Autumn Rose Reo

5 New Baby Shower Trends

April 15, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 17 Comments

Need an idea for a creative baby shower theme? These new baby shower trends show that cute doesn’t mean that it can’t be cool, too.

When it comes to baby showers, you fall into one of two camps: either you love a good cheesy baby shower – complete with gross baby games with dirty diapers and ahhhing over breast pumps – OR – you love celebrating your friends upcoming bundle of joy, but cringe at the thought of measuring bellies, tasting unlabeled baby food, or drinking your punch from a baby bottle.

I bet you know which one I fall into.

Thankfully, the idea of baby showers has grown up a little bit. And with it doesn’t mean you aren’t still doing something special for the mama (or daddy) to be, but doing it a way that’s more practical, fitting to the honoree or just more fun to attend for the rest of us.

1) Gender Neutral Shower: Book Building Party

Inspired by the Big O (by that I mean Oprah), the idea of this shower is much more progressive as it’s based on building a strong foundation of reading and building a library for the child that can grow with them in their childhood. Using simple decorations literally from the pages of favorite children’s books like Green Eggs and Ham and The Tales of Peter Rabbit, you can find low-cost books at garage sales and places like Half-Price Books. Food and drinks are also based on books themes is ideal for this gender neutral shower (think Goodnight Moon paired with Moon Pies.). Guests can be asked to contribute by bringing a book for the gift, adding a note on the invitation that books are requested instead of cards, and then escribing a special wish or motivational note inside the book from the giftee.

2) Sip and See: Milk and Cookies

Taking another idea from the TV, most notable Phaedra from the Real Housewives of Atlanta, a Sip and See is the perfect way to have everyone meet the baby at one time when the mama is ready. It’s a win-win since the mama gets to have enough time to look and feel her best after the baby is born. And since the guests don’t have to schedule or slot in a time, they just come by to meet the little one, give some hugs and kisses, and be on their merry little way. A Sip and See is less a party and more of a come-and-go affair, there’s less work to put it together (in theory.) For this Sip and See, we had each hostess bring a dozen cookies and offered several different milk options using retro milk bottles for an attractive, no maintenance table setting ideal for guests coming and going for several hours.

3) Couples Shower: BabyQ

One of my favorite new trends for baby showers is the couple’s shower. Why should only the mama take part in the festivities?

For a successful couple’s shower, you want a theme that is suitable for both men and women to celebrate without cringing. The BabyQ is a unique idea that combines the idea of a friendly backyard barbecue with friends with a nod to the fact that there will be a baby coming soon. Small, but thoughtful details for the food, drink and décor are what make this Couples Shower memorable. Think Baby Back Ribs, Mini-Me Sliders and having Dad’s Root Beer. For favors: We shared a set of s’mores as guests left to tie it all together with “Take S’more Love Home with You.” A takehome bottle of BBQ sauce with DIY chalk labels are also a great take home with a personalized, rustic look.

And don’t forget:

4) Sprinkle: For the Next Shower

It’s exactly what it sounds like – a smaller version of a shower for those mamas that are on baby #3 (4, 5, etc.) and just need something like diapers or an update of onesies or shoes. You can make it what you want, but a sprinkle is more about the thought that counts than the show you’re trying to create.

5) Gender Reveal Party

The Gender Reveal Party has fast become almost if not more important than the traditional baby shower. A fun way to celebrate the identity of the gender of the baby, the idea has grown from a simple idea like opening an envelope in front of friends to a formal cutting of the cake with everyone that came to the wedding reception. This one will continue to grow into a bigger tradition – especially as we continue to find new reasons to order a cake and send out an invite.

Looking for more unique baby shower ideas? Check out my Pinterest Board:

Follow mamachallenge.com’s board Cool Baby Shower Ideas on Pinterest.

And don’t miss BLOOM, April 30 for a half-day of fun, education, networking, and giveaways!

New Mamas Invited to BLOOM April 30

April 12, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Mamachallenge is excited to partner with Dallas Moms Blog for this special opportunity and giveaway! New and expecting mamas are invited to BLOOM April 30 for a half-day of fun, education, networking, and giveaways!

I don’t care how many books you read, how “ready” you think you are, or how many kids you babysat for growing up, or even how many kids you already have, when you’re in baby-planning or just-had-a-baby mode, there’s nothing like it.

I’ll be honest… I’ve never felt more dumb, happy, sad, and accomplished than when you’re baking up a bundle full of joy.

When it comes to learning opportunities, you take ’em when you get them. Why else do you think playdates exist (okay, besides the chance to chat with an adult or to possibly drink a little “juice” for yourself?)

Some of the best learning together and from each is at events with other people just like you which is why if you’re planning to have kids, preggo or just had a baby, we can’t recommend enough attending BLOOM on April 30.

