mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents | Dallas Blog

Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Live On. Give On. Give Back.

By 114 Comments

We’re excited to partner with the 2015 Bakken Invitational Awards to share stories of what it means to Live On. Give On. and Give Back. And we’re providing $100 gift card to help you share in the spirit of giving back to the community. 

“Life isn’t about what you got, but what you gave.”

That’s a mantra that I like to say I live by, but when you take a look at the 12 Honorees for the 2015 Bakken Invitation Award you really understand what it means. Each of these extraordinary individuals shows how the will of the human spirit to overcome a life-changing medical challenge and then take control of “their second life” made possible by a medical device.


Bakken

A global program launched in 2013, the Bakken Invitational was named for Medtronic co-founder, Earl Bakken, who developed the first external, battery-powered, wearable pacemaker, an invention that has saved millions of lives and shaped the modern medical device industry. 

Medtronic

It’s from incredibly giving individuals like the Bakken honorees, that people just like our family have touched from the giving spirit of others. From the college scholarships I received to get me through college or my son’s wish to go to Disney World by an organization that grants wishes for children with life-threatening conditions, our lives have forever been changed for the better because gave. 

Disney

Photo credit: TR Photography

Have you been given an extra life and are living with a medical device or using medical technology?

Share it here and Medtronic Foundation will donate $10 to Project HOPE to help ensure that medical technology is available in underserved communities around the world.

One of the honoree’s stories that really touched me was that of Tanya Hall. Like my son, Tanya was born with a hole in her heart and a heart murmur. At 9 she had open heart surgery and then at 21, she was diagnosed with a number of heart arrhythmias requiring her to get a pacemaker. While she may have had the medical support she needed, she found herself frustrated with the lack of cardiac patient support groups in Australia and at a loss for how she would spend the rest of her life, so she founded hearts4heart. 

Medtronic-Story

Knowing first-hand the need for finding support for heart issues when my son was born, the story was even more touching as she also was the patient. So to carry on the work of educating, creating awareness of heart diseases, and to continue to provide support to others, goes to show the huge measure of her character and the real size of Tanya’s heart. 

[Tweet “”Life isn’t about what you got, but what you gave.” @mamachallenge #LiveOnGiveOn AD “]

looking at her story, any of the other honoree’s stories or even mine, it’s clear that medical technology can dramatically improve the life of one person. The Bakken Invitation Award Honorees demonstrate that it can have social impact that reaches beyond just that person.

Are you ready to make a difference? 

Which Bakken honoree inspires you?

Share your choice by commenting below and you could win a $100 VISA gift card to do some good in your community. (Valid only for U.S. citizens, 18 years and older. Winner will be selected on March 18, 2016.)

For continued inspiration connect with Medtronic Foundation on Twitter and the Bakken Invitational on Facebook.

 

5 Awesome Ways to Celebrate the NEW LEGO Movie 4D A New Adventure

By Leave a Comment

It’s BAAAACK and even more AWESOME, The LEGO® Movie™ 4D A New Adventure at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center and we have your sneak peek plus 5 AWESOME ways to celebrate!

The “other movie” with the most memorable and catchy soundtrack, The LEGO Movie gives us the next chapter in the story, The LEGO Movie 4D A New Adventure, on Feb. 27. 

The LEGO Movie 4D A New Adventure Hi-Res


This short-movie sequel picks up after where the blockbuster movie leaves off, when Emmet, Wyldstyle, Unikitty, MetalBeard and Benny reunite at the invitation of a shady new character, Risky Business, who plans to open a curious theme park bearing a suspicious resemblance to LEGOLAND®.  Eager movie watchers will be wowed with “4D” effects such as wind, water, fog and more bringing the action bursting off the screen and into the audience.

Of course, my two kiddos couldn’t be more excited to see this movie at our LEGOLAND Discovery Center at Grapevine Mills (and also unveiling at other LEGOLAND® theme parks and LEGOLAND® Discovery Centers across the U.S.) And as huge LEGO fans, we have a few ways to celebrate until the film rolls out on Feb. 27. 

