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Stop the Business of Being Busy

March 19, 2019 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Feel like you’re always busy? Feel like you’re not busy enough? Quit the comparisons and stop the Business of Being Busy.

Thanks to McDonalds of North Texas for reminding all us ladies that we are more than enough, we’re worth it with this sponsored post.

I have a lot of quirks.

I hate the sound of repetitive tapping.

I despise people who stand up on airplanes when you land in hopes to be the first to deboard.

I cannot even handle it when people take phone calls in public places like the doctor’s office and talk like no one else is in the room.

I could keep going on for days, but probably the thing I hate to hear the most?

[yes, imagine this is me. Like right now. Or maybe you, but you get it.]

Hearing women rattle off how busy they are.

Yes, I said it. And oh yes, I’ve done it.

Hey I get it, we all have so much to do. Like crazy amounts of things – some because we have to, some because we volunteered to, some because we want to, and a lot because we just feel like we have no choice otherwise.

But why is it we feel so compelled to list it like a badge of honor? And then use it to make other people feel bad (or you feel bad from hearing it and think, “wow, I should be doing more!”)

It’s true, as women, especially those that are moms, we do a lot. No matter what we do in our personal or professional lives, most women don’t just have one job. We normally have like 3 or 4…or 5 or 6…well multiple jobs and many of them go unpaid. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development says women do more than 4.5 hours of work every day that is unpaid and it’s considered Women’s unpaid work is the backbone of the American economy. Says a lot, right?

But whether you have a big important job with a corner office or your window is the one you look out of every day as you nurse your kid, we work a lot and we wear a lot of hats…some we love, some we don’t, but it is what we do.

With the nature of my job and I often get asked, “what is it that you do?”

Sometimes, I just say marketing. But when the real answer is the only one that will do, I take a deep breathe and list off the list of what roles and responsibilities I have like a resume.

“…And oh yea, I have 2 kids and have been married since 2006.”

And it doesn’t even begin to really say what I do most days. But for every woman I know, that’s the case. We do it and we don’t even share the whole story because most of us don’t ever feel like it’s actually enough.

“I’m not working out enough.”

“I’m not volunteering enough.”

“I don’t cook enough.”

“I’m not home enough.”

“I’m not good enough.”

Man, the detriment we all do to ourselves with this thinking. But you know it’s true.

Being a woman and being a mom isn’t what we do, how much or how little, it’s how you live between the crazy that really matters.

For me:

It’s Sunday mornings when I steal a few moments of silence before my family wakes up wrapped up on the couch with nothing but silence.

It’s when I’ve had a super early morning, when I can stop through McDonalds and grab a medium cup of McCafè coffee (my favorite coffee bar none), hot and just the way I like it with three creamers. And then I can also grab hot breakfast for the kids and roll into the house just before they wake up to see a smile and the look of surprise!

It’s that opportunity when someone smiles at you or gives you a compliment or even better when you offer the smile that makes a big difference in your day and theirs!

Those are actually the sweet moments, especially those that you share with others, that bring us real joy that we should be judged by not the list of how much we do:)

This month McDonald’s all of us women and moms to share how you celebrate your own simple moments with LUNCH BUNCH! At each event, kids will be able to participate family friendly activities, including balloon twisters, face painters, arts and crafts and of course, to enjoy Play Place – to name a few! And you get a chance to talk with other women especially about women in business during Women’s History Month.

MARCH LUNCH BUNCH MEET UP

Tyler

Thursday, March 21, 2019 from 12-1 pm

McDonald’s at 4014 S. Broadway Avenue, Tyler, TX 75701

Dallas

Friday, March 22, 2019 from 12-1 pm

McDonald’s at 216 S. Coit Road, Plano, TX 75075

Plus everyone can try the newest menu offering, McCafé Donut Sticks. Made with golden-brown dough, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and made fresh every morning (they are light as air!)

I hope you’ll join me in Dallas on Friday and to enter to win a $10 McDonald’s gift card!

For those of you that attend the event, you’ll be entered in a drawing for a McDonald’s gift card if you say you’re from mamachallenge.com and the mamachallenge winner will also be entered to win whether they’re in attendance or not!

ENTER TO WIN MCDONALD’S GIFT CARD

Why Mom Needs to Play

June 1, 2018 By Autumn Rose Reo 9 Comments

When’s the last time you played with your kids? Forget the sidelines because Mom Needs to Play!

Thanks to The Crayola Experience and Dunkin Donuts for partnering with mamachallenge for some great giveaways.

When is the last time you “played” with your kids?

Not just watched them but played with them?

Studies show that moms that play with their kids vs. just managed, monitor, or act as the organizer are happier as individuals. And a bonus: seeing mom at play (and happy doing it) also creates a stronger bond with the kids to see you be happy.

Science also shows that the more productive and creative moms at play initiated the release of dopamine, the chemical that actually makes you happy.

Happy Mama, Happier Family.

Now this doesn’t mean you aren’t the parent, it’s more that you are involved in the process rather than administer it all the time. I remember as a kid, going swimming meant your parent watched you swim. And as a parent, I’ve done the same thing, but my kids have asked, can’t you go swimming with us? That’s parenting gold – simple request for such a simple thing to make them happy and it’s exercise!

Another poll asked kids what invention they hated most and the #1 answer was cell phones because their kids were always on them! That says a lot, right?

I actually asked my Facebook friends what’s something they loved as kids and quit doing as adults. The list filled up quick – with tons of things they loved doing and hadn’t done in years. But almost every one of them couldn’t be done with the kids.

