DFW Archives - Page 12 of 23 - mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents

Six Tips for Families at The Marvel Experience

January 23, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Last week my super mama (AKA Gigi) flew into town for her birthday and to spend such much-needed time with the kiddos (and me.) We normally try to take the kids on some type of adventure so it was only fitting this time it was a REAL ADVENTURE at The Marvel Experience at Fair Park in Dallas.

I wasn’t sure what to expect at the traveling interactive show in Dallas, but images of Superman, Iron Man, The Green Hornet and the rest of the gang were a promise of a pretty good time!

From the moment we parked. there was excitement as you approach the domes that interconnected right up to the ticket area!

The Marvel Experience is an indoor event that occurs in several interactive, techno-enhanced domes linked together for separate activities you encounter as you complete your S.H.I.E.L.D. training.

After inputting our data to creating our credentials (they sent them by email) and putting on our arm bands, we were ready to go!

The first of the experience sets the stage like a comic book; what’s happening, who’s involved and what’s our mission as we go through The Marvel Experience. While there’s a lot happening with voices, lights, games and more, for younger kids they either will love the excitement or be a little timid as they assess what is going on.

Even if you don’t have any Marvel character background, you’ll still have a great time. And if you’re a comic-book junkie, you don’t want to miss this new-age way to enjoy your favorite superheroes. I’ll admit, my favorite time was the last dome – where you are part of a uber-cool interactive movie experience complete with moving chairs and motion so you are a part of the action!

Six Tips for Families at The Marvel Experience

Bring the following with you: $10 parking gives you close access to the entrance, so it’s worth it.

Make sure you’ve full tummies before you go or have money to purchase snacks. However, these are snacks – not a meal and nothing makes anything anything a poor time than when you are hungry!

To ensure crowd control, you will need to choose a specific entry time to purchase your tickets (if in advance.) I suggest the earlier the better if you have kids because even a streamlined experience getting through The Marvel Experience is at least 2.5 – 3 hour experience. Also, be strategic with your timing and don’t let nap time fall right in the middle of waiting-in-line times. (More than likely you’ll have lines for some of the more interactive games like climbing Spider Man’s Wall or Flying like Iron Man.)

Try not to bring any extras with you like a big bag, stroller, etc. It will make things easier for you to get around the rooms. Make sure to read the FAQs for more info on what to bring and what not to bring!

Grab a map/program. It will help you plan out what makes more sense for you and your family.

Be ready to have fun. This isn’t something you are just bringing the kids to do and you watch. It’s about getting into the fun yourself and seeing how technology is changing how we interact with the world and our favorite superheroes.

Now until Jan. 31. Visit The Marvel Experience for ticket info and more.

Eggcellent: How to Make the Best Eggs

January 20, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 14 Comments

Want to make eggcellent eggs? It’s not as hard as you thing with these tips on how to make the best eggs!

Want to find out if you’re compatible with someone or get a group of people talking?

Ask them how they like their eggs.

I polled a big group of my friends and we got all kinds of answers and passionate ones at that.

Photo credit: Popsugar

Eggs are SO Good for You

Eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet. With Vitamin A, Vitamin B5, B12, B2, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Zinc, Omega 3s and a whole nest of other healthy things your body needs. All from this simple oval that is only around 75 calories and high in protein. Now while eggs have cholesterol, it’s the HDL they raise which is the GOOD cholesterol, which lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and other various issues.

They also are very fulfilling! In one study I read of 30 overweight women, eating eggs instead of bagels for breakfast increased feelings of fullness and made them automatically eat fewer calories for the next 36 hours.

Difference Between Egg Types

One of the biggest questions asked is what is the difference between brown eggs and white eggs. I could give you a really long explanation…but long story short – one is brown, one is white.

