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Score Big Savings and Rewards with Tom Thumb and Albertsons

November 7, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 82 Comments

The grocery store is no longer just a place just for your milk and eggs. Get even more with big savings and rewards from Tom Thumb and Albertsons – especially with the gas rewards program.

This is sponsored by Tom Thumb and Albertsons.

Once upon a time (like just a few years ago), you went to the grocery store, grabbed a cart, put in items you needed for your family, checked out and went home.

That was it.

Now, not only do we have the option to pick up our groceries, but also our medications, hand-rolled sushi, a flower bouquet, your kid’s birthday cake, a hot dinner, and even a cup of coffee.

And that’s just the beginning.

Actually, the start of it, is the Tom Thumb app and Albertsons Just for U® app on your smartphone that not only helps you locate what’s on sale and where it is at, but also all the special promotions to get things for free. (Score.)

On your purchases you can save money with in-store coupons, manufacturer coupons, as well as on the spot coupons that you didn’t plan for, but even more coupons at the register just to acknowledge that you are a valuable customer to Tom Thumb / Albertsons. (Touchdown!)

Wear a Dallas Cowboys shirt on game day and you get 10% off your groceries. (Score again.)

Don’t have the time to do the grocery shopping? Tom Thumb launched its Grocery Delivery service in the area so you can order what you need, when you need it, someone delivers it straight to your door AND YOU STILL GET YOUR REWARD POINTS, special coupons, and offers like you do when you’re in-store. Additionally, Albertsons is partnering with Tom Thumb to offer this service via Albertsons.com as well.

To celebrate the launch and provide customers with additional savings, shoppers placing Tom Thumb grocery delivery orders by December 4 will receive $10 off their first order in addition to FREE delivery by entering the promo code TOM at online checkout. Tom Thumb’s Grocery Delivery service offers one-hour delivery windows and a Shop By History feature that saves all previously purchased items for easy repeat purchasing. (Imagine the sounds of the crowds going wild!)

However, even beyond the grocery shopping experience – in-store or at home – that shows that Tom Thumb / Albertsons really wants to show you what being a MVP really means with a new player in the saving money game – Chevron!

For Tom Thumb customers, the Gas Rewards Program already gives you $.10 cents off your gas at the Tom Thumb gas station every time you spend $100 (up to $1.00 off each month up to 20 gallons?)

Don’t think a dime makes a difference? You’ll be surprised that the points really add up fast and the cost of filling up that mom-mobile is so much easier when it’s a whole dollar off! Just take a look at your Tom Thumb fuel station and you’ll see the line – because it does pay to save!

Now you can do your own little happy dance because you don’t have to wait until the very last minute to fill up your tank because you haven’t had a chance to get to your Tom Thumb gas station…you now have more convenient locations to redeem those Reward points by using them at participating Chevron and Texaco locations!

Tom Thumb and Albertsons shoppers can redeem up to $.20 per gallon in Gas Rewards at participating Chevron and Texaco Stations and up to $1.00 per gallon in Gas Rewards at Tom Thumb and Albertsons gas stations.

Not a Tom Thumb or Albertsons shopper?

That’s crazy!

You’re missing out. Just go back to the top and read this again so you know what you’re missing! Then either download the Tom Thumb app or for Albertsons customers can access the just for U app from (available on iOS and Android) and let the good times roll.

Saving money doesn’t have to be a game – it’s easy for everyone to score big at Tom Thumb or Albertsons – especially with a $50 gift card to pay for your gas and check out what you’ve been missing at your local Tom Thumb or Albertsons store.

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Ode to Coffee {Giveaway}

September 29, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 68 Comments

Wonder why moms bow down to the coffee gods? It’s more than just the black elixir, but more like a friend that is always there. Here’s our ode to coffee. Thanks to Dunkin Donuts for sponsoring this giveaway and giving us all a day to celebrate our biggest fan.

Each and every morning, squinty eyed and barely able to function, I stumble to the Keurig and throw my Dunkin Donut k-cup into its place, push the button, and wait to hear the beautiful sound and rich smell of coffee hitting my “I LOVE MOM” cup.

I only add cream to the mixture to create my perfect recipe…at least for the first cup.

This is a ritual I’ve been celebrating since I was around 16…however, at different times of the day (and nights in college), without the mug, or the K machine. However, only one thing has remained the same…the coffee.

Now as a mom, the coffee is how I kick off each day…sometimes picking up another cup to keep it going with a stop at the drive-through, and of course, at the ticking hour, whether working on a deadline, or working through a big moment, the coffee is there.

So on National Coffee Day, I felt I owed coffee a little bit of thank you for the part its played as my friend thoughout my life. However, when I came across this little poem from Music Savvy Mom, it seemed to sum it up well.

