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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Look Good While You Do Good on 4th Annual Génifique Day

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Talking with one of my friends the other day, we discussed the need to “hide” or “sneak away” when we went to have a beauty treatment. For some reason (besides the cost), we both felt guilty for getting a little “maintenance” AKA beauty treatments. Perhaps it is the fact that we are not working, taking care of kids or doing one of the 101 other things that are on our list of things-to-do, either way, getting beautified comes with guilt. 

Photo courtesy of Mickey Williams


That’s why I love that now I can feel good about doing good while I get to look good on the 4th Annual Génifique Day. On Friday, Oct. 11 Lancôme and Celebrity Makeup Artist Mickey Williams invite you to get a makeover while you give back to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 
  • Beauty expert Mickey Williams will be providing a complimentary, professional makeup application session and personal product recommendation consultation from Mickey herself at Dillard’s at North Park Center.
  • Then capture your beautiful look in one of Lancôme photo booths following your celebrity status makeover.
Williams has been lending her expertise for more than 20 years to A-list clients like athlete Bethany Hamilton, Matt Damon, Barack Obama, and Demi Lovato. Williams has also been a featured contributor in more than 100 top publications, and appeared a beauty and style expert for The Today Show, ET!, Extra, and Good Morning America.


Partnering with Williams for this fun event is the revolutionary makeup leader, Lancome. Their Génifique formula is designed to reactivate the 10 key signs of youth, restoring skin’s vibrant smoothness, luminosity, and radiance in just seven days.

4th Annual Génifique Day
Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013
Noon to 5 p.m.
Dillards at North Park Center
8687 North Central Expressway, Dallas TX 75225

Break Bread, Drink Beer, Make Friends with #WholeFoodsAddison – Sneak Peek Friday, July 12

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Food Fridays:

 Opening the fringe this morning, I found there was no milk. Half-asleep and pretty-peeved, I was able to make a mess pouring juice, so I reached for the paper towel supply that also seemed to have diminished. It was only when I went to clean my daughter’s diaper and had no wipes left that I knew someone was trying to tell me something. 

 We were out of groceries. #crappymom alert

 Yep, mama needed to go to the store, but all the other stuff (like my leaking ceiling from my clogged A/C and the never-ending ring on my phone today) was making it hard to just stop the madness and take an hour to hit the grocery store. 

If only I had someone to do that (and no, I don’t mean my husband.) 

And like a little fairy, I found out that the Whole Foods Addison that was opening this TUESDAY, JULY 16 totally has a personal concierge. Yes, someone who will do my shopping for me…but that’s not all folks.

 They’ll shop while I drink a beer at the bar or coffee (depending if I need an upper or downer with my day.) That’s amazeballs. 

 Hold on. There’s more. 

 Your first shop is free. So at least one time you can come in and get someone else to do the work. Awesomesauce.

 So how do you get in on the Whole Foods Addison fun? 

 Sneak Peek, June 12:
While they are still finishing up on the place, they are inviting everyone – yep, you, me, and all of Dallas, to come on by – have a drink, eat some food, listen to some music and take a look at their “COMMUTER STORE.” (And since Addison technically only has about 15,000 residents, then most of us are considered commuters.) You can’t buy anything, but you can plot your first experience. 

 Opening Day, July 16:
What’s also awesome? They are giving away 100 gift cards to the first 100 people who show up to “break bread” with them on Tuesday at 7:30 AM. See, Whole Foods doesn’t do ribbon cuttings. Nope, they break bread as a community. And pass out gift cards from $5-$250. Sweet.

 THEN – all 1% of profits that day go to Addison’s own WaterTower Theatre, who will be putting on a performance from their latest show, XANADU (yes, the disco, roller-skating-Olivia-Newton-John-one.) 

 More awesomeness.

 However, the coolness didn’t stop there. Nope, they just keep dishing it out with 550 cheeses, a “squeeze and grind” coffee and juice bar,” Korean BBQ, “flying bananas,” and lots of beer and wine to choose from. 

Like Kinky said, “Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.” 
And I think Whole Foods Addison is beautiful. 


See you there folks! 

 I’ll be the one on the bar stool – grocery shopping. 

