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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

See Venice in a Day with the SMU Meadows Museum Family Day, June 8

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Me Mondays:

Last summer my husband checked-off a bucket list must-do with a trip to Italy – from Rome to Venice. It was truly a life-changing experience and almost daily I am reminded of something from that journey. That’s why I was so excited by the Meadow Museum’s special Family Day event this weekend, June 8. What a great way to share just a little bit with my kids and what mom and dad did on their special vacation and to commemorate our special trip.

A little iPhone shot I took this summer on the boat in Venice. (Photo credit: Autumn Reo.)
Families are invited to be immersed in the spirit of Venice at Meadows Museum at a special free family event, from 11 am – 2 pm. You’ll be able to stroll through the galleries featuring vibrant works in their special exhibition Impressions of Europe: Nineteenth-Century Vistas by Martín Rico as well as other activities and performance for visitors of all ages.

Family Day at SMU Meadows Museum
Saturday, June 8, 11 am-2 pm
Free
214-768-4677


Family Movie Night Happens With Netflix

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Try-it Tuesdays:

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of NETFLIX. However, all the comments here are my own.

When I was a kid I waited all week long until Saturday mornings so I could get my cartoon fix.

Now fast forward to today: my kids never have to wait for cartoons to come on one day away because NETFLIX gives them the accessibility to watch what they want, when they want. All mama has to do is turn them on whatever device makes sense like my iPad, computer and of course, the TV. Gotta love streaming video, right? All I have to do is hit up the dedicated kids section (designed by Common Sense Media for kids ages 2- 12) on NETFLIX and press play.



Happy kids means a happy mama.

In the mornings to get the kids ready for school they request always ask for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Road Rally. When they get home and we have snack time, it’s always a little Jake and the Never Land Pirates for both of little sweeties. The four-year-old boy dominates the watching choices for both of them – at least until the 20-month girl can talk. And then it’s all over! Until then she seems to enjoy Cars Toons: Mater’s Tall Takes although her brother “lets her watch” Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue – even though I know he secretly likes it, too!

But the favorite show of both of them is without a doubt Thomas & Friends: Go Go Thomas. We are definitely a “Thomas” family since everything from my son’s room, all his toys, even his lunch box are all Thomas. So no doubt we treat Thomas like a special occasion everytime we watch it. His presence on the screen is like Friday night at the movies. And until my kids get a little older, Netflix makes it possible to have Family Movie Night without paying an arm and a leg. And of course, begin the movie at 6 pm so we can still make bedtime AND bathroom breaks WITHOUT missing the movie! 

 What are you watching on TV with your family? Netflix has family favorites from Disney, Disney Jr., Hasbro, Cartoon Network and Dreamworks that are available to stream anytime, anywhere.


 And streaming is easier than you think! Download the free app on your iPad, click on the Netflix app on any gaming device, go to the website on your computer – and you’re in business. Check it out here!

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

This article also posted on Star-Telegram.com/Moms.

Get Pretty Muddy at New Women Only Run, June 1 + Discount {Spon}

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Me Mondays:

This is a sponsored post. I’ve received a gift card as an incentive for writing this post. However, the opinions stated here are all my own. 

I. HATE. TO. RUN.

 However, when I get finally get passed that first 10 minutes (or longer) of running and self-doubt, I hit my runner’s high and remember why it’s so effective to create a more healthy me. I’ve tried so many things, but when I lost 35 lbs. before I was married it was totally due to a good diet and a lot of running. And nothing has been as successful since. I just have to get passed that first part to get going…



Funny enough, Dallas has been full of fun ways to get motivated this spring. From zombies to zebras, there’s been a run for everything, but there’s one more you need to add to your list: The Pretty Muddy. (Bet you can figure out what happens at this one, right?) The Pretty Muddy on June 1 in Dallas is a 5k adventurous obstacle course mud run for any woman who wants to get outside, spend time with friends and have fun. Still  a little uncertain about how a mud run? Check out this video.




 Best of all, post race women will be treated to a fashion show by Old Navy showcasing the latest in the active wear fashion trends. (Which is going to really make you want them since you’ll be covered in mud.)

Since I’m already a huge fan of Old Navy Active Collection, I can’t wait to see the show. From personal experience, I know if you don’t like what you are wearing to work out, you won’t put it on and if you don’t put it on…well, then you don’t do much exercising. But that’s not the only reason to keep your mouse on “click” – this wear makes you look skinnier while you’re trying to get skinnier!  


 The Old Navy Active Collection offers an assortment of styles and colors at affordable prices including the Compression line that features everything from solid color leggings to color block capris, sports bras, tanks, shorts and jackets, and offers performance fit for added support and a slimmer silhouette.  Made with cotton, spandex and GoDry Fabric it helps to keep you dry and comfortable. Best of all Old Navy Active pants offer fuss-free storage of keys, iPods and all that other necessary stuff you need on you!



