Autumn Rose Reo

Holiday Gifts to Give: Hot Toys 2018

December 6, 2018 By Autumn Rose Reo 7 Comments

So many toys, so little time! Here’s your annual holiday helper – THE Holiday Hot Toys for your kids this Christmas. And we’re playing Santa too – with some big giveaways!

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there..”

Hey, don’t kid yourself, even Santa had help even if this poem doesn’t give any credit to the elves.

So consider us your elves and we aren’t looking for any credit either. Here’s your list of hot holiday toys – just in time for you to get them under tree, along with those stockings stuffed. But here at mamachallenge.com have taken it one step further…these gifts are made to make kids play and may even remind you of toys you had growing up. We’ve done some work to find toys that are fun and educate kids while also making them use their imagination. Most of these you won’t see an device needed to make them work or a screen to keep them on for hours. These toys are meant for play, activity, thinking and good ole family time.

Treemendous Ornament Activity

TreeMendous Ornament, Treemendous fun! This patent pending design to let children ages 6 and up to personalize their own ornament. Treemendous is a perfect present because it is an ideal activity to do with grandparents, friends, siblings and parents alike. Boys and Girls alike will embrace the holidays season by making their very own handmade ornament. Sure, to become a family treasure for years to come.

The Sleepover Party Game

Endless Games sleepover party game break out the sleeping bags and leave the lights on. It’s a sleepover party and wear staying up late! Spin the spinner and attempt to complete one of over 200 act It, work it, or party challenges. Be the human mirror and copy everything another player does! Take part in the “Funny sound competition” and make the most ridiculous noise you can!! Try to lick your own elbow!!! Being silly and having fun is The name of the game at this sleepover, so be prepared to sing, laugh, perform, and make a general fool of yourself! Don’t fall asleep early, or you’ll miss out on earning the most cards and staying up all night!

Road Trip the Family Game

It’s a family game that is really for the whole family! Roadtrip could be played in the car, but you can play it for any great game night. This is a well-made game that has won all the toy awards including the Sterling Fun Award Winner, The Toy Man Seal of Approval, The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval and many more.

Tiki Topple

Welcome to Tiki Island, home to nine colorful carvings all competing to be the top Polynesian Idol! In this fast-paced strategy game, try to maneuver your secret tikis to the top of the line by playing the right combination of action cards. Use a Tiki Up card to move a tiki ahead in line. Tiki Topple sends opponents’ tikis tumbling to the back of the pack. But watch out for the sneaky Tiki Toast cards, which knock your tikis off the board! Score the most points and call yourself the Tiki Master.For 2 – 4 players, ages 10 and up.Contents: 55 cards, 9 custom tiki pieces, 4 playing pawns, 1 game board and instructions.

Baby’s First

One of America’s oldest doll companies and have delighted parents and children for over 102 years with our wonderful dolls. Baby’s First Kisses can be easily cleaned and always ready for play – they are Hypoallergenic and MACHINE WASHABLE! The adorable baby doll kisses pleasantly when her soft tummy is squeezed. Helps children develop large motor skills, while stimulating their senses of sight, sound and touch. Great size for babies 1+, toddlers – easy to hold, carry, squeeze and love. Remove the Kisses mechanism from the smart “sanity” pocket and she is ready for the washing machine!

Kenya Doll

Kenya Dolls is the oldest and most loved ethnic brand in the toy market celebrating 25 years of growing up proud. Kenya’s roots trace back to Dallas, there are several versions to love, but the stand out of this toy is her authentic hair. Whether curly and short, long and natural, or braided and beaded, Kenya truly represents every black girl’s stylish locks.

Insect Lore Deluxe Butterfly Garden Gift Set with Live Cup of Caterpillars Habitat

Watching the butterfly life cycle up close is more fun than ever with the Butterfly Garden Gift Set with live cup of caterpillars. Exciting butterfly-themed bonus items make this butterfly-raising kit the perfect gift! feed and observe your very own beautiful butterflies for a few days before releasing them into the wild! the entire transformation takes about three weeks, depending on the temperature and humidity in your area. There is no need to feed your caterpillars; all the nutritious food they require to become beautiful butterflies is included in their cozy cup.

Project MC Perfume Maker

Project Mc2 is a team of super-smart and seriously cool girls who use their love of science and their spy skills as they go on missions for secret organization, NOV8 (that’s “innovate”!). They’re real girls with real skills ready to take on anything. Watch new episodes of the Project Mc2 original series, only on Netflix!
Adrienne Attoms’ next mission is to use her cosmetic chemistry skills to formulate the perfect look for saving the world. Formulate your own perfumes with Project Mc2 Perfume Maker. Now you can perform this same cool S.T.E.A.M. experiment at home using just household items again and again. Pretty brilliant!

Shifu Orboot

An award-winning educational toy, Orboot is a no-borders globe that connects with the fun and interactive Orboot app. Explore the world with 400+ highlights and 1000+ cool facts across 6 categories – cultures, cuisines, monuments, inventions, animals and maps (national and state boundaries of countries). A STEM toy that sparks the imagination and creativity, Orboot encourages the little ones to explore and discover on their own. It builds knowledge as well as develops linguistic and cognitive abilities in the process.

LEGO® Creator 3-in-1 Treehouse

Enjoy imaginative pirate adventures with this LEGO® Creator 3-in-1 Treehouse Treasures set, featuring a 3-level pirate ship treehouse with a ship deck, ship’s wheel, treasure chest hideaway function, bowsprit with flag and teddy bear, crow’s nest, tire swing and an upper-level den. Pirate accessories include a hat, telescope and 2 swords. This 3in1 model rebuilds into a Pirate Ship or a Skull Cave for more pirating fun, and includes 2 minifigures rigged out for pirate adventures, plus a scary spider figure.