One Mom’s Spontaneous Ode to Coffee

I love the way you jack me up,
You hot, black velvet in my cup
And gird my mood for battle fair
with toys and poopy underwear.

My busy day I’m dearth to face
Until sweet coffee’s had it’s place
Upon my breakfast table where
I move the laundry piles with care.

I gently nudge the bills away,
Refuse to let work have the sway
To mar the blissful waking mood
that rich elixir doth exude.

Come sing with me of college years
Grey all-nighters, hangover tears
And all the foibles forced to flee
By coffee’s steadfast loyalty.

Ah, yes, dark friend! We owe to you
So much in life we’re wont to do
Careers, achievements, breeding too –
Without you…we’d just sleep right through!

To you, sweet beans, we give attention
To whining kids we shall not mention
The truth that’s proved each day anew…
The one I love the best is YOU!

And on this special National Coffee Day, Dunkin Donuts wants you to participate in the fun.

National Coffee Day is Thursday, September 29, and Dunkin’ Donuts will hail the holiday by raising a cup to its loyal guests with a coffee offer in celebration of the brand’s 66-year history of keeping people running with great coffee each and every day. Guests can enjoy any medium-sized cup of the brand’s signature hot coffee for the special price of 66 cents at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide. Dunkin’ Donuts is a leader in the hot and iced coffee categories in the U.S. The company sells more than 1.9 billion cups of hot and iced coffee globally ever year.

AND why just stop the party on National Coffee Day? Win a $50 gift card to Dunkin Donuts so you can continue your connection to coffee for a little bit longer!

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Everyone Needs Mama’s Better Day Kit {Giveaway}

September 16, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 151 Comments

Some days suck. So be armed and ready with this Better Day Kit to cope until #BetterThings.

Some days suck.

Like put-a-Dyson-to-shame suck.

They suck so hard and even when you continue to put on the smiling face, attempt to think of a better day in your life, and try to handle the situation like an adult (whatever that’s supposed mean), there are some days you just lose your s@#!.

For those days, you need to be armed and ready to cope, so you can deal with the s@#!storm you’ve been presented and get on to another day that has got to be better than than the one that you’ve presently gotten yourself stuck in.

I mean I love my kids. I love my husband. I love my family. I love my job, but dang, there are days that push me to the edge.

(It has to get better, right?)

That’s what she said.

Meet Sam Fox. She’s a mom, dad, referee, cop, and a woman. “She’s just trying to earn a living, navigate her daughters’ lives, have fun with a friend or two and also — just maybe — squeeze in some private time once in a while.” She’s looking for a better day, too.

Better Things is a new comedy series on FX co-created by Pamela Adlon and Louis C.K., starring Adlon as “Sam Fox,” a single, working actor with no filter trying to raise her three daughters – “Max” (Mikey Madison), “Frankie” (Hannah Alligood) and “Duke” (Olivia Edward) and her mom– in Los Angeles.

Feel like this show could take out Sam Fox and insert you in it? Yep, me, too.

So instead of losing it, take a few tips inspired by Better Things to keep yourself prepared to take on the day with the Better Day Kit.

Here’s what you need for your Better Day Kit:

Sunglasses

Duh? Dark circles? Red eyes? Just don’t want to actually catch anyone’s eye so you don’t have to engage in a conversation? Sunglasses are your friend. And if you wear classy ones like Ray Bans, you at least look like you’re sophisticated, even when you’re a hot, hot, hot mess.

Chipolo Bluetooth Finder

Have you been late to work or late to drop off your kids because you were looking for yours keys? How many times have you walked all over your house retracing your steps and found your phone in your back pocket. Why are we spending so much time finding crap when all you have to do is tag it with your Chipolo and you’ll always be able to find it. And why stop at your keys and your phone…the whole family should tag their crap so you don’t have to spend time looking for it either.

Emergency Kit

If you’ve busted a seam or a button in the middle of your shirt, gotten a blister, or lost an earring back, you know the value of a safety pin, bandage and an eraser. Except this time you don’t have to go hunting and hoping for a little saving grace. This little emergency bag of goodies with bobby pins, safety pins, blister pad, earring backs, etc. will keep you in business when things happen. This way at least you don’t end up flashing the boss or start limping down the hall because of those new shoes you haven’t ever broken in.

Tranquility Essential Oil

Tranquility is like a made up word isn’t it? No one who has ever had a kiddo, they know that tranquility is like the unicorn that we never catch up with. However, when it’s necessary to take a time out and stop to breathe, snap off the top, and inhale. Just a little sniff of this and you’ll be riding the train to tranquility.

Lip Balm

When you look like you fell off the ugly tree and hit every branch, somehow when you put on lip balm, you upgrade yourself times 10. Not really, but it makes you feel better. And there’s nothing worst than crusty lips. Lip balm for the win.

