Autumn Rose Reo

5-Minute Mama: 3 Steps to Morning Makeup

May 26, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 22 Comments

Weekday mornings are a mad sprint in our house. I’m happy if I can find the kids clean clothes to wear, a little food in their tummies and to school before the tardy bell rings (and that’s on a good day!) While the kids look presentable, I dodge eye contact with anyone at morning drop off because of the way I look. I normally in Pjs or yoga pants, my hair is pulled back and not a lick of makeup, especially under my eyes where it already looks like I haven’t slept in about two weeks. In other words, I look hot. But how can I do it any other way? I mean how do I squeeze in anything else in the morning if I can’t even get what I need to done?

In other words, I look hot.

But how can I do it any other way? I mean how do I squeeze in anything else in the morning if I can’t even get what I need to done?

All you need is five minutes. That’s right, with the help of my lovely friend at Blushington, in five minutes and only three steps, not only can I cover those dark circles, but get a look that says, “I’m a mom that not only has it together, but feels good about herself and looks good.” And now I”m going to share how I learned to do your morning makeup in five minutes.

So unfortunately, this beautiful studio isn’t my house, but is the fantastic Blushington location in Dallas. With two other hotspots in California, Blushington is your answer for making you look your best whenever you need it. Besides being able to create a beautiful look on your special day or occasion, Blushington also provides makeup classes or Makeup 101 to help you with perfect tips just for you like this:

Five Minute Makeup for Moms

1. Lighten up!

Smile at yourself and then with a clean face (a little exfoliation can actually create a natural glow without makeup!) Then apply a little concealer with a peach/yellow hue so it looks natural, but also is able to help get rid of the dark circles and other discolorations in your face. I’m a huge fan of Laura Mercier, but I was introduced to Becca Cosmetics (affiliate link) at Blushington and it worked like a champ on my undereye circles!

2. Hi Eyes! Once you have a smooth, natural look, then it’s time to open your eyes! My consultant said your

Once you have a smooth, natural look, then it’s time to open your eyes! My consultant said your eyelash curler and filling in your eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil (affiliate link) is your best friend to make those eyes open. You don’t have to put on the whole Kardashian look in the morning either…just a few seconds to curl those lashes and fill in the spots where your eyebrows aren’t quite perfect and you’re set!

3. Master the Multitask!

Moms already know how to do 100 things at once and with makeup you get a time and cost break with a lip and cheek stain! This one from Becca (affiliate) worked like a charm to give cheeks and lips the right amount of natural color that make it look like you just have that “glow” that normally people only say when you’re pregnant! (This time you don’t have any of the swelling or sleepless nights to go with it!)And that’s all you need to get up and go!

You can use this for school drop off, quick trips to the store or those days you just want that natural look! I had so much fun while I was at Blushington during my one-hour Makeup 101 and learned so many things I had been doing wrong to my face! You can even bring your own products so you can learn to use what you have the right way! After almost 30 years of putting on makeup, I was appalled how much I learned, but just take a look at the finished product!

Blushington Dallas (conveniently located next to DryBar)
4218 Oak Lawn Avenue
Dallas, TX 75219
214.521.9200
Website

Summer Perfect Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Salad

May 25, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 27 Comments

Bite into the perfect summer salad with this grilled peach and prosciutto salad.

An avid grocery store fan, I probably go 3-5 times a week. Not just because I don’t always meal plan well and have to pick up a few last-minute items, but because I simply enjoy it – at least most the time.

However, Market Street is one my favorites. I even drive about 15 minutes out of my way because the experience itself is so enjoyable. From the moment you enter the doors, you receive smiles from the staff, opportunities to enjoy the food, you casually fill your cart and then when you finally resolve it’s time to leave, there’s never a long wait to check out AND someone insists to take out your bags. That’s the way it’s always been when it started as United many years ago in West Texas. When I was growing up that was the only grocery store we knew of and that’s what they did then and now. That’s sweet, right?

Just like summer time.

And you know what else is sweet?

Sugar Tree by Kingsburg Orchards at Market Street. The fruits are the exclusive, non-GMO plant breeding program that offers the most unique and exciting fruits available through cross-pollination using bees. From peaches, nectarines, and more, Sugar Tree got me thinking about all kinds of ways to taste summer… through the flesh of a juicy fruit.

