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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Making dinner taste (REALLY) good – Jack’s Southern Comfort Food

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Food Fridays

While Jack’s Southern Comfort Food opened only last Friday, as soon as you walk in the doors at 1905 Greenville Avenue and take a seat, you feel like you are already home…at least a part of  longtime Dallas/Fort Worth restaurateur Scott Jones’. His latest comfort food eatery pays homage to this culinarian’s humble roots – Louisiana Cajun creole from his Mother’s side with the big bold downhome Texas cooking of his dad (for which the place is named.)  


Another perfect example of his southern hospitality can be tasted right at the counter with chocolate chip cookies, just like you would at home, giving you that I’m-home-kind-of-feeling.


Upside down pot pie, mac and cheese, real-deal gumbo, watermelon lemonade and deviled eggs served in vintage deviled-egg holders were just part of the warm and fuzzy afternoon spent at Jack’s. I love that the dishes were all served with mismatched plates all collected from sales and old cabinets to put together the spots plateware.



A perfect mix of bright colors among photos of retro toasters, deviled eggs and other fun finds (like Ross Perot’s smug mug) is a perfect example of Jones’ concept for the place.  Just make sure you show respect to his mom (she’s the beautiful woman in the center.)


I’m obsessed with aprons, so I love this one that seemed so perfect for the Jack’s staff. The hand-made aprons are made from old jean shorts, skirts and more! Best of all, they offer the“It’s All Relative” aprons and tea towels for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Bridge Breast Network, a non-profit that saves lives by linking low income, uninsured individuals to diagnostic and treatment services for breast cancer.


Chow-chow, onion relish and something I’ve never heard of called Mayhaw jelly makes eating at Jack’s like a Sunday supper at my Grandma’s. The centerpieces used on the tables also include fresh cut green onions in small mason jars (giving the feeling that they just came from the garden.)


The best part of Jack’s isn’t even at the restaurant – it’s at home. There are several options for casseroles, ready-made salads and of course, desserts and sticky biscuits that you can take home. And for me, not only is that option awesome, but the fact they’ll serve my kids complimentary after-school snacks like pimento cheese roll-ups and fruit salad (to die for) while I pick out our take-home dinner for the night, makes it a new S.O.S (save our supper) kind-of-place. For our custom casserole choice, we mixed a little bit of everything that our family liked (corn, chicken, pasta and more) into a dish and then popped it in the oven for 30 minutes to create Tuesday night’s dinner. (If I hadn’t brought in a sack,  no one would have know the difference…we’ll that and that it tasted good.)

While I can tell you the biscuits are reason enough to come on in for a spell, I know I’ll be back come the holidays with a special catering menu to make you look like a rockstar. Deep fried turkey, honey backed ham, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole and of course, dessert and rolls will be packaged up to take straight from their kitchen to your dining room table. Just make sure you throw away the sacks before everyone comes in, so when you tell them it’s homemade, your family will believe you.

Jack’s Southern Comfort Food
1905 Greenville Avenue
BYOB
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
www.jackssoutherncomfortfood.com
214.821.0900
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This story also appeared on DallasFoodNerd.com on October 9, 2012.

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Love Your Kid’s Laces with Shoe Fobbz

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Wow Mom Wednesdays

While I’m on top of the cool things for five-year olds, I’ll admit, I’m not the authority on what makes six-year olds (and up) say, “That’s cool mom.” 

Earlier this summer I got the chance to get my hands on 16 sets of Gutzy Gear, a line of backpack straps and patches to personalize and accessorize your kiddo’s backpack. I shared them with my son’s class as a back-to-school gift and the class went wild. I wasn’t ready for the reaction, but I’ve learned that I should keep my ear to the ground when it comes to what’s the next big thing. (You remember those rubberband bracelets, right?)

Gutzy Gear gives kids a chance to personalize their backpack with removable patches.

So when I caught wind of Shoe Fobbz, I was willing to see what the buzz was about. As a Croc-wearing family (we have dozens, really), I was already aware of Jibbitz (the genius idea to personalize your Crocs with little charms that your kids will bug you to have.) However, Fobbz are the equivalent of Jibbitz, but for tennis shoes. 

Since we were currently are embarking on “real shoes” for winter versus our sandals for summer, these made our transition from our “Lego and Thomas Crocs” to big-kid shoes much easier. Best of all, at less than $5 and cute packaging, I’ve be using these as favors for birthday gifts, so the kids then switch them out at school. 

So when my kid found out I had the Halloween monsters pack, I got a “cool, mom!,” so it’s totally means it’s worth a share for “Wow Mom! Wednesdays!”

