Just for Mom Archives - Page 2 of 4 - mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents

Travel Without the Chafing with Bandelettes

March 11, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 16 Comments

Ever went on a long day of sightseeing to have not only have tired feet, but the inside of your thighs are red, raw and are burning? Worst of all, the next day they hurt even more because they never get a chance to heal?

Yep, that’s . It hurts, it’s irritating, and pretty much no matter your size, you’ve probably experienced it. While I’ve attempted a few different ways to prevent it, I can’t always wear pants in the middle of summer or use deodorant between my thighs when I’m wearing a short black dress with a white set of matching thigh-highs that smell of “Shower Clean.”

However, right before a mother-daughter trip to Napa, I received a package of . While I didn’t think I’d have time to try them out before I left, at the last minute as I got ready to depart for the airport, it came over me that NOW would be a good time to try these babies out. Under my cute little black travel dress and jean jacket, I slid up the lacy black Bandelettes® and darted out the door.

Little did I know that we would end up late, running through the airport to get to the gate to make the plane. And if you’ve ever been to the DFW Airport, gates aren’t close and when I saw running, I was hoofing it.

And when I FINALLY got to the gate, I will admit that my underwear may have shifted down to my Bandelettes®. I was deshelved, out of breath and completely out of sorts with my hair and makeup completely running down my face, but the Bandelettes® were perfectly in place and my inner thighs were the only thing NOT hurting.

Made with non-slip silicone inside holds bands in place without moving and slipping, Bandelettes® are available in six different sizes from pants size 2 – size 22. And to make sure you get the right fit, Bandelettes® has a short video to show you exactly how to measure your thighs.

For just $15.99 Bandelettes® not only give you a little something sexy under your dresses, but also save your thighs from the pain of chaffing. And right now you can get

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bandelettes®.

Cute Shoes Can Be Comfortable with Vionic

March 3, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 10 Comments

After working as an event planner for many years and standing on my feet for countless hours, I learned a lot. However, the idea that “if you’re nice to your feet, they’ll be nice to you” firmly left a lasting impression and one I live by today.

Lately in my search for cute comfortable shoes, I’ve been lucky to find first the most beautiful boots from Lane Boots and now an adorable designer wedge that doesn’t look like something from 1983.

Before I even show you why they are so comfortable, you have to admit you never would have thought these hot snakeskin wedges are made to be as good to your feet as they are to your style. I’ve had some many compliments wearing these both casually or to the office. And while I’m not about to start running in these, I bet I could as soft and little impact that my heel feels even after hours of wearing them!

Vionic Footwear with Orthaheel Technology offers footwear that helps prevent and alleviate foot pain and fits a variety of lifestyles. Vionic shoes feature a removable orthotic footbed that supports feet and helps realign the lower legs, improving posture and balance – an ideal option for daily fitness walking.

Shoes should make your feet feel great and look good doing it. That’s why Vionic has built every style starting with a tried and true foundation – a contoured Footbed with revolutionary Orthaheel Technology.

You can wear Vionic shoes from morning to night, for most activities. Slide into a pair of slippers to reduce the heel pain first thing in the morning, complete your office wardrobe with a pair of comfortable wedges to wear to work, lace up a pair of orthotic active shoes to walk for exercise, and then slip back into your spa-style supportive slippers at the end of your day. Plantar fasciitis can hit the road, but not before you do, moving through life without giving heel pain a second thought.

So why would you choose anything but cute and comfort for your feet? I would like to add that these Vionic shoes run large and in no half-sizes, so choose your true fit if you order these shoes online. If you’re the type that normally orders the wide shoe option for your shoes, this style called the Antonio doesn’t need room to make you look good. It does that already. And when you order your first pair of Vionic shoes, you aren’t just getting a pair of shoes, but you are getting support, knowledge and lifestyle from a brand that many have proclaimed have changed their lives for the better. You can learn more about about those in their #SOLESTORY.

“>

To order your own Vionic with Orthopedic Technology or to find a retailer near you, visit http://www.vionicshoes.com/store-locator.

To find other great comfortable and stylish shoes you should have on your feet, check out this post!

Lose Weight with Jenny Craig – First Appointment

January 13, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 16 Comments

I’m going to let you in on a little secret…

If you ever wanted me to quit talking, ask me to talk about my weight.

