Autumn Rose Reo

Lemon Lavender Cupcakes (Just like Magnolia Bakery)

September 21, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Wish you could take a little bit of Magnolia home with you? With this copycat recipe for their signature Lemon Lavender Cupcakes you can!

A trip to Magnolia Market in Waco is like a checking off the ideal bucket list: a place for the perfect farm house decor, a destination for just enjoying the simple things with friends among the green space, and of course, a taste for the bestest cupcakes (like lemon lavender ones) from Magnolia Bakery.

There’s a reason that thousands of people stand in line just for the chance to order and bite into a few delectable treats and walk through Joanna’s sweet design. While we were there we ordered one of each and we’re lucky to get the last lemon lavender cupcake left.

And each bite was absolutely perfect.

Like each and every bite was better the one before it and you just kept wanting more as you glanced around panorama style at the Pinterest-perfect place they’ve built.

When we returned from our one-day journey, we yearned for a little piece of Magnolia Market to have with us all the time. So we planted our own piece of gardening heaven complete with lavender in our own little wine barrel and have enjoyed it all summer-long.

And we also yearned for that lavender cupcake.

So of course, with lots of lavender, logically I had a hundred reasons to make my own.

Unfortunately I had one BIG one that kept me from cranking them out…the recipe.

And while we all feel like Chip and Jo are our besties (and should be), she isn’t about to share that recipe (at least not yet.)

So I had to take matters into my own hands and make up my own.

After a few different tries having to slave over cupcake batter and icing recipes (and an education on all things lavender), I came up with what I think is a good reproduction. So much so that we even found the cupcake wrappers to put them in. While my icing skills still could have a little more practice, I was able to shoot a few photos before quickly gobbling these up.

And it was a good gobble.

It’s like sunshine, cream, summer goodness – in a cute little round package.

However, there’s always harvesting that lavender to enjoy this cupcake well after autumn and winter has set in.

So if you get a chance to go to Magnolia especially during this, go. If you can’t, this recipe might help you cope until you do (or make it a lot more fun to watch them on TV.)

Lemon Lavender Cupcake (Copycat Magnolia Bakery)

2017-09-21 15:31:21

There's nothing like this lemon lavender cupcake to make you and your mouth happy (just like a trip to Magnolia.)

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size

1718g

Amount Per Serving

Calories 7100

Calories from Fat 3335

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 377g

581%

Saturated Fat 201g

1006%

Trans Fat 11g

Polyunsaturated Fat 50g

Monounsaturated Fat 102g

Cholesterol 1157mg

386%

Sodium 2328mg

97%

Total Carbohydrates 904g

301%

Dietary Fiber 5g

20%

Sugars 747g

Protein 37g

Vitamin A

194%

Vitamin C

Calcium

40%

Iron

29%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your Daily Values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Does this look wrong?

Batter

1/2 cup whole milk
1 tbsp edible lavender, dried
1 1/3 cups flour (preferably cake)
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
Frosting
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp heavy cream
1 tablespoon lemon extract
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
3 tbsp honey
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 teaspoons lemon

For batter

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a processor/blender, combine milk and lavender and pulse until blended. Set aside.
In a bowl, combine dry batter ingredients (except sugar) until blended. Set aside.
With mixer, combine butter and sugar until fluffy. Blend honey, then eggs, one at a time and lastly add vanilla and lemon. Slowly combine both wet and dry ingredients together, folding in the lavender mixture last, dispersing in the mixture.
Pour into cupcake liners, filling 2/3 full. Back for 15 - 18 minutes until golden. Remove and allow to cool.

For Frosting

Add butter and sugar together in a stand mixer, adding cream slowly until smooth.
Then beat on high for 2-3 minutes.
Add lemon and beat again for another 1 minute to blend.
Spread on cupcakes or use a piping bag to complete the charm.

Notes

Add lavender or lemon zest to the top of the icing for an added treat!

By Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

beta

calories

7100

fat

377g

protein

37g

carbs

904g

mamachallenge | Dallas Mom Blogger | Parenting Blog https://www.mamachallenge.com/

Peanuts to Pinot: Pad Thai with Spicy Peanut Sauce

September 13, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Wonder what peanuts and pinot have to do with each other? Plenty. And we’re serving up a recipe for Pad Thai with Spicy Peanut Sauce to really show off this all-star Texas pairing.

Thanks to the Texas Peanut Producers Board for their partnership and giving me a chance to learn this legume in a whole new way.

