• Home
  • About
  • As Seen On
  • PR | AD
  • Working Together
  • Event Calendar
    • MamaChallenge.com Calendar
    • Submit Your Event
  • Contact

mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents | Dallas Blog

Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

  • Featured on TV
  • For Moms
  • Food
  • Parenting
  • DFW
  • Travel
  • Tech
  • Health
  • Style
  • Giveaways

Insta-Thanksgiving: Turkey Flavored Popcorn and Apple Pie Juice

November 17, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 50 Comments

 I received product for purposes of this review. All comments here are all my own. 

Are you too busy this Thanksgiving to cook up a beautiful bird, stuffing and the works?

Or is everyone got some much on their plate (pun intended) that they don’t have time to come home and enjoy the American holiday?


Or are you watching that waistline, but are craving just one bite of fresh baked apple pie?

Don’t worry we’ve got the solution for you and we aren’t talking catering or a non-fat version of pie.

Nope.

KingofPop.com Thanksgiving Feast Delivery

And it’s better than mashed potato flakes, too.

Gourmet popcorn in all the flavors of Thanksgiving.

KingOfPop.com “popcorn-ized” the big meal this year via the Thanksgiving Popcorn Feast – nine flavors of popcorn combined to give you every taste of a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner. Flavors include: turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes, apple pie, pumpkin pie and strawberry cheesecake. This would be a creative hostess gift, or a real surprise for kids at the feast who expected to yawn their
way through another Thanksgiving. Available at GourmetGiftBaskets.com for $34.99.

Popcorn that tastes like Thanksgiving Dinner

While I didn’t pop open the sides, I did eagerly dive into a bag of Pumpkin Pie popcorn and it fit the bill. So I went ahead and finished it off, much like I’d like to do a Thanksgiving except this time it’s one kernel at time.

Right after Thanksgiving, GourmetGiftBaskets.com is offering the Holiday Gourmet Popcorn Sampler, which includes: Gingerbread, Dark Chocolate Orange, Eggnog, Holiday Anise Cookie, Cinnamon Bun, Dark Chocolate Peppermint, White Chocolate Peppermint, Tuxedo, and Strawberry Cheesecake-flavored popcorns ($39.99).

But we haven’t just popcorned Thanksgiving…they’ve juiced it, too.

holiday-group

Old Orchard Brands, just introduced a new line of limited-edition fruit juice cocktails to celebrate the iconic flavors of fall. Apple Pie, Caramel Apple and Apple Cherry Cobbler fruit juice cocktails are available in stores beginning in November and are the perfect additions to the season. Sweetened naturally and are made with real fruit juice, the three cocktails contain no artificial colors or preservatives. Apple Pie features hints of cinnamon, vanilla bean and nutmeg. Caramel Apple’s creamy caramel taste complements the flavor of crisp fall apples. Apple Cherry Cobbler features a blend of late summer cherries, a hint of lemon and the sweetness of juicy red apple. For a list of retailers featuring the Old Orchard limited-edition fall cocktail juices, visit

Best of all, pretty sure you won’t turn into a blueberry or be wheeled out for juicing if you take a taste.

But I would suggest brushing your teeth after munching on the Roasted Vegetables popcorn.

Wanna try the three Old Orchard Juice blends?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Nine Reasons To Go to Cici’s Pizza Tomorrow, Really

November 11, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 42 Comments

I was invited to learn about Cici’s New #BetterBelieveIt Taste Better at a local Cici’s Pizza. And now I want you to know Cici’s ain’t the same place you and I used to eat at. All the comments are all my own. 

Do you remember your first time at Cici’s Pizza?

For me it was in college when I had $4 left in my bank account and I was starving. But after searching for that extra dollar in change I found in my car, I was able to scrape together $5…That got me an endless supply of pizza or at least as much I could put it my mouth at that setting. This is how many of us did it for years – go to Cici’s and get high quantities of pizza. It wasn’t exactly our favorite pizza, but you couldn’t argue with the value for your $5.


Apparently, I wasn’t the only one that thought Cici’s Pizza was alright, but wasn’t my favorite pizza to eat. I wanted more toppings and less crust to bite through. I wanted to taste my pizza, not just eat it.

Nine-Reasons-To-Go-to-Cicis-Pizza-Tomorrow #BetterBelieveIt

Thankfully, they listened to my request and many others and this month Cici’s Pizza launched a new pizza.

