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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

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5 Real Tips for Back to School Bento Box Lunches

August 17, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 3 Comments

Want to create yummy lunches that your kids will love? We have 5 real tips for making back-to-school Bento Box Lunches, inspired by this summer’s hottest movie, Finding Dory. Thanks to Tum-E Yummies for collaborating for this sponsored post just in time for back-to-school.

Back-to-school isn’t just for kids.

Sure, you can check out Pinterest for some ideas, but most of those lunches are quite complicated to make. These real tips for back to school Bento Box lunches feature food your kids will want to eat featuring one of our kids’ new favorite Finding Dory. However, you can use these ideas for any under the sea fan (like for The Little Mermaid or Finding Nemo.)

Tips for Back to School Bento Box Lunches13

Real Tips for Back to School Bento Box Lunches

1. Colorful and creative mixes are the name of the game.

2. Think outside the bread box

3. Cookie cutters make everything more fun.

4. Lunch will stick with them with shish kabobs

5. Multitask making lunch colorful and creative mixes are the name of the game.


Keep it simple! Kids don’t want complicated recipes and fancy presentations. They want food they can eat with their hands that tastes good. My kids love raw vegetables and hummus.

Try using the top of the bell pepper and lay it in a bed of hummus. We made “Hank,” the octopus from Finding Dory. Of course, the eyes make it more fun so I always have candy eyes around to add that special touch!

Another way to get creative is to mix it up!

To make this Bento the colors of Finding Dory, I used cantaloupe and blueberries for a unique fruit salad. There are lots of ways to make your lunches more exciting by getting creative with different items.

Tips for Back to School Bento Box Lunches4

5 Real Tips for Back to School Bento Box Lunches11

Think outside the bread box.

I started making these years ago for my kids and they LOVE them. I use a combination of meat, cheese, veggies, and soft white sandwich bread. The softer the bread the better since you’re actually flattening out the bread with a rolling pin, layering on your extras, and then rolling it up like sushi.

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The secret to making successful “sandwich sushi” is in the direction you roll it. If you roll it down top to bottom, the bread doesn’t stay together. But, If you roll the sandwich from left to right (vertically), the bread seems hold tighter like sushi. You can see what I mean from the photo below. The first one is done with top roll and the second one is the side to side roll.

Back to School Bento Box Lunches9

Tortillas, flatbreads, and crackers add a great twist to lunch meat, cheese and veggie combinations. Shop the deli section and try out something different from time to time to keep things fun.

Cookie cutters make everything cuter!

Variety is the spice of life but that doesn’t mean you have to constantly reinvent the wheel. Just using a cookie cutter on your sandwiches or fruit can change things up and make them a lot more interesting. Cookie cutters make everything look cuter and are and easy way to change up your daily lunches.

5 Real Tips for Back to School Bento Box Lunches13

As a rule of thumb, I purchase cookie cutters throughout the year, when we visit somewhere special, and right after the holidays when they go on sale. After my kids saw Finding Dory, I ordered all kinds of sea-like creatures for their back to school lunches.

My favorite cutters are the stars I have in several sizes. We use them for princesses, Star Wars, and for this Under the Sea themed Bento Box, we used them to make starfish sandwiches. Voila! 

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Back to School Bento Box Lunches7

Lunch will stick with them with shish kabobs

Presentation is everything. For instance, bits of meat, vegetables, and fruit are always more fun when it’s on a shish kabob. If you have younger kids and don’t want to have pointed ends, you can use a straw.

This Bento Box includes fruit shish kabobs, lunchmeat, tomato and cheese rounds; dried kale chips, and a special combo of white cheddar popped chips with fish-shaped cheddar crackers.

Multitask your lunches

To make sure they stay hydrated add a Tum-E Yummies to their lunchbox. Instead of buying a freezer pack, place your Tum-E Yummies in the freezer overnight and throw it in their lunchbox before they leave for school. The Tum-E Yummies thaws in the lunchbox, keeping everything cool, until it’s time to eat!

Back to School Bento Box Lunches5

Back to School Bento Box Lunches

Real Tips for Back to School Bento Box Lunches12

Tum-E Yummies is a fruit flavored water beverage for kids made in five flavors: Very Berry Blue, Greentastic Apple, Fruitabulous Punch, Orange-arific, and Sour-sational Raspberry. My kids also really love the limited time flavor, Berry-Licious Watermelon. All Tum-E Yummies flavors have 100% daily value vitamin C, B6, B12 and only 50 calories and 13g of sugar. They also have no sodium and a spill-proof sport cap.

