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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Fresh Start on Laundry: Managing the Load

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It’s a necessary evil but it’s gotta get done: laundry.  Here’s a handy list of keeping things manageable and also a way to keep you from “laundry overload.” 

Thank you to Press Cleaners for helping me to manage my mamachallenge and this sponsored post.

There are two things I hate doing more than anything (yes, anything): dishes and laundry. 

But they both have to get done and unfortunately neither the dishwasher or the washing machine can do it all without your special interference. (Let’s fact it, those appliances should be renamed the “dish helper” and the “washing machine steps 2-3.”) 


Laundry

Get a fresh start both at school and home with these laundry tips.

Did you know that on average we spend up to eight hours a month on laundry-related activities?

Donate or Alter Old Clothes

Let’s face it, last year’s wardrobe probably doesn’t fit anymore because this summer’s growth spurt decided to take matters into its own hands. If you timed everything right, one sibling can easily jump into their older sibling’s hand me downs (a lot of us have been there). If not, think about throwing any old clothes into bags and taking them to a consignment sale like Just Between Friends (it’s my favorite.) Make a little money on your old clothes and you can stock up on clothes for the next season at extraordinary prices. 

Just Between Friends Fort Worth

Get Ready for New Stains

You know that giant box of markers you just received at SchoolSpecialty.com? You know who’s favorite color marker is going to make its mark on that brand new outfit you bought just two weeks ago. Luckily a lot of crayons and markers can easily be removed with some detergent and warm water, but if it turns nasty (looking at you, permanent markers), you’re going to need some heavier stain warfare. Make sure you’re stocked up on stain removal products so you can attack the stain once the 3:30 bell rings. If all else fails, enlist the expertise of your local dry cleaning professional, as they have more products to work with (mine says don’t do anything before you bring it to her because it can also do worth, so decide in advance who is going to take on that stain for success!) 

Freshen Up Household Linens

From the school supplies to the wardrobe, everything seems like it’s getting the refresh that it deserves — except for your home. Summer break means a lot of wear and tear on your home’s furniture and linens. With the kids in school and a regular schedule back in motion, think about professionally cleaning everything from bedding to drapery. In fact, you should try to freshen up household linens frequently since they’re essentially magnets for dust, sweat, and other less than desireable friends. So how often should you be cleaning certain linens and fabrics around your home?

Women spend nearly an hour a day on laundry and interior cleaning (compared to men at just 15 minutes on average)  

Here’s a quick guide for reference:

  • Bedding (Sheets/Pillowcases) – Weekly
  • Bath Towels – Clean After 4-5 Uses
  • Workout Towels – Clean After Each Use
  • Curtains – Every 1 to 3 Months
  • Duvet Cover/Comforter – Every 3 to 6 Months
  • Pillows – Every 3 to 6 Months
  • Couch Cushion Covers – Every 3 to 6 Months

If you just went through that list and don’t know the last time you actually cleaned some of those items, it’s probably a good time to get it done. Some items, such as towels and sheets, can easily be cleaned at home. Others, such as curtains and couch covers, typically need professional care. If you smoke inside or have residents that are allergy-prone, you’ll want to increase the frequency of the cleanings.

All Hands On Deck: Laundry Day for the Family

Family laundry day? The words make me laugh, but even at the age of 6, my daughter is required to put in a little time. But when there’s just no time at all and the laundry starts to pile up like a national monument in your house, it’s time for reinforcements. Press (think uber for laundry) helps you get through the work so you can get to what you need to or even better, find time to spend as a family – not doing laundry. With free pickup and delivery, all you have to do is put it at the door and they’ll send it back to you – clean and folded! 

Laundry Press

Get $10 off your first order in Dallas or Fort Worth by using promo code “MAMACHALLENGE” at sign up.  

 

How to Tye Dye with Food Coloring

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Need an escape? Then take a moment to enjoy doing something fun for the sake of fun like tye-dye. Grab a shirt, socks and food coloring and throw a tye-dye party. (As featured on Good Morning Texas.) 

Wish you could just get carried away to a place with rainbows and flowers? Yes, we all do. The 60s and 70s were full of fun, flowers and love – and all that cool jazz. It was a time well before the word COVID was mainstream on Facebook (or it’s creator) was even a concept. And best of all everyone can create and celebrates a little peace and love of their own. 

Here we show you how to create a fun, an at-home activity with (or without the kids.)  


Tye-Dye

Supplies for Tye-Dye with Food Coloring

  • Shirt (you can also use socks, aprons or anything you want) 
  • Food coloring 
  • Water 
  • White Vinegar (need at least 4 cups to soak the shirts) 
  • Rubber bands 
  • Bottles for the dye (I like squirt bottles, but you can use spray bottles.) 
  • Pan and rack (to protect your space and catch excess water) 
  • Plastic bag (Old grocery bag or large gallon ziplock) 
  • Bucket / sink (need at least have 2-gallons of water) 
  • Cover for table (optional) 
  • Gloves (kitchen gloves work great but something to completely cover your skin and nails
  • Old clothes / apron (to protect your clothes from the dye) 

Already feel overwhelmed or just want to get it all together for you? Yes, there’s a kit for that. We’ve used this one for parties (it works for more than 15 shirts) and is pretty cheap!) 

