mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents | Dallas Blog

Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

The Perfect Fall Dinner Recipe

By 17 Comments

Of course, with the name Autumn Rose, fall was destined to be my favorite season. 

The colors of turning foliage are beautiful, the air is crisp, and it’s such a stunning example of the power of Mother Nature. 

Fall in Love


But my favorite part of the fall – is the cooking. Apples, pumpkins, squash – I love all of it and making big dinners that fill the house with the rich smells of butter, garlic and cinnamon, make me want to grab my blanket next to the fire and enjoy a big mug of cider…even if it is 95 degrees in Texas. 

So we’re making the perfect fall dinner recipe featuring the best parts of autumn, without all the work and definitely with all the flavor! Our dinner menu includes roasted pork tenderloin with Apple-Ginger Chutney, Spaghetti Squash with Butter and Garlic and an Autumn Sangria sure to get you in the mood…for fall that is! 

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Apple-Ginger Chutney

  • Author: Autumn Rose Reo of mamachallenge.com
Print Recipe

Description

Fall in love with this easy fall recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (2- 2 ½ lb) pork tenderloins
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • For the chutney
  • 2 slices bacon, sliced
  • 3 medium apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced (prefer gala)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ginger
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Mix herbs and seasonings together to create a rub and cover the tenderloin.
  3. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat and add pork to brown. Just about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Now transfer to a roasting pan and place in oven for 45 minutes or until 155 degrees.
  5. In reserved skillet, add bacon and cook to crisp. Now add onions and apples until sautéed.
  6. Add ginger and cinnamon. Increase heat and add apple cider, brown sugar and honey then bring to a simmer. Stir in apples and salt and pepper. Cook for five minutes covered. Remove lid and allow for liquid to evaporate and apples are soft.
  7. Serve over sliced pork.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Garlic and Butter

  • Author: Autumn Rose Reo of mamachallenge.com
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 spaghetti squash
  • ¼ cup of parmesan cheese
  • 2–3 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • 1 –2 tablespoons herbs – parsley, basil, etc.
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Cook squash (see note)
  2. Once cooked, scrape out the seeds and scrape meat of squash until it’s clean.
  3. Next in a skillet, add butter and garlic until sautéed.
  4. Then add herbs, squash and toss well.
  5. Lastly, add cheese and allow to cook until soft (about 2-3 minutes.)
  6. Serve.

Notes

  • Spaghetti squash can be microwaved or made in the oven to cook the meat of the squash.
  • I prefer to put in the stove, but if you’re in a jiffy, stab it a few times to allow for steam, place in microwave-safe pan and cook for about 5 minutes or until easy to cut into with a knife. If cooking in the oven, cut lengthwise in dish, and add enough water to come 1/2-inch up the sides of the baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes, until the squash is easily pierced with a paring knife.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Autumn Sangria

  • Author: Autumn Rose Reo of mamachallenge.com
Print Recipe

Description

The perfect way to toast to fall is with this sangria!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle Red (I like Pinot Noir or a Meritage for this)
  • 1 1/2 cups apple cider
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 cup apple brandy
  • 2 apples, chopped
  • 1 pear, chopped
  • 1 cup ginger ale or sparking wine (optional)
  • 2–4 cinnamon sticks

Instructions

  1. Place chopped fruit in a pitcher.
  2. Add sugar.
  3. Next mid brandy with fruit mixture.
  4. Slowly pour in apple cider.
  5. Add cinnamon sticks.
  6. Allow to sit overnight if possible to mixture can blend.
  7. Before serving, add bubbles for a little twist.
  8. Serve with fruit, cinnamon sugar rim, and enjoy!

Notes

  • I love serving sangria for Thanksgiving and this recipe is just right for serving with fall dishes like pork tenderloin, turkey, or duck.

Don’t forget to look at these fabulous fall recipe from mamachallenge.com.

Back to School with Not Your Mama’s Slow Cooker Recipes

By 4 Comments

Dinner time blues? Get back to school with Not Your Mama’s Slow Cooker Recipes. 

Affiliate links may be included.

Sure, meal planning makes getting on the table much easier, but I admit, it’s difficult to schedule the opportunity to lay out what your family is going to eat when, go to the grocery store to get exactly what you need and then most of all, put it all together for that perfect dinner that everyone loves…

Slow-Cooker


Nobody got time for that…and face it, that’s not the times that most of us live in. So I’m sharing some of the best recipes to make your school nights easier – all made in the slow cooker! 

