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Your New Favorite Brunch Recipes

March 20, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 35 Comments

Easter is always a great excuse to enjoy a big brunch, but who wants to eat the same ole thing? Here are your new favorite brunch recipes – perfect for Easter!

I love Easter for many reason, but one big one is BRUNCH! While there’s never anything wrong with scrambled eggs, there’s something awesome when you take it to the next level…as long, of course, that it doesn’t take 3 hours to make it and with as little clean up as possible.

Inspired by some of the timeless favorite breakfast dishes, here are some of the best and easiest brunch recipes you need to make right now.

Up the ante on the Quiche Lorraine by replacing it with hashbrowns. Now it’s not only low-carb, but a quiche that any man can’t fight.
Take all your favorite breakfast staples like eggs, meat, cheese and croissants and wrap them up in a loop for this Easter Wreath. (The kids will love helping you with this one and it looks real impressive!)
Blueberry Cream Danish? Your mouth is already watering, right? But here’s a shortcut you’ll have them in your mouth, start to finish in less than 20 minutes. REALLY.
Breakfast. Taco. Enchiladas. Two of my favorite recipes come together for one delicious casserole that you can make, freeze, cook and serve. Just look at the presentation. And that’s just the outside of the dish!
While technically this is a dessert, the kids won’t let you wait to make this Easter Egg Fruit Pizza made with cookie dough pizza and fruit to make a beautiful display!

With just a little bit of time, you’ll have some new favorite dishes that you’re family will be raving about for many Easters to come. And you might just have to make some of these a couple of times in between, too. Here’s the lowdown on how to make these as featured on Fox Good Day!

Just click on your favorite for the recipe!

Made for More than Walking: Lane Boots

February 18, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 17 Comments

Like most girls, I can appreciate a pretty shoe.

I don’t care who you are (and what kind of shoe you wear), there’s nothing sexier than a pair of ruby-soled Louboutins.

So when I came across a local boot maker that sported a turquoise sole, I totally appreciated the Texas twist on a pair of their designer cowboy boots. But the blue hue wasn’t the only standout I discovered about Lane Boots.

Like Louboutins each pair of Lane Boots has its own personality complete with unmatched design, first-class quality, and even a unique name to boot (pun intended.)

After lusting after each of the different looks searching for the pair that spoke to me, I decided I’d slide the studded, black calfskin tallboy on just to take a look. After all, this much “pretty” must really mean that comfort was never part of the design plan (and I hadn’t seen anything on their marketing materials that said so either.) But once my heel was in place, I was surprised at how comfortable the boot was. And a little walk around the room showed me that these weren’t your normal boots.

But then again nothing about Lane Boots is normal.

Based in Arlington, Texas, Lane Boots was born out of a business opportunity from entrepreneur Patrick Lane in 2007. After being a boot broker for another line of boots, he wanted to create a boot company that not only celebrated the rich tradition of well-made Western boots but showed “the attitude in your style and a smile on your face” when you wear them; and Lane Boots was born.

Just looking at the more than 300 different styles, each boot had so much detail from the sophisticated embroidery, hand-applied studding, and unique artisan inlay design. Although I don’t know much about how a boot is made, these bench-made beauties are like “artwork for your feet” as each pair is handcrafted from the motherland of fine boot making in Leon, Mexico at the Lane Boot manufacturing facility.

Even though comfort isn’t their selling proposition, like me, once you put a pair on, you know why you’ll be a customer for life. With a four-layer process of heel liner, heel cushion, insole and sole, you can tell these boots can be used for a lot more than a little walking…you’ll be ready to go all day in your Lane Boots.

However, good luck trying to decide on your first pair.

Lane Boots are available online or at several western wear and clothing retailers including 11 Main.

Get social with Lane Boots with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

Hello Fresh! Fresh Food Delivery

February 9, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 18 Comments

While people are more busy than ever, we are also much more cognizant of what we are putting in their bodies AND our children’s.

Thankfully, there’s been a resurgence in the concept of farmer’s markets; consumers demanding for fresh and organic groceries. However, with a little help from technology we now can have our veggies and eat ’em, too with fresh food delivery.

Hello Fresh, Plated and others have made it so easy to create delicious meals with fresh ingredients by not only setting your menu, preparing all the ingredients and then sending it straight to your door. All you have left to do is to put it in a pan and in about 20 minutes, dinner is served.

But here in DFW, an organization called the Cold Springs Farm isn’t just sending it to your door, but are bringing the farmer’s market directly to you – giving you the choice to purchase exactly what you want by picking your fruits and veggies right off their mobile market.

Photo: Cold Springs Farm

The Veggie Van (#TheFarmacy) offers organic, SEASONAL, local veggies and fruits! Delivery is included in the price. You can order one time, or you can set up automatic weekly, bi-weekly or monthly delivery. In order to shop from the Veggie Van you must be at home, however the Veggie Van driver will also select produce and leave it for you if you’re not available for delivery. The Veggie Van happily delivers to your office if that is better for you…

If someone wants to “shop” the Veggie Van, they place an order using this link: https://squareup.com/market/cold-springs-farm and then they’ll coordinate a delivery location!

