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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Apple Cinnamon Biscuits

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Like Lionel says, these Apple Cinnamon Biscuits are “easy like Sunday morning” (and so good to eat, too.) 

Thanks to Envy Apples for reminding us that “apple a day…” especially when it’s as good as this one and this sponsored post.

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While this year I decided not to concentrate on resolutions, I did make a set of goals of things I wanted to spend time working towards mastering in the kitchen. None of them were exotic, but what I felt any good southernern should know… Having a few recipes that you are known for that make people smile even before they open their eyes because the aroma has drifted them out of their slumber. 


You know – things with carbs. And sugar. Ahhh. 

The Golden Trifecta: Biscuits, Hot Rolls and ultimately, the omnipotent Cinnamon Rolls. 

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Likewise when Envy Apples invited me to enjoy a Central Market Cooking class featuring Envy Apples, this was the time to begin my challenge. But of course, not without enjoying a few new unique dishes made with the most envious of the apples, the Envy Apple. 

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So what makes an Envy apple so “envious?” It’s not just the aroma and taste (which is just the right amount of sweetness from the Braeburn and the Royal Gala), but the fact that it doesn’t turn brown as soon as you cut it! So it makes for the perfect ingredient from everything from a sangria to salad to soup (the butternut squash and apple soup below was bowlickin’ good although I was able to restrain myself.) 

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After my inspiring evening with all things apples, I was ready to put mine to work.  Apparently, I wasn’t the only one that wanted to get their hands on them apples:) 

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This is the best $10 ever spent for this baby. It’s a no brainer if your eyes water when you cut onions.      This is your answer to dicing!

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Because I hadn’t even started my quest, I felt like I really needed to master the first, before moving on to the next baked good. That meant biscuits. And the cold air outside said biscuits, too. So that Sunday, biscuits were on the brain — but to sweeten the deal, I was adding a little sweetness with apples and cinnamon. 

So off to races we went, mixing, kneading and making sure were to be quick, yet deliberate (so the bits of butter wouldn’t melt as we folded and rolled our dough.) Honestly, if you read through any good baked recipe, you’ll realize it’s not just the final result you’re after, it’s the lessons on life you learn when you finally master it that make it the perfect biscuit.) 

Yep, there’s some deep stuff there. 

But as soon as it’s done and you smell the combination of apples and cinnamon greet the air, you have found the promised land. Slather on some honey butter and it’s over (you’ll start eating these are breakfast but find a way to add them to your next meal (did someone say apple-cinnamon chicken biscuit?)  

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Apples-Cinnamon-Biscuits (2 of 16)

Apples-Cinnamon-Biscuits (2 of 16)

While I’ll admit, I still need to roll out some biscuits in my sleep and without referring to my recipe before I can call it mastery, these were a good milestone moment. Now off to make my Sangria with my Envy Apples. 

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Apples-Cinnamon-Biscuits (2 of 16)

Apple Cinnamon Biscuits

  • Author: Autumn Rose Reo of mamachallenge.com
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12-18
Print Recipe

Description

The perfect mix of apples + cinnamon all wrapped up in a warm, buttery biscuits. It’s what Sunday mornings are made for. 

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

2 teaspoons cinnamon

5 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces (pea sized and leave in fridge until ready to use.) 

3/4 cup buttermilk 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)

Cinnamon sugar blend, for topping, optional or honey butter for glaze

Instructions

  1.  Heat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or lightly grease.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
  4. With a pastry cutter or your fingers, work in the butter pieces until thoroughly mixed throughout dough. Stir in the finely chopped apples.
  5. Combine the buttermilk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla; stir into the first mixture until all ingredients are moistened. Depending on moisture from the apples, a little more buttermilk or flour might be necessary.
  6. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead a few times (5-8 times.) Pat into a circle about 3/4 inch thick and cut out with biscuit cutter.
  7. Place on baking sheet. If you choose, add sugar/cinnamon mixture. 
  8. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until lightly browned. 
  9. Add honey butter after cooked and serve. 

5 Holiday Reminders Every Mom Needs

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Christmas is hard work. Take out the stress with Happy Cards and let the elves do the dirty work for a change. 

Thanks to the elves at Happy Cards for sharing this sponsored post how we can all get a little more happy this holiday.

If you have scissors in your hands as your wrap one of the countless numbers of gifts under the tree or plotting the demise of your “Elf on the Shelf” while you prop it for the daily antic before your children wake up, then you need to stop. 

I repeat: put down the scissors or the Elf. (Or in my case, both of them since the Elf was about to go down.) 


