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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

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Hoppy Easter: Customized “The Littlest Bunny”Book {Giveaway}

March 25, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 28 Comments

I love having a book for each holiday to not only explain why we are celebrating a special day like Easter, but also to provide an opportunity for us to create a tradition to reading it for years to come.

This Easter I’m excited to have found a fun story called “The Littlest Bunny” with the adventures of Flop. Each book  in The Littlest Bunny in Texas: An Easter Adventure features art and text created especially for a specific state or city, including all 50 states as well as cities in Canada.

Littlest-Bunny


Join Flop as he travels in an air balloon full of Easter eggs and visits some of your favorite landmarks, including famous sites like the Statue of Liberty in New York, California’s Hollywood sign, the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan, Georgia’s Fox Theater, Churchill Downs in Kentucky, and many more. Books also feature an Easter egg hunt game that invites kids to search for hidden eggs on each page.

What town or state do you want the Littlest Bunny to visit? 

See the list below for your choices.

One lucky bunny will win a copy of their choice The Littlest Bunny and be sent just in time for Easter! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Colorado ……………….. 978-1-4926-1057-1

Connecticut …………… 978-1-4926-1060-1

Delaware ……………….. 978-1-4926-1063-2

Edmonton ………………. 978-1-4926-1066-3

Florida ……………………. 978-1-4926-1069-4

Georgia ………………….. 978-1-4926-1072-4

Hawaii ……………………. 978-1-4926-1075-5

Idaho ……………………… 978-1-4926-1078-6

Illinois ……………………. 978-1-4926-1081-6

Indiana …………………… 978-1-4926-1084-7

Iowa ……………………….. 978-1-4926-1087-8

Kansas ……………………. 978-1-4926-1090-8

Kansas City …………….. 978-1-4926-1093-9

Kentucky ………………… 978-1-4926-1096-0

Alabama …………………. 978-1-4926-1015-1

Alaska …………………….. 978-1-4926-1018-2

Albuquerque ………….. 978-1-4926-1021-2

Arizona ………………….. 978-1-4926-1024-3

Arkansas ………………… 978-1-4926-1027-4

Bentonville …………….. 978-1-4926-1030-4

Boise ……………………… 978-1-4926-1033-5

Boston ……………………. 978-1-4926-1036-6

Calgary ………………….. 978-1-4926-1039-7

California ……………….. 978-1-4926-1042-7

Canada …………………… 978-1-4926-1045-8

Charleston …………….. 978-1-4926-1048-9

Chicago ………………….. 978-1-4926-1051-9

Cincinnati ………………. 978-1-4926-1054-0

Las Vegas ……………….. 978-1-4926-1099-1

Los Angeles ……………. 978-1-4926-1102-8

Louisiana ……………….. 978-1-4926-1105-9

Maine …………………….. 978-1-4926-1108-0

Maryland ………………… 978-1-4926-1111-0

Massachusetts ………… 978-1-4926-1114-1

Michigan ………………… 978-1-4926-1117-2

Minnesota ………………. 978-1-4926-1120-2

Mississippi ……………… 978-1-4926-1123-3

Missouri …………………. 978-1-4926-1126-4

Montana …………………. 978-1-4926-1129-5

Nebraska ……………….. 978-1-4926-1132-5

Nevada…………………… 978-1-4926-1135-6

New England………….. 978-1-4926-1138-7

New Hampshire …….. 978-1-4926-1141-7

New Jersey…………….. 978-1-4926-1144-8

New Mexico ………….. 978-1-4926-1147-9

New York ……………….. 978-1-4926-1150-9

New York City ……….. 978-1-4926-1153-0

North Carolina ……… 978-1-4926-1156-1

North Dakota ………… 978-1-4926-1159-2

Ohio ………………………. 978-1-4926-1162-2

Oklahoma ………………. 978-1-4926-1165-3

Omaha …………………… 978-1-4926-1168-4

Oregon ………………….. 978-1-4926-1171-4

Ottawa …………………… 978-1-4926-1174-5

Pennsylvania …………… 978-1-4926-1177-6

Philadelphia ……………. 978-1-4926-1180-6

Pittsburgh ………………. 978-1-4926-1183-7

Portland …………………. 978-1-4926-1186-8

Rhode Island ………….. 978-1-4926-1189-9

San Francisco …………. 978-1-4926-1192-9

South Carolina ………. 978-1-4926-1195-0

South Dakota …………. 978-1-4926-1198-1

St. Louis …………………. 978-1-4926-1201-8

Tampa Bay & St. Petersburg … 978-1-4926-1204-9

Tennessee ………………. 978-1-4926-1207-0

Texas ……………………… 978-1-4926-1210-0

Toronto ………………….. 978-1-4926-1213-1

Tulsa ………………………. 978-1-4926-1216-2

Utah ………………………. 978-1-4926-1219-3

Vancouver ……………… 978-1-4926-1222-3

Vermont …………………. 978-1-4926-1225-4

Virginia…………………… 978-1-4926-1228-5

Washington ……………. 978-1-4926-1231-5

Washington, DC …….. 978-1-4926-1234-6

West Virginia …………. 978-1-4926-1237-7

Wisconsin ………………. 978-1-4926-1240-7

Wyoming ……………….. 978-1-4926-1243-8

5 Quick Tips to Making Family Count TODAY

February 27, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Want-it Wednesday:

