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Your FUNpass to a Stress-Free Holiday

November 17, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 28 Comments

I’m excited to be a FUNatics member, however, all comments are my own.

As the winter approaches, temperatures drop, days get shorter and we spend more and more time inside.

I, for one, kind of like the quiet time….(got it get when you can.) Especially since once the holiday season rolls around, the kids are out of school and family and friends visit in waves, quiet time is over. If you live in Texas like me, sometimes Father Winter lays pours a blanket of snow/ice on your city, making it impossible to do anything besides sit inside and stare at each other all day.

Cabin fever is real ya’ll.

So for those moments when we can bundle up and safely get out the house, I am looking for fun thing my entire family, or a few of those unexpected guests, can do and enjoy together. Main Event is offering some pretty fantastic deals that will definitely give you the chance to have some friend without breaking the bank.

Who doesn’t like to save money?

For those kids and adults who love the sights, sounds and competition of video games, the Unlimited Games option is the way to go. It’s an easy and affordable way to spend quality time with your family, whether you’re entertaining a crowd or just looking for some fun things to do around the Holidays. For just $9.95 per person, you get access to all of the games you can handle for 2 hours! This offer is valid Nov. 9 – Dec. 18, so it may be a good thing to do after hours of shopping on Black Friday.

Maybe video games aren’t your thinking, and you’re looking for something more all inclusive. The Winter FUNPass is your best bet! For $17.95 per session, you get access to unlimited bowling, laser tags, billiards and more! Plus, you aren’t limited to only 2 hours. If you want to stay at Main Event all day, than go right ahead! This offer is available Dec. 21 – Jan. 22, all day Tuesday through Sunday and open to 4 p.m. on Mondays, so it’s definitely the perfect activity when the kids are out of school.

There are 24 Main Event locations in the nation, and five right here the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex – Plano, Lewisville, Frisco, Fort Worth (south) and Grapevine. Click here for a full list of locations with hours of operations, address and contact information.

The winter doesn’t have to be dull and dreary just because the weather is. Grab your coat, your kids and give some of these offers a try. And if you live in Texas, hopefully Father Winter will be good to us this year.

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It’s Your Time: Fight Domestic Violence with SIX:02 6K {Discount}

November 4, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

October was National Domestic Violence Month.

Maybe you saw people wearing purple ribbons, t-shirts or accessories in the last 30 days to support the thousands of women, children ad families who are victims of domestic violence. But this issue doesn’t go away at the end of the month, so to continue to raise awareness, Foot Locker, Inc’s SIX:02 is hosting the second annual It’s Your Time 6K race to benefit the Dallas-based charity The Family Place. This organization empowers victims of family violence in Dallas by providing safe housing, counseling and skills to foster independence.

The race will be held at Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 at 8 a.m. After the 6K, participants are invited to a complimentary post-race pampering session at the “Sweaty to Ready” salon at the finish line. You can get an up-do, make-up refresh, polish change or a massage. (My kind of run!

You’ll leave feeling like a million bucks and looking even better.

Powered by Foot Locker, SIX:02 sells premium apparel, footwear and accessories to fit you body, activity and style. Whether you’re a cross fitter, avid runner or consider yourself a yogi, they have a full line items from top name brands including Nike, Adidas, ASICS, Under Armour and more! Here in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, they are growing quickly with stores at Inwood Village, Galleria Dallas, The Parks Mall in Arlington and Stonebriar Centre in Frisco.

Domestic Violence Month may have technically “ended” a few days ago, but women around the country and the world are fighting every day for their safety.

Every 9 seconds in the US, a woman is assaulted or beaten.

On a global front, 1 in every 3 women have been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in their lifetime. Every day in this country, more than 3 women are murdered by their boyfriends or husbands.

As sad as domestic violence can be, perhaps the saddest part is that the culprits of these horrible actions is most often the abuser is member of her own family. Where do you go when it’s not even safe a home?…To nonprofits like The Family Place. And this race helps bring even more peace to the women and children the organization supports.

USE CODE MAMACHALLENGE TO GET $5 OFF REGISTRATION at the Six:02 6K.

Brunch & Bust a Move with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

October 30, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year. The holidays are quickly approaching, and I try to make sure I enjoy the joy and fun this time of year brings as well.