More Ideas on this Topic:

Well Played: The Ultimate Guide to Awakening Your Family’s Playful Spirit

Playful Parenting: An Exciting New Approach to Raising Children That Will Help You Nurture Close Connections, Solve Behavior Problems, and Encourage Confidence

The Kidult Handbook: From Blanket Forts to Capture the Flag a Grownup’s Guide to Playing Like a Kid

So what are you waiting for?

100 Ways to Get Out There and Play Printable

Need some more starters? We have a list of 100 things you can do to play with your kids!

Download your free 100 Ways to Get Out There and Play Printable, then put it on the fridge and get ready for fun!

DOWNLOAD HERE

Playful Giveaways – Enter to Win

It doesn’t have to be hard or work, just fun! Start off coloring with your kids (or head to The new Crayola Experience in Plano and don’t just watch, but color yourself), make a pillow fort, sleep under the stars, or today’s National Donut Day, so go to Dunkin Donuts and get a free donut!

About the Crayola Experience

Explore the Crayola Experience at The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano, Texas is where the magic of Crayola comes to life! Let your creativity run wild, color outside the lines, learn, explore and learn. This is an attraction the whole family can enjoy a colorful adventure for a child (and an adult’s) imagination!

The Crayola Experience in Plano is giving away four passes to get you in the colorful mood!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Dunkin Donuts

What do you not know about Dunkin Donuts? It’s What America runs on. From coffee, to donuts and everything in between Dunkin Donuts make is your one spot for sweets, treats, and breakfast eats!

Dunkin Donuts is making it even easier to celebrate National Donut Day by sharing a $50 gift card with one special mamachallenge reader.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sometimes You Just Need to Say Yes

October 4, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 15 Comments

Feel like no is the only word in your vocabulary? Turn it off and start saying yes.

Thanks to Capri Sun for giving me a new reason to say yes and feel good about it. Kraft-Heinz sponsored this post, but the opinions are all mine.

No.

NO.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I feel like that there are days that’s all I say.

“Mama, can I have this toy?”

“Mama, can I ice cream for breakfast?”

“Mama, can I …..?”

It gets unnerving, it gets old, and it makes mom just as sad. It’s never fun to be the “no” person, but most of the time, that’s the way it goes and someone that “no” just creeps into everything else. (They never said parenting was easy!)

Even when a friend you’ve been dying to catch up with finally asks you to do something, you even so “no” and you don’t even know why. It becomes part of your system and it sucks (eloquent, aren’t I?)

I looked to the Internet gods about this chronic “no” syndrome and you know what they suggested? Rephrase your statements.

HAHAHAHA!

I don’t have time to do that! Besides no is efficient and there’s no wondering if what I was saying was a no or a yes, it’s a firm no.

However, there’s a point a mom just wants to say yes.

Yes, Yes, Yes, and Yes.

It even feels good to say yes, right? It makes you smile, makes you happy, and you don’t feel like the same ogre of a mother that you do when you say no.

Then one day I had enough. I had enough of saying no and being THAT parent. Today was going to be a YES DAY!

So that morning when the kids came down for breakfast, they asked if they could have funnel cake for breakfast.

And while every part of my being wanted to throw down for no, I said yes. And off in the car we went for funnel cake at 10 AM in the morning.

About three bites in, my son let me know he was done and his tummy hurt. #Winformom

Of course, I wasn’t happy my son wasn’t feeling well, but the idea that maybe there’s something to mom saying no sometimes has a reason might actually get across this time.

Feeling good, we were on to #2. And now they knew mom was in the mood for yes, so I was ready to see how this one went.

“Hey mom, can we do something fun like jump on the bed?”

Sure.

That one really threw them and while I cringed watching my fresh made bed get ravaged, it was fun watching them let go…until of course, one fell off the bed and stubbed her toe.

Thankfully, no broken bones, but it was a beautiful opportunity to remind them why jumping on the bed is a bad idea (especially if it’s already made!)

Shortly after the next one came, “Mama, can we have a juice?”

Normally, I’d allow for juice at certain times of the day and only a certain amount. So most the time it’s always no.

But today, and now every day, I can say yes to Capri Sun.

With 35% less sugar than many other juice drinks, no high fructose syrup, no artificial colors or preservatives, and easy to find at Walmart, this is one set of nos I could say yes to!

That’s a pretty good win for the whole gang. And sometimes we need that.

So next time you’re starting to feel like No is the only thing you ever say, give yourself a reason to say yes. And make it easy by having things around that don’t make it hard to be the Yes mom. Find Capri Sun in store or online at Walmart!

Five Table Manners Every Kid Should Know

July 28, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 13 Comments

Manners? Even if the rest of the world has forgotten them, you shouldn’t. Here are Five Table Manners Every Kid Should Know (and we should be teaching.)

Thanks to Terra Mediterranean for providing the perfect dinner experience for this post.

“I’m never having children,” I remember telling my date (now husband) as we dined at a restaurant one Friday night full of loud, thankless, and rude children.

I didn’t want to be “those people” with ill-behaved children that couldn’t handle what I considered basic manners like not burping at the table, saying thank you, and eating only chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese.

Fast-forward to now with two kids, now 9 and almost 6, I’ve softened a bit on my dining out rules with the kids. There have been plenty of nuggets and mac eaten, devices brought out to keep them quiet, and a fair share of cleanups that caused a double-tip on our part once we left the restaurant. Unfortunately I’m not proud it’s happened and will most-likely happen again much to my dismay. However, there are some basics I feel like as parents we have to keep pushing no matter where and what we’re eating.

