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Oh Baby: New Baby Gear Must Haves

June 2, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 86 Comments

Expecting a delivery from the stork soon? You better hope he’s dropping off these new Baby Gear Must Haves (as featured on Fox Good Day.)

Just this week I had five friends deliver some of the freaking cutest babies! My Facebook feed filled up with beautiful smiles and memories. While it’s only been a short few years since I spent my days ogling baby strollers (well yesterday really), the baby market has gotten CRAZY!

Remember my trip to the Biggest Baby Shower Ever in Dallas? This little journey got my baby fever running high so I had to have more! And man we found some awesome stuff! Just check out our favorites that you’re gonna either need to click to get it delivered, run to pick it up or like me say, “why didn’t they have that when I had babies!?”

Because a hungry baby is a sad baby…

KABRITA GOAT MILK // Online

I tried to breastfeed but everything she drank, she threw up. I would pump, she would drink, she would spit and I would do laundry. What I found out now is she had an allergy to milk AND much more, but if she had goat’s milk formula we could have avoided the whole mess! Kabrita is easy to digest protein snd forms a smaller, softer, and looser curd in the gut than cow milk.

For some children like mine, cow milk protein may be difficult to digest and may cause mild to moderate symptoms such as colic, constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, chronic congestion, recurrent ear infections, and eczema. Kabrita goat milk foods are naturally easy to digest and may be a solution for the symptoms that may be associated with cow milk sensitivity*.

Because Cookies…

BOOB FOOD Lactation Cookie // Online, $20 (before shipping)

Boob Food Cookies were created by social media star and chef, Anna O’Steen of Lovely Lady Cakes. While nursing her daughter three years ago, she worried about supplying enough milk for her baby and started researching lactation cookies. After two years of research, she’s created an organic recipe with healthy ingredients that include whole oats, brewer’s yeast, flaxseed, almond butter, and sesame seeds.

By just eating 2 cookies (90 calories) a day can help you start seeing results within the week, with up to 5oz more breast milk. (Some even say same day results!)

Show Your Cool Baby Style

LIL’ FIREFLY // Online and in-store, prices vary

When it comes to a onesie, your baby’s style can say so much more than a blank white multi-pack. Show your creative streak with something more creative and fun like Dallas’ new Lil’ Firefly. Lil’ Firefly is a different kind of retail boutique. Embracing your child’s Lil’ Firefly spirit, they showcase clothing that reflect the bright, rebellious spirit within each child. Co-owners Sheri and Michel feel passionate about celebrating the true nature of every child so they joined together to create a company with this specific vision in mind.

Get in Gear

Looking for a new destination for all things hip baby and oh, so Dallas? The Tot is your spot. With two locations, one in Highland Park Village and now on Lovers Lane, The Tot Playhouse is designed to feel like you are strolling into the welcoming home of a friend. The concept store is filled with gorgeous parenting products including the best in baby gear, kids apparel, toys, personal care products, nursery furniture & décor, and much more – all mindfully selected by The Tot team to reflect a sense of luxury fused with forward-thinking functionality.

CYBEX YEMA CARRIER // The Tot, $309.95

Style-conscious parents will love the YEMA for its sleek design while babies benefit from the close contact. Let’s be honest, no one likes the ugly carriers that are out there now or feel like the lightweight material can’t possibly hold their child. This one does the job with functional design that confidently holds your child close in three different positions.

gB POCKIT STROLLER // The Tot, $249

When folded it is the smallest and most compact stroller currently available on the market (Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s smallest stroller), 12 x 7 x 14 inches to be precise and just 9.5 pounds. While it can be used for travel, overhead areas on the airplane and fits in your purse, it’s not a substitute for a traditional stroller.

DOONA // The Tot, $499

Doona is the world’s first infant car seat that transforms to a stroller in seconds, no additional parts required. Ever went on a walk or a drive and you need to get moving but you don’t want to wake up the baby making a move? That’s why the Doona is your best friend.

MIMA XARI STROLLER// The Tot, $1,424

Mima offers an innovative range of strollers that boast a patented bassinet/ carrycot system located within the stroller seat unit itself, in order to effortlessly transform and grow with your child and your family.

Just Another Reason to Head to Target

CLOUD ISLAND // Target, prices vary

If the Starbucks, CVS/pharmacy or the $1 Spot aren’t enough reason to love Target, they’ve added a big one for all expecting and new families. Cloud Island is Target’s new, exclusive line of nursery décor, bedding, bath and layette products created by Target’s internal design team. The collection includes nearly 500 stylish, affordable items designed with a focus on safety, durability and comfort and will be available at all Target stores and Target.com.

