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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Surf’s Up: How To Get Your Pamela Anderson Beach-Ready Body at NEW CitySurf Fitness {video}

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Try-it Tuesdays:

Cowabunga, what a workout!

I recently went on a total adventure with CitySurf Fitness in Dallas. Always ready to try out a new fitness disclipine in efforts to get fit while having fun, this new studio in Uptown seemed right up my alley! I have never surfed and certainly need all the core work I can get, so I was excited to “ride the waves” at this new concept (backed by entreprenuer/Shark Tank’s Mark Cuban for Surfset Fitness). 
I’ll admit I’m not a terribly coordinated gal, but I’m flexible, have balance and am willing to make a total dork of myself in the name of fitness (and a good blog post.) So I quickly went online to book my class:

  • City Surfing: fat burn, lean muscle build, extreme balance (signature class with the most time on the board)
  • Beach Body Bootcamp: strength building/cardio fitness (on the floor and on the board)
  • Buddha Board: increased flexibility and strength (think yoga on the board)
  • Big Kahuna: increased strength and size of skeletal muscles (the pros)
For my first time, I decided to try the signature class option, City Surfing. Registration was easy, but unfortunately, parking wasn’t, so I was a little late (I recommend getting there at least 10 minutes before class to ensure your parking space and time to choose your board.)

Thankfully the class wasn’t running too far behind, so I quickly jumped on. 

Dude…what a change I experienced just becoming acquainted with the board. It was actually a little surreal. Like being on the water without the salt in my face and the sharks at my toes. 


Then the sounds of hip hop, rock and a little Bob Marley flooded the room along with a buge slideshow of surfers on the wall to give you the feeling you too were riding the waves (and not just shaking like I was as my legs continued to become stronger with each move.)
But my instructor made it look so easy and with a smile, so ever onward! I really wanted to glide as smooth as she did with each move although I know I probably looked more like a beached whale than a surfer…but I didn’t let it get me down.  So with a little motivation from a memory of Pamela Anderson running down the beach on Baywatch, I was willing to continue in hopes I could hang ten (actually more like hang on to the end of the 50-minute workout.) 

What can I say from my CitySurf Fitness? RICT (for those of you non-surfers that means awesome!)

The afterburn was amazing – body parts hurt the next day that I didn’t even know I had. Burning around 800 calories is totally awesome. And the experience overall totally beats a day on the treadmill. It’s definitely a great way to get your body ready for your bikini (or in my case get it out of your coverup and maybe into a tankini by the end of the summer!) 

Class packages are available at all different ranges, but I definitely suggest the $10 “Try It” class. After attending you receive a 15% discount when you buy your first package! 
City Surf Fitness
2805 Allen Street, Suite 113 (look for the surf board) 
214.880.7433
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DISCLAIMER: I received a trial class of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Get Homejoy-ed: New Online Dallas Cleaning Company

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Me Mondays:


It’s not that I don’t like cleaning house…it’s just that I don’t have time to do it – and maybe I hate dishes, floors, bathrooms and well, I guess I do hate cleaning it.

But as a mom you do what you have to for your family and your home. So you wash it, windex it, scrub it, mop it and whatever else comes your way. And normally without any appreciation or acknowledgement.
So when I got a special opportunity to have a new cleaning company in DFW founded by two siblings named on Forbes list of “Top 30 Under 30”come to my home and clean it, I was overjoyed.
Actually, I was Homejoy-ed.
In just five minutes I went online to HOMEJOY, provided some brief information about my house and then scheduled what day worked best for me. I was able to nag a spot only 48 hours away, so I was super stoked.

About 24 hours from my appointment, I received a text reminder about my appointment and the name of the representative who would be cleaning my home, so I could go online and actually see my rep’s photo, background, etc.
The morning of my appointment my rep, Leslie, called me to let me know she was on her way. She then showed up right on time to clean my house in her yellow Homejoy shirt. She introduced herself and kept a big smile all day. Best of all, she did a great job!
Then about an hour after she completed the cleaning, I received a text asking me to rate my cleaning. Once again, simple and easy.

I was able to go online and take a look at my invoice and even book another appointment with just a few clicks. So quick, simple, and online – my preferred way to do things.
If you’re a busy mom looking for a way to find more time in the day to get it all done, then learn one thing – you can’t create more hours in the day. However, you can prioritize your time and delegate the stuff that can help you free up your day to do the things that only mom can do.
Make cleaning your home a joy with Homejoy by booking an appointment today!