1. The sauce is zestier with a new recipe (really)

2. The pizza is cheesier by doubling the cheese on more (really)

MamaChallenge-CiciPizza

3. The toppings are tastier with better quality toppings and adding more to each pie (really)

4. The crust is yummier with a new made-from-scratch with garlic butter and less thick so there’s room for more stuff

Cicis-Pizza #BetterBelieveIt

But there was a lot more about Cici’s Pizza that I learned that I didn’t know, too.

5. While Cici’s Pizza doesn’t serve a gluten-free pizza, you can bring one from home and they will cook it for you!

6. Cici’s Pizza serves the community in so many ways including school fundraisers. youth sports discounts, birthday party packages, lunch and learns and a lot more.

7. Macaroni and Cheese Pizza? Yep. They got that and whole lot more like Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Spinach Alfredo and other fun combinations, I never knew they had. Actually, you can create your own and they’ll bring it to your table. All you have to do is ask.

When a little girl’s favorite thing is Mac n cheese, you should expect her favorite pizza to be Mac n cheese too. #betterbelieveit #pizza #macncheese

A photo posted by Mama Challenge (@autumnreo) on Nov 11, 2014 at 10:46am PST

8. For $5.99 you can get a full pizza buffet with dessert, salad bar and pasta for adults (it’s even cheaper for the kids.) That’s a deal. Don’t believe me? You better believe it!

9. I am giving away a gift card for $10 to Cici’s Pizza for you to try for yourself!   

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Top Makeup Tips To Teach Your Teen {Giveaway}

October 15, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 4 Comments

Looking at several little girls apply their lip gloss and nail polish at our Princess Spa Party got me reminiscent about the early years of learning about makeup. Like many other girls I learned from my friends and the pages of Seventeen, Cosmo and more. Sad to say that I’m still learning as an adult how to properly apply makeup and match the right products to my skin.

Dallas Photo 1

If I had just had some training for that then, I might actually have a clue now…


Actually there is.

Blushington Makeup & Beauty Lounge, your destination for beauty services and makeup application, offers three tips for tweens/teens (and a great reminder for moms) to ensure their make up look is spot on for the right look for their age.

  1. Always stay age appropriate! A heavy smokey eye at age 15 is not okay for school, no matter what is seen on the red carpet.
  2. Skip the foundation and go for a tinted moisturizer instead. If your skin is prone to acne, opt for a heavier concealer as an alternative.
  3. To keep skin feeling fresh, always remove makeup at the end of the day! Sleeping in makeup can cause clogged pores and irritation.

Dallas Photo 7

Blushington also offers teen and tween makeup classes for $50 per person. The classes are aimed to help teens with age-appropriate makeup choices and give them techniques that will boost confidence and cover blemishes — without looking overdone. Blushington recently started carrying the BeautyBlender sponge applicator, which is a great tool to use on teens.

BeautyBlender Sponge Affiliate Link

Blushington is also offering one lucky reader a ticket to a Teen/Tween Makeup Class at the Dallas Blushington location!

What a great gift for that special teen or tween in your life!

To enter, just complete the form below and answer the question:

“What’s your favorite makeup tip?”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Safer Blinds Mean Peace of Mind with Blinds.com {Giveaway}

October 1, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 84 Comments

I appreciate Blinds.comfor partnering with me  to learn about the importance of safer window coverings! Not only did they help me to update the look of the house, my children are now safer, too. Learn more about child-safe window coverings and how you can win a $100 or $2,500 gift card from Blinds.com.

Like every expectant parent, whenever my husband and I were preparing our home for #1, we did everything the “book” said to do. We installed locks on the cabinets and drawers as well as removed any sharp corners. We inserted a 1,000+ plastic prongs in the outlets. We removed all those cute trinkets around the house that gave it character that could possibly be found in a little one’s reach and ultimately their mouth. We tied up every blind in the house so there wasn’t a string that the baby could get caught in and choke.

Blinds.comFeature


Basically, we prepped the house for Reo Recon. And man it wasn’t pretty.

Stepping into many other friends’ homes, the same window-tie up method has left a pretty ugly mess of their blinds and that’s if they actually did anything. Many people don’t even know that having corded blinds or shades is a real hazard to a home with kids.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, about once a month a child between 7 months and 10 years dies from window cord strangulation and another child suffers from a near strangulation.

However, with so many options now available, parents can completely remove the risk by choosing many of the child-safe styles on Blinds.com, like the ones I just installed, the Levolor Accordia Light Filtering Cellular Shades in Whisper.