Growing up, whether it was meatloaf at home or a rare fancy dinner out, basic table manners were mandatory. You knew if you didn’t utter thank you or keep your chompers closed while you chewed, you’d be asked to leave the table, go hungry, or something much worse. That was the norm and the expectation.

I know things have changed and many table manners (forks to use, where to lay your napkin, or proper pinky etiquette) don’t seem as relevant anymore. While I still think elbows are fine on the table and believe everyone should know the B and D rule just because it’s a handy reminder when you roll up to a business meal, there are few we need to not just make sure the kids learn but we keep exercising ourselves – and more often than most of us do.

Five Table Manners Every Kid Should Know

1. Try New Cuisines.

Remember the first time you fed your baby mashed bananas or rice cereal and watched them go through the process of trying something new? It was like the most amazing day ever and you might have cried even a little to see their first reaction. However, somewhere around 3 or 4 years old many of us stop trying the discovery of new foods and settle for the five dishes offered on the kids’ menu or what we can microwave in less than two minutes.

I’m not saying you need to introduce a completely new cuisine every time you go out to eat, but probably the only way brussels sprouts are ever gonna beat out a burger is to make them try it. At our house we call it a “No Thank You Bite.” Our kids have to try something they’ve never had at least once. After one bite, they can say “no thank you,” but only after one bite.

However, I do believe discovering new cuisines isn’t so much something kids should have to do as much as everyone should. Recently we took ours to Terra Mediterranean in Irving to try a some tzatziki, gyro, lamb and I had heard about “the most amazing cauliflower ever.” I was in.

They weren’t quite sure what to expect and I admit taking them to a new restaurant is always a little unnerving, but once we opened the door, the most patience staff greeted us and waited on us hand and foot (kids and all.) What I was even more relieved was to find there were just as many girls’ night / young couples at the place as there were families. It was a great mix of people, an amazing menu of both traditional Greek and unique dishes like my Sea Bass with an artichoke cream sauce and pine nuts (I’ve been talking about it ever since), and a lovely, comfortable, but still upscale feel.

2. Use Your Napkin.

Oh yes, this one is on the list for a lot of reasons. Mostly, because kids are messy so let’s try to mitigate everyone’s losses. You don’t have to go through all the napkin mumbo jumbo when they’re little (napkin on the chair, on the table, on your left…), but it should be on the lap and on the lips. That’s your first step.

Then once your husband starts using the napkin correctly, perhaps you can teach the kids (kidding..well kinda.)

3. Chew with Your Mouth Closed.

Good luck with this one as it’s hard to teach when so many adults don’t do it. However, who wants to see a cow chew its cud (that’s what my dad always said.) This also includes not talking with your mouth full. I know, I know, we all have done it and sometimes it’s permitted (like “NO! Don’t do that, honey”), but for the most part this is the one that doesn’t have a profound change in them except don’t be gross, don’t be rude, and sometimes it’s best to think it out first before you say whatever comes to you mind. (That’s another good one for all of us to remember.)

…As you can see here, it doesn’t look like she could even get her mouth around this gyro, but she worked it until she did. I did tell her it was chicken until she was done and when she told me how good it was, I let her know it was lamb. I wish I could have been honest, but sometimes they need a little convincing (a little Mary Poppins technique) and this gyro is really convincing! (Don’t worry she did finish it with my help.)

4. Say Thank You.

This is probably my #1.

“Thank you.”It means so much, can do so much and leave a big impact with just two. little. words.

I’m sure you remember a moment when someone did (or worse, didn’t) say thank you and how it made you feel. I feel like it might be the single most important thing to say to others. When someone comes to top off my water, bring me my plate, open the door, whatever…I say thank you and I can only hope that’s something I can teach my children, especially in customer service and specifically food service. (If you’ve been in it, you know.) No one should ever feel like a servant or beneath another person even in the nicest restaurant or hotel. Say thank you when anyone does anything for you. It’s not just smart when it comes to the people bring you your food, but it’s the human thing to do.

Make sure “Please” gets in their repertoire, too. PLEASE.

5. Teach Tipping.

Think tipping is something that only the person throwing out the credit card should do? Nope, we talk to the kids about it. We ask them to give us their thoughts on the meal and why we pay for a tip. While there is a little difference when we go to another country, it’s important to acknowledge what it takes to create a successful meal experience (and when someone doesn’t do it either.) We also ask them to take a look around and see how they’ve left the place before we go. If they have made a mess, they need to clean it up the best they can.

So with all these expectations, wouldn’t it just be easier to stay at home and just ignore the whole thing? NOPE! These manners aren’t just stupid rules, but are a basic set of tools to being a kind, respectful, and polite person. And that is our job. What they do after they leave our table…well that’s up to them, but at least we’ve done our job. And besides, you can still slap ’em with a cane when you’re old…:)

I would suggest taking up on specials, buffets (like Terra Mediterranean has on Saturdays) and early dining when you are teaching kids manners. This way you have the opportunity to have the experience, especially when they’re young that doesn’t interrupt the people around you, especially if the restaurant has a price point and people might be on their date night (leaving their kids at home.) And a buffet like at Terra gives them even more changes to get in that “No thank you bite.”

Terra Mediterranean has two locations – one in Fort Worth, one in Irving and coming to Plano this fall. Make sure to check out their special events (1/2 off bottle of wine night), don’t miss their cocktail/wine offering (some using Mediterranean libations you can’t find anywhere else), and don’t fill up so much early on or you will miss the baklava…or the cauliflower…or the hummus…well, you get it. It’s all good.

Mama, You’re Fat: How The Big Fat Truth Changed My Life

July 5, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 19 Comments

Kids tell it like it is. Here’s How The Big Fat Truth Changed My Life for the better. Be sure to check out The Big Fat Truth on Z Living Sundays at 8pm ET.

