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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

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Best Hotels for Kids in DFW

August 15, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 16 Comments

Traveling to DFW with children or just searching for a getaway not far from home, these are the Best Hotels for Kids in Dallas Fort Worth.

Best-Hotels-for-Kids-in-DFW2

1. Hilton Anatole / Dallas 

At first look the beautiful Hilton Anatole, full of Asian artwork, sculpture and design, may seem to be too sophisticated for kids, but this hotel definitely has the kiddos in mind nowadays. With a full-time marionette puppet workshop on property, mommy and me spa treatments at the V Spa, a new deluxe waterpark complete with resort-style dining, theme-oriented programming at the holidays and summer time, and free kids dining, there is a lot to love about this oasis in the middle of Big D.   

Hilton-Anatole


The Jadewaters Waterpark is the ideal size for families (or girl-friend getaways) to spend the day stayin’ cool  in the lazy river, slipping down one of the slides, or lounging in your private cabana with their specialty pool cocktails (YUM!) or Kona Ices for the kids. At night the pool turns into a movie theatre with family-friendly entertainment, dining and even yard games to keep the kids going strong – at least until bedtime. Enjoy room service to round out the weekend with the Nutella-stuffed french toast and Eggs Benedict (complete with bread pudding!) 

Best Hotels for Kids in DFW

Don’t miss: Take advantage of your Anatole amenities package that includes parking, admission to the waterpark, kids meals for free with an adult meal, 2 free Starbucks coffees, and much more. Best of all, this is all included in your stay! 

2. Westin Galleria / North Dallas 

If a hotel that is attached to one of the best shopping malls in America isn’t enough to make your kids dance with glee, a hotel that is also steps from one of the only few American Girl stores will.  

Photo Credit: Westin Galleria

Credit: Westin Galleria

The Westin Galleria sweetens the deal with a special American Doll Sweet Dreams package! Make reservations to this beautiful hotel to enjoy all its amenities plus a few extras that your little girl will love: an American Girl doll bed, American Girl robe and slippers – all to take home after the stay. Parents with two girls can add on the American Doll extras for just $40. This special is only available on the weekends, so book now along with your other American Girl in-store activities like lunch at the bistro for the ultimate American Girl experience. 

American-Girl

Don’t miss: If having more than 200+ amazing stores or American Girl within reach wasn’t enough, there’s also the Galleria Dallas Ice Rink to enjoy throughout the year. And if you go during the holidays, don’t miss the nation’s tallest indoor Christmas tree and the shopping center’s over-the-top Christmas spectacular! 

3. Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center / Grapevine

Wishing for a getaway from everything, but don’t have the time to go away? Don’t worry – you’ll always feel like you’re world’s away at the Gaylord Texan. A lakeside hotel after my own heart, this Texas-themed resort has so many options for everyone from dining to entertainment, which is why so many people plan vacations, staycations, conferences, weddings, and even holidays throughout the year! And since (almost) everything is connected through the beautiful atrium, the Gaylord makes it easy for you to get to your next adventure – only a few feet away.

Credit: Gaylord Texan

Credit: Gaylord Texan

The annual summer and holiday themed-adventures have been a mainstay since the hotel opened, so always check what special themed activities you’ll be able to participate when you’re staying (some of these are for the kids and some are for the adults, too!) For the 2016 SummerFest features the twisted tale of “Alice and Wonderland” and this year’s for the Lone Star Christmas event goes classic with “Santa Claus is coming to Town”.

Gaylord-Texan

Memorial Day through Labor Day, cool off at the amazing Paradise Springs, the 10-acre resort pool, complete with lazy river, zip line, onsite dining, cabanas and more – available only to resort guests! 

Gaylord Texan

Credit: Gaylord Texan

Don’t miss: There are tons of dining options on premises, but like any resort, you may need to book these in advance. The Italian restaurant, Zeppole creates some remarkable dishes including gluten-free Italian (which is almost an oxymoron!) Kids can choose from the special Gaylord Hotels Extraordinary Kids® program with healthy options and table activities! 

4. Great Wolf Lodge / Grapevine

Want an outdoor adventure without all the unpleasantness of being outside (no bathrooms, heat or A/C, or weather?) Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine is the cure for what you’re after anytime of the year. 

Credit: Great Wolf Lodge

Credit: Great Wolf Lodge

With a 80,000 sq. ft. indoor/outdoor water park, family-friendly scavenger hunts, kid spa, gaming area, and more, the Great Wolf Lodge was designed for kids. From the moment you enter the property, you know that a howling good time is in store. The interiors resemble that a camping experience like none other – both around the hotel and in the theme-oriented rooms. There’s tons of activities including character experience, the legendary story time, the Great Clock Tower Show, Scooops Kids Spa and an adult spa too, laser tag, arcade and don’t miss any of the indoor interactive games including MagicQuest, CompassQuest and ShadowQuest. 

Great-Wolf

Don’t miss: The Lodge Wood Fired Grill is worth the stay – even without the kids. The menu makes it fun to enjoy dining out with the kids with mushroom risotto, lobster and shrimp pasta and some finger-linkin’ good ribs! And don’t miss the tasty cocktail menu. 

5. Omni Hotel / Downtown Dallas and Fort Worth

Whether you are going to Dallas or Fort Worth, all of the Omni Hotels make an impression – on the inside and the out! Both hotels give you a big impression of DFW with beautiful design and a huge helping of southern hospitality that Omni Hotels are known for.

