Autumn Rose Reo

Lo-Cal Summer Sippin’ Recipes #TENways

April 8, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #TENways #ad http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV.

With summer time just around the corner, it means we only have 60 days left to attempt to zip up that cute summer mini dress or squeeze into the always-dreaded swimsuit! But eating healthy doesn’t necessarily mean we have to give our my favorite things to eat AND drink.

What a lot of people don’t think about is the amount of calories consumed with just one cocktail! However, with the Ten beverage line from Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, you can enjoy all the fun and flavor of Sunkist, A&W Rootbeer, Canada Dry Ginger Ale and 7-up for only TEN calories!

So I’ve concocted four fantastic recipes that taste even better than your old standby summer cocktails, but without the empty calories! I love being able to enjoy anytime of the week, at get-togethers and even playdates with other moms and they think I’ve added something to our drinks, but in fact, I’ve taken out most calories by using the TEN beverages I found at Walmart. And they taste delicious enough you may choose these as your go-to summer sippers! I mean nothing says summer like a rootbeer float…and with this recipe I’ve cut half the calories, 25 percent of the fat and none of the flavor!

7UP TEN PUNCH

1 ounce orange juice

1 ounce pineapple juice

2 ounces Ten 7-up

½ teaspoon grenadine

Orange wedge

Full a shaker with ice. Add all ingredients except the soda, shake well. Strain into a wine glass and top with 7UP. Garnish with orange slice.

SUNKIST TEN COSMEAUX

4 ounces Ten Sunkist

2 ounce cranberry juice (or cranberry juice cocktail)

Garnish with a twist of orange peel

Mix together all ingredients in a cocktail shaker lightly. Serve in a martini glass.

CANADA DRY FAUXJITO

6-7 Mint leaves

1 tablespoon lime juice

6 ounces of Ten Canada Dry

Garnish with a slice of lime

Muddle mint leaves and lime juice. Fill glass with ice and Ten Canada Dry, stir, and serve.

A&W ROOTBEER LO-CAL FLOATER

½ cup Greek Frozen Yogurt Vanilla

8 ounces Ten A&W Rootbeer

Scoop frozen yogurt into cold mug glass. Carefully add A&W Rootbeer to the glass until foam rises to the top.

SAVE MONEY AND CALORIES WITH THE

$0.50 off of the purchase of TWO 2 Liter bottles or TWO 4-pack cans of Ten 7UP, Ten A&W, Ten Canada Dry, TEN RC or TEN Sunkist soda. However, if you share the digital coupon via email, Facebook or Twitter, you will get brought to a coupon that will get $1.50 off that purchase rather than just .$50! Get this coupon while supplies last!

Enjoy celebrating summer by toasting with these non-alcoholic, lo-cal summer sippers featuring the Ten Calorie sodas!

#JOESGOESBLUE: Joe’s Crab Shack Kicks off Annual April Autism Speaks Fundraiser

April 7, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

This month Joe’s Crab Shack has joined organizations across the globe in celebrating the international Light It Up Blue campaign on World Autism Awareness Day and kick off its second annual national fundraiser for Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization.

As one of Autism Speaks’ largest corporate partners, Joe’s raised more than $1 million in 2013 through in-restaurant donations, online donations and sales of Joe’s “Light It Up Blue” tie-dye T-shirts.

Head to Joe’s Crab Shack to donate and receive coupons for free food. For every $1 donation, receive a free kids meal entrée; $5 donation for a free Crazy Good CrabDip; and $10 donation for a free Classic Steampot. While readers are at Joe’s they can purchase a “Peace of the Puzzle” signature tie-dye T-shirt and 10 percent of proceeds will go to Autism Speaks.
Take in a Rangers game at Globe Life Park in Arlington on April 16 for the autism awareness game.
Advocates can spread the word by posting photos of themselves supporting Autism Speaks with the hashtag #JoesGoesBlue. At the end of the campaign, Joe’s will award gift cards to photo winners and post guests’ photos in a puzzle mosaic on Joe’s social media.
Restaurants will also “Light it Up Blue” throughout the month to remind guests of the worthy cause.

Information about local Autism Speaks efforts is available here. To find the closest Joe’s Crab Shack location, visit www.joescrabshack.com/locations.

Easy Easter Food Fun for Everyone

April 5, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Looking for an Easter craft that doesn’t take too much time or creativity for a cute and yummy treat? Here’s easy Easter food fun for everyone.