Mints

Did you forget to brush your teeth after gulping down your coffee heading out the door for carpool main? Cute guy at work? Need to impress a client? Have to see that mom that makes you feel like a cockroach? Put in a mint – and let them have it. You’re armed with the power of fresh breath (especially if you’re actually covering up the cocktail you drank at lunch before going back to work.)

Baggu Leather Clutch

A girl has to have a bag to put all her tools in – and this one is all-purpose. And when you go a little classy, then it automatically detracts from the rest of your look that you have taste despite today’s attempt. I call that a win. And this bag can go from day to night to business to personal in no time flat. I’m excited when I change from yoga pants to slacks, so this one gives you the flexibility to be cool when you really aren’t.

Pillow

A pillow. I wish I could say you need this to sleep, but it’s really for you to scream in. Whether you leave it in your desk, your car, your bedroom or even carry it in your purse so it’s with you where ever you go, you need this handy right-sized pillow. And if you can squeeze in a few minutes of shuteye, then count yourself lucky that you have a pillow to make use of. (And this way you don’t slobber on anyone either.)

* If you need instructions exactly, how to use this pillow, let Sam show you exactly how. She does it a lot.

Everyone needs this kit to help them keep it together. And we’re helping one lucky woman win one by commenting on this question:

What’s your most memorable “there’s got to be Better Things” moment?”

A winner will be chosen October 15, 2016 and contacted by email so make sure to follow mamachallenge on Facebook when we announce our winner!

And make sure to watch Better Things Thursdays on FX! This way you know there’s someone just like trying to find those #BetterThings in life.

Ice Cream Pizza = Summer’s New Treat

July 18, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 55 Comments

What happens when the best of both worlds: pizza + ice cream come together? It’s THE treat of the summer with Baskin Robbin’s new ice cream pizza. Bite into the Polar Pizza when you enter to win this $50 gift card to Baskin Robbins, one of sweetest partners on mamachallenge.com.

There’s always a reason for ice cream, but it’s been proclaimed that in the month of July you need to eat it every day since it’s National Ice Cream Month. Always churning out the newest and the coolest, Baskin Robbins has made all our dreams come true with the introduction of the best combination after macaroni and cheese: ice cream pizza.

Appropriately called the Polar Pizza, you can now order this ultimate dessert in four delicious featured flavor combinations: OREO® Cookies ‘N Cream, Peanut Butter ‘n Chocolate and REESE’S® Peanut Butter Cup, Jamoca® Almond Fudge and HEATH®, and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Or of course, you can have the option to create a customized Polar Pizza by combining a tasty Chocolate Chip Cookie or Double Fudge Brownie crust with your favorite ice cream flavor and whatever else you want heap on to your dream pizza.

I couldn’t want to try it out myself, so in I went to Baskin Robbins. I also found that this month the ice cream treat leader was honoring 75 years of the USOs commitment to supporting the nation’s military with the introduction of a new ice cream flavor, USO Patriot Pop®. The twisted trio is a twisted blend of red, white and blue and features cherry, lemon and blue raspberry-flavored ice.

After all, now that I had a theme, I completed my patriotic pie with red, white and blue toppings for a Polar Pizza that was worth a reason to call a party because you’re going to need to bring friends to enjoy it (or take it home to keep frozen and bring a slice out each time you a sweet treat!

Ready to make your own Polar Pizza? Then win this $50 gift card from Baskin Robbins!

a Rafflecopter giveaway (or enter here on mobile.)

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Make Your Birthday a Main Event

June 24, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 31 Comments

Looking for a great birthday destination that makes it easy by taking care of all the details so you can have all the fun? With games, food, an event coordinator and a special party room, Main Event is the right place for your main event!

Thank you to Main Event for partnering with MamaChallenge so we could enjoy this milestone birthday without all the work! #FUNstigators

I love hosting birthday parties for my kids. We’d plan for months what was the theme, what would we do, what we would eat – I liked the whole process working with my kids to make it a special day for them and to be honest, for me, too! (And the fun we had!)

Unfortunately, there is this unofficial age that every kids approaches when they ask to have their birthday somewhere else. And even more unfortunately, there is a realistic parent that realizes that they don’t have the one iota of creativity, patience, or time to create a great birthday party.

This year was that year for us. My son wanted to have a Pac-Man birthday party and an opportunity to just hang out with his friends and have fun. Mom’s list of requirements was a little bit more picky, but it included a one-stop shop experience where the destination took care of everything and we just showed up for the party. And air conditioning…lots of air conditioning!

Main Event was exactly the right place for us. We wanted to do something out of the norm of all the other party locations and because Jackson wanted a Pac Man theme and I wanted a place that not only wasn’t too far to drive, but the parents could have just as much fun as the kids (no matter the age or experience level bowling!)