However, what we do have our a few minutes here and there to make our world rock a little better, especially during back to school time. So we’ve got a few tips for meal planning and recipes with the slow cooker that you may have never thought about. And takin’ a look at these slow cookers, it’s worth reconsidering if you think that these babies are only for roast and chili night.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas

  • Author: Autumn Reo, mamachallenge.com
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 240
  • Total Time: 255
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast halves (or chicken thighs, approximately 6-8)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 red, orange and green bell pepper, julienned
  • 1 large yellow onion, halved and sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 3/4 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. In a bowl whisk together chili powder, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt and pepper. Evenly sprinkle seasoning over both sides of the chicken breasts.
  2. Now pour the tomatoes into the bottom of a slow cooker and spread into an even layer. Top with peppers and onions. Then add garlic and lastly, the seasoned chicken.
  3. Cover and cook on HIGH heat 3 – 4 hours or low heat 6 – 8 hours, until chicken has cooked through and peppers are tender. (Depending on your slow cooker, you can do less heat for sliced fajitas or more for shredded.)
  4. Remove chicken and cut into strips or shred. Gently toss a little of the broth onto fajitas for more flavor. Now serve warm in warmed tortillas with sour cream, guacamole, cheese and salsa.

Notes

  • Back to school is easy with these standy that takes no time to prep or cook!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 425
  • Sugar: 3
  • Sodium: 879
  • Fat: 9
  • Saturated Fat: 2
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 11
  • Protein: 72
  • Cholesterol: 193
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Slow Cooker Lasagna

  • Author: Autumn Reo, mamachallenge.com
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 270
  • Total Time: 285
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey or chicken)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 jar spaghetti sauce
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 6 ounces cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese)
  • 6–7 ounces Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 ounces lasagna noodles, uncooked
  • 16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef, onion and garlic in pan.
  2. Add sauce, salt and oregano.
  3. Spoon a layer of meat sauce onto the bottom of the slow cooker.
  4. Add a double layer of uncooked lasagna noodles and top with cheeses. (You can break noodles to cover.)
  5. Repeat with sauce, noodles and cheeses until all are used up.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Slow Cooker Lemon Rosemary Chicken

  • Author: Autumn Reo, mamachallenge.com
  • Prep Time: 7
  • Cook Time: 240
  • Total Time: 247
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken
  • 4 lemons
  • 2–3 heads garlic
  • Fresh rosemary and other favorite herbs
  • Poultry seasoning

Instructions

  1. Cut garlic and lemons in half. Save one half lemon, a few slices of lemon (cut wide) and garlic head and set aside.
  2. Lay in bottom of slow cooker so they lay flat.
  3. Clean chicken, rinse and pat dry.
  4. Season chicken with poultry mix, all over (both inside and out) as well as salt and pepper.
  5. Lay chicken onto garlic and lemon and stuff garlic into cavity of chicken.
  6. Cover chicken with lemon slices and rosemary.
  7. Cook chicken for around four hours on high (or until 165 degrees.)
  8. Turn off slow cooker, let chicken rest for 15 minutes and then remove from slow cooker to serve.
  9. Use reserve sauce to be served over chicken.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 385
  • Sugar: 2
  • Sodium: 125
  • Fat: 21
  • Saturated Fat: 6
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 9
  • Protein: 42
  • Cholesterol: 132
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Slow Cooker Breakfast Egg Casserole

  • Author: Autumn Reo, mamachallenge.com
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 150
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 ounces shredded hashbrowns (you can use frozen or fresh)
  • 4 ounces chopped ham, 8-10 slices of bacon, or 1/2 roll of crumbled sausage
  • 8 ounces shredded cheese
  • 12 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 onion, chopped finely
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • Cooking oil or cooking spray to coat pan

Instructions

  1. Whisk eggs, milk, and seasonings in a bowl. Set aside.
  2. Grease slow cooker with cooking spray.
  3. Layer half of hashbrowns with half cheese, half meat and 1/4 onions.
  4. Then repeat hashbrowns, meat, cheese and onion.
  5. Pour eggs over the top of the layers.
  6. Cook for 2-3 hours on high or 4-5 hours on low.
  7. Sprinkle more cheese, meat and onions for garnish and serve.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 356
  • Sugar: 2
  • Sodium: 940
  • Fat: 25
  • Saturated Fat: 12
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 3
  • Protein: 28
  • Cholesterol: 427

Yes, these slow cookers are THAT cool.

Crock Pot Smart WiFi WeMo 6-Quart Slow Cooker 

Crockpot-I-stir

Crock Pot iStir Automatic Stirring Slow Cooker

Ziploc-Meal-Planning

Spring Slow Cooker

Follow Autumn {mamachallenge.com}’s board FOOD: Crock Pot on Pinterest.

