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Ready, Set, Click: Your Guide to Amazon Prime

July 16, 2018 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

House cleaning? Wine delivery? Clothes? There such much more to your Amazon Prime membership after Prime Day is long over. Here’s Your Guide to Amazon Prime. #AmazonPrimeDay

Amazon Prime Day is here and everyone is excited to save, but most people aren’t using their Prime Membership to its full potential. Here’s all you need to know about Prime and some of my favorite Prime Day deals to make your life easier.

(P.S) If you don’t already know how why you need a membership, try out Amazon Prime for 30 days for free with this link. And if you don’t know why you should, keep reading.

Prime Day Deals Not to Can’t Pass Up

1. All Things Alexa

All of the Amazon Devices (Echo, Fire TV, Kindles, etc) are up to 50% off during Prime Day. Ones we can’t live without are:

1. Amazon Echo and the Echo Show

2. Amazon Firestick (HELLO, its only $19.99 right now!)

3. Kid’s Edition Echo Dot (So they can play music and stuff in their rooms.)

4. Home Security (like Ring) (So I can see who’s at the door without getting off the couch.)

Yes, Ring is just $174 (normally $249) but there are many other options too!

2. Audible Gold Membership

Right now, Amazon is giving 66% off a 3 month membership to Audible Gold. That means you can listen to ALL of the books you want for just $4.95 per month! I just listened to When Life Gives You Lululemons (it’s by the same author of “The Devil Wears Prada”) and it’s a good one for summer (I have the !

3. Dash Buttons

Dash buttons are on sale for $0.99 today, regularly $4.99. I don’t know what i’d do without my tissue paper and paper towel buttons! As soon as I get down to the last roll, I just push a button and two days later they’re at my front door!

4. Furniture

Rivet furniture and decor is up to 25% off, and this mama needs some new barstools!

5. Everyday Products

All Amazon brand health, beauty, household, and grocery items are 30% off today! I’ve got my eye on some of their healthy snacks and sunscreen!

What is included in an Amazon Prime Membership?

In addition to getting free 2-day shipping with a membership, Amazon Prime has a lot of other things to offer. Here are some of my favs:

1. Prime Now

Get everything from groceries and wine, to grills and backpacks delivered within two hours of placing your order! They’ll even deliver restaurant meals if you’re too tired to cook dinner tonight!

2. Prime Video

Every Amazon Prime video comes with free movies and tv shows from some of your favorite channels! Wanna binge watch 6 seasons of Sex and the City? You can do that for free with a Prime Membership!

3. Whole Foods

You can get extra discounts at Whole Foods just for having a Prime Membership! I’m talking exclusive Prime Member Deals, plus an extra 10% off items with yellow sale signs! All you have to do is download the Whole Foods app, sign in, and scan the code at the register!

4. Prime Wardrobe

With Prime Wardrobe, Amazon will send you a box of clothes you pick out on their site. You can try them on and send back the ones you don’t want, only paying for the ones you keep! Wanna try a dress in two sizes to see what fits better? Now’s your chance!

5. Prime Photos

If you’re like me, you’re tired of paying for extra storage on your phone. (I’m looking at you iCloud storage!) Well with your Amazon Prime Membership, you can cut those costs and upload your photos to Prime Photos for free!

6. House Cleaning

Y’all, I’m not even kidding. You can set up ongoing cleaning services through Amazon Prime now. The companies have already been vetted so you know you’re getting your monies worth with way less worries. We just bought a new house and use this service to keep it looking new!

7. Ordering through Alexa

By this point, everyone knows how helpful Alexa is. (Honestly she’s a little too helpful. The other day my husband asked HER to order paper towels instead of asking me AND she ordered them for him. *insert side eye* ) Well now if you have a Prime Membership, you can save on screen-time buy asking Alexa to place an order or tell you about your daily deals! Speaking of daily deals, here are some of my must-haves for Amazon Prime Day (aka 36-hour Black Monday.)

