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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Go Back to the Future with WFAA Free Movie at Coyote Drive In

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Thanks to our sponsor WFAA ABC for hosting this event for free this Thursday!

wfaa abc

A few weeks ago we celebrated the end of summer with a little staycation fun in Fort Worth. Driving around town sparked a new bucket list of places to eat and visit like Coyote Drive-In. This little gem has been hot on my must-do list and now WFAA ABC is hosting a family-friendly night to enjoy movie classic Back to the Future for free and preview a new surprise fall show on ABC.


What a way to do Throwback Thursday than with Marty McFly under the stars, with your family and for FREE!

What’s your favorite Back to the Future moment?

THROWBACK THURSDAY with WFAA
Thursday, September 4
Doors open at 7pm
Coyote Drive-In
223 NE 4th St, Fort Worth, TX 76164
New ABC Fall show will be played followed by family favorite “Back to the Future”
Free

wfaa abc drivein

 

Finally! Make Your Own Thomas & Friends’ Engine

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Thomas & Friends has a new engine in town…Logan! This limited-release engine is introducing the new Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway, a whole new line of Thomas & Friends products! Little engineers (and their moms and dads) are invited for a free, fun welcome party (completed with activities, prizes and more) on August 23 at The Toy Maven in Dallas. 

Everyone knows that we are HUGE fans of the #1 Blue Engine, so even though my little man had started shifting from Thomas-everything to a little more LEGOS, he was so excited to open his box of goodies and find an engine named after his mama! Within seconds, we had created a track for the engine and a tunnel, part of the double-duty of the personalized book! 



What’s even more exciting is the new line of personalized engines, storybooks and track sets that comes with the new Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway available only only through catalog, 20 Thomas & Friends Official Specialty Stations like The Toy Maven across the U.S., and online. 



Can’t wait to see what’s available? You can go online at www.ThomasWoodenRailway.com to purchase your new personalized engines! 

Welcome Logan Celebration 
Dallas Launch of Logan and Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway
Saturday, August 23, 10 am – 2 pm 
The Toy Maven 
6025 Royal Lane, Suite 223
Dallas, Texas 75230
Free
www.facebook.com/ToyMaven

16 FREE Things to Do This Summer in DFW

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There’s no reason to be bored this summer – even if you’re on a budget! Check out these fun activities you can do with the family, with friends, for date night or even by yourself! 

 
 


MUSIC

Salsa Festival, Saturdays now until July 26
Unplugged Music, Every Other Thursday

Levitt Pavilion in ArlingtonThe center of Arlington’s downtown area, the Levitt Pavilion is an outdoor venue that puts on 50 free concerts a year.

Photo from Levitt Pavilion Facebook  Page
Saturdays in July enjoy jazz on Saturdays in Addison Circle Park.

MOVIE TIME
Also, a part of Addison’s Summer Series, Cinema in the Circle, Saturdays in August bring your picnic basket to the park with your blanket and your loved ones to watch movies.

Photo from Town of Addison

 

Just released movies like Transcendence and Million Dollar Arm on Thursdays!

Food trucks and more on July 11

Wednesdays throughout July you can enjoy movies in the center of Fort Worth’s Sundance Square!

Throughout the week watch some of your favorites for $2
* Read up more on these on mamachallenge.com.

KIDS FUN
Ideal for kids 5-12, the first Saturday of the month from 9-12 you can learn some fun activities at Home Depot like how to build a bug house! Make sure you register though because these often are sold out!
Saturdays 10 am – 11:30, kids can learn a special :30 craft activity at your nearby Michael’s for $2 and that includes the supply and instruction.
Photo from Michaels.com
MUSEUMS

A healthy appreciation for art with 3.3 mile walk highlighting 30 pieces of art and architecture in the Arts District and downtown Dallas.

Photo from ArtWalk Website
Free Every Day

Free Every Day with special tours just for new parents with children in strollers.

July 8 & Aug 5

Learn about the history, making and importance of our economy and currency system at the source.

Of course, the need few days they’ll be fireworks all over DFW, but if you can’t join the party or rather avoid the crowds, you can always join the free fireworks displays at Lake Grapevine from the Gaylord Texan hotel around dark each Friday.


Photo from Visit Grapevine Facebook Page
Visit MamaChallenge.com for more fun ways to enjoy DFW this summer on the cheap!

