Featured Holiday Posts Archives - Page 2 of 4 - mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents

Makin’ a List, Checking it Twice: Hot Holiday Toy List 2017 {Giveaway}

November 29, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 165 Comments

Whether you’re giving or getting, when it comes to the holidays, it’s all about making the list! Here’s the mamachallenge’s Holiday Hot Toy List 2017!

Thank you to so many of these sponsors for making this list possible! And to Good Morning Texas for featuring some of their favorites.

And don’t forget to enter to win many of these hot toys below.

Let’s start off by saying this time of year my kids really come in handy.

Best Board Games

That’s right – how else do you think my research panel really works? By asking the pros (i.e. the kids) to let me know their thoughts (and put it together) that’s how I REALLY find out how cool (or not so cool) the new toys each year will be. And this year we’ve been hard at work…especially to find some monkeys that sound like they should be potatoes and hamsters to serve us burgers. (Don’t worry, we’ll explain.)

I’m a huge fan of buying a board game for the kids each year. It’s like a stocking stuffer, but it’s also something for us to do together on Christmas and is helping to build their own library of games when they get older and have families.

Shark Bite by Pressman

This is a fun game for the littles and best of all, doesn’t need batteries! It’s like the Go Fishing game we used to play but sharks! It’s easy to get rolling quickly and easy to play!

Soggy Doggy by Spin Master

Of course the kids will like it, Soggy Doggy is the game of getting wet by your Soggy Doggy while he takes a bath! Another game that’s perfect for all ages and doesn’t take forever to get the idea of how to play!

Ship of Treasures by Pressman

I love this game because it was created by two 5th grade girls who won the Chicago Toy and Game Fair’s Young Inventor Challenge. They created the playing pieces to look like themselves, used the box as part of the game, and 10% of profits go to the Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago in honor of school mate who died of cancer.

UltraDash by PlayMonster

It’s a game that gets them moving – and isn’t that what we need!?! Easy to work, easy to put together, three modes, and many ways to play! Get them to Ultra Dash with this fun and inexpensive way to exercise while having a great time playing together.

YULU SpyCode Operation: Escape Room

Taking off from the escape room craze, SpyCode Operation: Escape Room brings the fun home to you. “Lock up” your friend and then complete challenges to get them out!

Monopoly Special Edition Gamer

Gamers normally play their games on a screen, but this version of Nintendo’s Mario Bros. comes as the classic game of Monopoly; complete with figurines of the characters and coins instead of cash. If you have a gamer on your list but don’t want to give them another cartridge to add to their list, this is the game for you!

The New Thing!

Zuru Hamsters Ham’s Burger Diner

Every season their are the must-have toys on the list that you wonder what makes this swoon – the Zuru Hamsters is one of 2017 must-haves! Part of the Hamsters in a House set, the newly released Hamsters in a House Food Frenzy let’s Ham (one of the 11 collectible Hamsters) take over his own diner with lots of fun as he zooms through his diner. Yep, hamsters, food and fun is the name of the game – and they’ll love it.

L.O.L Surprise!

Talk about a gift that’s going to make them go wild! Just like unwrapping any gift, there’s a buzz of anticipation and that feeling of, oh-my-goodness, what’s going to be inside?! L.O.L. Surprise! TM Series 2 includes new Tots with 7 layers of surprise and now, new Lil Sisters with 5 layers of surprise! Each layer reveals a hint of which fierce, fashion-forward L.O.L. Surprise!TM doll you’re unboxing. Over 80 characters to collect, unbox them all!

WowWee Fingerlings

Wonder what gift is making parents everyone sit in lines and pay big dollars to make sure there’s one under the tree? The Fingerlings are 2017 MUST HAVE. This interactive monkeys respond to sound, motion, and touch with blinking eyes, head turns, and silly monkey babble. Blow them kisses and they will kiss you back! Hang them upside-down by the tail and watch them monkey around! Pet them to sleep or make a loud noise and watch them get excited!

My Golden Ticket A Journey Into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory

This was the gift I think I wanted but felt like I had to get for my kid instead. Taking a spin on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory but now your child has become part of the journey. Each book is personalized with names, inscriptions and even option chocolate aroma within the pages. You’ll want this one to stay with them for ages. Get 15% off with this code: https://buff.ly/2yhLsSF.

