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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Get Your Pass: How to Be a Chick-Fil-A VIP

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Food Fridays:

After THIS week, I wanted to share something that just made me smile. Food often does, so that’s why I write about it, take photos of it, talk about it and eat it often. 

This little adventure though was a little different than our normal trip to Chick-Fil-A. I wasn’t just a customer; I was a VIP. And best of all, you can be too! Here’s how: 
A girlfriend of mine handed me these “backstage” passes for an All-Access Tour of the local Chick-Fil-A. She said that her kiddos loved it and it was cool to see what CFA does  behind the “magic curtain.” So of course, I had to go. 

On our way out of town, we stopped at the Chick-Fil-A in Grapevine for lunch and our “tour.” Since my kids would eat CFA for every meal of the day, I knew they would love it too. We ordered our normal meal and showed them the pass. With a smile they told us to enjoy our meal and when we were done, they would be happy to escort us. 

Of course, that got me thinking about why I cared out the tour. Would I be as excited at just any fast-food joint. Not at all. But it was Chick-Fil-A and “I Love Chick-Fil-A.” And after my tour I was going to find out exactly why. 

First it was impertative we start with a little history lesson about how CFA became CFA. Then as we approached the kitchen door, we were asked to put on shoe covers so we wouldn’t spread germs and also slip on the floor in the kitchen. Unfortunately I was told is that I couldn’t take any shots of my backstage tour, so I don’t have any photos to share. But I will tell you that the 15-minute tour was worth it just to see the CFA logo drawn in sugar and to learn that CFA is the biggest customer of Sunkist Lemons. (It would have made the cutest photo!)

Then we took a gander at their side items, ingredients and what products they used to make many of their customer favorites, especially the kids meal items (which we purchase at least once a week) and score a free cookie coupon (the best chocolate chip cookies ever.) Next we were able to see the feature presentation, the cooking of that amazing chicken with the family recipe that has made CFA one of the most successful quick-service restaurants. As a finale, my son was able to create his own family-recipe ice cream cone from the machine (it’s not ice milk, people) and go to the play area to enjoy his dessert and a little play time with his sister. (Remember, when you’re four, this is all a pretty big deal.)


After our experience I just thought about how cool the experience was. And even more so, how it really made us even more fans of the food. So much so, I decided I needed to highlight just a few of the reasons 

WHY I LOVE CHICK-FIL-A 

1.  That chicken. OMG. My first CFA was not until college and only then did I understand why people stood in line for just a chicken sandwich.
2.  Chick-Fil-A sauce is the stuff that dreams are made out of (I only wish they sold it in a bottle!) 
3.  Drive through service that is friendly, quick and done with a smile – no matter which one I go to!
4.  Huge condiment spread. The Reos are condiment people so the fact that there is a station that’s neat and tidy and anticipates all my needs, I love. 
5.  Sticky placemats for the kids to keep them from eating off the table. (Had to be a mom that made that suggestion.) 
6.  Hello, another condiment!?! And ketchup reigns supreme for my husband. Plus, dip-accessible containers. (Why does anyone use those packets anymore?)
7.  My son’s favorite place to eat. I can always ensure I have a perfectly behaved son if I so much as dangle the idea of the “Cowplace” as a treat. (I’m not above incentive programs or bribery:) 
8.  Playground Sneaker Keeper to keep all the kids organized and hopefully, from coming home with the wrong ones. 
9.  Everyone loves the cow. I mean come on. That’s a gimme. 
10. Anything that makes my husband smile like this makes my “I Love List…” In this case, it was the ice cream. (Perfect to go with that cookie!)
11. Playground equipment that is INSIDE and allows for toddlers to play. Part of the reason CFA won me over is that I could take my 18-month old and she could play without falling down in the dirt or going beyond her means.
12. Those cookies are THAT good. So good that I ordered them for my son’s birthday party…too bad the kids didn’t eat them because the adults had already snagged them all. 

So you want to be a Chick-Fil-A VIP? Then all you have to do is ASK! Just give a call to your local CFA and see if they are doing the “All-Access Backstage Tour.” I know the Grapevine location said they invite everyone to be a VIP! And if you are a real CFA fan, they even do a 90-minute tour of the corporate office in Atlanta! 

They’ll leave the fryer on for you. 