However that’s not the only way you can slice and dice your eggs. Nowadays, the store has many options for your egg needs including:

Cage Free
Organic
Vegetarian
Free-Range
Pasteurized

Ways to Cook Eggs

Hard Boiled: An egg cooked in boiling water with the shell intact. Hard boiled eggs are cooked through until both the whites and yolk have completely set.
Omelet (Omelette): Eggs that have been beaten and then cooked quickly in a frying pan. Omelets are often folded over a filling of cheese, vegetables, meat, or a combination of items.
Over Easy: A fried egg that is flipped and cooked yolk side down only long enough to create a film over the top of the yolk, leaving the center of the yolk liquid.
Over Hard: A fried egg that is flipped and cooked yolk side down until the yolk has completely cooked through.
Poached: Eggs that have been removed from their shell and then cooked in a hot liquid. The cooking liquid can be water, broth, or any sauce. Poaching in water is often used as a way to cook eggs without having to use extra fat. Poaching in broth or sauce adds flavor to the cooked egg.
Scrambled: Raw egg whites and yolks are beaten together and then cooked in a skillet. The beaten egg mixture is gently agitated as it sets to create a curdled texture.
Shirred: Eggs that have been baked in a ramekin (sometimes with butter, cream or other sauces) until the whites have set but the yolk is still liquid.
Soft Boiled: An egg cooked in boiling water with the shell intact. Soft-boiled eggs are cooked only to the point at which the whites are set but the yolk is still liquid.
Sunny Side Up: A fried egg that is never flipped or cooked yolk side down. The whites cook until completely or partially set while the yolk remains liquid.
Eggs Benedict: An English muffin topped with ham or bacon, a poached egg and hollandaise sauce.

Tips to Make the Perfect Egg Every Time

Now here’s where it gets really good! You’ve probably fried, boiled, or scrambled an egg, but it didn’t work out the way you intended. While an egg seems so easy to cook, it’s all in the details. I mean there’s a reason most people enjoy eggs benedict when they go out to eat and not at home, right?

1. How to Boil an Egg: Ice water, old eggs and 12 minutes.

2. How to Poach an Egg: Fresh eggs and a mesh strainer not vinegar or salt make these eggs perfect.

3. How to Scramble an Egg: Key here is not to stir them too much.

4. How to Fry an Egg: Medium heat to evenly cook the egg and make sure to not bust the yolk!

5. How to Bake and Egg…in an Avocado!

Baked Eggs in Avocado

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

1 ripe avocados
2 fresh eggs
1/8 teaspoon pepper
fresh herbs

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Slice the avocados in half, and take out the pit. Scoop out enough from the avocado to fit egg.
Place the avocados in a small baking dish.
Crack an egg into each avocado half.
Place in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the eggs set.
Remove from oven then season.

Other Great Ways to Eggs

Thanksgiving Leftovers English Muffins

Hatch Chile and Chorizo Breakfast Pie

Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole

Mini Quiches

CHUGGINTON Live! Rolls In to Dallas {Win Suite Tickets}

January 19, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

We have long-been fans of trains. (That’s actually an understatement.)

And if you have a kiddo that is into Disney or would enjoy a fun show with the beloved CHUGGINGTON, keep on reading to win a mega prize package that opens today until January 20!

According to the Allen Events Center, CHUGGINGTON LIVE! will be here for one day only for a three-show exclusive June 13 at Allen Events Center. The live-action, musical children’s show, based on the popular TV series, gives young fans and their families the opportunity to experience the train-tastic adventures of the Chuggington trainees: Wilson, Brewster and Koko.

Featuring impressive trains with working features and movements that bring the Chuggington TV series characters to life on stage. A fun, two-act musical, this live show is presented before a giant LED video wall featuring animated locations and background action sequences from the popular TV series.

In CHUGGINGTON LIVE! The Great Rescue Adventure the trainees are eager to impress their mentors by mastering new roles that test their courage, speed, and determination. When Koko finds herself in trouble at Rocky Ridge Mine, it’s up to her friends to help her.

While tickets go on sale January 23, a lucky winner will win a VIP Suite Pizza Party for the June 13 at 6 p.m. Chuggington Live! Show!

