Autumn Rose Reo

#PartyLikeAMadMan: Beef Wellington

April 3, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 43 Comments

I’ve long been a fan of Mad Men since day one. Every season I’ve committed a Sunday evening to taking a look back at the 50s & 60s “Ad Age” through the eyes of Don Draper, his merry men and the not-so-merry lives of the women in the show. So now that the last season is here, I wanted to celebrate in the same class and style as I was watching on TV. So I’ve joined a few online friends across the world for the #PartyLikeAMadMen Virtual Finale Party as we all serve up something Mad-Men-like at home while we enjoy the premiere of the last season on April 5.

Actually, Mad Men has played a big part on trends over the last few years as fashion, food and lifestyle have all taken a borrow from something Joan Holloway might have worn or something Betty Draper may had prepared for dinner. Dinner back then wasn’t just a meal; it was an occasion and definitely a testament to the kind of life (and money) you were able to spend. Waldorf Salad, Oysters Rockefeller and Beef Wellington are all dishes from the 60s that only those in first-class would be able to serve and enjoy.

Made with a rich pastry crust, I’ve long wanted to make a Beef Wellington. Partly because it seemed so complicated; partly because the ingredients were so costly with pate, filet mignon and fresh mushrooms. However, with a little help from my meatman at the grocery store, I was able to use a bottom round beef roast for about $15 so all together my cost was like $25-$30 rather than $75. And if you were to order it at a restaurant, one plate still looks at around $50. So this recipe with my twist is a much more economical version that still gives you every bit of the indulgent experience that you expect from Beef Wellington.

Photo credit: http://madmen.wikia.com/wiki/Babylon

This recipe is based on the one found in *affiliate link*”The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook: Inside the Kitchens, Bars and Restaurants of Mad Men” by Judy Gelman and Peter Zheutlin. As the part cookbook, part historical backgrounder, part series spotlight, the Beef Wellington makes an early appearance early in the show as part of Season 1, Episode 6, Roger Sterling and Joan Holloway partake in a “private meeting” in five-star hotel. The two spend time talk about royal foods like this entree, named of course after royalty itself, the First Duke of Wellington. While I won’t been eating mine in bed, I certainly appreciate the idea of dining on something so luxurious like Beef Wellington in my pjs.

With just a few of my own modifications, this recipe may not become part of my every Sunday feature, it definitely might make it back if I’m looking for something for a dinner party or better yet, a little tryst of my own with the hubs. Seemed to work for these two for at least a few seasons.

Beef Wellington

Print Recipe

Description

This recipe is also served with a brown sauce. Find the recipe for this in The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef
1 sheet Puff Pastry (you could make your own or use Pepperidge Farms)
1 3-pound beef tenderloin OR 1 3-pound bottom roast
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 teaspoon ground pepper
1 egg with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash

Mushroom Filling

1 pound fresh mushroom, finely chopped
1/2 cop chopped onion
1/2 cup sherry or red wine
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
1/2 pound pate (won’t be used in mushroom filling but applied to beef before covering with mushrooms)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Rub filet/roast with butter and seasoning.
Place on a rack in shallow pan and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove filet to cooling rack and let stand still until cool, about 30 minutes. Pat with paper towel.
To make mushroom filling (duxelles), combine all ingredients except pate in small skillet and cook until onion is tender and all liquid is absorbed.
Roll pastry onto aluminium foil into 18×12-inch rectangle. Plate filet top down int he middle. Spread pate in a thin layer all over the beef. Then layer mushroom filling leaving a small margin around the sides.
Draw the long sides up to overlap on the bottom of the filet. Brush with egg wash to seal and brush egg wash over top and sides of pastry.
Reduce oven to 400 degrees. Using foil transfer the beef and place pastry seam side down on baking sheet. Remove foil and bake for 30 minutes until golden brown with a medium rare temperature for the meat.
Allow to cool for 15 minutes and then serve.

You’re invited to with us on Sunday, April 5, the Mad Men final season premiere. Food, cocktail and lifestyle bloggers worldwide will post a blog featuring food or drink from “The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook” or another recipe that has appeared on Mad Men.

Win your own copy of the “The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook” with this giveaway.

