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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

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Five Ways to Save Money on Online Shopping

December 15, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

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The holidays don’t come cheap, so here are five ways to save money on online shopping!

During the holidays doesn’t it just feel like money just takes wings and flies south for the winter? From buying food for parties to all of the random gift exchanges, my checking account is being pulled in multiple directions. So until we cash in on the Texas Mega Millions, here are my top 5 ways you can find the best deals for your holiday gifts without breaking the bank or a sweat.


snagshout

Snagshout // website

A new social deal site that offers deep discounts (30-90%) to consumers in exchange for honest reviews on Amazon products. You read that right. You’re being paid (in the form of coupons) to give your opinion. To purchase an item on Snagshout, customers are given a promo code to purchase the item directly from the brand’s amazon listing.

 ebates

Ebates // website

Surely by now, you’ve heard me talk about Ebates, seen the commercial or maybe even read about here. Well, in case you missed it, here’s the 411. Ebates pays members up to seven percent cash back every time they shop and provides them with amazing Amazon deals. The membership is free and every quarter, they will send your money straight to your house or your PayPal account. 

 Slick Deals

Slickdeals // website

Despite the somewhat creepy name, Slickdeals uses consumer-generated, rating and comments to help them find the the best deals and then displays those deals on the website’s front page for quick and easy access. No more filtering and sorting through pages of products, Slickdeals make it easy to find the right coupons based on category and save up to 50 percent on Amazon purchases.

CamelCamelCamel // website

This free Amazon price tracker shows the price and sale rank history for more than 18 million Amazon products, making it super easy to review the item’s past performance. Once the prices drop, CamelCamelCamel alerts customers via email, Twitter and smoke signal (kidding) helping them determine the right time to spend and save. I don’t know about you, but I’m all about Big Brother CamelCamelCamel price watching.

Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime // website

Last but certainly not least is Amazon Prime. Members receive free two-day shipping on eligible purchases, unlimited streaming of popular movies and television shows, ad-free access to more than a million songs and hundreds of playlists, one Kindle per month from more than 800,000 titles, storage in Amazon Cloud Drive and a patridge in a pear tree. And all of this for only $99/year. Sure that mean like a large one-time purchase, but it pays for itself in shipping costs alone. You can try out the membership in a free 30-day trial to see if you like it, but make sure you cancel it before the trial period is over or they will charge your card for the entire membership.

If you’re a heavy duty Amazon shopper like me, than these website will make your holiday shopping a piece of Christmas fruit cake. So until we find out what resort our money is vacationing at, hopefully these sites will make the holidays a little easier. No one likes a Scrooge after all.

What Kind of Christmas Are You? {Quiz}

December 10, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

I love Christmas decorations.

I mean REALLY love them. I actually have a room that I store them and love the moment I can put them up and coordinate my wrapping paper for Christmas. 

So are you the type who starts putting up their decorations as soon as the turkey leftovers are put in the refrigerator or do you become Martha Stewart and meticulously place each item around your house over the course of a week? 


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No matter what kind of Christmas are you, At Home has all the supplies, from Christmas trees to stockings to nutcrackers, you need to transform your home into the holiday scene of your choice. Plus, they have a fun quiz on their website that will help you narrow down your personal holiday decor style. This quiz will reveal if you choose a traditional Christmas style, Vintage Christmas, Regal Christmas, Nautical Christmas, a Peppermint Jazz-themed Christmas or if you should turn your home into a Winter Wonderland.


TAKE THE QUIZ


To start, we have to take a virtual tour of your home. First stop – your dining room. Table setting is everything! It will be the centerpiece of your home as family and friends gather around to share in holiday feast that you, no doubt, have slaved over for hours. It will be the focal point of pictures as the ham, prime rib or lamb is sliced. Glasses and glasses of wine will be consumed at this table followed by countless slices of pie. This is where the magic happens. So, let your table start your holiday decor theme. You can wrap the table in gold, gold or more gold or keep it traditional with light touches of red, white and green. Whatever you choose, your table setting will set the tone for your whole house. And who knows, it may even go viral if you post it on Pinterest.

Themed_Christmas_Snowcapped_Scene_Crystal_Chateau_small-1024x569

Next, we’ll venture into the family room/den/whatever you call the main area where your family hangs out. After ornaments, stockings are probably my favorite part of Christmas decorations. They represent my family – new additions, life transitions and everything in between. Stocking are special pieces of fabric that hang from the mantle and remind us what’s really important during the holidays seasons.

Themed_Christmas_Heaven_and_Earth_Regal_Renaissance_small-1024x569

The most important thing to remember when determining what kind of decor you choose is all the visitors you will have during the holidays. And no, I don’t mean your dear Aunt Sally who smears on the lipstick before slobbering your cheek. No, I’m talking about that jolly guy with rosy cheeks and a cloud-like beard. Will you leave him milk & cookies on a festive red-and-white plate or maybe you’ll DIY the setting and wrap it in burlap or place in a white and gold sparkly cup. 

HOLIDAY_BG_2

Finally, let’s go outside, what object will greet your guests this holiday season? I don’t want any ghosts of Christmas pasts or Krampuses entering my home, so I will always find something festive that will put my visitors in the best mood as soon as they get to the porch. You can keep it simple and place a nice wreath on the door or make it colorful and fun with a festive elf or singing Santa – just add a little touch of holiday cheer.