Cloud Island includes more than 70 different prints within nursery and décor products and 14 patterns within the bath collection. Three key themes can be found across the entire assortment, allowing parents to easily mix and match different items in their nursery and bathroom.

Cloud Island bath and layette pieces, including onesies, towels, bibs and more, will roll out starting in August.

Sleepy Time is the Best Time

SWADDLE ME // Prices vary

Why take time how to make the perfect swaddle when you just velcro that baby up? The swaddle (kindly referred to in our family as a baby burrito), is the thing that dreams are made of. A tight swaddle for both my kids meant they’d actually go to bed and not wake themselves up from moving their arms. They felt as snug as a bug in a rug which meant sleep for us! Both there is a technique unless you have a Swaddle Me, which makes it easy with a little more than velcro action.

4 MOMS bounceRoo // Target, $99

The 4moms bounceRoo is the only bouncer with 3 unique vibration modes (heartbeat, wave and bee) and 3 intensity settings to help calm and soothe your baby. The bounceRoo also entertains with a fun, natural bouncing motion created by your baby’s movement. The lightweight and compact design is easy to move around the house or take on the go.

MOBA BASKET, The Tot, $180

To give babies a better and healthier nights’ sleep, Moba reimagined what the traditional Moses basket should be, and the first Moba basket was born. With a durable basket and stand (sold separately), your baby can be moved where you need, when you need, and looks so chic.

OWLET SMART SOCK 2 // Online, $299+

The Owlet Smart Sock 2 uses pulse oximetry (most know it as the little red light they clip on your finger at the doctor’s office) to track a baby’s heart rate and oxygen while sleeping. That info is sent to a nearby Base Station and from there to parents’ smartphones, designed to notify you if those levels fall outside the preset zone. I fell in love with this product the minute I heard of it (for obvious reasons) and now it’s on version 2, it’s gotten even better.

83% of parents who use @OwletBabyCare say they sleep better because of it. Click To Tweet

It’s a technological marvel that fits right into the nursery, providing parents with incredible peace of mind knowing there is an extra set of eyes helping keep an eye on baby. It’s what we like to call “a little help for the hardest job in the world.”

Ready to sleep a little better because of your own peace of mind? Then enter to win your own Owlet Smart Sock 2 (valued at $299.)

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Picnicking with Pinots: Napa Valley Moms Trip

May 9, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 112 Comments

Want to really make a mark this Mother’s Day? Take it from this mama, it’s about the memories. Here’s a look at my adventures with mine: Napa Valley Moms Trip.

Thank you to JCPenney for sponsoring this post and the reminder to tell all the mamas, “you’re #SOWORTHIT!”

Being a mom is a lot like fine wine….the older you get the better you get.

…But take it from me, don’t wait to savor her, appreciate her as much as you can, when you can.

They always say that one day you’ll really appreciate your mom. Like REALLY appreciate her.

In a way that you really can truly understand when you become one yourself.

At that time you get it. And man does it hit you like a big bag of bricks.

Thankfully, while my mother doesn’t live near, she lives close enough if I need something she’s there.

Especially since I’ve had children, she’s there in no time flat.

Without her, there are so many times I wouldn’t have been able to get to a meeting, get my hair done, give birth, go on my dream vacation, cry in the bathroom in peace and quiet. She’s made it happen – whatever, whenever I needed.

And when she goes to leave, to return home to my dad who’s fended for himself while she “Gigis,” the kids and I both walk her out to the car, give her hugs, share kisses, and then the tears begin. All of us.

A few years ago I had a chance to do something with my mama and escape together.

Off to Napa we went for a week of fun and fancy free to inhale as much as Napa Valley we could – and over my birthday at that.

During our drive from San Francisco to Napa and then on to Calistoga (a drive that everyone should take – it’s SO WORTH IT), we talked, we laughed, and plotted out our week. I had arranged for a few hot spots, but we left our schedule open to make sure we didn’t squeeze the joy out of our relaxing week trying to get all my hot spots on the itinerary (I do that.)

Funny enough – we hit almost everything including some that I didn’t think that were possible including Bouchon. One of the items on my list I was able to secure was a tour and tasting at Cliff Lede. A vineyard and winery devoted to classic rock music, the mood of the place rocked (and so did the wine.)

Really whole trip was like that. One experience after another, we found a beautiful space, drank beautiful wine, enjoyed some beautiful meat, cheese and other accoutrements, and just enjoyed the space, the moment and our company.

However, it really was just lots of picnics we were having all of Northern California!

Since our getaway, we haven’t had a chance to escape like that again, but we do reminisce about it all the time. And the last time the kids went to visit her, she mentioned she’d love to have a picnic with the kids but she didn’t have a “proper picnic basket.”