However, the best tip for Back to School Bento Box Lunches is to have your kids help! Just putting together the box teaches them nutrition, invites them to be responsible for themselves, and it’s a fun way for you all to spend time together…and of course, helps you to get it done!

And best of all, it’s a great way for you and your kids to spend time together!

For more back-to-school tips, follow Tum-E Yummies on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.

 

 

Best Gift for the Frozen Fan Who Has Everything

June 23, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 14 Comments

Disclaimer

Got a little Princess or Prince  to buy a gift for, but think they already have everything that could be frosted with snowflakes and include the song “Let it Go?” While a trip to Disney World or Land is always the top pick for any real Disney fan, sometimes that’s not in the budget or in the schedule.

Disney Frozen: You are My Best Friend


However, you can now take children on an adventure with Anna, Elsa and everyone else at Disney in the new “Disney’s Frozen: You are My Best Friend” Put Me in the Story Personalized books.

Come explore Frozen’s wintry world of magic with everyone’s two favorite, fearless sisters! Pull your child closer and catch up with Anna and Elsa, the two best friends that a royal little one can have! Your child will be thrilled to discover that the sisters have invited them into the castle! Join the sisters on a journey to see just how fast a bond can grow and learn that the right companion can bring warmth to the wintriest kingdoms. Your child won’t want to let go of this personalized book with their name, photo and a special dedication message. This book can also be personalized with our special edition just for sisters!

Elsa-Anna-Book Personalize this fantastic Frozen adventure with your child’s name, photo, and special message on the dedication page. Your little one will not want to let this book go!

Personalize this fantastic Frozen adventure with your child’s name, photo, and special message on the dedication page. Your little one will not want to let this book go!

And to celebrate the release of Anna and Elsa’s new book, you could also enter to win a magical family vacation to Orlando with Put Me In The Story’s Frozen Dream Vacation Sweepstakes! You can win a 3-Day/2-Night trip for a family of four to the most magical place in the world! Grand prize includes airfare, hotel accommodation, and theme park tickets! And when you enter, you can get 20% off your own Put Me in the Story Personalized Book! 

ENTER TO WIN

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. See Rules http://bit.ly/1cl8taY. Ends 07/17/2015. One entry valid per day.

Other Frozen Fun on MamaChallenge.com Not To Miss

Frozen-Birthday-Party-Ideas

Mickey Mouse Brunch Party with Waffle Bar #DisneySide

April 11, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

Disclaimer

A party featuring Mickey Mouse is always going to be a good time, but starting off the day with a Mickey Mouse Brunch Party is even better! See how we put together this get together easily featuring the Mouse, waffle bar and lots more Disney fun!

Disney Brunch Party


Everyday is a good day for a Mickey Mouse themed party…especially one that starts early in the morning, in your PJs and covered in syrup! Thankfully from the #Disneyside sponsors, we had some great supplies to put together this marvelous Mickey Mouse inspired reverse pajama/brunch party!

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Inviting some of our favorite friends and family members, via our favorite email service Punchbowl, we managed to create a hot diggity dog time – all before lunch time!

Mickey-Mouse-Invite

Centered around finding the coolest Mickey Waffle Stick Maker (affilate link) that makes four Mickey-shaped heads with sticks for waffle on a stick action that makes it easy and fun to eat. So the idea was born to create a Mickey Mouse Waffle Bar at our Reverse Pajama Party!

Mickey-Waffle-Maker

Aren’t they adorable? And with them just the right size, they are easy to eat AND you can eat more than one. Chocolate syrup, whip cream, strawberries, sprinkles and powdered sugar made for lots of fun for the kids to personalize their Mickey Mouse Waffles.

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Along with the waffles, there were tons of other Mickey Mouse-shaped breakfast foodsas well as decorative items like this easy MM centerpiece we made for another Mickey Mouse birthday party for the kids when we returned from Disney World.

Disney-Side-Mickey-Table

Of course, there were several Disney-themed edibles like these chocolate chip muffins with Mickey Mouse toothpicks (affiliate link) on this adorable resuable Mickey Mouse muffin/cupcake stand (affiliate link).