Those are some of my favorite things about Amazon Prime and Prime Day.

Amazon really makes my life easier and gives me more face time with my family. The fact that I can have groceries ordered while I’m jumping on the trampoline with my kids, is life-changing. Oh, and speaking of life-changing… Did you know if you order products through smile.amazon.com they will donate 5% of your total to a charitable organization of your choosing?

All the more reason to get your Amazon Prime membership and get to shopping today!

Let me know what you’re excited to buy in the comments below!

Indoor Things to Do in DFW with the Kids

July 10, 2018 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

We all love summer, but when the sun’s beating down on your back, sometimes you need to head for the A/C. Here’s our guide to Indoor Things To Do in DFW with the Kids. (And we’ve got the secret to get you into many of them!)

I love Texas but there are days when you just can’t do one more day outside. That’s when you head back into the precious sanctuary of air-conditioning, however, you still have to keep the words “I’m Bored” from being uttered. So here are some of our favorite ways to escape the heat (and some giveaways to boot!) Plus see our secret how you can get into many of them with one pass and save money all at one time!

Hands-On Learning

1. Texas Discovery Garden & Butterfly Garden – Dallas

Kids love the 2-story Butterfly House where tropical butterflies dance around.

2. Crayola Experience – Plano

They have a playground, puzzles, and coloring galore! Plus, some fun shows and activities that will keep the kids busy all day. (Use the code AUTUMN and get a discount!)

(Photo credit Crayola Experience)

3. SeaLIFE Aquarium – Grapevine

This aquarium is so good, you won’t believe you’re in a mall. I’m talking sharks, rays, seahorses, and more!

4. Lego Discovery Center – Grapevine

Kids can race LEGO vehicles, watch 4D movies, and build tall towers on their Earthquake Tables! Talk about an indoor adventure.

Museums and Art

5. Amon Carter Museum – Fort Worth

Head to the museum on Thursdays from 10:30-12 for artmaking, art discovery, and story time!

6. Fort Worth Museum of Science & History – Fort Worth

This museum has stuff for both you and the kids! Check out their 9-11 Tribute while the kids head over to the Children’s Museum where they can play all day.

7. Perot Museum – Dallas

If you haven’t been to Perot, you need to go! There’s so much to do you can’t cover it in one day and with changing exhibits there’s something to do for the kids (and the adults!)

8. Gold Exhibit at Dallas Museum of Art – Dallas

Let’s be honest, we like shiny things just as much as our kids do. Go check out all of the fabulous things made from gold at the DMA’s newest exhibit.

9. Painting with a Twist – DFW

Painting with a Twist is totally kid-friendly now! Check out the nearest classes to your neighborhood.

10. Board & Brush – DFW

Canvas isn’t all you’ll paint on at Board & Brush. In fact, they prefer, you guessed it – BOARDS!

11. Front Porch Pottery – Fort Worth

Let the kids get messy and create a masterpiece. Surely you need a new whatchamacallit for your bathroom counter, right?

12. Sunshine Glaze – Southlake

Paint a plate (or any of the other fun ceramics) for memories and fun at this beloved venue! Don’t miss the theme days too for indoor painting fun!)

Sports

13. Top Golf – DFW

Because sometimes you just want your kids to get really tired so you can sleep through the night.

14. iFLY – DFW

For the kids that love a thrill, and parents that like to give themselves a minor heart attack.

15. Ice Rink at Galleria Dallas

For those REALLY hot days that you need a serious cool down.

Trampoline Parks

16. Urban Air – DFW

This place has a Warrior Obstacle Course, TUBES Playground, and a Battle BEAM. But don’t worry, it’s safe…

17. Flight Deck Trampoline Park – DFW

There are literally trampolines everywhere at this place. No fluff but the kids love it.

Gaming Centers

18. National Videogame Museum– Frisco

This little slice of nostalgia is just as much for you as it is the kids. Did someone say Burgertime?