Kick off your holiday season with America’s Sweethearts! The Gaylord Texan is hosting a special Dallas Cowboys Dance & Cheer Brunch on Nov. 22, 2015 and De. 13, 2015 in the Yellow Rose Ballroom from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Eight of the fabulous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and R&B Dancers will be on-hand at the brunch to meet their fans, take photos and sign autographs. And your little future cheerleaders (or yourself #nojudgement) will have opportunity to learn some moves from the cheerleaders and dancers themselves. Well then shake your tail feather!

Plus, all attendees will be able to enjoy a lavish family brunch complete with scrambled eggs and bacon, breakfast tacos, smoke cheddar grits, maple grain ham, red eye gravy, brioche French toast, yogurt parfaits and a whole bunch of pastries and desserts. Hello, brunch! Is your mouth watering or is it just me?

So how much does all of this cost? Adults can experience this event for $39.99, kids (4-12) for $19.99 and kids 3 and under get in for FREE! You can buy your tickets at here. And while you’re out there, why not take the opportunity to enjoy all of the Lone Star Christmas festivities!

You can check out the full list of activities here.

Oooh and Ahh with Sci-Tech’s Eyellusions Exhibit

October 26, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 4 Comments

Have you ever seen a magic trick or one of those weird shows at the local state fair, squinted a smidge and thought to yourself “now how did they do that?”

Most magicians and illusionist have admitted that the eyes can be tricked. Manipulation can be sneaky. If you don’t believe me, consider this – was the dress white and gold or blue and black?

Sci-Tech Discover Center in Frisco is revealing the neuroscience behind mind-bending illusions with the Eyellusions exhibit, now until Jan. 4, 2016. Get ready to to question what you see and what you think as the exhibit shows us the ambiguous phenomena that have left us thinking “huh?” throughout time.

Eyellusions features 20 life-changing installations including:

The Incredible Zoetrope: 8 feet wide pre-film animation device where 12 wooden horse sculptures appear to be running.

The Alice in Wonderland Ames room: Ames room where guests can enter and look big or small depending on their position in the room. The whole display is inspired by the revelations in David Day’s Decoding Wonderland book.

Time Machine: Using a pepper’s ghost effect, guests enter a “time machine” and seem to disappear before the audience.

Movie Theater: Vintage-looking theater with a stage for magicians to preform shows. When a live performance is not scheduled, a short film called “Rescue on Mars” will be playing. It will emulate old cinema techniques and show viewers just how simple these practical effects can be recreated at home.

The Dress: A Victorian version of the infamous black and blue (or white and gold) dress that “broke the internet” will be displayed. Guest will be able to play with the light intensity and discover what makes it change color.

The exhibit will debut in North Texas, so if you have the ability to make it to the Lone Star State, try not to run to Facebook and ruin it for others before they can see it. We want to see the white/gold and blue/black dress for ourselves. And if you’re ever in DFW, check out the Sci-Tech Discovery Center for fun throughout the year!

Eyellusions at Sci-Tech Discovery Center
Sept. 26, 2015 – Jan. 4, 2016
8004 North Dallas Parkway
Frisco, TX 75034
General Admission, Ages 3-64: $8/Under 3 is free.
website

New STEM Center Preps Girls for Endless Possibilities

October 21, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

We are living in the age of the #GIRLBOSS. From international stars like Beyonce who have evolved the view of feminism to global executives like Marissa Mayer and Sheryl Sandberg who encourage us to lean in, the perspective of women in society is changing for the better.

And it’s about damn time.

Frankly, I’m so tired of females being viewed as weak, unskilled and one dimensional.

We are strong. We are brave. We are fearless.

But we aren’t teaching our daughters to be like that.

However, organizations like the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas are teaching girls that they can accomplish anything they put their minds too by exposing them to possibilities that were once viewed as being only for boys. And I couldn’t be more excited to see that work is underway for the first STEM Center of Excellence at Camp Whispering Cedars.

Located in Southern Dallas, the STEM Center will be a living laboratory where girls in grades kindergarten through 12th grade can explore science, technology, engineering and math programs, activities and careers in a unique girl-centered outdoor leadership environment. This 21st-century facility and program will provide the leadership skills, experience, mentors and encouragement that girls need to increase their interest in STEM.