Disney-Side-Muffins

And  you can’t ever forget the Mickey Mouse plates, cups  and napkins (affilate), especially when you have waffles with whip cream and chocolate chips. While the kids enjoyed watching classic Mickey Mouse cartoons like Steamboat Willie and Mickey’s Adventures in Wonderland (affiliate).

Disney-Side-Mickey-Cups

Borrowing this idea from our Disney Princess party, we transformed the idea of princess wands to Mickey Mouse sticks using pineapple cut like Mickey Mouse, grapes and strawberries. If you don’t have a Mickey Mouse cookie cutter (affiliate) and have kids, you should buy one! It’s a quick and easy way to make sandwiches, cookies and these fruit kbobs fun to eat!

Disney-Side-Mickey-Kbobs

However, the fun didn’t stop there! We made these homemade Mickey Mouse marshmallows for our hot chocolate!

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And the kids also received their own reusable travel mug with hot chocolate mix, Mickey Mouse marshmallows and other great treats to take home to show their #DisneySide including luggage tags, HP CMYK Pack with photopaper for their own photo memories and a DVD about planning your own Disney trip!

Disney-Side-Favors

 And you can’t ever forget the Mickey Mouse ears to make the PJ party complete.

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Disney-Side-Mickey-Baby-MamaChallenge

We’re so glad we were able to get together to show our #DisneySide  done breakfast style! The only thing that would have been better is to have Mickey Mouse join us!

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How do you show your #DisneySide? 

 

BippityBoppityBoo! Disney Cinderella Collection Debuts at JCPenney

March 13, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 18 Comments

Disclaimer

Beginning this Friday, March 14, princesses, young and old, will experience the magic of glass slippers and carriages, with the debut of Cinderella.


To celebrate the fairytale, JCPenney has partnered with Disney for a new Disney Collection. My little princess couldn’t have been more excited when the “fairy godmother” sent her a little package to get ready for the ball!

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In celebration of the retail collaboration with JCPenney and Disney’s New Live-Action Film “Cinderella”, JCPenney has unveiled a new line for princesses everywhere!

Designed exclusively for JCPenney and sold in the enchanting Disney shop inside JCPenney, offers a variety of options to complete the transformation from little girl to princess. From sparkling tiaras, princess gowns, “glass” slippers and more… girls everywhere can make any moment magical and bring out their inner Cinderella.

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All items are available for purchase now at JCPenney stores and all retail for under $55.

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What’s your favorite Cinderella Moment?

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.

Chuggington-Live

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.)

Enter-Here

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.

Grapevine-Mills-Mall-Kids

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!)

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

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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?

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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.

grapevine-mills-makover 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.

Grapevine-Mills-Map

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

 

Christmas Hot List: Disney’s Big Hero 6

November 10, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Disclaimer: I was provided with some of the Big Hero 6 for purposes of this review. However, comments here are all my own. Affiliate links included.

I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t be sad if our Frozen DVD would stop working for just a day or two.

I’ve been trying for a couple of months to get a break (after the Frozen-themed birthday party and no Halloween), so thankfully Disney released another movie for us to get excited about with Big Hero 6.


Big-Hero-6-Mask

Inspired by the Marvel comic book, the movie follows Hiro and his inflatable robot Baymax build their own gang so they can take onaa kabuki-masked villain. Featured voices in the film include Damon Wayans Jr., Maya Rudolph, and Ryan Potter.

While we didn’t make it out for opening weekend, I counted their request at more than 10 times to go.

So until then we watched the trailer…also about 10 times.

Taking them to the movies wasn’t really on the to-do list, but they weren’t about to be put off by another home viewing of Frozen. 

But toys can be a good distraction.

Big Hero 6 Baymax Rocket Fist and Mask Role Play Combo Pack

Retail $20.99

Baymax-Mask-Combo-Big-Hero-6

Of course, every little boy wants another mask, especially when it has a flying fist. Thankfully this one is soft and styrofoam lined.

Big Hero 6 11″ Deluxe Flying Baymax with 4.5″ Hiro Action Figures

Retail $37.99

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Baymax flies, makes noise and more. You’ll hate this toy, but your kids will LOVE it.

These will be on the hot list for holiday especially for the boys, so better to snag these up when you find them.

Remember Frozen toys about six months ago?

Sleeping Beauty Princess Spa Day Party

October 13, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 27 Comments

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DisneyBeauties #CollectiveBias

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Since the first time my eyes spotted the beautiful sweet lips of my little princess, I was ready to celebrate all things princess. Princess tea party, princess dress up party, princess spa party…we were going to have fun enjoying being a princess as long as she would let me. So when Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Diamond Edition DVD Gift Set came out just last week we had the perfect reason to celebrate with a Princess Spa and Watching Party for my little gal and all her friends!