“Mama, you’re fat,” my little brown-eyed princess told me as she stood looking at my more than 35- less than 36-year old body getting dressed in the morning.

As she said it, my reflex was to whip my head around so fast to blurt out a few choices expletives I’m often known to use. That’s what I had done the last 30 years of my life, so why would I change now?

But this was my daughter, my baby girl that in many ways is a mirror image of my younger self.

I couldn’t just yell at her and be bitter and mad and all that other stuff. Not just because as a mom and it’s my job to explain things, but also because I knew everything that was about to happen between she and I was going to be mentally recorded FOREVER for us both.

And she was right. No more pretending or excuses.

“Yes, baby, I am,” I uttered. And in that millisecond, all the times I had dieted, lost weight, gained weight, and all the yo-yoing in between flashed before my eyes. So then, with all conviction and more promise that I had ever felt in my life, I responded accordingly, “but don’t worry baby, I’m working on being as healthy as possible.”

See it was looking at her, looking at me, and thinking one day I hoped to be around to look at my granddaughter just as my daughter was looking at me, that I knew that now was the beginning of the next chapter of my life. But not to go on a diet because I was getting married, or because I had a big event I wanted to look good for, or because I was going on vacation and I didn’t want to embarrass myself. But for real, forever change.

Nothing Good Ever Comes Easy

So instead of heading to work out or a diet plan, I went straight to the doctor. I had several friends that had the sleeve surgery and had AMAZING results. They looked amazing. They felt amazing and they couldn’t say better things about how amazing the sleeve had been for them. I did my research and spoke with people relentlessly. This time it seemed I had a choice that would make sense and make a lasting difference. I signed up, got my appointment and begin my pre-op diet of protein, broth and water. However, as I approached my surgery date something happened. Some would say anxiety but for me, it was much more than that. This was a sign that this wasn’t my path. So, I canceled the surgery. And began to make a new path.

“Happiness is a journey, not a destination.”

That was February and it’s now June. Has anything changed?

Oh yes – it’s changed. Have I lost 50 lbs? Not yet, but I will. So far I’ve lost over 15 inches and 2 dress sizes. But I don’t have a goal weight; I have a goal for life. I didn’t go on a diet; I changed what I ate and how I ate. I didn’t go workout everyday all day.

But I did get help from a trainer to start a lifestyle that was realistic for me.

I didn’t let those same voices get to me and make me feel bad about myself for not being “good enough.”

I am good enough.

Not just to be a mom, but to take care of both my family’s future and myself.

The Big Fat Truth

But I did go looking (and found) encouragement and support to keep me moving, even when I want to stop and eat something that takes me backwards. One of those places I love to find motivation is through others’ journeys, not towards weight loss but a healthier lifestyle. Z Living’s newest show, The Big Fat Truth, deals with the real reasons people struggle with weight, and gives them the tools and the optimism they need to transform their lives. Using problem-solving and motivational skills, award-winning producer JD Roth (author and reality-TV pioneer, championing “transformation television”) takes on the challenge to help save the lives of our greatest unsung heroes.

Watch The Big Fat Truth on Z Living, Sundays at 8 pm EST.

Through their journey, I’m able to navigate mine as well with the encouragement I need in a real way that works for me. The show even has its own FREE Big Fat 30 Day Challenge to help get watchers motivated just like the participants on the show. I plan to keep you updated on my progress and how my journey isn’t as much about “losing weight” (which is nice) but about making the real changes that will make a bigger difference in the rest of my life.

Oh Baby: New Baby Gear Must Haves

June 2, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 86 Comments

Expecting a delivery from the stork soon? You better hope he’s dropping off these new Baby Gear Must Haves (as featured on Fox Good Day.)

Just this week I had five friends deliver some of the freaking cutest babies! My Facebook feed filled up with beautiful smiles and memories. While it’s only been a short few years since I spent my days ogling baby strollers (well yesterday really), the baby market has gotten CRAZY!

Remember my trip to the Biggest Baby Shower Ever in Dallas? This little journey got my baby fever running high so I had to have more! And man we found some awesome stuff! Just check out our favorites that you’re gonna either need to click to get it delivered, run to pick it up or like me say, “why didn’t they have that when I had babies!?”

Because a hungry baby is a sad baby…

KABRITA GOAT MILK // Online

I tried to breastfeed but everything she drank, she threw up. I would pump, she would drink, she would spit and I would do laundry. What I found out now is she had an allergy to milk AND much more, but if she had goat’s milk formula we could have avoided the whole mess! Kabrita is easy to digest protein snd forms a smaller, softer, and looser curd in the gut than cow milk.

For some children like mine, cow milk protein may be difficult to digest and may cause mild to moderate symptoms such as colic, constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, chronic congestion, recurrent ear infections, and eczema. Kabrita goat milk foods are naturally easy to digest and may be a solution for the symptoms that may be associated with cow milk sensitivity*.

Because Cookies…

BOOB FOOD Lactation Cookie // Online, $20 (before shipping)

Boob Food Cookies were created by social media star and chef, Anna O’Steen of Lovely Lady Cakes. While nursing her daughter three years ago, she worried about supplying enough milk for her baby and started researching lactation cookies. After two years of research, she’s created an organic recipe with healthy ingredients that include whole oats, brewer’s yeast, flaxseed, almond butter, and sesame seeds.

By just eating 2 cookies (90 calories) a day can help you start seeing results within the week, with up to 5oz more breast milk. (Some even say same day results!)

