mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents | Dallas Blog

Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Top Holidays Gift Ideas for Toddlers

By 15 Comments

affiliate-links

Christmas is less than 50 days away. 

Let that sink in for a second….I’ll wait.


Freaking out yet? By now HUGE toy catalogs have made it your home and the Santa Letter Writing has begun.

While it may seem that picking presents for the little ones might be easier than getting into the brain of the bigger kids, that’s not always the case. So to help you out, we’ve our favorites… the Top Holidays Gift Ideas for Toddlers. 

TopGiftsToddlers

Play-Doh Crazy Cuts Playsets // Ages 3 years & up 

Yes, Play-Doh can get a little messy, but there’s nothing quite like watching your child’s eye light up and laugh as they create a masterpiece. With Play-Doh crazy cuts, you can create silly hair styles in a flash. Load up the styling chair with the Doh, place a character and the chair and long locks will ooze out as the toy gets a Play-Doh makeover. Style it, cut it, braid or start all over again. Playset includes two styling chairs, three character thimbles, two hair styling molds, four cutting tools and six cans of PLAY-DOH compound.


 Play-Doh Crazy Cuts

Now you ready to win one? Enter to win the MamaChallenge.com Holiday Gift Giveaway!

—–> Enter here for a chance to win the Playdoh Crazy Cuts Playset! <—–

Playskool Friends My Little Pony Musical Celebration Castle // Ages 18 months & up 

My little pony Little ones can discover, imagine, and share the fun together with their very first My Little Pony playset by Playskool Friends! Designed especially for little hands, this castle brings big fun with activities to explore, music and sound effects, and adorably chunky Pinkie Pie and Star Song figures. Introduce your toddler to early imaginative play with all kinds of fun things to do around the castle, including having a dance party with real music and motion!

My-Little-Pony

Now you ready to win one? Enter to win the MamaChallenge.com Holiday Gift Giveaway!

—–> Enter here for a chance to win the My Little Pony playset by Playskool Friends! <—–

 

Play All Day Elmo //Ages 18 months – 4 years

Little ones love watching Elmo play with his friends on Sesame Street. Now it’s their turn to play along with Elmo: Meet Play All Day Elmo! This cuddly and interactive Elmo toy has 150+ responses, plus 8 games and activities to help keep kids engaged. When playtime is over, preschoolers can cuddle with him while listening to a lullaby. 

Elmo

 

Now you ready to win one? Enter to win the MamaChallenge.com Holiday Gift Giveaway!

—–> Enter here for a chance to win the Jurassic World Tyrannosaurus Rex! <—–

Jurassic World Tyrannosaurus Rex // Ages 3 years & up 

In the imaginary land of Jurassic World, the earth rumbles beneath your feet. The sun above you is suddenly blotted out. You can sense that he is near. You have two choices: run, or stay and be the brave ranger you are! This Tyrannosaurus Rex figure has awesome chomping action. It’s up to your little one, his imagination and his trusty capture claw to capture the Tyrannosaurus Rex figure and bring her back to base before she goes on a rampage. Watch out though!

Playskool Heroes Jurassic World T-Rex Figure

Now you ready to win one? Enter to win the MamaChallenge.com Holiday Gift Giveaway!

—–> Enter here for a chance to win the Jurassic World Tyrannosaurus Rex! <—–

For more ideas for on what to get that special kiddo for the holidays, check out the Holiday Hot List for 2015. 

MamaChallenge Hot List

Your FUNpass to a Stress-Free Holiday

By 28 Comments

I’m excited to be a FUNatics member, however, all comments are my own.

As the winter approaches, temperatures drop, days get shorter and we spend more and more time inside.

I, for one, kind of like the quiet time….(got it get when you can.) Especially since once the holiday season rolls around, the kids are out of school and family and friends visit in waves, quiet time is over. If you live in Texas like me, sometimes Father Winter lays pours a blanket of snow/ice on your city, making it impossible to do anything besides sit inside and stare at each other all day.