Tye Dye

Instructions How to Tye-Dye 

1. Prepare your work space for tye-dye.

Make sure to prepare your workspace with a cover, put on an apron or old clothes to protect your own clothes and GLOVES. (Yes, you need gloves, especially when working with food coloring! 

2. Prep your tye-dye. 

Make sure your shirt (or item) is clean and also has either been soaked in a solution of 1:1 water to vinegar for 20 minutes (or soda ash fixer.) Ring it out but don’t rinse, because you’re going need to have your shirt damp to dye. 

3. Prep your supplies. 

This is where it might get a little messy, so if you haven’t already – PUT ON THE GLOVES. I like this activity near a sink (or near grass so it doesn’t matter if you make a mess.) If you are using fabric dye, then refer to the instructions but using food coloring, you’ll want to use a solution of 1/2 cup warm water to 8 drops of food coloring. This should be more than enough since a large 12 ounce bottle. Close the top and shake it up. 

Tye-Dye Solution: 1/2 cup water to 8 drops of food coloring into bottle. 

4. Design your tye-dye.

Also you’ll want to decide what type of design you want. There are no wrong ways to tye-dye so you can do whatever you want. Some of the most popular are the swirl, accordion or bullseye. This step is where you’ll put those rubber bands to work. For our how-to we’re going with the most popular swirl (mostly because I get to put a dinglehopper to work (give yourself 5 points if you know that references.) But we have some suggestions for you (and a great how t0 in the video below.) 

How to Design Your Tye-Dye

5. Let’s tye-dye. 

This is the fun part. Once you’ve prepped your area (this is where I like to use a pan and rack as my area to do the dye and catch the residual dye),  prepped the shirt and put on gloves, let’s dye! Start by adding solution in areas in each section. For the swirl we did each section, alternating in three colors and making sure to get into crevices to get color. Don’t worry – have fun and definitely don’t skimp on the dye. The more color, the more color on the shirt. Make sure also to repeat color on the back of the shirt! HAVE FUN – throw on some music and take your time! 

6. Let the tye-dye set. 

Once complete, keep the rubberbands on and put the shirt in the plastic bag to dry. Somewhere between 5 hours – to overnight.

7. Dry the tye-dye.

Once it’s dry, remove the rubberbands. Note: the shirt won’t be as bright as it seems when you remove those rubberbands but that’s ok!  Then rinse it out a few times in the sink with cold water until it runs clear. (You can do the bucket again, but the sink is so much easier.) Then before you wear it, you’ll want to dry it by itself so the colors don’t rub off (it might be a few times you’ll need to wash it by itself, just in case!) 

TIP: If you really are a visual person or need a little more assistance (or just like a good video), here’s one of my favorites. However, there are tons of videos online to help you create the perfect tie-dye.

Looking for more fun? Here are some great activities with food coloring from our friends at Modern Mom Life!

Food-coloring-diy-project-ideas-1

 

Best Planners for Moms

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Getting organized for the New Year or Back to School? Get it Together with these Best Planners for Moms.

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The beginning of the year is our mental reset button to get it together. Get a wrangle on things for you, your family, your meal planning and whatever else with an organizer/planner/agenda.  Then carpool, after school activities, athletic practices and science projects that are suddenly due the next day can stay in stay in check (at least as much as possible!) 

Best Planners


Before you click out of this browser because you’re running from reality, slow down, take a deep breath and take these next few weeks to get prepared and most importantly organized.

Maybe you’re a digital woman who swears by the Google or their Outlook calendar. Click away, my friends. But for the more lady who literally needs to “pencil something in,” here the best mom planners and agendas that will make this year a piece of cake.  

Best Planner: CARRIE ELLE // Website

What started as a blog and meal planner, has turned into a brand and a storefront dedicated to making life a little more beautiful and organized. From your 21-Day Fix, family meal planning, budgeting, a full 12-month agenda, digital downloads and now even journals for bullet journaling, Carrie Elle is a mom that has taken her best practices and made them easier for the rest of us with her favorite prints, inspirational quotes and more. that And because your job often includes meal planning, groceries and how to get it all done, make sure to check out the Meal Planner from Carrie Elle for her specially formatted book to help you look at meal planning and grocery shopping in a whole new way with perforated lists, calendars and ideas. 