The Classics Gone Better

Nerf Modulus Regulator

The Nerf Modulus Regulator blaster features single-fire, burst-fire, and fully motorized blasting power (yep this is the BIG ONE!) The REGULATOR blaster is customizable and compatible with accessories within the MODULUS system, you can build the ultimate blasters.

ZFlyte Luggage Scooter

Remember that time you when to the airport with your kiddo and wished they could roll their own suitcase or ride it to the gate instead of you holding their hand? The ZFlyte makes it fun for the kids to take care of their stuff with a combo suitcase and scooter in one. Several characters available for travel made fun.

Pillow Pets Disney Emoticons

Since 2003, Pillow Pet® plush folding stuffed animals have been bringing smiles to the faces of all ages. But now they’ve added Disney and emoticons to the mix. You can’t ever go wrong with a Pillow Pet and now with Disney, you might even want one for yourself.

LEGO LOVE

You can’t ever go wrong with LEGO! No matter the age or the gender, we love our LEGOs.

BRICK HEADZ – Beauty and the Beast

Forget sets, these LEGOS turn into your favorite characters including Belle and Beast! Including all kinds of special detailing, each LEGO BrickHeadz construction character comes with its own buildable collector’s baseplate featuring series number and BrickHeadz icon. Yes, you’ll want to get them all but the best part is, these sets are priced perfect for the stocking stuffers!

LEGO Friends Snow Resort Chalet

Make it a winter wonderland all the time with this fun FRIENDS Snow Resort Chalet. Featuring a 2-story log cabin with outdoor hot tub, kitchen, lounge area with fireplace, dining area with table and chairs, upstairs bedroom with 3 beds and a snowmobile. AND mini-doll figures in winter outfits, plus a Luna the husky figure. Accessory elements include skis, wooden trunk, cups, pot, cheese, croissant, board game, snow resort flyer, mobile phone, action camera, perfume bottles, dog food and a map. Yep, this is the best way to go skiing – without going anywhere.

DC SuperHero Girls Eclipso Dark Palace

Move over Batman, the SuperHero Girls are here to rule the world! That’s right, Wonder Woman and her pals are ready to fight evil in their Dark Palace. The Eclipso Dark Palace features a foldout palace, opening tubes to hold LEGO DC Super Hero Girls characters, powering station, planning room, vanity cabinet, weapons cabinet, a Kryptomite creation section and this includes 3 mini-doll figures: Wonder Woman, Eclipso and The Flash, plus 3 orange Kryptomite figures!

Interactive STEM/STEAM Toys

Disney Princess Dance Code Belle

I love a good princess story, but one that also teaches my child codding, now that’s a tale I’m happy to create. Disney Princess Dance Code Belle uses the 10 dances already included or you choose to use an app, you create Belle’s next move with easy choreography though coding. She sings, she dances, and she makes it all fun!

Project Mc2 Smart Pixel Purse

My purse can do a lot of things, but light up with designs isn’t one of them. But this one is. Featured on the Emmy nominated Netflix original series, the Pixel Purse is the ultimate accessory for the Nov 8 agents’ next mission. This real purse comes pre-programmed with over 10 animations for easy out-of-the-box play or customize the multi-color LED display with your own designs or phrases using free iOS and Android app.

Hasbro Play-Doh Touch Shape to Life

Take your Play-Doh creations to the next level with this amazing studio. Take a photo of your creation and watch as it comes to life on screen to move, interact and take clay to a whole new world.

Hasbro furReal Makers Proto Max

My kid told Santa he wanted a puppy for Christmas. Thankfully I found Proto Max as the answer. The furReal series is so FOR REAL as you use easy coding on an app to create your puppy and then all of his movements, reactions, etc. He moves, he expresses and reacts with his feelings, and changes colors for the perfect pet you don’t have to clean up after. We already named ours Sweetie Baby.

Don’t miss more giveaways and your Mom Holiday Survival Guide – NOVEMBER 30 ON FACEBOOK!

Hasbro DropMix

Don’t play with this one before your kids or you might keep it for yourself. Really. Developed with Harmonix, creators of Rock Band and Dance Central, you become the DJ with this fast-paced music mixing game that lets you create unexpected song mixes featuring music from top artists and popular songs (the real versions!) using an app and a bluetooth speaker to really let you skills flow.

