, and are getting the kids ready for bed.

and in case you were wondering what was on the menu - we tried to keep it simple since it was only our family this year:

Thanksgiving Menu 2013

• Buttermilk Brined Oven Roasted Turkey w/ Herbed Butter 

• Food Network's Celery Root Mashed Potatoes

• Bon Appetit's Classic Dressing (I added 1/2 Pumpernickel bread)

• Beet & Apple Salad

• Cinnamon & Brown Sugar Scented Sweet Potatoes

.........and it was....................YUM!



I hope you all had a wonderful holiday, filled with family, friends, food (duh!) and making new memories to hold close to your heart all year long!

What did YOU make this year for your Thanksgiving Meal?

Gas Reward Points at Tom Thumb/Randall's + Giveaway

I sold my car when I decided to stay at home with my kids, and shared one small car with my husband for the past 2 years. It wasn't easy.

After finding out that Baby #3 was on the way, there was no physical way to fit three car seats into our Honda Civic, so we did some creative work with our budget, enlisted the help of the grandparents, and leased a van. 

I've been so used to not paying for gas the last two years, that my first trip to the gas pump was not a happy one.  Fortunately, I've figured out a way to save a little change at my next trip to the gas station.

Tom Thumb, a grocery store that I frequently shop at here in Texas, has just introduced Gas Reward Points at participating Exxon/Mobil gas stations and Tom Thumb Gas Stations.

My #bareselfie After 3-weeks of Using Lancôme #DreamTone

I confess. I am a regular purchaser of bargain cosmetics and face products.

It's no wonder I'm always puzzled at why this or that product doesn't really work well, or produce the results it claims to.

Finally, I think I see the light.  There actually is some truth to purchasing a higher priced product, that actually does exactly what it's supposed to.

Please clear your shelves for the only face product you'll ever need again - Lancôme DreamTone.

Thanksgiving Sitewide Sale - 25% off Code at Tiny Prints!

If you haven't ordered your holiday greeting cards yet, now is the time!  Starting today, Tiny Prints is offering 25% off ALL orders and no minimum purchase required!

To get this limited time offer (expires 11/28/13 at 11:59pm (PT). J

Just go to Tiny Prints to shop here, and use the code: TG13 at checkout!   

Happy Shopping! 


Details: 
This offer cannot be combined with other offers. This offer is not applicable to previously placed orders or toward the purchase of greeting cards, Erin Condren weekly planners, Platinum Design Service, gift cards, gift certificates, calendars or photo books. Offer is only valid on Tiny Prints and is not applicable on treat.com, third party or partner websites. To prevent abuse, we reserve the right to discontinue or modify this offer at any time without notice. We reserve the right to cancel any order at any time.

Heat Holders Thermal Socks & #HoHoHo Holiday Giveaway Hop

The weather here in Texas has been in the 30's if you can believe it!

It's definitely time to break out the winter gear and get cozy.  So, I'm giving away one of the coziest accessories I've found this year, Heat Holders socks - the warmest thermal sock, EVER (seriously).

Also, a bunch of us bloggers, have gotten together to give you a one-stop Holiday HoHoHo Giveaway Hop - with all our cozy holiday giveaway links in one place for you to enter!

So, be sure to enter my giveaway below for a (2) pairs of your very own Heat Holders (2 winners), then stop by the other blogs below to enter their fun giveaways, too! 

Heat Holders

These Heat Holders are seriously the warmest pair of socks I've donned on my little toes to this date.  More like slippers, and less like socks, these babies will keep yours and your little ones (comes in sizes for your little ones ages 3-8yrs) toes warm and cozy in even the coldest temperatures this winter.

...and nope, my feet don't get sweaty in these socks either!  Heat Holders come in many bright colors, suitable for men, women and children - so they are a perfect gift or stocking stuffer for the upcoming holidays!

Go ahead and fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter to win (2) pairs to check them out yourself! I bet they'll "knock your socks off"....seriously.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Make sure you stop by The Review Wire to Enter the Grand Prize. The Grand Prize Winner will receive a large Teach My Learning Kits of choice {RV $39.99} PLUS a Second Prize Winner will receive Teach My Kit of choice {RV $14.99}. Disclaimer: This giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on December 6, 2013. The Holiday HoHoHo Hop Event Bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. Companies and bloggers, if you would like to participate in group giveaway events like this one, sign up to be emailed about future events hosted by The Review Wire.

FREE Children's Book at Half Price Books - Nov 23

I love Half Price Books.

In 2013, they've already donated 1 million books to children in need, in partnership with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. They're a company that DOES GOOD!

