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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Let’s Get Straight About Invisalign

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This is a sponsored post for Invisalign. 

However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.  About a year ago I opened up about my “fun times” as a teenager with braces. (And yes, I shared yearbook photos!)

Thankfully, now as a mom, I am thankful that when it comes that time for my kids, I won’t have to put them through the same “rite of passage” thanks to and Invisalign Teen.


Developed by leading orthodontists to correct the most common teeth straightening issues – from severe cases to more minor, cosmetic adjustments, Invisalign clear aligners straighten teeth without traditional wires and brackets.

Invisalign compare to braces

However, I recently found out that you don’t have to wait as long as I did to get your teeth straightened!

Actually, The American Association of Orthodontics recommends taking children for their first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7 since your dentist can spot problems with emerging teeth and jaw growth early on, while the primary teeth are present.”

So rather than wait until the teen angst has really set in, your teen and preteen can opt for Invisalign Teen, without all that social awkwardness (you know, spinach in their teeth or the thought they might lock lips with another “brace face”) and those other “fun” issues that normally come from a major case of FOMO (fear of missing out) with .

I mean really, do you want your kiddo’s memories of high school to remind you of Joan Cusack in Sixteen Candles?

And for teens that play sports now with Invisalign Teen they don’t have to worry about mouth injuries due to impact with traditional braces and continue with their activities like cheerleading, musical instruments, acting and singing without interference.

Of course, if it seems too good to be true it probably is… I mean with enough cash you can make any teeth look good, right? Wrong again! Actually, Invisalign Teen is around the same and is covered by most dental insurance policies — up to 50% of the cost may be covered by insurance (and accepted under most FSA plans!)

While a course of treatment depends on each teen’s dental needs (normally around a year like regular braces) and just in case your kids are anything like mine, they’ll receive up to six FREE replacement aligners with the Invisalign Teen plan.

As affordable of around $99/per month (depending on your orthodontist), Invisalign Teen is a great way to avoid a lot of the issues that happen with being a teen. If only they could come up with a plan to fix all those other things that happen growing up!

Hey, at least they’ll have straight teeth and no one can call them “Braceface.”

ENTER NOW TO WIN INVISALIGN TREATMENT

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Or for the Mobile friendly sweeps

 

Pizza Party in a Box with NEW DiGiorno Design a Pizza Kit

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Disclaimer: I was given free product for purposes of this review from DiGiorno Pizza and you can too with a little giveaway! 

DiGiornoPizzaNighttext

Friday is normally pizza night at our house. Sometimes we order it, sometimes we make it. Either way, someone normally has to compromise on what we get. The kids want meat, Dad wants to add jalapenos  (to everything) and I want veggie and something fun like goat cheese or fig. But DiGiorno has made it easy for everyone to get what they want with their new DESIGN A PIZZA KIT. While I wondered how this could be any different than our normal DIY pizza night, I realized pretty quick that I didn’t have to do any prep.


MakingDiGiornoPizza

Well…I had to get it, open it and let them go. Then put it in the oven and then take it out. Hard work, but someone has to do it…(hard work meaning to be so smart to make it this easy on me.)

DiGiorno has launched new DESIGN A PIZZA kits – pizza that gives everyone the opportunity to customize their own DiGiorno pizza down to the individual slice regardless of your pizza-eating personality – hold the veggies, pile on the meat or kick up the spice.

DiGiornoPizza

Each kit includes a full-size DIGIORNO cheese pizza with individually wrapped premium meats, veggies, shredded cheese and a seasoning packet.

  • Pepperoni and Sausage with Peppers & Onions: features pepperoni, sausage, red and green peppers and onion strips
  • Spinach, Tomato & Red Onion with Pepperoni: features pepperoni, chopped spinach, diced Roma tomato and red onion
  • Chicken, Green Peppers & Red Onions with Pepperoni: features herb-seasoned chicken, pepperoni, green pepper and red onion

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Visit www.DiGiorno.com to create your own masterpiece using the DESIGN A PIZZA app. You can virtually design and name your masterpiece to get a $1.50-off coupon. The new DESIGN A PIZZA kits are available nationwide in your grocer’s freezer and retail for $6.79 – $8.99.

