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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

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Get What You Want at What You Want at Rooms to Go {Sale}

May 22, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 13 Comments

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The first time I purchase my first piece of furniture I was around 25 for our first home. I felt like such a big kid and thought, wow – I’m going to have this piece of furniture forever!

Fast forward – one husband, one dog, two cats, and two kids later, and you realize that no matter how durable and great quality your furniture is, the wear and tear of kids, pets, that unfortunate accident when you all played basketball in the living room and your own style changes, makes it necessary to replace and update your furniture from time to time.


Rooms-to-Go

And now is a really good time at Rooms To Go. With 10 locations in DFW, more than 20 locations in Texas, and in 10 states nationwide, this Memorial Day weekend there are tons of great sales happening at Rooms to Go with  more than 25 coupons to help you save on furniture (DOWNLOAD THE APP or PRINT THESE NOW!)

Lucky for me, I was able to get a sneak peek in store at some of the amazing sets and pieces available for the four-day-only Memorial Day sale.  And I found out that while this sale is available both online and in store, remember items may vary based on location.

Rooms-to-Go-Couch

I could have outfitted my entire house with a whole new look with some of the new trends and offerings especially with the e isofa line . Step aside Starbucks; with isofa you can customize your couch, not just your coffee. Just choose your style, your color and your pillow pillows and in just few days you’ve got a custom couch made just the way you want it. For those of us that can never make up our mind or are often saying “If I could just have that one, in this other color” the isofa line is made for you.

isofa-Rooms-to-Go

No one can miss the Cindy Crawford HOME or Sofia Vergara Collection offerings at Rooms to Go!

DID YOU KNOW?
You know you’ve seen the commercials of the two of them battling it out for beautiful furniture!?! Well many of the Rooms to Go commercials including the Sofia and Cindy one was filmed in DFW? Cindy Crawford has partnered with R2G for several years to create her classic home collection and the new Sofia’s line adds a whole new level of modern sophisticated selections at Rooms to Go.

If you’re not in the business of a living room or bedroom change, perhaps your dining room or kitchen can use an uplift (especially if you’re one chair down like we are because it’s broken and can’t be fixed.) I eyed several new styles that I’d love to replace my dining room furniture including bench seating like both of these beauties, also on sale this weekend for only $888.

Rooms-to-Go-Table-Highland-Park

Rooms to Go

Remember that Father’s Day is just a month away, so now’s the time to get something that dad will love like a new recliner. At buy one recliner, get one 50% off you can actually afford to buy one for each of you! I’m still deciding on two different styles.

Which one do you like best?

Leather Recliner

Or you can get a blended leather chair and ottoman set for as low as $250!

Rooms-to-Go-Recliner

Or you could just go get him a new TV and a whole new living room. The packages included in this sale are pretty crazy with everything you need to decorate your living room with a couch, loveseat, tables, lamps and more with a 65-inch LED Smart HDTV (I may have not needed a TV, but an upgrade to this one makes it a win-win for less than $2,000.

 

Want to lowdown on how to make the best of your Rooms to Go purchase?

If you’re into direct bottom-line costs upfront with no haggling, Rooms to Go prides itself on giving customers the best price today. So much so if you purchase an item and it goes on sale within 60 days from purchase, you’ll receive a credit on the difference of the product – guaranteed. Most items can be delivered next day and if you want, you can have Rooms to Go bring it, put it together and take it away!

Shop the Rooms To Go Memorial Day Coupon Sale with 25+ coupons to help you save on furniture this Memorial Day! But offers end 5/25.

Shop RoomsToGo.com 
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Smart Home: Four Must-Haves to Automate Your Home

May 15, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 11 Comments

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Don’t you wish everything ran on a remote?

Well…actually nowadays most everything does and I love it. Home automation is no longer something we wish for and somehow can’t believe we ever did without it! It’s the real deal after a trip to your favorite home-everything store, a few steps to get your connected and you’ll have a smart home.