Show Your Cool Baby Style

LIL’ FIREFLY // Online and in-store, prices vary

When it comes to a onesie, your baby’s style can say so much more than a blank white multi-pack. Show your creative streak with something more creative and fun like Dallas’ new Lil’ Firefly. Lil’ Firefly is a different kind of retail boutique. Embracing your child’s Lil’ Firefly spirit, they showcase clothing that reflect the bright, rebellious spirit within each child. Co-owners Sheri and Michel feel passionate about celebrating the true nature of every child so they joined together to create a company with this specific vision in mind.

Get in Gear

Looking for a new destination for all things hip baby and oh, so Dallas? The Tot is your spot. With two locations, one in Highland Park Village and now on Lovers Lane, The Tot Playhouse is designed to feel like you are strolling into the welcoming home of a friend. The concept store is filled with gorgeous parenting products including the best in baby gear, kids apparel, toys, personal care products, nursery furniture & décor, and much more – all mindfully selected by The Tot team to reflect a sense of luxury fused with forward-thinking functionality.

CYBEX YEMA CARRIER // The Tot, $309.95

Style-conscious parents will love the YEMA for its sleek design while babies benefit from the close contact. Let’s be honest, no one likes the ugly carriers that are out there now or feel like the lightweight material can’t possibly hold their child. This one does the job with functional design that confidently holds your child close in three different positions.

gB POCKIT STROLLER // The Tot, $249

When folded it is the smallest and most compact stroller currently available on the market (Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s smallest stroller), 12 x 7 x 14 inches to be precise and just 9.5 pounds. While it can be used for travel, overhead areas on the airplane and fits in your purse, it’s not a substitute for a traditional stroller.

DOONA // The Tot, $499

Doona is the world’s first infant car seat that transforms to a stroller in seconds, no additional parts required. Ever went on a walk or a drive and you need to get moving but you don’t want to wake up the baby making a move? That’s why the Doona is your best friend.

MIMA XARI STROLLER// The Tot, $1,424

Mima offers an innovative range of strollers that boast a patented bassinet/ carrycot system located within the stroller seat unit itself, in order to effortlessly transform and grow with your child and your family.

Just Another Reason to Head to Target

CLOUD ISLAND // Target, prices vary

If the Starbucks, CVS/pharmacy or the $1 Spot aren’t enough reason to love Target, they’ve added a big one for all expecting and new families. Cloud Island is Target’s new, exclusive line of nursery décor, bedding, bath and layette products created by Target’s internal design team. The collection includes nearly 500 stylish, affordable items designed with a focus on safety, durability and comfort and will be available at all Target stores and Target.com.

Cloud Island includes more than 70 different prints within nursery and décor products and 14 patterns within the bath collection. Three key themes can be found across the entire assortment, allowing parents to easily mix and match different items in their nursery and bathroom.

Cloud Island bath and layette pieces, including onesies, towels, bibs and more, will roll out starting in August.

Sleepy Time is the Best Time

SWADDLE ME // Prices vary

Why take time how to make the perfect swaddle when you just velcro that baby up? The swaddle (kindly referred to in our family as a baby burrito), is the thing that dreams are made of. A tight swaddle for both my kids meant they’d actually go to bed and not wake themselves up from moving their arms. They felt as snug as a bug in a rug which meant sleep for us! Both there is a technique unless you have a Swaddle Me, which makes it easy with a little more than velcro action.

4 MOMS bounceRoo // Target, $99

The 4moms bounceRoo is the only bouncer with 3 unique vibration modes (heartbeat, wave and bee) and 3 intensity settings to help calm and soothe your baby. The bounceRoo also entertains with a fun, natural bouncing motion created by your baby’s movement. The lightweight and compact design is easy to move around the house or take on the go.

MOBA BASKET, The Tot, $180

To give babies a better and healthier nights’ sleep, Moba reimagined what the traditional Moses basket should be, and the first Moba basket was born. With a durable basket and stand (sold separately), your baby can be moved where you need, when you need, and looks so chic.

OWLET SMART SOCK 2 // Online, $299+

The Owlet Smart Sock 2 uses pulse oximetry (most know it as the little red light they clip on your finger at the doctor’s office) to track a baby’s heart rate and oxygen while sleeping. That info is sent to a nearby Base Station and from there to parents’ smartphones, designed to notify you if those levels fall outside the preset zone. I fell in love with this product the minute I heard of it (for obvious reasons) and now it’s on version 2, it’s gotten even better.

[clickToTweet tweet=”83% of parents who use @OwletBabyCare say they sleep better because of it. If you have a new baby you need this!” quote=”83% of parents who use @OwletBabyCare say they sleep better because of it. “]

It’s a technological marvel that fits right into the nursery, providing parents with incredible peace of mind knowing there is an extra set of eyes helping keep an eye on baby. It’s what we like to call “a little help for the hardest job in the world.”

Ready to sleep a little better because of your own peace of mind? Then enter to win your own Owlet Smart Sock 2 (valued at $299.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Newest Diet: Digital Fast (Seen on Good Morning America)

May 18, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

As seen on Good Morning America: How much screentime IS too much? This is one of the hot button question with families today. Maybe what you need is to do The Newest Diet, a Digital Fast.

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I remember the first time my husband and I successfully had a dinner out of the house with our 3-year-old son in peace and quiet.

Once he had finished his last chicken nugget, we slid him a smartphone, clicked on his favorite cartoon, and then enjoyed dinner, at our own pace, and without wondering if our young son was bugging everyone else around us.

My smartphone was now even smarter than before; it was now my ticket to getting things done like doctor’s appointments, long hauls in the car, and runs to the grocery store, with a toddler in tow.