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Pick the Right Frames for Your Face

March 31, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 20 Comments

Once a year I (coincidentally when my insurance coverage kicks in for the next year in January), I go in search of my frames for the year. I’m not a contact wearer, so for me frames are a part of my look and style. Unfortunately, the selection process takes a while…like three hours as I look through the frames, try them all on and then proceed to keep trying them all on over and over again until I get tired, just pick a pair and go home.

But it can be a lot easier (and have a much better result) when you pick the right frames for your face based on what is best for your face shape. Just like a pair of jeans, certain styles will look better on you when you take your shape into consideration…face shape that is!.

Choosing the Right Frames

Square Face
Strong jaw line, a broad forehead, and a wide chin and cheekbones. The width and length of the face are close to being equal. Frames should be selected to make the face look longer and to soften the square angles of the face. Choose frames that are slightly curved (like an oval shape) and that have more horizontal than vertical real estate.

Oval Face
The oval face is identifiable by its balanced proportions. The forehead is slightly wider than the chin and cheekbones are high. Frames should complement the natural proportions of the oval. Choose frames that are wide or wider than the broadest part of the face and that follow your brow line. Often, diamond or rectangular shapes work best for oval shapes.

Oblong Face
Although fairly similar to an oval shape, an oblong face is longer than it is wide. The ideal frames will shorten the face by creating a break in the length of the face. Choose frames that have depth and a low bridge to shorten the nose. Try frames that are round, deep, have low-triangle shapes, or that have strong vertical lines.

Round Face
A round or full face is characterized by having the same width and length. For round faces, frames that add length to the face often work best. Frames that lengthen the face are typically angular, narrow and are wider than they are deep. It is best to avoid round style frames as these will exaggerate the roundness and curves of the face.

Heart-Shaped Face
A heart shaped face looks like a heart or a triangle with the point facing down. The forehead is very wide and cheekbones are high while the face narrows towards the chin. Counterbalance the narrow chin by choosing frames that are wider at the bottom. Generally, light colored and rimless frames work best, although aviator, butterfly and low-triangle styles also work well.

Diamond Face
A diamond shaped face has a high, dramatic cheekbones with a narrow eye line and jaw line. Frames that are soft in style typically work best to highlight the eyes and cheekbones. Select frames that have detailing, distinctive brow lines,are rimless or a cat-eye shape for best results.

However, at Visionworks they make finding the right pair event easier. Whether you’re the type who needs to touch and feel the frames or would rather do your styling from the comfort of your couch, Visionworks has you covered. I decided to do a little of both to see which one took less time. And with selections from DVF, Guess, Michael Kors and Candies, you have options to fit your color and styles.

After about two hours in store, which had tons of frames available at my fingertips, I found a few options that I liked. But I wasn’t going to make any decisions until I went online to the “A Better You Frame Finder.” In minutes, I had uploaded my own photo, picked a few different frames, tried them on and was even able to share them on Facebook to get feedback from friends.

1. Upload your photo.

2. Select a frame based on your face shape and your favorite style.

3. Pick the pair that looks best on you, save to your profile and then come in store to pick them up!

Which pair do you like best? Left or right?

See which ones I chose? I’m kinda in love with these tortoise shell frames from Guess. Aptly named Pink, I actually love these frames even more in person than I did online and exceeded my expectations. And I didn’t have to spend three hours picking them out.

Make sure you check out the Visionworks website for what current offers and promotions are available in your area. For instance right now, BOGO is on so you can get two pairs of frames for yourself OR choose to share with a friend and you both get a pair!

Let Visionworks help you create A Better You.

Come on Ride the Train: Day Out with Thomas

March 30, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 3 Comments

I will be sad the day that my son won’t light up with the pure thought of Thomas the Tank Engine, but until then, I’m going to enjoy our spring tradition of Day Out with Thomas at Museum of the American Railroad at Grapevine.

Little engineers and their families are invited to ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends® series. In addition, children will meet Sir Topham Hatt™, Controller of the Railway and enjoy a day of Thomas the Train themed activities including arts & crafts, storytelling and more. The tour, now in its 20th year, will make 42 stops across the U.S. and Canada and is expected to welcome nearly one million passengers in 2015.

