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Best Tips for the Best Time at Six Flags

April 6, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 5 Comments

Ready to ride? Have a great time and save a little dough with these tips to Six Flags Over Texas!

Thanks to KIA for partnering with us to share these tips and offering a fun day for our family.

When you have motion sickness, where’s the first place your kids wanna go? Of course, it’s to go on a roller coaster!

Living in the middle of the Entertainment District of Arlington, Texas, there’s never a shortage of things to do. However, your budget may not always allow to buy every hot ticket. However, with these tips you can enjoy one of the most family friendly attractions, Six Flags Over Texas. (And many of these tips also apply to many other Six Flags parks, so try them there, too!) These tips are tried and true from many bad mistakes on our part and many suggestions of seasoned park goers!

Get the Pass

If you plan to go to to Six Flags more than once, then the Season Pass is the only way! It honestly is cheaper than two visits and you can bundle your plan with parking (which is normally like $20+) to really save cash.This year your pass is attached to your fingerprint, so my kids think it’s uber cool! If you are on a budget or have just one trip in store, then buying your tickets in advance will also save you money at the gate (not to mention time!)

FLASH PASS = front of the line without the long wait! Click To Tweet

Know the Offers!

There are special opportunities/promotions that you can take part in to help subsidize your trip to Six Flags or score on some special Six Flags bucks! Many schools offer a reading program which award kids a free ticket to the park when they read 600 minutes. However, they takes a little thought and planning. Many promotional offers are also available to help you save some dough.

Many of the parks offer a souvenir drink offer for one flat cost you can get drinks are a discounted rate (.99 cents or free unlimited refills for season pass holders.) Unless you’re alone, I’ve never heard this not be a good deal. While the eateries will provide water to you, the wait for food and rides are long and the weather is hot, so stay hydrated. There’s a similar deal for a flat price food plan for season pass holders. If you are keen on eating in the park and have a big group, this might be a great idea. Another great idea is packing a picnic, take a break and eat in the designated picnic space right outside the park. There’s no outside food allowed, but if you’re a big group, a picnic can save you HUGE dollars. Or you can always strategically eat before you go and leave before the big food cravings kick in at dinner. However, don’t undermine the power of the Pink Things or the Dole Whips. They’ll get you every time!

A few weeks ago we actually were able to score some really valuable offers by participating in the KIA Ride and Drive.

Found right at the entrance of the park, by spending a few minutes to learn about a KIA, drive it through the park (which was really cool), and have an actual no-sales approach to looking at a car, we were able to:

Score $10 in food bucks (Daffy Dollars)
Get a Flash Pass (front of the line, y’all!)
Charge up our devices before heading to the park
Special entrance to the front of the line at the park (huge when you’re going early!)

Know What to Bring and What Not to Bring

There are probably many more of these you could consider, but this is my basic checklist before I leave to Six Flags. When I forget, bad things happen.

Drivers License, tickets/passes, and money. I like to go light with just one credit card, my id (you’ll need that for a ride and drive event or if you’re planning to grab a beer), and a little cash (keeps me on budget when I go, so when it’s gone, we go home!)
Comfortable Shoes. Think through this one if you plan on getting on the wet rides as tennis shoes are great until they are full of water. I’m a fan of my Crocs, but just make sure whatever you wear, it’s not new and won’t cause tear on your feet.
Plastic bag / Waterproof case for your phone or camera. You’ll learn this quick if you don’t bring it! The water rides are going to get you wet so make sure you’re prepared! For around $6 you can get a waterproof phone case perfect to hang around your neck instead of one of those expensive cases!
Sunscreen / parkas / coats. In Texas you’re bound to experience temperamental weather so be prepared. On average a visit to the amusement park is 5-7 hours, so you’ll need to reapply sunscreen many times (especially on those water rides.) You can purchase it at the park, but it’s gonna cost you. As for the parkas, if you don’t mind the rain, then don’t bother, but it can be rough when the rain shuts down the rides and you have to head to the parking lot. And during Holiday in the Park, it can be very cold, especially hitting the snow sledding hill so don’t let weather stand in the way of your fun!

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Make Your Must List

There’s a lot to do and a lot of ground to cover at Six Flags Over Texas. So taking a lesson from Disney World, take some time to study! Find out what rides your group wants to ride, research height restrictions and ask everyone what’s their “must have ride list.” There’s nothing worse than spending your time crossing back and forth over the park to get on everyone’s musts. Except promising your little kiddos they can ride and find out when you get there they aren’t the right size requirement. Take the time and do a little homework – even if it’s at the gate before you walk in and start trekking around aimlessly.

>>>>LOOK AT THE MAP <<<<

Last tip: Don’t go during holiday or special promo weekends if you intend on riding everything. The lines are longer and it’s harder to make everything on the list! And do go when you there’s a KIA Ride and Drive event!

