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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Get Your Pumpkin Fix with Café Brazil’s Holiday Menu – Starts 10/2/12

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Food Fridays


The taste of pumpkin is in the air. 

If the Snickerdoo coffee blend wasn’t enough reason to go daily, Cafe Brazil’s holiday menu debuts October 2 at all 10 locations for a limited time. So until you get your hands on those Cinnamon Pumpkin Pancakes on Tuesday, start plotting what else you’ll be ordering with a sneak peek at the menu!

**HOLIDAY ENTREES**

Cinnamon Pumpkin Pancakes
Three delicious Buttermilk Pancakes loaded with Cinnamon and Pumpkin and topped with Cinnamon Butter and Powdered Sugar



Banana Bread French Toast
Moist, delicious Banana Bread drenched in Egg Batter and lightly grilled. Topped with fresh Bananas and Berries, drizzled with our famous Crème Anglaise and our new Homemade Sweet Orange Sauce and dusted with Powdered Sugar and Walnuts



Chai Oatmeal
Skillet Oatmeal made with a blend of Milk and our delicious Chai Tea makes for a perfectly seasoned breakfast.  Served with a Fruit Cup and choice of Pastry


Pumpkin Cheesecake with Brownie Crust
Our unique Homemade Pumpkin Cheesecake with our delicious Brownie Walnut Crust, garnished with Chocolate Sauce



**SPECIALTY BEVERAGES**

S’Mores Latte or S’Mores Hot Cocoa
Blended with Steamed Milk and Toasted Marshmallow Syrup and topped with Whipped Topping, Chocolate Sauce, Marshmallows and Graham Cracker Crumbs


Caramel Apple Cider
Steamed Apple Cider flavored with Caramel Syrup and topped with Whipped Topping, Cinnamon and Caramel Sauce



**COFFEE FLAVORS**

Holiday Blend (available in decaf.)
A delightful combination of Cinnamon, Caramel, French Vanilla and Hazelnut

This story also appeared on DallasFoodNerd.com on Sept. 30, 2012.

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.”)

To-Do: Arlington’s After Dark in the Park, Oct. 5-7

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style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To-Do Thursdays

As a proud resident of Arlington, I love when I can attend and recommend worth-while events in my own backyard. After Dark in the Park, Oct. 5 – 7 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. is one of them. Designed to create awareness of the River Legacy Living Science Center environmental-education programs, After Dark in the Park is an annual family-friendly fall festival that includes fun family programming from ages 2 – 10 years old. 

It comes at a perfect time of the year when you start burning those pumpkin candles and thinking about the holidays. My favorite part is that the event is just the ideal size to enjoy with a young child without feeling overwhelmed or like you’re missing something. And since entrance includes a hayride shuttle from River Legacy Parks to event entrance, that’s almost worth the experience all together.

Here’s an old shot of  my then 2 yr. old enjoying the simple fun of leaves at After Dark in the Park. 
The annual festival features family fun like:
·         karaoke
·         storytelling under the stars
·         animal encounters
·         pumpkin patch
·         bounce houses
·         crafts and games
·         concessions featuring fall foods like hot chocolate and cider
·         NEW for 2012: Bass Pro Camping Demo & Contests & Drawings for GREAT Prizes!
After Dark in the Park
River Legacy Living Science Center
Oct. 5 – 7, 2012 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
$7 for kids ages 3 and up. Children 2 and under free. (Star-Telegram Press Pass customers get half off on Sunday, Oct. 7 when they flash their pass.)
Special notes:
No pets allowed.
Bring extra cash for tickets and some activities.
Want another mom’s view on After Dark in the Park? My friend Shannon of milkandcuddles.com and her daughter attended last year and she shared her experience on She is Dallas.

This Year’s Must-Be Halloween Costumes

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Wow Mom Wednesdays – Making Your Kids Say Wow
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I’m not quite Roseanne Connor level, but I do enjoy the costumes, décor and of course, the treats!

 Now with kids of my own, it’s not just about my costume, but finding the coolest and cutest ones out there. While my 4-year-old knew exactly what he wanted to be (he’s at the Superhero stage in his life), where do you even start when your kiddo is one or you’ve outgrown that witch getup you’ve been sporting since your 20s?