“Multitasking Mama” is my middle name. Unfortunately, “Make-and-Do-Mama” isn’t.

So if creativity isn’t one of your skill sets, you are in good company. This Easter I’ve put together a few of my favorite craft ideas that are as much fun to make as they are to eat! These activities that I either found on Pinterest or have been making for years will give you and your kids something fun to do while you spend time together and best of all, when you are done, you can gobble them up for snack time.

And did I mention they are super easy? So easy in fact my son made his own YouTube video on how to make one of them? (Kids these days…)

All of these crafts were featured on Good Day Dallas on April 5, 2014. Hope you caught the segment, but if you didn’t, here’s the highlight reel and the recipes for you to make at home!

Dallas News | myFOXdfw.com

Jackson’s Easter Day Bark
From MamaChallenge.com

Package of White Almond Bark
Package of Easter M&Ms
Sprinkles
Easter Egg Malted Eggs

Place the almond bark in a microwave safe dish and microwave for 90 seconds to melt (adding more every 10 seconds until it’s melted.)

Line a baking sheet with wax paper and spread the almond bark. Drop the M&Ms and other candy over the melted bark. Allow to cool by placing in the freezer. When it solidifies, break into pieces. Makes for a cheap, easy and cute gift to friends, neighbors and teachers!

Easter Basket Cupcakes
(I’ve been doing these since I was a kid!)

Cupcake with vanilla icing
Favorite Easter candy
Licorice rope

Jelly Beans
Peeps or Chocolate Easter Bunny candy
Shredded Coconut
Green food coloring

Place coconut in a plastic baggie or a plastic bowl with a lid. Drop 3-5 drops of food color and then cover. Shake container until completely saturated green. There’s your Easter grass!

Now just line up all your candies in a few bowls so the kids can easily get to them to make their Easter baskets.

Taking the cupcake, sprinkle or swirl cupcake until the top is covered in coconut. Now place your Peep or Chocolate bunny in cupcake. Place jelly beans around it to look like eggs. Last place both ends of your licorice stick into the cupcake to resemble a basket. Now eat it!

Carrot Snacks
This is a great for small kids that doesn’t involve sugar!

1 quart size plastic baggies or clear pastry bags
Favorite orange snacks (I prefer Amy’s Organic Bunnies, buy you can use Cheetos or Goldfish)
Green ribbon

After removing the zip closure on the bags with a diagonal cut, please snacks in one corner of the bag and twist up to resemble a carrot. To close, tie a green ribbon around the top to look like a stem and you are done!

Strawberry Carrots
White Chocolate Chips or Orange Melts
1-2 Tablespoons of shortening
Orange powdered icing coloring
Strawberries
Crushed Oreos

Melt chocolate with shortening until smooth in the microwave or over a double boiler. Now turn chocolate orange if needed with the icing coloring. Next after drying your strawberries (if you don’t the water will cause chocolate to seize and turn gritty), dip the strawberry into chocolate until covered. Place on wax paper to dry for 15-20 minutes. Serve “carrots” over a bed of crushed Oreo to resemble a garden.

Carrot Patch Cups
As seen on Kidzui.com

2 Packets of instant chocolate pudding
2 Cups of milk
1 Thawed package of Cool Whip
2 Cups Oreo cookies
Orange Icing (or white with orange food coloring)
Edible candy grass (or Coconut dyed with green food coloring)

Mix the pudding and milk together.
Gently stir in the Cool Whip.
Crush your Oreos and add half of them to the pudding.
Divide the pudding mixture into cups or dishes and top with the remaining Oreos.
Pipe the orange frosting onto the top to look like a carrot growing out of the ground.
Top with a few blades of fake grass.

Take a look at all the fun Easter crafts I’ve found on my Pinterest page!

Follow Autumn Reo {mamachallenge.com}’s board HOLIDAY: Easter on Pinterest.

Don’t miss these #mamachallenge moments!

Final Four Fun for the Family in Dallas

April 4, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Our family may be close to the action of the big game over at Jerry’s World, but there’s a lot more happening at Final Four than just a game that the whole family can get excited about. Here’s a couple of big things you can do with the kids to celebrate (even if you can’t afford the tickets to AT&T Stadium.