Omni Dallas

Credit: Omni Dallas Hotel

 

Omni Fort Worth

Credit: Omni Fort Worth Hotel

With several delicious dining options like Bob’s Chop and Steak House, spa services at the Mokara Spa, shopping and more just within reach, the Omni is your destination for when you’re looking to be “right in the middle of everything.” For the little ones, the hotel rolls out the red carpet with their Sensational Kids Program, where children are given a backpack full of activities and fun to enjoy while on the property. The kids will also enjoy a special treat of milk and cookies as part of their first night’s stay. Isn’t that a sweet deal? 

Omni Kids

Credit: Omni Hotels

Don’t miss: The beautiful light displays by either hotel. Depending on local events and holidays, the exterior of the hotel lights up the skies (especially the Dallas skyline!) It’s almost a show within itself! 

Have fun while you’re in DFW metroplex with any of these Best Hotels for Kids in Dallas Fort Worth!

A (American Girl) Dream Come True with the WellieWishers

August 11, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Love American Girl but looking for something just right for your daughter? American Girl just launched its new WellieWishers – and it’s a dream come true! Thanks to American Girl for letting us get our hands on our own WellieWishers doll – now a permanent member at our tea parties! 

“You’re having a girl.” 

When the GYNO let me know that my second would be a precious little girl, immediately visions of pinkness, dolls, and sparkles filled my brain. And of course, trips to American Girl. 


American-Girl

I had no idea that it would be so soon when a friend gifted Taylor her first Bitty Baby for her first birthday. And there it began. 

However, I had to keep her doll put up for years when she would be ready to play. And when a few Christmas later she received her first American Girl doll, I thought, wow, I love these dolls, but I was hoping for something a little smaller for her to play with. I mean her dolls were almost as big as she was. And for the grandmas, I felt worst as the accessories for the American Girl doll were beautiful, but were more fitting for an older girl around 8. Otherwise, she was losing them before she could really enjoy (and appreciate) them. 

American-Girl-Wellie-Wishers

American-Girl-Wellie-Wishers

…Meet the new WellieWishers! The world of WellieWishers is an entire new line of friends, designed with the values of imagination, creativity, respect and environmental awareness in mind! Willa, Kendall, Ashlyn, Emerson, and Camille, are 14-inch dolls (American Girl dolls are 18 inches) with the same beautiful matching outfits you come to expect from American Girl.

American-Girl-Wellie-Wishers

American-Girl-Wellie-Wishers

Since the dolls and their accessories launched simultaneously unlike the AG Doll of the Year, you can choose her doll based on her interests (or looks) and pick different clothes, play sets, and more. My daughter chose Ashlyn, but only after a hard fight for Camille (but we did buy some of her accessories including the Ocean Treasures set with the mermaid tail!) 

American-Girl-Wellie-Wishers

Each has a different personality and sports a fun pair of Wellies (the English word for galoshes) that match a pair of socks with clear galoshes your kiddo can wear to match! And rather than having a different pair of rain boots for each doll for your daughter, all you need to do is change out socks to match your doll! (This is going to be huge at Christmas, mark my words! I even wanted a pair they are so cute.) Perfectly sized and priced for the 4-6 year old girl at around $60 a doll, the WellieWishers bring a new level of fun to the world of American Doll.

American-Girl-Wellie-Wishers

Even the area at the store has a different feel with a playhouse area and unique ways to invite play and friendliness.

American-Girl-Wellie-Wishers

Now don’t get me wrong, she isn’t able to love her new WellieWisher more than her other dolls, but we did have to add another chair to our tea room table…and wait for the new WellieWishers animated series. 

IMG_9546

 

Don’t Feel Guilty Pulling Out Your Mom Time Out Card

August 10, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 8 Comments

Being a mom doesn’t mean you have to be momming all the time. Don’t feel guilty pulling your mom time out card- it actually makes you a better parent. Thanks to Groupon for this collaboration and making it easier for parents to enjoy a little time out without breaking the budget. 

I almost feel like I have to preface this post with “I love my kids…I really really do.” 

I’ve enjoyed every moment this summer with my kids. I know they’ll be older soon and times building LEGOs, making messes in the kitchen as we attempt to bake,  and playing tea party, will be days of yesterday. And I’ll beg for them back. 


…But there are days, like today, where I’d consider pulling each one of my toenails out with my mouth if it would stop the screaming, the crying and the yelling – and that’s just what I’m doing! You can only imagine what the kids sound like to make me crazy. 

Mom Time Out Card

For some reason, moms feel this need to not just be with their kids, but express to everyone that they are enjoying every freaking moment of it…

Remember that commercial from the 80s “Calgon Take Me Away?” That was actually a mom asking just to have a bath by herself. No screaming, no floaty toys or no dirty feet, just a hot bath with no #momguilt. Not too much to ask, right? 

And “Bad Moms?” I loved the movie, but I hated the name. It should have been called “Real Moms” because that’s how every mom has felt. And if you don’t have enough guts to say it, that’s what makes you a bad mom. 

For us to be “Good Moms” we need to be balanced. We need to have a little me time. We need time to get away from the frustration and stress, so we aren’t always seen as a can with a label that says “contents under pressure.” We need a mom time out. 

Unfortunately, most the time, that me time costs money…thus another reason to feel #momguilt. 

I’d love to be able to go out for a girlfriend getaway to Napa or a night out on the town, but those moments don’t come without a lot of planning including a babysitter, organizing things, etc…basically all that stuff you’re already tired of doing and need the time out from. 

Mom Time Out

However, Groupon (specifically Health, Beauty & Wellness Groupons) have made it easy for me not snag a little me time without feeling guilt of money or time. 

When I need to getaway, I can hit up Groupon, type in my zip code, and bam – massages for about the same cost of a few Starbucks. I actually get a little relief from first buying the Groupon, then getting the appointment booked, and of course, getting the massage. And when you’re lucky, Groupon runs specials on specific categories like “spa,” so you get an additional 20% off already lowered prices. That’s what I like to refer to as a double whammy: you get the deal and an even bigger discount! 