Home-Automation-NFM

You know the commercial where the mom and dad are sitting on vacation and realized the kids went home and left all the lights and water running. Then with a quick touch of the phone, the dad is able to turn it all off and resecure the house? As a parent that video is REAL and so is remembering all the times you forgot if you turned off the iron, locked the door or wished you turned on the air conditioner on high before you get home in the middle of a sweltering August day in Texas.

It’s absolutely genius that now all your need is a few of these amazing smart devices and a little help from Siri to never have to turn on the fan or flip a switch ever again. Ready to go shopping at Nebraska Furniture Mart, but don’t know where to start?

Here’s Five Must-Haves to Automate Your Home

Air Conditioner/Heater
Featured: Nest Learning Thermostat

Nest

In the south, we are good friends with our thermostat. With freezing temps in the winter and blazing days in the summer, the temperature in your house is more about keeping your family healthy than it is about comfort. And that saying, “don’t like the weather in Texas, just stay around a little while, it”ll change…” it’s totally true. So when you wish you could turn on the heater because the temps have changed 30 degrees since you left the house, with the help of thermostat controls like Nest, it can happen even if your 100 miles away. Nest auto-schedule “learns” your family’s temperature preferences and programs itself in just a week, but also helps keep energy consumption low when there’s no one home.

Lightbulbs
Featured: AwoX StriimLIGHT Color Bulb with 13w Bluetooth Speaker

AwoX-Bluetooth-Light

Lightbulbs aren’t just for illuminating the room anymore; they also become your new stereo system, setting your mood for a party, studytime or when you need to play music to get your child to sleep, but you still want to have your phone with you. While there are several on the market, I loved the AwoX StriimLIGHT Color Bulb with 13w Bluetooth Speaker so much that I recommended it for a stocking stuffer for the whole family. So easy to install, you just place the bulb in one of your regular light sockets and screw it in. Yep, that easy. It provides enough light to keep the room lit as well as immediately synced with my smartphone. I was instantly listening to Rob Thomas broadcasted throughout the room. There’s no need for a bluetooth speaker in every room, just install one of these and viola, you have a new stereo system and multipurpose lightbulb.

Smoke Alarm 
Featured: Insteon Smoke Alarm and Bridge Kit

First-Alert-Smoke

I cannot count on my hands how many times I wondered if I turned off the stove, the coffee pot or my curling iron and thought I could be burning the house down as we speak. No need to worry with the new age of smoke alarms like  Insteon Smoke Alarm and Bridge Kit.  Now you can get a text or email in case of smoke, carbon monoxide, low battery, all clear, or error messages and it can also be linked to lights or other Insteon devices to turn on lights instantly in the event of an alert.

The Full-Meal Deal 
Featured: Insteon Start Here Home Automation Starter Kit

Insteon-Home-Automation-Kit

Ready to automate the whole house? With the Insteon Start Here Home Automation Starter Kit, just connect the HUB to your existing home router and start adding devices for total home connectivity.  This kit includes the HUB and two dimmers modules which allow you to remotely control one or more lights, regulate the thermostat, monitor water leaks, and with the smoke alarm bridge, you’ll even know if there’s a fire when you’re not home.


 

It is as easy as just flipping a switch to make your home safer, more comfortable and cost efficient.

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Your Nose Knows: Spring Into a Good Mood Right Now

April 5, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 118 Comments

SCJ.Disclosure The calendar may have changed from winter to spring, but are you still feeling like it’s the dead of winter inside? Are you ready to your internal clock to start hearing the birds chirping and enjoy the sweet smells of Mother Nature?

Here’s why those plugins, candles and melts are much more important than you realize to your well being. Of all your senses, the olfactory system is the most dynamic. It doesn’t just allow you to enjoy the smell of a rose,

Of all your senses, the olfactory system is the most dynamic. It doesn’t just allow you to enjoy the smell of a rose, it also immediately connects you to a memory attached to the smell, like when your first boyfriend gave you a rose AND the way you felt when he did. It’s the connection between your smell receptors, your memory and your emotions that make the power of smell, well, so powerful. Of course, for me and my huge love of food, I choose to surround myself with all things that smell like food, not just because I like sugar cookies, but because I’m transported to a time when I enjoyed making Christmas cookies with a loved one at Christmas time and how they made me feel.