Upcoming KIA Ride and Drive Six Flags opportunities:

4/14 – 4/16: Six Flags Magic Mountain

26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355

4/14 – 4/16: Six Flags Great Adventure

1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson, NJ 08527

4/21 – 4/23: Six Flags America

13710 Central Ave, Bowie, MD 20721

5/13 – 5/15: Six Flags St. Louis

4900 Six Flags Rd, Eureka, MO 63025

5/27 – 5/29: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

1001 Fairgrounds Drive SW, Vallejo, CA 94589

5/27 – 5/29: Six Flags New England

1623 Main St, Agawam, MA 01001

Go: Best Day Ever Ranch

January 29, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 17 Comments

Ready to run away from it all? Turn it all off and press the reset button with a trip to the Best Day Ever Ranch.

Thanks to the Best Day Ever Ranch for this weekend away to get back to the basics – and the better.

I don’t camp.

I love the outdoors, but the idea of biting bugs, popping a squat behind a tree, and working for hours to put up camp isn’t my idea of a good time.

Not. at. all.

However, my husband LOVES it. And every free moment he has, he heads out for some time with Mother Nature.

So after urging the fam for months to go all-out camping (instead of my suggested night in our backyard), a suggestion from a friend led me to the perfect compromise with the Best Day Ever Ranch.

If the name doesn’t say it for you, the short trip a little less than an hour out of Dallas in Whitewright, Texas will put you in the mood for a weekend of getting back to the basics.

I admit we needed a trip away from the hustle and bustle of life. Schedules were nuts, we were going in opposite directions, and it was time for some good ‘ole fashioned time together. And of course, there are many lessons to be learned when you visit Best Day Ever like fishing, cooking over the fire, horseback riding, and just the art of doing nothing.

As we rolled down the winding road, the phones and the commotion of the city fell to the wayside as we discovered what the trees were protecting – a beautiful space with tons to enjoy and nothing but time to enjoy.

Best Day Ever Ranch has several different properties to experience. Centered with a community barn space, cabins (each with bed, bathrooms, kitchenettes, and outdoor shower), and a beautiful barn perfect for weddings, reunions, get-togethers, and more.

With no schedule or itinerary, we took things at a leisurely pace, using the provided golf carts to travel quickly easily through the property. We taught the kids to fish, visited the animals, enjoyed Mother Nature, and explored.

One of our favorite finds on our tour was this beautiful tree house. An oasis amongst the branches, this baby can be rented for a weekend to truly be swept off your feet!

And a camping trip wouldn’t be complete without s’mores over the open fire! These moments are the kind that you remember as a kid (even when you don’t care about eating them, it’s all about just being outdoors with ooey gooey marshmallows and chocolate melting all over your fingers.)

After an ideal weekend of just being together, it was time to wrap it up and head home. All of us were sad to leave, but as we headed back to the chaos of the city, we knew we would be back for more family memories again.

Activities at Best Day Ever Ranch

Horseback Riding
Animals / Petting Zoo
Mountain Bike Riding
Fishing
Canoeing
Walking/Hiking
And much more

Things to Bring to Best Day Ever Ranch

Weather changes so consider umbrellas, hats, sunscreen, etc.
Kitchen have some supplies, but consider stuff like trash bags, paper towels, foil, condiments, ice chests (with ice), charcoal if you plan to cook, etc.
Bug spray!
Flash lights (and batteries)
Some items are included but might for the whole family you may need more toiletries
Folding chairs and any other items you want for swimming, sitting outdoors, etc.
Bikes with helmets (although there are a few to rent onsite)

And most of all, be ready to let it go and be ready to have a great time!

Best Day Ever Ranch

5927 Rose Hill Rd. Whitewright,TX.

903-546-6424

Holiday Help: What to do with the Kids During Holiday Break

December 17, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Now that the kids are out of school…what to do, what to do… Here are ideas on what to do with the kids to make the holidays special without all the work.

Go Elsa with Ice Skating

You can sign up for skating school at the Galleria Dallas Ice Rink for a three-day workshop on the ice around the tallest indoor Christmas tree. For only $42 – your child can have three days of skate lessons, skate rentals, free skating – December 19-21 and December 26-28.
Visit Panther Island ICE in Fort Worth for skating fun now – Jan. 16!
Gaylord Texan Lone Star Christmas also is featuring an ice skating rink outside as part of their ICE! Activities this year, so you can make a day of it in Grapevine.

Let’s Lego with Sci Tech Discovery Center

If you have a LEGO lover (ages 3-12), they’ll love seeing and learning about castles made with LEGOs and be able to make their own at the Castle Builder Exhibit at Sci-Tech Discovery Center in Frisco.
They are also offering Winter Holiday Wonderland Camps and Maker Space Camps for opportunities for learning about winter activities. Choose 1 day or all 5 days. Grades 1st – 3rd and 4th – 6th. $75/day member $85 non/member.
Check out MindStretchingFun.org for all the details.

