Autumn Rose Reo

Makin’ a List, Checking it Twice: Hot Holiday Toy List 2017 {Giveaway}

November 29, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 165 Comments

Whether you’re giving or getting, when it comes to the holidays, it’s all about making the list! Here’s the mamachallenge’s Holiday Hot Toy List 2017!

Thank you to so many of these sponsors for making this list possible! And to Good Morning Texas for featuring some of their favorites.

And don’t forget to enter to win many of these hot toys below.

Let’s start off by saying this time of year my kids really come in handy.

Best Board Games

That’s right – how else do you think my research panel really works? By asking the pros (i.e. the kids) to let me know their thoughts (and put it together) that’s how I REALLY find out how cool (or not so cool) the new toys each year will be. And this year we’ve been hard at work…especially to find some monkeys that sound like they should be potatoes and hamsters to serve us burgers. (Don’t worry, we’ll explain.)

I’m a huge fan of buying a board game for the kids each year. It’s like a stocking stuffer, but it’s also something for us to do together on Christmas and is helping to build their own library of games when they get older and have families.

Shark Bite by Pressman

This is a fun game for the littles and best of all, doesn’t need batteries! It’s like the Go Fishing game we used to play but sharks! It’s easy to get rolling quickly and easy to play!

Soggy Doggy by Spin Master

Of course the kids will like it, Soggy Doggy is the game of getting wet by your Soggy Doggy while he takes a bath! Another game that’s perfect for all ages and doesn’t take forever to get the idea of how to play!

Ship of Treasures by Pressman

I love this game because it was created by two 5th grade girls who won the Chicago Toy and Game Fair’s Young Inventor Challenge. They created the playing pieces to look like themselves, used the box as part of the game, and 10% of profits go to the Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago in honor of school mate who died of cancer.

UltraDash by PlayMonster

It’s a game that gets them moving – and isn’t that what we need!?! Easy to work, easy to put together, three modes, and many ways to play! Get them to Ultra Dash with this fun and inexpensive way to exercise while having a great time playing together.

YULU SpyCode Operation: Escape Room

Taking off from the escape room craze, SpyCode Operation: Escape Room brings the fun home to you. “Lock up” your friend and then complete challenges to get them out!

Monopoly Special Edition Gamer

Gamers normally play their games on a screen, but this version of Nintendo’s Mario Bros. comes as the classic game of Monopoly; complete with figurines of the characters and coins instead of cash. If you have a gamer on your list but don’t want to give them another cartridge to add to their list, this is the game for you!

The New Thing!

Zuru Hamsters Ham’s Burger Diner

Every season their are the must-have toys on the list that you wonder what makes this swoon – the Zuru Hamsters is one of 2017 must-haves! Part of the Hamsters in a House set, the newly released Hamsters in a House Food Frenzy let’s Ham (one of the 11 collectible Hamsters) take over his own diner with lots of fun as he zooms through his diner. Yep, hamsters, food and fun is the name of the game – and they’ll love it.

L.O.L Surprise!

Talk about a gift that’s going to make them go wild! Just like unwrapping any gift, there’s a buzz of anticipation and that feeling of, oh-my-goodness, what’s going to be inside?! L.O.L. Surprise! TM Series 2 includes new Tots with 7 layers of surprise and now, new Lil Sisters with 5 layers of surprise! Each layer reveals a hint of which fierce, fashion-forward L.O.L. Surprise!TM doll you’re unboxing. Over 80 characters to collect, unbox them all!

WowWee Fingerlings

Wonder what gift is making parents everyone sit in lines and pay big dollars to make sure there’s one under the tree? The Fingerlings are 2017 MUST HAVE. This interactive monkeys respond to sound, motion, and touch with blinking eyes, head turns, and silly monkey babble. Blow them kisses and they will kiss you back! Hang them upside-down by the tail and watch them monkey around! Pet them to sleep or make a loud noise and watch them get excited!

My Golden Ticket A Journey Into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory

This was the gift I think I wanted but felt like I had to get for my kid instead. Taking a spin on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory but now your child has become part of the journey. Each book is personalized with names, inscriptions and even option chocolate aroma within the pages. You’ll want this one to stay with them for ages. Get 15% off with this code: https://buff.ly/2yhLsSF.

The Classics Gone Better

Nerf Modulus Regulator

The Nerf Modulus Regulator blaster features single-fire, burst-fire, and fully motorized blasting power (yep this is the BIG ONE!) The REGULATOR blaster is customizable and compatible with accessories within the MODULUS system, you can build the ultimate blasters.

ZFlyte Luggage Scooter

Remember that time you when to the airport with your kiddo and wished they could roll their own suitcase or ride it to the gate instead of you holding their hand? The ZFlyte makes it fun for the kids to take care of their stuff with a combo suitcase and scooter in one. Several characters available for travel made fun.