Like every 4-year-old this year, Spiderman and other superhero types are the must-have costume.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the most popular and sought after Halloween trends for the whole family:

 Political-themed masks: Political masks will be one of the bigger trends this election year, with industry experts keeping a watchful eye on mask sales. Historically, it has become an unofficial but accurate predictor of who will win the election (the candidate mask that sells the most, usually wins the election).

 Masters of the Universe: Choose from He-Man Classic Muscle Adult($49.99) or Skeletor Classic Muscle Adult($49.99) or Women’s She Ra Deluxe Adult ($49.99). 

 WINX Club: Based on the hot new Nickelodeon show, your daughter can be Stella, Bloom or Flora! Deluxe costume includes dress, wings and pair of glovettes ($29.99). 

 Disney’s Shake it Up: Your tween will love being Rocky or Cece for Halloween! Cece Deluxe includes top with attached jacket, leggings and pair of boot covers ($31.99); Rocky deluxe includes dress, leggings and pair of boot covers ($31.99). 

 Disney’s Cinderella: Choose from Cinderella Shimmer Deluxe ($39.99), Cinderella Tween ($47.99), Cinderella Light Up Deluxe ($48.99), Deluxe Sassy Cinderella for adults ($59.99) and Cinderella Baby.

 Marvel’s The Amazing Spiderman : Adult and child costumes and accessories, including the Lizard Classic Muscle and Spider-Man Movie Classic Muscle (costumes/accessories range from $5.99-$59.99).

 Disney Junior-Jake and the Neverland Pirates: Jake Deluxe includes jumpsuit, bandana and pair of boot coverings ($29.99) and Izzy Classic includes top, pants, head scarf and pouch necklace ($19.99). 

 Online shopping not for you? Then get over to Kmart for their “Orange & Black Friday” event, Friday, Oct. 5 & Saturday, Oct. 6. Just as “Black Friday” is the perennial start to the Christmas holiday shopping season, this year Kmart’s “Orange & Black Friday” is the start of spooktacular savings for fans of Halloween and trick or treating with 50% off Halloween costumes and Halloween kitchen textiles, tabletop, décor and more. Also, check out their new social tool at www.Kmart.com/kreator, where users can create their own Halloween “Kreature” using costumes and accessories available at Kmart.

 I’d love to know what your costume plans are for Halloween?

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.”)



It’s a Handle, It’s a Stand. No, it’s TabletTail for Ipad

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Tech Tuesdays


Every week I work to share the latest in greatest in technology for parents and kiddos. This time we are talking accessories. 

My family is way too into our devices and their accessories. I’m probably the worst though; constantly trying out the right “thingy” for me – whether it’s a holder, case or charger. I’ve got a drawer full of connectors, manuals and more for cameras, computers, phones and more. Like the “land of misfit cords,” I just can’t bring myself to them away. 
My newest search has been for the perfect Ipad holder/stand. I first began with a leather holder with a keyboard attached, but then it seemed like I was constantly taking it out when I was looking to watch a movie or let my son play with one of his apps.
Then along came the TabletTail from Octa, a new “two-part grip and positioning system” to make my Ipad convenient to hold with just a few pumps and its cute little tail.
  

Unlike other stands and portfolio cases that act as an easel, the WhaleTail holds the position and allows for dynamic interaction, from reading emails to playing games and in my case, planned my next life on Pinterest.
Developed by a small team of artists, philosophers, and inventors, Octa is all about blending beauty and functionality into its products. Hence the creative name and concept behind the TabletTail.  
What was probably best about the TabletTail, was its capability to be customized to whatever use I needed to have. From hanging, wrapping and propping up the Ipad in a variety of ways, such as on a knee, a headrest, an armchair or a tray table, this stand could be formed however I needed. The “fins” of the WhaleTail serve as a convenient handle.
Sea how this tale swims for you!
TabletTail by Octa
$49.95
Future-proof construction will work with older and upcoming versions of the Ipad, Kindle and other devices.
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.”)