I wasn’t sure exactly what a proper basket was but I was sure I would know it when I saw it.

Sitting in my head, that statement took me back to our “picnics” in Napa, so when Mother’s Day rolled around this year, it was obvious that I was on the search for the right picnic basket for her.

So off to JCPenney I went and discovered a vast selection of picnic baskets. From old school baskets to insulated ones, with straps with or without plates, there was a basket for everyone.

And then I found it – a proper picnic basket. Beautiful and picturesque, just looking at it reminding me of all the moments we had in Napa picnicking with our pinots.

But there was one thing missing…a bottle of Cliff Lede that I had picked up from the winery on our trip.

The perfect pairing. Just like us.

And just the way to say “YOU’RE SO WORTH IT, MOM” this Mother’s Day.

Looking for something for your mama this Mother’s Day or looking for a proper picnic basket of your own, head to JCPenney. Take a look at these baskets AND enter to win $25 JCPenney Gift Card Giveaway.

ENTER TO WIN $25 JCPENNEY GIFT CARD

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GO: Biggest Baby Shower Ever

April 11, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 106 Comments

Expecting or a new parent? If you want to get the 411 on all things baby, obviously anything called the Biggest Baby Shower EVER is the answer! One night, one event, and one huge gift bag!

Thanks to Big City Moms for being a mamachallenge sponsor and showing this Dallas mama what it really means to go big or go home – especially when you’re preggo!

It wasn’t *that* long ago that I was a first-time preggers working to figure out what was the best stroller combination, what bottle system was best for us and the biggest new mamachallenge of them all – what diaper bag I was going to carry. I asked everyone, I searched online, I talked in forums, and I paced the aisle of EVERY baby department store.

I didn’t always find the right answer either and even after both my kids are past the baby age, I still have baby stroller envy (and I had a total of six strollers.)

If only there had been one place to go to, to learn about all the stuff – from diapers to daycare – that I was going to need to prepare me for motherhood in Big D.

And of course, a few years later, there is.

What is the Biggest Baby Shower Ever?

Big City Moms has revolutionized the baby business with their signature event, The Biggest Baby Shower Ever™. A pop-up, one-night show that happens around the country in places like NYC (actually they get two), Washington D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and now Big D. With celebrity endorsements and appearances, this is really the only shower you’re going to want to go to besides your own.

Since I’m no longer growing a baby (however, could be mistaken with my own bump), I hadn’t heard of this shindig before it came to town. HOWEVER, shortly after I got there to Sixty Five Hundred on Cedar Springs, I figured out very quickly, that I was out of the loop! There were so many mamas and daddies there ready to learn, touch, meet and go home with the coolest, most-cutting edge and best baby products on the market. While I did recognize many of my favorites like Pampers and Petunia Picklebottom (I still want one of their bags that are now even cuter and have a place for my laptop), there were so many new companies out there to learn about, both locally and in the industry.

What Can You Expect at the Biggest Baby Shower Ever?

If only I had know that there was a baby nurse service that would get your kid in the groove while you caught a few hours of shut eye?

And if breastfeeding has those tatas in a tizzy, no worries, someone will help you come to your house and show exactly how to do it.

Having issues with your milk supply? Eat some Boob Food and your supply will increase by 5%.

It was about halfway through walking this event where I just looked around and said “Where was this event when I was expecting?”

Of course, you wouldn’t put a few hundred expectant mamas in one spot at 5:30 pm without food either. The food was phenomenal with everything figure foods including the most adorable Sprinkles cupcakes with baby bottles and mocktails. However, there was a local brand called Mom’s Buns that I could have filled my swag bag with and ran!

But just because I wasn’t an expecting mama didn’t mean I didn’t learn! I found out about several new products for those with allergies (i.e. my family), listened to some great info from local experts, checked out new items from Matilda Jane (Taylor’s decided that Joanna Gaines is making them just for her) and also may have finally found the perfect stroller – it takes no time to have folded and you can do it with one hand – really! And there were massages too!!!

I almost reconsidered pregnancy, but remembered, I still had two at home I needed to raise first!

What You Get at the Biggest Baby Shower Ever

But as great as the event is, it is the gift bag that’s gonna really make your day! Depending on the level of ticket you purchase, you not only walk out with tons of samples, new products, and more, but some of the staple items you’re going to need to start your baby collection. From bouncers to buggies, I saw it all being escorted out with everyone. It actually looked like we were looting a Babies R Us.