Disclaimer: This was a nice family trip to Chick-Fil-A. It has nothing to do with any political, religious or other views, but just that my family likes to eat CFA. A lot. And that the Chick-Fil-A Sauce must have something addictive in it because I can’t get enough of that stuff. Ever. And I totally paid for every bit of what we ate and Chick-Fil-A had no idea I was going to blog about it either. So how’s that for honesty and transparency? 



Date Night: Party for Two at BJs Restaurant

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Want-it Wednesdays:


Something I’ve wanted for a long time and don’t get near enough of are meals with JUST the two of us. Between our busy schedules and two kids under 5, dinner is normally at home, in a rush and only about 15 minutes long or when the 18-month old rises from her seat and begins to touch her dirty hands all over the kitchen. So when we had the chance to score a DATE NIGHT with just the two of us at a local BJs Brewhouse in Arlington, I was thrilled (even if that meant “date night” was an early dinner before the kids got from school!) 

Since we felt like we were sneaking off during a school night, we wanted to go somewhere casual and could suit both of our taste AND our budget, so BJs was a great fit. We hadn’t been there in ages, so we figured it was time to try it out. We were greeted by a friendly staff and a warm atmosphere, helping us to relax and enjoy this special moment even if it was only going to be about an hour. After springing for two handcrafted beers (I couldn’t resist the sound of the Brewmaster’s Reserve Blonde Lager), we took on the huge menu to figure out “What’s for dinner?” 

Being that we were on a “date,” we figured we’d go all out and try the Party for Two, an appropriate choice for this party of two – complete with two soups or salads, any medium signature pizza and a “pizookie.” Sounded like a plan that could make us both happy!


To start, my husband opted for Clam Chowder and I ordered the Tomato Mozarella Salad. Both were delicious and made me crave the next course even more. But we were going to have to agree on a pizza – at least we thought. While our helpful waiter let us know we could choose to order our pizza half and half, we both eyed one of the new flavors, the Spicy Meatball – complete with meatballs, jalapenos and Italian sausage. I knew he was really craving it, so I conceeded (or at least I let him think I took one for the team.) 


Mama Mia! The Spicy Meatball did not disapoint at all and I even ate one more slice them him. We would have eaten it all, but decided to box it up for later if there was anyway we were going to eat this PIZOOKIE thing. I had heard about it, but to be honest, it just seemed like a warm chocolate chip cookie and ice cream (a relatively normal desert), so why did people rave about it? 

I was about to find out why. 

There were actually like seven different Pizookies to choose from, but since this was our first one, we went for the original Bj’s Famous Pizookie. A few minutes later when it arrived at the table, we dove in like two kids on the playground. 


…And we finished that baby up in no time flat. It was honestly one of the best desserts I had devoured in a long time. It was just simple goodness without too much of the “other’ stuff. I mean when something is perfectly good, you don’t need anything else to make it better (although I will be back for the Pizookie Trio so I can decide that statement is true this time for myself!) 

When the check came (after we let a button out on our pants), the look on my husband’s face was priceless. “Wow, did they forget something on here?” 

Curious I took a look and everything we had ordered was there – it was just that for for the Party for Two and our two beers we had ordered (as well as the handcrafted rootbeer I had to take home), was just around $30. Now THAT is budget-friendly. And to think, if we hadn’t splurged for beers, we would have spent around $20 for a delicious three-course meal, great service and somewhere we look forward to frequenting again – soon. 

Maybe this time we will bring the kids…maybe. 


Remember, the PARTY FOR TWO for only $19.95 is available NATIONWIDE now until April 29, so you need to make plans now to visit your local BJs Restaurant to score this great deal!

Find your closest BJs Restaurant location, menu options and more here: 




This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Bj’s Restaurants, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #Bjsrestaurants http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO. 

Why the Y? 5 Reasons to Love the YMCA

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Try-it Tuesdays:

 This week I’m not bringing you the newest fitness technique or the coolest trend in workouts, but I’m inviting you to take a look at one of my favorite places for the whole family to get fit – my local YMCA. 

 More than four years ago, I joined the “Y” so my son (9 months at the time) could take swimming lessons. But once as a member, I was reeled in by so many things that it offered above just a gym with workout equipment and fitness classes. And recently the YMCA even announced even more to its already long list of value-added benefits with the induction of its new President/CEO Roberto Aguirre. So as the YMCA celebrates its annual capital campaign to raise money to provide financial scholarships to members of the community, I thought I’d share my 5 reasons why I love my Y (and you will, too!)