Fast forward several years, now with two kids and managing my own PR / social media business, there wasn’t just a few smartphones in the shuffle, but a couple of handheld gaming devices, an at home game console, a few tablets and that’s not counting the number of laptops.

Considering both my line of work and my husband’s, we were big consumers of technology and it only seemed right that so were our kids. Besides, their schools were using them daily. And if we were constantly checking our phones or laying around with our laptops, why shouldn’t our kids.

But then one day I realized that my kids weren’t going outside to play. There were no playdates. They weren’t in their playroom playing with any of the many toys on the shelves. And forget board games; they were literally still sealed in cellophane because they had never been opened.

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All my 8-year-old and 5-year-old kids wanted to do was play on a device. Anytime, anywhere.

So began my quest to understand the effects of screentime (especially beyond the TV) on kids. Considering the age of technology at your fingertips is fairly new, the research is fairly new as well, but the findings weren’t positive either: Too much screentime isn’t healthy, for them or for me. Research showed that kids lack of social skills, concentration, and even ADHD issues were being traced to too much screentime.

And coincidentally those problems were some of the problems our kids were having at school.

I started sharing my frustration and concern with my friends and asking how much time “screentime” their kids were getting.

Each and everytime I brought it up, I was met with the same response, “yes, mine are always on something, but what do we do?” Our parents didn’t have this conundrum, but my age of parenting did. As adults we are now tethered to our own smartphone to do our jobs, order dinner, and sneak a peek in on friends on social media 24/7, why would we want to say no to the one thing that seemed to make life so much easier for all of us.

So when the opportunity to work on a project with ABC on screentime effects and the new age of Digital Addiction, I was all in. Introducing us to Dr. Victoria L. Dunckley and her book, The proposal was clear: the kids would go on a four-week digital fast and get rid of all screentime except for a few hours of TV with programming modifications. (If you want to learn about the effects of screens on our brains and our health, you should read this book.)

Starting the Digital Fast

Dr. Dunckley with the kids playing board games and explaining the digital fast.

Of course, that wasn’t near as easy as it seemed. There would be some planning to give the kids other things to do and also give me other options to give them: board games, books, craft time, playing outside, whatever it took. Our time as parents on screens would also be greatly modified considering we couldn’t just bust out our smartphones at a restaurant. We had to show by example that during this fast, we were going to spend time doing other things.

And of course, there was telling the kids that they we were taking away their devices for a month and then lock them up (and in our case away from the house.) I think that was the part I dreaded most. Were they going to hate me? Was I going to hate me that I didn’t have these tools at my disposal?

What Happened During the Digital Fast

But you know what? It wasn’t that hard – at least not from the kids point of view. The kids didn’t throw the fits that I had anticipated. After we laid out the rules, they understood and they began asking to go play outside.

They rode their bikes. We took walks. We played board games. We talked. We ate dinner around the table (both at home and at restaurants) and visited about our day. And at doctor’s appointments, I busted out the colors and the books. To fill up our time after homework and on the weekends, we enrolled in jiu-jistu to give them a new activity (and a new attitude too!)

AND since I wasn’t on a device when I was with them, I started to enjoy things more too. Our time together wasn’t spent me on the phone or on my computer, but doing family things. I was enjoying being in the moment instead of trying to multitask and do more all the time. I wasn’t on social media all the time trying to keep up with the “Jones.” We were just being together and it felt good.

I admit it wasn’t near as hard on them as it was on us at first. The change was something I learned I needed maybe more than they did. And I began to feel the effects. I was happier, they were happier.

I realized that the devices had no longer been the tool I thought they were, but a crutch for me as a parent to not be present. And wasn’t that the whole point of being one?

As for the kids, because they were playing and having more family time, they seemed to be happier. And their behavior, while not perfect, seemed to be a little more manageable, especially because me knowing what was happening or bothering them, instead of being on my smartphone allowed me to handle it before it got out of hand.

And even asked by the ABC crew if they were happier, they said yes.

This is me checking in with Dr. Dunckley about the Digital Fast.

After the Digital Fast

So did anything change? Yes. Things got better for all of us. And they continue to as well. While we have officially finished the fast, the screens haven’t been reintroduced. We haven’t needed to add them back into our routine so I haven’t put them out to remind them. They’re still tucked away, out of sight, out of mind. I know as a parent I can’t keep them away from them forever and I don’t plan to either, but I just don’t think it needs to replace the most important part of being a family and having me be a parent. And believe me, I love my smartphone, but I know we all could use a lesson on living in a world of technology. Even though I work in social media it doesn’t mean that it’s the always the best way to communicate. You can’t replace communicating and engaging with people as people, face to face, especially the ones you love most, with a device.

Do yourself a favor and do a little digital fast of your own.

Have you had an issue with screentime with your kids? Do you think your family needs a digital fast?

Teaching Thank You: “Fuller Hands Bigger Heart” {Free Printable}

May 15, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

In today’s world of calls, texts and 140-character tweets, thank you isn’t said enough. Take time to say it and teach it with this “Fuller Hands, Bigger Hearts” Thank you Printable.

Thank you to Cheerios for this sponsored post and reminding us all “thank you” is always trending.

THANK YOU.

It’s the most important phrase that can move mountains and make all the difference.

However, it’s completely under used, under appreciated, and in my opinion, under taught as it should be.

Think about it.

After a long day of managing your family’s to dos, handling a big work situation or even just picking up a friend’s child from practice at the last minute when you have so much you need to do, doesn’t seem that big a deal when you hear a “thank you.”