Pretty Muddy 5K Obstacle Course Mud Run
June 1, 2013
Skyline Ranch
1801 E Wheatland Rd Dallas, TX 75241
$ 69.50 – Get $10 off with CODE: BLOGON for $59.50 registration
Website

Get More Muddy: 
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#GetActivewithON 

    Mad Men Moms: 50 Shades of Don {Recipe}

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    Mad Men Monday:

    It’s time for another Mad Men Moms roundup of last night’s Mad Men.

    While it may have been Mother’s Day, the show definitely went to a new whole new level of whoa. See what we had to say about an even deeper level of Don. (Oh, my!)

    But before you settle into our chair, make sure you get your Mad Men cocktail ready…this time we are making up a Vodka Gimlet (aka vodka and limes in a cup.)

    Vodka Gimlet

    1½ oz vodka
    ¾ oz lime juice
    3-4 lime slices

    Pour vodka and lime juice into mixing glass. Shake and strain into martini glass. Add 3 to 4 slices of lime.

    Recipe and photo from AMC’s official Mad Men.


    Now settle in and let us know what you think of this episode of Mad Men!

    And if you missed other episodes of Mad Men Moms, make sure you get the whole scoop: 

    Infidelity: The Word of the Day on Mad Men Moms

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    Mad Men Monday:

    We’re Back! And in our PJs! 

    This week’s installment of Mad Men Moms discusses Mad Men, Episode 3. Find out why we’re wearing our pajamas, our commentary and of course, the recipe for our featured cocktail. 


    It wouldn’t be Mad Men without a drink, so we’ve got a recipe for you, a wine spritzer. Check on over at milkandcuddles.com for Shannon’s quick how-to on a fun way to prolong your vino. 

    And perfectly paired with this episode, find out if you’re a Megan or a Betty with a fun little test: “Which of Don’s Women Are You?” Take the Quiz Now and then let us know! 


    What did you think of this week’s episode of Mad Men? 




    Spring Makeup Must Haves from Nordstrom Trend Show

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    Want-it Wednesdays:
    I received free admission and several samples for my personal review. However, the opinions expressed here are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)


    I’m a make-up fantatic. Which is quite funny because I don’t wear that much, but I sure do love to play with it and basically collect it like figurines on my bathroom shelves (I’m positive I would be considered a Hoarder, but that’s not the topic of today’s discussion.)

    What is though? Some spring make-up must haves. 

    Recently, I was privileged to attend Nordstrom Spring Trend Show event at Galleria Dallas. If you’ve never been or never heard of it, it’s like Beauty Church…complete with a preacher, deacon, music and pews (well, figuratively speaking). It’s heavenly for people like me and even more so for those women who will spend the whole day at Nordstrom buying and trying all the latest and greatest in makeup and receiving mega bonus buys while being treated to some pretty nice treatments. All for a little $25 golden ticket. And gals, it’s worth it. 

    Sitting in attendance with some of beauty royalty like Karla Sugar, I was able to see what was new on the market and also score several samples of it, too. So once I got home I dumped out my goodies to try ’em out. 

    Here’s what I found that I really loved: 

    1. La Mer: Does it need explanation? There’s a reason women pay around $275 for this magic cream in a bottle! $150-$275
    2. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution: Dark circles and big pores be gone! $85
    3. Laura Mercier ambre vanille souffle body creme: Smells A-mazing $35
    4. Viktor & Rolf SpiceBomb: It’s for the men, but smells so good I haven’t given it to my husband to wear in fear I might jump his bones in public. $48-$128
    5. Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate: Firm my skin and even out the skin tone.$85
    6. Brushes from Nordstrom: Just like a pen, it’s gotta feel good when you use it. It’s good to replace those brushes from time to time and these are so soft and with a little care, can last me a while!
    7. Kate Somerville CytoCell Dark Circle Corrective Eye Cream: I’m sure sleep my help me cure some of my huge dark circle issues, but in the meantime until I win the lottery or someone wants to pay me for my sarcasm, I’ll be using this stuff.  $75
    8. Lancome Visionnaire Corrector: More love for my dark circles as well as my pores and evening my skin tone using a little handle applicator. $89-$109
    9. Trish McEvoy Eye Base Essentials: Always in search of making my eyes look brighter, this shadow primer helps keep your eye makeup in place and makes you appear that you’ve had at least eight hours of shuteye, even if two is sounding good. $25
    What’s new in your makeup bag? 


    Get Homejoy-ed: New Online Dallas Cleaning Company

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    Me Mondays:


    It’s not that I don’t like cleaning house…it’s just that I don’t have time to do it – and maybe I hate dishes, floors, bathrooms and well, I guess I do hate cleaning it.

