Autumn Rose Reo

Mama Challenge’s Top Holiday Hot Toy List 2014

December 4, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 47 Comments

Affiliate links included. This is not a sponsored post, but a carefully curated list of the best toys for your kiddos for 2014!

What to give, What to give…it’s a question only Santa has the real answer for.

Until now.

I’ve scoured the Earth (and the Internet) looking for the best toys for girls and boys of all ages to get for Christmas this year.

Six Months – 1 Year
Fisher-Price Little People Musical Preschool
There’s so much to do at The Little People Musical Preschool—and toddlers are the ones that make it happen! They can make ‘bubble-bubble’ sounds come from the aquarium, make the dino roar, the hamster treadmill squeak, or send Eddie and Mia–and even the teacher figure down the slide. And when kids head for the rug and press the buttons, the whole place comes to life with lots more sounds, phrases and songs! More than 35 sounds, phrases and songs!
$25

Age 6– 12 months
Fisher-Price 3-in-1 Bounce, Stride and Ride Elephant
The Fisher-Price 3-in-1 Bounce Stride and Ride Elephant Toy is an ideal tool to help aid your child through the beginning stages of development through active play. This toy features vibrant colors that your child is certain to love looking at. The Fisher-Price elephant will allow your young one to bounce up and down, giving entertainment through physical movement. The toy will help steady baby’s steps. This musical elephant will also allow riding foot-to-floor. This elephant will make a wonderful friend for your young one to play with for hours at a time. The Fisher-Price 3-in-1 Bounce Stride and Ride Elephant Toy will play lively music for your child to listen to.
This toy also offers colorful lights plus fun sounds and phrases. With its cute wobbly bumblebee, playtime is even more fun.
$50-$54

Age 2
My Custom Thomas and Friends Engine with Book
Exclusive to the Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway website and catalog.
Is your little conductor energetic? Bashful? Or maybe he’s a little cheeky engine like Thomas? My Custom Engine gives him the opportunity to express his unique personality and join the world of Thomas with his very own customized engine and storybook— where he’s the featured hero! Choose your engine style, color and name and number
$35

Age 3+
Fisher-Price Thomas the Train – TrackMaster Avalanche Escape Set
Fast and powerful motorized engines that make for the most action-packed Thomas adventures of them all! In this play set watch as Thomas makes his way up a 30 degree incline before crossing an avalanche gap and racing down the other side. Redesigned TrackMaster engines feature enhanced power and performance, driving Thomas to greater speeds, taller heights and bigger adventures.
$64.99

Age 3-9
LeapFrog LeapPad3 Kids’ Learning Tablet
LeapPad3 is the high-performance, fun-packed Wi-Fi tablet that allows kids to learn and play in a way that’s just right for them. Access the most engaging learning library for kids’ tablets, with 1,000+ educator-approved games, apps, eBooks, videos and more. (Sold separately.)
With Wi-Fi and LeapSearch powered by Zui, children can explore kid-friendly web content that is 100% pre-screened and approved by learning experts. Features a lithium ion rechargeable battery, 4GB memory, parent controls, light-touch capacitive screen, two cameras and video recorders, and more.
$89.95

Age 3
The Happys
The Happy’s are an amazingly adorable and remarkably real line of interactive motorized plush pets! From doing tricks for Happy Treats to racing after their Chase & Play ball, The Happy’s really play with you! Just like real puppies and kittens, they love to spin, sit, pounce and play. Appealing to boys and girls, kids can even train The Happy’s to do more tricks with the interactive Happy Treats. The new, brightly colored Happy’s are in stores now and make the perfect gift for kids this holiday season!
$15-25

The Amazing Zhus
These mesmerizing mice have certainly cast their spell on kids of all ages and they’ve been performing their signature vanishing act on Walmart shelves everywhere. For their next trick, they’re going to be pulling some pretty amazing prizes out of their hats…holiday shopping sprees!
$25-$35

Age 3
Disney Frozen 2-in-1 Castle & Ice Palace Playset with Olaf
Inspired by the Disney film Frozen, this expandable 2-in-1, fashion doll play set opens to feature the beautiful manse in Arendelle that Anna calls home and the majestic ice palace Elsa resides in (dolls sold separately). Anna’s half of the play set is the perfect place for the loveable character to call home. Take the airy staircase upstairs where Anna can get ready at her vanity, complete with chair and perfume bottle. Elsa’s half features a massive room with her translucent blue “icy” throne, complete with a special spot to rest her scepter. Elsa stays beautiful with a vanity of her own, which doubles as a bed and has a beautiful printed blanket.
$119.99

Age 3
Bluebee Pals
Bluebee Pals is a huggable plush toy that sings, reads and answers phone calls. The advanced technology includes lip synchronization allowing the animal’s “mouth” to move while singing and reading your child’s favorite storybooks or learning apps. You can even surprise and entertain your family and friends when you use your Bluebee Pal as a wireless speaker phone! Bluebee Pals are available in 5 adorable characters: Leo the Lion, Lily the Lamb, Winston the Puppy, Riley the Zebra and Sammy the Bear. You can find Winston the Puppy at Toys ‘R Us this holiday season and the whole gang is available on www.bluebeepals.com.
$64.99

