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Love Where You Live: Dallas Farmers Market #FromHereforHere

July 6, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 16 Comments

Looking to get a taste of REAL Texas? Then ask a Texan. I’m sharing some of my favorite tastes from one of my favorite Dallas spots: the Dallas Farmers Market. Thanks to Ozarka® Brand Natural Spring Water for partnering with mamachallenge.com for this fun sponsored post. #FromHereforHere

I love Texas for 1000s of reasons. Let me count the ways…

Actually, it’s a REALLY long list.

But when visitors come to town, I’m always asked where should they go to get a real taste of Texas.

We wanna eat like Texans.”

There are tons of places and products that come to mind from all across The Lone Star State that will give you a taste of Texas. And, when you’re in Dallas, we could be here forever narrowing down the best Mexican vs. Tex-Mex, steakhouses vs. BBQ.

So instead of trying to decide on just the RIGHT ones, if you head to the Dallas Farmers Market, you can actually sample many the flavors that make Dallas, Texas so dang good.

The Dallas Farmers Market is a central hub of local produce, crafts, restaurants, and purveyors in near downtown Dallas. While it’s been a part of the Dallas history since 1940s, recent renovations are proof that the community values its local farmers and producers; selling food that is grown and sourced locally on a constant basis.

One of the biggest renovations, includes the air-conditioned/indoor space, The Market, Dallas’ first ever Food Hall in a 26,000 square-foot space (formerly known as Shed 2), filled with dozens of merchants, food vendors and restaurants. So on any day of the week (even in the rest of the market is closed and it’s super hot outside.)

There’s tons to experience within The Market, from fresh seafood from Rex’s Fresh Seafood Market, Caribbean cuisine from the Caribbean Cabana, broths and soups from Stocks and Bondy, and of course, real deal tacos from Taqueria La Ventana. But that’s not all! You can get beautiful finds from around Dallas, and even beautiful authentic pottery from our southern border, Mexico.

Whether you only have an hour to spend or a whole day to leisurely stroll from booth to booth, the Market at the Dallas Farmers Market makes for a must-do and must-go while in Big D.

While you could sit down to eat at any of the anchor restaurants or even Mudhen, the newest restaurant in the DFM-area that sources local produce for unique eats right outside The Market, if you’re in a rush, you can still get a real taste of Dallas at The Market with this list of must-stops!

Get the full list of vendors (subject to change)

TASTE THE MARKET FAVORITES

Start your trip by trying a few new cheeses at Scardello and take home my favorites like Eagle Mountain Cheese (Granbury) and discover new ones like Latte da Dairy (Flower Mound) or Caprino Royale (Waco) for a delicious charcuterie board at home (or you can come sit down for a wine and cheese tasting too if you have the time.

If you have kids, Doc Popcorn is worth the stop. Just make sure to get two, you’ll taste theirs and want one for yourself. Of course, the samples here are plentiful, so you’ll have a chance to try them all before settling on a bag to buy for the trip home (or at least to keep you strolling though The Market.)

Everyone knows that popcorn needs a partner, so it’s a great opportunity to try something new to sip. While there’s a Daquiri Bar or Noble Rey Brewing, that could make for a really long (but interesting) afternoon. Instead, I suggest either sipping a Mexican Coca Cola while getting a hot tamale from Tamalero or hit up the Caribbean Cabana for some delicious fruit infused waters.

Don’t miss the chance to eat your way through Texas with sweet treats at The Market. From Chelle’s Macaroons rainbow of bite-sized bites (Fruity Pebbles is even a flavor) or Coolhaus’ unique ice creams like Nutella Toasted Almond or Strawberry Mojito.

While there’s tons to see and do you’ll discover, don’t forget to stock up on a few a few jars of award-winning Betty’s Blue Ribbon Fare jellies and jams for souvenirs. (The Whiskey Orange Marmalade is A-mazing!)

And that’s just an hour! Imagine what you can do with a full day and a full market open (Fridays-Sundays!)

