Autumn Rose Reo

7 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Costs

January 29, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links Included.

If you’re tired of huge bills and unexplained fees, it’s time to do something about your auto insurance. Here are just seven ways to put a little money back in your pocket.

1. Compare and Contrast

Before signing on the dotted line, it’s important to understand that car insurance quotes will vary depending on things like age, location, car type and driving history. Different companies weigh these factors in different ways, so never buy insurance without shopping around first.

2. Raise Your Deductible

Your deductible is what you’ll pay after an accident before the insurance kicks in and covers the rest. While some drivers prefer to keep their deductibles low, you can save hundreds a year if you’re willing to accept higher one-time costs in exchange for lower monthly premiums.

3. Improve Your Car’s Safety Features

Strengthen your vehicle against theft so the insurance company won’t charge you exorbitant rates to protect it. Install a state-of-the-art alarm system; upgrade your door, window and steering wheel locks; consider investing in high-end technical security on the dashboard.

4. Raise Your Credit Score

This can’t be done overnight, of course, but if you aren’t quite ready to buy or switch insurance policies, it can be a step in the right direction before you make your final decision. Insurance companies will be much more likely to work with you if you have stable finances and a good credit report.

5. Reduce Your Coverage

Take a look at your policy. Are you paying for more insurance than the state mandates? Many insurance companies offer “bundles” or “protection packages” that include all kinds of add-ons you don’t actually need. Most of the time, all the state requires is liability coverage.

6. Go Back to Class

If your last driver’s ed class was in high school, it’s time to renew those credentials. Proving yourself as a safe, responsible driver can snag you all kinds of savings from insurance providers. You should also make your teens sign up for a course.

7. Stop Driving

It may sound crazy, but many agencies offer “low mileage discounts” for cars that aren’t driven that much. If they spend most of their time in the garage, they’re less likely to be damaged, stolen or totaled. Be sure to ask your insurance provider what they can do for an avid car-pooler.

These are just seven ways to save a little money on your car insurance premiums. Happy driving!

Happy driving!

Modmarket: Smart. Happy. Healthy. Food. Now. in Dallas

January 27, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 8 Comments

When you think about what you want to eat shouldn’t that make you happy? But is it so much to ask for food that makes and keep you happy and healthy?

That’s the smart idea that brought Modmarket to Dallas/North Texas area (straight from Colorado) around a year ago to Flower Mound, then Plano and now to Dallas’ Preston Hollow neighborhood.

Our eating philosophy is quite straightforward, actually. We serve real food, which means using whole ingredients (things like whole grain flour, raw vegetables, fruits, legumes…you get the idea). We also incorporate real butter (gasp!) and quality meats and cheeses in our recipes. And we cook it all the way it was done hundreds of years ago – raw, grilled, or cooked in a stone hearth oven. We avoid things like preservatives and artificial sweeteners and keep our ingredient lists short and sweet. We make things from scratch, which is a total pain, but it makes our food taste better.

There’s a little bit of everything from breakfast to dinner and whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or a total carnivore, you’ll come out happy with any of the dishes they have. However, it’s the pizza, sandwiches and salads that make me the happiest. Here’s a few we felt the need to “research…”

: Corn on Pizza? With creme fraiche, bacon, spinach and fresh corn, you just need one bite to know this is the happy part of the menu…the healthy not as much, but today it will make you happy.

: I’m hungry and love this closeup photo of all the goodness that is this pizza. You could go gluten-free if you wanted. What does it matter when you have this on top?

: Mmmm…M’Rita: Fresh Mozzarella, Organic Red Sauce, Basil, Whole Grain Dough.

: Of course, we’re in Texas so we’d BBQ it: BBQ BBQ Sauce, Roasted Chicken, Red Onions, Green Onion, Pepper Jack Cheese, Cilantro, Whole Grain Dough

: Go Meaty with the FLAT IRON: Mixed Greens, Grilled Steak, Roasted Potato, Gorgonzola Cheese, Tomato, Caramelized Onion, Balsamic Vinaigrette

: Better to chew than gum with the Wintergreen: Spinach, Goat Cheese, Roasted Potato, Walnuts, Apple, Dates, Agave Herb Vinaigrette

: This basil chicken sandwich isn’t kidding. It’s

: Your calorie count of what you ate is included on your reciept.

