mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents | Dallas Blog

Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Flip Flops That Make Your Feet Fit

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Disclaimer: I received these products for purposes of this review. All comments expressed here are my own. 

It’s no secret I’d prefer to be barefoot to wearing shoes any day of the week. However, since it’s kinda gross to walk around like that most the time, I’m always on the lookout for shoes that are good to my feet and hopefully are fashionable to wear as well. 

So when one of my favorite pairs of summer sandals bit the big one the other day, I was almost in a panic. Then like a little FedEx fairy, a box arrived at my doorstep with new flip flops that claimed with every little step my butt, hips and thighs are doing reversed incline stretches while toning my muscles. So basically, I walk and and the worst parts of my body get a little more toned? So like any woman would, I tore the box open and put these babies on my feet immediately.
 


Developed by famed fitness icon Tony Little (you know the guy with the blonde ponytail exercising on the Gazelle trainer), his new footwear line appropriately named “Cheeks” is constructed with an inclined sole that imitates uphill walking. The shoes work by placing the body at a three-degree angle; most of the weight rests on the heels, thus promoting improved posture. 

I was able to wear these sandals every day, all day for going to work out, walking around Schlitterbahn, the grocery store – well everything. And because of the design, I could easily wear them with many outfits.  While I didn’t take my measuments before I began weating the shoes, I can tell you I could feel a little strain on my legs after I wore them for hours – just like I had been running up a hill. Success. 
 
 
And they have all kinds of styles too – from black, pink with some bling and even some interchangeable straps so you can coordinate your look by flipping it over! 
 
Starting at $24.95 this line is definitely worth a walk around the block. 
Available for purchase on HSN.com and TonyLittle.com. 
 
Anytime Dr. Oz makes a recommendation, we all come running and buying. And these sandals from Wellrox were high on his list for improving balance, better posture or just a more comfortable stride. So of course, I was quick to give these “bear claws” a try. 

By separating and providing individual thongs for each toe, Wellrox has developed “GRABS” technology, a revolutionary sandal that reduces the risk of slippage and enables a more surefooted gait. The GRABS™ technology offers added grip, relief, alignment, balance and support, so when spreading your toes, you’re redistributing your weight more evenly and begin using your proper foot muscles to walk as intended. This concept is well known throughout Yoga and wellness circles (yogitoes.)


These sandals bring much needed relief to your aching feet and leg muscles. You can wear them every day, or whenever you need recovery – before or after a workout or a Yoga session, or after a day of wearing constrictive shoes. You can even wear them for a pedicure. (At least they are much better than those throw-away shoes they give you at the pedi place!) 

You can buy these summer sandals at Macys.com and local Macy retailers. For more information, visit wellrox.com.

So now you have options to work out your feet and then give them a massage by just putting your shoes on!

Happy Walking!


Planning Our First Hill Country Bound Road Trip #ReoRoadTrip

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Mama needs a vacation. Bad.

Thankfully in Texas it’s not too hard to visit some pretty amazing places by just driving a few hours in the car. It’s part of the reason I love Texas. And there’s about 1000 more reasons where that came from. #truetexan.

Found this during my trip planning on TexasHillCountry.com

And now I have the pleasure of passing it on to my son. It seems like some kind of rite of passage; instilling that Texas pride and helping him understand why people from Texas feel compelled to decorate their whole house with Texas stars…(I know we aren’t the only ones.) 

Actually the Texas flag is exactly how I got the idea for our first road trip. 

When I was upgrading his room for Thomas the Tank to Lego the other day, I began to take down some of those nursery remnants on the wall, a wooden Texas flag painted on some old fence posts. 

As I removed it from the wall, my son quickly stopped me. 

“Mama, I love my Texas. Leave it on the wall.” 

With a prideful smile, I happily placed it back on its post.

I loved hearing him say I love Texas, but I felt I needed to show him a little more than what North Texas had to offer. 

So I drafted up a plan of places to take him before school began, work took over and it was next summer that I was trying to take this trip. 

My Hill Country route includes a couple of places I’ve always wanted to go as well as places that I feel are a must-stop in Texas. 