19. Free Play – Arlington/Richardson

Just pay $10 to get in then let them play all day! They have over 95 games.

20. Alley Cats – Arlington

Bowling, games, rock climbing, and air conditioning – what more do you need?

21. Main Event – DFW

Old faithful never really gets old!

22. Dave and Busters – DFW

Fun for the whole family! Let them play their games while you grab a bite to eat and maybe a well-deserved glass of wine.

23. ItZ – Euless

Bowling, an arcade, and a pizza buffet will literally keep the kids distracted all day.

Water Parks

24. EpicWaters – Grand Prairie

This place is massive and brand new! Come here once and your kids won’t want to leave!

25. Great Wolf Lodge – Grapevine

If you’re in need of a staycation, this is the place to go! Plus it’s a one-stop shop with activities, restaurants, and a place to lay your head while the kids are running around with their magic wand (plus parents love it, too.)

Escape Rooms

26. The Escape Room – Grapevine

This one’s for your older kids who love figuring out puzzles!

27. Escape This – Dallas

They’re rated #1 on Yelp for Escape rooms for kids for a reason – great customer service and challenging scenarios.

There are lots of fun things you can do to beat the heat this summer. If you want to try a few, I HIGHLY recommend you grab a POGO Pass so you can get 12 months of free access to participating venues around DFW. (Affiliate partner.)

Be sure to use Promo Code: MAMACHALLENGE at www.pogopass.com for 60% off!

ClassPass: All the Class with One Pass

January 30, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 14 Comments

~~I like to work out.~~

I like to work out as long as it’s something fun.

If you tell me my workout plan is two, back-to-back days of the cardio machine, I’m out.

But who wants to pay for five memberships just so you can enjoy your yoga in one neighborhood but your crossfit in another? No one. That just doesn’t make sense.

But this does: Meet CLASS PASS, the new pass to be able access hundreds of workout studios all over Dallas/Fort Worth with one pass and one price. For less than $100 a month you can hit up everything you could want to try and didn’t even know existed, with just one price.

Sounded like a good idea on paper (or online in this case), so I decided to take my CLASSPASS (affiliate link) for a little test drive to see if it was as easy as it says.

Opening my account I was able to search neighborhoods for participating studios as well as different types of classes.

First stop: Spin.

I love spin. Really, I do. I have enjoyed many spin class at FlyWheel Dallas, but this time it was time to see what Cowtown had to offer at an aptly named, “Off the Saddle” studio.

I was able to learn about the studio, my instructor and with a quick click, make an appointment for the day I wanted to come in. (You’re asked for 24 hours to make your appointment online and/or to cancel a reservation.) Done.

I got a nifty reminder of my class (actually a few so you don’t forget). Once I got there, I have them my name, they checked me off and I was ready to ride. That easy and no special paperwork or nothin’. Sweet.

So was the ride of my whole new kind of spinning – literally off the saddle and almost standing the majority of the class. It rocked. And as compared to spin classes I’ve taken in Dallas? It just like when you compare Dallas to Fort Worth…Dallas is like a big, kickin’ party and Fort Worth was fun, laid back and just the right speed. Both gave me awesome work outs; it was all about my mood for the day. But both of them definitely utilized the disco lights. (If you’re really confused, then you should go to both just to see what I mean.)

Seeing it was really THAT easy to try something out, I decided to go really wild for a Lyra Hoop class. Don’t worry that’s not like hula hooping in your pantyhose, but a hoop suspended from the ceiling that you dance, move and stuff through. Well, just look here.

Was it hard? Um, yes. It was a workout once I got my ass in the hoop, but as you see there are not pictures of that since I left my camera on the floor as I got in the hoop and then was too tired to jump down to get it and try to get back in. That literally a one-time shot and I missed it. But I got up there. Really, I did. Mostly I wanted these women slither in and out like fairies in total amazement thinking: “go do some situps, Autumn.” This work out is not for the faint at heart, but man it’s lots of fun (think bachelorette party!)

