Autumn Rose Reo

Healthy Avocado Cappuccino Truffles

January 11, 2021 By Autumn Rose Reo 26 Comments

What’s better than truffles? Healthy truffles! With 5 ingredients you can make healthy avocado cappuccino truffles with a secret ingredient – AVOCADOS!

It doesn’t take much for me to stop for coffee…especially ICED COFFEE. However, when you’re trying to lose weight, you don’t give up those calories easily for coffee.

But with the new Skinny Cow Iced Coffee, you can have your coffee and eat it, too. However, who wants to eat cake by yourself? So I called some of my best gal pals over to catch up after the holidays for a fun and easy “Coffee Break” party to try the three Skinny Cow Iced Coffee flavors paired with my new recipe for healthy truffles!

While I love hosting a party with a good theme, I didn’t have much time for much creativity although I still wanted the get together to feel special. Nowadays it’s hard to have a time everyone can pause, even just for an hour, but it actually didn’t take much to create a “cafe-inspired table” with coffee filter flowers, a coffee candle and my healthy, five-ingredient cappuccino truffles.

Using some leftover recycled coffee filters, straws and some ground coffee, I easily made a nice tablescape with “coffee flowers.” I think they turned out adorable and the aroma of coffee each time I walked by was amazing for this coffee lover.

Skinny Cow has long been a favorite in our house for their ice cream sandwiches and other sweet treats, but now at only 120 calories for iced coffee, I don’t have to choose if I treat myself with an iced coffee. I can enjoy three flavors of Skinny Cow Iced Coffees: Creamy Cappuccino, Mocha Latte and Vanilla Latte.

No matter if it’s cold outside or a blazin’ 100 degrees, Skinny Cow Iced Coffee is perfect for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up! Each of the flavors featured the delicious flavor of coffee with a subtle hint of some of my favorite flavors. Since we were having an iced coffee tasting party, we each took turns enjoying each flavor starting with the Vanilla Latte, then Creamy Cappuccino and last the Mocha Latte. And just like my friends; we all liked a different one for different reasons!

While I really could enjoy my Skinny Cow Iced Coffee as a treat in itself, I wanted a little something for the party. But since we all are trying to eat healthier, I wanted to make something that was healthy and paired perfectly with coffee. An idea brewed: Cappuccino Truffles! Using a fun recipe I found online with one REALLY unique ingredient, I was able to make them quickly, easily and really healthy! And based on the reviews from my friends, this recipe is a real keeper! Did I mention it only had five ingredients, too?

Healthy Avocados Truffles

Print Recipe

Description

These healthy cappuccino truffles only have five ingredients – including avocado instead of butter or milk!

Scale

Ingredients

6 oz. chocolate (the darker you go the better)

1/3 cup mashed avocado (small avocado)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

pinch of salt

1 tablespoon instant espresso powder

2 tablespoons cocoa powder, for rolling (optional)

Instructions

Combine the chocolate, vanilla and salt over a double boiler, and melt until completely smooth. (This can also be done in the microwave.)
Mash the avocado with a fork until no lumps are visible and then stir it into the melted chocolate mixture until smooth.
Place in the fridge to set for 20 minutes.
Once slightly firm, roll the chocolate into 12 balls and place them on a pan lined with parchment paper. (Don’t roll them in your hands for long or they will begin to melt.)
Place the 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and instant espresso powder in bowl and roll each truffle into the cocoa to coat.
Serve at room temperature, but need to be refrigerated to be stored.

Other ways you might enjoy your avocados!

Guide to SO.MUCH.CHRISTMAS. at the Gaylord Texan

December 15, 2020 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Have you been so busy you haven’t had time to do the Christmas stuff? Get in all the holiday fun with our guide to SO MUCH Christmas at the Gaylord Texan.

It’s ironic that the more at home we are, the less time it seems we have to do anything?

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like the days get longer and so does my to do list. So if you’re working hard to get in all in the Christmas – the music, the lights, the pictures, the fun, the movies – the everything – then book a stay at the Gaylord Texan now. Why? Because there’s SO.MUCH.FUN. (And SO.MANY.Photos to go through – exactly 421 in less than 24 hours!)

WHAT’S NEW AT THE GAYLORD TEXAN THIS YEAR

The Gaylord Texan is legendary for its ICE exhibit, but like 2020 has served up, it wasn’t possible this year. So Plan B opened up a few new experiences to add to their already long list of opportunities to make a stay in the Christmas Capital of Texas well even more Christmas…with I Love Christmas Movies! and Yuletide Bright! So just because things are a little different (they’ve made it fun and safe with all their activities!)

CHRISTMAS AT THE GAYLORD TEXAN ACTIVITIES WE DID

But before you go to the Gaylord Texan make sure to have a strategy.

There is really so much to do that you need to make sure you’ve bought all your tickets (this year it’s an online ticket office only.) And since everything is on a schedule, you’ll want to make the most of your time and your photos opportunities (because there’s a lot of them here.) Plus you’ll want to plan for some free time just to rest, especially if you have small kids. And most importantly, you’ll need to figure out food because with the current rules for restaurants, you can’t always just get a seat wherever you want, when you want during #2020 (so basically make sure to make a reservation for the must-haves like Zeppole or the Old Hickory Steakhouse by going to Open Table before your stay.)

