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Paying for College with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund

February 29, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 34 Comments

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HSFstories #cbias #CollectiveBias

How are you paying for college? The magic word for every parent is scholarship. But do you know of all the opportunities that are available for your child? The Hispanic Scholarship Fund may be the answer.

My proudest moment in high school was the day that I crossed the stage to accept a scholarship to aid me in going to college. I couldn’t have been happier; not just to be recognized for all my hard work, but to know that I was going to be able to actually go to college.

The next two proudest moments was when I heard my name called two more times to cross the stage again that day.

While I couldn’t have gone to school without those monetary gifts, it still wasn’t enough to cover my first degree and certainly not my second. So, like many other thousands of students, I worked hard, took out loans, and will be paying back for my education for many years to come.

Oh lucky me. But to be honest, it’s kinda my own fault.

Yep. I didn’t take advantage of scholarship dollars like the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, that are set aside for supporting and advancing Hispanic students.

And the reason was I didn’t really think I could. I mean I am “Hispanic” (although back in the day we didn’t have all the different designations), but somehow I didn’t feel like I was Mexican enough.

That’s right, Mexican enough. I didn’t speak Spanish. I didn’t celebrate Mexican holidays. I didn’t even have a name that sounded Mexican (at least the name I used.)

So I didn’t apply and began to work really hard at several part time jobs. At one time I held 4 different jobs, ironically working for the Office of Equity of Diversity and later moving to the Vice President of Student Affairs and Diversity for the Student Government Association. At that time I was the “figurehead” for women, Hispanics and other cultures on campus and realized it was “OK” to be who I was – and have worked since then and through two degrees to embrace my culture for myself and for my children.

After my experience, I knew I wanted things to be different for my kids. I wanted them to have opportunities and also feel like it was ok to be them. And also to be exposed to the Spanish culture including being proficient in Spanish through participating in excellent bilingual education.

That’s why I feel so strongly about educating others about what opportunities are available, especially scholarships the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. And now that Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. is now an official partner, contributing $200,000 towards scholarships for the organization, this scholarship fund will be able to help even more Hispanic students make their future possible. Since 1975, the nation’s largest not-for-profit organization supporting Hispanic American higher education, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund has awarded over $470 million in scholarships and provides a range of ancillary programs for students, HSF Scholars, Alumni, and parents.

Do you know a Hispanic child that needs help with their higher education? Are you a Hispanic parent or child that would benefit from additional support for their college education and to achieve their dreams?

Then apply now until the end of March to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.

Top Restaurant School Fundraisers

January 26, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 12 Comments

Not a fan of fundraisers? Me neither. But there are some ways to raise money for your school without selling out your friends and family with these top 30 restaurant school fundraisers. Little work, little pressure and lots of return.

Chocolate. Magazines. Popcorn. Tamales. PJs.

Those are just a few of the things we’ve been asked to sell to our friends and family in the name of fundraising.

Don’t get me wrong – it’s not that I’m cheap. I am all for spending money in the name of education. Whether it’s materials, assistance, tools or even building space, I’m all for giving money to the school or the PTA to help give my children (and yours) everything they need to be successful.

However, I’m not good with direct sells. Hell, if I had been, I’d be collecting a big fat commission check. But I suck at the hard sell- that’s why I went into Public Relations instead of Sales/Advertising. I am all for drinking the Kool-Aid and telling you all about how good it tastes and you need to taste it too. But I’m not so good about pouring you a glass, putting it up to your lips and asking you to gulp it down because I said so.

Okay, too many references to Kool-Aid, but hopefully I made a point…I don’t to sell stuff to others especially if they ain’t thirsty.

So when it comes to fundraisers at schools, I feel like it’s homework for me. I also feel like it’s some kind of competition to show my allegiance to the school and how good of a parent I am. Basically, the more I sell, the more I love my school and my kid.