Get the whole menu for your preferred Modmarket location online.

FLOWER MOUND
3651 Justin Road
Suite 100
Flower Mound, TX 75028
P. 469.312.5180

PLANO
8400 Preston Road
Suite 100
Plano, TX 75024
P. 469.573.6074

PRESTON HOLLOW
7949 Walnut Hill Lane
Suite 101
Dallas, TX 75230
Opening February 4

Ready to go get you some healthy, happy, fresh and fantastic food at Modmarket? One lucky winner wins $25 Gift Card to Modmarket.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Does Jenny Craig Food Really Taste Good?

January 25, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 27 Comments

Does Jenny Craig food taste good? That was my second question after, of course, whether or not Jenny Craig would work. While it’s food that’s already made for me that I would microwave or in some cases, just open straight from the cabinet…why would it taste any different than a frozen Lean Cuisine that I had been eating for years? But this year was going to be different and I was going to do something different. I need to be healthier. I want to look better. I have to be a better version than the woman I am today. After my first appointment at Jenny Craig and my weigh in, I was loaded up on two huge bags of food for the next 7 days. Additionally, I would also add veggies, fruit and Greek yogurt to the menu. Even if this food was bad, there was no way I was going to be hungry… Like a good kid I went to my meal planner journal and plucked out the first box from the freezer. Following the instructions, I patiently waiting for 3-4 minutes for the plastic dish to be ready for me to devour. Let’s see how this good this is… Before I dug in, I decided a nice plate my make things better. Presentation means everything.

SESAME CHICKEN

One bite into the Sesame Chicken, I was pretty taken. With noodles, vegetables like red peppers and water chestnuts, and the tender breaded chicken, I was actually excited about what I was eating. Not because it was “diet food,” but because it was good. And when combined with 1.5 cups of veggies as required by the plan, I was full. Actually it was like I was eating my normal Friday night Chinese from down the street – but healthy. Thankfully what it wasn’t like was loaded with MSG, salt and all the other stuff that might make traditional Chinese takeout taste good, but fill you full of so much stuff you body doesn’t need. Not bad for the first dish, but I wondered if the other entrees on my meal plan would get any better.

STUFFED SHELLS

Soft, cheesy, and sauce covered, I was delighted to eat this for dinner one night, especially paired with Italian green beans. And apparently, Italian is definitely my weakness since I had Chicken Carbonara on the menu and was over the moon. Again the meal was really tasty with a creamy alfredo sauce with BACON and chicken. To up the veggie intake I threw in some steamed broccoli along with my side salad and Jenny Craig balsamic dressing, I still couldn’t believe I was eating healthy food.

CHICKEN CARBONARA

While there were several other dishes I enjoyed like the White Fish and Mushroom Risotto (yep, risotto!) and probably one of my absolute favorites the fish and chips. After a long day or when the kids were eating pizza, this one was almost like I was cheating…but I’m not. The only few things I haven’t like as much were the chicken or tuna kits (but I don’t like them any way!)

MEDITERRANEAN EGG SANDWICH

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, but with our schedule it seems it’s around 11 am before I have time to make it…And then the crazy roller coaster of my day begins and I’m left waiting until 2 pm to eat lunch. That’s a lot of problem about waiting sometimes until dinner to make up for the rest of the day and I’m starving. But with Jenny Craig I’m excited to get up for breakfast and to enjoy the variety of different meal items available especially this Mediterranean egg sandwich and the Florentine Pizzas are A-mazing. Having dishes that could be portable are really important to make sure I stay on my meal plan, so I lean towards these rather than the egg scrambles. But those are so good, too.

RED VELVET CUPCAKE

I had no idea when I started Jenny Craig dessert was even part of the plan, much less a Red. Velvet. Cupcake. With creamy icing and a moist red velvet cake, I was in H-E-A-V-E-N and still on the Jenny Craig plan. Then there chocolate cakes, brownies and the triple chocolate cheesecake Oh, my it was everything I needed…so much so I forgot to take a photo before I gobbled it up. But believe me it was good. Real good.