Our 24-Hour Itinerary at the Gaylord Texan included:

Check In
You’ll want to take photos when you get there, handle parking, etc. so allow at least :30 minutes to an hour for this!
Build Your Own Snowman
We went in deep immediately with activities, so dress accordingly. It’s cold where all the activities are but you’ll be moving around a lot and you won’t want to deal with a lot of stuff. If you can ditch your purse, do it. You’ll need the jackets and gloves for snowman making.
Snow Tubing
This is our favorite go for the Fast Pass if you can!
Build a Bear Workshop
You will say you won’t do it and you will. Absolutely you have to! While the kids are in line, go get a yummy Christmas cocktail.
Yuletide Bright
This one is outside so this is where the jacket comes in handy!
Dinner and PJ time
To-Go from Zeppole for the win (pasta in our Pjs!) Then we walked around for some cute photos around the hotel! (Christmas card FTW.)

Next Morning

Checkout: We loaded up our stuff so we could leave after our activities with late check out.
I Love Christmas Movies!
We were so excited for this one, so we headed down early to make sure we’re in line (you have only a few people you are with and they are very careful with social distancing!)
FOOD!
At the end of the experience, be ready for Auntie Anne’s Pretzels and Cinnabon which made for a good breakfast without having to get into line at the Marketplace
More Pictures!

EVEN MORE MUST-DO EVENTS

We did a lot in 24 hours. A LOT! But if we had a little more time (like a full weekend), we had already made a list for “Next TIme.” For instance if we were able to go for Christmas Brunch either at Zeppole or Riverwalk Cantina, we totally would. I hope they’ll do this kind of brunch each weekend in December rather than just Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The menus look amazing and if we didn’t have some must-do family events of our own (SANTA), we would be there in a heartbeat!

Other events we wished we could’ve done included:

I Love Christmas Movies!
We did it once but the first time was to experience it, the next time will be for pictures
The Escape Room
My kids have begged to come back just for this and we live close, so we may be back before January)
Gingerbread Making
We’re aggressive Gingerbread making people. But if there’s a competition on this one, it’s on.
Christmas Craft Studio
The Elf on the Shelf Breakfast
Santa’s Snow Throw
Ice Skating
Mistle Toe Heist Scavenger Hunt

…And there’s still more!

Even if you aren’t bringing the kids, a weekend at the Gaylord Texan is still what the doctor ordered for #2020. A trip to the Relache Spa, dinner at Old Hickory Steakhouse and enjoying all the activities (with a few cocktails) is how to escape the chaos and get into the Christmas spirit.

So are you ready to make the most of Christmas? Then head to the Gaylord Texan, where the holidays are going even after Christmas!

Here’s how you can save some money so you can do even more while you’re there!

Look for specials online (they’re running right now.) And don’t forget this coupon code!

Holidays at the Hilton Anatole

November 29, 2020 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Need an escape this Christmas? Why not the North Pole? Head to Santa and his village by way of Dallas for Holidays at the Hilton Anatole.

Our family needed an escape for the holidays and there’s no better place than the North Pole…but since travel isn’t on the list for us lately, we packed up our family Christmas pjs and headed to Dallas to the Hilton Anatole. We’ve always enjoyed years of their Breakfast with Santa. And while this year there’s no Peppermint Park, we were so excited Santa wasn’t just hosting his holiday breakfast, but he also added some fun new surprises like holiday decorated hotel rooms, s’mores by the fire, the North Pole Cafe and even a real reindeer!

Christmas at the Hilton Anatole

Breakfast at with Santa: Breakfast with Santa is served family-style at each table this year in the big ballroom and includes all the breakfast favorites like chocolate chip pancakes, assorted pastries, bacon and eggs, fruit, made-to-order breakfast tacos and omelets, and for the big kids – Mimosa and Bloody Mary carafes! During breakfast Santa visits with the children in a socially distanced format including the reading of a Texas-themed Christmas story and letters from the children in the audience mailed from the North Pole mailbox in the lobby. Santa’s sleigh will also be set up for photo opportunities!

Other Holiday Activities: Guests who book a Breakfast with Santa or Santa Suite Package can enjoy holiday themed activities the evening of check-in throughout the hotel for all ages including:

Photo opportunities with Santa and a live reindeer (we met Blitzen and he was my perfect holiday wish!)
North Pole Cafe offering Naughty and Nice Cocktails and lite-bites for adults and children
Tipsy Toes – A performing Christmas Tree on stilts
S’mores kits around the fire pit in the sculpture garden
Children will be able to write letters to Santa and mail them directly to the North Pole via the mailbox in the lobby
Evening movie night featuring holiday movies and popcorn
Holiday arts and craft stations and games

Room Packages and Reservations at the Hilton Anatole

Breakfast with Santa Package – Guests who book the Breakfast with Santa package will receive:

One standard guest room with 1 p.m. late check-out
Preferred seating at breakfast for two adults and two children with Santa on day of departure from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.(additional guest $17.99 Child and 39.99 Adult)
Plus holiday activities throughout the hotel the evening of check-in

Santa Suite Package – Guests who book the Santa Suite Package will receive:

One Santa-themed suite (guest room + parlor) including holiday décor and amenities with 1 p.m. late check-out
Meet-n-greet event with Santa and one of his live reindeer from 6-7 pm day of arrival including a family portrait
Preferred VIP table at breakfast for two adults and two children from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (additional guest $17.99 Child and 39.99 Adult)
Holiday activities throughout the hotel the evening of arrival

Breakfast with Santa Only – Individual event reservations will be available on a limited basis starting at $45 per person, and $20 for children under 10 and can be booked by calling 214-761-7536 or by email [email protected]

And one big thing to note: I couldn’t have felt safer. The rooms were sealed to let us know they had been cleaned just for us. EVERYONE had on a mask unless guests who were eating. And of course with a hotel as big as the Anatole, there was so much room for socially distancing. Best of all, Santa and his reindeer are outside for a memorable photo opp.