No membership is required to shop the Veggie Van, it is a completely different entity than the farm’s CSA. The farm’s CSA is the best value, and membership is required. Cost is $335 for an 8-week session which meets in the cultural district of Fort Worth.

And soon they’ll also allow you to add Heritage poultry and pork from Cold Springs Farm, Grass-fed Natural beef from Grassy Ridge Natural Beef, and grass-fed lamb from Sterling Lamb to your order.

Now that you have all that delicious produce, you have tons of options for meals! I have a super easy and incredibly delicious dressing recipe that will pair well with your salad and roasted vegetables!

Valentine’s Day Crafts for the Kids

February 7, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 13 Comments

Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about love, not money or spending countless hours finding the perfect “thing.” Instead spend time together making these Valentine’s Day Crafts for the Kids something that you’ll enjoy creating as much as you will enjoying eating them!

I featured these make-and-dos on Fox Good Day Saturday.

Heart-Shaped Cake

Using two cake mixes and a cookie cutter, make a cake or bread that gets to the “heart” of the matter with a secret heart! What a great way to celebrate the holiday or to give as a gift.

Valentine’s Day Lunch Box

Making a healthy lunch together makes it fun to prepare for the next day’s meal OR you can make it a surprise when they open their lunch box. Best of all it only takes a few minutes to pack this V-day lunch box. Using strawberries, cheese sticks and toothpicks, we’ve created these Cupid’s heart and arrows.

An added bonus: Healthy Valentine’s Day pouches that double as a healthy Valentines for your kids!

Red Velvet Oreo Cake Balls

Red Velvet anything is a win, but when paired with an Oreo cookie, it’s downright heavenly. I may have lost some pounds with Jenny Craig, but these cookies I found at Market Street better find a new home because they aren’t going to last more than a day at the rate they are going right now. With only three ingredients and almost no cooking, your kids will love making these Oreo Cookie Balls with their hands. The most important thing to remember: Buy at least two bags of Red Velvet Oreos – one to make the cake balls and another bag to eat. (Just saying…)

Get the Recipe Here

Love-themed Art

I love any time you can take a memory or personalized moment like using your kid’s hand and foot prints. We’ve used them for all kinds of adorable crafts, but this time we’ve made artwork that you might actually put on your wall all year long using just canvas, paint and a little patience!

Coffee-Filter Flowers

A beautiful bouquet of flowers are normally a #1 choice at Valentine’s Day, but let’s be honest, they die after only a week. Using some left-over coffee filters (remember those things you have in the back of the cabinet after you got your Keurig) and some tape, you can make your own custom-made flowers and they last forever! Add a little food coloring and you can even change colors!

For more Valentine’s Day make and do including BACON ROSES, check out these treats including a free printable!

Or if you’re really out of time, but want to show you love them, you can always pick up a heart-shaped Papa Murphy’s HeartBaker Pizza (now until Feb. 14), stick it in the oven and claim it as your own.

The pizza is made from scratch with fresh dough in the shape of a heart and is topped with traditional red sauce, generous portions of 100 percent whole milk mozzarella cheese and premium pepperoni slices. It’s perfect for busy moms and those who want to celebrate the occasion without a lot of work, but with that ‘extra something’ that’s quick, easy and served fresh to your family. Priced at $7-$8 depending on your Papa Murphy’s location, it’s a steal. Many locations are also offering a ‘Sweetheart Deal’ for $11 which includes the HeartBaker and a S’Mores dessert pizza.

Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone.

Whatever you do, just remember to love it! After all, it’s Valentine’s Day!

Don’t miss this #mamachallenge moment:

Eggcellent: How to Make the Best Eggs

January 20, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 14 Comments

Want to make eggcellent eggs? It’s not as hard as you thing with these tips on how to make the best eggs!

Want to find out if you’re compatible with someone or get a group of people talking?

Ask them how they like their eggs.

I polled a big group of my friends and we got all kinds of answers and passionate ones at that.

Photo credit: Popsugar

Eggs are SO Good for You

Eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet. With Vitamin A, Vitamin B5, B12, B2, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Zinc, Omega 3s and a whole nest of other healthy things your body needs. All from this simple oval that is only around 75 calories and high in protein. Now while eggs have cholesterol, it’s the HDL they raise which is the GOOD cholesterol, which lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and other various issues.

They also are very fulfilling! In one study I read of 30 overweight women, eating eggs instead of bagels for breakfast increased feelings of fullness and made them automatically eat fewer calories for the next 36 hours.

Difference Between Egg Types

One of the biggest questions asked is what is the difference between brown eggs and white eggs. I could give you a really long explanation…but long story short – one is brown, one is white.