Santa Gifts

Little Tikes Princess Horse and Carriage

A classic twist on the favorite little red buggy, your princess or prince will love driving their own carriage (or you can push/pull them with the removable floorboard.) This is a dream for many kids under the tree and you’ll be the Fairy Godmother with the Little Tykes Princess Horse and Carriage.

BMW Z8 Ride-On

This is the ride we wish we could all zip into the drive way! The BMW Z8 Ride-On from Dynacraft is what the cool kids are driving even when they’re under four foot tall. This car has an authentic BMW Z8 look and emblems, realistic interior detailing, working headlights and Mp3 input and cord for your kids to Jam out to their favorite tunes while driving!

Dynacraft Black Ice eDrifter

Dad, this isn’t supposed to be for you, but once you put it together, you might change your mind. The electric drive wheel powers the eDrifter to drift a full 360 to 720 degrees just like you’re on black ice. Like a motorbike this sturdy vehicle (designed for kids 13 and up), has tubeless tires with PVC drifter sleeves and goes 12 miles per hour.

Now get shopping, Christmas is just around the corner!

Ready to win?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

How to Win at Holiday Meal Planning

November 22, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

No time to plan that picture-perfect holiday meal? No problem. Win at holiday meal planning in just a few steps.

Thank you to Barefoot Wine and Thermoserv for helping us put together the perfect holiday for this imperfect parent and this sponsored post.

If you’re anything like me, you just started putting up the ghosts and goblins and now you’re hosting the family holiday meal at your house tomorrow. (True story.)

But instead of screaming like a mad woman (although oventing is always allowed), there are a few quick tips you can put to work that still make you look like you’ve been planning for months.

Quick Tips to Win at Holiday Meal Planning

1. Ditch the Standard Decor.

This year throw out the gourds on the table and go with something you already have like candles and other pieces you can find around the house. If you choose a few items that are monotone like silver or gold, paired together always look upscale. For our theme this year, we used a few rustic pieces like burlap and white candles blended with golds and roses to make the table pop and the only thing I bought was some fresh flowers at the grocery store. Done in a way that could make JoJo proud.

2. Play up the Placards.

Mitigate all the wrong people sitting at the table next to each other with table assignments. But you don’t have to spend hours to make cute little individualized pieces, let the kids make it their own craft (delegation is key) or go with class with thank you notes.

Write individual thank you note including why you are thankful for each person coming to dinner and address the envelope with their name. Place on the each seat and tada – table settings. Last minute drop in? You can just quickly write out another one and add it to the their seat. My favorite part is that you’ve added a special note that makes that person feel good and keeps the holidays on the true meaning of friends and family, not spending hours decorating.

3. Streamline the Spirits.

I love having options, especially when it comes to wine, but it does get complicated when you take your menu and your guests into consideration. So instead of trying to pick the right red, white or something else for those that don’t drink wine, go with one signature cocktail and call it done.

I always serve sangria at Thanksgiving and we’ve never had complaints! Plus it looks very festive and can be made in advance so you can concentrate on other dinner making. My new sangria recipe includes fruit and rose. Rose you say? Yep, it’s not just for summer, fall in love with rose and this sangria recipe made with Barefoot Wine Rose that’s not only totally holiday perfect and all year ’round! (And at less than $10 a bottle makes it real easy to keep costs affordable.)

Rosé Sangria

Ingredients

1 bottle Barefoot Rosé still wine

2 ½ ounces dark rum

6 ¼ ounces each of pomegranate, white cranberry and orange juice

3 ¾ ounces maple syrup

Fresh red pear, green pear and orange cut into thin slices

Directions

Place prepared fruit into large pitcher. Pour in all liquid ingredients and stir briefly. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Serve over ice and top with fruit. Done.

4. Cut the China.

This one was a hard one for me because I LOVE beautiful china and glassware pieces. I’ve collected so many pieces over the years, however, I also am anxious the whole meal it’s going to get broken and then when the meal is over, immediately have to handwash them since they aren’t dishwasher safe. It’s just not worth it! But I’m not suggesting to break out the paper plates either. ThermoServ creates a melamine dinnerware called the Chef’s Collection Classic Series that can be incorporate into your table setting without the worry. Made with 100% Melamine, so it’s scratch and impact resistant (kids!). It;s also restaurant quality and BPA free with no fillers. I used my four place settings with plastic chargers and the table looked first-class without all the glass:)

5. Go with Comfort.

Doesn’t it seem assign that you wear some of the nicest clothes you own to eat greasy food and then lounge watching TV? So don’t.

