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mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents | Dallas Blog

Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

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Apple Spice Rose Tarts

September 29, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 15 Comments

Need to make an impression, but don’t have the time? Be the apple of everyone’s eye with this Apple Rose Tart recipe with ginger! It’s the best thing since Apple Pie.

Thanks to Central Market Apple Festival for getting me to branch out with apples and partnering with us for this sweet treat. 

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This is the time of year that my insatiable desire to bake kicks into high gear. 

It could be the cooler temperatures that let me turn on the oven or the apple cinnamon potpourri that I’ve plugged into the house that smells like I’m already cooking, but nothing says fall more than breaking out the apron to get my bake on. 

Apple

For me thumbing through Granny’s old cookbooks curled up with a hot spicy mug of apple cider and a furry blanket is the perfect way to spend a day… 

Then reality sets in.

Too bad carpool, conference calls, and all that other craziness that comes up daily doesn’t allow for hours of  baking joy. And what normally happens I’ll have the perfect opportunity to make something special for some event and then I’ll have ZERO time to make it. 

I go through my head trying to think of all the great things I could make and then reality sets in and I pick up a box of cookies. #mamachallenge

This recipe for the apple rose tart is the best of both worlds: looks impressive but without much work at all. Slicing up your apples might be the hardest part.

Apples (11 of 29)

However, the best part is you can use whatever apples you choose. I’d suggest using anything that has a red/pink hue, but when you head to Apple Festival at Central Market, you have more than 35 varieties to choose from. A trip through produce is better than going apple picking in the orchard because you have the best in-season apples from all over the country and guides to help you choose just the right apple. 

Apple

At this apple wonderland, you can try and learn about so many varieties of apples. A few caught my eye like The Diva®, and the Crispin (juicy and ideal for dessert), but it was the Jonamac that became the apple of my eye. Described as having a “rich, sweet flavor with cinnamon spice notes – and great for baking,” I knew this bright red baby was coming home with me (along with many others!) 

Apple

Apple

Apple

To make these rose tarts you only need seven other ingredients including puff pastry, cream cheese and of course, a little sugar and cinnamon. 

The only other thing you’ll need is a good sharp knife to cut your beautiful apple into thin slices after you’ve cut it in half and removed the core and sees. 

Apple

However, there are a few notes you need to make note of for rose tarts.

Cut the apple horizontally on both halves to get the perfect slice.

Ideally you’re looking for the apples to keep the pretty red skin on as much of the slice as possible. 

It’s important to put the slices into a bowl of water and lemon juice and slightly cook. 

This serves two purposes: may seem like an extra step, but if you don’t follow, your slices will break when you try to roll them and the skins soften and maintain the red color rather than burn when they bake. 

Apple

Believe me, I tried it both ways to make sure what steps were absolutely necessary. Can you spot the apples that were slightly cooked and the ones that weren’t? 

Apples

Use a pizza cutter to make your four cuts into the puff pastry dough.

First cut in half and then half those halves for the exact right size. 

Apple

Roll and fold is the name of the game. 

The fun part is actually the rolling up the dough. When you roll up the pastry, the apples (which are malleable because they’ve been slightly cooked), bend and make the rose. It’s so pretty to see how each one comes out different like every real rose does. 

Apple

And don’t forget to fold up the puff pastry in half after you’ve added the apples! (It doesn’t work out well either.)

Apple

Put the tarts in the oven and for the next 35-40 minutes enjoy the aroma that will take over your kitchen. And then you’ll have around eight lovely apple rose tarts ready for presentation and for your palate pleasure! 

Apples 30 of 29

 

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Apple Spice Rose Tarts


  • Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
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Description

These easy rose tarts will make you the apple of everyone’s eye.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 apple
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 2 sheets puff pastry (normally what you find in a pastry box.
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ginger (enhances the apple and cinnamon combination.)

Instructions

  1. Cut an apple in half longwise to remove the core.
  2. Thinly slice the apple halves horizontally.
  3. In a bowl, add the apple slices with lemon juice and water and microwave for 2 minutes.
  4. Pat dry the apple slices and set aside.
  5. Roll out one of the puff pastry sheets and cut into 4 even strips (pizza cutter works great.)
  6. Spread cream cheese on 2/3 of the puff pastry and sprinkle sugar onto the puff pastry strips.
  7. Lay apple slices peel side up and overlap to cover the pastry.
  8. Sprinkle cinnamon and ginger on apples.
  9. Fold the pastry puff in half lengthwise and roll up to create tart.
  10. Place apple side up in a greased muffin pan.
  11. Bake for 40 minutes at 375 degrees.

Notes

  • This recipe will make 8 tarts.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @mamachallenge on Instagram and hashtag it #mamachallenge


During the Apple Festival at Central Market don’t miss the  other “applelicious” products  for you to try and sample to heart’s content. Apples are so versatile you can appreciate them in everything from your salads, your entree, your dessert and even in your liquid libations like apple cider. Check out the Apple Festival online along with several recipe ideas and more, here. 

Apple

This is a sponsored post for Central Market.

 

 

Best Fall Sandwich: Roasted Brussels Sprouts Grilled Cheese

September 27, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Move over pumpkin, brussels sprouts are this season’s flavor du jour. And this easy grilled cheese complete with caramelized onions and gouda is the easiest way to fall in love with fall all over again.

Like most kids, I hated brussels sprouts. 

Brussels Sprouts Grilled Cheese

They spelled bad and they tasted worse. 


Then, like boys, and naps, as an adult, my taste changed and brussels sprouts became one of my favorite things. 

So when I found myself hungry for something different to eat one day at lunch, I did what we all have done…I stood in front of the fridge and stared at the contents waiting for them to whisper the best thing ever to make. 

Something that said, Alton Brown would approve. 

Something that said, “fall is in the air” and gave me the warm and fuzzies (instead of the heat that was actually trickling down my back from the Texas heat.) 