But it honestly couldn’t be further from the facts. I love my kiddos so much that I work my butt off to make money so I can afford for them to have the opportunities that I didn’t have growing up. So please don’t ask me to add to my everlong list of things I don’t get done on a daily basis to raise money by selling chocolate bars.

Just ask me for a check. It’s that easy.

And if it’s not, then going out for hamburgers or tacos is.

That’s right. Several of your favorite eateries host school fundraisers. While each one is a little different, basically they give you everything you need to share with others “you know you need to eat dinner, so when you come tonight our school will get the benefit.”

So to make it really easy, here’s the list of restaurant fundraisers. While you aren’t going to bank a billion, you will be able to be eat a burger and help a school at the same time.

And don’t worry, there’s no Kool-Aid involved.

Restaurant School Fundraisers

Applebee’s
Arby’s
Buca di Beppo
California Pizza Kitchen
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Cheesecake Factory
Chick-Fil-A
Chili’s
Chipotle
Fuddrucker’s
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop (contact your location for details)
IHOP
Jamba Juice
Logan’s Roadhouse
(Marble Slab) MaggieMoo’s Ice Cream and Treatery
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
Outback Steakhouse
Panda Express
Panera Bread
Pizza Hut
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Ruby Tuesday
Sonic Drive-In
Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes
Subway
TGI Friday’s
Taco Bueno
Taco Cabana
Wendy’s
Zoe’s Kitchen
And one more: Whataburger!

Do you have any favorite restaurant fundraisers?

Pencils vs. iPads: Why Teaching Handwriting Is STILL Important

January 22, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 25 Comments

Computers may change how we communicate, but did you know schools aren’t teaching handwriting after first grade? Here’s why we aren’t just making them dependent on devices, but also making them dumber adults.

Reading, handwriting, writing, arithmetic – the three things that children are supposed to learn at school.

But did you know that 75% of American students, grades 4 – 12 are writing below grade level?

Considering I have a journalism degree, loves stationery, and values handwritten notes, I have a lot of problems with the fact that the Common Core curriculum only puts emphasis on teaching handwriting in the Kindergarten and first-grade levels.

HUH? Really?

Is regrouping more important that writing your name? I guess so according to the Core.

So what are we, as parents, going to do about this little problem?

Despite how technology-driven our society becomes, writing is still a fundamental skill that everyone should possess. And that is why National Handwriting Day was created in 1977 – to remind children (and parents) of the importance of handwriting and how penmanship shaped our history.

I’m sure the idea of a whole day dedicated to handwriting probably seems antiquated when you’re probably reading this post on your phone or tablet. However research has shown that there are multiple cognitive and emotional benefits that go far beyond the classroom.

For one, handwriting makes us smarter. Writing by hand benefits cognitive development, motor skills and can lead to improved writing skills and comprehension. University of Washington Pyschologist Virginia Berninger conducted a study on school-aged children and found that handwriting, both priting and cursive, and typing on a keyboard activated different brain patterns. Studies also showed kids who wrote by hand remembered more and generated more ideas than those typing.

Seeing a pattern in all of this?

Beyond cognitive benefits, handwriting allows children, and people for that matter to express themselves. Once upon a time, before digital devices and abbreviated responses ruled the world, the written word was the only way for people to document the daily happenings (i.e. history, literature and all that stuff that we see at the museums.)

So maybe your kid won’t be the next Shakespeare, but everyone needs to leave their individual mark. Can’t do that with iPad. Just with a handwritten note.

Also, view: 20 Quotes About The Power Of Writing

But if your little kiddos are not as excited about writing as they are about their iPad time, here are a few ways to convince them as suggested by The Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association.

Teach them about the importance written documents in history. These simple documents have changed the world, even though they weren’t written 140 characters.
Read a book. It may not be writing, but it shows the appreciation of writing and J.K. Rowling would appreciate that.
Practice 15 minutes of handwriting each day. Like everything, practice makes perfect. We can’t expect those few hours at school to be sufficient.
Start a diary or journal. Keeping a diary of their innermost thoughts is actually a great way for kids to reduce stress.
Write a story or make a card. You can finally use that 72 count of crayons, Grandma will be a happy person and you’ll have lots of fridge décor. Sounds like a win to me.