The topic makes me sad…not just because it reminds me that my figure definitely is far from where I am comfortable (especially for a gal on TV), but even more so because I have two children I am responsible for and would love if their mom was “skinny.” Somehow when my six-year-old says he thinks I am beautiful BUT…he would like if I was smaller…just kills me.

Me too, buddy. Me too.

So once again, another year, I’ve resolved to finally lose that weight. My post-wedding weight. My two-week-eat-my-way-through-Italy weight. My post-baby weight (and my youngest is three.)

Right before I got married I was able to lose around 50 lbs. But that wasn’t without work. Lots of it.

But I can’t just let me go. I have to keep trying. If not for me, for them.

Looking at my biggest issue…it always comes down to the food. I’m not good at planning meals and I can’t handle grilled chicken and veggies for six months straight. It’s just not me. I need good food that’s good for me and takes no time to prepare.

Meet my new best friend Jenny. Jenny Craig that is.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I signed up, but on the day of my appointment, I walked in ready to go. At least with my new friend I felt like I could brave up to the scales.

Afterwards, we sat down and talked about my triggers that made losing weight hard for me.

Saying them aloud actually made it easier to face up to them instead of keeping them secret – just like when I clean the kids’ plates after dinner and take a few bites…

Next we made a menu. One of my favorite activities in the world; I was able to look over my predetermined menu and decide if everything sounded good for me. Pizza bites? Chicken Carbonara, Fish and Chips? Don’t mind if I do.

We packed all my food and then I was off to the grocery store to pick up only a few other things like water, veggies and yogurt. And then I was ready to go.

Thankfully, I was now prepared. Prepared to deal with my crazy schedule and all the things that get in my way of taking care of me.

So what do I think so far?

Just after one week I was down six pounds and I have had to work to find room to eat chocolate cheesecake. Really!

Make sure to stay tuned as I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the food, how it works and of course, if it helps me to continue to reach my goal weight loss of 50 lbs!

Are you looking to lose weight? Right now Jenny Craig is offering $0 to join AND $50 in free food!

Just like I experienced, you’ll be able to meet your consultant, make goals together, create a menu and workout plan and also outline how you’ll be able to overcome those challenges that keep you from your goal weight.So join me! I’ll be sharing my progress on Facebook and Instagram along the way.

*I was provided a free trial program and a discount on the Jenny Craig meals. However, the opinions and writing are entirely my own. Members following the Jenny Craig program, on average, lose 1-2 lbs per week.

Balancing it All: Christie Rampone, U.S. Women’s National Soccer Captain

January 11, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

This is a sponsored post.

The last few weeks I haven’t exactly been at 100%. With all the Christmas chaos and 2015 coming in with such force, I’m still trying to find the best way to manage the balance of being a mom, a wife, a business owner, a blogger and just being me. So when I had the chance to speak with another mom that I felt really has a lot of pressure trying to do it all as Professional soccer player for the Sky Blue FC and Captain of the U.S. women’s national soccer team, I was all ears!

Just check out what Christie Rampone had to say when I asked her about “doing it all.”

What is balance for you? How do you measure it?

Rampone: Balance is key for me. The importance of doing my job as a soccer player, a mom and a wife is all predicated on doing them all well. If I am unable to fulfill any of three roles, I end up being unsuccessful at all of them. But when I am able to do all three well, everything falls into place. I feel that getting balance is less about putting a measured amount of time into something but more about making the time you put in count. For example, my workouts now are much shorter than when I was young. But I am so much more efficient and productive because of my experience and knowing how to maximize my time.

What are your tips for balance?

Rampone: Concentrate on one thing at a time. Do not take on too much. Be in the present, always. You can only control what you can control. Balance is about perspective. You have to prioritize what’s important and what can wait. Don’t wear yourself thin, you’re only one person. There is a time for your career and there is a time for family. Separate the two and you will find it much more enjoyable.

How has being part of a team helped you with interpersonal/family dynamics?

Rampone: That’s a great question. I guess I would say that a successful family is much like a successful team. People must work together, sacrifice for the benefit of the team and constantly communicate. Our team is much like a family. We may not always all like everything about each other, but we have respect and are willing to do anything to help each other.

What things are important to you as a busy mom?

Rampone: Being a good wife and mother and also being good at my job are the priorities in my life. All three of these roles take a tremendous amount of effort and focus. I work hard to do all three well and I get tremendous satisfaction out of it.

