Teaching Kids Patriotism

June 27, 2025 By Autumn Rose Reo 28 Comments

Teaching kids patriotism is more important than ever. It’s not just flying the flag, popping fireworks and saying the pledge. But why we’re proud to be American and what it means to not just to be good to others, but the real spirit of the red, white and blue.

This story was originally written almost ~~four~~ eight years ago – my kids now are almost adults. However, today, more than ever, it means so much more and just continues every year to mean more than it did the year before. So while our country is in struggle, strife and battle over race, and politics, we need not to continue to act divided, but together…stronger than ever. This is the only way we’ll move forward as a country.

I was busy as normal for the summer, taking pictures of my kids. This time of my kids donning their red, white and blue for July 4.

I realized that the kids only understood this as a fashion shoot – not a milestone in our country’s history.

“Do you know what patriotism is?” I asked my son.

“No, mama,” his little mouth answered. “What is it?”

Ironically, only a few minutes later, looking down at my calendar he asked, “mama, what’s Flag Day?”

I realized that in that moment, just because we had bought the shirt, hung our flag proudly and appropriately ever holiday, and had taught them to be quiet when the Star-Spangled Banner played at the ball game, we had failed at teaching him and his sister the why…the why we fly the flag, the why we celebrated with fireworks, the why we stop everything when the familiar beat of the pattering drums begin at any sporting event.

The WHY is what matters.

And we’re those people that have at least 15 Texas flags in our home. Heck, we named our kids after U.S. presidents…really: Jackson and Taylor. And we did that on purpose because we felt that a presidential name instilled a sense of prestige, honor, and respect. But it shows just because we felt the power of patriotism, we hadn’t spent the time to instill the same importance to them.

So here are a few ways that will not just teach kids patriotism, but remind you why it’s important for us to remember what it means to be an American and to proudly wear the red, white and blue.

1. It’s more than flying the Flag…but that’s a start.

I love that my local rotary ensures that each holiday that formality calls for a flag, there’s one flying in my yard without request or fail. It’s a service they’ve provided for years and I feel so patriotic to look down my street and see the beautiful Old Glory waving in the wind. However, it’s not just about making sure we’re holding up our end in neighborhood; it’s about showing we’re proud to be a part of a country that has worked for more than 2oo years with just 13 colonies to become a mighty nation of 50 states strong.

2. Don’t just say the Pledge or sing the National Anthem. Understand what the words really mean.

Every day my kids say the Pledge of Allegiance at school. I love the idea of them learning 31-words that were made as a promise to be loyal to our country, to be united together as a nation, and be fair to each other as people to create the best place in the world to live. (Well something like that.) This also goes for the Star-Spangled Banner. The words describe our history and to remind us all what we have, what we do, and what we will hopefully continue to work towards for even more centuries to come.

3. Celebrate Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.

More importantly, share the meaning why we celebrate them including Flag Day and Veterans Day. And while picnics and fireworks are fun to watch, we all need to remember it’s more than that. I know each of us may describe what these patriotic holidays mean to us differently, but ultimately, each one signifies how and WHO has served our country to make it what it is.

If you have a member of the military/veteran in your family, speaking with them or explain what they day makes it even more personal for kids to understand. Even if you don’t, speaking with kids that there are men and women all over the world who have helped to protect them and will continue to keep our country strong, will help them to be able to understand that saying thank you is the least that we can do for our armed forces and first responders.

4. Explain the colors of America; beyond the red, white and blue.

The colors of our flag have meaning. White signifies purity and innocence; Red symbolizes hardiness & valour, and Blue shows vigilance, perseverance & justice. However, beyond those colors, are the colors that also make up the U.S. We are a melting pot – different backgrounds, different races, and different religions. But ultimately, our differences are what make us stronger and united as one country.

5. Know the freedoms that make our country what it is.

This is more than just a few minutes of discussion, but doesn’t have to be a history lesson either. Thanks to the Bill of Rights, what makes our country great, is that we are promised that there are certain rights that allow us to live as we want with others without anyone taking them away. However, with those freedoms also mean we have a responsibility to fight for those rights and to give to our country and our communities in any and every way we can.

How do you describe patriotism? How do you share it with your kids?

Red, White and Blue: July 4th Treats

June 26, 2024 By Autumn Rose Reo 15 Comments

Make a real bang on Independence Day with a fun spin on your party plans – red, white and blue July 4th treats!

* Affiliate links may be included.