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Best Planner: INKWELL PRESS // Website

From the moment you open the box your inkWELL liveWELL planner, you know you’re not just getting a planner, but a new lifestyle. Designed with the goal of educating women to empower themselves through organization, these planners aren’t just a cute worksheets and tabs, but actually supplied educational resources to help you customize your inkWELL Press products (meal planning, exercise, etc.) to suit the specifics of your lifestyle. From videos, free downloads and weekly emails, you are armed and ready to create a better life with this planner. (Plus the couple behind the brand are SMU alums, so I’m biased for a little local.) 

[See this special look at the Inkwell Press liveWELL planner.]

BestMomAgendaInkwelll

Best Planner: ERIN CONDREN // Website

These planners are relatively new, but have quickly become a favorite amongst women in all walks of life. Whether you’re a freshman starting out in college or the mom of a cute kindergartner or the kindergarten teacher, these life planners are the perfect way to stay organized in style. Erin Condren planners can be purchased in either read to ship options or you can customize it to your specific needs. Start the creative process by choosing from dozens of covers, from metallic golds to classic prints, or upload your own design. Agendas are available in 12 month, 17 month, and basically however you need it. Weekly layouts can be made vertical or horizontal and includes a section for notes, to-dos or weekly goals. Planner accessories from sticker books to pop up markers, elastic bands and more can be purchase to add personality to your daily organizer. 

Erin Condren 1

Best Planner: GIGI NEW YORK // Website

For the ladies who are searching for a little of sophistication in their planner, look no further than the  Gigi New York Notebook. The ultimate in style and fashion with embossed python leather notebook planners are handmade in a factory in Long Island and feature month and week-at-a-view appointment pages. The covers come in several classic and jewel tone colors and be personalized with your initials if available. The premier brand for datebooks, Gigi New York makes notebooks for major retailers including Barney’s, Neiman Marcus and Henri Bendel. 

 

Best Planner: TOOLS 4 WISDOM // Website

A Tools4Wisdom 2017 Planner has been crafted for this purpose through question-driven planning and daily schedules that emphasize on the essential. Each planning page serves as a compass to plan on doing more of what we love – and less of the opposite.  These calendars give you at-a -glance insight about your daily schedule, next appointments, and events. A desktop organizer is a fast and simple tool to keep your office schedule organized, all year round. Not only will you have a 2017 planner handy at all times, you’ll also have an ample and comfortable journal for writing.

Best-Planner-Tools-4-Widsdom

Best Planner: OLIVIA SOPHIA // Website

Named after her daughter, Olivia Sophia is a line centered on sharing faith, world empowerment and love through paper. With several products from wedding planning to gift bags, each is an expression of beauty. One of its biggest products is the Marriage & Grace planner. “PERFECT for the wife that loves to include date nights, meal planning and weekly prayer request into your schedule. It include budget sheets and family meeting pages. It’s the planner that leaves no one out and helps to keep you on track while staying focused on God first, marriage and family second and grace as the standard.”

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Best Planner: MOM AGENDA // Website

This agenda is sleek, stylish, and functional day planner and organizer for moms, and all women in general, to help you feel relaxed, at peace and in control of your whole life. momAgenda is on a mission to help organize busy moms everywhere with unique day planners and other organizational products. momAgenda has been featured in Real Simple and The New York Times and has even been featured on The Today Show. Celebrity moms like Felicity Huffman, Cindy Crawford, and Reese Witherspoon rave about momAgenda! The unique layout helps moms manage multiple schedules and features space for mom and up to four kids (or one for your spouse.) This planner features two ribbons to mark important places, monthly and weekly views and writing space for to—do list and notes like meal planning, movie night, party planning and more. 

Mom Agenda

These are just a few agendas available to help you get started with your planning. Most of these are in high demand, so make sure you order one before they sell out!

 

Slow-Cooker

 

COPYCAT Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

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Nothing is better than Blue Bell homemade vanilla ice cream. And we have a copycat recipe that tastes just like Blue Bell at home and tips to for making the best ice cream. 

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There’s nothing more Texan than  a big bowl of homemade vanilla ice cream straight from Brenham’s Blue Bell Creameries in the middle of July. However, you often hear when someone moves up north to one of the Yankee states, the sweet taste of BB is no where to be found (and everything fails in comparison.) 

Bluebell-Copycat-Homemade-Vanilla-Ice-Cream-Recipe


So in times like these (or during a little shortage catastrophe), I’ve worked to create the best version I could of the real thing using a simple and easy ice cream maker.  Don’t believe me that it’s possible?

Make it yourself, take a bite and tell me I’m wrong. (Really, I want you too!) 

Never made homemade ice cream before? Think it takes tons of work? You’re wrong! You just need a few tips and an ice cream maker. Of course, there’s tons of ice cream makers out there – you just need to find the right one for you! Check out my review of several on Good Morning Texas.

While I created my recipe for Bluebell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream with the old school Hamilton ice maker (no switch is even on this baby), there are other ways to create a creamy treat – even some without using dairy! Take a look at these gadgets – especially the fun ones that have you take an active roll is making you scream for your ice cream.