Just a few of the brands included in this amazing gift bag:

Pampers
Huggies
Earth’s Best
Kabrita
Happy Tot
Enfamil
HappyBaby
Oilogic
Smarty Pants
Nosh
Dr. Brown’s
Baby Bjorn
Viva
Fresh wave
Cetaphil
bolli
summer
babyganics
june & january
Once Up a Farm

Swoon, right? But what am I going to do with all this loot? Yep, one lucky mama is going home with the 4Moms bounceRoo!

(From the 4moms website:) The 4moms bounceRoo is the only bouncer with 3 unique vibration modes (heartbeat, wave and bee) and 3 intensity settings to help calm and soothe your baby. The bounceRoo also entertains with a fun, natural bouncing motion created by your baby’s movement. The lightweight and compact design is easy to move around the house or take on the go. The bounceRoo is available in the classic seat fabric (dark grey) and has a smooth, woven surface. Machine washable.

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Understanding Health Care

March 2, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

If you have family, you need health care. It may seem overwhelming, but we can make understanding healthcare easier.

Thanks to United Healthcare for helping through my own health care needs for almost 10 years. And now for partnering with mamachallenge to make it not-so-challenging for you.

I gal that rarely ever got sick growing up, I didn’t quite understand the need for health insurance – until I was an adult WITH kids. I mean it’s there *just in case* you get sick or break an arm.

…Until of course one of those happen or even worse, you’re pregnant and find out you have all kinds of complications and your child may not make it without a big medical team and a lot of prayers.

Then you know EXACTLY why you have health care. And so thankful for it too.

Over the years many of us have been confused with that health care is, how it works, and how to make the best of it without all the complicated explanations.

Like everything, I prefer the Cliff Notes version and then if I need to know more, I can dig in. But insurance can seem so overwhelming that you don’t always know what you’re doing or why, except pull out your card when they ask for it.

So UnitedHealthcare is trying to break it down in less words and in a little more fun way to learn by throwing in three chances to win $500 while giving you the 411.

First, the Lingo.

Oh the terms and the acronyms. That alone is enough to make you go WTH. However, it’s not as hard as you think it is.

PPO. HSA. CBO.

You’ve probably heard them, but you don’t always know what you’re saying? Me too.

For instance:

PPO is short for PREFERRED PROVIDER ORGANIZATION.

HSA is short for HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (love these.)

But do you know the difference between prior authorization and coinsurance?

But UnitedHealthcare takes all the guessing out of it by being just plain clear. Giving you the power to not just pick the right insurance for you but to be smart about spending your dollars where they make sense for your family.

The Perfect Match engagement is a memory/concentration game with basic cost terminology. Play it and you can win $500!

And once you do your homework, quiz yourself with this quick Perfect Match quiz to make sure you really know what you’re talking about. (Plus there’s $100 weekly and $500 monthly you can win.)

Second, How Does it All Work?

Want to make sure you don’t just know the lingo, but how it works? When doctors and insurance providers talk about referrals and networks, we know they aren’t talking about Facebook or a book club. I’m a visual person so I need a picture to put it all together. As a mom, many times we’re scheduling the doctor visits and therefore paying for them. But wouldn’t it be nice to know what all we’re paying for? This quick video gives it to you clean and simple.

Answer one question in the Look & Learn after you watch this video and you could win up to $500.

Third, Tools and Tips

Want to see if you’ve put it together the right way? Or still need to see what other tools are available to help you figure it all out? Then UHC can help you with tons of calculators, estimators, an app and if you prefer, real life people who can help you figure it out. When I have a question I call them. Or you can click around in your own portal and find most the answers your need already right in front of you. From calculating all the cost for an upcoming procedure or simply just comparing the costs, this is where you go to make it easy for you.

PLUS when you answer these three questions in the Cost Quiz 123, you can win $500!

Feel like you’ve already taken a class in health care? Then you should be rewarded. One lucky reader will win a gift card for $50 from Amazon. At least this way you can be motivated to learn more when you have a new planner or one of these cool new finds. I personally am looking this one.

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Dinner Served on the Go: A Day in the Life of a Busy Mom

February 16, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 10 Comments

“What’s for dinner?” You’re bound to say it, think it, and hear it at least once a day. But when you’re a busy parent, it’s one of many things YOU have to solve. Here’s how Autumn of mamachallenge.com and her family work to get dinner on the table with la Madeleine.

Thanks to La Madeleine for sponsoring this post and making meals possible when everything else isn’t.

There’s really not such thing as a normal day. The more I plan, the more it goes awry. But a mom’s gotta try, right?

Here’s a typical rundown.

5:15 am // My iPhone softly begins chirping to get me up and go to the gym before the kids wake up. I argue with her, hit the snooze and return to dreaming about vacation, organized closets, and clean dishes (mom stuff.)