July 4th is a great time to put a festive spin on your summer favorites with a little touch of the red, white and blue. Many of these you can make in advance the night before and be ready for a fun Fourth party without sitting in your kitchen slaving away on a Facebook-worthy spread! Bring on the July 4th Treats!

Cherry Berry Whip Salad

This salad is inspired by my absolute favorite treat growing up. Every summer get-together included “Pink Stuff” that actually was such an easy, no mess recipe it was hard to imagine that this was the dish that never had leftovers. I remember the first time I was “trusted” to create it, you would have thought I was given the right to carve the Thanksgiving turkey. Because it’s a no-cook dish, this dish is a perfect kid-starter cooking lesson! It just needs a little time in the fridge for the flavors to come together for this delicious flavor. And when you take a look at it, you instantly can see the red, white and blue.

Cherry Berry Whip

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

Print Recipe

Description

An easy sweet treat perfect to beat the heat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cherry Berry Whip Salad
1 can cherry pie filling (14 oz)
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 small can crushed pineapple, drained
1 small can condensed milk
2 cups small marshmallows
1 small tub whip cream
3 Tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

Mix everything together but the marshmallows and blueberries into a bowl. Fold in marshmallows. Lastly, add blueberries to the top of the bowl (or if serving in smaller dishes, spring the blueberries on top). Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Here are some other great July 4th Treats for you to make featured on Good Morning Texas!

American Flag Fruit Kabob

Want to give the kids something to do? This is the ideal activity that turns into a healthy centerpiece of your July 4th event. Using a combination of strawberries, marshmallows and blueberries, create your own American flag! You can use a mixture of different fruits to match the red, white and blue theme; just make sure to wash your hands between fruit and marshmallow patterns so the juice doesn’t turn the marshmallows pink. Also adding a little space between alternating fruit and marshmallow will help keep your healthy snack look fresh throughout the day.

Kids don’t like blueberries or Strawberries? Use Welch’s Fruit Snacks Mixed Berry to use in place of the fruit to keep the patriotic theme!

American Pie

This pie will be the star of your Independence Day festivities when you add this classic touch. While you can make it from scratch, cut your time in half by purchasing a two-pack of ready-made crusts. After that the sky in the limit!

For mini-pies: Rolling out our dough, cut these adorable tartlets out with a star-shaped cookie cutter (I suggest buying a set like this), added a tablespoon of out of the can strawberry and blueberry pie filling, and then just pinched the ends with a fork. After 15 minutes in the oven at 350 degrees F, you have these sweet little hand pies perfect for a small bite of sweetness!

For the larger pie: If you are looking for the classic Americana pie, the formula couldn’t be easier! Use one pie crust, fill the pan with pie filling with either strawberry, blueberry, raspberry or cherry filling. With a smaller star-cookie cutter, cut out enough stars in the second dough to create a top crust. Put in the oven for 400 degrees F for around 20 minutes and you have a beautiful pie. Have more time? Then make this creamy homemade vanilla ice cream to serve with your pie for the perfect July 4th treat!

Layered Rice Crispy Treats

If pie is the unofficial American treat, then rice cereal treats probably claim the spot for #2. Made with rice cereal, marshmallows and butter, to create these unique twist, all you need to do is make 3 batches, adding red food coloring to one and blue to another. Then just layer the blue batch in the pan with your hands (sprayed with a little cooking spray to keep your hands from sticking.) Then repeat with the regular batch and last with the red batch. Allow the mixture to cool for at least an hour or overnight. Cut either into squares or if you have more time, then use that handy star-cutter for even more July 4th appropriate treats.

Strawberry Jello Fireworks

These little firecrackers will make your party a real blast – with the kids or the adults. Using hulled-out strawberries, you’ll fill first with a blue jello/gelatin mixture and allow to set before adding our white layer of milk and gelatin. After another session in the fridge, pull out the strawberries and cut in half longwise to reveal the layered jello effect for these cool, bite-sized red, white and blue sweeties. Want to really kick up the party? Add some spirits like vodka or rum to the gelatin for a fun edible adult snack.

Red, White and Blue Berry Sangria

Sangria is always a crowd pleaser for any occasion, but using star-shaped fruit and red/blue berries, this white themed sangria is the most festive way to wash down all these treats. We’ve used a chardonnay, sparkling wine, and for the color, blackberries and raspberries to change it up. However, you can use your own combinations of red and blue berries. For the stars, using your trusty star cutter, punch out stars from either pineapple or apple (either pairs nicely with this white sangria mixture.) If you prefer, use this same concept for an infused-water in a big jug, you’ll just use water instead of the wine to create a fruit-hinted refreshment that will be beautiful all day long.