This year, Thomas & Friends celebrates 70 years of friendship. All aboard the Best Friends Express forThomas-themed programs and activations as the #1 blue engine celebrates friendship with fans around the world.

A 25-minute (approximate) ride with Thomas the Tank Engine and hear Thomas greet his fans!
Meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway
A Thomas & Friends Imagination Station; featuring stamps, temporary tattoos, hands-on arts & crafts, train tables, and coloring sheets.
Storytelling, video viewing and live music, magic shows, petting zoo, model train layout & more!
Arrive at least an hour ahead of departure time to park, pick up tickets and board Thomas The Tank. Of course, feel to arrive earlier and stay later to enjoy all the Day out with Thomas activities.

Follow Thomas & Friends on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thomasandfriends and Twitter @ThomasFriends. #DOWT #ThomasObsessed

Day Out with Thomas: The Celebration Tour 2015
April 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 9 am to 5:15pm Fridays, 9 am to 6:00pm Saturdays & Sundays
705 S. Main Street, Grapevine, TX 76051
Ticket prices are $18-22 plus tax for ages 2 and up (service charges may apply).
www.ticketweb.com/dowt or 866-468-7630

Win a family four-pack of Day Out with Thomas tickets for Friday April 17, either 10:30 am or 4:45 pm.

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5 Ways to Improve Your Life in the First 5 Minutes of Your Day

March 27, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 114 Comments

Does every day seem like you’re just catching up with the day before? Do you feel like nothing is getting accomplished and you’re just bigger a bigger hole with no chance of getting out?

While we might not be able to make an immediate change there are a few things in the morning before you even start the day to ensure it gets going in the right direction or at least you can mark one thing off your list even if nothing else gets done that day. Here’s five ways to improve your life in the first minutes of your day.

1. Don’t Get on Your Device.

I need to practice what I preach here, but many of us find ourselves checking email, Facebook and Instagram before we even get out of bed. Somehow that five minutes turns into 10 and then next thing we know we are 20 minutes deep into Facebook, the kids aren’t up yet and you have to move into mom mode on superdrive to get everyone out the door and hopefully before the tardy bell rings or your boss starts looking at your empty desk.

I know it’s hard to believe, but the world will wait for your to read Facebook when you start going for the day. However, if you do have the kind of job that expects you to read your social media or at least a few emails, try to build that into after you’ve had your shower or while you’re hard at work on number 4.

2. Make Your Bed.

I hate this one, but it works. Several years ago I came to the conclusion that if there was nothing I could get done that day at least I had made my bed. It’s the first thing you get out of and the last thing of the day you get into, so you should make it kinda special. I let myself slide sometimes, especially on the weekend, but I’ve never regretted walking in after a hard day and seeing that bed made up just for me. It’s like that lovely feeling you get when you walk into a hotel room, but better, since no one expect you to pay for it the next morning.

Need a new mattress? Here’s the tips on how you can find the right one for you!

3. Plan Your Day.

Many people think that getting on their device is helping to plan the day; actually the only thing it does is help you pile on more to-dos without actually getting the ones under it complete. So get out a piece of paper and write down FIRST what you need to accomplish today. Then write down the things you’d like to accomplish, but it won’t kill you if you don’t. And then write down the “I wish…” list, the things you know you won’t get to, but want to and build in just 5 minutes that day to think about how this list becomes the “Must Do” list.

A few years ago my bucket list included a trip to Italy, but it just seemed like it would never happen, but that’s because I wouldn’t sit down and plan it. One day I just decided to put the date on the calendar and that night I would look for a ticket just to see how much they would cost. In two hours (about the time it takes to watch two episodes of Mad Men), I figured out I had enough points to fly for free, I had found a few hotels for super cheap and I had enough time to ask my mom to watch the kids. That quick I was able to make my bucket list happen. All because of five minutes.

4. Move, even if only a little bit.

I’d love to say I start everyday with a workout, but some days just don’t allow for the spin class or even 20 minutes on the treadmill. But getting out of bed to do a few stretches (think sun salutation) to get the blood flowing, will do your body wonders. If you are going to be in the car or at the desk for most of the day make sure to concentrate on the hip and back area. Let them move around since they will be stagnant most of the day. If you don’t take care of your core, you’ll be hunched over and creating many more problems for your body down the road.