Free & Low-Cost Summer Outdoor Movies Across DFW

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Going to the movies can be expensive with the whole family in tow. So take advantage of these outdoor movie opportunities this summer across DFW – from Addison, Arlington, Fort Worth and Dallas, there are some great movies for the kids (and even date night option for some really recent films! 

Movies Under the Moon at The Shops at Park Lane
Movies Under the Moon is a fun, family-friendly event to see movies under the big sky at the big shopping center across from Northpark. Refreshments will be available for purchase, but don’t forget a blanket!

June 20 – BRAVE
June 27 – SPIDERMAN (Visitors with tall chairs will be asked to sit in the back.)


UTA Summer Movie Series
Opening up its campus to the community, UTA invites everyone to enjoy  movies outdoors with complimentary popcorn Thursdays this summer. While some of the shows are family-friendly, it may be a perfect opportunity to spend the money on the sitter and save on the movie and refreshments. Specifics about location can be found on the website. 

JUNE 19 – BAD WORDS
JUNE 26 – CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER
JULY 10 – TRANSCENDENCE
JULY 17 – BRICK MANSIONS
JULY 24 – NEIGHBORS
JULY 31 – THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2
AUGUST 7 – MILLION DOLLAR ARM


Children’s Summer Series at Studio Movie Grill
The Children’s Summer Series at Studio Movie Grill, sponsored by Aquafina, offers a budget friendly entertainment option for families, summer camps, and weekday programs to escape the summer heat to watch $2 screenings of recent, popular, children’s films. With a new film every week Monday – Friday at 11 am there is plenty of family fun to be had!

JUNE 16 – 20 THE CROODS
JUNE 23 – 27 EPIC
JUNE 30 – JULY 4 TURBO
JULY 7 – 11 RIO
JULY 14 – 18 SHREK FOREVER AFTER
JULY 21 – 25 CHARLOTTES WEB
JULY 28 – AUGUST 1 KUNG FU PANDA 2
AUGUST 4 – 8 PUSS IN BOOTS
AUGUST 11 – 15 MADAGASCAR 3
AUGUST 18 – 22 RUGRATS Movie


Sunset Cinema at the Amon Carter Museum
Pack a picnic, grab some friends, and watch a movie on the lawn of the Amon Carter Museum on Thursdays in June & July. Lawn opens at 6 p.m. Lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers are welcome (lawn only). No glass bottles, alcohol, or pets please.No reservations are required.

JUNE 26 – TOY STORY
JULY 31 – CHICAGO

Cinema in the (Addison) Circle
Pack up your family, friends, and a blanket and enjoy some of your favorite adventure flicks under the Addison night sky! Cinema in the Circle offers free outdoor movies on a big screen every Saturday in August, right in the middle of Beckert Park!

AUGUST 2 – NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
AUGUST 9 – X-MEN
AUGUST 16 – JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH
AUGUST 23 – BATMAN (1966)
AUGUST 30 – FANTASTIC 4
See you at the movies! 










Can Film Festival Comes to Colleyville This Weekend {Freebie}

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Just typing up that headline made me excited. 

And while the whole thought of Angelina and Brad on the red carpet during a visit to Colleyville would definitely be one of my OMG! moments…I should probably make note this CAN Film Festival is spelled much differently than the other Cannes Film Festival before I get my hopes up.


But you CAN get lay your eyes on Angelina for FREE this weekend in her newest movie Maleficent (which officially opens TODAY) at the newest Studio Movie Grill in Colleyville during their “Can Film Festival.”




A great promotion as seen through this marketers eyes, you can get a free movie ticket for every two canned goods or non-perishable food items brought to this SMG location. There is no limit, so a family of five could bring in 10 canned goods and receive five tickets to see any movie during the weekend. However, I bet you know which one I’ll be there to watch. Hey, I might even bring the kids:) 

Studio Movie Grill – Colleyville
5655 Colleyville Blvd.
Colleyville, Texas 76034
www.studiomoviegrill.com











1 Hour, 1,000 Calories. Title Boxing Club, Allen & McKinney {First Class Free}

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Disclaimer: I’ve received complimentary classes for the purposes of learning how great Title Boxing Club is. 