Have a great Fourth of July!

4 Ingredient Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

July 1, 2021 By Autumn Rose Reo 11 Comments

Summertime means ice cream, but no one wants to spend the day making it! With just a few ingredients, you can make any kind of ice cream! We love this 4 Ingredient Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream, but you can make it your way any day.

As shown on Good Morning Texas.

Isn’t it funny that moms spend all that time scoping out Pinterest and creating beautiful meals plans for the family – and don’t normally end up eating any of them?

With all the pick ups, drop offs, appointments, loads of laundry, and dishes, and making dinner for the family, there’s never really a time to sit down for a meal. It’s always on the way out the door, in the car, or after everyone has gone to sleep. Besides, when’s the last time you tried to eat meatloaf and vegetables with one hand while typing on the computer?

So I resort to snacks…thankfully none of them are shaped like fish or dinosaurs. And being that I want to try to make healthy decisions, but still want it to taste good, Fiber One Bars to the rescue. Whether I’m in need of some protein, a middle-of-the-day snack, or a sweet treat, there are several options with added fiber to keep my taste buds and digestive system in check. Having these buried in a bag, drawer, or the back of the pantry (away from my kids’ little fingers), has saved me many times from not just going hungry, but making sure I don’t head for something that I’ll regret again and again later.

When you bite into one, you never would think that you can get a box of something this good and for only around $3 a box at Walmart!

Full of fiber and flavor, Fiber One bars make a good choice for any time of the day (especially when you’re trying to get things done!)

Easy, No Churn 4 Ingredient Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

But with summer in full swing, there’s nothing better than a deliciously sweet bowl of dreamy creamy ice cream. So taking the best of both worlds of strawberry cheesecake and ice cream, here’s an easy recipe for 4 ingredient strawberry cheesecake ice cream that will have you looking forward to #snaccidents again and again. And with only 4 ingredients and almost no work (you don’t even need an ice cream maker.)

While you do use whipping cream for this summerific treat, choose a lowfat/nonfat condensed milk. Using strawberry pie filling also helps to make this ice cream next level, fresh or frozen strawberries can be substituted if you want to add more fruit and less sweetness. With just a few hours, in the freezer, your #snaccident can be transformed into a life-changing snack experience.

4 Ingredient Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

Print Recipe

Description

An easy recipe for strawberry cheesecake ice cream with four ingredients featuring Fiber One Bars.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cup whipping cream
1 can low fat condensed milk (14 oz)
1 cup strawberry pie filling, 1 half can
1–2 Fiber One Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, crumbled

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Girlfriend’s Guide to Grilling a Steak

June 22, 2019 By Autumn Rose Reo 68 Comments

Love the idea of grilling, but think it’s too complicated? We’re sharing the basics you need to get your grill on with our Girlfriend’s Guide to Grilling a Steak!

Thank you to Market Street for helping all of us girls (and guys) get our grill on with this sponsored post.

Isn’t it funny that so many mamas take on the world (literally) every day, but when it comes to grilling think it’s too hard or should be left to the guys?

Just answer me this: Do you like the idea of biting into a juicy, sizzling steak? Do you like to entertain? Want to make a special meal for your special someone? Then you need to know how to grill a steak.

…But don’t worry, it’s not near as hard as you think it is. Now don’t get me wrong, grilling is just as much an art and a science as it is skill. I have the utmost for those that have mastered it, but we don’t have to be the best to have a really good steak dinner. And before you get any further down, here’s your real disclaimer: Grilling is subjective and everyone does it different.

However, we’re gonna give you the absolute basics to get your first steak from purchase to plate without much work, hassle, or slaving over a grill for hours. (Besides, who has time for that!)

Girlfriend’s Guide to Grilling a Steak

1) It’s all in the meat.

No matter what marinade you use, what you cook it on, or what you pair with it, you need to pick a great piece of steak. I honestly didn’t have a clue except that there was steak and there was hamburger meat. So off to Market Street I went to figure it all out when the butcher came out to help me (he must have seen the scare in my eyes!) He explained the cuts of meat so I knew what I was looking at and how best to cook it.

There are three basic classes you should know when it comes to your beef: Prime (best), Choice (better) and Select (good.)

When it comes to flavor, it’s all in the marbling or the little white flecks in beef – is key to flavor. The higher the amount of marbling, the higher the quality of beef.

When it comes to the meat, Rancher’s Reserve is always a great choice with 100% Angus beef that is juicy, tender and full of flavor.

Now for the fun stuff, the cuts! These four steaks all come from the same general area of the cow – the short loin, tenderloin, and the ribs.