Mom Time Out

I don’t always tell anyone that I’m doing it either – that way I don’t have to make excuses, sing a song about “Groupon Take me Away,” or feel bad about taking my timeout. I just do it. One hour later, I’m back in business and doing the things I need to do, with a little less stress to deal with. Now, if you look real hard, sometimes you can even find spa deals that include a massage, facial, and more for those times when you’re time out needs to last a little longer. 

groupon_logo

And massages aren’t the only thing you can find on Groupon; you can find highlights, eyelashes, manis/panis and more. All you to do is click to find what you want within your budget. That way you have the pleasure of getting the time out without being out of money. 

Want it, click it, enjoy it – all on your budget with Groupon! 

JCPenney Back to School Video Rocks

August 4, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Ready to get moving for Back to School? JCPenney is making a lot more fun with this fun video featuring great style and moves from the one and only Alfonso Ribiero. #SoWorthit

The countdown is on – and for us in Texas, we get the double benefit of tax-free weekend where approved school items are tax-free when purchased August 5-August 7. However, wherever you are looking for deals, you’re sure to find ‘em at your nearby JCPenney.

Back to School JCPenney


Expect great fashion and even great discounts to help you save money for back to school. However, they are getting us all in the mood with this fun video featuring my favorite bus driver, Alfonso Ribiero. Growing up he did the best ‘bus driver’ and even 20 years later, he’s still rocking the school bus with this crew of adorable kids moving and groovin’ to their own lip sync of Megan Trainor’s “Me Too.”

Just take a look and see if you can keep from dancing or singing.

I dare you…I double dog dare you.

What I love about this video is that the kids are hip and cool with fashions that I would love if my kids actually wore  – great style we can all agree on. Especially when it’s a great prices like you find at JCPenney. And of course, you just can’t help but wait to see how “Carleton” is going to break it down next.

Now “if I was you…” I’d get your rear in gear and get to your nearest JCPenney location this weekend for Back to School shopping that’s fun for everyone.

JCPenney

Share in the #SoWorthit fun on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. 

 

Back to School Should Mean Back to the Doctor

August 3, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 21 Comments

Back to school time means stocking up on school supplies, getting organized and buying school clothes.  However, back to school should mean back to the doctor to get your health physicals and immunizations. Thanks to Methodist Family Health Centers and Medical Groups for this reminding us that our children’s health should always be #1 on our list! 

This time of year we’re all in a mad dash to transition from the lazy days of summer to the routine of the school year. That also means filling out all those required forms and updating the kids files for mandated physicals and immunizations. While it may seem like something else to mark of the list, it’s so important to make sure your child has their annual physical exam. 

A physical exam isn’t just to ensure that your kiddo is ready to get a spot on the sports team for the school year, but also to ensure there aren’t other issues that haven’t been detected. Physical health exams can also help with symptoms that can lead to depression, obesity, alcoholism/drug use, or other conditions.

One condition that can be evaluated for is heart issues that may not have previously been observed by a doctor. Since my son was born with a congenital heart defect, I’m a huge proponent of ensuring your children receive the exams and treatments they deserve as early as possible. 


Methodist Family Health Centers

With more than 27 locations around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, is ready to help care for everyone in your family any time of the year – and with same-day appointments and convenient early morning hours. And since patients see the same physician each time you visit, records stay with patients and easy billing to your insurance, Methodist Family Health Centers make health care easy for you and your family. 


And just in time for back to school for a limited time, if you live in the DFW area, get this light-up bracelet, just for  

methodist-bracelet

This is a sponsored post on the behalf of Methodist Family Health Centers and Medical Groups.

 

Steps to Getting Organized for Back to School

July 30, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Need a quick way to get ready for back in the routine?  Today we’ve laid out three simple steps to getting organized for Back to School and a little inspiration from At Home Stores. With their new Back to Campus Collection, you can send off your student in style or get your “family control center” ready for a successful new school year. Thanks to At Home for partnering with us to getting our school year into high gear the right way! 

The countdown to back to school is on.

Part of me feels like “already?”…the other part says, “let’s do it.”


“Let’s be prepared. Let’s get a design to get organized.” (Only words a mom can appreciate.)

Steps to Getting Organized for Back to School

I know we’ll be a hot mess by November, but remember, “work your plan, plan your work…”

We have a small area in our home that quadruples as a laundry room, gift wrapping/project room, mud room, pantry/appliance room…among other things. With a small room like that with so many purposes, you have to be smart with the space and how we treat it. Otherwise, it becomes a huge mess of everything and the “Land of where you can’t find anything.”

But with the help of At Home store’s new Back to Campus Collection, I was able to put to stock up on baskets, containers, and décor. These items, along with three tips, I was able to get it under control and get ready to roll for back to school!

3 Steps to Getting Organized for Back to School

  1. Cut the Clutter
  2. Create a Collection
  3. Keep it Cute

Cut the Clutter 

Just start with two piles – to throw away or to keep. The “stuff” you don’t know what to do with goes in its own pile labeled trash or donation.  But don’t think long, you don’t, you won’t, so sort quickly and rely on that intuition to get it done.

getting organized for back to school

I purchased three of these large baskets from At Home and was able to immediately start putting things into their spot – to file, to throw away, to give away, and to put somewhere else!

Create the Collection

During the Cut the Clutter process, you’ll find out real quick what types of things you have in the space and how they can go together. For us, it was school stuff to keep, reading materials, things to file, and blog stuff. Then I was able to figure out how many plastic bin/containers I needed to put the like items away.