To say I love wine is an understatement (and not in that mama needs her “sippycup” kind of way.)

I’m not a wine snob but a wine dork, one that really loves everything about wine and have for a long time (I actually wrote a research paper on the Texas Wine Industry and Tourism 12 years ago), took wine classes, and yes, enjoy sitting there just sampling wine. I love to travel to wine country (there is more than one you know) and am fascinated with how geography, science and passion come together to create a glass of vino. (See, I told you I was a dork.)

So when I had the chance to visit Lubbock (a perfect place for peanut making and the home of the Texas Peanut Producers Board) to learn about peanuts, I was interested to see agriculture at work, but didn’t know what to expect. Until of course, I got on the field to learn about peanuts (yes, there’s a lot that goes into peanut planting, processing and promoting!) and the relationship between peanuts and wine. (Bet you didn’t know there was one, huh?)

A Few Peanuts to Ponder:

One acre of peanuts will make 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches
Peanut butter is the leading use of peanuts in the U.S
It takes almost 850 peanuts to make an 18oz jar of peanut butter!

Many peanut farmers (like Mason Becker) are using some of their fields for grapes for the purposes of winemaking (or viniculture.) In fact many of the areas of Texas referred to as the “New Napa” like Fredricksburg and the Hill Country, actually grow their grapes in West Texas around the Lubbock area because the region’s climate is similar (and in many ways, better) than Italy and its European counterparts.

However, the idea of TEXAS wines, while not new to Texas as our first winery was in the 1600s by Franciscan priests, it certainly has changed in the last 20 years and thankfully for the better. Names like McPherson (Lubbock!), Messina Hof, Duchman, and Brennan are big names that have received some big accolades, but one of my favorites that I met was the three families behind Trilogy Wines.

A new winemaker, right out of the gate produced an award-winning Malbec that earned them several titles including Best of Class at the 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. And while the Malbec was silky, vanilla and herby, it was some of their others like their Pinot Grigio that really got my attention (I bought a case.) But best of all, these guys had been growing peanuts before that in the same field that these amazing grapes were coming from.

So it got me thinking a lot about (and hungry for) peanuts and grapes, together. Not so much in that PBJ way (I’m not a fan for the record AT ALL), but more like in the pairing of these two Texas crops in dishes…like one of my favorites, Pad Thai. The combo of the fruit from the pinot, the creaminess of the peanut butter, and the crunch of those Texas peanuts, make it an all-star dish anytime. (And did I mention it doesn’t take long at all to make?)

Win-Win!

Shrimp Pad Thai with a Spicy Peanut Sauce

2017-09-13 16:42:38

Easy, quick and with a little spice, this is a weekday meal that's always nice!

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size

1478g

Amount Per Serving

Calories 3417

Calories from Fat 1139

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 132g

204%

Saturated Fat 22g

110%

Trans Fat 0g

Polyunsaturated Fat 46g

Monounsaturated Fat 57g

Cholesterol 718mg

239%

Sodium 7676mg

320%

Total Carbohydrates 434g

145%

Dietary Fiber 27g

107%

Sugars 94g

Protein 133g

Vitamin A

492%

Vitamin C

397%

Calcium

62%

Iron

69%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your Daily Values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Does this look wrong?

Ingredients

12 ounces shrimp, deveined, cooked (you can use any protein, but shrimp is quickest!)
12 ounces of rice noodles (I prefer linguine but you can use smaller if you need to.)
4 tablespoons sesame oil
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1 cup carrots, shredded
1 cup peppers (I used a mix of red and green)
3 tablespoons garlic, minced
1/2 tablespoon ginger (super for your digestive system)
1/2 tablespoon turmeric (super for your immune system)
1/4 cup honey, local
1/4 cup creamy Peanut Butter
1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari)
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
sriracha sauce (season to your liking)
1/2 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
Optional: cilantro chopped
Optional: lime, sliced

Instructions

Boil pasta as directed.
Drain and return to pot and 1/2 sesame oil and toss.
In another pot, heat rest of sesame oil over medium heat and add vegetables and spices.
Saute until tender.
Add honey, peanut butter, soy sauce and sriracha and simmer two minutes.
Pour sauce into pot with noodles and toss well.
To serve, garnish with chopped peanuts, chopped cilantro, and a quarter of lime.

Notes

Pairs well with a pinot grigio!

By Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

beta

calories

3417

fat

132g

protein

133g

carbs

434g

mamachallenge | Dallas Mom Blogger | Parenting Blog https://www.mamachallenge.com/

Five Ways To Take Five This Fall

September 12, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 15 Comments

Fall may mean new beginnings…but it also means busy season is in high gear! Schedule some time to take give this fall just for you.

Thanks to prAna for making us all comfortable in our skin with this sponsored post.

What’s not to love about the fall. In Texas it’s the short time span between mid-September to mid-October that the temperature is a lot like The Three Bears…Not too cold, not too hot, it’s just right. For me it reminds me of high school football, Frito Pies, baked apple pies baking in the oven, pumpkin everything, and of course, my birthday (I mean it’s in my name?)

Unfortunately as a parent it also means that school starts, PTA, practices, quickly following with decorations, holidays and much more. While in theory the fall should be this brief moment to just enjoy Mother Nature’s gift, it’s actually more like the calm before the storm. Heck, I’m already tired just thinking about it.

I wish there was one fall that I could just be a spectator and take it all in…especially before it’s over in a blink of an eye. But let’s be honest, if you want that somewhat perfect idea of the holidays to happen, you have to make it happen. Or even better, maybe we all need to change the idea of what we think the perfect holiday looks like (Pinterest is not a good example.)

“Smell your rose, blow out your candle…”

So this year I’m making a point before I get caught up in the mess of the last months to just take a few moments JUST FOR ME to appreciate the little things that make me happy. Five minutes may not seem like much, but overall it will keep your nerves at bay before you blow on Christmas Day.

Curl up with a good book.

Okay…when’s the last time you read a book (truth – I can’t even remember but I do love my Audible.) However, I love reading magazines – from start to finish – it’s like a therapeutic getaway. But whatever it looks like, don’t keep building up the pile. Find something you’ve been meaning to learn, love and get lost in and do it. Even if it’s just 5 minutes a day.

Drink the coffee (even the PSL.)

Coffee, tea, whatever…I’ve become the worst about making a cup and then getting so busy that when I get back to the cup, it’s cold. There’s nothing more disappointing. So don’t just get the cup of joe and run, savor it, smell it, taste it, experience it. It’s not really the coffee we’re going for here – it’s just taking in what’s in front of you without the distractions. Besides one pumpkin spice latte won’t hurt you.

Take a walk.

The beautiful burgundy and mustard colored leaves crackling under your feet, the aroma of earth, spice and crisp area on your shoulders…even a five minute walk will make a difference to your disposition (plus it’ll help burn the calories from your #PSL.)

Pull out the “comfty clothes.”

Everybody should have a few pieces in their closet or drawer that make them feel like you’re wrapped up in a blanket. No matter how crappy your day has been, it makes you feel good to wear them. And most of all, that you can move in them and not feel tired or restricted. My new favorite loves are these pieces from prAna – my soft merino wool sweater and deco crop leggings. Just putting them all makes my day better and that I can do anything. AND I can feel good getting all my stuff done and still feel look I’m not wearing sweats.

Get 15% off your prAna order with the code: MS15AR.

Just breathe.

I’ve found myself doing a lot of this lately. When things really hit the fan, I just have to take a few breaths to start over, reassess, and get on with it. Looking at research stress doesn’t know boundaries, it comes no matter if it’s work, home, kids, whatever. And when you’re stressed, your cortisol gets into gear and you can actually gain weight. So with all that in mind if you feel the anxiety kick in, kick back with a few deep inhales. My daughter told me her teacher says “Smell your rose, blow out your candle” and you’ll feel better. It works. Try it. And it takes less than five minutes to get back in the game.

How do you keep it together when it seems like everything is on overload?

Mix it Up with Teambuilding with Taste

September 5, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Need to cook up a new way to hang with friends or spice up work? You’ll find the recipe for fun at Teambuilding with Taste.

Thank you to Teambuilding with a Taste for inviting us for a fun experience.

One of my first jobs just out of college was as an event planner. A dream job opportunity, I was able to travel and see places I’d never been while using my OCD skills to organize conferences, meetings and networking events for our company’s executives. Team building was always a component of each event and how creatively we could get our employees to work better when they were working together. After ropes courses and retreats of many different kinds, it got hard trying to come up with something new and cool.

So when I heard about Teambuilding with a Taste in Dallas, the event planner me was all ears. Everyone loves food and so many people love cooking, so the idea is such a cool way to get people motivated. Plus it was all the parts about my favorite Food Networking shows put into one – for a timed culinary challenge that results not just in an amazing meal and memories to last a lifetime.