Can’t make it to The Market at the Dallas Farmers Market, but want to taste Texas? I have several picks to give you a taste of what Texans who make Texas best taste like!

TASTE OF TEXAS AT HOME

Paqui’s Tortilla Chips // Austin, Texas
Looking for a good chip that’s also good for you? Named after the Aztec word that means “to be happy,” Paqui chips are made with unbleached, untreated flour, or by stone grinding corn and adding mouth-watering flavors using high-quality ingredients, such as fire-roasted jalapenos, fresh cilantro leaves, buttermilk, pumpkin and other spices and flavors.

Yellowbird Sauce // Austin, Texas
When this sauce first came out, I drove all the way from Dallas to Austin to get it. Really. For hot bellies like the men in my family, Yellowbird is the way to go. Totally uncomplicated and unpredictable these sauce are the most delicious, most versatile, most satisfying condiments that will ever hit your lips! Yellowbird Sauce goes great on tacos, burgers, wings, sushi, pasta, steak, fish, eggs, pizza, soup….anything you can think of!

Ozarka Water // Roher Springs, Moffitt Springs, & Piney Woods Springs, Texas
When you want an authentic taste of Texas, we’re not just talking food. There’s wine, beers and even sodas made all over Texas (and they all contain water.) But to get the purest taste of the state, you have to experience what runs through it, like Ozarka water. Made from three crystal clear springs in Texas, you can get the freshest flavor that makes our great state the home of this Texas tradition. Best of all, you can even set up Ozarka water delivery straight to your door to enjoy Texas daily no matter where you are!

Jelly Queens // Austin, Texas
Expect royal treatment when you are eating anything from The Jelly Queens. An award-winning, Dallas and Austin-based artisan food company that makes gourmet jams, jellies, spices, sauces and more. Each product is handmade in small batches using organic and, whenever possible, locally grown Texas ingredients. The Jelly Queens was born out of a love for sustainable food, delicious flavors and words of encouragement.

Taste Elevated // Castroville, Texas
Taste Elevated was the spirit child of a couple that after working in D.C. decided to trade in for a dooley, some dogs, three sons and a fig treat. These little flavor-packed pearls are absolutely addicting on everything with a little sweet and a little heat. Add them to a charcuterie tray to, use as a condiment–any place you use mustard (you’ll love it on bbq sandwiches and hot dogs), pair with main dishes–terrific with meatloaf, use in homemade vinaigrettes, this is the type of taste to twist up your favorites!

Snow’s BBQ Sauce // Lexington, Texas
Texas Monthly magazine named Snow’s BBQ as the best in Texas, so you know it’s GOOD. With complex Texas flavor, Snow’s Original BBQ Sauce is excellent on any cut of beef, chicken, or pork. It’s just as good as a dipping sauce as it is a marinade or brush-on sauce during the last minutes of grilling.

Whether you’re taking a trip through Texas or just want to know what makes Texans so proud to be from Texas, any of these favorite tastes are perfect for you to try. If you’re in Dallas, then you definitely need to make a stop at the Dallas Farmers Market. And if you’re looking for the easiest way to get your hands on the heart of Texas, then open up an Ozarka.

Happy Trails and Happy Tasting around Texas!

Free Virtual Reality for Dad with Samsung VR

June 7, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

The Father’s Day countdown is on…but still no gift? Give the gift surpasses any boundaries: Virtual Reality for Dad with Samsung VR at Best Buy. The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Move over Keanu Reeves, virtual reality isn’t just something to watch in the movies, it’s actually a way to become a part of them with Samsung Gear VR and Oculus. Whether it’s gaming, becoming part of your favorite moving, or connecting with friends in a whole new, there’s so much that’s possible with VR. And you can’t beat virtual reality when it’s FREE and includes free VR content!

Escaping to a virtual world is as easy as snapping a Galaxy smartphone into Samsung Gear VR. Developed in partnership with Oculus, Gear VR is completely portable, comfortable to wear and simple to set up!