KETTLE CORN

Snacks are just as much fun to eat on Jenny. I’m not much of cheetos-kinda-girl, but they have a version of that. Kettle corn, black bean chips and yogurt dream bar make it easy to make it through an epioside of Downton Abbey or a late-night on the computer. And the portions for the snack are definitely huge, so you never feel like your have a bad case of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out.)

Still not convinced Jenny Craig food is good? Then consider trying a Jenny Craig Sample Kit. A Taste of Success 3-day Sample Kit gives you an opportunity to try Jenny Craig food without signing up for the entire plan. And best of all, when you order the Taste of Success Sample Kit and then join Jenny Craig, they’ll credit the cost of your sample kit towards your next Jenny’s Cuisine in center or Jenny Craig at Home purchase.

Stay tuned to my Jenny Craig weight loss journey: I’ll be sharing my progress on Facebook and Instagram along the way.

*I was provided a free trial program and a discount on the Jenny Craig meals. However, the opinions and writing are entirely my own. Members following the Jenny Craig program, on average, lose 1-2 lbs per week.

Six Tips for Families at The Marvel Experience

January 23, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Last week my super mama (AKA Gigi) flew into town for her birthday and to spend such much-needed time with the kiddos (and me.) We normally try to take the kids on some type of adventure so it was only fitting this time it was a REAL ADVENTURE at The Marvel Experience at Fair Park in Dallas.

I wasn’t sure what to expect at the traveling interactive show in Dallas, but images of Superman, Iron Man, The Green Hornet and the rest of the gang were a promise of a pretty good time!

From the moment we parked. there was excitement as you approach the domes that interconnected right up to the ticket area!

The Marvel Experience is an indoor event that occurs in several interactive, techno-enhanced domes linked together for separate activities you encounter as you complete your S.H.I.E.L.D. training.

After inputting our data to creating our credentials (they sent them by email) and putting on our arm bands, we were ready to go!

The first of the experience sets the stage like a comic book; what’s happening, who’s involved and what’s our mission as we go through The Marvel Experience. While there’s a lot happening with voices, lights, games and more, for younger kids they either will love the excitement or be a little timid as they assess what is going on.

Even if you don’t have any Marvel character background, you’ll still have a great time. And if you’re a comic-book junkie, you don’t want to miss this new-age way to enjoy your favorite superheroes. I’ll admit, my favorite time was the last dome – where you are part of a uber-cool interactive movie experience complete with moving chairs and motion so you are a part of the action!

Six Tips for Families at The Marvel Experience

Bring the following with you: $10 parking gives you close access to the entrance, so it’s worth it.

Make sure you’ve full tummies before you go or have money to purchase snacks. However, these are snacks – not a meal and nothing makes anything anything a poor time than when you are hungry!

To ensure crowd control, you will need to choose a specific entry time to purchase your tickets (if in advance.) I suggest the earlier the better if you have kids because even a streamlined experience getting through The Marvel Experience is at least 2.5 – 3 hour experience. Also, be strategic with your timing and don’t let nap time fall right in the middle of waiting-in-line times. (More than likely you’ll have lines for some of the more interactive games like climbing Spider Man’s Wall or Flying like Iron Man.)

Try not to bring any extras with you like a big bag, stroller, etc. It will make things easier for you to get around the rooms. Make sure to read the FAQs for more info on what to bring and what not to bring!

Grab a map/program. It will help you plan out what makes more sense for you and your family.

Be ready to have fun. This isn’t something you are just bringing the kids to do and you watch. It’s about getting into the fun yourself and seeing how technology is changing how we interact with the world and our favorite superheroes.

Now until Jan. 31. Visit The Marvel Experience for ticket info and more.

Game Day: Score Big with Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

January 21, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 23 Comments

Wanna score big at your Super Bowl Sunday party? Besides having the game on, make sure you have a good menu especially with these Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa!

Even if your favorite team isn’t playing or if guests aren’t really into football, you can still make a touchdown when your spread includes a little fun and a lot of flavor. However, that doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients including Del Monte’s new Diced Mangos from Walmart, you will make your party a real fiesta!