When I called to book the birthday – it was so easy because it all came in a package. I let them know the date, how many kids to expect (although that would change) and what kind of food/drink to serve. A pizza party is always a homerun, but even with two kids allergic to gluten (mine), they still had me covered with a gluten-free version (that was good!) They even provided an evite template for me to use to invite people to the party.

We also added a few fun platters to serve for the adults that were so good including wings, artichoke dip and even a fruit/cheese tray. The activities were all built in with an hour of bowling, 30 minutes for laser tag and a $5 Funcard for each kid to use in the arcade.

And everyone signed a Pin for Jackson as a souvenir of his “main event!”

Really – that easy. All I needed to bring was the cake (gluten free at that)! THAT’S ALL!

When we showed up for the party that day (just a few minutes before the party started), we met our event coordinator that managed our special day! While anyone knows I think I’m the hostess with the mostest (or at least try to be), she had me beat. She kept the party going the whole time from making sure the kids were having fun, the drinks were all full, and when it was time for the official party time, she kept that moving too. Even the parents were saying how great she was to take time to ensure all kids were engaged – even remembering each of their names. Her fun attitude and her over-the-top service made it where there was really nothing for me to do but have fun and take photos (something I never get to do as the mama.)

And the cost? A package like ours is considered The Extreme Event, but birthday package ranges from around $15-20 a person. Even if that seems high to you, when I did the math of the last five birthdays we’d done, it still was way cheaper. And they did the setup, food, and the cleanup.

Main Event Grapevine Birthday Party Packages

The Extreme Event – $19.95 per person+ tax

Minimum group of 10
One hour of bowling
One session of laser tag
A $5 FUNcard for each child
Souvenir Bowling Pin
A selection from our Party Menu
Must be 48″ tall to play

Power Up Party – $14.95 per person + tax

Minimum group of 10
One session of laser tag
A $5 FUNcard for each child
A selection from our Party Menu
Must be 48″ tall to play

The Big Blast – $14.95 per person + tax

Minimum group of 10
One hour of bowling
A $5 FUNcard for each child
A selection from our Party Menu

At the end of the day though, the birthday party is really for the kids, right? I heard things like “best birthday EVER” and “that was awesome mama” so I think it was a slam dunk or better said, a strike!

I admit, I’m a little sad that my yester-year birthday parties no longer hold rank as #1, but considering signing the check with a well-deserved tip and taking our gifts to the car was all I had to do, I didn’t cry for too long.

Create your birthday party at Main Event by calling even booking online at your preferred Main Event location.

Want to try out Main Event for yourself? Just answer this question below and you can win a $50 gift card to Main Event! Consider this our gift for our birthday!

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Don’t miss this #mamachallenge moment

Best Gifts for Super Hero Fans

May 31, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 87 Comments

Want to give your kids’ greatest super hero a gift that he’ll love for Father’s Day? Here are the best gifts for super hero fans including just the #writegift from Cross Pens new Marvel Collection AND learn how you can win it, too!

[Thank you for Cross Pens for partnering with mamachallenge for this special giveaway. Affiliate links may also be included with current prices (subject to change.)]

Like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day is meant to be a special day to celebrate the Pater familias, but somehow it turns into a day to give dad a whole bunch of crap he doesn’t want. So this Dad’s Day, save the day by giving your #1 supe rman one of these out-of-this-world gifts featuring his favorite super heroes.

1. CROSS Pens New Marvel Collection | Captain America: Civil War Super Pens | $150

You can’t go wrong for Dad’s Day with this top-0f-the-line pen from Cross Pens. Known for quality craftsmanship and writing finesse, these stunning collectibles just hit the scene with the summer’s upcoming blockbuster film Captain America: Civil War. Featuring Captain America, Iron Man, and Spider Man, your special man will feel like he’s has a new super power when he whips out his new super pen.

Available in two styles, the first the brand’s evolutionary Century II series is finished in a high-gloss lacquer and includes a collectible, character-specific romance card And the second is the Tech2 series, which transforms from a ballpoint pen to a stylus in a flash (MSRP $45 USD.)

ENTER TO WIN CROSS CAPTAIN AMERICA CROSS PEN BELOW!

2. Marvel | Fortaleza Spider Man Watch | $50.99

Make your fan’s day AMAZING with this time-stopping Marvel Fortaleza Watch. Featuring the Amazing Spider Man on the face of the watch, the band features a a polished and matte steel finish and a precision Japan movement. This fan will be ready to fight off bad co-workers and get to home just in time with this super watch pick!

3. SockShop | Marvel Comics 4-Pack Socks | $15.25

Your fan will MARVEL at this four-pack of his favorite super heroes socks from SockShop. Even the most button-down man can go undercover with his super hero love by slipping on these socks featuring The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spider Man, Iron Man, and Wolverine.