And something that said, “sandwich.” 

Brussels Sprouts Grilled Cheese

I find that sandwiches are the best thing ever and with the exception of liverwurst, there’s not a lot that isn’t good between two slices of bread. 

Basking in the Frigidaire golden hue, the quick light bulb moment brought me to a brussels sprouts grilled cheese sandwich. 

How could that be bad? Right? 

But you know how it could be better? Caramelized onions…and GOUDA. 

Brussels Sprouts Grilled Cheese

Unfortunately, I didn’t want an hour for the caramelized onions. Those babies make the world a better place, but not without a little blood, sweat and tears (literally.) 

But you know what – in a pickle – caramelized onions CAN happen with a little sweet shortcut. BROWN SHUGA. (Yes, brown sugar.) 

Brussels Sprouts Grilled Cheese

So two skillets out – one for onions, one for bread I went to it. 

And in just about 15 minutes my new baby was born – the Brussels Sprouts Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions. 

Brussels Sprouts Grilled Cheese

Brussels Sprouts Grilled Cheese

Brussels Sprouts Grilled Cheese

And in just about 20 minutes I was biting into it and it was THAT good. 

A little crunch, a little sweetness, a little creamy gouda, and no meat. 

However, I’m pretty sure if you wanted to throw in a little bacon, it might cause you to do a little dance. 

Brussels Sprouts Grilled Cheese

So the next time you sit down to some brussels at dinner, I’d suggest you either hold back a cup or two for leftovers or do what I do and double the batch just so you can make this. 

Take it from a gal named Autumn, you’ll be putting this in your recipe playlist. 

And song list suggestion for this dining moment: Take it from Billboard on this one and let it ride the whole way through. 

Brussels Sprouts Grilled Cheese

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Brussels Sprouts Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions


  • Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
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Description

This is the best flavors of fall sandwiched together between two pieces of bread.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pieces bread (This is where crusty bread, especially gluten free does amazing!)
  • 1 cup brussels sprouts, sliced (you can use leftovers)
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • 1 slice gouda cheese (or 3!)

Instructions

  1. To make caramelized onions, melt tablespoon butter to a medium high skillet and add onions.
  2. Stir them around to not stick and let them begin breaking down.
  3. Add sugar and continue stirring. After a few minutes, add water and turn down heat to medium to let the water and sugar liquify into sweet sauce. Set aside.
  4. To cook brussels sprouts, melt butter to a medium hot skillet. Next add the brussels and still to cook.
  5. Depending on how you like yours, I like a little crunch, so let them get golden brown but not get completely wilted (I like a mix.)
  6. Next in another skillet add bread that’s been buttered on all sides.
  7. Let it get golden and add brussels sprouts and then onions.
  8. Lastly, add cheese and cover with slice.
  9. Let both sides get nice and golden.
  10. Serve immediately!

Notes

  • You can use other cheeses, but Gouda has a great flavor and melts perfectly with these ingredients.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @mamachallenge on Instagram and hashtag it #mamachallenge


Brussels Sprouts Grilled Cheese

Peanuts to Pinot: Pad Thai with Spicy Peanut Sauce

September 13, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

Wonder what peanuts and pinot have to do with each other? Plenty. And we’re serving up a recipe for Pad Thai with Spicy Peanut Sauce to really show off this all-star Texas pairing. 

Thanks to the Texas Peanut Producers Board for their partnership and giving me a chance to learn this legume in a whole new way. 

To say I love wine is an understatement (and not in that mama needs her “sippycup” kind of way.) 

Peanuts to Pinot


I’m not a wine snob but a wine dork, one that really loves everything about wine and have for a long time (I actually wrote a research paper on the Texas Wine Industry and Tourism 12 years ago), took wine classes, and yes, enjoy sitting there just sampling wine. I love to travel to wine country (there is more than one you know) and am fascinated with how geography, science and passion come together to create a glass of vino. (See, I told you I was a dork.)

So when I had the chance to visit Lubbock (a perfect place for peanut making and the home of the Texas Peanut Producers Board) to learn about peanuts, I was interested to see agriculture at work, but didn’t know what to expect. Until of course, I got on the field to learn about peanuts (yes, there’s a lot that goes into peanut planting, processing and promoting!) and the relationship between peanuts and wine. (Bet you didn’t know there was one, huh?) 

Peanuts to Pinot

Peanuts to Pinot

Peanuts to Pinot

A Few Peanuts to Ponder:

  • One acre of peanuts will make 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches
  • Peanut butter is the leading use of peanuts in the U.S
  • It takes almost 850 peanuts to make an 18oz jar of peanut butter!

Many peanut farmers (like Mason Becker) are using some of their fields for grapes for the purposes of winemaking (or viniculture.) In fact many of the areas of Texas referred to as the “New Napa” like Fredricksburg and the Hill Country, actually grow their grapes in West Texas around the Lubbock area because the region’s climate is similar (and in many ways, better) than Italy and its European counterparts. 

Peanuts to Pinot

However, the idea of TEXAS wines, while not new to Texas as our first winery was in the 1600s by Franciscan priests, it certainly has changed in the last 20 years and thankfully for the better. Names like McPherson (Lubbock!), Messina Hof, Duchman, and Brennan are big names that have received some big accolades, but one of my favorites that I met was the three families behind Trilogy Wines.

Peanuts to Pinot

Peanuts to Pinot

A new winemaker, right out of the gate produced an award-winning Malbec that earned them several titles including Best of Class at the 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. And while the Malbec was silky, vanilla and herby, it was some of their others like their Pinot Grigio that really got my attention (I bought a case.) But best of all, these guys had been growing peanuts before that in the same field that these amazing grapes were coming from. 