While when I first began looking, I didn’t know where to start or exactly sure what choices were “out there,” but I was able to use this helpful quiz to guide me through all the options available like cellular shades vs. honeycomb shades. If I needed even more help, I could also chat with an agent for free assistance to ask questions.  With free shipping and free samples, Blinds.com can guide you through every step of the process to ensure you make the right choice for your home! And even if you make a mistake like I did with my Levolor shades, their pledge is if a Levolor brand product doesn’t fit (no matter whose fault it is) Levolor will remake your blinds or shades for free. Blinds.com offers the same promise with our SureFit guarantee to cover ANY product sold on Blinds.com! Incredible policy!

childsafety-infoBlinds.com

While replacing your window coverings with cordless blinds or shades is the only real way to remove the strangulation risk, there are several tips available from Blinds.com than you can do NOW to make  your home a little safer. For instance, if you have an older home like me, you can actually order a free window cord retrofit kit from www.windowcoverings.org.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you are in the business of shopping for replacement blinds for your home or childproofing your home for your first child, now’s a great time to buy window covers during the Safer For Kids Collection sale, running all October long! And to sweeten the deal, Blinds.com is also offering $100 Blinds.com Gift Card to one MamaChallenge reader to help you find your perfectly safe window coverings.

No matter how good the deals are, if you have 35 windows that need new window coverings, you’re going to need more than $100. Thankfully, Blinds.com is also hosting a giveaway for $2,500 Gift Card on Blinds.com, so make sure to enter their contest to increase your odds of winning, while decreasing your risk of child safety issues!

If you win $100 Blinds.com Gift Card, which room of you house will you use it in? 

Mama-Daddy Date Night on a Dime {Giveaways}

September 19, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 27 Comments

Research reveals that over 90% of couples who go out on dates have increased relationship satisfaction.

However, when your schedule seems packed full of kid functions and other obligations, it’s hard to make it a priority to spend time doing something you enjoy vs. something you “have to do.” However, when you’re married, “you have to work at it.”

MD


Taking right back to a “work concept,” organizational/business engenue Steven Covey referred to a marriage as an emotional bank account. If you don’t put in a deposit after awhile, you’ll be overdrawn – meaning: hurt, sad or much worse. unfortunately, in reality you don’t necessarily have to spend an arm and a leg to have fun, so we’ve got some great ideas for date night on a dime for moms and dads!

So make a point to make your relationship have value!

1. Put it on the calendar!
Just like doctor’s appointments and soccer practice, if it’s not on the calendar, it won’t happen!

2. Be creative with datenightnorthtexas.com.
What if you had loads of creative date ideas, plenty to talk about while on your date and even deals and discounts provided by local establishments to make it easier for you to get out of your rut and try something new – all in the palm of your hand?

3. Be frugal
Follow websites and blogs for contests and other fun ways to do things for free!

  • Recent newlywed Dallas Socials shares a long list of frugal fun dating ideas for couples!
  • Susie Drinks Dallas tells you the happy hours in town!
  • The Porch Dallas has a great list of less than 15 dates for less than $15.

DATE NIGHT IDEAS (AS SEEN ON WFAA GOOD MORNING TEXAS!) 

Traditional Dinner Night Out

  • Use online app Tango Tab to learn about specials at your favorite restaurants
  • Enjoy special night like El Chico’s Fajita Tuesdays or III Forks’ Wine Down Wednesdays {Giveaway} featuring $15 for wine tastings and appetizers
  • YMCA Parents Night Out

Movie Night

  • Groupon for a $6 movie ticket to a movies like Studio Movie Grill OR any other specials available {Giveaway}
  • Pay-What-You-Can Dallas Theatre for each show for $1! Next show is Rocky Horror Picture Show!
  • This Side Up! Family Center: This is a one-of-a-kind non-profit which provides a safe, family- friendly environment while giving parents all the tools, skills and quality activities they need to move from surviving to thriving! We have received numerous awards and recognition as a new community non-profit bringing much-needed focus on family strengthening!