This Want-it Wednesday, all I want is a BREAK from the crazy. And of course when mama’s crazy, so is the rest of the family.
And then I found her and it – at least a way to close down the crazy and to make our family make those valuable moments count. 

Susan Sachs Lipman, founder of slowfamilyonline.com, writer for Christian Science Monitor‘s Modern Parenthood, is also author of Fed up with Frenzy, which teaches parents how to incorporate Slow Parenting into their family’s hectic lives and trade in frenzy for quality family time. She shared a few quick tips to help me take a deep breath through special techniques and tips like:

1. Slowing Down the Morning Rush- Instead of battling the busy drop off rush at your child’s school, take time to park the car a few blocks away and walk your child to school. This strengthens family connection and starts the day off in a relaxing and peaceful way.

2. Make Meal Time Meaningful- Dinner is one of the few times families get to spend time together during the day. Make the most out of dinnertime by picking a family question to share, for example, “What’s the funniest thing that happened during your day?” Families can also create fun bonding time by picking recipes, and preparing meals together throughout the week.

3. Say No to More Things- Parents don’t have to serve on every school committee and children should not sign up for a lot of activities. More pleasure comes from devotion to one thing at a time and free play, rather than organized activity.

4. Give Your Electronics The Day Off- Call for a family “day of rest” from technology. This can be incredibly restorative, to give full attention to your loved ones. Even cutting out a 30 minute TV show and substituting it with a family walk or game can add joy to your life.

5. Do a Fun Activity or Craft- Many wonderful activities like making sock puppets, pinecone bird feeders, or singing around a campfire have gotten lost in the hustle and bustle of our overly scheduled lives. These fun activities can bond families and create lifelong memories.

Source: etsy.com via Cherae on Pinterest



While I’m rarely the one to “take time out,” this book has empowered me to be a better role model for my kids to take time to making it count. It’s about honoring life’s simple pleasures in the relatively short time we’re all here together. It’s about connecting to that part of ourselves and our families that somehow got lost in the shuffle of our busy lives.


Slow down the frenzy. Enjoy the family. 

Fed Up Frenzy
Susan Sachs Lipman
Sourcebooks
Buy on Amazon.com
ISCLAIMER:
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 Ate All Your Cookies!” and other things you wish you could tell your kids {Book Review}

February 15, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

After all the fun of Valetine’s Day crafts, cupcakes and cuddles, there was the aftermath of children very “high” on sugar from cookies and candy running crazy around my house. While I love my children more than life itself, it is days like these that make me want to tell them the things I’m really thinking like:


If honesty is the best policy, then getting a copy of this book from your pediatrician or OB should be a requirement.

“I Ate All Your Cookies”  admits all the secret truths that parents are thinking in their head, but will  (probably) never share with their children. From blowing the cover on who Santa really is to revealing that the dog is not actually living on a farm chasing bunnies, this book shares hundreds of relatable thoughts for any parent who has ever considered letting their kids know they really feel.

I Ate All Your Cookies: (and Other Things You Wish You Could Tell Your Kids)
Quinn Conroy
Sourcebooks
Buy

Looking for other other books to read? Check out some of my recents reads here!

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.”)

Look Good FAST with Your New Handy “Trainer”

February 2, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Sharing Saturdays:

The last of this month’s focus on diet and exercise, The High Intensity Fitness Revolution for Women claims it can make your look good, fast. 

“If you’re the kind of woman who spends an average weekday lounging around, then feel free to put this book back on the shelf. This is a fitness regimen for women who don’t have an hour or more to work out each day.” 


The High Intensity Fitness Revolution for Women: A Fast and Easy Workout with Amazing Results leads you through a revolutionary workout routine by Pete Cerqua, one of New York City’s most applauded fitness trainers.
Cerqua owns and operates the 90-Second Fitness flagship studio in New York City. One of New York’s most respected and in-demand fitness trainers, he has been helping people lose weight for more than 20 years.
Cerqua claims he knows the secret that will change the way you see exercise forever: short periods of high intensity workout are much more productive and effective than lengthy periods of “overtraining.” This book is about getting the best possible result for your body in the shortest amount of time— at home. It focuses on toning your muscles, increasing your metabolism, strengthening your bones, preventing arthritis, achieving great legs, and all around looking and feeling better. 