Pillow Pets Disney Emoticons

Since 2003, Pillow Pet® plush folding stuffed animals have been bringing smiles to the faces of all ages. But now they’ve added Disney and emoticons to the mix. You can’t ever go wrong with a Pillow Pet and now with Disney, you might even want one for yourself.

LEGO LOVE

You can’t ever go wrong with LEGO! No matter the age or the gender, we love our LEGOs.

BRICK HEADZ – Beauty and the Beast

Forget sets, these LEGOS turn into your favorite characters including Belle and Beast! Including all kinds of special detailing, each LEGO BrickHeadz construction character comes with its own buildable collector’s baseplate featuring series number and BrickHeadz icon. Yes, you’ll want to get them all but the best part is, these sets are priced perfect for the stocking stuffers!

LEGO Friends Snow Resort Chalet

Make it a winter wonderland all the time with this fun FRIENDS Snow Resort Chalet. Featuring a 2-story log cabin with outdoor hot tub, kitchen, lounge area with fireplace, dining area with table and chairs, upstairs bedroom with 3 beds and a snowmobile. AND mini-doll figures in winter outfits, plus a Luna the husky figure. Accessory elements include skis, wooden trunk, cups, pot, cheese, croissant, board game, snow resort flyer, mobile phone, action camera, perfume bottles, dog food and a map. Yep, this is the best way to go skiing – without going anywhere.

DC SuperHero Girls Eclipso Dark Palace

Move over Batman, the SuperHero Girls are here to rule the world! That’s right, Wonder Woman and her pals are ready to fight evil in their Dark Palace. The Eclipso Dark Palace features a foldout palace, opening tubes to hold LEGO DC Super Hero Girls characters, powering station, planning room, vanity cabinet, weapons cabinet, a Kryptomite creation section and this includes 3 mini-doll figures: Wonder Woman, Eclipso and The Flash, plus 3 orange Kryptomite figures!

Interactive STEM/STEAM Toys

Disney Princess Dance Code Belle

I love a good princess story, but one that also teaches my child codding, now that’s a tale I’m happy to create. Disney Princess Dance Code Belle uses the 10 dances already included or you choose to use an app, you create Belle’s next move with easy choreography though coding. She sings, she dances, and she makes it all fun!

Project Mc2 Smart Pixel Purse

My purse can do a lot of things, but light up with designs isn’t one of them. But this one is. Featured on the Emmy nominated Netflix original series, the Pixel Purse is the ultimate accessory for the Nov 8 agents’ next mission. This real purse comes pre-programmed with over 10 animations for easy out-of-the-box play or customize the multi-color LED display with your own designs or phrases using free iOS and Android app.

Hasbro Play-Doh Touch Shape to Life

Take your Play-Doh creations to the next level with this amazing studio. Take a photo of your creation and watch as it comes to life on screen to move, interact and take clay to a whole new world.

Hasbro furReal Makers Proto Max

My kid told Santa he wanted a puppy for Christmas. Thankfully I found Proto Max as the answer. The furReal series is so FOR REAL as you use easy coding on an app to create your puppy and then all of his movements, reactions, etc. He moves, he expresses and reacts with his feelings, and changes colors for the perfect pet you don’t have to clean up after. We already named ours Sweetie Baby.

Don’t miss more giveaways and your Mom Holiday Survival Guide – NOVEMBER 30 ON FACEBOOK!

Hasbro DropMix

Don’t play with this one before your kids or you might keep it for yourself. Really. Developed with Harmonix, creators of Rock Band and Dance Central, you become the DJ with this fast-paced music mixing game that lets you create unexpected song mixes featuring music from top artists and popular songs (the real versions!) using an app and a bluetooth speaker to really let you skills flow.

Santa Gifts

Little Tikes Princess Horse and Carriage

A classic twist on the favorite little red buggy, your princess or prince will love driving their own carriage (or you can push/pull them with the removable floorboard.) This is a dream for many kids under the tree and you’ll be the Fairy Godmother with the Little Tykes Princess Horse and Carriage.

BMW Z8 Ride-On

This is the ride we wish we could all zip into the drive way! The BMW Z8 Ride-On from Dynacraft is what the cool kids are driving even when they’re under four foot tall. This car has an authentic BMW Z8 look and emblems, realistic interior detailing, working headlights and Mp3 input and cord for your kids to Jam out to their favorite tunes while driving!

Dynacraft Black Ice eDrifter

Dad, this isn’t supposed to be for you, but once you put it together, you might change your mind. The electric drive wheel powers the eDrifter to drift a full 360 to 720 degrees just like you’re on black ice. Like a motorbike this sturdy vehicle (designed for kids 13 and up), has tubeless tires with PVC drifter sleeves and goes 12 miles per hour.

Now get shopping, Christmas is just around the corner!

Ready to win?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tres Leches Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon Whip

November 27, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 24 Comments

What’s is your Christmas tradition? Toast to Santa with this Tres Leche Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon Whip for the creamiest way to fiesta.