Happy-Cards

For most mamas, Christmas is one of the best (and worst) times of the year. You may not admit it (at least not aloud), but while you love those uploading your annual Santa’s photos with the kids for everyone to see, Christmas is hard work.

Yes, I said it.

If Cheesecake Factory, Saks Fifth Avenue off 5th, Panera Bread, Sephora, SpaFinder.com, Bed, Bath and Beyond, and Lord & Taylor makes you happy, then just keep reading. 

But before calling me a Grinch or a Scrooge, understand I love this time of year with beautiful decorations on everything from the fireplace to the mailbox, the look on the kids faces on Christmas morning when they unwrap the gifts, and all the other magic that comes with the holidays. But mama, you put in some serious work to make it all happen and you weren’t always smiling when you did it. Oh, I know I wasn’t…far from it.  


There’s nothing fun about interrupting the very precious hours of sleep you get for almost a month just to give life to a red inanimate “elf” with a creative theme that your kids will laugh at for :10 seconds in the morning. 

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Look closely. Very closely to see what’s happening to this Elf.

There’s nothing fun about climbing all over the outside (and inside) of your house while putting yourself in danger to put up lights, just to take them down again a month later. 

There’s nothing fun about trying to get just the right something for that someone and then bracing yourself when you have to be around them (even if you don’t really like them.) 

But for most moms, they wouldn’t have it any other way. Even for those of us that actually have to purchase our own gifts, wrap them to put under the tree, write our kids or spouses name on them, and then act like we’re surprised on Christmas morning. (Or in some cases, not get anything at all in your stocking because if you don’t do it, no one will.) 

Happy-Cards

However, we also know that nothing’s going to change and if we want the magic of Christmas to happen (and I know I’m not letting go of it), then we feel we have to do it. #MOMGUILT is real and we all make us feel like it’s what you have to do. 

But there are a couple of things you can do to put the HO-HO-HO back in the holidays rather than the BOO-HOO-HOO.

We all need to remember the following:

  1. No one is thinking why you didn’t coordinate your wrapping paper under the tree once they open the gift. 
  2. There is no mom award given at the end of the holidays for making it the best Christmas ever. 
  3. If you don’t make it to every Christmas event on the list, no one is going to know. 
  4. If you don’t send out Christmas cards this year, you can post a photo on Facebook and call it done. Or send an Easter card or try just writing a letter. 
  5. You don’t need to work so hard to find the right gift. Gift cards really do make people happy, so buy it and be done. 

Happy-Cards

Yes, gift cards. I know trying to find the “right card” is hard enough…but with Happy Cards, you can alleviate all that. Just pick one of the many cards and the giftee can choose what they want to get…and quite possibly more than one present. They can enjoy their favorite restaurant, start on the house project they’ve been waiting to do, or even get their resolutions moving – all with the Happy Card! 

Happy-Cards

Remember, what your family really wants is a mama that’s happy, rested and wants to enjoy Christmas. And honestly, so do I. So we’re happy the little elves at Happy Cards are sharing a $100 Happy Lady Happy Card for one lucky mama. 

So what are you waiting for? Enter below.

It’s just a click to get one step closer to a service from being a Happy Mama with a Happy Lady card from Happy Cards. And you have until Dec. 24 at midnight to enter. That’s all you have to do. (We’ll that and whatever you still have on your Christmas list – that probably isn’t necessary either.) 

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McDonalds Gives More with #McGiveBack Campaign

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McDonalds gets into the spirit with its #McGiveBack campaign this holiday benefiting the community with Pennies for Pounds, RMHC’s Scholars Scholarship, and Veteran’s Day.

Thank you to McDonalds of North Texas for giving to the community and partnership with this sponsored post. 

‘Tis the season for giving and the Golden Arches is giving out more than Happy Meals and Big Macs this November.

MCDonalds

Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2018


This Sunday, Nov. 11, the North Texas Owners of McDonald’s are honoring the selfless individuals who have given their lives to protect our country through service in the U.S. military. All active military and veterans can choose a complementary breakfast meal of their choice on Sunday, Nov. 11 when they visit their local McDonald’s. So help spread the word or take you favorite military service person or vet for breakfast to say thank you for all you’ve done to keep our country safe.

McDonald's Veterans Day POP

Pennies for Pounds

Those legendary french fries always bring a smile to your face, this November you have reason to smile even more with Pennies for Pounds. For every pound of french fries sold, McDonald’s in North Texas will donate two cents to the Ronald McDonald’s House Charities.

McDonalds Education

While many families thankfully don’t have to be impacted directly by the RMHC, you never know when you will. For instance, when Jackson was born with a CHD, as new parents we spent months at Children’s Medical Center (now Children Health.) While we were just a few miles from the hospital, there were parents just like us in the Heart Center, going through the same as us, that were too far from home and would sleep on recliners and bathe in a hospital bathroom.