TENDERLOIN // aka filet mignon / Boneless cut from the short loin and sirloin. / Most tender and most expensive cut of steak.

T-BONE // aka Porterhouse / Bone in cross section of the unfilleted short loin with combo of f tenderloin and NY strip. / Great taste but difficult to cook with two different cuts.

NY STRIP // Boneless & sometimes bone-in short loin behind the ribs. / Fine grained texture with some marbling.

RIBEYE // aka Delmonico /Boneless & bone-in cut from the rib cage. / Lots of marbling and fat pockets for the juiciest flavor.

The Ribeye is by far the best choice for new grillers. It’s more tender than the other cuts of beef and has lots of marbling, which means lots of juicy flavor!

When it comes to the cut, you’ll want to aim for 1 1/4 inch – 1 1/2 inch cut.

Don’t see any in the case? Then ask your butcher to assist you! Market Street will cut it to your specifications!

2) Season and Sit it Out.

Alrighty…this is where there are all kinds of opinions on the best way to make your steak taste perfect. What you put on it, how long you let it sit on the steak and how long you choose to put the steak in the fridge or at room temperatures varies as much as there are different opinions on how best to soothe a crying baby. There’s been tons of research, experiments, and lots of hot-headed opinions but for this first-timer’s steak: we’re keeping it basic. You’ll find your own way after you do it for the first time.

Take your steak out of the fridge at least thirty minutes before you plan to cook your steak. Pat your steak with a paper towel.

Add LOTS of kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to both sides (it’s going to seem excessive, but this will add the simple seasoning your steak needs. (Put it in your palm and let it fly!)

Let the steak sit at room temperature for around half an hour.

3) Get your Grill Going.

The biggest question here is: How are you planning to cook this thing!

Gas: By far the easiest way way to grill is on a gas grill. Turn on the tank, turn the burner, ignite, and close the lid for around 10 minutes when the grill hits around 425-450 degrees. Now you’re ready to roll!

Is it time to cook? Hold your hand about about four to six inches above the grill grate, palm down. If you can hold it one to three seconds before you need to pull your hand away, you’re at high heat.

Charcoal: Yes, you’re going to have to light it up! Starting with a clean grill like this one, lay your self-starting charcoal (it has lighter fluid in the briquettes so you don’t have to deal with it) in a grid pattern. Then light each corner and let it go! Close the grill and either using a thermometer or the hand method (see above), wait until the charcoal has lost its flame and beginning to turn gray.

Pan-fry: It never seems to fail that you make plans to grill and Mother Nature makes another plan! When you’re in a rush or weather doesn’t permit outdoor grilling, go with the iron skillet! Just put it on high and let it go (I also like to add a little oil and butter to the pan for even more flavor!)

Our fourth is sizzlin’…? Ribeye, butter, garlic, rosemary and an iron skillet. All you need for the perfect steak. ? Get your guide to yours on mamachallenge! (FYI Ribeyes are on big sale now at @marketstreet_tx!) #marketstreet #ad #fourthofjuly

A post shared by Autumn?mamachallenge.com ? (@mamachallenge) on Jul 3, 2017 at 6:21am PDT

4) Let’s Get Cooking.

Alright, Alright, Alright! We’ve reached the big show!

If you’re making your steaks on the grill, then you’re going to wait to cook your steaks until they get to your specific level of doneness.

Rare // 120 degrees Medium Rare // 130 degrees Medium // 140 degrees

Medium Well // 150 degrees Well Done // 160 degrees

You can also use the finger test, but this isn’t always accurate as using this.

5) Dinner is Done.

To cut or to sit out, that is the question! One of the biggest controversies (yes, it’s that big of a deal) is whether you need to let your steak sit before serving. While there is all kinds of rationales for why you should and why you shouldn’t, but for me it’s simple: If you wait about 5 minutes after you take it off the heat, there’s less juice therefore less mess. So that’s my win-win.

Now let’s eat!

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Super Summer Supper: Lemonade Inspired Recipes

July 5, 2018 By Autumn Rose Reo 15 Comments

There’s nothing more summer than a glass of cold lemonade! We’ve the secret to the perfect glass and several other super lemonade inspired recipes for a perfect summer dish or sweetie! (As seen on EyeOpener TV)

Beyonce may have made lemonade the spotlight on iTunes, this super summer time drink has long been the star of the summer for centuries. History says lemonade may have even been created by the Egyptians in as easy as the 14th century. However, taste buds for hundreds of years have kept this simple sipper of lemon, sugar, and water a #1 classic.