Tacos are always a crowd pleaser and when making food for a group of people creating options to customize it make it easier on you in the kitchen and more fun for your guests. This doesn’t mean just putting out tortillas, meat and cheese. You can still show your unique touch by preparing a couple of options with a little flair, like this two-minute mango salsa and an avocado sour cream with fish tacos, that take a normal dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

For our game day fish taco bar, we’ve fried up (or you can bake) a pre-made crusted tilapia, a three ingredient slaw (for extra crunch), our two-minute mango salsa, avocado sour cream, a few cheese options served with corn tortillas (perfect for your gluten free guests, too). The key to a good fish taco is the crunch so using the crusted fish, adding corn off the cob in the mango salsa and the cabbage in the slaw make each bite perfect and will keep your guests coming back for more.

Again, the best part for you? It took less than 30 minutes to create the entire taco bar! And using the left-over mango salsa, serve them with tortilla chips or even better, these tortilla cups for maximum presentation and convenience to keep the game going with no timeouts – for the game or you!

Two-Handed Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

Print Recipe

Description

Make your game-day watching party a real fiesta with this fish taco recipe featuring Del Monte’s Mangos!

Ingredients

Scale

4–6 filets, Treasures from the Sea Encrusted Tilapia, frozen (I used parmesan)
10 corn tortillas, warmed

2-Minute Mango Salsa

1 can Del Monte Mangos, diced and drained
1 package pico de gallo (found at Walmart or you can make yourself)
1 cob of corn off the cob, fresh and uncooked

Avocado Sour Cream/Crema

1 cup sour cream (or plain greek yogurt)
2 avocados, smashed

Citrus Slaw

1 bag shredded cabbage
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
1–1.5 cups of feta or cojita cheese

Instructions

Combine all slaw ingredients into a bowl and place in fridge to marinate flavors.
Meanwhile, fry/bake the fish as directed on package. Once completed, slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Next, mix mangos, pico and corn into a bowl.
Then, mix mashed avocados and sour cream into a bowl.
For taco bar, place fish, slaw, salsa, cream and cheese into separate bowls for guests to create their perfect taco.
Enjoy!

Notes

My favorite way to layer the taco is: fish, slaw, salsa, cream and then cheese.

[Tweet “Try @DelMonte NEW Diced Mangos at select @Walmart stores sampling 1/22-1/25. #pmedia #makemangosalsa #ad “]

Don’t forget the ninos!

Share the fiesta fun with the kids while the grownups watch the game with the “Book of Life.” Available January 27 at Walmart, my kids are excited to bring this one home after seeing it in the theatre. Enjoy the Latin-themed legend of Monolo and his “epic quest through magical, mythical and wondrous worlds in order to rescue his one true love and defend his village.” Since my children are enrolled in Spanish immersion schooling, this movie was a great way to fuse the cultural aspect of Latin culture including Dia de los Muertos. However, even without the basic knowledge, you and the kids can still enjoy the story, its humor, and its teachings, as well as the vivid animation.

Photo credit: Walmart

Enjoy the big games and this delicious fish taco bar including mango salsa featuring Del Monte’s new mango and you’ll be named the MVP!

Eggcellent: How to Make the Best Eggs

January 20, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 14 Comments

Want to make eggcellent eggs? It’s not as hard as you thing with these tips on how to make the best eggs!

Want to find out if you’re compatible with someone or get a group of people talking?

Ask them how they like their eggs.

I polled a big group of my friends and we got all kinds of answers and passionate ones at that.

Photo credit: Popsugar

Eggs are SO Good for You

Eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet. With Vitamin A, Vitamin B5, B12, B2, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Zinc, Omega 3s and a whole nest of other healthy things your body needs. All from this simple oval that is only around 75 calories and high in protein. Now while eggs have cholesterol, it’s the HDL they raise which is the GOOD cholesterol, which lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and other various issues.

They also are very fulfilling! In one study I read of 30 overweight women, eating eggs instead of bagels for breakfast increased feelings of fullness and made them automatically eat fewer calories for the next 36 hours.

Difference Between Egg Types

One of the biggest questions asked is what is the difference between brown eggs and white eggs. I could give you a really long explanation…but long story short – one is brown, one is white.