Cabin fever is real ya’ll. 

So for those moments when we can bundle up and safely get out the house, I am looking for fun thing my entire family, or a few of those unexpected guests, can do and enjoy together. Main Event is offering some pretty fantastic deals that will definitely give you the chance to have some friend without breaking the bank.

main-event

Who doesn’t like to save money?

For those kids and adults who love the sights, sounds and competition of video games, the Unlimited Games option is the way to go.  It’s an easy and affordable way to spend quality time with your family, whether you’re entertaining a crowd or just looking for some fun things to do around the Holidays. For just $9.95 per person, you get access to all of the games you can handle for 2 hours! This offer is valid Nov. 9 – Dec. 18, so it may be a good thing to do after hours of shopping on Black Friday. 

Main Event Entertainment

Maybe video games aren’t your thinking, and you’re looking for something more all inclusive. The Winter FUNPass is your best bet! For $17.95 per session, you get access to unlimited bowling, laser tags, billiards and more! Plus, you aren’t limited to only 2 hours. If you want to stay at Main Event all day, than go right ahead! This offer is available Dec. 21 – Jan. 22, all day Tuesday through Sunday and open to 4 p.m. on Mondays, so it’s definitely the perfect activity when the kids are out of school. 

There are 24 Main Event locations in the nation, and five right here the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex – Plano, Lewisville, Frisco, Fort Worth (south) and Grapevine. Click here for a full list of locations with hours of operations, address and contact information. 

main-event

The winter doesn’t have to be dull and dreary just because the weather is. Grab your coat, your kids and give some of these offers a try. And if you live in Texas, hopefully Father Winter will be good to us this year. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

VarageSale: The NEW Garage Sale

By 1 Comment

SponsoredPostDisclaimer

Once upon a time….in a very crowded house not so long ago…

I decided to have a garage sale.


I purged my house and made big piles of items I wanted to sell. Signs were posted around the neighborhood. I got up at the butt crack of down on my Saturday, made coffee for the visitors, and provided snacks to the people who stopped by to check out my awesome loot….ha.  But the more I thought about it, I really didn’t want to sell my daughter’s Burberry onesie for 25 cents when I knew I paid much more for that at Neiman Marcus. And definitely all the work I did to get it ready to get $20 in my pocket… it was a total bust. 

Sell Items on VS

Now, I don’t have to.

VarageSale is the modern, virtual day approach to the tried-and-true garage sales. It’s a marketplace app that allows you to buy and sell pre-loved items with neighbors without driving around the block on a Saturday morning. The app was created by Tami Zuckerman, a mom and former elementary teacher in Toronto, who was frustrated with how difficult it was to sell some of her child’s clothes. She wanted it to be simple for busy moms and dads who were always on the go and didn’t have time to physically sit at a computer. And it couldn’t be easier to use for both buyers and sellers.

join-today

Like most things online, the app is connected through Facebook, so you don’t have to worry about remembering yet another username/password. Download the app, type in your zip code and shop away.

There are seven new communities in the DFW area giving you more opportunities to find the perfect items:

You can search for items like “elsa frozen toys” and voila, it shows you all of the related items in your community. Whether or not your daughter wants to let go of her Elsa toy is another story. Plus, it’s the perfect way to declutter your home and make a little cash in the process. No longer do you have to dread the growing piles of clothes, toys and other knick knacks that the kids have outgrown or “outloved.”

Varage-Sale

Selling on VarageSale is a piece of cake. Once you have sorted through all of the items and decided what is appropriate for the site, snap a photo of the item, price it according to its retail value and how much loved it received and upload away. I really didn’t get rid my daughter’s Burberry onesie, but if I wanted to, now I can sell it closer to the retail value and not shed a little tear when it goes home to a new owner for only a quarter.

Another nifty and helpful trick for VarageSale users?