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DISCLAIMER: I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)



Out of Ketchup? Healthy Homemade Recipes When you Run Out {Recipe}

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“We’re out of ketchup!” Isn’t that worse thing to hear when you’re making a hot dog or french fries? Don’t worry we have healthy homemade recipes for you to make when you find out you’re out at home!

Do-it-yourself condiments are a simple trick to having the added tasty flavors without ingesting preservatives, additives and wasted calories. And best of all, when you run out of the store-bought stuff you actually can make a quick substitution rather than make a last-minute run to the store OR just going without (FYI – my family doesn’t’ go without ketchup EVER.) 


 
ketchup
 
Rachel Berman, Director of Nutrition for CalorieCount.com, a free health and wellness site that provides diet and nutrition information to 5 million members worldwide has put together recipes that help reduce the amount of saturated fat, sodium, added sugar, and calories you typically get with the usual condiments. These recipes will help you take small steps towards your health and weight loss goals plus help you when you run out of the stuff you need.
 
Recipe (makes about 4 cups):
1 large onion, quartered
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
30 oz. canned tomato paste/puree
½ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey (or molasses)
¾ cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon paprika
 
Wrapped in cheesecloth:
 
1 stick of cinnamon
½ teaspoon whole black pepper
½ teaspoon coriander seeds
3-4 whole cloves
6-7 sprigs fresh thyme (can break sprig into pieces)
 
Directions:
  1.  In a blender, blend the onion and garlic into a puree.
  2. Heat up the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add the puree. Add the salt and stir the mixture until very slightly browned. (2-3 minutes)
  3. To the pot, add the canned tomato paste, brown sugar, honey, and red wine vinegar. Let simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, uncovered, stirring every 5 minutes.
  4. After 15 minutes, throw in the cheesecloth filled with spices. Let simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until there is about half the original volume remaining.
  5. After volume is reduced, stir in 1 teaspoon paprika and let the mixture cool.
  6. Spoon out the cheesecloth pack and place ketchup in jars.
You can store DIY ketchup in containers or mason jars in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.
 
 
Recipe (makes about 4 cups):
1 large onion, quartered
3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
30 oz. canned tomato paste/puree
½ cup molasses
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
 
Directions: 
  1. In a blender, blend the onion and garlic into a puree.
  2. Heat up the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add the puree. Stir the mixture until very slightly browned (2-3 minutes).
  3. Add the tomatoes, molasses, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
  4. Stir in the spices and let simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the mixture is reduces by about a half. Stir occasionally.
  5. Let the mixture cool and then transfer to jars.
Notes: 
  • Keep in containers or mason jars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
  • DIY BBQ sauce cuts sodium in half from typical store-bought brands.
 
Recipe (makes about 1 cup)
 
½ cup buttermilk
½ cup plain non-fat yogurt
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ tablespoon parsley leaves, finely chopped
½ teaspoon dill, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
 
Directions:

Mix all the ingredients together and then refrigerate 1-2 hours before use
 
Notes:
  • Yogurt replaces mayonnaise to help drastically reduce the amount of fat and calories found in store-bought brands.
  • The home cook can play around with spices: dill, oregano, basil are all good options.
  • There’s no added sugar!
  • Buttermilk can be made at home too, by using 1 tablespoon white vinegar/lemon juice and adding enough milk to make 1 cup.
  • Store this in a jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.
 

Celeb-Inspired Spring Jewelry Looks {Invitation to My Online Spring Trunk Show}

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To-Do Thursdays:

JOIN THE PARTY  
—————> AUTUMN’S TRUNK SHOW <—————–

So this week’s Want-it Wednesday and To-Do Thursday comes together to for a mega party and YOU’RE INVITED! 

Spring means it’s time to update your wardrobe with color and fun…for me that means it’s time to take out the black and put some white in there, too. Luckily, I dress up my look with fun statement pieces like big necklaces and cuff bracelets. (In the words of Rachel Zoe, “I die!”) 



I’ll admit that my kids love to play in my jewelry and even my son likes to help me accesorize my look – he actually told me the other day I needed a little pop of color! So I’m taking his advice and sharing a few of my favorite pieces (and the celebs) from the spring Stella & Dot line! 

I’m kinda obsessed with this Modern Mom, Brooke Burke!

Most people know Stella & Dot for at-home parties with your friends – but the lack of time makes it hard to just have a night to hang out with the girls. So I’ve done us all a favor and created an online jewelry trunk show you can attend in your PJs and from your couch! 

