Autumn Rose Reo

Ibi: Smart Photo Storage for Who You Want to Share It With

March 23, 2019 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

Have photos in the cloud, sky, on your computer and everywhere else? Get it together in one spot and share your photos too with ibi smart photo storage.

This post was sponsored by the makers of ibi, who also sent me the product for review.

I am an admitted pack rat.

I have boxes in my office dedicated to putting the kids’ school crafts, remnants of cute notes they’ve drawn, greeting cards they’ve received, ticket stubs and of course, all their class photos.

That’s the kids’ boxes – you should see the ones I have for myself and for work.

So it’s no secret that my phone’s photo album acts like a digital version of all the photos and events of our lives. Then add on an event I’m covering or an impromptu blog post or social media opportunity and photos stack up quick.

Currently my phone reads at 20,000+ photos and 2,000+ videos.
2500 are just from the beginning of this year.

And before you ask, yes, I also back up.

There’s iCloud, Dropbox, and Box. Hey I even have some CDs burned with old photos like from our trip to Italy, our wedding in Puerto Vallarta, and Jackson’s once-in-a-lifetime Wish Trip to Disney World. And I pay for all the subscriptions and their expanded storage.

And none of them are complete collections.

And that’s before you count the backup boxes we also have of the actual photos. Then to share, I normally upload to Facebook to share with my network or send via text five at a time to my parents. And after all that, I’m spent and I don’t share much of anything else because it’s just a lot of work.

Another issue is that I don’t always want to share photos with everyone. I want to make sure that I documented the moment for me and my family, but it doesn’t mean I want to share it with my network of friends on social (work, church friends, or acquaintances.) Considering not every shot is award-winning and ready to be put on social, doesn’t mean that I don’t want to keep it and in some instances, share it.

Besides one day my kids will be on social and I know there are some shots they’d rather mom not share to the Interweb:)

Needless to say, it takes a lot to keep and share memories at your fingertips.

That’s why ibi might be your next best friend.

Don’t know ibi?

Well think of your own personal hub for all photos for all your devices that automatically makes sure your best moments are always saved, all in one place. But even better, ibi makes it easy to connect with your inner circle of family and friends (whomever you’d want) to receive photos, but not to everyone on your social media list. I mean there are times you want people on social to see that first day of school pic or maybe that travel shot you took when you get home from vacation, but with ibi, you can make sure it’s just your mom and dad or your sisters. And if you don’t want anyone but your hubs to see your shots, then don’t worry, you set up your circle to make sure it’s only who you want who can receive what photos you have on ibi.

Set up is a cinch…you just plug ibi in, download the app, and get ready to directly upload those photos. Done.

Hey, with all the other mamachallenges you have happening, if you snap that perfect shot, don’t you want to make sure you don’t lose it and most of all, don’t necessarily share it with the world?

That’s what ibi smart photo can do for you so you can keep taking the photos and enjoying them!

Quiche Lorraine with Hashbrown Crust

March 20, 2019 By Autumn Rose Reo 22 Comments

Quiche Lorraine with Hashbrown Crust

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

Print Recipe

Description

A wonderful brunch make-ahead recipe!

Ingredients

Scale

4 tablespoons butter, melted, divided in half
1 package 16 oz. frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
8 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup ham, chopped
1 Tbsp minced, fresh oregano
1 tsp red pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 F degrees.
Brush a 9-by-2 1/2-inch springform pan with 2 TBSP melted butter.
Line the sides of the pan with strips of parchment paper and brush paper with butter, too.
Squeeze all the water / moisture out of the hashbrowns in a colander and let dry.
In a large bowl, mix hash browns with butter, 1 egg, salt, and pepper.
Press hashbrown mixture onto the bottom and up the sides of your prepared pan.
Press firmly to mold the potatoes against the edges.
Place on a rimmed baking sheet; bake until set and the edges of the hash browns are lightly browned.
In a large bowl, whisk the remaining eggs and milk, then add the rest of the ingredients. Pour into prepared crust.
Bake until set, 45 to 50 minutes and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Perfect for Mother’s Day, Easter, Christmas or a another great holiday!

Stop the Business of Being Busy

March 19, 2019 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Feel like you’re always busy? Feel like you’re not busy enough? Quit the comparisons and stop the Business of Being Busy.

Thanks to McDonalds of North Texas for reminding all us ladies that we are more than enough, we’re worth it with this sponsored post.

I have a lot of quirks.

I hate the sound of repetitive tapping.