You can customize your news feed so that only the categories and items you care about, show up! Here’s how! 

Right now, VarageSale is running a super seller cash offer specifically in the new DFW communities and a free family vacation contest. Note that you have to sign up via the links below in order to enter.

Here’s a breakdown on how you can get even more cash in your pocket: 

New VarageSale sign-ups who join a newly launched community will earn $5 for every item they list for sale (up to 25 items). That’s potentially $125 up for grabs!

 SuperSeller - Twitter graphic

Super Seller cash offer available to new VarageSale signs-ups only, and only eligible in new VarageSale communities. Limited to first 100 new sign-ups per community. Disney contest is available to new and existing VarageSale users and is state-wide. Full terms at terms.varagesale.com/tx 

Twitter - Disney v2

BONUS: Every item listed for sale is also an entry into a state-wide contest to win a family vacation (up to 5 people) to the most magical place on earth in Orlando, Florida (Disney World).

VarageSale is quick and fun way to buy products, and the community vibe makes it a little safer to sell items without the fear of being kidnapped.

And you keep on your pajamas and can get it all done before your next round of coffee. 

 

 

My Music Video Debut: Some Carpet to Love

By 30 Comments

SponsoredPostDisclaimer

I fondly remember when I was 5 years old,  jumping on my mother’s bed in just my panties and trying to scream the words of the Madonna song playing on MTV. 

I remembered thinking how cool that people were singing and dancing on a channel devoted to all music all the time. 


Oh, how cool would it be in a video, I thought. 

Oh those were the days…

Since then MTV has changed, although I still love Madonna. 

And a few months ago I was finally able to fulfill that childhood dream and be in a music video.

Mohawk2

So I guess you’re wondering why I might be laying on the floor in what presumes to be in a church choir robe with four other lovely ladies?

No, I haven’t become a member of a gospel girls club…

This was my music video moment. 

And in true #mamachallenge fashion, I wasn’t rolling around being all hot and bothered like the Queen of Pop, but I was talking dirty. Real dirty. 

Like dirty carpet and how I wish I could find some “Carpet to Love,” (the title of the song) featuring Mohawk’s SmartStrand Forever Clean Carpet. If you watch the whole video you’ll see what we did to the old carpet before hand and how beautiful the house was once the new SmartStrand was when it was installed. 

The day of shooting the video was pretty hilarious – and not my typical mamachallenge kinda-day. Well..unless you count the days I roll around on my own carpet throwing a big fit, but that’s another story.  But all that time on the floor in the video, I can actually attest this stuff is super durable and really easy to clean!  

Mohawk

I was able to experience Mohawk’s SmartStrand Forever Clean Carpet at work as

  • The only carpet with built-in stain and soil resistance that never wears or washes off
  • Has Nanoloc spill protection for quick and easy spill cleanup (a new nanotechnology to protect the fiber)
  • Environmentally friendly because it’s made in part from renewable resources
  • Families that do it all need a carpet that has it all—SmartStrand is the only carpet that has it all!

And since I’m a big video music star and all now (HA!), I get to share this special “Friends and Family” discount with you for 10% off select SmartStrand Forever Clean carpet now through 12/31/15. 

Now without further ado, here is my video music debut! 

 
Connect with Mohawk Flooring
 

Chipotle Al Pastor Tacos with Coca-Cola / Tacos al Pastor con Chipotle y Coca Cola

By 37 Comments

This should has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MejoresRecetas #CollectiveBias.

I guess you can say he had me at Pastor.

Shortly after meeting my husband’s (then boyfriend), he embarked on an international studies program where he spent a semester in Monterrey. Taking advantage of the opportunity, I spent many three-day weekends visiting him and the robust part of Mexico that didn’t include palm trees or all-inclusive hotels. Part of our explorations still resulted in daily trips to the same taqueria next to his flat for tacos al pastor. Sliced thinly onto the handmade double stacked corn tortillas, carved straight from a trompo on the side of the road after a hot day, dressed with cilantro, onion and the right squirt of lime and a Coca-Cola – every bite was like nothing I had ever had before. The recipe thought seemed too simple to be as good as it was…I just knew I could probably make the same thing at home. 