Could you just be a mom? Could you just be an athlete?

Rampone: I was an athlete before I was a mom. And I may soon find out what it is like being only a mom since my career is drawing to a close. But by doing both I believe that I am setting a great example for my daughters, and hopefully other young women, that you can have it all.

At my age and with all that I have on my plate, I need to work harder at staying healthy inside and out. I’ve always taken care to eat healthy and to exercise regularly. I started taking EpiCor before the Algarve Cup, a major international soccer tournament held in the dead of winter. EpiCor made a big impact on supporting my immune system and helping me stay healthy throughout the trip. Since then, I have become a paid endorser for EpiCor, and I enjoy talking about something that I truly believe works. With my busy life I need to stay healthy and I believe EpiCor is an important element in that. EpiCor is a safe and natural dried fermentate found in a variety of vitamins and supplements that helps support my immune system by strengthening a first and second line of defense, increasing antioxidant power and helping your gut. I eat healthy, stay fit, manages stress and take EpiCor to protect my immune health.

Find Rampone on Twitter at https://twitter.com/christierampone.

These are a Few of My Favorite Things…

December 18, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 11 Comments

Need to stuff that stocking for that special someone? Here are a few of the things I am loving and suggest you have under the tree this year for your music lover, traveler, organizer, sweet tooth or hometown gal.

Because We’re Texas Grown and Texas Proud: Tumbleweed TexStyles

We are a PROUD Texas family and it shows. My hubs and I both grew up in tiny Texas towns where everyone’s related, so when we find out we weren’t, we decided we took the plunge (joke.) We always brake for Whataburger, West kolaches and Allsups burritos. Our home decor includes not one, but two rooms in which a Texas flag sits as the centerpiece of the room (no lie). Our home decor includes not one, but two rooms in which a Texas flag sits as the centerpiece of the room (no lie). Heck, even my son’s first word was “y’all…”ok, it wasn’t but it would have been funny if it had since his entire nursery was draped in red, white and blue stars. …Ok, it wasn’t but it would have been funny if it had since his entire nursery was draped in red, white and blue stars.

So when I came across a shirt that said “Willie for President: Waylon for Vice” from Tumbleweed TexStyles when rolling through my Instagram feed one day, I knew I had to have it. Three days later when it came in the mail as a gift for my husband, I was kinda sad I didn’t get myself one. The shirt itself was the feel of your favorite shirt you’d been holding on to for years, but without the stains or work to get it there. And the personality possessed by all artfully creative pieces designed by the two Frisco, Texas teachers gives you the immediately feeling of driving down 35 with Pat or Robert Earl Keen playing in the background.

However, when I came across this shirt (and many more of them) I HAD to have it. Available for both men and a special “off-the-shoulder” ladies version, the Texas Towns shirt pays homage to the many Texas towns within the state (although not all of them. However, two special towns made the cut. “Possum Kingdom” and “Seymour”, while not next to each other on a map, sit right together on this shirt, just like this duo.

For some people it’s in the stars, for us it’s in the shirts. Go find your own Texas love story on their website at http://tumbleweedtexstyles.com.

Because I’m OCD: Epson Portable Bluetooth Labelmaker

I firmly believe that everything should have a label and it has its place. When we moved into our home I couldn’t help but put labels on the light switch panels so I wouldn’t have to touch them all to figure out which one was the fan and which one turned off the TV. With a room devoted to bins of holiday decorations and old baby clothes (19 bins in all), you have to have a label. But it gets old running up and down the stairs to make a label, print a label, affix a label and repeat. And labeling takes on a whole new level when you have kids go to school. Everything should be labeled or you will never see it again.

That’s why the Epson Portable Bluetooth Labelmaker rocks my world. Connected to my smartphone (or your tablet), the small label printed can fit in my car, in my purse or just under my arm as I take off upstairs to organize. Using both paper and CLOTH labels, you can have every piece of kids’ clothes properly labeled with their name and every box you’ll store after Christmas affixed with a reminder of what really sits in that box. Considering it a must-have for your official “I’m going to get organized” NYE resolution.

Because there’s Always a Need for Music: AwoX StriimLIGHT

I’m always listening to music. Whether I’m in the car, at my home office and cleaning the house, I’ve my favorite songs at work. The beat keeps me going and when I’m trying to relax, singing is how I destress and let it all out even if I can’t listen to the song on high blast. While I don’t have a system to play the music throughout the house, I do have a “lightbulb” that screws into into regular size outlet and in seconds, it plays music – while also continuing to light the space. I’d like to say I’m magic, but actually, AwoX is.