6:30 pm // The iPhone’s ring has upgraded to a siren and the hubs and I both wake up like a fire drill. We charge upstairs to wake up the kids, argue about outfits (because we forgot to lay them out the night before), and head to the kitchen for breakfast.

7:00 am // Breakfast for the kids consists of anything from yogurt, waffles, sausage or whatever else we can pull together. They eat while I throw together my daughter’s lunch.

7:05 am // While they eat, I find a few minutes to pop in my K-cup, grab my favorite mug and fill it up with cream. The sound of the Keurig dripping into my coffee is the most beautiful sound in the world, next to my kids saying “I love you.” On some days I’d say the coffee wins. (I’m a big fan of la Madeleine’s French Press to get me moving. Pronto.)

7:20 am // Hair, teeth, and whatever else is squeezed into our last 10 minutes before we have to jet to school to make the line and the bell.

7:30 am // My kids head to the car with the help of their dad and load up while I slap on my workout wear so I drop them off in something besides my pajamas and to motivate me to head directly to the gym. I run to the car and we jet to school to get into the drop off line.

7:50 am // We made it before the bell rings! I pull over and hit up my phone for my first round of emails to make sure what’s sitting in front of me for the day. A quick look lets me know what needs immediate attention and what can wait until 9 am.

8 am // Let the delayed workout begin. On some days I hit up spin class, others I run the treadmill, or when I’m lucky, I get to work with my trainer to really make me do the stuff that I need to be doing for around an hour or so. This year is about my health so I’ve made this a priority so I can be a good example to my kids. I wobble to my car.

9 am // Ah, breakfast! It’s been a few hours since I woke up so I’m starving. However, the phone is ringing and emails need attention. Another cup of coffee and hopefully something healthy goes in my mouth while I slide into my chair and get to it. While in the kitchen, I look through the freezer for something to pull out for dinner, but get distracted by the phone, the doorbell, and the mounting work.

11:30 am // A conference call, emails and work. I had scheduled out my day differently, but most days there’s at least a few fires to put out and there’s always a deadline to make so I’m already behind. I found a big win with an article on one client – whoo. I see one of my posts on mamachallenge is getting some great traffic – whoo hoo! Facebook is building, Twitter still needs love but Instagram is my favorite so I’m excited to really see a few comments here. However, I’m launching two new other sites (always a project happening) so it’s a little bit of craziness! I love promoting and helping others see their dreams come alive with a new website, social buzz and that big magazine win. I admit it’s nice when it’s mine, too.

It’s the duality that I think that makes me the best at what I do. I realize I’m famished. Some days I plan for meetings, but today there’s no time. Protein shake. Get back to it.

1:45 pm // Found myself on Facebook a little longer than I should. There was a recipe (can I make this for dinner?), then a cute dog, and then a sad friend. Sucked into the void – a break better be soon.

2 pm // After a few more hours of getting out timelines, press releases, posting, I need to put together a mini photo shoot for the dish I’m planning to make for a blog post and TV segment. This is both my fun time and crunch time since the kids will be home soon, so I have just about 2 hours to get it made and photograph. Then clean it all up. I throw carrots and a few pieces of cheese at my face and chug a bottle of water since I was due several ounces before noon and I’m already behind.

4:02 pm // I’m already late. I should have been in the car to pick up the kids from school and then off to their afternoon activities. Run in and get them and then sprint to the car to get to theatre practice for the big one, gymnastics for the little girl.

4:30 pm // While they practice, I head to the closest coffeeshop to get in another hour of work. Wireless connections and coffee rule my world. Husband also calls to tell me he’ll be home a few minutes late.

Days don’t always go as planned, but I always have la Madeleine to make me look good at dinner.”

6 pm // Pick up time! I do the rounds at practice we head home. “Mom, what’s for dinner?” I hear. Oh yes, I forgot! That dinner thing looms again. Something quick, but not a drive through. Plus we have a few allergies so I have to think where can I get something that everyone can eat, that we aren’t tired of eating, isn’t and doesn’t take an hour for us to get. We want to eat at home and get our other stuff done, too.

6:05 pm // La Madeleine has a new app so I open it up, make our options and click. It’s ordered so I head towards the cafe which is also on the way home. Relief.

6:20 pm // I roll into la Madeleine’s La Madeleine has a new appand tell them I’m here for pick up. Everything is already sacked and ready to go, so I’m off!

6:30 pm // We’re home! And in just a few minutes, dinner is served. There isn’t a pretty presentation, but with two hungry kids, there’s no time and it still hot. I just open the tops and let them get after their sandwiches. The big one begged for the sacher torte, so I negotiated with a surprise to satiate his sweet tooth.

