Autumn Rose Reo

Why Go to an Auto Show?

March 16, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

I thought going to an Auto Show was just for those gearheads or are in the auto business. Definitely NOT for a mom looking for a vehicle that can fit my family or my schedule.

However, I realized I was totally wrong. An Auto Show is actually the perfect place for a busy mom that is looking for a new car all in one place in one day. There are many other benefits, too.

With the upcoming Dallas Auto Show, March 25 – 29 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, make sure you take the time to reap the benefits of attendance.

I’ve been driving a 2014 Chevy Equinox this week, so I’m excited to see what the 2016 has in store when I visit the DFW Auto Show. (Photo Credit)

1. Researching the top auto brands and multiple makes, models and more all in one place.
I once shopped at eight different auto dealerships and spent at least 16-20 hours traveling, talking and test driving. At the Dallas Auto Show, you’ll be able to cut to the chase, whether you’re just starting your research or you have a few already picked out and want to be able to evaluate them apples to apples. No matter where you are in the process, check out the Dallas Auto Show app for the most up-to-date details including a floor plan and/or connect on social for more details.

2. Talk to the Pros without the sales pitch.
I love the idea of the car show because you get to ask all the questions you want without there being any contract at the end of the day. I don’t make choices well on the fly about large purchases, so that type of pressure at the dealership isn’t my cup of tea, but the Auto Show gives you all the time you need to go look at a car, talk about another, go back to the other car – well you get the picture…you can be indecisive and not feel like you have to buy anything today. But if you find “the car,” you also can get headed in the right direction NOW so you can make your purchasing power a much easier process.

3. Benefit from all the promotional opportunities for deals, giveaways and more.
Just like many public shows, this event has several opportunities available for giveaways, freebies and incentives to make that car purchase. I’m a gal who is always looking for a deal, so this is right up my alley.

Dallas Auto Show
March 25-29, 2015
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
650 S. Griffin
Dallas, TX
Early Bird Online $10
At the show $12 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and seniors 65+
https://dfwautoshow.com

Compensated by SheBuysCars.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BippityBoppityBoo! Disney Cinderella Collection Debuts at JCPenney

March 13, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 18 Comments

Beginning this Friday, March 14, princesses, young and old, will experience the magic of glass slippers and carriages, with the debut of Cinderella.

To celebrate the fairytale, JCPenney has partnered with Disney for a new Disney Collection. My little princess couldn’t have been more excited when the “fairy godmother” sent her a little package to get ready for the ball!

In celebration of the retail collaboration with JCPenney and Disney’s New Live-Action Film “Cinderella”, JCPenney has unveiled a new line for princesses everywhere!

Designed exclusively for JCPenney and sold in the enchanting Disney shop inside JCPenney, offers a variety of options to complete the transformation from little girl to princess. From sparkling tiaras, princess gowns, “glass” slippers and more… girls everywhere can make any moment magical and bring out their inner Cinderella.

All items are available for purchase now at JCPenney stores and all retail for under $55.

What’s your favorite Cinderella Moment?

Travel Without the Chafing with Bandelettes

March 11, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 16 Comments

Ever went on a long day of sightseeing to have not only have tired feet, but the inside of your thighs are red, raw and are burning? Worst of all, the next day they hurt even more because they never get a chance to heal?

Yep, that’s . It hurts, it’s irritating, and pretty much no matter your size, you’ve probably experienced it. While I’ve attempted a few different ways to prevent it, I can’t always wear pants in the middle of summer or use deodorant between my thighs when I’m wearing a short black dress with a white set of matching thigh-highs that smell of “Shower Clean.”

However, right before a mother-daughter trip to Napa, I received a package of . While I didn’t think I’d have time to try them out before I left, at the last minute as I got ready to depart for the airport, it came over me that NOW would be a good time to try these babies out. Under my cute little black travel dress and jean jacket, I slid up the lacy black Bandelettes® and darted out the door.

Little did I know that we would end up late, running through the airport to get to the gate to make the plane. And if you’ve ever been to the DFW Airport, gates aren’t close and when I saw running, I was hoofing it.