Despite the fact that technology is rapidly evolving, creating more jobs in the industry, there is still a low number of women in computer science and engineering, and experts say this is very concerning for the future.

In 2014, women made up only 22% of the STEM workforce. One of the ways to close this gender gap is for women to see other women in the technology fields so that they can see what they can become. But truthfully, this exposure needs to happen before they enter the workforce. Girls need to be introduced to these science-based career options at a young age so that they can see what their options are.

I have always applauded the Girl Scouts for the leadership and overall life skills that they teach girls. From something as simple as learning how to start a fire without dangerous lighter fluid to the entrepreneurial experiences they glean from selling Girl Scouts cookies. It’s more than just tasty treats; it’s truly a business.

The Girl Scouts have been teaching girls these lessons for more than a century, and finally the rest of the world finally caught on. Brands like Tampex have shifted the thinking of “Like a Girl,” to be one of strength and determination. Under Armour has encouraged female athletes and fitness enthusiasts to “do what they want.”

And now we can add the STEM Center of Excellence to list of programs that will change way girls and even women see themselves in the world. The grand opening of the center is slated for April 8-9, 2016.

Get Real with Real Tips for Women Defense {Free Class}

October 20, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 16 Comments

Did you know every 2 minutes someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted? Which means 1 sexual assault every 107 seconds.

And that is sexual assault. Sometimes a perpetrator isn’t after you, but is after your purse, your phone, or just to hurt someone.

Sad to think those are the facts, but in the world we live in we all should be able to defend ourselves if you ever have to face it. And with a little preventative measures, you can keep try to yourself from getting into a bad situation.

As part of a special women’s only defense class with Black Belt Nick Chamberlain at Chamberlain’s Studios in Dallas, I was able to not just learn a few tactical moves to be able to handle myself if I was assaulted as well as as real easy tips that put into place will keep me ever safer no matter where I’m at or what situation I’m put in. A few of us even threw down a few moves and even split a board in half with “break a board for a buck” for the Genesis Women’s Shelter in Dallas.

The Genesis Women’s Shelter provides shelter, safety, counseling, and expert services to battered women and their children. A Dallas organization that began in 1985, their mission is to end the epidemic of domestic violence against women and children and raising the level of community awareness regarding the pervasiveness and effects of domestic violence.

5 Easy Tips to Keep You Safe

Prevention is always the best form of defense. Keep intruders out by having good locks on all doors and windows. Drive with doors locked. Stay away from deserted areas (day or night) and travel with friends.
Train yourself to be alert and aware of potential dangers. Learn to notice things out of place (someone following, for example.)
Surprise is a valuable weapon. Your attacker does not know that you are capable of fighting back. Striking first without delay will give you a definite advantage.
Be sure and aggressive in your response. Don’t worry about injuring your attacker, they have made a commitment to do you harm so you must make a commitment to stop them – whatever it takes!
Remember, the attacker is not looking for a fight. He preys on the easy target. Learn to walk tall and be confident in everything you do. If you are confident, assertive and determined they may well look for easier prey.

I personally believe that this class should be a part of the college curriculum, especially for women. It’s such a fundamental need to be smart and protect yourself especially in this age of technology where everything is shared and everything can be tracked.

You also can take advantage of this important opportunity with an upcoming free women’s defense course with Chamberlain’s Studios on Nov. 21. While the class is free, donations will benefit the Genesis Women’s Shelter. Women will receive a free two-hour interactive self defense course and work out including self defense tactics and safety tips. Women can also ‘Break a Board for a Buck’ where each dollar will benefit Genesis.The Dallas Police Department Northwest Substation will also have an officer there to cover general/holiday safety and awareness topics. Best of all, free child care (for those 4 and up) is provided by the Chamberlain trained staff in neighboring gym where kids (potty trained and up) will experience martial art school activities and exercises. After class free pizza by the great Primo Brothers Pizza (32 yr old Lake Highlands establishment.)

Free Women’s Defense Course with Chamberlain’s Studios
Nov. 21, 10 am – noon
St. John’s Episcopal School
484 Harter Road
Dallas, Texas 75218
Comfortable clothes recommended.
Participants should follow the drive way to the back part of our campus and the Main Gym will be located on the far east side of the building and down the stairs.