This makes me love them even more!

Head into your local Half Price Books on November 23rd from 1-2pm to get your favorite tiny tot a FREE Children's Book for "Booksgiving Day." 

While your mind is racing trying to figure out which book to choose for your little guy or gal, check out these facts about early reading and exposure to books:

Did you know...

• The single most significant factor influencing a child’s early educational success is an introduction to books and being read to at home prior to starting school?
• Exposure to books and stories in early childhood is a vital part of developing a child’s ability to read and write?
• The availability of reading material in the home is a strong predictor of later academic achievement?

(Facts above provided by Half Price Books)

Oh, and if you don't know where your closest Half Price Books store is, here's a store locator for ya!

Now, get out there and enjoy READING with your kiddos, like I do! 

Life-Sized Dinosaurs at Heard Museum - McKinney, TX

You don't have to go to Universal Studios in Florida or California to see life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs, no sir!

A dinosaur adventure awaits you, right in your backyard - well, not literally your backyard, but almost.

The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, in McKinney, Texas is currently featuring 9 - life sized, realistic looking dinosaurs that move and make dinosaur sounds in their Dinosaurs LIVE exhibit - open until February 2nd.

Been meaning to visit? Keep reading to find out about tomorrow's "Preschool Bring Your Grown Up" Day!

Even if you tried, I don't think you could make a nature museum or wildlife preserve any more exciting than this.  Not only are there a bunch of very cool looking animatronic dinosaurs at this museum, but they are placed outdoors in a very adventurous landscape, along the Heard's nature trail.

Nestled among trees, and in what could very well be a "natural environment" for these majestic beasts, the dinosaurs seem to come alive even more than if they were found in a museum indoors.

With signs posted along the way, you're sure to not only be entertained, but actually learn a lot of amazing facts about these dinosaurs on your nature walk.

So, bring your friends and family over the holidays to enjoy one of our finest local attractions.  

The dinosaurs at Heard Museum are sure to impress your whole family from the tiny tots to the grandparents!

TIPS:

• If you have young children, bring a jogging stroller.  That $10 umbrella stroller deal from Walmart isn't gonna cut it on this trail.
• Be sure to wear closed toe shoes, don't want the dusty trail to ruin your pedicure (hee, hee).
• Bring sunblock and hats, while lots of the trail is shaded by the trees, some of it is not.
• The indoor exhibits are wheelchair friendly, but at this time the outdoor trails, including dinosaurs, are not, unless you have a cool 4x4 sort of wheelchair of course.  
• Bring plenty of snacks and water - the gift shop sells some of this, but once you are out adventuring, you won't want to retrace your steps for a sip of water.

 

 "Preschool Bring Your Grown Up" Day

 November 20, 9AM-5PM

Preschoolers can enjoy a free child admission with the purchase of his or her grown up's admission. Learn about dinosaurs, enjoy a storytime, animal presentation, explore all the museum has to offer and take a guided trail if you like!

Reservations are required to receive this discount.

Please, pre-register at: https://heardmuseum.wufoo.com/forms/preschool-bring-your-grown-up-day/

Schedule of Events

• Ongoing FREE events during the day (9:30am-4:30pm) include: Decorate a tree cookie, Coloring Contest and Mystery Dig (rock & minerals)

•  10:00 am – Guided Trail

• 11:15 am – Storytime & meet an animal

• 2:00 pm – Guided Trail

• 3:15 pm – Storytime & meet an animal

20% off plus $4.88 and under items at Crazy8

Wow, check out these amazing deals on kids clothes at Crazy 8!

You can't really beat $4.88 & Under Tees & Skirts Sale at Crazy 8


AND 

Hurry, because if you find something you love before 11/20, you can Use code C8SAS20 for 20% off your entire purchase at Crazy 8!

Local Art, Culture, Music & Food #ARTOPIA Dallas

Ready for some great food, fashion, art, culture and music?

Dallas Observer is excited to host the 4th Annual Artopia on Saturday, January 18, 2014 from 8PM-11PM at 333 First Avenue.

Artopia is a celebration of Dallas Culture & Art that incorporates food, drink, art, music and fashion into one evening.  It's one fun filled night, celebrating the exciting, vibrant Cultural scene in Dallas. Be ready for a sensory overload full of culture, fashion, visual arts, performing arts and so much more.

Dallas Observer is giving McKinney Mommas readers early bird priced presale tickets - starting November 19 @ 10amand ending November 22 @ 9am before they go on sale to the public!