And when I FINALLY got to the gate, I will admit that my underwear may have shifted down to my Bandelettes®. I was deshelved, out of breath and completely out of sorts with my hair and makeup completely running down my face, but the Bandelettes® were perfectly in place and my inner thighs were the only thing NOT hurting.

Made with non-slip silicone inside holds bands in place without moving and slipping, Bandelettes® are available in six different sizes from pants size 2 – size 22. And to make sure you get the right fit, Bandelettes® has a short video to show you exactly how to measure your thighs.

For just $15.99 Bandelettes® not only give you a little something sexy under your dresses, but also save your thighs from the pain of chaffing. And right now you can get

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bandelettes®.

Twisted Mac n Cheese Dogs

March 9, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 10 Comments

Are you in a Meatloaf Monday rut? Or does the thought of one more hot dog make you want to scream?

While I can appreciate a scheduled and organized approach to making sure you have dinner on the table, sometimes you just have to change it up! While my kids could eat hot dogs or “THE Kraft Macaroni and Cheese,” I needed a change. But let’s just say, after a long hard day, sometimes my level of originality is lacking.

How could I say no? They had to get a few boxes of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese at Albertsons even though we had plenty at home!

However inspired by Kraft’s Twist that Dish for fun “out of the box” ways to use hot dogs, I was reminded of a family recipe made by my great grandmother for hot dog sandwiches.

My cousins and I loved helping cook the dogs, stir up the mixture, assemble the dogs and then 20 minutes later biting into the cheesiness. So taking my kids favorite meals and this family recipe in mind, we added our own Reo twist by mixing up the Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Oscar Meyer hot dogs, Kraft Mayonaise and a few seasonings for a new, fun, handless way to eat hot dogs with Twisted Mac n Cheese Dogs.

And of course, the kids had to help!

A quick meal anytime, especially on a rainy day for something fun to do.

Twisted Mac n Cheese Dogs

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

8 Hot Dog Weiners, chopped
8 Hot Dog Buns
1 box Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, prepared as directed
1 Tbsp. Kraft Mayonaise
1 Tbsp. Dry Mustard
1 Tbsp. Dill Relish
2 boiled eggs, chopped
1 cup Kraft Cheddar cheese, shredded
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Chop hot dogs into small pieces.
Prepare macaroni & cheese as directed. Allow to cool to room temperature.
Mix all other ingredients except buns and cheese together in a bowl.
Spoon mixture into hot dog buns on a cookie sheet lined with foil.
Sprinkle heavily the top of dogs with cheese.
Cover the dogs with foil and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes and cheese is melted.

This boy loves how we put our spin on this Pin That Twist recipe!

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

Moving to Texas? 3 Family Friendly Dallas Neighborhoods

March 9, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 21 Comments

This post is shared in partnership with Zillow.

If you live in Dallas, why did you choose to live where you live? Was it next to work? Close to family? Close to fun? Economically sound? Known as a family friendly neighborhood?

My first neighborhood in the DFW area I lived close to because work was near. Then as I got older (and married), we chose a location that was easily accessible to all of DFW. However, once you have kids (or are looking to in the future), you look at where you live in a whole new way. You begin look at school offerings, how well they rate with the state, how much they cost, and of course, how competitive it is to get in. Then you look at park areas, extracurricular activity offerings and above all, safety.

For our family, this transition wasn’t easy. And unfortunately, the location of my home wasn’t as great anymore because my priorities changed. So for those parents relocating to DFW or are looking at moving to a better neighborhood, here’s three neighborhoods you should look for homes or shop for apartments in one of these family friendly Dallas neighborhoods, according to Zillow.

Lake Highlands

Families find an ideal community in the Lake Highlands neighborhood, just northeast of downtown Dallas. The community includes rolling hills, numerous trees and access to White Rock Creek trails that connect several city parks. Lake Highlands is in close proximity to business centers in Dallas, Plano and Richardson for working parents. Elementary-aged students have access to top-rated public schools within the neighborhood. GreatSchools rates White Rock Elementary (public, PK-6) a 10 out of 10 for above average test scores within the state of Texas. Lake Highlands also offers a great education at nine-rated Moss Haven Elementary (public, K-6).

