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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Lego! See Dallas in One Day and Win $50 with Dallas Cityscape at Galleria

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To-Do Thursdays:

Looking to expose your kids to the Dallas landscape, but don’t have enough time, money or patience to handle the traffic or the Texas heat? You’re in luck – Galleria Dallas presents DALLAS CITYSCAPE, an engaging and fun view of Dallas created by more than 2.5 million Legos and toy pieces.  (And did I mention it was all in doors, in air-conditioning and  close to a huge ice rink?) 

Photo courtesy from DALLAS CITYSCAPE Facebook.

Dallas landmarks in the exhibit include: 

  • American Airlines Center and Victory Plaza
  • AT&T Performing Arts District
  • Trammell Crow Center Crow Collection of Asian Art
  • Hyatt Reunion Hotel
  • Reunion Tower
  • Union Station
  • Klyde Warren Park
  • Winspear Opera House
  • East Dallas Community School campuses 
  • 15’ Galleria Dallas

To celebrate the grand opening on Saturday, June 29, DALLAS CITYSCAPE will be giving away a $50 Galleria Dallas Gift Card EVERY hour from 10 am-9 pm. You will receive your CITYSCAPE loyalty program, punch card and if you fill it up with multiple visits you will be awarded a $10 Galleria Dallas gift card. 

DALLAS CITYSCAPE benefits East Dallas Community Schools, a non-profit organization that operates early childhood learning centers with programs to meet the needs of children from birth to age nine.
DALLAS CITYSCAPE at Galleria Dallas
June 29 – September 2, 2013
Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m./Sunday, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
$5 for adults & children ages 2 and up; children’s ticket includes a special prize.

You can even make a weekend of it by staying at the Westin Galleria, attached to Galleria Dallas. Check out this amazing property with my recent staycation at the Westin.
* I am part of the PR team for Galleria Dallas; therefore I am paid to promote activities happening at Galleria…aren’t I lucky?*

To-Do: Star Wars Miniland on Exhibit at LEGOLAND Discovery Center DFW

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To-Do Thursdays:

The summer is up and running and we’ve taken no breaks making the most of it.

 We’ve done Disney World already, so what could be left?

 A lot and we aren’t even leaving the Dallas/Fort Worth area this time!

 Here’s one worth putting on your summer to-do list:



Make sure you check out our experience on TodaysMama.com. 

Travel Tuesdays: The Vacation Before the Vacation at The Westin Galleria Dallas

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Travel Tuesdays:

Sponsored: I received a comped a hotel room from The Westin Galleria Dallas for purposes of this review. However, the comments provided here are all my own. 

Yep, just in time for summer, I’ve some tips and recommendations for some great ways to enjoy traveling with and without the family!

 But this time it isn’t a family trip so I’m not talking my favorite the Gaylord Texan or Great Wolf Lodge. For this “trip” I just needed to get away with my honey – a little change of scenery can do a lot to make things feel like a getaway. So right before our BIG family vacation, we opted for an overnight at The Westin Galleria Dallas. 

 I’m already a fan of the Westin brand; being that some of my favorite moments in life: my first skiing adventure in Whistler and my wedding in Puerto Vallarta, were both spent at Westin properties. Now I was going to apply it to my own stomping grounds in Big D. 

 While I could tell you about all the cool things to do around the hotel like shop to you drop at more than 200 retailers in the attached Galleria Dallas (client) or skate on one of the best rinks in the country, but honestly, this was the unplanned trip – and that was the way it was going to stay. We just needed to relax, appreciate the fact that neither of us had to clean the room and wake up without one of our two little visitors asking us to turn on Mickey Mouse or snuggle with us. 

 These parents needed to sleep in peace. 

 When we got to the hotel, we received the full Westin brand experience with the beautiful fragrance of the lobby and the warmth from the staff. We quickly were checked in and went to our Corner Room Suite. And what a room it was. 



 High above the traffic and construction of North Dallas was our view overlooking all of it. It was so beautiful and peaceful. For me it was nice to enjoy it for what it was rather than the work and craziness than it normally presents me. Thankfully, there was a wonderful window seat to do just that. I took a moment to just appreciate the beauty. 

But curiosity had me wondering what other fun was waiting for us. Two bathrooms, two showers and the best bathtub I had seen in a long time. While I am not normally a bath taker, I could definitely be persuaded when the bathroom space looked like this. It was crisp, modern and just comfortable. Yep, this is what zen feels and looks like. 


 Moving on to just the aesthetics of the room, I couldn’t help but also appreciate the lines and patterns in the room. It wasn’t busy, but again, clean, crisp and just right for the OCD-kinda-gal I am. I couldn’t keep myself from even taking photos of the carpet, tile and cabinet space. 