Five Awesome Ways to Celebrate the New LEGO Movie 4D 

  1. Get caught up on the adventure by watching the first one again! 
  2. Sign up to receive a BRICK SWAG Membership for a monthly subscription of LEGO bricks, shirt, and more! 
  3. Create a LEGO-themed lunch with this adorable LEGO brick lunchbox (my son LOVES his and matching thermos.) 
  4. Get the kids ready for the movie with LEGO attire
  5. Enter this giveaway for your own family four-pack of tickets 

But that’s not all! upcoming for LEGO fans are three more feature films:  The as-yet untitled LEGO BatmanTM opens on February 10, 2017; “NINJAGO,” on September 22, 2017; and “The LEGO Movie Sequel,” on May 18, 2018.

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth
Admission includes short movie playing several times daily
3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway
Grapevine, Texas 76051
877.818.1677
website

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sneak Peek: Hot Toys for Tots 2016

By 19 Comments

Toys just keep getting better and better! Even for the littles! We’re sharing Hot Toys for Tots as found at the North American International Toy Fair 2016! 

Oh, boy – we’re talking toys! This week I headed over to EyeOpenerTV to share some of the coolest toys you’ll be buying for birthdays, showers, and even Christmas! 


HABA USA Little Friends Bendy Dolls and Accessories // Ages 3+

  • 4 inch tall “bendy dolls” are made from flexible soft plastic, with metal wires inside which allow for them to be posable.
  • Compatible with all HABA dollhouse furniture as well as the Villa sunshine, dream-house and Dollhouse Annex (shown here).

 InRoad Toys PlayTape // Ages 3+

  • A Toy of the Year Finalist, PlayTape sticks to any flat surface and is easy to tear, reposition, and peel up without any residue.
  • NEW Hot Wheels PlayTape debuted at Toy Fair this year and will be available to consumers this summer!
  • Available in different colors and road styles

Yookidoo Musical Duck Race // For ages 6 month+

  • Finalist for the International Toys Award in Nuremburg
  • Battery operated musical duck water race & fountain
  • Cheerful music plays along with the activities with mute button – celebrating bath time and reducing water anxiety.
  • Leaf lever activates 9 random sound & water effects
  • Develops hand-eye coordination, cause and effect, and teaches colors and counting

SoapSox // Birth

  • Snuggle, cuddle, and play together all day, when it’s time for bath, bring them with you
  • Can help ease bath time anxiety/fears
  • The patented soap pocket transforms lovable SoapSox® into sudsy wash cloth
  • Debuted at Toy Fair New Line of Disney Baby Bath Toys Including Characters From Upcoming Summer 2016 Blockbuster Finding Dory

Lassig Casual Twin Bag // This one is for MOM and DAD! 

  • Perfect bag for parent of twins, multiple children or just looking for a roomier day-today bag option!
  • Main zipper pocket features plenty of space to hold diapers, extra clothing, toys and their favorite stuffed animals
  • Variety of zipper pockets and compartments to keep loose items organized and easily accessible.
  • Also included is an over-sized insulated bottle holder and over-sized, water-repellent changing mat,
  • Two external pockets located on each end of the bag can be used for water bottles, coffee mugs
  • Made of durable polyester and include carrying handles, shoulder strap and stroller hooks for added versatility. There is also an additional shoulder strap that can be used as a back pack strap.
  • Available in Zig Zag Black and White (shown) or Striped Zig Zag Navy

And because we love our parents, we’re giving away the LASSIG CASUAL TWIN DIAPER BAG! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Related articles across the web

10 Unique Date Night Ideas in DFW

By 39 Comments

Love is in the air with Valentine’s Day just around the corner. Whether you’re looking for something special this weekend or to plan for something soon, we have some unique date night ideas (and date day ideas, too) for you and your significant other in DFW.

Every couple falls into one of two categories – those who do stuff on Valentine’s Day and those that absolutely do not. And if you are lucky enough to have been together, you may need to spice it up with something a little different than the norm. So here are a few unique date night ideas to add to your list to keep your love life a little more interesting. (And make sure to to read to the bottom for some BIG surprises!) 