 BUY PRESALE TICKETS

Use Promo Code: mckinneymommas

All tickets include complimentary food, wine, cocktail and beer sampling. VIP tickets include complimentary valet and access to the exclusive VIP lounge with private bar and catered spread.

This event is 21+ only.

For more information, please visit:

Website: www.dallasobserverartopia.com 

Ticket Site: http://www.ticketfly.com/event/424459

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/248948548596088/

Baby Monitor Giveaway - ends 12/3

Here's the entry form to the Baby Monitor giveaway I was telling you about a few weeks ago: 

Prize:

Lorex Baby SWEET PEEK™ Video Baby Monitor - ARV $119 

(A.L.L. Review)

Hosted by:  A Lucky Ladybug

and 

Cozy and Stylish Maternity Top - Michael Stars

Cozy, comfy and........well, cozy.

That's what I want my maternity clothes to feel like, don't you?

Michael Stars recently sent me out one of their favorite maternity tops to check out and see if it fit my "Cozy, Comfy, Cozy" requirements.

They sent me this top, their Maternity Soho Stripe Crew Neck Tee, in the color Oxide, and it sure met the cozy quota.   

Made in the USA and totally washable (poly, supima, micro modal blend) it's held up great so far. I don't know if you've noticed this, but unfortunately 100% cotton maternity clothes often lose their shape with all the stretching that goes on - so especially for the colder months I'm totally okay with a synthetic blend.

Me! In my new Michael Stars Maternity Top.

I didn't have anyone but my toddler to take photos of me today, and while I love to showcase her work, our attempt at a photo shoot, fashion session with Big Sister H. at the lens, turned out with just my knees and boots in most of the pictures - so here's the best, I could do. 

As you can see, it's pretty roomy.  Actually, this top is only offered in "One Size" which I'm slightly bummed about since I'd prefer a more snug fit.  However, in another month or two I'm thinking I'll probably fill out the top a little better.

To give you an idea of how the "One Size" fits - right now I'm 23 weeks pregnant, 5'3 and 131lbs.  So, as you can see, it's pretty generous in size. Generous, but super comfy!

For more information on Michael Stars Maternity Line visit: http://www.michaelstars.com/maternity

Children's Thanksgiving Book Roundup!

Looking for children's books that help you tell the story of Thanksgiving to your kiddos?

I've had fun this week checking out the holiday selection at our local library with my toddlers - Pete the Cat has become one of our new favorites!

Here's a roundup of Thanksgiving goodies from HarperCollins:

McKinney Mommas' TIP: See if your library has an online catalog and search for these titles by name, then reserve them and POOF you have the books waiting for you when you arrive at the library and don't have to go searching high and low. I just discovered this feature at my library and LOVE it. 
 

 Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving

Fancy Nancy: Our Thanksgiving Banquet

Biscuit Is Thankful

Amelia Bedelia Talks Turkey

Thanks for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day Thanks

I hope you're able to find some of these great children's Thanksgiving books at your local library or bookstore and share the meaning of Thanksgiving with your children this holiday!

Happy Thanksgiving..........soon!

Eating Out - Before Kids vs. After Kids With NickMom

If you're a "seasoned parent" you know all about the joys (ahem, trials and tribulations) of eating out with kids.  And, if you're a "newbie" you'll find out soon enough.

My husband and I "self-proclaimed foodies" used to hit up Yelp on a daily basis, trying to find the newest, and best restaurants to check out that evening or following day - and then, wonder of all wonders, we'd just go! 

Did I mention that was B-E-F-O-R-E we had kids?  

Anyway, read on for a good laugh about my recent adventures in eating out with kids, which someone at NickMom must have first-hand experience with, since they posted a hilarious cartoon about the same thing at NickMom.com (below)!

Eating Out - Before Kids 

Husband:     Hey, look!  A new restaurant with great reviews on Yelp, let's go tonight.

Me:     Okay, sounds great. I'll be ready at 8!

.....and then we'd go. We'd eat. We'd talk. We'd drink. We'd relax. Then, we'd go home, have a nightcap and go to sleep.

Here's a little snapshot of what it looks like now, with two toddlers in tow.....

Eating Out - After Kids

Husband:    Hey, look!  A new restaurant with great reviews on Yelp, let's go tonight.

Me:    Can you see if there are any photos in the reviews? I have to see if the place is carpeted or if the booths have fabric.

Husband:    Why.

Me:     Because if the kids spill on a tile floor, it's easy to clean but carpet is a huge mess and I get embarrassed, Duh!

Husband:     Umm. There aren't any photos, I can't tell. 

Me:     Okay, well do they have a kids menu? I don't want to spend $20 bucks on something they won't eat anyway.