Pastor-Pinterest

Oh, silly girl! 

Still yearning for that perfect pastor taco, we visited again and again trying to get it right.  Then when we planned to get married it’s that taco that brought us back to Mexico for the ceremony and honeymoon. And a year later almost to the day, that taco is what brought a newly pregnant mama to Mexico to satisfy that same craving. 

What can I say – “I love pastor.” 

Now living in Texas, I get a chance to eat a lot of good tacos (a lot), even al pastor. But I’ve still yet to find that same recipe, the point of perfect satisfaction – magnífico – than sinking my teeth into a juicy bite of al pastor taco, especially when you get a little little grease runs down your lips. 


 Pastor2
So ever since I’ve been in pursuit to find anywhere that could deliver the same taste of those pastor tacos. While we’ve visited many great restaurants, none have quite been the same. So we began trying to create our own pastor, although many of our recipes still paFled in comparison – especially without the use of a trompo to make it the real deal.

Although we haven’t yet made the purchase to have a vertical grill at home to make authentic pastor, we have tried a lot of recipes. This one actually uses a lot of things from the cabinet and other than a few days of just letting your mouth water while it marinates, you’ve got a great recipe that anyone can make without a trip to Mexico or buying a new appliance using Coca-Cola and La Morena peppers at La Michoacana.

La-Michoacana-Pastor

While I still haven’t replicated that recipe for al Pastor tacos, I did create my own Chipotle Pastor Tacos made with Coca-Cola that bring all my favorite memories of pastor tacos together. By using La Morena you get an authentic Latino flavor for a really authentic taste. And since, I don’t have a trompo, I was inspired by SeriousEats.com to use a stacked method to give them a similar cooking process. And then there was the twist of chipotle that give it that smoky heat paired with the sweetness of Coca-Cola for a new pastor taco that can made at home either in the stove or over the grill. 

coca-cola

Just plan for a few days to get the meat just right. Great cities weren’t built in a day and neither will this taco. But you won’t mind a few days of work once you take your first, second or third bite. And neither will your guests. Just be ready for seconds and thirds… 

Setup-Al-Pastor

As the hectic holiday season approaches, making quick and easy meals everyone loves gets a little harder, but with the authentic taste of LA MORENA chiles, beans and salsas and ice-cold Coca-Cola (especially the ones that are “Made in Mexico”) for a memorable Mexican fiesta anytime of the year…Especially during the holidays for a traditional Mexican meal you can now make at home! 

la-morena

Print

clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Chipotle al Pastor Tacos

  • Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
  • Prep Time: 72
  • Cook Time: 120
  • Total Time: 7200
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ can of La Morena Chipotle Peppers
  • 3 pasilla/guajilla chiles, seeds and stems removed
  • 1 ancho chile, seeds and stem removed
  • ¼ cup orange juice, fresh preferred
  • ½ tablespoon lime juice, fresh preferred
  • 4 oz. Coca-Cola
  • 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon clove
  • ½ tablespoon brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoon oil
  • 2 ½ –3 pounds of pork shoulder, cut into steaks
  • 8 slices bacon
  • 1 onion
  • 1 fresh cut pineapple, sliced in rings, grilled
  • salt and pepper
  • 12–18 corn tortillas
  • 1–2 bunches cilantro, chopped
  • 2–3 radish, sliced
  • 2 onion, chopped