Dribble
Sunday, April 6
11:30 – Dribble begin
FREE

Kids (18 and under) are invited to dribble through downtown Dallas from Dallas City Hall Plaza to Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on Sunday morning and will receive a free commemorative Final Four basketball, t-shirt, and an entry into Bracket Town!
To register: https://2014ncaamffd.theregistrationsystem.com/en/1824

Bracket Town
Friday Noon – 8pm/Saturday, 10am – 7pm/Sunday, Noon – 8pm/ Monday, Noon – 7pm
Kay Bailey Hutchinson Center – Halls A-D
Tickets: $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Free for kids 2 and under.

The ultimate Final Four fun fest, KBHC turns into 350,000 sq ft of family-friendly activities. You’ll have a chance to meet legendary coaches, former athletes and a free concert by Fifth Harmony. Get more info on the website.

AT&T Block Party, Coke Zero Countdown Concert and Capital One JamFest
All weekend
Free

A free concert with Tim McGraw and Bruce Springsteen doesn’t need much explaining, but might be something fun to do if you have older kids. With so much going on I wouldn’t suggest a stroller child, but this event might be fun as an experience with the big ones. Get the full line of these activities on the website.

You’re My Lobster! Our Family Feast at Red Lobster’s Lobsterfest (Now until April 14)

April 3, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Disclaimer: I received complimentary food for purposes of this review. #BestLobsterfest

When it comes to a family dinner outing, pizza, spaghetti, chicken nuggets or corndogs are somewhere on the menu.

However, this time the husband and I had a craving. And not just for a little extra bacon on our burger or spice in our pasta. We wanted LOBSTER.

But with two kids to feed, that option would normally be out the window with them in tow or reserved for a special occasion when we also would have to pay for a sitter, get into something more pressed and shiny, and make a reservation.

For our family, those types of moments don’t happen often and for the price of the evening, we are already in the hole before we even eat the meal. But we had a craving and we had two kids to feed, so…

Bring on the Red Lobster.

Yep, the friendly seafood chain known for the best garlicky, buttery cheddar biscuits and stiff drinks in my college days (for good measure we’ll say at least a decade ago), once again was my desired destination. And not only was it Red Lobster, but it was during Lobsterfest.

Lobster for everyone!

On a Friday night we did have a little wait, but that’s to be expected for most restaurants. Once we had our seats, we quickly had a server who understood that kids that were happy meant parents were happy, so he was super about getting orders made and delivered quickly even on a busy Friday night.

Going through the menu, there were so many options for dinner, especially during Lobsterfest since there’s more lobster dishes available than any other time of the year!

Some of the Lobsterfest menu highlights include:

Lobster in Paradise®
Ultimate Surf and Turf
Dueling Lobster Tails
Lobster Lover’s Dream®
Seaport Lobster & Shrimp
Lobster & Shrimp Linguini Alfredo
Rock Island Stuffed Tilapia
Ultimate Feast®
Bar Harbor Lobster Bake

While reading any of them just made my mouth water, it was the Rock Island Stuffed Tilapia that won my tastebuds. And although the kiddos ended up with broccoli, chicken and macaroni ‘n cheese, the family snacked on a sampler platter with cheese sticks for the kids and calamari for the adults.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t how it happened since the kids just ate the whole plate of cheese and “circle chicken.” I felt no need to correct him if it meant they were enjoying something different than chicken nuggets. So I just ate the cheddar biscuits… Like the whole basket. And they were good.

In just around an hour, we had all enjoyed a lovely lobster laden meal at a reasonable price and I had planned for the next time I came into Red Lobster what I would be trying. Perhaps with or without the kids.

REMEMBER: Lobsterfest only last until April 14, so make sure you get into your nearest LobsterFest at your Red Lobster. And if you are looking for an even better deal, you can get $10 off your meal when you buy two Lobsterfest entrees with this special coupon.

Should You Go To SXSW? 4 Tips for a Successful SXSW

March 31, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

If you’re reading this post you probably fall into only one of two categories: you are excited to learn why you should or shouldn’t go to SXSWi OR you are wondering if SXSW is the newest version of P90X. Honestly, you might not know what either one is, but when it comes down to the conference for all things digital, music and more, it comes all down to SXSW or what’s more formerly known as South by Southwest or the conference goers as “South By.”

As the big daddy of conferences especially in the music world and now the technology environment too, SXSW, I’ve always wanted to attend. Thankfully, I was asked to be an ambassador for Pfister, so I had the opportunity to travel to Austin for three days to Austin with my blog friend from Milk and Cuddles to explore SXSW together.