I grab a few bites Caesar salad with balsamic chicken and ask them about their day. Dad comes in and looking for dinner. I picked up a jar of his favorite Tomato Basil soup for him – it’s gluten free and with a few servings in each jar, he can enjoy it for lunch tomorrow at work (and I might sneak a bowl in too.)

7 pm // And now it’s homework time. Folders, letters, math, all that – it’s a two person job to try to get them both done before we start the B routine: baths, brushing teeth, books and bedtime.

8:30 pm // Lights out begins. It’s a process that normally lasts until around 8:45 pm, but since it results normally in hugs, snugs, and kisses, I let it stretch. Besides, it’s my favorite part of the day. However, we both need time to get back to work, check in with each other. Plus that salad and soup still have a few bites left.

9 pm // Computer time for both of us as we sit in bed and catch up on everything we haven’t watched. We work until the other one starts to snore and realized it’s time for bed. Lights are out and get ready to start the next day.

12:15 am // I lie in bed and start thinking about tomorrow. “What’s for dinner?”

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Last Minute Holiday Shopping with Grapevine Mills

December 16, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Feel like an elf trying to get the holidays together before they’re over? With the help of Grapevine Mills you CAN mark off your last minute holiday shopping list – all in one place!

Thanks to Grapevine Mills for this special collaboration to bring you the lowdown on how it needs to go down this holiday season!

I love Christmas, so I thought I’d never be working to the nth hour to get it done.

Unfortunately, all the other stuff around this time of year made time to shop impossible! But with extended shopping hours (10 am – 10 pm), you can find a way to fit it all in, down to even pictures with Santa until Christmas Eve!

Reserve Your Spot with Santa

New this year to Grapevine Mills, you’ll find a whole new Santa’s World of Wishes in Center Court. With beautiful new decorations, Santa loves his new home away from the North Pole and you will too. However, what I love is the opportunity to skip the line to make the most of your few shopping days ’til Christmas with a new Santa by Appointment so you can reserve your spot! And as a part of a teachable moment, if you’re in the giving spirit (and we should all be), you can donate to Save the Children while you’re there and help other children in need!

Photo Credit: The Mills

Looking for a little more time with the big guy with your little guys? There are spots still available for Breakfast with Santa at Rainforest Cafe! Reservations for December 17, 18 & even December 23 can still be made – and include:

Greet by Cha!Cha!
Breakfast Buffet
Fun Activities
Visit from Santa
Photo opportunity with Cha!Cha! and Santa
Raffles
Arts & Crafts

And then there was Shopping!

With more than 180 stores and 1.6 million sq. ft., you have plenty of options for whomever is on your list! I actually remember when Grapevine Mills open and how exciting it was with all the cool entertainment, outlet retail and restaurants! Recently, the center underwent a multi-million dollar renovation to continue to make it a cool destination for the whole family in the middle of DFW! So if you haven’t been here, you definitely need to check out big changes as well as the small details that have revitalized the look of the center as well as the comfort to its guests!

Photo Credit: The Mills

Just a few of my favorites here:

Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH
H&M
GameStop
Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop
Coach Factory
LOFT Factory Store
Disney Outlet
Jack and Jill
Abercrombie & Fitch
Helzberg Diamond Outlet
Ross Dress for Less
The Children’s Place Outlet
Oakley Vault

And those are just the highlights! I mean you really can find what you need and at the price point you need it for everyone on your list (hubs totally loves his Bass Pro Shop!) Get the full list of stores here and especially the deals you can only find at Grapevine Mills!

Still looking for ideas? Then join us December 16 at 3 pm for a special FACEBOOK LIVE! with Grapevine Mills! We’ll be sharing some of our favorite holiday finds and tips to how to get ready for the holidays! And you’ll be able to win $50 Simon Gift Card just for joining in. Visit Facebook.com/mamachallenge at 3 pm CST whereever you are – on your desktop, phone or tablet. Just consider us your holiday helpers!

Looking for Holiday Fun

you bring the crew or are looking to ways to spend time together without driving all over DFW, then Grapevine Mills is your place. With AMC Grapevine Mills 30 with Dine-In Theatres, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium and Rainforest Cafe you have it all! And if you still need to get in your ice skating, holiday lights, and more, then just only a few miles away, you’ll find the Gaylord Texan Lonestar Christmas and the rest of the Christmas Capital of the World!

Photo credit: SEA LIFE Aquarium

Now aren’t you ready to hit the ‘Mills for the holidays?