These are all simple things you could once a week, if not a few times. Heck, the 15 minutes of handwriting practice could be spent writing a story.

Now, I know…”at the rate our world is moving and how technology is evolving, handwriting may become obsolete,” much like Blackberry and Treos (remember those?)

But communication since the beginning of time didn’t include anything with an apple on it.

In the wise words of Willie (Nelson that is): “I like myself better when I’m writing regularly.”

Helpful tools to teach handwriting at home (affiliate):

Fed Up with Spit Up: Dealing with a Baby with GER

November 5, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 30 Comments

I received product and compensation from Mead Johnson Nutrition to create this post written by me. All experiences and opinions expressed in this post are my own and not those of Mead Johnson Nutrition. Consult your pediatrician before making changes to your baby’s diet or if you have concerns related to your baby’s digestive health. Please see the product label/website for acceptable use and benefits. You can contact Mead Johnson Nutrition with product related questions or comments toll free at 1-800-BABY 123 or through the Contact Us link on Enfamil A.R. or Enfamil.com

As part of my sharing my story of how Enfamil A.R. ™ helped cope with my daughter’s GER, I went through all my photos I had taken before we figured out her issues. Unfortunately the only photos taken were her sleeping or just waking up since the rest of the time she and I were both covered in something.

But that’s not the way it had to be or should be for the short time you have with your baby.

When the technician announced that I was having a little girl, I was over taken with thoughts of cute little dresses. I couldn’t wait to dress her up and show off my baby girl. To celebrate, I headed to Neiman Marcus and purchased a beautiful white Burberry onesie. (I didn’t even have any Burberry, but I wanted my baby girl to start off in the best.)

If my stomach hadn’t increased in size throughout the next five months I would have forgotten I was pregnant because I had no symptoms of morning sickness, swollen feet and was in incredible shape.

And my labor? I’ve had sneezes more uncomfortable than giving birth to her.

Everything seemed like she was going to be my easy child … Until it came to feeding.

While I had tried to be a good breast-feeding mother like the doctors had recommended, I wasn’t very productive. And even after I was able to make enough milk for a bottle, baby girl just couldn’t keep it down. Everything ended up all over me, those adorable dresses, AND that Burberry onesie. (Actually if you look at what photos I did take, she’s not wearing much at all!)

And let’s not even talk about how tired, frustrated and upset I was. I was so frustrated. And so defeated.

Being a second-time around mom, I was determined to figure it out how to take care of it, so I tried for several months to make it work. I did have all kinds of advice like she has acid reflux, but I also knew that self-diagnosing her was just wasting even more time. Heading to the pediatrician could help to get to the heart of the matter and find a solution that would work ASAP. I didn’t have any patience and poor baby Taylor needed to eat!

While most babies fuss, scream and spit-up from time to time, my daughter, like about2/3 of other healthy infants had uncomplicated reflux called GER (Gastroesophageal Reflux) The doctor made several suggestions including burping her more often and holding her upright after feeding, it was the recommendation of thickened feedings using Enfamil A.R. that made a big change.

Within just a few feedings, she was able to keep down Enfamil A.R. and not have it all over her clothes and me. We were both sleeping better and certainly now were so much happier. While we used the powdered versions at home, I was thankful for the Ready to Use bottles that made it easy to grab and go on my way out the door or late at night when she needed a little midnight feeding.

Enfamil A.R. meets the AAP recommendations on reflux management, and provides the benefits of thickened feedings with more balanced nutrition and less hassle compared to adding rice cereal to formula.

While we’re now past the days of bottle feedings and baby burpings, I am so sad that now I look back at those first months of her life and my time with her and there are no photos to remember them before we found the right solution for us with Enfamil A.R.