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Now walk a little bit further and turn around. What do you see? That’s right, your house! Because at the end of the day, it’s not just a house, but your home. It’s your personal piece of property where memories are made year round. So it really doesn’t matter if you pay an interior designer to decorate your home or if a Charlie Brown-like Christmas tree provides the perfect bit of holiday cheer.

At home is where holidays are made. 

download (1)

 

Gaylord Texan Lone Star Christmas

December 6, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

There’s tons to do in Dallas – Fort Worth during the holidays. One of our mamachallenge favorites is indoor fun for everyone at the Gaylord Texan Lone Star Christmas. While only a few miles away from home, it feels like we’ve traveled to a winter wonderland. 

We already had breakfast with Santa and experienced some of the magical activities the America’s Dream City has to offer. Now we’re going to hop in our cars and drive a little farther west to Grapevine, home of the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center for a Lone Star Christmas.

Gaylord Christmas

You and your family will marvel at displays that include:

  • 2 million holiday lights decorating the resort’s indoor atriums
  • 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice for ICE! featuring “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town”
  • 2 million pounds of real Texas snow for a two-story tall, 12-lane snow tubing hill
  • 6,000-square- foot outdoor ice skating rink
  • 54-foot- tall Christmas tree adorning the center atrium
  • Magical miniature train sets throughout the property
  • 25-foot-tall Nutcrackers overlooking joyful families
  • 2,300 decorated wreaths, 5,600 feet of garland
  • 15,000 festive ornaments…

“And a patridge in a pear tree!”

A Lone Star Christmas has activities that will put every member of the family into the holiday spirit – from the little ones who still leave out cookies for Santa to your hashtag-talking, slightly know-it-all teenager who would rather be at home than at a family outing. . You can enjoy visits with Santa, Snow tube and drink milk & cookies with Mrs. Claus, participate in The Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt or walk through the ICE! that features an all new theme this year – Christmas Around the World!

Candy Cane Ice

We don’t get a lot of snow here in North Texas, but the folks at the Gaylord have made sure that we still are able to enjoy a Winter Wonderland with real snow! Twelve lanes of tubing fun are available, and you can slide down by yourself or with a friend. There are a few restrictions for the tubing, so make sure you visit the website for all of rules, requirements and hours of operations.

If you haven’t gone through the ICE! exhibit, than my friend, you are in for a treat. They start assembling the middle of October when 40 ice artisans travel all the way from China to Grapevine to start carving away at 2 million pounds of ice into magical holiday scenes, brilliant characters, and “On the Blocks” ice bar (21 & up), five ice slides and take the visitors on a journey of through holiday’s favorite cartoon, “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town!”

Plus, as you travel the world through the 14,000-square-foot that is kept at chilly 9 degrees, you get to wear these warm parkas that maybe one of the best parts of the whole trip. There’s no way you can put on these coats and not instantly feel all warm, fuzzy and “Christmasy.” No other way.

Reos in Parkas

If you’re traveling from out of town, the Gaylord Texan offers several overnight options that will make your it is encouraged to make a full experience and stay at the Gaylord Texan. There are several overnight options that will be cost effective for your visit. Another good thing to note is that there are several combo packages available if you want to do both the ICE! and the snow tubing. The Gaylord Texan is making it super easy to have a Texas-size Christmas!

Check out our SNEAK PEEK of the ICE! 2016 at the Gaylord Texan 
Reo Kids with Gaylord Tree

Gaylord Texan’s Lone Star Christmas

November 10, 2016 – January 1, 2017

1501 Gaylord Trail

Grapevine, Texas 76051

Website

Giving for Good this #GivingTuesday

November 30, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Disclaimer

It’s that time of year where we buy gifts for those we love the most. In all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is easy to become a scrooge. The stress of shopping in overcrowded malls, hosting family and friends, it can all become a little stressful. But at the end of the day, the Holidays are all about giving and finding ways to bring other people joy.

And The Dallas Foundation has a gift that is both convenient and will leave the recipient feeling all warm and fuzzy.


Giving for Good Cards are just like regular gift cards, except the value on the cards can be donated to any nonprofit in the country, as long as they have a 501(c)(3) status.

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The ripple effects of this small card will give you goosebumps. When you buy a Giving for Good Card, your friends and family will have the opportunity to donate dollars to their favorite charity. The value goes beyond the dollar figure by encouraging the recipient to start thinking of ways to be philanthropic. And you can even customize your own card with your logo and/or design. 

You have to appreciate the motivation behind this idea. The Dallas Foundation isn’t the only charity encouraging Americans to not get caught up in the Holiday hype. 92nd Street Y partnered with the UnitedNations Foundations to create #GivingTuesday, a campaign that takes the focus off the frantic Black Friday and Cyber Monday and aims to make charity and generosity the focus on social media. This year’s campaign on December 1 will continue that tradition.

Queue the warm fuzzy feelings.

Since its creation in 2011, Giving for Good Cards have raised more than $350,000 for nonprofits in Dallas County and across the United States. You can choose from four holiday-themed card designs or birthdays, celebrations and special events, making them perfect gifts for any occasion.

Giving-Day-4-e1448942503100-768x1024

The holidays are supposed to be the time of year where we buy gifts for the people we love. It’s supposed to the time of year where we find joy in making people smile. But for some people, the holidays only make them more aware of their unfortunate circumstances. And the great thing about Giving for Good Cards, it doesn’t matter how big or small the donation is, what matters most is that it comes from the heart and touches a life.