To get things started off right, we enjoyed a glass of wine and met all the other people participating. Once we got things rolling, we broke into teams and were briefed by the lead chef in charge Chef Joey on our assignment (to be judged later): Best Global Appetizers! For our group we were given a Scotch Egg. One of my favorite English pub staples that I have always wondered how to make and now had the opportunity to learn first hand.

For the next two hours all the teams went to work, pulling together their recipes, food items and cooking. Thankfully, we had a chef to “assist” us with some pointers to make sure we didn’t go completely off course. And just like Iron Chef, you had a table full of ingredients to add your own twist to the recipe and a huge commercial kitchen to let you cook whatever you needed, how you needed. For me, it was a dream!

After the crazy scurry to deliver something edible and presentable, and even a last-minute ingredient addition, the clock buzzed and it was “hands off the table.”

Then we met back to present our dishes and serve them to the other teams. (That might have been the best part!)

While our team may not have won, we did have a great time, met some super friends and definitely had a cool experience to remember (as well as a full tummy.)

If you’re office or organization is looking for something to mix it up, Teambuilding with Taste is a first-rate experience. With both a location here in Dallas and Atlanta, you have several options for whatever fits your needs and budget!

Available Packages

Team Building With Taste – 3 Hours: $89 to $109 per person (Based on the menu selected.) Service fee, team building fee, alcohol and tax extra. Team minimum is 10.

Taste of Innovation – 3 hours: $79 per person (Secret ingredients) Service fee, team building fee, alcohol and tax extra. Team minimum is 10.

Cooking up Camaraderie – 2 hours: $69 per person (Global appetizers menu) Service fee, alcohol and tax extra. No team building program fee. Team minimum is 10.

Visit Teambuilding with Taste to find just the right recipe for your group’s success!

In a Winc: Why Friends Are Still Important

August 30, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Think that life is too full to fit in a little time with your friends? It is. Friends are still important even when you’re a big kid.

Thank you to Winc for reminding me that every day is worth toasting to and sponsoring this post.

Parents (especially mamas) make a lot of sacrifices when you have kids. (Pause for the eye roll and “you can say that again response.”)

One of the biggest ones I never realized I’d totally throw to the bottom of my “must do” list was my friends.

I value my friends dearly and am incredibly lucky that many of my bestest friends are actually ones from my childhood – like since I was 2 years old. These are the ones that knew me when Cabbage Patch Kids were the closest thing to kids I had and would stay on my neon phone for hours to talk about absolutely nothing. They also would be the ones that when a boyfriend broke my heart or I wanted to talk about how my parents made me mad, they were there to listen to it all.

Then as I’ve been able to work at a few places along the way, I’ve made more than co-workers but friends that understood those crazy work stories and could giggle when we reminisced about conference craziness and how boss’s obsession with chicken poppers. Then of course there were the mama friends I’ve made that didn’t know the pre-mama me, but knew exactly when I needed help and brought over Tylenol (and Starbucks) when I needed it most.

I still cherish those memories and their friendship but things like a husband, 2 kids, work and all that other crap got in the way of me being a good friend.

Mostly because I let it.

Somewhere along the way I let those valuable bonds be replaced by babies, bosses, and other [email protected]

Thankfully in my old age I’ve started to notice that I’ve taken it (and them) for granted. Unfortunately I’ve also noticed, that I’m not alone.

A lot of ladies I’ve talked to lately somewhere went wrong in their pursuit of being perfect (but so far from it.)

We forgot that friendships are not something you do when it’s convenient, or just when it’s a birthday or a baby shower, or when you get divorced.

It is a human need to socialize and be with people to remind you of your best (and worst.)

As an adult WE are in charge of what we do with our time. And minute by minute, we need those friends to be a better us.

While we can’t backtrack, we can start making those friend moments a priority even when you don’t think you have the time.

1. So the next time you’re in the car, pick up the phone and call a friend. Forget Facebook and Instagram – call her.

2. Sitting in a meeting and can’t make a call? Text her and remind your friend that you think she’s awesome (she’ll appreciate it, always.)

3. Need to recharge your friendship? Ask her to coffee even if that’s just a trip to Starbucks.

4. Write her a letter (yes, people still have addresses and enjoy a handwritten note.)

5. Ask her (or even ask the whole crew over) to come over for a glass (or a bottle) of wine. If she can’t join you, send her a bottle then ask her for a Facetime and drink wine together. (Even if you don’t know what she’s drink, Winc can handle it.)

