McKinney Mommas: March 2014 Google+

Monday, March 31, 2014

Baby McKinney #3 "The Bookend" Has Arrived!

In case you were wondering.

This is what I've been working on the past week or so...





























Anyone that's told you that the third delivery would be the fastest and easiest......tell them to come barking up my tree and I'll set the story straight.

Baby McKinney #3, let's call her "The Bookend" since she's our last, came out hollerin' after 20 hours of active labor at Baylor McKinney (another story for another time) a full four days past due!

Big Sister H., Baby O. (not a baby anymore) are very excited to have a baby sister in the house and so far are adjusting very well. 

I'm gonna give myself a few weeks off to recover and adjust to life with three children under the age of four....yes that means I will have three teenage girls at the same time. Yikes.

You'll be happy to know that "The Bookend" is very healthy and happy, and has already gained back her birth weight (and then some) in just one week. Hooray for breastfeeding!

Thanks for all your thoughts, wishes and prayers. We needed them all!

We'll be back to chat soon!  

McKinney Mommas


Sunday, March 23, 2014

Muppets Most Wanted Movie & Lipton Tea Coupons!

This post was sponsored by Global Influence. As always, all opinions are 100% my own, and may not reflect the opinions of the company described.

Ooh, the Muppets bring back so many memories of my childhood. 

Growing up as a PBS kid, with no cable, I was limited on the shows I was able to watch.  I think it was when we went to Grandma's house or a friend's house that we got to watch the Muppets.  Either way I know it was always a special occasion.



I am so excited that the Muppets Most Wanted movie is coming out in the theatres this week!

We have yet to take our 3 year old (Big Sister H.) to her first movie, so I think this might be the one! I'd love to share with my daughter, this momma's love for Kermit, Miss Piggy and good ol' Fozzie The Bear!

So, check out the graphic above, to watch a Kermit The Frog video, sponsored by Lipton Tea and you will be entered to win 2 FREE movie tickets, plus you'll be able to print some cool Lipton Tea product coupons (available at Target)!

Official Rules for the contest can be found here: bit.ly/1qDxCkE

Have you and your family gone to watch Muppets Most Wanted Movie yet?


Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Fresh Express 30-Day Salad Swap Party & Review!

Disclosure: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC. or the manufacturer of the product.

I just joined the 30-Day Salad Swap!


When's the last time you ate a salad that actually filled you up and made you feel like you indulged in whole delicious meal?
 

Fresh Express just rolled out this great idea, called the 30-day Salad Swap, where you trade in your favorite high calorie meals, for a salad with the same flavors, but less calories and better for you!

Monday, March 17, 2014

Favorite Nursing Maternity Pajamas from Olian & Cake Lingerie



As most of you know, I'm counting the days (literally) until "Baby McKinney #3" makes her arrival into this world.

Preparing for my third and FINAL hospital visit, I feel like I should have this all down to a science by now, right?

One of the things I AM sure of is to have some comfy & most of all functional nursing pajamas on hand after my FIVE STAR delivery (I'm hoping) is complete.

I've rounded up a few of my favorite maternity and/or nursing pajamas to give you an idea of what works for me.


#1. Olian Anne Abstract Print Nursing Pajamas




































Sunday, March 16, 2014

Hormel® REV® Meat Snack Mix - High Protein On The Go

Disclosure: In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the HORMEL™ REV™ Meat Snack Mix Program. For my participation, I’ll receive product and merchandise, but no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own.

I'm always on the go. Dance class, speech, playgroup, you name it.  Most day's we're out the door by 10am.

Now, I've always been more of a savory snacker than a sweet lover, and was raised to know that protein was an important part of a healthy diet instead of relying on carbohydrates only.

However, most proteins seem to be perishable and are hard to pack for on-the-go purposes, right? Well, Hormel® has come up with a brand NEW solution for a high protein snack that's perfect for traveling.

Hormel® REV® Meat Snack Mix, comes in five different varieties and includes real meat, cheese, pita chips, crackers and/or pretzels. 



I love snacks with variety, so when I tried the Hormel® REV® Meat Snack Mix in Turkey Ranch flavor and saw it had pita chips, ranch seasoned breadsticks AND smoked turkey pieces I was excited to try them. 

It totally lived up to my expectations at offering me not just one monotonous snacking experience, but since there were a bunch of different snacks to try within one cup, it made me come back for more.


Reasons to Try Hormel® REV® Meat Snack Mix
  • They pack a walloping 8-12 grams of protein in each container
  • Only 200-230 calories
  • ZERO grams of trans fat
  • Better alternative than chips or candy for quick snacking on the go
  • Made with real meat
  • Perfect for transporting in a gym bag, purse or kid's backpack






Hormel® REV® Meat Snack Mix comes in the following flavors:
  • Pepperoni Pizza*
  • Spicy BBQ and Bacon
  • Honey Mustard Bacon
  • Turkey Ranch
  • Pepperoni & Cheese

I was sent (3) varieties to sample - Turkey Ranch, Pepperoni Pizza and Spicy BBQ & Bacon. 