Hamilton Beach Ice Cream Maker

Hamilton Beach Ice Cream Maker

Dessert Bullet

T-Fall Ice Cream Maker

F-Fal Ice Cream Maker

Ya Labs Ice Cream Maker Ball

Yay Labs! Ice Cream Ball

Chill Factor Ice Cream MakerChill Factor Ice Cream Maker

Bluebell-Homemade-Vanilla-Ice-Cream-MamaChallenge

 

Print

COPYCAT Bluebell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

★★★★★

5 from 3 reviews
Print Recipe

Description

Recipe created by Autumn Reo of MamaChallenge.com.

Scale

Ingredients

  • 6 eggs yolks
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 24 oz. heavy cream
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
  • Whole Milk (about 2 cups)

Instructions

  1. Cream eggs and sugar.
  2. Then add cream and condensed milk and vanilla.
  3. Beat until well blended.
  4. Pour into ice cream churn.
  5. Add milk until to fill line.
  6. Insert dasher.
  7. Pack cooler with layer of ice, then rock salt, and continue to repeat until full.
  8. It’s done when it won’t churn anymore.

Ready to dress up that ice cream? We have the best ice cream sodas! 

Best Ice Cream Sodas Ever

Holiday Gifts to Give: Hot Toys 2018

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So many toys, so little time! Here’s your annual holiday helper – THE Holiday Hot Toys for your kids this Christmas. And we’re playing Santa too – with some big giveaways! 

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there..”

Hey, don’t kid yourself, even Santa had help even if this poem doesn’t give any credit to the elves. 


So consider us your elves and we aren’t looking for any credit either. Here’s your list of hot holiday toys – just in time for you to get them under tree, along with those stockings stuffed. But here at mamachallenge.com have taken it one step further…these gifts are made to make kids play and may even remind you of toys you had growing up. We’ve done some work to find toys that are fun and educate kids while also making them use their imagination. Most of these you won’t see an device needed to make them work or a screen to keep them on for hours. These toys are meant for play, activity, thinking and good ole family time. 

Hot Holiday Toy List

Treemendous Ornament Activity

TreeMendous Ornament, Treemendous fun! This patent pending design to let children ages 6 and up to personalize their own ornament. Treemendous is a perfect present because it is an ideal activity to do with grandparents, friends, siblings and parents alike. Boys and Girls alike will embrace the holidays season by making their very own handmade ornament. Sure, to become a family treasure for years to come.

Tree2

 

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The Sleepover Party Game

Endless Games sleepover party game break out the sleeping bags and leave the lights on. It’s a sleepover party and wear staying up late! Spin the spinner and attempt to complete one of over 200 act It, work it, or party challenges. Be the human mirror and copy everything another player does! Take part in the “Funny sound competition” and make the most ridiculous noise you can!! Try to lick your own elbow!!! Being silly and having fun is The name of the game at this sleepover, so be prepared to sing, laugh, perform, and make a general fool of yourself! Don’t fall asleep early, or you’ll miss out on earning the most cards and staying up all night! 

Sleepover - Hot Toys

Road Trip the Family Game

It’s a family game that is really for the whole family! Roadtrip could be played in the car, but you can play it for any great game night. This is a well-made game that has won all the toy awards including the Sterling Fun Award Winner, The Toy Man Seal of Approval, The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval and many more.

Roadtrip - Hot Toy

Tiki Topple

Welcome to Tiki Island, home to nine colorful carvings all competing to be the top Polynesian Idol! In this fast-paced strategy game, try to maneuver your secret tikis to the top of the line by playing the right combination of action cards. Use a Tiki Up card to move a tiki ahead in line. Tiki Topple sends opponents’ tikis tumbling to the back of the pack. But watch out for the sneaky Tiki Toast cards, which knock your tikis off the board! Score the most points and call yourself the Tiki Master.For 2 – 4 players, ages 10 and up.Contents: 55 cards, 9 custom tiki pieces, 4 playing pawns, 1 game board and instructions.

TikiTopple - Hot toy

Baby’s First

One of America’s oldest doll companies and have delighted parents and children for over 102 years with our wonderful dolls. Baby’s First Kisses can be easily cleaned and always ready for play – they are Hypoallergenic and MACHINE WASHABLE! The adorable baby doll kisses pleasantly when her soft tummy is squeezed. Helps children develop large motor skills, while stimulating their senses of sight, sound and touch. Great size for babies 1+, toddlers – easy to hold, carry, squeeze and love. Remove the Kisses mechanism from the smart “sanity” pocket and she is ready for the washing machine!

Babys First

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Kenya Doll

Kenya Dolls is the oldest and most loved ethnic brand in the toy market celebrating 25 years of growing up proud. Kenya’s roots trace back to Dallas, there are several versions to love, but the stand out of this toy is her authentic hair. Whether curly and short, long and natural, or braided and beaded, Kenya truly represents every black girl’s stylish locks.