Need more ideas? No, you don’t. Friends don’t value you for what you do (isn’t that why they’re your friends), they value you because you love them and because they love you.

Need more friends? Yes, you do. There’s no such thing as too many REAL friends. So thank your old ones and if you need to make new ones, do it. Say hi, quit being quiet in the line, or smile at someone.

Need more time? No, you don’t. You probably found time to stop for Starbucks this morning or sign up for one of those Clean Up Your House Challenges you saw on Facebook. If you have time to clean out your makeup drawer, you already have time for her.

And no they won’t always be there. Unfortunately, the clock is ticking and so is each valuable relationship. They can be over in a winc.

Raise a glass and toast to friends. (Need a good one? These will make you giggle.)

How do you keep your friends your friends?

Fresh Start on Laundry: Managing the Load

August 26, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

It’s a necessary evil but it’s gotta get done: laundry. Here’s a handy list of keeping things manageable and also a way to keep you from “laundry overload.”

Thank you to Press Cleaners for helping me to manage my mamachallenge and this sponsored post.

There are two things I hate doing more than anything (yes, anything): dishes and laundry.

But they both have to get done and unfortunately neither the dishwasher or the washing machine can do it all without your special interference. (Let’s fact it, those appliances should be renamed the “dish helper” and the “washing machine steps 2-3.”)

Get a fresh start both at school and home with these laundry tips.

Did you know that on average we spend up to eight hours a month on laundry-related activities?

Donate or Alter Old Clothes

Let’s face it, last year’s wardrobe probably doesn’t fit anymore because this summer’s growth spurt decided to take matters into its own hands. If you timed everything right, one sibling can easily jump into their older sibling’s hand me downs (a lot of us have been there). If not, think about throwing any old clothes into bags and taking them to a consignment sale like Just Between Friends (it’s my favorite.) Make a little money on your old clothes and you can stock up on clothes for the next season at extraordinary prices.

Get Ready for New Stains

You know that giant box of markers you just received at SchoolSpecialty.com? You know who’s favorite color marker is going to make its mark on that brand new outfit you bought just two weeks ago. Luckily a lot of crayons and markers can easily be removed with some detergent and warm water, but if it turns nasty (looking at you, permanent markers), you’re going to need some heavier stain warfare. Make sure you’re stocked up on stain removal products so you can attack the stain once the 3:30 bell rings. If all else fails, enlist the expertise of your local dry cleaning professional, as they have more products to work with (mine says don’t do anything before you bring it to her because it can also do worth, so decide in advance who is going to take on that stain for success!)

Freshen Up Household Linens

From the school supplies to the wardrobe, everything seems like it’s getting the refresh that it deserves — except for your home. Summer break means a lot of wear and tear on your home’s furniture and linens. With the kids in school and a regular schedule back in motion, think about professionally cleaning everything from bedding to drapery. In fact, you should try to freshen up household linens frequently since they’re essentially magnets for dust, sweat, and other less than desireable friends. So how often should you be cleaning certain linens and fabrics around your home?

Women spend nearly an hour a day on laundry and interior cleaning (compared to men at just 15 minutes on average)

Here’s a quick guide for reference:

Bedding (Sheets/Pillowcases) – Weekly
Bath Towels – Clean After 4-5 Uses
Workout Towels – Clean After Each Use
Curtains – Every 1 to 3 Months
Duvet Cover/Comforter – Every 3 to 6 Months
Pillows – Every 3 to 6 Months
Couch Cushion Covers – Every 3 to 6 Months

If you just went through that list and don’t know the last time you actually cleaned some of those items, it’s probably a good time to get it done. Some items, such as towels and sheets, can easily be cleaned at home. Others, such as curtains and couch covers, typically need professional care. If you smoke inside or have residents that are allergy-prone, you’ll want to increase the frequency of the cleanings.

All Hands On Deck: Laundry Day for the Family

Family laundry day? The words make me laugh, but even at the age of 6, my daughter is required to put in a little time. But when there’s just no time at all and the laundry starts to pile up like a national monument in your house, it’s time for reinforcements. Press (think uber for laundry) helps you get through the work so you can get to what you need to or even better, find time to spend as a family – not doing laundry. With free pickup and delivery, all you have to do is put it at the door and they’ll send it back to you – clean and folded!

Get $10 off your first order in Dallas or Fort Worth by using promo code “MAMACHALLENGE” at sign up.