$ 365,000 – Current Lake Highlands Listing at Zillow.com

The median list price for homes in Lake Highlands is $63,000, significantly less than national costs ($210,000) and Dallas city ($259,999) prices. Alternatively, the median monthly rent in Lake Highlands is $1,136, more expensive than national rents ($1,350) or the greater city of Dallas ($1,248). In Dallas, the costs of renting balance the costs of buying in a very short time period of 1.1 years. So, parents planning to settle in Dallas longer than 1.1 years should consider buying, based on the breakeven horizon.

M Streets

Another family-friendly neighborhood for parents to consider is M Streets, north of downtown, but south of Lake Highlands. The M Streets community was established in the 1920s and maintains its charming character with sidewalks, mature trees and access to White Rock Lake. Parents appreciate extremely short commute times to the city. Education is highly rated in M Streets. William B. Travis Academy/Vanguard for the Academically Talented and Gifted (public, 6-8) is ranked 10 and older students can attend Booker T. Washington HSPVA (public, 9-12) ranked nine. Just west of M Streets’ boarder is nine-ranked Sam Houston Elementary School (public, PK-5).

$339,000 – Current M-Streets Listing at Zillow.com

Home prices are rising in M Streets due to its community appeal. The median home list price is $374,900, higher than Lake Highlands, Dallas city and the U.S. Rents, too, are the steepest in M Streets at a median monthly price of $1,808.

Northwood Hills (Far North)

Northwood Hills is the farthest north community in Dallas, also labeled Far North. The neighborhood is just west of Richardson, TX and conveniently located for residents to work in Richardson and Plano business centers and attend high-quality Richardson schools. Families in Northwood Hills have access to wide open spaces with large lot sizes and old oak trees, perfect for kids to play. The community expanded over several decades incorporating numerous architectural styles and a charming community. Two 10-ranked schools are Bowie Elementary School (public, PK-6) and Brentfield Elementary School (public, K-6). Several more top-ranked schools are within close proximity in Richardson.

$375,000 Current Northwood Hills Listing at Zillow.com.

Parents relocating to Northwood Hills pay more than other Dallas residents and nationwide homebuyers, but less than M Streets homeowners. Northwood Hills’ median home list price is $349,000. Median monthly rents are highest in Northwood Hills, $2,186, compared to the previously mentioned locations.

Selecting the best community to raise a family is complex, but Dallas offers many family-friendly, academically-impressive and environmentally-grounded neighborhoods for cheerful childhoods.

Information and data provided by Zillow.

What’s is the most important priority for where you live?

Go Ninja at LEGO® NinJago Training Camp {Giveaway}

March 6, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 23 Comments

Spring Break begins next week for many kids in Dallas-Fort Worth, but unfortunately for parents not all of us have come up with a plan to make the five-day span full of fun activities. Just in time, LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth is going to kick Spring Break into gear with the new LEGO® Ninjago Training Camp.

Put your creativity, agility and ninja skills to the test in this limited-time attraction. Included in the price of admission, the training camp brings the popular line of LEGO® Ninjago toys to life and gives visitors the chance to show off their ninja skills with interactive features. Enhance your coordination and test your reactions with ninja missions, grow your creativity by building Ninjago out of LEGO® bricks, then demonstrate your agility and skill by taking on the laser maze.

The 35,000 sq. ft. center features millions of LEGO® bricks and offers a fun, highly interactive and educational experience. Interactive features include hands-on play areas; a 4D cinema; LEGO® rides and outdoor water playground; special party rooms for birthdays and other celebrations; and signature MINILAND exhibit, featuring replicas of North Texas landmarks made out of LEGO® bricks.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth
$21 for guests 3 years old and older, free for kids 2 and under.
Advance booking recommended
3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway
Grapevine, Texas 76051
www.LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com/dallasfw

a Rafflecopter giveaway

10 Reasons to Go to the Plano New Home & Remodeling Show {Giveaway}

March 6, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Spring is in the air…or at least I hope it is after all this crazy weather. This time of year is the perfect time for thinking about what to do to your home, whether it’s new or making your home even better. I won’t even begin to give you the list of all the things I’m holding on to for my “Spring To-Do” list, but if yours is anything like mine, you have pages of ideas you’d like to see happen. So turn that list into reality and get going with a little help from the Plano New Home & Remodeling Show, March 21 & 22 at the Plano Centre.

