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Kitchen Facials and DIY Sugar Scrub for Gifts

December 7, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

With fall weather in full gear, with that comes dry skin from the cooler air and winds. You can take care of your skin with all-natural treatments and products that are free of harsh chemicals. These skin care ideas, that can be made with stuff you have around the house are easier, cheapier, healthier and ecofriendly, too.

Try these spa ideas for fresh fall skin with common kitchen ingredients:

Dark circles and puffiness: Use leftover green tea bags and place on eyes to remove dark circles and puffiness.
Dry Skin: Lemon oil is known to have a calming effect on the body. Mix Pure Lemon Extract with water for a beneficial skin treatment for dry skin.
Hydrate for smooth skin: Hydrate skin with a honey face mask – spread raw honey on face, leave for 20 minutes, rise off for smooth skin.
Heal small bumps and bruises: Coconut oil moisturizes skin and is known to help heal small bumps and bruises.
Fresh skin: Combine a splash of Rose Water with water and put into a spritzer bottle – keep it in the car or purse for a fresh scent (or leave it in the refrigerator for a cooling morning mist)

For smooth skin, try this Vanilla Body Scrub or use as a gift.

Vanilla Body Scrub

Ingredients
1 cup Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 or 2 drops of an essential oil such as lavender, eucalyptus, etc.
Decorative, waterproof container

1. Mix ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Spoon into a decorative, waterproof container
3. Wrap in decorative paper.

Instructions for use: Apply a small amount to damp skin while in shower or bath. Gently scrub skin with a soft washcloth. Rinse thoroughly.

Now go make Martha Stewart proud.

Show ’em What You Got with a Hot Mama Apron

November 26, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Me Mondays:

After several days of cooking, cleaning, repeat, I’m reminded of some of the not-so-fabulous parts of being a mom at the holidays. While thankfully the pros definitely outweigh the cons, I’ll admit, moms make a lot of the holiday magic happen. From decorating the house, wrapping the gifts, creating the holiday meal and my personal favorite, cleaning the house. (tsk, tsk.)

And that, as well as having several little dirty hands and faces around my house, is the reason I now love aprons. They solve so many issues and let’s face it, they can dress up your yoga pant ensemble in a whole new way. No longer does your look say, “mom that can’t fit in her jeans,” but says “mom that’s trying to create delicious meals and a clean house” (you notice I used “trying,” right?) I strive for the later one everyday.

Over the last few years I’ve collected a few aprons, some that will never been used like the signed ones I cherish from Ted Allen and Paula Deen. Then there are the ones that are so cute, I reserve them for only AFTER I’ve made the mess to look cute when other people enter the room (or that moment when Food Network comes to my house to start filming my first cooking show.) Other aprons I have are so ugly, they should never see the light of day, so while I don’t mind getting them dirty and greasy, I just should let them go. Really.

Then I was introduced to the flirty and functional aprons from Hot Mama Aprons. (How apropos for me in so many ways, tee-hee!) These locally made aprons created by Dallas mom, Jennifer Carr, were the product of a mom suffering from the same predicament; she was trying to find something that was cute to wear, but she didn’t mind wiping her hands on…so she actually sewed the hand towel right into the apron. (Why didn’t I think of that, right?)

Kinda amazing, I think. And apparently, Paula Deen, the gals at Southern Living and many others thought the same thing, so her designs received lots of press. And when Paula and Southern Living says “two thumbs up”, you know that you must have done something good.

And just like a good Southern woman should have, Hot Mama Aprons even have a holiday design, so you can look your very best even when you might be doing some dirty work. At least you’ll look good. And with a long holiday season in store, you might just have to buy two (especially since it’s free shipping for a limited time!)

Now go be the hostess with the mostess (or at least look like it.)

Save Those Leftovers: Make Your Skin Merry & Bright with Pumpkin and Yams

November 19, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Me Mondays:

Remember when Samantha Jones, the outspoken and sexual socialite from “Sex in the City” rubs yams all over her face in efforts to keep from “ricocheting back into menopause?” While Suzanne Sommers might try to tell you something different, yams can’t keep the clock from moving forward, but it can help your skin look like it has.

So bring on the yams I did with a holiday facial treatment from Highland Park’s Facelogic called the Merry and Bright. The space, located perfectly off the Tollway and Lovers Lane, keeps your skin in tip-top shape with affordable treatments and membership programs for facials, massages, waxing, spray tanning and more. The Merry and Bright is a limited-edition facial includes a yam and pumpkin peel designed to make your skin look its best as you celebrate the holidays with parties and get-togethers. Too bad they haven’t come up with a treatment yet called the Merry and Light (but they do have a weight management program that I also can’t wait to share in a few weeks!)