What I like most about it: there’s pictures on how to do the exercises on the machines. While I’ve downloaded plenty of workout apps on my phone, I still spend most of workout time looking on my Iphone and not on actually doing the exercises. This way I have not only a list of my workout, but how to do it and on what machine. It’s the next best thing to the trainer. 

Best of all, if you and your honey are looking to lose some pounds together, there’s actually a book just for the hubby, too –The High Intensity Fitness Revolution for Men.
The High Intensity Fitness Revolution for Women
A Fast and Easy Workout with Amazing Results
By Pete Cerqua
Skyhorse Publishing paperback, also available as an ebook
$14.95 (Under $10 on Amazon.com)
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.”)

Diets Don’t Work For You? Then Think About Your Thyroid

January 27, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo 3 Comments

Sharing Sundays:

When I was pregnant with my son, I was lucky enough to be diagnosed with gestational diabetes (joke, well kinda, actually.) 

For several months I had to learn how to eat a low glycemic diet as well as prick my figure several times a day and take medication to get track my blood sugar to make sure both the baby and I were healthy. While at the time it seemed like the meanest thing that could happen to a pregnant lady with a craving for strawberry cupcakes, it actually did me a world of good. So much so that when I found out was pregnant with my second, I immediately made sure I ate healthily and tracked my blood sugar from day one.
Thankfully by eating a low glycemic diet, I didn’t have gestational diabetes again and I was probably healthier than I had been in a long time (I only gained 12 pounds with that pregnancy.)

While eating a low glycemic diet has long been the solution for those with diabetes, it’s now become the solution to how to break through obesity as well as boosting your metabolism by understating how to balance your thyroid. Unfortunately, it’s not just a quick diet that you can do for a week or two; it is a life change for real long-term health and weight control. Just get ready for 300+ pages…


The Thyroid Solution Diet is written by Ridha Arem, M.D., an endocrinologist, clinical professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and director of the Texas Thyroid Institute in Houston. He served as chief of endocrinology and metabolism at Ben Taub General Hospital in Houston, so he does have all the cred to understand how the body and your thyroid should work together. By combining the best elements of the Mediterranean Diet and low in high-glycemic index foods, he gives you everything you need to know including:
  • Over 50 recipes and meal plans
  • A comprehensive list of favorite foods that make the diet unique
  • Detailed exercise programs with 100 step-by-step photos
  • Personalized advice for a total lifestyle revolution
  • The 15 common causes of metabolic problems that lead to weight gain
  • The hidden factors and toxins in your environment that lead to weigh gain, and how to eliminate them
  • Techniques to control cravings
  • Mind-body relaxation methods for counteracting environmental stresses
  • Compared to some of the other “diets” I’ve done, this one is not easy to follow on a first-round, but much more inclusive on both diet, exercise and how (and why) it all works together.


This book is less a diet and more a way of living. So if you’re one of those who say diets don’t work for you…then don’t diet – just do this. 
The Thyroid Solution Diet
Ridha Arem
Ballantine Books
Buy from Amazon for around $15

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.”)

The Carb Cycle That ‘s Good For Your Thighs

January 20, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Sharing Sundays: 

While I’ve been working on a rather low-carb diet for a week now (except today), I don’t mind telling you that sometimes I wish the Susan Powter high-carb diet of the early 90s actually did work. Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a diet where you could eat spaghetti and baked potatoes and not feel like you were committing espionage or something?
Purchase Franco Carlotto’s Carb Cycle on Amazon.com.
Actually there is a way, according six−time Mr. World FitnessFranco Carlotto called the Carb Cycle.This simple but effective method allows you to eat your favorite meals and carbs regularly by constantly filling and depleting your body’s natural carb storage system with his special revolutionary method.

The short book is powerful, logical, and practical so you can understand what to eat and what not to eat and most importantly, why and when as well as to make notes, etc. Franco explains how to properly consume carbs as a tool for fat burning and not to overeat. Not only does this book make it easy to understand but also teaches what to eat, at what time and on what days. Following the guidelines outlined from Franco, you don’t have to count carbs, but just follow The Carb Cycle.

Thankfully, this diet isn’t complicated or restrictive. And it’s not a plan, but a way to eat without feeling like you’re missing out (which is normally one of my problems with diet plans.) And ultimately, you’ll maximize your fat−burning, speed up your metabolism, and increase your energy levels when you follow the cycle.

The Carb Cycle
Franco Carlotto
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.”)