Thank you to Nestlé® for helping to make the holidays a little extra special and this sponsored post #JuntosConNestle.

Through the years our holiday traditions have changed.

When I was a little girl Christmas lasted for weeks it seemed, traveling to one of my grandma’s or my aunt’s house, enjoying a huge meal and of course, opening presents.

But it wasn’t just what we did at the holidays together – it was the smells, the tastes, and of course, the sounds of laughter that still permeate my memories.

As I have gotten older, there have been fewer holiday stops to be made. I was lucky to celebrate a few of them with my children and that maybe, just maybe they’ll remember the same things I did at grandma’s – like the way it smelled when she was cooking, the cackles she made when a joke was super funny, or grandpa’s special hiding place for his chocolate we’d all sneak a piece throughout Christmas.

However, one of my favorites is the experience of the perfect hot chocolate on Christmas. And not that stuff you get in the envelope either. This is the creamy, perfect taste of hot cocoa that Santa Claus would almost come back for if he could. My mother would spend time making hot chocolate and I never knew why she went to so much time to make it but was always thankful that she did once it was cool enough to put my lips to the mug.

It’s exactly how Christmas morning was meant to be enjoyed – including the tearing up of beautiful Christmas presents, lots of kisses and hugs, and of course, sipping rich hot chocolate with just a little bit of cream on your nose.

Now as an adult, I realize good hot chocolate can’t be quick. Like most of Christmas, it’s about the love and time you put into that will be realized only when you stop to savor what you put into it. Like a tres leches cake that layers different milks to make one of the most delectable cakes ever with ingredients you can find in your pantry.

However, at the holidays, we always stock up at Walmart for items like Nestlé® Carnation evaporated milk. It’s like a little miracle throughout the season when you run out of milk, want to make a rich gravy just like grandma or when you want the creamiest hot chocolate, just like this Tres Leche Hot Chocolate. And it wouldn’t be complete without homemade whipped cream (and a little bit of cinnamon and spice to make your holiday nice!

Did you know what evaporated milk is?
Basically it’s unsweetened milk without about 60% of the water removed so it’s shelf stable and takes far less product to use for recipes with milk.

But of course, this recipe don’t just use Nestlé® Carnation evaporated milk, but milk, heavy cream, and Nestlé® Le Lachera® sweetened condensed milk. Now that’s the secret to creamy hot chocolate.

And maybe one other little something: cinnamon! Using cinnamon (and a little nutmeg) in the cocoa as well as the whipped cream gives it that unique taste that adds not just another layer to your Christmas but also makes it a cut above any cocoa you’ve ever had. (And if you’re up for it, add a little ancho or chile powder on the whip for even more spice!)

Whether you sit around the fire or just want to add something special to your holiday storytime, this hot cocoa recipe with Nestlé® Carnation evaporated milk is the last cocoa you’ll ever make – and keep you coming back for more.

Just make sure to take the time to enjoy making it as much as you do sipping it later. That’s the real secret to this recipe (and the holidays.)

Tres Leches Hot Cocoa with Cinnamon Whip

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

Print Recipe

Description

Toast to Santa with this Tres Leche Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon Whip for the creamiest way to fiesta.

Ingredients

Scale

Cocoa
1 cup milk
1 can Nestlé® Carnation evaporated milk
⅛ heavy cream
⅛ Nestlé® La Lechera® condensed milk
4 oz. bittersweet chocolate
1 cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon cinnamon
½ tablespoon nutmeg
Cinnamon Whip
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon sugar (use as needed)
1 tablespoon vanilla
Cinnamon
Ancho or Chipotle Chile Pepper (optional)
Chocolate shavings

Instructions

Combine all the cocoa ingredients together and stir over medium heat until warm and melted. Remove cinnamon stick.
For the whipped cream, using a chilled bowl, beat whipping cream with hand mixer until stiff, adding vanilla and sugar to your liking. Serve over hot chocolate and dust with cinnamon, chocolate shavings and spices (optional.)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2
Calories: 1560
Sugar: 63
Sodium: 366
Fat: 125
Saturated Fat: 77
Unsaturated Fat: 41
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 86
Protein: 26
Cholesterol: 395

How to Win at Holiday Meal Planning

November 22, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

No time to plan that picture-perfect holiday meal? No problem. Win at holiday meal planning in just a few steps.

Thank you to Barefoot Wine and Thermoserv for helping us put together the perfect holiday for this imperfect parent and this sponsored post.

If you’re anything like me, you just started putting up the ghosts and goblins and now you’re hosting the family holiday meal at your house tomorrow. (True story.)

But instead of screaming like a mad woman (although oventing is always allowed), there are a few quick tips you can put to work that still make you look like you’ve been planning for months.