My Day to Play Oprah: Dorm Room Makeover

By Leave a Comment

I admit, there are days I think my job is more awesome than others. But today was one of those moments that I got to play “Oprah.” While I didn’t give away any cars, I did get to redo an entire dorm for four girls at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth with a lot of help from Bed, Bath and Beyond. Just check this video out of what we did to two of the rooms!


How to Save on Back to School Clothes

By 6 Comments

Back to school time means getting the kids ready with everything from new supplies and of course, new back to school clothes.

If you have smaller elementary-aged kiddos, you have to buy clothes every year because hey, they grow like weeds. And if you have older kids in middle school or high school, they are probably way too good to wear last year’s wardrobe. As if!


So to keep a few extra dollars in your pocket and keep smiles on your kids’ faces, here are a few options of places to shop for this year’s clothes. And the best part — many of these help you save by smart surfing on the internet or you can pick up right now!

thredUP // website

thredup

This online consignment shop specializes in providing high quality like-new clothes at reliably low prices for baby, youth and moms! You can score top brands like J. Crew, Gap, Zara, Gymboree and Janie and Jack and more for up to 90% off. You can also send clothing for consignment for consideration as well with this easy kit and they pay the shipping!  

thredUP has partnered up with Adopt-a-Classroom to recognize those special teachers for Raise a Hand for Teachers. Now until Aug. 23, nominate a teacher to win $2,500 for classroom supplies and many other prizes…learn more about this great program.

 Sign up for thredUP though mamachallenge.com you’ll get $20 off your first purchase with this link! 

Schoola // website

schoola

schoola offers quality clothing at up to 70% off retail and 40% of proceeds benefit kids by funding music, art, PE and more. school. Any school or family can participate, just get your free donation bag to organize a drive. They make it easy by going on the website. Plus, they offer the best fundraiser with savings going back to families and the benefits too.  Brands including Adidas, Gap Kids, Justice, OshKosh B’Gosh and others are available.

 Sign up for schoola with CODE  and get 30% off your first purchase!

Just Between Friends // website

JBF-logoTwice a year parents and grandparents in the know make plans for Just Between Friends. This is THE children’s, teens’, and maternity consignment sales event for everything (clothes, toys and furniture) where you get 50-90% off retail. (You can score great Halloween and other seasonal items here, too!)

Want to save big? The secret to this event is to have a plan! Think ahead and bring a basket, bag, or rolling hangar cart while you shop for this season and next. And definitely think in seasons for each of your kids. Create your plan by downloading this free printable checklist to keep you organized and on budget for big savings at JBF!

There are several JBF sales throughout DFW, but the first and the largest is the Just Between Friends Fort Worth at Will Rogers Memorial Center – Amon Carter, Sept. 3-13. Consignors and first-time parents and grandparents get early access by signing up on the website. Also new this year, there are free passes for teachers and homeschoolers, so make sure to sign up OR get a free admission September 6 with this coupon! 

Web Coupon FtWorth Fall 2015_Hghr_res

Kid to Kid // website

kid to kid

A  full time store with 15 locations around the Metroplex, Kid to Kid is how I first began saving money. Needed a toy or a new outfit for my kiddo, I went to Kid to Kid for anything and everything. Bring in your kids gently used outgrown items, shop around as it gets appraised and receive cash or credit on the spot. Stores are locally owned and locally stocked = Plano, Bedford, Rockwall, Grapevine, Arlington, Garland, Allen, Frisco, Lewisville, McKinney, Burleson, Fort Worth, Lake Worth, Greenville and Weatherford. They also own Upscale Cheapskate for teens and adults.

Facebook Garage Sales // website

facebook logo

Forget the driveway, post, find and buy all kinds of items from clothing to furniture to toys and book on the Facebook Garage Sales. Sales are usually local and organized by homeowners associations, PTAs, school groups and other organizations. Garage sales are private and free for users.

ebates // website 

ebates

Start here before you shop online (period.) Right now they have a special tab just for back to school with huge rebates from 4 – 12%. Also there’s a toolbar to install to get you there even faster and so you don’t forget to use ebates. Every 3 months, you’ll receive a cashback payment (at least $5) for purchases posted during the previous quarter – call your BIG FAT CHECK. And if you do other promotions or coupons, there’s no problem using ebates either. This site is perfect during the holidays if your outlet doesn’t have a free shipping option. 

Sign up here right now to start saving with my referral link! 

Tips for the First-Timer’s First Day of School

By 23 Comments

SponsoredPostDisclaimer

Eliminate back-to-school anxiety for first-time students. To make your child’s very first day of school less overwhelming, we’re sharing some precious and practical products to get the smallest students excited about the big day.