At Home

Baskets and containers make the world go ‘round when you’re organizing and At Home has aisles of them of every color, shape and size. Once you’ve decided what you want to put together, find a basket that fits it, and get to sorting.

Keep it Cute

Last of all, keep it cute. Why should being organized be sterile? With the At Home Back to Campus Collection, you have so many options of items that multitask as utility and décor. Just by adding a little pop of color against the color white or a contrasting shade can really make an impression. And of course, having a few words of encouragement or something that makes you happy each time you walk by does put a little bright spot in your day, especially when you’re going through calendars, to-dos, and checking homework.

Back to School At Home

With these three steps, you’re well on your way to a productive and effective space – no matter what size it is. For more tips, especially if you’re moving to a new dorm or apartment, then check out this Move-In Checklist.

Check out your At Home for Getting Back to School and your home store needs all year long! 

What do you do to get ready for Back to School?

 

Find Local Dog Sitters with ROVER.com

July 26, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Going on a vacation? Need your dog to get walked, fed, and loved while you’re away? Connect online easily with local dog sitters with ROVER.com. And get $20 off your first Rover.com with our special discount!

Our family was in dire need of a vacation. We all needed an opportunity to disconnect from digital and reconnect with each other for some good-ole fashioned fun with a family vacation.

dog sitters Rover.com


Unfortunately one member of the family who wasn’t able to make the trip to Mexico was Birddie, our lovely lab. If we were going to be gone for over a week, she was going to need someone to care for her and the one and only time we boarded her, she came home sick with kennel cough. Besides, she likes being at home, in her house, with her spot.

At the height of vacation time and no family nearby, we didn’t have any options of someone we knew who could just drop in on her, feed her, take her for walks and give her a little love.

HOW TO FIND DOG SITTERS WITH ROVER.COM

However, Rover.com made it easy not just to find someone to take care of our four-legged family member, but someone who made our vacation by sending heart-felt messages and photos for peace of mind.

All I had to do was go to Rover.com and list my needs (boarding, walk, feeding, etc.) and dates.

Rover.com dashboard

After posting, I almost immediately had several potential candidates for the job. I was able to pick the right person for the job based on their comments, locality, and reviews left from other Rover.com users. Then we agreed upon the dates/times, needs, and access etc. and then it was confirmed! I was even offered to meet with the sitter before leaving town for the ultimate comfort.

Just like a good mama, as part of my request, daily I received photos of my pooch to see her on her walks. That way I knew exactly that she wasn’t just being cared for, but having a nice time while we were away on vacay.

Rover.com

Rover.com

When we came home, she was there waiting for us and I knew she had been taken care of! There was even a note to say thank you for letting HER take care of Birddie! With reasonable costs and easy access to local care, we are so glad we found Rover.com and our special sitter!

MORE ABOUT ROVER.COM

Founded in 2011 and based in Seattle, Washington, Rover is a trusted community where people can find, list, and book neighborhood dog lovers who can’t wait to watch their dog.

Rover.com

Whether you need a dog sitter, a dog walker, or daycare, Rover connects pet parents with people who’ll treat their dogs like family. And with over 92% of the population living within a short drive of one of the 40,000 sitters who’ve listed their services on Rover, it’s easy to find a sitter you and your dog will love.

If you’d like to try Rover.com, you can get $20 off by using this special affiliate link code: http://www.rover.com/refer/autumnr when you sign up!

Ice Cream Pizza = Summer’s New Treat

July 18, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 55 Comments

What happens when the best of both worlds: pizza + ice cream come together? It’s THE treat of the summer with Baskin Robbin’s new ice cream pizza. Bite into the Polar Pizza when you enter to win this $50 gift card to Baskin Robbins, one of sweetest partners on mamachallenge.com. 

There’s always a reason for ice cream, but it’s been proclaimed that in the month of July you need to eat it every day since it’s National Ice Cream Month. Always churning out the newest and the coolest, Baskin Robbins has made all our dreams come true with the introduction of the best combination after macaroni and cheese: ice cream pizza.

Polar-Pizza


Appropriately called the Polar Pizza, you can now order this ultimate dessert in four delicious featured flavor combinations: OREO® Cookies ‘N Cream, Peanut Butter ‘n Chocolate and REESE’S® Peanut Butter Cup, Jamoca® Almond Fudge and HEATH®, and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Or of course, you can have the option to create a customized Polar Pizza by combining a tasty Chocolate Chip Cookie or Double Fudge Brownie crust with your favorite ice cream flavor and whatever else you want heap on to your dream pizza.  

Polar-Pizza2

I couldn’t want to try it out myself, so in I went to Baskin Robbins. I also found that this month the ice cream treat leader was honoring 75 years of the USOs commitment to supporting the nation’s military with the introduction of a new ice cream flavor, USO Patriot Pop®. The twisted trio is a twisted blend of red, white and blue and features cherry, lemon and blue raspberry-flavored ice. 

Polar-Pizza

After all, now that I had a theme, I completed my patriotic pie with red, white and blue toppings for a Polar Pizza that was worth a reason to call a party because you’re going to need to bring friends to enjoy it (or take it home to keep frozen and bring a slice out each time you a sweet treat! 

Polar-Pizza3

Ready to make your own Polar Pizza? Then win this $50 gift card from Baskin Robbins! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway (or enter here on mobile.) 

And don’t miss this #mamachallenge moment:

Baskin-Ice-Cream-Sandwich3

Cauliflower Recipes You Must Make

July 12, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 9 Comments

Move over kale, cauliflower is the new star of produce! This vegetable is so versatile and full of health benefits! Try cauliflower as a great side, entree or even pizza crust with these cauliflower recipes you must make that your kids will love as much as you! *Affiliate links may be included to products used here.