AwoX is a pioneering connected smart home company that specializes in “dual use” bulbs! It is a WiFi or Bluetooth enabled light bulb that allows you to play music through a mobile phone or tablet playlist. Now, by just turning on the lamp, you can dance to your favorite tunes. In addition, you can synchronize your sound zones around the house with several StriimLIGHT WiFi speakers.

Need a better explanation? Just watch this and rather than buying everyone a speaker for Christmas, you’ll be buying a lightbulb that does both!

Because I’m so Dang Sweet – Candy Club

I’m sure there might be many people who disagree, I can confidently say I do love surprises, sweets and subscription boxes. So much so that I did a whole segment on the best subscription boxes out there! What started off as research, actually turned into a bad habit I can’t kick which is getting new, fun stuff in the mail every month. And this subscription one is the sweetest one yet – Candy Club.

First, choose a one, three, six, or 12-month plan option. Second, receive your box of premium, hand-picked candy delivered to your home or business every month. Last – and most important – enjoy! Selections vary each month, offering members an assortment of three different types of candy stored in novelty Candy Club containers. One month’s box may surprise recipients with Haribo® Gummi Techno Bears, Sour Power® Wild Cherry Belts, Gimbal’s® Sour Gourmet Jelly Beans and, as an added bonus, Butterfields® Peach Buds – all on a bed of Sweet’s® Salt Water Taffy. Whether you’re craving a short-term fix or long-term satisfaction, Candy Club offers the perfect solution for your insatiable sweet tooth. And the presentation is oodles of fun too – sure to make your mood or someone else’s even better when they open this up each month.

The best thing is that you can share with your friends or family. Or you can always find a place to stash those Haribo Gummi Techno Bears because they are out of this world!

Because this Gal Needs Her Sleep (even when she travels): Evolution Travel Pillow

I love to travel even if I don’t get to do it as much as like. However, when I do get to be on a plane or in the car for a long amount of time, I’m out. Like seriously out. I’m the girl you are staring out and making fun of on a flight because her head is bobing all around as I try to find the right way to find the perfect position for peace and sleep. I’ve tried many pillows in the past that I have done me well – for one flight or I lose it because it’s so big. Now I’ve found the pillow of my dreams from Cabeau. Known as the place for travelers, the Economy pillow does everything – including hold my smartphone + headphones, hold up my head and compress for easy storage.

If you are that person that travels OR know someone that is, they’ll appreciate you when they are flying a red eye and they were able to sleep in comfort.

Best Jeans for Moms to Look Great and Feel Great

December 1, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 29 Comments

Looking for the best jeans for moms? Of course, you are! Here’s the one pair you need to make you feel like a million bucks – without spending that much! Thanks to Lee Jeans for this sponsored post.

I have plenty of friends that the moment they spit out a baby were back into their pre-mommy body. And in some cases, they even look better than before.

All photos courtesy of Lee Jeans.

That wasn’t me. I didn’t have a perfect body to start, but when the babies came, so did the mess of my midsection. And lucky for me (hear my sarcasm) I didn’t have a rear to fill it in to start with, so pants we’re never easy to fit in the front OR the back.

After it was no longer ok to sport a pair of maternity jeans (3 months post baby is not ok for your information), I needed new jeans, but never found any that weren’t lowrise, added a muffin or were in my budget. So unfortunately I’ve just been dealing with jeans that didn’t do much for my figure or how I felt wearing them. So I’ve done my best to avoid jeans all together or always pair them with a big shirt so it didn’t matter how they fit.

So when Lee Jeans invited me to try to find the perfect jean for me, I said bring it. This was one “mama challenge” I had just decided that wasn’t going to have the best outcome, but hey, at least I was being realistic.

As I slid into the dressing room I began to feel the angst come over me just thinking about trying on jeans. I grabbed from the stack, said a little prayer…

As I thought about the sweet message, I slipped on the jeans, buttoned them up and braced myself to look in the mirror,

Not only did they fit (without laying on a bed to button them), but I looked good, I felt good and thankfully, the waistband was exactly where I wanted it to be. I didn’t need to keep moving them around to feel comfortable. And when I squatted down I was able to breathe. The length was just long enough to wear with heels but just the right length I could throw on a pair of flats and run out the door. And best of all, I may have even looked a little slimmer.