VIP Suite Pizza Party includes:

Suite level seating for 4 to Chuggington Live! The Great Rescue Adventure (6 p.m. show) on June 13
Food and drink!
Access to private party zone in the premium level lounge adjacent to seats (pizza buffet, drinks, coloring sheets, activities like face painters, etc.)

Grapevine Mills Mall Just Got Real with New Updates

January 15, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

I distinctly remember walking into Grapevine Mills, the mega mall in Grapevine, for the first time when I was in college.

From that moment forward, at least for the next two years, I was like a frequent flier and even got points for it by how often I went to the movies and then got points for free food at the Dick Clark’s restaurant inside (next to where the SEA LIFE Aquarium is now and Gameworks which has also long left the place.)

Like me and college, I outgrew it. What stores I once frequented I no longer did because my style had changed. The way I spent my evenings changed. The feel of the really cool “space age” mall had changed.

Unfortunately, the mall really hadn’t changed so I moved on.

However, recently I found myself back at Grapevine Mills. I was surprised that I no longer could visit the stores I wanted in around a 30 minute visit. And hitting up the mall wasn’t just something to do with the kids with a stop at the Lego Land Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Rainforest Cafe, the Disney Store Outlet and my favorite The Children’s Place (it’s huge!)…AND a run by Great American Cookies (there are no shortage of cookie stops at this mall!)

This is the most popular print at Vera Bradley in Grapevine. I bet you have at least one piece of VB, right?

I LOVE capes and one at Coach Outlet had my name all over it. SO CUTE!

This time I actually found myself wanting to check out a new list of my favorite stores like Banana Republic Outlet, J Crew, Coach Factory, Vera Bradley and a run through Steve Madden. And no doubt I had to hit up the Janie and Jack Outlet. That was for this time. Next time includes a trip to Lunar Golf, Bed Bath and Beyond…I mean just look at the map. Why wouldn’t you go?

I want a pair of these Steve Madden pumps in every color. I do not have anywhere to wear them, but I will make one up.

And that’s just a few of the new ones. There’s a lot more happening at “The Mills” than changing stores. Just take a look at the blueprint for the interior of the mall.

Until Fall 2015 when you will see these changes, you should definitely take a RElook at The Mills today.

About Grapevine Mills
Grapevine Mills is a wonderful climate controlled indoor mall featuring 180 stores of shopping, entertainment, and restaurants. Among the 180 stores at Grapevine Mills features Neiman Marcus Last Call, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, H&M, Forever 21, NIKEFactoryStore, Coach Factory, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Under Armour, Disney Outlet, J Crew and much more! Also at Grapevine Mills, we have fun for the entire family at the AMC Grapevine Mills 30 with Dine-In Theatres, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium and Rainforest Cafe! Grapevine Mills is conveniently located off HWY 121 and Grapevine Mills Parkway, just two miles north of DFW International Airport.

What’s your favorite Grapevine Mills location? If you’ve never been, what store really peaks your attention?

Go Super Hero with The Marvel Experience Dallas

January 9, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 9 Comments

As a mom of a 6-year-old boy, we’re all about the superheroes. Which is why it’s no surprised we’ll be at the front of the line at Fair Park in Dallas on Jan. 15…

The Marvel Experience is a first-of-its-kind, hyper-reality attraction that covers over two acres and encompasses seven colossal Domes, a life-size Avengers Quinjet, the world’s only 360-degree, 3-D stereoscopic full-Dome attraction and a state-of-the-art 4-D motion ride.

As agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. in training, guests of The Marvel Experience will swing with Spider-Man, smash with Hulk, fly with Iron Man and more, all in preparation for an epic battle alongside Marvel’s biggest Super Heroes in a fight against Red Skull, M.O.D.O.K. and an army of evil Adaptoids. The Marvel Experience incorporates next-generation interactive technology including augmented reality, multi-person gaming and RFID progress tracking so you can see yourself in action. Everything happens with bleeding-edge technology and advanced computer animation. There’s nothing else like it. Not only does the audience get to join the adventure, in the end they may even become heroes themselves.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit The Marvel Experience www.themarvelexperiencetour.com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Better Basket, Better You with Market Street

January 6, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 15 Comments

I actually LOVE to go grocery shopping…or at least the experience of it. Smelling the bread, touching the vegetables, seeing the new deli items, and of course, catching a sample or two. However, reading all those nutritional labels and information can be overwhelming when you have kids in the cart with you and a list of to-dos at home that have yet to be completed.

Sometimes you just need to be able to get in there and go – but still come out with healthy items that you can make a meal with and your family can enjoy.

Market Street has heard my plea.

On January 10 through 11, Market Street will host a “Build a Better Basket Expo” where they will showcase products and tools in stores that can help shoppers build a healthier shopping cart (in addition to free glucose screenings.) AND, they will also be serving several food samples throughout the store that are ideal to help you create a healthier family plan in 2015.

But the two-day expo isn’t the only way Market Street continues to come to the rescue to meet those NYE resolutions.

Dietitian Store Tours

Throughout the month of January, you can actually schedule to have a dietitian tour your local Market Street to teach you about how using the NuVal System works and the store’s new health tags system to assists you in making healthy decisions for your family’s specific diet needs.

If you haven’t heard of the NuVal System – don’t worry! Developed by health experts, the NuVal System provides comprehensive nutritional information with one number between 1 and 100 called the NuVal Score – making it easy for you to make better decisions. You’ll now be able to find the NuVal Score information right next to the price info, all in one place.

Whether you’re trying to be healthier, diabetic, gluten/dairy free or even want to get the kids involved in nutrition education with their Danger Ranger Tour (a fun way to promote healthy eating), you can do it with a dietitian courtesy of Market Street.

Healthy Recipes are Always Available – Including Gluten-Free

Need a healthy idea for dinner right now? Market Street also has you all set with a recipe collection for all meals including a gluten-free options! Considering we have a family member with Celiac’s Disease, we’ve made changes to our family’s diet so we can continue to eat the same meals as a family. However, it is a learning process on how to cook GF, so I love Market Street not just because of these recipes, but this huge list of the gluten-free products they have available. (If you are gluten-free, you know the difference between finding out if your store has that one really good GF pasta you love or the one that turns to mush!)

One of my favorite recipes I’ve found is this Sweet and Sour Chicken! Our kids love to eat Chinese food, but not only is this version GF, but also very healthy and packed with vegetables and all-natural ingredients.

You can find all kinds of healthy options for you and you family at Market Street!

Don’t Forget Fido: Holiday Picks for Your Pooch

December 24, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

I’m not sure how I missed the popup of several local hot spots designed for the pupperdogs and kitty cats in DFW over the last few months. However, when I finally entered the doors of this hot spot known as Hollywood Feed in search of Hollywood Feed in search of Birddie’s stocking stuffers, I understood why you might name your pet store after the destination for the stars. If your four-legged friend doesn’t feel like a celeb once they leave this place, I don’t know what will.

With eight locations in the DFW, Hollywood Feed is a boutique/groomer/grocery store that’s gone to the dogs (and the cats.) With beautiful plush beds (available in S – XL), matching leashes and collars, photo frames, food and treats of every kind and all the stuff in between. Don’t miss the self-serve station for you to wash your pooch without making a mess at home (which is only $4.95 on Mondays) as well as a service just in case you don’t have time for that little bit of bonding.

Normally, my lab scores snacks and toys at Christmas, but I couldn’t help but match her collar and leash to her new ultra-soft donut bed! And her stocking still got filled with a delicious dog cookie – perfect for holiday giving.