MAKE & KEEP A ROUTINE // Free AM & PM Schedule Schedule 

Key Features: 

  • Kids learn best with routine, structure and schedules
  • Helpful for both parents and kids to get into the swing of things
  • This easy printable can be ready to use with a one-click PDF or download to recreate your own
  • Free from mamachallenge.com

Kids-Routine-Chart

A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP = A GOOD DAY AT SCHOOL // BSensible Fitted Crib Sheet Select

Key Features:

  • 2 in 1 fitted sheet and waterproof mattress protector that is made from 100% natural and sustainable material
  • Breathable fabric
  • Made from 100% natural product that is soft, smooth and rustle-free (noiseless-won’t make noise like other mattress protectors when kids roll and move in bed)
  • Material is Antibacterial, Hypoallergenic and Regenerative, as well as, Dust mite proof! Perfect for babies and kids with skin and respiratory allergies
  • Available in 8 different colors
  • MSRP: $39.99 and Up
  • Available in Toddler, Twin and Full Sizes for kids

Available online at us.bsensible.com

SUPER COOL, LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACK WILL GET KIDS EXCITED TO GO TO SCHOOL // Lassig’s Mini Quilted Backpack distributed by HABA USA

Key Features:

  • Durable, quilted bag from Lassig is built tough.
  • Perfect for school with room for books, folders
  • Front zipper pocket for pencils and pens, large main zipper pocket, two side pockets, snap hook and name badge.
  • Weighs only about half a pound and is made of 100% polyester.
  • Adjustable shoulder strap have reflective strips and are padded for comfort and feature an adjustable chest trap for added support.
  • Available in 3 bold and bright patterns
  • Ages 3-6.
  • MSRP: $49.99

Available at HABAusa.com

SUPPORT LEARNING AT HOME WITH EDUCATIONAL GAMES // Clever Bear Learns to Count by HABA USA

Key Features:

  • Learn to count with the clever bear in this 4 in 1 educational game
  • Familiarizes the children with counting from 1 to 10 and first arithmetic, with the help of the counting threader and the dice with symbols or numbers
  • For 2 to 5 players, ages 3 +
  • Made of sturdy cardboard and wood
  • Made in Germany
  • MSRP: $24.99

This and many, many other educational games for all ages are available at HABAusa.com

POCKET-SIZED BUDDIES FOR SMARTER TABLET TIME // DigiPuppets 

Key Features:

  • World’s first touch screen sensitive finger puppets: Honey Bunny and Zip the Zebra
  • Connect the 3d world with 4 DigiPuppets apps
  • Create a magical world of learning
  • Kids love the stories and characters
  • Parents love that they are learning skills for school and for life
  • They work on any iPad, iPhone or Android device
  • Download the apps on iTunes and Google Play

Get the puppets on DigiPuppets.com for $14.99

HELLO SCHOOL, GOOD-BYE TEETH // Tug and the Tooth

Key Features:

  • Set includes Tug, a lovable plush tooth-shaped character
  • Backpack to hold a child’s lost tooth
  • Beautifully illustrated story about a little girl’s first loose tooth.
  • Tug is all about adventure and celebrates kids who are brave enough to take on new challenges like starting school!
  • Makes a great back-to-school gift for kiddos anxiously awaiting their first “wiggly” tooth.
  • Ages 4-10 years
  • MSRP: $29.95

Available at TugandtheTooth.com

Chalkboard

What’s your best Back t0 School tip? 

 

 

Cute, Quick & Easy Gift Wrapping Ideas

By 24 Comments

When it comes to wrapping gifts, there are two kinds of people…

Those who spend a lot of time to make them perfect and those who don’t understand why you spend any time on the what the OUTSIDE of a gift looks like.

Fathers-Day-gift-giving


Actually it’s possible to create a beautiful presentation without much time, money or creativity.

So just in time for Father’s Day, we’ve discovered cute, quick & easy gift wrapping ideas to wrap a gift without losing your time, money or mind!

1. ULINE // www.uline.com 

If they don’t have it at Uline, they don’t make it…

We’ll that’s not completely true, I’ve never found a better resource for finding just the right container. Uline is actually one of the largest online resources for shipping supplies and packaging for companies. While you do have to purchase in large quantities, the pricing makes it all worth it. While orders are shipped directly to you same-day, we’re lucky in DFW because you can go pick yours up directly at one of their shipping centers based in Coppell. Just take a look at just a few samples of fun containers I’ve found for gift giving and they’re also the ideal resource for favor boxes for birthday parties.