But why stop at just lemonade to drink? Inspired by the delicious flavor of lemonade, we’ve put together a whole summer supper featuring lemonade. However, we wouldn’t suggest eating them all at one time; but a few of these will give you the taste of summer in every bite!

But not all lemonade is the same. What’s the perfect combination to make it THE BEST? It’s an easy combination, but it starts with something called simple syrup!

Perfect Lemonade

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

Print Recipe

Description

Great lemonade starts with simple syrup for this perfect lemonade recipe!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups sugar
2 cups water
1 gallon water
2 cups lemon juice
Lemons, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

Start off the simple syrup by adding 2 cups sugar and 2 cups water in a saucepan.
Bring to boil over medium heat.
Stir until the sugar dissolves and then remove from heat.
Next add add simple syrup, gallon of water and fresh lemon juice to pitcher. Still well.
Garnish with lemon slices.

Notes

Don’t use presqueezed lemonade! It’s much more bitter than you want for lemonade.

Lemonade Chicken

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

Print Recipe

Description

This lemonade-inspired chicken includes a lemon marinate and lemon batter for the perfect mix of lemon, crispy chicken made in the oven.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup buttermilk
5 chicken drumsticks
salt and pepper
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or seasoning salt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
Cooking spray

Instructions

Mix half the lemon zest and the lemon juice in a large bowl.
Add 1/2 cup water, sugar and whisk to dissolve.
Add the buttermilk.
Poke chicken fork and season with salt and pepper.
Place in a plastic zipper bag.
Add the marinade and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
To batter the chicken: Mix panko, thyme, lemon zest, seasonings in a large resealable plastic bag.
Shake to mix.
In a bowl, add mayonnaise and roll chicken in mayo.
Then add chicken to the bag and shake to coat.
Spray the pan with cooking spray and to chicken.
Bake until golden, about 35 minutes.
Turn over and then bake until browned and crisp.

Strawberry Lemonade Pie

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

Print Recipe

Description

A slice of this pie is the taste of summer with strawberries and lemonade! AND it only takes a few minutes to make!

Ingredients

Scale

Tub Whip Cream (in the tub)
12 ounce can lemonade concentrate
1 can condensed milk (12 ounces)
1 cup strawberries, chopped
1/4 cup sugar
lemon and strawberries for garnish
Graham Cracker Crust (Purchase at the grocery store or made from scratch!)

Instructions

in a blender, puree strawberries and sugar together until combined.
With a mixer, combine the rest of the ingredients (except the crust) until blended.
Poor lemonade mixture into crust.
Poor strawberry mixture over lemonade mixture. Use a spoon or knife to swirl.
Add crust top back to pie and then freeze overnight (or at least 8 hours.)
Keep frozen until ready to serve.

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Lemon Lavender Cupcakes (Just like Magnolia Bakery)

September 21, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 44 Comments

Wish you could take a little bit of Magnolia home with you? With this copycat recipe for their signature Lemon Lavender Cupcakes you can!

A trip to Magnolia Market in Waco is like a checking off the ideal bucket list: a place for the perfect farm house decor, a destination for just enjoying the simple things with friends among the green space, and of course, a taste for the bestest cupcakes (like lemon lavender ones) from Magnolia Bakery.

There’s a reason that thousands of people stand in line just for the chance to order and bite into a few delectable treats and walk through Joanna’s sweet design. While we were there we ordered one of each and we’re lucky to get the last lemon lavender cupcake left.

And each bite was absolutely perfect.

Like each and every bite was better the one before it and you just kept wanting more as you glanced around panorama style at the Pinterest-perfect place they’ve built.

When we returned from our one-day journey, we yearned for a little piece of Magnolia Market to have with us all the time. So we planted our own piece of gardening heaven complete with lavender in our own little wine barrel and have enjoyed it all summer-long.

And we also yearned for that lavender cupcake.

So of course, with lots of lavender, logically I had a hundred reasons to make my own.

Unfortunately I had one BIG one that kept me from cranking them out…the recipe.

And while we all feel like Chip and Jo are our besties (and should be), she isn’t about to share that recipe (at least not yet.)

So I had to take matters into my own hands and make up my own.

After a few different tries having to slave over cupcake batter and icing recipes (and an education on all things lavender), I came up with what I think is a good reproduction. So much so that we even found the cupcake wrappers to put them in. While my icing skills still could have a little more practice, I was able to shoot a few photos before quickly gobbling these up.

And it was a good gobble.

It’s like sunshine, cream, summer goodness – in a cute little round package.