BrickHeadz Luke Skywalker™ and Yoda™

These LEGO® BrickHeadz™ Luke Skywalker™ & Yoda™ construction characters are fun to build using LEGO bricks that recreate all their iconic details, including Luke’s Lightsaber™ and Yoda’s pointy ears and cane. The master and apprentice each stand on a buildable collector’s baseplate for easy display in your home, office or any planet you like. Buildable Luke Skywalker™ & Yoda™ LEGO® BrickHeadz™ construction characters feature decorated eyes and authentic details from the original blockbuster Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back movie, including Luke’s Lightsaber™ and Yoda’s pointy ears and cane.

Snap Circuits Bric Structures

Combine SNAP CIRCUITS with ordinary building bricks and make endless combinations of construction and circuitry. With Bric-2-Snap technology, kids can wire up their brick builds with SNAP CIRCUITS lights, sounds, moving parts and 3-D circuits to invent almost anything and make it go! Instead of just building a structure, learn how to build the circuit that makes the lights in a skyscraper illuminate or that makes the gears on a drawbridge move! There’s no limit to what kids can create.

HEXBUG BattleBots Arena Pro

It’s robot fighting time! Modeled after television’s hit series BattleBots, comes the HEXBUG BattleBots Arena Pro. With over 100 possible configurations, BattleBots fans can experience the excitement that comes with engineering your very own fighting robot. This set includes one arena and two customizable Build Your Own BattleBots.

Tudor Games Deluxe Electric Football Game

Set your plays and watch your teams do battle on this 32″ x 16″ SpeedTurf metal vibrating NFL gridiron with the Deluxe Electric Football Game! The PlayAction remote control places the fate of your offense in the palm of your hand, with its on-board variable speed control. Both offensive and defensive players are outfitted with all new Invisibase Cleat technology, sending your players where you want them to go. The all new PlayAction remote control places the fate of your offense in the palm of your hand, with its on-board variable speed control. Offense? Set! Defense? Set! Slow down the play with your PlayAction remote to see your blockers in action as the play develops. Got a man wide open downfield? Gaping hole in the defensive line? Shift into high speed and accelerate your team to victory!

Dynacraft Realtree 24V UTV

Your little one will love zipping around the neighborhood on this Dynacraft Realtree 24 V UTV, which features working headlights and suspension springs for a smooth ride. The dual seats make it easy to bring a friend along, and a built-in rack offers convenient storage space. A working steering wheel and foot pedal allow realistic use, and an MP3 input makes it easy to enjoy songs and music during the ride.

READY TO WIN?

Enter now for this Realtree UTV today! And starting Dec. 7 at 5 am CST, you can enter to win more of the MAMACHALLENGE HOT HOT HOLIDAY TOY LIST!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Must-Do Holiday Events in DFW

November 26, 2018 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Looking to celebrate the holidays? In the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex we’re lucky to have so many to experience but here’s our shortlist of Must-Do Holiday Events in DFW!

Ready for the holidays? Don’t worry, they’re already here, so get ready.

And in the DFW metroplex, from Fort Worth to Dallas, Arlington to Plano, Grand Prairie to Grapevine (and of course everything in between), there are plenty of great ones to choose from every day of the week. However, there are a few events that you need to have on your must-do, must-go, must-see list for the holidays in 2018! (And make sure to look as some of these have giveaways too!)

1. The Trains at Northpark

Northpark Center / Nov. 17 – Jan. 6, 2019

Prices: Tickets for The Trains at NorthPark are $4 for children ages 2-12 and seniors over 65. Adults are $7, while children under 2 are admitted for free. The exhibit closes for Christmas and Thanksgiving, also closing early for both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Celebrating its 20th year, The Trains at NorthPark have been a holiday tradition for many families (you can spot them through the mall sporting their PJs as they head to the exhibit!) Benefiting Ronald McDonald House of Dallas (RMHD), and presented by Bank of Texas, The Trains at NorthPark features 750 railcars on a 1,600-foot elaborate configuration of tracks and scenes. The Trains at NorthPark features cityscapes like Dallas, the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge and Fair Park; New York with Times Square and Grand Central Terminal; Washington, D.C. with The White House; and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. Other highlights include New England’s fall foliage, the Grand Canyon, Garden of the Gods, Mount Rushmore and Route 66. The charming exhibit has been seen by around two million since its original run over 30 years ago. (As you can see here from 2013, we’re big fans!) Get the details.

2. Enchant Christmas

Globe Life Park / Nov. 23 – Dec. 30

Tickets: Start at $21.99 for adults 14-64, $24.99 for children ages 4 -13, Seniors (65+) and free for children 3 and under with accompanying parent.

This year you’ll find this world of light inside Globe Life Park! Wander through the world’s largest light maze, get some Christmas goodies in the marketplace, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and enjoy live entertainment. You’ll find a 100-foot Christmas tree, a ice skating trail, hear some of DFW’s best entertainment, and don’t miss Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. Get the details.

3. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, A Holiday Musical and Parody Spectacular

Casa Manana / Nov. 23 – Dec. 23 (see site for specific dates and times)

Tickets range $21-$53

Get ready to laugh, cry, and dance for this perfect play for celebrating the holidays. From the press release: Molly is having trouble finding her Christmas spirit. Determined to make it a Christmas to remember, Molly’s mother takes her on a magical treasure hunt through New York City from Radio City Music Hall to Macy’s, where they encounter dancing elves and even Santa Claus himself! Featuring Christmas parodies of some of today’s most popular songs (Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, Mariah Carey, and more), ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is a yuletide spectacular guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit! Get the details.

4. Christmas at the Anatole

Hilton Anatole / Nov. 23 – Dec. 23

Rates and prices range based on activities.

When it comes to having some real face-time with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Christmas at the Anatole is the perfect place. The legendary hotel transforms into a winter wonderland complete with festive décor, Santa fun and Peppermint Park with all kinds of kids activities like a train ride, cocoa, tree lighting and more. But waking up with Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus might be the icing on the Christmas cookies! Make a weekend of it with a stay at the hotel which includes a holiday movie night or try to snag one of the select opportunities for Breakfast with Santa only. Either way, you’ll make some great memories! Get the details.