And I have plenty of times on the phone trying to handle a late bill, a prescription, whatever – and the moment you’re about to scream and pull out each and every follicle of hair, when you take a deep breathe, and let the operator know “I appreciate you, thank you,” progress seems to just kick in like magic.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

It even feels good saying it. But we don’t near as often as we should.

I actual have given to a page in my planner devoted to my thank you list. These are the folks that not only need a thank you said to them, but because they went the extra mile on my behalf, I feel I need to reach out with a thank you note and make a big point to them that I sincerely appreciate them.

This month the list got real long when I realized how much I appreciated my extended day (on-premises afterschool care) teachers at my children’s school. Each and every day they take care of the kids while I complete my workday, create crafts and activities, feed them a snack, and care for them until I pull up, normally on fumes and completely out of breath (and in the nick of time.)

It really amazes me that not only do they monitor them, they interact with them, they instill a sense of responsibility with chores, and recognize the kids when they do something good. AND when I pick them up, the kids sometimes ask if they can stay just a little bit longer…wow.

Bless them. Each and every one of them.

So when Cheerios asked for us to reach out to someone we knew that needed to be recognized and thanked as part of their #GetOneGiveProgram, it didn’t take long for me and the kids to know exactly a group of teachers that sometimes don’t get the “teacher’s gift” since they aren’t the listed homeroom teacher to a huge number of kids of all ages and grades!

As part of the program, we wanted all the extended day teachers know they were appreciated so I created this simple card to go with the specially-marked Cheerios boxes you can only find at Walmart. This little note was easy to print off and give to anyone who handles so much for so many other people.

From start to finish, the kids had so much putting the “care packages” together. They added their own touches to the thank you notes using a few Cheerios, glue and finishing them off with their signatures. The next day I loaded up the boxes with the notes and went to school to pick them up and deliver! As you can see the kids loved surprising the teachers.

And I think you can also see that the teachers loved having a reminder that they were appreciated and of course, THANK YOU.

The next time someone utters a thank you to you, remember how it makes you feel.

Then remember to share that same feeling by saying thank you to others and often.

Thank you. It feels good to get one and give one doesn’t it?

Instructions to download your free printable (4X6 size):

Design one includes a stencil for lining the heart with Cheerios. {Click here to download.}

Design Two includes an outline of the heart {Click here to download.}

Find your code inside specially marked packages in stores and enter it on http://wm6.walmart.com/Gluten-Free-Cheerios to send a coupon for a free box of Cheerios to someone that matters.

GO: Biggest Baby Shower Ever

April 11, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 106 Comments

Expecting or a new parent? If you want to get the 411 on all things baby, obviously anything called the Biggest Baby Shower EVER is the answer! One night, one event, and one huge gift bag!

Thanks to Big City Moms for being a mamachallenge sponsor and showing this Dallas mama what it really means to go big or go home – especially when you’re preggo!

It wasn’t *that* long ago that I was a first-time preggers working to figure out what was the best stroller combination, what bottle system was best for us and the biggest new mamachallenge of them all – what diaper bag I was going to carry. I asked everyone, I searched online, I talked in forums, and I paced the aisle of EVERY baby department store.

I didn’t always find the right answer either and even after both my kids are past the baby age, I still have baby stroller envy (and I had a total of six strollers.)

If only there had been one place to go to, to learn about all the stuff – from diapers to daycare – that I was going to need to prepare me for motherhood in Big D.

And of course, a few years later, there is.

What is the Biggest Baby Shower Ever?

Big City Moms has revolutionized the baby business with their signature event, The Biggest Baby Shower Ever™. A pop-up, one-night show that happens around the country in places like NYC (actually they get two), Washington D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and now Big D. With celebrity endorsements and appearances, this is really the only shower you’re going to want to go to besides your own.

Since I’m no longer growing a baby (however, could be mistaken with my own bump), I hadn’t heard of this shindig before it came to town. HOWEVER, shortly after I got there to Sixty Five Hundred on Cedar Springs, I figured out very quickly, that I was out of the loop! There were so many mamas and daddies there ready to learn, touch, meet and go home with the coolest, most-cutting edge and best baby products on the market. While I did recognize many of my favorites like Pampers and Petunia Picklebottom (I still want one of their bags that are now even cuter and have a place for my laptop), there were so many new companies out there to learn about, both locally and in the industry.

What Can You Expect at the Biggest Baby Shower Ever?

If only I had know that there was a baby nurse service that would get your kid in the groove while you caught a few hours of shut eye?

And if breastfeeding has those tatas in a tizzy, no worries, someone will help you come to your house and show exactly how to do it.

Having issues with your milk supply? Eat some Boob Food and your supply will increase by 5%.

It was about halfway through walking this event where I just looked around and said “Where was this event when I was expecting?”

Of course, you wouldn’t put a few hundred expectant mamas in one spot at 5:30 pm without food either. The food was phenomenal with everything figure foods including the most adorable Sprinkles cupcakes with baby bottles and mocktails. However, there was a local brand called Mom’s Buns that I could have filled my swag bag with and ran!

But just because I wasn’t an expecting mama didn’t mean I didn’t learn! I found out about several new products for those with allergies (i.e. my family), listened to some great info from local experts, checked out new items from Matilda Jane (Taylor’s decided that Joanna Gaines is making them just for her) and also may have finally found the perfect stroller – it takes no time to have folded and you can do it with one hand – really! And there were massages too!!!

I almost reconsidered pregnancy, but remembered, I still had two at home I needed to raise first!

What You Get at the Biggest Baby Shower Ever

But as great as the event is, it is the gift bag that’s gonna really make your day! Depending on the level of ticket you purchase, you not only walk out with tons of samples, new products, and more, but some of the staple items you’re going to need to start your baby collection. From bouncers to buggies, I saw it all being escorted out with everyone. It actually looked like we were looting a Babies R Us.