Kenya

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Insect Lore Deluxe Butterfly Garden Gift Set with Live Cup of Caterpillars Habitat

Watching the butterfly life cycle up close is more fun than ever with the Butterfly Garden Gift Set with live cup of caterpillars. Exciting butterfly-themed bonus items make this butterfly-raising kit the perfect gift! feed and observe your very own beautiful butterflies for a few days before releasing them into the wild! the entire transformation takes about three weeks, depending on the temperature and humidity in your area. There is no need to feed your caterpillars; all the nutritious food they require to become beautiful butterflies is included in their cozy cup.

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Project MC Perfume Maker

Project Mc2 is a team of super-smart and seriously cool girls who use their love of science and their spy skills as they go on missions for secret organization, NOV8 (that’s “innovate”!). They’re real girls with real skills ready to take on anything. Watch new episodes of the Project Mc2 original series, only on Netflix!
Adrienne Attoms’ next mission is to use her cosmetic chemistry skills to formulate the perfect look for saving the world. Formulate your own perfumes with Project Mc2 Perfume Maker. Now you can perform this same cool S.T.E.A.M. experiment at home using just household items again and again. Pretty brilliant!

Perfume - Hot Toys

Shifu Orboot

An award-winning educational toy, Orboot is a no-borders globe that connects with the fun and interactive Orboot app. Explore the world with 400+ highlights and 1000+ cool facts across 6 categories – cultures, cuisines, monuments, inventions, animals and maps (national and state boundaries of countries). A STEM toy that sparks the imagination and creativity, Orboot encourages the little ones to explore and discover on their own. It builds knowledge as well as develops linguistic and cognitive abilities in the process.

Shifu Orboot

LEGO® Creator 3-in-1 Treehouse

Enjoy imaginative pirate adventures with this LEGO® Creator 3-in-1 Treehouse Treasures set, featuring a 3-level pirate ship treehouse with a ship deck, ship’s wheel, treasure chest hideaway function, bowsprit with flag and teddy bear, crow’s nest, tire swing and an upper-level den. Pirate accessories include a hat, telescope and 2 swords. This 3in1 model rebuilds into a Pirate Ship or a Skull Cave for more pirating fun, and includes 2 minifigures rigged out for pirate adventures, plus a scary spider figure.

Lego Hot Toyrs

BrickHeadz Luke Skywalker™ and Yoda™

These LEGO® BrickHeadz™ Luke Skywalker™ & Yoda™ construction characters are fun to build using LEGO bricks that recreate all their iconic details, including Luke’s Lightsaber™ and Yoda’s pointy ears and cane. The master and apprentice each stand on a buildable collector’s baseplate for easy display in your home, office or any planet you like. Buildable Luke Skywalker™ & Yoda™ LEGO® BrickHeadz™ construction characters feature decorated eyes and authentic details from the original blockbuster Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back movie, including Luke’s Lightsaber™ and Yoda’s pointy ears and cane.

Lego Hot Toys

Snap Circuits Bric Structures

Combine SNAP CIRCUITS with ordinary building bricks and make endless combinations of construction and circuitry. With Bric-2-Snap technology, kids can wire up their brick builds with SNAP CIRCUITS lights, sounds, moving parts and 3-D circuits to invent almost anything and make it go! Instead of just building a structure, learn how to build the circuit that makes the lights in a skyscraper illuminate or that makes the gears on a drawbridge move! There’s no limit to what kids can create.

Bric Hot Toys

HEXBUG BattleBots Arena Pro

It’s robot fighting time! Modeled after television’s hit series BattleBots, comes the HEXBUG BattleBots Arena Pro. With over 100 possible configurations, BattleBots fans can experience the excitement that comes with engineering your very own fighting robot. This set includes one arena and two customizable Build Your Own BattleBots.

Hot Toys

Tudor Games Deluxe Electric Football Game

Set your plays and watch your teams do battle on this 32″ x 16″ SpeedTurf metal vibrating NFL gridiron with the Deluxe Electric Football Game! The PlayAction remote control places the fate of your offense in the palm of your hand, with its on-board variable speed control. Both offensive and defensive players are outfitted with all new Invisibase Cleat technology, sending your players where you want them to go. The all new PlayAction remote control places the fate of your offense in the palm of your hand, with its on-board variable speed control. Offense? Set! Defense? Set! Slow down the play with your PlayAction remote to see your blockers in action as the play develops. Got a man wide open downfield? Gaping hole in the defensive line? Shift into high speed and accelerate your team to victory!

Deluxe Electric Football

Dynacraft Realtree 24V UTV

Your little one will love zipping around the neighborhood on this Dynacraft Realtree 24 V UTV, which features working headlights and suspension springs for a smooth ride. The dual seats make it easy to bring a friend along, and a built-in rack offers convenient storage space. A working steering wheel and foot pedal allow realistic use, and an MP3 input makes it easy to enjoy songs and music during the ride.