MamaChallenge Holiday Hot Toys 2016

December 9, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 133 Comments

I don’t know which one is more fun: being the kid that gets these gifts or the parents that get to play with ’em anyways. Our annual MamaChallenge Holiday Hot Toys 2016 is unveiled!

This list is ever changing so come back often to get more ideas and to enter to win these great prizes! May contain affiliate links.

CHECK OUT OUR UNVEILING OF THE MAMACHALLENGE HOT TOY LIST

For those of you that asked: My ugly sweater is part of JCPenney’s Ugly Sweater collection. LOVE IT!

For the Family

Pie Face Showdown
Simon AIR
NEW Nintendo 3DS XL with Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon

For the Littles

Playskool Sesame Street Love2Learn Elmo
Baby Alive Go Bye Bye
Disney’s Moana Swing’N Sounds Maui
American Girl WellieWishers [Take a look at this face when she gets one!]

For the Star Wars Fan

Toys Gone Tech: Can’t believe what you can do now with a smartphone!

Yokai Watch Model Zero from Hasbro
Smarttheatre VR Reality Headset
Virtual Explorer Antopia Adventure from Uncle Milton
Parrot MiniDrone Jumping Race (Find this at Verizon)
Dynacraft DreamWorks Trolls 6 Volt Light Up Super Coupe Powered Ride On [Don’t take just my word for it.]

For Under the Tree AKA “Santa Gifts”

Dynacraft Hello Kitty Car [We learned a lot more than just to drive with this one! My little girl will tell you all about it!]
NERF N-Strike Modulus Tri-Strike Blaster
Springfree Smart Trampoline (with tgoma!) [We love ours!]

There were so many, we had two segments!

SPECIAL OFFER:

AND if you mention MAMACHALLENGE when you order your Springfree Trampoline they’ll give you a special $700 free gift package including accessories to make your new gaming mat that much more fun!

GIVEAWAYS – WIN THIS!

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All I Want for Christmas is White Straight Teeth (Free Braces)

November 27, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

Braces and glasses may be part of growing up, but just because you aren’t a kid doesn’t mean you don’t deserve white straight teeth!

Thanks to Texas Association of Orthodontists for this sponsored reminder!

Braces aren’t just for the kids anymore.

Adults are just as likely to either repeat their braces treatment or finally have the opportunity to get braces on their teeth during their 30s or 40s.

But it doesn’t matter how old you are – everyone deserves a beautiful smile with white straight teeth!

Your smile is one of the biggest confidence boosters and something that anyone can see. If an adult is self-conscious about their smile, orthodontic treatment can provide them with the same benefits younger patients enjoy. Less visible orthodontic materials have made adult orthodontic treatment increasingly popular in recent years.

According to a survey by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), adult patients grew by 14% from 2010 to 2012.

There is also the risk that some malocclusions (bad bites) may get worse if left untreated. If treatment is recommended, there are a number of options available today that make it less noticeable than it was in the past.

Fortunately with today’s technology, the materials orthodontists use to move teeth can be almost imperceptible. As specialists, orthodontists are able to use the full array of “appliances” (the formal name for braces, aligners, etc.) to create a healthy and beautiful smile. These include traditional metal braces with small, sleek brackets and thin wires; ceramic (tooth-colored) braces; braces that go behind the teeth; self-ligating braces, which have a built-in mechanism to hold the wire to the brackets; and clear aligners.

Thankfully, having braces doesn’t have to be a multi-year obligation. The average time between orthodontic appointments is about six weeks, so you miss less time from work and other important commitments and don’t need to be embarrassed about having braces or having a smile they don’t like.

Check out mylifemysmile.org for more info or to seek out an orthodontic specialist in your area.

And if it didn’t get any better, win an orthodontic treatment:

TAO is giving away an Orthodontic treatment to one of my followers! (You need to be located in Dallas/Fort Worth area to qualify!)

All you need to do is enter here:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

That’s it! Giveaway ends December 31 , 2016 at 11:59PM CST. Winner announced January 3, 2017!

Sip into the Season with Dunkin Donuts

November 16, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 186 Comments

If September kicks off the #pumpkineverything then November is the month for peppermint…and so many more festive holiday flavors! Sip into the Season with Dunkin Donuts and this special giveaway just for mamachallenge.com readers!

Thanks to Dunkin Donuts for this holiday stocking stuffer!

’Tis the season of joy at Dunkin’ Donuts once again, as the brand rings in the return of the holidays with a delicious lineup of coffees and treats featuring favorite seasonal flavors. This year’s seasonal selection includes new Crème Brulée macchiatos, lattes and coffees, a new Candy Cane Crunch Donut!

Oh jeez just reading that made me hungry and thirsty.