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With just a little planning and one easy trip to Walmart for the DVD, the decor from and royal fare, I had everything I needed for the Princess Party.

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Download Your Princess Spa Party Checklist PDF | Google Doc

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FORMULATE

Just look at how cute these invitations are from American Greetings line called DesignWare? They even include the thank you notes, too, so must love a twofer!

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I couldn’t get over how cute the decor options that were available including everything you need for a party like napkins, plates, utensils, balloons, tablecloths and SO much more like chandeliers, window decor and even beautiful princesses to bring the table, floors, and walls to life!

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Decor#DisneyBeauties#Cbias#ShopAnd of course, a Sleeping Beauty Party wouldn’t be complete without a Sleeping Beauty dress for my gal! All the girls were also invited to wear their favorite princess dresses, but just in case, we also had a little dress up corner if any of the girls felt the need for a dress change (and like many girls at a special event, they did!)

DressUp#DisneyBeauties#Cbias#Shop

FUN

With the invitations, decor and the dress out of the way, I was ready to put together the plan for the evening’s activities. In addition to watching the movie (many of the girls had never seen it) and the refreshments, we had some spa fun to be had. The biggest goal of the evening was to emphasize that every girl was beautiful, so we made use of a mirror and using Crayola Window Markers (also purchased at Walmart), I wrote “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall…” and made sure each little girl knew how beautiful she was with positive reinforcement from everyone. It was such a great way to get the evening started so they felt good about themselves!

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The two-hour party was broken into stations:

  1. Glass Slipper Pedicure with Cinderella’s Pumpkin Foot Scrub, Happily Ever After Lotion and Sparkle Polish (part of the favor bag.)
  2. Fairest of All Facial with Snow White’s Apple Scrub, Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) Lipgloss (part of the favor bag)
  3. Be the Belle of the Ball with Belle’s Up-dos along with tiaras and magic wands
  4. Jasmine’s Jewels with the rest of the favor bags available for the girls to pick up their DesignWare necklaces, rings, etc. for their favor bags

Facials#DisneyBeauties#Cbias#Shop

Glass Slipper Pedicure

For this station, I purchased travel scrubbies, towels, dish buckets, sparkle polish and lotion I found ironically named “Happily Ever After.”

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I also whipped up this super easy Cinderella’s Pumpkin Foot Scrub sure to make any foot soft and smooth enough to slide into any shoe!

 CinderellaPumpkinFootScrub#DisneyBeauties#Cbias#Shop

Print

Cinderella’s All-Natural Pumpkin Foot Scrub for Princess Spa Party


Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vitamin E oil

Instructions

  1. Combine all the ingredients together for a foot scrub sure to make any foot soft and smooth enough to slide into any shoe!

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @mamachallenge on Instagram and hashtag it #mamachallenge

Fairest of All Facial 

Combining a little Snow White & Aurora from Sleeping Beauty, we did a little fun to put their best face forward!  First we applied the apple facial, then the girls were asked to lay down while we laid cucumbers over their eyelids for effect (which they loved and took off in 1-2 minutes), and we rubbed their arms with apple lotion while they relaxed watching the movie.  After 10 minutes, each princess facial was removed with a warm washcloth. Then each girl selected their own lip gloss for application and then put it in her favor bag to take home!

SnowWhiteFacial#DisneyBeauties#Cbias#shop

Be the Belle of the Ball Hair Station

All princesses have beautiful hair already, but we just added a little something extra shiny to make the girls stand out with tiaras and sparkle spray! Since it was Halloween it was easy to find sparkles spray and a run through the favor aisle and for under $1 a piece, each girl had her own tiara and wand! We did add some curls, braids and clips to make each of their dos complete, but we opted not to use any brushes to avoid hair issues like tangles or worse!

Tiaras#DisneyBeauties#Cbias#shop

Jasmine’s Jewels 

No princess look would be complete without jewels! Taking a cue from Jasmine, each girl was able to select her own bag of jewels from DesignWare to wear for the evening or keep for later princess adventures!

Jewels#Disneybeauties#Cbias#Shop

FOOD

Since this was an evening of royal treatment, I couldn’t forget the princess touches on dinner! Everything took about 5 minutes to complete, so this dinner was easier than the one I make for my family on most nights!