This facial/peel treatment gently takes away the aging layers of dead skin cells leaving the skin soft, refreshed and looking bright. The yam & pumpkin peel from Eminence Organics produces a dramatic yet natural skin lightening effect, which is great when you aren’t as good as you should be like me about exfoliating your skin. The peel uses nurturing stone crops and a natural hydroquinone alternative to lighten up the skin without photo-sensitivity as well as other fruits and natural products to help you put your face forward!

Key Ingredients of Yam & Pumpkin Peel from Eminence Organics:

Yam Pulp Purée: high in beta-carotene and vitamins to fight the signs of aging
Pumpkin Pulp Purée: rich in enzymes, beta-carotene, amino acids, and antioxidants to fight the signs of aging
Pineapple: purifies skin by removing dirt and proteins
Papaya: contains vitamins and fruit enzymes to improve the appearance of skin
Glycolic Acid: soothing and smoothing agent
Lactic Acid: sloughs off dead skin cells to improve texture of skin
Willowbark Extract: natural beta-hydroxy to minimize the appearance of pores
Phyto-Hyaluronic Acid (Phytocollagen): deeply hydrating; natural substance that smoothes and plumps skin to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Green Tea Extract: high in antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamins for youthful looking skin

The Merry & Bright treatment options for $75: 60 minute facial with a 5% peel or 20 minute facial with a 20% peel (for more dramatic results). While I didn’t take a before and after photo, I can tell you my skin did look smoother, healthier and brighter, which made my day just merry!

And even better, now until the end of the year, when you purchase this treatment you’ll be doing something good for others, too. The Merry & Bright facial will not only help brighten the face and mood for the holidays but literally brighten the overall lives of those in Zambia living in the dark. For every Merry & Bright facial purchased in November & December a solar-powered LED light is given to a family in Zambia who are in the dark after the sun sets. These lights provide a means to study, eat and enjoy their families well after the sun sets on them (visit http://empoweredbylight.org for more information about this program.) Facelogic is hoping to provide at least 100 lights to Zambia by the New Year.

Call Facelogic Highland Park at 214-696-3223 today to book your appointment and to get your skin looking merry and bright.

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.”)

Let’s Go Brazilian…

November 12, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Me Mondays:

No, we aren’t talking that (but if you want to, I’ve gone there, too.)

However, we are talking about Brazilian blowouts. They’ve been around for a while, but basically after this special treatment from your stylist, you can have straight, beautiful hair and minimize your blow drying time to boot. Seemed like the perfect solution to those of us that look like Tina Turner without a blowdryer, flat iron and tons of products, however, the $200-$500 plus price tag and the drama about formaldehyde, has made it a little harder than just making an appointment to your local salon.

So I took it into my own hands and considered two at-home treatments.

Two totally different lines and different price points both promising to make my long locks light, shiny and smooth as well as:

Works with all hair types
Repairs cuticle damage
Regenerates and strengthens hair fibers
Restores natural shine and softness
Seals hair cuticles
Reduces volume and frizz
Makes hair resilient and healthy
Formaldehyde and sodium chloride free

Best of all, my 30 minute blowdry routine could be minimized to $15 minutes AND no flat iron/curling iron time. With the holidays sucking up all my extra time outside of work and dealing with the kiddos, I needed to get back all the time I could get as well as give me shortcut to look like a million without making me spend that much time to do my hair (or pay someone else to do it.)

Brazilian Blowout

The original, the Brazilian Blowout is the line of products that started it all. While you can still can get the treatment professionally administered, the line has provided an at-home product that’s meant to provide at-home users a way to take it into their own hands. This Brazilian Blowout hair care kit thoroughly cleanses the hair while maintaining vital moisture for increased strength and radiant shine. Combining these hair care products results in smooth, frizz-free and radiant hair.

Approximately $125 and available online at brazilianblowout.com, drugstore.comand others.

Ultra Keratin Touch

Made for every day use. Also recommended for those who have professionally relaxed/straightened hair to keep hair at its best between touch-ups. From the instructions, it looked like an actual treatment that could take up to an hour or longer and a couple of trips to the shower, but the site had lots of instructions and videos to not mess anything up.

Approximately $25 and available at local Walgreens, Walgreens.comand drugstore.com.

Now off to my bathroom to see what I can do to make my hair shiny and beautiful…maybe.

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.”)

How We Winged it in Napa Valley

November 7, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Well, this trip was one for the books! If you haven’t been following – Mama took on a real challenge this week and extended her Food Fridays, Sharing Saturdays, Mom Mondays and took a little rehab Tuesday for a four-day trip to Napa.