Giving for Good Cards can be purchased online at dallasfoundation.org.

Top Holidays Gift Ideas for Toddlers

November 18, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 15 Comments

affiliate-links

Christmas is less than 50 days away. 

Let that sink in for a second….I’ll wait.


Freaking out yet? By now HUGE toy catalogs have made it your home and the Santa Letter Writing has begun.

While it may seem that picking presents for the little ones might be easier than getting into the brain of the bigger kids, that’s not always the case. So to help you out, we’ve our favorites… the Top Holidays Gift Ideas for Toddlers. 

TopGiftsToddlers

Play-Doh Crazy Cuts Playsets // Ages 3 years & up 

Yes, Play-Doh can get a little messy, but there’s nothing quite like watching your child’s eye light up and laugh as they create a masterpiece. With Play-Doh crazy cuts, you can create silly hair styles in a flash. Load up the styling chair with the Doh, place a character and the chair and long locks will ooze out as the toy gets a Play-Doh makeover. Style it, cut it, braid or start all over again. Playset includes two styling chairs, three character thimbles, two hair styling molds, four cutting tools and six cans of PLAY-DOH compound.


Play-Doh Crazy Cuts


Now you ready to win one? Enter to win the MamaChallenge.com Holiday Gift Giveaway!

—–> Enter here for a chance to win the Playdoh Crazy Cuts Playset! <—–


Playskool Friends My Little Pony Musical Celebration Castle // Ages 18 months & up 

My little pony Little ones can discover, imagine, and share the fun together with their very first My Little Pony playset by Playskool Friends! Designed especially for little hands, this castle brings big fun with activities to explore, music and sound effects, and adorably chunky Pinkie Pie and Star Song figures. Introduce your toddler to early imaginative play with all kinds of fun things to do around the castle, including having a dance party with real music and motion!

My-Little-Pony


Now you ready to win one? Enter to win the MamaChallenge.com Holiday Gift Giveaway!

—–> Enter here for a chance to win the My Little Pony playset by Playskool Friends! <—–


 

Play All Day Elmo //Ages 18 months – 4 years

Little ones love watching Elmo play with his friends on Sesame Street. Now it’s their turn to play along with Elmo: Meet Play All Day Elmo! This cuddly and interactive Elmo toy has 150+ responses, plus 8 games and activities to help keep kids engaged. When playtime is over, preschoolers can cuddle with him while listening to a lullaby. 

Elmo

 


Now you ready to win one? Enter to win the MamaChallenge.com Holiday Gift Giveaway!

—–> Enter here for a chance to win the Jurassic World Tyrannosaurus Rex! <—–


Jurassic World Tyrannosaurus Rex // Ages 3 years & up 

In the imaginary land of Jurassic World, the earth rumbles beneath your feet. The sun above you is suddenly blotted out. You can sense that he is near. You have two choices: run, or stay and be the brave ranger you are! This Tyrannosaurus Rex figure has awesome chomping action. It’s up to your little one, his imagination and his trusty capture claw to capture the Tyrannosaurus Rex figure and bring her back to base before she goes on a rampage. Watch out though!

Playskool Heroes Jurassic World T-Rex Figure


Now you ready to win one? Enter to win the MamaChallenge.com Holiday Gift Giveaway!

—–> Enter here for a chance to win the Jurassic World Tyrannosaurus Rex! <—–


For more ideas for on what to get that special kiddo for the holidays, check out the Holiday Hot List for 2015. 

MamaChallenge Hot List

Why You Need the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan

October 29, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 25 Comments

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.

Blogging and social media has been part of my everyday for more than seven years now. 

During that time I’ve learned volumes; however, mostly I’ve learned that I have so much more to learn about blogging, SEO and photography. 


While I may have a degree in Journalism, “the other stuff” is what takes you to the next level and for more than just your family circle to visit your blog. 

You need beautiful photography to accompany your storytelling. Let’s be honest, it’s not the 3-5 hours I spent working on that story that gets you to read it, it’s JUST THE picture that makes you stop to read it, pin it to your board, or share it with your friends that makes the difference. 

Napa-Wine-Before

Before

So it’s time for me to up my game so you want to keep reading and to create the pictures that say 1,000 words (and maybe make you a $1,000 or more.) 

When it comes to photography, it’s an art and I’m definitely continuing to learn what it takes to click a beautiful shot. But for most of us, the time and work it takes to get the “right” shot isn’t always possible. That’s where food styling and some good editing software make your picture go from whatever to wow. 

Napa

After Adobe Creative Cloud

This is where the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan is a game changer. Photoshop and Lightroom have been the standard for photographers, but unfortunately, the investment for these tools weren’t always available for everyone – until now. 

Now take your best shot and then you can make it even better with the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan. Unlike traditional software, with your 1-year subscription for $119.99, you aren’t just installing your programs on one computer, but since it’s in the cloud you can access it on any device, any time, anywhere. 

Steak-Before

Before

From everyday edits like cropping a shot to total transformations, the Creative Cloud plan lets you retouch and manipulate images in any way imaginable. You also continue to edit, organize and share your shots on your iPad, iPhone or Android device. Need to make a change? Once you do, your edit is updated everywhere with Adobe CreativeSync technology.

Steak

After Adobe Creative Cloud

One of my favorite parts about the Creative Cloud plan is your ability to use the Adobe Slate mobile app to create visual stories, animated videos and the Adobe Voice mobile app to add your own voice to tell your story. And there’s some much more you can get with Adobe Cloud. 