Hosted by Dallas Moms Blog, the Dallas collaborative resource site by several super Dallas mamas, BLOOM is a half-day of fun with panel discussions, breakout classes, food/drinks, swag bag loaded with goodies in a really great bag, and five raffle tickets to use for giveaways for things you’re gonna really want!

>>>>> REGISTER FOR BLOOM, APRIL 30 <<<<<

You’ll have a chance to connect with businesses, services, and organizations that will help you to keep your sanity as a new parent. Ask questions, learn answers and best of all, meet with other parents (and parents to be) like you! This is a national event with over 40 fellow sister sites hosting the same event on the same day! Share this event with your friends in other cities by seeing who’s participating. Then, make sure to share the excitement by following along using #CMBNBloom16 and locally with #BloomDallas16.

Please Note: This event is geared towards new and expectant moms although spouses are welcome! Due to space constraints children UNDER one years old must be worn in a carrier or held as there is no room for strollers. Need to nurse? No problem! Attending moms will be provided with a space to nurse little ones during the event! Please remember this event is designed for new moms and expectant moms, so children over the age of one are requested to sit this one out and have you spend some time on you!)

Bloom: A Dallas Event for New & Expectant Moms
Dallas Moms Blog
Saturday, April 30, 2016
9:30am – noon
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
2222 Welborn Street, Dallas, Texas 75219
$12
Get tickets

Wanna win tickets to BLOOM in Dallas, April 30?

We’re offering a pair of tickets (value $24) + 10 additional raffle tickets for giveaways!

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What Happens After Lasik Surgery

April 11, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 15 Comments

Thinking about LASIK, but don’t know where to start? Autumn Reo of MamaChallenge is giving you a real look at LASIK, including what happens after Lasik surgery, with the help of Kleiman|Evangelista and the Mom it Forward Blogger Network. #KEHELPEDMESEE

A few weeks after Lasik, you’d think maybe I’ve gotten used to not having to wear glasses.

Nope.

Each morning, I’m more excited every day that I finally did it.

First segment AFTER lasik! (No back and forth with glasses on off camera and taking them off right before we go live.) Can’t wait to share it with you soon!

But now what? Is there anything that happens after lasik?

Are there other appointments?
Can you swim or exercise?
Do you have medications to take?
Do you have to do it again later?
Do you get eye infections?
Can you mess it up?

I can report at least at this point – I haven’t messed anything up and nor will I. You can’t do much to “mess it up” after your recovery period…as long as pay attention to the few things not to do after the procedure.

You may be asked to NOT do a few of your normal activities (up to a week after the procedure) including:

Exercise (after a few days I was allowed to exercise)
Driving (is normally just for the first day depending on your doctor)
Makeup (no eye makeup for a week. This was my hardest part!)
Spa or Sauna
Gardening or other areas where there is soil in sand
Smoking isn’t forbidden, but perhaps may irritate your eyes
Rubbing your eyes!

Yep, it may seem very obvious to not rub your eyes, but you’d be surprised how often you touch your eyes you don’t even know it! Sleeping might be easier with the special goggles they give to you post-procedure to wear. You won’t want to clean out your eyes with your fingers either. Your hands carry so much bacteria and you definitely don’t want that in your “new” eyes.

All I can say is that the recommended medicated eye drops are your best friend. For real.

And to be honest, mine still are. Especially as A/C and fan season kicks in, my eyes don’t love direct air blowing on my eyeballs. And with allergies in full swing, my eyes were already burning before. There hasn’t been any increase, but the drops sure have helped the dryness and itchiness that I normally experience.

After the procedure and your initial follow-up appointment, there will be other appointments, but just a few and far between typically – one after a week and then around six weeks later. After this point, your doctor will choose if and when other appointments are necessary. On average, it’s just like you would before lasik – recommended at at least once a year.

While like any procedure, you aren’t always perfect right off the bat. But it amazes me how much my eyes changed in such a short amount of time. Originally, I saw a little halo effect around bright lights, but that only lasted a few days. And remember, I was seeing 20/20 the next day.

Of course, everyone’s eyes are a little different. I’ve shared my experience candidly with Kleiman-Evangelista Eye Center and am excited to report nothing but rave reviews. So what are you waiting for? There’s no time like the present to start seeing your life more clearly with lasik.

Make your free appointment now.

Don’t miss these #mamachallenge moments:

The Cost of NOT Having LASIK

April 5, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

Thinking about LASIK, but don’t know where to start? Autumn Reo of MamaChallenge is giving you a real look at LASIK, including the cost of not having Lasik, with the help of Kleiman|Evangelista and the Mom it Forward Blogger Network. #KEHELPEDMESEE

I can’t believe it’s already been a month since I had HD BladeFree Lasik at Kleiman-Evangelista Eye Center.