In addition to being kind and easy to learn from, the Chamberlain’s team knows how to host an event including the upcoming Brewhaha, Free Family Fitness Day (every last Saturday of the month), and Parent’s Night Out (second Friday of the month.) Learn more about this studio and its offerings for the whole family by visiting http://www.dallaskenpo.com and connecting with them on Facebook.

Conquer The REAL Hunger Games

October 18, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

The residents from each district in The Hunger Games face poverty, persecution and unlivable conditions. But for thousands of Americans today, the odds are most certainly not in their favor. This fictional story is their reality.

In the state of Texas alone, 4.8 million people are food insecure, meaning that they have insufficient access to food and anxiety over poor nutrition. Plus, 1 in every 4 kids in North Texas is food insecure as well.

To help combat this ever-growing problem and anticipation of the final chapter The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2, Studio Movie Grill is teaming up with local food banks to support the Fight Against Hunger. From Monday, Oct. 19 -Thursday, Oct. 22, SMG locations in all 10 states nationwide will host $5 movies and donate 100% of the proceeds to local food banks.

Additionally, 10% of the proceeds raised from online sales of Hunger Games-themed digital gift cards will benefit these partnering food banks. Gift cards make great holiday offerings and will be available online from Oct. 23 – Nov. 25 at www.studiomoviegrill.com.

For my friends right here in North Texas, those proceeds will benefit the North Texas Food Bank, an organization that provided 62 million meals in 2014. Plus, for every dollar that’s donated, they are able to provide access to three meals.

Not only do these families receive confidence in knowing where their next meal is coming from, but the likelihood of them suffering from other medical conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure, decreases because their food is nutritional.

The Hunger Games is a fantastic book, turned into even better movies. And if $5 helps helps a family become their own personal Mockingjay, I think they deserve a double-feature night.

Join the Fight & Joust for the Cure

October 8, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

If going to Medieval Times is on your Dallas Bucket To-Do list, you’re in luck. Now you can see knights joust for their honor and help fight for a cure for breast cancer.

As part of the Joust for the Cure Campaign, select Medieval Times $5 from every $35 ticket purchased will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Dallas®. This special offer is only valid Sunday through Thursday show until the December 31, 2015. Tickets can only be purchased online here.

We’ve talked about this magical place before. Medieval Times is a truly a timeless activity that everyone of all ages will enjoy. It’s full of pageantry and thrills as an authentic medieval tournament comes to life inside the walls of the King’s 11th Century Style Castle. Dine away as six armor-clad knights compete on horseback for the championship.

This special offer includes:

a hearty four-course meal prepared by His Majesty’s master chef
two hours of actions-packed live entertainment
complimentary parking

Knights at Medieval Times fight for entertainment, but thousands of individuals fight this disgusting disease every day. These dollars raised through Medieval Times will help these individuals becomes champions in their own lives. Don’t forget this special offer extends beyond Breast Cancer Awareness Month through the rest of 2015.

Click here to buy your tickets!

New Snap Kitchen in Flower Mound

September 12, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 8 Comments

There’s a big reason I’m OBSESSED with Snap Kitchen.

Actually there are several very tasty ones as I discussed on Dallas Food Nerd. But no longer do I have to make a trip to Dallas to get my healthy fix! Nope, Flower Mound, here we come!

Read why I am obsessed with Snap Kitchen in Dallas Food Nerd

The ever-growing Snap Kitchen is putting down more roots with a new location in Flower Mound. Health-conscious residents in this suburb can now find Snap Kitchen’s chef-driven and dietitian approved meals in their neck of the woods. Set to open on September 14th, Snap Kitchen’s newest location is at 3701 Justin Rd. and features grab-and-go prepared meals available for in-store or curbside pickup. Guests can find comfort in knowing they can pick up healthy, freshly made meals on the go, without compromising on taste or experiencing the post-meal guilt that often comes with dining out.

Snap Kitchen is dedicated to bringing customers flavorful, handcrafted food that supports a commitment to local, organic ingredients and healthy cooking. At Snap, guests can easily grab a healthy meal, snack or cold-pressed juice. The menu offers a selection of palate pleasing items made fresh daily, including Chicken & Green Chile “Enchiladas,” Grassfed Bison Quinoa “Hash,” or for breakfast, the Chicken Sausage Breakfast Tacos. Ninety-nine percent of the menu is gluten free, and there is a vast selection of vegetarian, vegan, paleo, dairy free, carb conscious and sodium conscious items.