However that’s not the only way you can slice and dice your eggs. Nowadays, the store has many options for your egg needs including:

Cage Free
Organic
Vegetarian
Free-Range
Pasteurized

Ways to Cook Eggs

Hard Boiled: An egg cooked in boiling water with the shell intact. Hard boiled eggs are cooked through until both the whites and yolk have completely set.
Omelet (Omelette): Eggs that have been beaten and then cooked quickly in a frying pan. Omelets are often folded over a filling of cheese, vegetables, meat, or a combination of items.
Over Easy: A fried egg that is flipped and cooked yolk side down only long enough to create a film over the top of the yolk, leaving the center of the yolk liquid.
Over Hard: A fried egg that is flipped and cooked yolk side down until the yolk has completely cooked through.
Poached: Eggs that have been removed from their shell and then cooked in a hot liquid. The cooking liquid can be water, broth, or any sauce. Poaching in water is often used as a way to cook eggs without having to use extra fat. Poaching in broth or sauce adds flavor to the cooked egg.
Scrambled: Raw egg whites and yolks are beaten together and then cooked in a skillet. The beaten egg mixture is gently agitated as it sets to create a curdled texture.
Shirred: Eggs that have been baked in a ramekin (sometimes with butter, cream or other sauces) until the whites have set but the yolk is still liquid.
Soft Boiled: An egg cooked in boiling water with the shell intact. Soft-boiled eggs are cooked only to the point at which the whites are set but the yolk is still liquid.
Sunny Side Up: A fried egg that is never flipped or cooked yolk side down. The whites cook until completely or partially set while the yolk remains liquid.
Eggs Benedict: An English muffin topped with ham or bacon, a poached egg and hollandaise sauce.

Tips to Make the Perfect Egg Every Time

Now here’s where it gets really good! You’ve probably fried, boiled, or scrambled an egg, but it didn’t work out the way you intended. While an egg seems so easy to cook, it’s all in the details. I mean there’s a reason most people enjoy eggs benedict when they go out to eat and not at home, right?

1. How to Boil an Egg: Ice water, old eggs and 12 minutes.

2. How to Poach an Egg: Fresh eggs and a mesh strainer not vinegar or salt make these eggs perfect.

3. How to Scramble an Egg: Key here is not to stir them too much.

4. How to Fry an Egg: Medium heat to evenly cook the egg and make sure to not bust the yolk!

5. How to Bake and Egg…in an Avocado!

Baked Eggs in Avocado

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

1 ripe avocados
2 fresh eggs
1/8 teaspoon pepper
fresh herbs

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Slice the avocados in half, and take out the pit. Scoop out enough from the avocado to fit egg.
Place the avocados in a small baking dish.
Crack an egg into each avocado half.
Place in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the eggs set.
Remove from oven then season.

Other Great Ways to Eggs

Thanksgiving Leftovers English Muffins

Hatch Chile and Chorizo Breakfast Pie

Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole

Mini Quiches

Start Your Family Dinner Project with Healthy Comfort Favorites {Recipe}

January 7, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 12 Comments

At the bar. Standing next to the fridge. In stages throughout the night.

Is this the way your family eats dinner?

With all those busy family schedules – work, school, play and all that in between – it keeps us from being what we are supposed to be – a family!

The Family Dinner Project seeks to help all of us to get back to the things that matter like food, fun and conversation at mealtime. A program led by Project Zero at Harvard, the FDP is full of recipes, conversation starters and research to back up the basic concept that a family meal is good for the spirit, brain and health of a family. Actually 15 years of research shows families that eat together experience:

Better academic performance
Higher self-esteem
Lower risk of substance abuse
Lower risk of teen pregnancy
Lower risk of depression
Lower likelihood of developing eating disorders
Lower rates of obesity

So now that you know that you know that dinner time together is a good thing – give them something they can’t resist at dinner…fried chicken and macaroni and cheese!

But since it is a new year and a new you and you want to help your whole family be healthier, here are a few twists we’ve made to make sure that dinner doesn’t just taste a-mazing, but is also healthy, too!

I’ve taken fried chicken to new heights with this gluten-free oven fried chicken that uses gluten-free cereal for a crispy crust. And don’t worry, I didn’t forget the sauce either! Paired with this copy-cat signature recipe from a certain chicken spot that has an affinity for cows, you will be making this recipe again and again – and finding new reasons to put this sauce on everything. Add a little (or a lot) gluten-free mac n cheese (with a little healthy twist of winter squash), you will love your time together – eating, talking and just being together.

New Year New You with Weight Loss Helpers

January 2, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 3 Comments

None of these are endorsed by GMT or MamaChallenge as diet remedies, but the newest trends in support that viewers and readers have shared for weight management. Check with your doctor before starting any regimen or weight loss program.

The Cabbage Diet. The Hot Dog Diet. Or my personal favorite from The Devil Wears Prada, I Don’t Anything Diet Until I’m About to Pass Out and Eat a Cube of Cheese Diet.

PerezHilton.com

None of them sound good, but certainly have worked to help anyone have long-lasting weight loss. The reason why of course, is diets don’t work.

The last time I was on Good Morning Texas I shared the secret of a long marriage. Today I’m going to share the secret to losing weight: Eat healthy food, practice healthy lifestyle with exercise. Period.

But for many of us that’s a lot harder than it sounds!

However, people are realizing it’s about a lifestyle change; a mindset; a shift, to a healthier version of you!

So we asked our viewers and MamaChallenge.com readers to tell us what they are doing to lose or maintain weight and here’s what we found!