Thinking back on the last 30 days, it overwhelms me how much my life has changed. REALLY.

Like each morning when I reach for my glasses and realize I don’t need them…
When I put on eye makeup and don’t have to cover it up with big lenses…
Reaching to pick up my daughter and not have to say “watch my glasses”…
Putting on my running shoes and I don’t have to grab glasses to see…
Or watching TV, the computer, going to the movies, or checking my smartphone – I don’t have to have glasses.

I think this is a sign… Don’t you hate when you’re that reliant on a little bit of plastic? #glasses #mamachallenge #dallasblogger #eyes #whattodo #working #cantsee #urgh #lasik #foureyes

A photo posted by Autumn Reo | Mamachallenge.com (@autumnreo) on Mar 5, 2016 at 12:22pm PST

Like many people, I had been thinking about Lasik for years, but kept coming up with excuses to put it off.

Will it hurt?

I don’t have time for the down time?

What if something happens?

Do I really need it?

It costs too much.

However, the idea of wanting Lasik was always there in the back of my head. Kinda like a little whisper that always got louder each time I went to get new glasses, broke my frames, or my glasses slid down my nose (daily.)

Then there was finally a moment I realized – what was I waiting for?

My eyes are one of our most precious resources. Why was I willing to spend money on clothes or a car that I only used temporarily instead of my eyes that I used everyday to work, to drive, and of course, see my children?!? Almost everything I do includes my eyes, so why wasn’t I willing to reap the benefits of 20/20 vision on my own!

While those were the intrinsic costs, what about the real hard costs of having glasses/contacts? Lasik is normally performed only once, while glasses and/or contacts are an annual cost.

Let’s break it down. According to a 2013 market study, average annual costs of corrective lenses are as follows*:

Eye Exam: $100 – $200
Contact Lenses: $250 – $700
Contact Lens Supplies: $150 – $200
Glasses with Designer Frames: $500 – $1000
Backup Pair of Glasses: $100 – $200
Prescription Sunglasses: $500+
Total: $1600+/ year

If you do the math, having glasses and/or contacts ain’t exactly cheap. And last year for Christmas, my husband bought me two pairs of prescription sunglasses. Those little gifts cost around $450 a piece! So for me, my Lasik could have almost been paid for when you start adding up costs like that.

Although, I wish Lasik was covered under insurance, unfortunately it’s not normally covered under your benefits. However, some plans (like mine) do allow for Lasik to be included in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Spending Account (HSA.) And when you combine that, with the discounts/promotions often offered by Kleiman-Evangelista Eye Center, the cost are very affordable.

While every patient is different, so every procedure is different, costs for Lasik can range depending on your provider and your needs. For a procedure like my HD BladeFree Lasik, costs range starting at $2,500 per eye. However, your eyes isn’t where you want to start looking for the cheapest service available either. It’s your eyes!!! You want to not just pick the place with the most experience, but also the best customer service, and certainly who is going to be up front with you about everything from the start.

For me, I found that at Kleiman-Evangelista and you will, too. You can make appointment any day of the week for free or if you have a few questions before you even step in the door, get online now and chat with someone immediately to give you more information as you start your own path in seeing the world in a whole new way.

A better way. A better life.

Why wait for that?

Don’t Miss this #mamachallenge moment:

The Mom Workout

March 31, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 10 Comments

Struggling to get in a workout? Take a lesson from your daily routine with The Mom Workout – mom moves you’re already doing and didn’t even know it!

With everything you have to do everyday, does the idea of carving out time for a workout seem impossible? What’s sad is that most parents already feel like every day is a marathon and that’s just crossing off the bare minimum of your daily must-do list.

But did you know that hitting your daily routine could actually include the makings of a great workout? Yep, doing the laundry, getting the kids ready for school or playing with your baby can be a super workout – with a little twist.

Movin’ Mamas: Me with Kristina Guerrero

So I enlisted a few friends, including Kristina Guerrero (a beautiful mama of two, actress, and hostess with the mostess formerly on E! Television and this week, CW’s Eyeopener) and Freddie Jenkins (owner of the Fit Body Bootcamp DFW) to help tackle the problem with what we call The Mom Workout.

These three moves can give you a really good foundation of a super workout:

1. Floor time with the baby = Mountain climber with push up

On the floor already doing a little floor time with your baby? Make the most of your time with a little mountain climbing action. Add a push up and dip down for a kiss! It’s like getting a reward every time you do a rep!

2. Packing up the kids for school = 1 arm/dual kettlebell swings

Those backpacks are heavy, right? Every morning I throw that backpack over my shoulder and load up for school. That same action is just like a kettle bell swing. So drop the bag, pick up the KB and get to swinging. Your biceps (and your buns) will thank you!