Back to School Breakfasts

August 19, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 13 Comments

Take away the back to school blues with these easy breakfast recipes that are on the go and good for you!

As featured on Fox Good Day Dallas, August 19. 2017

School time makes my house absolute chaos. No matter how many processes and advance plans we put in place, the morning time looks a lot like marathon and no one is going to win. With all the craziness, I still want to try to get something down their throats and mine that’s healthy and tastes food. So here are a few best-sellers at our house that work for the whole family and with just a little time (very little), we can still manage to get to school with a few minutes to spare (well most the time!) I recently shared these on Fox Good Day just in time for Back to School time!

Added Nutrition: Banana Bread made with yogurt or applesauce

Protein Packed Pumpkin Smoothie

Easy Eggs: Jimmy Dean Simple Scrambles

Peanut Butter Granola

Win $50 gift card to Simon Gift Card from Allen Premium Outlets

Cinnamon Peanut Butter Granola

August 18, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

If you love peanuts you’ll love this easy recipe for breakfast granola made with peanut butter and roasted peanuts. Once you make this, you’ll never buy cereal ever again!

Thank you to the Texas Peanut Producers Board for sharing that there’s a lot more to peanuts than peanuts and for this sponsored post.

Recently I took a trip to Lubbock, Texas to learn about peanuts. I wasn’t sure what all I was going to see, especially in West Texas, but with just 48 hours in Red Raiders country and I had a great time getting hands-on with farming, manufacturing, distributing and appreciating peanuts. I shared a lot of the highlights on the trip on social, but I can’t wait to share how much work goes into that jar of PB in your cabinet.

It takes almost 850 peanuts to make an 18oz jar of peanut butter!

Of course when I returned home after my peanut paloooza, I was craving peanuts more than ever. And with several jars of peanut butter in hand a need to get more protein in my family’s body in the morning, this granola came to be.

With just seven ingredients, you probably have these items in your pantry so it’s super cost-effective! You can eat on it all week and for every meal (I love it with yogurt and berries and my husband eats it on top of his ice cream!) Another thing I love about this granola is that it’s full of healthy ingredients and still tastes so indulgent, especially when you top it with the roasted peanuts.

Cinnamon Peanut Butter Granola

2017-08-18 23:06:32

A peanut lover's dream with peanut butter and roasted peanuts.

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size

959g

Amount Per Serving

Calories 4328

Calories from Fat 1904

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 224g

345%

Saturated Fat 33g

165%

Trans Fat 0g

Polyunsaturated Fat 68g

Monounsaturated Fat 111g

Cholesterol 0mg

Sodium 1238mg

52%

Total Carbohydrates 473g

158%

Dietary Fiber 70g

279%

Sugars 113g

Protein 146g

Vitamin A

Vitamin C

Calcium

56%

Iron

156%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your Daily Values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Does this look wrong?

Ingredients

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (I love Homeplate Peanut Butter!)
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup roasted peanuts

Instructions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Combine everything together into a bowl.
Spread mixture onto a baking dish with a rim.
Bake, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, approximately 20-25 minutes.
Allow to cool before serving with yogurt, milk or as a snack.

By Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

beta

calories

4328

fat

224g

protein

146g

carbs

473g

mamachallenge | Dallas Mom Blogger | Parenting Blog https://www.mamachallenge.com/

Protein Packed Pumpkin Smoothie

August 17, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 15 Comments

Can you smell the pumpkin in the air? It’s time to fall in love with pumpkin – and with this healthy protein packed Pumpkin Smoothie – get your pumpkin fix every day, all day, all year!

Thank you to Dairy MAX via One2One Network for this sponsored post that reminds us all being healthy can be easy, fun and taste so good!

In this world, there are two kinds of people: those that love pumpkin and those that don’t.

I fall very much in that category of pumpkin lovers. About August all of a sudden I get this craving for the feel of fall, the smell cinnamon, and the taste of pumpkin in everything. Perhaps it’s my name or the 100 degree temps in Texas that drive it, but it’s alive and well (and we show it.)

Unfortunately eating pumpkin pie all day, everyday isn’t going to do anyone any favors. On its own, pumpkin has some super qualities to impact your health from your eyesight, blood pressure and even your sleep. But if you really want to add a powerful punch, add dairy (cow’s milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.), to get nine essential nutrients and the protein you need to keep moving all day long.

At 8 grams of protein, you would have to drink 8 cups of almond milk to equal the amount in just 1 cup of cow’s milk.