As for the bed, they don’t call it the Heavenly Bed for nuthin’. I could only wish that the bed could squeeze into my bag, along with the shampoo, lotion, etc. that I had already stuffed into my case. But at least I slept like a log and awoke the next morning by my own accord or little nudge from my kids. It was blissful. 

 To finish off our quick stay, we started off our full day with brunch at The Second Floor, the upscale restaurant within the hotel. In ideal brunch form, I celebrated our successful evening stay with a mimosa and lots of coffee paired with a delicious spinach omelet. For the hubs, he chowded down on a little eggs and pork belly (oh, it was good.) While the service was a little slow, I can tell you, that morning everything was in the right tempo, so it worked with the pace – at least for while I was the hotel. 


 As I just perused the lunch/dinner menu, I was sad our stay would come to a close, but knew I’d be back for more. Not necessarily just for some peace and quiet, but perhaps a little pool time, a massage, a cheese plate and maybe a little retail therapy. (Right?)  

 Looking for a little more action? Try out the New Balance work out plan that allows you to “borrow” shoes and workout gear for only $5 so you have more room for new purchases.


 Or maybe just a little more of nothing. Sometimes that’s better than anything. 

 As you can tell I’m a huge fan of the hotel experience and I’ve been fortunate to enjoy a lot of nice hotels. The Westin Galleria Dallas is certainly one of them. 

Toast to Summer with Free Car Show for Dad, Acting Camp for Kids and White Wine for Moms

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To-Do Thursdays:

I can’t believe the summer is already in gear and it’s just June 6. Half our summer is scheduled and I’m still writing March on my documents! 

So rather than resist the change, embrace it with a little bit of something that everyone will love this season starting off with Dad!

Remember Father’s Day is near, so send him (or join him) on Saturday, June 8 for the Glory Days Classic Car Show in Fort Worth on Camp Bowie.

While school is out, the kids must play (and give mom a break!) So consider some a unique  day camp like this one for your budding actor or actresses in Addison. (Watch out Selena Gomez!) 

Mommy needs a little time to celebrate the summer too, so round up the girls or make a date for the Summer White Wine Festival at FnG Eats in Keller. Chef Bob Stephenson, whom I have the pleasure of working to promote his creative cuisine is offering a big deal for only $40 to sample six wines and several noshes sure to tickle your taste buds!) 

Salud to Summer!


Would You Donate Your Wedding to Charity? This DFW Couple Is.

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Wow Wednesdays:

I’ve been completely overwhelmed by the huge acts of charity and hospitality I’ve seen and experienced over the last few months.

Whether it’s been blood drives for disaster victims or volunteering to help others, it’s been beautiful to see mankind help each other in their time of need.


Recently I came across a local DFW man who announced he and his fiancee have turned their nuptials into a Charity Wedding to benefit St. Baldrick’s pediatric cancer research charity. Starting today, they are looking for sponsors and donations and already have Taco Cabana behind them to donate “Free Taco Cabana for a Year.” It’s an amazing and giving opportunity when normally people are willing to spend big money – and this big family just wants to give it to other kids in need.

You can learn more about their Charity Wedding on his blog, “Halftime Lessons.” They need all the support and awareness they can get, so as a wedding present do what you can to help!

Speaking of incredible charities, I can’t wait to share my son’s wish trip to Disney World made possible by A Wish with Wings – COMING SOON!


See Venice in a Day with the SMU Meadows Museum Family Day, June 8

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Me Mondays:

Last summer my husband checked-off a bucket list must-do with a trip to Italy – from Rome to Venice. It was truly a life-changing experience and almost daily I am reminded of something from that journey. That’s why I was so excited by the Meadow Museum’s special Family Day event this weekend, June 8. What a great way to share just a little bit with my kids and what mom and dad did on their special vacation and to commemorate our special trip.

A little iPhone shot I took this summer on the boat in Venice. (Photo credit: Autumn Reo.)
Families are invited to be immersed in the spirit of Venice at Meadows Museum at a special free family event, from 11 am – 2 pm. You’ll be able to stroll through the galleries featuring vibrant works in their special exhibition Impressions of Europe: Nineteenth-Century Vistas by Martín Rico as well as other activities and performance for visitors of all ages.

Family Day at SMU Meadows Museum
Saturday, June 8, 11 am-2 pm
Free
214-768-4677


Get Pretty Muddy at New Women Only Run, June 1 + Discount {Spon}

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Me Mondays:

This is a sponsored post. I’ve received a gift card as an incentive for writing this post. However, the opinions stated here are all my own. 