In a word. Amazing.

For a woman obsessed with food, wine and beautiful scenery, it was a dream come true. That and a friend with a hotel discount to share plus a free airline ticket from years of accumulated miles.

So I took a few days off the blog to get up close with the one and only Napa Valley…And while it was hard to eat at some of the most delicious restaurants in the region and sample the area’s biggest cash crop (that would be vino, people), I took one for the team so I can report my lessons to you. (I know it’s hard, but someone has to do it, right?)

Understand – I had no reservations for anything before we went to Napa other than a plane ticket. So we totally winged it. Completely. And we did it pretty cheap. (Well as cheap as Napa can be.)

I will tell you that while every restaurant I wanted to eat at in Napa Valley said it was full and no reservations, I did manage to eat at 10 different restaurants in three days. (Again, another reason for everything in January to be focused on being healthy!) But since the food and the wine was the only thing anyone cares about, I’ll give you the list of my rundown. However, to answer the most asked question, I did not eat at The French Laundry. (But lucky for you I did take a photo of it to share with you and did a little Facebook “Check-in” for fun.)

1. Opa – San Francisco Area

A local chain, but I was starving after my 7 AM flight and anything with goat cheese is fine by me.

2. Carpe Diem Wine Bar – Napa

Name summed up our trip. Small plate heaven and perfect for several sharable plates featuring cheeses, fried olives with goat cheese and mushrooms (probably with goat cheese.) Great service, unpretentious and very hip. Must go.

3. Fish Story – Napa

Seemed like a pretty swanky place, but they let us in to enjoy their sustainable fresh fish choices. It was cold and I was close to the West Coast, I enjoyed a great Clam Chowder.

4. Morimoto – Napa

My first foam experience. Found totally by accident we noticed all these interesting sweet treats in a window. After walking in and asking to see a menu, we realized we were in the Iron Chef’s cooking haven. Since we had devoured a few meals, we laid low with a ramen soup, chocolate cake with all kinds of stuff like a beer foam (see below) and drinks. While some pretty simple menu items, they were still very interesting to view as well as to eat. And they didn’t disappoint us and actually had us wanting more…but our stomach couldn’t have taken anything else for a while.

5. The Epicurean Connection – Sonoma

This small-town find quenched my craving for a good simple sandwich to eat that included fresh everything – homegrown arugula, white cheddar, cheese, red pepper pesto and meat from local sources. I could eat one of these every day and be happy.

6. LaSalette – Sonoma

Probably one of, if not, my favorite places we enjoyed in Napa Valley. Sat at the bar, watched first-hand the talent of a great kitchen at work for my first Portuguese experience. Devoured some of the best scallops I’ve ever eaten ever along with a bowl of butternut squash soup and a delicious wine flight. Afterwards, I didn’t want to eat anywhere else since I wanted to just hold on to the lingering flavor.

7. Taco Bell – Napa

I admit it, but like always, the gordita did its thing well.

8. Hurley’s Restaurant and Bar – Yountville

While they didn’t serve brunch, they did serve a great outdoor patio, spicy bloody mary and some of the best breads ever including a housemade focaccia so perfect it made me cry. (Yes, it was that good.)

9. Buchon Bakery – Yountville

Somehow I was going to get my Thomas Keller fix in somehow and it wasn’t going to be The French Laundry, his casual spot, Adhoc or his fried chicken/pork bbq outpost, Addendum, so Buchon Bakery was the winner. We lined up for 30 minutes to get our moment to order some lovely baked goods to go. Couldn’t pass up anything called “Oh, No You Didn’t” (a s’mores macaron dipped in chocolate) and the creamiest quiche I’ve ever tasted.

10. Redd – Yountville

This place had captured our interest online and when we drove through by its façade, but when the friendly gal at Hope and Grace told us it was great for small plates, cool for hanging out and that her hubby was the somm, we thought we’d try it out. Good call on our part to listen to the wifey. Lobster Risotto and Duck Potstickers were delish.

As for wineries visited, we didn’t do as many of these, but we had a great time where we did and what we did. With a limited budget, no reservations and a short weekend, we had to be smart. That’s why Tasting Rooms within most of the towns we visit we the right idea for this trip. And most of these, we ate there, too!

1. Hanzell Vineyard – Napa

I actually posted realtime from the vineyard on Saturday, so you got a fresh look at my first wine and vineyard tour. Conducted by the nicest Estate Educator, Ryan Hortum, we learned so much about viniculture/viticulture as well about this multi-family business with a very interesting historical story, up a very winding hill and overlooking Sonoma. We basically called them the day before from our hotel and made a reservation, so about 18 hours notice.