1. Friday spin class: 
Ever looked forward to working out? I know that my Friday 9 AM Spin Class is the highlight of my Friday. Other members of this class know exactly what I mean as this class is like a therapeutic session to get out all the stress of the week and just let it go. For one hour we work to make it to the “top of the hill” with laughing, spinning, rocking out and sweating it out with the leadership of “Coach Melissa.” Best of all, when you’re done, you’ve worked off a lot more than just calories and earned a good atttitude in the meantime (and a bit of body odor, but that goes away with time!)…

2.  Free Kids Zone: 
Many gyms offer “daycare” for your kids while parents workout. But the YMCA goes above and beyond. REALLY. The staff is knowledgeable about your kids and ensuring they are happy, healthy and to make you feel good about making time for you to be fit. My first had health issues, so I was very interested in how attentive the caregivers would be. And now after four years, I can say that sometimes they would tell me things I didn’t even notice like if they started to feel sick or even those first steps. And there are also activities they do, so they don’t just put your kids in front of a TV. Bottomline, they put the care in daycare at the Y North Branch Kids Zone. 

Want to see my other 3 reasons I love my Y? Then check them out here on Mom2MomDFW.com. 

So the question isn’t really “Why the Y”, but why not?  



(Just ^ press the button above ^ to donate!)


1005 Skyline Drive
Arlington, TX 76011
(817) 548-9622



Infidelity: The Word of the Day on Mad Men Moms

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Mad Men Monday:

We’re Back! And in our PJs! 

This week’s installment of Mad Men Moms discusses Mad Men, Episode 3. Find out why we’re wearing our pajamas, our commentary and of course, the recipe for our featured cocktail. 


It wouldn’t be Mad Men without a drink, so we’ve got a recipe for you, a wine spritzer. Check on over at milkandcuddles.com for Shannon’s quick how-to on a fun way to prolong your vino. 

And perfectly paired with this episode, find out if you’re a Megan or a Betty with a fun little test: “Which of Don’s Women Are You?” Take the Quiz Now and then let us know! 


What did you think of this week’s episode of Mad Men? 




Spring Makeup Must Haves from Nordstrom Trend Show

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Want-it Wednesdays:
I received free admission and several samples for my personal review. However, the opinions expressed here are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)


I’m a make-up fantatic. Which is quite funny because I don’t wear that much, but I sure do love to play with it and basically collect it like figurines on my bathroom shelves (I’m positive I would be considered a Hoarder, but that’s not the topic of today’s discussion.)

What is though? Some spring make-up must haves. 

Recently, I was privileged to attend Nordstrom Spring Trend Show event at Galleria Dallas. If you’ve never been or never heard of it, it’s like Beauty Church…complete with a preacher, deacon, music and pews (well, figuratively speaking). It’s heavenly for people like me and even more so for those women who will spend the whole day at Nordstrom buying and trying all the latest and greatest in makeup and receiving mega bonus buys while being treated to some pretty nice treatments. All for a little $25 golden ticket. And gals, it’s worth it. 

Sitting in attendance with some of beauty royalty like Karla Sugar, I was able to see what was new on the market and also score several samples of it, too. So once I got home I dumped out my goodies to try ’em out. 

Here’s what I found that I really loved: 

  1. La Mer: Does it need explanation? There’s a reason women pay around $275 for this magic cream in a bottle! $150-$275
  2. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution: Dark circles and big pores be gone! $85
  3. Laura Mercier ambre vanille souffle body creme: Smells A-mazing $35
  4. Viktor & Rolf SpiceBomb: It’s for the men, but smells so good I haven’t given it to my husband to wear in fear I might jump his bones in public. $48-$128
  5. Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate: Firm my skin and even out the skin tone.$85
  6. Brushes from Nordstrom: Just like a pen, it’s gotta feel good when you use it. It’s good to replace those brushes from time to time and these are so soft and with a little care, can last me a while!
  7. Kate Somerville CytoCell Dark Circle Corrective Eye Cream: I’m sure sleep my help me cure some of my huge dark circle issues, but in the meantime until I win the lottery or someone wants to pay me for my sarcasm, I’ll be using this stuff.  $75
  8. Lancome Visionnaire Corrector: More love for my dark circles as well as my pores and evening my skin tone using a little handle applicator. $89-$109
  9. Trish McEvoy Eye Base Essentials: Always in search of making my eyes look brighter, this shadow primer helps keep your eye makeup in place and makes you appear that you’ve had at least eight hours of shuteye, even if two is sounding good. $25
What’s new in your makeup bag? 