Hear the Music, Taste the Love 

  • It’s fall festival time! Enjoy yourselves at any festival like the upcoming free Cultivate festival or any of the many festivals we have in the area for cheap admission and in many cases FREE!
  • Rather do something more low key? Go to a brewery or whiskey tour and enjoy a little education/tasting like at Deep Ellum Brewery in Dallas or Rahr & Sons Brewing Company {Giveaway} in FW where $10 gets a tour, three samplings includes a pint glass or there’s a few free tours with samples for purchase. Find comprehensive list of breweries and distilleries in DFW on Eater.com
  • Use Uber to safely get home and today all GMT watchers will get a FREE RIDE up to $20 credit with CODE: MAMACHALLENGE {Giveaway}

Uber

Get Your Workout On

  • Trade out with a friend for a few hours in the morning with a friend for a few hours of day fun!
  • Lululemon Yoga Classes, Klyde Warren Park or most workout places to try together like Pure Barre
  • Then brunch it cheap with a list of great deals from The Thrillist

Cultural

  • Shakespeare Dallas in the Park: Antony & Cleopatra (Fall 2014) – $10 admission to either Addison Circle Park or Samuell Grand Theatre –
  • Picnic at the park: bring your own food like this basket from The Grill on the Alley {Giveaway}
  • Dallas Theatre Center: Pay as you Go as low as a $1
  • Dallas Museum of Art as well as The Amon Carter Museum of American Art are both free (Giveaway)
  • Adventure Kids Playcare (also used with Groupon)

Make your own bucket list of places to eat and experience together!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Win Your Way to Family Fun at Addison Oktoberfest {Worth $158}

September 8, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

When you think of Oktoberfest, you get this image of a set boobs holding a stein of bier.

This is G-rated, folks. (Photos from Addison Oktoberfest PR.)

This is G-rated, folks. (Photos from Addison Oktoberfest PR.)

True dat.


However, both the famed Munich celebration and Addison Oktoberfest, considered one of the most authentic Oktoberfest celebration in North America, offers a cultural experience for families as well.

14743554772_5913b64493_z

Addison Oktoberfest offers some amazing things for families including:

  • Das Kinder Stage – a kids stage featuring German style entertainment all three days of the event
  • Fun folk dancing – Not only can kids enjoy a little Chicken Dance, but groups like Texanischer Shuhplattler Verein and STV Almrausch Dancers teach families to do easy German folk dances. Additionally, youth teams from schools in Plano and Carrollton also perform their award-winning folk dances.
  • Carnival – The fantastic carnival area at Addison Oktoberfest is much like the carnival in Munich. Rides can be purchased individually, or guests can purchase a $25 wristband which offers unlimited rides. There are two ways to get the $25 wrist bands – they can be purchased onsite (only offered onsite on Thursday and Sunday) or they can be used ANY day when done as part of the Oktoberfest Kids Package below.
  • Lebkuchen Decorating Classes – While everyone can come and buy tasty Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and other baked treats from the Kaffee und Kuchen Haus, for only $10 adults and kids can take a hands-on Lebkuchen Decorating Class. Advance registration is recommended, and classes are offered all four days of the event.
  • DAWG (Dallas Area Working Group) Pretzel Run Agility Challenge – family fun as working dogs run a pretzel-shaped agility course – Thursday only
  • Oktoberfest 5K and 1M Family Fun Run – benefiting Wipe Out Kids Cancer, this fun race is a family favorite!
  • Dachshund-Day or Dach-Sunday! – On Sunday, kids of all ages will enjoy the Dachshund Parade in the Schloss Addison Tent and the Dachshund Races at the bowl stage.

14740664831_29b5e3421a_b

Families wanting to plan their Oktoberfest experience will enjoy the Oktoberfest Kids Package (ages 4-12).

For $35, the package includes:

  • Kids Admission
  • Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristband
  • Oktoberfest Souvenir Color Changing Cup
  • Laugen Pretzel
  • Oktoberfest Souvenir Button

14743840525_f8d49c23d5_b

Buy your package (and see other packages available) at Addison’s Oktoberfest Ticketing. 

And you can also win this AMAZING FAMILY FUN PRIZE to Addison’s Oktoberfest on mamachallenge.com.

5451028081_f84b6f32a5_b

ADDISON OKTOBERFEST FAMILY CONTEST
4 General Admission tickets to use anytime
2 carnival armbands
$40 Tasty Bucks
2 Box combo cards from Raising Canes
2 Kids meal combo cards from Raising Canes
(note – Raising Canes sponsors Sunday’s Dachshund Dash!)
Contest value:  $158

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you’ve never been to Oktoberfest then you have to check out this post on the songs you should know before entering the Schloss Tent!

10568819_958221017538461_9131790899647020821_n

Drink Your Way Through Italy, Washington and Texas at Grapefest 2014

September 5, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

If the title alone isn’t enough reason for you to get excited, perhaps you should stop reading now.

With an event called Grapefest in a town called Grapevine, you should get the notion these people are serious about their wine and their fun.