Also:

Christmas at the Anatole and Breakfast with Santa was designed with the new Hilton EventReady guidelines and protocols to make these events safe for all guests and team members.
Breakfast events will be held in a 28,000 square-foot ballroom where the hotel can socially distance about 100 family tables.
Tables are assigned to individual families, up to 10.

Ready to go? Breakfast events will be from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. on:

Saturday, November 28
Sunday, November 29
Saturday, December 5
Sunday, December 6
Saturday, December 12
Sunday, December 13
Saturday, December 19
Sunday, December 20
Monday, December 21
Tuesday, December 22
Wednesday, December 23

For more information on Christmas at the Anatole and to book reservations, visit the Hilton Anatole website.

Turkey Cranberry Panini with Brie and Basil Mayo

November 20, 2020 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

This shop has been compensated by Inmar Intelligence and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HolidaysWithSaraLee

Want a sandwich that will make you say thanks? Put those Thanksgiving leftovers to work with this Turkey Cranberry Panini with Brie and Basil Mayo.

I may be going on a limb here, but when it comes to Thanksgiving, it’s not the big feast that I’m looking forward to – it’s the leftovers. I love the part about getting together, the tablescape, and the smell of turkey roasting in the oven. But honestly, it’s when you’ve had the best day with family and friends being thankful and then quietly, after hours (like after everyone has gone to bed), pulling out all your favorites dishes from Thanksgiving to create the best.sandwich.ever. that really makes that day complete.

If you’ve ever seen Spanglish where Adam Sandler plays a chef and comes home after the longest day and makes the most perfect fried egg sandwich? Well it’s that moment when he takes a big exhale that you know exactly what I mean. It makes me relaxed just thinking about it.

There’s just something about a sandwich.

You know exactly that moment when you bite into that perfect sandwich…ahhhh.

But you know what else there is?

A sandwich that is made with good bread that takes it from wow to WHOA. Even better is a bread for me that has 8 grams of whole grains per 2 slice serving and is high in fiber……and has 45 calories per slice (serving size 2 slices 90 calories) and 6 grams of net carbs per slice (12 net carbs per 2 slice serving). Yes – that means it is Keto-friendly! Plus, with no artificial flavors, 0g trans fat, no high fructose corn syrup and a cholesterol-free food, this bread hits all the checkmarks!

Sara Lee ® Delightful™ White Made with Whole Grain Bread is what to be thankful for and Walmart for being the place to find it! Right now earn $.65 cash back on with Ibotta.

Click the image below to add it right to your Walmart Online Grocery cart.

Now we have the bread, it’s the other simple items you’ll find in your fridge after Thanksgiving that you need for what I call the perfect Thanksgiving sandwich:

Turkey (there’s always turkey to eat after dinner!)
Brie Cheese (leftover from that charcuterie board)
Cranberry Sauce (someone wanted it on the table right?)
Fresh Basil (leftover from the stuffing or dressing)
Mayonnaise (staple!)
And of course that Sara Lee ® Delightful™ White Made with Whole Grain Bread

Now the trick here is mayonnaise.

You could make the mayonnaise from scratch (which I highly suggest), or like me, when you’re enjoying this Turkey Day sandwich after hours, you want to make it quick and quiet (as possible.) So take the shortcut of making up the basil mayo by mixing mayonnaise with some basil leaves in the food processor. Then you slather that stuff on both sides of the bread! YES, both sides! So now you have flavor and you have the secret to making a golden, toasted sandwich. And if you happen to have some extra basil, add a few leaves to add some green to the sandwich, but this is just another option if you love basil as much as I do.

As for taking it to the next level as a panini, you don’t necessarily have to have a panini maker or panini press. You can just apply pressure to the bread with a wooden spatula while it cooks and think about all the things you’re thankful for. Then flip it over and repeat.

Turkey Cranberry Panini with Brie and Basil Mayo

Ingredients

2 slices, Sara Lee ® Delightful ™ White Made with Whole Grain Bread

Turkey, sliced (enough for your sandwich, either light or dark meat)

2-3 ounces Brie Cheese

Cranberry Sauce (1-2 tablespoons depending on your preference – I love it!)

¼ c. Fresh Basil, pureed

¼ c. Mayonnaise

Directions

First to create the Basil Mayonnaise, mix fresh basil and mayonnaise together until blended.

Then spread the mayonnaise mixture on both sides of the bread.

Next over medium heat, add both pieces of bread to the pan. Meanwhile on one side of the toast, add all the ingredients as you would starting with turkey, cheese, and cranberry sauce.

When both sides are golden, then add the top slice of bread to the other side to make it a sandwich. If you’re making a panini, this is when you will apply the press or use a wooden spatula to press the bread together. (It’s perfect when you see the cheese gets nice and melted.)

Now this is a sandwich to be thankful for!