I despise people who stand up on airplanes when you land in hopes to be the first to deboard.

I cannot even handle it when people take phone calls in public places like the doctor’s office and talk like no one else is in the room.

I could keep going on for days, but probably the thing I hate to hear the most?

[yes, imagine this is me. Like right now. Or maybe you, but you get it.]

Hearing women rattle off how busy they are.

Yes, I said it. And oh yes, I’ve done it.

Hey I get it, we all have so much to do. Like crazy amounts of things – some because we have to, some because we volunteered to, some because we want to, and a lot because we just feel like we have no choice otherwise.

But why is it we feel so compelled to list it like a badge of honor? And then use it to make other people feel bad (or you feel bad from hearing it and think, “wow, I should be doing more!”)

It’s true, as women, especially those that are moms, we do a lot. No matter what we do in our personal or professional lives, most women don’t just have one job. We normally have like 3 or 4…or 5 or 6…well multiple jobs and many of them go unpaid. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development says women do more than 4.5 hours of work every day that is unpaid and it’s considered Women’s unpaid work is the backbone of the American economy. Says a lot, right?

But whether you have a big important job with a corner office or your window is the one you look out of every day as you nurse your kid, we work a lot and we wear a lot of hats…some we love, some we don’t, but it is what we do.

With the nature of my job and I often get asked, “what is it that you do?”

Sometimes, I just say marketing. But when the real answer is the only one that will do, I take a deep breathe and list off the list of what roles and responsibilities I have like a resume.

“…And oh yea, I have 2 kids and have been married since 2006.”

And it doesn’t even begin to really say what I do most days. But for every woman I know, that’s the case. We do it and we don’t even share the whole story because most of us don’t ever feel like it’s actually enough.

“I’m not working out enough.”

“I’m not volunteering enough.”

“I don’t cook enough.”

“I’m not home enough.”

“I’m not good enough.”

Man, the detriment we all do to ourselves with this thinking. But you know it’s true.

Being a woman and being a mom isn’t what we do, how much or how little, it’s how you live between the crazy that really matters.

For me:

It’s Sunday mornings when I steal a few moments of silence before my family wakes up wrapped up on the couch with nothing but silence.

It’s when I’ve had a super early morning, when I can stop through McDonalds and grab a medium cup of McCafè coffee (my favorite coffee bar none), hot and just the way I like it with three creamers. And then I can also grab hot breakfast for the kids and roll into the house just before they wake up to see a smile and the look of surprise!

It’s that opportunity when someone smiles at you or gives you a compliment or even better when you offer the smile that makes a big difference in your day and theirs!

Those are actually the sweet moments, especially those that you share with others, that bring us real joy that we should be judged by not the list of how much we do:)

This month McDonald’s all of us women and moms to share how you celebrate your own simple moments with LUNCH BUNCH! At each event, kids will be able to participate family friendly activities, including balloon twisters, face painters, arts and crafts and of course, to enjoy Play Place – to name a few! And you get a chance to talk with other women especially about women in business during Women’s History Month.

MARCH LUNCH BUNCH MEET UP

Tyler

Thursday, March 21, 2019 from 12-1 pm

McDonald’s at 4014 S. Broadway Avenue, Tyler, TX 75701

Dallas

Friday, March 22, 2019 from 12-1 pm

McDonald’s at 216 S. Coit Road, Plano, TX 75075

Plus everyone can try the newest menu offering, McCafé Donut Sticks. Made with golden-brown dough, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and made fresh every morning (they are light as air!)

I hope you’ll join me in Dallas on Friday and to enter to win a $10 McDonald’s gift card!

For those of you that attend the event, you’ll be entered in a drawing for a McDonald’s gift card if you say you’re from mamachallenge.com and the mamachallenge winner will also be entered to win whether they’re in attendance or not!

ENTER TO WIN MCDONALD’S GIFT CARD

Garland ISD Students Serve Up Success

February 27, 2019 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

There’s no better way to learn than getting hands-on, real experience. At Garland ISD, the students are getting skills for tomorrow’s jobs today.

Thank you to the students, staff and City of Garland for their hospitality and sponsoring this eye-opening post.

When a private invite for an extraordinary six-course Mardi Gras meal comes to your inbox, you say “oui.”

But when you find out the hands that are going to make said meal are those of high school students, you go wondering if you’re part of an episode of Top Chef Junior.

