mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents | Dallas Blog

Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Cleaner Teeth, Healthier Heart with Waterpik Aquarius Professional Water Flosser

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Waterpik. #NewAgeinWaterFlossing  #Ad.

 I have a love-hate relationship with my teeth.

 Unfortunately, my teeth have always been a source of stress for me with a mouth full of crowns and braces hardware. I’d like to say that if you took the money spent on my teeth, I’d probably be driving a Mercedes.

 As an adult I’ve worked to maintain a healthy regimen of dental hygiene; now for me AND being a good example to my kids, but it’s hard to keep it up, especially trying to stay on top of flossing for all of us.

Thankfully, dealing with that crazy roll of floss and keeping my kids still isn’t necessary with the use of the . Clinically proven up to 50% more effective for improving gum health vs. string floss and to remove up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas in 3 seconds, the Waterpik makes our night time “brush your teeth” ritual much easier with a fun way to take care of your chompers. 

 In the past the idea of pulling out a big, complicated machine seemed to be too overwhelming and too unattractive to leave on the bathroom counter sink, but the compact design of this new  makes set up and clean up a snap as well as the easy on and off on the wand. I can tell you from my own experience, that button alone ensures there’s a lot less mess when you get a mouth full of water and you’re trying to spit while getting to the machine to turn off the button. *It’s the little things that make a real difference! * 


 Also, having a child with a heart defect, dental care is that much more important. Did you know there is a link between good dental hygiene and a healthy heart? While I’m no doctor, the relationship between the two is enough reason everyone should spend more than just a few seconds scraping those bristles across your pearly whites. While having your own teeth and having a nice shiny smile is something we all should consider a priority, a healthy heart gives you enough reason to make time for brushing and flossing daily.


With the  I was able to almost start using it straight out of the box. Following the quick instructions, it just a few minutes I had a mouth full of clean teeth as it the Waterpik removed plaque and debris deep between teeth and below the gumline where brushing and traditional flossing can’t reach. Once I was done, I was able to lined up the kids to show them how it worked. With 7 different flosser tips and the floss/massage option, we all had fun finding just the right mode and tool to clean our teeth. 

 comes with 7 tips made to fit your individual needs including: 
3 – Classic Jet Tips
1 – Plaque Seeker® Tip
1 – Orthodontic Tip
1 – Pik Pocket™ Tip
1 – Toothbrush Tip

 Just having a “machine” made it fun for the kids to clean their teeth. And the clean feel in mouth gave me that “I just got back from the dentist” feeling like when you get a new car. Clean up with a snap and I was able to slide it under the sink easily until our next use! 

As I get older, keeping my teeth healthy and clean is huge priority and teaching my kids the importance of healthy dental care regimen is one of the many things I want to teach my kids. With the  I am able to do that for all of us and probably save money too with less visits to the dentist! 

Right now until March 31, 2014, get free shipping on your  with the code “FREESHIPWP660” on the . 

Happy Flossing! 






This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Waterpik.
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How GameStop Changed My “No Gaming Zone” Rule

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Note: I was invited to an event at GameStop to learn about gaming and products. I was given a gift card, but all thoughts here are my own. 


Until about 60 days ago our home was a “No Gaming Zone.”


We didn’t own a DS, PS, Wii, or any of those things. I really didn’t see them as useful or positive for kids or adults alike. 

That was before I stepped into a GameStop at Christmas time to learn a little about gaming. Upon entering, I felt like I was in a whole new world of lingo, battery needs, cords and more. Thankfully I had help with “translation” from a friendly GameStop team member who spent almost an hour helping me learn the basics on personal gaming systems and consoles. Needless to say after my trip, my son was a proud recipient of his own Nintendo 3DS XL – Mario & Luigi Dream Team Bundle.



What was the change of heart? Why did I decide that gaming could be ok?