New STEM Center Preps Girls for Endless Possibilities

October 21, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

We are living in the age of the #GIRLBOSS. From international stars like Beyonce who have evolved the view of feminism to global executives like Marissa Mayer and Sheryl Sandberg who encourage us to lean in, the perspective of women in society is changing for the better.

And it’s about damn time.

Frankly, I’m so tired of females being viewed as weak, unskilled and one dimensional.

We are strong. We are brave. We are fearless.

But we aren’t teaching our daughters to be like that.

However, organizations like the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas are teaching girls that they can accomplish anything they put their minds too by exposing them to possibilities that were once viewed as being only for boys. And I couldn’t be more excited to see that work is underway for the first STEM Center of Excellence at Camp Whispering Cedars.

Located in Southern Dallas, the STEM Center will be a living laboratory where girls in grades kindergarten through 12th grade can explore science, technology, engineering and math programs, activities and careers in a unique girl-centered outdoor leadership environment. This 21st-century facility and program will provide the leadership skills, experience, mentors and encouragement that girls need to increase their interest in STEM.

Despite the fact that technology is rapidly evolving, creating more jobs in the industry, there is still a low number of women in computer science and engineering, and experts say this is very concerning for the future.

In 2014, women made up only 22% of the STEM workforce. One of the ways to close this gender gap is for women to see other women in the technology fields so that they can see what they can become. But truthfully, this exposure needs to happen before they enter the workforce. Girls need to be introduced to these science-based career options at a young age so that they can see what their options are.

I have always applauded the Girl Scouts for the leadership and overall life skills that they teach girls. From something as simple as learning how to start a fire without dangerous lighter fluid to the entrepreneurial experiences they glean from selling Girl Scouts cookies. It’s more than just tasty treats; it’s truly a business.

The Girl Scouts have been teaching girls these lessons for more than a century, and finally the rest of the world finally caught on. Brands like Tampex have shifted the thinking of “Like a Girl,” to be one of strength and determination. Under Armour has encouraged female athletes and fitness enthusiasts to “do what they want.”

And now we can add the STEM Center of Excellence to list of programs that will change way girls and even women see themselves in the world. The grand opening of the center is slated for April 8-9, 2016.

Tips for Halloween Safety

October 13, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 24 Comments

Halloween may be a fun night for spooky and scary fun, but there are a few things you don’t want to get scared about, especially your kid’s safety. Here are your Tips for Halloween Safety.Want to get scared this Halloween?

Did you know according to Safe Kids Worldwide, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year?

While that fact might take the fun of one of my favorite times of the year, it does put it in perspective that a fun night can easily go to the worst place imaginable as a parent with just a few preventable missteps by our kids.

However what’s even more impactful is that while 75% of parents say they have fears about Halloween safety, only about 1/3 of parents actually take the time to go over a few safety tips?

That’s why MamaChallenge.com is proud to partner with Methodist Richardson Medical Center to remind us that taking just five minutes to remind your family of the dos and don’ts of pedestrian safety, especially on Halloween, can make the difference between a fun memory or a scary nightmare that you’ll never wake up from.

1. Look before crossing the road.
Remember teaching your kids how to cross the road? With shorter fall days and earlier darker skies, now is a great time to review the purpose of crosswalks, sidewalks and the right protocols (look left, right, and left) for walking across the street in a safe manner. Eye contact is also an a super tip for older kids to learn to make sure drivers see them before they begin walking across the road.

2. Put down the smartphone.
You know you’ve done it too…You’re deep into texting, emailing or posting on your smartphone, while Walking down the hall or on the sidewalk. Then you either bumped into someone or made a misstep because you weren’t watching what was happening around you. It’s hard as an adult, but imagine being a 12 year old kid with tons of friends and other things going on?

3. Light it up!
If you can light it up, you should when it comes to walking outdoors after the sun has gone down. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers. Also before leaving the house make sure the kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.

But pedestrian safety tips aren’t just for the kids either… As adults, no matter how much of a hurry, we need to watch for kids not following the rules or darting out in the road without looking. And while it’s easy to say, kids learn most from watching you, so set a good example by putting down your device and make mindful decisions when it comes to your and their safety.