Ready to start creating your master PIECE of pizza.

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Brio Celebrates National Lasagna Day

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When I think of comfort food, I think of Lasagna. 

There’s something so perfect about the delicious combination of meat, pasta and cheese layered together for the ideal bite each and everytime. Apparently I love lasagna A LOT since I’ve shared many recipes on mamachallenge.com including my Christmas Eve Lasagna and Spinach Lasagna Rollups. 


To celebrate National Lasagna Day on July 29, BRIO Tuscan Grille at Watters Creek in Allen will offer dishes of their famous Lasagna Bolognese Al Forno recipe at half-price.

Lasagna Bolognese Al Forno is a classic Northern Italian, oven-baked dish, layered with a three-cheese blend of Alfredo, Ricotta and Mozzarella, along with Bolognese meat sauce.


BRIO will offer a generously full-sized portion of lasagna for $9.08 at both lunch and dinner on July 29

And to celebrate National Lasagna Day in a BIG WAY, you can win a $200 Gift Card to Brio Tuscan Grille (DFW locations only!) (Winner will be announced on July 29!) 

Get Thee to the Golden Potty: Potty Training Tips for Success {Baby BJORN Giveaway}

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Did you know that June is National Potty Training Month?  

 Thankfully, as my “gift” my two-year-old graduated to “Ariel panties” last week (we capitalized on her love of the Little Mermaid to incentivize her to ditch the diapers.) However, it’s was a long road to get here and every child is different. I can certainly attest since some of my most-beaten down moments as a mom has been regarding potty training over the last few years. 


Heck, just two weeks ago my daughter peed on my shoes in the middle of Target. Lucky me as I got on the floor with a clean diaper to clean up the mess and then shortly jetted out of the store in hopes no one had witnessed my moment of total meltdown. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be this way everytime, right?
So here’s a great list of top potty training tips from Pediatrician Dr. Robyn Strosaker, from UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital to act as some great pointers for potty training success.
And stay tuned below for an even better reward for both you and your child for potty progress from BABYBJÖRN.

Win a limited edition gold BabyBJORN smart potty for the ultimate potty-training success! The potty is compact and convenient, and the soft plastic edges mean that your child sits comfortably. It is easy to empty and clean and will rest firmly on the floor, even if your child moves about.
  

Enter below by answering the question: 


“What’s your best or worst potty training story or tip?”


Enjoy Mother’s Day Brunch with New Menu at BRIO Tuscan Grille {Win $200 Gift Card}

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Disclaimer: I was provided a lovely gift card to giveaway to you my readers by BRIO! 

 I’m a girl that loves to brunch. I rarely-to-never get to enjoy brunch, but when I do, I want to leisurely enjoy it for a few hours and then go home full, happy and without any dishes to do. 


 Thankfully, with Mother’s Day only a week away, May 11, I get to cash in my “I Wanna Go” cards to pick one of my bucket list brunch locations

 BRIO Tuscan Grille at Watters Creek has a new brunch menu for spring with several new spring dishes like Berries and Cream French Toast and Ham and Biscuit Benedict.

Using the freshest ingredients delivered daily, BRIO’s new brunch menu includes:

  • Tuscan Omelette — Egg whites with turkey sausage, roasted sweet potatoes, mushrooms, zucchini, spinach and Mozzarella. Topped with fire-roasted salsa rossa and served with fresh fruit.
  • Sicilian Omelette — Includes Cherrywood-smoked ham, bacon, Fontanini sausage, tomato compote and a three-cheese blend of Mozzarella, Provolone and Parmesan. Served with brunch potatoes.
  • Garden Omelette — Includes fresh broccoli, mushrooms, roasted red bell peppers, Fontina cheese, avocado and basil. Topped with fire-roasted salsa rossa, and served with fresh fruit.
  • Ham & Biscuit Benedict — Two poached eggs with Cherrywood-smoked ham and a housemade biscuit. Drizzled with hollandaise, and served with brunch potatoes.
  • Turkey Sausage, Spinach & Biscuit Benedict — Two poached eggs with turkey sausage, spinach, a housemade biscuit and hollandaise sauce. Served with fresh fruit.
  • Roasted Turkey Sweet Potato Hash & Eggs — Two over easy eggs with roasted turkey, zucchini, peppers, onions, sweet potatoes and basil, drizzled with Sriracha mayo. Served with brioche toast.
  • Berries & Cream French Toast — Mascarpone cream cheese-stuffed French toast topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. Served with Applewood-smoked bacon.

And because this time of year was made for dining al fresco, BRIO features a big outdoor terrace that is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing weekend brunch that I love to enjoy.


BRIO serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Just remember if you’re planning to go on Mother’s Day, make a reservation so ensure you don’t have a wait!

So would you like to win a gift card for BRIO? 
Tell me what new brunch item at BRIO Tuscan Grille you can’t wait to try and you can win a $200 gift card to BRIO! 


 BRIO Tuscan Grille
Watters Creek
810 Central Expressway South
www.brioitalian.com



Fitness Feels Good with FitnessMat {Giveaway}

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Note: I was provided a Fitness Mat for purposes of this review. 

Yoga is often considered a pathway to help with flexibility, stress reduction and overall health.

However, a few weeks ago, while I was in downward-facing dog, no part of me felt good. My knees hurt, my ankles hurt and my wrists hurt. All I kept thinking is “why am I here?” 



While I am not the most fit person in the world, my pains weren’t coming from me not being capable, but actually the stress on my body of the poses I was doing with my crappy, paper-thin yoga mat.

While it was cute, matched my outfit and my price range, it wasn’t doing anything for my joints. I needed a mat with more padding, but still would allow me to do my poses in yoga or when I was doing other fitness moves. 

The FitnessMat is therapeutic flooring innovation for those looking to enhance their fitness experiences will immediately benefit from the advanced technology of FitnessMats. The tried and true proprietary APT™ polyurethane material suspends and supports body weight, reducing impact and stress, while maintaining an inherently antimicrobial finish for easy cleaning and maintenance.


The FitnessMats also feature ADA-compliant 20 degree beveled edges that never curl and always lie flat, eliminating trip hazards. FitnessMats enhance every fitness experience by making it clean, safe, and comfortable in the privacy of your home or the public-facing gym spaces – designed to perform and built to last. Perfect for yoga, Pilates, free weights, stretching and more.



FitnessMats are available online at www.wellnessmats.com as well as select retailers. 

The mats come in three classic colorways, gray, black, and brown and two different sizes tailored to your exercise needs. The 6′ x 2.5′ FitnessMats are long enough to support the entire body and retail for $239.95. The 4′ x 2’2″ FitnessMat are ideal for kneeling, stretching, and stepping and retail for $149.95. And they are also ideal for making fitness feel good again…well at least as much as working out can feel good. 


Or you can win your own FitnessMat on mamachallenge (at $150 value)!

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Time to Get Moving! 



Five Must-Have Baby Products (that I wish I had when my kids were babies) {Giveaway}

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When I had my first child, I never thought I would have another shower again. There was no way to keep him happy or quiet, so when someone would come for a short visit I would ask for 10 minutes to throw some water on my face. Then my mother-in-law got me a Bumbo.

Life changed after that for the better. I couldn’t believe that anyone could live without one. 

That was about six years ago. 


Now Bumbos are like a basic necessity on any baby registry. 

So when I had the opportunity to visit Dallas Market Hall for PBJ: Play. Baby. Juvenile, a juried trade event for the most innovative gifts and gadgets across the baby and children’s industries!

It was like a wonderland of all the things that made you say “why didn’t I think of that?” So here’s the rundown of some of my favorite finds that could have made those early months so much easier!