My one word to describe SXSW? Overwhelming.

But overwhelming doesn’t necessarily mean something negative, it’s just a lot to take in. However, with a few points of advice, you can figure out if SXSW is for you, what to expect and how to get the most out of it.

Four Tips for a Successful SXSW Experience

1. Book:

Hotels for SXSW open as early as fall for the following year. I’d highly suggest you book one close and realize it’s going to be costly. Since I didn’t decide to go until February, I was stuck with some expensive, yet crappy choice for hotels. While it was only three miles away, each day I had to deal with a little traffic, I did have to plan my parking strategy. Many nearby lots offer parking at $25 for just the day, so I would have to have my evening plans scheduled in advance or I might have a ticket waiting for me or a car not waiting for me. However, having a hotel downtown would have made things easier if it’s within walking distance of the Austin Convention Center.

2. Bring:

Charge cords for all those smart devices, cameras, and computers are a must. While I picked up two freebie ones at SXSW, that was just a lucky circumstance. Remember, there are stations as well in the lounges (see below), but if you plan to tweet a session and the phone starts to go low 30 minutes in, I’m telling you that you aren’t finding a cord. (For other helpful things to bring, check out this post on “Last-Minute Must-Pack Items for SXSW.“)

3. Schedule:

With more than 70,000 at this conference and hundreds of topics, tradeshows and discussions you can attend, it’s impossible to attend everything you want. So you have to be choosy. I attended several sessions at SXSW and would have attended more if I hadn’t learned my first lesson early: know what session you really want to go to, make sure you are there in advance and just because it’s a few blocks away, doesn’t mean it will only take you 10 minutes to get there. My favorite session was with Dallas Mavs owner/technology genius/Shark Tanker Mark Cuban. I honestly wanted to hear a hometown hero at work and I think he represented Big D in a big way. He talked candidly and in true SXSW fashion, rolled out his new app.

4. Network:

There are social events out the wazoo at SXSW. Some are within the event, some are just in around the city. Ironically, only a few are official, so get those thumbs to working on social media looking up what’s available. There were luncheons, dinners, happy hours, tours…well anything and 99% of was free. The Austin American-Statesman had a list of events I found and so did Eventbrite. Just make sure to sign up for these too, as some of them will sell out.

As a brand representative, PR pro, and blogger, I experienced SXSW with several different points of views.

Standouts from my SXSW included:

The Paypal Social Media Lounge was a phenomenal of creating a space for attendees that they wanted to come to repeatedly throughout the event and even enjoy difference experience. Set up as a recharging station for powering up devices, attendees also could order a handcrafted barista-made coffee, meet and greet with a book author, grab a quick snack and even grab some much needed swag at the Paypal store for free. The “store” was actually a way to try out its new online store app to purchase from brick and mortar retailers with a smartphone. While Paypal was actually giving attendees a choice of a charging adapter, umbrella, hangover kit, etc., a product representative a chance to guide the attendee through their first use of the app, making sure everyone who entered the door left with the downloaded app and branded merchandise.

While I wasn’t sure what the brand was when I walked in, I can tell you that everyone wanted to be in the Circus Maximus Lounge. With breakfast, the best Tito’s Bloody Marys and really cute shirts, this coordinated effort between several technology brands had something going on at all times. I’m still not sure exactly all the company names or if they had any real importance for me, it made an impression.

I literally bumped (actually just stumbled) into the Samsung Loungeacross from the Austin Convention Center. Taking over a restaurant space, the Samsung lounge had experiences happening all over the place and it felt like several night clubs in the middle of the day. We had tacos, cocktails, customized juice blends based on our activity style – and everything had a Samsung touchpoint. For those with Samsung devices, attendees could trade in their battery for a new one on the spot.

Of course, the best part of SXSW is that it’s in Austin. No one doesn’t like going to Austin; it’s beautiful (except when it rains in the winter), laid back and full of fun places to eat and experience. From food trucks along Caesar Chavez to rolling down South Congress (SoCo), there are tons of places you can eat.