[Tweet “Did you know? Companies are working on a way to ID you not by your SSN but your unique smell? #smellsclean #ad”]

So if you’re looking to get out of your funk AND get the housework done, then go light up a candle. Yep, it can be that easy.

751Walnut-Tiki-Colada

Recently my grandfather passed so my I’m not exactly feeling sunshine and flowers lately, but I’ve got to get moving on all my mom/wife/boss lady tasks. While the idea of jumping a plane to a tropical location to sip a pineapple-filled with pina colada did seem to be a quick way to happiness, budget, time constraints and all that jazz kinda kept that from happening. However, burning a Tiki Colada candle from Walmart’s exclusive 719 Walnut Avenue that smelled like the sweet, creamy concoction did a pretty fantastic number on improving my outlook and got me to wash the dishes, too.

If you’re looking to get a SPRING into the season, it’s just as easy as finding the right scent to match the idea of spring. A five-minute run through the air freshener aisle at your neighborhood Walmart might actually be actually what the doctor prescribed for a little picker-upper.

Several brands are featuring springtime scents just to get us all in the right state of mind (cue a little Jay-Z):

Air-Wick-Turquoise-Oasis If the idea of a Hawaiian getaway sounds right up your alley, but isn’t in your schedule, consider Air Wick’s Life Scents Turquoise Oasis Scented Oil. With driftwood, sea spray and warm breeze, you’ll be whisked off to a hammock in paradise just a few minutes after you plugin that warmer plugged in.

Glade-Sunsine-ShowersDon’t need to getaway, but want to just enjoy the smell the sweetness of a mid-afternoon rain? Sunshine Showers  from Glade is the right combination for you with the aromas of daffodil and dew.

Febreeze-Verbena Looking for a fresh clean smell that doesn’t resemble plain-ole soap or remind you of the big heap of laundry waiting for you to do? Then Febreeze’s Ginger Verbena combines an outdoorsy-meets-spicy-woodsy-with-citrus-love. Yes, that’s how I describe it. Kinda like wine, you get what you want out of a smell and this scent is pretty clean, but it a good, not sterile way.

Glade-Poppy-Grove

If you’re more of a Dorothy gal that likes the idea of walking through a pasture of poppies (and your nose isn’t going to hate you later from the allergies), then the mild-sweetness of Poppy Grove will get you in the mood without your ruby slippers ever having to leave home (except for the quick drive to the store to get it.)

And since it’s always good to pass on the favor of feeling good to another person – let’s call it Smelling it Forward, then I’ve got a $5 giftcard for Walmart for one reader so you can go pick up any of these seasonal scents to get you in a great mood for spring! 

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Moving to Texas? 3 Family Friendly Dallas Neighborhoods

March 9, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 21 Comments

This post is shared in partnership with Zillow. 

If you live in Dallas, why did you choose to live where you live? Was it next to work? Close to family? Close to fun? Economically sound? Known as a family friendly neighborhood?

My first neighborhood in the DFW area I lived close to because work was near. Then as I got older (and married), we chose a location that was easily accessible to all of DFW. However, once you have kids (or are looking to in the future), you look at where you live in a whole new way. You begin look at school offerings, how well they rate with the state, how much they cost, and of course, how competitive it is to get in. Then you look at park areas, extracurricular activity offerings and above all, safety.


Dallas-Family-Friendly-Neighborhoods

For our family, this transition wasn’t easy. And unfortunately, the location of my home wasn’t as great anymore because my priorities changed. So for those parents relocating to DFW or are looking at moving to a better neighborhood, here’s three neighborhoods you should look for homes or shop for apartments in one of these family friendly Dallas neighborhoods, according to Zillow.