One family we met from South America did this for months just hoping to get the best care for their children. However, this happens way more than you think it does, picking up their lives to care for their kids. Many times parents would leave their job to be with their child at the hospital or even worst, families were split, with one parent at the hospital, and another parent at home to take care of the other kids or keep at least one job. Already serving 38,000 families since its opening, the RMHC helps families like these to stay together during times like these by offering a housing for families with 52 private bedrooms and six transplant apartments. Additionally, the House contains everything to make life possible when families are going through so much at a hospital including:

  • multiple playrooms for kids of all ages and interests
  • a library
  • media room
  • craft room
  • Chapel
  • meditation garden
  • outdoor play areas
  • Additionally two large communal kitchens and dining room provide opportunities for the families to share the evening meal, which is provided 3 times a day by community volunteers, or to prepare their own food if they choose.

While the RMH is a wonderful place it takes much more to operate an offering of this size, it’s the hundreds of volunteers that support the RMHD’s annual operations and fundraising activities to serving families at the House, preparing meals, and hosting organized activities that keep life going when some much of your world can seem to be falling apart. While families are asked to give just $15 per night to stay, no one is ever turned away.

RMHC’s Scholars Scholarship

The only way I was able to go to college was through scholarships and this is still the case for thousands of families in North Texas. The Ronald McDonald House Charities® U.S. Scholarship program is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible graduating high school seniors who face limited access to educational and career opportunities. Scholarships are awarded by the local Ronald McDonald House Charities®, with support from Ronald McDonald House Charities® Global and McDonald’s Corporation. Students are selected, and awards are distributed based on demonstrated academic achievement, community involvement/leadership and financial need. Since 1988, RMHC of Greater North Texas has awarded 1,555 scholarships to high school seniors totaling $2,354,500.

Autumn Graduation

This month when you roll in the drive thru window or come in to grab a quick bite, you can feel a little extra that McDonald’s is giving more to the community. 

How to Handle the Germ Season (with Kids)

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This post is sponsored by CareNow and SheKnows Media.

When you have kids, you have illness. While it’s never convenient to be sick, here’s How to Handle the Germ Season (with Kids.) Just remember help is just one click away with CareNow.


Before I had kids, I considered myself a reasonably healthy person. From time to time, I might have to handle the flu or a bothersome cough, but I rarely had to see a doctor unless it was for my annual exam.

Then I had kids.

Care Now

Now it seems like I’m sick, they’re sick, dad gets sick and then we pass it around for fun. It’s like a bad game of Cupcake Walk except there’s nothing sweet about it.

There’s those times when a little TLC, chicken soup, and a weekend in bed only result in your kid waking up on a Monday morning with the voice of a raspy old lady saying “mama, I don’t feel good.”

Unfortunately, just because someone in your family is sick doesn’t mean that life doesn’t keep happening…like work meetings, school projects, and all the other stuff in between.

Bottom line: you gotta stop the sick cycle in its tracks.

While washing hands, covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing, and the rest can do a lot, it’s not always going to the trick.

That’s why CareNow has become a bookmark on my favorites.

Care Now

When I feel (or see) something coming on, or need to arm my family for the upcoming flu season, I just check us in online and wait where we want to, in our home, instead of in a waiting room. Once we get the notice that the doctor is ready to see us, we head into our nearby CareNow.

Care Now

Upon arrival, we can check in, get almost instant access to be seen by a medical professional, and then get the care (and the prescriptions) we need. Then we can head home and begin healing. Best of all, if you need to grab an immunization or even get your kid’s physical for school, you can get it done at CareNow too.

Care Now

Care Now

Yes, it’s that easy.
1. Check-in Online (you can do it from your phone.)
2. Head to the clinic when you receive a call/message.
3. Check in at the nearby CareNow and wait shortly to hear your name.
4. Get the care you need.
5. Check out and get on your way with life.

The fact that there’s not much paperwork to complete (you can do it once online and then it’s stored in your account) and the waiting room has coffee and wireless, makes CareNow our go to for when we need care NOW and on our schedule.

Care Now

About CareNow

When you are sick or injured, the last thing you need is a long wait at the doctor’s office or emergency room. You deserve quality medical care that’s also convenient. That’s why CareNow is dedicated to reducing your wait while improving your health. Next time you or a loved one is under the weather, visit a CareNow urgent care clinic to feel better fast. With over 112 urgent care clinics around the United States and 30 locations in DFW, CareNow is ready to serve you near your home, workplace or school. Their clinics are open 7 days a week and stay open late to provide care when you need it the most.