But when I walked into the doors of The Bistro at Garland ISD Gilbreath-Reed Career and Technical Center, I figured out this was not the high school experience I remembered. Not by a long shot.

The Bistro is the student-led restaurant operated by the students of the Culinary Arts and Hospitality programs. The restaurant give students wishing to work in the restaurant, hotel, tourism industries not only hands-on opportunity for planning, preparing, serving and designing, but also certifications that can get them a job the minute they graduate – or in many cases – a job right after they leave for the day on campus. The benefit for the community is now a new place to have breakfast Wednesday – Friday, 8 AM – 1 am and lunch, 11 am – 2 pm with very affordable pricing like $8 jambalaya and $6 gumbo.

Led by Director Etienne Walker and taught by Chefs Rob Richards and Alex Bar-Sela, the students really went to the next level to give us the royal treatment to remember with decor and an elevated hospitality experience as they served us each with an offering of the drink de jour, the Smokin’ Jamba Juice served with frozen grapes and a dry ice “icicle” or the Mardi Gras Smoothie, layered perfectly for the occasion.

And the menu, which was served for the day’s special debut, was brought out to each guest with both presentation and outstanding taste. I mean this wasn’t just homemade cooking, this one upscale culinary skills like exemplified with the sugar crisp that hugged the baby ontop of a bread pudding with a dollop of cream was really delicious, but each of the entrees were just THAT GOOD.

While I had a very full and happy belly thanks to these students, learning that this state-of-the-art training center, which opened in August 2017, was just two of 90 advanced programs available to students had really whet my appetite. The school, which supports all seven home high schools, gives real-world experience to students in careers from everything medical, investments, architectural, marketing, engineering, firefighting, logistics, and automotive mechanics.

But this school exists through a lot of diligent work with the municipal and business communities. Working hand in hand with the City of Garland, having a school of choice program on this level, makes it attractive for all the area students to want to be a part of the school system. And the corporate world sees the benefits as well, which is why many well-known companies invest time and money to these students to prepare them for careers inside their own doors one day.

Each “classroom” looked nothing like a traditional classroom, but a slice of the “real world” and in some cases beyond. For instance, this program is the only high school in the world partnered with Harley Davidson motorcycles for the Battle of the Kings to custom build a 2019 bike and have it compete against other groups from all over the world.

While they won’t let you enroll at GRCTC as an adult (I know I was ready to enroll), they do invite visitors to dine at The Bistro. And of course, there’s always the bigger benefit that we are getting tomorrow’s workforce ready for careers, today.

Gilbreath-Reed Career and Technical Center
4885 N President George Bush Hwy
Garland, TX 75040
website

Women Need Pricks: Acupuncture is the Answer for “Girl Problems”

February 24, 2019 By Autumn Rose Reo 13 Comments

Suffer from pain, sleep issues, obesity, stress, menopause or wrinkles? Getting pricked instead of prescriptions through acupuncture can be the way to a better life, especially for women.

Thank you to Modern Acupuncture for sharing the practice of acupuncture.

Do you suffer from pain, sleep issues, obesity, stress, menopause or wrinkles?

Of course you do, you’re a woman. And if you’re a mom, you probably have a whole host of other issues caused by your lovely children.

I, for one, can credit the birth of the son also contributor to many issues, but most notably my sciatic nerve damage. My boobs give me some other pain, and my since lack of sleep would provide some super problems including my lovely dark circles. While I’ve tried over the years to help with these problems (the list is long), it’s not always so easy and has many times included medication – and I hate taking medicine unless it’s absolutely necessary. I often have thought about acupuncture and was interested in the practice, but I had some idea of Mr. Miyagi stabbing me with hypodermic needles. Stupid I know, but that’s how ignorant I was until I walked into Modern Acupuncture.

What’s Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a versatile treatment of Chinese medicine that’s been used for more than 2500 years. Using thin-like needles inserted in specific locations throughout the body, the treatment initiates an increase in blood flow while decreasing inflammation. The result helps to release the body’s feel-good chemicals (all the feels), boosts immune system, improve mobility, (and a whole list of stuff), all while alleviating symptoms for several conditions including:

chronic pain and tight muscles
stress
sleep issues
digestive problems
wrinkles and loose skin
and recently just discovered, menopause.

And best of all, there’s no medication, no downtime, and it takes little time to administer.

What is Acupuncture Like?