3. Doing the laundry = Dead lifts with a curl

I hate doing laundry, but it ain’t gonna do itself (I tried and it didn’t work!) So make the most of that load with a dead lift using a barbell or kettle bell.. You can make it double the benefit by adding curl.

See? You don’t need a gym to get your workout on! If you don’t have a kettle bell or a dumbell, don’t worry! Grab that jug of juice, can of veggies or 10 lb. bag of dog food for weighs. However, having a few basic workout essentials at home like this inexpensive set of dumbells (affiliate) or a kettlebell (affiliate) is worth the small investment in YOU! Remember, your health should be one of your biggest priorities. If you aren’t healthy, you won’t be able to take care of the family when they need it most!

However, this workout isn’t the only way to a healthy exercise routine! Find whatever makes you get moving! In addition to some of the fun workouts I do to make it fun, I really love my Fit Body Boot Camp family. With hundreds of locations all over the world, Fit Body Boot Camp is a group personal training program that uses a combination of (HIIT) High Intensity Interval Training and Active Rest Training called the Afterburn – all in just 30 minutes. Check the website for the location closest to you and you can even get a three-day trial for free! If you’re in DFW, you can even work out with Freddie like me!

Don’t miss this #mamachallenge moments:

Save Even More with Spring Dining Deal from Restaurant.com

March 30, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

I received a Restaurant.com gift card for the purpose of this review. This post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own.

Like to dine out, but need to stay on the budget? Get the best of both with these spring dining deal from Restaurant.com.

I’m a girl that hates dishes, is always in a rush, and enjoys any reason to go out to eat.

Too bad when you look at the budget it’s the first thing that gets cut from the expense pile.

However, when you come across a good deal, you don’t pass it up – especially if it’s for some of your favorite places to eat.

Always a super resource for deals, Restaurant.com is serving up a big one for one day only: $25 Certificates for only $3!

All their other deals are on sale too! For example, getting a $10 certificate for just $1.20.

Yes, that’s only about 15% you’re paying on the dollar! And if you need the math outlined: If you spent $25 at a your favorite participating restaurant (listed on Restaurant.com), your dinner technically would cost you around $3 out of pocket.

Crazy, right?

But taking a look at the list of participating restaurants, it’s actually pretty crazy NOT to get in on this deal.

New to Restaurant.com? You buy gift certificates to be used at the participating restaurants at super low prices. You save money.

It’s that easy.

Wondering which restaurants we’ll be using our Restaurant.com gift certificates to?

Well, I think this one says it all: Dickey’s.

Not an endorsement. The hubs just really loves him some Dickeys…and it shows. #mamachallenge #dickeys #dallas #dallasblogger #bbq #yellowcup #barbecue #notsponsored #sweettea #southern

A photo posted by Autumn Reo | Mamachallenge.com (@autumnreo) on Mar 16, 2016 at 8:48pm PDT

Another one I know we’d love to use our gift certificates to is the Magic Time Machine. It’s a must-have for special occasions like birthdays and good grades, but sometimes just being together should be a celebration enough. (If you’ve never been to the Magic Time Machine, you’re missing out on Jack Sparrow, Cinderella and the whole crew serving you a lovely dinner experience from start to finish!

Don’t miss this deal:

$3 SALE FROM RESTAURANT.COM

SAVE AT MORE THAN 23,000 RESTAURANTS NATIONWIDE

Spring has sprung! There’s no better way to celebrate than taking the family to enjoy alfresco dining and fruity drinks. To bring in the new season, Magic Time Machine. is serving up $25 Certificates for only $3 with Promo Code: SALE.

Search Magic Time Machine. by location, cuisine, price range and more, to find exactly what you want, where you want it! This offer ends Thursday, March 31 at 11:59 pm CT.

I received a Restaurant.com gift card for the purpose of this review. This post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own.

Don’t miss these #mamachallenge moments:

What REALLY Happens: Lasik Laser Eye Surgery {Free Printable}

March 26, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 31 Comments

Thinking about LASIK, but don’t know where to start? Autumn Reo of MamaChallenge is giving you a real look at LASIK, with a look at her LASIK laser eye surgery, with the help of Kleiman|Evangelista and the Mom it Forward Blogger Network. #KEHELPEDMESEE

Did it hurt?

That’s been the #1 question I’ve been asked since I had my Blade-Free HD IntraLasik at Kleiman-Evangelista Eye Center.

So I want to share the experience from start to finish and answer one of those other questions that I’ve been asked the most – “Was it worth it?”

After my first consultation, I made arrangements for my very kind mother to be with me during the procedure only a week later. While the procedure lasts less than 15 minutes (yes only 15 minutes), I needed her there to be able to drive me home (and for me to take care of the kids), after the procedure.