JOIN THE PARTY  
—————> AUTUMN’S TRUNK SHOW  <—————–


Elizabeth Banks is more than “Pitch Perfect,” but she’s got jewerly perfect taste, too! 

If you don’t love Olivia, you should – look at her good taste! 


I hope you join me at least for a little time-out to see what you’re missing…
and even better: 


So what are you waiting for? 

JOIN THE PARTY  
—————> AUTUMN’S TRUNK SHOW <—————–




Easter Basket Idea: Hatch & Grow Your Own Easter Bunny, Chick or Duck!

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DISCLAIMER: I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed 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 all about creating a memorable holiday for my kids, but with a two kiddos under 4, the thought of creating an Easter basket, full of candy, just doesn’t seem like a good idea! However, neither are stuffed animals or just more of the junk they already have. But when these Hide ‘Em & Hatch ‘Ems landed in my mailbox, I knew that I had to hide them from my kids because there was no one way they would be able to wait if they saw them! 

These pastel-colored eggs are great for hiding or filling the Easter basket…but here’s the twist: simply soak them in water overnight and out will “hatch” some new friends…a duck, chick or bunny!

Kids will be amazed and parents will delight in the fact that there’s no candy involved.

Hatch ’ems were the #1 Easter product on Amazon.com, but you can still score yours now – just in time for Easter!



During our first hatch, it took several days for the chick to hatch, so I want to share tips to ensure your egg hatches within just one day!
Instructions for the Best Experience with the Hide ’em & Hatch ’em Eggs!

1.  Place the eggs in ROOM TEMPERATURE water (this is critical to the grow process!)  Make sure the eggs are completely submerged.

2.  In 6 – 12 hours you will see small cracks in the shell.  At this point you can help your little friend out by cracking the shell (just like a mamma might need to do for her hatchling) or you can change the water and let it continue to grow.

3.  You will notice the water (and the baby) will be slippery.  This is the material that allows it to grow – it is necessary to change the water so your new friend can grow completely.

4.  Continue to change the water daily until your animal hatches on its own or until the animal is done growing.

5.  Enjoy your new friend – Once removed from the water shrinkage will probably occur but the animal will harden and is fun to play with! (Our little friend went on a train ride once he hatched!)

We hatched a chick our first-round, but we can’t wait to see what we hatch next! 

I’d love to see your photos of your little friends! Please share! 

Healthy Apple Pie Pancakes with Go Go squeeZ

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Hopefully today you’ve found me because you saw me on Good Morning Texas on WFAA 8 Dallas. If you came to me because you always visit here, then welcome back for this Me Monday!

On mamachallenge.com, I like to find solutions to the challenges that moms face everyday that are healthy, inexpensive, easy and fun.  

ApplePiePancakes Go Go SqueeZ

One that’s near and dear to me is: breakfast! I love breakfast but with two kids I don’t have the patience, time or the money to spend going out for a two-hour brunch experience. 


 
Of course, one of everyone’s favorite breakfast items is pancakes – but nowadays these aren’t your grandma’s pancakes. These babies are all different flavors and toppings.
 
So inspired by the pie trend, today we are going to Apple Pie Pancakes with Cinnamon Butter that will taste like you’ve spent hours cooking them up, but actually took about 10 minutes to put them together!

Apple Pie Pancakes
 
1 envelope pancake mix 
1 c. water
1 c applesauce (I use 1-2 packages of Gogo squeez)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ nutmeg

Stir together the ingredients and cook.

Heat your griddle or pan to 375 degrees.  (To test griddle, sprinkle with a few drops of water.  If bubbles jump around, heat is just right.)  Grease griddle with butter or cooking spray.  For each pancake, use slightly less than 1/4 cup batter.Cook pancakes until bubbly on top and dry around the edges.  Turn to cook other sides until golden brown.

Apple Topping

 
1-2 bags of kids apples – the browner the better/peeled or unpeeled
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons corn starch
¼ c. water
 

In a large bowl mix together chopped apples with all dry ingredients.Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add apples, stirring frequently. When a sauce starts to form (about 3 minutes) add some water, about 1/4 cup at a time until you have the amount and consistency of sauce desired. Cook for about 10 minutes. Serve warm.


Cinnamon Butter
1/4 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
3 tablespoons good honey
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
 
Combine everything in a bowl and whip with an electric mixer until smooth. Enjoy!

Looking for more delicious food ideas? Then follow me on Twitter and Pinterest.