10604488_10152227368051968_5064608803102207774_o


Considered the largest wine festival in the Southwest,  GrapeFest, held along Grapevine’s Historic Main Street, Sept. 11 – 14, is a four-day fest actually for the whole family. This year’s features some of the world’s best wine regions with Washington, Italy and of course, Texas.

Some of the favorite festival events include:

    • The Champagne Terrace (my favorite)
    • People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic, the largest consumer-judged wine competition in the nation with more than 140 Texas varietals from 44 Texas wineries
    • GrapeStomp
    • KidsWorld
    • Palette Pleasers at the Palace
    • ItalianCarFest
    • Five stages offering live entertainment
    • The Texas Wine Tribute and much more!

Last month I enjoyed grapestomping at Messina Hof (which comes to Grapevine in November) so next week I’ll take my turn at at the GrapeStomp at Grapefest. Teams of two take turns to stomp approximately 18 pounds of grapes for two minutes. If your team stomps the most juice, you just might qualify to stomp some more at the Grand Champion StompOff on Sunday, with the winners being awarded the coveted “Purple Foot” award, a beautiful glass foot from Grapevine’s Vetro Glassblowing Studio. Entry fee is $5 per person. Special GrapeStomp events include the Senior GrapeStomp at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 12 and the Mayoral GrapeStomp on Saturday, September 13 at 11 a.m. A free special stomping area is also available for kids 13 and under.

And you’ll totally find me at the Champagne Cork-Off on Saturday. (This isn’t a photo of me, but I plan to be as motivated to win! ) I am serious about bubbly!

Photo courtesy of Grapevine CVB.

Photo courtesy of Grapevine CVB.

So are you ready to go? Great! I’m giving away FOUR PASSES TO Grapefest on MAMACHALLENGE’s Facebook.

So head on over to make sure you get your tickets to Texas “winecountry” at Grapefest!

28th Annual GrapeFest
Thursday, September 11 at 10 a.m. Admission is free to everyone all day Thursday and until 5 p.m. on Friday.
Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
$8 for adults, $5 for seniors (62+) and children (6-12).
Weekend passes are available for $18 and souvenir weekend passes are $23.
Admission is free for children five and under.
www.GrapevineTexasUSA.com/GrapeFest

Experience Fort Worth’s Best Homes & Food at A Wish with Wings Kitchens Tour {Win}

September 2, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Top chefs creating delicious dishes in some of the most beautiful homes in Fort Worth? Sign me up – especially when there is A Wish with Wings involved!

As part of their fundraising efforts to grant “Magical Wishes for little Texans with life-threatening conditions,” A Wish with Wings sponsors the Kitchen Tour, a one-day event that allows you special access to experience a few of Fort Worth’s finest homes while munching on bites like ricotta pumpkin cheesecake, tuna tartare, chorizo stuffed dates from Fort Worth’s best chefs. Last year’s event included Chef Blaine Staniford of Grace, Chef Jon Bonnell of Bonnell’s, and Chef Anthony Felli of Del Frisco’s. 

KT (1)


Since first opening their doors in 1982, a Wish with Wings has served more than 1,300 Texas children and families to grant wishes like they did for my son.  Each magical wish brings hope, happiness, joy and laughter to a child facing an uncertain future, while giving the families the priceless gifts of memories to last a lifetime.

Luxury Fort Worth Homes included on the tour:

9552 Bella Terra
9585 Bella Terra
9341 Bella Terra
4660 St. Benet Ct
4616 Palencia Drive
9517 Marbella Drive
4666 Sidonia Ct.

All proceeds from the Kitchen Tour benefits A Wish With Wings, Tickets may be purchased in advance for $20 each and $25 on the day of the event. Reserve your ticket today by visiting www.awishwithwings.org or call (817) 469-9474. KTlogo Kitchens Tour

Benefitting A Wish With Wings
Montserrat – Luxury Fort Worth Homes
Saturday, September 20, 2014 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Reserve Your Ticket: (817) 469-9474
www.awishwithwings.org

You can also win two tickets to the Kitchen Tour! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Raisin Treats for All of Us to Eat {Giveaway}

August 23, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

#LoveYourRaisins5#ad

With summer almost behind us, it was time to get back into “school” mode. Thankfully a visit from the was the perfect opportunity to talk back-to-school lunch ideas and innovative snacks using nature’s own sweet snack, raisins!

LoveYourRaisins


California Raisins are a natural, healthy and convenient food that is perfect for back-to-school/after-school snacking. With sweetness kissed-by-the-sun that is pure with zero fat, no cholesterol and packed with fiber, potassium and iron, raisins are some of the most economical and wholesome ways to enjoy fruit!