Must-Do Holiday Events in DFW

November 8, 2020 By Autumn Rose Reo 4 Comments

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!

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

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 2020! (And make sure to look as some of these have giveaways too!)

1. Holiday at the Arboretum

Nov. 7 – Dec. 31, 2020

Dallas / Arboretum

Tickets: 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 almost 1 million 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, have tea, 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.

2. Lone Star Christmas

Nov. 9 – Jan. 3, 2021

Grapevine / Gaylord Texan Hotel and Convention Center

Prices: Rates range based on activities.

Walk-thru the most iconic scenes from your favorite Christmas movies in our all-new, multi-sensory experience. Interact and capture moments with the characters, sets and moments you know-and-love, with over 13 fully immersive scenes complete with replicas of film props, audio clips, and more. Featuring THE POLAR EXPRESS™, A CHRISTMAS STORY™, ELF™, NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION™, and THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS™. Get the details.

3. Radiance A Holiday Lights Spectacular

Nov. 11 – Jan. 3, 2021

Frisco / Weatherford / Decatur

Prices: $30 per car / $50 for VIP (special VIP lane, hot chocolate and magical light glasses for the kids.)

Enjoy the wonder of RADIANCE! A Holiday Light Spectacular, at Frisco, Decatur, or Weatherford, or gather your friends and experience all three. Gather the family and sip a cup of hot chocolate as you marvel at two million lights, animated to the tunes of your favorite holiday classics from the safety and comfort of your car! Get the details.

(Photo credit Radiance)

4. The Trains at Northpark (GIVEAWAY)

Nov. 14 – Jan. 3, 2021

The exhibit closes for Christmas and Thanksgiving, also closing early for both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Dallas / Northpark Center

Prices: Children under 2 free / Children ages 2-12 $5 / Adults $10 / Seniors over 65 $5

For the past 33 years 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 largest miniature train track in Texas, 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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5. SNOWDAY Dallas

Nov. 20 – Jan. 3, 2021

Dallas / Galleria Dallas

Prices: Children under 3 free / Kids ages 4 – 12 $8 / Adults $22

Self-described as a “holiday dipped and peppermint flipped immersive experience,” SnowDay is back for the 2nd year to Big D. Guests will navigate their way through an imaginative wonderland of festive photo ops, enchanted rooms, interactive spaces, and nostalgic moments with photo booths integrated throughout the exhibit. Get the details.

(Photo credit SNOWDAY)

8. Luminova Holidays

Nov. 20 – Jan. 3, 2021

Arlington / Globe Life Field

Prices: $19 for youth / $29 for adults

Surrounded by millions of dazzling lights, Luminova will brighten up your holidays! Visit with jolly ol’ Saint Nick, glide on a 10,000 sq. ft outdoor ice-skating pond, snap great pictures with family and friends around our larger-than-life light displays, sip on hot cocoa, and enjoy yummy treats. With 270,000 sq. ft. of immersive indoor and outdoor entertainment at the all-new Globe Life Field, there is something to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Get the details.

ENTER TO WIN TICKETS TO VIP NIGHT AT LUMINOVA HERE

(photo credit Luminova)

9. Dallas Zoo Lights

Nov. 20 – Jan. 3, 2021

Dallas / Dallas Zoo

Prices: Member $50 per car / Non-Member $65 per car

After the animals head in for the evening, the Dallas Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with over one million twinkling lights illuminating the Zoo throughout the holiday season. Discover realistic silk-covered lanterns in the shape of your favorite animals, plus even more light displays and festivities for the entire family! Get the details.

Dallas Zoo Lights Activities:

Holiday Light Show
Santa meet-and-greet
Nature ornament-making activity
Nightly musical performances throughout Zoo
North Rainbow Arch
Whimsical African watering hole at Lantern Ridge
Santa’s Sleigh photo op
Elves’ Workshop at the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo with Animal Encounters every 30 minutes
S’mores, specialty donuts, funnel cakes, and hot chocolate.

(photo credit Dallas Zoo )

10. Holiday in the Park

Nov. 21-Jan. 3, 2021

Arlington / Six Flags Over Texas

Tickets vary.

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 more than 1 million lights holiday attractions including a snow hill, visits with Santa, sing-a-longs, holiday shows and don’t forget the treats (s’mores!) At the Merry Marketplace grab a few holiday gifts filled with holiday treats, shopping, and photo opportunities. Get the details.

11. GM Financial Parade of Lights

Nov. 22

Fort Worth / Sundance Square

Prices: Free Broadcast

It’s typically a day filled with exciting things to do throughout Downtown, from taking care of your holiday shopping to dining out in some of the finest restaurants in Fort Worth, all while enjoying the holiday spirit of the country’s top holiday parade; however, this year’s parade will be different, and reimagined! We’ll be bringing you the entire parade broadcast from the Fort Worth Convention Center, on local network television and online, ONLY.

Get the details.

(Photo credit GM Financial Fort Worth Parade of Lights)

12. Prairie Lights

Nov. 26 – Dec. 27, 2020 Thanksgiving – New Year’s Eve (hours vary)

Grand Prairie / Joe Pool Lake

Prices start at $30 per car

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 Holiday Village is unavailable this year. Get the details.

13. Gift of Lights

Nov. 26 – Jan. 6, 2021

Fort Worth / Texas Motor Speedway

Prices: 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.