Let’s start with the stats. From the UK Millennium Cohort Study of 11,000 kids tracked over 10 years: 
  • Kids who watched 3+ hours of TV, specifically between ages 5-7, had increased behavioral problems
  • When video games were introduced to kids as young as 5, there was no effect on the child’s attention, behavior, or emotional health
  • Many studies suggest that video games help improve hand-eye coordination, memory formation, and can even help dyslexic children to read better
  • Basically, games aren’t bad for kids!
And another study from the Entertainment Software Association suggests that games are social: 
  • 16% play with parents
  • 40% play with friends
  • 17% play with their spouse or significant other
  • 34% play with other family members
  • Video games are a family activity
  • 40% of parents play video games with their children at least weekly
  • Most video games being sold are not inappropriate for kids
  • 73% of the 245.6 million video games sold in 2011 were rated Everyone (E), Teen (T) or Everyone 10+ (E10+)
  • 91% of games rated by ESRB in 2012 are E, T or E10+
And after an afternoon with GameStop (and a very patient and friendly team member), I learned that it’s even possible to afford games with the PowerUp Program. With both a free and paid version, you can reap real benefits. With a Pro membership at $14.99 annually, you score even more points for purchases and get access to exclusive offers, news and events.  You also get special bonus privileges including a welcome coupon that can score you a free game upon completion of online activation. Plus, 10% discounts on all pre-owned game and accessories purchases and 1 year of Game Informer magazine.



And until Feb. 28, there’s one more benefit you’ll want to ensure you take up on. 

Inspired by the amazing journey portrayed of the new Lightning Returns™: FINAL FANTASY ® XIII (not one of my kid’s games) this month’s Epic Reward Giveaway by GameStop will send one lucky winner and a guest on a trip of a lifetime.

The lucky winner and a friend will take a paid trip (food, travel, lodging and spending money
included) to Las Vegas for a dinner and a show. Then they will head to Paris, France to see the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower with a pocket full of spending money to splurge and experience some of the world’s best shopping. It doesn’t stop there. Next stop is Cairo, Egypt to visit the Giza pyramids, the Sphinx Egyptian Museum and the Khan el-Khalil Bazaar. Lastly, they will finish up in Costa Rica by riding ATVs and taking a zip line through the jungles and completing the day by relaxing at a luxurious spa.

 PowerUp Rewards members that make transactions at a GameStop store or at www.GameStop.com throughout the month of February will be automatically entered for a chance to win this amazing prize. Eligible transactions include pre-ordering, buying games and accessories or making a trade.

 PowerUp Rewards ProTM members automatically receive two entries with each purchase or
trade*. Members can also use their PowerUp Rewards points to get additional entries.

Now that’s a “game” worth playing! But remember you’ve got only until the end of February to enter. 

For more information on becoming a GameStop PowerUp Rewards member, visit www.PowerUpRewards.com and for more information about the GameStop® Epic Reward GiveawayTM, visit www.PowerUpRewards.com/EpicReward.

And remember if you win and you need a plus one, I can make arrangements. 


Touchdown! Healthy Party Pleasers from Zoe’s Mediterranean {Recipes}

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I have a confession. 

I could care less about this year’s “BIG GAME.” 

Zoe'sPartyPleasers
 
However, it does give me an opportunity to catch up with friends and partake in another reason for a party. 
 
While I have no gripes about parties, I am worried about the partaking part — and totally ruining all that great work I’ve been doing trying to lose weight with the MamaChallenge DietBet. However, I don’t want to be left out to eat nothing but raw vegetables and ice water. 
 
What’s a girl to do? 
 
Thankfully my latest food fettish, Zoe’s Kitchen, has shared some of their top-secret recipes for a few quick, clean, and easy recipes that are healthy (they were curated by dieticians, moms and culinary folks) and totally delicious. And if you need help trying to make a dish – they even have an easy-to-follow video available to show you how. 

Havent’ heard of Zoe’s? You are missing out. There are several here in DFW with the newest one in Richardson. And best of all their food AND their service is top notch! And you can actually go there for several healthy food combinations and not just one boring plate you have to eat every time you go. 
 
So even this mama can make them – and you’ll want to as well because they are fantastic. 
 