Ready to Join ShredderNation? 6 Weeks, 4 inches, 2 sizes

January 13, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review.


Each weekend I’m concentrating on a new diet plan in efforts to create a BETTER ME in 2013…While my first diet review of the year, “The Silver Cloud Diet” had some great benefits, I just couldn’t just stick to only meats, nuts and eggs for a week. So this week I’m looking at a plan that promises in 6 weeks you can lose 4 inches and/or 2 sizes if you follow his plan of food and exercise.

Dr. Ian Smith’s SHRED: The Revolutionary Diet has some pretty big follwers already…with a Facebook page with more than 13,000 likes, appearances on Dr. Oz and locally on WFAA’s Good Morning Texas, and the #1 selling diet book in the country, I figured it was time to open this baby up and see what all the fuss is all about.





“ShredderNation” as he refers to his following of those who are participating on the plan or have completed the diet plan (100,000 people and growing), is all about eating…all the time, with a low-glycemic diet plan of four meals and three snacks in order to introduce your body to “diet confusion” (basically eating different kinds of foods to boose your metabolism and increase weight loss.)  Sounds like magic, right?  With a six-part program, the book outlines flexible choices for every meal, snack and exercise throughout the plan. And then once you’ve completed the plan, you shouldn’t need the program since you’ve learned how to eat appropriately. I was impressed, but it’s all in the food for me, so I wanted to share a part of the Day 1, so you can see if this plan is for you:

SHRED© Week 1 Day #1
Note: 1 cup of coffee is allowed each day. Please put minimal amounts sugar and milk in the coffee.
Definitely stay away from those coffee concoctions that are full of calories–caramel macchiato, cinnamon dolce latte, caffé latte, etc.
**If you choose the diet soda as your beverage, you are only allowed to have one 12 oz can per day maximum. The hope is that you will choose beverages that are more nutritious.
**2 slices of 100% whole grain or 100% whole wheat can be consumed at any point throughout the day at any time; however, ONLY 2 slices
Meal 1
1 piece of fruit
Choose only one of the following.
1 small bowl of oatmeal
2 egg whites
1 egg white omelet (made with two egg whites max. with diced veggies)
1 small bowl of sugar-free cereal with fat-free, skim, or 1% fat milk
1 container of low-fat or fat-free yogurt
1 cup of fresh juice not from concentrate(grapefruit, apple, orange juice, tomato, carrot)
Snack 1
100 calories or less
Meal 2
Choose one of the following. Remember, your choice must not exceed 300 calories and must not have any added sugars.
1 fruit smoothie
1 protein shake
1 bowl of soup (no potatoes, no cream sauces, no meat) -good examples: vegetable, lentil, chickpea, split pea, black bean, tomato bisque, etc. Be careful of sodium content!
1 piece of fruit or 1 serving of veggies
Beverage Choices. Choose one of the following.
1 12-oz can of diet soda
1 cup of lemonade (freshly squeezed preferred)
Unlimited plain water (flat or fizzy)
1 cup of flavored watered
1 cup of juice (not from concentrate)
1 cup of unsweetened iced tea or any other type of tea
1 cup of low-fat, reduced fat, fat free, unsweetened soy, or unsweetened almond milk
Snack 2
150 calories or less
Meal 3
1 small salad (no bacon, croutons); 3 tbsp fat free dressing only
Choose one of the following.
1 piece of chicken (4-6 oz, no skin, no frying)
1 piece of turkey (4-6 oz, no skin, no frying)
1 piece of fish (4-6 oz, no skin, no frying)
(you can have 1 slice of cheese if desired)
1 serving of veggies
Beverage Choices. Choose one of the following. Make a choice different than the one you made in meal 2.
1 12-oz can of diet soda
1 cup of lemonade (freshly squeezed preferred)
Unlimited plain water (flat or fizzy)
1 cup of flavored watered
1 cup of juice (not from concentrate)
1 cup of unsweetened iced tea or any other type of tea
1 cup of low-fat, reduced fat, fat free, unsweetened soy, or unsweetened almond milk
Click here to see the rest of your meals and snacks for the first day. 
Exercise
Amount of Exercise Today: Minimum 30 minutes. If you want to do more, all the better! Work as hard as you can from this list of cardiovascular exercises.
So I’ve decided that with a promise of eating constantly and reasonable exercise I can lose 20 pounds, I’m willing to try it at least for a week. 
Want to join me on this mamachallenge? Then buy your copy and let’s get going together. 
What do we have to lose?  I have baby #2 weight gain and hopefully baby #1, too, so it’s worth it to try. 
Shred: The Revolutionary Diet
Ian K. Smith
St. Martin’s Press
Buy It

How NOT to Be a Clueless Chick in 2013

January 7, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Me Mondays {Review}:

This month I’m dedicated to making us all a little better — whether it’s more healthy, more beautiful or more organized, we’re aimed at creating an IMPROVED ME. For me to reach my goals, I’ve got to make a list. I’ve got ’em over the place – from long-term lists to daily post-its, putting things in lists WITH DATES remind me to stay on track and get things done. 