Always on the go, this go-to pumpkin smoothie recipe will be your saving grace plus you don’t need to add protein powder like many smoothies because it’s already in there! In the morning I make this for breakfast for the kids and me before running out the door. And sometimes in the evening this smoothie is the ultimate indulgence without any of the guilt and all of the healthy benefits!

And best of all, it’s easy to make with pumpkin, milk, yogurt, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice and you can also add a few other things if you really want to kick your health or your tastebuds into overdrive, you can add vanilla for a little bit more sweetness or turmeric for its anti-inflamatory and antioxidant properties as well as ginger (which also is a great combo with pumpkin (hello gingerbread!)

Throw these ingredients and some ice cubes into the blender and you’re on your way to an amazing smoothie that tastes good and is so good for you!

Healthy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

2017-08-17 07:53:37

Serves 1

Have your pumpkin and drink it too! This protein-packed smoothie makes it healthy to have pumpkin pie everyday!

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Total Time

5 min

Total Time

5 min

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size

849g

Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 380

Calories from Fat 35

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 4g

Saturated Fat 2g

12%

Trans Fat 0g

Polyunsaturated Fat 0g

Monounsaturated Fat 1g

Cholesterol 12mg

Sodium 153mg

Total Carbohydrates 78g

26%

Dietary Fiber 11g

42%

Sugars 52g

Protein 14g

Vitamin A

769%

Vitamin C

37%

Calcium

42%

Iron

24%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your Daily Values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Does this look wrong?

Ingredients

1 frozen banana (chopped into chunks)
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup full fat yogurt (i like greek style)
1/2 milk
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (I have a great recipe to make your own)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ginger or turmeric
1 cup ice

Instructions

Add all the ingredients into the blender in order and blend until smooth.
Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Notes

Using dairy in this recipe gives you a power-packed protein and nutrient punch!

By Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

beta

calories

380

fat

protein

14g

carbs

78g

mamachallenge | Dallas Mom Blogger | Parenting Blog https://www.mamachallenge.com/

For important nutritional info on dairy plus delicious recipes, fun, games and the stories about the families that get it to your table, visit Dairy Discovery Zone. Brought you by Dairy MAX, the Dairy Discovery Zone is a non-profit affiliate of the Dairy Council, funded by dairy farming families across Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and southwest Kansas.

Easy Guide to Big Savings at Allen Premium Outlets {Giveaway}

August 8, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 93 Comments

Want how to get the most out of your back to school budget? We have your easy guide to big savings at the Allen Premium Outlets.

Thanks to Allen Premium Outlets for the savings and this sponsored post.

Mowing lawns. Babysitting. Doing extra chores.

Growing up, I saved up $100 all summer to buy my back-to-school clothes. Back to school time meant it was your opportunity to create “your style” for the next year.

Things haven’t changed much when it comes to making your mark at school, but that $100 doesn’t go quite as far as it used to and I don’t have the time to know all the ins and outs of savings, either.

But at the Allen Premium Outlets you don’t have to work at saving money because they make it easy! And this weekend aiming to help you make the most of your money for back to school! With this guide to savings at Allen Premium Outlets, you can really make your dollar stretch for the whole family!

1. GO: Texas’ Tax-Free Weekend, August 11-13.

We do it big in Texas and BTS shopping is no different. So Aug. 11-13, 2017, Texas retailers help us celebrate BIG savings during Tax-Free Weekend, a three-day span where sales tax isn’t added to most clothing, backpacks, footwear, supplies, etc. up to $100. That means you can save approximately 8% on every dollar you spend when you buy these items.

And Allen Premium Outlets sweetens the deal with extended hours during tax-free weekend.

Shop to You Drop with Extended Hours for Back to School at Allen Premium Outlets

Friday, August 11 – 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Saturday, August 12 – 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Sunday, August 13 – 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

* Department store hours may vary

2. Get Ready for the Deals.

The sales during Tax-Free Weekend make it pretty sweet to go shopping, especially since you don’t have to do anything but walk in and start shopping.

If possible, if there are a few stores you know you’re going to want to visit, then do a little homework to see the deals on the website. Just walking into Gymboree, we found out that EVERYTHING in the store was under $12.50! When we added their discount with the 25% VIP Club offer (see below, you have to learn about it), my kids went crazy…and I could let them! Plus when we checked out, I signed up for the Gymboree Rewards card to get reward dollars back (we were halfway there already) and received $50 in GymBucks (that’s $50 off a $100 purchase.)

Savings here today: $185.39 (My total would have been $321.29!)

