Autumn Rose Reo

How Can I Save Money on Gym Memberships Without Giving Up Options?

July 28, 2026 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

You can save money on gym memberships without giving up options by enrolling in the Active&Fit Direct program, a flexible, comprehensive, low-cost fitness program that provides subsidized access to thousands of standard gyms and premium studios nationwide for $28 per month. This allows you to completely bypass retail gym rates and hidden fees while maintaining the freedom to work out wherever you need to.

What Is Active&Fit Direct?

In the world of fitness, everyone falls into three different categories. First are those that love to work out, do it religiously, like it’s a routine. Then there are those that hate to work out, won’t do it, and don’t do it. And then there are those in the gray zone – they don’t hate it, but they do get bored with the same thing and need flexibility! Since I am constantly bouncing from one area to the other, I need the flexibility of changing up my exercise needs and locations; being locked into a single gym near my house or office just doesn’t work for my lifestyle anymore. I need to be able to get in an arm workout, grab a yoga class after a client meeting, or work out from my hotel room when I’m traveling when time is short.

Here is me celebrating 100 classes at my favorite Club Pilates – also a participating premium partner at Active&Fit Direct!

To find out if you already have access to Active&Fit Direct, check your eligibility through your employer, health insurance provider, or associations like AAA or USAA right here at Active&Fit Direct. HOWEVER, ff your workplace does not partner with them, you can still use their public-facing sister program, Active&Fit Now, which charges just $32 per month!

Is Active&Fit Direct cheaper than joining multiple gyms?

Active&Fit Direct is incredibly cost-effective compared to carrying multiple individual memberships. I mean, let’s do some math! Most memberships start at least $20-25 and then that doesn’t even include sign-up fees, extras, etc. Then if you’re like me, then you get bored, or your schedule necessitates a location change, then you have to cancel and start it all over again (and hope you don’t have cancel fees and all that wasted time!)

Plus with Active&Fit Direct:

The membership provides you access to your choice of 12,900+ standard gyms for $28/month.
Adding a second or subsequent gym membership grants a $5 monthly discount on that additional gym.
It includes top gym brands such as LA Fitness, Crunch, 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Anytime Fitness, and Snap 24/7 Fitness.
And even if your work doesn’t have the program, you can join

(Working Out on the Go? Make sure you keep these must-haves in your workout bag. Here are some of my favorites!)

Can one membership give access to multiple gyms?

The beauty of this program is that it is flexible and convenient, allowing you to easily switch gyms when you want to. Standard fitness center and premium studio participation varies by location and is subject to change, and some large chains may not offer access to multiple locations with their brand, so you will want to check your selected fitness center. But overall, having 12,900+ top brand gyms to choose from gives busy moms incredible variety.

Are there hidden fees with Active&Fit Direct?

The straightforward answer is no—there are no hidden fees and no long-term contracts.

Standard gyms cost $28 per month (plus applicable taxes) for access to one chosen base gym.
You are required to pay the current month’s fee and the next month’s fee upfront at signup.
The program features a 2-month minimum enrollment period, then converts to a flexible month-to-month plan that you can cancel at any time.
Right now, there is a $0 enrollment promo code—the $28 enrollment fee is waived from 6/1/2026 12:01 a.m. to 8/31/2026 11:59 p.m. PT, and if eligible, the promo code will automatically populate on the checkout page.

(Want more budget-friendly tips? Read more here.)

How much can I save with Active&Fit Direct compared to traditional gym memberships?

The exact savings depends on what a traditional retail gym membership costs in your area, but the Active&Fit Direct program allows members to bypass retail gym rates for one fee. Beyond the standard gyms, the savings extend into specialty fitness as well:

You get access to 10,600+ Premium options (like studios, trending workouts, cycling, Pilates, barre, and HIIT) with 20% – 70% discounts off the retail price.
The membership includes 1-on-1 Well-Being Coaching, offering unlimited virtual sessions with a professional coach covering nutrition, sleep, stress, and even GLP-1s.
You receive free access to more than 18,000+ on-demand workout videos just for registering.
The Active&Fit Direct Marketplace offers the hottest fitness and wellness gear at 10% – 50% off brands like adidas, Garmin, Fitbit, Vitamix, New Balance, Therabody & more.

FAQs about Active&Fit Direct

Q: What is the Active&Fit Direct program?