Husband:     This review doesn't say.

Me:     Is there a changing table in the bathroom?  The slipped disc in my back can't handle any more, half sink/half counter/mid-air/trying-not-to-touch-anything (before a patron can walk in on us and be disgusted) diaper changes with this kid.

Husband:     I don't see where they'd put that information in this review.

Me:     How about cups with lids, so the kids don't need 5 outfit changes during dinner.

Husband:     I can't find any section of this review called "kid friendly glassware."

Me:     Does it look like the walkways are wide enough to take the stroller inside?  Because you know Baby O. can always "Houdini" herself out of any typical restaurant high-chair. Oh, and do they even have high-chairs, just in case.

Husband:     Seriously?  Well, I they don't have the walkway dimensions on the restaurant website, dear.  I'm very sorry.

Me:      Did you look at what kind of entrees they have?  Will they reheat well, because if one or both of the kids start screaming and we have to leave, I'm not spending $40 bucks on a to-go plate!

Husband:     Let's just order pizza for delivery.

Me:     Yeah.  We'll go out to eat next time.

Husband:     Yeah, next time.


.......and that's just the beginning of how our "Eating Out With Kids" conversations look these days!

See if you can relate to this cartoon that I found on NickMom.com, it sure tickled my funny bone!

Right?


...and just for kicks. Here's some fun photos of your favorite McKinney Momma, BEFORE and AFTER kids. 

..................and after.................

Yes, yes the joys of being a parent. Somewhere underneath the yogurt messes, pizza boxes, diaper wipes and snot rags there's some silver lining.....somewhere.



...and amidst the chaos of family life, if you need a little #Motherfunny laugh once in awhile, which I know I do.  Be sure to check out NickMom on Twitter (@NickMom) or Facebook at  (https://www.facebook.com/nickmom) for totally fun humor that will lift you up and give you an extra spring in your step to face that next poopy diaper with a bit of laughter and class.

Enjoy the ride! 

FREE Shipping + 25% OFF at Tiny Prints - Wed. Nov 13 ONLY!

It's not often that you see a sale as good as this one. FREE Shipping, plus 25% off everything!

Hurry and get your Holiday Cards ordered today! 

This sale is only available for ONE day!

Remember to use this exclusive code: Code: HOLIDAY25FS

p.s. Did I mention, I LOVE the quality of Tiny Prints' cards?     I do.

Purex + ISOTONER $500 Giveaway!

Is the cold weather making you start to think about shopping for the holidays?

Wait, don't start shopping yet, because you could WIN a $500 Gift Code plus an iPad mini from Purex and ISOTONER!

ISOTONER smarTouch gloves are the best choice for winter, because they'll keep your hands warm while being able to use your favorite touch screen devices, and of course Purex will keep your clothes looking as bright as snow all season long!

DETAILS:

• (1) One grand prize winner will receive an iPad mini + a $500 ISOTONER shopping spree. (10) Ten runners up will get $25 gift card good towards any ISOTONER product!

• Eligibility: US, DC, 18 and older.

• Entry Deadline: Purex & Isotoner Sweepstakes ends on December 2, 2013.

Visit the Purex + Isotoner Sweepstakes Page here for your chance to WIN!

Celebrate Your Wish - $300 Target Giveaway - ends 11/30

Celebrate Your Holiday Wish Giveaway   Nov 11-30, 2013 Open to US

It's finally cold here in Texas...as in 40 degrees cold and dropping!  There's nothing like cold weather to get me in the mood for Holiday Shopping, you?

Before you go spending all of your own hard earned money on holiday gifts, why not try WINNING a $300 gift card from Target, and make your holiday shopping budget go a little further!

Check out the "Celebrate Your Holiday Wish Giveaway" below, and HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 

Bringing You Moments To Celebrate

 

Sponsored by Celebrate Woman Today

What would be your Holiday Wish this year? One that could warm your heart and have a powerful effect on you and your family for the year ahead, or maybe your entire life? I encourage you to go for it and take the steps you need to, to get what you wish for yourself and for the special people in your life. 

As the gift giving season begins to open, I'd love you, my fans to have more opportunities to win great prizes in the next two months. This event will send a lucky winner on a shopping spree to Target. Who wouldn't love that? There's tons of choices there to satisfy all ages and tastes. 

So, are you ready to enter for your chance at making one of your wishes come true? 

Complete the Rafflecopter entry form below for your chance to win: 

Prize – $300 Target Gift Card To Make Your Wish Come True This Season 

• Entry Deadline: November 30th, 2013

a Rafflecopter giveaway