Celebrate German-Style with Lebkuchen and Lace

Arlington goes big and the holidays are no exception! Head over to the 6th Annual Texas Christkindl Market now until Dec. 23.
Saturday, December 17 the event hosts Vocal Majority singing at 4 PM. Next week you can bring the kids for extended Peppermint Park hours and slide down the Arctic Blast Tubing Run while getting your holiday shopping complete.

Reign them in with Reindeer

These are my favorite because they are also great gifts for the kids to give to grandma or grandpa or friends. Love this tutorial from Everyday Best.

Fun with Frosty: Snowman Crafts

Crafts don’t have to be complicated to be fun! Get in the spirit with these beautiful snowman crafts from Julie Measures.
With a trip to the Dollar Store or Michaels, you can create making fun crafts while spending time together.

Visit mamachallenge.com for links to these recipes, ideas, giveaways and more!

Follow us on Facebook @mamachallenge, Twitter @mamachallenge, Pinterest @mamachallenge, and Instagram @autumnreo.

Last Minute Holiday Shopping with Grapevine Mills

December 16, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Feel like an elf trying to get the holidays together before they’re over? With the help of Grapevine Mills you CAN mark off your last minute holiday shopping list – all in one place!

Thanks to Grapevine Mills for this special collaboration to bring you the lowdown on how it needs to go down this holiday season!

I love Christmas, so I thought I’d never be working to the nth hour to get it done.

Unfortunately, all the other stuff around this time of year made time to shop impossible! But with extended shopping hours (10 am – 10 pm), you can find a way to fit it all in, down to even pictures with Santa until Christmas Eve!

Reserve Your Spot with Santa

New this year to Grapevine Mills, you’ll find a whole new Santa’s World of Wishes in Center Court. With beautiful new decorations, Santa loves his new home away from the North Pole and you will too. However, what I love is the opportunity to skip the line to make the most of your few shopping days ’til Christmas with a new Santa by Appointment so you can reserve your spot! And as a part of a teachable moment, if you’re in the giving spirit (and we should all be), you can donate to Save the Children while you’re there and help other children in need!

Photo Credit: The Mills

Looking for a little more time with the big guy with your little guys? There are spots still available for Breakfast with Santa at Rainforest Cafe! Reservations for December 17, 18 & even December 23 can still be made – and include:

Greet by Cha!Cha!
Breakfast Buffet
Fun Activities
Visit from Santa
Photo opportunity with Cha!Cha! and Santa
Raffles
Arts & Crafts

And then there was Shopping!

With more than 180 stores and 1.6 million sq. ft., you have plenty of options for whomever is on your list! I actually remember when Grapevine Mills open and how exciting it was with all the cool entertainment, outlet retail and restaurants! Recently, the center underwent a multi-million dollar renovation to continue to make it a cool destination for the whole family in the middle of DFW! So if you haven’t been here, you definitely need to check out big changes as well as the small details that have revitalized the look of the center as well as the comfort to its guests!

Photo Credit: The Mills

Just a few of my favorites here:

Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH
H&M
GameStop
Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop
Coach Factory
LOFT Factory Store
Disney Outlet
Jack and Jill
Abercrombie & Fitch
Helzberg Diamond Outlet
Ross Dress for Less
The Children’s Place Outlet
Oakley Vault

And those are just the highlights! I mean you really can find what you need and at the price point you need it for everyone on your list (hubs totally loves his Bass Pro Shop!) Get the full list of stores here and especially the deals you can only find at Grapevine Mills!

Still looking for ideas? Then join us December 16 at 3 pm for a special FACEBOOK LIVE! with Grapevine Mills! We’ll be sharing some of our favorite holiday finds and tips to how to get ready for the holidays! And you’ll be able to win $50 Simon Gift Card just for joining in. Visit Facebook.com/mamachallenge at 3 pm CST whereever you are – on your desktop, phone or tablet. Just consider us your holiday helpers!

Looking for Holiday Fun

you bring the crew or are looking to ways to spend time together without driving all over DFW, then Grapevine Mills is your place. With AMC Grapevine Mills 30 with Dine-In Theatres, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium and Rainforest Cafe you have it all! And if you still need to get in your ice skating, holiday lights, and more, then just only a few miles away, you’ll find the Gaylord Texan Lonestar Christmas and the rest of the Christmas Capital of the World!

Photo credit: SEA LIFE Aquarium

Now aren’t you ready to hit the ‘Mills for the holidays?

Score Big Savings and Rewards with Tom Thumb and Albertsons

November 7, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 82 Comments

The grocery store is no longer just a place just for your milk and eggs. Get even more with big savings and rewards from Tom Thumb and Albertsons – especially with the gas rewards program.

This is sponsored by Tom Thumb and Albertsons.

Once upon a time (like just a few years ago), you went to the grocery store, grabbed a cart, put in items you needed for your family, checked out and went home.

That was it.