Age 3
Disney Princess Deluxe Talking Dolls
This Merida Deluxe Talking Doll Set will hit the bullseye with your Brave young princess. Twirl Merida’s hand to hear her recite lines from the movie. The set includes the three cubs plus her trusty bow and arrow and target. Characters available: Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Ariel (The Little Mermaid), Rapunzel (Tangled), Merida (Brave) and Tiana (Princess and The Frog).
$29.95

Age 3
Disney Store Star Wars Talking Action Figures
Lord Vader would like to have a word with you. The striking Sith has a Lightsaber in one hand and the other ready for a Force choke, so you may want to watch what you say around our fully articulated talking figure. Characters available: Boba Fett, Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Luke Skywalker and Han Solo.
$29.95 (on sale for $20)

Age 4
Jada Toys Sofia and Walking Minimus R/C Vehicle
Explore the land with Disney’s Princess Sofia the First and her horse Minimus R/C. With you, Sofia and Minimus can do anything! Minimus’ wings flap as he walks
Fun audible dialog between Sophia and Minimus
$34.99

Age 4
Big Hero 6 Baymax Rocket Fist + Mask Combo
Put the power of Baymax in your hands with the Baymax Rocket Fist. Easy reloading and fun launching up to 10 feet in distance – and soft material on the fist makes it safe, and fun to play!
$19.99

Age 4
Big Hero 6 11″ Deluxe Flying Baymax with 4.5″ Hiro Action Figures
Large and in-charge, this massive Baymax is ready to fly into battle using all his great
weapons and features. Towering at 11” inches with a soaring 18-inch wingspan, the Deluxe Flying Baymax features 20 points of articulation, multiple lights, sounds and other fun features such as a launching rocket fist. Baymax comes with a 4.5” Hiro Hamada figure, which when attached to Baymax’s back unlocks additional flying sounds that vary.
$59.99

Age 5
Barbie Endless Curls Doll
Barbie® always delivers the very best in hair play and this year is no exception. With three different types of no-heat curling tools (two irons and a set of traditional rollers) girls can easily create countless styling possibilities, transforming Barbie® doll’s hair without heat or water
$24.99

Age 5
Deluxe Light Up Flutterbye Fairy
A WALMART ‘CHOSEN BY KIDS’ TOY! Flutterbye Fairies can really fly and now they even light up the sky! The Deluxe Light Up Flutterbye Fairy Doll magic is brighter than ever before with rainbow lights that shine as she soars. Just give your Flutterbye a gentle whirl to see rainbow lights and skirts that twirl! By pressing the button on her decorative base, she will magically lift off into fairy flight. Guide the flutterbye fairy toy rainbow movement as she floats just inches over the palm of your hand. If you raise your hand gently, she will fly higher. Lower your hand and she will follow your lead. Your Flutterbye Fairy’s beautiful dress is surrounded by a colorful aura of rainbow light. Delight in the Deluxe Light Up Flutterbye Fairy Doll magical glow as she glides around your room! Only Flutterbye Fairies can bring the magical experience of real fairy flight to life!
$39.97 (on sale for $25.00 online)

Age 5
Zoomer Dino
Control him if you can! Boomer is the incredible Zoomer Dino Toy that only you can tame! With real dinosaur movements, sounds and incredible dino-sense abilities, Dino can detect when you’re nearby and interacting with him. But watch out! Just like a real Dino he can get angry, spin around, chomp and roar! Using True Balance Technology, Boomer perfectly balances on two wheels as he roams freely, exploring your home. Use your hands or the included controller to tame his Dino nature and build your friendship. But, don’t make him mad by pulling his tail! He doesn’t like it! He might even let out dino-sized burps and farts! Become a true dino master and control him if you can with Zoomer Dino!
$79.88

Age 5-12
Orbeez Body Spa
Need a little ‘me’ time? Just imagine what it’s like to sit in a luxurious room chair full of the soothing softness of Orbeez! It’s an Orbeez fantasy come true! Ahh… sink into the calming comfort of the Orbeez Body Spa and recharge! The perfect holiday gift for young girls, the sophisticated Body Spa chair comes with 6,000 comforting Orbeez and a vibration device help her relax and melt the day away! Use the chair anytime, and add the Orbeez for a special spa touch!
$49.99

Age 6
Uncle Milton Jedi Telescope Star Wars Science Kit
Kids can tap into their mystical energies with the Jedi Telescope, a 2– in-1 telescope with a Star Wars image viewer. The Jedi Telescope provides kids the opportunity to see the Star Wars planets up close AND use the telescope to see real stars and planets in their own night sky! The Jedi Telescope operates like a real telescope and features built-images of Star Wars planets. The Jedi Telescope includes educational material about planets and spacecraft in Star Wars and the real world.
$29.99

Age 8
American Girl Isabelle “Girl of the Year”
Meet Isabelle, our Girl of the Year! She’s an inspired dancer who discovers her own way to shine. The 18″ Isabelle doll has sparkling hazel eyes that open and close, and long blond hair styled in double-twists for dance class. Your girl can even add a pop of color with special pink-tipped highlights that she can attach to Isabelle’s hair! Share the wonder of the holidays! From November 24, 2014 to December 18, 2014, for every American Girl doll purchased, American Girl will donate one 18-inch doll to Children’s Hospital Association.
$120