Check out The Mom Workout for real exercises to work your body and get your list done!

Or you could be curling your hair while you do squats or a few ab exercises while you apply your makeup. Just because you aren’t sweating doesn’t mean it won’t make a difference. Plus even just a few endorphins will give you the feeling of a happy day…and that’s never bad before the day even begins!

5. Eat Breakfast.

Why is this one so hard when breakfast is so good to eat? However, I never make time for breakfast for me even though I make breakfast for the kids everyday. However, my waiting to eat until lunch actually was making me fatter by slowing down my metabolism and basically sabotaging my own day. While I understand sitting down to bacon, eggs and pancakes isn’t part of the AM schedule, but a delicious hand-held one you can take in the car makes eating a healthy, nutritious breakfast possible.

There’s a lot of things you can do if you’re in a rush:

Smoothies and shakes are always a great quick option with lots of protein
Breakfast Taco Enchiladas can be made in advance, frozen and then warmed up for a hearty breakfast
Healthy doughnuts are a homerun in our house and take no time to cook!

For me, I LOVE the new Jimmy Dean Delights Applewood Smoked Chicken Sausage with egg whites and sharp cheese on English muffin. At 300 calories or less, the entire Jimmy Dean Delights line with flatbreads, sandwiches and bowl choices makes it convenient to get a tasty breakfast with protein (the important part of any meal) in just a few minutes in the microwave. So the next time you go to your grocery store and pick up waffles for the kids consider picking any of the different Jimmy Dean Delights sandwiches for the whole family. (If you can score the maple pancake and turkey sausage griddlers or cinnamon glazed french toast and turkey sausage griddlers, you’ll definitely get high fives from the kids!)

Five minutes may not seem like much but it can make a big difference to your day and your happiness.

Do you have any suggestions or thoughts what you can do to change your life in five minutes?

Go Thai and Try: Easy Thai-Style Halibut Recipe

March 26, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 18 Comments

When I was pregnant my only cravings were for strawberry cupcakes and anything Thai. I couldn’t get enough of anything Thai especially since its cuisine powers all those sweet, sour, salty and spicy taste buds. However, just because the flavor profile of Thai cuisine is complex not all the recipes have to be especially when using seafood.

With a few key ingredients like sweet chili sauce, cilantro and corriander,, you too can be cooking up your own Eastern-influenced Thai-Style Halibut that will impress your family, friends and most of all, you!

The key to this dish and any meal you make with seafood is is selecting a great piece of fish. Halibut is a very versatile white fish you can use in many dishes and starting yesterday Market Street DFW received its first shipment of halibut. If you aren’t the type to cook with seafood because it seems too complicated, you just need these tips from Market Street to make you an aficionado.

Market Street has an incredible fish selection and if you still need a little help picking the right fish, how to cook it or even to get your fish steamed onsite, all you have to do is ask. While this dish could use almost any fish cut as a fillet or a steak, halibut cooks easily on the grill, stays together, pairs well with the chili sauce and the diversity of the other flavors with the flaky meat of the fish.

Fish Tip: Trying to figure out how much fish to purchase? Approximately one pound per person should be perfect.

Fish Tip: Wondering if the fish is cooked? Remember, fish continues to cook after you take it off the heat, so make sure NOT to overcook it.

Thai-Style Halibut

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

2–4 halibut steaks or fillets
3/4 cup Thai Chili Sauce (easily found in the Asian ingredient aisle)
3 Tbsp. fish sauce
6 Tbsp. soy sauce
1/3 cup chopped corriander
1/4 tsp. black pepper
5 cloves garlic (Tbsp. pureed garlic)
2 Tbsp. lime juice, freshly squeezed
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Combine all ingredients but the fish in a bowl, stirring until completely mixed.
Rinse the fish, pat fry and place in a baking dish. Pour half the marinade over the fish and turn fish until thoroughly covered in the marinade. Marinade for 1-24 hours. (Reserve the rest of marinade for sauce.)
Brush grill with oil (I used an indoor one over the stove, but outdoors is always best), then cook fish each side for 3-4 minutes. Do not overcook.
To serve, serve fish right off the grill over Jasmine rice or vegetables. Cover fish with warm sauce and then garnish with cilantro.
Enjoy!