Remember to drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic, and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.

Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

As you and the kids prepare for a fun night of trick or treating, make sure to remember these safety tips for Halloween and the fall season to ensure this fun event doesn’t turn into a nightmare.

For more fall safety tips from Methodist Richardson, visit here.

Hope you have a fun and safe Halloween!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Methodist Richardson Medical Center.

Dry Kids are Happy Parents with NEW Huggies Little Movers Diapers

October 7, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Parents in DFW were part of a special event with one of my favorite celebrity moms, Melissa Rycroft, Dancing With the Stars Winner, and the star of the show, the new Huggies Little Movers Diaper Pants.

This fun play date, sponsored by OK! Magazine, was complete with Melissa’s son, Beckett, was running around, playing, tumbling and jumping everywhere with all the other kiddos, while the parents learned about the new diaper that will keep your active child dry and happy.

New Huggies Little Movers Diaper Pants are specifically designed for babies on the move. They are slipped on like normal pants, but still have easy sides so that they can be changed quickly like a normal doctor. And the best part about these diapers – they are the first to provide more absorbency right when your baby needs it – upfront for your little man and right in the center for our princesses.

Because who wants a leaky diaper in the sand box. in the bed. or on your shirt. No fun anywhere or anytime.

After a fun afternoon of playing at Kidville, parents got to take home a gift bag complete with the new Huggies Little Movers Diaper Pants. And before you get your big kid panties in a wad, these new diapers will be available to the public only at Target beginning Wednesday, Oct. 7 in sizes 3 to 6.

Raise Smarter, Healthier and Happier Kids by Playing

September 22, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 16 Comments

Gone are the days of going outside to play, tossing a baseball or football in the cul de sac, and riding bikes for hours in the neighborhood. Scary stories about innocent children being abducted made us all nervous about the whereabouts of our kids, and the debut of fancy mobile devices and high-tech video games made outdoor fun seem a little lame.

I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with the technology. I rely on it to work and also enjoy my Pinterest time in bed after hours. However, there is something magical about simply playing with others, and discovering the world with just your imagination.

And that’s what the Genius of Play campaign is all about. Kids need a variety of play options to develop into well-rounded adults. From running around the yard to enjoying arts and crafts or enjoying group games, these day-to-day interactions are actually experiences children will take with them in life…even if THEY don’t realize that.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children spend at least 60 minutes of open-ended play. Experts agree by teaching kids lessons and important life skills, play has a profound impact on childhood development. It improves cognitive abilities, hones communication skills, increases creativity, helps children process and express emotions, develops physical skills and enhances social skill.

Kids who play with literacy materials, like pretending to read to stuffed animals, have better languages abilities in kindergarten. Playing make-believe games is actually essential for kids who to develop a sense of curiosity and learn how to respond to different situations. Talking, singing, reading and playing are the best ways to stimulate children’s brain development.

There are dozens of surveys and studies about excessive use of technology for small children, but so far, I’m not seeing any disadvantages to good old-fashioned play time. These games are actually a fun teaching tool and interactive way you can engage with your kids.

And it doesn’t take a lot to do some of these activities. Whether the sun is shining or it’s pouring down raining outside, any day is perfect for play. Plus, with the weather cooling off, or at least it should in a few weeks, now is a perfect time to try out these fun games.

The hardest part of is probably going to be convincing your children to try out a new kind of unstructured fun and honestly making time each week with everything else you have going on. But it’s something that could have a life-changing impact on your child. Maybe you won’t see it immediately, but there will be long-term positive results, even if it’s nothing more than spending quality time with your family.

I didn’t grow up with any of fancy devices children have today. The fanciest thing we had was Fisher Price’s brown tape player and a Snoopy Snow Cone Maker. Still, I would like to believe that my development as an adult is directly related to the imaginative free play I had growing up. I made the most memories playing with my friend Shana at my grandparents’ backyard all summer, making four-course meals out of mud, grass and pecans.