I put on something comfortable and a little warm as well since the surgery suite is a little cool and once I was home after the procedure I was going to bed. (This is a perfect time to break out the stretchy pants or that fuzzy Velour suit sitting in the back of your closet.)

We arrived :30 minutes early so we could arrange for my two prescriptions (two sets of eye drops that were also obtained at the office) and to take something to allow me to relax. I was provided a small dosage of Valium, just enough to keep me calm and not to get too anxious as well as to make me sleepy after the procedure so I could let my eyes rest. (Note to self, you aren’t going out that night to show of your new eyes quite yet!)

Then just a few minutes later they called my name.

Show time.

I walked in to the suite to meet my doctor and the team of experienced professionals ready to make magic happen. While I’m a little foggy about what exactly happened step by step (see mention of Valium above), the doctor took a look at my eyes before the procedure at one of the many machines in the room. And then I was walked over to the laser area, seated comfortable and then it begin.

I’ll admit – it wasn’t like getting a massage. It was a little uncomfortable as my eyes were being completely changed! And with my astigmatism, that meant a little more under the laser. It’s not like I felt anything that hurt; it was just the feeling of a bright light, pressure to my eyes, and then we were done.

Meanwhile, my mother/chauffeur/caretaker/photographer took pictures of the whole thing while I was having the procedure. While I’ll admit it took me a few days to really look at these, it does show almost every part of the procedure – one shot at a time.

So here’s your disclaimer: if you want to see some really, up close photos of my procedure, be my guest. If your stomach is a little weak, I wouldn’t do it. Just remember, these photos are in no order of the procedure, but they are pretty wild what happens in the Lasik Suite. However, if you want to see a video that explains exactly what happens in a procedure like this, then take a look at this.

When it was done, they took another look at my eyes and said “Everything looks good.”

I was able to put on some shades (your eyes are uber sensitive after the procedure) and my mother walked me to the car.

As soon as we got home, I slid into bed.

I had hoped I would nod off to sleep, but two little kids that had gotten home from school wanted to check on me and I wanted to hug them.

They each visited me quietly in the bed and carefully kissed me so they wouldn’t touch my eyes. I was wearing my super awesome eye shields to keep them from hitting my eyes while I laid down), but they wanted to be extra careful.

Soon after I did begin to feel more pressure on my eyes. Actually I don’t have the words for the feeling since I hadn’t really had that sensation on my eyes before. Somewhere between having a tattoo (you know that feeling after you have it) and that straining feeling after a long day of staring at the computer. Since I’m not much of one for pain (like zero tolerance), I had my mom call the doctor to make sure it was normal to feel uncomfortable.

They did let her know for everyone the discomfort is different, so some people don’t feel anything, while others will feel pressure and pain. However, two Tylenol PMs took care of that and my anxiety, so soon I was off to sleep.

The next morning when I woke up, I took off my special sleepwear, ready to see if I could see.

Wow, I could! I mean like it was crystal clear due quite yet, but it was a huge difference than when I had woke up all the years before.

Before getting ready to go to my follow-up appointment that morning, as instructed, I put in my drops. (Actually my mama did, but I was definitely making use of having my mama time while mine was there!) The drops are a really important part of the Lasik process because they relieve a lot of the dryness and pressure from your eyes beginning to heal. The instructions from my doctor were to put in the medicated drops four times a day and the eye drops once an hour. Although that sounded like a lot, I crafted a little chart (after the one my mom sketched to use on me) that was able to keep me in check with my drops and added an alarm to my phone to remind me to take them.

Remember, this was a guide created by mamachallenge.com. Please remember to consult with your doctor for any prescription/dosage instructions post surgery.

PDF |

For someone like me who is often on the computer (yes, that same day I was back on the computer), eye drops will help you so much. AND while it wasn’t required of my Lasik, my regular optometrist had always told me getting up and getting away from the computer after so long in front of the computer was necessary for good eye health. So I was back on the computer, but not quite for the 10 hour stretch (at least not yet!)

When I returned the next day for my followup post-opp appointment at the Kleiman-Evangelista Eye Center, I was able to meet with my doctor to see how things were going with my eyes after the surgery. After just a few minutes of me looking into the eye machines, he said things looked great and to continue to take the drops as instructed throughout the week.

And then I made my post-surgery appointment for a week and that was it.

Seems so easy, right? It was. (And no judgement on no makeup. Remember, no eye make up – that’s a rule for a week!)

And was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY.

I’ll share next time about what it’s been like since the appointment and of course, why not getting Lasik may actually be costing you money.

Yep, that’s right. It’s not as cheap as you think wearing glasses, contacts and all the other stuff that goes with it.