Now, not only do we have the option to pick up our groceries, but also our medications, hand-rolled sushi, a flower bouquet, your kid’s birthday cake, a hot dinner, and even a cup of coffee.

And that’s just the beginning.

Actually, the start of it, is the Tom Thumb app and Albertsons Just for U® app on your smartphone that not only helps you locate what’s on sale and where it is at, but also all the special promotions to get things for free. (Score.)

On your purchases you can save money with in-store coupons, manufacturer coupons, as well as on the spot coupons that you didn’t plan for, but even more coupons at the register just to acknowledge that you are a valuable customer to Tom Thumb / Albertsons. (Touchdown!)

Wear a Dallas Cowboys shirt on game day and you get 10% off your groceries. (Score again.)

Don’t have the time to do the grocery shopping? Tom Thumb launched its Grocery Delivery service in the area so you can order what you need, when you need it, someone delivers it straight to your door AND YOU STILL GET YOUR REWARD POINTS, special coupons, and offers like you do when you’re in-store. Additionally, Albertsons is partnering with Tom Thumb to offer this service via Albertsons.com as well.

To celebrate the launch and provide customers with additional savings, shoppers placing Tom Thumb grocery delivery orders by December 4 will receive $10 off their first order in addition to FREE delivery by entering the promo code TOM at online checkout. Tom Thumb’s Grocery Delivery service offers one-hour delivery windows and a Shop By History feature that saves all previously purchased items for easy repeat purchasing. (Imagine the sounds of the crowds going wild!)

However, even beyond the grocery shopping experience – in-store or at home – that shows that Tom Thumb / Albertsons really wants to show you what being a MVP really means with a new player in the saving money game – Chevron!

For Tom Thumb customers, the Gas Rewards Program already gives you $.10 cents off your gas at the Tom Thumb gas station every time you spend $100 (up to $1.00 off each month up to 20 gallons?)

Don’t think a dime makes a difference? You’ll be surprised that the points really add up fast and the cost of filling up that mom-mobile is so much easier when it’s a whole dollar off! Just take a look at your Tom Thumb fuel station and you’ll see the line – because it does pay to save!

Now you can do your own little happy dance because you don’t have to wait until the very last minute to fill up your tank because you haven’t had a chance to get to your Tom Thumb gas station…you now have more convenient locations to redeem those Reward points by using them at participating Chevron and Texaco locations!

Tom Thumb and Albertsons shoppers can redeem up to $.20 per gallon in Gas Rewards at participating Chevron and Texaco Stations and up to $1.00 per gallon in Gas Rewards at Tom Thumb and Albertsons gas stations.

Not a Tom Thumb or Albertsons shopper?

That’s crazy!

You’re missing out. Just go back to the top and read this again so you know what you’re missing! Then either download the Tom Thumb app or for Albertsons customers can access the just for U app from (available on iOS and Android) and let the good times roll.

Saving money doesn’t have to be a game – it’s easy for everyone to score big at Tom Thumb or Albertsons – especially with a $50 gift card to pay for your gas and check out what you’ve been missing at your local Tom Thumb or Albertsons store.

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Finding the Best Babysitter Checklist

October 9, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Finding the Best Babysitter for your child can be nerve-wrecking. Make it easy for them (and you) with this checklist.

Thanks to Sitting Made Simple Dallas for making sitting simple for parents.

All my friends had kids the same time as me, so when it came time for me to find a sitter, no one I knew had a kid the right “babysitting age.” So I had to do some homework – not just for a few names, but also making sure that I had the right sitter for our family, and then getting her used to our house, our routines, and our expectations.

That was work.

Of course, that was my first child. Any parent with more than one child will tell you your attitude will change when you have another child. You learn what’s important and what’s not plus the things you really need to worry about.

So get to the point with these tips for finding your babysitter like a pro.

Finding the Best Babysitter

Finding the Best Babysitting Candidates
Learning About the Sitter
Hiring the Babysitter – The Checklist

1. Finding the Best Babysitting Candidates

For me this was the hardest part…finding a few people that you didn’t know that would be ok to watch your kids while you weren’t there.

Ugh…no one seemed to fill that spot.

Ask your friends. However, after asking a few friends for their recommendations, I was able to find people that I didn’t know personally, but had great referrals of people that were experienced and trusted.

Search online services. There are several online services that can help you find candidates in your area. I’ve used a few that allowed me to find people in my local area. Many of them will also run criminal checks on the members, so then you can concentrate on the profile and learning more about your perfect match. Sitting Made Simple, a new service in Dallas, provides service to most of the North Texas area. Their criminal check includes a throughout process including:

A childcare background, with all references checked.
Possess and maintain a clean driving record.
Complete, pass and maintain a clean background check.
Certified in Infant & Child CPR

Local locations. For frequent babysitting services, a daycare might be able to accommodate your needs. For instance, you can find some churches, schools, and drop-in daycares include options for things like Mommy’s Day Out, short-term sitting, and even drop in daycare.