Talking Divorce and Remarriage With Your Kids

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Sharing Sundays – Books and info worth sharing
A few pages into this book, I was already crying. Not because I’m a child of divorce, but because as a mother now, I was instantly touched about how a child would feel reading this book and as a parent IF I had to discuss such a difficult issue with my child. While it is sad that divorce is so prevalent in our culture, it is fact that children will be affected when 50 percent of marriages do result in divorce.

Thankfully there is a book on a 3 – 8 year-old level that kids relate to and can help parents communicate and share their feelings about divorce in an easy-to-read format.

A child of a successful “bonus mom” relationship, author Tami Butcher penned My Bonus Mom! Take the Step out of Step Mom to plant a seed in children’s minds that having a stepmother/stepfather can be a bonus with their hearts and minds accept the new relationship in a positive way. Through colorful graphics and rhyme, she’s developed a must-have book for any family affected by divorce and remarriage. 

My Bonus Mom! Take the Step out of Step Mom
By Tami Butcher
Five Star Publications, Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-58985-081-1
Buy It


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.”)

4 Networking Apps to Run a Business or a Household

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_mce_style="margin: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; text-align: left;" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Whether you are a business woman or a mom with an intensive playdate date calendar, then trying to stay networked is always helpful to keep organized and connected. Here’s 5 apps that are helpful for any one with a smartphone to use. Some of you may have already heard of Bump, which was featured in an Apple commercial, but there’s more where that comes from. 
Four networking apps that
can make running a
business or a household run
 more efficiently with just a few clicks.
Bump: Use Bump™ to share contact information and photos by simply bumping two phones together. Feel free to bump contacts at networking events and even in the workplace. Who’s to say that fleeting connections won’t materialize into bigger and better prospects down the line?
Friendthem: A revolutionary location-based connectivity app, with fine-grained and easily-configured privacy controls, which is changing the way the world connects in a seamless and fun manner by helping them send Facebook friend requests to people they meet in the real world. A great tool for connecting with people you meet along the way and creating long term relationships.
MeetMe: An app designed to help people meet in the middle. You input two locations (or use your current location and input your colleague’s address) and it locates suitable venues in the middle. The search can be narrowed down by type of venue, and you can store contacts and venues in your favorites for future use. From there, you can email directions to yourself and your colleague. The only thing left to do is meet up and have a good time.
ScanBizCards: For those people who are attached to their business cards, this handy app scans your businesses cards and automatically translates the information to a digital contact, letting you edit the information and add more. 
Which one is your favorite?
It’s always a challenge to stay up on all the things tech/digital, so get your tips with Tech Tuesdays on mamachallenge.com. 

Get Your Pumpkin Fix: Celebrate Fall with Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Food Fridays

I love autumn in Texas (yes, I did make a funny there). It only lasts for two weeks with our crazy weather, so I intend to suck the life of every second of it. That means breaking out the fall wreath, painting my pumpkin (carving is way too messy), burning tons of candles with a baked something smell and baking up these perfect pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. They’re easy to make, which is why my friend who gave me the recipe makes them. That and they taste delish!


Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
(Makes 3 dozens)
Ingredients
1 cup pumpkin
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (can use 1/2 cup chopped nuts instead of 1/2 cup chocolate chips if desired)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, pumpkin and vanilla.
Mix and sift flour, baking powder, soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Add chocolate chips (and nuts if desired.)
Mix thoroughly but don’t over mix.
Drop by teaspoons onto well-greased cooking sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes until lightly browned.
Remove from cookie sheet while still warm.
Cook on rack.
Enjoy the perfect taste of pumpkin and chocolate.

Wanting to celebrate more fall fun? 
Fall in Love this Fall with Autumn in the Arboretum Dallas, Sept. 22 – Nov. 21
Oompah, Polka and Chicken Dance Your Way to Addison Oktoberfest, Sept. 20-23


Butter Dreams Come True: Meet and Eat with Paula Deen and Bobby Flay

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While cooking might not be one of my strongest talents, eating and watching all things food is. My Pinterest board is full of all the things I’ll make in my next life and when the TV’s on…it’s Food Network that makes my heart (and my stomach) skip a beat. 