Just in time for Father’s Day, Best Buy is offering a special offer for FREE plus $50 of Virtual Reality content with purchase, or lease, and activation of select Samsung Smartphones (when you buy or lease and activate a Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 edge, S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+ or Note5.) Save up to $150 on select Samsung Galaxy smartphones with 2-year contract, or get a $100 Best Buy gift card with lease or monthly installment plan.

From taking part in epic battles to interacting with live dinosaurs, you’ll go where you’ve never been able to venture before with the Samsung Gear VR.

With the Oculus Video app, create trailers, clips and even your own movie files and even customize your virtual environment — choose from a home theater, big-screen cinema or even the surface of the moon. Plus you can buy hundreds of full-length Hollywood movies and TV shows.

Live stream games, short films and video clips in a virtual-theater setting. With full access to more than 1 million Vimeo videos and Twitch, a leading video platform and community for gamers, there’s always something new to experience.

Whether dad’s a gamer, a movie buff, a total gamer, or just is looking to get away (even if it’s only in the other room), then this is the perfect Father’s Day gift for him (or for you!) and this deal is only available (online or in store) at Best Buy.

Special Father’s Day Offer

Free Samsung Gear VR, plus $50 of Virtual Reality content with purchase, or lease, and activation of select Samsung Smartphones. Good now until 6/18 online or in Best Buy stores.

JCPenney Says MOM is #SoWorthIt For Mother’s Day

May 4, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Ever used Pinterest for an idea and then when you clicked on the how-to link, wished there was someone to help? MamaChallenge recently partnered with JCPenney to bring their Pinterest boards to life with live demonstrations just in time for Mother’s Day as part of their #SoWorthIt campaign!

I’ve always wanted to be Oprah.

Who doesn’t, right?

Last weekend I had the chance to “play Oprah” as the emcee of JCPenny’s #SoWorthit Mother’s Day live demonstration event at Stonebriar Centre in Frisco. As part of a nationwide, 10 location campaign, bloggers like me, Dallas Single Mom and several others, played the part of hostess with the mostest, April 23, 24, 30 and May 1 for some very Pinteresting fun!

(Photo of display in Ad Age.)

After two days on stage, I has the opportunity to gift all the merchandise (check out the Pinboard display below) to those who stopped by the stage to enjoy our presentation, which included a deserving mom that we pulled from the audience to get a makeover. Team members from the Sephora Inside JCPenney, applied a smoky eye and beautiful red lip look while giving tips to the audience how they could do it at home or come get a 15 mini-makeover from the store anytime for free.

I literally said the words, “You get a car…and you get a car…and you get a car,” while I was on stage.

Of course, this was just in the “heat of the moment” and reminded the audience while it wasn’t a car, we were giving away great items perfect for Mother’s Day including shoes, necklaces, and a Chi flatiron. That flatiron actually prompted many audience members to “show what they were working with” with an impromptu dance off.

I only wish I had gotten that picture!

However, I did snap a few of the dresses I found at JCPenney and wore on stage. The first one here is from R&K Sleeveless Chiffon Maxi Dress. I normally wouldn’t wear something bright and floral, but I’m so glad I decided to go for it. I felt great all day long and it was definitely a show stopper. Don’t you think? (and under $50.)

Today’s the day! Come join me at @stonebriarcentre for a Pinteresting event designed to give you great ideas, great how-to’s and great giveaways from @jcpenney! See you today until 6 pm! #soworthit #jcpenney #ad #pinterest #mothersday #friscotx #dallas #dallasblogger #dfwstyle #dallasstyle #mamachallenge

A photo posted by Autumn Reo | Mamachallenge.com (@autumnreo) on Apr 30, 2016 at 9:53am PDT

The next day was one of those dresses that is perfect for any occasion with this Tiana B. Sleeveless Colorblock Fit and Flare. With just a hint of pink, it was a homerun that I’m sure I’ll be wearing often – especially since it was $39.99 without coupons or special sale!