Peanuts to Pinot


Peanuts to Pinot

So it got me thinking a lot about (and hungry for) peanuts and grapes, together. Not so much in that PBJ way (I’m not a fan for the record AT ALL), but more like in the pairing of these two Texas crops in dishes…like one of my favorites, Pad Thai. The combo of the fruit from the pinot, the creaminess of the peanut butter, and the crunch of those Texas peanuts, make it an all-star dish anytime. (And did I mention it doesn’t take long at all to make?)

Win-Win! 

Peanuts to Pinot

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Shrimp Pad Thai with a Spicy Peanut Sauce


  • Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
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Description

Easy, quick and with a little spice, this is a weekday meal that’s always nice!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces shrimp, deveined, cooked (you can use any protein, but shrimp is quickest!)
  • 12 ounces of rice noodles (I prefer linguine but you can use smaller if you need to.)
  • 4 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 cup carrots, shredded
  • 1 cup peppers (I used a mix of red and green)
  • 3 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tablespoon ginger (super for your digestive system)
  • 1/2 tablespoon turmeric (super for your immune system)
  • 1/4 cup honey, local
  • 1/4 cup creamy Peanut Butter
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari)
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • sriracha sauce (season to your liking)
  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
  • Optional: cilantro chopped
  • Optional: lime, sliced

Instructions

  1. Boil pasta as directed.
  2. Drain and return to pot and 1/2 sesame oil and toss.
  3. In another pot, heat rest of sesame oil over medium heat and add vegetables and spices.
  4. Saute until tender.
  5. Add honey, peanut butter, soy sauce and sriracha and simmer two minutes.
  6. Pour sauce into pot with noodles and toss well.
  7. To serve, garnish with chopped peanuts, chopped cilantro, and a quarter of lime.

Notes

  • Pairs well with a pinot grigio!

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @mamachallenge on Instagram and hashtag it #mamachallenge


Peanuts to Pinot

 

In a Winc: Why Friends Are Still Important

August 30, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Think that life is too full to fit in a little time with your friends? It is. Friends are still important even when you’re a big kid.

Thank you to Winc for reminding me that every day is worth toasting to and sponsoring this post.

Parents (especially mamas) make a lot of sacrifices when you have kids. (Pause for the eye roll and “you can say that again response.”) 

One of the biggest ones I never realized I’d totally throw to the bottom of my “must do” list was my friends. 


I value my friends dearly and am incredibly lucky that many of my bestest friends are actually ones from my childhood – like since I was 2 years old. These are the ones that knew me when Cabbage Patch Kids were the closest thing to kids I had and would stay on my neon phone for hours to talk about absolutely nothing. They also would be the ones that when a boyfriend broke my heart or I wanted to talk about how my parents made me mad, they were there to listen to it all. 

friends

Then as I’ve been able to work at a few places along the way, I’ve made more than co-workers but friends that understood those crazy work stories and could giggle when we reminisced about conference craziness and how boss’s obsession with chicken poppers. Then of course there were the mama friends I’ve made that didn’t know the pre-mama me, but knew exactly when I needed help and brought over Tylenol (and Starbucks) when I needed it most. 

wine

 

I still cherish those memories and their friendship but things like a husband, 2 kids, work and all that other crap got in the way of me being a good friend.

Mostly because I let it. 

Somewhere along the way I let those valuable bonds be replaced by babies, bosses, and other bullsh@t.

Thankfully in my old age I’ve started to notice that I’ve taken it (and them) for granted. Unfortunately I’ve also noticed, that I’m not alone. 

A lot of ladies I’ve talked to lately somewhere went wrong in their pursuit of being perfect (but so far from it.) 

Winc

 

We forgot that friendships are not something you do when it’s convenient, or just when it’s a birthday or a baby shower, or when you get divorced. 

It is a human need to socialize and be with people to remind you of your best (and worst.) 

As an adult WE are in charge of what we do with our time. And minute by minute, we need those friends to be a better us. 

While we can’t backtrack, we can start making those friend moments a priority even when you don’t think you have the time. 

1. So the next time you’re in the car, pick up the phone and call a friend. Forget Facebook and Instagram – call her.

2. Sitting in a meeting and can’t make a call? Text her and remind your friend that you think she’s awesome (she’ll appreciate it, always.)

3. Need to recharge your friendship? Ask her to coffee even if that’s just a trip to Starbucks. 

4. Write her a letter (yes, people still have addresses and enjoy a handwritten note.) 

5. Ask her (or even ask the whole crew over) to come over for a glass (or a bottle) of wine. If she can’t join you, send her a bottle then ask her for a Facetime and drink wine together. (Even if you don’t know what she’s drink, Winc can handle it.)

Winc

Need more ideas? No, you don’t. Friends don’t value you for what you do (isn’t that why they’re your friends), they value you because you love them and because they love you. 

Need more friends? Yes, you do. There’s no such thing as too many REAL friends. So thank your old ones and if you need to make new ones, do it. Say hi, quit being quiet in the line, or smile at someone. 

Need more time? No, you don’t. You probably found time to stop for Starbucks this morning or sign up for one of those Clean Up Your House Challenges you saw on Facebook. If you have time to clean out your makeup drawer, you already have time for her. 

And no they won’t always be there. Unfortunately, the clock is ticking and so is each valuable relationship. They can be over in a winc.

Raise a glass and toast to friends. (Need a good one? These will make you giggle.) 

How do you keep your friends your friends?

Winc

 

Back to School Breakfasts

August 19, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 14 Comments

Take away the back to school blues with these easy breakfast recipes that are on the go and good for you!

School time makes my house absolute chaos. No matter how many processes and advance plans we put in place, the morning time looks a lot like marathon and no one is going to win. With all the craziness, I still want to try to get something down their throats and mine that’s healthy and tastes food. So here are a few best-sellers at our house that work for the whole family and with just a little time (very little), we can still manage to get to school with a few minutes to spare (well most the time!) 