I cannot begin to profess my love of cauliflower. It’s been a long road that we’ve been down together…covered in cheese, butter, or both. However, this cruciferous vegetable also plays the part not just as glutenous goodness, but also as healthy lead in many recipes – as entree, side, or both. So if you’re feeling a little kale or quinoa-ed 0ut, then open your eyes and your mouth for these cauliflower recipes you must make now. 

Cauliflower-Recipes-You-Must-Make


A little note: Now before you get started, I highly suggest using steam bags to make your life that much easier. Since many times you’ll be using steamed cauliflower as your base, using steam bags will cut down dramatically on your time (and dishes) when making successful cauliflower recipes! I’ve used several brands, but these cheaper ones work pretty good.

Cauliflower “Mashed Potatoes” or Taylor’s Taters

My daughter hates vegetables of any kind – except for potatoes, which in reality we all know aren’t veggies at all. However, I had to find a way to increase the selection of foods in her diet before my pediatrician (and her health) completely hit the wall, so one day my mom made her “Gigi Potatoes,” which she proceeded to eat the entire bowl. What she didn’t know is that my mother had made her cauliflower mashed potatoes or what she now calls “Taylor Taters.” It’s the easiest recipe in the world and around a decade ago most of us were eating due to the South Beach Diet (affiliate link) craze. However, for my little girl they were the most amazing stuff ever and she was eating healthy! 

Cauliflower Recipes to Eat Now

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Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes “Taylor’s Taters”


  • Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
Print Recipe
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Description

Healthy and so good, you’ll never know it was cauliflower! Perfect for kids who don’t love veggies!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 2–4 tablespoons butter, optional
  • 12 cup Manchego cheese, grated
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Steam cauliflower in the microwave until soft, but not mushy (I use steam bags!)
  2. Transfer to bowl.
  3. Add butter and blend with handheld blender or emulsifier until your preferred “mashed potato” consistency.
  4. Mix in Manchego cheese
  5. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve!

Notes

  • The nuttiness of the Manchego cheese and cauliflower pair perfectly for this nutritious and delicious side dish that will have them all wanting more!

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @mamachallenge on Instagram and hashtag it #mamachallenge

Roasted Cauliflower

In a fix to get dinner on the table or want to make something else besides potatoes? Then go for the roasted cauliflower. This dish can actually be your main entree when you want to eat light on calories and not on flavor or just prefer a “veggie kind-of-night.” Paired with a Chimichurri sauce (a blend of garlic, parsley, cilantro and spices with an olive oil/vinegar), roasted cauliflower is my go-to must have for hot summer nights! And because it only takes a few steps, throw it in the oven and in minutes, you’ll come back with an impressive recipe that will have you call for triples!

And did I mention that cauliflower is full of Vitamin C, potassium, folic acid, fiber and whole lotta other good stuff? So bottom line: you should be eating this and this recipe is a good way to enjoy it, too!

Cauliflower-Recipes-You-Must-Make

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Roasted Cauliflower


  • Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Total Time: 35
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

Make it as your entree or your side, eat it once and you’ll want it all the time!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 head cauliflower, sliced vertically like a steak
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Cut the cauliflower into steaks, vertically (remove the stump.)
  3. Spray a cooking sheet with cooking spray.
  4. Lay “steaks” on sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
  5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  6. Place in oven and allow to get browned (25 minutes.) In a hurry – broil on low until brown.
  7. Remove from heat and serve.
  8. Optional: add a chimichurri sauce for a nice kick!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 316
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 167
  • Fat: 28
  • Saturated Fat: 4
  • Unsaturated Fat: 23
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 15
  • Protein: 6
  • Cholesterol: 0

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Tag @mamachallenge on Instagram and hashtag it #mamachallenge

Best-Ever Cauliflower Pizza Crust

I was working on this cauliflower pizza crust recipe one day and the finished product was sitting on the table. My son, who had no idea what I was making, so the pizza and asked if he could PLEASE have a bite. “Mama, you know I love pizza!”

The words almost came out my mouth to tell him, “hey baby that’s not what you think it is”…but instead, I let him bite into it and give me his honest opinion.

Of course, kids are the pickiest eaters (especially mine I’m afraid to admit), so I was waiting for that grimace he makes when he tries something new.

Instead he said, “that’s SO good!” he shouted. “Can I have slice? We need to make more of this since I’m gonna eat it all!”

His reaction signaled this recipe was a WINNER and it would become a staple in our menu. With two gluten-free diets and a corn allergy to now add to the list, I needed more recipes to start circulating. And this recipe for Cauliflower Pizza Crust can be made with any of your own toppings. You just have to get the whole “wringing out the cauliflower part” down. It’s not a hugely quick process, but after a few times, you’ll get it even quicker than making traditional crust that still needs time to rise. Instead, you’ll already have yours out of the oven and ready to serve with this no carb, no gluten, and good cauliflower pizza recipe.