I knew that I wanted to try the succulent peach in a recipe that allows it to shine – as the entrée. However, after an incidental run-in with a friend that also owns a few restaurants, I remembered a recipe she used to make on TV that always made me thirst for summertime with grilled peaches. But with my own twist that’s always a crowd pleaser…bacon.

Well, actually better than bacon…prosciutto.

Taking inspiration from my Italian vacation a few years ago, I wrapped the sweet fruit in prosciutto and then paired with spice of red onion, creamy bleu cheese and a little champagne balsamic for a summer dish you’ll crave on the hottest summer days for this grilled peach and prosciutto salad

Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Salad

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups of Arugula or mixed greens
1 Sugar Tree peach, sliced
3–5 slices prosciutto
1–2 ounces bleu cheese, crumbled (I prefer to crumble my own)
1/4 red onion, sliced thinly
1 tablespoon balsamic dressing

Instructions

First, over high heat on a grill or a stove-top grill (this is what I use), cook peaches until you see grill marks (2 minutes.)
After peaches are slightly cooled, wrap peaches with prosciutto.
Next place greens over a bowl/plate, next a few red onion rings and then crumble bleu cheese.
Then place wrapped peaches over greens.
Lastly, add balsamic dressing or glaze to taste.

Get What You Want at What You Want at Rooms to Go {Sale}

May 22, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 13 Comments

The first time I purchase my first piece of furniture I was around 25 for our first home. I felt like such a big kid and thought, wow – I’m going to have this piece of furniture forever!

Fast forward – one husband, one dog, two cats, and two kids later, and you realize that no matter how durable and great quality your furniture is, the wear and tear of kids, pets, that unfortunate accident when you all played basketball in the living room and your own style changes, makes it necessary to replace and update your furniture from time to time.

And now is a really good time at Rooms To Go. With 10 locations in DFW, more than 20 locations in Texas, and in 10 states nationwide, this Memorial Day weekend there are tons of great sales happening at Rooms to Go with more than 25 coupons to help you save on furniture (DOWNLOAD THE APP or PRINT THESE NOW!)

Lucky for me, I was able to get a sneak peek in store at some of the amazing sets and pieces available for the four-day-only Memorial Day sale. And I found out that while this sale is available both online and in store, remember items may vary based on location.

I could have outfitted my entire house with a whole new look with some of the new trends and offerings especially with the e isofa line . Step aside Starbucks; with isofa you can customize your couch, not just your coffee. Just choose your style, your color and your pillow pillows and in just few days you’ve got a custom couch made just the way you want it. For those of us that can never make up our mind or are often saying “If I could just have that one, in this other color” the isofa line is made for you.

No one can miss the Cindy Crawford HOME or Sofia Vergara Collection offerings at Rooms to Go!

DID YOU KNOW?
You know you’ve seen the commercials of the two of them battling it out for beautiful furniture!?! Well many of the Rooms to Go commercials including the Sofia and Cindy one was filmed in DFW? Cindy Crawford has partnered with R2G for several years to create her classic home collection and the new Sofia’s line adds a whole new level of modern sophisticated selections at Rooms to Go.

If you’re not in the business of a living room or bedroom change, perhaps your dining room or kitchen can use an uplift (especially if you’re one chair down like we are because it’s broken and can’t be fixed.) I eyed several new styles that I’d love to replace my dining room furniture including bench seating like both of these beauties, also on sale this weekend for only $888.

Remember that Father’s Day is just a month away, so now’s the time to get something that dad will love like a new recliner. At buy one recliner, get one 50% off you can actually afford to buy one for each of you! I’m still deciding on two different styles.

Which one do you like best?

Or you can get a blended leather chair and ottoman set for as low as $250!

Or you could just go get him a new TV and a whole new living room. The packages included in this sale are pretty crazy with everything you need to decorate your living room with a couch, loveseat, tables, lamps and more with a 65-inch LED Smart HDTV (I may have not needed a TV, but an upgrade to this one makes it a win-win for less than $2,000.

Want to lowdown on how to make the best of your Rooms to Go purchase?