Age 8
Hot Wheels Street Hawk Remote Control Flying Car
Expand your little one’s toy collection with this Orange/Blue Hot Wheels Street Hawk Remote-Control Flying Car. Kids can live the thrill of seeing it take to the skies and fly with this versatile unit. The Hot Wheels remote-control car offers a cool combination of on-ground R/C performance, including proportional ground steering, and the aerial performance of a plane. It is durable and lightweight, allowing it to perform impressive aerial maneuvers and fly up to 150′ in the air. The two-in-one flying car toy promises enough action to keep your child excited and interested. Flying car toy can soar up to 150′ in the air!
$50

Age 8
SpruKits Halo The Master Chief Action Figure Model Kit, Level 2
SprüKits, the new poseable action figure model kits require NO no glue, scissors or paint. SprüKits are designed with the most advanced injection molding technology available, parts snap together without glue, paint or scissors, as is typically expected in a model kit. For beginners to those seeking an intense challenge, three different levels offer construction play for all skills with increased complexity and build time, delivering a larger figure with sharper details, increased articulation and poseability. From
Batman, Superman, and the Joker, in total there are 13 characters from DC Comics, Microsoft’s Halo® and TV Tokyo’s mega hit LBX franchise.
$19.99

Age 8
Make Your Case – Case Maker
Create and design two real cell phone cases or design one of the four ready-made cases to match every mood and outfit! How does it work? Simple. Push the plunger into the Case Maker and fill your mold with your chosen color. Once the mold has set, you can bling a selfie, decorate your pet or favorite musician’s picture or more. Compatible with iPod Touch 5, iPhone 4/4s, iPod Touch 5/5c/5s and Samsung S3/4. Also comes with gems, stickers and design sheets.
$24

Ages 6+
Skyalanders Trap Team Starter Pack for XboxOne, $54.99

Disney Infinity 2.0 Marvel Superheroes Starter Pack for PS4, $74.99

GameStop is THE PLACE to help holiday shoppers find and purchase their favorite gaming and tech items affordably and simply.
This season GameStop has deals for the gift-givers and gamers alike, from new consoles to your favorite tech items.

They also have deals on games of all kinds and for all systems for EVERYONE in the family. You can save as much as $30 on some titles! And you know what’s really hot this year? Games that feature interactive figures like Skylanders, Disney Infinity and Nintendo’s just released amiibo (uh-mee-boh). GameStop has deals on them all. And because we know that shoppers want to stretch their dollars – GameStop has a buyback program, a PowerUp Rewards credit card and a layaway option. They can match your buys with your budget and give you the best shopping experience.

You can check out the GameStop Holiday Hub for more information about deals and products.

And for the gamesters:

Ages 10+
Jenga Giant Wood Stacking Game
The classic Jenga game, but MUCH BIGGER and can stack to over 3 feet high. Sturdy box for easy storage and transport.
$110

Ages 8+
Rummikub
The original fast-moving, family-fun tile game. Each player starts with 14 tiles displaying a number ranging from 1 to 13 in four colors. Tiles must be placed on the table in sets of either “Groups” or “Runs” Be the first player to eliminate all the tiles from your rack to win!
$17.99

Ages 4+
Barbecue Party Game
It’s Barbecue Party, the game that decides who will be grill master or dinner disaster! Choose your card to see what you get to put on the grill for dinner, but watch out! This temperamental grill may jump, causing all the food to fall off. The winner is the first player to get 3 items off the grill before the food takes a spill. 2 or more players.
$24.99

Ages 4+
Jumping Jack Game
Kids will jump for joy when they meet Jumping Jack, the world’s cutest bunny! Spin the spinner to see how many carrots you get to pick from Jack’s bunny hill, but don’t make him jump! If Jumping Jack jumps out of his hole on your turn, be sure to catch him. If he’s not caught, then whoever has the most carrots wins the game. 2-4 players.
$24.99

Ages 7+
Wordsearch
The race is on with Wordsearch! The game is played on a uniquely designed circular board that rotates as you search for new words. The first player to find the selected word marks it with colored tiles. With twists and turns that allow you to remove words found by your competitors, this fast paced game will have you searching for the win! Game includes 20 different word search puzzles and is good for years of fun.
$24.99

Ages 4+
Wordsearch Junior Game
Wordsearch Junior is the sequel to the popular Wordsearch! game. The Junior version teaches kids reading, spelling, matching and sportsmanship while providing hours of exciting fun! With three different learning levels, children as young as age 4 can join in the fun by matching patterns and can then move up to words with picture hints, while older children can play with word-only clues. Game includes 6 matching pattern puzzles, 6 picture hint puzzles and 6 word-only puzzles for years of learning and fun.
$24.99

Ages 3+
Elf on The Shelf Hide and Seek Game
The Elf on the Shelf is hidden but the music that you hear will help you find him. Someone hides Elf and then everyone tries to find him! The first player that does, gets to put a gift in their sleigh and the first player to get 3 gifts in their sleigh wins!
$14.99

All Ages
Springfree Trampoline
Considered the “World’s Safest Trampoline, Springfree’s one-of-a-kind design eliminates 90 percent of the impact areas on traditional trampolines by replacing the springs, frame and rigid enclosure with fiber-glass rods, a soft-edge, and flexible enclosure. Springfree was created by an engineer and father of three, Dr. Keith Alexander, following 14 years of injury prevention research. With 10 minutes of jumping on the trampoline equivalent to a 30 minute run, so it’s a fun way for the whole family to enjoy exercise. At Springfree they’ll take care of everything from delivery to installation and with three locations with Plano, Frisco and NOW Southlake, they’ll make Christmas a cinch!
$1,449

But where’ giving one away to one lucky person!