While I was on stage sharing tips with the audience, I was learning along with them! For instance, I had never tried a lip stain (this one is Sephora’s own cream lip stain), but after 8 hours, two iced coffees, and some pretzel bites, it really stayed on. My lips were moist too, so this is a must-have if you have problems keeping your lip color on for more than an hour!

During the weekend we also gave away free samples, $10 off when you sign up for JCPenney Rewards, and even more coupons. It was lots of fun to play girlfriend all weekend giving out advice and learning from each other! However, JCPenney is making it easy to continue the inspiration and ideas on their Pinterest at pinterest.com/JCPenney anytime!

Thank you to JCPenney for such a fun experience and for my Mother’s Day gift to reward other moms for all the work they do all the time – because we’re all #SoWorthIt.

Real Deal Mexican Nachos with Homemade Tortilla Chips

April 30, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 228 Comments

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo everyday with this simple, but classic recipe for Real Deal Mexican Nachos with Homemade Tortilla Chips. When you have quality ingredients you don’t need all the extras!

[Thanks to The Women Bloggers, LLC, led by Kendal King Group for this fun #SoapboxInfluence project to share the best way to enjoy your #CocinaLatinaBeans.]

One of the first times I went to Mexico, I ordered chips.

What came out wasn’t the normal chips and queso I was accustomed to at home in Texas (home of TexMex cuisine.)

My chips were delivered to the table standing up in a plate of beans sprinkled with some white crumbly cheese.

While it took a moment to take it in, I quickly figured out, after that first bite, that this little shack in a tree (like really, the place was upstairs and proposed around a tree), had the secret to how to enjoy your chips – it was in a mess of really good refried beans.

From then on, I ordered the “nachos” (actually I think we just asked for frijoles) everywhere we went. There was something about the hard crunch of the chip, the smooth, rich taste of the beans, and the sharp twang of the cheese that was “muy bueno.”

Years later, I still remember the plate of “nachos” and how good they were paired with a cold drink. For me, that is what Mexican food is really supposed to taste like – not because it’s covered in cheese or a complex combination of sauces. Just simple, good ingredients, that when paired together, are the ideal marriage of flavors.

With Cinco de Mayo just around the corner (and hopefully a vacation southbound as well), it was time to relive that memory of Mexico. And it took all of 20 minutes to do it – from start to finish thanks to a “shortcut” from BUSH’S COCINA LATINA^®. With seven flavors available at Walmart, the line gives legendary flavor to your favorite Latin American and Southwestern dishes.

By using the Bush’s Cocina Latina beans, I didn’t have to worry about slaving over a batch of beans. I opened the can and it was done. So really the only thing I had to do to recreate our “Real Deal Mexican Nachos” was chips.

The Chips:

But we aren’t talking about a bag of chips. Don’t get me wrong, those are good when you need to dip a little salsa. But the first time you make your own corn tortilla chips, you’ll wonder what have you been doing wrong your whole life. Besides, how could it be bad? It’s corn tortillas fried in grease. And that’s it. It doesn’t even warrant a recipe.

Corn tortillas (You’re going to get 4-5 chips per tortilla, so use what you need depending on quantity needed)

Use a pizza cutter to make it easy to slice your tortilla into chips

Fry in hot grease until nice and brown

Move to a plate with a paper towel to absorb the grease.

Sprinkle with seasoning salt and serve.

The Cheese:

The cheese is the last in the trifecta of the Real Deal Mexican Nachos with Homemade Tortilla Chips. There are actually a lot of Mexican cheese that get no love. There’s nothing like them in taste, texture, and even their level of meltability (I made that up.) But cojita (pronounced KOHITA) is a hard, but moist cheese that when cut, crumbles like feta and has a salty, sharp, pungent taste. And a little goes a long way.

To serve, all you need to do is layer!

Warm up your Bush’s Cocina Latina (I used the Bush’s Cocina Latina Frijoles Charros Machachados with Serrano peppers and bacon), stick your homemade tortilla chips point-side down, and sprinkle the cojita. Ole!