Lake Highlands

Families find an ideal community in the Lake Highlands neighborhood, just northeast of downtown Dallas. The community includes rolling hills, numerous trees and access to White Rock Creek trails that connect several city parks. Lake Highlands is in close proximity to business centers in Dallas, Plano and Richardson for working parents. Elementary-aged students have access to top-rated public schools within the neighborhood. GreatSchools rates White Rock Elementary (public, PK-6) a 10 out of 10 for above average test scores within the state of Texas. Lake Highlands also offers a great education at nine-rated Moss Haven Elementary (public, K-6).

Lake-Highlands-Dallas

$ 365,000 – Current Lake Highlands Listing at Zillow.com

The median list price for homes in Lake Highlands is $63,000, significantly less than national costs ($210,000) and Dallas city ($259,999) prices. Alternatively, the median monthly rent in Lake Highlands is $1,136, more expensive than national rents ($1,350) or the greater city of Dallas ($1,248). In Dallas, the costs of renting balance the costs of buying in a very short time period of 1.1 years. So, parents planning to settle in Dallas longer than 1.1 years should consider buying, based on the breakeven horizon.

Moving-To-Dallas

M Streets

Another family-friendly neighborhood for parents to consider is M Streets, north of downtown, but south of Lake Highlands. The M Streets community was established in the 1920s and maintains its charming character with sidewalks, mature trees and access to White Rock Lake. Parents appreciate extremely short commute times to the city. Education is highly rated in M Streets. William B. Travis Academy/Vanguard for the Academically Talented and Gifted (public, 6-8) is ranked 10 and older students can attend Booker T. Washington HSPVA (public, 9-12) ranked nine. Just west of M Streets’ boarder is nine-ranked Sam Houston Elementary School (public, PK-5).

M-Streets-Dallas

$339,000 – Current M-Streets Listing at Zillow.com

Home prices are rising in M Streets due to its community appeal. The median home list price is $374,900, higher than Lake Highlands, Dallas city and the U.S. Rents, too, are the steepest in M Streets at a median monthly price of $1,808.

Northwood Hills (Far North)

Northwood Hills is the farthest north community in Dallas, also labeled Far North. The neighborhood is just west of Richardson, TX and conveniently located for residents to work in Richardson and Plano business centers and attend high-quality Richardson schools. Families in Northwood Hills have access to wide open spaces with large lot sizes and old oak trees, perfect for kids to play. The community expanded over several decades incorporating numerous architectural styles and a charming community. Two 10-ranked schools are Bowie Elementary School (public, PK-6) and Brentfield Elementary School (public, K-6). Several more top-ranked schools are within close proximity in Richardson.

Northwood-Hills-Far-North-Dallas

$375,000 Current  Northwood Hills Listing at Zillow.com.

Parents relocating to Northwood Hills pay more than other Dallas residents and nationwide homebuyers, but less than M Streets homeowners. Northwood Hills’ median home list price is $349,000. Median monthly rents are highest in Northwood Hills, $2,186, compared to the previously mentioned locations.

Selecting the best community to raise a family is complex, but Dallas offers many family-friendly, academically-impressive and environmentally-grounded neighborhoods for cheerful childhoods.

Information and data provided by Zillow.

What’s is the most important priority for where you live? 

10 Reasons to Go to the Plano New Home & Remodeling Show {Giveaway}

March 6, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

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Spring is in the air…or at least I hope it is after all this crazy weather. This time of year is the perfect time for thinking about what to do to your home, whether it’s new or making your home even better. I won’t even begin to give you the list of all the things I’m holding on to for my “Spring To-Do” list, but if yours is anything like mine, you have pages of ideas you’d like to see happen. So turn that list into reality and get going with a little help from the Plano New Home & Remodeling Show, March 21 & 22 at the Plano Centre.


10 Reasons to Go to the Plano New Home & Remodeling Show 

1. FREE TICKETS! That’s right! While tickets to this show are very reasonable, we’re also giving away one family four pack of tickets, so make sure you enter your chance to win! Or you can print out this coupon for Buy One, Get One Free!

2. Need help designing your dream home? Enter to win your very own Designer for a Day. One lucky winner will receive a two-hour consultation with Michelle Lynne of Michelle Lynne Interiors Group. She will gather detailed information in advance of the consultation so she can provide personalized suggestions and advice. Plus the winner will receive $350 in gift cards courtesy of the show management and the Dallas Builders Association to go shopping after the consultation. Register for both prizes at the Dallas Builders Association booth #506.