Family Fun Comes to the Run: New Features at BMW Dallas Marathon

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Life may already seem like a race, but the BMW Dallas Marathon is the one all of you can win. Register now for new family events before the price increases! #RunBMWDALLAS. 

Thanks to the BMW Dallas Marathon for creating more ways for families to be healthier together and this sponsored post.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: I’m running in the 48th annual BMW Dallas Marathon
…with my kids.

Crazy, right? Especially since we haven’t trained one little bit.


Dallas BMW Marathon

But since two years ago when I saw the look of so much happiness and so much accomplishment stretch across my son’s face as he crossed the finish line of his first race, I knew what running a race together can do for your heart, your mind, and your soul. (Talk about tear jerker!)

BMW Dallas Marathon

But let me be clear: We ARE participating in the BMW Dallas Marathon on Saturday, December 8 in the new Kids Races!

The Kids Races (100m dash, 400m dash, 800m dash and 1-mile) invite the whole family together to participate in all the races for just $10 for the kids (12 years and under) and parents can run with their kids for free. This is just one of the new Saturday events added this year that includes a 10K, 5K, 2-mile walk, and 2-Mile Dog Walk (even your dog can join!) Paired with getting a t-shirt and finisher’s medal the whole family can be a part of the fun.

BMW Dallas Marathon

After the races, we’re headed to the second day of the FREE Health & Fitness Expo across the street at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. With “more than 40,000 attendees with 50-60 vendors catering to the health & fitness community within 100,000 square feet of Expo space,” we’re gonna double our steps that day (and learn a whole lot of info and load up on some fitness freebies). Plus with bounce houses, facepainting and other fun activities, the kids may never leave – and it’s ok since it’s free!)

BMW Dallas Marathon Health & Fitness Expo

When: Dec. Friday (11 am-7 pm) and Saturday (9 am-6 pm)

Where: Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center (Hall C)

What I also love about the BMW Dallas Marathon is that the proceeds go to support Scottish Rite Hospital, which is something I can share with my kids that their participation helps other children just like them to get the help they need.

Actually there are many ways to get moving with the BMW Dallas Marathon:

BMW 5K Social Runs

I actually came across this last year when I participated in the one near my house. I wasn’t sure what to expect with a social run, but we (around 400-500 of my newest friends) got a shirt, had snacks, did a timed-run, and then got to celebrate with some liquid carbs (beer) and snacks. So this year, I was quick to sign up – because these social runs happen across the metroplex AND they’re free. They’re limited registration though, so it’s good to get on these fast – especially since they’ve already begun! Get the details.

Dallas BMW Marathon

The Big One(s) – The Marathon, Half Marathon & Ultra Marathon (50K)

I might not be quite ready for this one in 2018, but it’s definitely on the bucket list (who’s with me?) On Sunday, December 9, take on Big D in a whole new way by running in the marathon, half-marathon, or the new ultra marathon (50 MILES!!!) races (just

BMW Dallas Marathon

The BMW Dallas Marathon makes it easy for us to work on something together, be a part of huge event in Dallas doing something healthy as a family. While my bucket list still includes getting to the full 26.219 miles while day, this year is starting the path with both myself and my kids to do something together.

BMW Dallas Marathon

Get the full scope about the BMW Dallas Marathon, Dec. 7-9, 2018 here.

 

Surviving the First Big Accident

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Motherhood is full of many firsts, unfortunately the first accident your child has is going to be one of them. However, you’ll both get through the first big accident with a little help from CareNow.

This post is sponsored by CareNow and SheKnows Media.

As a new mom there are many wonderful “first” moments you get to experience.

The first smile. The first laugh. The first time you plainly hear “mama” cross their lips.


Unfortunately, there are going to be many other firsts that don’t make you feel all warm and fuzzy.

The first real cold. The first tooth (when it’s coming in.) And the first accident.

Hopefully for you, a bandage and a magic kiss from mama will make that “first” moment all better. However, there is probably going to be that first real moment (as evidenced by Facebook feed) when a kiss isn’t going to make it all better. You need real medical help because there’s blood, pain, or a broken bone that you can’t make go away all by yourself.

(Yes, this is the part of parenting that really sucks.)

For me, I remember that “first” moment like it was yesterday. I had been home with my son for an extended maternity leave (about a year) working from home, and the time had finally come when I needed to go to a meeting. Until then, my meets were playdates – Jackson, me, and a diaper bag. I felt so anxious – first to put on adult clothes (those that once upon a time fit me in the work world, but now didn’t look or feel the same) and second because I had to talk to people about something else besides my new kid.