(Winner must live in the DFW delivery area for installation OR pick item up from one of three DFW SpringFree locations.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cheddars Brings You Home for the Holidays with $1,000 (Ends Dec. 7)

December 3, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Many holiday memories are made around the dinner table.

Whether it’s the smell of the sage in grandma’s stuffing or the year the year’s we invited all our single friends over for a “grownup eight-course meal” in our PJ’s, food, friends and family were just made to go together, especially at this time of year.

And if only I could have one of my best friend’s that I haven’t seen in years come back to join me for that Thanksgiving seven years ago we spent in our PJs drinking sangria?

Cheddar’s, the long-time neighborhood casual cafe, wants to encourage you to share your best food memories, especially with that special person you’d love to see this holiday, but unfortunately can’t with their “Home for the Holidays” promotion.

From now until Dec. 7, share your memorable holiday meal experience you had with a special person you can’t be with this season and you might win $1,000 gift card + $250 gift card to Cheddar’s with their “Home for the Holidays” Contest.

Cheddar’s scratch-cooking celebrates delicious, home cooked food in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. We are all about bringing people back to the table to enjoy each other’s company over a great tasting meal. What better time to celebrate the idea of scratch cooking and happy reunions together than over the holidays?

Recently I dined at a local Cheddar’s I hadn’t been to in ages. When we walked in there was a huge waiting line of people waiting on a Tuesday, but after only a few (like three) minutes of waiting, we were shown to our table and enjoyed comfort food at its best, super customer service and all at really inexpensive prices. As indecisive as I am, the Vegetable Plate was the answer to my dreams because it included four veggies, a bowl of their hearty tortilla soup and a croissant. I was pleased as pie and so was the rest of the family…For four of us with an appetizer and drinks our total was just at $50. And we weren’t even eating out of a box or a sack. t may have not been a holiday, but the entire experience did make our Tuesday night seem kinda special. I know we will definitely be going back very very soon.

Good food, good service and good memories. It’s that same idea that sparked Cheddar’s Home for the Holidays Contest and of course, who couldn’t use $1,000 at the holidays?

Ready to share yours your holiday memory?

In 150 words or less, tell Cheddars about a great holiday meal you had with someone you want to spend the holidays with again this year but can’t (person must be alive). What did you have? Where were you? What does this person mean to you? Include a picture and hit “Submit”. We will pick three winners to receive a holiday reunion prize package of a $1,000 VISA gift card and a $250 Cheddar’s gift card. CLICK HERE TO ENTER.

Be on Santa’s List Each Monday with $500 Christmas Shopping Spree {Giveaway}

December 3, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 3 Comments

Right now my life is all about lists.

Lists of what the kids want for Christmas. Lists for what I’m getting for relatives. Lists of all the things I haven’t done yet that have to be complete before the end of the year.

But the one list that is on the bottom of the pile is MY LIST. The things I’d love to have if there weren’t bills, kid wants, and responsibilities in the way. You know MAMA’S SANTA LIST.

And I’m not talking like a million dollars – I mean $500 to do what I wanted with no regrets or obligations except for me to enjoy them.

Right now you can enter to win your own $500 Christmas Shopping Spring!

Every Monday in December a new winner will win a $500 Visa Gift Card!

Do Good for the Good of Others with Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2

December 1, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

This is a sponsored post. However, my personal experience with GivingForward is all my own and makes it easy to share my thoughts about the importance of Giving Tuesday.

It’s crazy to think how much money has been spent just over Brown Thursday, Black Friday, or Cyber Monday.

If only 10% of the total could go to support true giving; a moment of total selfless acts and gifts that don’t turn into gifts under the tree, but amount to so much more.

Today, Tuesday, December 2, Giving Tuesday is a day dedicated to true giving. Giving Tuesday’s goal is to boost humanity rather than the economy. It’s about doing good for the good of others.

Just about a year ago, my son’s wish to Go to Disney World was granted by A Wish with Wings and Give Kids the World. For one week our family was giving a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate all that my son, a child with a Congenital Heart Defect, had been through in his short six years. It was a moment we will remember forever and was only possible through the tireless donations and giving of organizations and individuals committed to making dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Recently, I felt like I could pay it forward when my best friend’s mother was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. A mother of three children, Cindy had often taken in many “kids” over the year and was always on the bleachers to cheer you on. Knowing that treatments would be expensive and tedious, many of us started our own spirit squad to repay the same favor Cindy had done for us. In efforts to raise money for Cindy, we launched a GiveForward page to raise money for others that wanted to help. GiveForward is the easy, online fundraising platform to help raise money for a loved one in need with the help of

In addition to a one-night fundraiser and our GiveForward page, we’ve raised almost $30,000.