4. Graduation Gownstar | 6 Pair Super Hero Cufflinks | $29.99

Not sure which super hero is Dad’s favorite? Then don’t choose – pick them all with this special 6-pair set of cuff links. Featuring Marvel and DC Comic characters, dad will be ready to show his shield and his special moves (either in the board room or on a night on the town), with this gift-ready box of cuff links.

5. Mad Engine | Marvel Men’s Spider Man Amazing Dad Shirt | $16.99

There’s nothing like telling him exactly how you feel – that he’s amazing! Move over Spider Man, your dad is taking over with this t-shirt he’s sure to donn not just this Father’s Day, but every day he needs to take on the world with a family proud to call him Dad!

Win the Cross Pen Captain America Pen ($150 value) just in time for Father’s Day!

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Real Deal Mexican Nachos with Homemade Tortilla Chips

April 30, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 228 Comments

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo everyday with this simple, but classic recipe for Real Deal Mexican Nachos with Homemade Tortilla Chips. When you have quality ingredients you don’t need all the extras!

[Thanks to The Women Bloggers, LLC, led by Kendal King Group for this fun #SoapboxInfluence project to share the best way to enjoy your #CocinaLatinaBeans.]

One of the first times I went to Mexico, I ordered chips.

What came out wasn’t the normal chips and queso I was accustomed to at home in Texas (home of TexMex cuisine.)

My chips were delivered to the table standing up in a plate of beans sprinkled with some white crumbly cheese.

While it took a moment to take it in, I quickly figured out, after that first bite, that this little shack in a tree (like really, the place was upstairs and proposed around a tree), had the secret to how to enjoy your chips – it was in a mess of really good refried beans.

From then on, I ordered the “nachos” (actually I think we just asked for frijoles) everywhere we went. There was something about the hard crunch of the chip, the smooth, rich taste of the beans, and the sharp twang of the cheese that was “muy bueno.”

Years later, I still remember the plate of “nachos” and how good they were paired with a cold drink. For me, that is what Mexican food is really supposed to taste like – not because it’s covered in cheese or a complex combination of sauces. Just simple, good ingredients, that when paired together, are the ideal marriage of flavors.

With Cinco de Mayo just around the corner (and hopefully a vacation southbound as well), it was time to relive that memory of Mexico. And it took all of 20 minutes to do it – from start to finish thanks to a “shortcut” from BUSH’S COCINA LATINA^®. With seven flavors available at Walmart, the line gives legendary flavor to your favorite Latin American and Southwestern dishes.

By using the Bush’s Cocina Latina beans, I didn’t have to worry about slaving over a batch of beans. I opened the can and it was done. So really the only thing I had to do to recreate our “Real Deal Mexican Nachos” was chips.

The Chips:

But we aren’t talking about a bag of chips. Don’t get me wrong, those are good when you need to dip a little salsa. But the first time you make your own corn tortilla chips, you’ll wonder what have you been doing wrong your whole life. Besides, how could it be bad? It’s corn tortillas fried in grease. And that’s it. It doesn’t even warrant a recipe.

Corn tortillas (You’re going to get 4-5 chips per tortilla, so use what you need depending on quantity needed)

Use a pizza cutter to make it easy to slice your tortilla into chips

Fry in hot grease until nice and brown

Move to a plate with a paper towel to absorb the grease.

Sprinkle with seasoning salt and serve.

The Cheese:

The cheese is the last in the trifecta of the Real Deal Mexican Nachos with Homemade Tortilla Chips. There are actually a lot of Mexican cheese that get no love. There’s nothing like them in taste, texture, and even their level of meltability (I made that up.) But cojita (pronounced KOHITA) is a hard, but moist cheese that when cut, crumbles like feta and has a salty, sharp, pungent taste. And a little goes a long way.

To serve, all you need to do is layer!

Warm up your Bush’s Cocina Latina (I used the Bush’s Cocina Latina Frijoles Charros Machachados with Serrano peppers and bacon), stick your homemade tortilla chips point-side down, and sprinkle the cojita. Ole!

While that’s enough for a fiesta as far as I’m concerned, Bush’s really wants you to celebrate in grand fashion…

Enter to win a $75 gift card!

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Chugging Through Childhood with Thomas the Train

March 10, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

Who doesn’t love Thomas the Train? Growing up doesn’t always mean growing out of a toy phase. Thanks to Day Out with Thomas for this #mamachallenge moment.

The first time Thomas the Tank entered our home it was a hand-me-down. Given to me by a friend whose children had “outgrown” the shirt and the little push toy, I put it in front of my almost two year old on the floor to see what he thought.

It was instant love from that moment on.