Believe me, no one will choose that sack of chips when they have Turkey and Hummus Pizza, Pimiento-Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms and Sangria at the party. 
 
All photos courtesy of Zoe’s Kitchen

Turkey and Hummus Pizza


Serves 8
Ingredients
1 pint Zoës Hummus
1 lb lean ground turkey
1.5 tbsp Zoës
Spice of Life seasoning
8 whole wheat pitas
4 tbsp sliced Kalamata olives
8 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
8 tbsp roasted red pepper strips
4 tbsp chopped scallions (green parts only)
8 tbsp chopped tomatoes

directions

Heat a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and seasoning and cook thoroughly until turkey is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the pan.

Heat the pitas on a microwave-safe plate in the microwave on high for 30 seconds.

Place pitas on individual plates. Top each pita with 2 heaping tablespoons of Zoës hummus and spread evenly over pita.

Then top each pita with 2-3 tablespoons cooked ground turkey, 1 tablespoon crumbled feta cheese, 1⁄2 tablespoon Kalamata olives, 1 tablespoon roasted red pepper strips, 1 tablespoon chopped tomatoes and 1⁄2 tablespoon chopped scallions.

Using a pizza cutter, slice each pita into 4 wedge-shaped pieces and enjoy!

serves 8 to 12

ingredients

1 pint Zoës Potato Salad
1 red pepper, cut into cubes
1 large yellow squash, thinly sliced
1⁄2 large onion, cut into 1″ pieces
1 can artichokes, chopped and squeezed to drain
6 eggs
2 tbsp milk
1 cup shredded cheese (such as Gruyere or Swiss)
1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3⁄4 tsp salt
1⁄2 tsp pepper
1 clove pressed garlic
1 tbsp olive oil

directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Prepare crust by mashing Zoës Potato Salad in the bottom of a glass quiche dish. Using your hands press potatoes into bottom of the dish and up the sides to form the crust. Place dish into the oven for 3-4 minutes.

Meanwhile place peppers, squash, onions and garlic on baking pan. Add olive oil and 1⁄2 of the salt and pepper, toss to coat, spread vegetables in a single layer. Roast vegetables for about 8 minutes; reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees.

Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly in the bottom of the quiche crust, add roasted vegetables.

In a small bowl beat together eggs, milk and remaining salt and pepper. Pour eggs carefully into quiche dish. Dust the top with Parmesan cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes or until top is puffed and beginning to brown.

Let stand 5 minutes before slicing to serve.

Ingredients

1 gallon Zoës Limeade
Fill pitcher halfway with Ice (4 cups)
1 bottle red wine (choose your favorite!)
2-3 cups fresh fruit (we like grapes, strawberries, oranges and apples)

Directions

Fill a large pitcher with 1 gallon of Zoës fresh-squeezed limeade. Fill with ice.

Add a bottle of your favorite red wine.

Chop 2-3 cups of your favorite fresh fruit and add it to the pitcher.

Stir and serve!

Now it’s Game Time! 









Say Hola, Ni Hao & Bonjourno to Little Pim Kid Language Program

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Research showsthat a child’s brain is wired for picking up new languages easily up until around six years of age. Additionally, the exposure to additional languages helps children to be more successful in school. That’s why having my children enrolled in a bilingual school called Spanish Schoolhouse has been important to me before my children were even born.
Photo courtesy of Little Pim
But learning doesn’t stop at home; especially when mama doesn’t have a command of the language, either.

Little Pim, the award-winning foreign language-learning program for young children, has introduced a special-edition product line now available exclusively at select Toys“R”Us® stores nationwide. The new Spanish, Chinese, and English “Discovery Sets” include three DVDs and a LittlePim plush panda toy, which make learning a new language fun and easy for kids everywhere.

Between birth and the age of six, the human brain is pre-wired for language learning, and Little Pim helps families take advantage of this brief window, by making language learning easy, fun and effective. Their Entertainment Immersion Method® provides total immersion in the language. The method engages a child’s love of play watching real kids and animation. Little Pim’s proven repetition technique helps children retain new vocabulary.  

