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Your Nose Knows: Spring Into a Good Mood Right Now

April 5, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 118 Comments

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.

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):

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.

Don’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.

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.

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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5 Ways to Improve Your Life in the First 5 Minutes of Your Day

March 27, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 114 Comments

Does every day seem like you’re just catching up with the day before? Do you feel like nothing is getting accomplished and you’re just bigger a bigger hole with no chance of getting out?

While we might not be able to make an immediate change there are a few things in the morning before you even start the day to ensure it gets going in the right direction or at least you can mark one thing off your list even if nothing else gets done that day. Here’s five ways to improve your life in the first minutes of your day.

1. Don’t Get on Your Device.

I need to practice what I preach here, but many of us find ourselves checking email, Facebook and Instagram before we even get out of bed. Somehow that five minutes turns into 10 and then next thing we know we are 20 minutes deep into Facebook, the kids aren’t up yet and you have to move into mom mode on superdrive to get everyone out the door and hopefully before the tardy bell rings or your boss starts looking at your empty desk.

I know it’s hard to believe, but the world will wait for your to read Facebook when you start going for the day. However, if you do have the kind of job that expects you to read your social media or at least a few emails, try to build that into after you’ve had your shower or while you’re hard at work on number 4.

2. Make Your Bed.

I hate this one, but it works. Several years ago I came to the conclusion that if there was nothing I could get done that day at least I had made my bed. It’s the first thing you get out of and the last thing of the day you get into, so you should make it kinda special. I let myself slide sometimes, especially on the weekend, but I’ve never regretted walking in after a hard day and seeing that bed made up just for me. It’s like that lovely feeling you get when you walk into a hotel room, but better, since no one expect you to pay for it the next morning.

Need a new mattress? Here’s the tips on how you can find the right one for you!

3. Plan Your Day.

Many people think that getting on their device is helping to plan the day; actually the only thing it does is help you pile on more to-dos without actually getting the ones under it complete. So get out a piece of paper and write down FIRST what you need to accomplish today. Then write down the things you’d like to accomplish, but it won’t kill you if you don’t. And then write down the “I wish…” list, the things you know you won’t get to, but want to and build in just 5 minutes that day to think about how this list becomes the “Must Do” list.

A few years ago my bucket list included a trip to Italy, but it just seemed like it would never happen, but that’s because I wouldn’t sit down and plan it. One day I just decided to put the date on the calendar and that night I would look for a ticket just to see how much they would cost. In two hours (about the time it takes to watch two episodes of Mad Men), I figured out I had enough points to fly for free, I had found a few hotels for super cheap and I had enough time to ask my mom to watch the kids. That quick I was able to make my bucket list happen. All because of five minutes.

4. Move, even if only a little bit.

I’d love to say I start everyday with a workout, but some days just don’t allow for the spin class or even 20 minutes on the treadmill. But getting out of bed to do a few stretches (think sun salutation) to get the blood flowing, will do your body wonders. If you are going to be in the car or at the desk for most of the day make sure to concentrate on the hip and back area. Let them move around since they will be stagnant most of the day. If you don’t take care of your core, you’ll be hunched over and creating many more problems for your body down the road.

Check out The Mom Workout for real exercises to work your body and get your list done!

Or you could be curling your hair while you do squats or a few ab exercises while you apply your makeup. Just because you aren’t sweating doesn’t mean it won’t make a difference. Plus even just a few endorphins will give you the feeling of a happy day…and that’s never bad before the day even begins!

5. Eat Breakfast.

Why is this one so hard when breakfast is so good to eat? However, I never make time for breakfast for me even though I make breakfast for the kids everyday. However, my waiting to eat until lunch actually was making me fatter by slowing down my metabolism and basically sabotaging my own day. While I understand sitting down to bacon, eggs and pancakes isn’t part of the AM schedule, but a delicious hand-held one you can take in the car makes eating a healthy, nutritious breakfast possible.

There’s a lot of things you can do if you’re in a rush:

Smoothies and shakes are always a great quick option with lots of protein
Breakfast Taco Enchiladas can be made in advance, frozen and then warmed up for a hearty breakfast
Healthy doughnuts are a homerun in our house and take no time to cook!

For me, I LOVE the new Jimmy Dean Delights Applewood Smoked Chicken Sausage with egg whites and sharp cheese on English muffin. At 300 calories or less, the entire Jimmy Dean Delights line with flatbreads, sandwiches and bowl choices makes it convenient to get a tasty breakfast with protein (the important part of any meal) in just a few minutes in the microwave. So the next time you go to your grocery store and pick up waffles for the kids consider picking any of the different Jimmy Dean Delights sandwiches for the whole family. (If you can score the maple pancake and turkey sausage griddlers or cinnamon glazed french toast and turkey sausage griddlers, you’ll definitely get high fives from the kids!)

Five minutes may not seem like much but it can make a big difference to your day and your happiness.

Do you have any suggestions or thoughts what you can do to change your life in five minutes?

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.

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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.

Holiday-Perfect Treatments To Make You Sparkle

December 23, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

In all the hustle and bustle of getting ready for the holidays with gifts, meals and more, one important to-do list that many of us seem to overlook is getting YOU ready. I mean what other time of the year do you see more people that you want to show off that you look and feel amazing (even when you don’t?)

To make sure you sparkle at your Christmas get-together or NYE party, you need to make time for these beauty treatments designed to make you look good and feel good – whether you were naughty or nice this year (they don’t discriminate!)