So I was so happy to find a new series I’m in love with that I only wish I’d found about four years ago – when I was pregnant and a new mom with “The Clueless Chick” series. 

Mom, Type A/OCD type and author Jennifer Durbin created a new line of books that’s perfectly suited for moms with busy schedules looking to be the best they can be – “ClffsNotes” style. Her first three books are all less than 100 pages and packed full of lists and helpful fundamentals to make some of life’s most stressful moments,  manageable. 

Party Planning Tips for The Clueless Chick
While we all aspire to be Martha Stewart, let’s be honest, it’s not always possible. The Clueless Chick is here to help with simple templates and ideas you need to create the best party, shower, networking event, etc. 

Baby Traveling Tips for The Clueless Chick
Any mom will tell you that first time you load up for that first trip with your baby, you feel like you are loading up your whole house in the back of your car. But after a few months, your must-haves change significantly to the real bare essentials. In this book, she outlines how to survive going to restaurants, staying in hotel rooms, etc. with kids. This book of lists is great for first-time parents to those of us with a few under our arm who might need some reminders. 

Pregnancy Tips for The Clueless Chick 
Just found out your pregnant and don’t know what to do? Don’t inundate yourself with every book ever written on the topic, start with this book to give you a little direction and feel like you understand a little something! From how to extend your existing clothing, where to find new fashionable maternity clothing, to what you really need to put on your registry, this is a great starter book that should be given to you when your test puts out a positive!


The Clueless Chick
Jennifer Durbin
Brigham Distributing
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.”)

Diet Review: Dr. Salerno’s Silver Cloud Diet

January 5, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Sharing Saturdays: 



As part of my IMPROVED ME series this month, I’m taking a look at a topic that many of us take on in January: diets. Each Saturday I’ll review one of the latest diet book trends and see how easy it is to follow and if you lose weight.

Our first look is at Dr. Salerno’s Silver Cloud Diet: The Sustainable Diet for the 21st Century. Written by Internationally acclaimed medical expert on aging and weight loss and James Beard Award-Winning cookbook author Linda Eckhardt, the Silver Cloud Diet t is first a quick plan to drop weight and then ultimately a lifestyle changing system. “This three-step proactive approach to nutrition is based on organic unprocessed foods, high protein, natural fat, and low-carbohydrate, low-glycemic choices, fortified with pure natural nutritional supplements targeted to strengthen your immune system, reduce inflammation, and destroy free radicals.”


Since Salerno studied under the creator of the Atkins diet, so the diet plan seems very similar to the little-to-no-carb plan that was all the rage in the late 90s. However, a majority of the book also explains how the toxins and poisoned food supply is affecting our health. Once to the plan itself, several delicious recipes are included to make your two weeks tolerable. Baseline: if you don’t like meat, eggs and nuts, this diet isn’t for you. But if you can survive the two-week detox, this plan might be a great way to jump off the way to healthier eating, living and even stop the effects of aging.

While I haven’t decided whether this plan works for my lifestyle, it is in consideration. The benefits of the diet are amazing; normalizing weight and eliminating prediabetic conditions, but the use of several supplements that makes me a little aprehensive. However, the overall benefits of regulating body function, controling hunger and stopping hunger without counting calories, but through portion control is an excellent learning tool for any healthy eating plan. 

Dr. Salerno’s Silver Cloud Diet: The Sustainable Diet for the 21st Century
Madison Lexington Books
Buy It
                                

Capturing the Year with The World Almanac for Kids 2013

December 29, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Sharing Saturdays:
Do you need a reminder that Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift are two of the most interesting people in 2012? Probably not since they may own the title in 2013, but it is amazing so many other people,  little-known facts and stats  comprised 2012 in a nutshell. The World Almanac® for Kids 2013 provides timely and timeless information on popular subjects such as animals, science, sports, music, U.S. history, and more. Readers will find out what’s hot in 2012 with full-color photographs and facts about favorite sports and entertainment superstars. 

What a great staple volume to talk about current events and capture 2012 for your family as you step through 2013 this NYE! 


The World Almanac for Kids 2013
Sarah Janssen
World Almanac
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.”)
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I put it off all day because I didn’t want to ha I put it off all day because I didn’t want to have to start the inevitable, but here we are the first #SeniorSunday for Jackson Benham Reo. (I’m so not ready.)
Doubled-down and won big! Congrats to @daynetxbbq Doubled-down and won big! Congrats to @daynetxbbq for being named #7 in @texasmonthly 2025 Top 50 BBQ! 