 

Realtree UTV Hot Toy

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Rock it: Best Tips for Getting Back to School

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Got back to school under your belt? Now’s the time to get the rest of your school year rollin’ with these tips for getting back to school!

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Back to school.

That time of the year when you’re just about to start enjoying the summer time and then you look at the calendar and see that “Meet the Teacher” is next week.


Back=to=School-JCP

That time of the year when you’re out to scavenge through all your kids clothes to see how many more days you can make that one pair of shoes work before your kid’s toe actually peeks out.

That time of the year when you have to all have to get back in a routine of the morning marathon to get to school before the first bell rings. 

So we’ve put together the Best Tips for Getting Back to School to help you make the rest of the year rock and roll! 

You Go First

This may seem to contradict everything, but before you the fire drill started, make time for you! Yes, get yourself up, get dressed, get your coffee and then press go. If you are hitting the floor feeling like you’ve already lost the game, you will. Start off the day ready to take it on full steam and the rest of the family will take that on, too. 

coffee

Make Time for Meals

Don’t skip breakfast! 

Without a little healthy fuel to get things going, you’re setting up their day (and yours) for full-on suckage. So make sure they get something in their belly – even if it’s eaten in the car or walking to class. 

Here are several of our go-to recipe favorites for back to school breakfast. 

  • Use your slow cooker to create breakfast the night before. Oatmeal, egg casseroles, and even french toast are A-MAZING in the slow cooker. (Actually, the slow cooker is a super friend for every meal!) 
  • Use Sundays to make your breakfasts and then freeze them for the whole week including pancakes, muffins, and even donuts! 
  • For those even harder mornings, have a few items around that are you’re go-tos. Go for easy items that you can grab and go or even leave in your car (great for snack times later.)  
    • Jimmy Dean Egg Scramblers make morning meal time easy – all the ingredients are together, so you just cook and go. 
    • GoGo SqueeZ applesauce and yogurtZ that don’t have to be refrigerated, so you can keep them in your purse for those last-minute surprises so you always have something healthy handy.

Added Nutrition: Banana Bread made with yogurt or applesauce (Check out this Banana Bread recipe)

Plan for lunches and snacks in advance!

Don’t ever wait until the last minute to fill up the lunch box.

  • I have the kids immediately after school make/ their meal for tomorrow so we don’t forget for the next day.  When you’re done, I check it to ensure a healthy lunch box.
  • When it comes to snacks after school, have healthy ones stocked up so the kids make good choices. Preparing healthy snack stations in the fridge, in the pantry, or even your car will help keep the kids sustained until dinner. (A lunch/snack station is a handy way to put it all together and teach them how to do it – with a little guidance!) 

Prep and Plan

Prep the Wardrobe

  • Start off the week by setting out clothing or working with your child to pick outfits for the whole week. Place them in an organizer like this to make it easy to pull out each day. They not only learn responsibility, but also team work with you. Plus it will save you so much wasted time during the week with “what do I wear mom?” 

Closet Organizer

  • Since kids need to change sizes almost every three months, what’s the need to stock up the closet more than one season in advance. Buy what they need for that time and alternate. Also, save lots of dollars by sharing with other families who have kids only a year older than them to pass on their clothes with they outgrow them and always make use of consignment events like Just Between Friends Fort Worth.

Plan your work, work your plan

I cannot recommend to you more the importance of a good planner to organize your family’s schedule. Whether it’s paper or electronic, having a planner that works for mom and the rest of the family is crucial. This also includes organizing all the important info you need in one place like a family binder to keep your information at the tip of the finger. 

  • I like online organization including Google Calendars (I have 12) plus always having a notepad handy when I need to make notes and keep thoughts organized. 
  • For the paper people, there are so many options available. This planner has people buying it left and right! And planning doesn’t just mean putting in the appointments. You’ll want to meal plan, I suggest this Meal Planner from Carrie Elle with perforated lists, meal plans and much more! 

Get it Together

Homework It

Homework isn’t fun for anyone, so streamline the fights and keep it focused with a Homework Station. This will make this less-than-fun activity easier for all of you. Outline expectations, have an area set up with pens, paper, sharpener, light, and with no distractions. If the kids have to be on the computer, make sure there’s no way to have them get on other activities like YouTube or another social media. And remember, if they’re old enough, take away the phone.   

Then here’s the biggie: sign what you need to, check the homework, and then pack up the backpack for in the morning. This way all you have to do is grab and go! 

Time it Out

Setting up a routine and assignment chores isn’t just for you – it will make it easier for them know when and what things are going to happen. Using this template, you can set up the rules and stick to them for bedtimes, wake up times, and chores!

Click here to download your customizable template.

However, the two biggest things you need to remember to really be a rockstar parent: 

  1. Say no – there’s no need to try to do everything, everywhere and all the time!
  2. Sundays are your friends for making the other 6 days rock and roll!