I. HATE. TO. RUN.

 However, when I get finally get passed that first 10 minutes (or longer) of running and self-doubt, I hit my runner’s high and remember why it’s so effective to create a more healthy me. I’ve tried so many things, but when I lost 35 lbs. before I was married it was totally due to a good diet and a lot of running. And nothing has been as successful since. I just have to get passed that first part to get going…



Funny enough, Dallas has been full of fun ways to get motivated this spring. From zombies to zebras, there’s been a run for everything, but there’s one more you need to add to your list: The Pretty Muddy. (Bet you can figure out what happens at this one, right?) The Pretty Muddy on June 1 in Dallas is a 5k adventurous obstacle course mud run for any woman who wants to get outside, spend time with friends and have fun. Still  a little uncertain about how a mud run? Check out this video.




 Best of all, post race women will be treated to a fashion show by Old Navy showcasing the latest in the active wear fashion trends. (Which is going to really make you want them since you’ll be covered in mud.)

Since I’m already a huge fan of Old Navy Active Collection, I can’t wait to see the show. From personal experience, I know if you don’t like what you are wearing to work out, you won’t put it on and if you don’t put it on…well, then you don’t do much exercising. But that’s not the only reason to keep your mouse on “click” – this wear makes you look skinnier while you’re trying to get skinnier!  


 The Old Navy Active Collection offers an assortment of styles and colors at affordable prices including the Compression line that features everything from solid color leggings to color block capris, sports bras, tanks, shorts and jackets, and offers performance fit for added support and a slimmer silhouette.  Made with cotton, spandex and GoDry Fabric it helps to keep you dry and comfortable. Best of all Old Navy Active pants offer fuss-free storage of keys, iPods and all that other necessary stuff you need on you!



Pretty Muddy 5K Obstacle Course Mud Run
June 1, 2013
Skyline Ranch
1801 E Wheatland Rd Dallas, TX 75241
$ 69.50 – Get $10 off with CODE: BLOGON for $59.50 registration
Website

Get More Muddy: 
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#GetActivewithON 

    Get Back to the Good Days with Fort Worth’s New Coyote Drive-in

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    To-Do Thursdays:

    When I was growing up in Graham (about 90 minutes west of Fort Worth), we always had a drive-in. In fact since 1955, most the time in Graham, there has always been the Graham Drive-in to look forward to on summer nights. You went with your family, you went with your friends and later, most of us probably had a date night under the stars, watching films like Grease, Indiana Jones and many others that I can’t seem to remember now in much older years, but meant a lot to me at the time. 

    The Graham Drive-in has been showing movies since 1955. (Photo courtesy of Facebook.)


    It wasn’t until I “moved to the big city” that I realized that a drive-in was a pretty unique attraction. Especially since many of the ones in other cities and towns across Texas were drying up and turning into nothing but a pasture of old memories and old technology from a time of yesterday when people didn’t have smartphones to stay close to watch their favorite films at leisure. Nowadays at a flick of switch we can watch what we want, when we want and how we want. Technology is great, but all this social media has instead made us anti-social.  You just don’t make time hanging with your friends, watching a film, munching on popcorn and just enjoying the art of doing nothing. 


    Thankfully, I’m not alone in this nostalgic feeling for getting back to the good ‘ole days. A collaboration of the Tarrant Regional Water District, Trinity River Vision Authority, the City of Fort Worth and many others folks, the Coyote Drive-in is now open along the Trinity River near the Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth. This three-screen wonder with outdoor, covered patio areas and a great menu, adds to the additional community vibe the city has been trying to build along this area. 

    The brand new Coyote Drive-in in Fort Worth is definitely an upgrade, but still takes you back to the same old drive-in movie experience of yesteryear. (Photo courtesy of Facebook.)

    For more about the Coyote Drive-in read the 

    To-Do Thursdays: Mayfest, Derby Days, Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day and Kenny Chesney

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    To-Do Thursdays:

    If you haven’t felt the lovely brisk air outside yet, make sure you don’t forget your jacket – you’re gonna need it, especially with all the great events happening this weekend! 


    Here’s my picks:

    May 2 – 5: Starting today make Mayfest in Fort Worth part of your list this weekend (goes to support several great causes like the Junior League of Fort Worth!) 

    May 4: Do it Derby Style for the Kentucky Derby at Lone Star Park (don’t forget your hat!) 

    May 4: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo on a grand scale with Cinco de Mayo in the City!

    And remember, Mother’s Day is NEXT WEEKEND, so that means buy your gifts, send your cards and make those reservations, so you don’t forget! 

    If mom is a big Kenny Chesney fan, Eric Church or Eli Young Band (like me!) then you should enter this contest on Not-So-Average Mama to win tickets to his May 11 concert at Cowboys Stadium! (She’ll love you for that!) 


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