The fit may have had said Easy Fit, but I was definitely thinking it should be called Confident Fit. After all, I was actually standing a little straighter with my Lee Jeans. (And while I didn’t take a photo of my before and after experience, here’s a great one from lee that shows exactly what happens when you put them on!)

Wondering what makes this pair of affordable jeans fit so perfectly on my not-so-perfect body?

Lee Slender Secret Collection: The Lee Slender Secret collection retains its shape all day while still being super comfortable. Long gone are the days of jeans that bag and sag – the Slender Secret collection holds true to its denim shape and provides a flattering fit all day long.

Fashionable details like an ultra-dark wash and subtle and stylish back pocket details make for a perfect pair of jeans with a super flattering fit.
This jean was created to make you look and feel your very best. A hidden tummy panel on the waistband of the jeans instantly slims you for a sleek silhouette.

Lee Easy Fit Collection: Lee Easy Fit is the jean to match your active lifestyle. It’s smoothes and shapes just like your other tried-and-true blue jeans, but this jean revolutionizes comfort and makes your on-the-move lifestyle a priority.

The Slimming Stretch fabric stretches and slims to conform to your own body shape, so it feels like they were made just for you. The ultra-stretch fabric makes this jean incredibly easy to move in, too.
The Easy Fit Jeans feature a flexible, but incredibly supportive waistband that won’t bind, dig or create any unwanted discomfort. With a nonrestrictive waistband, this jean stays true to your figure for flawless wear and ultimate comfort.
Cut and sewn with trendy designs and features, this style is modern, fashion-forward and sophisticated, but also pairs well with a simple t-shirt. This line is also offered in a variety of rich denim washes, so there’s certain to be a style for everyone.

And you can get your hands on my favorite new Lee jeans The Lee Easy Fit Jean can be purchased online at Lee.com or can be found at your local Kohl’s, JCPenney, or Sears stores.

Or you can win a pair and a whole lot more from this holiday contest from Lee Jeans.

Post by Lee Jeans.

This is exactly what you want under your tree this Christmas or now to look great for those holiday parties!

Four Ways to Dress Up Your Little Black Dress (LBD) for the Holidays

October 29, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Last week, legendary fashion designer Nicole Miller, hosted an in-store holiday event at JCPenney Stonebriar Centre. North Dallasites (and several fashionistas from downtown) made their way to the superb suburb to feast their eyes on the new nicole by Nicole Miller holiday collection and hear first hand from Nicole Miller’s top tips for holiday styling and entertaining.

While the full crowd enjoyed a first-look on her Holiday Collection available at JCPenney, it was the tips to make the most out of those few key pieces, rather than creating a new wardrobe that really caught my ear. And there’s nothing more staple for that special occasion than the LBD (little black dress.) But even according to this designer, there’s no need to go crazy to create a new look with the one piece.

How to Style the LBD:

Jewelry is the perfect way to accessorize a LBD
Bling, crystals with gold, mixed metals, black chain detailing, pearl accents
Faux fur vest would be a great addition to a LBD
Studded or snakeskin bags add an edgier touch

However, I think even the LBD can be modified. For instance, the jumpsuit like this one featured at the fashion presentation, is versatile for flexible any occasion with the right accessories and a great pair of shoes. I can’t wait to get my hands on this one and pair it with the fur vest above and a beautiful reptile skin handbag.

Here’s another jumpsuit option that will be flying off the rack for the holidays, especially New Year’s as soon as it is released November 21 on JCPenney.com!

What’s your go-to piece for your holiday style?

Mama-Daddy Date Night on a Dime {Giveaways}

September 19, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 27 Comments

Research reveals that over 90% of couples who go out on dates have increased relationship satisfaction.

However, when your schedule seems packed full of kid functions and other obligations, it’s hard to make it a priority to spend time doing something you enjoy vs. something you “have to do.” However, when you’re married, “you have to work at it.”

Taking right back to a “work concept,” organizational/business engenue Steven Covey referred to a marriage as an emotional bank account. If you don’t put in a deposit after awhile, you’ll be overdrawn – meaning: hurt, sad or much worse. unfortunately, in reality you don’t necessarily have to spend an arm and a leg to have fun, so we’ve got some great ideas for date night on a dime for moms and dads!