14. Texas Christkindl Market ONLINE

Nov. 27 – Dec. 23, 2020

Arlington / Social Media

Prices: Free

It’s a German Christmas at the Texas Christkindl Market and even though there will not be a physical location this year, please enjoy the website and social media channels. You’ll discover holiday cheer, decorations, recipes, and one-of-a-kind finds and gifts from your favorite vendors through our vendor listings. You’ll see how to create German holiday treats with authentic recipes and video demonstrations. Live performances from local choirs and dancers will be broadcast through our social media channels, and children (and adults alike) will get surprise messages from St. Nick throughout the duration of the Market. Get the details.

15. Vitruvian Lights

Nov. 27 – Jan. 1, 2021

Addison / Vitruvian Park

Free

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 plus live music! Get the details.

(Photo credit: Visit Addison Facebook)

16. Christmas at the Anatole

Nov. 28 – Dec. 23, 2020

Dallas / Hilton Anatole

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, holiday movies and even live reindeer. 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.

17. Dallas Holiday Parade

Dec. 5

Dallas / Downtown

Prices: Free

COMING SOON

(photo credit Holiday Dallas Parade)

18. Daystar Christmas

Dec. 6 – Dec. 21, 2020

Bedford / Daystar

Free admission

I can’t believe for so many years I didn’t know about this event, but I’m so glad we do now! A beautiful, intimate way to spend the holidays together looking at lights and the life-size nativity scene, Daystar Christmas is even adding a massive drive-thru tunnel stretching 950 ft. with more than 11,000 Lights. There’s amazing backdrops for photos, there are visits with Santa and there’s even a coffee shop that you can visit with sweets, cocoa and more. Get the details.

19. Arlington Holiday Lights Parade

December 12, 2020

Arlington / Downtown

Free

COMING SOON (We hope!)

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

Make 2020 a Little Brighter with Luminova Holidays

November 6, 2020 By Autumn Rose Reo 8 Comments

Looking for a way to make the holidays shine a little brighter? The new Luminova Holidays in Arlington at Globe Life Field is ready to light up 2020! Read on for how you can win tickets.

Thank you to Luminova Holidays for this special giveaway and sponsored post.

Ready to fast-forward to the holidays this year? Yep, us too and a new month-long plus event at Globe Life Park in Arlington is ready to make 2020 shine a little brighter. Called “Luminova Holidays”, this safe, immersive experience says it’s guaranteed to be the bright spot of the holidays for North Texas, Nov. 20 – Jan. 3, 2021.

Photo Credit: Luminova Holidays

If getting to finally visit Globe Life Field wasn’t enough fun for you, perhaps the 300,000 sq ft of outdoor and spacious
indoor area transformed into a holiday wonderland will. While we haven’t had a chance to peak (YET – those details are coming soon), there’s a lot to look forward to experiencing at Luminova including:

2.7 million twinkling lights
10,000 square foot outdoor rink
train rides for the kids
interactive activities
Meet and Greet with Santa
Sprawling light trail
Photo opportunities with larger-than-life light displays

Safe Holiday Fun at Luminova

In addition to following the CDC, Texas Department of State Health Services and guidelines, Luminova Holidays is working closely with Tarrant County, the City of Arlington and the Texas Rangers to ensure the holiday celebration meets all guidelines and safety protocols recommended. Per Tarrant County orders, masks are required for ages of 10. In addition, sanitizing stations will be set up throughout the event with frequent disinfecting during the event operating hours and disinfectant sprayers will be used pre and post event to fully deep clean every day. In addition to the cleaning, indoor areas are limiting capacity per event each night to allow for ample social distancing. The light path experience will be in a one-way directional path, where everyone can space out accordingly as they wander the dazzling light trail.

Photo Credit: Luminova Holidays

Luminova Details

At $14.99 to start, Luminova is working to create an affordable experience for everyone (but we have even more with a special code below.) If you’re headed with the whole fam, a family pack, which includes two adults and up to three kids, starts at $59.99. or go big with a luxury suite for the ultimate VIP experience for 10-40 people is also available.

SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR MAMACHALLENGE READERS

SAVE 15% with the code SHINE. Discount applicable to adults, kids, seniors, family pack, and suite ticket packages. Valid Nov 20 – Dec 17.

For tickets and a full list of available dates, visit the Luminova website for all details.

Make Luminova Holidays your plan for holiday get-togethers this year. It’s where the most wonderful time of the year is safely fun for all ages.

Photo Credit: Luminova Holidays

Luminova Holidays
November 20, 2020 – January 3, 2021
Globe Life Field
734 Stadium Drive
Arlington, Texas 76011

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Say Yes to the Dress

October 26, 2020 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

It’s the Cinderella moment we all dream of: the moment you put on the perfect dress that everything else is perfect, too and when you Say Yes to the Dress.

Thanks to Mama Luma for a Say Yes to the Dress moment for her.

For some girls it’s the prom. Some girls it’s the wedding. But for many Hispanic girls it’s the quinceanera.

Growing up I wasn’t really immersed in any Hispanic cultural holidays and experiences, so I never celebrated this special day growing up. But I remember the first time I was invited to one, I realized this wasn’t just a party, this was truly a mark of a female’s womanhood. And while she might have a date, that this big event (sometimes more than a traditional wedding) was so momental because it was all about her and that statement was exemplified with her prolific dress.