There’s nothing like hearing your kids actually want to watch an educational show instead of just cartoons! While I wondered if the videos would keep them both interested, they request watching them and enjoy watching them together! 

Inspired by Julia Pimsleur Levine, the daughter of Dr. Paul Pimsleur, creator of the Pimsleur Method, the popular language-learning program for adults, Little Pim was created by her own bilingual childhood.  The Little Pim program is available in 11 languages including Spanish, French, Chinese and Italian. 

And throwing in a stuffed animal never hurt to incentivize kids to do something either. To see how Little Pim works, check out a free 15-minute episode.

Little Pim Special Edition Discovery Sets
$39.95 exclusively at select Toys“R”Us®nationwide
Ages 6 months-6 years
$39.95

A great gift idea for birthdays and of course, Christmas!


Why We Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

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Food Fridays: 

I’m not a very good Mexican. 


While I may be half, I don’t speak Spanish and much to my hubby’s dismay, I don’t make tortillas or a mean batch of tamales. I don’t celebrate Mexican Independence Day and there was no quinceanera for me growing up. However, it was during college working for the office of equity and diversity and a job that allowed me to recognize individuals at the University of North Texas who had impacted diversity efforts, I began to understand the importance of embracing everything about you – including the part of me that I didn’t recognize much. 

Now as a parent, while I have not celebrated my ethnic heritage, I felt it was very important my kids were exposed of the Hispanic culture and also to attempt to learn the language to make them more rounded individuals, especially in Texas when almost 40% of the population is of Hispanic descent. That’s why I enrolled my kids in a bilingual school called Spanish Schoolhouse that actually teaches the Spanish language along with other preschool – kindergarden skills. It never ceases to amaze me when I hear my 5-year-old speak converse in Spanish with native speakers without any issues or help! Now he not only is he learning to communicate with others, but we are enabling the opportunity to communicate in another language. 


So this week as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, several activities at school have had us busy this week like dress day and our first big project, a report on Venezuela. Of course that also meant we wanted to make it fun, so I went off to find arepas, a traditional Venezuelan “bun” made of cornmeal and filled with meats like pollo (chicken), bistec (steak) and basically anything else you want.

Since mama was busy for work with a huge week of events, that meant I needed to find a place that made arepas instead of attempt to learn how. I had no idea how hard that request would be! But I was able to track down a place that had them, order them from a woman who doesn’t speak English and here’s what we have ready for our special presentation! 

Overall, I feel I’m providing an opportunity and a chance for my children to be more successful that I have been in my lifetime by being a good communicator. Additionally, I’m helping them to be more rounded individuals to learn other cultures and histories so they can be respectful of people that may seem different, but in actuality are just like them or in their case, just like their mom. 








When Your Little Baby Turns into a Big Boy (Happy Birthday Jackson!)

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Wow Mom Wednesday:

I would be remiss not to discuss probably the most life-changing moment in my life – the birth of my son – on his five-year-old birthday. 


It’s a huge milestone for our family, especially when we have had the reality that he might not have made it to this point five years ago. But thank goodness we have arrived at this moment and he is here in all his glory (including his new freckles courtesy of his mother.) 

 And while there are some cool moments I’ve been able to have in my 30+ years pre-children, it’s is the unexpected, overwhelming joy my children has given me that continues to remind me what is important. 



 See, I wasn’t one of those gals that even wanted kids. I was the girl that scowled when she had a kid bang the back of her seat on a plane and now of course, I’m the mom with the kid kicking the seat. I hated loud kids in restaurants. And messes, I deplored them. 

Now you know why I really named my blog “Mama Challenge,” right? 

Oh how things have changed. But for the better. (Although I still don’t like messes, loud kids or kicking your seat, but be reassured I have drink money ready to give you if you sit in front of us on the plane.) 

So while I can still think of the life I was going to lead, it doesn’t raise a candle to what my son cotinues to teach me everyday. From how to treat people, the importance of birthday parties, artistic masterpieces and even some Spanish, my kiddo is so awesome. 