Dinner That Goes Above Your Expectations

THE RANCH AT LAS COLINAS // website  


Whether it’s a quick lunch date or a weekend outing with live music, you will find it at The Ranch. A steakhouse with all the amenities you expect from a high-scale restaurant, but without all the pomp and circumstance. While you’ll love all the Texas farm to fork selections you’ll find on the menu, it’s the last course that’s really going to make it a memorable meal experience. After your done eating, head outdoors to have the helicopter whisk you above DFW for a tour. With prices ranging from $35 per person – $300 per person depending on length of tour, you can make any weekend a high-flying experience. To schedule a tour, call 214.906.9800. 

The-Ranch

While the menu is always good, Friday, Feb. 12 – Sunday, Feb. 14, The Ranch is offering a special à la Carte 3-Course Dinner Menu, available from 5-9 p.m., in addition to its regular menu with wine pairings. In addition, The Ranch will be open Sunday, Feb. 14, offering a special Valentine’s Day Brunch Buffet from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. for $44.95. And don’t forget, there’s live music will be performing both Friday and Saturday night, as well as, during brunch on Sunday.

Helicopter

A Dinner That Goes Up, Up and Away and Over:

DELTA CHARLIE’S // website 

If you’re really ready to go BIG, then Delta Charlie’s is your answer to a date night dinner experience like none other. You’ll have a 3-course private dining experience while flying over DFW for a high-flying night you’ll never forget. As you can expect, many of engagements have happened with a Delta Charlie’s date night.

Get Dirty:

CENTRAL MARKET COOKING CLASSES // website  

My husband and I just enjoyed one of these fun events for our anniversary with the Texas Parks and Wildlife and German cuisine. Even if you already consider yourself a great cook, there’s something fun about all the stress of the menu and the cleanup is taken care of so you can concentrate on creating a great meal together and meeting others. There’s everything from kolaches, tamales, sushi, lobster, wine pairings and more (Bacon!) Prices vary but range from $67 and up.  

Add a Little Mystery:

MYSTERY MURDER THEATRE // website 

The Mystery Murder Theatre is a perfect event for those who are looking for a unique form of live entertainment that allows you to get involved, and enjoy a great 3 -course meal at the same time. Shows are fun for the whole family (PG-10 rating), and is also perfect for a date night.

See Some Stars:

HARKINS THEATRE // website 

Yep, I can’t even tell you the last movie I’ve seen without my kids. While my husband and I have a long list of must-watch movies, most the time trying to get a sitter to watch the kids or the price of a sitter keeps up from heading to the Big Screen. Harkins’ exclusive in-lobby children’s PlayCenter offers a supervised, engaging environment where children ages 3 through 8 can play games, read books, enjoy toys, and of course, watch movies, just steps from Mom and Dad’s auditorium.

PlayCenter staff members are trained professionals who work exclusively in the PlayCenter. They are background checked and fingerprinted. At only $6 per child, it’s a deal. Walk-ups are welcome and reservations are recommended.

COYOTE THEATRE // website

Of course, a movie is always nice, but you actually don’t get to enjoy speaking with each other. Unless of course, you’re under the stars in your own car! Coyote Theatre is a great option for staying the car all cuddled up. And if you go on Wednesdays, you can get bottles of wine half off with Wine Down Wednesdays along with your $6 ticket per person admission. Get your tickets online in advance to make it even easier.
Coyote

See THE stars:

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON PLANETARIUM // website

Bring your sweetheart to the Planetarium this Valentine’s Day weekend for our special Couples Only event, Romancing the Stars. This program takes a lighthearted look at the night sky and tells many stories of love and devotion that can be found there. Tickets are $15. Other days are also available for their regular showings throughout the weekend super cheap rates ranging from $4-6. Get the schedule online and make a reservation at 817.272.1183.