#LoveYourRaisins#ad

With a natural sweetness with no added sugar, their delicious taste is ideal for tons of recipes like this Honey Nut Raisin Snack Mix! And you’ll find tons more of great ideas on the

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

California Raisins’ Honey Nut Raisin Snack Mix


Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons almond butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 cups brown crispy rice cereal
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 1 cup rolled gluten-free oats
  • 2 cups California raisins
  • 1/2 cup California golden raisins

Instructions

  1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add honey, almond butter and cinnamon and bring to a full boil. Let boil for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in cereal, almonds and oats. Spread 1-inch thick on a baking sheet then separate into 1-inch clusters. Let cool completely then stir in raisins. Store in an airtight container.
  2. For crunchy clusters, spread cooked mixture 1-inch thick on prepared baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly browned. Stir to form clusters and let cool completely. Stir in raisins.
  3. * Recipe courtesy of California Raisins on CaRaisins.org.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @mamachallenge on Instagram and hashtag it #mamachallenge

California-Raisins-Sweet-Naturally-Logo-1-610x175

Just in time for back-to-school, you can win a prize pack from California Raisins with a plushie, lunch container, and other fun ways to enjoy raisins by answering this very easy question:

Tracking PixelWhat’s your favorite way to eat raisins? 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf California Raisins.

BABYBJÖRN Gives Us WE the Baby Carrier {Giveaway}

August 19, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 33 Comments

Affiliate link may be included.

If you’ve had a baby, then you know amount the struggles of holding a baby, keeping them happy and trying to do anything else with your hands – especially if you don’t have any help! Going to the grocery store, the mall or just even walking around become the most uncomfortable and complicated experiences of your life, all because of your bountiful baby of about 12 lbs.

Thankfully, someone  has either shared with you that there is a way to survive without attempting to invent a second set of hands or boy, do I have a solution for you!


Baby Carrier We - Front Carry

BABYBJÖRN, the family-owned Swedish company, which pioneered babywearing in the ‘60s just launched their newest baby-must have with their new BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier We.  Similar to the recently launched Baby Carrier One, the We is suitable for use from birth up to 3 years old, with options to carry your baby on your front close to your heart or switch to a back-carry position with one simple movement. The ergonomic carrier offers maximum comfort for you and baby, supporting the child’s head, back and hips and offering adjustable padded shoulder straps and waist belt.

Baby Carrier We was developed based on the results of hundreds of interviews conducted with families in several countries. BABYBJÖRN found that parents want a simple baby carrier that they can use for a long time and another big bonus: an affordable price.

Baby Carrier We - FrontBABYBJÖRN’s Baby Carrier We is made of high-quality cotton and polyester. The materials are certified for use in baby products in accordance with Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class 1, which guarantees that they do not contain any health-hazardous or allergenic substances. The company will also launch Teething Pads for Baby Carrier, which will be compatible with Baby Carrier We and Baby Carrier One. Made from a soft, waterproof fabric with no harmful chemicals, these teething pads are easy to slip on and off and can be machine washed, keeping the carrier cleaner for longer.

BABYBJÖRN’s Baby Carrier We can be purchased for a suggested retail price of $139.95. The Teething Pads for Baby Carrier will be available in early Fall for a suggested retail price of $24.95. For more information, please visit www.babybjorn.com, and follow BABYBJÖRN on Facebook and Twitter.

ENTERING BY SHARING:

What’s the one baby item you can’t live without? 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

« Previous Page
Next Page »

Meet this Mama: Autumn Rose Reo

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/

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Save on Fun All Year Long! Code: MAMACHALLENGE

Reo Kids Review: Mario Kart Live Nintendo Switch

Junk Food without the Junk: Healthy Versions of Junk Food

SHOP MAMACHALLENGE!


More TV Segments Not To Miss

Patriotic Pie

Red, White and Blue: July 4th Treats

Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Oh, Pumpkin! Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Chocolate Chips

MamaChallenge.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

You’ll LOVE This!

logo
Food Advertisements by

Pin This!

Visit Mama Challenge's profile on Pinterest.

Pictures Say a 1000 Words

mamachallenge

❤️Real Solutions for Real Parents
👩‍👧‍👦Food | Wine | Parenting | Travel | Life
📌ArlingtonTX
📧 autumn@mamachallenge.com

Mamachallenge.com
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!
Load More Follow on Instagram

Follow Along!

Tweets by @mamachallenge

Copyright © 2026 · Magazine Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in