Cauliflower Pizza

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Best Ever Cauliflower Pizza


  • Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
Print Recipe
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Description

A pizza crust recipe that tastes better than the original – and no gluten, no carbs!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon basil, dried
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano, dried
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, powdered
  • 1/4 cup mozzarella/pizza cheese, shredded
  • 1 egg
  • red pepper
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

To make crust

  1. Wash and dry the cauliflower.
  2. Cut off the florets, remove the stem.
  3. Using a food processor, pulse cauliflower until it’s the consistency of snow.
  4. Place the cauliflower in a microwave safe bowl and cover (I prefer a steam bag.) Cook for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Allow cauliflower to cool slightly.
  6. In a strainer or over another bowl draped with a tea towel, place cooked cauliflower into the towel.
  7. Using the towel (the thinnest is best), and wring the cauliflower until there is no more water and it’s “dry.” (You’ll need to do this several times as there will be lots of water (more than a cup is normal.)
  8. Next place cauliflower into a dry bowl, add cheeses and seasonings and mix.
  9. Now add egg and mix until it resembles dough.
  10. Place dough on an parchment paper sprayed with cooking spray.
  11. Now roll out dough into a thin crust (be careful to not be too thin.)
  12. Once complete, place crust on cooking stone/pan and place into preheated oven at 450 degrees for 10 minutes until golden brown and remove from the oven.
  13. Now add your toppings as normal for pizza.
  14. Return pizza to the oven and cook 6-8 minutes until cheese is golden.
  15. Remove from oven, cut, cool, and eat!

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Don’t miss this #mamachallenge moment:
Brussel Sprouts

Rock Your Summer with Rock the Border

July 7, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

On the Border is rockin’ your summer with “Rock the Border” – live music, cold drinks and delicious guacamole through July 31. One of our go-to-favorites, MamaChallenge is excited to partner with Rock the Border for this rockin’ promotion! 

Do you know the ingredients to a rockin’ good summer? 

Start with an awesome Mexican restaurant, add a bottle of authentic Mexican lager from Jalisco, Mexico, shake it up with live music from some of the best up and coming artists, and serve with a side of guacamole. 


Rock-the-Border

Lucky for you, On the Border has it already servin’ it up with Rock the Border.

Come in to any of On the Border’s 150 locations and enjoy rockin’ specials like $2.50 Estrella Jalisco bottles, $2.50 guacamole and live music from the Rock the Border Concert Series at On the Border. While the cerveza has been a Mexican legend since 1910, it’s just made it’s way to the U.S. just in time for the patio sippin’ summer with its light, crisp and smooth flavor.  

Rock-the-Border2

Rock the Border is a unique music series that features the best local and up-and- coming artists from around the country. Each week at one of the  selected On the Border locations, one of the hand-picked acts chosen for their signature Summer sound and local popularity, will play live for free for guests. The act’s performance will also stream free to at all the other On the Border locations so everyone can join in the live music!  

border-mexican-grill-cantina-presents-69

On the Border has long been a destination of ours to enjoy food, friends, and fun. But this month don’t miss the chance to savor the good, relish the drinks, immerse in the atmosphere and say SALUD TO SUMMER. 

Rock-the-Border3


Ready to get the Fiesta Started?

Help curate the perfect summer playlist by tweeting your favorite song and you can win a $100 gift card to On the Border from Avocados from Mexico.

rocktheborder_img


 

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Meet this Mama: Autumn Rose Reo

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I put it off all day because I didn’t want to ha I put it off all day because I didn’t want to have to start the inevitable, but here we are the first #SeniorSunday for Jackson Benham Reo. (I’m so not ready.)
Doubled-down and won big! Congrats to @daynetxbbq Doubled-down and won big! Congrats to @daynetxbbq for being named #7 in @texasmonthly 2025 Top 50 BBQ! 

We’ve done our own BBQ stop shopping this last year from our own @hurtadobbq, @smokenashbbq and @225bbq in Arlington, @goldeesbbq and @panthercitybbq in Fort Worth, @zavalasbarbecue in Grand Prairie and @franklinbbq in Austin, no one can say that BBQ is BBQ. It’s as vastly different as the landscape as Texas. Now I’m off to @burntbeanco - #sequin here we come with the rest of the state!

#bbq #texasbbq
I can’t believe these are my people…my people I can’t believe these are my people…my people are supposed to be toddlers with Thomas the Train and Disney Princess backpacks! 

Goodbye 11th and 7th grade!
🚨 ACT NOW: Keep Public $$$ in Public Schools! 🚨

Click Here (takes less than one minute): 
https://www.txpta.org/take-action

Tomorrow, March 11, the Texas House Committee on Public Education will hear HB 3. Let’s make it clear: Public money demands public accountability!

Texans have rejected vouchers since 1957—yet lawmakers are once again pushing them through with SB 2 and HB 3.

💰 Vouchers drain public school resources.
📉 They don’t improve student achievement.
❌ They aren’t about "parent choice"—private schools choose their students.
🏫 Texas parents already have school choice.

Governor Abbott is making vouchers a priority, but Texans are pushing back. Lawmakers are feeling the heat from voters who refuse to let public schools be undermined.

📲 Take 1 minute to make your voice heard NOW!

📷Jackson and Taylor are 2 of the 5.5 million reasons why Texas must keep public dollars in public schools. I was a product of public schools and had an amazing experience in a rural community with some of the best teachers. Change needs to happen, but taking away resources like these from schools is not especially when they ste already underfunded and our teachers’ morale is at an all time low. Communities work better together not when you separate them further apart. 

#studentsrworthit
#txptarally25
❣️…Pressing pause (for while)… Forgot wha ❣️…Pressing pause (for while)…

Forgot what it feels like to RELAX? The Sanford House Inn & Spa is ready to help you “Leave Your Worries Behind” with packages to treat yourself (or someone else) this Valentine’s Day! 

You “Can’t Help Falling in Love” with multiple options including a Hot-Stone Massage, Facials, Spa Manicure + Pedicure, Blowouts, Foot Reflexology and even lunch (with wine!

Just take a look at my face - I was able to “turn it off” (for a little while) and when I left my dry winter skin was just glowing - plus I learned how to make it stay that way from my very  knowledgeable esthetician! 