[Tweet “More than 63% U.S. households have 1 pet, so don’t forget them at the holidays! @HumaneSociety #Holidays”]

If you don’t feel like your pupper dog needs a new bed or closet of matching outfits, at least consider their health for 2015. I participated in the Purina ONE 28-day Challenge and have seen the difference the right dog food can make for your dog. But I’m not the only one. Purina actually went to Asheville, North Carolina, one of the dog-friendliest towns in the U.S. to see how what changes happened in 28 days.

Just like these families, our Birddie dog not only was eating a better class of food, but it showed in her shiny coat, healthier teeth and gums and overall better health.

Do you want to see the difference in your dog? Take the 28-day Challenge by Purina ONE:

1. Register for the 28-Day Challenge
2. Choose which Purina ONE dry dog food is right for your dog
3. Create a profile for your dog and follow our guidelines for switching to Purina ONE and get $3 off on her bag of Purina ONE.
4. Track and share the changes you see in your dog.

Do your pets get holiday gifts?

Winter Break Learning Fun at the Perot Museum

December 17, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 7 Comments

Are you fretting what you will be doing with the kids after Christmas until school opens again in the new year? Never fear! There are many things to do in Big D including experiencing a whole new learning journey at the Perot Museum! Just take a look at some of the fun happening at this amazing museum – perfect for all ages! In celebration of its birthday and to thank visitors for two wonderful years, the Museum is offering a free hot cocoa with each purchase of a dessert in the Museum Café (offer valid Dec. 1 – Jan. 4).

Special Exhibit: 2theXtreme: MathAlive! (through Jan. 4, 2015)
Snowboard through a mountain pass, design your own video game, attempt an Ollie on a virtual skateboard, master engineer a modern city and capture a snapshot of yourself in 360-degrees. Then challenge a friend in a mountain bike race, jump into a ‘binary dance party,’ or program and control Curiosity, NASA’s next Mars rover. Those are just a few of the approximately 40 unique and interactive experiences offered up as this traveling exhibition brings to life the real math behind what kids love most – video games, sports, fashion, music, robotics and more. Innovative technologies and hands-on activities create interactive and immersive experiences that spark a passion for math and provide a formula for fun. 2theXtreme: MathAlive! is free for museum members and requires a surcharge along with purchase of general exhibits admission for non-members.

Robotics
By popular demand, the robot arena in the Texas Instruments Engineering and Innovation Hall will get a fresh, expanded look come Dec. 6. The robotic stations will increase from 4 to 16, allowing more visitors, young and old, to “play and learn” a wider variety of activities including challenges and competitions, which will be refreshed on a regular basis. The Museum also is introducing new robot types, including those with wheels, tank tracks and grippers. Four stations will be dedicated to the hugely popular robot programming, and four preschooler stations will have lower, 24-inch tables to engage the youngest Einsteins in age-appropriate activities. An additional eight stations will give visitors an opportunity to compete in challenge-based activities such as “Freeze Tag” and “Clean Sweep.”

: The Perot looks unique on the outside, but the inside of this Dallas museum is even more interesting. (Photo credit: Autumn Reo)

: Kids of all ages enjoy the interesting exhibits and showcases. (Photo credit: Autumn Reo)

: The Perot appeals to all your senses to make science fun. (Photo credit: Autumn Reo.)

: Kids (and adults) can get hands on with science at the Perot. (photo credit: Autumn Reo.)

: MathAlive! gives you a chance to experience math in whole new way (photo credit: Autumn Reo)

: Discover math in a whole new way at Math ALIVE! at the Perot Museum. (photo credit: Autumn Reo.)

: Get your neck out learning about dinos!

: Explore Space at the Perot. (Photo credit: Autumn Reo)

: You can’t see how beautiful this stone is, but you will be even more surprised by its size. (Photo credit: Autumn Reo)

: (Photo credit: Autumn Reo)

: See Dallas in a whole new way at the Children’s Museum within the Perot. (Photo credit: Autumn Reo)

: With each step on these stairs is part of the musical scale. (photo credit: Autumn Reo)

: Even the roof of the Perot has a learning moment.