Added Nutrition: Banana Bread made with yogurt or applesauce 

DairyMax Pumpkin Smoothie

Protein Packed Pumpkin Smoothie


Easy Eggs: Jimmy Dean Simple Scrambles

Peanut Butter Granola

As featured on Fox Good Day Dallas, August 19. 2017

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Cinnamon Peanut Butter Granola

August 18, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

If you love peanuts you’ll love this easy recipe for breakfast granola made with peanut butter and roasted peanuts. Once you make this, you’ll never buy cereal ever again! 

Thank you to the Texas Peanut Producers Board for sharing that there’s a lot more to peanuts than peanuts and for this sponsored post. 

Peanut-Butter

Recently I took a trip to Lubbock, Texas to learn about peanuts. I wasn’t sure what all I was going to see, especially in West Texas, but with just 48 hours in Red Raiders country and I had a great time getting hands-on with farming, manufacturing, distributing and appreciating peanuts. I shared a lot of the highlights on the trip on social, but I can’t wait to share how much work goes into that jar of PB in your cabinet. 


It takes almost 850 peanuts to make an 18oz jar of peanut butter!

Of course when I returned home after my peanut paloooza, I was craving peanuts more than ever. And with several jars of peanut butter in hand a need to get more protein in my family’s body in the morning, this granola came to be. 

Peanut-Butter (13

With just seven ingredients, you probably have these items in your pantry so it’s super cost-effective! You can eat on it all week and for every meal (I love it with yogurt and berries and my husband eats it on top of his ice cream!) Another thing I love about this granola is that it’s full of healthy ingredients and still tastes so indulgent, especially when you top it with the roasted peanuts.

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Cinnamon Peanut Butter Granola


  • Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
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Description

A peanut lover’s dream with peanut butter and roasted peanuts.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (I love Homeplate Peanut Butter!)
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup roasted peanuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
  2. Combine everything together into a bowl.
  3. Spread mixture onto a baking dish with a rim.
  4. Bake, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, approximately 20-25 minutes.
  5. Allow to cool before serving with yogurt, milk or as a snack.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @mamachallenge on Instagram and hashtag it #mamachallenge


 

Protein Packed Pumpkin Smoothie

August 17, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 15 Comments

Can you smell the pumpkin in the air? It’s time to fall in love with pumpkin – and with this healthy protein packed Pumpkin Smoothie – get your pumpkin fix every day, all day, all year! 

Thank you to  via One2One Network for this sponsored post that reminds us all being healthy can be easy, fun and taste so good! 

DairyMax Pumpkin Smoothie

In this world, there are two kinds of people: those that love pumpkin and those that don’t.


I fall very much in that category of pumpkin lovers. About August all of a sudden I get this craving for the feel of fall, the smell cinnamon, and the taste of pumpkin in everything. Perhaps it’s my name or the 100 degree temps in Texas that drive it, but it’s alive and well (and we show it.) 

Unfortunately eating pumpkin pie all day, everyday isn’t going to do anyone any favors. On its own, pumpkin has some super qualities to impact your health from your eyesight, blood pressure and even your sleep. But if you really want to add a powerful punch, add dairy (cow’s milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.), to get nine essential nutrients and the protein you need to keep moving all day long. 

DairyMax Pumpkin Smoothie

At 8 grams of protein, you would have to drink 8 cups of almond milk to equal the amount in just 1 cup of cow’s milk.

Always on the go, this go-to pumpkin smoothie recipe will be your saving grace plus you don’t need to add protein powder like many smoothies because it’s already in there! In the morning I make this for breakfast for the kids and me before running out the door. And sometimes in the evening this smoothie is the ultimate indulgence without any of the guilt and all of the healthy benefits!

And best of all, it’s easy to make with pumpkin, milk, yogurt, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice and you can also add a few other things if you really want to kick your health or your tastebuds into overdrive, you can add vanilla for a little bit more sweetness or turmeric for its anti-inflamatory and antioxidant properties as well as ginger (which also is a great combo with pumpkin (hello gingerbread!)  

DairyMax Pumpkin Smoothie

DairyMax Pumpkin Smoothie

DairyMax Pumpkin Smoothie

Throw these ingredients and some ice cubes into the blender and you’re on your way to an amazing smoothie that tastes good and is so good for you!

DairyMax Pumpkin Smoothie

DairyMax Pumpkin Smoothie

DairyMax Pumpkin Smoothie

DairyMax Pumpkin Smoothie

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Healthy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie


  • Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
  • Total Time: 5
  • Yield: 12 1x
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Description

Have your pumpkin and drink it too! This protein-packed smoothie makes it healthy to have pumpkin pie everyday!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 frozen banana (chopped into chunks)
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup full fat yogurt (i like greek style)
  • 1/2 milk
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (I have a great recipe to make your own)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger or turmeric
  • 1 cup ice

Instructions

  1. Add all the ingredients into the blender in order and blend until smooth.
  2. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Notes

  • Using dairy in this recipe gives you a power-packed protein and nutrient punch!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 52
  • Sodium: 153
  • Fat: 4
  • Saturated Fat: 2
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 78
  • Protein: 14
  • Cholesterol: 12

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @mamachallenge on Instagram and hashtag it #mamachallenge


DairyMax Pumpkin Smoothie

For important nutritional info on dairy plus delicious recipes, fun, games and the stories about the families that get it to your table, visit Dairy Discovery Zone. Brought you by Dairy MAX, the Dairy Discovery Zone is a non-profit affiliate of the Dairy Council, funded by dairy farming families across Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and southwest Kansas. 

Keeping it Keto: Breakfast on the Go

July 17, 2017 By ads 16 Comments

Summertime is all being on the go, but it can make eating healthy harder! So we’re coming to the rescue with a quick, high protein breakfast without the bun!

This post is written by me on behalf of Tyson Foods, Inc. All opinions are entirely my own. This shop has been compensated by Acorn Influence, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

The other day I had to buy a bathing suit.