Don’t Miss this #mamachallenge moment:

Easy Easter Egg Decorating Ideas

March 22, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 19 Comments

Want to celebrate the tradition of Easter egg dying, but does the smell of vinegar, big colorful messes, and the lack of time keep you from breaking out the eggs? Here are several easy Easter Egg Decorating Ideas, as featured on Good Morning Texas, to keep it fun for everyone.

Thanks to At Home for all the eggsellent Easter decorations to create the perfect Easter scene!

Growing up we loved decorating eggs. We’d put on one of grandpa’s old plaid workshirts, spread out the newspaper, and began the dipping, dying, and dripping rainbow-colored messes all over the floor.

It was lots of fun. But then again, all the hours of egg dying would then turn into the eggs we later would hunt out in the grass for Easter.

Nowadays, “Egg Hunts” don’t even involve dyed eggs, chocolate, nuts, or whatever else we are saying no to these days.

Now, I’m a big proponent of healthy eating, the tradition does kinda just fizzle out when there’s no point to all the work.

However, there is something to be said for the time spent together, around the table, doing something fun and creative, and making memories.

Our evolved tradition has turned into more of an opportunity to make whatever eggs you want to make. And if it doesn’t involve too much set up, can keep from dying our fingers or making a big mess for mom, that’s a tradition we can really get behind.

While I’ve seen some pretty impressive eggs that probably took more skill and more time than I have in a week to make one

Here are 10 Easy Egg Decorating Ideas that are fun, easy and pretty mostly mess free!

1. Stick it with Temporary Tattoos
Pick a tat and put it on the egg just like you would the skin with a little wet cloth. Just make sure it’s a dry egg first so the tattoo can adhere to the egg. (DC Comics or DC Comics are a win for kids!)

2. Sharpies to the Rescue
A trip through Pinterest will show you that Sharpies make everything better. Put your monogram (or any other shape) by using a sticker and begin covering with dots. After you cover the egg in 1-2 colors, peel off the sticker and you’ll have the outline of your shape. (We used these ABCs for ours.)

3. Put Your Finger in It
I love handprint crafts and so do the kids. This one is the perfect combination of using those cute little fingertips to create bunnies, carrots or ducks with the stamp of a thumbprint.

4. Create with Crayons
One of my favorites, you don’t even need to wait for the eggs to cool. While still warm after boiling, you can decorate you egg using crayons. Smear the color with your finger immediately after applying the color for an all-over color. Then layer the next crayon over it for a 3-D effect.

5. Color it with Kool-Aid
Forget vinegar and dye, break out the Kool-Aid man! Using a packet of red, blue or orange Kool-Aid with 2/3 cup water. Then dip the eggs to make them your favorite color. Allow to dry on rack and then rinse to “set.”

6. Do it with Dots
I’m a big fan of polka dots, so using double-sided sticky dots all over an egg, you can roll it in glitter (or sand) to create a cool effect without the mess of trying to paint a golden egg!

7. Bedazzle it with Beads
This is my FAVORITE. These eggs look so impressive, but basically it’s jeweled dots already adhered to sticky tape. Peel them tape off and add it to the egg. Ta-daa! It’s an egg that a princess would love to have.

8. Share the Fun with Shave Cream
This one isn’t as clean as the others, but it’s so much fun! Take a pan, cover it in shaving cream (like the cheap stuff), and then add some food color. Using a dowel rod, swirl the colors together until you have a fun tie-dye effect. Then roll the egg in the cream to color. Allow it to dry for 10 minutes and then rinse for the color to develop. (Note: Consider gloves if you don’t want your fingers to get colored!)

9. Don it with Decoupage
Modge podge is the answer to everything and here it is plays a big role in making a napkin become the design on an egg. Add decoupage to egg. Then take a napkin (think a fun leftover party napkin or using this beautiful floral design), adhere the napkin to the egg and begin to smooth it out. Cut off the excess. Add another layer of Mod Podge to the outside of the egg to smooth out the design and let it dry.

10. Go with Glow
This one isn’t much of a decorating egg idea, but host a glow-in-the-dark Easter hunt by filling plastic eggs with glow-in-the-dark sticks (Dollar Tree is a great place to score these!)

Hope you have a hoppy Easter with these fun egg decorating ideas!

Did you love the decor used in the segment? Me too! You can get all of it from At Home!

At Home has more than 150 Easter items for your indoor and outdoor decorating needs in a variety of themes (Modern Easter, Garden Party and Antique Treasures).
Prices for At Home Easter product ranges from $0.99 up to $99.99. AtHome.com showcases a sampling of what you can find in stores.
At Home currently has several DFW locations. New locations in Plano and Farmers Branch set to open in May of this year.
Each store has more than 50,000 home décor items and receives 500 new products per week.