 Don’t miss this #mamachallenge moment:
 
Apple-Pinterest

Announce Your Sweetest Day with Minted

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SponsoredPostDisclaimer
On Valentine’s Day I took a trip down my memory lane by looking at my wedding pictures. While I loved everything about my Mexican nuptials from start to finish, I realized that my destination wedding didn’t give me the chance to experience some of the basics of the whole wedding experience like cake tastings, wedding invitations and even a “real wedding dress.” 

This wedding invite says it all and that the couple’s fun side. (All photos courtesy of minted.com.)

But nowadays with the invent of Pinterest, the concept of a “traditional wedding” is totally out the door for more creative, personal and inventive ideas, especially when it comes to wedding invitations and guest favors. 

We’ll move over birds, bells, and big books of samples, brides-to-be are looking to stand out with unique invites that make an impression and on their own time. Minted, an online store for independent graphic artists to showcase their artistic invitation and announcement designs. While there are several classic selections, there are many options to portray the personalities of the brides and grooms.

Since I’m a dork for beautiful paper and designs, I had to take a peek at what  “invitation” I would have chosen now if I had more of a typical wedding format then. (But let’s be honest, there’s nothing typical about my wedding.)

Since we had a destination wedding, I loved this Destination Wedding “luggage tag” with the map.

 

Love, love, love Faraway Destination one with the postcard stamp!
 
Of course, I’d like this Mexican folk art design that already had
“Puerto Vallarta” on the sample. 

 

There’s something about this twine design that just captured
our personalities with a sophisticated retro look. 

Best of all, you can choose the design, paper choice, coordinating RSVP cards, envelopes, thank you notes and more and at reasonable prices. And when the wedding is all over with and you’re ready to start planning for the birth of your first child and then later their  birthday, minted is ready to help you make the choice that is perfect for you and your special day.  

 
 

Chef Jackson’s Microwave Easter Day Bark {Recipe}

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Food Fridays: 

I have high aspirations of making holidays memorable for my children cooking and decorating, but my best-laid plans sometimes fall short with all the other things that get in the way. But this Easter I wasn’t going to let mom’s crazy schedule get in the way of some family fun – even if it was a “minimized” version.

Using my new skills as the Microwave Mama, the boy and I decided to cook up what he called “Easter Day Bark.” Needing only three ingredients and some microwave action, I was going to put together a video to show how easy it was to create this tasty and cute Easter treat. However, my son asked if he could do a video, too so I let him go.

Of course, in just one take, my own little TV star created a video that Bobby Flay could be proud of. While not the most innovative recipe ever, he tells you exactly how to do it in no time at all (although his focus is certainly on the M&Ms.)

So I can honestly this recipe is so easy your 4-year-old can make it.

Without further ado, here’s Chef Jackson!



Jackson’s Microwave Easter Day Bark 

Recipe Adapted from ServedUpwithLove


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!

4 Apps For Organizing Your Business Cards

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Want-it Wednesday: 

 Normally, if attend an event or meeting, more than likely you are going to collect some business cards. If you are going to a conference (like I am this week), you are bound to get a pile of business cards. Over the years I have tested several systems to minimize, organize and digitize business cards. Some of been good and taken forever to maintain while others have been bad, useless and left in a pile never to be looked at again. It’s an endless cycle, so it’s time to take control and put that technology to work by utilizing your smart phone to do a lot more than just tweeting and texting. 


So here’s four apps that I can put my thumbs up on to help you put those valuable contacts to work for you! While none of them do everything I want, it certainly beats hand entering business cards or adding them to my pile-that-never-gets-done box (see above.) 


Probably my favorite, this one let’s your scan the card, add it to an online “rolodex,” export it to your regular contacts and then throw it away (no more piles!) While there’s a free edition it limits the number of cards you can upload at a time. For just a few dollars, you can have the access to the app full-time (which is the way you’ll want it after a conference and motivated.)



When the iPhone launched, everyone was into “Bumping…” when they meet someone. However, this app has so many other things it does as well like sharing documents and even works with your laptop now (haven’t tried that!) I really think this makes it super easy to share contact information, but you’ll have to rely on the other person having the app, which may take too long. Honestly, every conference should require you have a QSR code on your nametag and it will take care of everything – you’d just scan them all and have them in your database immediately. (Hint, hint #BlissDom!)

While this one doesn’t have the clout that the other apps included in this list have, I can tell you, I’d wish it would. One of my favorite parts of business cards is getting to see the design and personality of the company or person I am speaking with. CardFlick allows you to have a digitally designed business card that you can “flick” (like Bump) with others. Unfortunately this app hasn’t taken off yet, but if it does, I’ll definitely have my business card ready for flicking! 