While that’s enough for a fiesta as far as I’m concerned, Bush’s really wants you to celebrate in grand fashion…

Enter to win a $75 gift card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Easy Easter Egg Decorating Ideas

March 22, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 19 Comments

Want to celebrate the tradition of Easter egg dying, but does the smell of vinegar, big colorful messes, and the lack of time keep you from breaking out the eggs? Here are several easy Easter Egg Decorating Ideas, as featured on Good Morning Texas, to keep it fun for everyone.

Thanks to At Home for all the eggsellent Easter decorations to create the perfect Easter scene!

Growing up we loved decorating eggs. We’d put on one of grandpa’s old plaid workshirts, spread out the newspaper, and began the dipping, dying, and dripping rainbow-colored messes all over the floor.

It was lots of fun. But then again, all the hours of egg dying would then turn into the eggs we later would hunt out in the grass for Easter.

Nowadays, “Egg Hunts” don’t even involve dyed eggs, chocolate, nuts, or whatever else we are saying no to these days.

Now, I’m a big proponent of healthy eating, the tradition does kinda just fizzle out when there’s no point to all the work.

However, there is something to be said for the time spent together, around the table, doing something fun and creative, and making memories.

Our evolved tradition has turned into more of an opportunity to make whatever eggs you want to make. And if it doesn’t involve too much set up, can keep from dying our fingers or making a big mess for mom, that’s a tradition we can really get behind.

While I’ve seen some pretty impressive eggs that probably took more skill and more time than I have in a week to make one

Here are 10 Easy Egg Decorating Ideas that are fun, easy and pretty mostly mess free!

1. Stick it with Temporary Tattoos
Pick a tat and put it on the egg just like you would the skin with a little wet cloth. Just make sure it’s a dry egg first so the tattoo can adhere to the egg. (DC Comics or DC Comics are a win for kids!)

2. Sharpies to the Rescue
A trip through Pinterest will show you that Sharpies make everything better. Put your monogram (or any other shape) by using a sticker and begin covering with dots. After you cover the egg in 1-2 colors, peel off the sticker and you’ll have the outline of your shape. (We used these ABCs for ours.)

3. Put Your Finger in It
I love handprint crafts and so do the kids. This one is the perfect combination of using those cute little fingertips to create bunnies, carrots or ducks with the stamp of a thumbprint.

4. Create with Crayons
One of my favorites, you don’t even need to wait for the eggs to cool. While still warm after boiling, you can decorate you egg using crayons. Smear the color with your finger immediately after applying the color for an all-over color. Then layer the next crayon over it for a 3-D effect.

5. Color it with Kool-Aid
Forget vinegar and dye, break out the Kool-Aid man! Using a packet of red, blue or orange Kool-Aid with 2/3 cup water. Then dip the eggs to make them your favorite color. Allow to dry on rack and then rinse to “set.”

6. Do it with Dots
I’m a big fan of polka dots, so using double-sided sticky dots all over an egg, you can roll it in glitter (or sand) to create a cool effect without the mess of trying to paint a golden egg!

7. Bedazzle it with Beads
This is my FAVORITE. These eggs look so impressive, but basically it’s jeweled dots already adhered to sticky tape. Peel them tape off and add it to the egg. Ta-daa! It’s an egg that a princess would love to have.

8. Share the Fun with Shave Cream
This one isn’t as clean as the others, but it’s so much fun! Take a pan, cover it in shaving cream (like the cheap stuff), and then add some food color. Using a dowel rod, swirl the colors together until you have a fun tie-dye effect. Then roll the egg in the cream to color. Allow it to dry for 10 minutes and then rinse for the color to develop. (Note: Consider gloves if you don’t want your fingers to get colored!)

9. Don it with Decoupage
Modge podge is the answer to everything and here it is plays a big role in making a napkin become the design on an egg. Add decoupage to egg. Then take a napkin (think a fun leftover party napkin or using this beautiful floral design), adhere the napkin to the egg and begin to smooth it out. Cut off the excess. Add another layer of Mod Podge to the outside of the egg to smooth out the design and let it dry.