2. Learning about Your Sitter

Once you found a few candidates that seem to fit your needs, you can interview them.

However, a formal interview may not be exactly ideal when you’re looking at a sitter for next weekend or a referral from a friend. Additionally, many services have done the work for you – asking what the sitter his/her availability, what’s his/her experience with kids, and of course, his/her personality. Sitting Made Simple Dallas takes it a step further by doing that part for you, as well as a thorough personal interview with their staff, to make it that much more convenient for you!

Another reason that Sitting Made Simple makes it easy for you is the scheduling feature. You just post when you need a sitter and then you can select the sitter you want. And if there’s not a sitter immediately available for you to select, the service will find someone that will be able to babysit at your desired time. (Even better!)

3. Hiring the Babysitter – The Checklist

Once you think you’ve finally found a good sitter and booked, there’s the unique experience of the “first time.” This might be the first time they sit for you, the first time at the house, or even the first time you’ve ever met them! During this time, there’s one important thing to remember: you don’t need to show them everything about your house, break out the medical records, or give them a copy of your living will.

That’s overboard.

However, what you should do is to show them the house, at least the areas you expect them to stay in, and make sure to include the areas you don’t want them in while you’re gone. And you’ll want to have listed somewhere, some few basics, to make it easy to care for your child and in case of an emergency, have a few basics handy.

Information to have listed for your babysitter include:

Your address (in case they need to tell the pizza person or the ambulance where to come in case of an emergency)
Your contact information
Your kids information
Insurance information
Allergies
Emergency plans (fire route / tornado spot)
Emergency contact in case they can’t reach you
Routines:
- Bedtime
- Specific rules (TV channels they can watch, devices they can use, etc.)
- Other rules

Here’s a copy of these on this free Babysitting Family Fact Sheet printable available for download to make it easy for both of you!

Additionally, you’ll want to make sure to get a few different pieces of information from your sitter including an emergency contact for them, driver’s license number and license plate if the sitter will be driving the kids, and of course, their contact information, address, etc. (Just another reason to use SMS Dallas – the services has already collected this information for you!)

Good luck on your babysitting experience!

Another way to make it easy for you is with a free membership to Sitting Made Simple Dallas (expires 12/31/2016.) A $50 value, enter here to start your babysitting experience made simple.

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Best Hotels for Kids in DFW

August 15, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 16 Comments

Traveling to DFW with children or just searching for a getaway not far from home, these are the Best Hotels for Kids in Dallas Fort Worth.

1. Hilton Anatole / Dallas

At first look the beautiful Hilton Anatole, full of Asian artwork, sculpture and design, may seem to be too sophisticated for kids, but this hotel definitely has the kiddos in mind nowadays. With a full-time marionette puppet workshop on property, mommy and me spa treatments at the V Spa, a new deluxe waterpark complete with resort-style dining, theme-oriented programming at the holidays and summer time, and free kids dining, there is a lot to love about this oasis in the middle of Big D.

The Jadewaters Waterpark is the ideal size for families (or girl-friend getaways) to spend the day stayin’ cool in the lazy river, slipping down one of the slides, or lounging in your private cabana with their specialty pool cocktails (YUM!) or Kona Ices for the kids. At night the pool turns into a movie theatre with family-friendly entertainment, dining and even yard games to keep the kids going strong – at least until bedtime. Enjoy room service to round out the weekend with the Nutella-stuffed french toast and Eggs Benedict (complete with bread pudding!)

Don’t miss: Take advantage of your Anatole amenities package that includes parking, admission to the waterpark, kids meals for free with an adult meal, 2 free Starbucks coffees, and much more. Best of all, this is all included in your stay!

2. Westin Galleria / North Dallas

If a hotel that is attached to one of the best shopping malls in America isn’t enough to make your kids dance with glee, a hotel that is also steps from one of the only few American Girl stores will.

Credit: Westin Galleria

The Westin Galleria sweetens the deal with a special American Doll Sweet Dreams package! Make reservations to this beautiful hotel to enjoy all its amenities plus a few extras that your little girl will love: an American Girl doll bed, American Girl robe and slippers – all to take home after the stay. Parents with two girls can add on the American Doll extras for just $40. This special is only available on the weekends, so book now along with your other American Girl in-store activities like lunch at the bistro for the ultimate American Girl experience.

Don’t miss: If having more than 200+ amazing stores or American Girl within reach wasn’t enough, there’s also the Galleria Dallas Ice Rink to enjoy throughout the year. And if you go during the holidays, don’t miss the nation’s tallest indoor Christmas tree and the shopping center’s over-the-top Christmas spectacular!

3. Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center / Grapevine

Wishing for a getaway from everything, but don’t have the time to go away? Don’t worry – you’ll always feel like you’re world’s away at the Gaylord Texan. A lakeside hotel after my own heart, this Texas-themed resort has so many options for everyone from dining to entertainment, which is why so many people plan vacations, staycations, conferences, weddings, and even holidays throughout the year! And since (almost) everything is connected through the beautiful atrium, the Gaylord makes it easy for you to get to your next adventure – only a few feet away.