Top 10 Free Things to Do in DFW

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Whether you’re watching your budget or just tired of watching the TV, you don’t have to look long or hard for things to in North Texas. Here are some of our favorite Top 10 Free Things to Do in DFW.

Trying to keep kids programmed all summer – isn’t just time consuming, but it can get expensive too. However, in the DFW Metroplex, there are so many things to do AND many things you can do for FREE. (Yep, one of my favorite words.) 

So the next time the kids say I’m bored (or maybe it’s just you looking for something new to do with your weekend) or you’re just looking to change it up a little bit, here’s a good place to get moving this summer (and many of these are open throughout the year.) 

Top 10 Free Things to Do in DFW


 

Kids Bowl Free – DFW

I’m all about getting the kids moving especially in the summer. With Kids Bowl Free – kids can get 2 free games of bowling all summer of the program from bowling centers across the country and many of them in DFW. All you have to do is get registered for free and they’ll send your tickets on Sundays for the whole week! 

KidsBowlFreeAfterShow from Darin Spindler on Vimeo.

DFW Airport Founder’s Plaza – Grapevine

When we went, there weren’t just families there, we found adults of all ages waiting to see the planes take off and come in from a great vantage point. Dedicated to the founders of DFW Airport in 1995, the plaza provides convenient parking, picnic tables, telescopes, historic information, a commemorative monument and a radio that broadcasts air traffic control communications from the FAA tower. Bring a picnic and spend the afternoon watching airplanes.

LEGO Mini-Build – LEGO Store at Northpark Center – Dallas 

Who doesn’t love LEGOs? Once a month at the LEGO store at Dallas’ Northpark Center, you can participate in a free mini-build!  This event has limited space and time slots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Due to safety and build experience standards, builders must be between the ages of 6-14 to participate. The mini model must be completely built in store. In order to sign up, guests must have a registered LEGO® VIP email address. If you do not have one you can create one for free at shop.LEGO.com/VIP. The August mini-build is a cute little snail!  

CONCERTS 

Addison Summer Series – Addison 

Rockin’ the River – Fort Worth 

Legacy Hall – Plano 

Levitt Pavilion – Arlington

I’m a huge fan of outdoor concerts, enjoying the DFW sky under the stars (and in some cases under the stars) and listening to your favorite bands – and for free. From Addison’s Summer Series, Arlington’s Levitt Pavilion, Fort Worth’s Rockin’ the River and Legacy Hall in Plano (and more), you can almost find a concert every weekend. One of my favorites’ is Levitt Pavilion in Arlington. Downtown you’ll find a beautiful outdoor stage that accommodates more than 100,000 visitors for more than 50 concerts a year. 

MUSEUMS

Dallas Museum of Art – Dallas

Amon Carter Museum – Fort Worth

I love a good museum and in the summer when it’s not just hot or a good rainy day in the winter, there’s no better place to retreat than to immerse yourself in learning. Two of the best museums with free admission are the Dallas Museum of Art and the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth. You’ll find American art as well as free tours even for the kids. So don’t miss an opportunity to enjoy the art of some of their own outdoor programs throughout the summer, so head to their website for more on times and dates. 

Klyde Warren Park – Dallas

Right in the middle of Dallas, you’ll find a 5.2 acre deck park over the highway with tons to do all year long. Open anytime, you can check out the programming like this weekend’s STEM in the Park, from 9 am – 3:30 pm. 

Other activities you can do at Klyde Warren Park include: 

  • Performance Pavilion
  • Savor and Relish
  • Walking trails
  • Dog park
  • Children’s park
  • Games area

Fireworks – Lake Grapevine

Nothing can make anyone feel like a kid again than watching fireworks. And Grapevine does a free 10-minute show (with a downloadable music soundtrack) every Friday night at 9:30 pm as part of their SummerBlast program, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Viewing areas include Acorn Woods Park, the field next to Scott’s Landing Marina, Horseshoe Trails Park, Oak Grove Park (baseball, soccer and softball fields), Katie’s Woods Park, Lakeview Park and Rockledge Park for $5 a car. 

Other great free places to enjoy in DFW include: 

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Make Ahead Holiday Brunch Ideas

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Make Christmas memorable and don’t miss it making brunch when you can do it before! Here are our Make Ahead Holiday Brunch Ideas!

I love the feeling of waking up on Christmas Day with your loved ones and enjoying the fun of opening gifts in your PJs.

While you want the morning to be memorable, no one wants to get stuck in the kitchen creating the perfect Christmas breakfast.

So here’s a few tried and true make-ahead recipes I shared on Good Morning Texas that will make your any holiday morning easy, memorable and mouth-watering.

Make Ahead Holiday Brunch Ideas

Make Ahead Christmas Morning Casserole

Mini Spinach Quiches

Junior League of Arlington’s The Night Before Christmas Coffee Cake

Easy Mocha Punch

For more information about the Junior League of Arlington’s Holiday Magic, visit http://www.jlarlington.org. 