It may have been your tradition, but at our holiday meal yoga pants and Pjs are our required attire. Everyone comes with a chipper disposition and no one gets their best clothes dirty. Besides who wants to watch the Cowboys in their heels and hose. We already bought ours holiday pjs at Target, so we’ll stay in them all day. Besides, they’re soft and make for comfy wear all day!

Now cheers and enjoy!

Garlic and Herb Stuffed Mushrooms

November 20, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 29 Comments

The holidays may bring opportunities for fancy dinners and cocktail parties, but it’s the impromptu moments that sometimes mean the most like these easy Garlic and Herb Stuffed Mushrooms.

During the holidays, you always be prepared with a shortlist of simple and quick go-to recipes like these mushrooms stuffed with Boursin® cheese to earn you the reputation as the holiday hostess with the mostess – even if you didn’t put forth much effort!

I love that the holidays remind us to spending together. It’s so easy all year long to let everything get in the way, but at least between rolling out the first big orange pumpkin until the Big Ball drops on January 1, we try to make time to say hello, catch up and give that much-needed hug.

While you can’t always be ready with a fridge full of perfect appetizers ready to go, having a few staples around will make your guests think you’ve been slaving away for hours before they showed up! Check out the Walmart deli and produce areas for meats and cheeses like Boursin® to create a cheese plate and these Garlic and Herb Stuffed Mushrooms (that have less than five ingredients) paired with a good wine for a beautiful and delicious presentation to be proud to your own!

The feature of the Garlic and Herb stuffed mushrooms is creamy Boursin® cheese. Seasoned with garlic and fine herbs wrapped in its signature foil, it’s hard not to devour this rich, but airy cheese before it’s stuffed into the mushrooms (just remember to buy two – one to nibble, one to use for the recipe.)

Because there’s already the great flavor of herbs and garlic, the cheese doesn’t need anything extra added to the filling. However, I added a few leaves of fresh basil chopped finely to just add a little more color to the mixture, but in a fix, you don’t have to worry about herbs. Lastly, topped with shredded Parmesan cheese and baked in the oven, you’ll have a sinfully decadent bite-sized app in just about 25-30 minutes.

Now just be ready for the rich smell of garlic that will take over your kitchen…it’s heavenly!

For another quick app that will wow your gifts, make sure you always have veggies, breads and crackers around, especially during the holidays. You can present a serious spread by just pan frying a few slices of bread with butter then spreading a little Boursin® Monterey Jack & Spicy Pepper Cheese Dip on the top.

Or for a little healthier spin, stuff some of the creamy spread in celery sticks. Two apps in about two minutes (okay, maybe five), you’re ready to enjoy a little time to catch up with you eat up!

You can try other recipes with Boursin® on its holiday resource www.boursinpartytricks.com.

Garlic and Herb Stuffed Mushrooms

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 25
Total Time: 35 minutes

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and easy yet impressive appetizer perfect for last-minute hospitality.

Scale

Ingredients

Cooking Spray
1 package whole mushrooms (white or portobellos)
1 package Boursin® cheese
2–3 basil leaves, chopped finely (optional)
2 tablespoon parmesan cheese, shredded

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Spray pan with cooking spray.
Remove mushrooms steps from the caps. Chop stems finely.
Combine chopped mushrooms, chopped basil and Boursin® cheese in a bowl until filly blended.
Add mixture to mushroom caps until full and rounded.
Place all the mushrooms in pan and then sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Bake mushrooms for 25-30 minutes until golden.
When done, remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes and serve!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 10
Calories: 97
Sugar: 0
Sodium: 158
Fat: 8
Saturated Fat: 5
Unsaturated Fat: 2
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 1
Protein: 6
Cholesterol: 25

Raspberry Chipotle Cocktail Weenie Wreath

November 14, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 18 Comments

Forget cookies…Santa’s looking for this holiday hors d’oeuvres under tree. This new party favorite takes the best of both for the best app: Raspberry Chipotle Cocktail Weenie Wreath.

[Read more…]

Celebrate Your Favorite Disney Princess

January 6, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

What Disney princess does your child love most? More importantly, which Disney Princess is your favorite? Celebrate your princess with Madame Alexander’s new Disney Princess Collection.