*My favorite was the Pepperoni Pizza with cheese crackers & parmesan, tomato herb bagel chips and dried pepperoni pieces. 


Now, you're probably wondering how they package meat to be shelf stable. Well it's a freeze-dried sort of meat, not perishable like a pepperoni from the refrigerator section - very crunchy, kind of like a chip.  For having so many grams of protein, I found it to be pretty tasty!


McKinney Mommas' Note:  
Please be careful when serving to younger children, as my toddler while loving the snack cup, had a very difficult time chewing the meat pieces, especially from the Turkey Ranch variety.  




Where Can I Find Hormel®REV® Meat Snack Mix?

If you live in the #DFW area, aren't you a lucky sort!   

Hormel® decided to roll out this brand NEW product here at our Dallas Fort-Worth Area Kroger stores:
  • Kroger - Plano - 9700 Coit Rd, Plano, TX
  • Kroger - Allen - 1210 N GREENVILLE AVE, ALLEN TX 75002

....and at a suggested retail price of $2.29 this kind of protein rich snacking can't be beat!

Saturday, March 15, 2014

How To Throw A Toddler Pirate Party #DisneySide


Growing up as a child in Southern California, one of the Disney Parks was only a quick hour's drive away - Disneyland!

However, being the child of a stay-at-home mom and hard working dad, we didn't have extra cash to spend on regular trips to Disney, so I think I went only once before I was a grown adult.

I think it's better that I only experienced the magic of Disney a few times, as it makes the memories that much more precious to me. Boy, was it magical.

Three Generations of Pirates




When I was asked to throw a Disney Side @Home Celebration by MomSelect to show off my #DisneySide I already knew...PIRATES would be the theme. 

Monday, March 10, 2014

Prenatal Ailments & Healthy Pregnancy with healthy mama® brand



Being 8 months pregnant, and having two toddlers to care for, it's more important than ever that I do what I can to stay on top of my pregnancy health. 

I was happy to accept some samples from healthy mama® brand during my pregnancy this year that helped me deal with some of the most common prenatal ailments out there - and all without a prescription!



healthy mama® brand has an assortment of products that are made specifically for pregnant women, so it takes the guesswork out of squinting over label after label to see if the bottle has been approved for use while you're pregnant. 

Disclaimer: No medication has been proven 100% safe during pregnancy or nursing.  I am not a medical professional, so as always, please obtain advice from your OB or Physician before trying any vitamins or medication while pregnant. 

If you've ever been pregnant, you know that some of the most common issues facing expectant women are heartburn, constipation, fatigue, general aches & pains and sleeplessness.


 
Luckily, healthy mama® brand has a solution for all those prenatal ailments:

I have a chance to try all the healthy mama® brand products out and they all seemed to do their job just right!  I have the bottle of Tame The Flame for heartburn on my bedside table, since it's right around sleepytime that I start to feel the need for some heartburn relief - and it works!

I found the Boost It Up vitamin drink to be a little chalky and a had a lingering mineral (vitamin) flavor, but did kinda feel perked up after drinking it. 

I also have a slipped disc, in addition to my regular pregnancy aches & pains, so the EaZZZe The Pain gave me a little extra relief while helping me get the sleep I need on occasion. 




Be Well Rounded is healthy mama® brand's prenatal vitamin & DHA Supplement (two separate bottles).  I was happy to find that neither one irritated my stomach like some prenatal vitamins do. They provide 100% of the daily recommended Folic Acid for pregnant women and 17 other vitamins and minerals. 

I most recently was paying $50 per bottle of a 30-day supply of prenatal vitamins WITH a prescription, so at $32.99, for a 60-day supply of both the  Prenatal Vitamins and DHA Supplement (2 months supply) sounds like a deal to me! 



WHERE CAN I BUY healthy mama® brand?

  • Healthy Mama products are now available for purchase in buybuy BABY and Babies “R” Us Stores nationwide.

HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION? 



Here's wishing you a healthy and happy, and more importantly....a COMFORTABLE pregnancy! 


Disclaimer: Please remember, no medication has been proven 100% safe during pregnancy or nursing.  I am not a medical professional, so as always, please obtain advice from your OB or Physician before trying any vitamins or medication while pregnant. 

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Eliz Alex Photography Hosts #DFW McKinney Giveaway!


Hey, local #DFW Mommas!

Want to support other moms like yourself who have created their income by starting small businesses out of their homes in Allen, Frisco, McKinney and Plano?

This giveaway, hosted by local Allen, TX resident and work-at-home photographer, Eliz Alex Photography, has a bunch of prizes all donated by other local mom businesses!





Some of the Cool Prizes, include: 
  • Baltic Amber Teething Necklace
  • Mini Wildflower Session (Allen, TX) 
  • Local Texas-made Baby Accessories
  • Adorable Baby Headbands
  • Baby Boutique Clothing
  • .................and more!

 



Good Luck!