Places to eat in Austin: I enjoyed the food trucks including this crazy hot mess of tater tots with Longanisa and Sriracha one night for Be More Pacific. Then after a day of nothing but cold rain (which also makes for a different experience in Austin all together), a creamy, rich bowl homemade Papardelle from Enoteca-Vespaio and a risotto balls to die for. I’m still getting cravings for that dish as we speak. However, no Austin experience would be complete without brunch, so the only restaurant we had reservations for was La Condesa and it was worth it. A guacamole tasting, duck fries and some amazing chorizo eggs benedict on a quinoa cake – it was pretty delicious and a wise move since there was a huge waiting line after we left.

Still trying to decide? I’d suggest if you are with a brand launching a service that represents the tech demo or wants to own your place amongst your competition, it’s a must. If you are a blogger, SWSW has some great opportunities, but the sessions I attended seemed less workshop style and more discussion of social responsibility and how technology will play out in the future. However, the energy was intense and was an amazing way to immerse myself in all things in the digital world. And remember, you can always go to Austin during SXSW and be a part of the scene and not even buy a ticket. (I think my friend actually had an even better experience than me and she paid just her spending money while she was there.)

My last bit of advice for SXSW: Make sure you have a solid goal and stick to it. If you are going to hang and to check out the scene, then understand that’s what you are doing. If you are going in efforts to meet tons of people, then pound some coffee and get after it. Just make sure your agenda is clear from the beginning, so you accomplish what you set out to accomplish! Basically, it might not be a life-changing experience, but “it’d a whole lot cooler if you did.”

Put Some Color in Your Life with the COLOR FUN FEST 5K, April 19 in McKinney

March 21, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

I hate to run.

A lot.

But it sure does help to burn calories.

However, I still need something to get me excited enough to move my hiney. Thankfully, runs are getting creative so people like me that don’t like to run still want to get involved and enjoy the fun.

In the words of Julia Roberts: Well then color me happy!

The COLOR FUN FEST 5K comes to North Dallas/McKinney on April 19, 2014. Both a day and night 5k color run featuring finish-line festivals, the goal of the Color Run is to combine fun and fitness while helping local charities!

COLOR FUN FEST 5K is an EPIC color fun run that heightens positive emotions by combining a5k fun run with the energy of electronic dance music, all while coloring the crowd with thousands of pounds of vibrant colored powder. The event is family-friendly, and features a post-run celebration with DJ entertainment.

The charities the run benefits Free Arts for Abused Children, a nonprofit organization that gives children that have suffered adversity a chance to express themselves through art. Another nonprofit that benefits from this event is a new startup charity called Flight for Cystic Fibrosis that gives children with CF a chance to feel alive by experiencing the incredible feeling of skydiving through wind tunnels and jumps. The mission of this program is to show these kids how to overcome fears and feel hope, bonding families and encouraging healthy living, which is vitally necessary for a person with Cystic Fibrosis.

And this run is one the whole family can get involved in including kids/parents, couples, groups of friends, fitness gurus, dance enthusiasts, runners, joggers, walkers, bloggers, couch potatoes, the young, the old, and basically everyone and anyone that likes to have fun!

Would you like to have some color fun?

Win a pair of registrations for the Color Run ($35 per registration/ $70 total)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Color Run Fest 5K North Dallas/McKinney

April 19, 2014

First wave of runners at 9 – 11 am, second wave at 9 – 11 pm

Myers Park and Event Center

7117 County Road 166

McKinney, TX 75071

Website

SPRING Into Action to Protect Your Home: Termite Awareness Week, March 16-22

March 20, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Disclaimer: This was a sponsored post by Adams Exterminating.

Before I bought my first home, my visions of homeownership included painting the walls, planting the flowers, buying furniture, etc.

Once I bought my first home, I realized homeownership consisted of much more than that like replacing roofs, shifting foundations, and implementing pest control.

Not exactly the images of the Home & Garden Channel I once thought, but certainly a huge responsibility that happens when you own a home.

Unfortunately for me, pest control has been one of those not-so-fabulous issues I’ve had to learn a lot about. Not because we aren’t clean people or don’t keep a clean house, but when if live next to a creek, are surrounded by trees or simply have a home that is comprised of wood…surprise! You can have any number pest concerns to take care to make sure you and your home are protected.

Since March 16-22 is Termite Awareness Week, I was reminded of real honey-do I had yet to take on – a termite inspection. While an inspection was completed on our home during the buying process, that of course, was seven years ago. Well, a lot can happen to a home in seven years, especially when it comes to termites. These “silent destroyers” (as termites are often referred as) can take down the façade of a home as well as its interiors way before a homeowner will detect a structural problem.