However that’s not the only way you can slice and dice your eggs. Nowadays, the store has many options for your egg needs including:

Cage Free
Organic
Vegetarian
Free-Range
Pasteurized

Ways to Cook Eggs

Hard Boiled: An egg cooked in boiling water with the shell intact. Hard boiled eggs are cooked through until both the whites and yolk have completely set.
Omelet (Omelette): Eggs that have been beaten and then cooked quickly in a frying pan. Omelets are often folded over a filling of cheese, vegetables, meat, or a combination of items.
Over Easy: A fried egg that is flipped and cooked yolk side down only long enough to create a film over the top of the yolk, leaving the center of the yolk liquid.
Over Hard: A fried egg that is flipped and cooked yolk side down until the yolk has completely cooked through.
Poached: Eggs that have been removed from their shell and then cooked in a hot liquid. The cooking liquid can be water, broth, or any sauce. Poaching in water is often used as a way to cook eggs without having to use extra fat. Poaching in broth or sauce adds flavor to the cooked egg.
Scrambled: Raw egg whites and yolks are beaten together and then cooked in a skillet. The beaten egg mixture is gently agitated as it sets to create a curdled texture.
Shirred: Eggs that have been baked in a ramekin (sometimes with butter, cream or other sauces) until the whites have set but the yolk is still liquid.
Soft Boiled: An egg cooked in boiling water with the shell intact. Soft-boiled eggs are cooked only to the point at which the whites are set but the yolk is still liquid.
Sunny Side Up: A fried egg that is never flipped or cooked yolk side down. The whites cook until completely or partially set while the yolk remains liquid.
Eggs Benedict: An English muffin topped with ham or bacon, a poached egg and hollandaise sauce.

Tips to Make the Perfect Egg Every Time

Now here’s where it gets really good! You’ve probably fried, boiled, or scrambled an egg, but it didn’t work out the way you intended. While an egg seems so easy to cook, it’s all in the details. I mean there’s a reason most people enjoy eggs benedict when they go out to eat and not at home, right?

1. How to Boil an Egg: Ice water, old eggs and 12 minutes.

2. How to Poach an Egg: Fresh eggs and a mesh strainer not vinegar or salt make these eggs perfect.

3. How to Scramble an Egg: Key here is not to stir them too much.

4. How to Fry an Egg: Medium heat to evenly cook the egg and make sure to not bust the yolk!

5. How to Bake and Egg…in an Avocado!

Baked Eggs in Avocado

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

1 ripe avocados
2 fresh eggs
1/8 teaspoon pepper
fresh herbs

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Slice the avocados in half, and take out the pit. Scoop out enough from the avocado to fit egg.
Place the avocados in a small baking dish.
Crack an egg into each avocado half.
Place in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the eggs set.
Remove from oven then season.

Other Great Ways to Eggs

Thanksgiving Leftovers English Muffins

Hatch Chile and Chorizo Breakfast Pie

Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole

Mini Quiches

CHUGGINTON Live! Rolls In to Dallas {Win Suite Tickets}

January 19, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

We have long-been fans of trains. (That’s actually an understatement.)

And if you have a kiddo that is into Disney or would enjoy a fun show with the beloved CHUGGINGTON, keep on reading to win a mega prize package that opens today until January 20!

According to the Allen Events Center, CHUGGINGTON LIVE! will be here for one day only for a three-show exclusive June 13 at Allen Events Center. The live-action, musical children’s show, based on the popular TV series, gives young fans and their families the opportunity to experience the train-tastic adventures of the Chuggington trainees: Wilson, Brewster and Koko.

Featuring impressive trains with working features and movements that bring the Chuggington TV series characters to life on stage. A fun, two-act musical, this live show is presented before a giant LED video wall featuring animated locations and background action sequences from the popular TV series.

In CHUGGINGTON LIVE! The Great Rescue Adventure the trainees are eager to impress their mentors by mastering new roles that test their courage, speed, and determination. When Koko finds herself in trouble at Rocky Ridge Mine, it’s up to her friends to help her.

While tickets go on sale January 23, a lucky winner will win a VIP Suite Pizza Party for the June 13 at 6 p.m. Chuggington Live! Show!