3. Do you have an ugly closet? Enter to win a $500 Elfa closet makeover from The Container Store. The fortunate makeover winner will have a special consultation with an Elfa closet expert who will then create a plan to beautify and make functional their ugly closet.

4. Get your green thumb! Gardening expert Howard Garrett “The Dirt Doctor” discusses organic gardening Saturday from 11 am – noon.

Howard-Garrett

Photo Credit: http://www.dirtdoctor.com

5. Is your home burglar proof? Come to the show and learn how to improve your home’s and vehicles’ defenses from Plano police officer Christopher Bianez at noon on Sunday. Officer Bianez will also share a strategy to recover property in the unfortunate event it is stolen.

6. Want to raise your own chickens or grow your own tomatoes? Tomato expert and Dallas County Master Gardener Tom Wilton talk “Tons of Tomatoes” on Saturday at 4 pm. and Andrea Ridout from Gecko Hardware (along with her rooster George) shares information about “Fun Raising Backyard Chickens” at 3 pm on Saturday.

7. Beer! Each afternoon adults can learn about brewing and sample craft beers from Fraconia Brewing Company, Real Ale, and Grapevine Craft Brewery. Each brewer will offer one of their top craft beers along with their special spring brew. For example, Fraconia Brewing Company will be sampling their spring Pilsner made with Lemon Drop Hops.

8. Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate! On Sunday afternoon from 2-4 pm, Jeanine Stevens with Dallas by Chocolate presents six amazing local chocolatiers sampling some of their specialties including Chocolate Secrets, Dallas Caramel Company, Isabelly’s Sweet Treats, Sublime Chocolate, The Brownie Cottage and Yelibelly Chocolate.

9. Don’t forget the kids!  The Home Depot Kids Workshop team will be at the show daily from 10 am – 5 pm. Children ages 5-12 will enjoy the free workshop where they will learn how to make a special take-home projects!

hd-Home-Depot-Kids-Workshop-is-FREE-Each-Month-The-Home-Depot-Blog

Photo Credit: The Home Depot

10. All your home resources all in one place. For one weekend only, visit with exhibitors, vendors, Dallas Builders Association representatives to help you make your home dreams a reality.

Plano-New-Home-Show-Logo

Plano New Home & Remodeling Show

March 21 & 22, 10 am – 5 pm
Plano Centre
2000 East Spring Creek Parkway
Plano, TX 75074
www.planohomeshow.com

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My #NFMWish List: Nebraska Furniture Mart Texas Opens Soon

March 4, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

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As a mom, I mark my life into two parts, B.C. – before children and A.D. – after the destruction (aka NOW.)

Before Children I had finally gave away that hand-me-down furniture from college and upgraded to the real stuff. I was so proud of it and thought that I was set for life…Ummm – no. Now in A.D, while those babies start off doing nothing but sitting on the floor and cooing, we all know once they’re mobile, it’s over. And throw in Birddie, our lab, into the mix…I need new furniture.


So now it’s time to replace with something with a little more style. And with Nebraska Furniture Mart Texas is opening in DFW this spring very soon and a special preview pass available March 11-18, I can barely keep myself contained. After I had a chance to take a sneak peek at the distribution center that is more than 22 football fields in size, I’m pretty sure I found about a 100 things I wanted. However, I have narrowed it down to a few must-haves as my #NFMWishList  for now and would love a little feedback to see what you think!

NFM-WishList

Sony 55″ Class 1080p 3D LED HDTV with Built-in Wi-Fi

I can’t even tell you how bad we need a TV. The kids have almost demolished the one in the living room (I don’t even know what technology it is) and thank goodness it still works with a huge crack in it. This baby from Sony is the most current technology with LED & 3D. While that sounds all kinds of impressive, the WiFi capabilities and its under $1k make it very impressive.