Planetarium 2

Shoot for the Stars:

ELM FORK SHOOTING SPORTS // website

“A 467-acre amusement park for sporting enthusiasts,” Elm Fork Shooting Sports is where to go if you are ready to target a good time. There are several different activities you can do at this huge outdoor arena in Dallas from shooting clays, shooting ranges, skeet fields, trap fields, 5 stand games, beginners courses, 25 yard Pistol bays, 50 & 100 yard Rifle ranges, reactive steel for pistol and much more!  Best of all, it’s public, so you don’t have to have a membership or a reservation to get your turn! And there’s free coaching, specialty classes for women, rentals, and an opportunity to really get out there for a good time together. Fees range depending on the course. For more information, call 972.556.0103. 

Elm-Fork

Game Time!

MAIN EVENT // website 

Some couples are quite competitive (you remember Monica and Chandler’s awesome ping pong throwdown, right?) And sometimes it’s good to get it all out. You can do that and more at any of the 5 Main Event locations in DFW and one more on the way in Fort Worth (opening Feb. 18.) One of the ultimate destinations for a FUN date night, you can do it all with an “Eat.Bowl.Play” experience that combines bowling, video games, billiards, and laser tag with a chef-inspired menu and a full bar. Trying to keep it on the cheap? $5 Super Bowling from now until Feb. 25 is calling your name, Sundays, Tuesdays – Friday all day and Mondays from open- 4 pm.

main-event

Go Away:

TRAVEL TO GRANBURY //website

Have a few more hours to get away? You can really make a big weekend of it in Granbury, only an hour away, you can enjoy a lot of fun on the lake, around the square and much more including a tour of one of DFW’s favorite microbrewery, Revolver. Only held on Saturdays, a tour of the brewery includes tastings, a souvenir glass, live music and access to food trucks.

Revolver

Looking for other fun things to do while you’re in town? Valentine’s weekend (6-10 p.m. on February 13 and 2-9 p.m. on February 14), get treated like a princess in the Cinderella coach or traditional horse-drawn carriage ride around the square, You can also enjoy the D’Vine Wine Valentine Dinner followed by a Granbury Ghosts and Legends tour and then stay at one the bed and breakfasts like the The Inn on Lake Granbury complete with Jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, and large steam showers. And if you are off on Monday, stay to see handmade cheese made only from dairy cows from Sandy Creek farm in North Texas at Eagle Mountain Cheese. Can’t go Valentine’s Day weekend? You can spend a romantic weekend anytime in Granbury with this plan. 

What’s the ideal date night for you?

What You Need for Dream Sleep

By 37 Comments

A mattress is a personal choice so there’s no magic formula how to find the exact model – it’s gonna be a mix of art and science.

Like a car, it’s an investment and can seem overwhelming or in some cases underwhelming to find the right one. So you’ll need to consider three main factors when you’re look at finding the right bed for you:  

  • Size
  • Budget
  • Test drive

Here’s your guide for choosing the right mattress for you as featured on Good Morning Texas!


Your Dream Bed is the NEW Dream Bed

Or you can just find a bed that does it all. Again, like car buyers, bed buyers are looking for much more from their bed.  Recently launched in October, the Dream Bed is a bed-in-a-box brand with a greater purpose of improving sleeping conditions around the world with a buy one, give one model. Originated in September 2015, the brand was birthed from customer feedback and time-tested, iterative development to offer a ridiculously comfortable bed at an incredible value and a connection to a cause.

For every Dream Bed sold, a twin mattress will be donated to someone in need.

The Dream Bed is available in two models – The Dream Bed Original and The Dream Bed Cool – which features a built-in cooling layer. The Dream Bed Cool will be the first temperature-cooling bed-in-a-box on the market.

DreamBed

Starting at $699, both versions of The Dream Bed include seven inches of high-density base foam to provide comfort and reduce motion transfer for sleep partners. The mattresses also feature one-and-a-half inches of breathable memory foam that automatically adjusts to body weight and temperature, plus a second layer of latex foam that wicks away body heat and moisture.The latex is naturally hypoallergenic, antibacterial and antimicrobial. A queen-sized Dream Bed Original costs $829 with the queen-sized Dream Bed Cool priced at $999.

For more information about the Dream Bed, visit dreambed.com or follow The Dream Bed on Facebook and Twitter.