Funny enough not much has changed except now I’m old enough to use the stove.

Get Teachers Back to School with #RaiseAHand

July 15, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 13 Comments

Last year was my son’s first year of school. Like every mom I thought my child was superkid; supersmart and super ready for anything that first grade threw at him.

What I learned is that while there were some areas he did wonderfully at, some areas he just wasn’t cutting it. To make sure he didn’t fall behind, it required not only he and I work together at night, but weekly tutoring with his teacher AFTER school. Each week she met with him separately for an hour to work on homework. Not as part of a special fee; not as something we did for just a few months, but throughout the whole year. It wasn’t easy, but it made a huge difference for him going forward and his attitude on school (especially reading!)

I can’t tell if he’s scared out of his mind or so excited he can’t wait! Probably both; I know I am! #backtoschool @thebroadcasttv

A photo posted by MamaChallenge.com | Autumn Reo (@autumnreo) on Aug 25, 2014 at 6:17am PDT

Teachers like Mrs. Morales at Viridian Elementary deserve to be recognized not just for their great teaching, but because of their attitude to go”over and beyond.”

Did you know? According to AdoptAClassroom.org:

Teachers spend an average of $500 of their own money each year to equip their classrooms
70% of teachers have even purchased apparel items like jackets, socks and shoes for their students
1 in 3 teachers are actually buying clothes for students (along with school supplies) with money from their own pockets

My new favorite website to find back to school clothes for 90% off retail, thredUP.com, has partnered with AdoptAClassroom.org to recognize and thank teachers for their hard work and the positive impact they make each day on our children’s lives, just like Mrs. Morales did for my son.

[Tweet “I nominated Ms. Morales! Please vote for her! #RaiseAHand for teachers with @thredUP & @Adopt_classroom: http://bit.ly/1IHMV67 “]

Now until August 23, you can nominate a teacher you think is deserving to win money for their classrooms and a credit with thredUP. Three teachers each win $2,500 for classroom supplies and $500 to thredUP. 50 runner-up winners receive $100 to thredUP. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, September 8.

Read other inspiring nominations and watch an adorable video of kids thanking teachers at http://www.thredUP.com/Teachers.

So what teacher will you #RaiseaHand for?

Best Gift for the Frozen Fan Who Has Everything

June 23, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 14 Comments

Got a little Princess or Prince to buy a gift for, but think they already have everything that could be frosted with snowflakes and include the song “Let it Go?” While a trip to Disney World or Land is always the top pick for any real Disney fan, sometimes that’s not in the budget or in the schedule.

However, you can now take children on an adventure with Anna, Elsa and everyone else at Disney in the new “Disney’s Frozen: You are My Best Friend” Put Me in the Story Personalized books.

Come explore Frozen’s wintry world of magic with everyone’s two favorite, fearless sisters! Pull your child closer and catch up with Anna and Elsa, the two best friends that a royal little one can have! Your child will be thrilled to discover that the sisters have invited them into the castle! Join the sisters on a journey to see just how fast a bond can grow and learn that the right companion can bring warmth to the wintriest kingdoms. Your child won’t want to let go of this personalized book with their name, photo and a special dedication message. This book can also be personalized with our special edition just for sisters!

Personalize this fantastic Frozen adventure with your child’s name, photo, and special message on the dedication page. Your little one will not want to let this book go!

And to celebrate the release of Anna and Elsa’s new book, you could also enter to win a magical family vacation to Orlando with Put Me In The Story’s Frozen Dream Vacation Sweepstakes! You can win a 3-Day/2-Night trip for a family of four to the most magical place in the world! Grand prize includes airfare, hotel accommodation, and theme park tickets! And when you enter, you can get 20% off your own Put Me in the Story Personalized Book!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. See Rules http://bit.ly/1cl8taY. Ends 07/17/2015. One entry valid per day.

Other Frozen Fun on MamaChallenge.com Not To Miss

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