What was crazy about Moving Canvas Dance Studio was its location…two miles from my house and I had NO idea. It offers all kinds of other workout fun like hip-hop dancing (calling to my inner Beyonce) or Burlesque (channeling the early-years inner Cristina Aguilera.) And then I came across even more fun with silks…Yep Arial dancing.

I thought Lyra was hard, well silks was harder…and it wasn’t. There was some stuff I couldn’t imagine doing and then some other stuff like a hanging cow (that wasn’t really the name, but I felt like one) that I was able to get up there once I started singing the “Rocky” theme sock in my ear. I was awesome for about two minutes. I still have ever intention of channeling my Cirque de Soleil, but until then I think there’s a little more Jenny Craig and some pull ups in my near future.

To finish off my 10-day try-it out challenge, I went a little less wild. I decided it was time to try Bikram Yoga of North Texas.

I love yoga and have done it for a long time at a lot of places (if you really want a laugh you should read about my yoga pose: passing wind), but I had never done true Bikram. At 105 degrees I wasn’t sure how different it would be except hot and sweaty, which it really was for the entire 90-minutes I was there. But it was AMAZEBALLS. I looked like a wet cat and smelled like a boys locker room when I got done, but I could tell I had detoxed, burned calories, increased flexibility and avoided my smart phone for 90-minutes. I felt the zen – at least until I picked up my kids, but it was totally worth it. And then I went back a few more times since it only gets better the more you go.

So what are you waiting for? With a no-contract, no-fuss CLASSPASS you have all the flexibility you want as well as all the ease. And if you really want to try it out really cheap…right now they’ll even give you a 10-day pass for $10. Can’t really beat that or all the calories you can burn just by going first class with CLASSPASS.

What workout or new fitness trend are you excited to try?

7 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Costs

January 29, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links Included.

If you’re tired of huge bills and unexplained fees, it’s time to do something about your auto insurance. Here are just seven ways to put a little money back in your pocket.

1. Compare and Contrast

Before signing on the dotted line, it’s important to understand that car insurance quotes will vary depending on things like age, location, car type and driving history. Different companies weigh these factors in different ways, so never buy insurance without shopping around first.

2. Raise Your Deductible

Your deductible is what you’ll pay after an accident before the insurance kicks in and covers the rest. While some drivers prefer to keep their deductibles low, you can save hundreds a year if you’re willing to accept higher one-time costs in exchange for lower monthly premiums.

3. Improve Your Car’s Safety Features

Strengthen your vehicle against theft so the insurance company won’t charge you exorbitant rates to protect it. Install a state-of-the-art alarm system; upgrade your door, window and steering wheel locks; consider investing in high-end technical security on the dashboard.

4. Raise Your Credit Score

This can’t be done overnight, of course, but if you aren’t quite ready to buy or switch insurance policies, it can be a step in the right direction before you make your final decision. Insurance companies will be much more likely to work with you if you have stable finances and a good credit report.

5. Reduce Your Coverage

Take a look at your policy. Are you paying for more insurance than the state mandates? Many insurance companies offer “bundles” or “protection packages” that include all kinds of add-ons you don’t actually need. Most of the time, all the state requires is liability coverage.

6. Go Back to Class

If your last driver’s ed class was in high school, it’s time to renew those credentials. Proving yourself as a safe, responsible driver can snag you all kinds of savings from insurance providers. You should also make your teens sign up for a course.

7. Stop Driving

It may sound crazy, but many agencies offer “low mileage discounts” for cars that aren’t driven that much. If they spend most of their time in the garage, they’re less likely to be damaged, stolen or totaled. Be sure to ask your insurance provider what they can do for an avid car-pooler.

These are just seven ways to save a little money on your car insurance premiums. Happy driving!

Happy driving!

BABYBJÖRN Gives Us WE the Baby Carrier {Giveaway}

August 19, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 33 Comments

Affiliate link may be included.