His and mine.

From the moment his little hazel eyes lit up with happiness to hear the song or to play with his trains, I was on to make sure to get that same reaction with everything I bought or made for him. It was just his toy thing; it became mine, too.

It didn’t take long until everything in, around or on the television, or on my son was blue, train, or Thomas-related. Even his third birthday was Thomas. I may have gotten a little carried away and rented a train so he and his friends could ride it in the cul-de-sac in front of our house.

Over the next four years, our love of the little blue engine grew. And since our family grew as well, with the addition of the little sister, we had more love for Thomas.

However, after seven years of love, the number of Thomas toys seemed to wane and fill with building blocks, cars and video games. It seemed as though this train was now on his way out of our lives.

So when I found out the date for this year’s Day Out With Thomas I quickly put it on the calendar as I had every other year…but then realized that maybe this train had passed.

I nonchalantly called to my son and asked “hey, should I get Thomas tickets this year…?” (hanging on for his sweet voice.)

He looked up and said, “of course, mama. I may be older, but I’ll always love Thomas.

So folks, join us as we continue our family tradition “down the hills and round the bends” April 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 to see Thomas and his friends!

Enter to Win 4 TICKETS to April 8, 2016 Day Out with Thomas below!

The Ready, Set, Go Tour 2016 is presented by Fisher-Price

This 25-minute (approximate) ride with Thomas the Tank Engine and hear Thomas greet his fans! The fun-filled event offers children and their families the opportunity to take a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends™ series. In addition, they will meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway and enjoy a day of Thomas-themed activities featuring stamps, temporary tattoos, hands-on arts & crafts, train tables, and coloring sheets. The tour, now in its 21st year, will make 43 stops across the U.S. and Canada and is expected to welcome nearly one million passengers in 2016. Tickets for Day Out with Thomas: The Ready, Set, Go Tour 2016 are on sale now and available by calling Ticketweb toll-free 866-468-7630, or by visiting the website. Ticket prices are $21-25 plus tax for ages 2 and up (service charges and fee may apply).

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS
April 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10
9 am – 5:15pm Fridays, 9 am 0 n6 pm Saturdays & Sundays
705 S. Main Street, Grapevine, TX 76051
www.facebook.com/HistoricTrains
Twitter @historictrains
www.facebook.com/thomasandfriends
Twitter @ThomasFriends
#DayOutWithThomas
TICKETS

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Cars that Look Good for Less at the DFW Auto Show

March 4, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Since almost 40,000 hours are spent driving a car, it’s important to know how to make the best of your time behind the wheel. We are excited to partner with the to bring you the newest and coolest trend in cars for 2016.

Since having children seven years ago, I made the shift (begrudgingly) to my mom-mobile. While having an attractive car was important to me, features such as safety, navigation and integrated technology now outranked it. And it seemed that was the case with cars as well. After testing out 12 different SUVs, the trend seemed to be that either you could have a great looking car that lacked a good system or one that could pretty much cook you dinner, but wasn’t as sporty on the outside.

Thankfully, the trends for 2016 show that the leading car companies finally have married the two ideas to create some of the best looking AND most smartest cars – all in one package. You’ve seen seen the commercial where a once “grandma” car now looks so cool that no one can recognize it. Or driven up to the stoplight behind a hot car wondering “wow, what kinda car is that?” and then started Googling it to find out it was a once considered budget car?

Since technology features are now top of the list for everyone – not just early adopters, it’s time for even “budget” cars to get a leaner, meaner and more sleek look.

Some of them that I’m looking forward to seeing at the

Headed out for weekender in the NEW KIA Sportage to @visitgranbury. #DFWAuto #DFWAutoKia #GoingGranbury ad pic.twitter.com/ImzKNHTMPx

— MamaChallenge (@mamachallenge) March 12, 2016

Another vehicle that has really gotten my attention is the Kia Sportage. Starting at $22,000 it’s hard to think there’s anything luxurious to look forward to, but this baby is loaded. I actually even had the opportunity to test drive the newest model that will also be a part of the Ride and Drive event at the DFW Auto Show.

Get a look at these beauties with two tickets to the DFW Auto Show 2016!

Never been to a car show? Here why it should attending the DFW Auto Show is so important, especially if you’re looking for a new car!

DFW Auto Show
March 16-20, 2016
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
650 S. Griffin
Dallas, TX
At the show $12 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and seniors 65+

Win 2 Tickets to the DFW Auto Show

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Ultimate List of DFW Spring Break Fun

March 3, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 3 Comments

Spring Break is just around the corner. Here’s your guide to DFW Spring Break Fun at any age.

Starting next week many North Texas schools will celebrate the spring break. For them, that means a break. For parents that means you are on the hunt for events and activities to keep them busy and hopefully for you to enjoy with them. But kids aren’t the only one who could benefit from spring break. March is full of fun events at any age.