What to Expect: First Lasik Appointment

March 15, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 12 Comments

Thinking about LASIK, but don’t know where to start? Autumn Reo of MamaChallenge is giving you a real look at LASIK, starting with the first LASIK appointment, with the help of Kleiman|Evangelista and the Mom it Forward Blogger Network. #KEHELPEDMESEE

My junior year of high school had lots of good things happen. However, one of the two big moments that happened included getting braces AND glasses. While my prescription wasn’t bad, my astigmatism was. I tried contacts, but there wasn’t enough frustration or money to try to keep finding the “right” ones for me, so I gave up. From that point on, me and the glasses didn’t stray far from one another…and that’s been about 20 years ago.

And while I can tell you many funny stories about glasses, including the ways I’ve broken them, at one point I finally had enough.

In just one morning:

I had forgotten where I laid my specs down the night before, so I spent 7 minutes looking for them.
When I found them they were covered in little people fingertips and I had to clean them.
Then when I cleaned them they smeared even more.
I rushed to get in the car and had to switch my glasses for sunglasses (the ones I spent a fortune on for prescription glasses I wasn’t ashamed of.)
When I ran into the A/C, my glasses fogged up so I had wait for them to clear.
After sitting in a long meeting, the glasses slid down my nose so I pushed them about 10 times in between taking them off to rest my eyes and the headache I was beginning to feel.

…And that was all before 10 AM.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t look bad in glasses and have really built a style to wearing them. And while I never wear them on camera, they are on right before and right after that camera goes to “ON AIR.”

But at one point, you just want to make your life easier and get rid of the unnecessary crap that gets in your way and annoys you. This year was supposed to be about change. For the better. I’ve been making changes to make me happier and the best me I could be.

So after thinking about it for 10+ years, I decided to quit making wishes and making things happen. So to Google I went and found out I could make a free appointment to start the process with one the leader in LASIK, Kleiman|Evangelista and they had a location close to me. I wasn’t sure what the process was, but I figured this was the first way to figuring it out what’s next and it was free. What do you have to lose?

So here’s what happens at the first consultation (of course, each experience may differ based on the patient, location and person needs, but this will give you a basic feel for what will happen based on my experience at Kleiman|Evangelista.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FREE CONSULTATION LASIK APPOINTMENT

1. Enter the Waiting Room to check in and wait to hear your name.
I was surrounded by others just like me that either were getting the surgery or coming in for a first-time appointment. While you’re there you’ll be able to watch the other surgeries happening while they are happening with this lovely clear door. Yes, you can watch it from start to finish since it only last 15 minutes! (Of course, if you don’t want people to watch, they do that, too!

2. Next I was ushered into first room to receive basic eye exam as well as to look at the health of the eye.

3. Then I entered another room to take give me a real feel for what was going to happen in the procedure. (It only takes 15 minutes to do the procedure, but it’s amazing what happens in that time!) At this time I was given an opportunity to ask every question – big or small. Actually throughout the entire process, I was asked if I had any questions. While I had a few, I was able to find a lot of answers online at the website. However, I think the biggest one of course, like everyone is – “Is it going to hurt?” (And my answer to that I can share after my procedure next week!)

4. Next you’ll take a seat in another waiting room for another look at my eyes with an Ophthalmologist. I love that they were so thorough to make sure that I really was the ideal candidate for the procedure. (I was really nervous about the procedure but the fact that they kept checking everything so thoroughly made me feel that much more confident.)

5. Meet with your doctor to determine if you are a good or bad candidate based on all the records of your eye health examination.

Based on your candidacy, you’ll make your way back to the waiting area and meet with team area to get a breakdown of costs. Candidacy is based on several different factors, I found out during my appointment, But basically five majors ones:

You need to have stable vision.
You should be 18 years of age or older.
You should not be pregnant or nursing.
You have sufficient corneal thickness.
You should have realistic expectations.
You are a great post-procedure patient.

Find out more about if you are a good LASIK candidate.

6. If you are a good candidate, now you get to make the appointment. Depending on your schedule, you make your appointment for your surgery and cover all the dos and don’ts. Make sure to have your calendar with you so you can get a date on the calendar. A few things you’ll need to take into consideration when making your LASIK surgery is:

You will need to have someone to drive you home after the appointment. (Thanks, mom!)
You will go home that day and go to bed, so while recovery is quick, it’s not that quick! (Also, thanks to mom for watching the kids!)
You’ll not be able to go in a hot tub, pool or wear makeup for a week. (So don’t plan for that vacation yet.)
Followup with routine drops as prescribed. (I had two sets of drops and they’ll tell you exactly how and when to add them.)
Attend a few appointments to followup. (These appointments will be to make sure how your eyes are shaping up!)