VIP Suite Pizza Party includes:

Suite level seating for 4 to Chuggington Live! The Great Rescue Adventure (6 p.m. show) on June 13
Food and drink!
Access to private party zone in the premium level lounge adjacent to seats (pizza buffet, drinks, coloring sheets, activities like face painters, etc.)

Grapevine Mills Mall Just Got Real with New Updates

January 15, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

I distinctly remember walking into Grapevine Mills, the mega mall in Grapevine, for the first time when I was in college.

From that moment forward, at least for the next two years, I was like a frequent flier and even got points for it by how often I went to the movies and then got points for free food at the Dick Clark’s restaurant inside (next to where the SEA LIFE Aquarium is now and Gameworks which has also long left the place.)

Like me and college, I outgrew it. What stores I once frequented I no longer did because my style had changed. The way I spent my evenings changed. The feel of the really cool “space age” mall had changed.

Unfortunately, the mall really hadn’t changed so I moved on.

However, recently I found myself back at Grapevine Mills. I was surprised that I no longer could visit the stores I wanted in around a 30 minute visit. And hitting up the mall wasn’t just something to do with the kids with a stop at the Lego Land Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Rainforest Cafe, the Disney Store Outlet and my favorite The Children’s Place (it’s huge!)…AND a run by Great American Cookies (there are no shortage of cookie stops at this mall!)

This is the most popular print at Vera Bradley in Grapevine. I bet you have at least one piece of VB, right?

I LOVE capes and one at Coach Outlet had my name all over it. SO CUTE!

This time I actually found myself wanting to check out a new list of my favorite stores like Banana Republic Outlet, J Crew, Coach Factory, Vera Bradley and a run through Steve Madden. And no doubt I had to hit up the Janie and Jack Outlet. That was for this time. Next time includes a trip to Lunar Golf, Bed Bath and Beyond…I mean just look at the map. Why wouldn’t you go?

I want a pair of these Steve Madden pumps in every color. I do not have anywhere to wear them, but I will make one up.

And that’s just a few of the new ones. There’s a lot more happening at “The Mills” than changing stores. Just take a look at the blueprint for the interior of the mall.

Until Fall 2015 when you will see these changes, you should definitely take a RElook at The Mills today.

About Grapevine Mills
Grapevine Mills is a wonderful climate controlled indoor mall featuring 180 stores of shopping, entertainment, and restaurants. Among the 180 stores at Grapevine Mills features Neiman Marcus Last Call, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, H&M, Forever 21, NIKEFactoryStore, Coach Factory, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Under Armour, Disney Outlet, J Crew and much more! Also at Grapevine Mills, we have fun for the entire family at the AMC Grapevine Mills 30 with Dine-In Theatres, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium and Rainforest Cafe! Grapevine Mills is conveniently located off HWY 121 and Grapevine Mills Parkway, just two miles north of DFW International Airport.

What’s your favorite Grapevine Mills location? If you’ve never been, what store really peaks your attention?

Lose Weight with Jenny Craig – First Appointment

January 13, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 16 Comments

I’m going to let you in on a little secret…

If you ever wanted me to quit talking, ask me to talk about my weight.

The topic makes me sad…not just because it reminds me that my figure definitely is far from where I am comfortable (especially for a gal on TV), but even more so because I have two children I am responsible for and would love if their mom was “skinny.” Somehow when my six-year-old says he thinks I am beautiful BUT…he would like if I was smaller…just kills me.

Me too, buddy. Me too.

So once again, another year, I’ve resolved to finally lose that weight. My post-wedding weight. My two-week-eat-my-way-through-Italy weight. My post-baby weight (and my youngest is three.)

Right before I got married I was able to lose around 50 lbs. But that wasn’t without work. Lots of it.

But I can’t just let me go. I have to keep trying. If not for me, for them.

Looking at my biggest issue…it always comes down to the food. I’m not good at planning meals and I can’t handle grilled chicken and veggies for six months straight. It’s just not me. I need good food that’s good for me and takes no time to prepare.

Meet my new best friend Jenny. Jenny Craig that is.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I signed up, but on the day of my appointment, I walked in ready to go. At least with my new friend I felt like I could brave up to the scales.

Afterwards, we sat down and talked about my triggers that made losing weight hard for me.