NFM-TV-MamaChallenge

Stein World 4 Door Credenza with Cutout in Oak

I won’t tell you what the state of our entry way table looks like right now, but it has to go or I need a really pretty 10-foot doily to fix it. This credenza is absolutely a showstopper and will make a big impression as you enter the front door.

NFM-Credenza-MamaChallenge

Mannington Mountain View Autumn Hickory Hand Scraped Hardwood

Gotta love that NFM has more than just furniture and electronics….they have hardwood floors too! These remind me of that rustic look I fell in love with in Napa and would look amazing in my entry way. And the fact they are called Autumn anything wins me over anytime.

NFM-Hardwood-MamaChallenge

 

50″ Wooden Wine Rack

Do I really need to explain why I need a new wine holder that resembles a riddling rack made for turning champagne?

NFM-Wine-Rack-MamaChallenge

Wild Weave 1609 Jacqueline Rug

Once I get that beautiful hardwood, I’ll need a few beautiful rugs for the floor. NFM has tons of options and while this one is not as grandiose as the $18 as the Khyber Flora rug from Due Process on sale for $16,699.99, I think it’s pretty swanky. 

NFM-Rug-MamaChallenge King I Super Pillow Top Mattress

Remember the part about the two kids and a dog? Yep, they are all potty-trained now…but not then. And if I only get 4-5 hours of sleep every night, I want them to be good.

NFM-Bed-MamaChallenge

 

Fine Funiture Design Highlands Game Table and 4 Chairs in Rustic Cherry

Oh, I really really want this one – and so does the hubby. We do have a man cave and there sits the only piece of furniture left from the college years – one beat up table and chairs. We use them all the time, but man, they are ugly. This set takes it to the next level for comfort, style and of course, functionality.

NFM-GameTable-MamaChallenge

Sounds like I want a lot (I do) , but if I win the , I can buy one or more of these things for free…unless of course, you win the giveaway!

NFM-Banner

You only have until March 8 to sign up for your early shopping pass!

Nebraska Furniture Mart Takes Everything is Bigger in Texas to New Level {Video}

February 6, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

“Sell cheap and tell the truth,” is the business strategy that started Nebraska Furniture Mart in 1937 by the founder Mrs. Rose Bumpkin in the basement of her husband’s downtown shop in 1937.
And as Nebraska Furniture Mart prepares to open its doors in the a few weeks in DFW, it’s still the premise that defines the 1,857,000 sq. ft. facility and doubles the company’s workforce.
TAKE A LOOK AT MAMACHALLENGE’S HOT PICKS AT NFM





You can’t say that you can’t appreciate them for keeping business simple. However, after my insider’s peek at the megastore, you can’t call any part of NFM Texas basic, however, they did take the idea “that everything is bigger in Texas” to a whole new level.
  • The mega-big box anchors the $1.5 billion, 433-acre Grandscape project being built by Berkshire Hathaway and will set the ground for several restaurants and hotels planned over the coming years.
  • A four-story attached garage has 2,200 parking spaces and allows customers to enter on both floors. An additional 2,000 spots are available on surface lots.
  • A 1.3-million-square-foot distribution center is attached, where customers can pick up their purchases.
  • The store will have 100,000 pieces of furniture, flooring, appliances and electronics, organized by category.  And the selection of floor rugs of every size, appliances at every price point and brand and even the small gadgets like your can openers and blenders, will be about to be purchased at NFM.

We all know that bigger doesn’t always mean better, customers will be guaranteed to receive the best price on the market by daily markdowns that compare the NFM is beating other store’s prices. And if you do find it somewhere else, you will be able to bring it back for the difference.

VIDEO TOUR OF NEBRASKA FUNITURE STORE

Post by Nebraska Furniture Mart.

So while we all wait in hesitation to see NFM in action, you can make sure you are on the list to be one of the first customers to visit when it opens its doors this spring. Just sign up and they will email you an early pass to experience Nebraska Furniture Mart for yourself.