However, there’s always harvesting that lavender to enjoy this cupcake well after autumn and winter has set in.

So if you get a chance to go to Magnolia especially during this, go. If you can’t, this recipe might help you cope until you do (or make it a lot more fun to watch them on TV.)

Lemon Lavender Cupcake (Copycat Magnolia Bakery)

★★★★

4 from 1 reviews

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Description

There’s nothing like this lemon lavender cupcake to make you and your mouth happy (just like a trip to Magnolia.)

Ingredients

Scale

Batter

1/2 cup whole milk
1 tbsp edible lavender, dried (Make sure it’s edible. I love this one!)
1 1/3 cups flour (preferably cake)
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
3 tbsp honey
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 teaspoon lemon extract

Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp heavy cream
1 tablespoon lemon extract

Instructions

For batter

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a processor/blender, combine milk and lavender and pulse until blended. Set aside.
In a bowl, combine dry batter ingredients (except sugar) until blended. Set aside.
With mixer, combine butter and sugar until fluffy. Blend honey, then eggs, one at a time and lastly add vanilla and lemon. Slowly combine both wet and dry ingredients together, folding in the lavender mixture last, dispersing in the mixture.
Pour into cupcake liners, filling 2/3 full. Back for 15 – 18 minutes until golden. Remove and allow to cool.

For Frosting

Add butter and sugar together in a stand mixer, adding cream slowly until smooth.
Then beat on high for 2-3 minutes.
Add lemon and beat again for another 1 minute to blend.
Spread on cupcakes or use a piping bag to complete the charm.

Notes

Add lavender or lemon zest to the top of the icing for an added treat!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 12
Calories: 432
Sugar: 38
Sodium: 123
Fat: 25
Saturated Fat: 16
Unsaturated Fat: 8
Trans Fat: 1
Carbohydrates: 49
Protein: 3
Cholesterol: 96

Cool it with the Hottest Coolers

July 21, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 15 Comments

Summer is hot, but your food and fun shouldn’t be! Here’s how to to Cool it with the Hottest Coolers. Affiliate links may apply.

“It’s summer time”….(cue the Will Smith…)

With summer approaches hot times with fun activities that require you to keep your drinks and food cool while you hang with the heat. Whether you’re throwing a party, going camping or just roadtripping for a few days, these coolers definitely will take your ice chest to the next level.

Coleman // 54 Quart Steel Belted Cooler
$149.99

Looks like the original steel-belted coolers of your grandparents’ days, but with today’s technologies. This stainless steel baby holds 85 cans, has rubber grip handles for easy carrying and comes with a solid steel latch seals it completely. Rust resistant with easy to clean base, lid and liner, this is the kind of cooler that will make you feel like you are ready for battle.

[Tweet “What’s the key to loading an ice chest? 2:1 ice to contents AND put the drinks in first! “]

YETI // Tundra
$399.99

Austin-based YETI coolers have taken the cooler market to new heights! The Tundra coolers are built from the same process that premium kayaks are made from. It’s a process called roto-molding and the end result is a beyond durable cooler that will last for years. However, it’s the Fat Wall design – extra thick walls that include 2” of insulation all around that allow the YEIT to hold ice for days..and days…and days. If you check out their website, you’ll see every outdoorsman of every type is committed to the YETI and if you bring it to a party, better keep your eye on because someone will want it! Other features include non-slip feet, easy drain system and comfortable carrying options. YETI started with hard sided coolers, but now offers soft sided coolers and a whole line of drinkware….so something for everything!

Igloo // Party Bar Cooler
$199 – $249.99

The folks at Texas-based Igloo definitely know a thing or two about keeping it cool, and their new Party Bar cooler powered by LiddUp is bound to take even the coolest parties. When darkness falls, the exclusive LiddUp® LED light system emits a cool glow that both sets the party mood and illuminates the cooler’s contents—letting thirsty guests find what they want quickly. The Party Bar effortlessly rolls your drinks from the pantry to the party on locking casters. Or if you prefer a more classic look, remove the Party Bar from its base for use it as a standard ice chest. With a built-in bottle opener with Catch bin to removable drink dividers and wine caddy to the convenient utility loops and removable lid…The Party Bar comes equipped with all the essentials you need to easily pick your poison, pop the top and party on.

Coolest Cooler // The Coolest Cooler
$299.00

Seting a Kickstarter record for the most-funded campaign ($13.3 million), The Coolest Cooler is just a presale away. Just check out what your under $500 purchase makes.