Did you know that termites cause $5 billion in property damage every year, according to the National Pest Management Association?

And as we move into the spring season and the ground’s temperature increases, termites are in search of new mates and new homes to conquer.

Isn’t home ownership fun?

While I consider myself a jack of many things and a master of nothing, this is one area I recommend be left to the professionals. However, there are things you can do to prevent termites. The Better Business Bureau offers four ways to avoid a termite infestation:

1. Repair and replace when necessary.
Repair leaking faucets, water pipes and AC units on the outside of the home. Repair fascia, soffits and rotted roof shingles. Replace weather stripping and repair loose mortar around basement foundation and windows.

2. Keep it clear.
Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches off the ground. Direct water away from your house through properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Keep mulch at least 15 inches from the foundation.

3. Inspect, inspect, inspect.
Routinely inspect the foundation of your home for signs of mud tubes (used by termites to reach a food source), cracked or bubbling paint and wood that sounds hollow when tapped. Monitor all exterior areas of wood, including windows, doorframes and skirting boards for any noticeable changes.

4. Protect your investment.
Not sure if you have termites? Consider a termite inspection from a qualified pest management company like North Texas’ own Adams Exterminating, every 1-3 years. Since 1947, the Adams family has provided quality, affordable pest control service to the North Texas area for 66 years.

While I don’t know much about termite control, I am excited that employ the Sentricon System, the only pest control product ever to earn the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award presented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Thankfully with this system, you don’t have to compromise between earth-friendly and being effective.

To learn more about the Sentricon System or to find the nearest Adams Exterminating near you, visit www.adamspest.com or follows them on Facebook.

Don’t let bugs get to you!

Calling All Budget Superheroes: Just Between Friends Dallas Starts Thursday in Mesquite

March 18, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Disclaimer: I’m working with Just Between Friends Dallas in Mesquite to promote their upcoming sale, March 20-23. I’m a huge fan of cute yet inexpensive clothes for my kids and I know you probably are, too! #JBFDallas #Mesquite #Spon

Mama Challenge:

Dressing your babies in cute clothes that won’t break your bank!

We all gotta have ’em…Clothes.

Actually we don’t HAVE to have them, but it’s kinda of an expectation. And for most moms, we like our kid’s clothes to reflect our style and show off how adorable they are. And it doesn’t hurt that they keep them warm or cool for the weather, too.

But keeping up with kids’ ever-changing growth spurts makes it really hard and expensive to keep those closets up-to-date. Or an older sister or a bestie whose kids are exactly one season in front of your kids and you get everything of her kids passed on each season.

No such luck? Me neither.

However, the next best thing is having Just Between Friends. Hence the name, the JBF franchise is one that I’ve relied on for both my kids to keep us stocked up on everything from clothes, shoes, toys and more. Last month I visited the JBF in Fort Worth, but I still was looking for more great finds for my kids and my friends’ recent additions, so Dallas here we come.

I hope you’ll join me there as I scout out the Mesquite Rodeo Hall for the best finds for boys and girls, ages newborn – 5. And I’m even going to get a sneak peek so you can see what I’m finding so you too get hurry on over to load up for spring, summer and fall.

One of my tips is that you should always look for 1-2 seasons at least to make sure you are getting the most out of your JBF experience. I have some dresses I bought for my daughter and while they don’t fit today, at the prices I’m getting clothes at from JBF, it’s worth it to hang in the closet for a few months!

Hours:
Wednesday, March 19:
noon: 15 hour presale
1:00 pm: 10 hour presale
2:00 pm: 5 hour presale
3:00 pm: consignor presale (+1 guest)
5:00 pm: Prime Time Shopping Sale ($10 admission per person)
7:00 pm: First time parent & teacher presale
10:00 pm: CLOSE

Thursday, March 20:
10 am-6 pm: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
$3 admission fee (Thursday only)

6:30 pm- 7:30 pm: Second Drop Off
(no clothing, shoes or car seats accepted at second drop off)

Friday, March 21:
10 am-6 pm: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Saturday, March 22:
10 am-6 pm: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
6:30- 8:00 pm: 1/2 Price Presale (15 & 10 hour volunteers only)

Sunday, March 23:
noon-6pm: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC- HALF PRICE SALE

Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook tomorrow to see what I find!