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Princess Spa Party Dinner Menu: 

  • Princess Sandwiches made with bread, cheese, turkey and cut with a princess tiara cookie cutter!
  • Princess Wands made by skewering grapes to a kabob/dowel rod and adding a star-shaped pineapple slice from a horizontally-sliced fresh pineapple.
  • Disney Princess Fruit snacks I found at Walmart in the fruit snack aisle!
  • Princess Pink Cupcakes spotted at the Walmart bakery and added a bag of silver favor rings found in the party section for $1!
  • Princess Juice discovered on the water/juice aisle at Walmart with tops so there were no spills as the girls traveled to each station.

Food#DisneyBeauties#cbias#shop

When the night was over at just about bedtime, we were all sad to see the fairy tale come to an end! But all princesses need their beauty sleep, so each left with their bag of jewels, tiara and wonderful memories of the evening with her princess friends!


Princess#DisneyBeauties#Cbias#Shop

 

Host Your Own Outdoor Movie Night with Starlight Productions

July 28, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

North Texas was blessed by Mother Nature a few weekends ago with a beautiful, perfect and mild 70-degree Saturday evening. It was absolute heaven to get to outside and enjoy the outdoors without drowning in your own sweat and being eaten by mosquitoes. With such a fabulously rare July evening, we wanted to take advantage of the summer’s delight with a fun outdoor evening under the sky.

So off to Roanoke we went.  I mean all good nights start with THE Babe’s Chicken, right?

HeySugar


If you haven’t ever made it to the first Babe’s Chicken, considered the best fried chicken EVER, you are missing out. Found in “The Unique Dining Capital of Texas” Roanoke, Texas, you can find a little bit of everything from BBQ straight from the grill to a slice of apple pie you’ll be drooling over after just one bite. But what’s on the list no matter what you ate for dinner? Hey, Sugar! 

HeySugarInterior

In addition to being every kid’s fantasy and every adult’s memories, Hey Sugar is a candy shop, ice-cream parlor (serving Beth Marie’s), old-fashioned soda and homemade sweet treats destination. And for the summer, the sugar mecca invites everyone to its open lawn for a free outdoor movie! Families bring out their blankets and chairs and plant themselves in front of the “big screen” for a fun evening of music and movie memories. And we were in luck…tonight’s film du jour? The Little Mermaid – my princess’ favorite film!

People

Starlight Productions has partnered with Hey Sugar to create this perfect family weekend outdoor movies throughout the summer. Locally based Starlight Productions does everything to produce the perfect outdoor movie experience – the screen, the sound capabilities (they even can do surround sound!) and if you want, they can DJ music before the event as people are getting set up! The kids loved this part and couldn’t keep still! It really made that “waiting time” easier as we waited for the sun to go down and get ready for showtime!

From the Starlight Productions Facebook Page

From the Starlight Productions Facebook Page

While this was a fun event for the whole community, I’m now planning to do an outdoor movie for my daughter’s upcoming birthday! Since she’s such a fan of Ariel, we’re setting up some fun water activities, grilling with friends and family and watching The Little Mermaid for her “Under the Sea” themed-party. It should be lots of fun and super easy for me with Starlight Productions!

If you are looking to try out Starlight Productions outdoor movie fun, I highly suggest you check them out in Roanoke! They go everywhere you need them to in DFW, but Hey Sugar is such a free family fun experience. On August 2 & August 15 Hey Sugar and Starlight Productions will have another “Movie Under the Stars.” Check out Hey Sugar’s Facebook for more info!

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More About Starlight Productions

Starlight Productions provides indoor and outdoor cinema production services for Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding areas. We feature commercial inflatable screens from Open Air Cinema in three sizes: 12’x7′, 16’x9′ and 25’x14′ with digital HD 1080p projection and JBL professional grade audio including subwoofers. They also offer the capability to connect Playstation, XBox and Wii consoles for gaming on a grand scale.

Want to book your own party? Call them at (800) 267-8026 or email [email protected]!

 

Flying in Friday – Disney’s Planes: Fire & Rescue {$5 Movie Ticket}

July 16, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

My son and hubby are counting down the days until Disney’s Planes: Fire & Rescue opening in theaters this Friday on July 18 for their Boys Night Out!