For the best prices on fish, meat and produce, make sure to sign up for Market Street rewards program to get points for your purchases, coupons and more. To find your closest Market Street, check out the website!

Hoppy Easter: Customized “The Littlest Bunny”Book {Giveaway}

March 25, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 28 Comments

I love having a book for each holiday to not only explain why we are celebrating a special day like Easter, but also to provide an opportunity for us to create a tradition to reading it for years to come.

This Easter I’m excited to have found a fun story called “The Littlest Bunny” with the adventures of Flop. Each book in The Littlest Bunny in Texas: An Easter Adventure features art and text created especially for a specific state or city, including all 50 states as well as cities in Canada.

Join Flop as he travels in an air balloon full of Easter eggs and visits some of your favorite landmarks, including famous sites like the Statue of Liberty in New York, California’s Hollywood sign, the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan, Georgia’s Fox Theater, Churchill Downs in Kentucky, and many more. Books also feature an Easter egg hunt game that invites kids to search for hidden eggs on each page.

What town or state do you want the Littlest Bunny to visit?

See the list below for your choices.

One lucky bunny will win a copy of their choice The Littlest Bunny and be sent just in time for Easter!

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Colorado ……………….. 978-1-4926-1057-1

Connecticut …………… 978-1-4926-1060-1

Delaware ……………….. 978-1-4926-1063-2

Edmonton ………………. 978-1-4926-1066-3

Florida ……………………. 978-1-4926-1069-4

Georgia ………………….. 978-1-4926-1072-4

Hawaii ……………………. 978-1-4926-1075-5

Idaho ……………………… 978-1-4926-1078-6

Illinois ……………………. 978-1-4926-1081-6

Indiana …………………… 978-1-4926-1084-7

Iowa ……………………….. 978-1-4926-1087-8

Kansas ……………………. 978-1-4926-1090-8

Kansas City …………….. 978-1-4926-1093-9

Kentucky ………………… 978-1-4926-1096-0

Alabama …………………. 978-1-4926-1015-1

Alaska …………………….. 978-1-4926-1018-2

Albuquerque ………….. 978-1-4926-1021-2

Arizona ………………….. 978-1-4926-1024-3

Arkansas ………………… 978-1-4926-1027-4

Bentonville …………….. 978-1-4926-1030-4

Boise ……………………… 978-1-4926-1033-5

Boston ……………………. 978-1-4926-1036-6

Calgary ………………….. 978-1-4926-1039-7

California ……………….. 978-1-4926-1042-7

Canada …………………… 978-1-4926-1045-8

Charleston …………….. 978-1-4926-1048-9

Chicago ………………….. 978-1-4926-1051-9

Cincinnati ………………. 978-1-4926-1054-0

Las Vegas ……………….. 978-1-4926-1099-1

Los Angeles ……………. 978-1-4926-1102-8

Louisiana ……………….. 978-1-4926-1105-9

Maine …………………….. 978-1-4926-1108-0

Maryland ………………… 978-1-4926-1111-0

Massachusetts ………… 978-1-4926-1114-1

Michigan ………………… 978-1-4926-1117-2

Minnesota ………………. 978-1-4926-1120-2

Mississippi ……………… 978-1-4926-1123-3

Missouri …………………. 978-1-4926-1126-4

Montana …………………. 978-1-4926-1129-5

Nebraska ……………….. 978-1-4926-1132-5

Nevada…………………… 978-1-4926-1135-6

New England………….. 978-1-4926-1138-7

New Hampshire …….. 978-1-4926-1141-7

New Jersey…………….. 978-1-4926-1144-8

New Mexico ………….. 978-1-4926-1147-9

New York ……………….. 978-1-4926-1150-9

New York City ……….. 978-1-4926-1153-0

North Carolina ……… 978-1-4926-1156-1

North Dakota ………… 978-1-4926-1159-2

Ohio ………………………. 978-1-4926-1162-2

Oklahoma ………………. 978-1-4926-1165-3

Omaha …………………… 978-1-4926-1168-4

Oregon ………………….. 978-1-4926-1171-4

Ottawa …………………… 978-1-4926-1174-5

Pennsylvania …………… 978-1-4926-1177-6

Philadelphia ……………. 978-1-4926-1180-6

Pittsburgh ………………. 978-1-4926-1183-7

Portland …………………. 978-1-4926-1186-8

Rhode Island ………….. 978-1-4926-1189-9

San Francisco …………. 978-1-4926-1192-9

South Carolina ………. 978-1-4926-1195-0