A: The Active&Fit Direct program is a flexible, comprehensive low-cost fitness program that provides access to thousands of standard gyms nationwide for $28/mo.

Q: How do I know if I am eligible for Active&Fit Direct?

Active&Fit Direct is available through employers/health plans, and to enroll, you must verify your eligibility through a sponsoring organization like your employer, health insurance provider, or associations such as AAA or USAA.

Q: Can my husband join Active&Fit Direct too?

Yes, once enrolled, you can sign up a spouse or domestic partner so they can receive similar rates.

Q: What happens if I want to cancel?

A: There are no long-term contracts; after a 2-month minimum enrollment period, it converts to a flexible month-to-month plan that you can cancel at any time.

***

Disclaimer:

Active&Fit Direct is a fitness program for real people, focusing on overall wellness/wellbeing rather than perfection or just weight loss. Not all program sponsors offer Marketplace; vendors, products, and discounts are subject to change.

©2026 American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH). All rights reserved. The Active&Fit Direct program is provided by American Specialty Health Fitness, Inc., a subsidiary of ASH. Active&Fit Direct and the Active&Fit Direct logo(s) are trademarks of ASH. Other names or logos may be trademarks of their respective owners. Standard fitness center and premium studio participation varies by location and is subject to change. Other restrictions may apply based on the location of your selected fitness center. Some large chains may not offer access to multiple locations with their brand. Some fitness centers do not participate in the Active&Fit Direct network for all Program Sponsors. On-demand workout videos are subject to change. ASH reserves the right to modify any aspect of the Program (including, without limitation, the Enrollment Fee(s), the Monthly Fee(s), any future Annual Maintenance fees, and/or the Introductory Period) at any time per the terms and conditions. If we modify a fee or make a material change to the Program, we will provide you with no less than 30 days’ notice prior to the effective date of the change. We may discontinue the Program at any time upon advance written notice.

American Specialty Health, 10221 Wateridge Cir, San Diego, California 92121

Teaching Kids Patriotism

June 27, 2025 By Autumn Rose Reo 28 Comments

Teaching kids patriotism is more important than ever. It’s not just flying the flag, popping fireworks and saying the pledge. But why we’re proud to be American and what it means to not just to be good to others, but the real spirit of the red, white and blue.

This story was originally written almost ~~four~~ eight years ago – my kids now are almost adults. However, today, more than ever, it means so much more and just continues every year to mean more than it did the year before. So while our country is in struggle, strife and battle over race, and politics, we need not to continue to act divided, but together…stronger than ever. This is the only way we’ll move forward as a country.

I was busy as normal for the summer, taking pictures of my kids. This time of my kids donning their red, white and blue for July 4.

I realized that the kids only understood this as a fashion shoot – not a milestone in our country’s history.

“Do you know what patriotism is?” I asked my son.

“No, mama,” his little mouth answered. “What is it?”

Ironically, only a few minutes later, looking down at my calendar he asked, “mama, what’s Flag Day?”

I realized that in that moment, just because we had bought the shirt, hung our flag proudly and appropriately ever holiday, and had taught them to be quiet when the Star-Spangled Banner played at the ball game, we had failed at teaching him and his sister the why…the why we fly the flag, the why we celebrated with fireworks, the why we stop everything when the familiar beat of the pattering drums begin at any sporting event.

The WHY is what matters.

And we’re those people that have at least 15 Texas flags in our home. Heck, we named our kids after U.S. presidents…really: Jackson and Taylor. And we did that on purpose because we felt that a presidential name instilled a sense of prestige, honor, and respect. But it shows just because we felt the power of patriotism, we hadn’t spent the time to instill the same importance to them.

So here are a few ways that will not just teach kids patriotism, but remind you why it’s important for us to remember what it means to be an American and to proudly wear the red, white and blue.

1. It’s more than flying the Flag…but that’s a start.

I love that my local rotary ensures that each holiday that formality calls for a flag, there’s one flying in my yard without request or fail. It’s a service they’ve provided for years and I feel so patriotic to look down my street and see the beautiful Old Glory waving in the wind. However, it’s not just about making sure we’re holding up our end in neighborhood; it’s about showing we’re proud to be a part of a country that has worked for more than 2oo years with just 13 colonies to become a mighty nation of 50 states strong.

