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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Fresh Produce Free? Get Yours to Make This Roasted Parmesan Potatoes & Asparagus {Recipe}

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Disclaimer: I enjoyed complimentary produce from Klondike brands to create delicious recipes for my family. 

The other day I had the biggest craving for asparagus. It’s one of my favorite vegetables and with very little preparation and time, you’ve got a delicious side that they whole family can enjoy. While I can eat it many ways, I wanted to try something new, so I found this great recipe for roasted Klondike Rose potatoes and asparagus. Seemed like the best of two worlds for the ultimate side item for steak, chicken and my favorite pairings, salmon. 

Did I mention this recipe also has parmesan cheese and fresh basil?  
Best of all, right now when you buy one 5 lb. bag of Green Giant Fresh Klondike Rose Potatoes, you get one 8 oz. bag of Green Giant Fresh Asparagus FREE at TARGET

Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Asparagus
Recipe Provided by Klondike Brands
Recipe Link

Ingredients:
12 oz. Green Giant® Fresh Asparagus, trimmed and chopped
6 Klondike Rose potatoes, chopped
1 Green Giant® Fresh yellow onion, chopped
3 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 cup fresh parmesan, grated
1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions:
In a shallow baking pan, toss together the potatoes, asparagus, onion, basil and oil, spreading evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
Roast in a 450˚ F oven for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Sprinkle with fresh parmesan and roast until cheese is melted and golden, about 3 minutes. Serve.

 Use this locator to find our where you can find Klondike Rose potatoes and get your free 8 oz bag of Green Giant Fresh Asparagus!







NickMom Has “The Right Stuff” for Moms

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Because I’m a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community and mom who enjoys a good laugh, I’ve been asked to share a little MotherFunny on the behalf of NickMom. And if you find all the references to boy-band songs in this post, you are pretty MotherFunny too. Now back to your regularly scheduled blog…

#shop
Photo courtesy of Nickmom.com


A few months ago, I sat in front of the TV and the computer to begin my night (which coincidentally only comes after everyone else has finished theirs.) So tired from all my daily “mom dos and dats,” I hadn’t even bothered to change the station from the ending credits of Team Umizoomi to something more adult appropriate (you know something mature and intelligent like reality TV), when I heard a little song come on “advertising” for a new music album. 



 About :10 seconds in the song when the “boy band” Sons II Mothers started to belt out about “doing my dishes and my laundry,” I got excited (from both the song and the idea of a man wanting to do my dishes.) What I realized is I actually wasn’t just watching my 10th infomercial of the day or that my dreams of a clean sink were coming true. This was actually MotherFunny. 

After a little Google session, I discovered this wet-my-pants kinda of fun was from NickMom, a new block of mom-appropriate late night programming for when moms actually get to watch TV. Aimed at mamas just like me, NickMom is made for those of us that sing Yo Gabba Gabba songs when are kids aren’t home, haven’t washed our hair for a least  two, three or four days, and our Facebook status shows we’ve attended a boy-band concert…in the last month or two and didn’t take our daughters.  
Alas – These were my people. 
You see, I’m an admitted New Kids on the Block fan from way back. I mean WAY back. And I really haven’t gotten over it yet, even more than two decades later. I still have my giganto Jordan pin, a few posters and the entire trading card set (no judgement, ok?) 

Just to show my true dedication, I have spent much time over the last six years showing my commitment to the words of “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)” for the New Kids like when: 
  • I drove four hours one night to have the chance to meet Jordan Knight. But backed away once he came over to meet me like my daughter does when she fills up a diaper but doesn’t want me to see. (Coincidently, I got the chance to meet a member of 98 degrees and Color Me Badd at the same time, but that’s a whole ‘nother MotherFunny story.)
  • I attended two NKOTB concerts (one of those very pregnant) and still did all the moves to “Hangin’ Tough.” Yeah, you should have seen the guy in front of me wondering if a kid was going to fly out any minute. He just sang “Hold On Girl” all night.
  • And I even admitted on a radio show that if my husband had let me, I might have named our first-born child Jordan. Glad I lost that battle to naming him something more prestigious like after the hottie in Steel Magnolias instead.
Knowing I’m not the only mom with a little obsession for remembering the good ole days, I looked to my friends at NickMom.com and thought there’s got to me someone else that’s just as twisted as me. And of course, they didn’t let me down. 
#shop

Just like my own personal Miss Cleo, this said a lot about me and answered those things I had wondered for a long time, but didn’t have anyone else to discuss this very important matter with. And that’s not all NickMom is dishing up – they also have stand-up comedy that only a mom can appreciate (however, a dad will enjoy even if he only half gets it.) 