2. Domaine Carneros – Sonoma

One of my favorite places we visited since we stumbled upon it right before it closed as we were driving, we were able to quickly ordered all the wines we wanted to try, open up some deli crackers and goat cheese and just overlooked the countryside for an hour.

3. Hope & Grace – Yountville

We had 10 minutes left in Yontville before heading to Calistoga, so we stopped in to try a little local wine love. Cute spot. Cute name. Cute help (see “Redd” below for more info on her.) Had a great Cab and Pinot, so we grabbed a few half bottles for gifts and got on the road.

4. Castello di Amorosa – Calistoga

A pretty unique experience within itself, this 13^thcentury styled castle included a tour reminiscent of many of the places I visited in Italy this summer and then the finale included a delicious food and wine pairing experience with Mary, the castle sommelier. I really enjoyed myself and purchased a few gifts to bring home, too including the most delicious almonds with truffle oil. OMG. For this reservation, we called about 15 hours in advance and so glad we were able to join because it was such a treat!

…and a few more small ones that while nice, didn’t make the list.

What did I learn from my fantastic trip? That it was possible to go many places just on a whim. Almost everywhere we went, we called prior to coming and told “we’re fully committed tonight.” Then we showed up and almost without any wait AT ALL, we got a table. Now it may have not be the best table in the house (sometimes we were seated at the bar, but at LaSalette the bar is the best place in the house since you can watch the chef staff create food masterpieces.)

Also, what did I learn? That there’s lots of amazing food to be enjoyed in Napa Valley and it doesn’t have to be a $250 nine-course, three-hour tasting. (Unfortunately, my curiosity is still peaked and I still would like someone to sponsor my trip to The French Laundry to dispel all my thoughts about it…) It’s small, simple and enjoyable if you like food and wine. IF you are looking for other activities, seek refuge in San Francisco. The only “kid” thing I found in Napa Valley was Sonoma’s TrainTown and I bet it was way more than my tastings.

As my learning lesson comes to a close, I’ll share my advice. The next trip I would probably have a few ideas of what I wanted to and perhaps spend a little more time in Northern Napa Valley (Calistoga, St. Helena and Yountville) and skip Napa and Sonoma all together. And I totally would love to enjoy more sparkling wine experiences that I didn’t have time to visit this go around like my cousin’s favorite, Shramsberg, Mumm and Domaine Chandon. And certainly a trip to the recently awarded Michelin star in Calistoga, Solbar.

So, I conquered this field trip…But what’s next for another food adventure? HOLIDAY!

Sharing Saturdays: Hanzell Vineyard

November 3, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Instead of taking a look at a must-read book, this week I’m sharing my trip to Napa & Sonoma. Today’s look is up a very tall hill overlooking the Hanzell Vineyard.

I’ve included 10 facts about the winery and some amazing views. And of course, delicious wine.

Birthday Fun in Dallas with Spa at the Village, DISH Drag Brunch, Hotel Zaza Sunday School & Napa Valley

October 29, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Me Mondays:

“Me Mondays” are supposed to be a one-day dedicated to focusing on making things better for ALL moms. However, today the title is most apropos because today IS my birthday, so I’m sharing how this mama spent the weekend celebrating her 22st birthday (hahaha, give or take 10 years or so.) I have to admit it was the best one yet! It was all about conquering some bucket list items!

Starting off the fun festivities, after a hard-hitting session of Jay’s Bootcamp and one of my favorites Friday’s spin class with Melissa, I spent a glorious afternoon at The Spa at the Village in Colleyville. Thank goodness for a perfectly timed Groupon because for less than $100, I was able to get the Pumpkin & Spice Fall Spa Package (which is valued at $430!) The whole experience was heavenly — with a delicious massage, a pumpkin facial and even a an inch loss body wrap (always a nice way to start off a birthday is with a few inches off your body!) I opted to get a few add-ons as well which were well worth it since my dark circles have seemed to disappear – or at least minimize for the time-being! The staff was amazing and I know I’ll be back since they offer specials to their members and I can’t remember the last time I felt that relaxed.

After Friday afternoon, I was more than happy to call it done with my festivities, but that was just the beginning. My amazing husband had me open a FedEx box addressed to him, but when I opened it, I found a beautiful handbag. I have to admit, I’ve been waiting for a long time to get this purse, so I couldn’t have been more surprised. It is beautiful! While this one wasn’t a bucket list item, it was on top of my “All I Want For Christmas…” list. Santa just showed up a little early this year!