2. Don’t just say the Pledge or sing the National Anthem. Understand what the words really mean.

Every day my kids say the Pledge of Allegiance at school. I love the idea of them learning 31-words that were made as a promise to be loyal to our country, to be united together as a nation, and be fair to each other as people to create the best place in the world to live. (Well something like that.) This also goes for the Star-Spangled Banner. The words describe our history and to remind us all what we have, what we do, and what we will hopefully continue to work towards for even more centuries to come.

3. Celebrate Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.

More importantly, share the meaning why we celebrate them including Flag Day and Veterans Day. And while picnics and fireworks are fun to watch, we all need to remember it’s more than that. I know each of us may describe what these patriotic holidays mean to us differently, but ultimately, each one signifies how and WHO has served our country to make it what it is.

If you have a member of the military/veteran in your family, speaking with them or explain what they day makes it even more personal for kids to understand. Even if you don’t, speaking with kids that there are men and women all over the world who have helped to protect them and will continue to keep our country strong, will help them to be able to understand that saying thank you is the least that we can do for our armed forces and first responders.

4. Explain the colors of America; beyond the red, white and blue.

The colors of our flag have meaning. White signifies purity and innocence; Red symbolizes hardiness & valour, and Blue shows vigilance, perseverance & justice. However, beyond those colors, are the colors that also make up the U.S. We are a melting pot – different backgrounds, different races, and different religions. But ultimately, our differences are what make us stronger and united as one country.

5. Know the freedoms that make our country what it is.

This is more than just a few minutes of discussion, but doesn’t have to be a history lesson either. Thanks to the Bill of Rights, what makes our country great, is that we are promised that there are certain rights that allow us to live as we want with others without anyone taking them away. However, with those freedoms also mean we have a responsibility to fight for those rights and to give to our country and our communities in any and every way we can.

How do you describe patriotism? How do you share it with your kids?

Red, White and Blue: July 4th Treats

June 26, 2024 By Autumn Rose Reo 15 Comments

Make a real bang on Independence Day with a fun spin on your party plans – red, white and blue July 4th treats!

* Affiliate links may be included.

July 4th is a great time to put a festive spin on your summer favorites with a little touch of the red, white and blue. Many of these you can make in advance the night before and be ready for a fun Fourth party without sitting in your kitchen slaving away on a Facebook-worthy spread! Bring on the July 4th Treats!

Cherry Berry Whip Salad

This salad is inspired by my absolute favorite treat growing up. Every summer get-together included “Pink Stuff” that actually was such an easy, no mess recipe it was hard to imagine that this was the dish that never had leftovers. I remember the first time I was “trusted” to create it, you would have thought I was given the right to carve the Thanksgiving turkey. Because it’s a no-cook dish, this dish is a perfect kid-starter cooking lesson! It just needs a little time in the fridge for the flavors to come together for this delicious flavor. And when you take a look at it, you instantly can see the red, white and blue.

Cherry Berry Whip

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

Print Recipe

Description

An easy sweet treat perfect to beat the heat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cherry Berry Whip Salad
1 can cherry pie filling (14 oz)
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 small can crushed pineapple, drained
1 small can condensed milk
2 cups small marshmallows
1 small tub whip cream
3 Tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

Mix everything together but the marshmallows and blueberries into a bowl. Fold in marshmallows. Lastly, add blueberries to the top of the bowl (or if serving in smaller dishes, spring the blueberries on top). Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Here are some other great July 4th Treats for you to make featured on Good Morning Texas!

American Flag Fruit Kabob

Want to give the kids something to do? This is the ideal activity that turns into a healthy centerpiece of your July 4th event. Using a combination of strawberries, marshmallows and blueberries, create your own American flag! You can use a mixture of different fruits to match the red, white and blue theme; just make sure to wash your hands between fruit and marshmallow patterns so the juice doesn’t turn the marshmallows pink. Also adding a little space between alternating fruit and marshmallow will help keep your healthy snack look fresh throughout the day.

Kids don’t like blueberries or Strawberries? Use Welch’s Fruit Snacks Mixed Berry to use in place of the fruit to keep the patriotic theme!

American Pie

This pie will be the star of your Independence Day festivities when you add this classic touch. While you can make it from scratch, cut your time in half by purchasing a two-pack of ready-made crusts. After that the sky in the limit!