Quick Tips to Win at Holiday Meal Planning

1. Ditch the Standard Decor.

This year throw out the gourds on the table and go with something you already have like candles and other pieces you can find around the house. If you choose a few items that are monotone like silver or gold, paired together always look upscale. For our theme this year, we used a few rustic pieces like burlap and white candles blended with golds and roses to make the table pop and the only thing I bought was some fresh flowers at the grocery store. Done in a way that could make JoJo proud.

2. Play up the Placards.

Mitigate all the wrong people sitting at the table next to each other with table assignments. But you don’t have to spend hours to make cute little individualized pieces, let the kids make it their own craft (delegation is key) or go with class with thank you notes.

Write individual thank you note including why you are thankful for each person coming to dinner and address the envelope with their name. Place on the each seat and tada – table settings. Last minute drop in? You can just quickly write out another one and add it to the their seat. My favorite part is that you’ve added a special note that makes that person feel good and keeps the holidays on the true meaning of friends and family, not spending hours decorating.

3. Streamline the Spirits.

I love having options, especially when it comes to wine, but it does get complicated when you take your menu and your guests into consideration. So instead of trying to pick the right red, white or something else for those that don’t drink wine, go with one signature cocktail and call it done.

I always serve sangria at Thanksgiving and we’ve never had complaints! Plus it looks very festive and can be made in advance so you can concentrate on other dinner making. My new sangria recipe includes fruit and rose. Rose you say? Yep, it’s not just for summer, fall in love with rose and this sangria recipe made with Barefoot Wine Rose that’s not only totally holiday perfect and all year ’round! (And at less than $10 a bottle makes it real easy to keep costs affordable.)

Rosé Sangria

Ingredients

1 bottle Barefoot Rosé still wine

2 ½ ounces dark rum

6 ¼ ounces each of pomegranate, white cranberry and orange juice

3 ¾ ounces maple syrup

Fresh red pear, green pear and orange cut into thin slices

Directions

Place prepared fruit into large pitcher. Pour in all liquid ingredients and stir briefly. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Serve over ice and top with fruit. Done.

4. Cut the China.

This one was a hard one for me because I LOVE beautiful china and glassware pieces. I’ve collected so many pieces over the years, however, I also am anxious the whole meal it’s going to get broken and then when the meal is over, immediately have to handwash them since they aren’t dishwasher safe. It’s just not worth it! But I’m not suggesting to break out the paper plates either. ThermoServ creates a melamine dinnerware called the Chef’s Collection Classic Series that can be incorporate into your table setting without the worry. Made with 100% Melamine, so it’s scratch and impact resistant (kids!). It;s also restaurant quality and BPA free with no fillers. I used my four place settings with plastic chargers and the table looked first-class without all the glass:)

5. Go with Comfort.

Doesn’t it seem assign that you wear some of the nicest clothes you own to eat greasy food and then lounge watching TV? So don’t.

It may have been your tradition, but at our holiday meal yoga pants and Pjs are our required attire. Everyone comes with a chipper disposition and no one gets their best clothes dirty. Besides who wants to watch the Cowboys in their heels and hose. We already bought ours holiday pjs at Target, so we’ll stay in them all day. Besides, they’re soft and make for comfy wear all day!

Now cheers and enjoy!

Raspberry Chipotle Cocktail Weenie Wreath

November 14, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 18 Comments

Forget cookies…Santa’s looking for this holiday hors d’oeuvres under tree. This new party favorite takes the best of both for the best app: Raspberry Chipotle Cocktail Weenie Wreath.

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Santa’s Toy Factory at the Parks at Arlington

November 6, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Santa’s getting really generous by letting kids get hands-on at Santa’s Toy Factory at the Parks at Arlington beginning Nov. 11.

Thanks to General Growth Properties and Mattel for sharing this sneak peek opportunity by sponsoring mamachallenge.com.

©2017 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. ©2017 Mattel. All Rights Reserved.

The Parks at Arlington Mall has partnered with Mattel to introduce a new holiday adventure that will be memorable for the entire family. Santa’s Toy Factory will open on Nov. 11 in the center court area of the shopping center.

To be honest every year I telling Santa (or grandma and grandpa) what to get the kids for Christmas and I don’t even know what they are! Not that Barbie^®, Hot Wheels^®, and Thomas & Friends^™or Santa ever disappoint (as all of them are always on the top of my kids’ Christmas list), but wouldn’t it be great to find out how a toy works or see if your kids really like it before it makes the FINAL CHRISTMAS LIST?

More about Santa’s Toy Factory:

Image Credit: ©2017 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. ©2017 Mattel. All Rights Reserved.

Santa’s Toy Factory is designed to empower creativity through an interactive, immersive experience to meet Santa. Within the 1,600 square-foot space, young guests will have the opportunity to “test” new toys in Santa’s Factory before they get delivered to all the boys and girls on Christmas morning. After they “test” the toys, they visit different stations to digitally design, build and paint toys from Mattel’s iconic brands including Barbie^®, Hot Wheels^®, and Thomas & Friends^™. The grand finale, of course, will be meeting Santa himself for photos and to share their holiday wish list.