 And I thought as the parent I was going to be the teacher… (Crazy girl.) 


 Recently on one of our little adventures together (even going to the grocery store is an adventure for the two of us), I couldn’t make a choice about a purchase. 

 “Jackson, which one should we get?” I asked my son. 

 He gently leaned over in the cart, grasped both side of my face sweetly and slowly said, “Mama, just trust me.” And then he gave me a kiss. 


All I can say whomever marries this boy is going to be the second most luckiest woman in the world. 

Happy Birthday, Jackson Benham Reo! 


Travel This Summer with the 10 Best Family Cars For 2013

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Travel Tuesdays:

Just in time for the summer, Parents and Edmunds.comrevealed their list of 2013’s 10 Best Family Cars. For the sixth consecutive year, car experts from both organizations examined hundreds of vehicles to offer a list of best-in-class vehicles. “The Best Family Cars of 2013” appears in the July issue of Parents magazine, on newsstands June 11.

“With summer road trips on the horizon, we are thrilled to present this comprehensive list,” said Parents magazine Editor-in-Chief Dana Points. “Given the amount of time that American families spend in their car, we feel it’s important to highlight the safest, most affordable and family-friendliest that the industry has to offer.”

The panel of judges focused on safety; each car on the list excels in crash tests and comes equipped with at least six airbags, as well as electronic stability control. The judges also considered updated fuel-efficiency technology, in addition to next-generation dashboards that allow consumers to customize infotainment options on the go. In addition, The 10 Best Family Cars for 2013 includes several stylish rides that young parents will be proud to show off. 
The Chevy Traverse makes the list of the Top 10 of the Best Family Cars by Parents.com.
Photo credit: http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/traverse/
According to Parents and Edmunds.com, the 10 Best Family Cars of 2013 (including starting prices) are:

HYBRID
1. Toyota Prius C ($19,080)
BUDGET
2. Subaru Impreza ($17,895)
3.  Honda Civic ($18,165)
SEDANS
4.  Ford Fusion ($21,900)
5.  Honda Accord ($21,680)
CROSSOVERS
6. Hyundai Santa Fe Sport ($24,700)
7. Honda CR-V ($22,795)
SUVs
8. Chevrolet Traverse ($30,510)
9.  Nissan Pathfinder ($28,650)
MINIVAN
10. Toyota Sienna ($26,585)

To see more of the breakdown, check out the full story on Parents.com.



5 Reasons Why You Should Try White Cloud Diapers

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Try-it Tuesdays:

 This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of White Cloud Diapers. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

When you have your second child, everything is different. You don’t feel compelled to read the baby books, ask every friend their recommendation or stalk the Internet trying to find the best choices for your child. Your first one was your “practice” and you’ve already spent the time, so you normally just go with whatever you did with the first one. I know when I had my second, there was no question of what brand I was going to use for her diapers.  Not necessarily because it was the best choice, but it’s just what we were familiar with. 

 So when I had the opportunity to try out a new brand of diapers called and then discuss the brand with some other moms, I thought it might be time to consider something different and it was way past time for a playdate. 


Taking advantage of the spring weather (and unfortunately a good bit of wind), we met at the park so we could keep the kids entertained while we did some diaper talk.  We fed the kids some snacks and did a little oohing and ahhing at how cute all our babies were and then got to business. 

The “business” included a few games (think baby shower fun) to get us all familiar with each other and White Cloud Diapers. I know I was reminded at how hard a baby has to work to take down a baby bottle in a little mom vs. mom contest. (I’d share that photo, but it just wasn’t a cute shot at all!) Then I had the chance to meet some new ladies who had driven more than three hours to be there for a our playdate. (That’s committment!) 

But admist all the fun, we also spent some time doing our “doodie” of checking out White Cloud Diapers. And since I’m all about sharing my “try-it out” on Tuesdays, I wanted to let you know what I learned!

5 Reasons Why You Should Try White Cloud Diapers: 

1. My daughter has sensitive skin, so I love that White Cloud Diapers are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.