Sleep Happy or Get Your Money Back Guarante

However, if you are looking for something different than the Dream Bed or decide on another bed, remember different retailers have different policies for returns, but at Mattress Firm it’s a 120 day return policy – they call it the Sleep Happy or Get Your Money Back Guarantee. And with the Dream Bed, you get 180  days. Except here in Dallas – where the policy is a full year for a return, however, make sure to check with your store for details. 

Improve Your Sleep Now

While finding the right bed is a huge part of the better sleeping experience, there are a few things you can do to improve your sleep TONIGHT.

1. Dark Thirty: 

It’s easy to sit in bed for hours with your iPad or iPhone, but studies show you should stop your screen time an hour from your bed time to help your mind relax and get ready for you bed.Don’t just turn off your screens – turn off any other lights in your room and consider turning on a device like a sleep machine to make sure to drown out the other sounds that could keep you awake

2. Routine:

Same time every time. That’s right – keeping a routine of how and when you go to bed helps your body get ready for bed.

3. Pillow:

I’m picky when it comes to my pillow and so are many other. Depending on your needs, your pillow ranges from soft to firm to provide the right amount of support to not just rest your head, but in some cases keep your airflow consistent so you don’t start snoring.

4. Temperature: 

There’s nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night either because you’re too cold or too hot. Start off with the right sleepwear, temperature on the thermostat and the right amount of blankets. Studies show sleeping in a cooler environment is easier than sleeping when it’s too hot.

5. Work It:

Working out at least three times a week can keep help you fall asleep faster and sleep longer. However, make sure to not work out within three hours of bed time so you don’t get your adrenaline running when you need everything else to slow down.

Now – go get your ZZZs!

Night, night!

l_dream_bed_original_pillow

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Your FUNpass to a Stress-Free Holiday

By 28 Comments

I’m excited to be a FUNatics member, however, all comments are my own.

As the winter approaches, temperatures drop, days get shorter and we spend more and more time inside.

I, for one, kind of like the quiet time….(got it get when you can.) Especially since once the holiday season rolls around, the kids are out of school and family and friends visit in waves, quiet time is over. If you live in Texas like me, sometimes Father Winter lays pours a blanket of snow/ice on your city, making it impossible to do anything besides sit inside and stare at each other all day.


Cabin fever is real ya’ll. 

So for those moments when we can bundle up and safely get out the house, I am looking for fun thing my entire family, or a few of those unexpected guests, can do and enjoy together. Main Event is offering some pretty fantastic deals that will definitely give you the chance to have some friend without breaking the bank.

main-event

Who doesn’t like to save money?

For those kids and adults who love the sights, sounds and competition of video games, the Unlimited Games option is the way to go.  It’s an easy and affordable way to spend quality time with your family, whether you’re entertaining a crowd or just looking for some fun things to do around the Holidays. For just $9.95 per person, you get access to all of the games you can handle for 2 hours! This offer is valid Nov. 9 – Dec. 18, so it may be a good thing to do after hours of shopping on Black Friday. 

Main Event Entertainment

Maybe video games aren’t your thinking, and you’re looking for something more all inclusive. The Winter FUNPass is your best bet! For $17.95 per session, you get access to unlimited bowling, laser tags, billiards and more! Plus, you aren’t limited to only 2 hours. If you want to stay at Main Event all day, than go right ahead! This offer is available Dec. 21 – Jan. 22, all day Tuesday through Sunday and open to 4 p.m. on Mondays, so it’s definitely the perfect activity when the kids are out of school. 

There are 24 Main Event locations in the nation, and five right here the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex – Plano, Lewisville, Frisco, Fort Worth (south) and Grapevine. Click here for a full list of locations with hours of operations, address and contact information. 

main-event

The winter doesn’t have to be dull and dreary just because the weather is. Grab your coat, your kids and give some of these offers a try. And if you live in Texas, hopefully Father Winter will be good to us this year. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pin This!

Visit Mama Challenge's profile on Pinterest.

Pictures Say a 1000 Words

Follow Along!