So when I heard that THE Paula Deen was going to be in Dallas for MetroCooking Dallas…I quickly jumped to see her Southern Highness whip up something and utter her magic twang that could make scrambled eggs sound like the best thing EVER. Speaking of the best thing ever (another Food Network reference), Paula’s not coming empty handed! She’s bringing Iron Chef, Boy Meets Grill, Food Network Star host – we’ll I could go on forever on his list of shows…Bobby Flay. And that’s just for starters.
Photo courtesy of MetrocookingDallas.com.
I do love me some Paula and Bobby, but some of the biggest stars scheduled for this food-lovers bonanza, are specialty food purveyors whose roots are already planted here in the Lone Star State. While food products from all over the U.S. will be on parade, being a proud Texas girl, I can’t help but spotlight these tasty treats that “reign supreme” in Texas.
If you have not heard of these companies, you should put them on your must-haves and must-tastes at this weekend’s MetroCooking Dallas.
Keller – Smokin’ Texas Gourmet
http://www.smokintexasgourmet.com
Inspired by Chef Peter Mollet, this Go Texan-approved product line of salsas, seasonings, sauces and more are all gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian friendly. Best sellers include Peach Salsa and Jalapeno Honey Mustard.
Dallas – The Kessler Cookie Company 
http://www.kesslercookies.com
Haven’t had the chance to bite into a Chocolate Chip Coconut Pecan cookie?  Then get in line. Or better yet, get scheduled for Clyde Greenhouse and Michal Taylor’s Club Kessler and they will send you a monthly supply.
Dallas – Canyon Specialty Foods
http://www.canyonfoods.com
Anne Connaly’s special touch can be found in her pestos, tapenades, soups, and anything else that one can think of to make something taste good. A testament to its goodness, Dallas’ favorite chefs, Dean Fearing, has teamed up for a custom collection featuring his recipe’s for Texas Mop Sauce, Silky Orange Blossom Sauce and his famed Tortilla Soup.
Richardson – Custom Cafe Foods 
http://www.customcafefoods.net
Quick and easy are two words that are key in the kitchen nowadays. But with these dry mixes of gourmet soups, quick breads, and specialty dips can make anyone seem like they’ve been slavin’ away for hours with only a few minutes, especially when the aroma of the Cheddar & Chive Quick Bread hits the air.
Anna – Luscombe Farm Specialty Foods
http://www.luscombefarm.com
Leslie Luscombe’s jellies make biscuits swoon when they enter the room. Toasted Pecan butter, Confetti Jelly and Jalapeno Peach have won awards at the State Fair and can dress up a cream cheese and cracker like nobody’s business.
Austin – Lammes Candies
https://lammes.com
WilliamWirt Lamme made his family name a legend more than 100 years ago with the Texas Chewie Pecan Pralines in 1892. Now the appropriately named Austin-based candy “Longhorns,” along with other homemade candy treats, make them a must-have for any real Texan.
Brenham – Del Sol Food Company
http://www.briannassaladdressing.com
Family-owned and operated for more than 30 years, this small-batch dressing maker already has long had a home on many dinner tables. Rich Poppy Seed, Chipotle Cheddar and Champagne Caper Vinaigrette flavors makes one almost forget the bed of greens underneath it.
Fredericksburg – Quintessential Chocolates Co.
http://www.chocolat-tx.us
Hand-rolled by Lecia Duke, these chocolates are as delicious to drink as they are to eat by filling them with liquors, cognacs and wines like Garrison Brothers Straight Shooter Texas Bourbon and Australian Tawny Port. Other treats come sans spirits, but the Tequila D’ Almendrado, their signature piece, is worth a shot.
Heath – Texas Toffee Queen
http://www.texastoffeequeen.com
Nancy Lalumia recreates her Sicilian family recipe of toffee into new flavors like White Chocolate Mango Chili, Dark Chocolate Salted Blood Orange and Dark Chocolate Salted Jalapeno. While you can find this one in your local grocery store, she’s happy to personalize these just for gift-giving with coordinated boxes and ribbon.
Houston – Fat Sister Southern Specialty Foods
http://www.fatsisterfoods.com
Anything called Fat Sister has got to be good and with pancake flavors like Pumpkin Spice, Butter Pecan and best-selling Peanut Butter, then Fat Sister can come over anytime. Making Nana and Paw-Paw proud, this still family-owned business has created an alter-ego, Skinny Sister, for those hankering for organic and gluten-free choices.
Spicewood – The Spicewood Food Company
http://spicewoodfood.com
David Lewis knows how to make any salad or sandwich mind-blowing with a great line of gourmet balsamic vinegars, infused olive oils and white truffle oil. Favorites include White Truffle Mustard, Blue Cheese Pecan Dipping Oil and Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar.