HD_5602_T05

For dad’s day I used this paint can and filled it full of candy – then wrote “Dad’s Stache” for a candy basket that he’ll love. Also, you can source something basic like a blank gift sack and then let the kids create their own special packaging with paint, colors, etc. that dad might love more than the gift!

2. Giftskins // www.giftskins.com

Where taking personal wrapping to a new level with Giftskins. This company allows you to create your own wrapping paper! Just upload a photo, then they create an adorable, customized wrapping paper just for you and then ship it right to your door . They have all kinds of themes or you can just have an entire roll made of your favorite moments of Dad love. Or use a photo from a great experience for dad, like a picture of a fishing trip that will make your presentation EXTRA special. Want everyone to see your Christmas photo or show the giftee where this gift came from – put your picture on it. And for companies that want to promote their business, you can upload your logo for that branded touch.

Fathers-Day-Gel-Skins

3. Cool Wraps // www.coolwraps.com

Tired of gift wrapping with the traditional roll of paper or look lazy using gift bag? Just get your CoolWraps, the original  shrink wrap bag, and throw away your scissors, your tape and your roll of paper. You just need a CoolWraps bag and your hairdryer. Featured on Shark Tank, this company makes it easy to wrap the odd shaped items that give you grief with the help of your blowdryer to form right to the gift. Just stuff it, seal it and shrink it! And best of all, you don’t need a large space to store all your gift wrap because these store flat!

celebration-pattern

Here’s a few helpful tips to make your CoolWrap look present perfect.

Best Subscription Boxes 2015

By 33 Comments

I’m a sucker for a delivery to my doorstep.

Each time the FedEx man or that brown truck shows up with a box, it’s a fight to finish to meet him at the door so I can quickly whisk it to the kitchen to rip open the contents.

So ever since that first subscription box showed up in the market, I was hooked. It had all the fun of Christmas morning PLUS it was delivery to boot. I loved the idea so much I featured some of my favorite boxes on Good Morning Texas in June 2014.


Best-Subscription-BoxesA year later the subscription craze is still running strong and now each one is getting even more creative in efforts to fit your perfect fix. Subscription companies have stepped up their game with curation and education. Just check out the best subscription boxes 2015!

MISTOBOX

Coffee isn’t just about caffeine anymore with the MistoBox. Each month you receive four different roasters inside of your MistoBox from some of the hippest and tastiest coffee houses around. Each box includes tasting notes to help you learn more during your coffee journey and where it’s from. So you can just sit back and enjoy the grind…

MistoBox

Cost:  $12.99 to $22.99 per shipment depending on the options a customer selects.

CLUB W

For some it’s coffee, for others it’s wine. Club W works directly with wine makers. There are no middlemen, which means you get better wine for less. Shipping directly to you also so they invest in smaller, more unique lots with companies they don’t require quotas on quantity. Learning about wine should be fun, not overbearing or pretentious. Each month you’ll also receive with your box of three wines, short videos for every wine including tasting notes and other background information such as the producer’s story, an explanation of the growing region or a primer on the varietal.

Cost: Starts at 3 bottles a month for $39 + $6 flat rate shipping. Club W covers shipping on orders of 6 or more bottles.

CRAFTED TASTE

And for those of us looking for a new go-to-drink or are willing to expand our craft cocktail, there’s Crafted Taste. Purchased as a subscription or as individual kits, each new kit gives you everything you need to become a mixologist. From the sugar syrup,  liquor and even the napkins, every month’s shipment is a new reason to celebrate. I love this idea for a mandatory date-night in idea, girls’ night get together or the ideal birthday gift. And they’ll even customize based on tastes or large gift orders.

Crafted-Taste

Cost:  $65/month for a mixer-only subscription or $130/cocktail subscription and $200/premium subscription

SPICE MADAMS

Explore the world through curated spice kits from different cultures delivered to your kitchen every month!

Founded by two Dallas ladies, you sign up for the box, and you get four spices from a specific country or culture with education and recipes that feature the spices. Allows you to expand your culinary adventures with just one box a month!

Cost: $20/month and discounted rates with longer subscriptions

Spice Madam fans can use promo code UASPICEMADAM15 at Urban Acres to get a free UA membership and first Medium Share ($83 Value)!

CUPCAKE OF THE MONTH & BACON OF THE MONTH

From Amazing Clubs, America’s #1 Gourmet Gifts of the Month Club with over 1 million satisfied customers, you can’t go wrong with cupcakes or bacon, but they have 40+ other monthly box subscriptions to choose from.