SKINNY STIX BY ZANTREX3

Actress, Host and Ex-Playboy bunny Jenny McCarthy is the spokesperson for Skinny Stix, a proprietary blend you add to 16 oz. water. 1-3 times a day.
SkinnyStix formula was originally designed for weight loss, but it’s been benefitting everyone for powerful appetite control, mood elevation, increased energy, fat burning, stamina, and improved focus.
Starting yesterday you can find Skinny Stix at Walmart for a pack of 21.

DAILY GREENS

Juicing is not a way to lose weight but help you to get in those fruits and vegetables you might not be getting in your regular diet. Take a look – this one bottle has 6 lbs of produce!
Austin-based Daily Greens is a raw, cold-pressed juicing company with products available for sale at Whole Foods and other specialty stores as well as online for nationwide, overnight delivery.
Shauna Martin created this company after being diagnosed with breast cancer at 33 and discovered juicing was her way to restore her health.

ADVOCARE

A locally based company, Advocare has a strong reach – I bet many of our viewers have tried it or know someone who sells the products.
It’s an overall wellness program to kick start a healthier lifestyle and designed to help you feel better, look better and perform better.
The 24-Day Challenge™ is a comprehensive supplementation and nutrition program. Give your body the jumpstart it needs to help you reach your goals.* There’s something for everyone: weight management, energy, overall body composition or overall wellness.

PLEXUS

Plexus Slim is a natural drink that contains a variety of plant extracts helpful in balancing blood sugar, hormones, cholesterol, and lipids.
Plexus Slim was originally designed to help patients with diabetes regulate blood sugar, but when it was noted that all test participants lost weight, it was then decided to market it as a weight loss product.
Many have had success with relief from auto-immune issues in addition to weight management.

PERSONAL TRAINER FOOD

Successful weight loss is about 20 what you do and 80 what you eat. So if you can’t afford to have one of those celebrity trainers to watch your every move and thing you put in your mouth, you have Personal Trainer Food!

Personal Trainer Food is a direct home healthy meal service based in Fort Worth!
It’s just real food without the processed fillers – that makes it easy for you to eat right because it’s easy to do. No grocery shopping, cooking or cleaning, no calorie counting – just a way to learn to eat right.
The food truly tastes great. Many people are afraid of trying the food because they’ve tried Nutrisystem, Lean Cuisine, Jenny Craig, etc. However, it really is restaurant-quality food.
It is realistic on this program to lose 2-4 pounds per week just by eating right and walking 15 minutes/day. They also offer weight loss coaching with all programs.

RISE

There are tons of apps that can help you stay on target, but you have to find the right one for you.

One of the ones that is getting a lot of praise is Rise, an app that is highly endorsed by Good Morning America contributor Tory Johnson.
Rise connects people with their very own nutrition coach – all registered dietitians – with one-on –one, 24/7 access.
She talks about how Rise helped her in her new book, Shift, a book about how she was able to find the SHIFT within in her to change her life for good to a healthier living and lose 65 lbs. in a year.
Just for Good Morning Texas viewers, you can visit Rise.us and use the code SHIFT for 20% off your first payment!

Have you used any of these products? What do you do to lose or maintain a healthy weight?

Gift Ideas for Caregivers and Service People

December 13, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 76 Comments

It’s important to make sure to say thank you, but at the holidays it’s especially important to go the mile to let people who make your world rock like your kid’s teacher, postal worker, hairstylist and the nice neighbor down the street.

After much feedback from service works and caretakers, I’ve learned a lot about what is right and what is wrong about gifting at the holidays.

Rules of gifting:

No candles or lotion with fragrance

No food

Love things that are homemade like something you or your child has made.

Doesn’t have to be expensive to be thoughtful!

It’s all about the presentation.

NEIGHBOR/HOSTESS

Breakfast basket (More great basket ideas using baked goods from your grocery store!)

Cookies from Tiff’s Treats warm cookie delivery (Download Free Printable/Editable Chalkboard Labels from LifeYourWay.net )

TEACHERS

Amazon gift card template Amazon gift card template (link to printable)

Target gift card template (Target gift card template (link to printable)

MAILCARIER

All gifts must be under $20 rule (Per USPS)

Chick-Fil-A Calendar (Only $10 on sale right now) Millionaire candy (with printable)

HAIR STYLIST/SALON

Sanitizer (printable)

Merry & Sprite (printable)

DOGWALKER/LAWNMOWER/HANDYMAN
Gloves (printable)

Starbucks gift card

BABYSITTER

“Mistle Toes” nail kit

Cash card (how-to video fold dollar bill into a tree)

Rule on Tipping: You can either be a tipper each time for your services at 20% or a full-cost of service at one time.

Win $25 gift card from Bakery Because to make your own bakery-themed gift basket at your local grocery store and share your creation at #givebakery!

The Give Bakery Because it’s Gifting Made Delicious program encourages people to visit the bakery department of their local grocery store to find a variety of treats that can be gifted to all the special people in their lives. With simple creative packaging, a baked good can become a personalized (and delicious) gift. It’s simple, easy and affordable—no baking required!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow Autumn Reo {mamachallenge.com}’s board HOLIDAYS: Gift Ideas on Pinterest.