Savings in the future: More than $55!

Savings in total: $240.39!

And check out this deal we found at The Children’s Place. $3.99 TEES!

3. Sign up for your favorite retailers emails.

If you don’t get emails from your favorite stores, you are losing money! I know it’s your email address you don’t want to share, so create another one just for your deals. I have one and that let’s me search easily before I shop to see which retailers have a good deal. For this trip, Gap Factory Store had a great deal on 40% off any purchase. So my husband picked up a few shorts and I picked up a cute shirt. That discount plus being rewarded for using my Gap Credit Card gave me another 10% off. Added together with the savings (and the in-store sale), we only spent $29 for a savings of over $90! (That was too easy, right?)

Don’t miss this deal either if you’re shopping this weekend – August 25.

Buy $150 worth of gift cards from any of the Gap brands, and you’ll get another $30 Simon Gift Card.

4. Be a Simon VIP.

This is an easy one – and best of all it works at all your favorite Simon mall locations. Sign up for the VIP Club for free and BAM – they are coupons already loaded and ready to go! I did this on the spot and was able to get to the coupons immediately to some of my favorites including Polo Ralph Lauren Children’s Factory Store for 20% off $100. All I had to do was show them the coupon and I got the savings.

Want to see how it broke down? It was $43.58 off what I thought I was going to spend that day. That was awesome.

5. Get Your Simon Passport to Savings!

When I arrived at Allen Premium Outlets, I didn’t know why all these people were in line at Customer Relations (in the food court.) But I quickly found out that occasionally I would also get to come pick up my Passport to Savings that included additional offers that were not included in my VIP coupons. There was a whole booklet of deals with several of my planned shopping destinations. And because some of the offers were so good, I actually went to check a few other stores I hadn’t planned (because saving makes me happy.)

Since my husband needed a few things (and so did I), we made a quick stop for the Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store. The Passport to Savings had $25 off $200 so we now there we saved another $25!

It had been a while since I headed to Allen Premium Outlets, especially with online shopping being so easy, but with these deals it’s hard to just not want to save money! In total this trip alone I saved almost $250! And there are lots of new things happening at the APO too – I even saw a new Tory Burch store going in and lots of new parking being built!

Plus with all the deals I have already for my next shopping trip in addition to my Passport to Savings, we’ll be back to Allen Premium Outlets soon!

Want to make it more fun to shop?

Win $50 Gift Card to Allen Premium Outlets

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wish you could take a little bit of Magnolia home with you? With this copycat recipe for their signature Lemon Lavender Cupcakes you can!

Wonder what peanuts and pinot have to do with each other? Plenty. And we’re serving up a recipe for Pad Thai with Spicy Peanut Sauce to really show off this all-star Texas pairing.

Fall may mean new beginnings…but it also means busy season is in high gear! Schedule some time to take give this fall just for you.

Curl up with a good book.

Drink the coffee (even the PSL.)

Take a walk.

Pull out the “comfty clothes.”

Just breathe.

Need to cook up a new way to hang with friends or spice up work? You’ll find the recipe for fun at Teambuilding with Taste.

Think that life is too full to fit in a little time with your friends? It is. Friends are still important even when you’re a big kid.

It’s a necessary evil but it’s gotta get done: laundry. Here’s a handy list of keeping things manageable and also a way to keep you from “laundry overload.”

Donate or Alter Old Clothes

Get Ready for New Stains

Freshen Up Household Linens

All Hands On Deck: Laundry Day for the Family

Take away the back to school blues with these easy breakfast recipes that are on the go and good for you!

Easy Eggs: Jimmy Dean Simple Scrambles

If you love peanuts you’ll love this easy recipe for breakfast granola made with peanut butter and roasted peanuts. Once you make this, you’ll never buy cereal ever again!

Can you smell the pumpkin in the air? It’s time to fall in love with pumpkin – and with this healthy protein packed Pumpkin Smoothie – get your pumpkin fix every day, all day, all year!

Want how to get the most out of your back to school budget? We have your easy guide to big savings at the Allen Premium Outlets.

1. GO: Texas’ Tax-Free Weekend, August 11-13.

2. Get Ready for the Deals.

3. Sign up for your favorite retailers emails.

Don’t miss this deal either if you’re shopping this weekend – August 25.

Buy $150 worth of gift cards from any of the Gap brands, and you’ll get another $30 Simon Gift Card.

4. Be a Simon VIP.

5. Get Your Simon Passport to Savings!

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