GET YOUR EARLY PASS BEFORE FEBRUARY 28! 
NFM-Early-Pass

Safer Blinds Mean Peace of Mind with Blinds.com {Giveaway}

October 1, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 84 Comments

I appreciate Blinds.comfor partnering with me  to learn about the importance of safer window coverings! Not only did they help me to update the look of the house, my children are now safer, too. Learn more about child-safe window coverings and how you can win a $100 or $2,500 gift card from Blinds.com.

Like every expectant parent, whenever my husband and I were preparing our home for #1, we did everything the “book” said to do. We installed locks on the cabinets and drawers as well as removed any sharp corners. We inserted a 1,000+ plastic prongs in the outlets. We removed all those cute trinkets around the house that gave it character that could possibly be found in a little one’s reach and ultimately their mouth. We tied up every blind in the house so there wasn’t a string that the baby could get caught in and choke.

Blinds.comFeature


Basically, we prepped the house for Reo Recon. And man it wasn’t pretty.

Stepping into many other friends’ homes, the same window-tie up method has left a pretty ugly mess of their blinds and that’s if they actually did anything. Many people don’t even know that having corded blinds or shades is a real hazard to a home with kids.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, about once a month a child between 7 months and 10 years dies from window cord strangulation and another child suffers from a near strangulation.

However, with so many options now available, parents can completely remove the risk by choosing many of the child-safe styles on Blinds.com, like the ones I just installed, the Levolor Accordia Light Filtering Cellular Shades in Whisper.

While when I first began looking, I didn’t know where to start or exactly sure what choices were “out there,” but I was able to use this helpful quiz to guide me through all the options available like cellular shades vs. honeycomb shades. If I needed even more help, I could also chat with an agent for free assistance to ask questions.  With free shipping and free samples, Blinds.com can guide you through every step of the process to ensure you make the right choice for your home! And even if you make a mistake like I did with my Levolor shades, their pledge is if a Levolor brand product doesn’t fit (no matter whose fault it is) Levolor will remake your blinds or shades for free. Blinds.com offers the same promise with our SureFit guarantee to cover ANY product sold on Blinds.com! Incredible policy!

childsafety-infoBlinds.com

While replacing your window coverings with cordless blinds or shades is the only real way to remove the strangulation risk, there are several tips available from Blinds.com than you can do NOW to make  your home a little safer. For instance, if you have an older home like me, you can actually order a free window cord retrofit kit from www.windowcoverings.org.

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If you are in the business of shopping for replacement blinds for your home or childproofing your home for your first child, now’s a great time to buy window covers during the Safer For Kids Collection sale, running all October long! And to sweeten the deal, Blinds.com is also offering $100 Blinds.com Gift Card to one MamaChallenge reader to help you find your perfectly safe window coverings.

No matter how good the deals are, if you have 35 windows that need new window coverings, you’re going to need more than $100. Thankfully, Blinds.com is also hosting a giveaway for $2,500 Gift Card on Blinds.com, so make sure to enter their contest to increase your odds of winning, while decreasing your risk of child safety issues!

If you win $100 Blinds.com Gift Card, which room of you house will you use it in? 

SPRING Into Action to Protect Your Home: Termite Awareness Week, March 16-22

March 20, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Disclaimer: This was a sponsored post by Adams Exterminating. 


Before I bought my first home, my visions of homeownership included painting the walls, planting the flowers, buying furniture, etc.


Once I bought my first home, I realized homeownership consisted of much more than that like replacing roofs, shifting foundations, and implementing pest control.

Not exactly the images of the Home & Garden Channel I once thought, but certainly a huge responsibility that happens when you own a home.

Unfortunately for me, pest control has been one of those not-so-fabulous issues I’ve had to learn a lot about. Not because we aren’t clean people or don’t keep a clean house, but when if live next to a creek, are surrounded by trees or simply have a home that is comprised of wood…surprise! You can have any number pest concerns to take care to make sure you and your home are protected.


Since March 16-22 is Termite Awareness Week, I was reminded of real honey-do I had yet to take on – a termite inspection. While an inspection was completed on our home during the buying process, that of course, was seven years ago. Well, a lot can happen to a home in seven years, especially when it comes to termites. These “silent destroyers” (as termites are often referred as) can take down the façade of a home as well as its interiors way before a homeowner will detect a structural problem.