Working out.
It’s good for you and necessary for relieving stress, flexibility and losing weight. But with taking care of the kids, handling work projects and dealing with home responsibilities, it’s impossible most days to find a way to fit it into the schedule. And for a lot of mamas, there’s even guilt attached to taking the time to for you (and honestly, your health), even if it’s only for an hour.
So when we have the opportunity to bust a move, you have to make it count.
That means :30 minutes on the treadmill ain’t gonna cut it. And let’s face it: it’s B-O-R-I-N-G, which is why you aren’t trying hard to work that workout into your day.
And believe me, I had no idea I’d be there girl with boxing gloves throwing an uppercut into a punching bag. Don’t know what that means. Yea, I didn’t either until Title Boxing Club.

But if that idea of “Rocky” doesn’t sound like you either, give me just give me a second.
I bet burning up to 1000 calories an hour does. And getting all that built up stress out of your system does. Maybe it’s the pink gloves and purple wraps that will grab your attention. Or the fact that you have less than 90 days from now before you quite possible need to donn a bathing suit in front of other people…

Intimidated by the pure concept of boxing?  I was too, but only a few minutes in class I had comfort in what I was doing and after just one class, I knew that I had gotten a full body work out that made me feel stronger, focused and ready to take on the fun of picking up kids, grocery shopping and the email list sitting on my iPad.
And all it took was one hour.
I didn’t have a clue what to expect when I walked in the door for my first class, but immediately someone showed me exactly how to put on my wraps, put on my gloves and how the class worked. However, if the Type A part of your brain wants to be ready to go on the first time, there’s a great video on how to wrap your hands or feel free to have one of the team members show you how each time you come until you have the hang of it.




·   The first 15 of class is the warm up: You’ll get your blood pumping with a complete range of exercises including stretching, jogging, calisthenics, jumping, lunging and squats.

·   The second part of class consists of 30 minutes working with the bag: The bulk of your workout is set up in three minute rounds that include basic boxing combinations followed by a one minute “active rest.” This gives you a break, while keeping your heart rate up.

·    The last 15 minutes is sculpting and resistance: You’ll use workout gear and body resistance to strengthen your core and sculpt your body while cooling down with floor work and toning exercises.

What I really love about Title Boxing Club is that everyone gets a workout. I’ve seen men and women, every color and ethnicity and all ages throwing punches and kicking the bag all in the name of fitness.
Still not convinced it’s for you? Then try it free!
The first class is free, so you can find out how amazing Title Boxing Club is and how quick you’ll be ready for your next class.
And it’s only one hour. And 1,000 calories…
Title Boxing Club, Allen
300 N. Greenville
Allen, TX 75002
(214) 644-2640
Title Boxing Club, McKinney
5080 Virginia Pkwy
McKinney, TX 75070
(214) 856-7007
For other locations, visit http://www.titleboxingclub.com.
 I can’t wait to continue to my journey with you too, so make sure to stay tuned to how I make the “Power Hour” work for me as it will work for you, too!


Now What? Unique Family Fun Activities for After-Thanksgiving Dinner in DFW

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After you’ve hit Pumpkin Pie coma, dad has OD’d game and the kids have caught cabin fever, it’s time to get out of the house for a little post-Turkey Day time. 

 Here are a few unique ideas for family fun in Dallas that doesn’t take too much time or planning to get the holiday happiness flowing! 

Get to the Ice to Meet Missile Toes, the back-flipping, pyrotechnic ice-skating Santa at Galleria Dallas
Burn off those mashed potatoes by taking to the ice at the Galleria Dallas Ice Rink from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Galleria! And if you try real hard, you probably can even get a little shopping checked off your list, too! If you just can’t get out of the house on Thanksgiving then venture out on Friday at noon when Galleria Dallas debuts the first Macy’s Grand Tree Lighting Celebration of the season. World Champion and Olympic skater Kurt Browning joins cute local skaters and the legendary pyrotechnic Missile Toes countdown to the tree lighting on the ice for a 20-minute holiday extravaganza around the 95-foot-tall Christmas tree. Best of all this show is free!

Galleria Dallas has several holiday experiences for you to enjoy, so visit the full schedule at galleriadallas.com. (Disclaimer: #Client)
See the World’s Longest Light Tunnel at the Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie
We are super excited to load up the car, grab our hot chocolate and turn on Michael Buble for Christmas memories you’ll enjoy for years to come.  Read more about the Prairie Lights here…
Go Nuts at the Gaylord Texan ICE display of The Nutcracker
Our family loves the Gaylord Texan at the holidays because it’s like going to a little bit of Disney – but I can be home in just 20 minutes!  Last year we really enjoyed our experience (if you’ve never been to ICE check out my 7 tips to the Perfect Ice Experience here), but we are really excited to check out the new theme, The Nutcracker! Of course, little man is all about the tubing action and some mama fun making a gingerbread house with Gingy! 