So make a point to make your relationship have value!

1. Put it on the calendar!
Just like doctor’s appointments and soccer practice, if it’s not on the calendar, it won’t happen!

2. Be creative with datenightnorthtexas.com.
What if you had loads of creative date ideas, plenty to talk about while on your date and even deals and discounts provided by local establishments to make it easier for you to get out of your rut and try something new – all in the palm of your hand?

3. Be frugal
Follow websites and blogs for contests and other fun ways to do things for free!

Recent newlywed Dallas Socials shares a long list of frugal fun dating ideas for couples!
Susie Drinks Dallas tells you the happy hours in town!
The Porch Dallas has a great list of less than 15 dates for less than $15.

DATE NIGHT IDEAS (AS SEEN ON WFAA GOOD MORNING TEXAS!)

Traditional Dinner Night Out

Use online app Tango Tab to learn about specials at your favorite restaurants
Enjoy special night like El Chico’s Fajita Tuesdays or III Forks’ Wine Down Wednesdays {Giveaway} featuring $15 for wine tastings and appetizers
YMCA Parents Night Out

Movie Night

Groupon for a $6 movie ticket to a movies like Studio Movie Grill OR any other specials available {Giveaway}
Pay-What-You-Can Dallas Theatre for each show for $1! Next show is Rocky Horror Picture Show!
This Side Up! Family Center: This is a one-of-a-kind non-profit which provides a safe, family- friendly environment while giving parents all the tools, skills and quality activities they need to move from surviving to thriving! We have received numerous awards and recognition as a new community non-profit bringing much-needed focus on family strengthening!

Hear the Music, Taste the Love

It’s fall festival time! Enjoy yourselves at any festival like the upcoming free Cultivate festival or any of the many festivals we have in the area for cheap admission and in many cases FREE!
Rather do something more low key? Go to a brewery or whiskey tour and enjoy a little education/tasting like at Deep Ellum Brewery in Dallas or Rahr & Sons Brewing Company {Giveaway} in FW where $10 gets a tour, three samplings includes a pint glass or there’s a few free tours with samples for purchase. Find comprehensive list of breweries and distilleries in DFW on Eater.com
Use Uber to safely get home and today all GMT watchers will get a FREE RIDE up to $20 credit with CODE: MAMACHALLENGE {Giveaway}

Get Your Workout On

Trade out with a friend for a few hours in the morning with a friend for a few hours of day fun!
Lululemon Yoga Classes, Klyde Warren Park or most workout places to try together like Pure Barre
Then brunch it cheap with a list of great deals from The Thrillist

Cultural

Shakespeare Dallas in the Park: Antony & Cleopatra (Fall 2014) – $10 admission to either Addison Circle Park or Samuell Grand Theatre –
Picnic at the park: bring your own food like this basket from The Grill on the Alley {Giveaway}
Dallas Theatre Center: Pay as you Go as low as a $1
Dallas Museum of Art as well as The Amon Carter Museum of American Art are both free (Giveaway)
Adventure Kids Playcare (also used with Groupon)

Make your own bucket list of places to eat and experience together!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spa Light, Spa Bright: Spa on the Square is Answer To Your Beauty Wishes

August 22, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

I was provided a unique opportunity to experience Spa on the Square and its amazing services and staff for a fun girls’ night out.

Most the time massages happen for me is either when one kid has knocked out a sciatic nerve and I can’t move it or some lovely sponsor has thanked me with a gift card. While I appreciate the later, they don’t happen near as much as I’d like to OR should have them. Actually when I met up with a few of my other writer friends at a fun “Girls Night Out” event at Spa on the Square in Southlake, I was kinda sad to hear how little most of them get massages or had even had a facial. Haircuts and highlights come pretty far in between too as exemplified by yours truly with her self-made “ombre” look that was nothing more than a faded highlight from over a year ago.

So needless to say, it was time. Way past time.

We spent the evening learning that there was a way to fit all the types of services – from facials, haircuts, massages, manicures and more with their EXPRESS SERVICES. We no longer could use the excuse we didn’t have the time to spend a half day treating ourselves, these services could be done over lunch in most cases (and with an Adventure Kids Daycare just down the street to drop-off a kiddo for a short time), there really were no excuses and there shouldn’t be guilt either.