At the rate of $119 you can step up your blogging game and make your photos worth so much more. Get your prepaid membership to Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan at Best Buy. 

Adobe_Cloud_Photography

Easy Halloween Playdate Ideas

October 14, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Do you have a Halloween playdate coming up that you’re throwing, but don’t want to do all the work? 

CW33

We’ve got some easy and quick ways to make you look Pinterest perfect as featured on EyeOpener (and some cute little models we’re quite fond of.) 


First up, the Captain Charlie Costume by HABA is great option if you plan on using this one again. It’s high quality and designed to last for years.It comes with a beard, hat, jacket, belt, sword, and companion parrot. This is perfect for kids ages 3-6 years. The Captain Charlie costume is available for $74.99 at HABAusa.com.

If you’ve got a messy kiddo, this next costume is perfect for you. The Suitables™ Role Play Bibs are water resistant and wipe clean. These are perfect for toddlers. You can get the bibs in a bunch of different designs, and at $19.99 each, they are a steal! They’re available online at MixedPears.com.

Take a look at the video for some other Happy Halloween fun! 

Tips for Halloween Safety

October 13, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 24 Comments

Halloween may be a fun night for spooky and scary fun, but there are a few things you don’t want to get scared about, especially your kid’s safety. Here are your Tips for Halloween Safety.SponsoredPostDisclaimerWant to get scared this Halloween?

Did you know according to Safe Kids Worldwide, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year?

While that fact might take the fun of one of my favorite times of the year, it does put it in perspective that a fun night can easily go to the worst place imaginable as a parent with just a few preventable missteps by our kids.

However what’s even more impactful is that while 75% of parents say they have fears about Halloween safety, only about 1/3 of parents actually take the time to go over a few safety tips?


HalloweenSafety

That’s why MamaChallenge.com is proud to partner with Methodist Richardson Medical Center to remind us that taking just five minutes to remind your family of the dos and don’ts of pedestrian safety, especially on Halloween, can make the difference between a fun memory or a scary nightmare that you’ll never wake up from.

1. Look before crossing the road.
Remember teaching your kids how to cross the road? With shorter fall days and earlier darker skies, now is a great time to review the purpose of crosswalks, sidewalks and the right protocols (look left, right, and left) for walking across the street in a safe manner. Eye contact is also an a super tip for older kids to learn to make sure drivers see them before they begin walking across the road.

Halloween-Sign

2. Put down the smartphone.
You know you’ve done it too…You’re deep into texting, emailing or posting on your smartphone, while Walking down the hall or on the sidewalk. Then you either bumped into someone or made a misstep because you weren’t watching what was happening around you. It’s hard as an adult, but imagine being a 12 year old kid with tons of friends and other things going on?

3. Light it up!
If you can light it up, you should when it comes to walking outdoors after the sun has gone down. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers. Also before leaving the house make sure the kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.

Flashlight

But pedestrian safety tips aren’t just for the kids either… As adults, no matter how much of a hurry, we need to watch for kids not following the rules or darting out in the road without looking. And while it’s easy to say, kids learn most from watching you, so set a good example by putting down your device and make mindful decisions  when it comes to your and their safety. 

Remember to drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic, and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.

Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

As you and the kids prepare for a fun night of trick or treating, make sure to remember these safety tips for Halloween and the fall season to ensure this fun event doesn’t turn into a nightmare. 

Halloween

For more fall safety tips from Methodist Richardson, visit here. 

Hope you have a fun and safe Halloween!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Methodist Richardson Medical Center.

20-Minute Spooky Halloween Party

October 12, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 26 Comments

Halloween is my primetime, so I’m always on the prowl for fun things to create the perfect Spooky Halloween Party like the limited edition . They asked what I would do with a bag of bones and I “dug” something fun up for this sponsored post!

Spooky Halloween Body Party #CheetosHalloween #Ad

I have a confession: I love to host parties.


HOWEVER, while I have the greatest intentions of trying to give the Pinterestable party mom a run for her money, I don’t have the time to put it together. But this Halloween I’m not letting a little thing like time get in the way of throwing a spooky fun-filled Halloween party even if I only have 20 minutes to put it together.

Does it sound like the candy corn has gone to my head? Nope, a few unique hacks here can make your party go from blah to boo-tiful!

For this Halloween party, I wanted the guests to play with their food, so we used the meal as the entertainment to set the spooky mood.
#CheetosHalloween #Ad

Not too bad for 15 minutes using just a few things you have around the house AND a quick pick up at the grocery store, the

BagofBones #CheetosHalloween #Ad

Bag of Bones

 Bag of Bones: The easiest item on the menu, I just opened up the 8 oz. bag (around $3.50) with four different white cheddar bone-shaped puffs and threw them in a cauldron and a few on the table for a little décor. Later the Cheetos snacks became entertainment too as we put together our skeletons and then snacked on them, one bone at a time.

Time: 30 seconds (maybe)

SeveredFingersBloddyEyeballs#CheetosHalloween#Ad

Severed Fingers & Bloody Fingers

Severed Fingers: Making these actually made me sick because they looked so real! Cut hot dog wienies in half and add a few horizontal cuts to look like fingers. Then cut a little “nick” out of the top of the dog to resemble a finger. Place them in a bowl of ketchup to keep them upright. Put them in the microwave to give them that mutilated look. Then add a little more ketchup on the tip (or sriracha sauce for kick.)