Peppermint Me, Baby!

At the top of Dunkin’s holiday nice list is new Crème Brulée macchiatos, lattes and coffees, featuring the rich and creamy taste of crème brulée with a deep, caramelized sugar finish. Additional coffee choices to keep people dashing through their day include returning holiday classic Peppermint Mocha, combining cool peppermint flavor with rich chocolate; and Salted Caramel, just introduced at the beginning of fall, offering sweet and salty flavor in every delicious sip.

Candy Cane Crazy

To pair perfectly with the holiday beverages, Dunkin’ Donuts debuts its new Candy Cane Crunch Donut! This is a yeast donut with vanilla flavored buttercreme filling, topped with white icing and crushed candy cane pieces. For another sweet holiday treat that is a deluxe take on a classic favorite, the new Boston Kreme Croissant Donut is a glazed croissant donut filled with Bavarian creme and finished with a chocolate icing drizzle. Dunkin’ Donuts’ holiday donuts are also available nationwide through the end of the year at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants.

And there’s More

Additionally, Dunkin’ Donuts is bringing back its popular Sweet Black Pepper Bacon Breakfast Sandwich, a unique combination of sweet and savory featuring egg, a slice of American cheese and four strips of bacon coated in a brown sugar and black pepper seasoning served on a croissant. The Sweet Black Pepper Bacon Breakfast Sandwich is also available as a Wake-Up Wrap®, with ½ egg, a slice of American cheese and two slices of the special seasoned bacon, served on a small flour tortilla. Both are available at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide now through early 2017.

Now hungry are you?

If you’re slobbering at this point, then we suggest you enter this giveaway for a $50 gift card to Dunkin Donuts.

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Expecting a delivery from the stork soon? You better hope he’s dropping off these new Baby Gear Must Haves (as featured on Fox Good Day.)

KABRITA GOAT MILK // Online

BOOB FOOD Lactation Cookie // Online, $20 (before shipping)

LIL’ FIREFLY // Online and in-store, prices vary

CYBEX YEMA CARRIER // The Tot, $309.95

gB POCKIT STROLLER // The Tot, $249

DOONA // The Tot, $499

MIMA XARI STROLLER// The Tot, $1,424

CLOUD ISLAND // Target, prices vary

Sleepy Time is the Best Time

SWADDLE ME // Prices vary

4 MOMS bounceRoo // Target, $99

MOBA BASKET, The Tot, $180

OWLET SMART SOCK 2 // Online, $299+

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!

ABOUT NATIONAL DONUT DAY

DONUT WHAT WE WOULD DO WITHOUT YOU PRINTABLE

Want to really make a mark this Mother’s Day? Take it from this mama, it’s about the memories. Here’s a look at my adventures with mine: Napa Valley Moms Trip.

Expecting or a new parent? If you want to get the 411 on all things baby, obviously anything called the Biggest Baby Shower EVER is the answer! One night, one event, and one huge gift bag!

What is the Biggest Baby Shower Ever?

What Can You Expect at the Biggest Baby Shower Ever?

What You Get at the Biggest Baby Shower Ever

If you have family, you need health care. It may seem overwhelming, but we can make understanding healthcare easier.

First, the Lingo.

Second, How Does it All Work?

Third, Tools and Tips

“What’s for dinner?” You’re bound to say it, think it, and hear it at least once a day. But when you’re a busy parent, it’s one of many things YOU have to solve. Here’s how Autumn of mamachallenge.com and her family work to get dinner on the table with la Madeleine.

Feel like an elf trying to get the holidays together before they’re over? With the help of Grapevine Mills you CAN mark off your last minute holiday shopping list – all in one place!

Reserve Your Spot with Santa

And then there was Shopping!

Looking for Holiday Fun

Now aren’t you ready to hit the ‘Mills for the holidays?

I don’t know which one is more fun: being the kid that gets these gifts or the parents that get to play with ’em anyways. Our annual MamaChallenge Holiday Hot Toys 2016 is unveiled!

For the Family

For the Littles

Toys Gone Tech: Can’t believe what you can do now with a smartphone!

SPECIAL OFFER:

GIVEAWAYS – WIN THIS!

Braces and glasses may be part of growing up, but just because you aren’t a kid doesn’t mean you don’t deserve white straight teeth!

If September kicks off the #pumpkineverything then November is the month for peppermint…and so many more festive holiday flavors! Sip into the Season with Dunkin Donuts and this special giveaway just for mamachallenge.com readers!

Peppermint Me, Baby!

Candy Cane Crazy

And there’s More

Pin This!

Pictures Say a 1000 Words

mamachallenge

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