I was so *beyond* nervous. And the meeting was just one hour – you would have thought it was a whole week the way I was acting.

My husband took off a few hours to watch our little baby while I was out, and then I would return home to reclaim my throne of mama.

Should be a piece of cake, right?

When I rolled out of my meeting and turned on my phone to let the boys know I was on my way home, I found a voicemail from my husband already waiting for me:

“Hi Honey, (all nervous and shaky sounding), Jackson pulled my razor on him and he’s bleeding. It’s pretty bad. Call me when you’re on your way.”

Are you kidding me???

I rushed into our house and my husband gave me the play by play:

He was getting ready for work and Jackson was in the bathroom with him. For two seconds he turned around to wipe his face, and in that time, Jackson (who was beginning to crawl at the time), pulled the cord to his electric razor and it fell on him – the side of the razor just graced the side of my son’s face to create a cut along his eyebrow.

All I could see was the towel dotted red as I reached to hold my son, I was just devastated. Then, my husband had to return to work, leaving me to figure out what to do for our baby, who while bleeding, seemed to be reasonably content and unbothered by the events.

All kinds of things were running through my head, but I knew we needed to see someone now.  I had often passed by a place nearby called CareNow. Although I wasn’t sure exactly how it worked, the name signaled that it was exactly what I was looking for.

CareNow

As I entered the clinic, I was greeted warmly by the woman at the desk and she asked how she could help. Even in my crazy anxious state, she understood my gibberish and assured me that the doctor would see us as soon as possible. We took a seat in the lobby and in just a few minutes, our name was called and we were lead to a bed for them to take a look.

CareNow

Once I was standing back from my son and the doctors, for the first time that morning, I took a deep breath.

It was gonna be ok.

The doctor let me know there had been no real injuries, just a small cut that required one.whole.stitch.

He was going to be ok.

In just a few minutes and a small bandage later, we were done and on our way home – all before lunch.

CareNow

CareNow

Thankfully, I was able to get the care now that we needed with a little help from CareNow.

CareNow

About CareNow

When you are sick or injured, the last thing you need is a long wait at the doctor’s office or emergency room. You deserve quality medical care that’s also convenient. That’s why CareNow is dedicated to reducing your wait while improving your health. Next time you or a loved one is under the weather, visit a CareNow urgent care clinic to feel better fast. With over 110 urgent care clinics around the United States and 30 locations in DFW, CareNow is ready to serve you near your home, workplace or school. Their clinics are open 7 days a week and stay open late to provide care when you need it the most.

You’re Invited: McDonald’s July Lunch Bunch

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McDonald’s is changing the way they do burgers and we’re totally here for it. Oh, and don’t worry. They’re not switching out their buns for pancakes so you can take a deep breath.

Thanks to McDonald’s for this opportunity to share this fun event with everyone.

Grab the kids and bring them to McDonald’s Lunch Bunch events as they present their new Fresh Beef burgers. You’ll be able to try out their new high-tech self-ordering kiosks and take a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour for a closer look at the operations. For the kids, there will be local firefighters on site showing them around their fire trucks. Plus, kids will receive McDonald’s coloring books and balloons! 


Lunch Bunch will take place at the following McDonald’s restaurants in the Dallas, Fort Worth and East Texas areas:

  • Fort Worth Area – Tuesday, July 10 from 11am to noon
    • 1298 W. Kennedale Pkwy Kennedale, TX 76140
  • East Texas – Wednesday, July 11 from 11am to noon
    • 2034 E. SE Loop 323 Tyler, TX 75701
  • Dallas Area – Thursday, July 12 from 11am to noon
    • 216 Coit Road Plano, TX 75075

Parents and attendees will receive a McDonald’s goodie bag and have the chance to enter giveaways for McDonald’s swag and gift cards. Plus, they’re giving away a free Happy Meal with the purchase of a Fresh Beef Burger. 

McDonald’s is getting fancy with their new self-ordering kiosks. We love that we can still customize our meal to exactly how we like it. After ordering, they’ll bring your food right out to your table. No more looking for your ticket number on your receipt! 

It’s no surprise that we’re most excited about the new, Mcdonald’s Fresh Beef burgers. Not only are they cooked to order, but they’re now made with 100% fresh beef! We’re all for the fresh ingredients that we don’t have to question – especially when it comes to feeding it to the kids. 

Join us at your local to learn more about McDonald’s while meeting fellow moms and dads!

You can join the conversation on social media using #McDLunchBunch and #McDNorthTexas.

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Score: First Timers Guide to a FC Dallas Game at Toyota Stadium

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Dallas Fort Worth isn’t just home to the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers…there are several other national teams including FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. If you’re headed to a game, then here’s our First Timers Guide to a FC Dallas Game.