Time: This took around 5 minutes, but did it while my spaghetti and eggs boiled!

Bloody Eyes: My friend Dawn at The Frugal Mom actually had these on her Facebook recently, so I knew I wanted to use the idea. She breaks down all the steps on her blog.

Time: The longest time was the boiling and the decorating took 3 minutes maybe.

SpaghettiBrains #CheetosHalloween #Ad

Bowl of Brains

Bowl of Brains: Nothing but your favorite pasta noodles and spaghetti sauce. I happen to find these eyeballs in the cookie decorating aisle and threw them in for a little effect.

Time: 10 minutes to boil, but the sauce and eyes took about 1 minute. 

GravestoneCups #CheetosHalloween #Ad

Gravestone Cups

Gravestone Cups: Chocolate pudding snack cup, crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, one oval cookie like a ladyfinger, gummies worms and a little package of writing icing make these the easiest and spookiest dessert you’ll ever make.

Time: It took only 4 minutes to make all of these!

As favors for the party, I also picked up the limited-edition glow in the dark Cheetos Crunchy treat snacks! With 30 in the pack for just $5, the snacks make a fun way to munch – in the light or dark!

And a bag of tasty bones isn’t the only thing Cheetos is brewing up this Halloween! There’s all kinds of ways to get into the “spirit” including:

CheetosTP#CheetosHalloween#Ad

Chester’s Project TP
Take on your arch nemesis by digitally TPing them with Chester’s Project TP. The online app uses Google Maps, Google Earth and Google Maps Street view to digitally prank neighbors virtually toilet paper any structure, anywhere in the world by just entering a street address into the Chester’s Project TP app. Last year, Cheetos fans draped more than 150 million feet of digital toilet paper around the world.

Win Prizes
Fans aged 13 and older have two opportunities on CheetosHalloween.com to enter a weekly sweepstakes where winners will be randomly-drawn to receive gift cards or cash up to $1,000. Fans can enter for a chance to win by completing a Project TP mission  or by entering a unique code from their limited-edition product purchases.

Tiny Tales of Terror Twitter Challenge
Using the hashtag #Cheetales, Cheetos is hosting a Tiny Tales of Terror Twitter Challenge, where fans tweet their spookiest 140-character tales for a chance to have their stories made into short films narrated by Chester Cheetah himself and posted on the Cheetos Twitter page , YouTube channel  and Facebook.

#CheetosHalloween#Ad

Who are you going to digitally TP with the Project TP mission app?

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Cheetos brand.

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Make Your List: Holiday Hot List 2015

October 9, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 23 Comments

SponsoredPostDisclaimer

Every year it seems Christmas sneaks up on me.

I scramble a few days before Santa comes in hopes to “help the big man” locate those special gift my kiddos have asked for before Rudolph hooves hit my roof. 


Most the time I am not very successful, but this year I’m prepared…at least as much as a mama can be. A few months ago I attended the Walmart Chosen By You Expo, a three-day expo to check out the holiday hot list 2015 and best of all, give feedback on what we thought was cool – even including the kids! From TVs, laptops, video games, toys, apparel, and grocery – they had it (of course they do, it was Walmart!) While there were hundreds of ideas for every person on your list from techie, gamer, outdoorsperson, crafty or entertainer, I honed in on the two giftees that will expect the most from me this holiday – my kids.MamaChallenge Hot List

And all I can say was WHOA mama. (If you know that reference you get two points!)

While there were lots of blasts from the pasts that I grew up with, there was such serious toy action happening that I even put a few on my Santa list. I mean a chocolate pen? That’s the kind of “office supplies” I want to use! And forget my oven…I want a Girl Scout Cookie Oven. Yes, you read that right. You can get your Thin Mint fix after you finish your last box with this easy bake oven. It’s family fun for everyone with learning how to read and follow instructions, cook your first treat, and of course, enjoy the taste of the caramel-coconut goodness when you get to enjoy the “cookies” of your labor.

Now that I’ve got your mouth watering, get out your pen, your list, your wallet and let’s get ready to shop!

Barbie Dream House
Barbie Dream House
Barbie's Dream House has gotten quite the upgrade. With three floors, seven rooms and a working elevator, this Barbie Dream House is a "smart" home with piece — that magically recognizes included "smart" accessories that activate different lights, sounds and motions to bring stories to life. Too bad you can't move in.
Star Wars
Star Wars
authentic lights and sounds bring the Millennium Falcon to life as you fly. Activate Hyperspace mode on the remote control and hold on for a fully loaded hyperspace journey.
Disney Princess Palace Pets Bright Eyes
Disney Princess Palace Pets Bright Eyes
These little kitties will light up your day with your Disney Princess Palace Pets Bright Eyes. Her head to wake her up, tickle her chin to hear her speak over 19 phrases or pet her soft back to help her fall asleep.
Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage
Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage
With 36 spots to park your Hot Wheels and tons of adventures to have, there's a reason this is called the Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage! Perfect for your Hot Wheels Fan.
Chocolate Pen
Chocolate Pen
What's better than chocolate? A chocolate pen! Make beautiful sweets, treats and more with this chocolate pen that comes in multiple chocolate colors! Every kid will want one of these - and I admit, so do I!
Chocolate Pen
Chocolate Pen
Frozen Sing-Along Elsa
Frozen Sing-Along Elsa
"Let it Go, girl!" You and Elsa can sing it loud together, take turns or solo with this hot item every Frozen lover will be wanting under the tree.
PIe Face Game
PIe Face Game
This is a game of Russian Roulette as you wait in suspense to see if the pie hits you in the face with whip cream! Just make sure not to play the game with them.
Crayola Thread Wrapper
Crayola Thread Wrapper
Everything can be accessorized when you have a Crayola Thread Wrapper. Make something new again with this super way to upcycle almost anything!
Moose Toys Shopkins Season 3 Scoops Ice Cream Truck Playset
Shopkins Season 3 Scoops Ice Cream Truck
If you haven't been introduced to Shopkins, then let me be the first to tell you that kids LOVE these. Cute collectible miniatures and ice cream, what's not to like here? Just that they're addictive and this will be the first of many Shopkins you will be getting for your kids!
Girl Scout Cookie Oven
Girl Scout Cookie Oven
I secretly think this toy was made for those of us that can't wait a year to get another box of Thin Mints. The Girl Scout Cookie Oven by Wicked Cool Toys gives the whole family a chance to enjoy a sweet experience cooking, learning and eating together. Get everything you need to cook your favorite varieties in 10-15 minutes.