Just Between Friends Dallas
March 20-23, 2014
Mesquite Rodeo Exhibit Hall
1700 Rodeo Drive, Mesquite, TX 75149
www.twitter.com/JBFDallas
www.facebook.com/JBFDallas
Website

Last-Minute, Kid Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Treats {As seen on TV}

March 16, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Don’t we all wish we had enough time to make the perfect themed desserts for every holiday?

These recipes are all part of WFAA ABC 8 Good Morning Texas on the Monday, March 17 St. Patricks Day show. But just in case you aren’t able to tune in or need to get the recipes, here you go!

Rainbow Pots of Gold
(Inspired by Women’s Day)

What are all leprechauns after? Gold at the end of the rainbow! So we’ve combined both the pots of gold and rainbow for a fun treat that is as much fun to make as they are to eat.

Ingredients
1 box of white cake mix
Food coloring (basic variety pack works great or whatever color you want to make)
1 tub of chocolate frosting
Several Tootsie Roll minis at room temperature
1 package of Sour Patch straws in red or Twizzler Rope licorice
Yellow/gold candy (I used Sixlets or you can use M&Ms or jelly beans)

Instructions
Make the cake batter as instructed for cupcakes. Divide the batter evenly between four small bowls. Then using the food coloring, change each of the batters to your desired color. Next in a greased and floured muffin pan, take one spoonful of batter and begin alternating even amounts of each color until it’s about 3/4 full. Complete the process until you finish your batter. Bake muffin as instructed on box.

In the meantime, unwrap the Tootsie Roll and begin rolling until its flat. The strip should be about 1.75 – 2 inches long.

Once muffins are complete and cooled, flip them over to begin icing. Using the chocolate icing, frost the cupcake except the bottom (which is normally the top of the cupcake.)

Take your Tootsie Roll and form it to look like the top of a bag (almost in a circle.) Lay on top of the cupcake.

Next take your straw/licorice and loop it under the Tootsie Roll so it looks like a string. Criss-cross the ends to resemble a tied bag.

Last, lay your candies in the Tootsie Roll portion to look like gold pieces.

Now your cupcake should look like a pot of gold, but when you bite into it, you’ll find the rainbow surprise!

It’s My Lucky Day Treat Bars

I’ve never been a big fan of colored marshmallows in my cereal. Or any cereal that turned my milk a bright unnatural color for that matter. But when you pair the cereal with a little marshmallows and butter, something magical happens – like these bars. So easy my five-year-old made them, these treats are exactly the perfectly quick treat to make everyone’s day a little more lucky (or at least tastier.)

Ingredients
5 cups of Lucky Charms cereal
4 cups of marshmallows (I prefer the small ones so they melt easier)
3 tablespoons of butter

Instructions
Sift through your cereal and pull out some of the Lucky Charm marshmallows so you can put on top of the treat bars for decoration!

Melt the butter on medium heat (or in the microwave if you really wanted to stay off the oven) and then add marshmallows. Stiring often to keep from burning, add cereal until combined. Pour combination into a greased pan (I like 8×10 so they are thicker) and then pack down with a greased hand (thank you, Pam spray.) Allow to sit for an hour at least to harden.

Optional, you could die the treats green while mixing, but I just can’t stomach green food unless it’s an avocado or a margarita.)

Oreo Truffles

I’ve never met an Oreo I didn’t like. And when it’s mint then dipped in chocolate, well then we are meant to be friends for life. This is a no-cook recipes, so it’s all hands on deck to make these babies. Just make sure not to eat all the Oreos before you start making them. (If you prefer you could use Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies, but who still has any of those left by St. Patrick’s Day?)

Ingredients
1 package of Mint Oreo Cookies (don’t open them until you’re ready to make these or you’ll eat them all)
1 package of cream cheese Dipping chocolate or white/green candy melts (You can find these at Walmart now!)

Instructions
Crush the cookies in a food processor or blender until fine. Combine crumbs with cream cheese well. Roll into balls and place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Place in freezer for an hour. Meanwhile melt your chocolate either in the microwave as instructed (or on the stovetop if it’s easier) and then dip truffles in chocolate coating completing.

Then decorate however you wish!

For other great St. Patrick’s Day Ideas and more fun, check out my Pinterest page!

Follow Autumn Reo {mamachallenge.com}’s board HOLIDAYS: St. Pat’s Day on Pinterest.

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