7. Now all you have to do is wait for your LASIK surgery appointment!

Everyone is invited to make a free appointment Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 pm, with appointment to find out start the lasik process. However, there is quick test that can tell you right now if you’re right choice for them.

Now what? Next week I’m sharing my procedure experience, so make sure to stay connected!

Seeing things for the first time: I’m sharing everything you need to know about Blade-Free HD IntraLASIK, the newest and best LASIK treatment available at Kleiman|Evangelista Eye Center.

Chugging Through Childhood with Thomas the Train

March 10, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

Who doesn’t love Thomas the Train? Growing up doesn’t always mean growing out of a toy phase. Thanks to Day Out with Thomas for this #mamachallenge moment.

The first time Thomas the Tank entered our home it was a hand-me-down. Given to me by a friend whose children had “outgrown” the shirt and the little push toy, I put it in front of my almost two year old on the floor to see what he thought.

It was instant love from that moment on.

His and mine.

From the moment his little hazel eyes lit up with happiness to hear the song or to play with his trains, I was on to make sure to get that same reaction with everything I bought or made for him. It was just his toy thing; it became mine, too.

It didn’t take long until everything in, around or on the television, or on my son was blue, train, or Thomas-related. Even his third birthday was Thomas. I may have gotten a little carried away and rented a train so he and his friends could ride it in the cul-de-sac in front of our house.

Over the next four years, our love of the little blue engine grew. And since our family grew as well, with the addition of the little sister, we had more love for Thomas.

However, after seven years of love, the number of Thomas toys seemed to wane and fill with building blocks, cars and video games. It seemed as though this train was now on his way out of our lives.

So when I found out the date for this year’s Day Out With Thomas I quickly put it on the calendar as I had every other year…but then realized that maybe this train had passed.

I nonchalantly called to my son and asked “hey, should I get Thomas tickets this year…?” (hanging on for his sweet voice.)

He looked up and said, “of course, mama. I may be older, but I’ll always love Thomas.

So folks, join us as we continue our family tradition “down the hills and round the bends” April 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 to see Thomas and his friends!

Enter to Win 4 TICKETS to April 8, 2016 Day Out with Thomas below!

The Ready, Set, Go Tour 2016 is presented by Fisher-Price

This 25-minute (approximate) ride with Thomas the Tank Engine and hear Thomas greet his fans! The fun-filled event offers children and their families the opportunity to take a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends™ series. In addition, they will meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway and enjoy a day of Thomas-themed activities featuring stamps, temporary tattoos, hands-on arts & crafts, train tables, and coloring sheets. The tour, now in its 21st year, will make 43 stops across the U.S. and Canada and is expected to welcome nearly one million passengers in 2016. Tickets for Day Out with Thomas: The Ready, Set, Go Tour 2016 are on sale now and available by calling Ticketweb toll-free 866-468-7630, or by visiting the website. Ticket prices are $21-25 plus tax for ages 2 and up (service charges and fee may apply).

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS
April 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10
9 am – 5:15pm Fridays, 9 am 0 n6 pm Saturdays & Sundays
705 S. Main Street, Grapevine, TX 76051
www.facebook.com/HistoricTrains
Twitter @historictrains
www.facebook.com/thomasandfriends
Twitter @ThomasFriends
#DayOutWithThomas
TICKETS

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Easy Easter Egg Decorating Ideas

Want to celebrate the tradition of Easter egg dying, but does the smell of vinegar, big colorful messes, and the lack of time keep you from breaking out the eggs? Here are several easy Easter Egg Decorating Ideas, as featured on Good Morning Texas, to keep it fun for everyone.

Here are 10 Easy Egg Decorating Ideas that are fun, easy and pretty mostly mess free!

What to Expect: First Lasik Appointment

Chugging Through Childhood with Thomas the Train

Enter to Win 4 TICKETS to April 8, 2016 Day Out with Thomas below!

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Pictures Say a 1000 Words

mamachallenge

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Need an idea for a creative baby shower theme? These new baby shower trends show that cute doesn’t mean that it can’t be cool, too.

>>>>> REGISTER FOR BLOOM, APRIL 30 <<<<<

Want to celebrate the tradition of Easter egg dying, but does the smell of vinegar, big colorful messes, and the lack of time keep you from breaking out the eggs? Here are several easy Easter Egg Decorating Ideas, as featured on Good Morning Texas, to keep it fun for everyone.

Here are 10 Easy Egg Decorating Ideas that are fun, easy and pretty mostly mess free!

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Enter to Win 4 TICKETS to April 8, 2016 Day Out with Thomas below!

Pin This!

Pictures Say a 1000 Words

mamachallenge

Follow Along!