High-performance Blender
Outdoor BlueTooth Speaker with Party Pairing®
USB Charger
LED Lid Light
Cooler Divider / Cutting board
Bottle Opener
Done in One™ Tie-down bungee cord
20V Rechargeable Lithium Battery
Accessory Deck
Ergonomic Design Built to Last

Keep it Cool this Summer!

Summertime Recipes with Strawberries, Lemons and Avocados, Oh My!

May 29, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Nothing says summer more like strawberries. And a few lemons and avocados make a nice complement as well. (Can you say guacamole?)

So with June just on the horizon, we played ode to the summer today on Good Morning Texas featuring the unofficial fruits of summer (yes, these are all fruits!)

STRAWBERRY COLADA CAKE

Inspired by http://www.aspicyperspective.com/2010/05/farmstand-fresh.html

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
3 Tb. lemon juice, divided
zest of 1 lemon
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt 8 oz. Greek yogurt, plain
12 oz. fresh strawberries, diced
1 cup powdered sugar
2 Tb. of cream of coconut
¼ c. shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease and flour a 10 inch Bundt pan.

Sift together the 2 ¼ cups of flour, baking soda and salt. Mix in the lemon zest and set aside.

With an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 Tb. lemon juice. Alternate beating in the flour mixture and the yogurt, mixing just until incorporated. Toss the strawberries with the remaining ¼ cup of flour. Gently mix them into the batter.

Pour the batter into the Bundt pan. Place in the oven and reduce the temperature to 325 degrees F. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Allow to cool at least 20 minutes in the pan, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely. Once cooled, whisk together the remaining 2 Tb. of lemon juice and the powdered sugar with cream of coconut. Drizzle over the top of the cake and sprinkle coconut as desired.

STRAWBERRY JALAPENO SALSA

15-20 strawberries, chopped
1/3 medium red onion
Handful of cilantro, chopped
1 Jalapeno, finely minced
Juice of fresh lime

Mix everything in a bowl. Chill until ready to serve. Serve with tortilla chips or cinnamon chips.

* Cinnamon chips can be made easily in the oven! Broil several flour tortillas sprayed with cooking spray and cut into 8 triangles (use a pizza cutter to cut several easily)until brown. Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar to the chips.

Strawberry salad with avocado and bacon vinaigrette

6 cups spinach, kale or greens mix
2 cups sliced strawberries
1 ripe avocado, sliced

Crumbled bleu cheese (optional)

8 slices bacon, diced

3 tablespoons stone ground mustard

2 tablespoons honey

3 cloves chopped garlic

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

Place salad, strawberries and avocado into a large bowl and set aside.

For the dressing, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, set aside and crumble. Add mustard, honey, garlic, and salt and pepper to the pan with the bacon dripping. Combine well with a whisk. Whisk apple cider vinegar into the pan. Continue to whisk until the vinaigrette has thickened slightly.

Allow to cool slightly before adding to salad. Add bleu cheese crumbles (optional.)

Now it’s time to find a recipe for a strawberry mojito!

Make Your Own Fireworks Fun with Monthly Kids Craft Program Kiwi Crate

July 3, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo 5 Comments

I received a free product for the purposes of the review. No compensation was provided. All the comments are my own.

Are you one of those moms that is totally crafty and makes all kinds of cute things for the holidays and then posts a how-to video on YouTube?

Well I’m so excited you are, because I’m not. I wish I was, but at this juncture in life all I can say is Thank goodness for Pinterest!

And thank goodness for Kiwi Crate! Launched in 2011 by executives from eBay, PayPal, YouTube and BabyCenter, Kiwi Crate sends you fun, hands-on projects for kids ages 3-7 monthly. Kiwi Crate’s arts, crafts and science projects are developed by parents, reviewed by child development experts and tested by kids. Projects are created around themes like gardens, space or colors, and designed to encourage creativity, exploration and discovery and conveniently in this cute little box.

I was so happy to share craft time with son when all the thinking was out of it with my Rocket Party Pack from Kiwi Crate. Celebrating Independence Day, the simple packet gave us everything we needed to make 10 rockets that my kiddo could blast off in the air by just blowing on the straw. Best of all, I didn’t have to research a craft idea, get all the materials together and figure out how to do it. It was all in the box and we just opened it and went straight to having fun!

Kiwi Crate has received multiple awards honoring quality and creativity, including a Gold Seal Best Toy Award from Stephanie Oppenheim’s prestigious Toy Portfolio, the Parents’ Choice Gold Award, and Academic’s Choice award. Kiwi Crate was also named by Dr. Toy as a “Ten Best Creative Product” and “100 Best Children’s Products” of 2012.