Thanks to Toyota for an amazing afternoon kicking it with FC Dallas in my Toyota 2018 Camry and this sponsored post. 

Being a Texas girl, I’ve done my time at the football game and many lazy afternoons at baseball fields. So I pretty much knew what to expect the first time I went to a Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium and headed to Globe Life Park (remember I used to be in walkable distance of there?) But my first professional REAL football (as called by the rest of the world AKA – soccer), I wasn’t quite ready at all. 

FCDallas at Toyota Stadium


So my friends at Toyota decided it was time to school this Texas girl on all things “football” at Toyota Stadium – home to the FC Dallas for its opening day. If you may not have heard of it, Toyota Stadium and Toyota Soccer Center is a 145-acre multipurpose sports and entertainment facility in Frisco, Texas. Home stadium for FC Dallas and hosts the FCS Championship Game, the Frisco Bowl as well a variety of concerts, tournaments and other events, this venue will also soon be the home of the National Soccer Hall of Fame. 

FC Dallas Toyota Stadium

The combination of a world-class stadium and a sports park make Toyota Stadium one of the best and most unique soccer facilities in the world. Included in the facility is the 20,500 state-of-the-art pro soccer stadium and 17 tournament-sized fields.

So we headed in a beautiful red 2018 Toyota Camry (talk about showing our spirit) to enjoy the fun…And man, the fun we did have as well as learn a lot about FC Dallas games. 

Here’s our First Timer’s Guide to a FC Dallas Game at Toyota Stadium 

Get Your Tickets

This might seem to be obvious but you actually can order tickets for the whole season as well as single games. There are several areas to also consider when purchasing your tickets including the East Field Box, Beer Garden and of course, suites as well as general seating. If it was up to me, I think hanging with the “real fans” on the field as part of the drum squad – they knew what was up. And our seats under the suites, but still in a covered shaded area were pretty sweet (because it’s HOT!) 

AND remember: Children three (3) feet and under are not required to have a ticket for admission but must sit on the lap of a ticketed guardian.

FC Dallas Tickets

Did you know you can also host birthday parties at Toyota Stadium or bring your work team for the game? FC Dallas can show ’em how team works happens – plus it’s a whole new way to kick it! 

Drum Team

What to Wear

Like any sporting event, you want to show your spirit for the team with jerseys, shirts, hats, etc. Thankfully, many of us already have a red, white or blue clothing to donn for the day. You can always head to the Team Shop or FCDallasGear.com in advance as well, but whatever you do, just make sure it’s tasteful (ok to be around all ages that is!) Comfortable shoes and hat (to shield the sun) will be great. Also, make sure to throw on that first layer of sunscreen! 

FC Dallas Toyota Stadium

What to Bring

In effect this year the stadium has gone to a no purse/handbag rule except bags that are clear plastic and do not exceed 14” x 6” x 14”. Of course there are exceptions which you can check online, but make it easy on yourself and just don’t bring it – unless it’s a flag – because those are ok (just check the policy first.) 

FC Dallas Toyota Stadium

If you plan to tailgate, then you’ll need to load up the car with what you need for proper tailgating, but leave your open air grill at home because they’re not allowed. Stake your space early as well – parking here like any game can get complicated! 

Most of all, make sure not to bring any of the following because you can’t bring it in with you to the facility: 

Items NOT permitted:

  • Weapons of any kind (i.e. knives (including pocket knives), pepper spray, stun-guns, slingshots, concealed weapons, firearms etc.)
  • Fireworks of any kind (including smoke bombs and flares)
  • No glass and plastic bottles, cans, cups, coolers, containers, food or beverages of any kind
  • Air horns, whistles, seat cushions
  • Illegal drugs or chemicals
  • Laser pointers
  • Cups
  • Bags larger than 14x14x6
  • Inflated Soccer Balls
  • Umbrellas
  • Animals (except service animals)
  • Un-approved pamphlets, handouts, advertisements, etc.
  • Skateboards, roller blades, roller skates, etc.

Thankfully, the booths mostly take credit cards, but cash sometimes makes things easier too when it comes to make things go faster! 

Where to Park 

It pays to drive a Toyota — especially to Toyota Stadium. If driving around a NEW Toyota Camry to the game wasn’t enough –  if you have a Toyota you get the UPGRADE! 