    But as a mom you do what you have to for your family and your home. So you wash it, windex it, scrub it, mop it and whatever else comes your way. And normally without any appreciation or acknowledgement.
    So when I got a special opportunity to have a new cleaning company in DFW founded by two siblings named on Forbes list of “Top 30 Under 30”come to my home and clean it, I was overjoyed.
    Actually, I was Homejoy-ed.
    In just five minutes I went online to HOMEJOY, provided some brief information about my house and then scheduled what day worked best for me. I was able to nag a spot only 48 hours away, so I was super stoked.

    About 24 hours from my appointment, I received a text reminder about my appointment and the name of the representative who would be cleaning my home, so I could go online and actually see my rep’s photo, background, etc.
    The morning of my appointment my rep, Leslie, called me to let me know she was on her way. She then showed up right on time to clean my house in her yellow Homejoy shirt. She introduced herself and kept a big smile all day. Best of all, she did a great job!
    Then about an hour after she completed the cleaning, I received a text asking me to rate my cleaning. Once again, simple and easy.

    I was able to go online and take a look at my invoice and even book another appointment with just a few clicks. So quick, simple, and online – my preferred way to do things.
    If you’re a busy mom looking for a way to find more time in the day to get it all done, then learn one thing – you can’t create more hours in the day. However, you can prioritize your time and delegate the stuff that can help you free up your day to do the things that only mom can do.
    Make cleaning your home a joy with Homejoy by booking an appointment today!

    ###

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



    Celeb-Inspired Spring Jewelry Looks {Invitation to My Online Spring Trunk Show}

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    To-Do Thursdays:

    JOIN THE PARTY  
    —————> AUTUMN’S TRUNK SHOW <—————–

    So this week’s Want-it Wednesday and To-Do Thursday comes together to for a mega party and YOU’RE INVITED! 

    Spring means it’s time to update your wardrobe with color and fun…for me that means it’s time to take out the black and put some white in there, too. Luckily, I dress up my look with fun statement pieces like big necklaces and cuff bracelets. (In the words of Rachel Zoe, “I die!”) 



    I’ll admit that my kids love to play in my jewelry and even my son likes to help me accesorize my look – he actually told me the other day I needed a little pop of color! So I’m taking his advice and sharing a few of my favorite pieces (and the celebs) from the spring Stella & Dot line! 

    I’m kinda obsessed with this Modern Mom, Brooke Burke!

    Most people know Stella & Dot for at-home parties with your friends – but the lack of time makes it hard to just have a night to hang out with the girls. So I’ve done us all a favor and created an online jewelry trunk show you can attend in your PJs and from your couch! 

    JOIN THE PARTY  
    —————> AUTUMN’S TRUNK SHOW  <—————–


    Elizabeth Banks is more than “Pitch Perfect,” but she’s got jewerly perfect taste, too! 

    If you don’t love Olivia, you should – look at her good taste! 


    I hope you join me at least for a little time-out to see what you’re missing…
    and even better: 


    So what are you waiting for? 

    JOIN THE PARTY  
    —————> AUTUMN’S TRUNK SHOW <—————–




    Healthy Apple Pie Pancakes with Go Go squeeZ

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    Hopefully today you’ve found me because you saw me on Good Morning Texas on WFAA 8 Dallas. If you came to me because you always visit here, then welcome back for this Me Monday!

    On mamachallenge.com, I like to find solutions to the challenges that moms face everyday that are healthy, inexpensive, easy and fun.  

    ApplePiePancakes Go Go SqueeZ

    One that’s near and dear to me is: breakfast! I love breakfast but with two kids I don’t have the patience, time or the money to spend going out for a two-hour brunch experience. 


     
    Of course, one of everyone’s favorite breakfast items is pancakes – but nowadays these aren’t your grandma’s pancakes. These babies are all different flavors and toppings.
     
    So inspired by the pie trend, today we are going to Apple Pie Pancakes with Cinnamon Butter that will taste like you’ve spent hours cooking them up, but actually took about 10 minutes to put them together!

    Apple Pie Pancakes
     
    1 envelope pancake mix 
    1 c. water
    1 c applesauce (I use 1-2 packages of Gogo squeez)
    1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
    ¼ nutmeg

    Stir together the ingredients and cook.

    Heat your griddle or pan to 375 degrees.  (To test griddle, sprinkle with a few drops of water.  If bubbles jump around, heat is just right.)  Grease griddle with butter or cooking spray.  For each pancake, use slightly less than 1/4 cup batter.Cook pancakes until bubbly on top and dry around the edges.  Turn to cook other sides until golden brown.

