Autumn Rose Reo

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.

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.

…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.

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!)

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.)

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

Cut the Clutter
Create a Collection
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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:

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.

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 Mashed Potatoes “Taylor’s Taters”

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

Print Recipe

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

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

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!

Roasted Cauliflower

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
Prep Time: 5
Cook Time: 30
Total Time: 35

Print 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

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Cut the cauliflower into steaks, vertically (remove the stump.)
Spray a cooking sheet with cooking spray.
Lay “steaks” on sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Place in oven and allow to get browned (25 minutes.) In a hurry – broil on low until brown.
Remove from heat and serve.
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

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.

Best Ever Cauliflower Pizza

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

Print Recipe

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

Wash and dry the cauliflower.
Cut off the florets, remove the stem.
Using a food processor, pulse cauliflower until it’s the consistency of snow.
Place the cauliflower in a microwave safe bowl and cover (I prefer a steam bag.) Cook for 3-4 minutes.
Allow cauliflower to cool slightly.
In a strainer or over another bowl draped with a tea towel, place cooked cauliflower into the towel.
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.)
Next place cauliflower into a dry bowl, add cheeses and seasonings and mix.
Now add egg and mix until it resembles dough.
Place dough on an parchment paper sprayed with cooking spray.
Now roll out dough into a thin crust (be careful to not be too thin.)
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.
Now add your toppings as normal for pizza.
Return pizza to the oven and cook 6-8 minutes until cheese is golden.
Remove from oven, cut, cool, and eat!

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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.

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 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!

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.

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.

Love Where You Live: Dallas Farmers Market #FromHereforHere

July 6, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 16 Comments

Looking to get a taste of REAL Texas? Then ask a Texan. I’m sharing some of my favorite tastes from one of my favorite Dallas spots: the Dallas Farmers Market. Thanks to Ozarka® Brand Natural Spring Water for partnering with mamachallenge.com for this fun sponsored post. #FromHereforHere

I love Texas for 1000s of reasons. Let me count the ways…

Actually, it’s a REALLY long list.

But when visitors come to town, I’m always asked where should they go to get a real taste of Texas.

We wanna eat like Texans.”

There are tons of places and products that come to mind from all across The Lone Star State that will give you a taste of Texas. And, when you’re in Dallas, we could be here forever narrowing down the best Mexican vs. Tex-Mex, steakhouses vs. BBQ.

So instead of trying to decide on just the RIGHT ones, if you head to the Dallas Farmers Market, you can actually sample many the flavors that make Dallas, Texas so dang good.

The Dallas Farmers Market is a central hub of local produce, crafts, restaurants, and purveyors in near downtown Dallas. While it’s been a part of the Dallas history since 1940s, recent renovations are proof that the community values its local farmers and producers; selling food that is grown and sourced locally on a constant basis.

One of the biggest renovations, includes the air-conditioned/indoor space, The Market, Dallas’ first ever Food Hall in a 26,000 square-foot space (formerly known as Shed 2), filled with dozens of merchants, food vendors and restaurants. So on any day of the week (even in the rest of the market is closed and it’s super hot outside.)

There’s tons to experience within The Market, from fresh seafood from Rex’s Fresh Seafood Market, Caribbean cuisine from the Caribbean Cabana, broths and soups from Stocks and Bondy, and of course, real deal tacos from Taqueria La Ventana. But that’s not all! You can get beautiful finds from around Dallas, and even beautiful authentic pottery from our southern border, Mexico.

Whether you only have an hour to spend or a whole day to leisurely stroll from booth to booth, the Market at the Dallas Farmers Market makes for a must-do and must-go while in Big D.

While you could sit down to eat at any of the anchor restaurants or even Mudhen, the newest restaurant in the DFM-area that sources local produce for unique eats right outside The Market, if you’re in a rush, you can still get a real taste of Dallas at The Market with this list of must-stops!

Get the full list of vendors (subject to change)

TASTE THE MARKET FAVORITES

Start your trip by trying a few new cheeses at Scardello and take home my favorites like Eagle Mountain Cheese (Granbury) and discover new ones like Latte da Dairy (Flower Mound) or Caprino Royale (Waco) for a delicious charcuterie board at home (or you can come sit down for a wine and cheese tasting too if you have the time.

If you have kids, Doc Popcorn is worth the stop. Just make sure to get two, you’ll taste theirs and want one for yourself. Of course, the samples here are plentiful, so you’ll have a chance to try them all before settling on a bag to buy for the trip home (or at least to keep you strolling though The Market.)