If you’re into direct bottom-line costs upfront with no haggling, Rooms to Go prides itself on giving customers the best price today. So much so if you purchase an item and it goes on sale within 60 days from purchase, you’ll receive a credit on the difference of the product – guaranteed. Most items can be delivered next day and if you want, you can have Rooms to Go bring it, put it together and take it away!

Shop the Rooms To Go Memorial Day Coupon Sale with 25+ coupons to help you save on furniture this Memorial Day! But offers end 5/25.

Find a location

Experience Oz in a Whole New Way at Fantasy in Sand

May 21, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 3 Comments

Arlington may be a sports fans dream, but May 22 – August 23, Globe Life Park becomes the Land of Oz – in a whole new way…in Sand.

Fantasy in Sand featuring The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a unique family experience that tells the story of characters we all know so well — Dorothy, Toto, the Wizard, the Wicked Witch of the West, the Scarecrow and more — through intricately carved sand sculptures, some of which are 20 feet tall.

Photo Credit: Fantasy in the Sand

Currently, internationally renowned sand sculptors are carving 3 million pounds on sand into 16 scenes from L. Frank Baum’s famous book, including the Cowardly Lion, the Flying Monkeys and the Emerald City of Oz.

The finale is called America the Beautiful and will feature the Lincoln Memorial, Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore and other American landmarks. The experience concludes with a Texas-sized sandbox, which is 2,000 square feet, where children can create their own sand sculptures while parents watch from an observation deck. This is the largest indoor sandbox in Texas.

Fantasy in Sand is enclosed in an enormous air-conditioned tent for the guests’ comfort and includes the necessary amenities: parking, accessibility for strollers, ADA compliance for wheelchairs, restrooms and a snack bar.

More information about the event, including tickets and hours of operation, is available a www.FantasyInSand.com. The experience will stay open late on weekend nights when the Texas Rangers play home games so baseball fans may enjoy both events while in Arlington.

The Emerald City awaits you this weekend beginning May 22nd. Tickets now available on our website. #sand #sandsational #startelegram #arlingtonvoice #GlobeLifePark #OzinArlington

A photo posted by Fantasy in Sand (@fantasy_in_sand) on May 20, 2015 at 7:27pm PDT

And MamaChallenge.com is getting a sneak peek at what to expect tomorrow May 21 before the exhibit opens to the public, so make sure to follow me on Instagram for this exclusive look!

Medifast: More than Bars and Shakes

May 19, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 12 Comments

One of the biggest issues that many parents have is being overweight. (I’m holding my hand up high, here.)

Not because we eat horribly all the time, but with the stresses of having food for the family, the stresses of everything at work, and the stresses of getting it all done, somehow makes it hard to have three, healthy balanced meals and snacks throughout the day. And let’s be honest, goldfish crackers and chicken nuggets are hard not put into your mouth when the kids have left them on their plate or it’s hours until dinner time.

But when you approach your 20-year high school reunion or get that invite for a big wedding or just hear your kiddo say “mama you got a fat belly,” you somehow get this overwhelming feeling of guilt as you start to think how you wish’d you look and that those 20 lbs. (or more) can’t ever come off so why try…

Always looking to find a solution, I’ve discovered Medifast...actually rediscovered it.

I often pass the sign along the road, but thought the program was nothing but bars and shakes so for this foodie, it wasn’t even a consideration. But after my grandfather had passed, I just let my healthy eating go to the wayside. I had fallen off the horse and I needed a big jump start towards my goal to finally lose weight.

What is Medifast Really?

Walking into the appointment, I was very interested to figure out really”what is Medifast?” Is it bars and shakes, would I never taste real food again, or was it something totally different? Getting to the bottom of things, I met with the counselor to find out that Medifast is a low-glycemic plan that’s personalized to your health and lifestyle. While my lifestyle until this point has included a few too many pizzas and pastas, she goes into discussing my eating habits and finding a way to help me get a plan in place to start making real changes.

After taking my blood pressure and receiving a real breakdown of my resting metabolic rate, my body mass index, etc. I had a full workup to learn where my body is today and how we are going to get it to a healthier state.