2. White Cloud diapers have a special ultra-absorbent inner core that wicks away moisture to help keep babies dry and comfortable and the stretchy sides have secure fit so no accidental leakage. (And no special wet surprise when you put your little one on your side!)

3. While my daughter is past the stage, I would have loved when she was in her early stage diapers to have a wetness indicator that changes color to let me know when the baby needs to be changed.


4. Don’t you get tired of Winnie the Pooh? I love that there are fun animal prints on the diaper so my daughter can point out the names of them as she learns them! 

5. Budget friendly is my favorite word and White Cloud Diapers are available around 30 percent cheaper than brand name diapers. (See for yourself!)

Diapering can be one of the biggest expenses in a family’s weekly budget and a great performing diaper is a must-have for parents. In order to make this affordable,  has reintroduced their premium line of White Cloud Diapers to address the needs of today’s busy parents.

White Cloud Diapers provide your baby the highest quality diaper with superior leakage protection, exceptional softness and great fit. White Cloud Diapers are available exclusively at Walmart, where you can find low prices everyday on all your family’s needs.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of #WhiteCloudDiapers.

Date Night: Party for Two at BJs Restaurant

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Want-it Wednesdays:


Something I’ve wanted for a long time and don’t get near enough of are meals with JUST the two of us. Between our busy schedules and two kids under 5, dinner is normally at home, in a rush and only about 15 minutes long or when the 18-month old rises from her seat and begins to touch her dirty hands all over the kitchen. So when we had the chance to score a DATE NIGHT with just the two of us at a local BJs Brewhouse in Arlington, I was thrilled (even if that meant “date night” was an early dinner before the kids got from school!) 

Since we felt like we were sneaking off during a school night, we wanted to go somewhere casual and could suit both of our taste AND our budget, so BJs was a great fit. We hadn’t been there in ages, so we figured it was time to try it out. We were greeted by a friendly staff and a warm atmosphere, helping us to relax and enjoy this special moment even if it was only going to be about an hour. After springing for two handcrafted beers (I couldn’t resist the sound of the Brewmaster’s Reserve Blonde Lager), we took on the huge menu to figure out “What’s for dinner?” 

Being that we were on a “date,” we figured we’d go all out and try the Party for Two, an appropriate choice for this party of two – complete with two soups or salads, any medium signature pizza and a “pizookie.” Sounded like a plan that could make us both happy!


To start, my husband opted for Clam Chowder and I ordered the Tomato Mozarella Salad. Both were delicious and made me crave the next course even more. But we were going to have to agree on a pizza – at least we thought. While our helpful waiter let us know we could choose to order our pizza half and half, we both eyed one of the new flavors, the Spicy Meatball – complete with meatballs, jalapenos and Italian sausage. I knew he was really craving it, so I conceeded (or at least I let him think I took one for the team.) 


Mama Mia! The Spicy Meatball did not disapoint at all and I even ate one more slice them him. We would have eaten it all, but decided to box it up for later if there was anyway we were going to eat this PIZOOKIE thing. I had heard about it, but to be honest, it just seemed like a warm chocolate chip cookie and ice cream (a relatively normal desert), so why did people rave about it? 

I was about to find out why. 

There were actually like seven different Pizookies to choose from, but since this was our first one, we went for the original Bj’s Famous Pizookie. A few minutes later when it arrived at the table, we dove in like two kids on the playground. 


…And we finished that baby up in no time flat. It was honestly one of the best desserts I had devoured in a long time. It was just simple goodness without too much of the “other’ stuff. I mean when something is perfectly good, you don’t need anything else to make it better (although I will be back for the Pizookie Trio so I can decide that statement is true this time for myself!) 

When the check came (after we let a button out on our pants), the look on my husband’s face was priceless. “Wow, did they forget something on here?” 

Curious I took a look and everything we had ordered was there – it was just that for for the Party for Two and our two beers we had ordered (as well as the handcrafted rootbeer I had to take home), was just around $30. Now THAT is budget-friendly. And to think, if we hadn’t splurged for beers, we would have spent around $20 for a delicious three-course meal, great service and somewhere we look forward to frequenting again – soon. 