Planes Fire & Rescue is the next Planes story about second chances, featuring a dynamic crew of elite firefighting aircrafts devoted to protecting historic Piston Peak National Park from raging wildfire. When world-famous air racer Dusty learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. (And you can’t argue that a little Brad Paisley ain’t so bad either!) 



As a little pre-party, we visited our local Disney Store to participate in their free Planes: Fire & Rescue activities – happening at local Disney Stores everywhere! Kids ages 3 and up can train to become Aerial Fire Fighters! Along with learning about the characters and story of Planes: Fire & Rescue, training will include Parachute manipulation, Rescue and Fly Low!


Kids will receive a certificate and Party City Planes: Fire & Rescue balloon upon completion of their training. The last “training” happens this Saturday, July 19 at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, and 12:30 pm, so make sure check your local store for more information and confirm event times!


Make sure to get their early before your store opens for a little Disney Magic for opening ceremonies! It’s a free and easy way to see “where the magic begins!” My friend at MilkandCuddles shows the fun in her recent post! If you don’t have time to preparty, then you can download the new Planes: Fire & Rescue app!


And if your little skyjumpers are planning to fly in Friday for Planes: Fire & Rescue, make sure you grab this Groupon for $5 for a Movie Outing with a Ticket at Studio Movie Grill!


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Meet this Mama: Autumn Rose Reo

Autumn Rose ReoGet REAL Solutions for REAL Parents that Work! From recipes, things to do, parenting tips (and fails) and how to cope with everything in between, she'll share all the best ways to take on your (mama) challenges... https://www.mamachallenge.com/about/

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Pictures Say a 1000 Words

Fancy Schmancy. This month’s @torchystacos Taco Fancy Schmancy.

This month’s @torchystacos Taco of the Month is this beut: she’s full of eggs, smoked salmon, pickled onions, capers, chopped dill, and the herb cream cheese. And yes she’s fancy but oh so good and worth the splurge.

Paired with a side of queso and change out the chips for chicharrones with that white queso (and maybe a Paloma), and you’re golden. 

#torchytacos #salmon #tacos #paloma #fancy #torchys #dryjanuary #dill #salmon #dfweats #dallaseats
Who doesn’t like chocolate? But what if it’s Who doesn’t like chocolate?

But what if it’s truffles made with avocados past their prime? 🤢? Don’t knock it until you try it #recipeontheblog

Today on @wfaagmt I shared how to make the most of those leftovers and old vegetables and fruits! The kitchen smells so good with an apple tarte tartin, truffles, potato chips, broth, banana bread, and this cilantro green sauce! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Taken from @beardfoundation:

INGREDIENTS

1⁄4 cup red wine vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1⁄2 cup fresh cilantro stems (from 1 bunch of cilantro)
1⁄2 cup olive oil or neutral oil, such as organic canola or grapeseed
1⁄2 tsp ground cumin

DIRECTIONS

In a blender or the mixing cup of a small food processor or immersion blender, combine the vinegar and a pinch of salt and pepper. Swirl a few times to dissolve the salt. Add the stems, olive oil, and cumin — puree. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

#wfaa #tv #recipe #goodmorningtexas #chocolatetruffles #dfwinfluencer #dallasblogger #eatwell #dfw #momblogger #healthylifestyle #wholefoodmethod
Kept and Queso may sound a lot alike, but I don’ Kept and Queso may sound a lot alike, but I don’t think that’s the way it work...🌯

Today was a busy one: getting ready for the week and getting prepped for a tv segment (tomorrow on @wfaagmt, so I had to call in for reinforcements. While I may be on the no-carb wagon, the rest of the fam wanted something different -  fresh, full of flavor and delivered fast...enter @savageburritos!

Made from the @unclejuliosmexican family, this ghost kitchen delivery service offers specialty burritos, bowls, salads, the holy trinity (queso, chips and salsa) and even dessert - all to your door! 

Find ‘em online and find out why you’ll go savage for more! And thanks @savageburritos for such great service! 

#savageburritos #savageburrito #unclejulios #texmex #dfweats #mamachallenge #dallasfood #dallasmoms #dallasinfluencer #dfwblogger
Nothing like trying to eat healthier and your kid Nothing like trying to eat healthier and your kid surprises you with an over-the-top hot cocoa in bed.

...But at least she put it in my @shopcarrieelle mugs.

I’m wondering if this was my first teat of 2021.
Hoping to make 2021 a lot brighter. ✨ Happy New Hoping to make 2021 a lot brighter. ✨

Happy New Year’s Y’all!