If you haven’t tried this gem in the middle of Arlington, you’re missing out! The Spa is just part of experience with its 12-room Inn and acclaimed 506 Restaurant (don’t sleep on the brunch), @thesanfordhouse is your little piece of heaven in the middle of downtown!

Think it’s only a little dream? It will be if you don’t make an appointment or nudge your loved one this is what you NEED for Valentine’s Day! (But don’t worry you can still get a great experience anytime!)

Link is in my stories for full list of Valentine’s Day packages! 

📍506 N. Center Street, Arlington, Texas
(Less than 1 mile from @attstadium)

#valentines #dfw #ArlingtonTx #sanfordhouse
Texas Bucket List ✔️= Johnson City Lights Thi Texas Bucket List ✔️= Johnson City Lights

This is the last weekend of the “Christmas lights you can see from space” from the twinkliest town in Texas, @visitjctx!

You have until Sunday…and while you’re there you should hit up @halterranchtx, my other new favorite.

#gofredtx #fredericksburgtx @visitfredtx @visitfredericksburgtx
FLASH GIVEAWAY: Just because Santa’s left the st FLASH GIVEAWAY: Just because Santa’s left the station doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate a Classic Christmas (and we have the keys!)

@ClassicChristmas has been extended until Sunday, Jan. 5, so if you haven’t been enjoy this VIP experience with ice skating and snow tubing! 

Giveaway includes 4 Tickets to Classic Christmas + 4 Premium pass upgrades plus: 
🎟️ Exclusive Express Lane entry to popular activities 
🎟️ $10 merch credit at the Classic Christmas Gift Shop  
🎟️ Coca-Cola Beverage

To enter:   
⭐️ Like this post  
⭐️ Comment what’s your favorite Christmas song 
⭐️ Tag a friend who would love the chance to come
⭐️ Share this story as an extra chance to win!

The giveaway is open now through December 30 at 11:59 pm and you’ll have December 31 - January 5, 2025 to enjoy the fun! Winner will be contacted by DM so profile must be public.  (Giveaway is not associate with Instagram/META.) 

#classicchristmas #cocacola #Arlingtontx #ArlingtonTexas #cocacola @enchantdallas #dfw #dfwevents #mamachallenge #dfwinfluencer #dallasinfluencer
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW // Trinity Falls Tour of WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW // Trinity Falls Tour of Trees

 🎄 Tour of Trees at Trinity Falls in McKinney
 🗓️ Now through Dec. 15 (so hurry up!) 

Know what’s better than touring homes? Touring homes with beautifully decorated Christmas trees! 

@trinityfallstx has brought both worlds together by inviting the public to explore their model homes with professionally- styled trees by @absholidaydecor at the 5th Annual Tour of Trees. While you marvel at the homes and the trees, take your photos in front of the trees for a chance to win $500 Amazon gift card.  

TIP: Don’t miss the tree collaboration with #RHOD @dandrasimmons - it’s “beeutiful!” 🐝 

This event is FREE, but registration is required. (Link is in stories or DM “Tree” for the link.)

 #touroftrees #trinityfalls #trinityfallstx #mckinney #mckinneytx #mckinneytexas
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS - Dallas Zoo WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS - Dallas Zoo Lights

🌲 Dallas Zoo
🗓️ Now - January 4 

Wonder what the @dallaszoo is like after dark? Once Upon a Wild Light comes alive with more than two million lights, 5:30 pm - 9 pm each night through January (so you can do this one with your family during the holiday break!) 

While many of the animals sleep, DinoLumia and DinoVision: a Jurassic adventure comes out to play, along with tons of holiday light photo opps and winter fun experiences. Enjoy catching up through self-guided, self-paced walk-through and spend time together while taking photos, which is ideal if you don’t like the holiday overload! And don’t sleep on Santa here, as he has a certain twinkle in his eye the kids always seem to like to catch up with (mom was even able to get a shot.) 

And for the even bigger kids over 21, Dallas Zoo: After Dark, goes wild on Thursday, Dec. 12, 6-9 PM with eats, treats and holiday drinks,live music, and games and other ways to get you in the holiday spirit! 

 @DallasZoo @ReliantEnergy #dallas #dallasholiday #dfwevents #dallaszoolights #holidays #zoo #dallastexas #mamachallenge
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Classic Ch WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Classic Christmas 

🌲 Coca Cola Classic Christmas - Choctaw Stadium in Arlington  
🗓️ Now through Dec. 29

Growing up @cocacola made the holidays magic, so when Coca Cola Classic rolled down the road, we had to go peek! Partnering with @enchantchristmas, the experience is part lights, part photo opps and for my kids mostly FOOD and overall a lot of fun - all washed down with (of course, a Coca Cola!) 

What was also great was a little walk through memory lane with Coke Christmas moments throughout the years - cue the polar bears and 18 wheeler!

Experience: 
🎅Market Square (definitely hit up the t-shirts - reading each one is half the fun)
🎅 Snow Tubing (always our favorite)Ice Skating (truth: we don’t skate, but it’s perfect people watching) 
🎅 Interactive Light up Dance Floor
🎅 @cinemark Theatre with holiday movies 
🎅 Coca-Cola Lounge - 21+ Cocktail experience (looked great to go with the girls)
🎅 Santa Landing

And of course, the Eatery! Eyes (and mouths) got big here with featured food from State Fair of Tex winners like The Drowning Tacos (SO GOOD we then ordered the Birria Tacos, too all cooked onsite and with all the sauce!) 

It’s the real thing!

#ClassicChristmas #ChoctawStadium #ArlingtonTx #CocaCola #Dallas #DFWEvents #DFWHoliday #DFWInfluencers
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Prairie Li WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Prairie Lights

🎄 Prairie Lights, Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie 
🗓️ Now through Dec. 31 (NYE) at 6 pm 

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without @prairielights- with a packed car with blankets, Santa hats, hot cocoa and coffee, and blasting holiday music while we sing them even louder.  