10. Go with Glow
This one isn’t much of a decorating egg idea, but host a glow-in-the-dark Easter hunt by filling plastic eggs with glow-in-the-dark sticks (Dollar Tree is a great place to score these!)

Hope you have a hoppy Easter with these fun egg decorating ideas!

Did you love the decor used in the segment? Me too! You can get all of it from At Home!

At Home has more than 150 Easter items for your indoor and outdoor decorating needs in a variety of themes (Modern Easter, Garden Party and Antique Treasures).
Prices for At Home Easter product ranges from $0.99 up to $99.99. AtHome.com showcases a sampling of what you can find in stores.
At Home currently has several DFW locations. New locations in Plano and Farmers Branch set to open in May of this year.
Each store has more than 50,000 home décor items and receives 500 new products per week.

10 Unique Date Night Ideas in DFW

February 11, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 39 Comments

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

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

Dinner That Goes Above Your Expectations

THE RANCH AT LAS COLINAS // website

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

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

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

DELTA CHARLIE’S // website

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

Get Dirty:

CENTRAL MARKET COOKING CLASSES // website

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

Add a Little Mystery:

MYSTERY MURDER THEATRE // website

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

See Some Stars:

HARKINS THEATRE // website

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

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

COYOTE THEATRE // website

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

See THE stars:

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON PLANETARIUM // website

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

Shoot for the Stars:

ELM FORK SHOOTING SPORTS // website

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

Game Time!

MAIN EVENT // website

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

Go Away:

TRAVEL TO GRANBURY //website

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

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

What’s the ideal date night for you?

7 Last-Minute DIY Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

February 10, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Don’t have the budget for something big or would you rather make something to show them what they mean to you? These last-minute DIY Valentine’s Day gift ideas aren’t just easy, but they’re really cheap, too!

Thanks to Half-Price Books for help with these great ideas.

7 Last-Minute DIY Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

1. Find and frame sheet music of a meaningful song.

Half Price Books has reasonably-priced music books where your favorite songs can be found.

2. Give the vinyl version of someone’s favorite singer, bad or album.

For less than $10, you can pick up a record frame that can be turned into keepsake art, worthy of the office or bedroom wall.

3. Find a book of poetry and place a bookmark, ribbon or special note between the pages of a favorite poem.

If poetry isn’t your thing, start with “I Carry Your Heart With Me” by E.E. Cummings. It will make even the coldest hearts melt.

4. Turn a basic novel into a keepsake by adding a special inscription on the inside cover.

For an extra-special gift, find a first edition of a book that’s meaningful to your Valentine.

5. Choose a cookbook and make your Valentine a meal using recipes from the book.

Inscribe the inside cover and give it to them to commemorate the event.

7. Go for old.

For your college student, look for vintage fraternity or sorority handbooks, books on college football teams or old books that focus on their area of study.

You can find more information about Half-Price Books and your closest location to you here.

Celebrating Chinese New Year with Your Kids

February 5, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 31 Comments

Chinese New Year begins February 8, 2016. Share this ancient tradition in celebrating a year of hard work and a prosperous new year by creating these fun and easy activities with the kids.

Considered the most important Chinese holiday, Chinese New Year is based on the Chinese lunar calendar, lasting around three weeks between January 21 to February 20. Based on a Chinese legend, Buddha requested all the animals to meet with him on on Chinese New Year. When 12 animals accepted the call, Buddha named a year after each of them, thus creating the Chinese zodiac: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. This year, 2016, is considered the year of the monkey (as was 2004 and 1980), so the year and the people born during that same year are considered to possess certain traits.

While all of that may be much to explain to the kids, there are several easy ways to teach them key parts about Chinese New Year.

1.) Read it.

Share the legend of Chinese New Year including all the beauty of the “Spring festival,” dragon dances and more by sharing a story with authentic photos from China like this beautiful book from National Geographic Kids.

2.) Make It.