“We are proud to be partnering with Mattel to bring this new, one-of-a-kind holiday concept to life,” said Lorie Lisius, general manager of Parks at Arlington. “We are always looking for ways to introduce new brands and experiences to our community and can’t wait to showcase Santa’s Toy Factory this holiday season. We know our guests will embrace it.”

The experience with Santa’s Toy Factory is free-of-charge and photo packages begin at $39.99. To make reservations to ensure quicker access, please click HERE. If you’d like more information, please visit www.VisitSantasToyFactory.com. Parks at Arlington is located at 3811 South Cooper and is home to a plethora of high-quality tenants including H&M, Aveda and Dickey’s BBQ.

Check out these One-Day Special Events Too!

You Can Be Anything Barbie

November 11, 2017
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Center Court

Thomas and His Super Station

November 28, 2017
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Center Court

Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage

December 10, 2017
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Center Court

Get Social with Parks at Arlington

Twitter: @ParksArlington

Instagram: @theparksmallsatarlington

Facebook: @TheParksMallatArlington

Get Social with Mattel

Twitter: @Mattel

Instagram: @Mattel

Facebook: @Mattel

Disclosure: I’ve partnered with Bloggin’ Mamas & GGP Parks at Arlington to share these free family events with my readers, and am being compensated for this partnership. All opinions expressed are my own.

Creating Your Own Modern Mom Style

October 25, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Seem like mom + fashion don’t go together? With just a few staples, you can create your own modern mom style.

Congrats to Talbots for celebrating 70 years of style and this sponsored post.

Style isn’t a word I’d ever used to describe me.

Unless you’re talking about the absence of it.

…And style blogger? I agree I’m a blogger and that I’m always in search of style, but style and blogger don’t belong in the same sentence with me. I even if I tried, I just can’t pull off that “gazing into nothingness” look that most fashion bloggers ace like a champ all over Instagram and make us all swoon to get it now. (I follow all of them so I know it works.)

But it’s not me. (See I’m even laughing at me.)

I admit used to try. Like really I did. I even was named “Most Sophisticated” in high school for my daily use of scarves and the endless black wardrobe. (Yes, there is a picture somewhere.)

Then I had kids.

It’s not that I didn’t want to look good but let’s face it, there’s a magical moment once you have children, and continuously have to wipe up endless spit up, change blowout dirty diapers, and deal with whatever crap that gets thrown at you (literally), many women choose comfort versus style.

And yoga pants? They are the comfortable version of Spanx (Spanx light if you will) that you don’t mind pulling on or better yet a “thigh lift” that makes you feel a little better about letting go (as long as you look more like Sporty Spice than Scary Spice.) Throw in a ballcap and I’m set. (Just ask most of Arlington…that’s my wardrobe.)

(Insert most all photos of me here for the yoga look.)

But you can’t always wear yoga pants everyday and to be honest, you shouldn’t. Sometimes there are occasions that you have to peel off the spandex and put your best self forward. If you’re like me, I don’t want to spend a fortune or trendy. My “style” is one of classic + comfort with a little bit of fun. Basically, for me, I need to be able to head to a meeting and then pick up my kids and go into mom mode without feeling uncomfortable or out of place in any place.

A tailored jacket, a classic black dress, a crisp white shirt, a beautiful scarf, a statement necklace, a great handbag…these are the staple items that you need to make the most of your closet and to create your style. Talbots, which has made its name known for its classic, sophisticated style, has developed a signature wardrobe capsule to design your own modern mom style. The line is part of its exclusive anniversary collection celebrating women through the ages for their own iconic style.

For the record, I hate pink. It’s never been a color that I feel comfortable in. At my age I’ve learned to be ok that my closet, which is at least 75% black, is ok. To me black always is in style and I feel like I look good in it when I wear it. But there is something to having one item in your wardrobe that says wow. This jacket definitely makes an impact, draws the eye in, and gets your attention. I think you can agree this bright pink one does that exactly.

The only thing that you need to add is one pair of basic black heels and blue jeans and you’re all set – all year long. Now mix it up your way to make a look that’s you!

Style doesn’t have to be complicated or one that requires you tuning into Instagram daily to figure it out or have to work to get it right. When you know you have the right ingredients to start, your finished dish is pretty easy to get right.

Be #CurvesStrong

October 20, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 11 Comments

What does it mean to be #CurvesStrong? It’s much more than a hashtag.

Thank you Curves® International for sponsoring this post and making me #CurvesStrong.

A month ago I was invited for one month to Curves Fitness® Program. I had seen Curves locations before and had some preconceived notions about what a Curves program was. But since I’m always up to try anything especially when you can do it with a friend, I was game. So wine time turned to workout time and together my friend and I scheduled a month of Curves workouts together.

The program seemed easy: join in the circle of workout machines for 30 minute workout (a two-time circuit) and go. Actually it seemed so easy that it couldn’t possible work. And without complicated rules, routines, and movements, it couldn’t possible make a real impact.