Here Comes the Toolkit

That’s right, they arm you with not only a plan of action, but also several tools to measure, weigh and portion out your food responsibly. For me, it’s not that I don’t know what to eat or that I eat the wrong stuff (we’ll at least most the time), it’s that I eat too much of some and not enough of others.

So instead the plan includes a scale, measuring cups, a handheld blender/mixer, microwavable cup and shaker. While I needed all of these items, I learned that you can modify your plan (and price) to only receive what you need. (However, I don’t advise you try that because I’m kinda in love with the blender/mixer and I would have normally said “I have one…” but this way is pretty great.)

Food Time

The most popular of the personalized programs is the 5-in-1. Giving you five small, 100-calorie meals throughout the deal and an open meal called the “Lean and Green,” you set an individual plan how to make better decisions regarding food, what you’re going to eat (or not eat) at your business lunch, weigh in to check your progress and of course, pick the Medifast meals and snacks you’ll be using to support your weight loss plan.

With 85 different items to choose from, I can vouch that you don’t HAVE to even choose a bar or shake as part of your plan. However, both of these items (which are available in different flavors) make it very convenient for someone is on the run (like everyone.) Then for the times you want a sit-down something you can choose mashed potatoes, soups, chili, rigatoni, etc. For snacks choose popcorn, chips and even chocolate chip bake (think chocolate chip cookies and cake made a baby.) All of the items are shelf stable so they don’t require refrigeration and can be easily stored in your purse, car or desk drawer. But watch out especially for the popcorn – my kids asked for a bite and then when I went back to get a bite, they had eaten it all.

Next week we’ll talk more about the Medifast meals.

Does it Work?

Every program is different and everyone will have different results. For the first few days I’ll admit it wasn’t easy adjusting to eating every two hours and making my snack or meal at the desired time. But you have to remember you’re learning something new and changing a habit (a bad one at that) you’ve created for many years (like my 30+) and change doesn’t come easy. But after a few days and a few alarms set (I had to remind myself to eat), you get a rhythm that works for you.

Normally the first week Medifast patients will have 4-5 lb. weight loss and then steady loss at 1-2 lbs. going forward.However, atypical of Medifast patients, I lost almost 7 lbs. Pretty excited with the results so far…but like many times before I have to keep going!

Want to get your weight loss goals going? Schedule your FREE consultation and find out if Medifast is right for you.

Wish me luck as I try to hit that weight before the kids were born!

Four New Reasons to Visit the Dallas Zoo Now {Giveaway}

May 17, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 27 Comments

Here’s your real disclaimer: some of the pictures included here are too cute for words.

The Dallas Zoo has four new reasons for you to come visit, but remember to bring a gift.

There must be something in the water at the Dallas Zoo. The first baby penguin born at the Dallas Zoo, the baby African penguin was born to Tazo and Tulip April 15. But don’t get ready to party with this penguin right yet, as the new penguin family is living offsite at the Don Glendenning Penguin Cove. But as soon as this yet-to-be-named bird gets his or her feathers to be able to swim at the zoo, you’ll be invited to the welcome home event.

Photo courtesy: Dallas Zoo Facebook

If your”Oh, that’s so Cute” meter hasn’t already started to move off the charts, it will with this “tall tale.” Like the Royal family’s recent birth watch, the Animal Planet kept us all connected the world was able to welcome this sweet edition to the Dallas Zoo family via live stream on April 10. Days later, 50,000 fans casted their vote to name the baby Kipenzi, which is Swahili for loved one. Now you say hello personally to Kipenzi and mother, Katie at the zoo.

Photo Credit: Dallas Zoo Pinterest

Born March 20 at the Dallas Zoo, this baby blue-eyed ocelot is considered only one of maybe 50 left of the native-Texas species. Like humans this sweetie’s eyes will change from this cobalt blue to a dark brown and joins his father Joaquin and his mother Milagre in the ocelot habitat with a fellow bobcat.

Photo Credit: Dallas Zoo

While these little babies are too cute, you can’t call anything cute or little about the arrival of the newest exhibit at the Dallas Zoo. The “Giants of Jurrasic,” open now until Sept. 7, features more than 25 dinosaurs, a special DinoSOAR wildlife show, the theater experience of Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live, and more. Free with zoo admission, your dinosaur lover will be able to get hands-on learning about dinosaurs in a whole new way. Get the details on the exhibit and daily hours here.