And with Walmart’s new Shipping Pass pilot program, for just $50 a year you can get FREE SHIPPING in three or less days FOR A YEAR! So get to clickin’ and soon you’ll be done with your shopping for them, so you can do a little shopping for you while you’re at it! 

And just in case you need a few suggestions for what else you need for your list, just check these other items I spotted at the Walmart Chosen by You event! (Just in case you were looking for a gift for me, any of these will work!) 

Home Walmart

Best of luck for your holidays shopping – make it easy and get everything you need at Walmart. 

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Meet this Mama: Autumn Rose Reo

Get REAL Solutions for REAL Parents that Work! From recipes, things to do, parenting tips (and fails) and how to cope with everything in between, she'll share all the best ways to take on your (mama) challenges... http://www.mamachallenge.com/about/

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I put it off all day because I didn’t want to ha I put it off all day because I didn’t want to have to start the inevitable, but here we are the first #SeniorSunday for Jackson Benham Reo. (I’m so not ready.)
Doubled-down and won big! Congrats to @daynetxbbq Doubled-down and won big! Congrats to @daynetxbbq for being named #7 in @texasmonthly 2025 Top 50 BBQ! 

We’ve done our own BBQ stop shopping this last year from our own @hurtadobbq, @smokenashbbq and @225bbq in Arlington, @goldeesbbq and @panthercitybbq in Fort Worth, @zavalasbarbecue in Grand Prairie and @franklinbbq in Austin, no one can say that BBQ is BBQ. It’s as vastly different as the landscape as Texas. Now I’m off to @burntbeanco - #sequin here we come with the rest of the state!

#bbq #texasbbq
I can’t believe these are my people…my people I can’t believe these are my people…my people are supposed to be toddlers with Thomas the Train and Disney Princess backpacks! 

Goodbye 11th and 7th grade!
🚨 ACT NOW: Keep Public $$$ in Public Schools! 🚨

Click Here (takes less than one minute): 
https://www.txpta.org/take-action

Tomorrow, March 11, the Texas House Committee on Public Education will hear HB 3. Let’s make it clear: Public money demands public accountability!

Texans have rejected vouchers since 1957—yet lawmakers are once again pushing them through with SB 2 and HB 3.

💰 Vouchers drain public school resources.
📉 They don’t improve student achievement.
❌ They aren’t about "parent choice"—private schools choose their students.
🏫 Texas parents already have school choice.

Governor Abbott is making vouchers a priority, but Texans are pushing back. Lawmakers are feeling the heat from voters who refuse to let public schools be undermined.

📲 Take 1 minute to make your voice heard NOW!

📷Jackson and Taylor are 2 of the 5.5 million reasons why Texas must keep public dollars in public schools. I was a product of public schools and had an amazing experience in a rural community with some of the best teachers. Change needs to happen, but taking away resources like these from schools is not especially when they ste already underfunded and our teachers’ morale is at an all time low. Communities work better together not when you separate them further apart. 

#studentsrworthit
#txptarally25
❣️…Pressing pause (for while)… Forgot wha ❣️…Pressing pause (for while)…

Forgot what it feels like to RELAX? The Sanford House Inn & Spa is ready to help you “Leave Your Worries Behind” with packages to treat yourself (or someone else) this Valentine’s Day! 

You “Can’t Help Falling in Love” with multiple options including a Hot-Stone Massage, Facials, Spa Manicure + Pedicure, Blowouts, Foot Reflexology and even lunch (with wine!

Just take a look at my face - I was able to “turn it off” (for a little while) and when I left my dry winter skin was just glowing - plus I learned how to make it stay that way from my very  knowledgeable esthetician! 

If you haven’t tried this gem in the middle of Arlington, you’re missing out! The Spa is just part of experience with its 12-room Inn and acclaimed 506 Restaurant (don’t sleep on the brunch), @thesanfordhouse is your little piece of heaven in the middle of downtown!

Think it’s only a little dream? It will be if you don’t make an appointment or nudge your loved one this is what you NEED for Valentine’s Day! (But don’t worry you can still get a great experience anytime!)

Link is in my stories for full list of Valentine’s Day packages! 