Pure Results with NEW Pure Barre Arlington

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Disclaimer: I received a trial class in exchange for this review. However, the opinions expressed here are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Try-it Tuesday:

I’ve tried a LOT of workouts in my journey to be healthy. Some of them, like my trip to CitySurf Fitness and Politicians Pole Dancing took a lot of coordination. So I was relieved when I found out that there was a Pure Barre opening in my neck of the woods. (The same of the neck of the woods that is home to every major restaurant chain in the universe all down one road and scored in the top 20 as one of the Fatest Cities in America.) 


And the thought of moving like a ballerina and flexing my leg looked pretty easy, so I was gonna be like the next Black Swan. 


Oh, did I have a lot to learn. 

 While Pure Barre does mirror many movements used by ballerinas with the use of the barre, it is so much more. Considered an “intelligent exercise” (because smart women like me do it…not really, but the idea made me laugh), the PBT is a total body workout using small isometric movements set to contemporary music to keep you paced while you burn. 

 Oh, yes, you will feel the burn. But in a good way. (Like the you-know-change-is-happening-kind-of-way!)

Best of all, results are said to happen within 10 classes. (Now that’s good enough for me!) 

…Read more about my Pure Barre Arlington experience here!

 Pure Barre Arlington
2500 NE Green Oaks, Suite 128
Arlington, Texas 76006
817.652.2920
Website


Ready to can the old sweat shirt before you workout? 
No problems, I’ve got a suggestion for you and it comes straight to your door!

I am an affiliate of Ellie.

Raise Your Glass: ‘Mad Men’ Moms Debuts with Season 6 Recap

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Mad Men Monday:

Oh, Christina Hendricks! Last night was a biggie!

After the long wait and lots of cocktail making practice, Mad Men Season 6 took over the TV world last night with a two-hour bang. And it was worth the wait. 

Meet the new girls at Mad Men Moms!

Apparently I wasn’t the only one who felt that way. The twittersphere was blown up with #MadMen (the officially sponsored hashtag by AMC), and tons of people commenting on everything from what Betty was wearing, what was happening with Roger and of course, and who I mean, what Don was doing. 

If you missed the show or like me could talk about Don Draper all the time, I’m inviting you to the debut of the best show ever, ‘Mad Men Moms,’ to give your the lowdown on the opener. Joined by one of of best friends and blogger buddies, Shannon at milkandcuddles, we spill the beans on our thoughts on this episode and what we hope to see in the coming episodes! 




And that’s not all folks! 

It wouldn’t be a show about Mad Men if we didn’t have a drink and little bit of fun…so we’ve included that, too!

Dirty Don Draper Martini

2 oz gin
1 tbsp gin
2 tbsp olive juice (or more!)
3-4 olives (good olives too!)

Fill a mixer with all the ingredients including garnish. Cover and shake 3-4 times. Pour contents into a cold glass. Enjoy! (And then make another!)

And that lovely little Mad Men illustration? You can make one too like we did for Mad Men Moms! Check out how you can at milkandcuddles.com! 



Make sure you join us for all the fun each week when we recap the show on Google Hangouts!

Let’s Get Mad, Baby with Mad Men Cocktails {Recipes}

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Food Fridays:


This weekend is a BIG weekend for me.

I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time…the moment when my second love emerges after more than a year of silence and total abandonment…

Thank you to Urban Moms/Pinterest for this one of the dashing Don Draper. 


It’s when Jon Hamm…I mean Don Draper and the whole Mad Men cast come back to my television on Sundays and take me back to a time when drinking at the office was the norm, big hair was all the rage and the gal with the boobs in the office was the hottie. (I could have been so cool back then, maybe.)

Anyhow, season 6 of Mad Men returns to AMC this weekend for a two-hour opener on Sunday. I’m a little sad since after season 7 this show will come to a close, but for now I relish the time I have left to bask at Jon Hamm…(can you tell I have a small obsession with Jon Hamm? Check out my Pinterest for a nice little place I go when I need to put a smile on my face.)