For the Face: HydraFacial MD

Before you even start – this facial is going to make your skin picture-perfect as soon as you walk out the door. Don’t worry – there’s no “Rudolph” after look. In just an hour, my skin felt so soft and like I had taken a 20 hour nap while drinking three-days worth of water. Whether it’s the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, congested and enlarged pores, oily skin, hyper-pigmentation or brown spots (which includes about everyone), your face is going to clean, fresh and selfie-ready. But what makes this facial so special that celebrities make it part of their skin routine monthly to keep them ready for their closeups anytime?

The HydraFacial® is a medical grade treatment and the only hydradermabrasian procedure that cleanses, detoxifies, exfoliates, extracts and hydrates all at once, offering long-term skin solutions that redefine the way people approach skincare.The HydraFacial® resurfacing procedure thoroughly cares for your skin, providing cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, and hydration, including Vortex-Fusion® of antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. The HydraFacial® is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that delivers instant results with no discomfort or downtime.

Did I mention there are no tweezers, extractions, or pain but you still get all the benefits plus more? In just four steps, I experienced cleansing, exfoliation, acid peel, Vortex-Extraction™, and Vortex-Fusion®- all from the comfort of a soft warm bed at Rejuve Med Spa in Dallas (my local Med Spa, but you can find a location nearest you on the website.)

Step 1: Cleansing and Exfoliation
Featuring Activ- 4™, which is a combination of Lactic Acid and Glucosamine, this step softens and conditions skin, creating a clean canvas and leaving skin feeling refreshed.

Step 2: Acid Peel
This advancement in skin-resurfacing technology combines the benefits of aggressive exfoliation and chemical peels into a one-step resurfacing treatment. With the potent GlySal™ solution used in conjunction with HydraFacial®Vortex-
Fusion® technology, the cell-sloughing capabilities are unsurpassed for deep cleansing and exfoliation of the skin.

Step 3: Vortex-Extraction™
This multi-action step utilizes Beta-HD™ to soften sebum and impurities which aid in the automated, painless extraction process which uses gentle suction instead of squeezing.

Specialty Treatment For Fine Lines & Wrinkles (optional)
The uniquely formulated proprietary combination of advanced peptides found in DermaBuilder™ is designed to help smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, enhance skin elasticity, and help even skin tone and texture.

Step 4: Vortex-Fusion®
Designed to help detoxify and protect skin from environmental free radicals, the final step features an application of “super-serum” Antiox-6™ to replenish skin’s natural elasticity and hydration. This powerful formula combines deeply moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid with detoxifying antioxidants such as Vitamins A, E, White Tea Extract, Horse Chestnut Extract, and Rosemary Extract.

For the Nails: Red Door’s Orange and Pomegranate Manicure + Pedicure

I’m not going to show you what my nails looked liked before, but you know what laundry, dishes, kids and making dinner can do to a woman’s hands. Then throw in a Christmas tree, blinking lights, and wrapping gifts and you can imagine that they aren’t anything to every see the light of day. Much less the tension I was feeling in my legs and arms. However, it’s nothing a trip to Red Door Spa at couldn’t do to fix them both.

Experience the clean, fresh essence of orange & pomegranate in this season’s new nail & body services available for a limited time at the Red Door.

This definitely ain’t your everyday, down-the-street-kinda mani and pedi. I mean there’s a reason Trudy referred to the Red Door as the top of the line in “Steel Magnolias” and today it’s still the case. Once you open those crimson doors, you are brought into a sacred place that invites you to drop it all at the door. For two hours, I enjoyed a premium sugar exfoliation, infused with the vitamin and antioxidant benefits of Orange and Pomegranate, stimulates collagen production and improves skin immunity. A hydrating wrap and paraffin treatment invigorates the senses while sealing in moisture to soften even the driest skin. Now my nails and toes ready for not only the holidays but my anniversary, too. (In perfect southern fashion, I celebrated my experience by donning my new nails at the gun range!

Gotta love the shimmer on these nails. That’s how to put a little girl in the gun. #nails #guns #girls

A photo posted by Mama Challenge (@autumnreo) on Dec 12, 2014 at 9:13pm PST

For Your Mind + Body: Aromatherapy Shower

I am not a bath girl. While I love the idea of a long luxurious relaxing bath with bubbles, soft skin, and aromatheraphy sounds heavenly, who has time for all that? For a woman that is always on the go, my only washing is done in the shower and they normally last just long enough to slap on some shampoo, conditioner, and if my husband is lucky, a razor will find my legs. Thankfully, ESSIO has found a way to make the best of both worlds come together with the Aromatheraphy Shower. ESSIO is a unique and one of a kind item that transforms the everyday shower into a personal spa – all by the comfort of home. It’s an affordable luxury and a great gift, too!

The product is extremely easy to install. It usually takes less than 1 minute to get the entire starter kit set up, and with no tools. (Really, I did it like five minutes by clipping the attachment onto the standard shower pipe. The pod snaps onto place on the end and extend over the shower head into the water, instantly creating aromas like breathe, passion, unwind, wisdom and others.

The oils are 100% USDA-certified organic and there are no synthetics or harsh chemicals and help to reduce inflammation, increase blood circulation, reduce stress and improve mental well-being. (Yep, all from one little pod that can last 4-5 continuously aromatic showers and leave no residue!)

Honestly, this is one thing you should be asking for in your stocking stuffer so do yourself a favor and add it to the list of gifts you already are buying yourself, wrapping and then putting under the tree. Or get five minutes away before the hustle and get one today at local store or online (where you can get $10 off your first starter pack!)

Even with five minutes you can have a spa experience at home.

How do you get ready to shine and wind down for the holidays?

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?

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