But don’t worry it isn’t all just fun stuff, they get to the serious stuff too. I mean just check out this episode of Parental Discretion with Stefanie Wilder-Taylor and her focus on O’Mama Care. If you don’t laugh with this girl, well you need to pour yourself another glass of vino (and check out what your wine says about you.) 

Apparently, mine says I should just attach the glass to the bottle and it would save me a step… 

So are you looking for a little Motherfunny to liven up your sacred Pinterest time? Need a “friend” to debate why Donnie is better than Jordan (not)? Or just want to watch something besides Monica, Chandler and Ross for the nth time while you throw your baby a little late-night boob action? Then turn that dial to NickMom where they know every day is “Step by Step,” so why can’t it be MotherFunny? 


It’s Chili Season in Texas – Win a Deluxe Chili-Making Dinner Set {Giveaway}

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Wolf Brand Chili.

 It’s Chili-Making Season! And wants to give you all the tools to make the perfect bowl of chili!

WIN your own Wolf Brand Chili Deluxe Chili-Making Dinner Set – complete with this beautiful Texas bamboo cutting board, a Texas Apron, 4 ceramic oven-ready bowls (see below), Wolf Brand Chili and coasters. 

Here’s how my family likes their chili – including my easy Tex-Mex Chili recipe. But how do you like your chili? Comment here and you could win! 


Wolf Brand Chili is now thicker and heartier than ever, just the way that Texans like it! The new, thicker and heartier recipe can also be found every day on the shelves of your local grocery store.

 This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Wolf Brand Chili.

 For more information, visit http://www.wolfbrandchili.com or https://www.facebook.com/Wolf.Chili.

 Dinner Bell is ringing! 

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Mixin Up Fall Flavors with Milagro Tequila {Recipe}

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There’s a lot more to appreciate about a margarita than whether its frozen or on the rocks. 

However, when you say tequila, most people either think of it as the main player in a margarita or their shot choice when they started a bad night at the bar. However, tequila is a complex and dignified spirit that, like wine, is highly regulated worldwide to ensure the quality of tequila is first-rate. 


I was so excited to be a part of a recent special mixology class at Bolsa Mercardo presented by tequila leader Milagro with brand ambassador Juan Pablo “JP” de Loera, a certifiable tequila expert (with two Tequila degrees from the University of Guadalajara in the Cultural and Technical development of Tequila). 

Providing us tools, fresh ingredients and a lot of guidance, we spent the evening mixing up tequila into delicious, unique cocktails featuring different styles of tequila to celebrate the fall. Paired with some amazing dishes from the beloved Bolsa Mercado, it was definitely a night to remember. 

One of my favorite parts of the evening was learning a little bit more about bitters from this guy (see below.) This wealth-of-knowledge is Ian Reilly, the creator of Dallas-based Temperance Bitters. While you can find him most days as the bar manager at Chino Chinatown, he has now developed a complex line of bitters with wild herbs, roots and barks. The one I had the privilege to taste was actually inspired by an experience he has at Dude, Sweet Chocolate. Mark my words, you’ll hear more from him soon as part of the Dallas culinary scene.

While most people have heard of bitters, they actually don’t have a clue what it is. Considered a “digestif,” bitters was created as a cure-all “medicine” in the early 1800s, however, now these alcoholic concotions are used for cooking and mostly for enhancing cocktails. I have to admit I’m a little more excited to use them now that I know what they are…

Now equipped and a little more educated, I was ready to get to mixing. 

Using fresh ingredients like cranberry juice, star of anise, and my new favorite, pumpkin syrup, we enjoyed cocktails that embodied the flavors of fall. And considering so many upcoming holidays, I know I will using these easy recipes to entertain and enjoy this season. 

 Click here to Dallas Food Nerd to get these featured recipes from Milagro. 


Thanks Milagro a wonderful evening and the perfect start to my favorite season, Autumn!

 Salud!










Look Good While You Do Good on 4th Annual Génifique Day

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Talking with one of my friends the other day, we discussed the need to “hide” or “sneak away” when we went to have a beauty treatment. For some reason (besides the cost), we both felt guilty for getting a little “maintenance” AKA beauty treatments. Perhaps it is the fact that we are not working, taking care of kids or doing one of the 101 other things that are on our list of things-to-do, either way, getting beautified comes with guilt. 

Photo courtesy of Mickey Williams


That’s why I love that now I can feel good about doing good while I get to look good on the 4th Annual Génifique Day. On Friday, Oct. 11 Lancôme and Celebrity Makeup Artist Mickey Williams invite you to get a makeover while you give back to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 
  • Beauty expert Mickey Williams will be providing a complimentary, professional makeup application session and personal product recommendation consultation from Mickey herself at Dillard’s at North Park Center.
  • Then capture your beautiful look in one of Lancôme photo booths following your celebrity status makeover.
Williams has been lending her expertise for more than 20 years to A-list clients like athlete Bethany Hamilton, Matt Damon, Barack Obama, and Demi Lovato. Williams has also been a featured contributor in more than 100 top publications, and appeared a beauty and style expert for The Today Show, ET!, Extra, and Good Morning America.