For mini-pies: Rolling out our dough, cut these adorable tartlets out with a star-shaped cookie cutter (I suggest buying a set like this), added a tablespoon of out of the can strawberry and blueberry pie filling, and then just pinched the ends with a fork. After 15 minutes in the oven at 350 degrees F, you have these sweet little hand pies perfect for a small bite of sweetness!

For the larger pie: If you are looking for the classic Americana pie, the formula couldn’t be easier! Use one pie crust, fill the pan with pie filling with either strawberry, blueberry, raspberry or cherry filling. With a smaller star-cookie cutter, cut out enough stars in the second dough to create a top crust. Put in the oven for 400 degrees F for around 20 minutes and you have a beautiful pie. Have more time? Then make this creamy homemade vanilla ice cream to serve with your pie for the perfect July 4th treat!

Layered Rice Crispy Treats

If pie is the unofficial American treat, then rice cereal treats probably claim the spot for #2. Made with rice cereal, marshmallows and butter, to create these unique twist, all you need to do is make 3 batches, adding red food coloring to one and blue to another. Then just layer the blue batch in the pan with your hands (sprayed with a little cooking spray to keep your hands from sticking.) Then repeat with the regular batch and last with the red batch. Allow the mixture to cool for at least an hour or overnight. Cut either into squares or if you have more time, then use that handy star-cutter for even more July 4th appropriate treats.

Strawberry Jello Fireworks

These little firecrackers will make your party a real blast – with the kids or the adults. Using hulled-out strawberries, you’ll fill first with a blue jello/gelatin mixture and allow to set before adding our white layer of milk and gelatin. After another session in the fridge, pull out the strawberries and cut in half longwise to reveal the layered jello effect for these cool, bite-sized red, white and blue sweeties. Want to really kick up the party? Add some spirits like vodka or rum to the gelatin for a fun edible adult snack.

Red, White and Blue Berry Sangria

Sangria is always a crowd pleaser for any occasion, but using star-shaped fruit and red/blue berries, this white themed sangria is the most festive way to wash down all these treats. We’ve used a chardonnay, sparkling wine, and for the color, blackberries and raspberries to change it up. However, you can use your own combinations of red and blue berries. For the stars, using your trusty star cutter, punch out stars from either pineapple or apple (either pairs nicely with this white sangria mixture.) If you prefer, use this same concept for an infused-water in a big jug, you’ll just use water instead of the wine to create a fruit-hinted refreshment that will be beautiful all day long.

Have a great Fourth of July!

Oscar Party Ideas

March 10, 2023 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Watching the Oscars is fun, but hosting an Oscar Party to watch them is even better! Here are some easy tips we shared on Good Morning Texas to create your own award-winning party with little work and a lot of fun!

Prepare for Your Oscar Party

To set the mood for your Oscar-watching party, consider decorating your space with movie-themed decorations. You can hang up posters of the nominated films, set up a red carpet, and provide props for your guests to take photos with. Star decor and all things gold will set the scene easy! You can also order this Oscar award trophy of your own. If you really want to go the extra mile, you can ask your guests to dress in their Oscar-best and you can roll out the red carpet!

Let’s Play: Oscar Bingo

To make your Oscar-watching party more interactive, create a ballot or download this Oscar Bingo card for your guests to fill out. They can predict who they think will win in each category and the person with the most correct predictions or who “Bingo” of the night can win a prize like their own Oscar or a nice swag bag (just like the celebs take home!)

Set Up Viewing Areas

Make sure your guests have a comfortable place to watch the Oscars. Set up a few viewing areas with chairs, couches, and blankets. Consider providing a few different viewing options, such as a large TV, a projector, or a laptop.

Plan Your Oscar-Worthy Menu

No party is complete without food and drinks! Consider serving appetizers, snacks, and drinks that are movie-themed or inspired by the nominated films. We love using the names of the movies to theme the menu. Also adding gold to anything makes it extra special so you can use edible 24 gold leaf to add to your food or drinks. Edible glitter to a champagne glass will make your guests feel extra special!

Let the Awards Begin

Finally, remember that the most important part of hosting an Oscar-watching party is to have fun! Encourage your guests to dress up, take photos, and enjoy the show together.

By following these tips, you can host a fun and memorable Oscar-watching party that your guests will love.