We’ve done our own BBQ stop shopping this last year from our own @hurtadobbq, @smokenashbbq and @225bbq in Arlington, @goldeesbbq and @panthercitybbq in Fort Worth, @zavalasbarbecue in Grand Prairie and @franklinbbq in Austin, no one can say that BBQ is BBQ. It’s as vastly different as the landscape as Texas. Now I’m off to @burntbeanco - #sequin here we come with the rest of the state!

#bbq #texasbbq
I can’t believe these are my people…my people I can’t believe these are my people…my people are supposed to be toddlers with Thomas the Train and Disney Princess backpacks! 

Goodbye 11th and 7th grade!
🚨 ACT NOW: Keep Public $$$ in Public Schools! 🚨

Click Here (takes less than one minute): 
https://www.txpta.org/take-action

Tomorrow, March 11, the Texas House Committee on Public Education will hear HB 3. Let’s make it clear: Public money demands public accountability!

Texans have rejected vouchers since 1957—yet lawmakers are once again pushing them through with SB 2 and HB 3.

💰 Vouchers drain public school resources.
📉 They don’t improve student achievement.
❌ They aren’t about "parent choice"—private schools choose their students.
🏫 Texas parents already have school choice.

Governor Abbott is making vouchers a priority, but Texans are pushing back. Lawmakers are feeling the heat from voters who refuse to let public schools be undermined.

📲 Take 1 minute to make your voice heard NOW!

📷Jackson and Taylor are 2 of the 5.5 million reasons why Texas must keep public dollars in public schools. I was a product of public schools and had an amazing experience in a rural community with some of the best teachers. Change needs to happen, but taking away resources like these from schools is not especially when they ste already underfunded and our teachers’ morale is at an all time low. Communities work better together not when you separate them further apart. 

#studentsrworthit
#txptarally25
❣️…Pressing pause (for while)… Forgot wha ❣️…Pressing pause (for while)…

Forgot what it feels like to RELAX? The Sanford House Inn & Spa is ready to help you “Leave Your Worries Behind” with packages to treat yourself (or someone else) this Valentine’s Day! 

You “Can’t Help Falling in Love” with multiple options including a Hot-Stone Massage, Facials, Spa Manicure + Pedicure, Blowouts, Foot Reflexology and even lunch (with wine!

Just take a look at my face - I was able to “turn it off” (for a little while) and when I left my dry winter skin was just glowing - plus I learned how to make it stay that way from my very  knowledgeable esthetician! 

If you haven’t tried this gem in the middle of Arlington, you’re missing out! The Spa is just part of experience with its 12-room Inn and acclaimed 506 Restaurant (don’t sleep on the brunch), @thesanfordhouse is your little piece of heaven in the middle of downtown!

Think it’s only a little dream? It will be if you don’t make an appointment or nudge your loved one this is what you NEED for Valentine’s Day! (But don’t worry you can still get a great experience anytime!)

Link is in my stories for full list of Valentine’s Day packages! 

📍506 N. Center Street, Arlington, Texas
(Less than 1 mile from @attstadium)

#valentines #dfw #ArlingtonTx #sanfordhouse
Texas Bucket List ✔️= Johnson City Lights Thi Texas Bucket List ✔️= Johnson City Lights

This is the last weekend of the “Christmas lights you can see from space” from the twinkliest town in Texas, @visitjctx!

You have until Sunday…and while you’re there you should hit up @halterranchtx, my other new favorite.

#gofredtx #fredericksburgtx @visitfredtx @visitfredericksburgtx
FLASH GIVEAWAY: Just because Santa’s left the st FLASH GIVEAWAY: Just because Santa’s left the station doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate a Classic Christmas (and we have the keys!)

@ClassicChristmas has been extended until Sunday, Jan. 5, so if you haven’t been enjoy this VIP experience with ice skating and snow tubing! 

Giveaway includes 4 Tickets to Classic Christmas + 4 Premium pass upgrades plus: 
🎟️ Exclusive Express Lane entry to popular activities 
🎟️ $10 merch credit at the Classic Christmas Gift Shop  
🎟️ Coca-Cola Beverage

To enter:   
⭐️ Like this post  
⭐️ Comment what’s your favorite Christmas song 
⭐️ Tag a friend who would love the chance to come
⭐️ Share this story as an extra chance to win!

The giveaway is open now through December 30 at 11:59 pm and you’ll have December 31 - January 5, 2025 to enjoy the fun! Winner will be contacted by DM so profile must be public.  (Giveaway is not associate with Instagram/META.) 