    Apple Topping

     
    1-2 bags of kids apples – the browner the better/peeled or unpeeled
    2 tablespoons butter
    1/4 cup brown sugar
    2 teaspoons cinnamon
    2 teaspoons corn starch
    ¼ c. water
     

    In a large bowl mix together chopped apples with all dry ingredients.Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add apples, stirring frequently. When a sauce starts to form (about 3 minutes) add some water, about 1/4 cup at a time until you have the amount and consistency of sauce desired. Cook for about 10 minutes. Serve warm.


    Cinnamon Butter
    1/4 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
    3 tablespoons good honey
    1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
     
    Combine everything in a bowl and whip with an electric mixer until smooth. Enjoy!

    Looking for more delicious food ideas? Then follow me on Twitter and Pinterest.

     Don’t miss this #mamachallenge moment:
     
    Apple-Pinterest

    My Battle Plan for BlissDom ’13

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    Me Mondays: 

    There’s nothing like trying to get through a long list of to-do items and errands than to make the mistake of jumping on your blog and start changing up the look…then realizing you don’t have one place to change the look, but several platforms like: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and more. #scatterbrained #badtiming

    So I have to ask: what do yout think of the new look? I’ve many ideas, but this was one I could put together without the help of a real designer (if you know one, I’m all for reasonable suggestions!) 

    Anyhow, today like many Sundays, I’m putting together our family plan for the week. What to eat, laundry, appointments, and for me since I’m going to be at BlissDom, developing my agenda! 

    This is the first time BlissDom will be in Dallas and only about 15 minutes from home. While I won’t be staying at the Gaylord (one of my favorite DFW hotels), I’m planning to attend as much as possible while keeping up my mom duties at home and a few appointments and blog events in between! #goodluckwiththat 

    For all my “Bliss Buddies” (and to keep myself in line), I’m sharing my battle plan of action for #BlissDom 2013 as well as a little ’bout me! 

    My BlissDom Plan:

    THURSDAY, MARCH 21
    Blissdom’13 Kick off Reception: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm  
    Partner Meet & Treat Social: 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm  

    FRIDAY, MARCH 22


    Breakfast sponsored by Seattle’s Best Coffee  7:00 – 9:00 am  – Grapevine A/B/C/D

    Registration 7:00 am – 6:00 pm – Grapevine

    Handmade Marketplace sponsored by Blissfully Domestic  8:00 am – 4:00 pm – Ft. Worth 5-6

    Welcome & Opening Keynote with Scott Stratten  9:00 am – 10:30 am – Grapevine A/B/C/D

    Session Breakout #1: 12:00-1:00 pm:

    Lunch Break sponsored by Blissful Media Group – Longhorn Ballroom B – Level 1
    Business: John Morgan: The Ultimate Guide To Personal Branding – Grapevine C

    Hair Break: 2 pm – Getting my hair did with Vo5 and a head shots

    Session Breakout #3: 4:15 – 5:15 pm – 
    “Sweet Relief” Afternoon Break sponsored by Dr. Smith’s 3:30-4:15 pm – Grapevine Exhibit and Dr. Smith’s Booth  


    GIRLS NIGHT OUT with AMBER RILEY & CHRIS MANN: 7:00 – 9:00 pm – Sponsored by ConAgra Foods in support of Child Hunger Ends Here
    SATURDAY, MARCH 23
    Breakfast with coffee provided by Gevalia (& Johan:) 7:00 – 9:00 am – Grapevine A/B/C/D
    Morning Keynote with Susan Cain 9:00-10:00 am – Grapevine A/B/C/D
    Session Breakout #4:  11:30 am – 12:30 pm
    Business: Danielle Smith: Spread The Word: Using The Media To Give Voice To Your Message – Grapevine C

    Lunch: 12:30 PM Lunch with my Dallas Blissdom Girls sponsored by One2One Network
    Session Breakout #5: 2:00 – 3:00 pm
    Sponsored By Care.now
    Closing Keynote with Jon Acuff, Closing Remarks & More! 4:30-6:00 pm – Grapevine A/B/C/D
    Girls Night In sponsored by Maytag in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.  8:00 pm to midnight.  – Grapevine C/D   

    In between all the fun, I’m looking forward to: 
    Now, a litle about me in a nutshell: 


    I’m a proud Texas gal that likes to keep busy – otherwise, why would I blog!?!

    I play mama to two kids (jackson/4 years old & Taylor/18 month girl) and wife to Chad, whom I met in college at the University of North Texas. In between, I work in marketing/public relations, contribute to 3 blogs as well as my own, mamachallenge.com. I love to travel when I can, trying new restaurants, cooking and attempting to enjoy everything Dallas/Fort-Worth has to offer!

    Here’s a little more from me in action and why I decided started blogging.

    Now that you know me, I’d love to learn a little more about you! Are you going to BlissDom? If so, make sure to connect with me and let’s try to meet up! 

    @challengememama, #BlissDom

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