5. Prairie Lights

Joe Pool Lake / Nov. 23 – Dec. 30 (hours vary)

Prices start at $25 per car. (Splurge on the other activities for a full night of fun with the fam.)

Long one of my favorite of displays in DFW, Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie is well worth the time and money! There is such much even beyond two miles of lit paths and four million lights, it’s a whole night of fun for the kid in all of us. The experience includes not only the drive-through display, but a Holiday Village with free rides, delicious holiday fare, a marketplace and of course, Santa. There’s even a special Holiday Magic theatrical show and a Walk-Through Forest (for an added cost), so you can keep the spirit of Christmas going all night long! Get the details.

6. Holiday at the Arboretum

Dallas Arboretum / Nov. 4 – Jan. 7, 2018

Prices range with activities (some activities included with admission.)

Holiday at the Arboretum features the return of the magnificent The 12 Days of Christmas outdoor exhibit, as well as 500,000 lights throughout the garden at night, trimming the architecture of the historic homes and lighting the canopies overhead—including a 30-foot-tall tree. But that’s just the beginning! You can snag a kiss under the mistletoe, get a glimpse of Santa and a real reindeer and much more. There are activities available both morning and nights, throughout the week and the weekends so make sure to check the schedule to get your favorites. Get the details.

7. ICE! at the Gaylord Texan

Gaylord Texan Hotel and Convention Center / Nov. 9 – Jan. 1, 2019

Rates and prices range based on activities.

If you’re looking for a winter wonderland, you won’t find more ice and snow than at the Gaylord Texan for their annual Lonestar Christmas! From its ICE! at the Gaylord Texan exhibit with 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice inside the 9 degree, 14,000 sq.-feet exhibit, outdoor ice skating, Snow Tubing, you’ll get your fix. Looking for something a little warmer? Decorate your own gingerbread house or breakfast at Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas, you can Christmas to your heart’s content. Once your all Christmased out, stay the night for a full holiday hotel experience. Get the details.

8. Robert Earl Keen’s Cosmic Christmas

Bass Performance Hall / Dec. 29, 2018

Tickets starting at $55.

Oh, if there’s a Christmas song to sum up our Christmas, I’ll admit it’s Robert Earl Keen’s “Merry Christmas from the Family.” One of my all-time favorite Texas legends (he was one of my first concerts and many more have followed), REK and his band kick up Christmas favorites with his own sound of storytelling, bluegrass and always lots of fun. And where else would you want to enjoy him than in Cowtown for a little Christmas fun. Get the details.

9. Tree Lighting at Galleria Dallas

Galleria Dallas / Nov. 23 – Dec. 23 (dates and times of events vary)

Free

Galleria Dallas celebrates its 37th holiday season with tree lightings, ice skating performances, kids events (like Slappy’s Holiday Circus), Chanukah Menorah Lighting and of course, SHOPPING. But it’s the tree lighting (referred to as the Illumination Celebration featuring world-class ice skaters and Missile Toes, the ice-skating, back-flipping, pyrotechnic Santa, along with local children performing, a countdown to a fireworks finale and the lighting of the country’s tallest indoor Christmas tree that make the magic of Christmas come alive (Believe me, I’ve spent many years doing this and you won’t be dissapointed, but come early to get a good spot on one of the the levels.) Get the details.

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That tree. 🌲 I spent more than a decade sharing how amazing it was as the “tallest indoor Christmas tree in the U.S.,” but no matter how many amazing Olympic skaters we hosted around it, or the times I saw Missile Toes flip as fireworks fired from his skates, it’s still that beautiful tree that captures my heart and says “Happy Holidays from DFW.”🎅🏼 My heart is full I can share it with my kids tonight.❤️ . . . #galleriadallas #galleriaholiday #galleria #mamachallenge #Dallas #BigD #dfwhappenings #dallasblogger #happyholidays

A post shared by mamachallenge | Autumn Reo (@mamachallenge) on Dec 21, 2017 at 4:23am PST

10. Vitruvian Lights

Vitruvian Park in Addison / Nov. 23 – Jan. 1, 2019

Free / Parking $10

The most dazzling and spectacular time of the year is here! Vitruvian Park transforms into a magical holiday wonderland during Vitruvian Lights. Walk through the park to view the lights, gourmet food trucks, sweet treats, FREE photos with Santa, classic holiday characters, elf balloon artist, and Metrocrest Services Donation Drive.

Vitruvian Lights Special Event Dates & Performances:
Friday, November 23, 2018 from 6:00pm – 10:00pm – Jordan Kahn Orchestra
Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 6:00pm – 10:00pm – Dallas String Quartet
Saturday, December 8, 2018 from 6:00pm – 10:00pm – Sonny’s Holliday

11. Gift of Lights

Texas Motor Speedway / Nov. 29 – Dec. 30

Tickets start at $30.

Head to Texas Motor Speedway for the Gift of Lights. There you will see a fantastic light show, travel to Santa’s Village where you will meet Santa and experience what Christmas is like at the North Pole. First responders and military also get a special gift with a free 5 x 7 photo in Santa’s Village. Get the details.

12. Holiday in the Park

Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington / Nov. 16-Dec. 30

Tickets start at $30.

If you’re looking for holiday thrills you’ll find them at Holiday in the Park at Six Flags over Texas. Discover a winter wonderland filled with holiday attractions including a snow hill, visits with Santa, sing-a-longs, and holiday shows. This year introduces the Merry Marketplace filled with holiday treats, shopping, and photo opportunities. Get the details.

13. Tea with Santa

The Fairmont Dallas / Dec. 8 & Dec. 15

Tickets start at $49.12 for adults. See website for special prices.