: Get a closeup look at the Dallsa skyline while going up the escalators to one of the four floors of the Perot. (Photo credit: Autumn Reo)

3D films in The Hoglund Foundation Theater, a National Geographic Experience
Don your 3D glasses and get ready for adventure in the Perot Museum’s 297-seat state-of-the-art digital theater. To view trailers and the film schedule, go to perotmuseum.org.)

SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Live Winter Wonderland Demonstrations (daily Dec. 20 – Jan. 5)
Beginning Dec. 20, as part of the Perot Museum’s 2nd birthday celebration, Museum educators will roll-out special seasonal demonstrations that will run throughout the holiday season.

From live shows with cold habitat animals from the Dallas Zoo, to experiments with super-cold liquid nitrogen, the Perot Museum takes birthday festivities to a winter wonderland extreme:

Hear a winter tale read aloud at Story Time, daily 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. (NOTE: Dec. 24 11:30 a.m. only)
Animal Adventures with the Dallas Zoo, Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 1 and 2 p.m.
Fruit DNA Extraction, daily 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Extreme Freeze Liquid Nitrogen Demonstrations, daily 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.(NOTE: Dec. 24 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and no programs on Jan. 5)
Snow: Polymer Science, daily Dec. 26 – Jan. 3 at 5 p.m.
Science on the Spot featuring wintry demonstrations, daily 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

New Year Sleepover (Jan. 3 from 7:30 p.m.-8:30 a.m.)
Go behind the scenes at the Perot Museum with after-hours access to intriguing exhibits, exclusive demonstrations and hands-on discovery. And ring in 2015 with a special New Year’s film, plus count down the hours with New Year’s-themed crafts and science experiments. Every child gets a small winter plush bear toy to take home. A late-night snack and light breakfast round out the experience. Designed especially for children ages 6-12, sleepovers are $50 per child and $35 per adult chaperone. Registration closes Dec. 30.

EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS
NOTE: Special hours for Perot Museum members are from 8:30-10 a.m. Mondays through
Saturdays and from 10 a.m.-noon Sundays. The Museum is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Wednesday, Dec. 24 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.)
Friday, Dec. 26, and Saturday, Dec. 27 (10 a.m.-7 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 28 (noon – 7 p.m.)
Monday, Dec. 29 – Tuesday, Dec. 30 (10 a.m.-7 p.m.)
Wednesday, Dec. 31 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 1 (10 a.m.-7 p.m.)
Friday, Jan. 2, and Saturday, Jan. 3 (10 a.m.-7 p.m.)

TICKET PRICES
$15 for adults (18-64)
$12 for youth (12-17) and seniors (65+)
$10 for children (2-11)
Free for children under 2.
General exhibit hall admission is always free for members.

Admission to the theater is $5 for a short film (20 minutes) and $8 for a long film (40 minutes) for adults, students, seniors and children. For members, admission to the theater is $5 (short film) and $6 (long film). All children under 2 are free.

2theXtreme: MathAlive! is free for members. Non-members pay a surcharge along with purchase of general exhibits admission for a total admission cost of $21 for adults (18-64), $17 for youth (12-17) and seniors (65+), and $15 for children (2-11). All children under 2 are free.

Parking – Pricing is $8 per car when paid on-site (at box office, ticket kiosks or upon exiting the lot) and $3 for Museum members (at box office or lobby kiosk only).

Perot Museum
2201 N. Field Street
Dallas, Texas
214-428-5555
perotmuseum.org

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holiday Fun for Everyone at the Hilton Anatole’s Sparkle

December 7, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 4 Comments

During the holidays is a great time for the family together and enjoy all the fun things to see and do – especially in Big D.

We have light amazing displays, a Santa that shoots fireworks as he backflips on an ice rink, roller coasters with snow sledding, and even millions of pounds of ice carved just like Frosty the Snowman. While they are all fun, there’s something to be said with all the work you go to for a few minutes of fun. Then there’s always the issue with trying to figure out what “thing” is going to make everyone happy all at the same place. And if you have little ones, waiting in line doesn’t make a good start to any outing.