And of course, what goes better with viewing a show that spends a lot of time drinking than to raise a glass of spirits. Last month when Downton Abbey concluded the season my friend and I enjoyed one “upstairs” drink with a little bubbly and one “downstairs” drink with a half/half British beer combo. It was so much fun to get a little into character, so I would be remiss not to toast to MM6 with a cocktail in hand.

Pink Squirrel 

Thankfully, AMC has made sure everyone can enjoy the whole show with recipes for several drinks from the times. So let’s celebrate with a few of my favorite sexy cocktails I found and will be sipping on Sunday.

Did I mention that these have like two ingredients too, so you can’t mess than up? Or you could just get a bottle and do it like the rest of the guys did. (But that wouldn’t be as fun, right?)

{Since these recipes aren’t mine, click on your drink to get to the recipe and you can go to the website for many, many more.}

Sloe Gin Fizz


Dirty Martini


Let’s Get Mad with Mad Men this Sunday!


We Are to Going Disney World…NOW WHAT?

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To-Do Thursday: 

Photo courtesy of 1001fonts.com.
NOW WHAT? 

Is it just me or does it seem like your list keeps getting longer and you aren’t taking anything off? I know mine does. So I took a big look at my calendar and saw what was on my “must-do” list for this weekend: 

Go to Michael’s on Saturday for “Kids Craft, You Shop” Event for $2!
Very cool event for kids to do a special themed craft at your local Michaels, learn more here.

Get Ready for “Day Out with Thomas” at Grapevine (next weekend)!
Don’t have your ticket yet? Then get your discount code here!

Prepare for a trip to Disney?!?
WHAT? Yep, you got that right! My son’s wish was granted from a Wish with Wings to go to Disney World and we go in less than 90 days! Considering some good moms plan this magical trip for months and sometimes years, it’s difficult to think I haven’t planned anything yet! #uhohspaghettios

Photo courtesy of the a Wish with Wings Facebook page

So to get things rolling, I decided to ask my fellow mom experts who have thought of EVERYTHING from how to surprise their kids they are going, how to dress them, itineraries – you name it.

Wow. Man, did I learn one thing…there is SO much to learn about going to Disney World! 

So while I’m doing my homework to attempt to live up to my four-year-old’s dream vacation (did I mention it’s his FIRST vacation, too?), here’s a look at some of my favorite posts and sites to help us plan our trip to Disney World? 

Milk and Cuddles: Dining at Disney World 1 and More Dining at Disney
There’s so much to say here, she had to do two posts! Did you know you SHOULD make reservations for some of your Disney dining choices at 180 days out BEFORE your trip? Yep, it’s true and there are so many places to eat, snack and treat. And considering eating is one of our favorite past times, dining is at the top of our Disney to-do list. Shannon, gives you the lowdown on what you need to know to get your grub down on Big D (Disney that is!)

Ramblings of a Frugal Mom: Disney World Tips, Tricks and Ideas!
Dawn’s family heads to Disney each time she finds out she’s pregnant (sounds like a reason to keep having kids, right?) This DFW-based online expert knows how to do things awesome and inexpensively. She shares all her memorable tricks to make your trip memorable for years to come. 

Suitcases to Sippy Cups: What Happens When You Lose a Child at Disney
This mama knows how to travel AND with her family in tow, too. She’s done a little bit of everything from RVing, skiing, and of course, Disney. While I don’t anticipate losing my child, it is a relief that it’s happened before AND there’s a way to locate your kid. (Consider it like algebra, you don’t need it daily, but there will be a time.) 

My Crazy Savings: Looking for a Stroller Rental at Disney World?
With two kids under 5 at Disney, I’m sure there will be more time on wheels than there will be on feet. And since we will also be on a plane to get there, I’m not going to try to tote the “good stroller” to Disney or use the “cheap” one and have it die out on my on Day 1. 

Alpha Mom: 65 Things to Do & See at Disney World? 
While we won’t be doing all of these things, it was a great checklist to begin our jouney of “what to do, what to do.” 

Free Disney Font Download: without having to download a free toolbar to create some of the coolest stuff for the kids like shirts, special messages and more. 

WDW Prep School: “How to Plan a Trip to Disney World in 6 Steps, this is my one-place-for-everything from packing lists, templates and more. (She’s got things there I wouldn’t even think to think about.)

So now I ask: do you have a recommendation of must-dos for two toddlers at Disney World? If so, please let me know. Really, I need all the help I can get. And if you are a blogger, than share your link here and I’d love to add it to this “best of” Disney blog posts! 


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