My lovely gal pal blogger Arena of A Nerd’s Wife and Always Arena enjoys her microdermabrasion treatment.

It is important that mom feel good on the outside as she does the inside.

Remember a happy mom makes for a happy family, too!

And after a LONG conversation with this facial technician, I realized that there was so much that I do to get rid of my problem areas on my face (dark circles, freckles and leftover pregnancy face) that make me feel the need to slather on foundation (or spackle) as my husband likes to call it.) After just a few treatments, I could be actually shaving off time from my morning makeup routine and also regenerating my skin to help prevent wrinkles (those lovely things that have crept up on me after two kids.)

And massages, well those just aren’t for a little rubdown either! I actually found out they had a medical massage therapist on site who could help me get all those kinks, knots and leftover kid nerve issues back into shape. I have a feeling she’s going to be seeing a lot of me!

Jenn of Jenn’s RAQ takes a few minute to give her skin some attention.

However, that’s just the start of what a little time at Spa on the Square can do for you. (I mean you haven’t really seen Southlake women look bad, have you?)

Just take a look at their service list:

MedSpa

Spa

Salon

Spa on the Square
(817) 488.8848
1422 Main Street, Suite 263
Southlake, Texas 76092
http://www.spaonthesquaresouthlake.com

How Mother’s Day is Made at The Shops at Park Lane with No Shopping at All

May 8, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Disclaimer: I was part of a tour to check out The Shops at Park Lane. So glad they did since I’d never been. That’ll change now. See why below.

I have a confession…I don’t like to shop.

Well, let me rephrase, I just don’t think of it as something fun, but work. Hard work, but someone has to do it.

On Mother’s Day, shopping it’s not exactly my idea of how I want to spend my day, but instead, relaxing and enjoying myself while I do little to nothing at all.

So the thought of going to The Shops of Parks Lane may not be the first place I’d suggest to spend Mother’s Day, but after a recent trip, I’m pleasantly surprised!

Actually, I was flat out wrong.

In just three hours, all the woes and drama of my day had dissipated and I was, for at least a moment, without a care in the world. At a shopping center.

Right…?

So what did I do that was so dang enjoyable that it changed my life that day in a little bit of time and only around $50?

Photo from The Shops at Park Lane website

I got my hair washed, dryed and style at the Aveda Institute of Dallas for one. And in beautiful Aveda fashion, the amazing aromatherapy started at the door and led me to a comfortable chair with a lovely woman who instantly whisked me away to a place of peace with a light neck rubdown to relax me before we started the wash & dry. Then during the wash, my hands were given the same love and attention with a massage.

“I’m in Heaven…” and I didn’t even have my beautiful hair done yet, but it was perfect, anyways.

For a moment I heard the music you hear in the commercials and I twirled my hair around in such the way you see Eva Mendes does in her Pantene commercials.

After my relaxing hour at Aveda for less than $20 (yes, less than $20), I was off to give a little love to my very sad nails. Normally, I just have them buffed, but this time I wanted a little something extra and the lovely ladies at L’acqua Nail Spa Lounge were able to give me an express gel manicure.

In 30 minutes my nails were picture perfect. If I had only had a few more hours to spend for a pedicure, facial and massages. But the Mother’s Day packages now available are affordably priced for a second-trip to the lovely nail boutique known for the working women’s mecca for getting ladies in and our during their lunch hour!

MOTHER’S DAY SPA PACKAGES

So what’s a girl to do when she’s had her nails and hair done and no where to go? This one went to the Sleep Number store! Considering I’d always wanted to lay down on one and and find my sleep number, without kids and a few minutes to spare I went on in and laid down.

I was in heaven again. No hearing any crying, no kids screaming, no iPhone ringing, and just comfort.

I found out all kinds of stuff behind the Sleep Number bed and that a new app can even measure how you slept and how to make it your sleep time count. Considering the grossness of having two children sleep, eat and jump on your bed, I can confidently say that my bed is not in tip-top shape. And my back and sciatic nerve can concur.

While I couldn’t put a Sleep Number bed in the back of the car, a girl can definitely plan for a future purchase, right?

So after three hours of nothing but pure relaxation, I went to a shopping center and didn’t shop one bit. But I’ll admit, I eyed a few places I wanted to check out. And a few more to eat at…

I’ll be back. Especially for that $18 blowdry. And you or your mom will too.

Happy Mom’s Day!

« Previous Page