Make memories while enjoying the arrival of Santa this season with “Tea with Santa,” including a delicious Christmas-inspired brunch spread, Holiday Wonderland Candy bar, gingerbread and sugar cookies make-and-take with Santa’s elves, and a “Santa Reveal” photo to commemorate the big moment with the big guy from the North Pole! Tea with Santa Brunch features Crispy Chicken & Waffle Skewers, Mini Holiday Ham & Cheese Quiche, Winter Spiced Pumpkin Bisque, Chocolate Maple Pecan Éclair, Peppermint Macarons, Raspberry Pistachio Financier, Lemon Meringue Choux. And Bottomless Champ/Mimosa bar for adults and Hot tea station with “Lemonade Tea” for kids. Get the details.

14. LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth’s annual Holiday Bricktacular

Grapevine Mills / Dec. 15, 16, 22 & 23

Prices: Admission is included in the normal ticket price. Admission is $21.95 for guests 3 years of age and older, and free for kids 2 and under.

‘Tis the season for LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth’s annual Holiday Bricktacular! Holiday Bricktacular activities include:

Giant LEGO Nutcracker: View the Master Model Builder’s newest creation, a 5-foot-tall Nutcracker.
Meet & Greet LEGO Santa: Meet jolly old LEGO® Santa and tell him about all the LEGO® sets you want this year.
Holiday Quilt Build: Test your building skills by helping the Master Model Builder create an oversized, one-of-a-kind holiday LEGO® quilt.
Scavenger Hunt: LEGO® Santa has lost his toy bag filled with iconic toys. Help him find all the lost robots, cars, planes, dolls and teddy bears in MINILAND for a chance to win an annual pass.

Get the details.

15. SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium

Grapevine Mills / Various dates and times through Dec. 24

Price is included with regular admission

Celebrate the holiday season and see Scuba Diving Santa, along with his elf, make a jolly appearance in a water wonderland at SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium amongst sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, fish and other marine life, with special holiday dive shows and other festive fishy activities around the aquarium.

Holiday activities include:

Scuba Diving Santa: Experience a dive show like no other with a jolly red-suited diver, beard and all, along with his elf as they take the plunge in a magical dive show amongst the fish, sharks and stingrays in SEA LIFE Grapevine’s 160,000-gallon ocean tank. Pose for pictures and find out if Scuba Diving Santa thinks you’ve been naughty or nice. Scheduled dives occur at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays, Dec. 12, 15, 20 and 23.
Meet and Greet with Santa Sharky: Meet and pose for a holiday photo with Santa Sharky.Fridays and Sundays, Dec. 14, 16, 21 and 23 from 12 to 3 p.m.
Elf on a Shelf: Try and find SEA LIFE’s mischievous elf Minnow as he move’s around the aquarium. Snap a selfie with Minnow and share on Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #SeaLifeElfie for a chance to win an annual pass. Daily Dec. 12 through 24.
Holiday Cards for Creatures: All of SEA LIFE’s animals made the nice list this year. However, which one is the nicest? The aquarium is asking the public to vote for their favorite from sharks, rays and sea turtles by writing them a holiday card in the theater. The sea creature with the most cards wins! Daily Dec. 12 through 24.

Get the details.

Check back often: This list will update throughout the season.

Thanksgiving Pairings for Everything

November 18, 2018 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving isn’t just primetime for turkey, it’s time for wine, too! With so many dishes to enjoy in one meal, here’s a guide for winin’ and dinin’ for Thanksgiving Pairings from Messina Hof.

It’s not everyday that you get invited (again) for a private wine tasting with the owners of the most-awarded winery in Texas, so when it happens, you say yes (again.)

Pulling up to the Main Street in Grapevine, I was all smiles (and a little bit of anxiety) to spend the afternoon with my mom getting to know Paul and Karen Bonarrigo, the other half-owners of Messina Hof. The couple hails from the 40-year-old Messina Hof legacy began by Paul Vincent and Merrill Bonarrigo in Bryan, Texas, which has expanded to produce 130,000 gallons per year and the leader in the Texas wine industry. Paul also is the president-elect of the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association (TWGGA), so to say this “pairing” knows wine is an understatement.

However, about two seconds together, as the first ounce hit the bottom of the glass, it seemed like four old friends were catching up as we enjoyed several of the newly released wines. But that’s exactly the best way to describe Messina Hof – and it’s line up of more than 90 wines from 30 varietals – you can taste the family and tradition that has made it the name it is today. And each taste we enjoyed took on a new taste, but with a familiar feeling you just wanted to continue to enjoy.

So just in time for Thanksgiving, an event heralded for spending time with great food, great friends, and great family, there’s no better winemaker than Messina Hof to help you pair with the dishes you’ll have around the table. From turkey, to green bean casserole, and even your cranberry sauce, there’s Texas’ own Messina Hof to pair perfectly.

Thanksgiving Pairings

Holiday foods are usually bigger than life – big flavors, heavy textures, rich ingredients, and lots of herbs and spices. Those complex dishes make for dynamic wine pairings that can flex in different directions. Plus, your guests will have different palates and will enjoy different elements of dishes. So, have multiple wines available for sampling.

ROASTED TURKEY

Gewürztraminer

Dry Riesling

Tempranillo

FRIED TURKEY

Sparkling Brut

Pinot Grigio

Pinot Noir

BROWN SUGAR GLAZED TURKEY

Gewürztraminer

Beau

Dry Riesling

STUFFING

Chardonnay

Merlot

Sagrantino

CRANBERRY SAUCE

Grenache Rosé

Viognier

Pinot Noir

GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

Sauvignon Blanc

Cabernet Sauvignon

Primitivo

PECAN PIE

Tawny Port

Solera Sherry

Paulo Port

PUMPKIN PIE

Sparkling Moscato

Angel Riesling, Late Harvest

Port

COLOR CODE:

Dry White or Rosé

Semi-Sweet/Dry Wine

Dry Red

Dessert Wine

McDonalds Gives More with #McGiveBack Campaign

November 9, 2018 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

McDonalds gets into the spirit with its #McGiveBack campaign this holiday benefiting the community with Pennies for Pounds, RMHC’s Scholars Scholarship, and Veteran’s Day.

Thank you to McDonalds of North Texas for giving to the community and partnership with this sponsored post.