10 Reasons to Go to the Plano New Home & Remodeling Show

1. FREE TICKETS! That’s right! While tickets to this show are very reasonable, we’re also giving away one family four pack of tickets, so make sure you enter your chance to win! Or you can print out this coupon for Buy One, Get One Free!

2. Need help designing your dream home? Enter to win your very own Designer for a Day. One lucky winner will receive a two-hour consultation with Michelle Lynne of Michelle Lynne Interiors Group. She will gather detailed information in advance of the consultation so she can provide personalized suggestions and advice. Plus the winner will receive $350 in gift cards courtesy of the show management and the Dallas Builders Association to go shopping after the consultation. Register for both prizes at the Dallas Builders Association booth #506.

3. Do you have an ugly closet? Enter to win a $500 Elfa closet makeover from The Container Store. The fortunate makeover winner will have a special consultation with an Elfa closet expert who will then create a plan to beautify and make functional their ugly closet.

4. Get your green thumb! Gardening expert Howard Garrett “The Dirt Doctor” discusses organic gardening Saturday from 11 am – noon.

Photo Credit: http://www.dirtdoctor.com

5. Is your home burglar proof? Come to the show and learn how to improve your home’s and vehicles’ defenses from Plano police officer Christopher Bianez at noon on Sunday. Officer Bianez will also share a strategy to recover property in the unfortunate event it is stolen.

6. Want to raise your own chickens or grow your own tomatoes? Tomato expert and Dallas County Master Gardener Tom Wilton talk “Tons of Tomatoes” on Saturday at 4 pm. and Andrea Ridout from Gecko Hardware (along with her rooster George) shares information about “Fun Raising Backyard Chickens” at 3 pm on Saturday.

7. Beer! Each afternoon adults can learn about brewing and sample craft beers from Fraconia Brewing Company, Real Ale, and Grapevine Craft Brewery. Each brewer will offer one of their top craft beers along with their special spring brew. For example, Fraconia Brewing Company will be sampling their spring Pilsner made with Lemon Drop Hops.

8. Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate! On Sunday afternoon from 2-4 pm, Jeanine Stevens with Dallas by Chocolate presents six amazing local chocolatiers sampling some of their specialties including Chocolate Secrets, Dallas Caramel Company, Isabelly’s Sweet Treats, Sublime Chocolate, The Brownie Cottage and Yelibelly Chocolate.

9. Don’t forget the kids! The Home Depot Kids Workshop team will be at the show daily from 10 am – 5 pm. Children ages 5-12 will enjoy the free workshop where they will learn how to make a special take-home projects!

hd-Home-Depot-Kids-Workshop-is-FREE-Each-Month-The-Home-Depot-Blog

Photo Credit: The Home Depot

10. All your home resources all in one place. For one weekend only, visit with exhibitors, vendors, Dallas Builders Association representatives to help you make your home dreams a reality.

Plano New Home & Remodeling Show

March 21 & 22, 10 am – 5 pm
Plano Centre
2000 East Spring Creek Parkway
Plano, TX 75074
www.planohomeshow.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My #NFMWish List: Nebraska Furniture Mart Texas Opens Soon

March 4, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

As a mom, I mark my life into two parts, B.C. – before children and A.D. – after the destruction (aka NOW.)

Before Children I had finally gave away that hand-me-down furniture from college and upgraded to the real stuff. I was so proud of it and thought that I was set for life…Ummm – no. Now in A.D, while those babies start off doing nothing but sitting on the floor and cooing, we all know once they’re mobile, it’s over. And throw in Birddie, our lab, into the mix…I need new furniture.