Partnering with Williams for this fun event is the revolutionary makeup leader, Lancome. Their Génifique formula is designed to reactivate the 10 key signs of youth, restoring skin’s vibrant smoothness, luminosity, and radiance in just seven days.

4th Annual Génifique Day
Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013
Noon to 5 p.m.
Dillards at North Park Center
8687 North Central Expressway, Dallas TX 75225

Say Hola, Ni Hao & Bonjourno to Little Pim Kid Language Program

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Research showsthat a child’s brain is wired for picking up new languages easily up until around six years of age. Additionally, the exposure to additional languages helps children to be more successful in school. That’s why having my children enrolled in a bilingual school called Spanish Schoolhouse has been important to me before my children were even born.
Photo courtesy of Little Pim
But learning doesn’t stop at home; especially when mama doesn’t have a command of the language, either.

Little Pim, the award-winning foreign language-learning program for young children, has introduced a special-edition product line now available exclusively at select Toys“R”Us® stores nationwide. The new Spanish, Chinese, and English “Discovery Sets” include three DVDs and a LittlePim plush panda toy, which make learning a new language fun and easy for kids everywhere.

Between birth and the age of six, the human brain is pre-wired for language learning, and Little Pim helps families take advantage of this brief window, by making language learning easy, fun and effective. Their Entertainment Immersion Method® provides total immersion in the language. The method engages a child’s love of play watching real kids and animation. Little Pim’s proven repetition technique helps children retain new vocabulary.  

There’s nothing like hearing your kids actually want to watch an educational show instead of just cartoons! While I wondered if the videos would keep them both interested, they request watching them and enjoy watching them together! 

Inspired by Julia Pimsleur Levine, the daughter of Dr. Paul Pimsleur, creator of the Pimsleur Method, the popular language-learning program for adults, Little Pim was created by her own bilingual childhood.  The Little Pim program is available in 11 languages including Spanish, French, Chinese and Italian. 

And throwing in a stuffed animal never hurt to incentivize kids to do something either. To see how Little Pim works, check out a free 15-minute episode.

Little Pim Special Edition Discovery Sets
$39.95 exclusively at select Toys“R”Us®nationwide
Ages 6 months-6 years
$39.95

A great gift idea for birthdays and of course, Christmas!


Take a Break from Parenthood with the Cadillac CTS

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Disclaimer: I was provided the use of a Cadillac CTS to experience luxury driving in beautiful car. You should too and here’s why. 

The day I had to trade in my BMW coupe to get a more mom-appropriate car, I cried like a little baby who had lost their blankie. I loved that car and enjoyed the feeling I had every moment I was behind the wheel. Giving up that car was a milestone moment for my life; leaving behind my childhood as I prepared to be the mother of my own child.


Since then I’ve driven a mom car; actually a SUV with room for car seats, diaper bags and pack n plays. I’ve definitely adjusted to the change of a little car to a big mom-mobile and for the most part, I don’t mind it (except for the Goldfish crumbs.) However, when I slid behind the wheel of a Cadillac CTS, that moment of freedom, class and “I have arrived,” took me by suprise. I instantly wanted to drive all kinds of places to show off the beautiful charcoal-colored coupe and how beautiful I felt now that I was in a caddy. 

I mean it IS a Cadillac.


Unfortunately, it was time to pick up the kids from school and since car seats don’t belong (or fit) in this car, I climbed back into reality and rushed off to my unexciting mom life. But deep down I really wanted to continue driving and to check out all its smooth features like hidden handles, keyless entry and the push button to open the doors.

Cadillac CTS Highlights: 
Touchpad door openings
Hard-drive radio system with USB port
Six air bags
Rearview camera within your rearview mirror
Parking assist, side blind zone alert

So I decided to make time for the car and made it a reason for a dinner out…besides, I guess being without kids and with my husband might be good for us. And there was also the car to drive. Being in the Cadillac did make the date seem a little more exciting and formal. We were able to test out the air-conditioned seats and just drive. Instead of messing with all kinds of buttons, we spent time together just cruising and enjoying the feeling. The drive was incredibly smooth, especially with its ultracomfortable leather seats. 




After a night of pretending of how my life was without kids, without pressures and baby sitters, it was time to go home and get back to my life. Once we hit the garage, our little people came out and reminded us why we had given up the fun and eye-catching car for my mom-mobile.  

However, my baby girl definitely took up on the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Cadillac. Uh-oh, I think she might already have a crush on the Cadillac, too. 