PC: Texas Discovery Gardens

Any Weekend

Six Flags Over Texas

Opened now for Spring Break!

Total disclosure: Every day my kids are tormented by the sight of Six Flags as we live near the beloved amusement park. “Mom why can’t we go to Six Flags?” Well now you can because it’s OPEN for the 2017 season. Whether you’re there to watch the fun (I have motion sickness so I’m on the sidelines) or you’re that person that hits up every roller coaster, don’t fight the fun that happens from Six Flags Over Texas. And now with new rides and special spring break schedule of activities from 10 am – 10 pm, everyone can be a kid for the day at Six Flags! (Just make sure to check out the height requirements BEFORE you get there. (Nothing ever goes well when you get stoked to ride and your kiddo lacks an inch – believe me!)

(Yes, Judge Roy Scream is his favorite. So he asked for a photo next to it!)

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth at Grapevine Mills

Today / $21 for ages 3 and up

Get ready to add colorful creations to LEGO® Friends Heartlake City and put your ninja skills to the ultimate test in the all-new LEGO® Ninjago City Adventure opening this March at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth. Located in the former LEGO® City Fire Academy play area, the $850,000, 1,782-square- foot interactive play area is the first of its kind in the world, and the center’s third interactive experience to open within the last two years.

PC: LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

Cirque du Soleil’s Kurios at Lone Star Park

Now – March 26 / Tickets start at $35

A mysterious and fascinating realm that disorients your senses and challenges your perceptions, just to be expected from Cirque du Soleil’s new Kurios. Step into the curio cabinet of an ambitious inventor who defies the laws of time, space and dimension in order to reinvent everything around him. Suddenly, the visible becomes invisible, perspectives are transformed, and the world is literally turned upside down.

WIN TICKETS TO MARCH 9 show below!

North Texas Irish Festival at Dallas Fair Park

~~March 3-5 / Tickets vary from $10 – $30 with some free and half price opportunities~~

Thirty-five years of a passion for the great traditions of Irish culture has made the North Texas Irish Festival one of the largest Celtic cultural celebrations in the country. The North Texas Irish Festival is known for bringing in hundreds of performers from Ireland and all over the world to entertain festival-goers here in North Texas wand lights up Fair Park with dining, dancing, music and revelry unlike anything you have yet seen.

~~Go before 7 pm on Friday and you can get in free or find one of their hidden coupons on the website and you get half off admission.~~

Spring Break Camps

Ninja Camp at Chamberlain Studios

Spring Break (March 13-17) / Cost $ 80 per day/ $300 for week

This 35-year old martial arts school is led by a 10^th degree black belt hosts the Spring Break Ninja Camp for boys AND girls. Camp is an all day option with karate, games, movies and their applauded ‘3 Steps to a Great Kid’ character building program.

Discovery Camp and Spring Break Activities at the Perot Museum

Extended Hours and times for Spring Break (March 13-17) / Cost vary per activity

There is so much to see and do at the Perot Museum like the new amazing Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed exhibit, but for spring break there is so much to do including a sleepover at the Perot with around the clock activities,

SLEEPOVER. Ready, set, snooze! Spring is hopping with sleepovers at the Perot Museum. These overnight adventures, designed for children ages 6-14, come chock-full of round-the-clock fun, including behind-the-scenes access to the Museum’s 11 exhibit halls, exclusive demonstrations, hands-on discovery plus a late-night snack, 3D film and light breakfast to round out the experience. Spring dates are March 11 (Spring Break), April 21, May 5 (Boy Scouts NOVA Award), May 13 (all-girls sleepover) and May 26. Sleepovers are open to groups of all sizes – from a parent and child to entire organizations. Cost is $45 per child and $30 per adult chaperone.

SPRING BREAK. During Spring Break March 11-19, the Museum rolls out its popular daily activities plus Discovery Camps March 13-17 to keep pre-K through elementary kids content and constructive.

At select times during Spring Break March 11-19, visitors can enjoy daily live “science on the spot” demos, bookworm readings, science trivia and drop-in activities involving making clouds, rainbows, egg dyeing, pinwheels/wind energy and marshmallows, to name a few. Plus, little ones ages 5 and under can enjoy exploration crafts in the Moody Family Children’s Museum daily until 3 p.m. Check the website for detailed schedules. Activities are free to members and included with general admission for non-members. Note: See Spring Break hours below.

Plus Discovery Camp from March 13-17 will have pre-K through 4^th graders unlocking secrets and uncovering a world buried over time and forgotten by many. Along with special access to Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed, little explorers can soak up Maya culture through hands-on interactives such as building arches, deciphering hieroglyphs, translating the Maya calendar and more. For more info and to register, visit perotmuseum.org/camps.