Instructions

  1. Combine chiles, juices, spices and vinegar together in the blender.
  2. Place marinade into saucepan and cook on medium until well combined (about 5 minutes.) Once cooled, add to reusable plastic bag. Add pork to bag. Seal and refrigerate overnight. (12-18 hours.)
  3. Next remove steaks from marinade and add them to a loaf pan by alternating steak, a layer of bacon, steak, etc. until all the meat is complete.
  4. Now cover pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or two days. (12-36 hours.)
  5. Remove plastic wrap and cook meat in loaf pan on baking sheet in a preheated oven at 275 degrees for 4 hours. After cooling slightly, refrigerate 4-6 hours.
  6. Either in a skillet or on a grill, remove pork from loaf pan (discard bacon.) Brush pork with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill over moderate heat until crispy. At the same time, grill pineapple with pork until brown grill marks.
  7. Remove meat and fruit from grill. Cut into strips and serve with warm tortillas, pineapple, onion, radishes and cilantro.

Notes

  • Don’t rush this recipe. Plan to cook indoors and outdoors for best results, but if you have to, you can cook the entire recipe indoors (oven and over skilled) and outdoors (grill low and slow.) Serve with elotes, grilled onions and potatoes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 535
  • Sugar: 11
  • Sodium: 282
  • Fat: 25
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 32
  • Protein: 45
  • Cholesterol: 150

Pastor-Two

Search #MejorRecetas for carefully crafted amazing recipes from LA MORENA and Coca Cola and look for specially marked displays in your stores for extra savings.

Fed Up with Spit Up: Dealing with a Baby with GER

By 30 Comments

Tracking Pixel

I received product and compensation from Mead Johnson Nutrition to create this post written by me. All experiences and opinions expressed in this post are my own and not those of Mead Johnson Nutrition. Consult your pediatrician before making changes to your baby’s diet or if you have concerns related to your baby’s digestive health. Please see the product label/website for acceptable use and benefits. You can contact Mead Johnson Nutrition with product related questions or comments toll free at 1-800-BABY 123 or through the Contact Us link on Enfamil A.R. or Enfamil.com

As part of my sharing my story of how Enfamil A.R. ™ helped cope with my daughter’s GER, I went through all my photos I had taken before we figured out her issues. Unfortunately the only photos taken were her sleeping or just waking up since the rest of the time she and I were both covered in something.


But that’s not the way it had to be or should be for the short time you have with your baby.

autumn and taylor

When the technician announced that I was having a little girl, I was over taken with thoughts of cute little dresses. I couldn’t wait to dress her up and show off my baby girl. To celebrate, I headed to Neiman Marcus and purchased a beautiful white Burberry onesie. (I didn’t even have any Burberry, but I wanted my baby girl to start off in the best.)

If my stomach hadn’t increased in size throughout the next five months I would have forgotten I was pregnant because I had no symptoms of morning sickness, swollen feet and was in incredible shape.

And my labor? I’ve had sneezes more uncomfortable than giving birth to her.

Everything seemed like she was going to be my easy child … Until it came to feeding.

While I had tried to be a good breast-feeding mother like the doctors had recommended, I wasn’t very productive. And even after I was able to make enough milk for a bottle, baby girl just couldn’t keep it down. Everything ended up all over me, those adorable dresses, AND that Burberry onesie. (Actually if you look at what photos I did take, she’s not wearing much at all!)

taylor and doll

And let’s not even talk about how tired, frustrated and upset I was. I was so frustrated. And so defeated.

Being a second-time around mom, I was determined to figure it out how to take care of it, so I tried for several months to make it work. I did have all kinds of advice like she has acid reflux, but I also knew that self-diagnosing her was just wasting even more time. Heading to the pediatrician could help to get to the heart of the matter and find a solution that would work ASAP. I didn’t have any patience and poor baby Taylor needed to eat!

taylor pink shirt

While most babies fuss, scream and spit-up from time to time, my daughter, like about2/3 of other healthy infants had uncomplicated reflux called GER (Gastroesophageal Reflux) The doctor made several suggestions including burping her more often and holding her upright after feeding, it was the recommendation of thickened feedings using Enfamil A.R. that made a big change.