Credit: Gaylord Texan

The annual summer and holiday themed-adventures have been a mainstay since the hotel opened, so always check what special themed activities you’ll be able to participate when you’re staying (some of these are for the kids and some are for the adults, too!) For the 2016 SummerFest features the twisted tale of “Alice and Wonderland” and this year’s for the Lone Star Christmas event goes classic with “Santa Claus is coming to Town”.

Memorial Day through Labor Day, cool off at the amazing Paradise Springs, the 10-acre resort pool, complete with lazy river, zip line, onsite dining, cabanas and more – available only to resort guests!

Credit: Gaylord Texan

Don’t miss: There are tons of dining options on premises, but like any resort, you may need to book these in advance. The Italian restaurant, Zeppole creates some remarkable dishes including gluten-free Italian (which is almost an oxymoron!) Kids can choose from the special Gaylord Hotels Extraordinary Kids® program with healthy options and table activities!

4. Great Wolf Lodge / Grapevine

Want an outdoor adventure without all the unpleasantness of being outside (no bathrooms, heat or A/C, or weather?) Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine is the cure for what you’re after anytime of the year.

Credit: Great Wolf Lodge

With a 80,000 sq. ft. indoor/outdoor water park, family-friendly scavenger hunts, kid spa, gaming area, and more, the Great Wolf Lodge was designed for kids. From the moment you enter the property, you know that a howling good time is in store. The interiors resemble that a camping experience like none other – both around the hotel and in the theme-oriented rooms. There’s tons of activities including character experience, the legendary story time, the Great Clock Tower Show, Scooops Kids Spa and an adult spa too, laser tag, arcade and don’t miss any of the indoor interactive games including MagicQuest, CompassQuest and ShadowQuest.

Don’t miss: The Lodge Wood Fired Grill is worth the stay – even without the kids. The menu makes it fun to enjoy dining out with the kids with mushroom risotto, lobster and shrimp pasta and some finger-linkin’ good ribs! And don’t miss the tasty cocktail menu.

5. Omni Hotel / Downtown Dallas and Fort Worth

Whether you are going to Dallas or Fort Worth, all of the Omni Hotels make an impression – on the inside and the out! Both hotels give you a big impression of DFW with beautiful design and a huge helping of southern hospitality that Omni Hotels are known for.

Credit: Omni Dallas Hotel

Credit: Omni Fort Worth Hotel

With several delicious dining options like Bob’s Chop and Steak House, spa services at the Mokara Spa, shopping and more just within reach, the Omni is your destination for when you’re looking to be “right in the middle of everything.” For the little ones, the hotel rolls out the red carpet with their Sensational Kids Program, where children are given a backpack full of activities and fun to enjoy while on the property. The kids will also enjoy a special treat of milk and cookies as part of their first night’s stay. Isn’t that a sweet deal?

Credit: Omni Hotels

Don’t miss: The beautiful light displays by either hotel. Depending on local events and holidays, the exterior of the hotel lights up the skies (especially the Dallas skyline!) It’s almost a show within itself!

Have fun while you’re in DFW metroplex with any of these Best Hotels for Kids in Dallas Fort Worth!

Rock Your Summer with Rock the Border

July 7, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

On the Border is rockin’ your summer with “Rock the Border” – live music, cold drinks and delicious guacamole through July 31. One of our go-to-favorites, MamaChallenge is excited to partner with Rock the Border for this rockin’ promotion!

Do you know the ingredients to a rockin’ good summer?

Start with an awesome Mexican restaurant, add a bottle of authentic Mexican lager from Jalisco, Mexico, shake it up with live music from some of the best up and coming artists, and serve with a side of guacamole.

Lucky for you, On the Border has it already servin’ it up with Rock the Border.

Come in to any of On the Border’s 150 locations and enjoy rockin’ specials like $2.50 Estrella Jalisco bottles, $2.50 guacamole and live music from the Rock the Border Concert Series at On the Border. While the cerveza has been a Mexican legend since 1910, it’s just made it’s way to the U.S. just in time for the patio sippin’ summer with its light, crisp and smooth flavor.

Rock the Border is a unique music series that features the best local and up-and- coming artists from around the country. Each week at one of the selected On the Border locations, one of the hand-picked acts chosen for their signature Summer sound and local popularity, will play live for free for guests. The act’s performance will also stream free to at all the other On the Border locations so everyone can join in the live music!

On the Border has long been a destination of ours to enjoy food, friends, and fun. But this month don’t miss the chance to savor the good, relish the drinks, immerse in the atmosphere and say SALUD TO SUMMER.

Ready to get the Fiesta Started?

Help curate the perfect summer playlist by tweeting your favorite song and you can win a $100 gift card to On the Border from Avocados from Mexico.