Best Dallas Bloggers Online Holiday Cookie Exchange

December 9, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 4 Comments

A holiday cookie exchange is the ideal way at the holidays to reconnect with friends while stocking up on your own buffet of cookies! While I’ve hosted many exchanges, large and small, over the years, I think there are only a few guidelines to hosting the best cookie exchange. However, if you want the real lowdown on how to hand to do it by the book I suggest you the official website for cookie exchanges.

Unfortunately, as busy as many of my friends are, we decided to host an online cookie exchange featuring the tastiest recipes from some of the best bloggers in Dallas.

Since I am talking Dallas, you have to include the infamous Neiman Marcus cookie. If you’ve ever heard the myth, there was a woman who ate lunch at one of Dallas’ legendary luxury retailer. She enjoyed eating the cookie so much, she asked for the recipe. However, when she finally got her credit card bill that month she saw she had been charged $250 for the recipe. So out of revenge, she shared the recipe with everyone.

Neiman Marcus says it didn’t happen, however, the folklore is so popular, even they have put the story on their website. Funny enough I’ve actually come across multiple recipes for “the official” NM cookie recipe. However, I’ve tracked down the real one recipe – at least the one that NM claims to be the original. While basically a chocolate chip cookie recipe, it’s the special espresso powder that really give it the special something that makes you understand why you’d also pay $250 for a recipe…

Neiman Marcus Cookies {Real Recipe}

Yield: 2 dozen cookies 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Whether or not the story of this recipe is true or not, the recipe is the real deal. While you can make modifications, start with this recipe for the best cookies. Ever. At least worth $250. (Thanks to the Neiman Marcus for the recipe! http://www.neimanmarcuscareers.com/index.shtml)

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup butter (one stick), softened
1 cup light brown sugar
3 tablespoons sugar
1 egg, large
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 3/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips, semi-sweet or darker
1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso

Instructions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cream the butter with the sugars using an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy (approximately 30 seconds). Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract for another 30 seconds.
In a mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients and beat into the butter mixture at low speed for about 15 seconds. Stir in the espresso coffee powder and chocolate chips. Using a 1-ounce scoop or 2-tablespoon measure, drop cookie dough onto a greased cookie sheet about 3 inches apart.
Gently press down on the dough with the back of a spoon to spread out into a 2-inch circle. Bake for about 20 minutes or until nicely browned around the edges. Bake a little longer for a crispier cookie. – See more at: http://goodtaste.tv/recipes/showrecipe/display/neimans-authentic-chocolate-chip-cookie#sthash.I0XA6sMC.dpuf

Dallas Blogger Cookie Exchange Recipes

Dawn Monroe | The Frugal Mom

Kim Croisant | Mommie Again

Julie Grimmett | Julie is Coco and Cocoa

Arena Blake | The Nerd’s Wife

Valerie Preston | Family eGuide

Shannon Schmid | Milk and Cuddles

Becky Moseley | Tales of Beauty for Ashes

Teia Collier | TeiaCollier.com

Betsy Segars | Lipstick & Highheels

Tammy Litke | Three Different Directions

What’s your favorite holiday cookie?

Mama Challenge’s Top Holiday Hot Toy List 2014

December 4, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 47 Comments

Affiliate links included. This is not a sponsored post, but a carefully curated list of the best toys for your kiddos for 2014!

What to give, What to give…it’s a question only Santa has the real answer for.

Until now.

I’ve scoured the Earth (and the Internet) looking for the best toys for girls and boys of all ages to get for Christmas this year.

Six Months – 1 Year
Fisher-Price Little People Musical Preschool
There’s so much to do at The Little People Musical Preschool—and toddlers are the ones that make it happen! They can make ‘bubble-bubble’ sounds come from the aquarium, make the dino roar, the hamster treadmill squeak, or send Eddie and Mia–and even the teacher figure down the slide. And when kids head for the rug and press the buttons, the whole place comes to life with lots more sounds, phrases and songs! More than 35 sounds, phrases and songs!
$25

Age 6– 12 months
Fisher-Price 3-in-1 Bounce, Stride and Ride Elephant
The Fisher-Price 3-in-1 Bounce Stride and Ride Elephant Toy is an ideal tool to help aid your child through the beginning stages of development through active play. This toy features vibrant colors that your child is certain to love looking at. The Fisher-Price elephant will allow your young one to bounce up and down, giving entertainment through physical movement. The toy will help steady baby’s steps. This musical elephant will also allow riding foot-to-floor. This elephant will make a wonderful friend for your young one to play with for hours at a time. The Fisher-Price 3-in-1 Bounce Stride and Ride Elephant Toy will play lively music for your child to listen to.
This toy also offers colorful lights plus fun sounds and phrases. With its cute wobbly bumblebee, playtime is even more fun.
$50-$54

Age 2
My Custom Thomas and Friends Engine with Book
Exclusive to the Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway website and catalog.
Is your little conductor energetic? Bashful? Or maybe he’s a little cheeky engine like Thomas? My Custom Engine gives him the opportunity to express his unique personality and join the world of Thomas with his very own customized engine and storybook— where he’s the featured hero! Choose your engine style, color and name and number
$35