Within just a few feedings, she was able to keep down Enfamil A.R. and not have it all over her clothes and me. We were both sleeping better and certainly now were so much happier. While we used the powdered versions at home, I was thankful for the Ready to Use bottles that made it easy to grab and go on my way out the door or late at night when she needed a little midnight feeding.

diaper bag enfamil

Enfamil A.R. meets the AAP recommendations on reflux management, and provides the benefits of thickened feedings with more balanced nutrition and less hassle compared to adding rice cereal to formula.

While we’re now past the days of bottle feedings and baby burpings, I am so sad that now I look back at those first months of her life and my time with her and there are no photos to remember them before we found the right solution for us with Enfamil A.R.

It’s Your Time: Fight Domestic Violence with SIX:02 6K {Discount}

By Leave a Comment

October was National Domestic Violence Month.

Maybe you saw people wearing purple ribbons, t-shirts or accessories in the last 30 days to support the thousands of women, children ad families who are victims of domestic violence. But this issue doesn’t go away at the end of the month, so to continue to raise awareness, Foot Locker, Inc’s SIX:02 is hosting the second annual It’s Your Time 6K race to benefit the Dallas-based charity The Family Place. This organization empowers victims of family violence in Dallas by providing safe housing, counseling and skills to foster independence.

Six02


The race will be held at Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 at 8 a.m. After the 6K, participants are invited to a complimentary post-race pampering session at the “Sweaty to Ready” salon at the finish line. You can get an up-do, make-up refresh, polish change or a massage. (My kind of run! 

You’ll leave feeling like a million bucks and looking even better. 

Powered by Foot Locker, SIX:02 sells premium apparel, footwear and accessories to fit you body, activity and style. Whether you’re a cross fitter, avid runner or consider yourself a yogi, they have a full line items from top name brands including Nike, Adidas, ASICS, Under Armour and more! Here in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, they are growing quickly with stores at Inwood Village, Galleria Dallas, The Parks Mall in Arlington and Stonebriar Centre in Frisco. 

Domestic Violence Month may have technically “ended” a few days ago, but women around the country and the world are fighting every day for their safety.

Every 9 seconds in the US, a woman is assaulted or beaten.

On a global front, 1 in every 3 women have been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in their lifetime. Every day in this country, more than 3 women are murdered by their boyfriends or husbands.

As sad as domestic violence can be, perhaps the saddest part is that the culprits of these horrible actions is most often the abuser is member of her own family. Where do you go when it’s not even safe a home?…To nonprofits like The Family Place. And this race helps bring even more peace to the women and children the organization supports. 

USE CODE MAMACHALLENGE TO GET $5 OFF REGISTRATION at the Six:02 6K. 

Six02

Get Away to Neverland with Peter Pan 360

By 4 Comments

There are certain movies and songs that make everyone feel like a kid again. And Peter Pan is one of those movies. The story of the little boy who never grew up comes to life in a dazzling adventure that the whole family will enjoy.

Peter Pan 360 is bringing the J.M. classic tale to fantastical life, and the show is making its North Texas debut in Downtown Dallas at the on November 11.


The production takes place in a one-of-a-kind Threesixty Theatre Tent, a state-of-the-art 100-foot climate-controlled tent that combines intimate theater experience with overheard surround CGI video projects and of course the talent actors flying right over your head. And with only 13 rows of seat, everyone gets the best seat in the house.

Threesixty Theatre - 2012

The entire theater is lit with more than 15,000 square feet of Hi Resolution production immersing the cast and the audience in the full Neverland experience. The popular Peter Pan song “You Can Fly” will take on a whole new meaning.

IMG_3351_V3_Stars

There’s nothing better than the classics, except for maybe the classics redone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Threesixty Theatre Tent
2450 San Jacinto in Downtown Dallas Arts District
Dallas, Texas
VIsit PeterPan360.com. 
 

Pin This!

Visit Mama Challenge's profile on Pinterest.

Pictures Say a 1000 Words

Follow Along!