Gotta Whole Lotta Love for Bread Zeppelin

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Food Fridays:

Disclaimer: I enjoyed two sandwiches courtesy of Bread Zeppelin for purposes of this review. And they were good, so read on. 

Oh, how I love a sandwich. There’s just something so perfect about getting all these great ingredients and putting them between two pieces of bread…of course that is until they fall out or I accidently eat all the cheese and am left with nothin’ but a little lettuce for my last bite. Epic failure. 


 These same traumatic experience happened one time too many for Troy Charhon and Andrew Schoellkopf, so they created the Zeppelin. Bread Zeppelin to be exact, the new salad innovative ffering in Irving. Using fresh baked artisan bread from Dallas’ own Empire Bakery they core/hollowed out right before serving. So you get fewer carbs without sacrificing the crunch or you can always choose to just make it a salad, but why? 

The Bread Zeppelin concept offers 40 ingredients, 20 dressings and loads of suggestions to create the perfect masterpiece. After choosing from the list of fresh ingredients, they chop it up, dress it up and serve it up to you in bowl or in a Zeppelin. 


Leaving it to the professionals, we ordered up a NOLA and a Southwestern to try for our first time. The NOLA mixed up fried shrimp, tomato, red onion, some other fixins and dressed it with a zesty French remoulade. The Southwestern paired by favorite black bean and corn flavor along with avacado and cojita cheese. 


Both sandwiches were packed with flavor and large bites of meat, cheese and/or veggies. I’ll admit order up the sandwiches added some bulk to your bite, but by ordered up a coup of soup to go with it, you had the perfect amount of bread to tear off and dip into the soup and eat your sandwich. While the innards of these babies may not pretty when you chop them in small, bite-size pieces, remember, it’s this new sandwich-technique that gets you a shrimp in the whole sandwich, not just the first few and then fall out around your zeppelin. I could continue to “Ramble On” about the Zeppelin, but I think it’s just something you should try for yourself.
It may not be the “Stairway to Heaven,” but it makes worth waiting for in the meantime.

Bread Zeppelin
6440 N MacArthur Blvd #140
Irving, TX 75039
469.359.2661





Autumn Does Autumn Tablescapes on TV (with A LOT of help from GiggleGalore.net)

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Who better else to talk about autumn than Autumn, right? 

Actually, when I was asked to do two segment on Autumn tablescapes, I knew I need to bring in some “reinforcements” to show viewers it is possible to create functional, beautiful displays that aren’t just pretty, but memory making as well.  So I rang up one of the most amazing local DFW event goddesses and bloggers, Mariah from GigglesGalore.net, to put together a segment that would make Pottery Barn jealous. 

 Take a look at what we did for a kids’ table, every day dining, brunch with the girls and a formal dining experience that can take your fall from drab to fab – with things you can find in your house, your backyard and your local craft store. 

I think you can agree to say, she outdid herself with these perfect expressions of fall. 


Twerking is OUT…Torqing is IN at FlyWheel Plano

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When it comes to working out, running just doesn’t cut it. However, there’s nothing more adrenaline-pumping for me than a spin class. 


I’ve done the spin circuit checking out all that DFW has and one that I keep reeling about is Flywheel. With two locations in DFW (Highland Park and Plano), this high-energy, upscale calorie-burning indoor cycling studio is exactly what this busy gal needs; a fun way to burn fat (oh, and it does), with awesome music that keeps me coming back for more. And for the tech-junkie in me, I can even log in to my account after class to see really what kind of work I had done during my ride. I mean how fascinating is that?

But now the experience has only gotten better with the addition of FlyBarre. Plano will be the first facility in Texas to implement FlyBarre, a total body sculpting class that blends the best of light weight training, dance, and core strengthening exercises. Unlike typical barre classes, FlyBarre incorporates more cardio with pulsating movements for a better and more effective workout. 

Photo credit: Flywheel Texas

That’s right – now you can work your legs, your tush and all those other places you don’t like to look at, with systematic movements that work each muscle group until you look like that photo of Jennifer Aniston you keep pinned on your board as motivation. And of course, in true Flywheel style, there’s awesome music to accompany the workout personally selected by the instructor. 

Photo credit: Flywheel Texas

Always keeping it fresh and fun this October, Flywheel will be presenting theme rides featuring favorite movies. So Disney fans should rejoice this Thursday, Oct. 4 for a Disney-inspired class at 6:30 PM. (Stay connected on their Facebook for all their movie themed rides this month.)


So are you ready to “Be Their Guest?” Then go ahead and get ready to fly like Peter Pan – especially since your first class is free at Flywheel. 

Flywheel Dallas
4252 Oaklawn Avenue
Dallas, TX 75219

5964 W Parker Rd., Suite 100
Plano, TX 75093

Flywheel Texas website 


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