Kiwi Crate’s monthly subscription service available at www.kiwicrate.com, starts at $16.95 per month with free shipping. Kiwi Crate also offers single crates available without a subscription for $19.95 each; as well as party favors and activities, starting at $5 each at www.kiwicrate.com/shop. Additionally, Kiwi Crate offers a collection of over 1,500 free hands-on project ideas at www.kiwicrate.com/diy.

Go Red, White and Blue with Kenny’s Blue Cheese Potato Salad {Recipe}

June 28, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo 3 Comments

Food Fridays:

One of the great things about my job is that I get to work with some pretty amazing chefs and restaurants. This means most the time I’ve gotten to sample their menu or at least several different offerings. However, it doesn’t mean that I’ve tasted it all. So this week I was elated to finally get my hands on menu items I’ve described at Kenny’s Smoke House, in Plano but never had my taste buds get in on the fun.

I will admit – BBQ is not my first food pick. I can enjoy it, but I don’t normally crave for it. But my hubs does, so we make our rounds to the BBQ joints. But I will tell you that after biting into one of the juicy brisket slices, I was pretty well on my way to BBQ heaven. It was good, flavorful, juicy and just the perfect amount of fat and meat. And it smelled SO good.

But I had to move on to try more- the smoked turkey. Unfortunately by the time I got to the turkey, there wasn’t any left. (I had two kiddos chow down and finish it in a matter of minutes.) While I was dissapointed, I still had one more thing to bite into – Blue Cheese Potato Salad.

A great play on the classic recipe, this was my kind of potato salad, featuring the pungent flavor of blue cheese, bacon and red potatoes. Just looking at the bowl, it screamed “this is July 4th.” And did I mention I took down the whole bowl?

So using my “insider connections,” I was able to get the recipe. Which is good because I needed to make more of this stuff and being that next week is Independence Day, now was the perfect time. And now I’m sharing it with you.

Kenny’s Smoke House Blue Cheese Potato Salad

4 Lbs Red Skin Potatoes (Chopped, 1/2 Inch)
2-1/2 Cups Blue Cheese Dressing (Favorite)
1 Tsp Salt
1 Tbs White Sugar
Pinch Cayenne Pepper
2 Tbs White Vinegar
1 Cup Bacon, Cooked, Chopped
1 Cup Blue Cheese Crumbles

Place cut potatoes in boiling water and boil until soft (approx 15 minutes).

Drain potatoes and let cool.

In a separate bowl, combine all other ingredients except bacon and blue cheese to make dressing. Mix well with whisk.

When potatoes have cooled to where they can be touched (still warm) combine with dressing and mix well. Crush some potatoes so that it comes together and is not too soupy.

Refrigerate until chilled.

Garnish with bacon and blue cheese.

Enjoy!

Teaching kids patriotism is more important than ever. It’s not just flying the flag, popping fireworks and saying the pledge. But why we’re proud to be American and what it means to not just to be good to others, but the real spirit of the red, white and blue.

1. It’s more than flying the Flag…but that’s a start.

2. Don’t just say the Pledge or sing the National Anthem. Understand what the words really mean.

3. Celebrate Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.

4. Explain the colors of America; beyond the red, white and blue.

5. Know the freedoms that make our country what it is.

Make a real bang on Independence Day with a fun spin on your party plans – red, white and blue July 4th treats!

Cherry Berry Whip Salad

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American Flag Fruit Kabob

American Pie

Layered Rice Crispy Treats

Strawberry Jello Fireworks

Red, White and Blue Berry Sangria

Summertime means ice cream, but no one wants to spend the day making it! With just a few ingredients, you can make any kind of ice cream! We love this 4 Ingredient Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream, but you can make it your way any day.

Easy, No Churn 4 Ingredient Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

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Don’t miss this #mamachallenge moment:

Love the idea of grilling, but think it’s too complicated? We’re sharing the basics you need to get your grill on with our Girlfriend’s Guide to Grilling a Steak!

Girlfriend’s Guide to Grilling a Steak

1) It’s all in the meat.

2) Season and Sit it Out.

3) Get your Grill Going.

4) Let’s Get Cooking.

5) Dinner is Done.

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Wish you could take a little bit of Magnolia home with you? With this copycat recipe for their signature Lemon Lavender Cupcakes you can!

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Keep it Cool this Summer!

STRAWBERRY JALAPENO SALSA

8 slices bacon, diced

3 tablespoons stone ground mustard

2 tablespoons honey

3 cloves chopped garlic

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

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