Age 3+
Fisher-Price Thomas the Train – TrackMaster Avalanche Escape Set
Fast and powerful motorized engines that make for the most action-packed Thomas adventures of them all! In this play set watch as Thomas makes his way up a 30 degree incline before crossing an avalanche gap and racing down the other side. Redesigned TrackMaster engines feature enhanced power and performance, driving Thomas to greater speeds, taller heights and bigger adventures.
$64.99

Age 3-9
LeapFrog LeapPad3 Kids’ Learning Tablet
LeapPad3 is the high-performance, fun-packed Wi-Fi tablet that allows kids to learn and play in a way that’s just right for them. Access the most engaging learning library for kids’ tablets, with 1,000+ educator-approved games, apps, eBooks, videos and more. (Sold separately.)
With Wi-Fi and LeapSearch powered by Zui, children can explore kid-friendly web content that is 100% pre-screened and approved by learning experts. Features a lithium ion rechargeable battery, 4GB memory, parent controls, light-touch capacitive screen, two cameras and video recorders, and more.
$89.95

Age 3
The Happys
The Happy’s are an amazingly adorable and remarkably real line of interactive motorized plush pets! From doing tricks for Happy Treats to racing after their Chase & Play ball, The Happy’s really play with you! Just like real puppies and kittens, they love to spin, sit, pounce and play. Appealing to boys and girls, kids can even train The Happy’s to do more tricks with the interactive Happy Treats. The new, brightly colored Happy’s are in stores now and make the perfect gift for kids this holiday season!
$15-25

The Amazing Zhus
These mesmerizing mice have certainly cast their spell on kids of all ages and they’ve been performing their signature vanishing act on Walmart shelves everywhere. For their next trick, they’re going to be pulling some pretty amazing prizes out of their hats…holiday shopping sprees!
$25-$35

Age 3
Disney Frozen 2-in-1 Castle & Ice Palace Playset with Olaf
Inspired by the Disney film Frozen, this expandable 2-in-1, fashion doll play set opens to feature the beautiful manse in Arendelle that Anna calls home and the majestic ice palace Elsa resides in (dolls sold separately). Anna’s half of the play set is the perfect place for the loveable character to call home. Take the airy staircase upstairs where Anna can get ready at her vanity, complete with chair and perfume bottle. Elsa’s half features a massive room with her translucent blue “icy” throne, complete with a special spot to rest her scepter. Elsa stays beautiful with a vanity of her own, which doubles as a bed and has a beautiful printed blanket.
$119.99

Age 3
Bluebee Pals
Bluebee Pals is a huggable plush toy that sings, reads and answers phone calls. The advanced technology includes lip synchronization allowing the animal’s “mouth” to move while singing and reading your child’s favorite storybooks or learning apps. You can even surprise and entertain your family and friends when you use your Bluebee Pal as a wireless speaker phone! Bluebee Pals are available in 5 adorable characters: Leo the Lion, Lily the Lamb, Winston the Puppy, Riley the Zebra and Sammy the Bear. You can find Winston the Puppy at Toys ‘R Us this holiday season and the whole gang is available on www.bluebeepals.com.
$64.99

Age 3
Disney Princess Deluxe Talking Dolls
This Merida Deluxe Talking Doll Set will hit the bullseye with your Brave young princess. Twirl Merida’s hand to hear her recite lines from the movie. The set includes the three cubs plus her trusty bow and arrow and target. Characters available: Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Ariel (The Little Mermaid), Rapunzel (Tangled), Merida (Brave) and Tiana (Princess and The Frog).
$29.95

Age 3
Disney Store Star Wars Talking Action Figures
Lord Vader would like to have a word with you. The striking Sith has a Lightsaber in one hand and the other ready for a Force choke, so you may want to watch what you say around our fully articulated talking figure. Characters available: Boba Fett, Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Luke Skywalker and Han Solo.
$29.95 (on sale for $20)

Age 4
Jada Toys Sofia and Walking Minimus R/C Vehicle
Explore the land with Disney’s Princess Sofia the First and her horse Minimus R/C. With you, Sofia and Minimus can do anything! Minimus’ wings flap as he walks
Fun audible dialog between Sophia and Minimus
$34.99

Age 4
Big Hero 6 Baymax Rocket Fist + Mask Combo
Put the power of Baymax in your hands with the Baymax Rocket Fist. Easy reloading and fun launching up to 10 feet in distance – and soft material on the fist makes it safe, and fun to play!
$19.99

Age 4
Big Hero 6 11″ Deluxe Flying Baymax with 4.5″ Hiro Action Figures
Large and in-charge, this massive Baymax is ready to fly into battle using all his great
weapons and features. Towering at 11” inches with a soaring 18-inch wingspan, the Deluxe Flying Baymax features 20 points of articulation, multiple lights, sounds and other fun features such as a launching rocket fist. Baymax comes with a 4.5” Hiro Hamada figure, which when attached to Baymax’s back unlocks additional flying sounds that vary.
$59.99