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)


This Year’s Must-Be Halloween Costumes

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Wow Mom Wednesdays – Making Your Kids Say Wow
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I’m not quite Roseanne Connor level, but I do enjoy the costumes, décor and of course, the treats!

 Now with kids of my own, it’s not just about my costume, but finding the coolest and cutest ones out there. While my 4-year-old knew exactly what he wanted to be (he’s at the Superhero stage in his life), where do you even start when your kiddo is one or you’ve outgrown that witch getup you’ve been sporting since your 20s?

Like every 4-year-old this year, Spiderman and other superhero types are the must-have costume.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the most popular and sought after Halloween trends for the whole family:

 Political-themed masks: Political masks will be one of the bigger trends this election year, with industry experts keeping a watchful eye on mask sales. Historically, it has become an unofficial but accurate predictor of who will win the election (the candidate mask that sells the most, usually wins the election).

 Masters of the Universe: Choose from He-Man Classic Muscle Adult($49.99) or Skeletor Classic Muscle Adult($49.99) or Women’s She Ra Deluxe Adult ($49.99). 

 WINX Club: Based on the hot new Nickelodeon show, your daughter can be Stella, Bloom or Flora! Deluxe costume includes dress, wings and pair of glovettes ($29.99). 

 Disney’s Shake it Up: Your tween will love being Rocky or Cece for Halloween! Cece Deluxe includes top with attached jacket, leggings and pair of boot covers ($31.99); Rocky deluxe includes dress, leggings and pair of boot covers ($31.99). 

 Disney’s Cinderella: Choose from Cinderella Shimmer Deluxe ($39.99), Cinderella Tween ($47.99), Cinderella Light Up Deluxe ($48.99), Deluxe Sassy Cinderella for adults ($59.99) and Cinderella Baby.

 Marvel’s The Amazing Spiderman : Adult and child costumes and accessories, including the Lizard Classic Muscle and Spider-Man Movie Classic Muscle (costumes/accessories range from $5.99-$59.99).

 Disney Junior-Jake and the Neverland Pirates: Jake Deluxe includes jumpsuit, bandana and pair of boot coverings ($29.99) and Izzy Classic includes top, pants, head scarf and pouch necklace ($19.99). 

 Online shopping not for you? Then get over to Kmart for their “Orange & Black Friday” event, Friday, Oct. 5 & Saturday, Oct. 6. Just as “Black Friday” is the perennial start to the Christmas holiday shopping season, this year Kmart’s “Orange & Black Friday” is the start of spooktacular savings for fans of Halloween and trick or treating with 50% off Halloween costumes and Halloween kitchen textiles, tabletop, décor and more. Also, check out their new social tool at www.Kmart.com/kreator, where users can create their own Halloween “Kreature” using costumes and accessories available at Kmart.

 I’d love to know what your costume plans are for Halloween?

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)



Get Your Pumpkin Fix: Celebrate Fall with Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Food Fridays

I love autumn in Texas (yes, I did make a funny there). It only lasts for two weeks with our crazy weather, so I intend to suck the life of every second of it. That means breaking out the fall wreath, painting my pumpkin (carving is way too messy), burning tons of candles with a baked something smell and baking up these perfect pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. They’re easy to make, which is why my friend who gave me the recipe makes them. That and they taste delish!


Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
(Makes 3 dozens)
Ingredients
1 cup pumpkin
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (can use 1/2 cup chopped nuts instead of 1/2 cup chocolate chips if desired)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, pumpkin and vanilla.
Mix and sift flour, baking powder, soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Add chocolate chips (and nuts if desired.)
Mix thoroughly but don’t over mix.
Drop by teaspoons onto well-greased cooking sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes until lightly browned.
Remove from cookie sheet while still warm.
Cook on rack.
Enjoy the perfect taste of pumpkin and chocolate.

Move Over Cupcakes – Mini Pies Are the New Slice of Birthday Heaven

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Like many parents, my kiddos birthday parties are a big deal. I enjoy the planning and putting it together and they enjoy the party, so it’s a win-win, except for the paying part. However, for my daughter’s first birthday, I really wanted to make it all about family, especially since ours doesn’t live so close. With an August birthday close to Labor Day, we chose the lake as a perfect setting to just take it easy with a retro cherry-themed birthday party, complete with mini-pies, homemade ice cream and a huge helping of family fun…all made possible with a little help from a couple of local friends.