So how can you GiveForward and make a difference? Remember, it doesn’t have to be a big check to make a big impact. On Giving Tuesday give time or money to a cause or person you care about. Buy a trailing customer’s morning coffee to warm and brighten her winter day. Rake your grandparents’ leaves before snow blankets their yard. Contribute cash to a non-profit like A Wish with Wings to celebrate children affected with diseases like CHD.

Acts of true giving take place every day on GiveForward, but Giving Tuesday is a wonderful time to reflect on how both small and large gifts make great impacts. Share your Giving Tuesday moments today by using the hashtags #GivingTuesday and #GiveForward. Or post a #UNselfie with what you’re doing for Giving Tuesday.

Now, go forth and give!

Best Jeans for Moms to Look Great and Feel Great

December 1, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 29 Comments

Looking for the best jeans for moms? Of course, you are! Here’s the one pair you need to make you feel like a million bucks – without spending that much! Thanks to Lee Jeans for this sponsored post.

I have plenty of friends that the moment they spit out a baby were back into their pre-mommy body. And in some cases, they even look better than before.

All photos courtesy of Lee Jeans.

That wasn’t me. I didn’t have a perfect body to start, but when the babies came, so did the mess of my midsection. And lucky for me (hear my sarcasm) I didn’t have a rear to fill it in to start with, so pants we’re never easy to fit in the front OR the back.

After it was no longer ok to sport a pair of maternity jeans (3 months post baby is not ok for your information), I needed new jeans, but never found any that weren’t lowrise, added a muffin or were in my budget. So unfortunately I’ve just been dealing with jeans that didn’t do much for my figure or how I felt wearing them. So I’ve done my best to avoid jeans all together or always pair them with a big shirt so it didn’t matter how they fit.

So when Lee Jeans invited me to try to find the perfect jean for me, I said bring it. This was one “mama challenge” I had just decided that wasn’t going to have the best outcome, but hey, at least I was being realistic.

As I slid into the dressing room I began to feel the angst come over me just thinking about trying on jeans. I grabbed from the stack, said a little prayer…

As I thought about the sweet message, I slipped on the jeans, buttoned them up and braced myself to look in the mirror,

Not only did they fit (without laying on a bed to button them), but I looked good, I felt good and thankfully, the waistband was exactly where I wanted it to be. I didn’t need to keep moving them around to feel comfortable. And when I squatted down I was able to breathe. The length was just long enough to wear with heels but just the right length I could throw on a pair of flats and run out the door. And best of all, I may have even looked a little slimmer.

The fit may have had said Easy Fit, but I was definitely thinking it should be called Confident Fit. After all, I was actually standing a little straighter with my Lee Jeans. (And while I didn’t take a photo of my before and after experience, here’s a great one from lee that shows exactly what happens when you put them on!)

Wondering what makes this pair of affordable jeans fit so perfectly on my not-so-perfect body?

Lee Slender Secret Collection: The Lee Slender Secret collection retains its shape all day while still being super comfortable. Long gone are the days of jeans that bag and sag – the Slender Secret collection holds true to its denim shape and provides a flattering fit all day long.

Fashionable details like an ultra-dark wash and subtle and stylish back pocket details make for a perfect pair of jeans with a super flattering fit.
This jean was created to make you look and feel your very best. A hidden tummy panel on the waistband of the jeans instantly slims you for a sleek silhouette.

Lee Easy Fit Collection: Lee Easy Fit is the jean to match your active lifestyle. It’s smoothes and shapes just like your other tried-and-true blue jeans, but this jean revolutionizes comfort and makes your on-the-move lifestyle a priority.

The Slimming Stretch fabric stretches and slims to conform to your own body shape, so it feels like they were made just for you. The ultra-stretch fabric makes this jean incredibly easy to move in, too.
The Easy Fit Jeans feature a flexible, but incredibly supportive waistband that won’t bind, dig or create any unwanted discomfort. With a nonrestrictive waistband, this jean stays true to your figure for flawless wear and ultimate comfort.
Cut and sewn with trendy designs and features, this style is modern, fashion-forward and sophisticated, but also pairs well with a simple t-shirt. This line is also offered in a variety of rich denim washes, so there’s certain to be a style for everyone.

And you can get your hands on my favorite new Lee jeans The Lee Easy Fit Jean can be purchased online at Lee.com or can be found at your local Kohl’s, JCPenney, or Sears stores.

Or you can win a pair and a whole lot more from this holiday contest from Lee Jeans.

Post by Lee Jeans.

This is exactly what you want under your tree this Christmas or now to look great for those holiday parties!

Good Deals, Good Deeds with Tango Tab

November 28, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 5 Comments

I wish I could be the mom that has a healthy dinner, prepared and ready to go at 5:30 PM.

But it doesn’t happen very often.

And even with the best laid plans, our family has to put together a plan for dinner that doesn’t mean going through a drive-through.

That’s why the free TangoTab has become part of our routine when choosing a place to dine. Not only does it give me a suggestion and great offer, every time you use a free TangoTab restaurant deal through your TangoTab app, they donate a meal to a person in need through a local charity. So while I eat, someone who needs a meal gets one too.