‘Tis the season for giving and the Golden Arches is giving out more than Happy Meals and Big Macs this November.

Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2018

This Sunday, Nov. 11, the North Texas Owners of McDonald’s are honoring the selfless individuals who have given their lives to protect our country through service in the U.S. military. All active military and veterans can choose a complementary breakfast meal of their choice on Sunday, Nov. 11 when they visit their local McDonald’s. So help spread the word or take you favorite military service person or vet for breakfast to say thank you for all you’ve done to keep our country safe.

Pennies for Pounds

Those legendary french fries always bring a smile to your face, this November you have reason to smile even more with Pennies for Pounds. For every pound of french fries sold, McDonald’s in North Texas will donate two cents to the Ronald McDonald’s House Charities.

While many families thankfully don’t have to be impacted directly by the RMHC, you never know when you will. For instance, when Jackson was born with a CHD, as new parents we spent months at Children’s Medical Center (now Children Health.) While we were just a few miles from the hospital, there were parents just like us in the Heart Center, going through the same as us, that were too far from home and would sleep on recliners and bathe in a hospital bathroom.

One family we met from South America did this for months just hoping to get the best care for their children. However, this happens way more than you think it does, picking up their lives to care for their kids. Many times parents would leave their job to be with their child at the hospital or even worst, families were split, with one parent at the hospital, and another parent at home to take care of the other kids or keep at least one job. Already serving 38,000 families since its opening, the RMHC helps families like these to stay together during times like these by offering a housing for families with 52 private bedrooms and six transplant apartments. Additionally, the House contains everything to make life possible when families are going through so much at a hospital including:

multiple playrooms for kids of all ages and interests
a library
media room
craft room
Chapel
meditation garden
outdoor play areas
Additionally two large communal kitchens and dining room provide opportunities for the families to share the evening meal, which is provided 3 times a day by community volunteers, or to prepare their own food if they choose.

While the RMH is a wonderful place it takes much more to operate an offering of this size, it’s the hundreds of volunteers that support the RMHD’s annual operations and fundraising activities to serving families at the House, preparing meals, and hosting organized activities that keep life going when some much of your world can seem to be falling apart. While families are asked to give just $15 per night to stay, no one is ever turned away.

RMHC’s Scholars Scholarship

The only way I was able to go to college was through scholarships and this is still the case for thousands of families in North Texas. The Ronald McDonald House Charities® U.S. Scholarship program is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible graduating high school seniors who face limited access to educational and career opportunities. Scholarships are awarded by the local Ronald McDonald House Charities®, with support from Ronald McDonald House Charities® Global and McDonald’s Corporation. Students are selected, and awards are distributed based on demonstrated academic achievement, community involvement/leadership and financial need. Since 1988, RMHC of Greater North Texas has awarded 1,555 scholarships to high school seniors totaling $2,354,500.

This month when you roll in the drive thru window or come in to grab a quick bite, you can feel a little extra that McDonald’s is giving more to the community.

How to Handle the Germ Season (with Kids)

November 7, 2018 By Autumn Rose Reo 6 Comments

This post is sponsored by CareNow and SheKnows Media.

When you have kids, you have illness. While it’s never convenient to be sick, here’s How to Handle the Germ Season (with Kids.) Just remember help is just one click away with CareNow.

Before I had kids, I considered myself a reasonably healthy person. From time to time, I might have to handle the flu or a bothersome cough, but I rarely had to see a doctor unless it was for my annual exam.

Then I had kids.

Now it seems like I’m sick, they’re sick, dad gets sick and then we pass it around for fun. It’s like a bad game of Cupcake Walk except there’s nothing sweet about it.

There’s those times when a little TLC, chicken soup, and a weekend in bed only result in your kid waking up on a Monday morning with the voice of a raspy old lady saying “mama, I don’t feel good.”

Unfortunately, just because someone in your family is sick doesn’t mean that life doesn’t keep happening…like work meetings, school projects, and all the other stuff in between.

Bottom line: you gotta stop the sick cycle in its tracks.

While washing hands, covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing, and the rest can do a lot, it’s not always going to the trick.

That’s why CareNow has become a bookmark on my favorites.

When I feel (or see) something coming on, or need to arm my family for the upcoming flu season, I just check us in online and wait where we want to, in our home, instead of in a waiting room. Once we get the notice that the doctor is ready to see us, we head into our nearby CareNow.

Upon arrival, we can check in, get almost instant access to be seen by a medical professional, and then get the care (and the prescriptions) we need. Then we can head home and begin healing. Best of all, if you need to grab an immunization or even get your kid’s physical for school, you can get it done at CareNow too.

Yes, it’s that easy.
1. Check-in Online (you can do it from your phone.)
2. Head to the clinic when you receive a call/message.
3. Check in at the nearby CareNow and wait shortly to hear your name.
4. Get the care you need.
5. Check out and get on your way with life.

The fact that there’s not much paperwork to complete (you can do it once online and then it’s stored in your account) and the waiting room has coffee and wireless, makes CareNow our go to for when we need care NOW and on our schedule.

About CareNow

When you are sick or injured, the last thing you need is a long wait at the doctor’s office or emergency room. You deserve quality medical care that’s also convenient. That’s why CareNow is dedicated to reducing your wait while improving your health. Next time you or a loved one is under the weather, visit a CareNow urgent care clinic to feel better fast. With over 112 urgent care clinics around the United States and 30 locations in DFW, CareNow is ready to serve you near your home, workplace or school. Their clinics are open 7 days a week and stay open late to provide care when you need it the most.

Girlfriend’s Guide to the Toyota Music Factory

November 6, 2018 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Toyota Music Factory makes it easy for friends + food + fun. No decisions necessary – just go and get ready for the fun to happen with this Girlfriend’s Guide to the Toyota Music Factory in Irving.

It’s no shocker anyone who knows me that I’m very indecisive about where I want to eat.

Whether it’s going through a drive-thru or headed out for something a little more special than a normal Friday night, I deliberate forever about not just where to eat, but what to eat.

Think that’s annoying?