Cherry Birthday Invitation from Art by Ellie
I’ve known this talented graphic artist for years and she’s great at making any event (especially weddings) go the extra mile with the right invitation. I was traveling while these invites were designed, I told her a few things about what I was looking for and she was able to create a masterpiece ideal for a little one-year old party.
                                                                                                                        
Like a Slice of Humble Pie with Mini Pies by Keller’s Sugar and Frosting
I really love cupcakes. I mean really. When I was pregnant with my first, I actually drove 40 miles to get a strawberry cupcake that I had seen in a magazine. So when this southern-style bakery opened up in Keller over a year ago, the only thing bad (or good) I can say is at least it takes me 20 minutes to get there to indulge in their scrumptious cupcake flavors like cookies and cream, samoa and turtle caramel pie. Then when they broke out the mini pies (about the same as size as and pie pops), I knew exactly when I would be ordering up a batch. In efforts to delight everyone’s taste buds, I had them give me a handful of everything. Oh, my, we love pie! (Can’t wait to bite into these!)

Sugar and Frosting
126 Taylor Street, Keller, TX 76248
Nothing Goes Better with Pies than Ice Cream
Since the party “theme” was supposed to be centered on old-fashioned family fun, it seemed only fitting that we would complement the pies with homemade ice cream. I’ve never made ice cream myself, so I scoured the Internet looking for a classic vanilla ice cream. Of course, one of my favorites TV foodies, Alton Brown had a recipe for Serious Vanilla Ice Cream that didn’t seem too complicated and was rated five stars. A little off the charts…the peach preserves seems a little something delicious! One of the things I really wanted for my ice cream is that it had a solid texture and wasn’t watery like soft serve, so I am planning to freeze it for a few hours before serving with the old-school Original Zeroll® Ice Cream Scoop to make the perfect-sized scoops!

Gift the Girl with Fun for a One-Year Old
Once I selected the cutest dress ever for my princess, it was time to choose a couple of gifts for her to open. While a tea set and a Barbie doll are a little too soon to buy, I was looking for something that could get the little girl to get walking and having some fun.
Sesame Street ABC Playland Inflatable Ball Pit
Learn your ABCs and 123s with the Sesame Street ABC Playland Inflatable Ball Pit.  With interactive side panels, peek-through windows and 20 soft flex balls, she should have a blast learning and playing in this mini ball pit (especially, when mama buys some balls.)
Currently available at Toys ‘R’ Us and Walmart, $34.99.

Fisher Price- Little People Lil’ Fixer Ride-On
Little handy kiddos are ready to fix anything with this adorable ride-on!  The Fisher Price- Little People Lil’ Fixer Ride-On includes a removable hand held tool box, pretend hammer, wrench, screwdrivers and saw. Push the buttons on the dashboard to hear a fun tune and sound effects! 
Currently available at Babies ‘R’ Us, $34.99
Now that everything is ready to go, all we have to do is wait for this weekend. I’ll share photos of all the fun!

Disclaimer: I received  products including the toys and the ice cream scoop, for consideration of a review. However, the comments contained here are all my own. 

How We Survived Our Angry Birds Birthday Party!

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My now four-year old was very specific after his Thomas the Tank Engine 3rd Birthday party (complete with a full-size train), that he now wanted an Angry Birds Birthday Party. Not really much of a fan of the online craze, the search was on to figure out what an “Angry Birds Birthday” was going to be.

Thank goodness, of course, for Pinterest and many other much-more creative moms that had already “been there, done that” and the posted it online for the rest of us. While I wish I could take credit a lot of the great ideas included here, I was able to pull the best of the best Angry Birds Birthday ideas all into one, and with the help of some very creative and very generous family members, it all came together beautifully.

Disclaimer: I was provided samples of Red Jacket Juice and Sunridge Farms for purposes of a review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.


Pin It To Get The Perfect Mom’s Day Gift

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Every Mother’s Day everyone scrambles to get the right Mother’s Day gift. Although I have received a good one or two myself (my husband surprised me the year right before my was born with a pair of diamond earrings in my Sunday paper), for the most part it’s like Forrest Gump said, “you never know what you’re gonna get: (and in some cases, not get.) 

So rather than scour the planet to try to figure out what you think mom wants for Mother’s Day, I’m going to tell you exactly what to do to get it right this Mother’s Day… 

Go to Pinterest. You’ll find the motherload (yes, that was the perfect pun!) 

Yep, this social media site (whose users are 70 percent women in the U.S. according to Mashable) is going to give you a full listing of everything you can think of to get for mom and probably at every price point. Don’t know if your mom is on Pinterest or know she doesn’t have an account? Don’t worry: just get one for yourself and type in “Mother’s Day” to get tons of ideas that you can make or buy just to make your mom feel special this Mother’s Day. 