Cupcake of the Month
Each month they’ll deliver a delicious selection of 12 gourmet cupcakes in four new flavors. Flavors range from old-fashioned favorites like creamy chocolate and red velvet cupcakes, to exciting new flavors like banana cream and tart raspberry. The cupcakes are made with only the finest, all-natural ingredients and delivered fresh, moist and pretty.

Cost: $54.95 with a 3-month subscription

Cupcake

Bacon of the Month
Each month they’ll deliver two generous, one-pound, thick-cut, hand-rubbed selections of gourmet bacons tha are low-production, artisan bacons from specialty producers nationwide. Bacon-lovers will be in hog heaven with delicious flavors like honey BBQ, sun dried tomato, fresh cracked pepper and many more. Each one-pound selection of gourmet bacon is made with only the finest, all-natural ingredients and delivered perfectly fresh in refrigerated packaging.

Cost: $49.95 with a 3-month subscription

PLATED

Plated takes the work out of making exciting fresh and restaurant-quality meals at home. This is flexible, weekly subscription service that allows you to skip as many weeks as you’d like and simple to cancel at any time online.  All of meats are 100% antibiotic-free with no added hormones, all seafood is domestic and sustainably sourced.  They offer up 7-9 new recipes on our site each week including 3 vegetarian options, and 4 meat and seafood options per week so that there’s a range of options for everyone. Featured on Beyond the Tank (Shark Tank spin-off) the idea of Plated is to help get busy Americans cooking more and living better by bridging the gap between how we say we want to eat and how we actually eat. Professional chefs create and test new recipes each week, with plenty of options for different tastes and different skills levels.

Plated

Cost: Dishes are $12 per plate (1 plate = 1 person or 1 serving) with a 4 plate minimum per order (that’s 2 meals for 2 people) and you can order as many plates/recipes as you’d like (in multiples of 2). Right now you can get four plates for the price of two.

GWYNNIE BEE

Gwynnie Bee is the only clothing rental subscription service exclusively for women sizes 10-32. Described as a digital department store with 2,000 styles from 150 brands to choose from, you receive unlimited exchanges and free shipping. With the most common plan, members receive on average $900-$1,200 worth of apparel for the same cost of just one dress but all the fun of having something new to wear!

Gwynnie-Bee

Gwynnie Bee members on Facebook

Cost: Most popular plan is $79/month for 3 items at a time and receive around 6-12 items a month. Gwynnie Bee is currently offering a free 30-day trial of the subscription.

Make sure not to miss many of these offers with free trials and BOGOs for the first month.

Win your own MistoBox from MamaChallenge.com!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lunch Box Inspiration: Kid Friendly Dinner Ideas You Want to Eat

By 28 Comments

While there’s nothing wrong with chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese, after about the third night in a row I’m over it, way over it.

We’ve all had that moment when  you can’t stomach the idea of eating junk food and the kids won’t even consider anything beyond the three food groups of french fries, noodles and sugar, but I’ve learned there is a compromise.

So take out the lunch box, we’re making dinner.


Lunchbox

That’s right, we’re using the same items you use to make your child’s lunch box to inspire you to make kid friendly dinner ideas you’ll not only like, but will actually elevate your kids’ palate and make yours pretty happy, too. And you gotta love that you’re being frugal by using ingredients you already have in your house.

Lunchbox-Inspiration-MamaChallenge

Yep, I’m showing you how to make dinner with items from your kids lunch box. It’s dual-use foods they already love recreated in a whole new way and they can even help you make them.

 

>

Use Pretzels to create Pretzel Crusted Tilapia (or chicken): 

This recipe is a keeper because it only uses two ingredients AND you can really use it on any fish or chicken.

2-4 fish filets
1/2 cup mayonnaise (or you could use 1/2 cup greek yogurt)
1 cup pretzels, crushed

Spread mayonnaise on each filet, covering both sides. Then dredge the fish with the crushed pretzels. Lay in a greased or foil-lined pan and cook at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.

Pretzel-Covered-Tilapia-MamaChallenge

Use Ham and  Cheese to create Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu:

One of my favorites is chicken cordon bleu, however, don’t tell your kids that’s what you’re making and you’ll probably get them to eat it more than using the fancy name. “Chicken Roll ups” are made almost once a week at our house.

2-3 chicken breast, pounded thinly (what a great way to get some stress out from your day as well)
9 slices of thinly sliced ham
6 slices of cheese (swiss or havarti work best)
Parmesan cheese or bread crumbs

Use Applesauce to create a Dressing for Salad (or pork chops):

Put your GoGo squeeZ to work for you. I love using applesauce for many things including this delicious and easy apple dijon dressing that tastes good on your greens for a great salad OR using as as sauce for grilled pork chops or even with those Chicken Cordon Bleus.