Age 5
Barbie Endless Curls Doll
Barbie® always delivers the very best in hair play and this year is no exception. With three different types of no-heat curling tools (two irons and a set of traditional rollers) girls can easily create countless styling possibilities, transforming Barbie® doll’s hair without heat or water
$24.99

Age 5
Deluxe Light Up Flutterbye Fairy
A WALMART ‘CHOSEN BY KIDS’ TOY! Flutterbye Fairies can really fly and now they even light up the sky! The Deluxe Light Up Flutterbye Fairy Doll magic is brighter than ever before with rainbow lights that shine as she soars. Just give your Flutterbye a gentle whirl to see rainbow lights and skirts that twirl! By pressing the button on her decorative base, she will magically lift off into fairy flight. Guide the flutterbye fairy toy rainbow movement as she floats just inches over the palm of your hand. If you raise your hand gently, she will fly higher. Lower your hand and she will follow your lead. Your Flutterbye Fairy’s beautiful dress is surrounded by a colorful aura of rainbow light. Delight in the Deluxe Light Up Flutterbye Fairy Doll magical glow as she glides around your room! Only Flutterbye Fairies can bring the magical experience of real fairy flight to life!
$39.97 (on sale for $25.00 online)

Age 5
Zoomer Dino
Control him if you can! Boomer is the incredible Zoomer Dino Toy that only you can tame! With real dinosaur movements, sounds and incredible dino-sense abilities, Dino can detect when you’re nearby and interacting with him. But watch out! Just like a real Dino he can get angry, spin around, chomp and roar! Using True Balance Technology, Boomer perfectly balances on two wheels as he roams freely, exploring your home. Use your hands or the included controller to tame his Dino nature and build your friendship. But, don’t make him mad by pulling his tail! He doesn’t like it! He might even let out dino-sized burps and farts! Become a true dino master and control him if you can with Zoomer Dino!
$79.88

Age 5-12
Orbeez Body Spa
Need a little ‘me’ time? Just imagine what it’s like to sit in a luxurious room chair full of the soothing softness of Orbeez! It’s an Orbeez fantasy come true! Ahh… sink into the calming comfort of the Orbeez Body Spa and recharge! The perfect holiday gift for young girls, the sophisticated Body Spa chair comes with 6,000 comforting Orbeez and a vibration device help her relax and melt the day away! Use the chair anytime, and add the Orbeez for a special spa touch!
$49.99

Age 6
Uncle Milton Jedi Telescope Star Wars Science Kit
Kids can tap into their mystical energies with the Jedi Telescope, a 2– in-1 telescope with a Star Wars image viewer. The Jedi Telescope provides kids the opportunity to see the Star Wars planets up close AND use the telescope to see real stars and planets in their own night sky! The Jedi Telescope operates like a real telescope and features built-images of Star Wars planets. The Jedi Telescope includes educational material about planets and spacecraft in Star Wars and the real world.
$29.99

Age 8
American Girl Isabelle “Girl of the Year”
Meet Isabelle, our Girl of the Year! She’s an inspired dancer who discovers her own way to shine. The 18″ Isabelle doll has sparkling hazel eyes that open and close, and long blond hair styled in double-twists for dance class. Your girl can even add a pop of color with special pink-tipped highlights that she can attach to Isabelle’s hair! Share the wonder of the holidays! From November 24, 2014 to December 18, 2014, for every American Girl doll purchased, American Girl will donate one 18-inch doll to Children’s Hospital Association.
$120

Age 8
Hot Wheels Street Hawk Remote Control Flying Car
Expand your little one’s toy collection with this Orange/Blue Hot Wheels Street Hawk Remote-Control Flying Car. Kids can live the thrill of seeing it take to the skies and fly with this versatile unit. The Hot Wheels remote-control car offers a cool combination of on-ground R/C performance, including proportional ground steering, and the aerial performance of a plane. It is durable and lightweight, allowing it to perform impressive aerial maneuvers and fly up to 150′ in the air. The two-in-one flying car toy promises enough action to keep your child excited and interested. Flying car toy can soar up to 150′ in the air!
$50

Age 8
SpruKits Halo The Master Chief Action Figure Model Kit, Level 2
SprüKits, the new poseable action figure model kits require NO no glue, scissors or paint. SprüKits are designed with the most advanced injection molding technology available, parts snap together without glue, paint or scissors, as is typically expected in a model kit. For beginners to those seeking an intense challenge, three different levels offer construction play for all skills with increased complexity and build time, delivering a larger figure with sharper details, increased articulation and poseability. From
Batman, Superman, and the Joker, in total there are 13 characters from DC Comics, Microsoft’s Halo® and TV Tokyo’s mega hit LBX franchise.
$19.99

Age 8
Make Your Case – Case Maker
Create and design two real cell phone cases or design one of the four ready-made cases to match every mood and outfit! How does it work? Simple. Push the plunger into the Case Maker and fill your mold with your chosen color. Once the mold has set, you can bling a selfie, decorate your pet or favorite musician’s picture or more. Compatible with iPod Touch 5, iPhone 4/4s, iPod Touch 5/5c/5s and Samsung S3/4. Also comes with gems, stickers and design sheets.
$24

Ages 6+
Skyalanders Trap Team Starter Pack for XboxOne, $54.99

Disney Infinity 2.0 Marvel Superheroes Starter Pack for PS4, $74.99

GameStop is THE PLACE to help holiday shoppers find and purchase their favorite gaming and tech items affordably and simply.
This season GameStop has deals for the gift-givers and gamers alike, from new consoles to your favorite tech items.