Breakfast done healthy and so good at Snap Kitchen!

The concept, which started in 2010, was recognized by Nation’s Restaurant News (February 2014) as one of the nation’s top “Breakout Brands” and selected as one of Nation’s Restaurant News 2014 Hot Concepts award recipients. Snap Kitchen now has 30 locations throughout Austin, Houston, Dallas and Chicago.

The Snap Kitchen Flower Mound store is located at 3701 Justin Rd., Flower Mound, TX 75028 and is open Monday-Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, please call 214.613.4484
or visit www.snapkitchen.com.

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You Spin Me Round…at SPIN! Pizza

August 26, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 11 Comments

Pizza is a very personal preference especially for our family. While starting anything off with cheese and buttery crust can never be bad, for the kids, it’s the environment. For my husband, it’s whether they have gluten-free options other than a salad. For me, I want to feel like I just took a trip to the Italian countryside with innovative ingredients, good wine, and a big ‘ole gelato to finish it off (with or without kids at that.)

In DFW, there aren’t a lot of pizza places that can do all that, but SPIN! Pizza is spinning that around…(one of many puns that SPIN! makes in their name.)

Last month, on a trip to Southlake we began salivating once we checked out the menu before the doors opened to this eatery.

I don’t know if it’s the melting cheese, the fun round (sometimes square) shape or the ability to make it your own masterpiece through simple ingredients that makes it a staple for quick and easy meals. Only good things can happen around a piece of pie and a glass of wine, which is why SPIN! Neopolitan Pizza’s new Southlake location is the perfect spot for date night, family dinner, or girls’ afternoon/brunch!

And SPIN! is more than just pizza. It’s a culinary experience right in the heart of Southlake – passport not needed.

Coming for happy hour, GNO or date night? Take a trip to the SPIN! bin where you can choose your favorite wine, beer or Sangria to drink with your Italian feast. They rotate the wine by the glass daily and the sangria comes in three flavors – red, white or blood orange. No judgement here if you try all three – because I did and they were all legit (I kinda consider myself an expert on Sangria!) However, the blood orange is the one that will really make you want “just one more glass.”

Start your meal with a antipasta plate made with roasted eggplant, creamy cheeses or mondo meatballs. If flatbreads are your fave, they have several Italian-inspired options including a white bean hummus and roasted red pepper with goat cheese that go great with a glass of vino…or just go with the trio and you can get a little of all the goodness.

“Hand-shaved grana, homemade fig onion marmalade, freshly sliced prosciutto, roasted red pepper goat cheese, roasted mushrooms, garlic, eggplants & chicken (just to name a few), crispy, chewy crusts with brown bubbles, authentic Neapolitan salamis, peppers and cheeses, and totally hand-made flavor…” sounds awful, right? Yep, that’s just for starters. There are hundreds of combinations of ingredients you can choose from. For those individuals who have food allergies, you can sub the original crust for gluten-free crust for only $3 and you can add dairy-free Daiya cheese to your pie if you’re vegan or lactose intolerance. My belly is happy already.

But it’s not all about the pizza. There are soups, huge innovative salads and fresh-made sandwiches that can make your taste buds just as happy.

Whether you bring the kids or are you looking for your own sweet creamy treat – gelato, made with all-natural ingredients with fun flavors including peanut butter, caramel and your Italian staple stracciatella, might be a reason to come in all by itself.

Of course, now that you’re mouth is watering, you definitely want to try your turn at SPIN! Enter to win a $100 gift card to SPIN! (with three locations in DFW and one more coming soon.)

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« Previous Page

Your FUNpass to a Stress-Free Holiday

It’s Your Time: Fight Domestic Violence with SIX:02 6K {Discount}

USE CODE MAMACHALLENGE TO GET $5 OFF REGISTRATION at the Six:02 6K.

Brunch & Bust a Move with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

Oooh and Ahh with Sci-Tech’s Eyellusions Exhibit

New STEM Center Preps Girls for Endless Possibilities

Get Real with Real Tips for Women Defense {Free Class}

5 Easy Tips to Keep You Safe

Conquer The REAL Hunger Games

Join the Fight & Joust for the Cure

New Snap Kitchen in Flower Mound

You Spin Me Round…at SPIN! Pizza

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