Checking my TangoTab app for nearby offers, Texas Land & Cattle popped up with 20% off my tab or a free shared plate, so I claimed it and off we went!

One of my go-to favorites for salmon, I ordered the grilled salmon and a side of brussels sprouts. But I found out there were lots of other great offers happening with the holidays.

TEXAS SMOKED BOARD FOR TWO ǀ Famous House Smoked Sirloin, bacon-wrapped stuffed quail with sweet potato hash, and roasted pork loin topped with whiskey demi-glace, all smoked to perfection. Served with choice of two side salads or cups of soup & two side items 44.99

Enjoy $5 Off a select bottle of wine when you purchase the Texas Smoked Board.

And because it’s the holidays, it’s a great time to enjoy a cocktail or two with your steak, enchiladas or both!

BOURBON BLITZEN ǀ Maker’s Mark Bourbon with a splash of Kahlúa
CRANBERRY APPLETINI ǀ Tito’s Handmade Texas Vodka, Apple Pucker, fresh cranberry juice
WHITE CHRISTMAS ǀ Absolut Vanilla, Amaretto, cream, swirled with chocolate

The Holiday Menu is available through January 10 at all locations.

But even with the holidays, you can enjoy any day of the week’s specials. However, my favorite is TEXICAN TUESDAYS with $3 specialty tacos!

The Dirty Bird – Cilantro lime marinated sliced grilled chicken, crispy onion strings, cabbage-jicama slaw, spicy ranchero sauce, flour tortilla
The Big Catch – Crispy battered redfish, cabbage-jicama slaw, pico de gallo, bayou aioli, flour tortilla
The Cowboy – Hand breaded sirloin, pepper cream gravy, cabbage-jicama slaw, sliced jalapeño, flour tortilla
The Meathead – Smoked sirloin, cabbage-jicama slaw, onion, pico de gallo, cheddar jack cheese, green chile sauce, flour tortilla
The Spicy Texican – Jalapeño skirt steak, Texas chimichurri, garlic sour cream, pico de gallo, cabbage-jicama slaw, flour tortilla
The Hippy – Cabbage-jicama slaw, cucumber, fresh green beans, sweet corn, carrots, Texas chimichurri, garlic sour cream, flour tortilla

And with $3 House Margaritas & $3 Dos Equis, all day on Tuesdays, it’s a perfect place to reconnect with friends and family this holiday.

And since it’s the holidays and TangoTab is always in the spirit of giving, we’re giving away a $50 giftcard to Texas Land & Cattle so you can try all the great holidays meals and daily specials + get a special offer from TangoTab!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

How Chef Tim Love Remeals Thanksgiving Leftovers

November 26, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Thanksgiving is full of deliciousness.

Mom’s Turkey, grandma’s cornbread dressing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie…they all get to play centerstage on Turkey Day, but after its first appearance at the table, it’s never quite as special.

So they all turn into leftovers.

But what can you do those dishes just as good as they were when you served them?

Recently, I was invited to eat with a few of my friends to cook up Thanksgiving leftovers with Chef Tim Love.

The chef known for his original urban-Texas dishes (and his iconic cowboy hat as he cooks up first-class food on Food Network), opened up his kitchen for a few of us to challenge him to retool/remeal using Thanksgiving leftovers.

A long-time fan of Chef Tim Love, (who hangs his hat in Fort Worth) the afternoon was full of lots of laughs, tons of tips and of course, phenomenal food. Honestly, this was one of those moments I could have just pinched myself. “Kitchen redevelopment with Tim Love” – I could mark off my bucket list.

We create many interesting dishes (Nutella, blue cheese and pickled peppers were just some of the ingredients we used, but we did come up with one real winner – The Thanksgiving Leftovers English Muffin…And in Chef Tim Love fashion, we added a little quail egg to make it complete.

The only other thing better I could have asked for is to spend Thanksgiving with Chef Tim Love…

However, since he had already bought the tickets for his family to spend Thanksgiving in Europe and eating Turkey Day at his favorite restaurant in Paris, I guess I understand why I didn’t get an invitation. 😉

Arsenal! Arsenal! Unfortunately we lost to Man U on an own goal! Stadium was awesome! #London

A photo posted by Tim Love (@cheftimlove) on Nov 11, 2014 at 5:39am PST

Make sure to watch the video for the recipe!

His Hot List: Ford Unveils New 2015 F-150 and Mustang

November 25, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

You know when they say opposites attract? I mean really polar opposites?

Well that’s me and my hubs to a T.

I’m the kind of girl that likes change and he’s the kind that’s ok to eat the same thing every day without any complaint.

That is until you talk cars.

Then it’s a whole different story.

When I met my husband in college he drove a hot dark green Ford Mustang. It wasn’t his first either; he’d had a couple Mustangs.

A few months later when we started dating, he traded it in for a Ford truck…

Then a year later, he traded it in for another Ford truck.

When we had the first kiddo, he had a reason to getting an even bigger Ford truck.

Are you getting the pattern? Yes, my husband loves him a Ford and we get them often.

For Ford, he’s like a walking commercial since he’s now had more than 12 Ford vehicles and can tell you what’s are his favorite features and what areas he would like to see changes.