Just get me together when one of my girlfriends and we might as well start talking about it at breakfast time so we have something narrowed down by the time it’s actually dinner. However, I’ve learned that it isn’t just us – it’s also most women in general. There’s something about making all these other big choices in life that a meal just stops us in our tracks (unless it’s Starbucks, well #becausecoffee.) And while the idea of making lists, creating jars with names to randomly pick, or just going off the first thing that comes to mind seems like it would narrow down the choices, it doesn’t.

However, Irving has figured out the secret for one-stop food + fun that can make us all happy…Toyota Music Factory. With a name like that it’s obvs that it’s a music place (one of the best in my opinion for both indoor and outdoor intimate concert experiences), but there’s also a movie theatre for your viewing pleasure AND tons of restaurants (from cheese and wine to ice cream like you’ve never had), it’s all in one place in the middle of the metroplex – easy to find, easy to park, and even easier to have a memorable and decision-free evening (or afternoon!) Each spot is only steps from the other and each experience is entirely different, so even if you can’t make a decision on one place to go – do a few like a progressive dinner (where you don’t have to make anything!)

There are many options, but I have some of my top picks – ready for you to pick on just a Monday night or a big night out before (and after) the concert (true story, I even went out one night by myself to see Matchbox Twenty and had a blast – with no one but little ole me.)

Don’t Miss This: Irving Music Factory Picks

Nosh & Bottle Market
One word: charcuterie. There’s nothing quicker to my heart than a meat and cheese plate…except a beautiful glass of wine to go with. So naturally this hybrid neighborhood market/wine spot is the perfect place to start a night (or if you are loving the mood, then stay until they send you home or they pull out a chair with you.)

Top Round Roast Beef
I wasn’t ready to love this place as much as I did – as roast beef isn’t normally my dinner bell. But I was quite taken – not just by the amazing “chef driven” food, but the hospitality of Top Round Roast Beef. There was so much to learn about the philosophy too and the customer service was off the charts. And yes, while you can get a great frozen custard, you can score a beer or glass of wine!

Gloria’s Latin Cuisine

This staple is always one of my favorites, which is why so many people go to it as their destination for a little somethin’ different than just Tex-Mex…it’s a mix of Salvadorian, Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. And don’t miss the margaritas – especially since Gloria’s has happy hour ALL. DAY. LONG.

Pop Factory

Oh jeez – get ready for all your dessert dreams to come true, but even better – because they’re healthy (or at least healthier than normal when it comes to sugar.) Combinations with everything from strawberries, green tea, and much more exotic – you can get it customized, dipped, or whatever you want – on a stick.

Kabuki Japanese Restaurant

If you’re looking for a night to put on the heels, this is your spot (but they don’t care if you choose flip flops either.) The menu gives you both the old and new taste of Japanese cuisine – especially the sushi rolls. With many kids choices, gluten free and veggie options this is a great go-to for the whole brood, but I suggest leaving them at home and gathering the girls for the sangria. It’s worth the drive just for that.

The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

When I heard about the concept for this facility, I was giddy. But when I finally go to go and experience the place, I was ELATED. I’d always loved outdoor music venues with lawn seating, but of course, it does stink when it rains or it’s miserably cold. The Pavilion gives you both options – and just a few minutes down the road in the middle of DFW. And since you have so many places to go before and after a show, it’s a no brainer this place is where to to go.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

You’ll never watch movies the same way after an evening at the Alamo. Yes, you have movies, but there’s the mighty good food and drinks AND the super comfortable loungers you sit in while you watch your movie and have dinner. Or you can always skip the movie – and go for drinks after the show.

Thirsty Lion

Don’t be caught off guard at the Thirsty Lion – it’s definitely not just drinks. There’s food for days as well as room for groups – small and large. But the drinks are definitely worth the time…just be careful to not start there unless you’re going to stay there…because otherwise, you won’t leave.

Other Good Choices (for Next Time):

Grimaldi’s Brick Oven Pizzeria

Boi Na Braza

Freshii

TCBY

Yard House

Get the full lineup including several new restaurants, including concerts, movies, and more on the website.

Family Fun Comes to the Run: New Features at BMW Dallas Marathon

October 16, 2018 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Life may already seem like a race, but the BMW Dallas Marathon is the one all of you can win. Register now for new family events before the price increases! #RunBMWDALLAS.

Thanks to the BMW Dallas Marathon for creating more ways for families to be healthier together and this sponsored post.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: I’m running in the 48th annual BMW Dallas Marathon
…with my kids.

Crazy, right? Especially since we haven’t trained one little bit.

But since two years ago when I saw the look of so much happiness and so much accomplishment stretch across my son’s face as he crossed the finish line of his first race, I knew what running a race together can do for your heart, your mind, and your soul. (Talk about tear jerker!)

But let me be clear: We ARE participating in the BMW Dallas Marathon on Saturday, December 8 in the new Kids Races!

The Kids Races (100m dash, 400m dash, 800m dash and 1-mile) invite the whole family together to participate in all the races for just $10 for the kids (12 years and under) and parents can run with their kids for free. This is just one of the new Saturday events added this year that includes a 10K, 5K, 2-mile walk, and 2-Mile Dog Walk (even your dog can join!) Paired with getting a t-shirt and finisher’s medal the whole family can be a part of the fun.

After the races, we’re headed to the second day of the FREE Health & Fitness Expo across the street at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. With “more than 40,000 attendees with 50-60 vendors catering to the health & fitness community within 100,000 square feet of Expo space,” we’re gonna double our steps that day (and learn a whole lot of info and load up on some fitness freebies). Plus with bounce houses, facepainting and other fun activities, the kids may never leave – and it’s ok since it’s free!)

BMW Dallas Marathon Health & Fitness Expo

When: Dec. Friday (11 am-7 pm) and Saturday (9 am-6 pm)

Where: Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center (Hall C)

What I also love about the BMW Dallas Marathon is that the proceeds go to support Scottish Rite Hospital, which is something I can share with my kids that their participation helps other children just like them to get the help they need.