This weekend our family was able to enjoy a holiday staycation to enjoy SPARKLE, courtesy of the Hilton Anatole. The experience proved to be a great solution to getting the whole family in the holiday spirit! Sparkle “Christmas at the Anatole” gives families exactly what they need: holiday fun for everyone in one place and all indoors!

Best of all, you don’t have to spend the night to enjoy the magic of Sparkle! You can come to the event everyday with a new agenda of fun including:

Indoor Ice Skating Rink (skates included)
More Than 1.2 Million Holiday Lights
Nothing Bundt Cakes Bundlets
Light Shows every half hour
Santa’s Hilltop Slide
Velcro Stocking Jump Wall
Live Holiday Shows from Le Theatre De Marionette
Storytelling by Rudolph
Bounce House Village
Food Trucks (prices additional)
Kids’ Crafts
Face Painting ($3)
Live Entertainment
Hockey Clinics for Kids
Origami by “Paper for Water”
Pictures with Santa (Saturdays & Sundays ONLY from 6-9 pm) – $10 each
Breakfast with Santa (Saturdays & Sundays ONLY)!

For the complete daily schedule of all the fun (including pet friendly days, yuletide yoga and even some karaoke), click here.

The kids couldn’t have been happier all afternoon and then to snuggle up in our room for a family movie night in our Christmas PJs! Then we woke up to enjoy Breakfast with the Santa! (To follow all of our fun at Sparkle at the Hilton Anatole, follow MAMACHALLENGE on INSTAGRAM!

A photo posted by Mama Challenge (@autumnreo) on Dec 12, 2014 at 2:38pm PST

SPECIALS NOT TO MISS: On weekdays, you can get one free kid’s admission ticket to #SparkleAtTheAnatole for each new, unwrapped toy donation. And right now, until Dec. 15, you can get 50% off your ticket to Sparkle when you use the code: MAMACHALLENGE! And you can also win a family four-pack to Sparkle on mamachallenge.com! (see below to enter!)

SPARKLE! TICKET PRICING (excludes tax)

Adults 13- 64 $19.95 plus tax

Children 4 – 12 & Seniors 65+ $15.95 plus tax

Children 3 & Under Free

***Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent in Sparkle at all times.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA (Price includes breakfast with Santa, Sparkle! tickets and applicable sales tax)

Adults 13- 64 $39 Children 4 – 12 & Seniors 65+ $31 Children 3 & Under Free

Children 4 – 12 & Seniors 65+ $31Children 3 & Under Free

Children 3 & Under Free

SPARKLE HOT LINE AND BREAKFAST WITH SANTA RESERVATIONS: 214-761-7814 or samantha.waugh@hilton.com.

www.sparkleattheanatole.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway

While Sparkle runs until Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, you shouldn’t let this experience pass you by!

His Hot List: Ford Unveils New 2015 F-150 and Mustang

November 25, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

You know when they say opposites attract? I mean really polar opposites?

Well that’s me and my hubs to a T.

I’m the kind of girl that likes change and he’s the kind that’s ok to eat the same thing every day without any complaint.

That is until you talk cars.

Then it’s a whole different story.

When I met my husband in college he drove a hot dark green Ford Mustang. It wasn’t his first either; he’d had a couple Mustangs.

A few months later when we started dating, he traded it in for a Ford truck…

Then a year later, he traded it in for another Ford truck.

When we had the first kiddo, he had a reason to getting an even bigger Ford truck.

Are you getting the pattern? Yes, my husband loves him a Ford and we get them often.

For Ford, he’s like a walking commercial since he’s now had more than 12 Ford vehicles and can tell you what’s are his favorite features and what areas he would like to see changes.

So with the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 coming out, his truly will be on the front line to see how his next truck is going to drive. And considering the Ford F-150 is America’s best-selling truck for 37 consecutive years and according to Ford, “this will be the most anticipated truck in Ford history,” you can bet he won’t be the only one.