However, the impact was much more than inches lost or a hashtag.

What I learned is that #CurvesStrong, had a lot of meanings to a lot of women. But just searching the hashtag I was transported to stories of encouragement, journeys of women getting years added back to their life because they had the energy, confidence and strength to do more, and amazing stories of weight loss that had given women a new life…all because of Curves.

#CurvesStrong is a movement for women of all ages.

#CurvesStrong: Is health.

#CurvesStrong: Is strength.

#CurvesStrong: Is community.

One of the things I didn’t expect to gain from Curves was friendship. I came in with a friend so I already had that. But each time we both jumped in the ring for our circuit, we also were joined by other women that no matter what their goals – health, flexibility, weight loss – we were in it together. And we laughed together, we shared stories together and of course, when you needed a little something to keep you moving at the end of your set, we encouraged each other. In the middle, you’d always have your trainer there to assist and perfect your movements for the ultimate impact, but together as a group, that 30 minutes seemed to go by in no time. And when I was done, I had exercised, I had stretched, I burned, and I had done something for me.

So the next time, which may be when your pants get snug, you reach a birthday milestone, or hit a new year on the calendar and begin the cycle of “what do I do to be a better me,” don’t do what you always do.

href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/sp?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#sp

#curvesstrong https://t.co/obUvgpgp1D

— Teia (@DFWSingleMom) October 12, 2017

Don’t start opening your calendar trying to figure out how you’re going to find an hour to kick your butt doing some exercise concept you’ll get bored of and hate in a month.

Don’t go back to something that worked 20 years ago and think how if you did it again for just a few months, everything would be different.

Worst of all, don’t look at things and decide not to do anything at all.

#ad Working on improving my tomorrows w/ @curves! #curvesstrong! You can too — pic.twitter.com/J2jGnapiAK

— Shannon Schmid (@EverydayBest1) October 5, 2017

I bet if you just looked at your day you could find 30 minutes for you. 30 minutes to breathe, 30 minutes to let go, 30 minutes to move, and 30 minutes to make a difference. And guess what you don’t even have to do one burpee.

So what is #CurvesStrong to you?

Visit Curves online for a location near you and experience what it can do for you.

About Curves

Curves® is a one-stop-shop for every woman’s fitness needs. By enrolling in the Curves Fitness® Program, women are able to participate in a 30 minute, total-body workout on strength training machines. These circuit classes are designed to burn fat, increase strength, and kick start weight loss. Curves® members not only work every core muscle group in just 30 minutes, but they also become a part of a supportive group of empowered women.

Are you ready to get #CurvesStrong?

This post was sponsored by Curves International but the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Sometimes You Just Need to Say Yes

October 4, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 15 Comments

Feel like no is the only word in your vocabulary? Turn it off and start saying yes.

Thanks to Capri Sun for giving me a new reason to say yes and feel good about it. Kraft-Heinz sponsored this post, but the opinions are all mine.

No.

NO.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I feel like that there are days that’s all I say.

“Mama, can I have this toy?”

“Mama, can I ice cream for breakfast?”

“Mama, can I …..?”

It gets unnerving, it gets old, and it makes mom just as sad. It’s never fun to be the “no” person, but most of the time, that’s the way it goes and someone that “no” just creeps into everything else. (They never said parenting was easy!)

Even when a friend you’ve been dying to catch up with finally asks you to do something, you even so “no” and you don’t even know why. It becomes part of your system and it sucks (eloquent, aren’t I?)

I looked to the Internet gods about this chronic “no” syndrome and you know what they suggested? Rephrase your statements.

HAHAHAHA!

I don’t have time to do that! Besides no is efficient and there’s no wondering if what I was saying was a no or a yes, it’s a firm no.

However, there’s a point a mom just wants to say yes.

Yes, Yes, Yes, and Yes.

It even feels good to say yes, right? It makes you smile, makes you happy, and you don’t feel like the same ogre of a mother that you do when you say no.

Then one day I had enough. I had enough of saying no and being THAT parent. Today was going to be a YES DAY!

So that morning when the kids came down for breakfast, they asked if they could have funnel cake for breakfast.

And while every part of my being wanted to throw down for no, I said yes. And off in the car we went for funnel cake at 10 AM in the morning.

About three bites in, my son let me know he was done and his tummy hurt. #Winformom

Of course, I wasn’t happy my son wasn’t feeling well, but the idea that maybe there’s something to mom saying no sometimes has a reason might actually get across this time.

Feeling good, we were on to #2. And now they knew mom was in the mood for yes, so I was ready to see how this one went.

“Hey mom, can we do something fun like jump on the bed?”

Sure.

That one really threw them and while I cringed watching my fresh made bed get ravaged, it was fun watching them let go…until of course, one fell off the bed and stubbed her toe.