Back to School Breakfasts

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Take away the back to school blues with these easy breakfast recipes that are on the go and good for you!

School time makes my house absolute chaos. No matter how many processes and advance plans we put in place, the morning time looks a lot like marathon and no one is going to win. With all the craziness, I still want to try to get something down their throats and mine that’s healthy and tastes food. So here are a few best-sellers at our house that work for the whole family and with just a little time (very little), we can still manage to get to school with a few minutes to spare (well most the time!) 

Added Nutrition: Banana Bread made with yogurt or applesauce 

DairyMax Pumpkin Smoothie

Protein Packed Pumpkin Smoothie


Easy Eggs: Jimmy Dean Simple Scrambles

Peanut Butter Granola

As featured on Fox Good Day Dallas, August 19. 2017

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Favorite Sunscreens and Bug Sprays to Protect Your Family

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School supplies may already be on the shelves, but our hottest temperatures are still yet to come! Protect your family with these must-haves for summer including our best bets for Sunscreens and Bug Sprays.

As featured on Good Morning Texas on 7/13/17.

Who made our list for the best, coolest and most multifunctional products to keep your family protected during these hot summer days? Take a look!

Favorite Sunscreens


How much sunscreen do you need?
You need to be putting about 1 ounce on per application (just for reference that’s around the size of a golf ball or shot glass.)

SUPER Sparkle Screen Water Resistant and Roll-on Glitter Sunscreen:
Made by two moms, this makes it fun to keep off the sun with sparkles and it’s also scented.
Find at glittertots.com and Walmart.

NO-AD Paraben Free Sunscreen Cream and Easy Glide-on Sticks:
It’s an oldie but a goodie that passes on the savings to you! Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, now paraben-free and in several easy-to-apply products, it’s called NO-AD because since 1962, the brand doesn’t buy ads so they can give the customer the most inexpensive “no ad price.”
Find at Walgreens and Walmart.

Babyganics Sunscreen Spray:
Coming from the Babyganics line of natural, no chemical ingredients, this mineral-based sunscreen spray is water resistant and free of PABA, phthalates, parabens and nano-particles.
Find it at Walgreens and Target.

Ocean Potion Cream and Clear Zinc Oxide Face Potion:
A beloved brand by those that love the beach, this brand has what you need to have fun in the sun plus its orange-creme fragrance called “the scent of sunshine” makes it feel like you have the sun all around you. The Clear Zinc Oxide Face Potion goes on clear, keeping your pores clear and your face protected with SPF 45.
Find it at Walgreens and Walmart.

Jack Black Oil-Free Sun Guard:
What’s good enough for the Dallas Cowboys and the Dallas Mavericks (the brand you’ll find in both teams’ home stadiums) is good enough to keep your team protected, too. This award-winning brand is formulated for extreme conditions with a barrier of protection and stays on during intense physical activity in and out of the water helping to keep it out of your eyes!
Find at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Sephora.com, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Bull FrogLand Sport™With Breathable Sweat TECH™ Quik Gel® SPF 50:
This is the one you want when you’re moving because it’s made with a special polymer to letting your skin breathe while keeping you from sweating off your sunscreen to keep you protected plus it’s paraben free.
Find at Walgreens and Walmart.

How often should you apply sunscreen?
You need to apply 15 minutes before going out and then reapply every 1.5-2 hours!

Best Bug Sprays

Bug Spray

Bullfrog Mosquito Coast® Sunscreen Insect Repellent Continuous Spray SPF 30:
This is a combination sunscreen AND bug spray in one for the ultimate bottle you need when you head outdoors! It’s deet free, paraben free, PABA free, repels bugs for up to 8 hours, and lasts for 80 minutes in the sun AND comes in a spray!
Find at Walgreens and Walmart.

NATURAL BUG SPRAY RECIPE
Natural Bug Spray Recipe

Print

Natural Bug Spray

  • Author: Autumn Reo, mamachallenge.com
Print Recipe
Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Distilled water
  • 1 cup Witch hazel or rubbing alcohol
  • 3–4 TBSP dried herbs including peppermint, spearmint, citronella, lemongrass, lavender, etc. (use at least one mint.)
  • Optional: 4-5 cloves.)

Instructions

  1. Boil water and herbs (in any combination from the above.)
  2. Mix well, cover and let cool. (You must be patient!)
  3. Strain herbs out and mix water with witch hazel.
  4. Store in a spray bottle in a cool place.
  5. Use as needed.

Notes

  • Added bonus: it smells great and is very refreshing to the skin.

Other Helpful Tips

Now’s the time to stock up before back to school! Hats, bathing suits including those with rash guards to protect their skin, and sunglasses are already on sale like 50 percent off) and some at clearance prices! Just check out these looks we found!

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We have tons of giveaways happening right now to Academy Sports + Outdoors, Target, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and Market Street! Go here to make sure you enter!

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