First thing you should know is Mother’s Day isn’t really about what you get her. Yep, while jewelry, purses and all that is nice, you can get away with a lot cheaper items and get big brownie points. A meal, a craft or a keepsake may make take you a little time, but remember, the gift is about letting her know how much you appreciate her. However, if your mama has been screaming for a new Louis Vuitton (like I have) and you’ve got the cash to splurge, don’t worry, you’ll still get your bonus points and a lot more too if you get if for her (honey, this special note was just for you.) 

Here’s just a few pins I’ve come across that might make good Mother’s Day gifts for mom, grandma, etc. And if you’re like me and you get to purchase your own gift and then let everyone know what they got you, there’s even a few ideas just for Mother’s Day for you to give to your kiddos one day to show them how this whole Mother’s Day thing is supposed to work. 


        
      
    

So to all your mamas out there, I hope this post helps to create your perfect Mother’s Day! 


Go Green Without (Really) Doing Anything

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To recognize Earth Day, April 22, I felt I needed to do something environmentally impactful like start a compost pile or quit using disposable diapers. Unfortunately, my time and patience kept me from being the good example I intended to be. Instead I decided it was possible to still be a good patron of Mother Earth by just making a few changes with my family’s everyday that make tomorrow even better.


Turn in your toothbrush for the World Centric Compostable Toothbrush & Compostable Travel Case

With four people and several toothbrushes a year (and several multiples for us in different bathrooms), we are looking at around 20 toothbrushes just for our family. According to research reports, approximately 450 million toothbrushes are landfilled every year in the Unites States. 


Using a compostable toothbrush shows that you care about the environment and about properly disposing of waste. This BPI certified compostable toothbrush and compostable travel case are made from Ingeo™ (derived from plants), instead of petroleum based plastics. Bristles are not compostable. You can break off the head to compost the handle and travel case within 6 months in a commercial composting facility. You can also send them your old toothbrush and travel case for composting.


Cash in your carpet cleaner for CLEAN+GREEN Auto Odor Eliminator, Cleaner and Stain Remover




We love our dog, Birddie. She’s a great dog and thankfully, she’s potty-trained, but sometimes there are accidents that must be cleaned in the house and sometimes in the car. When I take her to the vet or the groomer, she leaves a special scent that I’d rather bottle up and never open again. But to find something that can clean the problem and not run us out of the room/car with the fumes is an issue. Clean+Green line of cleaners provides a nice alternative to clean up the mess, the smell and not wonder if my pet or my kiddos are going to get sick if they inhale any poisonous fumes.
Used by pet and cleaning professionals, this professional strength product uses exclusive patented encapsulation technology and advanced eliminator formula. It’s made of natural ingredients like purified water, cane sugar derivatives, a proprietary blend of botanical extracts and hydrated cellulose (plant-derived cleaning agents), and a natural propellant – nitrogen. It’s environmentally non-toxic, non-flammable, non-corrosive, non-carcinogenic, biodegradable and natural propellant.


And good for me, it’s quick and easy; working on contact – no need to soak, scrub or rinse.

Trade in your Zip Lock for the Sandwich Sack SnackTaxi
Every day I pack a lunch for my three-year old so I try to make it easy for him and his teachers for cleanup. Unfortunately just like me, every day millions of plastic sandwich bags end up in U.S. landfills. So when I had to consider this Velcro sack. This stylish, reusable bag combines the convenience of a plastic bag with the durability of a food container and comes in several designs. Each one keeps up to 1,000 plastic bags out of landfills and is perfectly sized to carry your favorite sandwich. A Velcro® closure keeps contents securely inside, and they are flexible enough to fit into a wide range of backpacks, totes and diaper bags.

And did I mention you can put it in the washer – not the dishwasher, but the washing machine? (So one less thing for you to clean!)

Throw in the towel for Marcal Small Steps Napkins


With two kids and a dog, we use a lot of napkins. Actually, did you know the average person uses six paper napkins daily.  So when I came across Marcal’s Small Steps® 100% recycled “green” napkins, it was exactly what I needed. And best of all, it wasn’t much more than are normal budget napkin. Another great features it that there is a drawstring to close the bag, so unlike my normal brand, I have napkins loose and getting wrinkled in the cabinet. Marcal’s Small Step Napkins are 100% recycled, hypoallergenic, free of dyes and fragrances and is manufactured without chlorine bleaching.



See? It is possible to make a little impact even if it’s just one toothbrush, napkin, sandwich bag or cleaner at a time. Little changes can make a big difference.

Happy Earth Day!

Disclaimer: I was provided the toothbrush, Auto Pet Odor Eliminator, and sandwich sack for consideration of this review. However, the opinions presented are all my own. 

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