South Dakota …………. 978-1-4926-1198-1

St. Louis …………………. 978-1-4926-1201-8

Tampa Bay & St. Petersburg … 978-1-4926-1204-9

Tennessee ………………. 978-1-4926-1207-0

Texas ……………………… 978-1-4926-1210-0

Toronto ………………….. 978-1-4926-1213-1

Tulsa ………………………. 978-1-4926-1216-2

Utah ………………………. 978-1-4926-1219-3

Vancouver ……………… 978-1-4926-1222-3

Vermont …………………. 978-1-4926-1225-4

Virginia…………………… 978-1-4926-1228-5

Washington ……………. 978-1-4926-1231-5

Washington, DC …….. 978-1-4926-1234-6

West Virginia …………. 978-1-4926-1237-7

Wisconsin ………………. 978-1-4926-1240-7

Wyoming ……………….. 978-1-4926-1243-8

Worth the Stay: Sheraton Fort Worth Renovates Hotel

March 23, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

A few weeks ago DFW was plagued by Icemegedon. If you haven’t heard, here in Dallas we don’t do know how to deal with snow and ice, so if any precipitation falls, especially when it turns to ice, the world stops. Unfortunately tests don’t and the hubs had a biggie (his BAR exam), so we were forced to stay as close as possible to the testing center in Fort Worth. For him, the stay was a necessity, for us, we had a reason for a “getaway” even if we didn’t get to go too far from home (or the hotel), it was a change of scenery. And a heated indoor pool didn’t hurt either.

So off to the Sheraton Fort Worth Hotel and Spa we went. A long time hotel in downtown Fort Worth, I was excited to have a chance to check out its recent renovation and changes it would be making over the next few weeks. With a few days to spare indoors, we would be able to take a look around the hotel and take it for a test drive! (I mentioned the heated pool while it was snowing, right?)

Perfectly located only two VERY short blocks from the Fort Worth Convention Center, the Sheraton Fort Worth will soon be complete with renovations to:

Guest Rooms
Club Level Guest Rooms
Club Lounge
Lobby Bar
Lobby-level Perks breakfast and lunch bistro

The room was the ideal size for a family that had two kiddos that needed space to move around, an oversized couch and a table space for me to make snacks for the kids. For mom I had the work set-up to power through what I needed to take care of my work load. And then there was the uber comfortable couch that we could all fit on comfortably while we watch TV!

Somehow I was able to steal an hour to enjoy a one-hour massage from the Spa. The full-service salon provides everything a gal or guy could want to revive and recharge including nails, hair, facial and my needed solution, a much-needed massage from the spa director that goes down as one of my favorites ever. REALLY.

After feeling like a million bucks at the spa, the family sat down for dinner at the hotel. Met quickly by a very friendly waiter, we were seated. While the service was a little slow (we blamed the snow and probably a understaffed restaurant due to the ice), we had a hot dinner steps from our room. I was glad the menu including innovate entrees the adults enjoyed and the kids’ favorites well made and with lots of flavor. Had I have had a refrigerator, I’m pretty sure I would have made my leftovers a midnight snack.

Of course our favorite part of the stay had to be the heated pool, Warm and toasty, the kids were able to splash and play in the big pool and I was able to relax a little in the Jacuzzi.

Retreating from the cold means a hot spa for mama and warm water fun for the babies at the Sheraton Fort Worth! @sheratonhotels @visitfortworth #icemaggedon #comp #travelblogger

A photo posted by Mama Challenge (@autumnreo) on Feb 24, 2015 at 11:17am PST

What a way to enjoy a nice cold stay in Fort Worth! Next time we’ll try it when it’s sunny outside and see what other fun we can have staying at the Sheraton Fort Worth.