Must-Do Holiday Events in DFW

December 1, 2021 By Autumn Rose Reo 5 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 Arlington, Addison to Grapevine (and of course everything in between), there are plenty of great ones to choose from every day of the week for holiday fun this time of year. However, there are a few events that you need to have on your must-do, must-go, must-see list for the holidays in 2021! (And make sure to look as some of these have giveaways too!)

Holiday at the Arboretum

Nov. 10 – Dec. 31, 2021

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.

GO TO GRAPEVINE: Christmas at the Gaylord

Nov. 19 – Jan. 2, 2022

Grapevine / Gaylord Texan Hotel and Convention Center

Prices: Rates range based on activities (Save with promo code REO)

Without a doubt, if someone is looking for something Christmas, I always send them to Grapevine. There’s so much to do in the Christmas Capital of Texas, especially at the Gaylord Texan. This year’s events may not include ICE!, but it does include a special challenge, Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf™. Journey through some of your favorite movie scenes as you join Buddy the Elf to help save Christmas. Complete fun-filled challenges alongside Buddy and friends as you visit the candy cane forest, assist with toy preparations at the North Pole, prepare for Santa’s arrival at the iconic department store, and take part in an epic virtual snowball fight in Central Park. But that’s not all – just make a weekend of it and enjoy a stroll down main street and you’ll get in the holiday mood with tons of shops, restaurants and events happening all season. Get the details.

Radiance: A Holiday Lights Spectacular

Nov. 19 – Dec. 26, 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.

Enchant Christmas

Nov. 26 – Jan. 2, 2022

Dallas / Fair Park

Prices: $25 for kids / $20-$35 for adults

Get ready to light up your Instagram. Experience thousands of radiant Christmas lights as you immerse yourself in a spectacular Light Maze adventure. Guided by dazzling lights, you’ll search for nine of Santa’s reindeer who have become lost in a giant snowstorm and need your help finding their way out of the mystical Enchant forest. Glide through an illuminated ice skating trail, stroll through the Enchant market for goodies including some great vendors (bring on the tamales and the raclette, enjoy Mrs. Claus storytime and visit with Santa himself in Santa’s Landing. Get the details.

The Trains at Northpark

Nov. 13 – Jan. 2, 2022

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 34 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.

SNOWDAY Dallas

Nov. 19 – Dec. 24, 2021

Dallas / Galleria Dallas

SNOWDAY Prices: Children under 3 free / Kids ages 4 – 12 $12 / Adults $27

Santaland Prices: Family admission ticket for up to 6 people total starts at $28

Galleria Dallas wins the award in our opinion when it comes to holiday! Maybe it’s the largest indoor Christmas tree in the U.S., maybe it’s the red twinkling lights, maybe it’s the free holiday shows featuring award-winning ice skaters, or maybe it’s the shopping! We do know that it’s definitely one of its newest additions, SNOWDAY! In its third year,  come discover what magic awaits you on the other side of the North Pole where the elves play. Guests board the train to a wonderland of fun with festive photo ops, enchanted rooms, interactive spaces, and nostalgic moments with photo booths integrated throughout the exhibit. This year you can make your trip extra magical with a visit with the big man himself. Catch the next train to Santaland with daily non-stop service to the North Pole! There you will find Santa who already knows every child’s name (yes, really!)

The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey

Nov. 18 – Jan. 2, 2022

Arlington / Choctaw Stadium (formerly Globe Life Park)

Prices: $10 for kids / $20 for adults

Join Santa’s Elves on a quest to collect the ingredients for Christmas Spirit! Magically shrink down to elf size and embark on a journey through twinkling wonderlands to set Santa and Christmas back on course. Visit with jolly ol’ Saint Nick, snap great pictures with family and friends, sip on hot cocoa, and enjoy yummy treats. Get the details.

The best part is you’ll also get a chance to get you’ll find a German Christmas at the Texas Christkindl Market. Discover holiday cheer, decorations, German treats, and one-of-a-kind finds and gifts from your favorite vendors. Get the details. And make the most of it with a trip to the most Christmasy restaurant in DFW, Campo Verde and Decorator’s Warehouse, the largest Christmas store in Texas! For more fun in Arlington, check out 0ur Arlington holiday bucket list!