So with the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 coming out, his truly will be on the front line to see how his next truck is going to drive. And considering the Ford F-150 is America’s best-selling truck for 37 consecutive years and according to Ford, “this will be the most anticipated truck in Ford history,” you can bet he won’t be the only one.

The new 2015 F-150 delivers an impressive combination of power, capability and efficiency – from advanced materials that improve durability and inhibit corrosion, to faster processors that enhance driving performance, to breakthrough cargo management and towing solutions.

Several groundbreaking new productivity features debut in the 2015 F-150 like:

360-degree camera view uses exterior cameras to create a bird’s-eye view of the truck to help the driver park, maneuver in tight spots and navigate down narrow trails
Integrated loading ramps enable easy loading of ATVs, motorcycles and mowers
BoxLink™ is a combination of metal brackets and custom cleats used to secure a variety of accessories in the cargo box – from ramps to storage bins to bed dividers
Trailer hitch assist is a new rear view camera feature that adds a dynamic line based on steering wheel angle in the display to help customers line up truck and trailer without requiring a spotter or having to get out of the vehicle
Smart trailer tow module uses an all-new wiring harness that helps identify and inform the driver of potential trailer connectivity issues, burned or unlit trailer marker lamps, and brake light and trailer battery faults
Remote tailgate allows for the tailgate to be locked, unlocked and released with the key fob – eliminating manual locking and increasing convenience and security. The tailgate also is damped, dropping down, hands-free, to a flat position when opened
400-watt, 110-volt power outlets in the cab, allowing drivers to easily charge corded tools, batteries or mobile devices on-site or while driving
Latest engine technology in an available all-new, efficient 2.7-liter EcoBoost®engine that features extremely high output and lightweight design
Nnext-generation tailgate step is now fully integrated inside the tailgate and virtually invisible when not in use· New 8-inch LCD productivity screen in the instrument panel includes tabbed navigation pages – from fuel economy to towing tips – and the ability to create a customized home screen for customers to access their most frequently used pages in one place
LED lighting embedded in the walls of the cargo box brightly illuminates the box interior to help customers quickly find tools or other items
Rear under-seat storage in F-150 Super and Crew cabs provides hidden storage for valuables. One storage bin is located underneath the rear seat
Deployable boxside step is now available for the short 5.5-foot box

I may not be looking for all of those features in my car (which total disclaimer is a 2013 Ford Explorer), but I know many men who live in their trucks that do – and you probably do too.

Ford is offering a free test drive of the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 before the truck is available in showrooms as it visits 38 markets across the U.S. North Texas stops are scheduled for Dec. 2 – 6.

McCoy’s Building Supply: Cleburne – 12/2/14

McCoy’s Building Supply: Corsicana – 12/3/14

McCoy’s Building Supply: Terrell – 12/4/14

McCoy’s Building Supply: Gainesville – 12/5/14

American Eagle-Harley Davidson: Corinth – 12/6/14

Consumers can register and schedule their test drive at F150drive.com. Walk-up participation is encouraged.

Well the F-150 won’t be the only thing on his wish list this year. We get a double-whammy with the debut of the ultra-sleek, ultra-smooth 2015 Ford Mustang.

It is a beautiful car as history has shown, but Ford’s given her a little beauty treatment as well as some more smart features that are sure to make this vehicle on the hot list of every one.

The Mustang is the first car to offer four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines that produces at least 300 horsepower. With more powertrain options to choose from, there is a Mustang to fit any lifestyle. The 3.7-liter V6 and upgraded 5.0-liter V8 are joined by an all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine that brings state-of-the-art technology to Mustang.

Several key design features define the all-new Mustang, including:

A lower, wider stance with a reduction in roof height, and wider rear fenders and track
The return of Mustang fastback with a sleeker profile enabled by more steeply sloped windshield and rear glass
Three-dimensional, tri-bar taillamps with sequential turn signals
Contemporary execution of the signature shark-bite front fascia and trapezoidal grille

While hunting season might be hard to handle in a Ford Mustang, I know he’ll be admiring this baby and counting down the days when one day we can look at a three-car garage.

Take a look at more new Mustang features at http://www.ford.com/cars/mustang.

Holiday Hot List with Verizon

November 24, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Holiday is a busy time for everyone. And for a blogger it’s “go time” and that means I often get the inside scoop on hot list items like toys, gift ideas and a lot of stuff in between.

Some of the fun coming up includes a look at some of Verizon’s best tech for Christmas. While I’m part of the unveiling, I won’t know until I go what devices will hit the shelves just in time for the holidays.

However, I did find out a few biggies to be on the watch out for this season:

Wednesday, Nov. 26 is Connection Day
Verizon is giving its customers the gift of 1GB of data at no extra cost and providing amazing giveaways and discounts for Verizon customers and NON-Verizon customers the day before Thanksgiving.