A stunning two-mile drive through light park complete with a midway stop - The Holiday Village with carnival rides, amazing bites (corndogs, funnel cakes and more, oh my!) And this year we were surprised with a new light tunnel, reimagined walk-through forest and new displays, great photo opps, gifts, visit with Santa, a lighted strollable forest.  It’s perfectly timed for food, fun and a little time on foot! 

PRO TIP: Go early, get tickets in advance and spring for the fast pass on the weekends and prime holiday times. And enjoy it and don’t try to rush it - enjoy it! That includes entry and the experience (so bathroom before you go, but thankfully there’s one at The Holiday Village and you get the corn dog.) 

#GoGrandGP @grandfungp #GrandFunGP #dfwinfluencer #Dallas #grandprairie #prairielights #dfw
Mariah may be singing “it’s time,” but there Mariah may be singing “it’s time,” but there are still some ways to give a little love to Thanksgiving with a little DIY (hello old pumpkins!) from Mama Challenge! 

So excited to see my friends over at Good Day Fox 4 today for this fun segment!
Peardon My Reach - this one’s on repeat. 🍐 # Peardon My Reach - this one’s on repeat. 🍐 
#nationalcoffeeday 

#cinncinati #kentucky #newport #coffee #fall
Arlington makes Taco Tuesday even better by celebr Arlington makes Taco Tuesday even better by celebrating all month long with its #SaveTheTacos campaign, now - September 30.

Try and vote for “Best Taco in Arlington” from 12 participants:

🌮 Fiesta Fusion Shrimp Taco at Boiling Tails Co.

🌮 The Hunter Taco at Cut & Bourbon

🌮 El Jefe at Grounds and Gold
 
🌮 Jamaican Me Crazy at M’Jays House of Smoke

🌮 Champiqueso at Papaya Mexican Grill

🌮 What the Falafel at Prince Lebanese Grill

🌮 He’s Just a Po Boy at R Bar and Grill 

🌮 Celestial Pork Belly Taco at Rocketbelly
 
🌮 House Special Barbacoa at Tic-Taco
 
🌮 The Chicken of Wall “Street” at TJ’s Catfish & Wings & BBQ

🌮 Baja Shrimp Taco with Mango Salsa at Tom’s Burgers & Grill
 
🌮 Wanna Taco ‘Bout It at Zack’s Bistro

We can tell you which one is our favorite, but take away all the fun to find your favorite! 

(Link to Vote in Stories!)

#ArlingtonTX #TacoTuesday #SavetheTacos
Always great to see a few guys who work together l Always great to see a few guys who work together like each other, too.

It’s even better when they’re Texas Rangers and  we’re celebrating Hall of Famer Adrían Beltré!
And just like that…11th grade and 7th grade (and And just like that…11th grade and 7th grade (and then they drove off!)
Follow the “red light” to this one-of-a-kind e Follow the “red light” to this one-of-a-kind experience in DFW. 🚨 

Named after Bangkok’s legendary road of entertainment of all kinds (Sukhumvit Soi 11), it seems fitting this newly imagined destination would find its home in Arlington’s Entertainment District. Anchoring the NEW @loewsarlington, @soycowboytx (also from @bbbutchers / @berghospitality) recently swung open the curtain this summer with an opening that made heads turn at every corner of this 12,000 sq. ft. of sexy space - with 3 unique bars, patio, viewable kitchen and dining room. 

To call it a “Pan Asian restaurant” doesn’t do it justice with its rich menu of fresh sushi, dim sum, caviar, truffle, lobster, waygu (all things you don’t find in the home of the margarita machine and ballpark nachos.) And if you’re looking for entertainment, just take a peek into the expansive kitchen and watch your rolls or omakase be made. The cocktail menu is just as extravagant with everything from mezcal to Japanese whisky, you’re eyes will be just as happy as your lips upon your first sip. 

While we experienced live music, fashion show and more as part of the opening, the cool smoke installation and the people-watching is definitely just part of the menu at Soy Cowboy you’ll have to explore. 

Food Nerd Note: SoyCowboy is on the upcoming @dfwrestaurantweek menu for just $39, so it’s a steal to take your own trip on a budget. (Make your reservation.)

Chon mean (or what we hope is Cheers in in Thai!)
NEWS ALERT: Dallas Food Nerd is now on TV! 📺 ( NEWS ALERT: Dallas Food Nerd is now on TV! 📺 
(Well today at least.)

Normally we’re always behind the smartphone camera, today we stepped out in front of the TV screen! The lovely folks at the new morning show Morning on Merit Street @morningonmeritstreet invited DFN for a little “roundtable” discussion about dining trends with our own Food Nerd @autumnreo / @mamachallenge and Bill Trevino of @craftandvinerestaurant CraftandVine along with hosts @dominiquesachse and @fanchonstinger for a little dishin’ on dining!

(If you’re able to take a look online, keep watching to see our new friend Pearl 🐶 and friends from @sweetpearlsicecream share their incredibly sweet story with @hungreehannah!) 

✔️ And just like we shared on the show, we want to know what you think! What do you think about Table Limits on reservations? Yes restaurants should have them or no way?
Round #2: Now he’s off for CIT at YMCA Camp Grad Round #2: Now he’s off for CIT at YMCA Camp Grady Spruce! It’s hard to separate them, but we’re excited he’s so happy to be ready for this adventure!
July 4th kicked a week early! 🎆 Love when the n July 4th kicked a week early! 🎆 Love when the neighborhood shines!
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