(Let’s pause as we all relish the angst that most of us get when this happens.)

bathing-suit

Photo: Amazon Affiliate

Not exactly my favorite thing to do…however, I’ll admit this year’s UGH wasn’t so loud because I’ve actually lost a few LBS over the last few months. Lots of hard work, lots of working out, and lots of new changes to get me on the road to a healthier version of me. As a gal who does love her food and her wine, it’s hard to say no, but I’ve found out for me what’s been working the best is a diet of high fat, medium protein and low to no carb. For short, it’s referred to a Keto diet. While I could get all crazy about what you can and cannot eat, it’s really been easy for me to adapt to and not feel like I’m going to be eating salad for the rest of my life. (I’m actually never hangry and get to drink all the coffee without sugar I want!) 
Bulletproof-CoffeeIt’s been a process and certainly not a quick one, but for me and for my future self who greatly wants to be around when my kids are having kids, it’s the right one. Unfortunately I did have to break a lot of bad habits like running through the drive through every day as trying to find things without a bun or to eat a salad going down the road. 

(Believe me I tried it and my car and my blouse did not appreciate the experiment.) 

Now that it is summer and the kids are home I’m challenged with keeping this healthy eating routine going and still keep up with the crazy summertime (no)schedule. As a mama, I may love having my kids home during the break, but there is no doubt that the ever-changing days makes it hard to keep things structured for them much less for you. Whether it’s dropping them off at camp, getting to go for a quick day trip, or hurrying off to handle whatever the brings, I’m going to be working to keep us all sane and to maintain the healthy keto-inspired lifestyle in check. 

Breakfast-On-the-Go

Eggs are an excellent source of protein (and one of my favorite things to eat!)

While a Sunday prep day is a great answer to keeping it keto, there are just some days that it just doesn’t happen the way you planned, right? You wake up late, the kids can’t find their shoes, work calls or a girlfriend calls – whatever, you get my point! Life happens. And it happens a lot. 

So when a beautiful homemade meal of sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs with cheese doesn’t fit in the schedule (you know that one you wanted to make but gets thrown out the window), Jimmy Dean still makes it easy and tasty with their new Jimmy Dean Simple Scrambles (found only at Walmart near the bacon, sausage and lunch meats.)

Jimmy-Dean

It’s like my new best friend since I can throw it in the microwave and with just about a minute, I have a hot breakfast (available with bacon, sausage and meat lovers) that’s high protein (like 20 grams plus), no carb and I can still eat in the car! Plus this way I can resist the drive-through urge to break my better way of eating and living (and keep my kids from wanting it too!) 

Breakfast-On-the-Go (

Breakfast-On-the-Go

 Breakfast-On-the-Go (7 of 27)

Breakfast-On-the-Go (

I was pretty ecstatic to have prepped myself for those crazy mornings when I don’t know how I’m gonna get it all done and I gotta get out the door.

Breakfast-On-the-Go

Breakfast-On-the-Go

Then the little one figured out there was something to these Jimmy Dean Simple Scrambles and stole it. (Oh well, her allergies still allow her to get to eat these, too!) 

Breakfast-On-the-Go (24 of 27)

Breakfast-On-the-Go (21 of 27) Breakfast-On-the-Go

Plus beginning August 2, there’s a .75 cent rebate on these babies so you can stock up when you use Ibotta (and a $10 sign up bonus!) So get yours now (and then) and keep your bathing-suit figure in check while handling all the crazy that comes your way! 

Breakfast-On-the-Go (10 of 27)

What ways are you eating healthy on the go?


When You Need a Vacation from Summer Vacation

July 11, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 108 Comments


Need a vacation from your summer vacation? When you need a getaway to get away, then get ready for your Passport to Summer.

Thanks to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen  for sponsoring this getaway to get away.

Remember the days when you looked forward to vacation, spent a few minutes throwing a bathing suit, sandals and a cute sundress in a bag, grabbed a passport, and took off without a care in the world?


Vacation-Cheddars

But when you’re a parent, you don’t normally get to go on vacation. You get to go on trips.

Trips include intense research, dozens of Pinterest boards of itineraries, early morning phone calls to claim one of the few spots available for breakfast with princesses, and a spreadsheet or a notebook to collect all the confirmation numbers to keep things straight.

Trips take weeks to organize and pack everything for everyone so they are prepared to have a good time after you’ve stayed up for hours carefully rolling each item in their suitcase.

Trips are when you act less like a parent and more like a drill sergeant to stay on top of all the plans you’ve made so that you don’t miss any fun – although you aren’t really have any.

Trips are when you finally get back home and realize that you are exhausted from your trip and would do anything for a vacation.

And vacations…you remember them, right? Sand, water, magazines, salty air, creamy drinks delivered by beautiful smiling cabana boys.

Vacation

(Take a moment and just breathe that all in.) 

After a recent trip, this mama needed a vacation in a bad way. But with only a few hours away from the kids, a flight was out of the question. So the best way to get away was to take a getaway to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen.

Vacation-Cheddars

Just in time for my sanity (and yours), you can visit Cheddar’s Passport to Summer and enjoy their taste of the tropics with hand-crafted cocktails and menu. And what are friends for but to order them all to find our favorites! 

Vacation-Cheddars

Head to Hawaiian with a Maui Margarita, a combo of half strawberry, half mango, with kiwi and a shot of DeKuyper Cactus Juice.

Vacation-Cheddars

Salsa with the Presidente Sangria mixed with Beso Del Sol sangria, Presidente Brandy and sweet & sour shaken with strawberries, fresh lemons, limes and oranges. Or party down with the Cheddar’s Pina Colada puree, splash of sweet & sour, topped with Myers’s Original Dark rum and garnished with a toasted coconut rim and fresh pineapple wedge! 

Vacation-Cheddars

Top off your day with an Island Tiki with Captain Morgan, Malibu rums, tropical mango puree, pineapple juice, sweet & sour and Blue Curacao.