Thankfully, no broken bones, but it was a beautiful opportunity to remind them why jumping on the bed is a bad idea (especially if it’s already made!)

Shortly after the next one came, “Mama, can we have a juice?”

Normally, I’d allow for juice at certain times of the day and only a certain amount. So most the time it’s always no.

But today, and now every day, I can say yes to Capri Sun.

With 35% less sugar than many other juice drinks, no high fructose syrup, no artificial colors or preservatives, and easy to find at Walmart, this is one set of nos I could say yes to!

That’s a pretty good win for the whole gang. And sometimes we need that.

So next time you’re starting to feel like No is the only thing you ever say, give yourself a reason to say yes. And make it easy by having things around that don’t make it hard to be the Yes mom. Find Capri Sun in store or online at Walmart!

How to Save at the State Fair of Texas

October 3, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

It’s a North Texas tradition, the State Fair of Texas! But before you head to the fair, make sure you have your list of the best ways to save!

You know you’re gonna go, so why spend money on your admission when they make it so easy to save at the State Fair of Texas! With these tips you can take all your savings and spend them on another Fletcher’s Corny Dog or a trip on the Ferris Wheel! But make plans now so you don’t let the fair pass you by!

State Fair of Texas website:
Just going to the State Fair website instead of at the gate will save you $1.50 and you don’t have to wait in line! Plus if you sign up for the Big Tex insider

DART GoPass:
Go on your DART GoPASS® and you can your Dart pass to the fair and your State Fair tickets for just $16 and kid/seniors for $12 – all on your smartphone!

Kroger:
Go to Kroger and purchase your discounted tickets to the fair is $16.50 and a season pass for just $34.95 (and gives you a free one day bring a friend ticket too!)

McDonalds:
Any day make a trip to McDonald’s to grab a trayliner or a bag stuffer in the bag for $5 off admission and 1/2 kids tickets.

Dr. Pepper:
Any day after 5 pm, bring a Dr. Pepper can to the State Fair and get 1/2 admission!

Special Days to Take Note of for State Fair of Texas Savings!

TUESDAYS
Dr. Pepper
On Tuesdays (Oct, 3, 10 & 17) get $6 admission to the State Fair when you take an empty DP can!

And most rides are reduced on Tuesdays too (but not all rides.)

WEDNESDAY
North Texas Food Bank
Get $4 admission to the fair on Wednesdays (Oct. 4, 11, and 18) when you bring 4 cans to donate to the North Texas Food Bank.

THURSDAYS
Seniors (60 years and older) receive FREE admission any Thursday (Oct. 5, 12 and 19.)

Coca Cola
Bring an empty Coca Cola 20 oz. bottle of any Coca-Cola product on Thursdays for $7 admission!

And Thursdays are Thrifty Thursdays! Save on your cotton candy and funnel cakes with mini versions and discounts from 2-7 coupons!)

Columbus Day, Oct. 9
And actually this year, my kids were given any day tickets so they could go on any day to the fare Monday – Friday. But of course, remember many schools are closed for Columbus Day so many families will be there that day! So plan accordingly!

First Responders Day, Oct 13
All first responders and up to three of their family members receive free admission on Oct. 13 to the fair. Make sure to bring your documentation. This is a special day!
VISUAL -(still: First Responders Day, Oct 13: First responders and three family members receive free admission.)

Featured photo credit: Kevin Brown/State Fair of Texas.

Headed to the fair? Then don’t miss Jackson’s recommendations on what to eat! (From the mouth of babes!)

Better Drives Us

October 2, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Hyundai Hope on Wheels isn’t just giving money to help pediatric cancer, it’s a true hands-on organization that reminds us all, no matter our titles or roles, that Better Drives Us.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Hyundai Hope on Wheels® for inviting me to share this special experience and sharing their story with this sponsored post.

Better Drives Us - Hyundai Hope on Wheels

PC: Jaren Collins, JCI Creatives

A lot of big companies say they do a lot of good things. They fund big fundraising events, they wear shirts in support, and all those big impressionable things in the name corporate social responsibility. I know, I’ve worked with many of them to help organize them and sat at big fancy dinners gala to support the cause and it’s needed. But when you see the big guys sit side by side the little guys they are working to help, you realize that your purchases, small or big, DO make a big impact.

PC: Jaren Collins, CI Creatives

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Hyundai Hope on Wheels Celebration of Life Dinner in Dallas. While there was a check presentation planned, there was so much more to this non-profit. In fact Hope on Wheels is one of the largest non-profit funders of pediatric cancer research in the country and has awarded more than $130 million towards childhood cancer since its inception in 1998.

PC: Jaren Collins, CI Creatives

That’s a pretty big commitment and it goes way beyond corporate social responsibility.

But what touched me the most were the other invitees in the room.

It was the dealers of North Texas (835 dealers actually contribute to the cause nationally)
It was the doctors and researchers that are doing the work for pediatric cancer at the many hospitals in and around Texas
It was the families and the KIDS that had pediatric cancer and their families that had been directly impacted by Hyundai Hope on Wheels.