Even if you aren’t a guest, you can enjoy the ICE exhibit! Hours vary for this experience, so make sure you check out the website for the specific schedule and price.
Nothing Says the Holidays than Snow with the Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway
Texas Motor Speedway doesn’t do anything small and that definitely describes their holiday event, the Gift of Lights. The Snow Village at TMS features a tubing hill, snow ball gallery, and a snow play area – and finish the fun by making s’mores! Read more about the Gift of Lights…
And don’t forget to SAVE THE DATE for these upcoming holiday events later in December!

Holly Jolly Holidays Start Dec. 11 at the Grapevine LEGO MINILAND
Search for Santa in a scavenger hunt through MINILAND. You’re bound to find an old St. Nick, as there are 11 LEGO Santa’s hidden throughout the 1.5 million LEGO bricks in MINILAND. (Dec.  11 – 25)


Write and mail your letter to Santa while enjoying complimentary milk and cookies in the Café. (Wednesday, Dec.  11 and 18 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Milk and cookies served on Dec. 25 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.)

Build a LEGO ornament to hang on the LEGOLAND Discovery Center tree (with a minimum $1 donation to Merlin’s Magic Wand.) Plus, meet Bertie the mascot! (Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14, 15, 21 and 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Admission is $19 for adults, $15 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for kids 2 and under. Also note, special holiday hours: Christmas Eve 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Christmas noon to 6 p.m., New Years Eve 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and New Year’s Day 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To purchase special discounted tickets visit www.LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com/dallasfw.

Scuba Diving Santa takes the plunge at Sea Life Aquarium

While you are at MINILAND at Grapevine Mills, walk across the hall to the Sea Life Aquarium! This Santa doesn’t have fire coming out of his skates, but he does have an oxygen tank on his back. The Scuba Diving Santa takes the plunge to entertain you amongst the fish and sharks in SEA LIFE Aquarium Grapevine’s 145,000-gallon tank.  Scheduled dives occur at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec.  11 and 18 and Saturday, Dec. 14 and 21.


The kids will also be able write and mail a letter to Santa.  Letters can be written from noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11 and 18 and Saturday, Dec. 14 and 21.

Admission is $19 for adults, $15 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for kids 2 and under.  To purchase special discounted tickets visit www.visitsealife.com/grapevine.  Please note the special holiday hours: Holiday Hours: Christmas Eve 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Christmas noon to 6 p.m., New Years Eve 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and New Years Day 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Gobble, Gobble!





Fresh Produce Free? Get Yours to Make This Roasted Parmesan Potatoes & Asparagus {Recipe}

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Disclaimer: I enjoyed complimentary produce from Klondike brands to create delicious recipes for my family. 

The other day I had the biggest craving for asparagus. It’s one of my favorite vegetables and with very little preparation and time, you’ve got a delicious side that they whole family can enjoy. While I can eat it many ways, I wanted to try something new, so I found this great recipe for roasted Klondike Rose potatoes and asparagus. Seemed like the best of two worlds for the ultimate side item for steak, chicken and my favorite pairings, salmon. 

Did I mention this recipe also has parmesan cheese and fresh basil?  
Best of all, right now when you buy one 5 lb. bag of Green Giant Fresh Klondike Rose Potatoes, you get one 8 oz. bag of Green Giant Fresh Asparagus FREE at TARGET

Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Asparagus
Recipe Provided by Klondike Brands
Recipe Link

Ingredients:
12 oz. Green Giant® Fresh Asparagus, trimmed and chopped
6 Klondike Rose potatoes, chopped
1 Green Giant® Fresh yellow onion, chopped
3 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 cup fresh parmesan, grated
1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions:
In a shallow baking pan, toss together the potatoes, asparagus, onion, basil and oil, spreading evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
Roast in a 450˚ F oven for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Sprinkle with fresh parmesan and roast until cheese is melted and golden, about 3 minutes. Serve.

 Use this locator to find our where you can find Klondike Rose potatoes and get your free 8 oz bag of Green Giant Fresh Asparagus!







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

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


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