Mixie Baby is the only self-contained 2-in-1 formula bottle, making feedings possible at any time. Formula and water are stored in separate compartments of the bottle.  For feeding, simply press the button on the bottle’s bottom and shake to mix. Mixie is BPA, phthalate and PVC free and is dishwasher and microwave safe. 

Can you imagine later at night being able to make that bottle with a click of the button? And it’s even compatible with Dr. Brown’s and BornFree nipples! 


The Cup Catcher is a multi-use connector developed by a local Southlake couple to safety tether a sippy cup, bottle, or even your favorite toy to a car seat, highchair, stroller, wheelchair or shopping. 

So instead of spending 10 times an hour picking up the cup off the floor while running through the grocery store or the mall, you could avoid bending over relentlessly! 


Cuddlecloth® is an award-winning and patented instant release & hands free bath towel designed for baby’s safety, made for moms convenience. This patented, innovative and practical bath towel bib is made of 100% cotton terry spa velour, one of the largest, thickest towels for baby on the market. 

Remember those first baths and you were so gently with your baby until it came time to pick him/her up with a towel, wondering if you were going to drop them? This is where this towel comes in handy. Just check out this graphic that shows you exactly why you want one of these instead of those terrycloth ducks that don’t have any purpose. 

The Dream by Babyhome  is a highly designed travel cot featuring a unique adjustable leg system that provides three different uses for the same product. Its aluminum structure gives it a modern, sophisticated look complemented by removable and washable fabric in a variety of colors. A foam mattress, a honeycomb breathable pad and a fitted sheet are included.


 We had three pack ‘n plays; whether it was cheap or expensive we somehow either broke them or couldn’t get them put up without screaming an expletive. There’s no “set-up” for these and is light as a feather. 


The Emotion also by Babyhome, stands out for its easy maneuverability, compact folding and lightweight. It is a highly popular stroller because of its attractive design and modern colors, while it is also one of the most functional and practical on the market. With the use of available car seat adapters, Emotion becomes a useful stroller from birth to 55 pounds. 

And at the end of all my stroller envy! I mean I’ve had five strollers and now I’ve found one that hits everything from cost (approximately $300), durability, comfort and weight! 

“What was your baby product you couldn’t live without?”

Answer that and you could win a Mixie Bottle Starter Set ($40!) 






Put Some Color in Your Life with the COLOR FUN FEST 5K, April 19 in McKinney

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I hate to run. 

A lot. 

But it sure does help to burn calories.


However, I still need something to get me excited enough to move my hiney. Thankfully, runs are getting creative so people like me that don’t like to run still want to get involved and enjoy the fun.
In the words of Julia Roberts: Well then color me happy!
The COLOR FUN FEST 5K comes to North Dallas/McKinney on April 19, 2014. Both a day and night  5k color run featuring finish-line festivals, the goal of the Color Run is to combine fun and fitness while helping local charities!
COLOR FUN FEST 5K is an EPIC color fun run that heightens positive emotions by combining a5k fun run with the energy of electronic dance music, all while coloring the crowd with thousands of pounds of vibrant colored powder. The event is family-friendly, and features a post-run celebration with DJ entertainment.

The charities the run benefits Free Arts for Abused Children, a nonprofit organization that gives children that have suffered adversity a chance to express themselves through art. Another nonprofit that benefits from this event is a new startup charity called Flight for Cystic Fibrosis that gives children with CF a chance to feel alive by experiencing the incredible feeling of skydiving through wind tunnels and jumps. The mission of this program is to show these kids how to overcome fears and feel hope, bonding families and encouraging healthy living, which is vitally necessary for a person with Cystic Fibrosis.

And this run is one the whole family can get involved in including kids/parents, couples, groups of friends, fitness gurus, dance enthusiasts, runners, joggers, walkers, bloggers, couch potatoes, the young, the old, and basically everyone and anyone that likes to have fun!