Dallas Zoo Lights

Nov. 19 – Jan. 2, 2022

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 )

Holiday in the Park

Nov. 19 – Jan. 2, 2022

Arlington / Six Flags Over Texas

Ticket Prices 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 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.

Prairie Lights

Nov. 25 – Dec. 31, 2021 Thanksgiving – New Year’s Eve (hours vary)

Grand Prairie / Joe Pool Lake

Prices start at $40 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. 2021 features the return of Holiday Village, the magical walk-thru forest, carnival rides, photos with Santa, and more. Get the details.

Gift of Lights

Nov. 25 – Jan. 2, 2022

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.

Vitruvian Lights

Nov. 26 – Jan. 2, 2022

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. Walkthrough 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)

Christmas at the Anatole

Nov. 28 – Dec. 24, 2021

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.

Daystar Christmas

Nov. 25 – Jan. 2, 2022

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 are 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.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Nov. 20 – Dec. 23, 2021

Fort Worth / Casa Manana

Prices: Start at $19 (Get 20% OFF with code AUTUMN20)

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer soars off the screen and onto the stage with all of our favorite characters. This musical adaption is filled with holiday hits like “A Holly Jolly Christmas” and “The Most Wonderful Day of the Year”. Pictures with Santa are also available before every show! Get the details.

POGO Pass

Dallas / Fort Worth

Want to save some money on memories this holiday season? Looking for a great stocking stuffer? The POGO Pass is one pass, one price, for one year of fun. Save even more with promo code MAMACHALLENGE Get the details.

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

Joy to the Meal: Sausage and Cranberry Stuffing Cups

November 15, 2021 By Autumn Rose Reo 31 Comments

Take your favorite parts of Thanksgiving and give it a little twist for easier portions and better presentation with these delicious Sausage and Cranberry Stuffing Cups.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Hillshire Brands Company. All opinions are entirely my own. #joy2themeal

Growing up having a large extended family had its advantages – especially during the holidays.

Not just because I had four grandmas or double the amount of presents…but because I got to sit down for the holiday meal not just one time, but sometimes up to three or four times a season, per holiday.

Yep, pecan pie is still good after three rounds…

Having this special opportunity wasn’t just about the food of course, but the experience of indulging in several different traditions with those family members and of course, all the unique ways they enjoyed their family dishes.

Everyone had their own twist on a dish, especially dressing…or stuffing. Whatever you call it, each family had a unique take on if it – from a dense casserole hinted with sage, to more of a smooth creamy blend of cornbread, garlic and sausage.

Best of all, they were all good even though each one had its own flavor profile and “secret ingredient.”

Unfortunately those traveling meals from one relatives table to another have changed as I’ve grown up and now have a family of my own…I guess you can say I can finally say I’ve moved to the adult table.

But the smells of onion, sage and sausage stuffing baking early in the oven as a child still exist in my mind, my belly and of course, still in my heart.

So paying homage to those family stuffing recipes and adding my own little legacy, I created my own recipe for Sausage and Cranberry Stuffing Cups.

Since our family table is no longer the size of a football team, a huge dish of stuffing isn’t really necessary. So instead I’ve made the stuffing in a muffin pan for easing serving sizes PLUS this way there’s more golden crust in each bite. Best of all, I’ve paired Jimmy Dean® Sausage with cranberries and apples, for a savory-sweet combination that might make your grandma a little upset when you ask for seconds.

This recipe also seems to be so much easier than the recipe I remember helping at the table to prepare growing up. With a few basic ingredients and the combination of the smoky pork with the sweetness of the apples and the tang of the cranberries is exactly what Thanksgiving tastes like to me – all in one perfectly sized bite.

After a quick trip to Walmart for fresh produce and stop by the refrigerated section for Jimmy Dean Sausage, I was toasting up the bits of bread, English muffins and whatever bread I had been holding on to in the freezer in no time.

It was the smell of the Jimmy Dean Sausage that quickly had my kids running to see what mama was up to and of course, a few minutes later they too were in the kitchen helping me to put together our family stuffing.

In just 30 minutes, the aroma of sausage, apples and garlic filled my nose and took me back instantly to my childhood memories. But more importantly it helped me realize that now being a mom, it’s my turn to continue those traditions with my kids and make a few of our own.

So this year, make your holidays go from good to great!