The Chinese create beautiful art in all shapes and sizes. From origami, fortune cookies, paper dragons, Chinese lanterns, and more – there are so many things you can create to recognize, appreciate and teach your kids about the Chinese culture and the Chinese New Year. Take a little time to learn a special craft together. Or you can do something a little easier like this kid-friendly “sushi,” made with lunch meat, cheese, and bread. This video shows you how!

3.) Eat It.

No time to make and do for holiday? No problem! P.F. Chang’s is celebrating Chinese New Year with a special celebration lasting the whole month beginning February 8.

Just like the ancient tradition of red envelopes, the eatery will be handing traditional Chinese red envelopes with free offers on trees around its restaurants. Five lucky winners will even open an envelope for free P.F. Chang’s for a year!

Also in the spirit of the holiday, you can also give to others with the special social promotion. Enjoy six signature items on its Chinese New Year menu and you share your wish for 2016 on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #PFChangswish, they’ll donate $1 (up to $100,000) to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

The Long Life Noodles and Prawns ix full of flavor with spices and chiles.

P.F. Chang’s Chinese New Year menu features six signature menu that symbolically represent the luck of the new year, including:

Sichuan Chili Garlic Chicken
Hong Kong Style Sea Bass
Long Life Noodles & Prawns
Butternut Squash Dumplings
Mandarin Cake
Monkey Mule (a unique twist on the traditional Moscow Mule featuring Monkey Shoulder whisky and house-made ginger beer)

How are you planning to celebrate Chinese New Year?

Touchdown with Slow Cooker Shrimp Bisque

January 15, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 25 Comments

Be the MVP of your big game party with this easy recipe for Slow Cooker Shrimp Bisque. Give it the kick that will have them coming back for more with El Yucateco hot sauce!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #KingOfFlavor #CollectiveBias

The best part of any game, either if you’re tailgating or sitting front row in your living room, is the party! Whether you go all out or just keep it to the couch, you can really score with a recipe like this Slow Cooker Shrimp Bisque that lets your play with the team instead sit on the sidelines! What gives this Cajun favorite its really amazing flavor is El Yucateco.

Bisque has always been one of my favorites. Anytime I can find it on the menu, it’s a must have to order and in my time I’ve enjoyed different recipes made in several different ways (A LOT!) However, with the perfect mix of creamy and smooth with bits of shrimp and the full flavor delivered by El Yucateco, each spoonful of this bisque gives you just what you want and still leaves you wanting more.

With other hot sauces one of the main ingredients is vinegar, but with El Yucateco the pepper is definitely #1! It’s also really versatile for everything from meats to margaritas, especially when there are different levels of heat and pepper blends available at Walmart!

If you really like to give it some heat with a smokey flavor without the sweetness of chipotle, try the El Yucateco Black Label Reserve Hot Sauce!

Just like NOLA, there’s a party in every bite of this Slow Cooker Shrimp Bisque!

And since you aren’t spending time cooking for your big game party, you can actually add a little fun to your Mardi Gras party as easy as a few beads, masks and even just a little zydeco music will get everyone moving! If you are tailgating or hosting your shindig outdoors, El Yucateco has you covered with a whole line of fun gear in the El Yucateco Store where you’ll find some really cool gear from board shorts for the summer, hoodies for the winter and many shirts for your any kind of party you’re going to!

TOUCHDOWN!

So ready to see how easy it is to get your party started?