PC: Perot Museum

STEM Camps at National Videogame Museum

~~March 7 -10 / $35 per child~~

The National Videogame Museum in Frisco will have two camps going on next week. The first one is sponsored by Coding Fun 4 STEM and children will learn how to code video games and how to program robots. You can also register your kids for the second camp hosted by Play-Well Teknologies, and they’re hosting a Minecraft Engineering workshop. These camps provide hands-on STEM learning and perfect for kids who love playing videogames.

Sci-Tech Discovery Center in Frisco

~~March 6-10 / camps vary by price~~

The Sci-Tech Discovery Center in Frisco is hosting several camps next week about science and math. The variety of camps includes making your own toys, Maker workshops making engineering projects with LEGOS and learning about human anatomy with one-day classes like Grossology and Junior Mythbusters. Visit the website to get the details on all the camps and get registered!

PC: Scitech Discovery Center Facebook

Safari Week at Texas Discovery Gardens

March 13 – 17 / $8 adults, $4 kids

The Texas Discovery Garden & Butterfly House is open year round, but March 13-17 they are hosting a full week of spring break fun. Entitled “Safari Week,” each day features a cool craft and discovery themed activities such as Seeing and touching palm sized Madagascar hissing cockroaches on Monday, a butterfly hunt and release on Wed, live snake Thursday, foot long Malaysian Stick Friday and more. AND good to know- every Tuesday, including spring break, is ‘Pay as you wish’ so you can pay with a dollar, a dime or a smile.

Spring Break Art Extravaganza at the Kimbell Art Museum

March 14 – 17 / Free, but you must register

Celebrate vacation time at the Museum with ongoing art activities, interactive family tours, storybook readings, teen studios led by guest artists, and children’s films. There is no charge for this program or to visit the permanent collection. No reservations required.

Looking for more fun for the family in Cowtown?

Then check out our Visit Fort Worth picks for March!

For Fun

Main Event / various locations

Now – April 9 opening at 9 am / prices vary

Main Event Entertainment rolled out its all-new “Spring FUNpass,” featuring all-you-can-play activities* – bowling, billiards, laser tag and more. (This is one of our favorites – with or without the kids. Especially on days you had planned to be outdoors and Mother Nature changes the plan.)

Guests may choose from the following Pass options:

9 – 10:30 a.m.: Purchase the Spring FUNpass for just $12.95; pass is valid until 5 p.m.
10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Spring FUNpass is $18.95; wristband is valid until 5 p.m.
5 p.m. – close: Spring FUNpass is $18.95; wristband is valid until close

WIN $100 gift card to Main Event below.

“Let it Be” Presented by Dallas Summer Musicals at Music Hall at Fair Park

March 7-19 / $24.50

The end of The Beatles era was never thought to be in sight when The Beatles played their last show on the roof of Apple Offices in 1969. Imagine what would have been if The Beatles continued their journey. Enter a time capsule and turn back in time to what would have been John Lennon’s 40th Birthday – October 9, 1980. For one night, the fab four come together again on stage after a decade apart performing other hits like Back in the USSR, Live and Let Die, Got to Get you into My Life, My Sweet Lord, Hey Jude, Woman, Helter Skelter, Paperback Writer & many more hits you never got to see performed live, on top of many other classics.

Texas Storytelling Festival at Denton Civic Center

March 9 – 12 / $10 at the door daypass

Turn off the TV, put down your devices the Texas Storytelling Festival celebrates the longest method of entertainment – storytelling. With concerts, workshops, activities and more, you’ll enjoy so much at this unique festival in Denton. AND Saturday March 11 is Kids’ Day! Admission to all Kids’ Day Activities is free for children and an accompanying adult. Lunch will be provided free for the children. Adults may wish to order a box lunch.

Want more ideas?

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Enter to Win 4 TICKETS to April 8, 2016 Day Out with Thomas below!

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Ultimate List of DFW Spring Break Fun

Spring Break is just around the corner. Here’s your guide to DFW Spring Break Fun at any age.

Any Weekend

Six Flags Over Texas

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth at Grapevine Mills

Cirque du Soleil’s Kurios at Lone Star Park

North Texas Irish Festival at Dallas Fair Park

Spring Break Camps

Ninja Camp at Chamberlain Studios

Discovery Camp and Spring Break Activities at the Perot Museum

STEM Camps at National Videogame Museum

Sci-Tech Discovery Center in Frisco

Safari Week at Texas Discovery Gardens

Spring Break Art Extravaganza at the Kimbell Art Museum

For Fun

Main Event / various locations

“Let it Be” Presented by Dallas Summer Musicals at Music Hall at Fair Park

Texas Storytelling Festival at Denton Civic Center

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