I don’t want to give away all the fun, but I’d love to hear what places between Dallas and San Antonio you think are a must-see, must-do and must-eat! 

Introducing Dallas New GoGoSqueeZ Squad Leader, Me!

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Mama Mondays:

I am so excited to start this week with a BIG announcement! 

Recently, I was named a member of GoGo squeeZ Squad for Dallas. I was already a huge fan of the products, but a couple of months ago at Blissdom 2013 I had a chance to get to know the brand and I love ’em! So now as a part of the team, I really couldn’t be more excited and proud to take on this role and help promote the fun, healthy, convenient and playful lifestyle that GGS is all about here in Dallas-Fort Worth! 

(Hey, I loved them so much I even included them in my Gourmet Pancakes segment on Good Morning Texas!) 

If you are mom who packs lunches or a fitness geek, you probably know exactly what GoGo squeeZ is. However, if you don’t, let me just fill you in: 
Happier Healthier families

 GoGo squeeZ is proud to be the leading squeezable, re-sealable, 100% fruit in a pouch. GoGo squeeZ’s products are crafted with high-quality natural ingredients to provide wholesome goodness for sipping, squeezing and enjoying, wherever life takes you.

 What Does it Mean to be a Member of the squeeZ squad

 The squeeZ squad is a team of passionate GoGo lovers that also love being out in their own community. Whether it’s a mom of 4, an adoring aunt, or a former TV producer, our team mission: get GoGo squeeZ to families at work and at play. From field trips to 5k Fun Runs, the squeeZ Squad does it all with a little GoGo. These amazing women (and men) are on the front lines spreading THE playful message.



To get to the core (tee-hee), I will be popping up around the area at events – small and large – to share a little GoGo squeeZ love with you, your family and friends. So if you have an event, activity, party or opportunity you think that is a good place for Go Go squeeZ sampling or gifting, please drop me an email to see if it’s a good match!


 Every Time You Squeeze, We Please! 

GoGo squeez has teamed up with Life is good® Playmakers, a non-profit that heals and strengthens kids whose lives have been deeply impacted by trauma. They work to ensure that all children grow-up feeling safe, loved and joyful. All you have to do is share this video and we’ll donate $1 to Life is good Playmakers!



See why I’m thrilled to be a part of the squad? 

I hope you’ll join me too in living life playfully with Go Go squeeZ!



Get $424 worth of beauty services for $99 at Facelogic Spa

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Me Mondays:

Fresh from my inbox – what a deal! For only $99, Facelogic Highland Park is offering the deal-of-the-year to get the following services for all one price:

  • Express Make Up Application
  • Express Signature Facial with Microdermabrasion
  • Airbrush Tan 
  • Brow Wax
  • Brow and Lash Tint
  • Image Skincare Vitamin C or Peel
  • 30 minute massage
  • Da Vinci Bleach Whitening
  • 10% off any regular period retail 


I love Facelogic…can you tell? Here are some great experiences I have had – and these are just the ones I wrote about! (The massages there are so incredible!)

Can Cookies Make You Lose Weight? The Magic Cookie Can
Save Those Leftovers: Make Your Skin Merry & Bright with Pumpkin and Yams


Call Facelogic Highland Park at 214-696-3223 to get your Beauty Pass before it’s gone! 

Mad Men Season 6 Finale

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Mad Men Moms Monday:

Oh wow. 

 The finale of Mad Men Season 6 definitely was one for the record books. 

 I couldn’t even think up some of the things that happened and if you haven’t seen it yet, then I almost don’t want to spoil it for you…ALMOST. 

 So round out our weekly recaps of the show, Shannon from MilkandCuddles.com and I couldn’t help but resist watching the last one together. (I’m glad we did because I needed someone to talk to after that!) 

 Also, in true Mad Men Moms fashion, we also celebrated with a cocktail. Shannon surprised me with a fun chocolate-flavored concotion with cream, black cherry vodka and Kahlua (think White Russian meets Yoohoo!) Little did we know how much the topic of chocolate would become a part of our evening’s adventure. 


What did you think? 

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: 

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