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

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To-Do Thursdays:

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

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

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

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



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

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

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Me Mondays:

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

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

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


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

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Me Mondays:

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

I. HATE. TO. RUN.

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



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




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

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


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



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

Get More Muddy: 
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#GetActivewithON 

    You’re Invited to Learn the Hottest Looks for Texas’ Hottest Season with Summer Style Soiree TONIGHT

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    To-Do Thursdays:

    While North Texans just changed out our winter wear for our tank tops and flip flops, it’ll be just as soon that those mercuries will reach the 100s. (Try to hold back the excitement.)
    However there’s no excuse why you can’t look hot while you are hot – that’s where Jenny Davis, Indulge Magazine’s Fashion & Beauty Editor comes in. (Consider her your own Rachel Zoe.)
    Tonight treat yourself to an evening of all things summer chic with a special preview of the season’s hottest fashions from Grand Prairie Premium Outlets®, including Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store (one of only two in Texas) and beauty trends from Daireds Salon & Spa Pangéa — all hand-selected by the fabulous fashion & beauty editor for Indulge Magazine,Jenny Davis. Enjoy a complimentary mini-service, VIP goodie bags, decadent treats, giveaways and much more.



    I’ll see you there – if I can find something to wear…
    Daireds Salon & Spa Pangéa Host Summer Style Soirée
    Thursday, May 16, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
    Grand Prairie Premium Outlets®
    2950 W. Interstate 20, Grand Prairie (Exit at Great Southwest Parkway)
    Free (To secure your complimentary mini-service, please RSVP to [email protected]. Spaces are limited. Choose from a mini manicure, chair massage or a makeup application.)
    ABOUT DAIREDS SALON & SPA PANGÉA
    Daireds Salon & Spa Pangéa is a luxury salon, spa and med spa located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The Daireds staff consists of the top trained beauty experts in hair, skin and nails — including several Vidal Sassoon trained stylists. Daireds has been featured in various local and national media outlets, and has an impressive celeb clientele list, including: Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Chris Bosh and his family, famous home-run hitter Jim Thome, baseball legend Nolan Ryan, as well as several Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys players. For more information, please visit www.daireds.com or www.facebook.com/daireds
    ABOUT GRAND PRAIRIE PREMIUM OUTLETS®
    Grand Prairie Premium Outlets®, which opened in August 2012, brings upscale outlet shopping to the area. With 110 stores, this shopper’s paradise offers an impressive collection of designer labels and leading brands at savings of 25% to 65% every day. One of its largest stores is Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store, which offers a range of apparel and accessories, including: women’s ready-to-wear, men’s, children’s, women’s shoes, fashion accessories, jewelry, handbags and intimate apparel. For more information, please visit http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=106.

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

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    To-Do Thursdays:

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

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


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


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

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

    For more about the Coyote Drive-in read the 

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

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    To-Do Thursdays:

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


    Here’s my picks:

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

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

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

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

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


    Spring Makeup Must Haves from Nordstrom Trend Show

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    Want-it Wednesdays:
    I received free admission and several samples for my personal review. However, the opinions expressed here are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)


    I’m a make-up fantatic. Which is quite funny because I don’t wear that much, but I sure do love to play with it and basically collect it like figurines on my bathroom shelves (I’m positive I would be considered a Hoarder, but that’s not the topic of today’s discussion.)

    What is though? Some spring make-up must haves. 

    Recently, I was privileged to attend Nordstrom Spring Trend Show event at Galleria Dallas. If you’ve never been or never heard of it, it’s like Beauty Church…complete with a preacher, deacon, music and pews (well, figuratively speaking). It’s heavenly for people like me and even more so for those women who will spend the whole day at Nordstrom buying and trying all the latest and greatest in makeup and receiving mega bonus buys while being treated to some pretty nice treatments. All for a little $25 golden ticket. And gals, it’s worth it. 

    Sitting in attendance with some of beauty royalty like Karla Sugar, I was able to see what was new on the market and also score several samples of it, too. So once I got home I dumped out my goodies to try ’em out. 

    Here’s what I found that I really loved: 

    1. La Mer: Does it need explanation? There’s a reason women pay around $275 for this magic cream in a bottle! $150-$275
    2. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution: Dark circles and big pores be gone! $85
    3. Laura Mercier ambre vanille souffle body creme: Smells A-mazing $35
    4. Viktor & Rolf SpiceBomb: It’s for the men, but smells so good I haven’t given it to my husband to wear in fear I might jump his bones in public. $48-$128
    5. Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate: Firm my skin and even out the skin tone.$85
    6. Brushes from Nordstrom: Just like a pen, it’s gotta feel good when you use it. It’s good to replace those brushes from time to time and these are so soft and with a little care, can last me a while!
    7. Kate Somerville CytoCell Dark Circle Corrective Eye Cream: I’m sure sleep my help me cure some of my huge dark circle issues, but in the meantime until I win the lottery or someone wants to pay me for my sarcasm, I’ll be using this stuff.  $75
    8. Lancome Visionnaire Corrector: More love for my dark circles as well as my pores and evening my skin tone using a little handle applicator. $89-$109
    9. Trish McEvoy Eye Base Essentials: Always in search of making my eyes look brighter, this shadow primer helps keep your eye makeup in place and makes you appear that you’ve had at least eight hours of shuteye, even if two is sounding good. $25
    What’s new in your makeup bag? 