Friday, March 7, 2014

St. Paddy's Day Bash at Watters Creek - Allen, TX

How does live music, balloon twisters, irish pipers, crafts and most importantly...........


a BRIGHT GREEN CREEK, sound to ya? 


Will you join me on Saturday, March 15th at Watters Creek in Allen, TX for a fun St. Paddy's Day Bash for the whole family? 




Sounds like fun, right?  So, I'll see you there! 

Umm, as long as this baby doesn't magically decide to POP out early just to see the super cool green-dyed creek! Heh, heh.



Thursday, March 6, 2014

Address Your Heart! Heart Healthy Meals by Campbell Soup

This post was sponsored by Campbell Soup Company. However all opinions are my own and may not reflect that of the company described.
                         
Here in the McKinney Mommas household, we try to eat as healthy as possible on a regular basis.  

Sure, we may cheat here and there but in general, we try to keep our diet balanced and most of our meals geared towards being heart healthy. 

Heart Healthy meals typically include:
  • Lots of fruits and vegetables (full of fiber, vitamins and minerals)
  • Healthy unsaturated fats (from olive oil, nuts, avocado)
  • Low sodium
  • Omega 3

Of course adding some extra movement (aka. exercise) is also a good prescription for a healthy heart.

If you'd like some extra help serving Heart Healthy meals in your home, here are five recipes, by Campbell Soup Company that should get you on the right track.


Heart Healthy Recipes


#1. Pizza Primavera with Cauliflower Crust





 

#2. Slow-Cooked Chicken & Butternut Squash


 

#3. Grilled Bruschetta Chicken





#4. Pork Medallions with Spinach & Barley

 

#5. Tilapia & Vegetable Casserole


Did you find a recipe you'd like to serve your family tonight? 
 
 
Great!
 
 
Now, here's a link to some special offers and great coupons from Campbell Soup Company that you can print before you go shopping for your Heart Healthy Meal!

 
 
Hey McKinney Mommas Readers! Do YOU have any tips for eating Heart Healthy in your home? Share them with me in a comment below!

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

$250 Weekly Giveaway + Oriental Trading $3.99 Flat Rate Code



I bet you didn't know that March is National Craft Month, did ya?

Well to celebrate the month in style, Oriental Trading has given me an awesome $3.99 Flat Rate Shipping Code to share with you.


Code: ACMAR14
(good through March 31, 2014)

There are tons of craft ideas available for $1 or less at Oriental Trading so your code is sure to go a long way!

Also, don't forget to enter their $250 Weekly Giveaway by clicking the graphic below. I just did! 



http://www.easterfungiveaway.com/



Happy March to all my favorite McKinney Mommas' Readers! 



If you like what you just read please click to send a quick vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs- The best mommy blog directory featuring top mom bloggers

Saturday, March 1, 2014

The Safer Choice - Ozeri Green Earth Ceramic Nonstick Pan


Why are you still cooking on that non-stick (Teflon) pan?

Seriously, why?

Did you know that most nonstick pans emit a toxic, yes toxic fume when overheated - that can actually kill small animals like birds and make humans exhibit flu-like symptoms?

I was honestly overjoyed when I heard about this alternative non-stick pan, the Ozeri Green Earth Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan and couldn't wait to try it!


Non-Stick Alternative Frying Pan



Do I need to shame myself by telling you how many times as a mother of two toddlers, I've left a pan on the stove a little too long and let it overheat? The answer is: too many times - which is why I am D-O-N-E exposing my kids and family to harmful teflon chemicals.

The Ozeri Green Earth Pan, instead of using PTFE and PFOA (that's the bad stuff) is made with  GREBLON, which is an ultra-safe ceramic coating from Germany. Which means no more toxic fumes and chemicals being released into your home - a good thing, no?!

 
Take a look at this graphic, which shows what the chemical in Teflon does at various temperatures! (Infographic credit: www.ewg.org)



Of course, what good is a safer nonstick frying pan if it doesn't really work?  I assumed when I received the pan as a sample, that it would go to the back of my shelf and be used only on occasion - not so!  


Put It To The Test, McKinney Mommas!

I am happy to report..............The Ozeri Green Earth Pan, totally works! I think it may honestly be better at it's nonstick job than my traditional non-stick pans. 

I even gave the frying pan to my hubby for a rigorous test run, which typically include eggs (the greatest opponent of non-stick pans).  I was surprised when "The King of Weekend Breakfasts" gave it a big thumbs up and said he honestly couldn't find anything negative to say about it!

Even Hubby gave the Ozeri Green Earth Pan a 5/5 stars - and let me tell you he's a tough critic when it comes to kitchen products! 

There you have it folks, if it works better than traditional non-stick and doesn't emit harmful toxins into your home environment, why WOULDN'T you choose the Ozeri Green Earth Frying Pan?

Photo courtesy of amazon.com



So, How Do I Get One? 

Ozeri Green Earth Pans are available on Amazon.com, Casa.com, Homedepot.com and Sears.com

You can also find out more information about Ozeri products on their Facebook page! 


 
* Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a scientist and the information I stated in this article is of my own opinion and also information I have done some research about online.