Would you like to have some color fun?
Win a pair of registrations for the Color Run ($35 per registration/ $70 total)

Color Run Fest 5K North Dallas/McKinney
April 19, 2014
First wave of runners at 9 – 11 am, second wave at 9 – 11 pm
Myers Park and Event Center
7117 County Road 166
McKinney, TX 75071



Get Rolling Now for National Meatball Day, March 9 with the Best. Meatballs. Ever. {Recipe + Giveaway}

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I was invited to a special event to learn first-hand how to make Chef Kenny Bowers’ legendary Midnight Meatballs. I was also provided a gift card for the purposes of this giveaway. But my sincere love for Kenny and his meatballs is the real deal. I’ve spent much of my own money to get my fix along with the most amazing polenta croutons. So needless to say, this is some truthful content and you should try this recipe. It’s that good. #meatballmadness

 “On top of spaghetti…all covered with cheese…”


Meatballs are such an important part of the spaghetti experience, they earned their own song. 

 Actually, meatballs aren’t just an Italian thing, but actually play a part of several cultures although it looks like the Romans do claim fame to them first (according to the Colorful History of the Meatball.)  

 Whoever wants to claim them is fine by me, but for my family, they are the purpose for the pasta. And we’ve spent many hours attempting to perfect the right meat mixture, texture and cooking method to create the ideal meatball. While I can remember some really good meatballs, I can’t say I have found THE recipe that I’m willing to cut throats for. However, I have found one that stands pretty close. 


Unfortunately, the recipe is not mine. But Dallas Chef Kenny Bowers (Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill, Kenny’s Burger Joint, Kenny’s Smoke House and Kenny’s Italian Kitchen) was willing to share it with me and a few of my friends over cocktails one afternoon and a big raw mess of pork and hamburger meat. 



Yes, this is how we roll. 

 The cocktail is actually part of the recipe too – as Kenny shared his own story of how the meatball recipe came to fruition. Basically, only after several evenings until past midnight with a few drinks down (read: several) did the recipe finally come together just the right way. Hence, the name “Midnight Meatballs.” 

My cocktail choice for this meatball-making Monday: The Frenchie made with prosecco. And best of all it looks like it’s only $5 on Mondays…(but be careful, it can sneak up on you!)

 Completely different than any recipe I’ve ever made, Kenny showed us how to create a panade (a paste made with white bread and milk) to bind together the meat for just the right texture. And then with a few other ingredients we had Kenny’s legendary meatballs ready for the oven and then “atop of spaghetti.”  But they were so good, they really didn’t need a starch, just some red sauce and a glass of red wine!  



KENNY’S MIDNIGHT MEATBALLS

 Ingredients:

 12 oz (3/4 of a loaf) white bread
3 cups milk (whole)
To taste salt (iodized)
To taste black pepper (table grind)
1 cups parmesan cheese
1 oz wt. basil (fresh, chopped 3/8” no stem)
4 lbs ground beef or pork or sausage

 Instructions:

 Tear bread in to small pieces approx 1”. In a large bowl combine milk and bread. Mix together by hand making sure bread is completely dissolved in milk to form a soupy paste-like consistency. Add salt, pepper, cheese, basil and mix. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before next step.
Gently mix in meat making sure everything is evenly mixed with slightly wet hands form 4 oz wt. balls.
Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400 degrees for approx 20 minutes until medium brown and an internal temp of 160.
Note: meatballs freeze very well if you don’t use them all this time.

 I suggest you make the whole recipe and then freeze a portion of them so you have them ready to go whenever you need an appetizer or a quick meatball sub or spaghetti and meatballs! 

OR you can always head over to Kenny’s on any Sunday, and National Meatball Day, for Meatball Madness! For only $1 you’ll get one of Kenny’s 1/4 pound meatballs. Or you can always beat the meatball eating record (currently it’s 18) and you can get your meatballs free. 

Or win this gift card and consider you’ve got $15 worth of meatballs on MamaChallenge! 
Just enter this contest now and you could win! 

Kenny’s Italian Kitchen
5100 Belt Line, Suite 764
Dallas, Texas 75254 (technically it’s in Addison) 
972.661.9380
www.kennysitalian.com









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