    My Battle Plan for BlissDom ’13

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    Me Mondays: 

    There’s nothing like trying to get through a long list of to-do items and errands than to make the mistake of jumping on your blog and start changing up the look…then realizing you don’t have one place to change the look, but several platforms like: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and more. #scatterbrained #badtiming

    So I have to ask: what do yout think of the new look? I’ve many ideas, but this was one I could put together without the help of a real designer (if you know one, I’m all for reasonable suggestions!) 

    Anyhow, today like many Sundays, I’m putting together our family plan for the week. What to eat, laundry, appointments, and for me since I’m going to be at BlissDom, developing my agenda! 

    This is the first time BlissDom will be in Dallas and only about 15 minutes from home. While I won’t be staying at the Gaylord (one of my favorite DFW hotels), I’m planning to attend as much as possible while keeping up my mom duties at home and a few appointments and blog events in between! #goodluckwiththat 

    For all my “Bliss Buddies” (and to keep myself in line), I’m sharing my battle plan of action for #BlissDom 2013 as well as a little ’bout me! 

    My BlissDom Plan:

    THURSDAY, MARCH 21
    Blissdom’13 Kick off Reception: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm  
    Partner Meet & Treat Social: 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm  

    FRIDAY, MARCH 22


    Breakfast sponsored by Seattle’s Best Coffee  7:00 – 9:00 am  – Grapevine A/B/C/D

    Registration 7:00 am – 6:00 pm – Grapevine

    Handmade Marketplace sponsored by Blissfully Domestic  8:00 am – 4:00 pm – Ft. Worth 5-6

    Welcome & Opening Keynote with Scott Stratten  9:00 am – 10:30 am – Grapevine A/B/C/D

    Session Breakout #1: 12:00-1:00 pm:

    Lunch Break sponsored by Blissful Media Group – Longhorn Ballroom B – Level 1
    Business: John Morgan: The Ultimate Guide To Personal Branding – Grapevine C

    Hair Break: 2 pm – Getting my hair did with Vo5 and a head shots

    Session Breakout #3: 4:15 – 5:15 pm – 
    “Sweet Relief” Afternoon Break sponsored by Dr. Smith’s 3:30-4:15 pm – Grapevine Exhibit and Dr. Smith’s Booth  


    GIRLS NIGHT OUT with AMBER RILEY & CHRIS MANN: 7:00 – 9:00 pm – Sponsored by ConAgra Foods in support of Child Hunger Ends Here
    SATURDAY, MARCH 23
    Breakfast with coffee provided by Gevalia (& Johan:) 7:00 – 9:00 am – Grapevine A/B/C/D
    Morning Keynote with Susan Cain 9:00-10:00 am – Grapevine A/B/C/D
    Session Breakout #4:  11:30 am – 12:30 pm
    Business: Danielle Smith: Spread The Word: Using The Media To Give Voice To Your Message – Grapevine C

    Lunch: 12:30 PM Lunch with my Dallas Blissdom Girls sponsored by One2One Network
    Session Breakout #5: 2:00 – 3:00 pm
    Sponsored By Care.now
    Closing Keynote with Jon Acuff, Closing Remarks & More! 4:30-6:00 pm – Grapevine A/B/C/D
    Girls Night In sponsored by Maytag in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.  8:00 pm to midnight.  – Grapevine C/D   

    In between all the fun, I’m looking forward to: 
    Now, a litle about me in a nutshell: 


    I’m a proud Texas gal that likes to keep busy – otherwise, why would I blog!?!

    I play mama to two kids (jackson/4 years old & Taylor/18 month girl) and wife to Chad, whom I met in college at the University of North Texas. In between, I work in marketing/public relations, contribute to 3 blogs as well as my own, mamachallenge.com. I love to travel when I can, trying new restaurants, cooking and attempting to enjoy everything Dallas/Fort-Worth has to offer!

    Here’s a little more from me in action and why I decided started blogging.

    Now that you know me, I’d love to learn a little more about you! Are you going to BlissDom? If so, make sure to connect with me and let’s try to meet up! 

    @challengememama, #BlissDom

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