Use Juice for a Delicious Stir-fry:

Take that apple juice to a whole new level by using it to marinate your chicken, steak or shrimp for a delicious stir-fry that’s also filled with veggies. Here’s a recipe I love and is gluten free, too.

Gluten-Free-Sweet-and-Sour-Chicken-sponsored

Use Peanut Butter, Raisins and M&Ms to make Trailmix: 

While this might not be a dinner recipe, use this idea of combining leftover snacks into one new recipe for trailmix and eat this as your healthy snack when they get home or as you’re getting ready for dinner. There’s no real recipe for this one – just take a little of this and that and you’ve got a new fun snack they can make and you don’t feel bad that they’re ruining dinner.

Don’t forget dessert: Use Bananas to Make a Quick and Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookie:

After a long day who has time to make dinner and much less a dessert? You do. With just four ingredients, you have a cookie you can feel as good making as you do eating it.

healthy-cookies-mamachallenge

Get this recipe.

Make sure you check out my other fun ideas on MamaChallenge TV!

I also need to thank the gracious folks at Viridian in Arlington for providing an amazing kitchen set!

Viridian-Kitchen

This development is everything you want in a home and much, much more. From the beautiful home selection from top-notch builders like M. Christopher Homes to the excellent elementary school, you’ve so many options for socializing, exercising and more – and that’s all at your doorstep.

Just take a look at this home we used as our set (and you can’t miss this “drive-through” shower.)

Bathroom-Viridian

Learn more about Viridian at http://www.viridiandfw.com.

 

 

Make Your Best Cake Tips

By 4 Comments

Baking the perfect cake isn’t just cooking. It’s a mix of art and science – and some experience in knowing the best cake tips! 

You know that expression “have your cake and eat it, too?”

Unfortunately when it comes to making them, most of us just skip to picking one up at the grocery store so we can take it home to eat it.  And if we do make one, well, it probably came from a box and lovely icing from a rounded container.

cake-tips


Face it: cake making isn’t easy, but with a little patience and few of these best cake tips, you can make your own little piece of sweet art a lot better than you ever thought possible. And when you’re done, you don’t even have to share. But I will share a few tips that will take you for basic to Betty Crocker in just one cake.

However, cake making isn’t just cooking; it’s art, it’s a science and actually a little lesson in history.

I love to read cookbooks and actually I own probably about 100+ of them and sometimes just love reading the ingredients, recipe names and my favorite, the descriptions, especially on old cookbooks (like those made from local women’s groups!) One of my favorites growing up were the red-gingham covered (affiliate link included) Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook.

BHG-Cookbook

Filled with tips to setting your table, to how to make Sunday dinner for your inlaws, this cookbook was the gold standard cooking staple for most women in the 50s as they either practiced for marriage or worked to “create a home” after the wedding. I love the tips they include as well as all the handy conversions. Just for cakes the section there’s a nifty tip sheet for all the things you did wrong with your cake and how to fix them next time. While looking for a little something to make for Easter, I actually ran across a recipe called “Easter Dinner Cake.” Since it was found in the sponge/pound cake section and made with orange juice, the recipe sounded perfect for Easter dinner. And with 11 egg whites, I had to know how this was going to turn out.

RECIPE: Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook Easter Dinner Cake

Easter-Dinner-Cake-MamChallenge.com

As I started to think about Easter cakes, I remembered the one my mom made when I was young that had coconut, lime, lemons, oranges and all the other good stuff that still had me licking my lips for just one more bite 20+ years later. Luckily she knew exactly what recipe it was from her McCall’s Cooking School Cook Book binder, a mail-subscription service that sent you a few recipes every month to add to your binder until you had a full cookbook.

MCalls

Of course, this was BW (before the web), so it was fun to wait to see what recipes you’d receive each shipment.  I tried to find my own copy of the once mail-order binder cookbook, but from others looking for the same thing, it doesn’t appear you can find a copy unless you find one on Amazon from others willing to sell theirs. However, I’m reprinting it here for you (or  until they realize it might be worth it to put these online!)

Coconut-Citrus-Cake-mamachallenge

RECIPE: McCall’s Cooking School Coconut-Cream Cake with Lemon-Lime Filling

And it wouldn’t be Easter without Carrot Cake, right? I love this recipe ot just because it’s covered in Cream Cheese frosting, but because it is made with applesauce! You know I’m always about using applesauce in your recipes, especially baking, since it makes things lower in fat, higher in healthy ingredients and definitely much more moist! While you could use any applesauce, I like the cinnamon version from GoGo squeeZ to give it that little kick of sweetness. And then throw in a little 1/2 teaspoon of chile or chipotle powder and you’ve got a cake that won’t stop – at least not until you’ve finished every.single. bite.