📍506 N. Center Street, Arlington, Texas
(Less than 1 mile from @attstadium)

#valentines #dfw #ArlingtonTx #sanfordhouse
Texas Bucket List ✔️= Johnson City Lights Thi Texas Bucket List ✔️= Johnson City Lights

This is the last weekend of the “Christmas lights you can see from space” from the twinkliest town in Texas, @visitjctx!

You have until Sunday…and while you’re there you should hit up @halterranchtx, my other new favorite.

#gofredtx #fredericksburgtx @visitfredtx @visitfredericksburgtx
FLASH GIVEAWAY: Just because Santa’s left the st FLASH GIVEAWAY: Just because Santa’s left the station doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate a Classic Christmas (and we have the keys!)

@ClassicChristmas has been extended until Sunday, Jan. 5, so if you haven’t been enjoy this VIP experience with ice skating and snow tubing! 

Giveaway includes 4 Tickets to Classic Christmas + 4 Premium pass upgrades plus: 
🎟️ Exclusive Express Lane entry to popular activities 
🎟️ $10 merch credit at the Classic Christmas Gift Shop  
🎟️ Coca-Cola Beverage

To enter:   
⭐️ Like this post  
⭐️ Comment what’s your favorite Christmas song 
⭐️ Tag a friend who would love the chance to come
⭐️ Share this story as an extra chance to win!

The giveaway is open now through December 30 at 11:59 pm and you’ll have December 31 - January 5, 2025 to enjoy the fun! Winner will be contacted by DM so profile must be public.  (Giveaway is not associate with Instagram/META.) 

#classicchristmas #cocacola #Arlingtontx #ArlingtonTexas #cocacola @enchantdallas #dfw #dfwevents #mamachallenge #dfwinfluencer #dallasinfluencer
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW // Trinity Falls Tour of WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW // Trinity Falls Tour of Trees

 🎄 Tour of Trees at Trinity Falls in McKinney
 🗓️ Now through Dec. 15 (so hurry up!) 

Know what’s better than touring homes? Touring homes with beautifully decorated Christmas trees! 

@trinityfallstx has brought both worlds together by inviting the public to explore their model homes with professionally- styled trees by @absholidaydecor at the 5th Annual Tour of Trees. While you marvel at the homes and the trees, take your photos in front of the trees for a chance to win $500 Amazon gift card.  

TIP: Don’t miss the tree collaboration with #RHOD @dandrasimmons - it’s “beeutiful!” 🐝 

This event is FREE, but registration is required. (Link is in stories or DM “Tree” for the link.)

 #touroftrees #trinityfalls #trinityfallstx #mckinney #mckinneytx #mckinneytexas
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS - Dallas Zoo WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS - Dallas Zoo Lights

🌲 Dallas Zoo
🗓️ Now - January 4 

Wonder what the @dallaszoo is like after dark? Once Upon a Wild Light comes alive with more than two million lights, 5:30 pm - 9 pm each night through January (so you can do this one with your family during the holiday break!) 

While many of the animals sleep, DinoLumia and DinoVision: a Jurassic adventure comes out to play, along with tons of holiday light photo opps and winter fun experiences. Enjoy catching up through self-guided, self-paced walk-through and spend time together while taking photos, which is ideal if you don’t like the holiday overload! And don’t sleep on Santa here, as he has a certain twinkle in his eye the kids always seem to like to catch up with (mom was even able to get a shot.) 

And for the even bigger kids over 21, Dallas Zoo: After Dark, goes wild on Thursday, Dec. 12, 6-9 PM with eats, treats and holiday drinks,live music, and games and other ways to get you in the holiday spirit! 

 @DallasZoo @ReliantEnergy #dallas #dallasholiday #dfwevents #dallaszoolights #holidays #zoo #dallastexas #mamachallenge
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Classic Ch WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Classic Christmas 

🌲 Coca Cola Classic Christmas - Choctaw Stadium in Arlington  
🗓️ Now through Dec. 29

Growing up @cocacola made the holidays magic, so when Coca Cola Classic rolled down the road, we had to go peek! Partnering with @enchantchristmas, the experience is part lights, part photo opps and for my kids mostly FOOD and overall a lot of fun - all washed down with (of course, a Coca Cola!) 

What was also great was a little walk through memory lane with Coke Christmas moments throughout the years - cue the polar bears and 18 wheeler!

Experience: 
🎅Market Square (definitely hit up the t-shirts - reading each one is half the fun)
🎅 Snow Tubing (always our favorite)Ice Skating (truth: we don’t skate, but it’s perfect people watching) 
🎅 Interactive Light up Dance Floor
🎅 @cinemark Theatre with holiday movies 
🎅 Coca-Cola Lounge - 21+ Cocktail experience (looked great to go with the girls)
🎅 Santa Landing

And of course, the Eatery! Eyes (and mouths) got big here with featured food from State Fair of Tex winners like The Drowning Tacos (SO GOOD we then ordered the Birria Tacos, too all cooked onsite and with all the sauce!) 

It’s the real thing!

#ClassicChristmas #ChoctawStadium #ArlingtonTx #CocaCola #Dallas #DFWEvents #DFWHoliday #DFWInfluencers
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Prairie Li WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Prairie Lights

🎄 Prairie Lights, Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie 
🗓️ Now through Dec. 31 (NYE) at 6 pm 

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without @prairielights- with a packed car with blankets, Santa hats, hot cocoa and coffee, and blasting holiday music while we sing them even louder.  