So now it’s time to replace with something with a little more style. And with Nebraska Furniture Mart Texas is opening in DFW this spring very soon and a special preview pass available March 11-18, I can barely keep myself contained. After I had a chance to take a sneak peek at the distribution center that is more than 22 football fields in size, I’m pretty sure I found about a 100 things I wanted. However, I have narrowed it down to a few must-haves as my #NFMWishList for now and would love a little feedback to see what you think!

Sony 55″ Class 1080p 3D LED HDTV with Built-in Wi-Fi

I can’t even tell you how bad we need a TV. The kids have almost demolished the one in the living room (I don’t even know what technology it is) and thank goodness it still works with a huge crack in it. This baby from Sony is the most current technology with LED & 3D. While that sounds all kinds of impressive, the WiFi capabilities and its under $1k make it very impressive.

Stein World 4 Door Credenza with Cutout in Oak

I won’t tell you what the state of our entry way table looks like right now, but it has to go or I need a really pretty 10-foot doily to fix it. This credenza is absolutely a showstopper and will make a big impression as you enter the front door.

Mannington Mountain View Autumn Hickory Hand Scraped Hardwood

Gotta love that NFM has more than just furniture and electronics….they have hardwood floors too! These remind me of that rustic look I fell in love with in Napa and would look amazing in my entry way. And the fact they are called Autumn anything wins me over anytime.

50″ Wooden Wine Rack

Do I really need to explain why I need a new wine holder that resembles a riddling rack made for turning champagne?

Wild Weave 1609 Jacqueline Rug

Once I get that beautiful hardwood, I’ll need a few beautiful rugs for the floor. NFM has tons of options and while this one is not as grandiose as the $18 as the Khyber Flora rug from Due Process on sale for $16,699.99, I think it’s pretty swanky.

King I Super Pillow Top Mattress

Remember the part about the two kids and a dog? Yep, they are all potty-trained now…but not then. And if I only get 4-5 hours of sleep every night, I want them to be good.

Fine Funiture Design Highlands Game Table and 4 Chairs in Rustic Cherry

Oh, I really really want this one – and so does the hubby. We do have a man cave and there sits the only piece of furniture left from the college years – one beat up table and chairs. We use them all the time, but man, they are ugly. This set takes it to the next level for comfort, style and of course, functionality.

Sounds like I want a lot (I do) , but if I win the , I can buy one or more of these things for free…unless of course, you win the giveaway!

You only have until March 8 to sign up for your early shopping pass!

Cute Shoes Can Be Comfortable with Vionic

March 3, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 10 Comments

After working as an event planner for many years and standing on my feet for countless hours, I learned a lot. However, the idea that “if you’re nice to your feet, they’ll be nice to you” firmly left a lasting impression and one I live by today.

Lately in my search for cute comfortable shoes, I’ve been lucky to find first the most beautiful boots from Lane Boots and now an adorable designer wedge that doesn’t look like something from 1983.

Before I even show you why they are so comfortable, you have to admit you never would have thought these hot snakeskin wedges are made to be as good to your feet as they are to your style. I’ve had some many compliments wearing these both casually or to the office. And while I’m not about to start running in these, I bet I could as soft and little impact that my heel feels even after hours of wearing them!

Vionic Footwear with Orthaheel Technology offers footwear that helps prevent and alleviate foot pain and fits a variety of lifestyles. Vionic shoes feature a removable orthotic footbed that supports feet and helps realign the lower legs, improving posture and balance – an ideal option for daily fitness walking.

Shoes should make your feet feel great and look good doing it. That’s why Vionic has built every style starting with a tried and true foundation – a contoured Footbed with revolutionary Orthaheel Technology.

You can wear Vionic shoes from morning to night, for most activities. Slide into a pair of slippers to reduce the heel pain first thing in the morning, complete your office wardrobe with a pair of comfortable wedges to wear to work, lace up a pair of orthotic active shoes to walk for exercise, and then slip back into your spa-style supportive slippers at the end of your day. Plantar fasciitis can hit the road, but not before you do, moving through life without giving heel pain a second thought.