Maybe this time we will bring the kids…maybe. 


Remember, the PARTY FOR TWO for only $19.95 is available NATIONWIDE now until April 29, so you need to make plans now to visit your local BJs Restaurant to score this great deal!

Find your closest BJs Restaurant location, menu options and more here: 




This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Bj’s Restaurants, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #Bjsrestaurants http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO. 

Rolling in the Deep: Jiu Jitsu Done Family Style

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Try-It Tuesday:

Being pinned down on the ground is normally not the way I like to workout (at least not most the time). However, when it involves burning up to 600-800 calories, teaching discipline AND spending time with my kids, I can definitely be convinced.
Don’t worry, that’s not me in the middle since someone had to
take the photo.

And that’s exactly how I found myself at the Independent Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in south Arlington. Surrounded by people of all ages, I was able to explore the whole new world of jiu jitsu. Opening its doors last October, the staff (who also work as firemen and other community roles by day) has more than 60 years of combined experience that allow them to focus on not just the sport of jiu jitsu, but also how it can arm women with self-defense skills and help children deal with the ever-growing issue of bullying.

The guy on top? It was his first day and his first class, too. 
While I was very hesitant to get into the thick of things, I quickly learned you just had to get in there and do it. From the moment you give respect to the mat (which you do every time you enter the mat area), I felt immediately comfortable and safe as I listened intently to the instructors about how to perform the proper techniques to defend myself by taking the “fight to the ground.” I also learned that the focus of the practice wasn’t just the technique, but also by empowering its students to build confidence, discipline and awareness, I was also arming myself with skills that could prevent me from being put in compromising situations as well as how to protect myself if I was.

Be careful if you see me in a dark alley…I can take care of my own
(with some more practice, of course.)
But what I was most impressed about at the studio was the environment and opportunity it provided not only me, but also for my kids. Bullying isn’t necessarily a new issue for kids to have to deal with, but it certainly is a growing one as kids find new ways to hurt their peers like through texting and internet. As a mom of two young children, it’s definitely a topic I have to deal with; teaching to not bully as well as how to handle themselves appropriately in the case that they are a victim. And just like any parent, I’d like to provide them all the skills necessary to make good decisions and to be the best that they could be. That is also the same mission as the Independent Brazilian Jiu Jitsu studio’s family classes.

Learning jiu jitsu as a family can teach your kids how to take care of themselves
(and you if you don’t attend with them…just kidding.)
That’s right, game night has changed in 2013 – now we have family jiu jitsu! It’s actually such an incredible concept, as parents are allowed to take classes with their children to not just understand what their child is learning, but also to engage with their child as they learn and grow together in their practice. With parents working so hard to juggle family time, workout time, and the other fuss of the day, Independent Brazilian Jiu Jitsu allows the entire family to benefit without adding one more tasks you need to try to fit into those already crammed-backed schedules.
If you’re still scared that “fighting” is not your thing, first, understand – it’s all about protection! Second, I invite you to go into any of their classes (see schedule below) and see exactly how comfortable, fun and empowering the experience can be. And if you’re ready to get your grapple on, then give them a call to set up your membership. Best of all, if you mention this article, you get half off membership when you sign up.

Independent Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
7201 South Cooper Street Ste 111
Arlington, Texas 76001
817.475.0500
IBJJA Class Schedule 

 Monday:
Kids/Family 5:45-6:30pm
Adult Basic 6:45-7:45pm
Adult Advanced 7:45-8:45pm

Tuesday:
Adult Basic 6:45-7:45pm
Krav Maga 7:45-9:00pm

Wednesday:
Kids/Family 5:45-6:30pm
Adult Basic 6:45-7:45pm
Adult Advanced 7:45-8:45pm

Thursday:
Adult Basic 6:45-7:45pm
Adult advanced 
No Gi 7:45-8:45pm


Saturday:
Kids/Family 10:30-11:30am
Adult Basic 11:30-12:30pm
Open Mat 12:30-2:00pm

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