Photo Credit: Dallas Zoo Facebook

Share your personal congratulations to these fine mamas and make your kids think you’re the coolest parent ever with a day at the Dallas Zoo!

We’re giving away FOUR tickets to the Dallas Zoo!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Smart Home: Four Must-Haves to Automate Your Home

May 15, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 11 Comments

Don’t you wish everything ran on a remote?

Well…actually nowadays most everything does and I love it. Home automation is no longer something we wish for and somehow can’t believe we ever did without it! It’s the real deal after a trip to your favorite home-everything store, a few steps to get your connected and you’ll have a smart home.

You know the commercial where the mom and dad are sitting on vacation and realized the kids went home and left all the lights and water running. Then with a quick touch of the phone, the dad is able to turn it all off and resecure the house? As a parent that video is REAL and so is remembering all the times you forgot if you turned off the iron, locked the door or wished you turned on the air conditioner on high before you get home in the middle of a sweltering August day in Texas.

It’s absolutely genius that now all your need is a few of these amazing smart devices and a little help from Siri to never have to turn on the fan or flip a switch ever again. Ready to go shopping at Nebraska Furniture Mart, but don’t know where to start?

Here’s Five Must-Haves to Automate Your Home

Air Conditioner/Heater
Featured: Nest Learning Thermostat

In the south, we are good friends with our thermostat. With freezing temps in the winter and blazing days in the summer, the temperature in your house is more about keeping your family healthy than it is about comfort. And that saying, “don’t like the weather in Texas, just stay around a little while, it”ll change…” it’s totally true. So when you wish you could turn on the heater because the temps have changed 30 degrees since you left the house, with the help of thermostat controls like Nest, it can happen even if your 100 miles away. Nest auto-schedule “learns” your family’s temperature preferences and programs itself in just a week, but also helps keep energy consumption low when there’s no one home.

Lightbulbs
Featured: AwoX StriimLIGHT Color Bulb with 13w Bluetooth Speaker

Lightbulbs aren’t just for illuminating the room anymore; they also become your new stereo system, setting your mood for a party, studytime or when you need to play music to get your child to sleep, but you still want to have your phone with you. While there are several on the market, I loved the AwoX StriimLIGHT Color Bulb with 13w Bluetooth Speaker so much that I recommended it for a stocking stuffer for the whole family. So easy to install, you just place the bulb in one of your regular light sockets and screw it in. Yep, that easy. It provides enough light to keep the room lit as well as immediately synced with my smartphone. I was instantly listening to Rob Thomas broadcasted throughout the room. There’s no need for a bluetooth speaker in every room, just install one of these and viola, you have a new stereo system and multipurpose lightbulb.

Smoke Alarm
Featured: Insteon Smoke Alarm and Bridge Kit

I cannot count on my hands how many times I wondered if I turned off the stove, the coffee pot or my curling iron and thought I could be burning the house down as we speak. No need to worry with the new age of smoke alarms like Insteon Smoke Alarm and Bridge Kit . Now you can get a text or email in case of smoke, carbon monoxide, low battery, all clear, or error messages and it can also be linked to lights or other Insteon devices to turn on lights instantly in the event of an alert.

The Full-Meal Deal
Featured: Insteon Start Here Home Automation Starter Kit

Ready to automate the whole house? With the Insteon Start Here Home Automation Starter Kit, just connect the HUB to your existing home router and start adding devices for total home connectivity. This kit includes the HUB and two dimmers modules which allow you to remotely control one or more lights, regulate the thermostat, monitor water leaks, and with the smoke alarm bridge, you’ll even know if there’s a fire when you’re not home.

It is as easy as just flipping a switch to make your home safer, more comfortable and cost efficient.