Vacation-Cheddars

But if you really want to go full on vacay in a big way, then you order the legendary Cheddar’s Painkiller (there is a two-drink maximum on that one so it’s definitely a quick way to paradise.) Filled with Pusser’s rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, orange juice, toasted coconut rim, topped with nutmeg, you’ll figure out why it’s called a painkiller! 

Vacation-Cheddars

And when you tummy catches up with your taste buds, you can turn up the heat with the Sweet Heat Chicken and Shrimp or the Grilled Tilapia and Shrimp with Mango Salsa. (And you can feel much better eating this than some of the things you do end up eating on vacation.)

Vacation-Cheddars

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen has the menu for fun and the passport to summer, even if you only have an hour to take a vacation! Plus with such affordable prices, it’s way cheaper than a flight or hotel stay. And you don’t have to pack a thing.

WIn $50 Gift Card to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Show them We Appreciate: Donut What We Would Do Without You {Free Printable}

May 29, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 50 Comments

National Donut Day is one of the sweetest days on the calendar and it’s this Friday!  Say thank you to those special people in your life by including this “Donut What We Would Do Without You” printable and win this $50 Dunkin Donuts gift card to help with the fun! 

The folks at Dunkin Donuts have sweetened the pot with a $50 DD gift card for one lucky mamachallenge reader! Thank you for this sponsored post.

Donuts. Doughnut. DO-NUTS. 

NationalDonutDay


However you wanna spell it, they’re good. And just bringing a box of donuts to the office, a meeting or showing up early morning with a box for breakfast at home always makes everyone happy. 

Dunkin-Donuts

Besides showing you have good taste, it shows that even with all things you had to do in your day,  you took the time to stop and get something to say thank you! That’s true appreciation – for your team, your department, the mail carrier, your teachers, your dry cleaner or even your police department. 

Dunkin-Donuts

So we put together this adorable little printable to go with your drop off of donuts to show your true appreciation! Whether you want a poster, a notecard or whatever, you can scale this printout for what you need! And of course, it’ll look great paired with your drop off of Dunkin Donuts on National Donut Day! 

ABOUT NATIONAL DONUT DAY

National Donut Day is Friday, June 2, and Dunkin’ Donuts is ringing in the day in a most delicious, delightful and delectable way, offering guests in the Dallas – Fort Worth area a free donut of their choice (while supplies last) with the purchase of any beverage. The offer is good all day on June 2 at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide.

To make the day even sweeter, at 10:00 a.m. on June 2, Dunkin’ will deliver 60 dozen donuts to the Dallas Police Department headquarters at 1400 S. Lamar Street, Dallas, to be distributed to all substations. Dunkin’ is proud to support law enforcement and is making sure the officers have the opportunity to participate in the free donut offer. National Donut Day was originally established in 1938 by the Chicago Salvation Army to honor women who served donuts to soldiers during World War I. The holiday is traditionally celebrated on the first Friday of June. 

DONUT WHAT WE WOULD DO WITHOUT YOU PRINTABLE

Here are several sizes for your use. There’s even a PDF so you can print it straight to a 8.5 x 11 inch paper, landscape. 

Dunkin-Donuts

Download /// PDF (8.5 x 11 inch paper) / Notecard (perfect for a small note with a Dunkin Donuts gift card) / 5 x 7 poster or note 

What a way to celebrate with a $50 gift card to Dunkin Donuts.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Get 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... http://www.mamachallenge.com/about/

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I put it off all day because I didn’t want to ha I put it off all day because I didn’t want to have to start the inevitable, but here we are the first #SeniorSunday for Jackson Benham Reo. (I’m so not ready.)
Doubled-down and won big! Congrats to @daynetxbbq Doubled-down and won big! Congrats to @daynetxbbq for being named #7 in @texasmonthly 2025 Top 50 BBQ! 

We’ve done our own BBQ stop shopping this last year from our own @hurtadobbq, @smokenashbbq and @225bbq in Arlington, @goldeesbbq and @panthercitybbq in Fort Worth, @zavalasbarbecue in Grand Prairie and @franklinbbq in Austin, no one can say that BBQ is BBQ. It’s as vastly different as the landscape as Texas. Now I’m off to @burntbeanco - #sequin here we come with the rest of the state!

#bbq #texasbbq
I can’t believe these are my people…my people I can’t believe these are my people…my people are supposed to be toddlers with Thomas the Train and Disney Princess backpacks! 

Goodbye 11th and 7th grade!
🚨 ACT NOW: Keep Public $$$ in Public Schools! 🚨

Click Here (takes less than one minute): 
https://www.txpta.org/take-action

Tomorrow, March 11, the Texas House Committee on Public Education will hear HB 3. Let’s make it clear: Public money demands public accountability!

Texans have rejected vouchers since 1957—yet lawmakers are once again pushing them through with SB 2 and HB 3.

💰 Vouchers drain public school resources.
📉 They don’t improve student achievement.
❌ They aren’t about "parent choice"—private schools choose their students.
🏫 Texas parents already have school choice.

Governor Abbott is making vouchers a priority, but Texans are pushing back. Lawmakers are feeling the heat from voters who refuse to let public schools be undermined.

📲 Take 1 minute to make your voice heard NOW!

📷Jackson and Taylor are 2 of the 5.5 million reasons why Texas must keep public dollars in public schools. I was a product of public schools and had an amazing experience in a rural community with some of the best teachers. Change needs to happen, but taking away resources like these from schools is not especially when they ste already underfunded and our teachers’ morale is at an all time low. Communities work better together not when you separate them further apart. 

#studentsrworthit
#txptarally25
❣️…Pressing pause (for while)… Forgot wha ❣️…Pressing pause (for while)…

Forgot what it feels like to RELAX? The Sanford House Inn & Spa is ready to help you “Leave Your Worries Behind” with packages to treat yourself (or someone else) this Valentine’s Day! 