Again, just the beginning of the birthday fun, I spent a few hours with some friends on Saturday enjoying a few of Fort Worth’s most beautiful homes and best chefs with The Kitchen Tour, a fundraising event for A Wish with Wings. It may have been chilly, but some of the tasty soups we enjoyed made it worth it (that and the bloody mary that kept me warm on the inside!) I love looking a beautiful homes and certainly enjoying award-winning food from local restaurants, so this was ideal for a pre-birthday event!

Sunday was the icing on the cake. My mom and two of girlfriends got gussied up and attended Brunch at DISH. Referred from Dallas’ Queen of the Scene, Cynthia Smoot, Once a month the Oak Lawn rest throws a party with brunch, bottomless mimosas and drag queens. It’s hard to imagine a drag show at 10:30 AM in the morning, but it and the three-course brunch was a perfect way to spend the morning. Another bucket list item complete. However, bottomless mimosas ensured the party wasn’t over yet.

Of course, what would Sunday be without Sunday School? But this is not the Sunday School you are used to. Hotel Zaza puts on a heck of a party and this time Halloween was the occasion. While I wish I could tell you how great the food and drink was, especially since the pancakes are supposed to be phenomenal, but it was more like a night club than a breakfast spot. Sunday School Brunch includes food and fun like no other…just be ready to need a little recoop time after all the fun is over! This event is a MUST for anyone in Dallas. (Just be happy I don’t have photos to share with you!)

While I could definitely say that I had the best Birthday ever, I still have one more bucket list I get to complete for this birthday…a trip to Napa Valley! I can’t wait to share this bucket list item with you upon my return! I can hardly wait, but after this weekend’s fun, I’m glad that I have some days to recharge and rehydrate!

So if today is your birthday, I hope it is as wonderful as mine has been — thanks to some amazing friends and family members. And if you have a birthday coming up soon, I have one piece of advise: “Celebrate your day like it’s the last one you got!”

Suck it Up and Suck it In (with a Corset)

October 15, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Me Mondays – Part of my never-ending challenge to create a better me…

When I think of the word ‘corset’ I immediately think of Scarlet and Aunt Mammy in “Gone with the Wind.” The two women working to lace her up before going to the Wilkes BBQ and then later again in the movie, when she talks about trying to make her 21 inch waist go back done to 19 inches. That actually makes me laugh now since it’s been a while since I was 21 inches – a very long time and I certainly haven’t been wearing a corset…at least not until now.

Scarlet and Aunt Mammy work together to cinch her waist back to 19 inches in “Gone With the Wind.”

However, what I used to think as that thing that women USED to wear back then (or if you are a pop star on stage) isn’t so passé anymore. Actually corsets are back on the rise reports the BBC; real women are actually wearing them again as daily undergarments in attempts to make things look a little smaller, a little smoother and in some cases, a little sexier. And after giving birth to two children, a girdle or a corset now seems like small potatoes to get all that mess in the middle to look a little better.

Then last week a special package ended up in my mailbox from corsetchick.com. With Halloween around the corner and a mama still without something to wear, I was intrigued to see what the box had in store for me. And of course, being committed to the cause to help other women like myself and in hopes to squeeze my ass into a pair of my B2K (before two kids) jeans, I happily pulled them out and began the siphoning process.

Devil costume includes corset, skirt and accessories. (Photo courtesy of corsetchick.com)

When I opened things up I found both a witch and a devil complete with a skirt and appropriate accessories. They were really hot outfits, although it was still going to take some guts and a few shots of liquor to wear thse out of my house. I will admit I now understand why it took Scarlet and Mammy to cinch her in – it really is a two-man process. I had intended to be THAT wife and put one of them on for show after a weekend away, but I really needed his help to put me in it or get it off of me when he got home (it was a lot less sexy and a lot more funny than you could have imagined.)

Add a hat and this corset and skirt becomes a witch costume. (Photo courtesy of corsetchick.com)

But once I got it on, I did feel pretty hot mama. I couldn’t breathe so great, but at least I looked good. And along with a pair of fishnet pantyhose and sexy shoes, I was going to conquer Halloween, even if the only trick-or-treat was going to be happening behind closed doors. ;>

As for suggesting if a corset is for you? That’s all up to you (and your waistline.) However, corsetchick.com can give you a chance to try one out without making a huge financial commitment. And they certainly make it fun with all kinds of cute outfits for Halloween (and more if you’re looking at adult dress up time.) The only thing you should know is to ignore the sizing and cut them off immediately when you receive them at home. For instance a size XL is an 8-10, so if your waistline is over 32 inches, get ready for 2XL. Not exactly what you want to see before you slide your tummy into a piece of lingerie, but that’s nothing a pair of scissors can’t fix.

Trick-or-Treat!

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