Recently my daughter and I planned a morning at Dallas Arboretum to spend girl time walking the gardens and seeing the flowers in full fall bloom. Considered one of the best gardens in the world, the legendary Dallas Arboretum is a 66-acre dream garden dream nestled up to White Rock Lake and hosts hundreds of events annually. To say the least, it’s beyond stunning and plays backdrop to so many picturesque moments in the region.

But on this special day it wasn’t even as we stepped through the gates we were met with several beautiful girls who all were adorning quinceanera dresses. Taylor Tot couldn’t have been more over the moon. Later I found out the Arboretum was hosting a social distanced fashion show to allow young ladies who didn’t get to have their big day to still show off the “big dress.” And were they impressive. Vivid colors, sparkle everything, flowing trains, and ruffles galore.

So taken by the moment, Taylor and spent time studying what makes each dress so special. And of course observing each of them taking their own photos (most of them had professional photographers also in tow), we took time to for our own “photo shoot.” Taylor had gotten a beautiful dress from Mama Luma and had been holding on to the perfect moment to wear it. She had hoped for her birthday party or some upcoming party, but many of those moments didn’t end up happening in 2020. So we made a day for the dress and since dress was detailed with flowers it was an obvious choice to wear to the garden to properly “show off.”

Mama Luma is out of Santa Barbara and isn’t just your everyday dress company. The designer style is made for celebrating a young girl’s big moment – from birthdays, holidays and those other big picture moments. The thoughtful accessories that are designed as part of each look like jackets, hair bands and bows, and now even matching masks. All hand sewn with such attention to detail and the highest quality of fabric, a Mama Luma dress is all style and grace. I could tell from the moment I slid up the zipper, my little girl felt as special as she always should, when her little lips curled up and she tried to hide her excitement.

Every girl she have that moment – when everything feels perfect, on the inside and the out.

If I can just figure out how to make that happen for her everyday. But I hope it not just a gorgeous dress, but when she looks in the mirror…she feels good looking back at herself.

I’ll admit I don’t know if I’ve had that moment either. When I was married, we chose to go casual and being that we didn’t have much money, I didn’t see the point of a big dress, especially one that made people look at me. I bought my dress online from J. Crew off clearance (white summer dresses in the winter are cheap.) While I loved that special day and wouldn’t take it back, I regret not having a “dress moment,” when I could look at myself and say “perfect.” And more than anything I’ll miss the moment pulling the dress out to share my moment with her.

If there’s anything I’ve learned lately is never settle with just ordinary. Never settle with waiting for the right moment. And when it comes down to it, always get the dress.

About Mama Luma: Mama Luma was started by co-founders and former college roommates Kevin and Ata. Ata wanted to bring his mother’s designs to life in California and believed that by blending the natural beauty of Santa Barbara with the elegance of European tradition and Mediterranean prints, he could inspire a new wave of chic fashion into the younger generations on the West Coast. With the help of his resources in Istanbul, Turkey, he and Kevin diligently worked to bring these hand-sewn, high fashion masterpieces to the world.

Celebrating Day of the Dead with A Dia de Los Muertos Hershey Sugar Skull Candy Tray

October 2, 2020 By Autumn Rose Reo 6 Comments

Celebrate Day of the Dead by creating this Día de Muertos Hershey Sugar Skull Candy Tray to celebrate time together with this sweet treat.

This shop has been compensated by Inmar Intelligence and The Hershey Company. All opinions are mine alone. #HersheysSkull

Día de Muertos is one of my favorite times of the year. There is such beauty in the event including the cultural roots of honoring and memorializing family members who have passed with a celebration with other loved ones filled with color, prayer, and delicious foods.

After traveling to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico during Día de Muertos a few years ago, I really began to truly appreciate and understand the real meaning of the holiday which spans, November 1 – November 2. The entire community was engrossed in visiting each altar that contained photos and beautiful offerings and leaving gifts of pan de muerto and other treats.

So now each year our family makes it a point to spend the days together thinking of the memories of those that have left us. And if possible traveling to other cities that embrace Day of the Dead like Terlingua, Texas and last year, Dallas, Texas with a parade and festival, each unique and special in its own way. This is also important to me since my children often don’t have the opportunity to embrace their own Hispanic heritage and really to experience the strength in numbers and their culture.

This year we’ll be spending Día de Muertos at home and what a great way to enjoy the two day event with this Día de Muertos Hershey Sugar Skull Candy Tray filled with Hershey chocolates and assorted candies. Not only does it serve as a fun and festive treat to share, but gives us an opportunity to sit down together as a family as we prepare the tray and talk about our favorite memories of our loved ones, past and present.

Dia de Los Muertos Hershey Sugar Skull Candy Tray Tutorial

We bought all of the candy at our local HEB!

HELPFUL TIP: Using both wrapped and unwrapped candies allows any guests to easily grab a treat without taking away from your beautiful tray!

We hope you enjoyed making this Día de Muertos Hershey Sugar Skull Candy Tray as much as we did. We loved creating the design and choosing each piece of candy to bring the skull alive. The hardest part of this is eating it, so make sure to save a few pieces to enjoy along the way, too!

Cancer Free Texas: HPV and Cancer Prevention

September 29, 2020 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

HPV affects 8 out of 10 people. If you could prevent it or more health issues would you do it? Here’s what we learned about the HPV vaccine and cancer prevention.

This is made possible with support from the American Cancer Society. All opinions are my own.