Until CamCard this was the way I uploaded my business cards. It works reasonably well although like any scanner, specific fonts and sizes are difficult to read and don’t always convert easily. Available as both a free and paid version (with more options), this is a great app for you to organize your business cards with a few different options than CamCard. What I liked about CamCard is that it made it easier to export each contact immediately to my phone book as well as the user layout. 


What’s your favorite business card app? Please share! 

My Battle Plan for BlissDom ’13

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Me Mondays: 

There’s nothing like trying to get through a long list of to-do items and errands than to make the mistake of jumping on your blog and start changing up the look…then realizing you don’t have one place to change the look, but several platforms like: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and more. #scatterbrained #badtiming

So I have to ask: what do yout think of the new look? I’ve many ideas, but this was one I could put together without the help of a real designer (if you know one, I’m all for reasonable suggestions!) 

Anyhow, today like many Sundays, I’m putting together our family plan for the week. What to eat, laundry, appointments, and for me since I’m going to be at BlissDom, developing my agenda! 

This is the first time BlissDom will be in Dallas and only about 15 minutes from home. While I won’t be staying at the Gaylord (one of my favorite DFW hotels), I’m planning to attend as much as possible while keeping up my mom duties at home and a few appointments and blog events in between! #goodluckwiththat 

For all my “Bliss Buddies” (and to keep myself in line), I’m sharing my battle plan of action for #BlissDom 2013 as well as a little ’bout me! 

My BlissDom Plan:

THURSDAY, MARCH 21
Blissdom’13 Kick off Reception: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm  
Partner Meet & Treat Social: 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm  

FRIDAY, MARCH 22


Breakfast sponsored by Seattle’s Best Coffee  7:00 – 9:00 am  – Grapevine A/B/C/D

Registration 7:00 am – 6:00 pm – Grapevine

Handmade Marketplace sponsored by Blissfully Domestic  8:00 am – 4:00 pm – Ft. Worth 5-6

Welcome & Opening Keynote with Scott Stratten  9:00 am – 10:30 am – Grapevine A/B/C/D

Session Breakout #1: 12:00-1:00 pm:

Lunch Break sponsored by Blissful Media Group – Longhorn Ballroom B – Level 1
Business: John Morgan: The Ultimate Guide To Personal Branding – Grapevine C

Hair Break: 2 pm – Getting my hair did with Vo5 and a head shots

Session Breakout #3: 4:15 – 5:15 pm – 
“Sweet Relief” Afternoon Break sponsored by Dr. Smith’s 3:30-4:15 pm – Grapevine Exhibit and Dr. Smith’s Booth  


GIRLS NIGHT OUT with AMBER RILEY & CHRIS MANN: 7:00 – 9:00 pm – Sponsored by ConAgra Foods in support of Child Hunger Ends Here
SATURDAY, MARCH 23
Breakfast with coffee provided by Gevalia (& Johan:) 7:00 – 9:00 am – Grapevine A/B/C/D
Morning Keynote with Susan Cain 9:00-10:00 am – Grapevine A/B/C/D
Session Breakout #4:  11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Business: Danielle Smith: Spread The Word: Using The Media To Give Voice To Your Message – Grapevine C

Lunch: 12:30 PM Lunch with my Dallas Blissdom Girls sponsored by One2One Network
Session Breakout #5: 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Sponsored By Care.now
Closing Keynote with Jon Acuff, Closing Remarks & More! 4:30-6:00 pm – Grapevine A/B/C/D
Girls Night In sponsored by Maytag in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.  8:00 pm to midnight.  – Grapevine C/D   

In between all the fun, I’m looking forward to: 
Now, a litle about me in a nutshell: 


I’m a proud Texas gal that likes to keep busy – otherwise, why would I blog!?!

I play mama to two kids (jackson/4 years old & Taylor/18 month girl) and wife to Chad, whom I met in college at the University of North Texas. In between, I work in marketing/public relations, contribute to 3 blogs as well as my own, mamachallenge.com. I love to travel when I can, trying new restaurants, cooking and attempting to enjoy everything Dallas/Fort-Worth has to offer!

Here’s a little more from me in action and why I decided started blogging.

Now that you know me, I’d love to learn a little more about you! Are you going to BlissDom? If so, make sure to connect with me and let’s try to meet up! 

@challengememama, #BlissDom

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