Love Where You Live: Dallas Farmers Market #FromHereforHere

July 6, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 16 Comments

Looking to get a taste of REAL Texas? Then ask a Texan. I’m sharing some of my favorite tastes from one of my favorite Dallas spots: the Dallas Farmers Market. Thanks to Ozarka® Brand Natural Spring Water for partnering with mamachallenge.com for this fun sponsored post. #FromHereforHere

I love Texas for 1000s of reasons. Let me count the ways…

Actually, it’s a REALLY long list.

But when visitors come to town, I’m always asked where should they go to get a real taste of Texas.

We wanna eat like Texans.”

There are tons of places and products that come to mind from all across The Lone Star State that will give you a taste of Texas. And, when you’re in Dallas, we could be here forever narrowing down the best Mexican vs. Tex-Mex, steakhouses vs. BBQ.

So instead of trying to decide on just the RIGHT ones, if you head to the Dallas Farmers Market, you can actually sample many the flavors that make Dallas, Texas so dang good.

The Dallas Farmers Market is a central hub of local produce, crafts, restaurants, and purveyors in near downtown Dallas. While it’s been a part of the Dallas history since 1940s, recent renovations are proof that the community values its local farmers and producers; selling food that is grown and sourced locally on a constant basis.

One of the biggest renovations, includes the air-conditioned/indoor space, The Market, Dallas’ first ever Food Hall in a 26,000 square-foot space (formerly known as Shed 2), filled with dozens of merchants, food vendors and restaurants. So on any day of the week (even in the rest of the market is closed and it’s super hot outside.)

There’s tons to experience within The Market, from fresh seafood from Rex’s Fresh Seafood Market, Caribbean cuisine from the Caribbean Cabana, broths and soups from Stocks and Bondy, and of course, real deal tacos from Taqueria La Ventana. But that’s not all! You can get beautiful finds from around Dallas, and even beautiful authentic pottery from our southern border, Mexico.

Whether you only have an hour to spend or a whole day to leisurely stroll from booth to booth, the Market at the Dallas Farmers Market makes for a must-do and must-go while in Big D.

While you could sit down to eat at any of the anchor restaurants or even Mudhen, the newest restaurant in the DFM-area that sources local produce for unique eats right outside The Market, if you’re in a rush, you can still get a real taste of Dallas at The Market with this list of must-stops!

Get the full list of vendors (subject to change)

TASTE THE MARKET FAVORITES

Start your trip by trying a few new cheeses at Scardello and take home my favorites like Eagle Mountain Cheese (Granbury) and discover new ones like Latte da Dairy (Flower Mound) or Caprino Royale (Waco) for a delicious charcuterie board at home (or you can come sit down for a wine and cheese tasting too if you have the time.

If you have kids, Doc Popcorn is worth the stop. Just make sure to get two, you’ll taste theirs and want one for yourself. Of course, the samples here are plentiful, so you’ll have a chance to try them all before settling on a bag to buy for the trip home (or at least to keep you strolling though The Market.)

Everyone knows that popcorn needs a partner, so it’s a great opportunity to try something new to sip. While there’s a Daquiri Bar or Noble Rey Brewing, that could make for a really long (but interesting) afternoon. Instead, I suggest either sipping a Mexican Coca Cola while getting a hot tamale from Tamalero or hit up the Caribbean Cabana for some delicious fruit infused waters.

Don’t miss the chance to eat your way through Texas with sweet treats at The Market. From Chelle’s Macaroons rainbow of bite-sized bites (Fruity Pebbles is even a flavor) or Coolhaus’ unique ice creams like Nutella Toasted Almond or Strawberry Mojito.

While there’s tons to see and do you’ll discover, don’t forget to stock up on a few a few jars of award-winning Betty’s Blue Ribbon Fare jellies and jams for souvenirs. (The Whiskey Orange Marmalade is A-mazing!)

And that’s just an hour! Imagine what you can do with a full day and a full market open (Fridays-Sundays!)

Can’t make it to The Market at the Dallas Farmers Market, but want to taste Texas? I have several picks to give you a taste of what Texans who make Texas best taste like!

TASTE OF TEXAS AT HOME

Paqui’s Tortilla Chips // Austin, Texas
Looking for a good chip that’s also good for you? Named after the Aztec word that means “to be happy,” Paqui chips are made with unbleached, untreated flour, or by stone grinding corn and adding mouth-watering flavors using high-quality ingredients, such as fire-roasted jalapenos, fresh cilantro leaves, buttermilk, pumpkin and other spices and flavors.

Yellowbird Sauce // Austin, Texas
When this sauce first came out, I drove all the way from Dallas to Austin to get it. Really. For hot bellies like the men in my family, Yellowbird is the way to go. Totally uncomplicated and unpredictable these sauce are the most delicious, most versatile, most satisfying condiments that will ever hit your lips! Yellowbird Sauce goes great on tacos, burgers, wings, sushi, pasta, steak, fish, eggs, pizza, soup….anything you can think of!