Slow Cooker Shrimp Bisque

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

Print Recipe

Description

Make this creole favorite made easy with the slow cooker!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined, chopped chunky
4 c. seafood stock (you can make this fresh or pick up at the grocery already made)
3 tbsp butter
4 tbsp El Yucateco hot sauce
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
⅓ cup tomato paste
1 14 oz can petite diced tomatoes
¼ cup dry sherry
1½ cups corn
2 tsp old bay seasoning
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp pepper
¼ cup cornstarch
1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Melt butter in a large saute pan over medium-low heat. (My slow cooker lets you do all of this in the same pot.)
Add onions, garlic and saute until tender.
Add mixture mixture to the slow cooker.
Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, 2 tbsps of El Yucateco, sherry, seafood stock, corn, old bay, salt, and pepper combining together.
Then whisk in the cornstarch.
Cook on low for 3.5 hours or high for 1.5 hours.
Meanwhile add remaining El Yucateco to shrimp and allow to marinate.
At this point, either choose a smooth bisque or a chunkier version. To smooth, use an emulsifier. (I prefer a combination with a creamy version with a few chunks!
Next add heavy cream and shrimp to finish the bisque heating the shrimp until it is pink (don’t overcook.)
This should be approximately another 30 minutes in the slow cooker.
Finish with a little more El Yucateco and serve with a crusty bread!

Notes

Make sure to taste test the El Yucateco as you go to modify the heat level!

View on Flipagram

It’s that easy to get that flavor-packed bowl of Shrimp Bisque made in the slow cooker!

How do you add a little zip to your BIG GAME Party? Score with El Yucateco!

Last-Minute Gift Idea: Seasonings Greetings

December 21, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 28 Comments

Show your appreciation for that special someone with a little help from Zoës Kitchen and this free printable “Seasonings Greetings” from mamachallenge.com. #delivergoodness

Christmas came quick this year (as it seems to do the older you get), so are working to get your last gifts together? Don’t worry you can still do something thoughtful, but still doesn’t take much time or money to put it together?

For me there are many people that make my world happen. From the mail man, the UPS guy, the dry cleaning lady and the gal at the gym, these people all help me make it through any given day. And although I try to say thank you, sometimes a thank you in the from of a small token of appreciation goes a lot farther.

This holiday I was excited to partner with one of my favorite new restaurants, Zoës Kitchen to share how to #delivergoodness the season for their “Selfless Giving” campaign. By coupling their seasoning mix appropriate called “Spice of Life,” a $25 gift card Zoës Kitchen gift card along with this free printable from mamachallenge I had an easy gift that said “THANK YOU!” and Season(ings) Greetings!

Known for healthy and innovative menu items for every palate, Zoës Kitchen, is one of our favorite family g0-tos. And with 165 locations in 14 states (including several in the Dallas/Fort Worth area), it’s makes it easy for anyone to find a location nearby.

While you could make your own seasoning mix for this holiday homemade gift, Zoës Kitchen’s “Spice of Life” can make everything taste that much better. I often use this on a quick way to season veggies or roast a chicken and the kids keep coming back for more. Plus – it’s already bottled and ready for giving when you pick it up at Zoës Kitchen.

For me, I wanted to #delivergoodness to those people who make a big difference in my life and thank you just doesn’t begin to say how much I appreciate them. Here’s how I shared my three of my “Seasonings Greetings” gifts:

Coworker: Working with this coworker for 10 years, she’s not just someone I work with, she’s a friend that has shared birthdays, deaths, births, weddings and more. However, on a daily basis, she’s the one that reminds me when I forgot that action item, prints off an extra agenda when I’m running late, and continues to make me look good, when you have one of “those” mornings.

Neighbor: Oh, this neighbor is also one of my best friends, but she was a neighbor first. She always there to borrow the sugar from, watch the kids in a last-minute pickle, and opens her home for the holidays. I can only aspire to be the hostess with the mostess like her!

School Secretary: I wonder if anyone talks to their school secretary as much as I do. But for every time I need to pick up the kids early, drop them off late or ask them what I missed in the school newsletter, she always answers the phone with a smile. And just think, I bet I’m not the only one. With more than 600 kids at our scho0l, I bet she does the same thing for a lot of other parents.

Here’s the printable available to be printed in small 3.5 X 5 in. size (4 per page), 9 per page, or you can “save as” to download in your own smaller size to be printed with your Seasonings Greetings gift.

{Download 3.5 X 5 in. printable PDF}

{Download high resolution 1200 pixel image png}

Seasonings Greetings to You!

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