#ArlingtonTexas #ArlingtonTx #dfw #nye #lonestarnye
Consider 2021 the light at the end of the tunnel. Consider 2021 the light at the end of the tunnel.

We’ve been working to squeeze in all the celebrations this week before it’s time to work out all the tears, wine and carbs 2020 brought. 🍷 🥖 😭 

What’s your NYE plan? And most of all what’s your last cheat meal? 

#dfw #nye #newyears #covidchristmas2020 #dallasinfluencer #dfwblogger
The 80s are coming back in full force...but does m The 80s are coming back in full force...but does my visor match my mask? 😱

Actually my #OOTD is part of our equipment to take down aliens in London circa 1984 at @electricgamebox, the new immersive gaming experience @grandscapetx. Opening December 24, it’s the perfect way to spend some family time TOGETHER, hear a bada$@ soundtrack (hello, 80s!?!) and burn calories (don’t worry about those extra cookies!)

Before you go: 

🕹Have a team name ready

🕹Wear tennis shoes, no hats or hair bands, and comfortable clothes. 

🕹There’s a locker to put your bag in if you need to drop it off!

🕹Safety is #1: Masks are a must, no contact and you’re the only ones in your game room! 

🕹The experience is an hour so be ready to move bc you will! 

Swipe to see our score and family photo (emailed to you after your experience!)

Thanks for some pre-Christmas fun Electric Gamebox! (Partner)

#dallas #dfw #dfwinfluencer #dallasblogger #dallasmoms #dallastexas #electricgamebox #covidchristmas #2020 #openingsoon
❄️ I’m dreaming of a White Christmas... We ❄️ I’m dreaming of a White Christmas...

We normally head to the mountains at Christmas time, but this year we’re just happy to celebrate Christmas healthy and together with lots of wonderful trips around home including to the @gaylordtexan. So we broke from our matching plaid instead with this mom/daughter snowflake set from @shinestythreads. Most their stuff is exactly what you need to dominate the Christmas sweater game, our little bit of cheesy (cue “Let it Go...”) but came out too sweet not to share. (When they’re this age, you take it when you get it!)

Shinesty is the resource for all the holidays apparel and even does free returns! Save their page for when you need to be the talk of the party (online and in person.) 

🎄And for details about the @gaylordtexan Lonestar Christmas like this week’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Brunch, head to the blog (and remember the code REO gets you a discount on some of your activities!)

#shinesty #snow #dfw AD #gaylordchristmas #gaylordtexan #visitgrapevine #dallastexas #dfwinfluencer #dallasbloggers #matchingoutfits #snowdfw #somuchchristmas
One other thing came out of #2020 besides drive-th One other thing came out of #2020 besides drive-thru margaritas...I had time to enjoy wrapping my gifts! 

While we had a minor Santa disaster yesterday, I devised a mom save and moved on to the wrapping paper! I even made my Christmas tags with my @Cricut to match my white & silver snow theme! 

Do you theme your wrapping? What was this year?

You finally can get yours or stock up on accessories now at 50% off now with this link or download the LIKEtoKNOW.it shopping app to shop this pic via screenshot. http://liketk.it/34fvi #liketkit @liketoknow.it 
 #StayHomeWithLTK #LTKhome @liketoknow.it.family @liketoknow.it.home
...Hold your horses! 🐴✨🎄 I love celebrati ...Hold your horses! 🐴✨🎄

I love celebrating our holiday traditions, but this year we made a new one! I’ve always wanted to see Christmas lights by carriage ride and this year we made it happen by surprising the girls! 

We spent the night looking at beautiful houses, drinking hot chocolate under the blankets and hearing some of the best commentary from the girls!

🐴 There are several different carriage ride companies (we used Whitehaven Carriages) that drive through Deerfield and Highland Park with multiple types of carriages (there’s even a Cinderella) for varying prices starting around $175+. 

🐴While rides reserve quickly, you might be able to find some after the holidays! If not, put this in the calendar for next year because it’s a must do!

(I’ve shared some of it on Instastories!)

#dfw #highlandpark #dallasbloggers  #christmasdecor #horses #chriatmaslights #dallas #dfwevents #dallasinfluencer #dfwinfluencer #christmastradition
Just ONE more day! The countdown to Christmas may Just ONE more day!

The countdown to Christmas may be a week away, but @thecroods New Age is available by demand tomorrow! 