They also have deals on games of all kinds and for all systems for EVERYONE in the family. You can save as much as $30 on some titles! And you know what’s really hot this year? Games that feature interactive figures like Skylanders, Disney Infinity and Nintendo’s just released amiibo (uh-mee-boh). GameStop has deals on them all. And because we know that shoppers want to stretch their dollars – GameStop has a buyback program, a PowerUp Rewards credit card and a layaway option. They can match your buys with your budget and give you the best shopping experience.

You can check out the GameStop Holiday Hub for more information about deals and products.

And for the gamesters:

Ages 10+
Jenga Giant Wood Stacking Game
The classic Jenga game, but MUCH BIGGER and can stack to over 3 feet high. Sturdy box for easy storage and transport.
$110

Ages 8+
Rummikub
The original fast-moving, family-fun tile game. Each player starts with 14 tiles displaying a number ranging from 1 to 13 in four colors. Tiles must be placed on the table in sets of either “Groups” or “Runs” Be the first player to eliminate all the tiles from your rack to win!
$17.99

Ages 4+
Barbecue Party Game
It’s Barbecue Party, the game that decides who will be grill master or dinner disaster! Choose your card to see what you get to put on the grill for dinner, but watch out! This temperamental grill may jump, causing all the food to fall off. The winner is the first player to get 3 items off the grill before the food takes a spill. 2 or more players.
$24.99

Ages 4+
Jumping Jack Game
Kids will jump for joy when they meet Jumping Jack, the world’s cutest bunny! Spin the spinner to see how many carrots you get to pick from Jack’s bunny hill, but don’t make him jump! If Jumping Jack jumps out of his hole on your turn, be sure to catch him. If he’s not caught, then whoever has the most carrots wins the game. 2-4 players.
$24.99

Ages 7+
Wordsearch
The race is on with Wordsearch! The game is played on a uniquely designed circular board that rotates as you search for new words. The first player to find the selected word marks it with colored tiles. With twists and turns that allow you to remove words found by your competitors, this fast paced game will have you searching for the win! Game includes 20 different word search puzzles and is good for years of fun.
$24.99

Ages 4+
Wordsearch Junior Game
Wordsearch Junior is the sequel to the popular Wordsearch! game. The Junior version teaches kids reading, spelling, matching and sportsmanship while providing hours of exciting fun! With three different learning levels, children as young as age 4 can join in the fun by matching patterns and can then move up to words with picture hints, while older children can play with word-only clues. Game includes 6 matching pattern puzzles, 6 picture hint puzzles and 6 word-only puzzles for years of learning and fun.
$24.99

Ages 3+
Elf on The Shelf Hide and Seek Game
The Elf on the Shelf is hidden but the music that you hear will help you find him. Someone hides Elf and then everyone tries to find him! The first player that does, gets to put a gift in their sleigh and the first player to get 3 gifts in their sleigh wins!
$14.99

All Ages
Springfree Trampoline
Considered the “World’s Safest Trampoline, Springfree’s one-of-a-kind design eliminates 90 percent of the impact areas on traditional trampolines by replacing the springs, frame and rigid enclosure with fiber-glass rods, a soft-edge, and flexible enclosure. Springfree was created by an engineer and father of three, Dr. Keith Alexander, following 14 years of injury prevention research. With 10 minutes of jumping on the trampoline equivalent to a 30 minute run, so it’s a fun way for the whole family to enjoy exercise. At Springfree they’ll take care of everything from delivery to installation and with three locations with Plano, Frisco and NOW Southlake, they’ll make Christmas a cinch!
$1,449

But where’ giving one away to one lucky person!

(Winner must live in the DFW delivery area for installation OR pick item up from one of three DFW SpringFree locations.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Easter is always a great excuse to enjoy a big brunch, but who wants to eat the same ole thing? Here are your new favorite brunch recipes – perfect for Easter!

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Valentine’s Day Crafts for the Kids

Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about love, not money or spending countless hours finding the perfect “thing.” Instead spend time together making these Valentine’s Day Crafts for the Kids something that you’ll enjoy creating as much as you will enjoying eating them!

Heart-Shaped Cake

Valentine’s Day Lunch Box

Red Velvet Oreo Cake Balls

Love-themed Art

Coffee-Filter Flowers

Whatever you do, just remember to love it! After all, it’s Valentine’s Day!

Eggcellent: How to Make the Best Eggs

Want to make eggcellent eggs? It’s not as hard as you thing with these tips on how to make the best eggs!

Eggs are SO Good for You

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Ways to Cook Eggs

Tips to Make the Perfect Egg Every Time

Baked Eggs in Avocado

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Mama Challenge’s Top Holiday Hot Toy List 2014

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