#classicchristmas #cocacola #Arlingtontx #ArlingtonTexas #cocacola @enchantdallas #dfw #dfwevents #mamachallenge #dfwinfluencer #dallasinfluencer
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW // Trinity Falls Tour of WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW // Trinity Falls Tour of Trees

 🎄 Tour of Trees at Trinity Falls in McKinney
 🗓️ Now through Dec. 15 (so hurry up!) 

Know what’s better than touring homes? Touring homes with beautifully decorated Christmas trees! 

@trinityfallstx has brought both worlds together by inviting the public to explore their model homes with professionally- styled trees by @absholidaydecor at the 5th Annual Tour of Trees. While you marvel at the homes and the trees, take your photos in front of the trees for a chance to win $500 Amazon gift card.  

TIP: Don’t miss the tree collaboration with #RHOD @dandrasimmons - it’s “beeutiful!” 🐝 

This event is FREE, but registration is required. (Link is in stories or DM “Tree” for the link.)

 #touroftrees #trinityfalls #trinityfallstx #mckinney #mckinneytx #mckinneytexas
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS - Dallas Zoo WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS - Dallas Zoo Lights

🌲 Dallas Zoo
🗓️ Now - January 4 

Wonder what the @dallaszoo is like after dark? Once Upon a Wild Light comes alive with more than two million lights, 5:30 pm - 9 pm each night through January (so you can do this one with your family during the holiday break!) 

While many of the animals sleep, DinoLumia and DinoVision: a Jurassic adventure comes out to play, along with tons of holiday light photo opps and winter fun experiences. Enjoy catching up through self-guided, self-paced walk-through and spend time together while taking photos, which is ideal if you don’t like the holiday overload! And don’t sleep on Santa here, as he has a certain twinkle in his eye the kids always seem to like to catch up with (mom was even able to get a shot.) 

And for the even bigger kids over 21, Dallas Zoo: After Dark, goes wild on Thursday, Dec. 12, 6-9 PM with eats, treats and holiday drinks,live music, and games and other ways to get you in the holiday spirit! 

 @DallasZoo @ReliantEnergy #dallas #dallasholiday #dfwevents #dallaszoolights #holidays #zoo #dallastexas #mamachallenge
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Classic Ch WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Classic Christmas 

🌲 Coca Cola Classic Christmas - Choctaw Stadium in Arlington  
🗓️ Now through Dec. 29

Growing up @cocacola made the holidays magic, so when Coca Cola Classic rolled down the road, we had to go peek! Partnering with @enchantchristmas, the experience is part lights, part photo opps and for my kids mostly FOOD and overall a lot of fun - all washed down with (of course, a Coca Cola!) 

What was also great was a little walk through memory lane with Coke Christmas moments throughout the years - cue the polar bears and 18 wheeler!

Experience: 
🎅Market Square (definitely hit up the t-shirts - reading each one is half the fun)
🎅 Snow Tubing (always our favorite)Ice Skating (truth: we don’t skate, but it’s perfect people watching) 
🎅 Interactive Light up Dance Floor
🎅 @cinemark Theatre with holiday movies 
🎅 Coca-Cola Lounge - 21+ Cocktail experience (looked great to go with the girls)
🎅 Santa Landing

And of course, the Eatery! Eyes (and mouths) got big here with featured food from State Fair of Tex winners like The Drowning Tacos (SO GOOD we then ordered the Birria Tacos, too all cooked onsite and with all the sauce!) 

It’s the real thing!

#ClassicChristmas #ChoctawStadium #ArlingtonTx #CocaCola #Dallas #DFWEvents #DFWHoliday #DFWInfluencers
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Prairie Li WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Prairie Lights

🎄 Prairie Lights, Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie 
🗓️ Now through Dec. 31 (NYE) at 6 pm 

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without @prairielights- with a packed car with blankets, Santa hats, hot cocoa and coffee, and blasting holiday music while we sing them even louder.  

A stunning two-mile drive through light park complete with a midway stop - The Holiday Village with carnival rides, amazing bites (corndogs, funnel cakes and more, oh my!) And this year we were surprised with a new light tunnel, reimagined walk-through forest and new displays, great photo opps, gifts, visit with Santa, a lighted strollable forest.  It’s perfectly timed for food, fun and a little time on foot! 

PRO TIP: Go early, get tickets in advance and spring for the fast pass on the weekends and prime holiday times. And enjoy it and don’t try to rush it - enjoy it! That includes entry and the experience (so bathroom before you go, but thankfully there’s one at The Holiday Village and you get the corn dog.) 