Get Whisked Away: Family Spa Day at Spa Castle {Giveaway}

May 12, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 15 Comments

When I think of a spa day it NEVER has included one thought about the kids except who was watching them while I was there…however, in Carrollton, right outside of Dallas, there’s not only a day spa that you will love with three floors committed to recharging your mind, body and spirit, but a spa that’s created amenities for the kids. Spa Castle is the name of the fantasyland spa property right off George Bush Tollway and Josey Lane. For just $35 bucks you can live it up with the girls for a daycation just like you’d have at a resort (swim up pool with a bartender included), or just a quiet weekend with added Eastern-style spa services and an overnight stay at the on-premise hotel, or even a fun getaway for the family for a relaxing day of water fun and dining. Too good to be true? That’s probably why they called it a castle…I mean that is where we all think magical fairy tales come alive, right? But I have evidence it’s the real deal and one of my favorite Dallas places to spend a few hours (or maybe a few days if I’m lucky). With hydrotherapy pools, saunas, dining, spas and more, you will find relaxation at Spa Castle. However, I did need a little 101 to figure out what to do once I entered the doors. But the very friendly staff led me in the right direction and ensured I was enjoying myself all day long. (You didn’t expect me to bring the kids this time, right? A mom has to scope things out first…)

Just a few things to know:

Wristband: After claiming my magical “wristband” at the front desk, I was able to open and lock my locker, check in for spa appointments and even order a meal with my a show of my wrist (that’s attached to your credit card.)
Shoes: Because this is a spa built on Eastern practices, you’ll be leaving your shoes literally at the door in a special shoes only locker upon arrival. Then yoou will have another locker for your other clothes and belongings. You won’t be wearing shoes all day, but don’t worry, you’ll see them clean the floors more times in the day than I did my entire kitchen last year.
Clothes: You’ll be provided a spa outfit while you’re there of what seems like pink scrubs. You will wear those in the spa areas, a bathing suit in the pool areas and if you choose nothing in the hot tubs. But don’t worry, no pressure!
Pace Yourself: Like Disney World, you just can’t do everything in one day. Just enjoy things a little at a time and remember, that at only $35 you can afford to come back again and again.
Tips: Your gratuity is included in your spa service, so you really don’t have anything to worry about!

Featured as part of your $35-day pass, Spa Castle’s signature Sauna Valley features ten different saunas that help promote relaxation and detoxification. Each room has a different theme and purpose for you to find the best service for exactly what your body needs. From 24-karat gold, almost 200-degree temperatures and even a room that Elsa would be envious of, they’ve options if you have the time. I didn’t get to try them all out, but I was able to sneak in most of them for just long enough to take a shot. To learn more about the benefits of the sauanas, visit the website.

: Welcome to Sauna Valley

: Roman Sauna

: Golden Pyramid

: The door way to Color Therapy

: LED Sauna

: Infrared Lounge

: Far-Infrared Sauna

: Far-Infrared Sauna

: Loess Tower

: Loess Tower

: Is Elsa Here?

: Ice Land

: Charcoal Tower

: Need a break? Sit down and rest awhile, recharge your phone or get a bite from the sushi or coffee car!

In addition to my sauna time, I also snuck in a few spa services (there are tons to choose from) including the luxurious caviar facial. I wasn’t sure exactly what caviar was doing on my face, but whatever it was, it did it well since my skin has felt and looked radiant every since. My facial also included a little shoulder massage as well so after I was done, I was almost too relaxed to do anything else…However, I didn’t want to leave Spa Castle without seeing a few of the places I planned to enjoy the next time when I bring the girls next month for a resort-type day only a few moments from home!

Outdoor Mystic Pool

Experience the same refreshing rush of water and pressure treatment on your head, shoulders, and back under the “deep mountain” waterfall. The evening sets an enchanting setting, enhanced by panoramic views to add to the peaceful ambiance of the pool area.

Hinoki Bath

Modeled after the famous Japanese baths of the past, the Hinoki Bath is built with ancient pine woods aged over 300 years old. Combined with minerals, the fragrant aroma of pine surrounds you as soon as you step into the heated waters. (It’s hot!) There’s so much to see and do at Spa Castle, I know I’ll be coming back with friends, the family and hopefully a few times just me. And just because you aren’t in Texas, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Spa Castle with several locations in the U.S. visit the website for more info.

Do you want to enjoy a Spa Castle experience?

You can win a day pass (value $35!) Just share by commenting below what has been your biggest “MAMACHALLENGE” lately and you can win!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: 80s Night Pizza Party

May 11, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 23 Comments

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and TONY’S® Pizza, but all my opinions are my own. #PMedia #BigPizzeriaTaste
http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Finding time just for the girls is next to impossible…and that’s if it ever makes it on the books, right?

