mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents | Dallas Blog

Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

When You Need a Vacation from Summer Vacation

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Need a vacation from your summer vacation? When you need a getaway to get away, then get ready for your Passport to Summer.

Thanks to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen  for sponsoring this getaway to get away.

Remember the days when you looked forward to vacation, spent a few minutes throwing a bathing suit, sandals and a cute sundress in a bag, grabbed a passport, and took off without a care in the world?


Vacation-Cheddars

But when you’re a parent, you don’t normally get to go on vacation. You get to go on trips.

Trips include intense research, dozens of Pinterest boards of itineraries, early morning phone calls to claim one of the few spots available for breakfast with princesses, and a spreadsheet or a notebook to collect all the confirmation numbers to keep things straight.

Trips take weeks to organize and pack everything for everyone so they are prepared to have a good time after you’ve stayed up for hours carefully rolling each item in their suitcase.

Trips are when you act less like a parent and more like a drill sergeant to stay on top of all the plans you’ve made so that you don’t miss any fun – although you aren’t really have any.

Trips are when you finally get back home and realize that you are exhausted from your trip and would do anything for a vacation.

And vacations…you remember them, right? Sand, water, magazines, salty air, creamy drinks delivered by beautiful smiling cabana boys.

Vacation

(Take a moment and just breathe that all in.) 

After a recent trip, this mama needed a vacation in a bad way. But with only a few hours away from the kids, a flight was out of the question. So the best way to get away was to take a getaway to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen.

Vacation-Cheddars

Just in time for my sanity (and yours), you can visit Cheddar’s Passport to Summer and enjoy their taste of the tropics with hand-crafted cocktails and menu. And what are friends for but to order them all to find our favorites! 

Vacation-Cheddars

Head to Hawaiian with a Maui Margarita, a combo of half strawberry, half mango, with kiwi and a shot of DeKuyper Cactus Juice.

Vacation-Cheddars

Salsa with the Presidente Sangria mixed with Beso Del Sol sangria, Presidente Brandy and sweet & sour shaken with strawberries, fresh lemons, limes and oranges. Or party down with the Cheddar’s Pina Colada puree, splash of sweet & sour, topped with Myers’s Original Dark rum and garnished with a toasted coconut rim and fresh pineapple wedge! 

Vacation-Cheddars

Top off your day with an Island Tiki with Captain Morgan, Malibu rums, tropical mango puree, pineapple juice, sweet & sour and Blue Curacao.

Vacation-Cheddars

But if you really want to go full on vacay in a big way, then you order the legendary Cheddar’s Painkiller (there is a two-drink maximum on that one so it’s definitely a quick way to paradise.) Filled with Pusser’s rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, orange juice, toasted coconut rim, topped with nutmeg, you’ll figure out why it’s called a painkiller! 

Vacation-Cheddars

And when you tummy catches up with your taste buds, you can turn up the heat with the Sweet Heat Chicken and Shrimp or the Grilled Tilapia and Shrimp with Mango Salsa. (And you can feel much better eating this than some of the things you do end up eating on vacation.)

Vacation-Cheddars

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen has the menu for fun and the passport to summer, even if you only have an hour to take a vacation! Plus with such affordable prices, it’s way cheaper than a flight or hotel stay. And you don’t have to pack a thing.

WIn $50 Gift Card to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen:

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Girlfriend’s Guide to Grilling a Steak

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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. 


Guide to Grilling 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!)  

Steak

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. 

Guide to Grilling a Steak

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.

Guide to Grilling a 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. 

Guide to Grilling a Steak

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

Guide to Grilling a Steak

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

Guide to Grilling a Steak

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. 

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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.  

Guide to Grilling a Steak

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!)  

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

Guide to Grilling a Steak

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. 

Steak

Now let’s eat!

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Red, White and Blue: July 4th Treats

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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!

4th of July 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 whip

Print

Cherry Berry Whip

  • Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
Print Recipe

Description

An easy sweet treat perfect to beat the heat.

Ingredients

  • 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

  1. 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.


See how we made it here:

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!

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!

Patriotic Pie

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.

Layered Rice 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.

Strawberry Jello Bites

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.

Red, White and Blue Sangria
Have a great Fourth of July!Don't miss Patriotism

Teaching Kids Patriotism

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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. 

I was working on the classic story of July 4th and summer fun when the news broke about the horrible events that happening in Orlando on June 11, 2016. At that time, the beautiful photos I had taken only a few days before of my children donning their red, white and blue took on a whole new level. 

TCP-Flag8

“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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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

 

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Cool it with the Hottest Coolers

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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

 

Coleman

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

Yeti

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

igloo-studio-threeqrts-full

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
TheCoolestCooler
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!

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

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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.

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