REMEMBER, Now until March 31, enter to win a Fort Worth Weekend Getaway with:

2-night stay at Sheraton Fort Worth Hotel and Spa
2 tickets to the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth plus free entrance to the Kimbell Art Museum
A $100 gift certificate to dine at Cantina Laredo
A $100 gift certificate to Best Store Dirty Laundry Boutique

Sheraton Fort Worth
1701 Commerce Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Visit Website

Looking for fun with the kids while you’re in Fort Worth (and there’s not ice on the ground?) Here’s our family-friendly Fort Worth day trip ideas featured on the Visit Fort Worth blog.

Your New Favorite Brunch Recipes

March 20, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 35 Comments

Easter is always a great excuse to enjoy a big brunch, but who wants to eat the same ole thing? Here are your new favorite brunch recipes – perfect for Easter!

I love Easter for many reason, but one big one is BRUNCH! While there’s never anything wrong with scrambled eggs, there’s something awesome when you take it to the next level…as long, of course, that it doesn’t take 3 hours to make it and with as little clean up as possible.

Inspired by some of the timeless favorite breakfast dishes, here are some of the best and easiest brunch recipes you need to make right now.

Up the ante on the Quiche Lorraine by replacing it with hashbrowns. Now it’s not only low-carb, but a quiche that any man can’t fight.
Take all your favorite breakfast staples like eggs, meat, cheese and croissants and wrap them up in a loop for this Easter Wreath. (The kids will love helping you with this one and it looks real impressive!)
Blueberry Cream Danish? Your mouth is already watering, right? But here’s a shortcut you’ll have them in your mouth, start to finish in less than 20 minutes. REALLY.
Breakfast. Taco. Enchiladas. Two of my favorite recipes come together for one delicious casserole that you can make, freeze, cook and serve. Just look at the presentation. And that’s just the outside of the dish!
While technically this is a dessert, the kids won’t let you wait to make this Easter Egg Fruit Pizza made with cookie dough pizza and fruit to make a beautiful display!

With just a little bit of time, you’ll have some new favorite dishes that you’re family will be raving about for many Easters to come. And you might just have to make some of these a couple of times in between, too. Here’s the lowdown on how to make these as featured on Fox Good Day!

Just click on your favorite for the recipe!

Combos without the Calories at Corner Bakery Cafe

March 18, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 51 Comments

I’ve long been a fan of Corner Bakery Cafe. On days when things have been rough and I craved a bowl of hot soup, I made a b-line to my nearest Corner Bakery Cafe. While there were tons of options for me to choose, I ALWAYS ordered a combo with a 1/2 Tuscan Chicken Pomodori and a cup of Chicken Tortilla soup.

It was the cure for what ailed me, always. Although I felt like it was an indulgence with the tender chicken, melted cheese, sundried tomatoes and spinach perfectly panini-toasted then dipped in the tortilla soup, I later found out it was good for me! For under 600 calories, I could eat exactly what I wanted, how I wanted without feeling like I broke my weekly calorie count in one sitting. It was such a relief to have a dish I knew I could always enjoy without feeling like I had overindulged.

But what I also found out that there were more than 100 combos at Corner Bakery Cafe that like my soup and sandwich combo I dearly loved, that also were under 100 calories. It was like the sun had opened up a whole new world of options that I could eat here twice a week, every week and still wouldn’t repeat the same meal twice. No scrimping on taste, but thankfully, low in calorie!

So I decided to branch out for one of their limited edition salads, the Kale Caesar Salad with Chicken as well as their season bowl of Tuscan White Bean Soup.

The new Kale Caesar Salad with Chicken is made to order with a mix of fresh kale and romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese and Caesar dressing topped with all-natural grilled chicken. While you can never go wrong with a caesar salad, often I find out later the dressing was more than eating a hamburger. However, that’s not the case with this bowl of greens. The salad was meaty (even without the chicken), but with the chicken added, you definitely are full.