The new 2015 F-150 delivers an impressive combination of power, capability and efficiency – from advanced materials that improve durability and inhibit corrosion, to faster processors that enhance driving performance, to breakthrough cargo management and towing solutions.

Several groundbreaking new productivity features debut in the 2015 F-150 like:

360-degree camera view uses exterior cameras to create a bird’s-eye view of the truck to help the driver park, maneuver in tight spots and navigate down narrow trails
Integrated loading ramps enable easy loading of ATVs, motorcycles and mowers
BoxLink™ is a combination of metal brackets and custom cleats used to secure a variety of accessories in the cargo box – from ramps to storage bins to bed dividers
Trailer hitch assist is a new rear view camera feature that adds a dynamic line based on steering wheel angle in the display to help customers line up truck and trailer without requiring a spotter or having to get out of the vehicle
Smart trailer tow module uses an all-new wiring harness that helps identify and inform the driver of potential trailer connectivity issues, burned or unlit trailer marker lamps, and brake light and trailer battery faults
Remote tailgate allows for the tailgate to be locked, unlocked and released with the key fob – eliminating manual locking and increasing convenience and security. The tailgate also is damped, dropping down, hands-free, to a flat position when opened
400-watt, 110-volt power outlets in the cab, allowing drivers to easily charge corded tools, batteries or mobile devices on-site or while driving
Latest engine technology in an available all-new, efficient 2.7-liter EcoBoost®engine that features extremely high output and lightweight design
Nnext-generation tailgate step is now fully integrated inside the tailgate and virtually invisible when not in use· New 8-inch LCD productivity screen in the instrument panel includes tabbed navigation pages – from fuel economy to towing tips – and the ability to create a customized home screen for customers to access their most frequently used pages in one place
LED lighting embedded in the walls of the cargo box brightly illuminates the box interior to help customers quickly find tools or other items
Rear under-seat storage in F-150 Super and Crew cabs provides hidden storage for valuables. One storage bin is located underneath the rear seat
Deployable boxside step is now available for the short 5.5-foot box

I may not be looking for all of those features in my car (which total disclaimer is a 2013 Ford Explorer), but I know many men who live in their trucks that do – and you probably do too.

Ford is offering a free test drive of the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 before the truck is available in showrooms as it visits 38 markets across the U.S. North Texas stops are scheduled for Dec. 2 – 6.

McCoy’s Building Supply: Cleburne – 12/2/14

McCoy’s Building Supply: Corsicana – 12/3/14

McCoy’s Building Supply: Terrell – 12/4/14

McCoy’s Building Supply: Gainesville – 12/5/14

American Eagle-Harley Davidson: Corinth – 12/6/14

Consumers can register and schedule their test drive at F150drive.com. Walk-up participation is encouraged.

Well the F-150 won’t be the only thing on his wish list this year. We get a double-whammy with the debut of the ultra-sleek, ultra-smooth 2015 Ford Mustang.

It is a beautiful car as history has shown, but Ford’s given her a little beauty treatment as well as some more smart features that are sure to make this vehicle on the hot list of every one.

The Mustang is the first car to offer four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines that produces at least 300 horsepower. With more powertrain options to choose from, there is a Mustang to fit any lifestyle. The 3.7-liter V6 and upgraded 5.0-liter V8 are joined by an all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine that brings state-of-the-art technology to Mustang.

Several key design features define the all-new Mustang, including:

A lower, wider stance with a reduction in roof height, and wider rear fenders and track
The return of Mustang fastback with a sleeker profile enabled by more steeply sloped windshield and rear glass
Three-dimensional, tri-bar taillamps with sequential turn signals
Contemporary execution of the signature shark-bite front fascia and trapezoidal grille

While hunting season might be hard to handle in a Ford Mustang, I know he’ll be admiring this baby and counting down the days when one day we can look at a three-car garage.

Take a look at more new Mustang features at http://www.ford.com/cars/mustang.

« Previous Page