Best-Ever-Carrot-Cake

RECIPE: Best Carrot Cake Ever

 

What’s your favorite cake? 

 

Related articles across the web

#PartyLikeAMadMan: Beef Wellington

By 43 Comments

I’ve long been a fan of Mad Men since day one. Every season I’ve committed a Sunday evening to taking a look back at the 50s & 60s “Ad Age” through the eyes of Don Draper, his merry men and the not-so-merry lives of the women in the show. So now that the last season is here, I wanted to celebrate in the same class and style as I was watching on TV. So I’ve joined a few online friends across the world for the #PartyLikeAMadMen Virtual Finale Party as we all serve up something Mad-Men-like at home while we enjoy the premiere of the last season on April 5.

Actually, Mad Men has played a big part on trends over the last few years as fashion, food and lifestyle have all taken a borrow from something Joan Holloway might have worn or something Betty Draper may had prepared for dinner. Dinner back then wasn’t just a meal; it was an occasion and definitely a testament to the kind of life (and money) you were able to spend. Waldorf Salad, Oysters Rockefeller and Beef Wellington are all dishes from the 60s that only those in first-class would be able to serve and enjoy.

Beef-Wellington-Mad-Men-MamaChallenge2


Made with a rich pastry crust, I’ve long wanted to make a Beef Wellington. Partly because it seemed so complicated; partly because the ingredients were so costly with pate, filet mignon and fresh mushrooms. However, with a little help from my meatman at the grocery store, I was able to use a bottom round beef roast for about $15 so all together my cost was like $25-$30 rather than $75. And if you were to order it at a restaurant, one plate still looks at around $50. So this recipe with my twist is a much more economical version that still gives you every bit of the indulgent experience that you expect from Beef Wellington.

This recipe is based on the one found in *affiliate link*”The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook: Inside the Kitchens, Bars and Restaurants of Mad Men” by Judy Gelman and Peter Zheutlin. As the part cookbook, part historical backgrounder, part series spotlight, the Beef Wellington makes an early appearance early in the show as part of Season 1, Episode 6, Roger Sterling and Joan Holloway partake in a “private meeting” in five-star hotel. The two spend time talk about royal foods like this entree, named of course after royalty itself, the First Duke of Wellington. While I won’t been eating mine in bed, I certainly appreciate the idea of dining on something so luxurious like Beef Wellington in my pjs.

With just a few of my own modifications, this recipe may not become part of my every Sunday feature, it definitely might make it back if I’m looking for something for a dinner party or better yet, a little tryst of my own with the hubs. Seemed to work for these two for at least a few seasons.

Beef-Wellington


Print

clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Beef Wellington

Print Recipe

Description

This recipe is also served with a brown sauce. Find the recipe for this in The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Beef
  • 1 sheet Puff Pastry (you could make your own or use Pepperidge Farms)
  • 1 3-pound beef tenderloin OR 1 3-pound bottom roast
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 egg with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash

Mushroom Filling

  • 1 pound fresh mushroom, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cop chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup sherry or red wine
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 pound pate (won’t be used in mushroom filling but applied to beef before covering with mushrooms)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Rub filet/roast with butter and seasoning.
  3. Place on a rack in shallow pan and bake for 20 minutes.
  4. Remove filet to cooling rack and let stand still until cool, about 30 minutes. Pat with paper towel.
  5. To make mushroom filling (duxelles), combine all ingredients except pate in small skillet and cook until onion is tender and all liquid is absorbed.
  6. Roll pastry onto aluminium foil into 18×12-inch rectangle. Plate filet top down int he middle. Spread pate in a thin layer all over the beef. Then layer mushroom filling leaving a small margin around the sides.
  7. Draw the long sides up to overlap on the bottom of the filet. Brush with egg wash to seal and brush egg wash over top and sides of pastry.
  8. Reduce oven to 400 degrees. Using foil transfer the beef and place pastry seam side down on baking sheet. Remove foil and bake for 30 minutes until golden brown with a medium rare temperature for the meat.
  9. Allow to cool for 15 minutes and then serve.


Party-Like-Mad-Men

You’re invited to with us on Sunday, April 5, the Mad Men final season premiere. Food, cocktail and lifestyle bloggers worldwide will post a blog featuring food or drink from “The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook” or another recipe that has appeared on Mad Men.

Mad-Men-Cookbook

Win your own copy of the “The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook” with this giveaway.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pin This!

Visit Mama Challenge's profile on Pinterest.

Pictures Say a 1000 Words

Follow Along!