The kids have been so excited about this debut and have decorated for the occasion with their goodies from @dreamworks! 🎁 (Partner)

#CROODSNEWAGE #dreamworks #thecroods #giftideas #dfwinfluencers #dallassocialinfluencers #movie #fandango #momlife #sloth
🎶I’m dreaming of a white Christmas...🎶 . 🎶I’m dreaming of a white Christmas...🎶 

...to drink that is, The Dude style. Picking up last minute gifts, I took a brief break at @lockwooddistillingco. They have a great holiday cocktail list and if you’re lucky, you’ll find some awesome gift baskets under their Biggie & Snoop Christmas tree will make everyone happy for Christmas (twofer!)

Whatever you do, don’t leave without a bottle of the Bourbon Creme or Cinnamon Rum to make it through the holidays (who needs eggnog when you can drink this?)

#lockwooddistillingco #biglebowski #dfw #richardsontx #dallastx #holidaydrinks #dallasinfluencer #dfwblogger #whitechristmas #giftidea #biggie #snoop
#MomTruth: What are you buying and wrapping yourse #MomTruth: What are you buying and wrapping yourself to put under the tree and saying it’s from the kids? 🌲 

For me it was this crossbody from @bestofsevenshop. I love a beautiful big handbag (hello @louisvuitton!), but lately I’ve kept it to the essentials as we enjoyed all the holiday events safely, but I still wanted it to be cute! 

Best of Seven style is classic: full of pockets and zippers as well different styles that let you interchange colors to make it your own! “Keeping it your own” is their mission by celebrating diversity:
🌈 races
🌈religion
🌈genders
🌈sexual orientation
🌈Abilities and disabilities
🌈Ages

And you know I love a monogram! 

Today’s the last day to get 30% off and still get it personalized! Get the link in my profile!

#bestofseven #diversity #giftideas #dallasblogger #style #holidays #grinch #rainbow #dfwinfluencers #dallasmoms #covidchristmas
SO.MUCH.CHRISTMAS. 🎄🎁🎅🏼 It’s incred SO.MUCH.CHRISTMAS. 🎄🎁🎅🏼

It’s incredible how much you can do in 24 hours and how many photos you can take - 422 to be exact.

Have you been so busy you haven’t had time to do the Christmas stuff? Get in all the holiday fun with our guide to SO MUCH Christmas at the Gaylord Texan @gaylordtexan.

We even share how to save some money (use the code REO!)

Link to the guide is in the profile and #ontheblog.

#gaylordtexan #ChristmasatGaylordTexan #ilovechristmasmoviesWB #SoMuchChristmas #gaylordchristmas #dfw #visitgrapevine #christmas #dfwinfluencers #dallasinfluencer #travelblogger #traveltex #grapevinetx
Are you making a different kind of O Face because Are you making a different kind of O Face because your not sure if that box is gonna make it? O-NO! 😱

Deadlines start today fast and being in those long lines might be the worst part of Christmas. However, I shared some tips  on @wfaagmt on how you can avoid feeling like a Grinch when it comes to shipping. 🙌🏻

Here are some tips you might not know before you get in line: 

🎁 The big three all have pick up at your house, by going online and scheduling for pick up @ups, @usps.official and @fedex.

Did you know that several stores actually have shipping inside? 
🎁Some Ace Hardware stores @acehardware and local Eliott’s Hardware
🎁 @Staples - they have all the supplies for you to box it up (and I have a coupon in my Instastories!)
🎁 CVS ships UPS
🎁 Heading to those third party parcel stores can definitely save you some time.

Ship to Store is a huge way to get the item delivered quicker to you or to have sent. 
🎁 Get your @amazon sent to an Amazon Locker  or @wholefoods for shipping and pick up! 
🎁 @target - drive through pick up with the App 
🎁 @Walmart - just launched a new service called Walmart+ which is like Amazon Prime where you can get it. (Try it free now!) 

Last-minute shipping?
🎁 While you might not want to pay for those last-minute shipping services, if you use @rakuten you can save money on your purchase so then it still can be affordable for your budget. (I have already racked up a $600 cash back check just for using Rakuten - head to my profile to get a link to get $20 back when you use it! (It’s FREE!) 

@wfaagmt @wfaa #dfw #shipping #holiday #savemoney #dfwinfluencers #dallasinfluencers #dallas #giftideas #mamachallenge #giftguide #covidchristmas
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