  • FC Dallas fans driving their Toyota vehicles to FC Dallas home matches will receive complimentary Toyota Preferred Parking located in the South Sienna Blue Stadium East Lot.
    • The reserved Toyota Preferred Parking spaces reach capacity quickly and are available on a first-come, first serve basis.
    • Fans are encouraged to arrive 60-minutes prior to kick.
  • Free parking remains available for all guests to FC Dallas home matches in all the Corolla Red Stadium West Lots, the Highlander Green Lots and the RAV4 White Lot.
  • Preferred public parking is located in the Camry Gold Lot. The Cost to park in the Camry Gold Lot is $20.

If you don’t come early to enjoy the festivities, then just know you’ll be walking a little bit to the other outlying parking. And it’s a bit of a trek with littles, so plan accordingly. (And remember, no bags and no rentry, so only take what you need!) 

FC Dallas Toyota Stadium

What to Expect 

Everyone goes through security – no matter the age and has their items checked. The process is easy and once you’re in – the fun begins! 

FC Dallas

If you’re like me, you like to have a lay of the land – where the food is, where the exits are, and most importantly, where the bathrooms are. So take a look here to acclimated before you go. It’s easy to navigate once you get there as it’s an open space in a big circle. 

Now what? Then let’s have some fun! Lots of red, white and blue (the colors of FC Dallas), lots of spirit, and a lot of Toyota love (of course!) This one is rather perfect, don’t you think? 

FC Dallas Toyota Stadium

As for the festivities – get ready and come for the full game so you don’t miss them! There’s fireworks, chants, and much more that aren’t always at other games! Make sure to take in the whole experience. 

What to Eat 

This might have been one of my favorite things I discovered about Toyota Stadium. Most stadiums may have a beer sponsor, but at Toyota, we have a tequila sponsor – Lunazul! So the margaritas here are really good – especially when you’re sitting in the heat! But that’s not all my friends… There was other great cocktails to enjoy too all around the stadium including an Old Fashioned and of course, several beer selections! 

FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium

We may have covered the drinks, but what about the eats? There are 10 booths serving food at Toyota Stadium. You’ll find your usual suspects like fries, nachos, and burgers. But keep looking – you’ll also find some killer street tacos, elotes and even smothered tater tots! The food was legit and also reasonable, so this stadium gets a two thumbs up! 

I hope this guide to a FC Dallas Game at Toyota Stadium helps you take on the day like a pro! You’ll have a great time and get ready for a lot of fun! 

Make note if you’re visiting in 2018: 

FC Dallas Toyota Stadium

Imagine Dragons? Yes, please! 

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Mother’s Day Made Easy

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Think getting something mom wants for Mother’s Day is hard? Take it from this mama, you don’t have to work too hard (or pay too much) to get her something she’ll really want.

Thanks to JCPenney for making it easy with this sponsored post.

As mamas we actually don’t expect much. We’re actually kinda used to it (as experienced at Christmas as most of the gifts under the tree are researched, purchased and wrapped by us.) But at Mother’s Day, we do (no matter what we say) kinda want a little something.

Mothers-Day-JCPenney


While we’ve taught you that it’s the thought that counts (and believe me you score points when you do), it’s nice that it’s not always something that we’d like to have too. Now there’s plenty of things we need (ask any mom and even though she swears there’s nothing she wants, she has a list somewhere.)

Mother’s Day Gift Tip: Head to her Pinterest for great gift ideas she’s secretly thinking about.

While most moms will be happy with a card, a craft or even a hug, kiss or a phone call… it doesn’t hurt to give her something she’s gonna love. For me, after moving, I’ll be honest, my list is SOOOO long.

  • I need stuff for the house.
  • I need new summer sandals (to replace all the ones I threw away because they were so old my kids had never seen some of them.)
  • I always need a new handbag (because Mom’s handbag is really everyone’s tote, right?)
  • I need new clothes (new season means a new reason, right)

And well you get the picture.

On a recent trip to Pasadena for Mom 2.0, I wanted to get a few staples that could go in a suitcase without the worry of too many wrinkles, that also felt good for a morning meeting or an evening out. Unfortunately, I had about 30 minutes to do a spring through JCPenney.

Mothers-Day-JCPenney

But honestly, in my 20 minutes I found a Liz Claiborne clutch that doubled as a charging station (huge for a conference where everyone is taking photos and video), Liz Claiborne summer white jeans, and a Worthington mushroom taupe tunic (channeling my inner JLO) for the trip. The beautiful flowing top was forgiving in all the right places, but had just enough flair to show a little bit of skin and a little bit of spunk. Plus I was able to grab a bottle of dry shampoo too. All on one floor. All in 20 minutes. All at JCPenney.

Mothers-Day-JCPenney

I found a lot more too (including some adorable Mommy & Me matching dresses) that I would be bringing me after the trip. So see if you think that it’s going to take awhile to find her a gift, you don’t have to work that hard. Plus with some gifts including a set of pearls already boxed to give for just $10, you’re taking longer thinking about it then just going, buying, and then giving.