So why would you choose anything but cute and comfort for your feet? I would like to add that these Vionic shoes run large and in no half-sizes, so choose your true fit if you order these shoes online. If you’re the type that normally orders the wide shoe option for your shoes, this style called the Antonio doesn’t need room to make you look good. It does that already. And when you order your first pair of Vionic shoes, you aren’t just getting a pair of shoes, but you are getting support, knowledge and lifestyle from a brand that many have proclaimed have changed their lives for the better. You can learn more about about those in their #SOLESTORY.

“>

To order your own Vionic with Orthopedic Technology or to find a retailer near you, visit http://www.vionicshoes.com/store-locator.

To find other great comfortable and stylish shoes you should have on your feet, check out this post!

10 Reasons Why I Love Jenny Craig and You Will Too

March 1, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 76 Comments

Today will be two months I’ve been on Jenny Craig.

So far I’ve lost 16 lbs. I couldn’t be happier with my success and know that Jenny Craig will continue to be my answer to FINALLY getting to my healthier me. I still have 35 lbs. to lose, but I know with the skill, support and convenience of Jenny Craig, I can continue to reach my goals! And now I’m giving the same gift I was given to one of you (just keep reading to find out how!)

10. Jenny Craig makes it easy for me to lose weight by taking the thinking out of it.

9. Triple Chocolate Cheesecake and other sweets make it easy to feel like I’m indulging while I’m still losing weight.

8. My counselor, Natalie is my backbone for weight loss. I look forward to our weekly meetings and she is my support when I need it most.

7. Jenny Craig helps me to make time for me. I sit down to enjoy meals and snacks instead of just putting unhealthy junk in my month.
6. With Jenny Craig I don’t feel like I’m missing out. Pizza, turkey burgers and chicken enchiladas, I get to eat them all with Jenny Craig.
5. Even when I need a bag of chips or a late-night snack, I have options like Kettle Corn, Black Bean Chips and even Smores bar.

4. Jenny Craig has taken my favorite foods and made them healthy and easy to prepare, so I’m always looking forward to meal time.
3. Jenny Craig is flexible! When I’m on the go, I can bring my Jenny Craig with me – in my purse, in my desk and even in my car.

2. With Jenny Craig, I never feel hungry! I’ve got shakes, bars and snacks as well as delicious meals to keep me and my metabolism all day.
1. Jenny Craig has retaught me to eat the right way with portion control and nutrition proportion.

So are you ready to find out what Jenny Craig can do for you?

Jenny Craig will set you up as a member on the program so that you can experience the program first-hand, with a weekly one-on-one consultation with a dedicated consultant who will be with you every step of the way from identifying your challenges, mapping out goals and tracking your progress. In addition, you’ll get a month supply of delicious, portioned food for every meal like our Cinnamon Swirl French Toast or our Baja-Style Chicken Quesadillas. Members following our program, on average, lose 1-2 lbs. a week.

What are you doing to be the healthiest version of you?

« Previous Page

Why Go to an Auto Show?

BippityBoppityBoo! Disney Cinderella Collection Debuts at JCPenney

What’s your favorite Cinderella Moment?

Travel Without the Chafing with Bandelettes

For just $15.99 Bandelettes® not only give you a little something sexy under your dresses, but also save your thighs from the pain of chaffing. And right now you can get

Twisted Mac n Cheese Dogs

Twisted Mac n Cheese Dogs

Ingredients

Instructions

Moving to Texas? 3 Family Friendly Dallas Neighborhoods

Go Ninja at LEGO® NinJago Training Camp {Giveaway}

10 Reasons to Go to the Plano New Home & Remodeling Show {Giveaway}

My #NFMWish List: Nebraska Furniture Mart Texas Opens Soon

Cute Shoes Can Be Comfortable with Vionic

10 Reasons Why I Love Jenny Craig and You Will Too

Pin This!

Pictures Say a 1000 Words

mamachallenge

Follow Along!