You “Can’t Help Falling in Love” with multiple options including a Hot-Stone Massage, Facials, Spa Manicure + Pedicure, Blowouts, Foot Reflexology and even lunch (with wine!

Just take a look at my face - I was able to “turn it off” (for a little while) and when I left my dry winter skin was just glowing - plus I learned how to make it stay that way from my very  knowledgeable esthetician! 

If you haven’t tried this gem in the middle of Arlington, you’re missing out! The Spa is just part of experience with its 12-room Inn and acclaimed 506 Restaurant (don’t sleep on the brunch), @thesanfordhouse is your little piece of heaven in the middle of downtown!

Think it’s only a little dream? It will be if you don’t make an appointment or nudge your loved one this is what you NEED for Valentine’s Day! (But don’t worry you can still get a great experience anytime!)

Link is in my stories for full list of Valentine’s Day packages! 

📍506 N. Center Street, Arlington, Texas
(Less than 1 mile from @attstadium)

#valentines #dfw #ArlingtonTx #sanfordhouse
Texas Bucket List ✔️= Johnson City Lights Thi Texas Bucket List ✔️= Johnson City Lights

This is the last weekend of the “Christmas lights you can see from space” from the twinkliest town in Texas, @visitjctx!

You have until Sunday…and while you’re there you should hit up @halterranchtx, my other new favorite.

#gofredtx #fredericksburgtx @visitfredtx @visitfredericksburgtx
FLASH GIVEAWAY: Just because Santa’s left the st FLASH GIVEAWAY: Just because Santa’s left the station doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate a Classic Christmas (and we have the keys!)

@ClassicChristmas has been extended until Sunday, Jan. 5, so if you haven’t been enjoy this VIP experience with ice skating and snow tubing! 

Giveaway includes 4 Tickets to Classic Christmas + 4 Premium pass upgrades plus: 
🎟️ Exclusive Express Lane entry to popular activities 
🎟️ $10 merch credit at the Classic Christmas Gift Shop  
🎟️ Coca-Cola Beverage

To enter:   
⭐️ Like this post  
⭐️ Comment what’s your favorite Christmas song 
⭐️ Tag a friend who would love the chance to come
⭐️ Share this story as an extra chance to win!

The giveaway is open now through December 30 at 11:59 pm and you’ll have December 31 - January 5, 2025 to enjoy the fun! Winner will be contacted by DM so profile must be public.  (Giveaway is not associate with Instagram/META.) 

#classicchristmas #cocacola #Arlingtontx #ArlingtonTexas #cocacola @enchantdallas #dfw #dfwevents #mamachallenge #dfwinfluencer #dallasinfluencer
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW // Trinity Falls Tour of WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW // Trinity Falls Tour of Trees

 🎄 Tour of Trees at Trinity Falls in McKinney
 🗓️ Now through Dec. 15 (so hurry up!) 

Know what’s better than touring homes? Touring homes with beautifully decorated Christmas trees! 

@trinityfallstx has brought both worlds together by inviting the public to explore their model homes with professionally- styled trees by @absholidaydecor at the 5th Annual Tour of Trees. While you marvel at the homes and the trees, take your photos in front of the trees for a chance to win $500 Amazon gift card.  

TIP: Don’t miss the tree collaboration with #RHOD @dandrasimmons - it’s “beeutiful!” 🐝 

This event is FREE, but registration is required. (Link is in stories or DM “Tree” for the link.)

 #touroftrees #trinityfalls #trinityfallstx #mckinney #mckinneytx #mckinneytexas
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS - Dallas Zoo WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS - Dallas Zoo Lights

🌲 Dallas Zoo
🗓️ Now - January 4 

Wonder what the @dallaszoo is like after dark? Once Upon a Wild Light comes alive with more than two million lights, 5:30 pm - 9 pm each night through January (so you can do this one with your family during the holiday break!) 

While many of the animals sleep, DinoLumia and DinoVision: a Jurassic adventure comes out to play, along with tons of holiday light photo opps and winter fun experiences. Enjoy catching up through self-guided, self-paced walk-through and spend time together while taking photos, which is ideal if you don’t like the holiday overload! And don’t sleep on Santa here, as he has a certain twinkle in his eye the kids always seem to like to catch up with (mom was even able to get a shot.) 

And for the even bigger kids over 21, Dallas Zoo: After Dark, goes wild on Thursday, Dec. 12, 6-9 PM with eats, treats and holiday drinks,live music, and games and other ways to get you in the holiday spirit! 

 @DallasZoo @ReliantEnergy #dallas #dallasholiday #dfwevents #dallaszoolights #holidays #zoo #dallastexas #mamachallenge
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Classic Ch WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Classic Christmas 

🌲 Coca Cola Classic Christmas - Choctaw Stadium in Arlington  
🗓️ Now through Dec. 29

Growing up @cocacola made the holidays magic, so when Coca Cola Classic rolled down the road, we had to go peek! Partnering with @enchantchristmas, the experience is part lights, part photo opps and for my kids mostly FOOD and overall a lot of fun - all washed down with (of course, a Coca Cola!) 

What was also great was a little walk through memory lane with Coke Christmas moments throughout the years - cue the polar bears and 18 wheeler!

Experience: 
🎅Market Square (definitely hit up the t-shirts - reading each one is half the fun)
🎅 Snow Tubing (always our favorite)Ice Skating (truth: we don’t skate, but it’s perfect people watching) 
🎅 Interactive Light up Dance Floor
🎅 @cinemark Theatre with holiday movies 
🎅 Coca-Cola Lounge - 21+ Cocktail experience (looked great to go with the girls)
🎅 Santa Landing

And of course, the Eatery! Eyes (and mouths) got big here with featured food from State Fair of Tex winners like The Drowning Tacos (SO GOOD we then ordered the Birria Tacos, too all cooked onsite and with all the sauce!) 

It’s the real thing!