The room was filled with the a full circle of how a simple purchase of a Hyundai can help research to find a cure for pediatric cancer.

It was amazing to see them together and interacting, seeing how working together makes a positive change. And how their motto “Better Drives Us” really comes to life.

PC: Jaren Collins, CI Creatives

One of the most moving moments of the night was listening to a mom describe the moment she heard her son’s diagnosis for a rare pediatric cancer. Hearing her personal, real story with all the emotions that took her over in front of all of us really put it into perspective. It put everything into perspective – and that it can happen to you. Any mom, any family, any child. In fact every 36 minutes a child is diagnosed with pediatric cancer. And unfortunately, you probably already have.

PC: Jaren Collins, CI Creatives

In fact every 36 minutes a child is diagnosed with pediatric cancer.

But the night was not over. There was still a special concert by The Voice’s Luke Wade who has been ambassador for Hope on Wheels across the country. He sang from the heart and brought the kids together for a moment on the stage. He also sat with the Hope on Wheels kids and their families.

PC: Jaren Collins, CI Creatives

A check presentation to a few incredibly deserving teams:

Hyundai Scholar Hope Grant ($250,000)

– Dr. Christopher Porter, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

– Dr. Julie Wolfson, University of Alabama – Birmingham

Hyundai Young Investigator Grant ($150,000)

– Dr. Kathryn Dickerson, UT Southwestern Children’s Medical Center Foundation

– Dr. Wendy Allen-Rhoades, Texas Children’s Hospital

PC: Jaren Collins, CI Creatives

But at the end of the night was the honestly the best part that made the biggest difference to me, the Handprint Ceremony.

The children and the doctors all placed their handprints on posters and on the doctors’ coats. It was truly moving to see all the smile of everyone making their own individual handprint. And each handprint’s story is distinctive in its own way. Whether it’s completing a round of chemo, celebrating a beautiful new head of hair or receiving a clean bill of health, one child’s milestone can be another’s symbol of hope. And these handprints serve as their symbol. These handprints will also be displayed on Hyundai cars around the country to share their mission and their hope.

PC: Jaren Collins, CI Creatives

How can you get involved and learn more about this great organization? Visit their uplifting website. Or connect with them on Facebook and Twitter to see more up to do work they’ve done and helped to make a change for pediatric cancer.

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Whether you’re giving or getting, when it comes to the holidays, it’s all about making the list! Here’s the mamachallenge’s Holiday Hot Toy List 2017!

Best Board Games

Shark Bite by Pressman

Soggy Doggy by Spin Master

Ship of Treasures by Pressman

UltraDash by PlayMonster

YULU SpyCode Operation: Escape Room

Monopoly Special Edition Gamer

The New Thing!

Zuru Hamsters Ham’s Burger Diner

L.O.L Surprise!

WowWee Fingerlings

My Golden Ticket A Journey Into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory

The Classics Gone Better

Nerf Modulus Regulator

ZFlyte Luggage Scooter

Pillow Pets Disney Emoticons

BRICK HEADZ – Beauty and the Beast

LEGO Friends Snow Resort Chalet

DC SuperHero Girls Eclipso Dark Palace

Interactive STEM/STEAM Toys

Disney Princess Dance Code Belle

Hasbro Play-Doh Touch Shape to Life

Hasbro furReal Makers Proto Max

Hasbro DropMix

Santa Gifts

Little Tikes Princess Horse and Carriage

BMW Z8 Ride-On

Dynacraft Black Ice eDrifter

What’s is your Christmas tradition? Toast to Santa with this Tres Leche Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon Whip for the creamiest way to fiesta.

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutrition

No time to plan that picture-perfect holiday meal? No problem. Win at holiday meal planning in just a few steps.

Quick Tips to Win at Holiday Meal Planning

1. Ditch the Standard Decor.

2. Play up the Placards.

3. Streamline the Spirits.

4. Cut the China.

5. Go with Comfort.

Santa’s getting really generous by letting kids get hands-on at Santa’s Toy Factory at the Parks at Arlington beginning Nov. 11.

More about Santa’s Toy Factory:

Check out these One-Day Special Events Too!

You Can Be Anything Barbie

Thomas and His Super Station

Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage

Get Social with Parks at Arlington

Get Social with Mattel

Seem like mom + fashion don’t go together? With just a few staples, you can create your own modern mom style.

What does it mean to be #CurvesStrong? It’s much more than a hashtag.

Feel like no is the only word in your vocabulary? Turn it off and start saying yes.

It’s a North Texas tradition, the State Fair of Texas! But before you head to the fair, make sure you have your list of the best ways to save!

Hyundai Hope on Wheels isn’t just giving money to help pediatric cancer, it’s a true hands-on organization that reminds us all, no matter our titles or roles, that Better Drives Us.

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