Before I walked into the door I was able to schedule my appointment and complete my paperwork before even walking in the door. My first visit walking into Modern Acupuncture was like a better version of Starbucks without all the people. Immediately I was calmed and so ready to find relief of all the outside world. Once checked in, I was motioned into a beautiful set of intricate doors and led to a massaging recliner in front of a screen with beautiful scenery to enjoy.

The practitioner came to me and after discussing what symptoms and conditions I was suffering from, created a treatment plan including where the 25 needles (thin as a single hair) would be inserted through my body. I took and deep breath…and then it was all done. Honestly, it not only didn’t hurt AT ALL, but also took him no time injected the needles and I was off to quiet time. After 30 minutes, I was done, where I was then greeted with my tea order and off to take on the rest of the world, once again.

Does Acupuncture Work?

A lot like any medication or treatment, acupuncture isn’t an immediate fix after one session. It’s about a succession of appointments designed to be refined by your own needs. I have had one appointment and while I’m scheduled for multiple, I can’t say everything feels like I’m walking on air – yet. HOWEVER, I can attest my sleep has been much deeper, much longer, and my back pain has been decreased considerably. And I can’t wait for my next appointment (I’ll post my experience on my Instagram, so make sure to follow!)

Want to Try Acupuncture?

Would you like to try Acupuncture? With 5 locations in DFW and many more in the U.S., there’s one close to you! AND when you print this offer (this is a pdf) you can get a free acupuncture session from mamachallenge to any of the five DFW locations to Modern Acupuncture. (Just make sure to bring it with you and mention the offer when you book your appointment!) After your first session, you can purchase one-off appointments or a package that works for you.

Make sure to double-click to print the offer and bring it with you! (Not a screenshot!)

[Read more…]

Anti-Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day Ideas

February 13, 2019 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Do you think of Valentine’s Day is the saddest, coldest, most depressing day of the year? No date? No problem. Make Valentine’s Day an opportunity to celebrate your singledom with these Anti-Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day Ideas.

Affiliate links may be included.

I’m gonna be honest…Valentine’s Day is not my favorite holiday. I might be married now, but I can count not one, but two different Valentine’s Days I had a breakup. And there were plenty of V-days that there wasn’t anyone around at all including the year I spent Valentine’s Day at the movie theatre watching “Titanic.”

That was definitely a sinker.

But I learned early that if you make the best of it and celebrate with the girls, then you definitely will feel the love. And if you still are harboring a little rage and anger towards that ex-someone when Valentine’s Day rolls around, you can use the day to rid yourself of all those ill-feelings and move on.

Galentine’s Day, Officially February 13

Make it the best day for celebrating your gals who love you with or without a partner with a Galentine’s Day Brunch! Penned by Amy Poehler’s character on Parks and Rec, Galentine’s Day AKA February 13 is a new holiday to celebrate you and your girlfriends. So do it doing what ladies love most – brunch with mimosas, movies, and doing girl things!

Galentine’s Day Brunch

MENU

Mimosa Bar: You can do no wrong with bubbles – but you can make them better with infused fruit! My favorite is infusing the berries with Elderberry liqueur. Full up the glass and add the soaked strawberries for a twist.

Heart-shaped cinnamon rolls: Here’s an easy way to make these with red icing.

Chocolate-covered strawberries or Fondue with strawberries: Use colored chocolate to add a new fun twist.

GALENTINE’S DAY ACTIVITIES

Rom-Coms: Don’t worry about any complaints here, bring on the romantic comedies! Netflix or bring ’em from your private collections. Love Actually, Crazy, Stupid Love, – you know the ones!

Go Girl Playlist: Cue up your Spotify with this special Galentine’s Day playlist meant to empower “All the Single Ladies!”

Galentine’s Day gifts (nail polish with cute printables):

What’s more gal pal appropriate than painting your nails! Here are a few cute favor ideas to gift your girls with a sweet note to show them how much you care!

>>>Get your printables<<<

GALENTINE’S DAY PARTIES

Anti-Valentine’s Day Party

Hate the idea of Valentine’s Day? Then host a Whine Party. Have guests a bottle of wine to drink, photos of the ex(es) and get ready to purge them from your system.

Anti-Valentine’s Day Whine Party

MENU

Wine: Ask guest to bring a bottle (or more.) If you’re gonna whine, you gotta bring wine!

Food: All things garlic! While garlic is good for your heart, the flavor is much more fun when you don’t have to worry about your breath! Start things off with Bagna Cauda (it’s heavenly garlic dip!), Caesar salad with garlic vinaigrette and garlic polenta croutons, and Chicken Alfredo with Garlic Sauce.