Actually there are many ways to get moving with the BMW Dallas Marathon:

BMW 5K Social Runs

I actually came across this last year when I participated in the one near my house. I wasn’t sure what to expect with a social run, but we (around 400-500 of my newest friends) got a shirt, had snacks, did a timed-run, and then got to celebrate with some liquid carbs (beer) and snacks. So this year, I was quick to sign up – because these social runs happen across the metroplex AND they’re free. They’re limited registration though, so it’s good to get on these fast – especially since they’ve already begun! Get the details.

The Big One(s) – The Marathon, Half Marathon & Ultra Marathon (50K)

I might not be quite ready for this one in 2018, but it’s definitely on the bucket list (who’s with me?) On Sunday, December 9, take on Big D in a whole new way by running in the marathon, half-marathon, or the new ultra marathon (50 MILES!!!) races (just

The BMW Dallas Marathon makes it easy for us to work on something together, be a part of huge event in Dallas doing something healthy as a family. While my bucket list still includes getting to the full 26.219 miles while day, this year is starting the path with both myself and my kids to do something together.

Get the full scope about the BMW Dallas Marathon, Dec. 7-9, 2018 here.

Make Vacation Last Forever – Flytographer

October 13, 2018 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Are you finally taking that bucket list trip and want to record it for the books? Take those once-in-a-lifetime photos with your own vacation photographer on demand.

This year I’ve worked hard to “enjoy the moment.”

Seems a little ironic to work to enjoy anything, right? But after the longest year it seemed ever we finally got to go on THE VACATION. I didn’t plan much except the flight to get there and the hotel, but every day was a dream – as witnessed with what Mother Nature greeted us every day and wished us good night every evening. And of course the giggles, experiences and conversations our family was having.

I wanted to relive it every day for the rest of my days.

But at some point I was going to have to get back to life (at least until I win the lottery.)

While I would have photos I had snapped on my phone, I really wanted to be in them too, not to mention be beautiful enough that I could put on the shelf or mount on the wall in our home so we could be reminded of the experience every day while we walk by them.

Unfortunately, we only were only in Cabo for one more day and it’s not like I could find a good photographer and they could be here in 24 hours to take family photos. While I contacted our concierge and she had some amazing recommendations, in one day and at a price that wasn’t going to be more than our vacation in total.

So on to Google I went — it was worth at least looking (where’s there is a will, there’s a way, right?)

My way was – Flytographer. And viola! While sitting next to the pool, on my phone, I searched for Cabo and TOMORROW. I was able to view photographers and their portfolios to match the look I was going for to see if they were available. In just short moment, a concierge (Liss) matched me up and I had a photographer for less than 24 hours! An even better, there were a few packages available so I could not only select my photographer, but choose a package that was on budget. Then with my confirmation I had it paid for and literally the exact spot we would meet (with an address and a photo of the meeting point so there were questions!)

Now all I had to do was get my kids up the next morning and smile.

And that’s exactly what we did.

Considering the best photos on the beach happen at sunrise or sunset, it was an early morning for us but our Flytographer, Fernanda, knew what to do to make us happy. She had a great personality, was bubbly and sweet, and even brown a princess crown for the birthday girl. (She was thrilled of course.)

For the next 30 minutes she guided us on the beach for both a group of poised shots and candids so we had several different frames to remember our trip AND get that shot I wanted for the mantle. We played in the water, we hugged, we kissed, and we laughed. And best of all we were done before breakfast!

In just a few days (three I believe), we already had our shots back too! I could choose which to download to have printed! It was the best photo experience and I know when we go on vacay again, we’ll definitely be booking a fFytographer, too!

Get $25 off your first Flytographer experience with >>> THIS CODE <<<.

Surviving the First Big Accident

October 1, 2018 By Autumn Rose Reo 17 Comments

Motherhood is full of many firsts, unfortunately the first accident your child has is going to be one of them. However, you’ll both get through the first big accident with a little help from CareNow.

This post is sponsored by CareNow and SheKnows Media.

As a new mom there are many wonderful “first” moments you get to experience.

The first smile. The first laugh. The first time you plainly hear “mama” cross their lips.

Unfortunately, there are going to be many other firsts that don’t make you feel all warm and fuzzy.

The first real cold. The first tooth (when it’s coming in.) And the first accident.

Hopefully for you, a bandage and a magic kiss from mama will make that “first” moment all better. However, there is probably going to be that first real moment (as evidenced by Facebook feed) when a kiss isn’t going to make it all better. You need real medical help because there’s blood, pain, or a broken bone that you can’t make go away all by yourself.

(Yes, this is the part of parenting that really sucks.)

For me, I remember that “first” moment like it was yesterday. I had been home with my son for an extended maternity leave (about a year) working from home, and the time had finally come when I needed to go to a meeting. Until then, my meets were playdates – Jackson, me, and a diaper bag. I felt so anxious – first to put on adult clothes (those that once upon a time fit me in the work world, but now didn’t look or feel the same) and second because I had to talk to people about something else besides my new kid.

I was so *beyond* nervous. And the meeting was just one hour – you would have thought it was a whole week the way I was acting.

My husband took off a few hours to watch our little baby while I was out, and then I would return home to reclaim my throne of mama.

Should be a piece of cake, right?

When I rolled out of my meeting and turned on my phone to let the boys know I was on my way home, I found a voicemail from my husband already waiting for me:

“Hi Honey, (all nervous and shaky sounding), Jackson pulled my razor on him and he’s bleeding. It’s pretty bad. Call me when you’re on your way.”

Are you kidding me???

I rushed into our house and my husband gave me the play by play:

He was getting ready for work and Jackson was in the bathroom with him. For two seconds he turned around to wipe his face, and in that time, Jackson (who was beginning to crawl at the time), pulled the cord to his electric razor and it fell on him – the side of the razor just graced the side of my son’s face to create a cut along his eyebrow.