Did you know that termites cause $5 billion in property damage every year, according to the National Pest Management Association?


And as we move into the spring season and the ground’s temperature increases, termites are in search of new mates and new homes to conquer.

Isn’t home ownership fun?

While I consider myself a jack of many things and a master of nothing, this is one area I recommend be left to the professionals. However, there are things you can do to prevent termites. The Better Business Bureau offers four ways to avoid a termite infestation:

1. Repair and replace when necessary.
Repair leaking faucets, water pipes and AC units on the outside of the home. Repair fascia, soffits and rotted roof shingles. Replace weather stripping and repair loose mortar around basement foundation and windows.

2. Keep it clear.
Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches off the ground. Direct water away from your house through properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Keep mulch at least 15 inches from the foundation. 

3. Inspect, inspect, inspect.
Routinely inspect the foundation of your home for signs of mud tubes (used by termites to reach a food source), cracked or bubbling paint and wood that sounds hollow when tapped. Monitor all exterior areas of wood, including windows, doorframes and skirting boards for any noticeable changes.

4. Protect your investment.
Not sure if you have termites? Consider a termite inspection from a qualified pest management company like North Texas’ own Adams Exterminating, every 1-3 years. Since 1947, the Adams family has provided quality, affordable pest control service to the North Texas area for 66 years.

While I don’t know much about termite control, I am excited that employ the Sentricon System, the only pest control product ever to earn the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award presented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Thankfully with this system, you don’t have to compromise between earth-friendly and being effective. 

To learn more about the Sentricon System or to find the nearest Adams Exterminating near you, visit www.adamspest.com or follows them on Facebook.

Don’t let bugs get to you!



Easy, Natural Spring Cleaning Tips from Mama Challenge on TV

March 11, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

This weekend the clock sprung forward an extra hour and for many of us it marked the unofficial beginning of spring…which also means spring cleaning! 

(Hold back the enthusiasm, right?) 

But when you are a busy mom with kids (and for me with two kids at home during spring break), it’s a REAL challenge to get caught up with that spring list of chores you’ve been holding off for months to do. 


This morning I conquered a few spring cleaning tips on WFAA Good Morning Texas using products you probably have at home that can make your job easier. And I even have a tip to get the kids involved, too! 

Check my Spring Cleaning segment here on Good Morning Texas. 





Here’s a list of some of my favorite tips we covered during this segment and soon I’ll have another segment air that will cover some more of the ways you can keep up on your Spring Cleaning list! 
SPRING CLEANING TIPS FROM MAMACHALLENGE

My Most Important Tip: Baking Soda isn’t just for refrigerators and baking anymore, folks!

Clean Your Mattress:
Have your child jump on bed to bring up dust from inside.
Then sprinkle with baking soda.
Then vacuum the mattress top.

Baking Soda as Silver Polish:
To polish silver: Wash items, then place on aluminum foil in the bottom of a pot. Add a baking-soda solution (¼ cup soda, a few teaspoons salt, 1 quart boiling water) and cover for a few seconds.

Use a Baking Soda paste for stains on your cups/plates.

Use a Baking Soda paste to clean stove instead of those corrosive oven cleaners.

 

Clean Your Stainless Steel with Baking Soda:

2 tbsp baking soda, ½ cup vinegar, 2 cups warm water. Put in a bottle once the suds have gone flat.


Clean Your Grout with Hydrogen Peroxide:Just dilute hydrogen peroxide with water before applying on the grout and then leave it for few minutes. It can also be applied in combination with baking soda.

Clean Your Microwave with Vinegar:
½ vinegar
½ water
Microwave and let it steam. Then wipe it down.

White Bread as Glass Magnet:
The next time a tumbler takes a tumble, sponge up the shards with a slice of bread. Even tiny slivers will cling to it.

What’s your favorite spring cleaning tip? 


TV ALERT: 
Watch me next week on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2014 
 for St. Pat’s Treats you can make with the kids! 



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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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