#GoGrandGP @grandfungp #GrandFunGP #dfwinfluencer #Dallas #grandprairie #prairielights #dfw
Mariah may be singing “it’s time,” but there Mariah may be singing “it’s time,” but there are still some ways to give a little love to Thanksgiving with a little DIY (hello old pumpkins!) from Mama Challenge! 

So excited to see my friends over at Good Day Fox 4 today for this fun segment!
Peardon My Reach - this one’s on repeat. 🍐 # Peardon My Reach - this one’s on repeat. 🍐 
#nationalcoffeeday 

#cinncinati #kentucky #newport #coffee #fall
Arlington makes Taco Tuesday even better by celebr Arlington makes Taco Tuesday even better by celebrating all month long with its #SaveTheTacos campaign, now - September 30.

Try and vote for “Best Taco in Arlington” from 12 participants:

🌮 Fiesta Fusion Shrimp Taco at Boiling Tails Co.

🌮 The Hunter Taco at Cut & Bourbon

🌮 El Jefe at Grounds and Gold
 
🌮 Jamaican Me Crazy at M’Jays House of Smoke

🌮 Champiqueso at Papaya Mexican Grill

🌮 What the Falafel at Prince Lebanese Grill

🌮 He’s Just a Po Boy at R Bar and Grill 

🌮 Celestial Pork Belly Taco at Rocketbelly
 
🌮 House Special Barbacoa at Tic-Taco
 
🌮 The Chicken of Wall “Street” at TJ’s Catfish & Wings & BBQ

🌮 Baja Shrimp Taco with Mango Salsa at Tom’s Burgers & Grill
 
🌮 Wanna Taco ‘Bout It at Zack’s Bistro

We can tell you which one is our favorite, but take away all the fun to find your favorite! 

(Link to Vote in Stories!)

#ArlingtonTX #TacoTuesday #SavetheTacos
Always great to see a few guys who work together l Always great to see a few guys who work together like each other, too.

It’s even better when they’re Texas Rangers and  we’re celebrating Hall of Famer Adrían Beltré!
And just like that…11th grade and 7th grade (and And just like that…11th grade and 7th grade (and then they drove off!)
Follow the “red light” to this one-of-a-kind e Follow the “red light” to this one-of-a-kind experience in DFW. 🚨 

Named after Bangkok’s legendary road of entertainment of all kinds (Sukhumvit Soi 11), it seems fitting this newly imagined destination would find its home in Arlington’s Entertainment District. Anchoring the NEW @loewsarlington, @soycowboytx (also from @bbbutchers / @berghospitality) recently swung open the curtain this summer with an opening that made heads turn at every corner of this 12,000 sq. ft. of sexy space - with 3 unique bars, patio, viewable kitchen and dining room. 

To call it a “Pan Asian restaurant” doesn’t do it justice with its rich menu of fresh sushi, dim sum, caviar, truffle, lobster, waygu (all things you don’t find in the home of the margarita machine and ballpark nachos.) And if you’re looking for entertainment, just take a peek into the expansive kitchen and watch your rolls or omakase be made. The cocktail menu is just as extravagant with everything from mezcal to Japanese whisky, you’re eyes will be just as happy as your lips upon your first sip. 

While we experienced live music, fashion show and more as part of the opening, the cool smoke installation and the people-watching is definitely just part of the menu at Soy Cowboy you’ll have to explore. 

Food Nerd Note: SoyCowboy is on the upcoming @dfwrestaurantweek menu for just $39, so it’s a steal to take your own trip on a budget. (Make your reservation.)

Chon mean (or what we hope is Cheers in in Thai!)
NEWS ALERT: Dallas Food Nerd is now on TV! 📺 ( NEWS ALERT: Dallas Food Nerd is now on TV! 📺 
(Well today at least.)

Normally we’re always behind the smartphone camera, today we stepped out in front of the TV screen! The lovely folks at the new morning show Morning on Merit Street @morningonmeritstreet invited DFN for a little “roundtable” discussion about dining trends with our own Food Nerd @autumnreo / @mamachallenge and Bill Trevino of @craftandvinerestaurant CraftandVine along with hosts @dominiquesachse and @fanchonstinger for a little dishin’ on dining!

(If you’re able to take a look online, keep watching to see our new friend Pearl 🐶 and friends from @sweetpearlsicecream share their incredibly sweet story with @hungreehannah!) 

✔️ And just like we shared on the show, we want to know what you think! What do you think about Table Limits on reservations? Yes restaurants should have them or no way?
Round #2: Now he’s off for CIT at YMCA Camp Grad Round #2: Now he’s off for CIT at YMCA Camp Grady Spruce! It’s hard to separate them, but we’re excited he’s so happy to be ready for this adventure!
July 4th kicked a week early! 🎆 Love when the n July 4th kicked a week early! 🎆 Love when the neighborhood shines!
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