Being a mom is hard, especially when making choices about your child’s health! It’s a game of balance: weighing the options—what they need, what they don’t, and how it will affect them in the long run.

When my son was born with a Congenital Heart Defect, I had to immediately make decisions that would affect him for his whole life, including surgeries, scars, and so much more.

I aged ten years in those three weeks.

Thankfully, now he’s 12, and like all parents, I’m faced with a whole new set of decisions to make for him about his health. While I know there are no guarantees, I’ll do whatever I can to ensure he has an opportunity to live his life as healthy as possible.

So when my pediatrician discussed with me that there is a way to help prevent six different types of cancer with the HPV vaccination, I wanted to know more.

According to the American Cancer Society:

It’s estimated 8 out of 10 people will get HPV at some point in their lives.
HPV isn’t just a “girl thing.” Every year in the U.S, 35,000 men and women are diagnosed with a cancer caused by HPV.
About 14 million people, including teens, become infected with HPV annually.
HPV has no treatment, but a vaccine can prevent it.
The HPV vaccination is considered most effective when given to kids ages 9 – 12.
While it’s not the answer for everything, the HPV vaccination is cancer prevention and can prevent an estimated 90% of HPV cancers.

As much as he’s already gone through, and all the other things in life I can’t plan for, this was one thing we could do to better his chances at avoiding so much more like HPV and cancer. So for us, it was the best decision for him, and soon it will be the best decision for my daughter.

Get the facts about HPV and cancer from the American Cancer Society.

Back to School 2020: Virtual Learning Tips

August 16, 2020 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Whether in person, virtual learning or home schooling, back to school looks much different than ever. Here are tips for how get it done and survive Back to School 2020.

Back in March 2020, most of us went to spring break for just a week, never to think we wouldn’t return to our classrooms. We were left with just a few weeks of school, doing whatever it was to make it to the finish line. Yet, here we go again, six months later, except we’re beginning the next “school year” in a different kind of limbo – not just how to complete a school year, but to hopefully educate our kids in the process and not lose our own minds. Welcome to back to school 2o20.

Move over Survivor…you couldn’t make this plot up and every parent is a forced participant. However, we’re all in it together and there are many things we can learn from each other especially with what’s working and what’s not. So here are some of our favorite tips for Back to School in 2020.

#1) How You Choose to School is a Personal Decision.

Back in the good ole days of January 2020…there were basically 3 options for school: there was school, home school and for some kids, virtual learning.

Yep, the good ole days.

Fast forward to now and we’ve changed all the options and how they work:

In-Person School: Remember that brick-to-mortar school?
- However, even going back to school includes learning environments with big changes including masks, minimized socializing, no sports, etc.

Virtual Learning: Coordinating with a school’s curriculum through an online format .
- Some people have referred to this as at-home school, but technically this is virtual learning and differs from home schooling.
- Some kids have chosen to do this for years, but most public schools are new to this and have spent months flipping to this system
- And for some families this has another hybrid using a pod-learning system with one parent acting as “coordinator” for virtual learning for multiple families

Home schooling: A parent creates and controls the learning flow / environment
- However many of the locations for field trips or on-site learning have changed so those aren’t available for resources for parent-teachers

Whatever option you had to make for back to school in 2020, it wasn’t easy and it doesn’t mean today’s decision is what you’ll end with. 2020 was the atypical year of pivot, change, pivot, change and if there’s any lesson we’ve all learned by now – flexibility is the key and the best plan is one that can change. So don’t judge or be critical of whether you’re doing the “right” thing…just give yourself a break. It’s good to learn from each other and hear all the pros and cons, but feel ok enough that when you come to a decision, you’re good with it and the kids are good with it (as best they can.) AND even more so, that if you change your mind – that’s ok too! There’s no right answer so if you find yourself discussing the same topic with a friend, just make sure to do it with no judgment.

Yes, basically, you do you.

#2) Create a Successful Set Up

Once you’ve made a decision, what’s next? For our school district, everyone is starting online to begin the year so that means everyone has to do it for at least a few weeks. So many parents are sharing their set ups on social media, so places like Facebook Groups, blogs and talking with friends have been my saving grace. Some of bought everything that IKEA and Walmart has online, while others are making use of dining room tables or adding their kids to their own home office set ups. Just remember, it’s about making a space to call your own. In our case we’ve made sure that their learning space isn’t in their bedroom but somewhere they have room to move a little, have access to all their needed supplies like paper, pencils and it’s in some organized fashion. I actually had a friend send this set up to me and I thought it was super resourceful especially for homes where the kid may have to move around when family members are on a call.

Otherwise there are several simple, inexpensive tables for purchase like these and these. This one is just $37 and I love that this desk folds up so if you need to move it for PE or need the space to be flexible. And remember that desk at IKEA? They have many options you can pickup curbside and have ready to roll tonight that are beautiful and have all kinds of drawers this desk folds up

For us and having two kids, that means two desks, two sets of supplies, two of everything. While I’d love if my house had four offices, it’s a house so it doesn’t. Until then, we’re going with something like this after school starts. The reason I’m waiting is you don’t know what’s going to work so until we get rolling, I’m not making any big purchases.

Photo: TribeSigns

Whatever you do, just make sure the technology works. Everyone on the network is going to cause it to strain especially if you have everything Zooming, streaming and all that at one time. Mesh networks allow your existing WiFi to stretch to areas of the house that might not have the best connection and right now are at an all-time low on Amazon.