Saying them aloud actually made it easier to face up to them instead of keeping them secret – just like when I clean the kids’ plates after dinner and take a few bites…

Next we made a menu. One of my favorite activities in the world; I was able to look over my predetermined menu and decide if everything sounded good for me. Pizza bites? Chicken Carbonara, Fish and Chips? Don’t mind if I do.

We packed all my food and then I was off to the grocery store to pick up only a few other things like water, veggies and yogurt. And then I was ready to go.

Thankfully, I was now prepared. Prepared to deal with my crazy schedule and all the things that get in my way of taking care of me.

So what do I think so far?

Just after one week I was down six pounds and I have had to work to find room to eat chocolate cheesecake. Really!

Make sure to stay tuned as I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the food, how it works and of course, if it helps me to continue to reach my goal weight loss of 50 lbs!

Are you looking to lose weight? Right now Jenny Craig is offering $0 to join AND $50 in free food!

Just like I experienced, you’ll be able to meet your consultant, make goals together, create a menu and workout plan and also outline how you’ll be able to overcome those challenges that keep you from your goal weight.So join me! I’ll be sharing my progress on Facebook and Instagram along the way.

Balancing it All: Christie Rampone, U.S. Women’s National Soccer Captain

January 11, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

This is a sponsored post.

The last few weeks I haven’t exactly been at 100%. With all the Christmas chaos and 2015 coming in with such force, I’m still trying to find the best way to manage the balance of being a mom, a wife, a business owner, a blogger and just being me. So when I had the chance to speak with another mom that I felt really has a lot of pressure trying to do it all as Professional soccer player for the Sky Blue FC and Captain of the U.S. women’s national soccer team, I was all ears!

Just check out what Christie Rampone had to say when I asked her about “doing it all.”

What is balance for you? How do you measure it?

Rampone: Balance is key for me. The importance of doing my job as a soccer player, a mom and a wife is all predicated on doing them all well. If I am unable to fulfill any of three roles, I end up being unsuccessful at all of them. But when I am able to do all three well, everything falls into place. I feel that getting balance is less about putting a measured amount of time into something but more about making the time you put in count. For example, my workouts now are much shorter than when I was young. But I am so much more efficient and productive because of my experience and knowing how to maximize my time.

What are your tips for balance?

Rampone: Concentrate on one thing at a time. Do not take on too much. Be in the present, always. You can only control what you can control. Balance is about perspective. You have to prioritize what’s important and what can wait. Don’t wear yourself thin, you’re only one person. There is a time for your career and there is a time for family. Separate the two and you will find it much more enjoyable.

How has being part of a team helped you with interpersonal/family dynamics?

Rampone: That’s a great question. I guess I would say that a successful family is much like a successful team. People must work together, sacrifice for the benefit of the team and constantly communicate. Our team is much like a family. We may not always all like everything about each other, but we have respect and are willing to do anything to help each other.

What things are important to you as a busy mom?

Rampone: Being a good wife and mother and also being good at my job are the priorities in my life. All three of these roles take a tremendous amount of effort and focus. I work hard to do all three well and I get tremendous satisfaction out of it.

Could you just be a mom? Could you just be an athlete?

Rampone: I was an athlete before I was a mom. And I may soon find out what it is like being only a mom since my career is drawing to a close. But by doing both I believe that I am setting a great example for my daughters, and hopefully other young women, that you can have it all.

At my age and with all that I have on my plate, I need to work harder at staying healthy inside and out. I’ve always taken care to eat healthy and to exercise regularly. I started taking EpiCor before the Algarve Cup, a major international soccer tournament held in the dead of winter. EpiCor made a big impact on supporting my immune system and helping me stay healthy throughout the trip. Since then, I have become a paid endorser for EpiCor, and I enjoy talking about something that I truly believe works. With my busy life I need to stay healthy and I believe EpiCor is an important element in that. EpiCor is a safe and natural dried fermentate found in a variety of vitamins and supplements that helps support my immune system by strengthening a first and second line of defense, increasing antioxidant power and helping your gut. I eat healthy, stay fit, manages stress and take EpiCor to protect my immune health.

Find Rampone on Twitter at https://twitter.com/christierampone.

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