Thanks to Madame Alexander for continuing to keep little girls dreaming big with this sponsored post.

When I was growing up Snow White was my princess du jour. At least until 1991 when Disney unveiled a new kind of princess.

She wasn’t just beautiful, but had brains and a pretty keen sense of humor. Her name was Belle and at 11 (that was how old I was), I thought she was pretty freaking amazing.

Through the years, I’ve loved some Disney Princesses and now with my own little princess, she has, too. I’m sure part of the reason she has every dress of every princess is that deep down I wanted to wear all those princess gowns, too…If I could just that genie out of the bottle (God bless Robin Williams), I’d rock that Jasmine get up too and believe me there would be a freaking parade as I hit a high note that Mariah Carey can’t even reach (well…)

[Dream sequence over and skip forward to 2017.] Beauty and the Beast hasn’t lost any popularity as exhibited by my little princess that loves her Belle dress she received last Christmas or any of the millions of fans that are counting down until March when the animated favorite comes alive in a new rendition of the timeless tale (go ahead, you should totally watch the trailer.)

So with a lot of negative things happening in the world and unfortunately many of them pointed at little girls, a heroine like Belle is exactly what I want my daughter to look to as a positive image. Belle is the whole package in my eyes and sees passed what’s on the outside of people (and what other people think), but to the goodness that is found in all people. And she prides herself on being independent and walking to the beat of her own drum.

Can’t complain about that.

And any movie that has Golden Globe® nominee Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, the candelabra; Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; six-time Tony Award® winner Audra McDonald as Madame Garderobe, Oscar nominee Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and two-time Academy Award® winner Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts, I’m just as excited to be in line to watch this one, too.

Until the movie debuts and well after the classic runs its time at the local movie theatre, another classic continues to bring the spirit of the princess alive. A new collection of Madame Alexander Disney Princesses was just launched featuring Belle, Ariel and Cinderella.

[clickToTweet tweet=”‘For every girl who dreams big, there’s a princess to show her it’s possible.’ @madameadoll #mamachallenge ” quote=”‘For every girl who dreams big, there’s a princess to show her it’s possible.’ ” theme=”style1″]

Celebrate Disney Princesses with the new collection of 18-inch dolls featuring luxurious design elements that every princess lover will cherish. With three of the Disney Princesses to launch, your princess (designed for ages 3 and up) will love any of these to play or collect for many years to come.

Madame Alexander Disney Princess Collectible Doll is priced at $ 89.95 and available on their website for a limited time.

Best Christmas Casseroles

December 23, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 3 Comments

Christmas Casseroles will get you to the top of Santa’s list fast. If you put one of these together in the morning, it’ll be perfect to put in the oven Christmas morning while you open gifts!

Don’t you love the decor from JCPenney?!? #SoWorthi t #JoyWorthGiving

Best Damn Chicken and Waffles Casserole

December 22, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

Chicken and waffles gets even better when it goes casserole! And with one sweet ingredient, you’ll be saying THIS IS the best damn chicken and waffles casserole.

I remember the first time I heard about chicken and waffles I was like…what? That doesn’t sounds good? Why is everyone freaking out about chicken and waffles?

…Then I had it.

Then I understood.

There’s something about the sweetness, the crunch, and the little bit of spice, sandwiched together into one perfect bite.

Yep, I like it…

But to time the fresh golden fluffy waffles at the same time as hot fried chicken is a little difficult and way more time consuming than I’m willing to put forward (or at least have time to!)

So in true #mamachallenge form, it was time to look to the world of semi-homemade and put it all together into one dish for a bigger dish of happiness.

Frozen waffles to the rescue!

Cooking everything together into Chicken and Waffles Casserole not only makes it easier on making, but also serving! And since you can make this in advance, this casserole is ideal for big breakfast/brunch moment like Christmas or when you really want to make an impression.

However, the impression really gets better when the chicken hits the tastebuds. One of our favorite chicken spots is hands down Chick-Fil-A. If you’ve had it, you know – it’s that good. There’s something about CFA and any drive by the eatery with lines of folks parked double-laned around the joint will verify – their chicken is THAT good. While I don’t know what makes it take like what dreams are made of, inspired by the sweetness of their chicken, we added powdered sugar to our breading, along with a little spice to cinch the deal on this chicken and waffles casserole.

Oh man, it’s THAT GOOD.