#ClassicChristmas #ChoctawStadium #ArlingtonTx #CocaCola #Dallas #DFWEvents #DFWHoliday #DFWInfluencers
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Prairie Li WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Prairie Lights

🎄 Prairie Lights, Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie 
🗓️ Now through Dec. 31 (NYE) at 6 pm 

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without @prairielights- with a packed car with blankets, Santa hats, hot cocoa and coffee, and blasting holiday music while we sing them even louder.  

A stunning two-mile drive through light park complete with a midway stop - The Holiday Village with carnival rides, amazing bites (corndogs, funnel cakes and more, oh my!) And this year we were surprised with a new light tunnel, reimagined walk-through forest and new displays, great photo opps, gifts, visit with Santa, a lighted strollable forest.  It’s perfectly timed for food, fun and a little time on foot! 

PRO TIP: Go early, get tickets in advance and spring for the fast pass on the weekends and prime holiday times. And enjoy it and don’t try to rush it - enjoy it! That includes entry and the experience (so bathroom before you go, but thankfully there’s one at The Holiday Village and you get the corn dog.) 

#GoGrandGP @grandfungp #GrandFunGP #dfwinfluencer #Dallas #grandprairie #prairielights #dfw
Mariah may be singing “it’s time,” but there Mariah may be singing “it’s time,” but there are still some ways to give a little love to Thanksgiving with a little DIY (hello old pumpkins!) from Mama Challenge! 

So excited to see my friends over at Good Day Fox 4 today for this fun segment!
Peardon My Reach - this one’s on repeat. 🍐 # Peardon My Reach - this one’s on repeat. 🍐 
#nationalcoffeeday 

#cinncinati #kentucky #newport #coffee #fall
Arlington makes Taco Tuesday even better by celebr Arlington makes Taco Tuesday even better by celebrating all month long with its #SaveTheTacos campaign, now - September 30.

Try and vote for “Best Taco in Arlington” from 12 participants:

🌮 Fiesta Fusion Shrimp Taco at Boiling Tails Co.

🌮 The Hunter Taco at Cut & Bourbon

🌮 El Jefe at Grounds and Gold
 
🌮 Jamaican Me Crazy at M’Jays House of Smoke

🌮 Champiqueso at Papaya Mexican Grill

🌮 What the Falafel at Prince Lebanese Grill

🌮 He’s Just a Po Boy at R Bar and Grill 

🌮 Celestial Pork Belly Taco at Rocketbelly
 
🌮 House Special Barbacoa at Tic-Taco
 
🌮 The Chicken of Wall “Street” at TJ’s Catfish & Wings & BBQ

🌮 Baja Shrimp Taco with Mango Salsa at Tom’s Burgers & Grill
 
🌮 Wanna Taco ‘Bout It at Zack’s Bistro

We can tell you which one is our favorite, but take away all the fun to find your favorite! 

(Link to Vote in Stories!)

#ArlingtonTX #TacoTuesday #SavetheTacos
Always great to see a few guys who work together l Always great to see a few guys who work together like each other, too.

It’s even better when they’re Texas Rangers and  we’re celebrating Hall of Famer Adrían Beltré!
And just like that…11th grade and 7th grade (and And just like that…11th grade and 7th grade (and then they drove off!)
Follow the “red light” to this one-of-a-kind e Follow the “red light” to this one-of-a-kind experience in DFW. 🚨 

Named after Bangkok’s legendary road of entertainment of all kinds (Sukhumvit Soi 11), it seems fitting this newly imagined destination would find its home in Arlington’s Entertainment District. Anchoring the NEW @loewsarlington, @soycowboytx (also from @bbbutchers / @berghospitality) recently swung open the curtain this summer with an opening that made heads turn at every corner of this 12,000 sq. ft. of sexy space - with 3 unique bars, patio, viewable kitchen and dining room. 

To call it a “Pan Asian restaurant” doesn’t do it justice with its rich menu of fresh sushi, dim sum, caviar, truffle, lobster, waygu (all things you don’t find in the home of the margarita machine and ballpark nachos.) And if you’re looking for entertainment, just take a peek into the expansive kitchen and watch your rolls or omakase be made. The cocktail menu is just as extravagant with everything from mezcal to Japanese whisky, you’re eyes will be just as happy as your lips upon your first sip. 

While we experienced live music, fashion show and more as part of the opening, the cool smoke installation and the people-watching is definitely just part of the menu at Soy Cowboy you’ll have to explore. 

Food Nerd Note: SoyCowboy is on the upcoming @dfwrestaurantweek menu for just $39, so it’s a steal to take your own trip on a budget. (Make your reservation.)

Chon mean (or what we hope is Cheers in in Thai!)
NEWS ALERT: Dallas Food Nerd is now on TV! 📺 ( NEWS ALERT: Dallas Food Nerd is now on TV! 📺 
(Well today at least.)

Normally we’re always behind the smartphone camera, today we stepped out in front of the TV screen! The lovely folks at the new morning show Morning on Merit Street @morningonmeritstreet invited DFN for a little “roundtable” discussion about dining trends with our own Food Nerd @autumnreo / @mamachallenge and Bill Trevino of @craftandvinerestaurant CraftandVine along with hosts @dominiquesachse and @fanchonstinger for a little dishin’ on dining!

(If you’re able to take a look online, keep watching to see our new friend Pearl 🐶 and friends from @sweetpearlsicecream share their incredibly sweet story with @hungreehannah!) 

✔️ And just like we shared on the show, we want to know what you think! What do you think about Table Limits on reservations? Yes restaurants should have them or no way?
Round #2: Now he’s off for CIT at YMCA Camp Grad Round #2: Now he’s off for CIT at YMCA Camp Grady Spruce! It’s hard to separate them, but we’re excited he’s so happy to be ready for this adventure!
July 4th kicked a week early! 🎆 Love when the n July 4th kicked a week early! 🎆 Love when the neighborhood shines!
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