#3) Make it Fun

Are we not having fun yet? Well, it should be…at least for the kids! So of course it could be different, but this is it for now and we need to make the best of it. Let the kids help with decor or making their own space – even if it’s a photo, decorating their binder or bringing their dolls to school to make it seem less lonely are all ok. It’s about their comfort level during a not-so-comfortable time.

For us we’re also creating menus just like our school (Taco Tuesday is going into full effect and if I can find the recipe for those rolls the lunch ladies make at the school that would be the best!) Sundays are a great day to prep it all out and get ready for the week, so have them do lunches while you work on dinner! Having their lunches also gives them some “normalcy” so it feels like school.

And theme days – like wear your favorite college shirt or backwards shirt day – is going to be important for keeping the spirit alive and a connection to their school. If you can’t purchase one, it’s time to make one together!

And the best biggest tip is having the schedule posted and quite possibly in multiple places! Having the schedule posted helps to help us remember when it’s time to log in and also when to log out! We all need to remember to walk away and take a break especially when you’re in the same place all the time. Walk around, take a social break (let them call a friend or message them) will also be a good one to keep things in check. Besides, these rules should apply for all of us!

Want to really know the secret to being the best at back to school this year?

Grit and grace.

That’s right. Give it to yourself, give it to others and remember we’re gonna get through this. Just breathe.

(And if you need a mask for you and your kids while you’re breathing away, these come in 10 packs #becausekids.)

What’s better than truffles? Healthy truffles! With 5 ingredients you can make healthy avocado cappuccino truffles with a secret ingredient – AVOCADOS!

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Ingredients

Instructions

Have you been so busy you haven’t had time to do the Christmas stuff? Get in all the holiday fun with our guide to SO MUCH Christmas at the Gaylord Texan.

WHAT’S NEW AT THE GAYLORD TEXAN THIS YEAR

CHRISTMAS AT THE GAYLORD TEXAN ACTIVITIES WE DID

EVEN MORE MUST-DO EVENTS

Need an escape this Christmas? Why not the North Pole? Head to Santa and his village by way of Dallas for Holidays at the Hilton Anatole.

Christmas at the Hilton Anatole

Room Packages and Reservations at the Hilton Anatole

Want a sandwich that will make you say thanks? Put those Thanksgiving leftovers to work with this Turkey Cranberry Panini with Brie and Basil Mayo.

Turkey Cranberry Panini with Brie and Basil Mayo

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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!

1. Holiday at the Arboretum

2. Lone Star Christmas

Nov. 9 – Jan. 3, 2021

Grapevine / Gaylord Texan Hotel and Convention Center

Prices: Rates range based on activities.

3. Radiance A Holiday Lights Spectacular

4. The Trains at Northpark (GIVEAWAY)

Nov. 14 – Jan. 3, 2021

The exhibit closes for Christmas and Thanksgiving, also closing early for both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Dallas / Northpark Center

Prices: Children under 2 free / Children ages 2-12 $5 / Adults $10 / Seniors over 65 $5

5. SNOWDAY Dallas

Nov. 20 – Jan. 3, 2021

Dallas / Galleria Dallas

Prices: Children under 3 free / Kids ages 4 – 12 $8 / Adults $22

8. Luminova Holidays

Nov. 20 – Jan. 3, 2021

Arlington / Globe Life Field

Prices: $19 for youth / $29 for adults

9. Dallas Zoo Lights

10. Holiday in the Park

Nov. 21-Jan. 3, 2021

Arlington / Six Flags Over Texas

Tickets vary.

11. GM Financial Parade of Lights

Nov. 22

Fort Worth / Sundance Square

Prices: Free Broadcast

12. Prairie Lights

Nov. 26 – Dec. 27, 2020 Thanksgiving – New Year’s Eve (hours vary)

Grand Prairie / Joe Pool Lake

Prices start at $30 per car

13. Gift of Lights

14. Texas Christkindl Market ONLINE

15. Vitruvian Lights

16. Christmas at the Anatole

Nov. 28 – Dec. 23, 2020

Dallas / Hilton Anatole

Rates and prices range based on activities.

17. Dallas Holiday Parade

Dec. 5

Dallas / Downtown

Prices: Free

18. Daystar Christmas

Dec. 6 – Dec. 21, 2020

Bedford / Daystar

Free admission

19. Arlington Holiday Lights Parade

December 12, 2020

Arlington / Downtown

Free

Looking for a way to make the holidays shine a little brighter? The new Luminova Holidays in Arlington at Globe Life Field is ready to light up 2020! Read on for how you can win tickets.

Safe Holiday Fun at Luminova

Luminova Details

It’s the Cinderella moment we all dream of: the moment you put on the perfect dress that everything else is perfect, too and when you Say Yes to the Dress.

Celebrate Day of the Dead by creating this Día de Muertos Hershey Sugar Skull Candy Tray to celebrate time together with this sweet treat.

HPV affects 8 out of 10 people. If you could prevent it or more health issues would you do it? Here’s what we learned about the HPV vaccine and cancer prevention.

Whether in person, virtual learning or home schooling, back to school looks much different than ever. Here are tips for how get it done and survive Back to School 2020.

#1) How You Choose to School is a Personal Decision.

#2) Create a Successful Set Up

#3) Make it Fun

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