Here are a list of the discounts:

Apple: $4.99 credit toward any app store/iTunes purchase*
Amazon: Selection of 10 free/discounted apps, two free Audible book downloads (new members) and $10 Audible credit (current members), Amazon Prime 30-day free trial (new users)
Conde Nast: Free Digital Edition downloads of all 18 Conde Nast Publications, including Wired, Vanity Fair and GQ
Free Wi-Fi: 30-minute complimentary Internet sessions through Boingo Wireless (at airports) and Gogo Technologies (inflight)
JetBlue: Free internet for the duration of flights between November 27 and December 24.
Pandora Media: Free seven-day trial of Pandora One**
Verizon FiOS: five to seven full length Video on Demand titles available through the FiOS preview app (iOS /Android/Kindle) 11/26 – 11/30

Droid Turbo by Motorola
Remember when I went to my first Dallas Cowboys game and realized my only real connection was my friend’s Verizon phone? With it comes a turbo processor with 2.7 GHz speed. Keep going all day and night with Turbo charging† and up to 48-hour battery life*. See every detail with the 5.2-inch Quad HD display and 21-megapixel camera. With Metallized Glass Fiber, it’s as strong as it is quick. Only on Verizon.

As I get more info, especially on December 4, I’ll make sure to update you on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Easy Ways to Teach Kids to be Giving and Grateful

November 22, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 25 Comments

At this time of the year we are reminded to give thanks for the good things in our lives. It’s also a great time to teach kids to be giving and grateful.

Here are a number of ideas this holiday as well as throughout the year to teach kids to give back. Many of these suggestions don’t require a lot of work, are fun and can help create an even stronger bond as a family unit.

Start the Conversation

Teaching the basics of giving with Saving and Giving Jars
The premise is simple: have two jars – one designated for saving and the other for giving. Depending on your child’s allowance or age, you can have them allocate a certain amount of money each time they put money in the jar. For example $1 means 90 cents for saving and then 10 cents for giving.

Santa Letters
Writing Santa letters makes a great way to talk about giving to kids less fortunate than your own. I have a great free printable for Santa letters you can print off and start the conversation today.

Make a Thankful Tree
With two kids under the age of 7, it seems like they wouldn’t be able to understand that not everyone lives in a home with a family and served three meals every day. But by asking them what things they are grateful for can be a great conversation starter. This tree is easy to put together and I’ve seen several versions of them – some are drawn on paper, some are painted with handprints, but for this one, we gather sticks from outdoors and talked about what we were thankful for. When I explained that some kids don’t have their favorite named toy or even a mama, they begin to ask questions and are primed for talking about the importance of giving back.

“I am Thankful…”at Galleria Dallas
“I AM THANKFUL FOR…” PRESENTED BY THE EURASIAN ASSOCIATION OF DFW
Level 2, Martin Lawrence Galleries
The exhibit displays the meaning of Thanksgiving among children of different cultures, with works grouped in different age categories: Under 5 years, 5-7 years, 8-10 years, 11-14 years, and 15-18 years.
Opens today – Dec. 7

http://www.galleriadallas.com

No Matter their Age, Kids Can Help to Give

Crafting for Good

Crafts are actually a great way to help children learn about giving. For instance, they can create a place mats or a centerpiece to put in with your Pantry Box for Metrocrest Services. On the website they provide a list of what they need and you can purchase them, put in the placemats and they will stock them in their pantry or during the holidays, they will pack them with the holiday food deliveries. If you prefer, you can actually attend a Family Night and for an hour the organization will do a family craft for 30 minutes and the family can stock the pantry with donated goods.

http://www.metrocrestservices.org

Collecting Everyday Goods

Toilet paper, paper towels, toothpaste – these are all things we take for granted. But at the Arlington Life Shelter, individuals and families that don’t have anywhere to live are provided these basics necessities to help them sleep somewhere warm and receive a warm meal while getting the skills they needs to get back out there. They always post their current needs list online and on their billboard, so you can have the kids put together the box and on your designated day, make the drop off.

http://arlingtonlifeshelter.org

Be on Their Level

Adopt an Angel and Toys for Tots
A tradition for many families and organizations at the holiday, you can get in the sprit of giving on a level kids can really understand since you are giving to kids in your child’s age range. You can find Adopt an Angel trees in shopping centers throughout DFW, but some families are so busy they can’t get to the tree! So they’ve made it easy and you now can adopt a kid online, make your purchase and then drop of them off at a designated locations. And Toys for Tots, which FOX 4 is a sponsor of, is a phenomenal organization led by the US Marines. The process gives your kids a hands-on opportunity to buy the gifts they want for the age they want and then drop them off for distribution.

http://dfwangeltree.org

http://dfwtoysfortots.org

Host a Giving Party
Instead of having guests to a holiday party or for your child’s birthday party, ask guests to bring gifts to give to a charity your child chooses. For instance, you could hold a PJ Party and ask guests to give blankets or teddy bears. Many organizations need both of those for patients at children’s hospitals like Children’s Health. Once year we asked for socks for teens and they were given to kids in the hospital so they had something fun to keep their feet warm and are fun!

Teaching Good Means Being Good

Be a Good Example of Giving
Remember kids learn by watching so be a good example. December 2 is #Giving Tuesday, a global initiative to raise money for nonprofits #GivingTuesday is a global giving campaign.Your generous donations will not only allow us to continue fulfilling wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses and provide them an experience of a lifetime at Give Kids The World, but they will also count twice! An anonymous donor will match every donation made on #GivingTuesday, up to $20,000.

www.gktw.org/givingtuesday (This donation page will only be accessible on December 2nd and will be open for 24 hours. )

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