Photo courtesy of the Salado Wine Festival.  http://saladowinefestival.com 


I know I couldn’t think of something more flavor fully of fun than or more southern than a day smothered and covered with rich butter, spicy pepper and Texas food charm. Can’t you just smell the fun?
MetroCooking Dallas
September 22 & 23
Dallas Convention Center
http://www.metrocookingdallas.com
Tickets vary, but right now there’s a special offer for only $36!

Tailgating Tips For Not Adding Weight to Your Tail

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I’m not much of a football watcher…even though I live REALLY close to Jerry’s World (Dallas Cowboys Stadium.) However, I do like getting together with friends and enjoying the fun that football watching brings like snacking in front of the TV or even better, outside the stadium. But since I’m trying to treat my “Dunlap’s Disease” (you know when your stomach has done lapped over your pants), here’s a few tips to help keep your tail from expanding.

Consider bringing this quick, easy and healthy Corn Dip from DairyMax.org that taste as good as the big-calorie options without all the bad stuff.

1. Don’t be a meathead – You might think that choosing turkey burgers is an easy touchdown but they can actually be as fatty as beef! Learn about the leanest cuts of meat for tasty, healthy meals.

2. Never go for 2 – try to keep consumption down by eating slowly. And remember, there will be even more temptation at the stadium concession stand, so try to set limits and stick to them.

3. Grab a buddy – make a pact with another friend at the game to help watch what you eat, making healthy choices is easier when you have support.


4. Grab a Bud (Lite) – stock the cooler with low-calorie alcoholic drinks. You can still party with everyone else, but punt the extra carbs.

5. Get baked – chips are a tailgate necessity, but go with baked varieties to cut down the calories and learn what other snacks are a must.

6. Walk home – ok, so that might not be possible, but try to burn some calories before sitting in the stands with these activities as the weather gets cooler.


Thanks to Rachel Berman, the Director of Nutrition for CalorieCount.com—a free online service that provides diet and nutrition information to more than 4.5 million international members—for these suggestions for tailgaters who are either health-conscious or trying to be. 

Are you ready for the challenge?

Always Know Where “Kids Can Eat Free” with Free New App

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I try to always give readers a heads up on where they can score free food — especially when you are paying for kids to eat, too. Worst off, when you are trying to eat healthy it can go to the wayside if you have to take out the whole family. (I mean how can you compete with a Little Ceasar’s Pizza at $5 for a large pepperoni!) That’s why one of the most heavily downloaded lists is that of all the “kids eat free” restaurants in DFW. But keeping up that list and printing it out to put on the refrigerator may be a thing of the past with a new free website and app.


Jennifer Bilbro, a busy mom tired of overpaying for kids’ meals, founded Out to Eat With Kids, an online database featuring local restaurants with economical and healthy kids’ meals. At OuttoEatWithKids.com, parents can search by zip code and day of the week to find a selection of FREE or reduced-price kids’ meals at local restaurants. Parents can also access this incredible resource for meals on-the-go by using its free mobile app. (This is what I use.)
Out to Eat With Kids features more than 15,000 restaurants nationwide and is constantly being updated with new deals. Plus, Out to Eat With Kids is working with the National Restaurant Association to promote healthy children’s menu options that meet nutritional standards through its Kids LiveWell program and features a special logo next to qualifying restaurants.

I found around 15 Kids Eat Free specials in DFW on the app, so it’s off to a great start. And hopefully so are we to saving a little money!  

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