Ozarka Water // Roher Springs, Moffitt Springs, & Piney Woods Springs, Texas
When you want an authentic taste of Texas, we’re not just talking food. There’s wine, beers and even sodas made all over Texas (and they all contain water.) But to get the purest taste of the state, you have to experience what runs through it, like Ozarka water. Made from three crystal clear springs in Texas, you can get the freshest flavor that makes our great state the home of this Texas tradition. Best of all, you can even set up Ozarka water delivery straight to your door to enjoy Texas daily no matter where you are!

Jelly Queens // Austin, Texas
Expect royal treatment when you are eating anything from The Jelly Queens. An award-winning, Dallas and Austin-based artisan food company that makes gourmet jams, jellies, spices, sauces and more. Each product is handmade in small batches using organic and, whenever possible, locally grown Texas ingredients. The Jelly Queens was born out of a love for sustainable food, delicious flavors and words of encouragement.

Taste Elevated // Castroville, Texas
Taste Elevated was the spirit child of a couple that after working in D.C. decided to trade in for a dooley, some dogs, three sons and a fig treat. These little flavor-packed pearls are absolutely addicting on everything with a little sweet and a little heat. Add them to a charcuterie tray to, use as a condiment–any place you use mustard (you’ll love it on bbq sandwiches and hot dogs), pair with main dishes–terrific with meatloaf, use in homemade vinaigrettes, this is the type of taste to twist up your favorites!

Snow’s BBQ Sauce // Lexington, Texas
Texas Monthly magazine named Snow’s BBQ as the best in Texas, so you know it’s GOOD. With complex Texas flavor, Snow’s Original BBQ Sauce is excellent on any cut of beef, chicken, or pork. It’s just as good as a dipping sauce as it is a marinade or brush-on sauce during the last minutes of grilling.

Whether you’re taking a trip through Texas or just want to know what makes Texans so proud to be from Texas, any of these favorite tastes are perfect for you to try. If you’re in Dallas, then you definitely need to make a stop at the Dallas Farmers Market. And if you’re looking for the easiest way to get your hands on the heart of Texas, then open up an Ozarka.

Happy Trails and Happy Tasting around Texas!

Dinner Delivery with DoorDash

May 23, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 23 Comments

Forget pizza…Dinner delivery at your door is possible with just the touch of your smartphone with DoorDash. So mamachallenge took the offer from DoorDash to test drive to see if it really worked…and it did. There is not a sponsored post, but the cost of food was reimbursed for trying it out. And now you can too with a special discount just for you!

Even the best of meal-planning parents can’t always be prepared for the challenges that can happen in a day.

Then there’s just the times you’re too tired to even think about throwing chicken nuggets in the microwave or rolling through a drive-in once again.

If only dinner delivery could arrive at your door, hot and ready to eat – and not paying some crazy amount – to get it there.

DoorDash just launched in Fort Worth and Arlington and I bet those Dashers (the ones that pickup and bring your food) already wonder if I know how to cook at all. DoorDash has been in Dallas for a year and thankfully has made its way westbound

Coverage areas include:

Downtown Fort worth
Arlington Heights
Edgecliff Village
Everman & Kennedale
TCU Area
Western Hills / Ridglea
White Settlement
Arlington

And also is taking over Frisco,The Colony, Southlake, Colleyville, Flower Mound and Coppell!

Last week, after a crazy day that I was thinking cereal might be the best option for eating, I downloaded the free app (you can use it on your desktop too) and gave it a spin.

With no tutorial or help, I had the app on my phone, clicked through what options were available and delivery times worked with our scheduled, ordered, paid, and was watching the progress of the entire order – straight to my door – with less than 10 minutes spent.

I was so stinkin’ excited I couldn’t help but share it on my Facebook and tell all my friends that my dreams of dinner delivery were answered – and it was FOR REAL.

Even when there was a little glitch – like the restaurant was taking longer to get the meal made, the progress tracker made it easy to see that the ETA had changed a few minutes. (That always happens when I pick it up at some of my favorites, so of course, that’s going to happen from time to time.)

And of course, the one question that everyone asked was how much did it cost? Was there a huge delivery fee? Was the menu price totally different? While the site says the delivery fee varies by region and restaurant, you’ll see the price for delivery as you do it so there’s no surprises. However, all I paid for my meals was the cost of the listed item and a $1 delivery fee. And then I was able to tip, too – so there was nothing to do when the Dasher arrived at the door except open the door and eat it.

SPECIAL DISCOUNT

Get $5 off orders of $15 or more for new customers in the DFW area with code: MAMACHALL.

Try it now!

Founded in 2013 at a dorm room in Stanford, DoorDash connects customers with local businesses through technology and logistics by purchasing goods from local merchants and having them delivered in less than 45 minutes.By building the on-demand delivery infrastructure for local cities, DoorDash is bringing communities closer, one doorstep at a time.

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