As moms we are so centered on making sure the rest of the family gets their perfect balance of learning and fun time with others, we normally sacrifice our own. But it’s not “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” when you reconnect with your friends, it’s also about your own personal wellbeing and setting a good example to your children that life isn’t just about working ALL THE TIME. However, a party doesn’t always have to look like it came off Pinterest. Sometimes you just have to put a date on the calendar, send out some texts and say “come on over!”

And that’s exactly what I did a few days ago when I found myself without a huge list of to-dos…I sent out a text and said let’s do it old-school and remember what it was like before Internet, kids and responsibilities and eating pizza was the purpose of the party: 80s Pizza Party!

With only a few hours to spare before the gals showed up, I went to Walmart to pick up a few key things for an 80s theme including TONY’S® Pizza (now 30% larger and with pizzeria taste!)

And one new item that I didn’t get to enjoy while I was growing up in the 80s – an adult beverage. Keeping up with the evening’s theme I grabbed two ingredients to make our own wine coolers – filling up the glass with a little rose and a splash of sparkling strawberry lemonade (less than $.64 at Walmart.)

While I knew the night would be full of fun and laughs, setting the tone for the evening I found the perfect set of 80s movies with greatest pizza moments of all time.

Mystic Pizza (where we all fell in love with Julia!)
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Dazed and Confused
The Breakfast Club

Instead of drinking every time we hear a word, we’d eat pizza every time the stars in the movie did, too.

With the help of TONY’S® Pizza and Netflix, I had a fun party in less than 30 minutes. And for less than $3 per pizza, the whole party only cost about what it did for a pair of Keds, circa 1988. Now don’t wait for the special occasion, just send out some texts, download this coupon to save $.75 off any TWO Tony’s Pizza (now until 6/30/15 and while supplies last.)

Don’t you wish life was still as easy as a party with pizza, popcorn, pop and popular quotes?

Clink and Click: Enter the Scarborough Renaissance Festival Photography Contest

May 8, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

If you’re into fairies, castles, rides, turkey legs, mead, and mermaids, we’ve got a place for you! Each spring outside of Waxahachie (south of Dallas), the castle grounds open up for us common folks to explore the world of medieval fun at Scarborough Renaissance Festival. Celebrating 35 years of 16^th century fun for the whole family, experience armored jousts, Birds of Prey, 21 entertainment stages, crafts, artisan demonstrations and more, now until May 25.

Last year was our first experience of stepping back into time to cross paths with the king, queen and all their underlings throughout the village. I learned my lessons about what to bring and what not to bring, so this year we’re coming “armed” and ready to further enjoy the fun that so many have been doing for more than three decades with their “Friends of the Faire” pass.

The SR Festival or “RenFest” is a photographer’s dream with tons of opportunities to click memorable shots worth valuable social media space and even more so for mounting on the wall. To recognize those perfect photos, each year patrons submit hundreds of photos for the Tournament of Images. The tournament winners receive passes to the faire and prizes from the souvenir shoppe and have their photos posted online as well as recognized in the program. If you have a good eye and love the festival, read the rules and bring your camera to the faire.

While I don’t know if these are Tournament-worthy, here was my favorite!

Make sure you get out to the Scarborough Festival before the end of the season!

Scarborough Renaissance Festival is open 10:00 am – 7:00 pm, rain or shine, Saturdays and Sundays now through May 25, 2015. Located in Waxahachie, Scarborough Renaissance Festival® is just 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex on FM 66 off of I-35E at exit 399A. From Waco, the Festival is only 60 minutes north off I- 35E at exit 399. Upcoming special events include “Legends of the Seas Weekend” May 16 & 17 with costume contests, a pirate initiation ceremony and pirate games; and “Final Knights Weekend” the final weekend of the Festival May 23, 24 & 25 with a special Veterans tribute on Memorial Day Monday. Admission is $25 for adults and $10 for children, ages 5-12. Children age 4 and under are admitted free. Tickets are available on-line and discount tickets can be purchased at Kroger stores.

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