Here are a few picks of what I purchased that also doubled as good buys for summer travel. But with so much at JCPenney Mother’s Day, check out the flier  to really save yourself some time and give you a few ideas.)

And if you’d heed your own mama’s advice, you know she’d prefer you be smart with your time and your money. And listening to your mama always makes her happy, right?

Now you have time to take her to brunch too 🙂

Make Mother’s Day a Charming Tradition

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Don’t just celebrate Mother’s Day, make it a charming tradition to look forward with something just for you and her. #MyJamesAvery

Thank you to James Avery for this special Mother’s Day offer and this sponsored post. 

Mother’s Day. 

It’s normally a day that people send flowers or take mom to brunch or make a card or sometimes just let her not do anything. 


James-Avery-Mothers-Day

While those are all things I love (who doesn’t), this year I wanted it to be different. I wanted it to be a day that I didn’t just look forward to, but my daughter, who possibly, hopefully, will have a daughter of her own, will look forward to as well…a new family tradition. 

As a storyteller, my whole life and everything around it, what I wear, what’s in my house, the music I listen to, all have an experience attached to them. My life is much like a charm bracelet, where each small, delicate charm signifies a milestone, big or small, that makes my life what it has become. 

My baby girl is definitely one of the biggest milestones I’ve ever had. 

James-Avery-Mothers-Day

“It’s a girl,” the Dr. showed me on the sonogram more than six years ago. 

And then it happened. 

All the color just went away from my face and the flood of emotion took over my whole body. 

From the moment I found out I had a daughter on the way, I’ve experienced an overwhelming responsibility to not just be her mother, but the female role model in her life that, God willing, will make her strong, proud, kind, smart, independent and all those other amazing qualities you want your daughter to possess. 

James-Avery-Mothers-Day

While it’s been quite the journey and I’m sure with her vivacious sense of life, it will always been an adventure, I wanted to share something with her. Something that would continue to tell my story and something that she could have; to begin telling her story, too. 

So one warm Sunday, we put on our girl dresses. She even snuck on a little bit (too much) lipstick, but she was so proud I didn’t make her take it off and headed for our girl day. On our way, we listened to our favorite girl songs a little too loud. And we headed to James Avery. 

James Avery is a family-owned, Texas-born, Texas-based jeweler based in Kerrville that began more than 50 years ago. Started on family and faith, the jeweler offers more than 1,100 designs and has more than 14,000 separate jewelry items in the product line. 

“I strive to keep designs from being contrived, cluttered or cute. The challenge is to keep things simple.” James Avery

Her first time in a fancy jewelry store, my heart immediately began to swell after I told her to “go find her favorite.”  Her instructions were that she could find her favorite charm and I would find one to give to her as the beginning of her charm bracelet to have one day.  At 6 years old a nice piece like James Avery was a little much to wear to school, but ok for those special occasions. Until then, I’d wear it.

James-Avery-Mothers-Day

And then the story changed a little: James Avery was running a Mother’s Day special offering a free bracelet (or necklace) for free with the purchase of two charms. Somehow it wasn’t just going to be a charm bracelet for her, but for me too. 

James-Avery-Mothers-Day

James-Avery-Mothers-Day

With so many charms to choose from including the special Texas legend that has taken over social media, as well as anything from a stand-up mixer to a tube lipstick, the selection process was a big part of the fun. Taylor couldn’t help to find a beautiful cupcake and a princess tiara…so fitting for my sweet little princess. 

James-Avery-Mothers-Day

For my bracelet (and ultimately hers), I was drawn to the “Mother’s Love,” a heart design that embodies a mother and daughter; and a rose, well…because our middle names are both Rose. 

James-Avery-Mothers-Day

After making our purchases (and saving so much more than I expecting with the Mother’s Day offer), we enjoyed dinner together at The Theodore where we could enjoy “fancy mac n cheese” (her special request) and drink fancy glasses of Shirley Temple. 

Now this is a Mother’s Day tradition I could get used to. And I think James Avery was smiling down thinking that’s exactly what he had wanted for everyone. 

And now we have something else to look forward, next Mother’s Day with our own charming tradition. 

James Avery Mothers Day

James Avery Charming Mother’s Day Offer 

  • Now through May 29, buy two charms and receive a charm bracelet or necklace for free, up to a $70 value. 
  • There are so many mix-and-match necklace/bracelet options available with 15 styles to select. 
  • Create your personalized gift in-store or at JamesAvery.com stores. 
  • For specific questions on this offer, check with your store for more details. 

James-Avery-Mothers-Day

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