A stunning two-mile drive through light park complete with a midway stop - The Holiday Village with carnival rides, amazing bites (corndogs, funnel cakes and more, oh my!) And this year we were surprised with a new light tunnel, reimagined walk-through forest and new displays, great photo opps, gifts, visit with Santa, a lighted strollable forest.  It’s perfectly timed for food, fun and a little time on foot! 

PRO TIP: Go early, get tickets in advance and spring for the fast pass on the weekends and prime holiday times. And enjoy it and don’t try to rush it - enjoy it! That includes entry and the experience (so bathroom before you go, but thankfully there’s one at The Holiday Village and you get the corn dog.) 

#GoGrandGP @grandfungp #GrandFunGP #dfwinfluencer #Dallas #grandprairie #prairielights #dfw
Mariah may be singing “it’s time,” but there Mariah may be singing “it’s time,” but there are still some ways to give a little love to Thanksgiving with a little DIY (hello old pumpkins!) from Mama Challenge! 

So excited to see my friends over at Good Day Fox 4 today for this fun segment!
Peardon My Reach - this one’s on repeat. 🍐 # Peardon My Reach - this one’s on repeat. 🍐 
#nationalcoffeeday 

#cinncinati #kentucky #newport #coffee #fall
Arlington makes Taco Tuesday even better by celebr Arlington makes Taco Tuesday even better by celebrating all month long with its #SaveTheTacos campaign, now - September 30.

Try and vote for “Best Taco in Arlington” from 12 participants:

🌮 Fiesta Fusion Shrimp Taco at Boiling Tails Co.

🌮 The Hunter Taco at Cut & Bourbon

🌮 El Jefe at Grounds and Gold
 
🌮 Jamaican Me Crazy at M’Jays House of Smoke

🌮 Champiqueso at Papaya Mexican Grill

🌮 What the Falafel at Prince Lebanese Grill

🌮 He’s Just a Po Boy at R Bar and Grill 

🌮 Celestial Pork Belly Taco at Rocketbelly
 
🌮 House Special Barbacoa at Tic-Taco
 
🌮 The Chicken of Wall “Street” at TJ’s Catfish & Wings & BBQ

🌮 Baja Shrimp Taco with Mango Salsa at Tom’s Burgers & Grill
 
🌮 Wanna Taco ‘Bout It at Zack’s Bistro

We can tell you which one is our favorite, but take away all the fun to find your favorite! 

(Link to Vote in Stories!)

#ArlingtonTX #TacoTuesday #SavetheTacos
Always great to see a few guys who work together l Always great to see a few guys who work together like each other, too.

It’s even better when they’re Texas Rangers and  we’re celebrating Hall of Famer Adrían Beltré!
And just like that…11th grade and 7th grade (and And just like that…11th grade and 7th grade (and then they drove off!)
Follow the “red light” to this one-of-a-kind e Follow the “red light” to this one-of-a-kind experience in DFW. 🚨 

Named after Bangkok’s legendary road of entertainment of all kinds (Sukhumvit Soi 11), it seems fitting this newly imagined destination would find its home in Arlington’s Entertainment District. Anchoring the NEW @loewsarlington, @soycowboytx (also from @bbbutchers / @berghospitality) recently swung open the curtain this summer with an opening that made heads turn at every corner of this 12,000 sq. ft. of sexy space - with 3 unique bars, patio, viewable kitchen and dining room. 

To call it a “Pan Asian restaurant” doesn’t do it justice with its rich menu of fresh sushi, dim sum, caviar, truffle, lobster, waygu (all things you don’t find in the home of the margarita machine and ballpark nachos.) And if you’re looking for entertainment, just take a peek into the expansive kitchen and watch your rolls or omakase be made. The cocktail menu is just as extravagant with everything from mezcal to Japanese whisky, you’re eyes will be just as happy as your lips upon your first sip. 

While we experienced live music, fashion show and more as part of the opening, the cool smoke installation and the people-watching is definitely just part of the menu at Soy Cowboy you’ll have to explore. 

Food Nerd Note: SoyCowboy is on the upcoming @dfwrestaurantweek menu for just $39, so it’s a steal to take your own trip on a budget. (Make your reservation.)

Chon mean (or what we hope is Cheers in in Thai!)
NEWS ALERT: Dallas Food Nerd is now on TV! 📺 ( NEWS ALERT: Dallas Food Nerd is now on TV! 📺 
(Well today at least.)

Normally we’re always behind the smartphone camera, today we stepped out in front of the TV screen! The lovely folks at the new morning show Morning on Merit Street @morningonmeritstreet invited DFN for a little “roundtable” discussion about dining trends with our own Food Nerd @autumnreo / @mamachallenge and Bill Trevino of @craftandvinerestaurant CraftandVine along with hosts @dominiquesachse and @fanchonstinger for a little dishin’ on dining!

(If you’re able to take a look online, keep watching to see our new friend Pearl 🐶 and friends from @sweetpearlsicecream share their incredibly sweet story with @hungreehannah!) 

✔️ And just like we shared on the show, we want to know what you think! What do you think about Table Limits on reservations? Yes restaurants should have them or no way?
Round #2: Now he’s off for CIT at YMCA Camp Grad Round #2: Now he’s off for CIT at YMCA Camp Grady Spruce! It’s hard to separate them, but we’re excited he’s so happy to be ready for this adventure!
July 4th kicked a week early! 🎆 Love when the n July 4th kicked a week early! 🎆 Love when the neighborhood shines!
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