If you’ve had a baby, then you know amount the struggles of holding a baby, keeping them happy and trying to do anything else with your hands – especially if you don’t have any help! Going to the grocery store, the mall or just even walking around become the most uncomfortable and complicated experiences of your life, all because of your bountiful baby of about 12 lbs.

Thankfully, someone has either shared with you that there is a way to survive without attempting to invent a second set of hands or boy, do I have a solution for you!

BABYBJÖRN, the family-owned Swedish company, which pioneered babywearing in the ‘60s just launched their newest baby-must have with their new BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier We. Similar to the recently launched Baby Carrier One, the We is suitable for use from birth up to 3 years old, with options to carry your baby on your front close to your heart or switch to a back-carry position with one simple movement. The ergonomic carrier offers maximum comfort for you and baby, supporting the child’s head, back and hips and offering adjustable padded shoulder straps and waist belt.

Baby Carrier We was developed based on the results of hundreds of interviews conducted with families in several countries. BABYBJÖRN found that parents want a simple baby carrier that they can use for a long time and another big bonus: an affordable price.

BABYBJÖRN’s Baby Carrier We is made of high-quality cotton and polyester. The materials are certified for use in baby products in accordance with Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class 1, which guarantees that they do not contain any health-hazardous or allergenic substances. The company will also launch Teething Pads for Baby Carrier, which will be compatible with Baby Carrier We and Baby Carrier One. Made from a soft, waterproof fabric with no harmful chemicals, these teething pads are easy to slip on and off and can be machine washed, keeping the carrier cleaner for longer.

BABYBJÖRN’s Baby Carrier We can be purchased for a suggested retail price of $139.95. The Teething Pads for Baby Carrier will be available in early Fall for a suggested retail price of $24.95. For more information, please visit www.babybjorn.com, and follow BABYBJÖRN on Facebook and Twitter.

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Emeals Meal Planning Makes it Easy to Save Time and Money (Even at the Holidays) {Discount} {Recipe}

November 14, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Disclaimer: The post includes affiliate links. The opinions and comments here are all my own. I am acting in accordance with FTC guidelines.

Unlike most moms I know, I actually LOVE to go to the grocery store. I like to peruse the aisle, dream of what meals to make and just get my hands on fresh vegetables, meats and just enjoy food at its best. Unfortunately, time doesn’t really allow for a two-hour trip for fun and certainly not the full list of necessary family things I have to buy before I enjoy my time. So I end up running in the store with 45 minutes to pick up $200 of groceries just to get home and not have anything to make for dinner.

And at the holidays? I am that person running in the store at the nth hour throwing things in the cart and returning five more times before I get Thanksgiving on the table. At that point, I’m not so in love with the grocery store and I spent way more than the budget allows.

However, I just had found out there’s a better option for all this poor planning AND I can even save money in the long run with emeals. Recommended by budget guru Dave Ramsey, emeals sends you an email once a week a list of groceries and menus to make things easier (and cheaper) for you when you go to the grocery store. Basically, emeals takes all the work out of the work of going to the grocery store and allows me to enjoy it again.

Save 30% on all meal plans with code CYBER

On a special diet or eating plan? No problem. They have choices based on your changing diet. From Paleo, Slow Cooker, or just Clean Eating – emeals has it covered. I appreciate having my time and money back by using emeals for all our meals – breakfast through dinner. And the holidays aren’t an exclusion either! Right now you can get a full holiday plan for free when you sign up with 15% discount to boot when you use this link.

Can you imagine making Thankgsiving dinner easy and with one trip to the store? Or are you still trying to stay on a healthy plan without sacrificing Thanksgiving tradition? Just check out this recipe for clean eating Toasted Pecan Tart by emeals. (I can smell warm pecan pie baking as I think about it.)

With all these options, emeals is a great choice for moms and dads looking to save time and money so they can spend it in the places it really counts. Unless you enjoy spending hours couponing and recipe planning, then emeals is definitely worth considering when you are looking to solve one of mama’s biggest challenges.