Just a few of the brands included in this amazing gift bag:

Pampers
Huggies
Earth’s Best
Kabrita
Happy Tot
Enfamil
HappyBaby
Oilogic
Smarty Pants
Nosh
Dr. Brown’s
Baby Bjorn
Viva
Fresh wave
Cetaphil
bolli
summer
babyganics
june & january
Once Up a Farm

Swoon, right? But what am I going to do with all this loot? Yep, one lucky mama is going home with the 4Moms bounceRoo!

(From the 4moms website:) The 4moms bounceRoo is the only bouncer with 3 unique vibration modes (heartbeat, wave and bee) and 3 intensity settings to help calm and soothe your baby. The bounceRoo also entertains with a fun, natural bouncing motion created by your baby’s movement. The lightweight and compact design is easy to move around the house or take on the go. The bounceRoo is available in the classic seat fabric (dark grey) and has a smooth, woven surface. Machine washable.

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Celebrating the Not So Special Moments

February 24, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

When you have kids there is always a reason to celebrate – a missing tooth, a good grade, 100 days at school. But sometimes celebrating the not-so-special moments are the ones that really count.

Thanks to PF Changs for making our not-so-special day so special. Sponsored by Mirum Shopper. Opinions are 100% my own. #CelebrateTheEverydayWM

This day had been coming for so long.

The dress had been selected.

The shoes laid out.

The corsages bought.

It was time for the Daddy Daughter Dance and then they were off!

Such a special night for my daughter and her daddy…

But what about me and the boy?

We weren’t going anywhere special. We weren’t getting dressed up.

We were home together. And nothing special to do.

So we decided to make it special.

It was our not-so-special special date night.

One of the things we love is Chinese food. Unfortunately due to some allergies in our family, we don’t get to go out for Chinese food near as much as he and I would love to. We love Chinese food. LOVE.

Jackson’s favorite? Broccoli Beef. Hands down.

Earlier in the week I had gone to a Walmart run and stocked up on a few items including P.F. Chang’s Meals for Two – Broccoli Beef to surprise him when he really wanted Chinese.

So our impromptu evening was the perfect time to surprise him with our own Chinese dinner. Chopsticks and all.

So easy and quick, we had our own P.F. Chang’s night-in with simple ingredients like marinated beef and crisp broccoli drizzled with savory garlic soy sauce.

For dessert we headed to the couch for a little TV time with a side of snugs.

These moments don’t come often enough.

One day I’m sure they won’t happen at all. It’s the normal course of how things happen as kids grow up and sometimes, away. However, I can hope that we’ll both appreciate a stolen moment, even if it’s only for a second. It’ll be worth it. Every. single. time.

I think our not-so-special moment was more special than we could have imagined.

Make your own opportunities for the special not-so-special moments.

Feel like you’re always busy? Feel like you’re not busy enough? Quit the comparisons and stop the Business of Being Busy.

When’s the last time you played with your kids? Forget the sidelines because Mom Needs to Play!

100 Ways to Get Out There and Play Printable

Playful Giveaways – Enter to Win

About the Crayola Experience

About Dunkin Donuts

Feel like no is the only word in your vocabulary? Turn it off and start saying yes.

Manners? Even if the rest of the world has forgotten them, you shouldn’t. Here are Five Table Manners Every Kid Should Know (and we should be teaching.)

Five Table Manners Every Kid Should Know

1. Try New Cuisines.

2. Use Your Napkin.

3. Chew with Your Mouth Closed.

4. Say Thank You.

5. Teach Tipping.

Kids tell it like it is. Here’s How The Big Fat Truth Changed My Life for the better. Be sure to check out The Big Fat Truth on Z Living Sundays at 8pm ET.

Nothing Good Ever Comes Easy

“Happiness is a journey, not a destination.”

The Big Fat Truth

Expecting a delivery from the stork soon? You better hope he’s dropping off these new Baby Gear Must Haves (as featured on Fox Good Day.)

KABRITA GOAT MILK // Online

BOOB FOOD Lactation Cookie // Online, $20 (before shipping)

LIL’ FIREFLY // Online and in-store, prices vary

CYBEX YEMA CARRIER // The Tot, $309.95

gB POCKIT STROLLER // The Tot, $249

DOONA // The Tot, $499

MIMA XARI STROLLER// The Tot, $1,424

CLOUD ISLAND // Target, prices vary

Sleepy Time is the Best Time

SWADDLE ME // Prices vary

4 MOMS bounceRoo // Target, $99

MOBA BASKET, The Tot, $180

OWLET SMART SOCK 2 // Online, $299+

As seen on Good Morning America: How much screentime IS too much? This is one of the hot button question with families today. Maybe what you need is to do The Newest Diet, a Digital Fast.

Starting the Digital Fast

What Happened During the Digital Fast

After the Digital Fast

In today’s world of calls, texts and 140-character tweets, thank you isn’t said enough. Take time to say it and teach it with this “Fuller Hands, Bigger Hearts” Thank you Printable.

Expecting or a new parent? If you want to get the 411 on all things baby, obviously anything called the Biggest Baby Shower EVER is the answer! One night, one event, and one huge gift bag!

What is the Biggest Baby Shower Ever?

What Can You Expect at the Biggest Baby Shower Ever?

What You Get at the Biggest Baby Shower Ever

When you have kids there is always a reason to celebrate – a missing tooth, a good grade, 100 days at school. But sometimes celebrating the not-so-special moments are the ones that really count.

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