And the soup? I’m sorry to say is already gone from the menu to make room for their spring/summer soup menus, but if it’s any indication from the Tuscan White Bean Soup I enjoyed, it’s worth the wait. This vegetarian option with white beans and kale was filling all by itself and kept me warm from my head to my toes.

However, there’s 99 more combo options for you to choose from. Pick your favorite from their list or use the oh, so helpful 100 Under 600 Calculator to create your customized combo with sandwiches, soups and salads that you can eat without feeling complete – no matter what time of the year. #SacrificeNothing is actually their hashtag they ask customers to use when they take a photo of their healthy combo choices at Corner Bakery.

What Under 600 Calorie Corner Combo catches your eye? One lucky reader wins a $20 gift card to Corner Bakery Cafe.

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Pin That Twist: Breakfast Taco Enchiladas

March 18, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 14 Comments

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

Ah, tacos. One my favorite words (and definitely one of my favorite things to eat.)

But stick breakfast before it and it’s just that much better!

Looking back at so many good times, including my honeymoon, were spent enjoying tacos and just enjoying the simplicity of how good they can be.

While our family is pretty happy any time you get a tortilla and put cheese in it, there’s something about eggs, meat and cheese all wrapped up in such the way you can get all of the flavors of huevos, chorizo and melted queso all.in.one.perfect. bite. Now you can with these Breakfast Taco Enchiladas.

Although tacos can be pretty easy to make, sometimes you need a little something extra – a little twist to keep the flavors fun and add a little something to your norm. AND there are just some days you just want to wake up and not have anything to do but just enjoy breakfast. Especially on Sundays when we work to have breakfast together as a family.

With Easter on the way (and a brunch menu in the works), we’ve combined the best of both worlds: tacos and enchiladas into one fantastic dish you’re family is going to love. While at my local Albertsons I picked up an extra bag of Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese (Mexican blend is our favorite, but you can use any cheddar-based mix) and a package of Philadelphia Cream Cheese. (There was such a deal going on that I may have grabbed a few more of both, too.

Another great thing about this recipe is that you really can make it your own. If you wanted to add vegetables to this dish for a really hearty meal or remove the meat altogether. If you wanted to mix it up even more so by making different taco variations (based on what’s leftover in the fridge for filling), you can try to accommodate everyone’s tastes. But honestly, after you pour the green chile enchilada sauce and add that one last sprinkle of cheese to the top, everyone is going to be happy that you just made it. And of course, you gotta love the garnishes…my favorite is cilantro, hands down.

Breakfast Taco Enchiladas

Print Recipe

Description

This is great make-ahead brunch item that can be used for events, potlucks or even as a meal for new moms. The filling can also be made of any protein dish you like or you can add veggies for an added healthy bonus!

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound of chorizo
3 tablespoons butter
dozen eggs
salt and pepper to taste
3 cups Kraft Shredded Natural Cheese, Mexican Blend (or any other works great!), portioned
12 flour tortillas, taco size
Cooking spray
8 oz. Philadelphia Cream Cheese
1 small can green chiles, chopped and not drained
1/2 Teaspoon cayenne
1 Tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 Teaspoon paprika
12/ Teaspoon chili powder
1/2 Teaspoon cumin
Cilantro and chopped cherry tomatoes for garnish or your favorite salsa

Instructions

Cook chorizo as directed on package.
Prepare scrambled eggs over medium heat with butter, salt and pepper (don’t let them get too dry.)
Blend eggs, chorizo and 1 cup of cheese together.
Place 3 tablespoons of egg mixture inside each tortilla.
Roll into a taco and place seamside down in a lightly oiled 9X11 casserole dish.
Complete this step until the pan is full. (The tacos will be touching.)
Next heat cream cheese over the stove at medium heat until creamy. Add chiles and rest of ingredients. Once blended, add 1 cup of cheese into sauce.
Add sauce to the top of the tacos making sure to cover completely.
Spring remaining cup of cheese on top of dish.
Place in oven at 350 degrees F for 20-30 minutes until brown.
Serve with your favorite garnish and/or salsa!

Want more ideas? Enjoy more ways to Pin That Twist.

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What’s your favorite? Tacos or Enchiladas?

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Pin That Twist: Breakfast Taco Enchiladas

Breakfast Taco Enchiladas

Description

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