Everyone knows that popcorn needs a partner, so it’s a great opportunity to try something new to sip. While there’s a Daquiri Bar or Noble Rey Brewing, that could make for a really long (but interesting) afternoon. Instead, I suggest either sipping a Mexican Coca Cola while getting a hot tamale from Tamalero or hit up the Caribbean Cabana for some delicious fruit infused waters.

Don’t miss the chance to eat your way through Texas with sweet treats at The Market. From Chelle’s Macaroons rainbow of bite-sized bites (Fruity Pebbles is even a flavor) or Coolhaus’ unique ice creams like Nutella Toasted Almond or Strawberry Mojito.

While there’s tons to see and do you’ll discover, don’t forget to stock up on a few a few jars of award-winning Betty’s Blue Ribbon Fare jellies and jams for souvenirs. (The Whiskey Orange Marmalade is A-mazing!)

And that’s just an hour! Imagine what you can do with a full day and a full market open (Fridays-Sundays!)

Can’t make it to The Market at the Dallas Farmers Market, but want to taste Texas? I have several picks to give you a taste of what Texans who make Texas best taste like!

TASTE OF TEXAS AT HOME

Paqui’s Tortilla Chips // Austin, Texas
Looking for a good chip that’s also good for you? Named after the Aztec word that means “to be happy,” Paqui chips are made with unbleached, untreated flour, or by stone grinding corn and adding mouth-watering flavors using high-quality ingredients, such as fire-roasted jalapenos, fresh cilantro leaves, buttermilk, pumpkin and other spices and flavors.

Yellowbird Sauce // Austin, Texas
When this sauce first came out, I drove all the way from Dallas to Austin to get it. Really. For hot bellies like the men in my family, Yellowbird is the way to go. Totally uncomplicated and unpredictable these sauce are the most delicious, most versatile, most satisfying condiments that will ever hit your lips! Yellowbird Sauce goes great on tacos, burgers, wings, sushi, pasta, steak, fish, eggs, pizza, soup….anything you can think of!

Ozarka Water // Roher Springs, Moffitt Springs, & Piney Woods Springs, Texas
When you want an authentic taste of Texas, we’re not just talking food. There’s wine, beers and even sodas made all over Texas (and they all contain water.) But to get the purest taste of the state, you have to experience what runs through it, like Ozarka water. Made from three crystal clear springs in Texas, you can get the freshest flavor that makes our great state the home of this Texas tradition. Best of all, you can even set up Ozarka water delivery straight to your door to enjoy Texas daily no matter where you are!

Jelly Queens // Austin, Texas
Expect royal treatment when you are eating anything from The Jelly Queens. An award-winning, Dallas and Austin-based artisan food company that makes gourmet jams, jellies, spices, sauces and more. Each product is handmade in small batches using organic and, whenever possible, locally grown Texas ingredients. The Jelly Queens was born out of a love for sustainable food, delicious flavors and words of encouragement.

Taste Elevated // Castroville, Texas
Taste Elevated was the spirit child of a couple that after working in D.C. decided to trade in for a dooley, some dogs, three sons and a fig treat. These little flavor-packed pearls are absolutely addicting on everything with a little sweet and a little heat. Add them to a charcuterie tray to, use as a condiment–any place you use mustard (you’ll love it on bbq sandwiches and hot dogs), pair with main dishes–terrific with meatloaf, use in homemade vinaigrettes, this is the type of taste to twist up your favorites!

Snow’s BBQ Sauce // Lexington, Texas
Texas Monthly magazine named Snow’s BBQ as the best in Texas, so you know it’s GOOD. With complex Texas flavor, Snow’s Original BBQ Sauce is excellent on any cut of beef, chicken, or pork. It’s just as good as a dipping sauce as it is a marinade or brush-on sauce during the last minutes of grilling.

Whether you’re taking a trip through Texas or just want to know what makes Texans so proud to be from Texas, any of these favorite tastes are perfect for you to try. If you’re in Dallas, then you definitely need to make a stop at the Dallas Farmers Market. And if you’re looking for the easiest way to get your hands on the heart of Texas, then open up an Ozarka.

Happy Trails and Happy Tasting around Texas!

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Looking to get a taste of REAL Texas? Then ask a Texan. I’m sharing some of my favorite tastes from one of my favorite Dallas spots: the Dallas Farmers Market. Thanks to Ozarka® Brand Natural Spring Water for partnering with mamachallenge.com for this fun sponsored post. #FromHereforHere

TASTE THE MARKET FAVORITES

TASTE OF TEXAS AT HOME

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