All I could see was the towel dotted red as I reached to hold my son, I was just devastated. Then, my husband had to return to work, leaving me to figure out what to do for our baby, who while bleeding, seemed to be reasonably content and unbothered by the events.

All kinds of things were running through my head, but I knew we needed to see someone now. I had often passed by a place nearby called CareNow. Although I wasn’t sure exactly how it worked, the name signaled that it was exactly what I was looking for.

As I entered the clinic, I was greeted warmly by the woman at the desk and she asked how she could help. Even in my crazy anxious state, she understood my gibberish and assured me that the doctor would see us as soon as possible. We took a seat in the lobby and in just a few minutes, our name was called and we were lead to a bed for them to take a look.

Once I was standing back from my son and the doctors, for the first time that morning, I took a deep breath.

It was gonna be ok.

The doctor let me know there had been no real injuries, just a small cut that required one.whole.stitch.

He was going to be ok.

In just a few minutes and a small bandage later, we were done and on our way home – all before lunch.

Thankfully, I was able to get the care now that we needed with a little help from CareNow.

About CareNow

When you are sick or injured, the last thing you need is a long wait at the doctor’s office or emergency room. You deserve quality medical care that’s also convenient. That’s why CareNow is dedicated to reducing your wait while improving your health. Next time you or a loved one is under the weather, visit a CareNow urgent care clinic to feel better fast. With over 110 urgent care clinics around the United States and 30 locations in DFW, CareNow is ready to serve you near your home, workplace or school. Their clinics are open 7 days a week and stay open late to provide care when you need it the most.

See: A Star is Born

September 26, 2018 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

If Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga together (and singing) wasn’t enough, there are many more reasons to see “A Star is Born.”

If the name of the movie “A Star is Born” sounds familiar, you’ve just aged yourself (and we are somewhat the same age), so you’re in good company. But if this is your first go around of this movie, that’s ok, because that’s the whole point: Every era deserves “A Star is Born.”

And while I could go on and on about comparisons to all the other versions before it, the one that remains constant is that it’s a timeless story on many levels that we all can “get” something from and move on with something to think about. For me on that evening of our media sneak peek at the film I was thrilled to see a film on my “can’t wait to see it list” that featured two of my favorite artists and that THE Bradley Cooper would be there *in person* to talk about the film. HOWEVER, when I left, I still wanted to talk about what I had seen, experienced, and as Cooper so perfectly said in front of the media-crowd, “I’m done with it, it’s now yours.”

“Music is essentially 12 notes between any octave – 12 notes and the octave repeats. It’s the same story told over and over, forever. All any artist can offer this world is how they see those 12 notes. That’s it.”

While I’m no movie critic, one of the biggest lines of the movie that stuck with me was when Sam Elliott (if you don’t know what an amazing actor he is, his voice alone should make you stand up straighter) repeats to Lady Gaga what Jackson (Cooper’s character) has said many times. “Music is essentially 12 notes between any octave…12 notes and the octave repeats. It’s the same story told over and over, forever. All any artist can offer this world is how they see those 12 notes. That’s it.”

So of course on the first layer of that he’s talking about artists. But really it’s everyone. Everyone and everything. While we all think we’re out doing some new, different, etc…like “A Star is Born,” we may be putting our own spin on it, but nothing is new and for it to be good, it doesn’t have to be new. It just needs to be yours.

The movie itself, as witnessed by all the different ages, demographics, etc. around me, will make you laugh, cry (a lot), make you anxious, and all that. And while I could go through the storyline, it too is not new, but the ageless story of a veteran celebrity that is on his way down (in more ways than one) and meets the new star that is on the rise. The issues between them may make the story progress, but it is a love story and one we all hope that will go differently than you know it already does in the end, but still hope will change if you just hope it to enough.

However, I’ll admit many parts of the movie I felt very uncomfortable. Not because of the topic matter, but more so, watching the cinematic angles used by Cooper (this movie is his directorial debut) make you almost feel like you aren’t watching a movie but you’re in it. Especially during the deeply personal moments where Gaga and Cooper are spending that odd, personal couple time together, you almost feel like you’re the third wheel and unfortunately Gaga is the only one getting “gaga eyes” from Cooper. His twinkle at her alone makes your toes tingle (among other things.)

I love more than anything a good story about rock and roll (like the good stuff that used to play on the radio that DJs played and not apps) with guitars, drums and made the hair on your arms stand up when you’d hear the first few notes start to riff. So this movie totally delivers – and unexpectedly, Cooper kicks ass as that quintessential “rocker,” that’s one part outlaw country, one part Eddie Vedder, and one part I couldn’t ever put my finger or my ear on (at the time.) So when later when we had the opportunity to ask him about his influence in his voice and his character for the movie, he mentioned he spent three days with Eddie Vedder to create his character as well as working my new favorite, the in-movie back up band, Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real. But somewhere in there I saw a little Eric Church, a little Merle Haggard, and a touch of that Sam Elliott voice that “he stole” (which is actually part of the story line), that makes up “Jackson Maine.”

And I’d be wrong not to say that watching Lady Gaga was more “Joanne” and less Gaga, so for me, I was thrilled. Her voice delivers each and every time her, the real woman that we know as Gaga, shined through, just the way the film was meant to. But Gaga, or my preferred name of Stefani, wasn’t the only star that appeared in film that just continued to keep me sublimely happy and surprised…Sam Elliott, Dave Chappelle, Andrew Dice Clay, and Hamilton fans rejoice when Anthony Ramos comes on screen.

I would be remiss not to discuss the issues of addiction, suicide, fame, social media, etc. that really are the cornerstones of the film, but rather if it’s a main storyline for you or just part of this love story, that’s all in who is watching it. But I think that everyone gets from “A Star is Born” what they want to get, which probably is why you might go see it more than once. If you read the reviews, it’s good. Damn good. Good acting, good soundtrack, good lessons, good entertainment – it’s good stuff. And this timeless screenplay that has transcended the ages is good. However, if this era actually learns a little something from “A Star is Born,” that might be the best thing that can rise from this film.